Monday, November 25, 2019

Secret Bridesmaids' Business


Australian drama has had an interesting year, with highlights like Wentworth's brilliant seventh season, Total Control on the ABC and Foxtel's co pro with the US network FX Mr Inbetween.

Whilst unfortunately for Seven Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries was a bit of a miss, whilst long running Home and Away wraps for another year this week.

Channel Ten had mixed fortunes whilst launching a spin off of Neighbours on their streaming platform.

Australian drama will also see Nine's streaming service Stan launch a fairly decent summer offering whilst renewing Bloom for a second outing following a big night at this year's Logies.

Now to Secret Bridesmaids' Business on Seven, one of the other few Australian dramas on the former number one network.



It's been a tough year for Seven with MKR not firing as well as it should, Channel Nine having all the reality hits and even Channel Ten has started to have some luck with decent new reality offerings like the Masked Singer.

Whilst on paper with a cast like Abbie Cornish as Melanie Heyward, Supergirl's Katie McGrath as Saskia de Merindol and Dan Spielman as Michael Heyward you would think this had hit written all over it.

Unfortunately not. With an awkward one episode each night for three nights September 29,30 and October 1st, then a week till the next episode, the series really suffered from over exposure, then back to a more regular weekly schedule.

The story itself is fine, stalker, relationship breakdowns however the series just felt it was lacking something. Like at the movies yesterday (Charlie's Angels, see review below) there was just something not right. Even Elizabeth Banks has admitted now (via Twitter, as you do) the reboot was a bit of a misfire. Good thing she stars in it, wrote parts, produced it and directed it. Damn that is four strikes.

Secret Bridesmaids' Business is streaming now on the Channel Seven streaming app 7plus. It's an easy Summer series watch of six episodes with a few embedded ad's in there for good measure. At present 80% of the ad's are for Apple+ TV series, which is weird to send people to another streaming service other than your own.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - Charlie's Angels


Reboot, re-working, the Elizabeth Banks version, what is with Charlie's Angels the 2019 version?



With a cracking soundtrack fronted by Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey's Don't Call Me Angel. I found it strange a song with Ariana, Miley and Lana Del Rey? A very interesting mix. Anyway the music is one of the best things about this latest version of Charlie's Angels.

In 2000 and 2003 we had the Barrymore, Liu and Diaz Angels now we have resident sourpuss Kristen Stewart joining Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska.

Stewart honestly looks grumpy for 80% of the film, even when there is a wonderful dance sequence to a remix of Donna Summer's hit, Bad Girls.

Australian Chris Pang joins the cast alongside Patrick Stewart and producer and director Elizabeth Banks.

This film aims high, looks to set up a sequel, whilst struggling with poor reviews and facing stiff competition next week with the release of Frozen 2.

In a world of #Metoo and two camps of people, either progressive or conservative/conspiracy theory fans, this movie will clearly only appeal to one camp.

I enjoyed the action sequences, they were fun, the dance sequence, fantastic, however the dialogue and attempted humour was slightly off. The gaps between action and plot holes were a bit tough to watch at times, however it's another 2019 leave your brain at the door, eat the popcorn whilst forgetting the film once you leave the shopping centre carpark.

2019 has been a strange year for films, it appears we are struggling with original content. This is pure escapism and not much else, 2.5 passable stars.

Friday, November 22, 2019

When They See Us


Highly regarded Netflix mini series landed back on May 31st, however I have just jumped in and binged all four episodes back to back.

Based on the Central Park Five and with Oprah on the producing team, this has already won a couple of Emmy's and had the critics in raptures.

When They See Us is a must see, it's heartbreaking, tough at times to watch, however it is a great story. Following Making a Murderer (also on Netflix) you really have to question the US legal system.

There is loads of information about the Central Park Five online, so I had a bit of an idea of the plot before I jumped in. Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray and Korey Wise had a seriously rough time, they all were in prison for various amounts of time. All were changed for life following the Central Park jogger case.



With an all star cast and 23 million (reported) views from Netflix within the first month, When They See Us is a bonafide Netflix success.

Now there are so many options when it comes to streaming and content, it's hard to find the good from the bad, When They See Us is beyond good, it's great!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

RnB Friday's 2019


Full review on my other blog HERE, some fun photos right here! Coming up later this month, I'll flick over to a travel blog again, yes Thailand here I come!!!







Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Years and Years


Could this be the mini series of 2019? BBC One's Years and Years is the perfect futurist drama for 2019, the year where the UK is lead by Trump light Boris, Australia by ScoMo and the USA by Trump/Pence.

A large part of Australia is on fire, California had massive wildfires, the Amazon was on fire, Italy and parts of the UK are under water and November in NSW already is an extension of a long ass summer.

So is Years and Years an indication of where the West is headed? Yes and yes.

Brilliantly created by Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies with the IT gay character actor Russell Tovey and the marvellous Emma Thompson, this mini series has it all.

Family breakdowns, marriage/love, technology, trauma in the future all play out over six fantastic episodes.

This is must see TV, airing in the UK on the BBC, USA on HBO and right here on Australia now on the premium SBS on Demand app.

Please I urge you to give this a look, perfect summer time viewing!

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - Judy


Could there be a better Sunday morning matinee movie? Judy is a true (heartbreaking) story of child actor/singer turned musical superstar who had one hell of a tough last year, that year is the subject of the film Judy.

Based on the play End of the Rainbow, Renée Zellweger shines as Judy. Following her efforts in the truly trashy Netflix series What/If this is a return to serious acting for Zellweger. At 50 Zellweger has already outlived Judy who dies in England aged 47.

I wasn't super keen on seeing this film until a co-worker really sold it to me, and at the end credits I was so happy I was advised to see this sad tale of fame and isolation.



Like more modern tales like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and Jeff Buckley, fame does not equal a long happy life.

Amy Winehouse had an awful time, whilst Garland was not as well known for her drinking and pill popping, it was her inability to eat, being forced from a young age to suppress her hunger and take pills to calm her down plus sleep.

Judy was brilliantly shot and well acted, following his small role in the latest American Horror Story Finn Wittrock was equally good as Garland's 5th husband Mickey Deans.

Judy is well worth a look, heartbreaking, brilliantly acted, Zellweger is unrecognisable as Garland but oh so convincing. The touching scene between two fans and Garland in their home after a show was one of my favourite scenes from a film this year.

It'll be done at the cinemas real soon as we make way for Frozen II, 4 Stars.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

American Horror Story Season Nine Concludes..


American Horror Story: 1984 is an ode to the 80's, the fashion, the music, Billy Idol even aerobics!

In it's 9th season American Horror Story excluded long term cast Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson but added Matthew Morrison (Glee), Angelica Ross (Pose) and Gus Kenworthy.

Season nine also marked the shortest number of episodes, in line with the season number, nine. The season for me started out strong with a killer on the loose slasher horror style at a summer camp, however once ghosts (sorry - spoiler alert) became one of the main themes, the storylines started to lose me.

The aerobics in the first two episodes (mainly featured and lead by Billie Lourd) really was next level, loved it sick! However when we were just left with a crazy ass summer camp, it lost me a little.

With a super hot cast including some new comers there was fresh life in the latest season, not to mention less politics than season seven, Cult. DeRon Horton from Dear White People was also a fantastic addition to the cast.

Check out some of the aerobics below, if you have Foxtel (in Australia) give the season a go, it's free from filler episodes like previous seasons, therefor not overstaying it's welcome.

Season nine is a fun, camp look back at the 80's, of course with a touch of blood and gore. Where will American Horror Story travel in 2020? Season 10 is set to be big with plenty of earlier season favourites return, stay on the internet for more gossip as it lands!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - Terminator: Dark Fate


Arnie is back as is James Cameron as they once again try and resurrect the Terminator franchise. So it looks like another trilogy was planned with Cameron back on board... however this film has been an international box office bomb, so apparently that is off the cards.

The cast in this sixth installment on Terminator on the big screen sees Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger return. Whilst newcomers Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes are welcome additions to the film.

Gabriel Luna and Diego Boneta are as good looking as ever however they alone can not save this film.



Ticking all action film boxes, a car chase, a big bad guy set up finale, fancy CGI, on a scale of action films it's fine, however it's not breaking any new ground on a well told story. We all know Sarah Connor (although she swears more in this film than in any other I can remember), she even got her own TV show a few years back.

So this reboots the whole franchise back to the original film and Terminator 2: Judgement Day. This allows Cameron to forgot some of the worst parts of recent films Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), Terminator Salvation (2009) and Terminator Genisys (2015).

For a super hot Spring day, this was a fine film, it was a popcorn film at best with big action sequences, so I will pass this bad boy at 2.5 Stars.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The Other Guy


The Other Guy is coming to Stan to get some more Aussie content on one of the top streaming services in Australia.

Since leaving Triple J breakfast Matt Okine has been busy with comedy as well as getting the second series of The Other Guy set to screen on December 13.

The first season of the show landed all the way back in winter 2017, so it's been a wee wait. Good news though Claudia Karvan joins the cast for season two!

I for one am excited about the show is returning, in coming weeks more Australian TV coverage as we head into those super warm months. Air con, check, Stan subscription, check, snacks, check, Summer 2019/2020 is almost here!

Monday, November 11, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - Last Christmas


Paul Feig has been behind some of my favourite films of recent times, Bridesmaids, The Heat and Spy, although of late he has had a couple of misses, that Ghostbusters reboot and A Simple Favor. I liked A Simple Favor and it did do well at the box office, however nowhere near as well as Bridesmaids.

From A Simple Favor Henry Golding returns to star in this film. Alongside Golding is Game of Thrones mega star Emilia Clarke, again looking different.

Michelle Yeoh is also fantastic as Santa whilst Emma Thompson feels a little forced as Petra. That said I am obsessed with Thompson in Years & Years, more on that soon.



Now for readers of this blog they will not be surprised to learn I don't love Christmas. To have Christmas decorations up on November 1st, Tuggerah Westfield I am looking at you, this is a cheap ploy to get folks to spend more money they may not have.

That aside Last Christmas is not really about Christmas but the famous song by Wham. If you know the lyrics well there is a big clue to the sort of twist in this story.

The film however is a nice warm film, it's full of ooooohhhhhhh moments, Clarke is delightful and can hold a tune whilst Golding is a great leading man and should be cast in more films, ASAP!

This will not be Feig's legacy, that will most likely always be Bridesmaids, however this is fun, 3 Stars.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - 47 Meters Down: Uncaged


If you have read this blog for a while or read any of my movie reviews, you will know by now I a) like movies and b) love to be scared shitless by a shark film.

I missed 47 Meters Down at the cinema, however I did race off to see the wonderful Meg opening day or week, either one.

The 47 Meters Down movies have now taken over $100 million dollars worldwide, for much, much smaller budgets! So how does the Uncaged film fair?



There are some celebrity kids cast in this Mexican shark fest and man are they ready to get used for shark bait.

Unlike the first film with Mandy Moore, this is way more of an adventure/blended family love fest. The adventure is the scuba diving through the hidden Mayan city, the love fest is between the blended family step sisters Mia (Sophie NĂ©lisse) and Sasha (Corinne Foxx). Foxx is Jamie Foxx's daughters, whilst Nicole played by Sistine Stallone is clearly Sly Stallone AKA Rambo's daughter.

47 Meters Down: Uncaged scared me in parts, but also had me rooting for the girls to survive, it's fairly predictable (mainly the order of deaths) with a big ending.

I reckon they are on the money with this series and we may see a third film in the series. I enjoyed this film, however full disclosure I did have a free ticket courtesy of a cinema loyalty program.

This won't be around on the big screen for much longer Sydney siders so get in soon or you'll miss it, 3 Stars.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Affair Ends...


Since October, 2014 we have watched Noah and Helen have affairs, relationships and try to keep it together with their kids, lead by young Whitney.

Whitney in the finale finally had her wedding day after some drama along the way, whilst Anna Paquin as Joanie Lockhart finally got her peace, well in the future.

The finale was done mostly well with future sequences, present moments at Whitney's wedding and one final Solloway family fight.

The show has been filled with fights, drama and sex, season five however dropped the sex whilst ramped up the fights.

I must say from season four to five and the drastic lose of main characters (mainly Cole and Alison) the show felt a little half cooked at times, it just felt a little like the Noah and Helen show.

Whilst the show did mainly start off as the Noah and Helen show, it kind of just left off Alison and Cole's main roles in earlier seasons. Through Joanie however we discovered both in fact had died. Making this all the more easier to wrap things up neatly.

By adding Joanie to the show through a time jump, it allowed loose ends to be easily tied up. The perspectives seemed a little lost when we were only getting Noah and Helens while Joanie lived in some future world with fancy tech and a declining environment.

The Affair has been a wonderful addition to Showtime's line up, it started out smart, however it did in the middle become more of a soap.

I will miss the show, however I think it could have ended with less drama and more followers at the end of season four.

When shows drag on for too long, only true fans remain to the bitter end. Showtime will also kiss goodbye the long running Homeland early in 2020. Ray Donovan and Shameless returns this month, both have been on for many seasons, so will we see the last of Ray and the Gallaghers?

The Affair is streaming in Australia now on Foxtel...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Cinema Slut #2019 - Gemini Man


I wasn't super keen on seeing the latest Will Smith film after the misfire of Aladdin remake, Collateral Beauty and his rather average role in Suicide Squad.

Apparently this film was in development for 20 years, how far CGI has come though in those 20 years. Directed by over hyped director Ang Lee this really is an average action film for a budget of over a $130 million and apparently 20 years of work.

The action sequences are fun but some of the dialogue is flat out woeful.



Will Smith is at a crossroad in his career, continue to make average, poorly reviewed films or give up with some good memories of him singing about the Men in Black or a Fresh Prince somewhere in America.

I can't be all negative it does look a million bucks whilst travelling various parts of the world.

Will Smith is handsome and at 51 (a joke well versed in the film) is in damn fine condition, however I just want more for him. He had a legacy, now he is the kind of guy movie studios, hope and/or pray his name will be enough to assist breaking even some very ordinary films.

Unfortunately in 2019 if it's not a comic book film, action reboot or something we have all seen before, it's just not going to go very far.

Gemini Man has it's moments, the de-aging of Smith was clever, however not clever enough to standout as a top action film of 2019.

2.5 Stars.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Total Control


ABC is hot on the heels of drama kings in Australia Foxtel with the latest series to put the drama back in Sunday nights, Total Control. Three out of six episodes in and I am hooked! Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths shine in this part ACT, part QLD based series.

The show has received major critical acclaim, not to mention it's rating fairly damn well!



This show is exceptional and deserves any accolades that come it's way. Please ABC give us a second season, please? Here is Mailman talking to 7:30 about her latest role.



Total Control episodes one through three are streaming now on iView, whilst episode four airs tonight, with the season finale airing Sunday 17 November.