Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Summer/Winter Shows Ranked


It's Winter in Australia, Summer in the USA, here are the shows of the last three months (June - August 2018) ranked.

BEST:

Wentworth (Foxtel, Australia)
Hit the Floor (BET, United States)
Claws (TNT, United States) (Stan, Australia)
Animal Kingdom (TNT, United States) (Netflix, Australia)
Dead Lucky (SBS, Australia)
The Sinner (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia - delayed)
The Affair (Showtime, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)
Who is America (Showtime, United States) (Stan, Australia) (some episodes)


WORST:

Fear the Walking Dead (AMC, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)
Shooter (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia)
Sharp Objects (HBO, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)
Who is America (Showtime, United States) (Stan, Australia) (finale and removing Sarah Palin)


Most Improved:

Queen of the South (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia - delayed)


Too Soon to rank:

Insecure and Ballers on HBO and Foxtel, Australia.

Ranked:

1. Wentworth (Foxtel, Australia)
2. Claws (TNT, United States) (Stan, Australia)
3. Animal Kingdom (TNT, United States) (Netflix, Australia)
4. The Affair (Showtime, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)
5. Hit the Floor (BET, United States)
6. The Sinner (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia - delayed)
7. Queen of the South (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia - delayed)
8. Dead Lucky (SBS, Australia)
9. Sharp Objects (HBO, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)
11. Who is America (Showtime, United States) (Stan, Australia)
12. Shooter (USA Network, United States) (Netflix, Australia)
13. Fear the Walking Dead (AMC, United States) (Foxtel, Australia)

Monday, August 27, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - BlacKkKlansman


Powerful, fresh and timely, those are words I can think of when I think about the film I saw yesterday at 10:00am, Blackklansman.

I hate the KKK, I hate racism and I laugh at losers who think anyone different is less of a person than they are. So I was team make fun of the KKK and David Duke's clan. This film does a great job to deal with big issues. The problem it does have however, is the 1970's America is much like the USA today.



The ending of this film still stays with me, it's not part of the movie, it's real life footage, it's Charlottesville, 2017. I was terrified, it's been a dark year for the USA, Trump has taken America back to this time set in the film, the 1970's.

Spike Lee has done a wonderful job with this film, Denzel's son, John David Washington was amazing. Adam Driver was also outstanding. This film and it's message is outstanding, I enjoyed it, I was moved, I still feel for Heather Heyer's family after that day in Charlottesville.

This is a great body of work, a must see, go out and treat yo self. 4.5 Stars.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Laurel


Hailing from London artist Laurel after three EP's and a mix tape has finally released her debut record Dogviolet.

Recorded in her home studio in East London Dogviolet has quickly earnt critical acclaim. It's hard to believe Laurel is only 24 and had her own headline tour in the UK, signed to a label and writes, record and produces her own music.

So take some time to chill this Sunday with an EPIC new artist, meet Laurel.











Saturday, August 25, 2018

Hit the Floor returns with Season Four


What happens when a show has been missing from our screens for over a year (longer if you ignore the Wedding special) and a number of cast do not bother returning.... you get Hit the Floor Season Four, moving from VH1 to BET.


Adding Kanye protege Teyana Taylor as the new Jelena head bitch and queen of the dance off, Kyndall, Cort King and more join the cast as we farewell Dean Cain early on and Jelena AKA Dear White People lead, Logan Browning takes a bit of a break mid season. With the finale of the series ending this week we will see if Jelena returns.

I have two episodes to catch up on plus the finale, and so far this season despite losing Zero is great. Judd does find some new love, Kristian Kordula as a dreamy new beau Noah.

This is easy and relaxing leave the politics talk till later, from the start credits (which have been updated with the brilliant Chun Li from Ms Nicki Minaj) you get the picture you are up for some serious fun!

Catch up on this series, it's one hell of a flesh perv fest along with some ace drama and great dance routines...

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - The Flip Side


I went into this film a little nervous, Australian cinema is not really in a good place right now, however The Flip Side was a pleasant surprise.

Starring Eddie Izzard, Vanessa Guide, Emily Taheny, Luke McKenzie and a surprisingly tanned AF role by Hugh Sheridan as well as local Sydney comedian Susie Youssef.



A bit of a love triangle (or maybe more like a square) travelling across South Australia, making it almost into a great Australian road movie.

It's a nice 90 minute tourism South Australia promo (joking) with romance and real relationship dramas explored. I enjoyed it for the most part, Eddie Izzard's character was annoying in parts whilst Luke McKenzie was a glory to see shirtless on the big screen. I almost forgot he played Nash Taylor on Australian TV's success story Wentworth.

All in all there is a lot of films out there right now, so if you are up for something light, The Flip Side could be your thang, 3 Stars.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Home Again, Gotta Love Sydney


Not...

Get out of the airport for our Ola/Uber driver, car behind honks, yells at our driver, calls him stupid and says his car is equally stupid. It's Sunday but traffic feels like a Monday or Tuesday or any other workday really and you just feel tension in the air, especially when you go to Coles, Broadway after a software malfunction in the morning shut down multiples Coles stores.

Oh Sydney, where did you go wrong you are a cranky bitch at the best of times, but even on a Sunday? Shit....

Sunday, August 19, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Tash Sultana


The countdown is well and truly on for the new album from Ms Tash Sultana, Flow State is landing August 31 and people around the nation and world are excited.

After a number of smooth AF singles Tash will finally have her debut record out online and everywhere else.

After featuring her tracks Notion, Murder to the Mind, Mystik and more over on Flashing off the Record, it is time now on a Sunday to reflect on some of Tash's outstanding work thus far.


Where will the rest of 2018 take Tash Sultana? Time will tell, but for now let's check out some highlights from this exceptionally talented artist ahead of her album's big release date!








Saturday, August 18, 2018

Taipei in Pictures - Favourite New Asian City of 2018


I loved my time in Taiwan, well just Taipei for now, but I am 100% coming back! YASSSS....

Here are a few quick snap shots of my time in Taipei, I am in love, it's fun, it's lively, the food is great, so much bubble tea, the home of Din Tai Fung, do I need to go on?

Forget domestic travel in Australia, forget the USA, Europe why? Come to Taiwan, the people are friendly, the weather is warm (I did get stuck for an hour though yesterday in a storm, a fuck off big ass storm BTW) and yes as I said the food is GOOD!

Enjoy....






Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Asia All Over - EXPRESS Tour


After completing a lovely tour of three islands in the Maldives, it's back to bumping Asia. First up I had already taken in the sights and sounds of Bangkok, now on Tuesday it was Singapore for a brief stopover at Changi Airport, best airport ever BTW, Sydney go for a road trip and see how an airport should loon and feel. Now today after an early flight it's the first time for me to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Being the national capitol of Malaysia, it was a must for me to tick of the travel list after already visiting Penang and Langkawi in the past.

Tomorrow another early flight with a greater distance to the airport, it's time for my virgin trip to Taiwan. I am super excited, I've heard only good things so keep and eye out here for Taiwan posts and hopefully some pictures.

It's busy, busy, busy currently as I cram in three Asian cities in three (well four days, two days in Taipei) or so days.

It's going to be hard going back to cold old Australia as winter comes to a close but I have to recommend to all, escaping the Australian winter for a few weeks is a MUST. Why stay in the cold when you can experience warmth just a few hours away and experience cities with their shit together.

Sorry Sydney but the more I travel, the more I come to understand, it's not me, it's the fucking cesspool that is a city with lockout laws, corrupt officials allowing developers to ruin any green space available and don't start me on the bad service, please.

Till next time, XOXO

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Claws Season Two, Finale


Did Claws Season 2 wrap up nicely with a big bright pink bow? Yes and No.

Claws has had a huge season 2, so much so, it got an early renewal a few weeks back along with Animal Kingdom. Now WARNING there are SPOILER ALERTS from here, so if you haven't tuned into STAN (Australia) or TNT (USA) piss off for a bit.

So Zlata, Gregory and Gregory's evil wheelchair bound mother Matilde Ruval all get what has been coming to them all season (well Gregory came in season one, but this season what he did to Deesna) leaving Olga on the run for the third season.

So Jennifer and Bryce have also talked about moving to Tampa for the last bit so will these two finally up root and also leave the show? Virginia (my personal favourite in the series) life also hangs in the balance with "that" final scene. So is a complete reboot and cast change set for season 3? Does it need it? Will Polly stay at the hospital?

I just got my teeth back into long returning show Hit the Floor and they managed a pretty tidy new cast reboot and explanation for it's disappearance from our screens for well over a year, almost two to be honest. However this is not the case with Claws, it'll return next Summer on TNT and Stan.

What did you think of the finale? Did all the loose ends and bad gals/guys departures happen a little to easy for you? Well for me, like yesterday with Pose this has been a standout Summer show. With action, drama, betrayal and friendship, this show has had something for all it's fans. Not only the sites of Gregory when he used to whip that shirt off, oh ggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttt....

I will be holding my breathe for Virginia for a season 3 return, gosh I love Karrueche Tran, Yass girl, YASSSSSSSSSSS

Here's the preview if you want to relive the DRAMA!



Pose Season One, Finale


Back in June I fell in love with yet another Ryan Murphy series, Pose (see my pilot review/reaction HERE) and finally in August I have watched the incredible finale.

Cleary there were nerves about getting a second season so no cliffhangers were included leaving viewers hanging, but lucky for us FX gave the season an early renewal allowing the show to return in 2019.

I have to say there is a lot to be said for a short, sharp, snappy eight episode season. Instead of a drawn out 22 episode season (or 23 episodes in the case of The Flash) where by the end of it you are left counting the number of filler episodes.

Every episode of Pose's debut season had purpose and set out on a mission. It was sensationally done and best of all the music and every detail in the visual appeal of this series.

Ryan Murphy has struck gold on this show, I hope it's second season grows it's steady audience and people see what I see in the show, acceptance, love and family.

The finale finished, neat, tidy and honestly the most feel good episode of the season. The ups and downs of Angel's love affair with Murphy regular Evan Peters, Kate Mara having a brief moving on/girl power moment and of course Blanca's big wins.

Blanca's character has been such a role model for so many reasons, her love, forgiveness and compassion. She really is a beacon of light to the other characters in the show. Even Elektra with her sharp tongue and fierce features found a way forward after a desperate opening sequence with her stuck in a Phil Collins montage.

This show is incredible, it's easily been the best new show in the Summer and maybe even my favourite show of the US Summer (it's been a good year this year, Claws, Animal Kingdom (go TNT), The Affair, Who is America and returning today Insecure) which I may even award early September.

Anyway for now, if you haven't seen Pose (Foxtel in Australia, get your fucking act together and screen it  NOW, you have the rights, so just fucking do it) get on it, it's hard in Australia as you can see by my rant. Foxtel prefers scandals and promoting it's racist Fox News light network Sky News. This show is probably to challenging for their increasingly dull subscriber base.

So do yourself a favour, strike a POSE now!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Monday MixTape


From a great little piece about Australian Music (my number one passion) here is a great Monday MixTape to lift your day......


Meanwhile I'm in the Maldives.... Bye.

Sunday, August 12, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Emma Davis


Relocating from London to a suburb in Sydney very close to me, it's time this Sunday to take a listen to some Emma Davis. Her latest record was the feature album on Double J this week (Triple J for older listeners, or people that like a bands old stuff better than their new stuff) and you can taste some of her songs for free or download at her Triple J Unearthed page.

With so many links above and access to streaming sites or downloading for your own personal use, Emma Davis is extremely accessible. You can stream the album below via Bandcamp and support Emma by purchasing through the link.


For fans of Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, Lisa Mitchell, you get the genre, this might very well be your new favourite artist.

Stay tuned for another exciting new artist next week on the (Mini) Sunday Spotlight, next week. In the meantime on Flashing off the Record, we have gotten an ear full of Newcastle group Trophy Eyes latest album all week and today, it's time to shine the spotlight on Travis Scott. Head there NOW!

Friday, August 10, 2018

#Maldives


So I'm away, so posts come and go at random times, currently I'm in the Maldives after a quick stop in Bangkok, Thailand.

This place is everything you see in photos and SO much more. The people are amazing, the hotels are world class and I want to come back immediately.

Up next a few quick stops in Asia (Singapore and KL) before my next first time trip, Taiwan. Super pumped, usual posts to come like the (Mini) Sunday Profile and movie reviews if I get off to them, like the two in Bangers!

Anyway here are some iPhone shot happy snaps, enjoy dear readers...










Thursday, August 9, 2018

In Flight Entertainment


What does one do for a nine hour, heavily delayed flight, watch four recent movies (one a HBO TV movie) and a couple of episodes of ABC documentary series Utopia. So full disclosure I work for a government body and Utopia does not touch the sides. I honestly have never worked with people who are straight out of an ABC/HBO comedy series. Like seriously.

Anyway here are the four films/TV movies I took in.....

Tully



Brief review - depressing, but insightful, looks stressful being a new parent with two hard to manage kids already on board, 3 Stars.

Rampage



Brief review - Can the Rock do no wrong? Yes. Well maybe, this is kinda an average big action popcorn film. Not that, that is a bad thing, more it's just kind of average, 2.5 Stars.

Pacific Rim Uprising



Brief review - I think I liked the first, missed this at the cinema and I was like, wow I didn't miss much, makes for a better movie on the plane.

Fahrenheit 451


Brief review - HBO do some OK ready for TV films, this had a male/everyone Handmaid's Tale written all over it. Or is that maybe cause it's a book based on the world going to hell and everyone turns out dumb? Hey that's America right now, isn't it? The whole thing was a little predictable in parts and honestly I did feel like I was watching a longer episode of the Handmaid's Tale, 3 Stars. PS When is the Handmaid's Tale returning for season 3? Anyone?

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Bangkok 4D Movie Matinee Madness - Mission: Impossible – Fallout


As my second full day rolled out in Bangers it was time to do my favourite thing whilst in the amazing city, see a 4D movie!

Yes after yesterdays disappointing Spy Who Dumped Me, meant to be comedy/action, who knows... I was hoping for a better outcome, and boy was this better!



Now last time in Bangkok I think I had to settle for a Russian action film in 4D, this time I got premium J.J Abrams produced action gold. Tom Cruise is still smashing out that death defying stunts, but this time the handsome Henry Cavill joins in for fun.

Angela Bassett is the most under-utilised in this film however maybe she is saving all her gold for season 2 of 9-1-1 or maybe Ryan Murphy is bringing her character back in American Horror Story as Coven and Murder House join up.

Either way the cast (including Cruise, give him credit where credit is due) is great, Cavill is fun, Bassett absent most of the time, Simon Pegg adds humour, Vanessa Kirby is great and plays the good/bad character so well and Alec Baldwin, is still one of the better Baldwins.

This is action, action, action and after Ant-Man I thought I was done being impressed with car chases, well no, this film equally had a brilliant Euro style car chase which was epic AF. Also add a helicopter chase/sequence, literally action overload.

I would be super surprised if we don't see Ethan Hunt back again, soon, as this is going to be a massive hit. Critics are loving it, audiences of all ages will too and honestly this brings hope back to the Blockbusters.

Well done all involved, excellent film. 4.5 4DX Bangkok shiny AF stars.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Bangkok Movie Matinee Madness - The Spy Who Dumped Me


So first up, hello from Bangkok, and coming soon my mega Inflight Entertainment guide from Qantas's August selections.

But first at my favourite cinema in Bangkok (the dodgy Lido Cinema close by to Siam Paragon apparently closed it's doors in May 2018), at the gigantic Siam Paragon. Situated on level 4 the mega cinema complex combines 4DX cinema, IMAX, 3D movies and luxury sessions, along with regular sessions like the one I took in to see The Spy Who Dumped Me.



Okay first up, this film is terrible.

All that Bangkok talk was just there to add fluff, cause this is gonna be short and not so sweet. The Spy Who Dumped Me is so bad compared to it's previous competition Spy with Melissa McCarthy that I am surprised this was ever green lit.

Spy the 2015 had strong female leads, all the best bits belonged to McCarthy or Rose Byrne and one of the best lines belonged to supporting actress Allison Janney.

I don't really get Kate McKinnon, most of her comedy seemed a little to try hard and Mila Kunis is better than this, hate it all you want but Bad Moms and A Bad Moms Christmas were great. This was 100% subpar and not my thing.

If you are after a laugh, fire up Michelle Wolf's The Break on Netflix and give this a miss, you will just leave disappointed like I did and that was in a foreign  country, shit.

2 Stars for some decent action sequences, and that's the point is it action or is it comedy? Make up y'all mind please....

Sunday, August 5, 2018

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: E^st


Hailing from the Central Coast (my old stomping ground) comes E^ast, an exceptional young vocalist who has given us a number of tasty EP's and singles, whilst we wait for that debut album. That is why I started up the Mini Sunday Spotlights, there are so many great artists out there, many (like E^st) who are yet to release a full length record, but deserve a Sunday post to showcase their talents.

And E^st is talented AF.

Her latest single I Don't Lack Imagination continues her winning run of singles and features. Featuring on the highlight single from Alice Ivy, Somebody Get Me a Drink, E^ast is also a vocalist in demand.

Melissa Bester is the real E^ast and I hope in time we finally get an E^st record, for now I am happy for the catchy AF singles...










Friday, August 3, 2018

Movie Matinee Madness - Ant-Man and the Wasp


Following my 2015 review of the original Ant-Man film, it's time for Ant-Man to join The Wasp...



Paul Rudd is back along with T.I, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena, Evangeline Lily, Michelle Pfeiffer and Laurence Fishburne. Joining this film is the brilliant Randall Park, who is excellent as FBI agent and Paul Rudd AKA the Ant-Man's parole officer.

The car chase scene is truly different for all other car chase scenes and is awesome. Showing off the hilly San Francisco and piers, this was a truly well done sequence.

Like Deadpool 2 there are no real clear "bad guys" in this film, there is a swift agent called "Ghost" or Ava Starr played by Hannah John-Kamen, but overall the character is not evil.

Is this the way forward for Marvel films? No clear right and wrong? If so I like that, as humans we are all flawed so this brings realness to a very superhero filled world.

After watching all of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D season 5 all the S.H.I.E.L.D references were not lost on me. Also that show should have ended with it's season 5 finale, it was like one of the best wrap up episodes ever.

Anyway this film is good, not perfect, no major changes from past Marvel films. But I did enjoy it and Paul Rudd really has the X Factor. 3.5 Stars.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

The Affair, Fear The Walking Dead..


Will return for fifth seasons, however The Affair will end will it's fifth season. Currently both shows are in their fourth seasons (with FTWD on midseason break) and honestly I was a little surprised both are returning.

That said The Affair apparently always wanted to see out five seasons, but FTWD is seemingly DOA in the ratings. Let's compare The Walking Dead episode 8, season 4's ratings, 12.05 million, FTWD scrapped in with 2.32.

The Walking Dead did start out with lower viewers, however it has grown and grown and grown. Peaking at 17.29 million live viewers, adding in DVR viewers the episode reached 22.37 million. It's a phenomenon. FTWD is anything but.

With the Affair setting up a big season four finale, with lives in the balance and stories playing out across the USA, this year has seen Helen and Zak in an interesting affair with local Australia guest Emily Browning.

Alison is also interested in another man who surprise is married, so the title of the show continues, the affair(s)..

With these two shows renewed it's up to Queen of the South and the underperforming Shooter my only shows with their lives in the balance. I would be surprised if they stuck with Shooter as this season has really lost it's way and honestly the whole who shoot/killed Bob Lee Swagger (gun slinging, bible bashing name if ever I saw one) is kinda lame.

From a decent action series to a dull whodunnit, this show could face the axe, whereas station mate Queen of the South has actually picked up this season with a worldwide escapade.

I'm off overseas on the weekend however posts will still be coming.... Tomorrow I finally saw Ant-Man and the Wasp, so keep an eye out...