Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Off on the High Seas (Again)


Yep tomorrow afternoon I will take in Tasmania, then a wee bit of Melbourne and back home to Sydney.

It's been a long January, back to work, back to boot camp, back to regular gym classes, back to Australia waking up from a LOOONNNGGG Summer. February will still bring the heat (most likely March will too) and continued Australia will continue to wake from it's slumber.

Posts will most likely be light whilst I'm away celebrating my first domestic travel for 2018, however on Flashing off the Record their should be more frequent posts and excitement around the new Migos album, Culture II.

I am also excited to say next week Flashing off the Record will celebrate it's first local feature album for 2018. Let's just say these boys like to shred for Summer.

Until next time, I'm out...

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Shameless Season 8 | Finale


So mid November (2017) I commenced the most recent season of Shameless. Now in Late January, 2018 it's all but over and even worse Svetlana is leaving. Sad Face.

Who is Svetlana? Ask that question and you are not a true Shameless fan. Her Insta post was super cute and now Season Nine is all but maybe ten months away? Or so? Who knows... But we do know Homeland is returning very soon.

Shameless had another great season, Lip got sexier, Fiona meet yet another man, Ian became Gay God, Debbie lost a few toes along the way of season eight, Frank did Frank, actually he did a lot and Liam grew finally whilst Carl got married? WTF.

So yeah a lot of shit happened and season nine will no doubt be dope. And who could forget Kev and V. Well at times in this season you could because so much was happening with the Gallagher's, but they are still one of TV's coolest couples.

I am biased when it comes to this show, it is easily one of the best shows on TV with some of the most incredible characters.

William H Macy even won a SAG award this year for his portrayal of Frank Gallagher.

Strike me pink though Ian might have found himself a new man as Trevor and Ian seemed a little on the skids.

Lip really and truly does only get more and more handsome, honestly he just needs to STOP it.

I for one cannot wait for the next series to roll around, however Alan Ball will soon get his new show on HBO, and I for one can hardly wait for Here & Now. More on that real soon. But for now, a few days till I'm on the high seas to Tasmania.

Bye..

Monday, January 29, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - The Florida Project


After seeing the god awful local release Swinging Safari, it was a refreshing change to see an amazing indie film, The Florida Project.

Young Brooklynn Prince featured in the below still is so sensational as almost the lead in this instant indie classic.

Willem Dafoe is the big name in this film and instagram discovery Bria Vinaite is sensational as Brooklynn's down and out mom.



I really wanted to see this film and was so happy there was a ten am session on the weekend so a real movie matinee.

The Florida Project is heart warming in moments and heart breaking the next. Poverty and the 3 kids in this films friendship is sublime.

This was a film lovers film, so good, so much love from the critics and award circles. This is a must see effort from Sean Baker, can't say enough good things.

4.5 Stars. BRILLIANT!

Saturday, January 27, 2018

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace


The second season of the terrific American Crime Story runs as The Assassination of Gianni Versace.

Lead Darren Criss is fantastic as Andrew Cunanan and real life killer of Versace, played by Edgar Ramirez. Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz round of the four main stars of this season. No Sarah Paulson this Ryan Murphy series and by the looks of the ratings the gay storyline might be a bit much for US viewers.

The ratings are a fair bit lower than last seasons OJ Simpson court case however the production, the mystery and Miami as a backdrop are all making this season and easy new viewing pleasure.

This week will see episode three of nine air and I for one can hardly wait.



Eight, nine or ten episode mini-series/seasons are the new black for me. America and it's long ass 22-23 episode seasons over a seven month season are way too much for me these days.

Darren Criss really is outstanding as the misguided killer and it begs the question, what were the FBI and police doing to try and track this handsome young killer who was on the loose.

Always adding in extra drama to real life events however this is an interesting series non the less.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace is the next chapter in the golden age of TV. Watch it NOW!

Friday, January 26, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Swinging Safari


Oh dear, two Aussie films in a row, it must be January, it must be Survival Day.



Not even Kylie M, Asher Keddie, Jeremy Sims, Guy Pearce and Julian Nip/Tucked McMahon can save this jump back to the 70's Australian retro film.

Radha Mitchell is probably the most entertaining in Stephen Elliot's latest film which will no doubt be an epic box office flop. Unlike Sweet Country which despite being a brilliant film, will also likely fall short at the box office, and it's because of Australian films like this that leave bad tastes in audiences mouths.

When I speak to people about Australian cinema they always pull that face, like why?

This was never going to be amazing and when you watch the trailer you really get a good idea of what the fuck Elliot and the cast of Australian legends were trying to pull.

Unfortunately it's all to over the top, all a little bit lame and unfortunately for Australian cinema this and film has set us back once again. The BBQ another Aussie film set to come out starring an MKR looks truly awful. After Three Summers we are in need of more Australian films like Sweet Country. Please Australia we are better than Swinging Safari.

2 Stars for trying, but not hard enough.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Oscars 2018 Nominations | Predictions


The usual drill, my guesses in red and also BOLD.

BEST PICTURE

Call Me By Your Name
Darkest Hour
Dunkirk
Get Out
Lady Bird
Phantom Thread
The Post
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

BEST ACTOR

Timothée Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread
Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

BEST ACTRESS

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird
Meryl Streep, The Post

BEST DIRECTOR

Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan
Get Out, Jordan Peele
Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig
Phantom Thread, Paul Thomas Anderson
The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Mary J. Blige, Mudbound
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread
Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Call Me By Your Name, James Ivory
The Disaster Artist, Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
Logan, Scott Frank, James Mangold, Michael Green
Molly’s Game, Aaron Sorkin
Mudbound, Virgil Williams and Dee Rees

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

The Big Sick, Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani
Get Out, Jordan Peele
Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig
The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Martin McDonagh

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Beauty and the Beast
Blade Runner 2049
Darkest Hour
Dunkirk
The Shape of Water

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Blade Runner 2049
Darkest Hour
Dunkirk
Mudbound
The Shape of Water

COSTUME DESIGN

Beauty and the Beast
Darkest Hour
Phantom Thread
The Shape of Water
Victoria & Abdul

SOUND EDITING

Baby Driver
Blade Runner 2049
Dunkirk
The Shape of Water
Star Wars: The Last Jedi

SOUND MIXING

Baby Driver
Blade Runner 2049
Dunkirk
The Shape of Water
Star Wars: The Last Jedi

ORIGINAL SONG

“Mighty River,” Mudbound
“Mystery of Love,” Call Me By Your Name
“Remember Me,” Coco
“Stand Up For Something,” Marshall
“This Is Me,” The Greatest Showman

ORIGINAL SCORE

Dunkirk
Phantom Thread
The Shape of Water
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

The Boss Baby
The Breadwinner
Coco
Ferdinand
Loving Vincent

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Dear Basketball
Garden Party
Lou
Negative Space
Revolting Rhymes

LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM

DeKalb Elementary
The Eleven O’Clock
My Nephew Emmett
The Silent Child
Watu Wote/All of Us

VISUAL EFFECTS

Blade Runner 2049
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Kong: Skull Island
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
War for the Planet of the Apes

FILM EDITING

Baby Driver
Dunkirk
I, Tonya
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Darkest Hour
Victoria & Abdul
Wonder 

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

A Fantastic Woman, Chile
The Insult, Lebanon
Loveless, Russia
On Body and Soul, Hungary
The Square, Sweden

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

Edith and Eddie
Heaven Is A Traffic Jam on the 405
Heroin(e)
Knife Skills
Traffic Stop

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail
Faces Places
Icarus
Last Man in Aleppo
Strong Island

Monday, January 22, 2018

YASS Kristen Bell


Move over Oprah, let's meet another 2020 candidate, and OMG it's another woman, lock up Mike Pence he might get a bone on.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Sweet Country


Warwick Thornton gave us Samson & Delilah in 2009 and now ahead of the highly controversial "Australia Day" comes a fitting film, Sweet Country.

Following Romper Stomper and controversial Australian comments and political views on Australia Day, the end of January becomes a little too intense. Now with the Hottest 100 shifting it's date, Triple M trying to cash in and Cory Bernardi being well, Cory Bernardi this film comes at a perfect time.



With advance screenings out this weekend and opening next week Sweet Country in mind is already aiming high for my Australian film of 2018. It happened last year Lion was released in January and it was easily my Australian film of 2017, so will an early release strike twice for my end of year list?

Sweet Country has an all star cast Bryan Brown, Sam Neil, Matt Day, Hamilton Morris and young Philomac (who steals the show a lot of the time) is played by Tremayne & Trevon Doolan.

The film looks amazing and has already screened to critical acclaim at a couple of film festivals. This film is based on true events and is heartbreaking, beautiful and rough, Australia has a rough and cruel past for our nations first people. This is a must see for all Australians.

Sweet Country is just stunning, 4 Stars.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

This Week in TV


OK I apologies, I be gone for a while, but when we look at this week in TV (USA) this week, you'll understand. I also was busy promoting the shit out of the fantastic new First Aid Kit album HERE.

So let's start easy with Monday here in Australia, Shameless is almost ready to wrap up for another season airing it's second last episode season eight this coming Monday. Shameless has already been renewed for a ninth season, the show is one of Showtime's most successful and William H Macy and Emily Rossum and commonly featured on nomination lists for their characters in the show.

Alongside the dysfunction of the Gallagher's on Shameless Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church are back for another season of Divorce across on cable superstar HBO.

Now in it's second season and after the entire 2017 off, the team are back and the debut episode of season two was watched by more people than the first ever episode and the season finale of season one.

HBO has a number of great 30 minute sitcoms/dramas on it's roster Divorce is one of them and a welcome return to HBO for Jessica Parker.

Tuesday saw Supergirl return to a highly watched episode, actually this was the most watched episode of season three excluding the big crossover episodes with The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow.

Now don't get too excited Supergirl fans, the series has two more episodes before it is rested until April. Yes April. Legends of Tomorrow is returning Feb 12, bumping Supergirl from Mondays.

Wednesday saw The CW give us yet another superhero series, Black Lightening. Launching to a huge CW audience (almost 2.5 million) it was a hit straight out of the box and is likely to be renewed, leaving me wondering, how many CW series will be DC comic book series.

I didn't mind it, the soundtrack was amazing and like Black Panther hitting the big screens in February, it has a large black ensemble cast and finally gives diversity a go in the crowded superhero market.

The Flash continuing also continued on Wednesday and is still a strong force on the CW four seasons in. Thursday was a bumping TV night, so much so I had to miss Body Balance in the evening.

9-1-1 which scored an early renewal in it's thirteen episode season one during the week aired it's third episode and proved commencing right after New Years pays off, people are home, ready to binge and kick back.

The series has been a surprise hit for FOX and shows Ryan Murphy really is a power played in the US TV market.

Speaking of, his second instalment of American Crime Story launched to a modest audience of just over 2 million, however the interest in the Versace assassination from TV lowers was insane. The show also looks 6 million bucks per episode. A really great start and a show I am likely to talk about more as the season rolls on.

Next up the trashy CW soap that is not a superhero series, Dynasty. Oh dear the show is a ratings trainwreck and they still have another 12 episodes to burn, so what better thing to do than burn them off slowly on a Friday night. Yes in March, 2018 the series will move to Fridays where it might likely die a slow death and finish up a solo season. The only thing that might save it, is it's screenings on Netflix.

Speaking of Netflix/CW series, Riverdale was back! This season like Dynasty the show is supersized, it will be 22 episodes up from 13 last season. There is always drama in Riverdale and this episode gave us plenty more drama to continue season 2 along and rumour has it, season 3 is a go! Plus a spin off Sabrina is a go (only on Netflix) for two ten episode seasons.

The Blacklist hit 100, it reached it's 100th episode with an Oceans 11 (or 8) inspired episode. The heist episode was a success and the show looks safe for a sixth season. Without Tom Keen the show still has life however Netflix in Australia are still only up to episode seven, WTF Netflix???

Wrapping up the week that was Shonda is back! Grey's Anatomy has been reportedly renewed for a further two seasons and Scandal also is coming to an end. I am yet to watch How to Get Away with Murder but word on the street is it should return for a 5th season later this year.

The series is set to finish in March, 2018 so we are almost home on another Shondaland series before she escapes ABC for Netflix.

Saturday Australian time also sees the NBC crime series Blindspot continue, the show is not rating great but like the Blacklist has definitely improved since it's early episodes, it jumped the gun a bit at the end of season two/start of season three but for now the show is a fun little action series.

So yes all that TV working 18-ish days straight I'm busy. However stick around I should have a film review for you soon as we are on the homeward stretch of the dodgy school holiday films and ready to get some serious releases incoming.

Stay cool this weekend Australia...

Sunday, January 14, 2018

White Famous


From Tom Kapinos, creator of the brilliant, at times hilarious Californication returned to Showtime with White Famous. Unlike Californication getting seven seasons, White Famous has had to call it a day at one season.

Jay Pharoah is great as Floyd Moody who is based on Jamie Foxx's life is great, some of the Californication secondary characters appear from time to time and are as crass as they were in Kapinos first series.

The sex comedy is heavy on sexy talk and Pharoah is a hit with the ladies on the show and the comedy in some episodes is great however other episodes were a little like filler. So it's not all killer no filler but a bit filler not all killer.

It is pretty brutal for Showtime to cancel a series in it's first season and SMILF seemed to do a lot better and was a critical smash were as this went a little under the radar.

White Famous is streaming on STAN in Australia and has been a nice little filler show over Summer but I think Showtime may have made the right decision calling the show a one season effort.

Californication went on for a little too long and maybe outstayed it's welcome, so all in all Showtime, good call.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - All the Money in the World


FAKE NEWS, I did not attend a matinee screening of All the Money in the World, in fact I attended a very primetime 6:30pm session at the controversial Entertainment Quarter, Fox Studios #WhiteElephant.



Getting so much media attention for maybe all the wrong reasons, or maybe right reasons for fucking Kevin Spacey off the film, once it was found out, the man actually liked the company of other men.

Other than this the film was made famous again for the re-shoot after Mark Wahlberg (who I like) dialled in the re-shoot and got paid a fuck tonne more than Michelle Dawson's Creek Williams. Not only is Williams in so many films right now, but she gives a MUCH better performance than Marky Mark.

But honestly this film has a bit of awards "buzz" about it, but really it's not a great film. For a son being kidnapped and a grandson to a rich as fuck old tight wad no one really seems to care. Even kidnapped John Paul Getty III just sleeps through entire scenes.

As far as someone being kidnapped they sure act more like they are at Club Med. Credit must be given to Christopher Plummer, he did reshoot the scenes Kevin Spacey was erased from in record time but he is such a horrid character you would like an actor who you hate to maybe portray someone on the big screen you also want to hate too.

My friends wondered how someone so rich could be so cheap? Well that is how Rupert, Gina and all the other rich folks in the world are where they are now.

A film of unlikable character and real life people doesn't really work for me, it was good, just not Three Billboards, Oscars "buzz" good. Three stars for an intriguing story about a man so vile and so unlikable you almost don't care about someone he loves could be in danger.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

9-1-1, Pilot


When I read Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk were launching another series ahead of American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace I was slightly surprised, the men have so much on their plate at present I was shocked they had time for another series.



Starring some of Murphy's favourite's Angela Bassett (American Horror Story - various seasons), Connie Bitton (American Horror Story and American Crime Story) & Kenneth Choi (American Crime Story) along with TV favourite Peter Krause (Six Feet Under, The Catch and loads more) the cast is strong and despite terrible reviews the first season had almost 7 million US viewers.

The real test is week two's ratings and how this show will maintain it's speedy pace. In the first episode the stars went from 9-1-1 call to 9-1-1 call, there were snakes, break ins and jumpers. It was well and truly action packed, but can this continue over the possible 13 episode first season.

US networks are in flux this week after HBO returned to the king of the pack with Big Little Lies smashing the Golden Globes and multiple shows renewed or potentially cancelled.

9-1-1 is broadcast on FOX in the US and this week the network renewed it's new series The Gifted and will be looking to renew big hits like Empire and Star in coming weeks/months.

FX gave a life line to Golden Globe winning Fargo and revived Sons of Anarchy with a spin off, Mayans MC, whilst over at ABC they look like cancelling new series the Mayor and renewed The Gong Show.

9-1-1 had a strong start and we will have to see if this continues, FOX has had a tough start to the new TV season with The Exorcist maybe concluding after two seasons, Gotham not performing that well and The X Files confirmed to finish after this season.

Ryan Murphy has had mostly hits lately however FOX will only have to rewind to last years disastrous second season of Scream Queens to be reminded sometimes Murphy can not read his audience. 24: Legacy was also not much of a Legacy from last season and Pitch failed to impress viewers.

My money is on this getting a fair crack at it, the cast are skilled and likeable whilst Murphy has so much to come across FOX and FX in coming months/years. More American Horror Story, American Crime Story, new Feud, Pose and this 9-1-1.

9-1-1, it's new, but nothing to outside the box, so in saying that this could very well be an under the radar 2017-2018 US TV season hit. I'm keen for episode two...

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - The Greatest Showman


It's 2018 and I'm back at the movies, well it's as hot as fuck on the first Sunday of 2018 so where to go, the beach? the local public pool? the backyard sprinkler? NO - The movies of course silly.

And I am scared my first movie of the new year was of high standards, Downsizing was of such low standards it was impressive to see that not all of Hollywood is in the dumps after a year of Harvey Weinstein killing multiple plants in pots.



I hate musical movies, I said it, Dreamgirls is in the history of my movie going, one of the worst, most ridiculous films ever to hit the big screen. And boy do I love Beyonce. But The Greatest Showman does something to lure in the the audience, make them feel something leave them humming the songs from the movie.

And after working on not so successful musicals in the past, you need those catchy songs punters leave the theatre/cinema humming for hours after the show.

They are humming the songs from this film as the soundtrack has knocked off the sleepy songs of Ed Sheeran and the "new" Taylor Swift from the top of the ARIA charts.

I love the cast, the songs and the story, the power of acceptance and the power to dream big is beautifully done here. I posted more about the music and some of the performances HERE.

I am not going to go too much into the film other than I am glad I saw it on the big screen, in a cool theatre on a (currently* Sydney, Australia degrees at Noon) 40 degree day!

The magic of movies, live entertainment and song were so well represented by a stunning cast in this film. I urge you to take the kids, your parents, grandparents, neighbours, friends, anyone. A lot of fun, toe tapping and ear worms to be found here.

Well done, team, 4 show stopping stars.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Romper Stomper


As a 10 year old boy I was NOT allowed to watch the original movie, but in my late teens I think I watched a taped (yes VHS) version of the Russell Crowe original film, Romper Stomper.

Now in 2017, New Years Day Stan launches yet another Film to TV season, following two successful seasons of Wolf Creek, I have a funny feeling Romper Stomper will be equally as successful.

In my current news fixation I have spotted numerous reviews (mostly positive) and opinion pieces questioning, do we need this racism on Australian TV? Good question.

After watching most of the season when I am posting this, I am extremely impressed by this series. Much like yesterdays The Punisher post I have found this series extremely well done.



I have been long singing the praise of Foxtel's drama department, Wentworth is easily Australia's best series in years, Love My Way was revolutionary and Satisfaction back in 2007-2010 was brilliantly sexy.

Now Stan is stepping up the drama, look out Logies, Seven, Nine and Ten might be getting less and less nominations.

I read an article recently calling out the three commercial networks for lacking vision in drama and sticking to lame family friendly dramas, Romper Stomper is as far away from family friendly as they come.

I am hoping Stan continues to produce such high quality drama, Foxtel better not rest on it's laurels cause Stan is coming... Let's face it, if Foxtel start losing sports to one of these streaming services and there Sky News is literally a cluster of fucks, a complete cluster fuck. And David Wenham is clearly inspired by one of these Sky News "talents", Mr Andrew Bolt.

Not only does Wenham play the shock jock well, he exploits them for all they are, FRAUDS.

Toby Wallace as Kane and Sophie Lowe as Zoe however are the true young talents in this series. Lowe (also a musician) is an extremely fascinating character, whilst supporting roles from film original star Jacqueline McKenzie and the vile Blake Farron played by Sydney Theatre Company star Lachy Hulme (he was in the horrid Speed the Plow recently).

This is must watch Summer viewing. Well done Stan, as I have said look out Foxtel, I know Wentworth is still the best and Secret City was a classy little mini series next year, but there is now a lot riding on Picnic at Hanging Rock being 100% fabulous!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Punisher Season 1.


I wasn't in love with the last Marvel outing on Netflix, The Defenders, but The Punisher gets the Marvel TV train back on the right track.

As documented last night the series has just been offically picked up for a second season, which if Iron Fist was given a second chance it would be a crime if The Punisher hadn't.

Karen Page is one of the only remaining Marvel Netflix universe and of course we meet Frank Castle/Punisher in season two of Daredevil.


Jon Bernthal was never as hot as this in the Walking Dead but for some reason as this tortured soul as the Punisher he has gotten hot, real hot.

Deborah Ann Woll continues to shine as Karen Page across the seasons of Marvel shows and shows Alan Ball had wonderful sense to originally cast her in True Blood, all those years ago.

Ben Barnes is sensational as Billy Russo and also on the bad side of this season is Daniel Webber as Lewis Wilson (reminding me of the new young lead in Australia's Romper Stomper) a Donald Trump, gun loving psycho.

Amber Rose Revah is brilliant also in this all star exceptional cast. I am just finishing the final few episodes and finding myself this Summer truly hooked on this terrific series.

I can hardly wait for season two (however it will be a while, Jessica Jones, season two isn't coming until March this year whilst season one aired on November, 2015!) but in the meantime this reminds me of Australia first behaviour in the first episode of Romper Stomper.

So much happening, so much action in this season it really goes above and beyond. If you haven't already (it was released mid November, 2017) get bingeing on this NOW!

Excellent, truly excellent, Jon Bernthal is a star, as are his amazing team of co-stars.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

What TV was renewed in December/January..


So I'm back from Bali and it's time to take a look back at what has recently been given another shoot to impress viewers.

Very late November (30th to be exact) a show on my list of shows to smash MINDHUNTER on Netflix was given the go ahead for a second run. Not really surprising it's been a hit with the critics and folks I have talked TV with a like.

Still on Netflix, monster smash hit series STRANGER THINGS will return for a third season whilst RIVERDALE spin off SABRINA has been dropped by the CW but the streaming giant will take SABRINA on for two seasons. Also in Australia streaming weekly on Netflix SHOOTER will be back for a slightly longer 13 episode third season.

So Netflix continues to be as big as a fat girls sock. Streaming on SBS on Demand, BERLIN STATION is returning for a third season. I saw an ad for this whilst seeing Downsizing at the cinema the other day. It actually looks interesting. Will save this title for Easter.

HBO's biggest series in a while, BIG LITTLE LIES is officially retuning for a second series. Based on one book script writers better get in the writing room as this show has been a huge series in relation to award recognition and critics creaming their jeans.

Marvel's series on Netflix continue to slay, THE PUNISHER will be back for a second season. Like SHOOTER, USA Networks MR ROBOT will return for a fourth season whilst things weren't rosy on Showtime for WHITE FAMOUS that has actually been cancelled after one season.

Finally the fantastic Netflix series SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT returns for a second series, Yass Queen!

Monday, January 1, 2018

2018 in Beautiful Bali


Waking up this morning in beautiful Bali and realising it was firstly 2018 and secondly I had unfortunately missed this mornings yoga class by 2 minutes was bittersweet. It is also time to say goodbye to one of Australia's nearest and should be dearest neighbours.

I challenge anyone to join me and mirror my Bali experience and say, oh it looks a bit unsafe, oh it looks a bit tacky. Well there is the Kuta side of Bali but Seminyak, the people, the surrounding areas of Bali are as the post title suggests Beautiful.

We have been blessed this stay at the lovely hotel we have called home three times now and again the service, the friendly staff and the hotel in general is just divine.

Not a paid post but Alilia, Seminyak is truly heaven. No expenses spared last night with their 11pm Countdown party with a huge fireworks show at midnight. I have a feeling the neighbouring Australian haunt Potato Head continued the good times with their fireworks and music.

The W also up the road was set for a big night and it showed their really is fun to be had on New Years if you escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney for the night. Not to mention the hustle and bustle of downtown, beach side Kuta. Kids letting off mini crackers, motorbikes for days and a real party atmosphere complete with police and armed Indonesian soldiers. Like hardcore machine gun handling soldiers.

Bali to me though is perfect, beach, sun, good food, friendly locals, good prices and beautiful hotels. Everything here is top notch, the vibe, the weather and the laid back lifestyle.

I will miss you Bali but I do hope again soon our paths will cross, Happy New Year one and all readers.