#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - We Are Who We Are

It's the end of 2020, thank fuck! So this is the finale for my #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV post series.

We Are Who We Are is co-created and directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name fame) airing in Australia on SBS on Demand.

Internationally this was another hit for HBO in 2020 (while they missed their heavy hitter, Game of Thrones) as well as Sky Atlantic in Italy. 

The eight episode mini-series is basically a coming-of-age story set on a US army base in Italy. Following two American 14-year-olds, Fraser Wilson and Caitlin "Harper" Poythress. 

An all star cast includes Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga (yes the Queen of the South) Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II, and Scott Mescudi AKA Kid Cudi.

The series premiered in September this year in the USA, I can't remember when it landed on the SBS streaming platform. However I have just smashed all episodes as the year closes out.

We Are Who We Are focuses on two American kids who live on a fictional U.S. military base in Chioggia, Italy in 2016. 

The series explores friendship, first love, identity, and immerses the audience in all the messy exhilaration and anguish of being a teenager – a story which could happen anywhere in the world, but in this case, happens in this little slice of America in Italy.

Blood Orange (Dev Hynes) music features heavily in the series, whilst in episode eight, his concert is the main feature as the show concludes.

I really enjoyed this series, it was completely different. HBO has continued to push through 2020 with some truly remarkable series including Betty, Lovecraft Country, Perry Mason, Real Time with Bill Maher and Insecure's latest season. That is an impressive line up!

So if you need something new over the New Year's period, We Are Who We Are is streaming now on SBS On Demand. Great job SBS, looking forward to your 2021 offerings.

November/December TV Finales - A Teacher

A Teacher is a miniseries created by Hannah Fidell based on her film of the same name. Leading the series are Kate Mara and Nick Robinson. 

A Teacher premiered on streaming service FX on Hulu on November 10, 2020, concluding today.

Claire Wilson, a popular young high school English teacher, has an affair with an 17-year-old student, Eric Walker. The miniseries explores the complexities and consequences of Wilson's abusive coercion of her student

Mara has had some outstanding TV roles, from House of Cards to Pose and the first round of American Horror Story. Robinson had a big role in Love, Simon and now Love, Victor the spin off TV series, also on Hulu.

A Teacher starts of romantic (as romantic as a teacher in love with a younger student can be) to both lives being destroyed one way or another. Its full on but well done. The use of awesome pop songs throughout also breaks the tension.

The short episodes whiz by sometimes clocking in at 21 minutes some episodes. You find yourself at the end of episode ten in no time.

Kate Mara really is a talent to keep an eye on. If you can get access to this one. Give it a go. It sounds controversial, it is slightly but its also a well told tale of two people not only hurting themselves, but also those around them.

Best Movies of 2020 (AC - After Corona)

BEST hyped film of 2020 (AC) - Tenet

BEST jump out of the seat film - Antebellum

BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - The Craft: Legacy

BEST film of 2020 (AC) - Happiest Season

BEST small (budget) film - Borat Subsequent Moviefilm *

BEST Aussie Movie - Baby Teeth. Special mention for Dirt Music (Mainly for the scenery, hanging out for The Dry this weekend)

BEST Music film - Dirt Music (Julia Stone has a role, does that count?)

BEST controversial film of 2020 (AC) - Borat Subsequent Moviefilm *

BEST Drama - All My Life (warning: I cried buckets!)

** Best Movies of 2020 (BC - Before Corona) - July 2020 Post

* Streaming only on Amazon Prime

Special mentions: Unhinged and best foreign film at the cinema The Eight Hundred (Chinese: 八佰).

COVID-Cinema 2020 - WW84

Was it worth the wait for Wonder Woman 1984 (WW84)? Short answer, no.

Gal Gadot returns as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, joined by Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal (Mando!), Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. 

Set in 1984 during the Cold War, the film follows Diana and her past love Steve Trevor as they face off against Max Lord and Cheetah.

WW1984 premiered on December 15, 2020, via the DC FanDome virtual platform. Followed by HBO Max on Xmas Day.

A sequel (and spinoff) is in development, with Gal Gadot returning.

So why was it no good? It's a mess. With Wiig and Pascal as villains, a dead Pine returning in someone else's body and Lynda Carter (who played Wonder Woman in the 1970s television series) making a credits cameo appearance as Asteria. Could this be key for WW3?

Will fans of DC films enjoy this? Yes but I feel if DC and Marvel were competing seriously DC has a lot of catching up to do now. I am sure I enjoyed the first film more. At almost two and a half hours this is heavily bloated with a lot more editing required.

I am not sure why an action film needs more than 2 hours to find, catch/kill the villain of the film? WW84 has been one of those films we have waited, waited and waited for. Sadly all this waiting set expectations high. They are not met, nor does the film leave you wanting to rush out and see yet another American superhero film. Whilst America needs a real life Wonder Woman, they need something better than this.

2 Stars.

November/December TV Finales - The Wilds

The Wilds came out a minute ago, but dang I smashed season one so easily. Ahead of me returning to the cinema tomorrow for some WW84, lets take a look at The Wilds on Prime Video, AKA Amazon Prime.

In Christmas gifts this holiday season, the series was renewed for a second season earlier this month, yay!

So now you have watched the trailer, here is the basic plot.

A group of teenage girls from different backgrounds consisting of Fatin Jadmani, Dot Campbell, Martha Blackburn, Rachel Reid, Shelby Goodkind, Nora Reid, Toni Shalifoe, and Leah Rilke are on an airplane when it crashes into the ocean while en route to Hawaii for the Dawn of Eve program, a young women's empowerment retreat. They survive the crash and find themselves stranded on a deserted island. As the girls worked to survive as castaways and learn secrets from each other, they are unaware that the plane crash was orchestrated by the head of Dawn of Eve program in Hawaii and are subjects of a social experiment.

Sound good? Well it is. Rachel Griffiths as Gretchen Klei is a highlight for me. Whilst not a major player on the island, she commands the screen every scene she is in. Plus can we talk about the number of C bombs in this series?

It's a lazy long weekend Sunday, what are you waiting for? Cobra Kai to launch slightly earlier on January 1st, 2021? Give this a go in the meantime, cannot wait for season two!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Sweet River

**COVID-Cinema 2020 with a difference, streaming from home on Netflix**

OK rounding off a weird cinema year, it's time to check in with another Netflix original film, Sweet River.

This time around though it has an Australiana flavour. Starring Blue Heelers (and Wentworth) favourite Martin Sacks.

Theatre legend (well from Billy Elliot - OG run) Geneviève Lemon also stars in this Child of the Corn style non thrilling not scary local horror film.

If you can tell I didn't love it you'd be right. Mix the TV show Glitch with every other horror film that is set next to a spooky looking crop and you get Sweet River.

This film did not feel original nor did it change my mind on Netflix original films. I still love going to the movies to watch movies, even if the movie is a little B or C grade.

It's been a rough year for Aussie films so here is hoping The Dry can start 2021 strong.

Sweet River isn't that sweet, 1.5 Stars.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Gangs of London

Gangs of London first aired in the UK on 23 April 2020 on Sky Atlantic. It came to Australia later and will also air in the USA. A second season has already been announced so no doubt STAN are happy they have a UK type Sons of Anarchy series on the books.

STAN has a lot of random overseas acquired content which has gained positive reviews as well as a large marketing spend.

Gangs of London is super violent whilst rather easy to watch (once you get passed the violence) the ten episodes. I think in Australia they edited to an even 10 episodes where in the UK it appears it was a nine episode airing.

Set in the heart of London, one of the world's most dynamic and multicultural cities, Gangs of London tells the story of the city being torn apart by the turbulent power struggles of the international gangs that control it and the sudden power vacuum that's created when the head of London's most powerful crime family is assassinated.

Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney) was (emphasis on was) the most powerful criminal in London. But like a lot of fictional (and non fictional come to think of it) underworld figures now he's dead. Nobody knows who ordered him killed. 

With rivals everywhere, it's up to the his son Sean Wallace (Joe Cole), with the help of another crime family headed by Ed Dumani (Lucian Msamati), to take his father's place. 

If the situation wasn't already dangerous enough, the loss of Finn Wallace rule causes ripples in the world of international crime within the streets of London, which consists of the Albanian Mafia as well as the Kurdish freedom fighters, Pakistani Drug Cartel, Welsh travellers and various other criminal elements.

In the middle of this is newcomer Elliot Finch (Sope Dirisu), who appears to be a low-level employ of the Wallace family and opportunist, secretly is an undercover policeman building a case against the Wallace family organisation.

There is a lot going on, as I said before it's violent AF. The first few episodes were a tough watch however once you reconcile all minor characters will die, you just pop along for the ride.

This will be one of the last in the #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV post series. As 2020 finally comes to an end I am dropping COVID off any post titles for the upcoming new year.

Happy holidays folks, we made it xoxoxo

November/December TV Finales - The House of Ho

From the highs of The Mandalorian to The House of Ho... Well, well, well, STAN has scored its second HBO Max title. First being Love Life with Anna Kendrick earlier this year. Or was it last year? Oh fuck knows 2020 has been a beast!

 

The Ho's have three kids (well they are all adults now) oldest daughter Judy, daughter in law husband to Washington and finally outcast Raegan. However after a quick Insta search, Raegan does host some family photos, so maybe the outcast storyline is a little bit of a stretch.

Washington and Lesley show you (the viewer) perfectly that money does not buy happiness (or in Washington's dress sense, style) or a happy marriage.

Binh and Hue (the parents) are shown to be as dirt-poor refugees in 1975 who decided to go from war torn Vietnam to the USA. 

Whilst Aunt Tina lights up the screen every time she enters stage right. She drinks, gives random advice and seemingly does not give a rats.

Aunt Tina, who is an independent stylist and one of Binh’s younger sisters, and Cousin Sammy (who is not Aunt Tina’s daughter), mostly serve as commentators to the drama with Judy and Lesley.

The House of Ho does not hit the same heights as Crazy Rich Asians. While it is fun to see a family seemingly have fun (with a little drama rich people problems) drink, shop and play. The Judy, Nate story is cute however the show seems completed after its seventh episode with commentary on each of the Ho family members.

If you are bored over the festive season and crave some family drama (if you are free of your own family drama) give this a go on STAN. Seven times thirty odd minute episodes. Easy!

November/December TV Finales - The Mandalorian (Season Two)

*Already renewed for a third season, with three spin-off series announced in December 2020 will expand on the series' timeline: The Book of Boba Fett, Rangers of the New Republic, and Ahsoka.

OK this is by far the biggest and best show of 2020. Baby Yoda has captured people's hearts (again) and The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) just melted my heart on a number of occasions.

The show is huge, the hype is real. The series looks a million bucks (probably costs way more, but Disney budget) with action scenes American network TV could only dream of.

The show is apparently set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983), however major Star Wars fans have told me this may not be entirely true.

The 8 episode season commenced on Disney+ October 30, 2020. Now as we are set to close the door on 2020, we are waiting for a third season to arrive. Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Fennec Shand gets a larger role whilst being announced for the Boba Fett spin off, The Book of Boba Fett.

Speaking of Boba Fet (Temuera Morrison ) clearly with the spin off announced plays a large role in season two. Another character getting a spin off is Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano.

The eight episodes flew by, Baby Yoda (Grogu / The Child) got cuter, his sounds got more adorable helping us all get through the shit show that 2020 was giving us in real time outside of Disney's galaxy hopping series.

If you are a fan you would have already watched both seasons of The Mandalorian, if not, why not, get on it ASAP! You could almost hear all the nerds cum with the big reveal at the end of season two. What a climax, what closure, where do we go in season three? Time will only tell.

Disney+ is already expanding its hold on the streaming world. With big Marvel series coming, a pile of Star Wars series on the way, Netflix better watch out.

Whilst I have always found Disney greedy and just froze (not a dig at Frozen) out the remainder of the market. Disney as a brand has extremely high and positive brand recognition which puts The Mandalorian in a solid place.

I for one can't wait for season three. Bring on 2021!

November/December TV Finales - Station 19 (Fall Finale)

As mentioned in my last November/December TV Finales post, the Station 19 finale was a lot. I meant to post this on Sunday (alas I did no blogging that day apart from a Summer Music List) but I then read the episode continued through another Grey's Anatomy episode in yes season 17 of the Seattle Hospital drama.

This five episode first half of season four has been less full of death than the third season. However COVID-19 has been forever present. The series now takes a long break until March, 2021.

COVID-19 has seriously disrupted in 2020 whilst it has also given TV writers/producers new content. The news is full on, the USA has been a lot to take in this past 12 months. so Station 19 did well to cover two huge issues we have faced in 2020.

As a white man I can not understand the fear of police I would if I was a person of colour. The episode so perfectly captured how quickly a small move could trigger such a serious consequences. Following George Floyd earlier in the year, police violence is now being watched. We all have smartphones so no one can get away with abuse of power.

In the past it was one folks word against the others, now we have clear evidence which can be shared across the world.

As the world watched in horror as the USA continued to spiral in 2020, it is hard the believe the usually safe space of network US TV handled two issues so well.

The Grey's follow up episode handled the COVID issue whilst the continuing child trafficking story got a little more focus. The two shows have worked well together through Station 19's third and now fourth seasons.

Where season four will continue to go when in returns in March 2021, who knows. Maybe we need to know where will America be in March, 2021. Joe Biden will be in charge, adults will be back in the White House, but where will the great big orange man end up? Hopefully in jail.

Yes a review of the Baby Yoda series finale is coming, as is A Teacher, neXt and maybe one or two more. Until then, stay safe and catch up on some more TV. We sure have watched a lot this year, so why stop now.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Cry Club

Cry Club describe themselves as a queer bubblegum punk duo. They duo formed in January 2018 hailing from Melbourne, Victoria. Heather on vocals (They/Them) and Jono out on the guitars (He/Him). The crew pack a punch.

Playing gigs alongside WAAX, Moaning Lisa & Bec Sandridge as well as festivals NYE on the Hill and Gaytimes.

Cry Club released their debut album mid November God I'm Such a Mess following their hit singles Obvious and Robert Smith. You can listen and download some more of their works on Triple J Unearthed.

Well that marks the end of the (Mini) Monday Spotlight for 2020. As my other blog Flashing off the Record focuses solely on music. These posts may find a new home in 2021.

2020 has seen me lean into music more than ever. Every new artist I have researched and listened too through 2020 has helped me make sense of this truly fucked up year. I hope you have enjoyed meeting/listening to some great new music from new acts. So many great debut albums this year, so many great new tunes.

Be safe, look after each other and stay well. For now enjoy some Cry Club, if I have done one thing more this year that is cry.

November/December TV Finales - The Flight Attendant (miniseries)

The Flight Attendant was meant to be a miniseries, however HBO Max were happy with season one's results, so season two will be coming in 2021*

Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Chris Bohjalian, The Flight Attendant stars Kaley Cuoco in the title role and premiered on HBO Max/Binge (in Australia) on November 26, 2020.

The eight episodes follows Cassie Bowden (Cuoco) a flight attendant who wakes up in a hotel room in Bangkok, hungover from the night before, with the dead body of a passenger from her last flight lying next to her.

Cassie is a reckless alcoholic (drinking during flights) who also spends her time between flights having sex with men (including customers she picks up during flights).

Greg Berlanti is also on board as a producer so you know it's going to be slightly camp.

The eight episodes week to week sped by due to the first three episodes airing one week, followed by two double episodes, the finally the finale aired as a solo episode this week.

A number of shows concluded this week so I will also take a look at the Station 19 season four epic fall finale. They really tackled COVID-19 and BLM. Look out for that soon.

While The Flight Attendant is no longer a miniseries, I still enjoyed this a lot. Check it out if you have access to Binge or a Foxtel product. Happy week before the fat man comes down the chimney...

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Dreamland

Dreamland had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 28, 2019, fast forward to December, 2020 the film gets an Australia cinema release.

Starring Finn Cole, Margot Robbie and Travis Fimmel, Dreamland follows a farm boy helps a seductive fugitive hiding in his small town during the Great Depression.

Looking the the production history of this film, Paramount Pictures had no idea what to do with this film.

In May 2017, Margot Robbie joined the cast of the film, with Miles Joris-Peyrafitte directing from a screenplay by Nicolaas Zwart. Robbie will also serve as a producer on the film, alongside Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Rian Cahill, under their LuckyChap Entertainment and Automatik banners, respectively.[5] In October 2017, Finn Cole, Travis Fimmel, Darby Camp and Kerry Condon joined the cast of the film. Principal photography began in October 2017, in New Mexico.

So 2017, till now. Wow! Margot Robbie is a huge star too, so clearly there was not much confidence in this film after the screening at the Tribeca Film Festival.

However Animal Kingdom's Finn Cole is honestly one of the best looking English gentlemen ever! So while I wait for Animal Kingdom to return for its fifth (most likely final) season this is my one chance to see him live on the big screen.

Dreamland is a nice throwback to Depression, with some nice on the road scenes with Robbie and Finn. It has limited sessions for its first week of releases, so if you are keen get in this week before Wonder Woman finally lands in the cinema.

Dreamland is a fairly good piece of escapism, 3 Stars.

November/December TV Finales - Big Sky (FallFinale)

Warning: This post contains major spoilers from Big Sky‘s fall finale. Proceed accordingly.

Not sure where this show will land on Australian TV but for now in the USA, the latest David E. Kelley  show is five episodes in. Originally the series was meant to be a ten episode first season, now it has an expanded 16 episode order.

The shows basic plot is as follows.

Private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt join forces with Cody's estranged wife, ex-cop Jenny Hoyt, to search for two sisters who have been kidnapped by a truck driver on a remote highway in Montana. But when they discover that these are not the only girls who have disappeared in the area, they must race against the clock to stop a killer before another woman is taken.

The cast includes John Carroll Lynch, Dedee Pfeiffer, Ryan Phillippe and Katheryn Winnick. But don't get too excited about seeing Ryan Phillippe again on the small screen. Mini spoiler.

So five episodes in its time for a mid season break. The show will be back late January, with a few answers to come.

Will John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski die from what looked like a fatal shot at the end of the episode? How will the three girls survive? What will happen to Brian Geraghty who plays the other baddie Ronald Pergman?

Looks like we will have to wait till late January. January is actually looking quite busy for US network TV now. Both 9-1-1 series returning, All American, Prodigal Son and Zoey's Playlist all coming back. Bring it on!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Caught in Time

Arriving in Australia mid December, it's my second Chinese film for 2020. So this is basically Money Heist but in Mainland China, also it's an express film.

Wasting no time getting to the action and a swift conclusion the film only hangs around for little over 90 minutes.

The cast is solid, Michelle Wai, Daniel Wu, Qianyuan Wang, Jessie Li, Chaobei Wang, Wu is handsome even with a total random mullet.

Directed by Ho Leung Lau, the action sequences are awesome. Hand grenades, machine guns and cars being destroyed regularly, this ticks a lot of action boxes.

The basic plot is Detective Zhong Cheng following Eagle (Wu) who leads criminal gang led by Zhang Sun. 

Highly methodical and disciplined, the gang manages to avoid capture after each heist. A decade later, the need to stop Eagle is more urgent than ever when Zhong Cheng realizes that his time is almost up. 

If you want to escape Christmas, COVID news or just kick back with a good old fashioned action film, this one might be for you. Wonder Woman is almost here but for now, Caught in Time is a decent cinema release in the year we will never forget.

3 Stars.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: George Maple

Jess Higgs (aka George Maple) is the second last (Mini) Monday Spotlight for 2020.

Following her MYTH project which was released on Friday George Maple continues to shine. In 2017, Maple released her own debut album, Lover.

Maple has also performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza and EDC Vegas, Field Day, Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo and FOMO festival. 

Maple has written and produced for artists such as DJ Snake, What So Not, Flume, Goldroom, Guy Sebastien, Hayden James and Flight Facilities. That is a diverse pack.

As George Maple, ghostwriter and producer, Maple has over 400 million spotify streams, 350,000 Shazam followers, US number #1 records, sell out shows from Paris to Sydney, 20.3 million Youtube views and full spread features in iconic publications from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar to interview magazine. That is impressive! Why has it taken me so long to feature Maple.

From working with Flume to What So Not and even featuring a GoldLink verse on her debut, Maple has a huge future ahead of her.

If you have not discovered George Maple yet, get amongst some hits below and/or stream MYTH in full. See you next week for one last (Mini) Monday Spotlight for 2020.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - I Know This Much Is True

I Know This Much Is True is one of the 2020 HBO miniseries which received an Emmy Award. Directed by Derek Cianfrance and based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb, Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey. The series landed back in May, however for some reason I was too busy back to watch the six part series.

Now if you are not in a good headspace give this a miss. It's not really holiday viewing as it's super deep, dark and at times depressing. Alongside Ruffalo, Melissa Leo and Juliette Lewis also star. Rosie O'Donnell also gets back on the acting horse as does a large supporting cast.

I didn't love this as much as The Undoing or other 2020 HBO programming. At times it was just way too much in a year where we didn't need more depressing issues to be brought up. Whilst Ruffalo did an outstanding job, I did find my mind wandering a little. You may need to be in a really good place to sit down and consume all six episodes.

I watched it over a couple of weeks, one episode at a time because anymore would have been too much in one sitting. 

I'm not sure I would highly recommend this series, however the acting was top notch. I Know This Much Is True is on Binge or whatever way you consume Foxtel

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Happiest Season

Happiest Season is one of my final films for 2020. With an all star cast Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, Victor Garber and Mary Steenburgen you actually made me like a Christmas movie!

So well done Clea DuVall! DuVall has said the film is a semi-autobiographical take on her own experiences with her family.

The film in the United States ended up on Hulu, whereas here in Australia it arrived at the cinema a few weeks back.

Ok MVP in this film for me was Mary Holland as Jane, Harper (Mackenzie Davis) sister. I haven't really laughed out loud much at the cinema in a while. So this was refreshing. The Happiest Season actually made me happy and see some joy in a Christmas film.

Apparently as well a potential sequel may happen. Please do. This is one film I would totally want to see more of the main players. 

Kristen Stewart still hates the world as Abby, Harper's girlfriend, however we do see a slightly softer side to her.

The Happiest Season is by no means perfect, however it is a bit of fun. If you need a laugh before the holiday madness really kicks in, check out the Happiest Season before we have to wait in Australia for it to land on a streaming service. My bet is on Stan getting this one.

Speaking of Hulu as well in this post. Praise Be! The Handmaid's Tale has been renewed for a fifth season ahead of the fourth season returning.

Happiest Season gets a solid four stars.

Happy Fri-Yay!

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Condor

Condor is a Stan (Australia) series based on the novel Six Days of the Condor by James Grady. It follows the 1975 film adaptation Three Days of the Condor. I had only recently heard of this series due to all the bus shelter Stan posters for the series. It looked like Homeland lite.

The series premiered back in June 2018 in the USA. While a second season got the green light in July 2018. The second season, premiered this June. So I am a little late to the show, however I made quick work of the two 10 episode seasons.

Max Irons is not only handsome, he plays lead Joseph "Joe" Turner. The first season sees Joe on the run, the second sees him uncovering some shocking truths.

Constance Zimmer from UnREAL is a standout in season two. To be honest I did prefer the second season. It was an easier watch while season one towards the second half of the season begun to drag a little.

So over this summer slack/break period Condor might be your bag if Jack Ryan, Homeland and political spy style series get your juices flowing. Stan has again continued to grab any titles it can get its hands on and honestly this was not a bad buy.

November/December TV Finales - Euphoria (Special Episode - one of two)

Euphoria was renewed for a second season way back in mid 2019 ahead of season one concluding. Season one was a short order of eight episodes so creator Sam Levinson has two special episodes planned to bridge the season one, season two gap.

First up aired over the weekend, Trouble Don't Last Always, Part 1: Rue. So I am assuming Part II is Jules?

The show itself is one of those ones where COVID protocols would be extremely difficult to follow. In its first season Euphoria really pushed the boundaries, hard. 

This special episode however could be a look a doing episodes with less sex and physical touch and more distance. The episode was largely in a diner with Rue and Ali. Zendaya as Rue Bennett has broken her former good girl brand. It also won her an Emmy, People's Choice Awards and a Satellite Award for best actress.

The show has done exceptionally well for HBO. Like baker & the Beauty before it, the US version is loosely based on the Israeli miniseries of the same name.

When we will see the second episode of these special two before season two airs is anyones guess, that is this falls under my November/December TV Finales series.

This episode which totally hits you in the feels is a bleak Christmas TV piece that sets up and keeps the viewers up to date with the latest Rue and Jules drama.

I loved season one, it was fresh, raw and confronting. It showed growing up in this modern world warts and all. There was little holding back. Zendaya really is a star, the music used is epic and I am interested to see where creator Sam Levinson is taking us in season two.

I hope to have another show Binged in time for my next post tomorrow. Also the wonderful Shameless has just returned for a very COVID inspired final season.

See you tomorrow.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Death by Denim

Let's travel to Perth for one of the final (Mini) Monday Spotlight's for 202 with Death by Denim.

Known for their high energy live shows, versatile song writing and tendency to wear outlandish combinations of denim. The group have just released their debut album, Sleepless and Sunkissed.

The group have been all over the radio recently with Caged, so it's great to get a debut album from the four piece in time for Christmas.

Death by Denim have been described as having a unique blend of R’n’B, rock and funk. You can stream their entire album below.

The group had a massive year on the road in 2019. Completing three national tours as well as opening Falls Festival Fremantle for triple j Unearthed and playing a set at Falls Byron Bay.

2019 also saw the band release their sophomore EP ‘Year Long Minute’ with breakout single ‘Wiggy’. So it's one of the last Monday's I will ask you to discover a new act. The (Mini) Monday Spotlight will be back next Monday with another great local talent.

November/December TV Finales - The Crown (Season Four)

The fourth season of The Crown, landed at the right time on Netflix, the 15 November 2020. By 5 December  2020 I had concluded the addictive ten episode season.

This is the last season we see Olivia Colman as Elizabeth, Helena Bonham Carter as Margaret, Josh O'Connor as Charles and Emma Corrin gets one season as Princess Di. Corrin along with newcomer Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher stole the series. The fourth season was all about the ladies. 

With Thatcher and the Queen butting heads, Di and Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles competing for Charles's attention and Helena Bonham Carter getting some priceless moments.

I dislike the royal family straight up. I don't think The Crown does anything to market this family. This series was extremely delicious with Anderson just slaying her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher.

The fourth season picks up where the third concluded. Covering the period between 1977 and 1990. Margaret Thatcher is the PM whilst Lady Diana Spencer and Prince William appear in the dysfunctional family.

Major moments in season four include, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, their 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand, the Falklands War, Michael Fagan's break-in at Buckingham Palace, the Princess of Wales's appearance at the Barnardo's Champion Children Awards, and Thatcher's departure from office.

There is a lot to cover of the ten episodes so the pace is faster than previous seasons. This makes the series an easy binge. I must say though I was sad to finish it. As I knew through reading online the fifth season was a way off. Like 2022 way off.

Charles was so vile throughout the fourth season making the viewers feel for Di. Whilst the Queen had moments of softness and compassion however she also had moments of brutal honesty whilst keeping the Crown going.

Charles and Camilla was really the other main theme throughout the series. Whilst we saw Di struggle, we saw Thatcher reform the UK and the Queen trying to hold the family and tradition together.

I loved this season (maybe due to the Australian connection or I was born throughout this time period) and cannot wait for the 5th and final 6th season.

This summer/holiday period if you haven't already, get into The Crown. You won't regret it. It's fabulous!

November/December TV Finales - Filthy Rich (Season One)

I don't mind a one and done series from time to time, right now FOX has two (or now one) on their hands. Filthy Rich has just concluded and neXt will finish in coming weeks, so look out for a November/December TV Finales post real soon.

Filthy Rich is based on the New Zealand series of the same name seeing Sex & the City star, Kim Cattrall as Margaret Monreaux in the lead role.

The Monreaux family are dodgy AF, think Hillsong but based in the US south. The show was originally meant to air over Spring in the US, however it was pushed back to premiere late September 21.

The shows cancellation was swift. I think 3 or 4 episodes had aired. Boom it was gone. For the final episode (if you are there you) checkout out this comprehensive wrap up (including spoilers) here.

The show is described as a "Gothic family drama in which wealth, power and religion collide—with outrageously soapy results", the series centers on a mega-rich Southern family who made their money with a Christian television network. The sudden passing of the network's founder in a plane crash brings out three more family members (his illegitimate children who were written into his will due to him having affairs with different women), all of whom want to inherit the empire for their own reasons

It's high camp, easy viewing. The usual show you would see in the US summer. However with TV budgets here (Australia) and abroad being slashed, shows need to be an automatic hit.

Even Netflix is reversing multiple shows renewals to save cash. Also producing TV with COVID safety standards would not be easy. All those HBO/Showtime racy sex scenes?

Filthy Rich will not be everyones cup of tea and I don't even know if rusted on Sex & the City fans will love this series. But there is some eye candy in Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Antonio Rivera. CUTE!

OK, so that is it for a little while for TV finales. However Sunday is a HUGE day for TV. Shameless returns for its 11th and final season, Your Honor also kicks off on Showtime (STAN in Australia) and Power Book II Ghost returns. As an added extra (speaking of racy HBO scenes) Euphoria returns for one of two special extra episodes. 

If you live in Sydney you would have not been able to miss Your Honor or Power Book II Ghost is in everyone of our bus stops.

Filthy Rich not sure where/if it will land in Australia, but come on commercial networks, your non ratings schedule already sucks and its week one.

November/December TV Finales - The Undoing (miniseries)

The Undoing is the latest TV series written and produced by David E. Kelley. Kelley currently also has airing Big Sky while currently filming Nine Perfect Strangers, which also stars Nicole Kidman.

Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the miniseries is another HBO hit. Originally set to air in May 2020, it move to October 25, 2020, again due to COVID.

Along with Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant also stars with Édgar Ramírez as Detective Joe Mendoza and Donald Sutherland as Franklin Reinhardt.

So it has a blockbuster cast right! Over the six episodes, it's part murder mystery, part life unravelling. We can all relate to our lives spiralling a little in 2020 so this landed at the perfect time. Also who doesn't love a six episode miniseries.

A number of shows are wrapping over the next few weeks, so stay tuned this is one of many posts to come. A Teacher, Power Book II and neXt all come to a close before 2020 finally does.

So Nicole Kidman has been on a bit of a winning run of late. Whilst Big Little Lies fate still is up in the air (for a third season), Kidman is already back on the filming bandwagon with Kelley on Nine Perfect Strangers, another novel from Liane Moriarty. The cast is insane along with Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Asher Keddie, Samara Weaving, Grace Van Patten, Tiffany Boone and Michael Shannon all join!

The overnight ratings on HBO have been solid, the critics have pretty much praised the series and whilst I was not 100% head over feet for the miniseries Ismael Cruz Córdova as Fernando Alves makes the series very watchable. He is the husband of murdered Matilda De Angelis as Elena Alves.

Like Big Little Lies Kidman and co are wealthy, have good jobs and the kid is in a private school. However this time the murder is brutal and the killer is only unmasked in the final episode. However the show throws you a few curveballs. Particularly at the end of episode five. No spoilers here though.

So did you guess the killer? Have you taken a look at this series on Binge/Foxtel (in Australia) yet? With free to air TV's rating season concluding the 7, 9, 10 schedule is looking extremely bland for the next 2 months. Sport, sport and more I'm a Celebrity. Boring.

So this summer support dramas. Honestly reality TV and free to air TV is done and dusted in my books.

The Undoing is six solid hours of TV you have come to expect from HBO. Also if you can get your hands on it, Kelley's Big Sky is outstanding also.

November/December TV Finales - The Walking Dead: World Beyond (Season One)

New TV post series. With a number of shows concluding over the next few weeks, it's time to reflect on a number of these shows. Filthy Rich and The Undoing conclude this week, whilst Amazon Prime's The Walking Dead: World Beyond just wrapped its first season.

Following on from The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, comes the third series in The Walking Dead world. 2020 feels a little like The Walking Dead at the best of times.

This series is set in Nebraska ten years after the zombie apocalypse. I read a few people online describe this as a CW version of The Walking Dead. With young annoying cast members.

The show is described as centring around four teenage protagonists and focuses on "the first generation to come-of-age in the apocalypse as we know it. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad."

In Australia this is the one The Walking Dead series that actually airs on Amazon Prime. Here is a look at the trailer.

Here is a good full recap of the double final. I didn't really love this series, I was honestly ready to break up with The Walking Dead for good. Fear the Walking Dead season six was also a bit lame for the first seven episodes, but I feel the end is near so I am going to see it to the end.

This show unlike the parent show actually only has one more season to go. It's a two season and done kinda show.

Tomorrow I will look at the HBO miniseries The Undoing. I have finales lined up for days, so come back and check out what I have been viewing for the last little bit.

Of course the wonderful The Mandalorian concludes just before Christmas so that will come soon, the fun new The Flight Attendant also concludes soon and the new spinoff of Power comes to an end early in January 2021.

Until tomorrow...

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Haiku Hands

Claire Nakazawa, Beatrice Lewis, Mie Nakazawa make up Haiku Hands, they are the latest (Mini) Monday Spotlight acts for 2020.

Hailing from both Sydney and Melbourne, the Nakazawa sisters are from Sydney and Lewis is from Melbourne.

The group have played Groovin The Moo and Listen Out, Splendour in the Grass, St Jerome's Laneway Festival, Wonderland Scarehouse Tour, Pitch Festival and Party In The Paddock. The group have also supported Flight Facilities and Bloc Party whilst they toured with Sofi Tukker when they popped down to Australia.

Their debut album was released back on 11 September 2020. It's taken me a while to give them a feature. To be honest despite everything in 2020, there have been a lot of new acts coming through giving us solid releases. So a big fat sorry to Haiku Hands for the delayed feature. Jupiter honestly hooked me in back in 2018.

I may have a few more (Mini) Monday Spotlights in order for you in 2020, so seeya next week!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Let Him Go

Did I just watch a movie length episode of Yellowstone?

Let Him Go is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Larry Watson. Starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, the plot reads a lot like a Yellowstone story arc. A retired sheriff and his wife who set out to find their only grandchild after their son dies. Their sons wife remarries a creep and moves across state borders.

Arriving at the Australian cinemas this week, I believe it even got a theatre run in the COVID-19 plagued United States. 

Lesley Manville as Blanche Weboy is also a highlight in the second half of this slightly slow paced modern American western. A tough mother of some rather questionable boys.

The pacing is the only thing that lets this film down a little. The first half is particularly long, with the sons death happening early on, then the grandsons move takes us on a great American road trip. Whilst the film is actually filmed in the simply stunning Calgary, Canada.

The scenery is top notch, it's beautiful. Makes me miss my year away in lovely Canada. O Canada.

This is like All My Life one of the better films of the second chunk of 2020. As we head into December and hopefully the release of Wonder Woman, I will look back on this second part of COVID-Cinema 2020 and award some films. Whilst I understand studios wanting to maximise their profits at the cinemas, holding films for release of giving us substandard films, will not help cinemas moving forward.

Thank you Focus Features for allowing this to get a big screen release.

It really is the year of Kevin Costner's comeback, first a massive Yellowstone season, now this. 3.5 Stars.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - All My Life

Get your tissues ready, like seriously. I cried for the entire last thirty minutes of this film. Not just the ending, no just one scene, for thirty minutes straight.

Tears, snot, sound effects, luckily there was only one other lady in the cinema. It was not my finest moment.

However All My Life, will go down in 2020 as one of my favourite films. Predictable, all done before, yes and yes, but my gosh it hit me in the feels.

Jessica Rothe & Harry Shum Jr. are beautiful as Jennifer “Jenn” Carter & Solomon Chau. Shum Jr. deserves more leading man roles. He is handsome AF whilst really going from true love to true heartbreak.

If like me you need a good cry pre the holiday season, All My Life is totally for you. 4 Stars, despite being totally emotional.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai is up there with one of the easiest watches of 2020. Released initially on YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium), then in une 2020, Netflix acquired the series, with a third season due to land on January 8, 2021. And I for one cannot wait!

The first two seasons were gold as well as leaving the viewers wanting more. So much so Netflix have already given the show a fourth season order!

The series is a throwback (to simpler times) linking in with The Karate Kid film series.

Starring leads Ralph Macchio and William Zabka (both of whom are reprising their roles from The Karate Kid, and who also serve as co-executive producers of the series) along with Xolo Maridueña, Jacob Bertrand, Courtney Henggeler, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser and Peyton List. 

Cobra Kai is set 34 years after the original Karate Kid film, re-examining the narrative from Johnny Lawrence's point of view, and his decision to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo leading to the rekindling of his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso.

The above taken straight from Wikipedia, I was so in love with this series. I watched both seasons back to back and was really left wanting more.

No spoiler alerts here, but honestly everyone I know who has watched this, has loved it.

With ten more episodes on the way in early January 2021, I for one am excited for something in 2021. Let's just hope we are not stuck at home for too much longer and can enjoy some travel and better times in 2021.

I honestly can not remember smashing through this much TV ever. 

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Lastlings

I know it's Tuesday right, but yesterday was literally a manic Monday.

So here we are on Tuesday, the second last (Mini) Monday Spotlight for November, 2020. It's time to keep it local with Lastlings.

Hailing from Gold Coast, Queensland Lastlings are brother, sister duo Amy and Josh Dowdle.

Following performances at Coachella, Spilt Milk, Splendour in the Grass, and The Plot, the duo have just released their debut album, First Contact. They have also supported Two Door Cinema Club on their Australian national tour. In 2017 Lastlings embarked on an Australian regional tour with Rüfüs Du Sol. Now Rüfüs Du Sol have remixed their tune No Time.

Lastlings are currently playing a few shows in their home state of QLD. So why not get on board with their album below. A few more new acts to discover before 2020 finally comes to a close. Until next time..

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Fatman

Oh dear my second Mel Gibson film of 2020. Pre 2020 I can't remember the last Mel Gibson film I had seen. COVID-Cinema 2020 is really gives us some lemons.

Fatman is considered a black comedy action thriller film starring Mel Gibson and the wonderful Walton Goggins from Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones.

So the basic plot of this film is as bat shit crazy as Force of Nature (spoiler alert - a 2 star film), Santa Claus who must fight off an assassin sent by a vengeful kid to kill him.[5]

Oh boy, I wanted to enjoy this and I thought during the week I was generous to Freaky giving it three stars, however that film was so much more than this film could ever be.

I really like Walton Goggins in his TV roles, but this is a pre Christmas turkey. And can I just say retailers and large shopping centres. It's still November people, what do you have left to offer the punters in December? I have never seen Christmas come early like this before.

No joke today a man wearing a Santa hat stopped in front of me just behind the Capitol Theatre and pissed on Pitt Street mid afternoon. Oh the joys of the holiday season.

Now to put Fatman out of it's misery. This is a sad one star film. Sorry Mel, it's time to hang up the hat.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - The Good Lord Bird

The Good Lord Bird follows yesterday's film review as it also falls under Blumhouse Television. Whilst being Produced by Jason Blum. Premiering on October 4, 2020 on Showtime or STAN in Australia, the historical drama miniseries, based on the 2013 novel of the same name by James McBride. 

The basic plot of the 7 episode run from Wikipedia below...

The series is told from the point of view of Henry Shackleford (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy, who is part of John Brown's (Ethan Hawke) motley crew of abolitionist soldiers during the time of Bleeding Kansas, eventually participating in the famous 1859 raid on the Army depot at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Brown's raid failed to initiate the slave revolt he intended, but was the instigating event that started the American Civil War.

The series has had good reviews whilst I didn't really catch up with this series, rather I watched it easily week to week, I am still having this under the banner of #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV.

If seven weeks went fast pre COVID, well these last seven weeks have flown by. How it is Friday again today and how we are so close to Christmas is beyond me. 2020 has really just left me feeling exhausted.

So when it comes to time at home, TV is my one and only saving grace. From earlier in the year home has been a workplace, a gym with Facebook Live classes and even a place to eat varied take out food, 2020 has really thrown us a curveball.

So The Good Lord Bird airing while the US election was going nuts, was an interesting flashback to US history. Ethan Hawke is actually really good in this series and Onion is a rising star.

If you are like me and love a 6-8 episode mini series (or series for that matter) this could be for you.

STAN has some top notch offerings up right now, here is also hoping for some local summer titles.

Until next time, happy Fri-Yay.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Freaky

Freaky sits under the Blumhouse Productions banner, putting a twist on Freaky Friday. Leading the film is Big Little Lies star Kathryn Newton and an actor I don't love, Vince Vaughn. The latest Blumhouse slasher film revolves around a high school student who unintentionally switches bodies with a serial killer.

Heading back to Scream territory the film starts off with a big kills scene. However unlike Scream, this film is actually funny intentionally at times and pokes a little fun at our younger millennials.

Freaky got a cinema release in the United States, the same time as Australia November 13, 2020.

Whilst it wasn't the strongest horror film I've scene or the best Blumhouse film. It's been a tough year for cinemas and after reading today Woman Woman would get a free HBO Max release as well as a cinema release around Christmas. It's time to really head out and support our cinemas.

This week we got two new films which I will try and catch this weekend or next week, Fatman and All My Life.

Freaky is a bit of freaky fun, there is a little bit too much gore for my liking, but they drop the one word that is 2020. The C bomb.

So if you need a film to break up the day to day right now, Freaky gets a solid 3 Stars.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - Radioactive

It's time for another trip to the COVID-Cinema 2020, this time for a bio pic, Rosamund Pike starring as Marie Curie in Radioactive.

Whilst being a little long with some slow moments, the film was mostly enjoyable whilst being fairly educational. Marie Curie was an incredible woman, discovering radioactivity, revolutionising physics and chemistry.

With a tough life as well as having a much tougher time than nowadays as a woman scientist, Marie Curie was remarkable.

I adored Pike in Gone Girl and have longed to see her in another terrific role. Whilst this was not as magnificent as her role in Gone Girl, Pike is still an extraordinary talent I hope to see a lot more of in the future.

The movie has had mixed reviews, its a fine film for 2020, however if it was a normal year with a packed release schedule I think this film would 100% get lost in the mix. 3 Stars.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Whetan

Ethan Snorek AKA Whethan (formerly Wheathin), is today's (Mini) Monday Spotlight. We are now closing in to the final edition for 2020. So this week it's time to focus on the American DJ/music producer from Chicago.

Whethan considers his main main influence to be your local boy (Australians) Flume. He also frequently collaborates with Oliver Tree. I heard on a recent interview the two even live together.

The duo have released singles titled "All You Ever Talk About", "When I'm Down", "Enemy","Do You Feel Me?" and "Freefall".

Whethan has performed at SXSW music festival whilst touring with trap Flosstradamus in November alongside fellow DJs Slushii, Towkio, & Gent & Jawns.

Whethan also worked with Dua Lipa oon a track for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. He has also worked with/remixed the likes of Broods, Charli XCX, Honne, Jeremih, K.Flay, Wafia and Travis Scott. That's not all there are heaps more. The 21 year old is on fire!

So if you have not got your ears around Whethan's genre bending work yet, do it! He is 100% one to watch in 2021 and beyond. Next week another (Mini) Monday Spotlight before we head into the real heat of Summer 2020/2021. Although today was smokin' in Sydney!

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Raised by Wolves

 Don't hate me sci-fi fans, but I didn't love Raised by Wolves.

Raised by Wolves is created by Aaron Guzikowski whilst being one of the first HBO Max original series along with one of my faves, Love Life.

Unlike Love Life, I didn't love this. The first two episodes were directed by Ridley Scott, yes Ridley Scott! So with a name like that and a big budget season one, it's no surprise the show will be back for a second season.

The series in Australia is currently on Binge and most likely Foxtel platforms.

Aussie Travis Fimmel stars as Marcus / Caleb alongside Amanda Collin as Mother / Lamia. The show revolves around two androids (Father (Abubakar Salim) and Mother (Collin) tasked with raising human children on Kepler-22b. Earth has been destroyed by a great war (post USA election 2020?). 

As the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences, the androids learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous and difficult task. Sounds like fun? Well it's high budget and visually spectacular but the pacing is a little off. Other critics have also criticised the show for it's slow pace and sci-fi formula.

It's a ten episode romp, however with The Crown season four back today, Big Sky premiering next week in the US, new TV is on the comeback. We already saw this week Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 tackle COVID-19 in US city Seattle.

Coming up soon, my review of limited week to week Showtime series airing on STAN Good Lord Bird. Until then bye-bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Maxxx

Maxxx is my latest binge. Like Betty from yesterday it's an six 21-25 minute episodes. Super easy, super brief. The series resolves around a formerly famous boyband star turned drug-shamed tabloid laughing stock. Maxxx played by The Handmaid's Tale's Luke,  O. T. Fagbenle is exceptional in. a very different role to the Hulu's screen adaption of Margaret Atwood's novel.

The cast has a mix match of crazy players alongside O. T. Fagbenle from his famous supermodel ex-girlfriend to his adopted teenage son, Amit, who falls in love with the gender neutral son of his new manager. Alongside his immediate family there is his cousin-slash-superfan-slash-stalker Rose and Tamzin, with her dreams of becoming an internationally respected manager despite being extremely amateur.

Does this show ring true for guys (or ladies for that matter) after they leave their respective groups? Could the Backstreet Boys or NKOTB be this dysfunctional? I reckon yes.

Showcasing the outrageous, rude and peek behind the pop world's curtain at the drugs, sex, insecurity and fragile narcissism of those who were once on top of their game, now, not so much.

As my blog now celebrates over 200 posts for a year where everything has gone rather south, at least there is still some TV on the radar to catch up. Coming up soon, how confused did I get with Raised by Wolves on HBO Max and a few US major shows like Station 19 and The Blacklist return later this week...

Until next time, boy bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - Betty

Betty is a new HBO show I have been wanting to watch for a while now. Created by Crystal Moselle, the series is based on Moselle's 2018 film Skate Kitchen.

Including most of the cast of the original movie, and focuses on the group's efforts to stand out in New York's predominantly male world of skateboarding.

With only six short episodes this was a super easy binge. Funny thing I saw Binge as that is the streaming service (along with Foxtel most likely) that it streams on in Australia.

The series only just premiered here in Australia, whilst in the USA it was back in May the show commenced it's debut season.

Good news dear readers 1, the series was renewed for a second season back in June. So hopefully that will air here sooner rather than later.

The show has had a good critical reaction and here is another, watch this now. The music, the leads, it's all great. Another reason why HBO leads the pack when it comes to quality dramas. Their consistency at HBO is next level. I am currently watching The Undoing with our own Nicole Kidman alongside Hugh Grant which isn't the best but halfway through it's six episode one and done season, it's getting better.

So if you need another series with a future to smash this week, you can easily do this in a night or two.

Until next time, bye.

#COVID-19 CATCH UP TV - PEN15

PEN15 has been sitting on my STAN list for a while. Once I started season one, I just got in there and got the one point five series done. Yes 1.5, season one aired in February, 2019 whilst the first half of season two commenced in September, 2020.

Another 7 episodes are scheduled to come in 2021 and my word, they cannot come soon enough! The world needs scripted comedy right now. And I'm not talking about booking the wrong Four Seasons for a press conference.

Airing in the States on Hulu, this comedy series created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman is everything about the early 2000's I love. Everything about high school and how awkward growing up was.

Starring both Erskine and Konkle, who play 13 year versions of themselves along with real 13 year olds.

So this series sounds like a different idea for a comedy. Right. It's different and my word does it work.

I laughed so hard throughout season one and two (half thus far) when I really needed a good laugh.

It's rare to find a good comedy that is as consistent as Veep and original all at once.

If you are looking for a new show to binge as 2020 (thank god) draws to a close PEN15 could be your new addiction. With some series finally returning stateside. Grey's Anatomy, Station 19 and The Blacklist all return this week in the divided States of America.

However I have two more #COVID-19 CATCH UP TV series to bring you this week. Yes two. Even though I was glued to the news (plus Four Corners last night, wow, wow, that's all I can say) I managed to binge two more 6 x 30 minute comedies. Both very different.

So PEN15 streams now on STAN. Get amongst it!

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Kllo

Chloe Kaul and producer Simon Lam are Kllo (pronounced "Kl-oh") hailing from Melbourne.

The duo's debut EP, Cusp, was released back in 2014, followed by a second EP, Well Worn in 2016. Chloe & Simon then released their debut studio album, Backwater,  back in 2017. In the midst of winter 2 days after my birthday back in July we got their second studio album Maybe We Could.

It's coming to the of the 2020 (Mini) Monday Spotlight series so I am so proud to bring you another terrific new local talent. The duo are finally making waves with their second album and some solid reviews.

When I first held Kllo I was blown away. The smooth electronic the pop sensibilities were all there for the type of music I add to my Apple Music playlists.

We have a few more weeks in 2020 to discover some more new music, so pop back next week. Hopefully we are still dancing to music like Kllo in the streets. Biden/Harris, YASS!

COVID-Cinema 2020 - City of Lies

City of Lies is just coming out in Australia at the cinemas following a long time on the shelves. So for an idea of how long before it got a release, principal photography wrapped in May 2017.

Based on the book LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan, following the murder investigations of Tupac Shakur & The Notorious B.I.G. 

The problem is as well, Johnny Depp is no longer box office gold. He is actually fairly toxic as far as movie ticket goes. The story revolves around retired detective LAPD Russell Poole and Forest Whitaker as a journalist Jackson covering the crimes in LA and the LAPD.

The film was originally set out to be released in September 2018. However it was pulled from the schedule in August 2018. The film never got a no new date announced. However it was screened at the Noir in Festival on December, 2018. Whilst also getting a limited release in Italy on January 10, 2019.

Like The New Mutants ahead of it, some films that sit on the shelves maybe should have just stayed there.

For the music part of it I enjoyed it. The Notorious B.I.G. &Tupac Shakur have been subject to many film, TV series or speculation. 

I enjoyed City of Lies way more than The New Mutants but found the film to really stray a little. With Johnny Depp's real life LAPD detective Russell Wayne Poole had a lot going on in his career at the LAPD. The movie has a lot of material to cover which it struggles to do well in detail.

If you like true crime, hip hop or still can stand Johnny Depp this maybe for you.

City of Lies is still showing, but for how much longer is anyones guess? 2.5 Stars.

The Mandalorian - Season Two

Two episodes in, let's talk about the biggest Fall (US season) TV return in months!

The second season of The Mandalorian starring the masked Pedro Pascal started streaming week to week again late last week. Already I am back being obsessed with Baby Yoda aka The Child.

The Disney+ series is part of the Star Wars franchise, set after the events of Return of the Jedi. 

A third season is already in the works so don't fear Baby Yoda fans, this was confirmed back in April 2020.

Chapter 9: The Marshal & Chapter 10: The Passenger have been awesome. From Jawas to Sand People, there are so many amazing Star Wars throwbacks.

The action scenes have been cinema grade thus far. Disney+ have spared no expense with this series.

Hype is high for the Disney+ series and rightfully so, it's honestly one of the best shows streaming right now.

If you have not caught up on season one, hop to it now. Honestly this is worth a month or two of Disney+ subscription fees. You can also catch up on Mulan for free too from next month (I believe).

I may do another The Mandalorian post before the second season comes to a close because I am completely obsessed with Baby Yoda and his sweet little sounds.

COVID-Cinema 2020 - The Craft: Legacy

The Craft: Legacy arrived just in time for not only a full moon but Halloween 2020.

The film is not a sequel, or really a reboot to the 1996 cult film The Craft. Starring Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, Michelle Monaghan and David Duchovny. Jason Blum also serves as a producer whilst the film falls under the success Blumhouse Productions group of horror films. Think Us and Get Out.

The Craft: Legacy was another video on demand release in the United States (maybe united again tomorrow) and a decent cinema release in Australia.

The plot moves swiftly and for all the girl power in the film, it neglects to use the girl power anthem Black Magic by Little Mix which would have served perfectly as a camp anthem throughout the film.

David Duchovny is actually menacing in the film with his three "Proud Boy" sons. It's refreshing to see him back on the big screen following a number of small screen hits. The X Files, Californication and the lesser known serial killer two season Aquarius.

It's been a weird year for films in 2020, with most major films being delayed or moved promptly into 2021. But will 2021 be any better?

With Wonder Woman possibly set for release on Christmas Day 2020 cinema needs a saviour now. A recent cinema I visited in Wollongong is now possibly shut for good. As a chain this is scary.

So will films like The Craft: Legacy save more theatres? Short answer no. But honestly this was a nice distraction with everything else going on in the world. Elections, COVID, job losses and my least favourite 2020 saying the "new normal".

A swift 90 minute film for me is always welcome in my books. 3 Stars for this 90's throwback.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: beabadoobee

The (Mini) Monday Spotlight meets Beatrice Laus, born in the year 2000. However Laus is also known as Beabadoobee (stylized in all lowercase),

beabadoobee is a Filipino-born British singer-songwriter releasing tunes since 2018. Giving listeners four EPs to date. In order we got, Lice (2018), Patched Up (2018), Loveworm (2019) and Space Cadet (2019). Now in 2020 her debut studio album, Fake It Flowers, has been released to critical acclaim.

beabadoobee scored the feature album on Triple J last week. They made note of the 90's sound. It did remind me of my earlier days of listening to Triple J when it was a load more guitar driven musically. However beabadoobee was not yet born when Courtney Love and Hole were slaying it whilst Veruca Salt were telling us all about the Seether.

This album is stunning record in a difficult time. If you are looking for something new to soundtrack your 2020 that has a touch of nostalgia, this could be it. beabadoobee a bright star to look out for in the future, some may be well and truly familiar already with her Powfu feature on Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head).

Welcome to November dear readers.

AACTA 2020 Nominations | Predictions

Best Drama Series

Bloom David Maher, David Taylor, Glen Dolman, Sue Seeary—Playmaker Media (Stan)

Doctor Doctor Ian Collie, Ally Henville, Keith Thompson, Rodger Corser—Easy Tiger (Nine Network)

Halifax: Retribution Roger Simpson, Louisa Kors—Beyond Lone Hand (Nine Network)

The Heights Warren Clarke, Peta Astbury-Bulsara, Debbie Lee, Que Minh Luu— Matchbox Pictures In Association With for Pete’s Sake Productions (ABC)

Mystery Road David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin—Bunya Productions (ABC)

Wentworth Jo Porter, Pino Amenta—Fremantle (Foxtel)

Best Telefeature or Miniseries

The Gloaming Victoria Madden, John Molloy, Fiona McConaghy—2 Jons And Sweet Potato Films (Stan)

Hungry Ghosts Stephen Corvini, Timothy Hobart, Debbie Lee, Sue Masters— Matchbox Pictures (SBS)

Operation Buffalo Vincent Sheehan, Tanya Phegan, Peter Duncan—Porchlight Films (ABC)

The Secrets She Keeps Helen Bowden, Jason Stephens, Paul Watters—Lingo Pictures (Network Ten)

Stateless Cate Blanchett, Elise McCredie, Tony Ayres, Sheila Jayadev, Paul Ranford, Liz Watts, Andrew Upton—Matchbox Pictures, Dirty Films (ABC)

Best Comedy Series

At Home Alone Together Nick Hayden, Janet Gaeta, Nikita Agzarian, Dan Ilic— Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Black Comedy Kath Shelper, Mark O’Toole, Nakkiah Lui, David Woodhead—Scarlett Pictures (ABC)

The Other Guy Angie Fielder, Polly Staniford, Jude Troy, Alice Willison—Aquarius Films, Wooden Horse (Stan)

Rosehaven Andrew Walker, Kevin Whyte, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor—What Horse? And Guesswork Television (ABC)

Upright – Jason Stephens, Helen Bowden, Melissa Kelly, Chris Taylor, Tim Minchin— Lingo Pictures (Foxtel)

Best Comedy Entertainment Program

Australian Amazon Original Stand-Up Specials Todd Abbott, Frank Bruzzese, Kevin Whyte, Kathleen McCarthy—Guesswork Television (Amazon Prime Video Australia)

Australian Lockdown Comedy Festival Kevin Whyte, Jon Casimir, Todd Abbott—Guesswork Television (Stan)

Drunk History Australia Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Ashley Davies—Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

LOL: Last One Laughing Australia David McDonald, Marty Benson—Amazon Prime Video Australia, Endemol Shine Australia (Amazon Prime Video Australia)

Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell Shaun Micallef, Peter Beck, Gary McCaffrie—ITV Studios Australia, Giant Baby Productions (ABC)

Best Entertainment Program

Eurovision – Australia Decides – Gold Coast 2020 Paul Clarke, Stephanie Werrett, Josh Martin—Blink TV Production (SBS)

Hard Quiz Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Charlie Pickering, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh—Thinkative Television (ABC)

Have You Been Paying Attention? Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Michael Hirsh, Rob Sitch—Working Dog Productions (Network Ten)

Lego Masters Australia David McDonald, AJ Johnson, Mark Barlin—Endemol Shine Australia In Association With Nine Network (Nine Network)

The Voice Leigh Aramberri, Chloe Baker, Jaala Webster, Beth Hart—ITV Studios Australia (Nine Network)

The Weekly Kevin Whyte, Chris Walker, Charlie Pickering, Jo Long—Thinkative Television, Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Best Factual Entertainment Program

Gogglebox Australia Howard Myers, David McDonald, Kerrie Kerr— Endemol Shine, Network Ten, Foxtel (Foxtel, Network Ten)

Hamish & Andy’s “Perfect” Holiday Tim Bartley, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, Ryan Shelton—Radio Karate (Nine Network)

Love On The Spectrum Cian O’Clery, Karina Holden, Jenni Wilks —Northern Pictures (ABC)

The Project Craig Campbell, Christopher Bendall, Sarah Ashley—Roving Enterprises, Network Ten (Network Ten)

Who Do You Think You Are? Maxine Gray, Michael Wilton—Warner Bros. International Television Productions (SBS)

You Can’t Ask That Kirk Docker, Frances O’Riordan, Ali Russell—Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Best Lifestyle Program

Better Homes and Gardens Russel Palmer, Rani Eaton—Seven Network (Seven Network)

Jimmy Shu’s Taste of the Territory Naina Sen, Sally Ingleton, Josh Martin— Indigo Productions and 360 Degree Films (SBS)

The Living Room Sarah Thornton, Ciaran Flannery—Network Ten and WTFN (Network Ten)

Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam Michael Donnelly, Josh Martin, John Hatcher, Clara O’Sullivan—Red Creative Media (SBS)

Restoration Australia Brooke Bayvel—Fremantle (ABC)

Selling Houses Australia Sonia Harding, Geoff Fitzpatrick, Wendy Moore— Beyond Productions (Foxtel)

Best Reality Program

The Amazing Race Australia Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Stephen Tate—Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

Australian Survivor: All Stars Amelia Fisk, Keely Sonntag, Adam Fergusson— Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

The Block David Barbour, Julian Cress—Cavalier Television (Nine Network)

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Ben Ulm, Clare Bath, Alex Mavroidakis, Riima Daher—ITV Studios Australia (Network Ten)

Masterchef Australia Marty Benson, Adam Fergusson—Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

The Real Dirty Dancing Paul Franklin, Chris Culvenor, Sophia Mogford, Sonya Wilkes—Eureka Productions (Seven Network)

Best Children’s Program

Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors? Vanna Morosini, Stu Connolly, Donna Andrews—Flying Kite Pictures & Sticky Fingers Pictures (ABC)

Bluey Joe Brumm, Charlie Aspinwall, Sam Moor, Daley Pearson—Ludo Studio (ABC)

First Day Julie Kalceff, Kirsty Stark, Kate Croser—Epic Films (ABC)

The Inbestigators Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope—Gristmill (ABC)

Little J & Big Cuz Tony Thorne, Ned Lander, Colin South, Alicia Rackett—Ned Lander Media (NITV)

Mustangs FC Amanda Higgs, Rachel Davis, Debbie Lee—Matchbox Pictures (ABC)

Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama

Fayssal Bazzi—Stateless

Bryan Brown—Bloom

Jai Courtney—Stateless

Ewen Leslie—Operation Buffalo

Aaron Pedersen—Mystery Road

Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama

Jada Alberts—Mystery Road

Rebecca Gibney—Halifax: Retribution

Asher Keddie—Stateless

Pamela Rabe—Wentworth

Yvonne Strahovski—Stateless

Best Comedy Performer

Milly Alcock—Upright

Anne Edmonds—At Home Alone Together

Luke McGregor—Rosehaven

Tim Minchin—Upright

Celia Pacquola—Rosehaven

Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama

Rob Collins—Mystery Road

Darren Gilshenan—Stateless

Damon Herriman—The Commons

Callan Mulvey—Mystery Road

Ed Oxenbould—Bloom

Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama

Cate Blanchett—Stateless

Jacqueline McKenzie—Bloom

Ngaire Pigram—Mystery Road

Tasma Walton—Mystery Road

Jacki Weaver—Bloom

Best Documentary

Brazen Hussies Catherine Dwyer (Dir.), Andrea Foxworthy, Philippa Campey—Film Camp

Brock: Over The Top Kriv Stenders (Dir.), Veronica Fury, Alan Erson, Ruby Schmidt—Wildbear Entertainment

Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky Steven McGregor (Dir.), Danielle Maclean, Anna Grieve, Steven Thomas—Tamarind Tree Pictures, Roar Film

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra Nel Minchin (Dir.), Wayne Blair (Dir.), Ivan O’Mahoney—In Films

Slim & I Kriv Stenders (Dir.), Chris Brown, Aline Jacques, James Arneman—Slim & I Productions

Suzi Q Liam Firmager (Dir.), Tait Brady—The ACME Film Company

Best Documentary or Factual Program

Ambulance Australia Margaret Bashfield, Debbie Cuell, Matthew Tomszewski— Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge Jodie Boylan, David Galloway— Lune Media (ABC)

Lindy Chamberlain: The True Story Ian Collie, Rob Gibson, Francine Finnane, Mark Joffe —Easy Tiger Productions (Network Ten)

Maralinga Tjarutja Darren Dale, Jacob Hickey—Blackfella Films (ABC)

Murder in the Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery Andrew Farrell, Matt Campbell, Bethan Arwel-Lewis, Sophie Meyrick—CJZ (Seven Network)

Shaun Micallef’s On The Sauce Andrew Farrell, Shaun Micallef, Paula Bycroft, Matt Campbell—CJZ (ABC)