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!