Monday, December 31, 2018

#SUMMER-BINGE-FEST - Fighting Season


First and foremost happy New Year's gang! It's been a wild year, lot's of great movies (seeing Aquaman in 4D today, YASS) and some great TV along the way.

I was slightly hooked to the six episode run of Foxtel's latest Aussie drama Fighting Season, featuring a number of familiar faces and a topic not often covered in Aussie drams PTSD.

It's a tough topic and the cast did well. These short run Aussie series, such as this Secret City (hopefully returning in the new year for a second run), Safe Harbour, The Principal and On the Ropes have showcased some great Aussie tales in short, sharp runs.

Fighting Season is currently screening on your Foxtel application of choice to stream this Summer.

One last short, sharp TV review to conclude a BIG old year of TV. I am currently knee deep in Jack Ryan which I hope to post about in the new year. Incoming on Foxtel is the final season of Gotham fast tracked from the US so Foxtel have a lot going on despite the summer of dull sports, AKA cricket and tennis.

See y'all in 2019, be safe tonight please.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Vice


Okay straight up, Vice is an OUTSTANDING film, period.

Christian Bale is phenomenal as Dick Cheney, he has gained weight, shaved his head and learnt from a medical professional how to have a heartache, on the scale of one I have a sore chest to call 9-1-FUCKING-1.

Yes Vice is the film of the holiday season, although I am yet to experience Aquaman which I really hope to in the next few days.



Vice has a strong cast, a relevant subject matter and a tale about a man I am now 100% appalled by.

Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Lily Rabe and Alison Pill all add to Bale's greatness in this bleak tale of US history in the Bush years. Rockwell as Bush actually doesn't look so bad as the man behind all the madness appears to have been his Vice, good name for the film by the way. Veep is already taken!

This movie stays with you and if I was an American I would 100% be a Democrat voter, so to see a Republican be a monster is nothing I didn't already know, look at Mike Pence, Ted Cruz or that Orange thing America has as their fearful leader.

America is going through some rough shit, so is Australia if I am frank 22 Thai Baht to the Aussie dollar What The Actual Fuck.

This is a great film, so see it, racists and Trump voters will hate it, Obama lovers will love it, so really the world will still be divided after this film and this film will also divide audiences.

I posted my best of the list too early as this would have somewhere been in it, 5 Stars, really great work Adam McKay, YASS.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

#SUMMER-BINGE-FEST - Tidelands


Released just before Christmas hello #SUMMER-BINGE-FEST series number one, Tidelands...



Aussie's love Netflix and chilling so it's our first offical outing together as a pair, Netflix PLUS Hoodlum Entertainment. From Stephen M. Irwin (Secrets & Lies - Aussie plus US edition) comes Tidelands.

It's like Home and Away with sex and swearing. Oh and graphic violence from time to time, sort of like on True Blood when there was a lot of sex, oh hello let's add blood and gore to the mix. Sexy.

Tidelands is sexy, strange and a Netflix first. Will it suffer such fates as Baz Luhrmann's The Get Down? Or all the Marvel shows of late?

If Tidelands gets a second series, I am in for the ride. I enjoyed it, I binged it (eight episodes in around one week) and I loved all the Aussie flesh.

Plus Australia looks great in this series.

Tidelands landed on Netflix December 14, 2018, so if you have caught up with your Netflix list, give this a go.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Best Movies of 2018


BEST hyped films of 2018 - Black Panther // Crazy Rich Asians

BEST jump out of the seat films - Halloween // The Nun

BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - Love, Simon

BEST films of 2018 - Black Panther // Crazy Rich Asians // Widows

BEST small (budget) film - Unsane

BEST 3D movie - Actually 4DX, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

BEST Aussie Movie - Ladies in Black

BEST Music film - A Star is Born

BEST controversial film of 2018 - Boy Erased

BEST Drama - Adrift

*** A few ties this year, however the standouts were clearly Black Panther & Crazy Rich Asians. If you haven't seen them, check them out over the Summer Slack period....


Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Mortal Engines


There were several books, however with this film being a monster flop at the box office, I would safely say this will be a solo Peter Jackson effort, Mortal Engines, or maybe just Mortal Engine.

Starring a few Aussies and featuring a score from Junkie XL, this film has all the right ingredients, it's just maybe after multiple Maze Runner, Hunger Games, Twilight and every other teenage franchise before it, maybe the kids are just not that into cinema?



Recently I read an article, that the movie business would start to move away from films aged at the teen market.

Recently it's been big business for the baby boomers, Queen's music featured on the big screen with Bohemian Rhapsody, nostalgia for fans of the original Star is Born films, more nostalgia for Rocky fans with Creed II, Widows targeting the smarter movie go-er and Halloween showing Jamie Lee Curtis still has it!

Mortal Engines looks a million bucks (or $150 million including marketing budget) but the characters are all a little uninteresting. I also think it's too crowded in parts, characters come in thick and fast and give you very little chance to get to know them.

It's also described as a post-apocalyptic adventure film, do we really need this genre on the big screen with a certain president in power who makes everyday feel post-apocalyptic.

Hugo Weaving was a good bad guy and nice to see NIDA grad Andrew Lees pick up a bigger role than his brief appearance in Legends of Tomorrow.

This is not one of the best films of the year, nor the best, it's just average, so 2.5 stars coming your way...

Monday, December 24, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Bumblebee


I can't remember if I even bothered to watch the last Transformers film. The Transformers series by Michael Bay seemed to be destined to die a long, slow death. With the films durations along with receptive action scenes staying on the screens for way TOO long.

With the previous Transformers films all clocking in at over 2 hours 30 minutes, Bumblebee is the first film to be serious about an under 2 hour action film.



With humans at the centre of the film, giving the movie a much more appealing feel. With strong characters, a great female lead (Hailee Steinfeld) and a pumping 80's soundtrack, this has the Transformers films back on track.

This is perfect Summer viewing, leave your Christmas and family woes at the door, sit back and let the action take you there. Jorge Lendeborg Jr is also incredible handsome as the nerd love interest for lead Steinfeld.

Following my last Transformers film experiences I never thought I would enjoy another film again, and then Bumblebee came along.

A fun ride in an old Beatle car, 3 Stars.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse


I'm just going to hit 200 posts on this BLOG this year, one of my lowest number of posts in years, however I have seen a load of movies and this week has been one of my biggest movie weeks in a while.

First Second Act, below, now Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and tomorrow or the next day Bumblebee.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the first animated film I have seen at the cinema in a very long time, VERY long time.



However the soundtrack featuring one of the years biggest acts Post Malone, getting some help from Swae Lee. This song has gone onto become a massive smash hit as well as becoming a major theme throughout this film.

Now after Venom I was turned off the comic book genre, however this is a vast improvement.

In 2019,  Spider-Man: Far From Home a new live action film will be released following the revamp of the franchise with the  Spider-Man: Homecoming film in 2017.

So Spider-Man could not be more in demand in present.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is visually wonderful, the music is dope and the voices behind the characters, AMAZING.

This is actually a perfect film to check out to escape the Christmas madness. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, is actually good, 3 Stars.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Second Act


J-Lo is now closer to 50 than she is 40 and still looks amazing! J-Lo slays in this new, second chance film Second Act. Not starring in a big film since Anaconda (jokes) J-Lo is joined by Vanessa Hudgens, Milo Ventimiglia and Leah Remini.



There is a lot of fluff in Second Act, however it's a fun movie to see this holiday season, when times get stressful give me some J-Lo.

I liked some of the messages this film sends out and I liked the friendships J-Lo maintains throughout this New York based resume fraud film.

If you need something light, a break from the family, this is an instant injection of fun back into your day.

No Oscar performances here, however just good old fashioned fun, 3 Stars. J-Lo baby girl, y'all still got it!

Monday, December 17, 2018

Homecoming | Amazon Prime


There was a big deal made about Julia Roberts heading to TV, she headed to Amazon Prime for a new series Homecoming.

Homecoming is directed by Sam Esmail, famous for the series Mr Robot which will conclude shortly.

Bobby Cannavale, Stephen James, Sissy Spacek and Jeremy Allen White all join Julia Roberts and co in this psychological PTSD thriller.



It has already been renewed for a second season and I am very interested in seeing where the second season takes us. I enjoyed the series a lot and probably binged all ten first season episodes in one week.

It's an easy series to watch with most episodes clocking in under 30 minutes.

Julia Roberts has killed it in her first major role TV appearance, Homecoming it's streaming on Amazon Prime, get amongst it NOW!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The Flash Season 5.


With the Elseworlds crossover across The Flash, Supergirl and Arrow today, we are off to Gotham and after so much hype get to meet, Batwoman AKA Kate Kane.

So Ruby Rose will finally get her hand in a DC Comics/The CW series, that woman is on a roll!

I have to be honest this season of The Flash has been a vast improvement, the whole Nora from the future story is a little random, however Chris Klein as Cicada is easily one of the best bad guys they have had on the show.

With Australian Keiynan Lonsdale now out of the picture as Kid Flash, Nora is like the new Kid Flash/XS?

The crossover episode with Arrow and Supergirl was a Justice League of affairs, with Lois Lane making her debut and Superman returning.

Not only did they tease Gotham and Batwoman at the end, the freaky Friday Arrow is The Flash, Barry is Oliver/Green Arrow is interesting.



The Flash returns mid January and yes it's another 20 plus episodes this season, this time down one episode to only 22, but hey 22 that's long AF!

Arrow continues with Elsweorlds tonight!

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald {4DX}


A common thing to do on my Bangkok list of things to do is check out a 4DX film, now George Street Sydney is blessed with a 4DX cinema. Yes George Street is a dive, the old man at the front checking tickets is a complete C U Next Tuesday, but they now have 4DX cinema technology and one of the first films is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

I saw the original Fantastic Beasts movie a while back (2016 was a while ago when you see as many films as I do) and I have to be honest I have never seen any of the Harry Potter films, so a little of this confuses the hell out of me.



There is a huge cast in this film with Johnny Depp and Jude Law appearing in the first movie I have seen either in for a while.

Eddie Redmayne is an interesting leading man, he almost doesn't have the charisma to be a leading man, however with so many characters coming in and out of the film, it's more of an ensemble based film anyway.

Back to the 4DX experience though as honestly that was the best part of this film and honestly this was the best 4DX film I have seen. All the rain at the start and the water off button on the seat may have been needed with all the rain scenes.

It was a rollercoaster ride in the 4DX seats however there was a bit of time between action scenes and the editors could have cut a few of the bland bits from the film.

Overall Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a great looking film, magical in parts and a school holiday pleaser if you have kids to entertain for almost two months.

3 Stars.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Creed II


First up it's been a while between posts, Christmas event organisation, a weekend at the Gold Coast, no not for Schoolies and general December Madness has left me little to no time.

So on a Thursday night I took myself off to a quiet Thursday evening screening of Creed II.



First up I did see Creed back in 2015 but there has been a lot of films since so I forgot most of it, however they do a good job connecting the older films and the main plot lines throughout the film.

Michael B Jordan is hella fit in this film and now he is super famous from Black Panther, the man is on the rise!

The film is very America Vs Russia which is just oh so topical right now. With Creed taking on the son of the man who killed his father in a fight 30 years ago, HBO boxing is jizzing in it's pants with excitement.

The fitness/boxing side of the film are wonderful, but it also comes with a lot of family drama. Between Creed's family and Rocky's and to be honest poor old Sylvester Stallone is looking a little worse for wear.

Creed's boxing challenger Drago played by Florian Munteanu is a force to reckon with. Every punch, every breaking rib, you feel it, the action is so well filmed.

If you don't like boxing this might not be your bag, however it's a fairly enjoyable film that is not a Christmas or family title at this time of the year. Hooray!

3 Stars.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Widows


All star casts do not come much better than this! Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Jacki Weaver, Carrie Coon, Robert Duvall, and Liam Neeson.



I'm going to keep this short as I am tired and this is a no brainer, Widows is a brilliant movie, Viola Davis completely slays as lead Veronica Rowlings.

Her dog always completely steals the scene on a number of occasions.

Jackie Weaver has a small but solid role and Cynthia Erivo is one of my favourite scene queens of 2018. After her great role in Bad Times at the El Royale, her hella fierce role in Widows makes her the complete package.

Widows is heads and shoulders above many other recent thrillers, this is a great film and deserves all the critical love it's currently getting.

4.75 Stars, so close to being perfect!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina | Season 1


After I truly struggled through the second season of Ozark with it's dark scenes and mumbling main cast, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina was a breath of fresh air on Netflix.

I think I smashed all ten episodes in a week and now eagerly await the holiday special arriving on December 14.

So two weeks to wait and I honestly can't wait!

The reboot of Riverdale styled Sabrina is awesome, it's very inclusive and modern with a pansexual, a student struggling with gender issues and of course witches and warlocks.

It is totally Riverdale 2.0 with a little more violence and a bit more supernatural.

Even though Riverdale Season Three has toyed with witches and black magic this season, a crossover totally looked possible until The CW decided to pass on Sabrina and it went directly to Netflix for an easy series to binge.

This has been my easiest binge in ages, it's addictive, the cast and characters are interesting, Miranda Otto is divine as Zelda and Chance Perdomo is beautiful as Ambrose.

Credit must also go to main star Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina, she is as wholesome as previous Melissa Joan Hart but also sassy and new. I like.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a missed opportunity for some diversity on The CW, they do have a number of comic book shows but this is a step up from The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and even some of the filler episodes of Riverdale.



Go on it's a wet and miserable day in Sydney, there is worse stuff to waste your time on, give Chilling Adventures of Sabrina a go today, DO IT!

Monday, November 26, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Robin Hood


It's had terrible reviews and a fairly bad start at the box office, the latest Robin Hood is not a hit, but I still enjoyed it.

I'll keep this review short as I was actually intending on seeing Widows, but bad traffic forced me to see the latest re-imagination of a old tale.



Taron Egerton is hot, it's strange seeing Tim Minchin in an international film, alongside fellow Aussie Ben Mendelsohn who seemingly always plays the bad guy.

Jamie Foxx is also in the casting mix and whilst some of the action scenes are impressive, it's a little all over the shop.

Throwing in Mr 50 Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan, they really try and apply to all markets with a big and most popular cast.

Robin Hood, 2018 will be forgotten fairly quickly and may even pick up a Razzie or two.

2.5 Stars for the shirtless Taron Egerton scenes and some of the action was pretty impressive for a Saturday afternoon at the pictures.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Clea


It's the final Mini Sunday Profile for 2018, yes December is around the corner and it's time to look back at the best of the year, movies, TV and more!

So let's shine the spotlight on today's act, Clea hailing from Brisbane has just released her debut album, Vermillion.

Clea Pratt as she is known to family members has had a couple of singles and an EP prior to her debut dropping so let's check out some highlights from the young up and coming singer songwriter.

You can check out a couple of older tunes and more info on her Triple J Unearthed profile - HERE.








Friday, November 23, 2018

Room 104, Season 2


I binge watched all of Room 104 Season 1 when I had a long weekend in Melbourne. It's addictive, interesting to watch with different characters each episode making it a whole new show/story every week.



HBO doesn't have too many 30 minute shows at present, with Silicon Valley and Veep delayed, Girls concluding and Barry resting until next year when season two returns.

So it is refreshing for a short sharp HBO premium drama/comedy or sometimes even a touch of horror. Yes even the genre changes week on week.

Michael Shannon has had the standout rapping crazy moment so far this season and with two episodes over a weekend, it's even easy to binge with a new episode every Friday and Saturday night. Meaning the series will conclude before Christmas, 2018.

I do hope this will be renewed for a third season, however viewer numbers are nothing to write home about and the show airing almost double episodes may not be a good sign, however for now, it's enjoyable AF!

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Supergirl Season 4.


Supergirl has always had a few political messages from time to time, however this season is next level. Taking political stories straight from the NY Times and Washington Post, Supergirl has gone full Left Vs Far Right.

The first six episodes of the fourth season have been really enjoyable (even with this political leaning) with a few cast changes and a new enemy I am looking forward to the Elseworlds episodes in coming where I need to catch up on The Flash and watch my one Arrow episode of each season.



It's Thanksgiving in the US so it's a good time for me to catch up on my series, with How to Get Away with Murder, Station 19 and Shameless already all having their Fall finales, with American Horror Story, The Purge and Mayan's MC also recently finishing.

I am hoping to binge Sabrina for a bit of a 90's flashback this weekend so stay tuned for more reviews and likely if Supergirl continues to impress or when I get around to The Flash I will see if season four continues to impress.

However so far so good with Supergirl, Season Four.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Suspiria


Tilda Swinton playing three roles, Thom Yorke from Radiohead providing the music and Ms Grey herself Dakota Johnson, it's time for Suspiria.

A remake of the 1977 by Call Me By Your Name director and producer Luca Guadagnino, this film has some seriously horrific scenes.

Let's just say that dance sequence with Johnson and the mirrors, horrofying...



It's a very long film, it clocks in at well over 2 hours and a half and divides the film into six acts.

A huge cast with Swinton playing three roles (I didn't know this till I went on Wikipedia), Johnson not playing sexy but actually dancing really well and Chloe Grace Moretz has a smaller role.

A coven of witches in Berlin, it sounds spooky and it's all sorts of fucked up in this German/English film.

Suspiria is screening around the place in only very select cinemas.

3 Stars.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Stand Atlantic


Hailing from Sydney, the three piece Stand Atlantic have just released their debut album. Following two EP's the groups debut was featured on Triple J, featuring a number of catchy pop punk tunes.

The group has toured with a number of international bands as well as local boys Short Stack.

So on today discover your new favourite band from Sydney, Stand Atlantic....






Thursday, November 15, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Boy Erased


Oh dear ScMo had no answer around Gay Conversion Therapy so this film for me was a little to close to home.

I went in knowing Nicole Kidman was in it, Joel Edgerton had something to do with it and Troye Sivan had a song from the film. No not Bloom.



Boy Erased is actually a true story, firstly that is frightening and secondly with the end credits we learn 700,000 USA LGBT folks go through this. Success rate, probably fairly low.

Lucas Hedges as lead Jared was amazing, growing up with preacher father Russell Crowe and camp hairdresser mother Nicole Kidman it was a tough start for the kid.

The movie made me feel rage, sadness and desperation for the lead and other characters. Being gay is not a choice and unfortunately the bible or cult like behaviour can change a persons sexuality.

This is a powerful and inspiring film, nice to see so many Aussies and Kiwi (Crowe) involved.

This shined a spotlight on a troubling practice which I hope in Australia can proudly take a stand, show some leadership and direction and stamp out this practise. I know our current baseball hat wearing fair dinkum PM is a bible basher, but this is serious, this is about mental health and acceptance.

Boy Erased is a tough but great watch, 4 Stars.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - The Girl in the Spider's Web


It's been a long time since the American The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, so Claire Foy AKA the Crown is set to bring another Millennium book to the big screen.

Critics haven't been too kind to this film, however they didn't love Bohemian Rhapsody or Venom (though Venom did fucking suck) either. Both these films have gone on to achieve great box office.

So does Claire Foy pull off Lisbeth?



The action sequences are great, including a motor cycle taking off over a frozen lake, whilst some of the plot twists feel extremely predictable.

Looks it's hard to be original in 2018, so for a Sunday afternoon action flick this was pretty alright. I will be publishing my end of year best of list and unfortunately I can't see this making it, however that's not to say this is bad.

With a third Claire Foy film under my belt I can honestly say I am a fan girl.

The Girl in the Spider's Web is interesting and I love a female action lead, 3.5 Stars.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Glades


Glades hailing from Sydney are an awesome three piece who recently released a terrific debut album, To Love You.

With singles like Do Right, NotAbout You and Eyes Wide Shut, the trio are on a real winner. With ear worms like the singles, the album almost feels like a bit of a best of.

The band have only been around since 2015, however I see a bright future for this stellar crew, check out their album and some amazing visuals below. Go Glades, I look forward to many more great pop releases from y'all..








Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Black Lightning | Season 2


Four episodes in, it's time for a break for the second season (this year alone) for Black Lightning. After debuting on The CW back in January for it's first 13 episode season, a bigger 16 episode season two is currently airing week to week on Netflix down under.

Dropping a bit in the live ratings and not being part of the Arrowverse means no crossovers with Supergirl, the Flash and Arrow but the show picks up viewers on the DVR and no doubt internationally this show is a bit of a sleeper comic book hit.

As the new show aired at the tale end of the 2017-2018 season it was a quick turnaround to get Black Lightning back on air.



Returning to the US next week (Australia the week after) Black Lightning embarks on a two part The Book of Blood episode arc.

The show has thus far been a critical success again and Tobias Whale continues to cause terror to the Pierce family.

The show is an easy in the background non connected series which not only tackles crime and superhero stuff but political issues and issues America is facing in real time.

Black Lightning is mostly refreshing and we are lucky to have it airing here on Netflix alongside CW stable Riverdale as well.

Next up from The CW I need to give All American a go...

Monday, November 5, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Bohemian Rhapsody


Well after a Star is Born during the week and Neil Armstrong's story in First Man, it has been a big week for me and the movies last week. So the question y'all want to know, was Bohemian Rhapsody any good?

Hell Yes, here is the trailer for some of the cinema magic, pure magic!



Rami Malek is outstanding as Mercury and the supporting cast are equally excellent. The story, the music, the challenges faced by Mercury and the group was intense. The film was long and the Live Aid concert at the end was a little lengthy but the story was one that needed to be told. Mercury and Queen really created and amazing sound with more recreations than Kylie and Madonna in a much shorter time period.

Everything about my love of music and the stories behind songs and how they happened was told in this remarkable ode to a band who I never loved, hated the We Will Rock You musical, but gosh I can admire their hard work and determination now.

Bryan Singer in the Me Too era is a questionable director and also someone who usually focuses their time on superhero films, so to me that was a strange pick but other than that, this was pretty special.

Event cinema is common at present with Crazy Rich Asians and a Star is Born slaying at the box office and getting loads of folks to premium sessions but this is also event cinema.

What a great Sunday afternoon at the cinema I had, 4 stars.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Deep Sea Arcade


Hailing from Sydney, two albums in, duo Deep Sea Arcade recently released Blacklight, today it's their turn for a Sunday feature.

I remember first hearing their track Seen No Right back in 2012 and instantly falling for their sound.

Playing a number of local and international festivals, Big Day Out (RIP), Peats Ridge Festival, Glenworth Valley and the Great Escape in the UK to name a few.

Outlands was their debut in 2012 so it's been a while between drinks for the crew, take a listen to some amazing career highlights below and next week saddle up for some Glades.







Saturday, November 3, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - First Man


This is an actors film, Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy absolutely shine. I was warned it's a sad film with no feel good moments and that is almost true. However the landing (spoiler alert) is fantastic.

I wasn't super keen on seeing this, I let it go a few weeks and now after a tough AF Sprint class I gave this a go.



We've all seen a space movie or two, Gravity was brilliant a few years back and Apollo 13 was one of the biggest films of the late nineties.

So was there anything new? Not really but man is Claire Foy outstanding as Janet Armstrong and Ryan Gosling is excellent as Neil Armstrong.

Kyle Chandler also pops up in this film, the supporting cast are excellent and getting to star with rising cinema star Foy must be a bucket list item. Unsane was one of the best films of 2018 and I am dying The Girl in the Spider's Web. Could she be three out of three for 2018?

Who said finishes up on The Crown was the end of an acting career.

First Man will most likely depart from cinema screens in Australia soon, so if you are keen on some history and the lead up to that quote, That's One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind.

What a killer statement.

First Man isn't the best film of 2018 but it's fairly damn good, 3.5 Stars.

Friday, November 2, 2018

Mr Inbetween


The latest Australian drama/comedy series is Mr Inbetween.



It aired on FX in the US (same network as American Horror Story, The Americans and Mayan's MC) and Foxtel here in Australia.

This is true binge worthy TV, six episodes, each under 30 minutes, piece of piss.

Scott Ryan stars as Mr Inbetween, a fixer/hit man (think HBO's Barry) who falls for Brooke Satchell. The series has a number of guests including the way too handsome Firass Dirani and Matt Nable.

The show has already been renewed for a second season which is great news for Australian drama. We hadn't had too much in this space, I mean black comedy, violent, bad guy you actually want to like, kind of like Dexter. This guy is a dad, an ex husband and sometimes super friendly.

The show showcases some of Sydney's less exposed sights and is from the directing mastermind Nash Edgerton.

I look forward to season two in 2019, Mr Inbetween is streaming it's short entire first season now on whatever Foxtel platform you use.

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - A Star is Born


All I had heard before walking into the cinema was good things. I had heard, it's sad, it's a little long, the music is great etc.

All true, however I was gripped, I was starstruck, I was in a trance by Lady Gaga.

I have seen her live at the peak of her pop fame, I loved her in American Horror Story and Telephone is still one of the best pop songs of all time. However after this a new Lady Gaga is born.



For all my praise of Lady Gaga her Just Dance, Poker Face gimmick era was not for me, nor did I think she could sustain this and her little monster following. Now she is mature, her voice is strong and make up and gimmicks aside, this is a brilliant film.

Not only does Lady Gaga shine but Bradley Cooper is divine and vulnerable. Honestly after Crazy Rich Asians I thought we had reached peak romance for 2018, I was wrong, Gaga and Cooper are just beautiful together.

Admittedly I had not seen any of the original films and aside from watching the trailer and hearing a few songs, I knew nothing about this film before stepping into the cinema.

She's Gotta Have It star and musical legend from Hamilton Anthony Ramos is outstanding in support as Gaga's friend.

This movie is another cinema moment, it's a movie experience, there is a reason it is slaying the box office and selling tonnes of soundtracks. This is the real deal. 5 Stars, beautiful, just beautiful.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Venom


Why did Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams and the extremely talented Riz Ahmed star in this extreme pile of shit? Money?

This film is dreadful, the last Avengers wasn't great, it was filler, but at least it wasn't as much of a mess as this.



I'm going to keep it short like the editors should have done, the entire lead up to Hardy turning into Venom, the first hour was honestly so dull.

Add a car/motorcycle chase, a lame final showdown and the predictable plot set up for future films (which surely Hardy won't sign on for, right?) this film following a couple of Netflix comic book cancellations might mean less comic book stars on the big screen. We can only hope.

Now Deadpool is the rude super hero/villain, Black Panther has shown diversity in Marvel and Wonder Woman shows women can kick butt too, can we have a break from some of the average Marvel/DC characters?

1 Star, this was one of the worst films of the year, easy.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Nao


Nao has teamed up with Disclosure, Nile Rogers and Mura Masa whilst writing Ariana Grande's hit Be Alright, it's fairly safe to say, Nao is a star!

Bad Blood is honestly one of the most sexy songs from her debut album, For All We Know, on Friday her second full length album landed, Saturn.

Following a couple of singles, Another Lifetime and Make It Out Alive, Saturn is amazing.

Nao is a star on the rise, one to watch, her voice is as smooth as silk and as well as being the vocalist behind a Miguel sexy number, she kills it on a dance track too.

Check out Nao below, she simply slays. Next week we will stay local on the (Mini) Sunday Spotlight, with Deep Sea Arcade.










Saturday, October 27, 2018

Star Season 3.


Brandy joins the cast full time and causes a stir in season three of Fox's second musical drama, Star.

Season 2 saw the drama turn up to 11 and now it's at fever pitch! Queen Latifah is still mourning the death of Jahil Rivera and trying to run Take 3's career, however the girls have other ideas.

We saw a week break after the first four episodes this week and I am assuming we have another four episodes to go before a long Christmas/US Winter break. Not to compare it too much to Empire, but Star has always flown more under the radar, it is in my mind more addictive.

Empire has completely jumped the shark in my mind, and lost it's cause of Cookie being a standout solo star, whereas Star has promoted it's cast to act as a full ensemble. All characters have interesting side storylines and with some new folks landing regular and recurring roles this season, Star is on track for it's best season yet.

Removing Stephen Dorff after only one season, giving Star (lead star(ish) Jude Demorest a baby board moment and giving Chad Michael Murray a romance with Brandy, this show has a lot happening this season.

Brandy and Queen Latifah's duet moment this season was a highlight and honestly having Brandy back on board in the entertainment game is exciting.

Star returns for Halloween next week? Australia I know Channel 11 buried this but come on, it's camp fun drama, with a side of pop music, YASS!


Friday, October 26, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Halloween (2018 film)


The 11th instalment of Halloween is here just in time for Halloween. I first got into this series back in 1998 H20, now in 2018, it's actually a proper sequel to the original film from 1978.

Jamie Lee Curtis fronts the film and takes on Michael Myers head on! Blumhouse Productions continue there hot run with horror films, following surprise horror hit, Happy Death Day and to a lesser degree Truth or Dare, Halloween is going gangbusters at the box office.



Jamie Lee Curtis is terrific, the tension electric and when Michael Myers goes full HAM the movie turns nasty fast!

I enjoyed the film a lot, I enjoyed the storyline and honestly it was a lot better than 20 years ago when I saw H20.

Halloween will likely have a 12th outing in the near distant future after it's success and I for one will be there buying a ticket.

Halloween it's next Wednesday but you can see this right now! 3.5 Stars.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Dynasty (2017 TV series), Season 2.


2017's best trashy remake is back for another 22 episodes over the next few months.

Yes I said it, 22 episodes. Airing in Australia on Netflix weekly on a Saturday, we now have our Saturday nights sorted. Yes I am getting old.



Season one left us with a massive house fire and sassy finale. It was brilliant, it was typical soap and then episode one of season two was a little flat.

New characters are incoming and a character or two has dropped off and now mid season one saving grace Nicollette Sheridan as Alexis Carrington is a full time regular cast member.

In 2018 with Trump, Morrison and other depressing news, we need distractions, this is perfect. Dynasty is 40 minutes of pure escapism a week, thank you Netlfix and The CW.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Bad Times at the El Royale


Like an old school murder mystery, who will be the last one standing, Bad Times at the El Royale has a Tarantino feel with some star power to boot.

Following her 50 Shades exposure, Dakota Johnson joins Jeff Bridges, a Hemsworth and a cast of talented actors including UK musical star Cynthia Erivo.



I always mark films down for being too long and playing for almost 2 and a half hours there are some issues with the pacing in this film. Some of the film just lingers in scenes for too long, however the final showdown is all worth it.

After a weekend off at the movies last week I was grateful to be back at the cinema and honestly I am happy to overlook a longer film this week as I missed one last week.

Bad Times at the El Royale is solid, with some solid soul classics performed by Cynthia Erivo, Mr Hemsworth after my fitness assessment yesterday made me feel that winter has been particularly harsh this year.

Overall this was a good film outing, with A Star is Born out now this will stall at the box office, however I give it a solid 3.5 Stars.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Empress Of


You can stream the entire new Empress Of record, Us below, it arrived Friday and is the follow up to her 2015 album Me.

One of her best known tracks is a collab with Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), Best of You, this for me followed on from the fab boppy tune How Do You Do It.

Empress Of is a real star, only this week alongside releasing her second album, appearing on Khalid's latest EP and MO's latest album.

Empress Of has an impressive sound, check out her career highlights below. Until then, see you next Sunday...











Saturday, October 20, 2018

Blindspot Season 4.


This show jumped the shark a season or so, this season (the fourth) has really jumped the shark. The tattoos aren't featured as heavily, Jane is now a bad guy/girl and Rich.Dot is honestly more sassy than ever with a pop reference per scene.

Premiering in 2015, now it's it's fourth season, the show now lives on Friday nights in the US of A, mainly where shows go to die or Blue Bloods smashes it out of the ball park.

Sullivan Stapleton (Aussie non ghost character) and Jaimie Alexander lead this FBI crew whilst Luke Mitchell (Aussie ghost in season four) gives Jane advice and acts as a sound board now she has gone rogue.


Is this show still worth a look in four years(ish) in? Well yes and no, the show moves at a rapid pace. I am unsure of what some of the characters are doing and how they got there, however the Jane/Kurt struggle is interesting.

NBC have a strong and solid line up now, so this could be the last year, between the Chicago series, This is Us and new hit Manifest, this show is currently too early to tell on the following NBC scorecard.

Keep an eye here for more news on renewals etc as Netflix are currently getting the axe sharpened this week following Iron Fists cancellation, giving the kiss of death to Luke Cage.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Riverdale Season 3.


Who wants to see Archie shirtless? Well in episode one you don't have to wait too long!



KJ Apa as Archie has become a real heartthrob over the first two seasons and for me I am finally starting to see it.

I am a bit more into Charles Melton, but really this is an all star cast from a few eras, dragging old Luke Perry and Skeet Ulrich back into the spotlight.

So season 3 is it still living up to the hype? For me in Australia this is one of those great shows Netflix has partnered with The CW for. It knows it's market, it is current, however the random ending of episode one and the cancelled crossover with Sabrina means I may have to give it a few more episodes and Archie off the jail, where is season 3 headed?

If you like the previous two seasons, you will continue to enjoy this season. At the back of my mind I know all these shows will stop for Christmas sooner rather than later so I am hoping it ramps up quick smart.

Riverdale it airs weekly on Netflix in most places and The CW in the US of A. If you are in the US of A, make sure you get out and vote in the midterms, please...

Sunday, October 14, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Meg Mac


Hailing from Melbourne and a fellow Cancerian like me, Meg Mac has just released a new single Give Me My Name Back and it's a follow up to her hit debut album and self titled EP.

Meg has a way with songs, she has one killer voice and some of the best lyrics around.

I hope this is a sign of what is to come with her second album. Meg Mac has also appeared a number of times on Triple J's Like a Version and with every appearance, girl slays.

Her recent cover of Tame Impala (below) was no exception.

To do I still love Roll Up Your Sleeves, but honestly she can do no wrong, such a solid artist and hopefully she will pick up some ARIA Awards next year.

So sit back, relax, unwind with some Meg Mac for your Sunday...









Friday, October 12, 2018

The Walking Dead Season 9.


Shameless is losing two major characters this season, one next week, Ian just decided to pull an Instagram post saying, after 100 episodes or so, I'm out. What's this got to do with The Walking Dead? Well two major stars are leaving this show, however what's worse we have known for weeks!

Andrew Lincoln AKA Rick is out and Glenn's former partner/maybe wife Maggie is also taking off at some point this season.

Unfortunately this season will always have the will Glenn or Maggie get bitten or die this episode? Each episode will feel like an anti climax if nothing major happens.

Nothing major really happened in episode one, Neegan was MIA and it is only 7 more episodes to the mid season break.



With only just over 6 million live viewers tuning in for this seasons opener, will this be the last season? In comparison Season Five and Season 7 opened opened with over 17 million live viewers.

Fear The Walking Dead has never really taken off but I guess they are keeping it going to potentially get The Walking Dead up to ten seasons. Ten seasons is rare these days and this show has made history, so I expect AMC will grant the zombie soap opera one final hooray.

Until next week the Walking Dead joins a bumper night of Sunday TV, The Deuce, Shameless, Supergirl (starts this week on The CW) and You.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Station 19 Season 2.


Crossover incoming....

Two seasons in and Station 19 is about to chalk up it's second crossover with Shonda favourite Grey's Anatomy.

I vowed to quit the series if Jay Hayden's character died in the season one finale. SPOILER, he doesn't die and I will continue to watch the series as honestly, this was a good season opener. Not only was it good to watch (it's a background kinda show so I did washing and stuff in the background, so I might have missed some of the lame moments) it rated really well. It only lost a few eyeballs from the shows debut episode last season.

The cast is fairly outstanding, a few Grey's characters made their way into episode one and next week is promising a massive crossover event.

What a way to start the season off, cliffhanger conclusion episode one, episode two combine forces with one of the biggest shows ever on TV.


After decent episode one ratings, a crossover event in episode two, will the show continue it's good run? It's a big start to the season, time will tell...

Station 19 airs on TGIT in the US of A...

Monday, October 8, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Ladies in Black


What an all star Australian cast, Rachael Taylor, Ryan Corr, Shane Jacobson, Noni Hazlehurst and newcomer to Wentworth Susie Porter.

Taking in a little over 5 million bucks at the Australian box office thus far, Ladies in Black has made the transformation from book to stage and finally to screen via Bruce Beresford.

Claiming it was thirty years in the making, it was worth the wait for the brilliant Ladies in Black.

As Sydney only goes back in time now, it's nice to see a functional tram service zipping around town in a 1959 Sydney.



It's a full ensemble film with no real lead except Angourie Rice as Lisa sort sees her dreams through in the film. Taylor as Fay also has a lovely blossoming romance with Corr and is always working her butt off over the Christmas and summer holiday period.

It's nice seeing Susie Porter outside the Wentworth walls as a nice mother and not a crime mother involved in trying to solve her sons murder and get on top in an all female jail setting.

Shane Jacobson as Mr. Miles is actually likeable on screen for the first time in a while and in saying this, this could be the best Australian film of the year.

After only seeing Sweet Country and The Flip Side (two very different films), I have probably missed an Aussie film or two, but this will not only be remembered but will actually be a success at the box office. $5 million and counting is a very good start, the stage show was semi well received and in turn has maybe helped this film be seen by a wider audience.

It clearly has a demographic that I don't fall into, I could have been the only man at my lunchtime matinee session, but it aims at an age group still going to the movies, so good on them.

Ladies in Black is actually great, 4 Stars, a nice, well made and shows Sydney in a truly positive light, even if we do have to go back to the hey day of 1959 to see Sydney in a way Alan Jones still sees Sydney.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Bootleg Rascal


About to embark on their next tour this month Bootleg Rascal have just released their second album, Anònimo.

Their first full-length album,Asleep In The Machine landed in 2016 working with artist/producer, LyMo.

The three piece have toured with their brothers in arms, Sticky Fingers, in Europe. Playing to Sellout crowds in France, UK, Holland and Germany.

You can check out their evolution on Triple J Unearthed as the group has came along in leaps and bounds.

It's been a great fews of Australian releases and Bootleg Rascal's new album is all killer no filler. Check out some of their career highlights below and stream the new album in full. Make sure to also watch their killer version of The Weeknd's The Hills.









Wednesday, October 3, 2018

How to Get Away with Murder Season 5.


Annalise Keating and her gang despite being five seasons in are back at college for yep, Season Five.

Season four seems to be blur for me as I sat there thinking when did that go down? Is he still in it? What is her deal?

Anyway one of Shonda's shows are back, Station 19 is returning next week and I am undecided whether I will give it another go.



Episode one kicked off with a bit of a mystery again with someone dying at Connor and Oliver's wedding.

We are left wondering who's blood is in the snow? He is next to die? Why do people always die around Annalise and are we happy Frank is back onboard?

I was undecided about episode one when I watched it in Bali, but having stayed with the show, I am keen to see where it is headed before it's Christmas/Holiday mid season break.

I wasn't 100% sold on Rake Season Five with episode one, however by two I was hooked. The show still needs a bit of a reboot after the loss of Wes and the introduction of Annalise's long lost son?

This is not Shonda's highest rated drama (Grey's still slays with just under 7 million eyeballs tuning in for episodes one and two) although it is more popular than the latest For The People legal drama on ABC (TV). With Shonda scoring a Netflix recently, will this be the last season of Murder?

I'm not sure? Five seasons, a good run, now Scandal is outta the way, Shonda looks to be making her transition from network TV to streaming. With Shonda escaping ABC (maybe) to streaming the network needs a new heavy hitter. I suggest a Crazy Rich Asian's spin off series to pair with Fresh off the Boat, come on ABC?

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Rake Fifth, Final Season & Increasing Australian Drama Content


Australian dramas have been few and far between of late and cancellations and unclear futures hang over even the most popular series like Wentworth.

With Wolf Creek looking like being shelved due to allegations against lead star Jarrett, Stan have got some catching up to do (again) with no word on a second instalment of the brilliant Romper Stomper.

Matt Okine's comedy series The Single Guy also seems to have run it's course with one solo single season however apparently some new titles are in the works.

Channel Ten has really struggled in the drama scene for a while now, The Wrong Girl was great but never drew much of an audience, enter Playing for Keeps. Yes it's trashy, but hey they came in at the right time of the year. With the AFL Grand Final smashing the NRL TV audience the producers choose the more popular (and maybe less controversial) to follow.

Channel Nine is lost without Underbelly, however like Playing for Keeps on Ten, newcomer Bite Club is actually a good tense thriller. Unfortunately it's a one season idea, which spun out over multiple seasons or even a second season, may struggle to work.

We will wait to see how the series fairs as unlike Seven and Ten, without nightly dramas like Home and Away and Neighbours to get the local content hours up, they need content and stat.

Finishing up very soon is two popular series, one 800 Words, which I have never watched and never will on Seven and the popular and critically acclaimed Rake.

I struggled with the first episode of Rake this season with the move from Sydney to Canberra but with Jane Turner stealing the show, I am now laughing out loud at shit stolen directly from the corridors of power in the nations capital.

Canberra is actually a shit show right now, SoMo is no more than another flash in the pan leader, Bill Shorten has zero likability and Pauline, Katter and our final solution senator show Canberra has a knack for attracting the truly insane.

A Place to Call Home also is about to call it quits on Foxtel with Secret City to return for hopefully another brilliant outing. Foxtel has lead the way in drama for years now, it's a shame their Sky News makes the whole company unlikable. The Right at Night is truly frightening and I can not accept their choices, or understand why, unless you like live sport why people are still wasting their money on the most expensive streaming/pay per view service in Australia.

Speaking of Foxtel and all things Murdoch's Fox (or did he sell the entertainment part and keep the biased news/propoganda machine?) Mr Inbetween (an Australian show, picked up on US, FX) has just started and has a truly terrific cast. This might have to be an over Summer series to catch up on. Like Mystery Road from ABC, I am saving that for Christmas/New Years and cannot wait, I enjoyed the second film, so I am excited for this.

So Australian TV, keep the goods coming, it's a strong finish to the year!

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Online/Streaming... NOW! - Long Weekend Edition


As it's a long weekend (in Sydney and some other Australian states) why not head off to Bali this long weekend. Well I have it's 6 hours away, less of a rats race, still pumped for the AFL grand final yesterday and loads of sunshine.

Heaven is only 6 hours away from the hell of Sydney. Why not these coming Summer holidays give it a go. No not a paid endorsement of the Indonesian luxury island of Bali, more a get out of jail card from the pits of hell of Sydney. Thanks Gladys for creating such a mess, these songs go out to celebrate life escaping from a lockout ridden, nanny state where businesses close daily and good luck getting a feed after 8pm.

Now a post usually reserved for my music blog Flashing off the Record, time to look at some new music from Friday. This weekend Flashing off the Record is celebrating a stunning record from Eves Karydas, it landed on Friday and is getting us ready for Summer, it's called summerskin.




A remix album of the 2016 alt-j album Relaxer landed on Friday, Reduxer. It has heaps of guests and it sounds cool thus far, checkout the GoldLink feature below.


From Tuesday the latest from John Butler Trio will be featured on Flashing off the Record. The album is called Home and this video became available over the long weekend.



Get ready to move, Dillon Francis is back! This time with Wut Wut and a busload full of guests


With footy finals weekend in full swing I was sure The Living End would be performing something from Wunderbar on at least one of the codes? Oh well, good timing maybe for the release of their new album. This is the boys eighth studio album and marks over 20 years on the scene. Good job fellas.


Bringing Lana Del Rey along for one of the songs on her new record, Cat Power is back with Wanderer.


Super fun stuff here, it's Nile Rodgers & Chic with It’s About Time. Polish off those disco balls y'all!


Long weekends are for dancing, hello new Roosevelt, Young Romance.


Speaking of dance Sigala get everyone from Kylie to Craig David on Brighter Days. Brighter Days, YASS cause Summer is almost here!


On the singles front, talented act, Yeo is back with a new single, The Comments


Until next New Music Friday, where we can expect new releases from Bleeding Knees Club, Bootleg Rascal, Last Dinosaurs and more...

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Searching


Where is the Crazy Rich Asians hype for this Asian American lead thriller? John Cho basically is Searching via screens, FaceTimes and video chats.

Searching is first up despite my query and excellent modern thriller. Cho is outstanding, Debra Messing is great on the other end of the "search" as a detective and Joseph Lee as Cho's brother is extremely handsome.



OK so a dad detective looking for his school girl via social media profiles and whereabouts may not sound like everyone's cup of tea, but this film, is excellent.

The start of the film is moving, excellent character development and sets up the tech savvy dad David Kim as a caring, loving husband and father.

I am going to be honest this is my favourite thriller in sometime. It's fresh and it' totally on social trend and John Cho's performance is simply outstanding.

I am forgetting young Michelle La as missing Margot. A teen with a few things to hide and an interesting relationship with her uncle is an interesting character for this film to revolve around.

I loved every minute of this and so glad I saw it on the big screen. There is honestly something to be said for still seeing films at the actual cinema.

Great job all evolved, yep 5 Stars.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

9-1-1 Season Two (double opener)


Moving from Wednesday's to Monday's and adding a bumper opening over two nights, 9-1-1 is back for 2018-2019.

9-1-1 was one of the biggest breakthrough hits in early 2018 and like most of Ryan Murphy's hits, he sampled it, it worked the first 10 episode season has now grown to a second 16 episode run. Like Empire and Star the show will be spilt in two so we will get one half this side of Christmas and the other sometime in 2019.

With Connie Britton leaving at the end of season one, we score 90's scream queen Jennifer Love Hewitt. Love Hewitt commences as Buck's sister, Buck is the star hunk Oliver Stark from season one, but now faces a new hunk on the block, Ryan Guzman playing single father Eddie Diaz.

Peter Krause and Angela Bassett continue to lead the show whilst being backed up by a strong supporting cast. Scoring a Sunday night monster 10 million (or close enough) live viewers, the show is a shoe in for a third season.

FOX struggles with dramas at present and with Empire entering a fifth season and looking a little tired, a fresh hit like 9-1-1 is just what the doctor ordered.



9-1-1 is good escapism TV, it's easy to watch, easy on the eye and a great cast on board.

Interesting stories and the major earthquake were a good way to open the second season. Sunday was a blockbuster night on US TV with new Lifetime series You being an early frontrunner for one of my favourite new shows, The Deuce rolling on HBO and Shameless only one episode away from it's 100th episode.

9-1-1 continues Mondays on US Fox network, I will be interested to see how episode two goes up against The Good Doctor and new NBC drama Manifest.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Playing For Keeps


Channel Ten has a hit and miss past with local drama, Sisters last year was a massive dud, Secrets and Lies whilst not very popular here, was remade in the USA and actually got a second season unlike it's original Australian series and Neighbours just goes on and on and well on.

So it is interesting to see Wrong Girl star Madeline West return to the network for Playing For Keeps. Whilst the Wrong Girl is yet to be announced for a third season and with Craig McLachlan's situation it's unlikely to return, West has a much more commanding role in Playing For Keeps.

Also starring Olympia Valance, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor and familiar ABC face Annie Maynard, Playing for Keeps launched last week with close to 600,000 live viewers.

Whilst not hitting the magic million mark, Playing for Keeps is off to a better start than Nine drama Bite Club, which is actually a well received (by critics) series and honestly not bad.

Australian dramas are on struggle street right now, they are not as cheap to make as reality rubbish and don't draw the crowds like The Block or The Bachelor.

So it's a tough place to be right now, Australian stories need to be told and the one of WAGS is honestly an untapped tale that us sport loving Aussies demand to hear/see. Madeline West is great as the lead WAG and we get a wee mystery to start the season which is may be less interesting than the bitchy behaviour by the existing WAGS to the new WAG from regional Victoria on the block.

AFL is the most popular code right now and less scandalous so it's probably a better bet than NRL. Will the show last more than one year? Will it get the viewers it deserves? Time will tell but there was buzz in my office about it, as the subject matter is something that does interest Aussies leading into Footy Finals times.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Tia Gostelow


Hailing from Mackay now calling Brisbane home, Tia Gostelow has got it going on right now. Releasing her debut album on Friday, touring the East Coast of Australia next month and playing at Fairgrounds in November.

Young star was originally discovered as part of Unearthed High on Triple J and continues to show Unearthed brings Australia some of our biggest stars.

Working with Lanks on Strangers and appearing on Like a Version with a great Empire of the Sun cover, Tia Gostelow is way beyond her years. With a number of recent achievements, no one is more deserving of today's Mini Sunday Spotlight than Tia Gostelow.

Check out some highlights thus far below.








Friday, September 21, 2018

YOU | Lifetime


I swore to myself I would not take on any more new TV shows, however with The Sinner wrapping up, Insecure almost done, Fear the Walking Dead wrapping up same day as Insecure and The Bite Club about to conclude locally, I added YOU to my list.

Coming to Netflix in Australia, YOU has had two episodes in the USA on Lifetime (the network for 40 year old women and gay men) and having less than a million viewers for each episode but critically it's been a hit.


Trash meets thriller is a real buzz with this show and former Gossip Girl (spoiler alert if you get the reference) Penn Badgley stars as the lead Joe Goldberg a stalker who is actually kind of sweet.

It's a boy meets girl at a local NY book store, he follows her, he gets into her online world and now in the year 2018, know needs a private detective, we all overshare.

YOU could be a breakout hit, after two episodes I am already hooked. With How to Get Away with Murder, 9-1-1, Empire, Star and Station 19 incoming I need less on my books, however I think I just found space on my dance card for this thriller.

Keep an eye out on Netflix soon for YOU.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - The Nun


The Conjuring series has now spun out to five films. Two original Conjuring tales and two Annabelle films, now it's time for the Nun to strike.

In Romania in 1952 a demonic force is running wild, mainly in the form of a nun and for a packed Wednesday midweek session, this film had me shook!



I used to be a whole bunch better in scary films, but now in my thirties, I get freaked, easily.

There are a whole bunch of jump scenes in this film and the tension builds and builds and builds.

It does take a while to get to the point after the initial scary set up scene, but once it hits it's stride it works. Using original Conjuring stars Vera Farmiga's sister Taissa (pictured in the still above) as one of the main stars is an interesting move too.

Demián Bichir from the US season of The Bridge is a great choice for the Father who visit's this haunted and unholy site in Romania.

Overall I have enjoyed these Conjuring films and I that continued with The Nun. I liked Annabelle but the fact is a scary Nun is a bit more intense than a doll, as ugly as the doll was.

The Nun is the latest in James Wan's horror story, it's pretty excellent for the horror genre and I am giving it, 4 solid demonic Nun stars.