December/January TV Finales - Lupin

Yep Netflix is on a roll, Bridgerton (now officially renewed for a second season), Bling Empire, Cobra Kai and now French mystery series Lupin.

The first five episodes were delivered on 8 January 2021. The series will consist of 10 episodes, released in two parts. The second set of five episodes is slated to be released mid 2021.

Starring Omar Sy in the lead role of Assane Diop, the story follows professional thief Assane Diop, the only son of an immigrant from Senegal who had come to France to seek a better life for his child. 

Assane's father is framed for the theft of an expensive diamond necklace by his employer, the wealthy and powerful Hubert Pellegrini, and hangs himself in his prison cell out of shame, leaving the teenage Assane an orphan. 

Twenty-five years later, inspired by a book about gentleman thief Arsène Lupin his father had given him on his birthday, Assane sets out to get revenge on the Pellegrini family, using his charisma and mastery of thievery, subterfuge, and disguise to expose Hubert's crimes.

Lupin is the first French series to rank among the top 10 on Netflix in the USA. Reaching number three mid January.

It also ranked No one in France as well as Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden. The show also did well outside of Europe including Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa.

I throughly enjoyed the first five episodes and will be waiting on the next five during Australia's upcoming winter.

Tomorrow it's back to the movies, with The Marksman.

Return to Cinema 2021 - High Ground

Wow this is three from three Australia, three top notch local films back to back now. First it Eas Eric Bana's The Dry followed by Naomi Watt's led Penguin Bloom, now High Ground.

Directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground premiered at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2020. There along with a gala screening it was selected for the Berlinale Special section.

This could have been a hit in 2020, originally slated for release in July 2020, however it finally saw the light of day in cinemas on 28 January 2021 by Madman Films.

Back in October 2020 High Ground played at the Brisbane International Film Festival making it the Australian premiere. Following Brisbane, it also screened at Adelaide Film Festival from 17 October, with several extra sessions added to the original schedule.

Starring an all star familiar cast including screen legend Jack Thompson, US TV superstar Simon Denny, Callan Mulvey, Ryan Corr and Mystery Road's Aaron Pedersen. Whilst we are introduced to Jacob Junior Nayinggul as Gutjuk.

After fighting in World War I as a sniper, Travis (Denny), now a policeman in northern Australia, loses control of an operation that results in the massacre of an Aboriginal Australian tribe in 1919. 

After his superiors insist on burying the truth, Travis leaves in disgust, only to be forced back twelve years later to hunt down Baywara, an Aboriginal warrior whose attacks on new settlers are causing havoc. 

When Travis recruits mission-raised Gutjuk (Nayinggul), the only known massacre survivor, as his tracker, the truth of the past is revealed and Travis becomes the hunted.

The film was shot on location in the Kakadu National Park and in Arnhem Land, NT. 

You can read a comprehensive story from the ABC here on the film whilst now it's time for my score. It's been a positive month for Aussie films. Let's hope it's setting the stage for the a strong 2021 at the big screen for local stories.

4 Stars.

Binged 2021 - Virgin River

Virgin River is based on the Virgin River novels by Robyn Carr. The first season commenced on Netflix in December, 2019. The same month the series was renewed for a 10-episode second season which was last November. I believed the hype and got through all 20 episodes in no time.

Before I started the series was renewed for a 10-episode third season. With its hype and popularity this could be a long running easy breezy Netflix drama.

Starring  Kiwi hero Martin Henderson alongside Alexandra Breckenridge, Tim Matheson and Annette O'Toole.

Virgin River follows Melinda "Mel" Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who answers an ad to work as a midwife/nurse in the remote Northern California town of Virgin River. Mel thinks it will be the perfect place to start fresh and leave her painful memories behind. 

Soon Mel discovers that small-town living isn't quite as simple as she expected. She must learn to heal herself before she can truly make Virgin River her home.

If it's sounds a little like rural Grey's Anatomy or another Shonda storyline, you are right. However if you need some light fluff in your 2021, Virgin River might just be the right show for you.

January La Première - Snowpiercer (Season Two)

Back in September (2020) I smashed all of Snowpiercer season one as part of my #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST.

So with Snowpiercer entering its second season, I now have another show on my radar/dance card.

TNT took no time renewing this show for a third season. It was renewed ahead of episode one getting just over a million live viewers.

TNT has a couple of other shows on my radar, Claws ending this season with it's fourth season and Animal Kingdom returning soon and ending next year (filming pending) with its sixth season.

Snowpiercer returned with a bang. 

Melanie manages to cut Wilford's uplink to Snowpiercer's systems and discovers that it is snowing outside despite the temperature being too cold for it. 

Snowpiercer, now too low on power to move on its own ever again, is forced to turn over a list of supplies to Wilford before he starts the trains moving again and Layton works to maintain order onboard by reluctantly declaring martial law while Melanie is captured and reunited with Wilford and Alexandra; Wilford demands that Melanie surrender Snowpiercer but she refuses to cooperate. 

Layton leads an invasion of Big Alice that is repelled, but they manage to capture a hostage, Kevin, who claims that Wilford can restart everything even if everybody else dies in the process. 

Wilford decides to disconnect from Snowpiercer and let the passengers die with Alex complying after a moment of hesitation. 

However, Melanie had planted a bomb on the connecting mechanism, destroying it and permanently linking Snowpiercer and Big Alice much to the admiration of Alex; Wilford is forced to start the trains moving again.

The season opener has been meet with critical acclaim whilst I am sure in Australia Netflix are happy to have another week to week drama joining Riverdale.

Like all those shows I discovered back in COVID times it's weird going from binging to discovering a show week to week. However this show has lot going on so I think for now, weekly episodes suit me fine. As above Snowpiercer Season Two airs week to week on Tuesdays in Australia on Netflix.

Return to Cinema 2021 - Penguin Bloom

Aussie films are killing it right now! The Dry was a near perfect film. Now Penguin Bloom is the positive film through adversity we need right now.

Directed by Glendyn Ivin, from a screenplay by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. Penguin Bloom is based on the book by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. 

With Naomi Watts and the Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln leading a stellar cast. Where Jacki Weaver and Rachel House as Gaye steal the scenes they are in.

Released in Australia by Roadshow Films on January 21, 2021. The film will also see a release in the United States via Netflix on January 27. Hopefully this will give the film a wide audience.

Naomi Watts and  Jackie Weaver are officially now national treasures as they lead this film and the Aussie 

film industry back after a quiet 2020. With The Dry still screening, Penguin Bloom and incoming films Operation Rainfall and High Ground incoming.

So with four Aussie films on the go, it's time to support the local industry. This is a strong start to 2021 for the Aussie film industry.

OK, so my review. I loved this. I almost cried a few times, I was motivated, touched and inspired. The family behind Watts was so beautiful. You can read more about Sam (Watts character) HERE.

In short Sam Bloom is a bloody star. Loved this film, even learned to love magpies more. 4.5 Stars. Great!

Simple plot if you are keen - 

A photographer and his family find hope and solace in an injured Magpie chick, helping them adjust to his wife's paralysis following a fall.

January La Première - Euphoria (Special Episode - two of two)

Euphoria is back for another special episode. Here is a look at Jules episode. Titled Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob, Part 2: Jules.

 Episode one aired back in December last year. Here however is a look at Jules episode.

Like episode one it was a lot. Both leads have a lot going on. Whilst this makes me wonder where the show will go for season two, as well as when season two will air? I was left with more questions than answers.

As both episodes survived as wordy therapy sessions. I felt exhausted after watching the almost hour of Jules review her relationship with Rue as well as her past.

Online dating apps and chatting to strangers was an interesting element of the episode. This show has a lot of raw emotion whilst being nothing like anything else on TV right now.

My mother watched some of the episode with me and was deeply confused. I think what young people are going through right now, is so different to even my generation and older. As a comfortable 38 year old, I see social media as deeply destructive and divisive. Look at what happened at the Capitol buildings recently. Also how did QAnon spread like wild fire?

Euphoria shines a light on how complex out relationships are, how anxious and on edge we are. It's tough viewing at times, but worth it. The special second episode airs now on Binge/Foxtel devices whilst a second HBO series is on the way.... sometime...

January La Première - Riverdale (Season Five)

Riverdale some how made it to a fifth season. I honestly think The CW is the most lenient of stations for a sneaky renewal. Lets face it no other US network would allow Dynasty to run for so long on it's appalling ratings.

So five seasons in Veronica Lodge is 26 in real life, however somehow still in high school!

Riverdale started off strong, then got WEIRD AF. Season one and two were big deals, season three was losing steam but by season four the wheels have well and truly fallen off the wagon.

The crossover with Sabrina never happened, however one and done series Katy Keene is still lingering in episode one of season five. Yes Zane Holtz joins as K.O. Kelly for some thirsty scenes with Archie. Yes they are hella thirsty.

In July last year Katy Keene was cancelled, in January this year Sabrina conclude its four part run. This now leaves Riverdale as the lone show in the Archie comic book universe. I can't see any further spin offs coming with Riverdale likely to end this season or next.

The CW has a few new shows on the books with Walker having a huge launch last week and All American growing into the teen school show of the network.

So how did episode one of season five go?

Viewer numbers were almost 50% down on season fours opener. However numbers were almost on par for the semi season four finale. Things didn't go according to plan at the end of season four, with the finale not really the finale.

Here are some highlights from episode one in season five.

Betty and Jughead call Charles in to investigate the tape and Bret leads them to secret underground red band screenings led by the Blue Velvet owner, David. 

Betty and Kevin deliver a homemade snuff film to gain her ticket to the screening. 

David spots it as a fake and Betty has to give him the snuff film of her father as a child to buy her way in. KO Kelly (Katy Keene lead, Katy's BF) comes to town to go up against Archie in a boxing match for one of them to be admitted into the Naval Academy. Archie loses and Hiram recruits him to be deputy mayor of Riverdale. 

Toni tells Cheryl amid their prom queen campaign that her nana is not accepting of her dating a Blossom. Betty sneaks Jughead in an underground rave. They find several snuff films being shown containing the gang and Jellybean in attendance. 

At prom, Archie tells Veronica about his and Betty’s kiss and they breakup. During prom, a livestream of the masked gang is played killing a masked owl at the video store, later revealed to be David. Betty and Jughead then find an eerily empty store. 

Cheryl and Toni don’t go home together following prom. 

Veronica returns home and tells her parents of Archie’s unfaithfulness, and Hiram decides what he must do. Archie returns home to find a videotape that shows a recreation of his encounter with the Black Hood in Pop’s.

Until Thursday night/Friday when episode two airs, you are up to date on Riverdale's return. Otherwise my favourite TV blog served tea on the episode, HERE.

January La Première - All American (Season Three)

All American is back Monday early evenings on STAN. Airing in the US on The CW, the third season is finally back. During our very minor lockdown in NSW I binged seasons one and two back to back. All 32 first episodes.

The show debuted back in October, 2018. The series is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger with Daniel Ezra portraying Spencer.

With a large high school based cast, All American is like most teen dramas on The CW, however this one is less a superhero lead.

The show finally cracked the magic million viewers for its first episode making it, its most watched season opener as well as the most watched episode. All based on live ratings of course.

I feel like I watched so much TV throughout the Sydney goes quiet this one was one of my picks. Whilst I watched this all early on last year, I did really need to lean into the recap as a lot of shows have come and gone since All American seasons one and two.

I am excited to see where season three goes and without fail this will be back for season four on The CW.

January La Première - 9-1-1 (Season Four)

 January La Première continues with another 9-1-1 post, this time for the OG show, entering season four.

9–1–1 premiered on January 3, 2018, three seasons later, it's back to a January launch date.

Like Lonestar, the OG series follows the lives of Los Angeles first responders: police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers.

Season four had a strong opener in the USA with a slightly larger audience than season three's opener, just over seven million live viewers. As they teased the Hollywood sign landslide disaster, LA is set for more drama.

So far six episodes are set to air back to back which is ace. I hate it when the US networks take multiple breaks to draw out the season. Only thing is the traditional US TV season ends in mid May so time is ticking.

John Harlan Kim as Albert Han joins season fours cast, as Howie's brother whilst I think we are done with Connie Britton as Abigail "Abby" Clark.

January, 2021 is packed right now, however 9-1-1 does still standout with a strong cast lead by Angela Bassett as Athena Carter Grant Nash & Peter Krause as Robert "Bobby" Nash.

My prediction is it's almost a given 9-1-1 will be back for a fifth season. Hopefully post Californian pandemic nightmare. Like Station 19 and other series COVID features throughout. Face masks and Zoom meetings all take place in episode one. Whilst a heartbreaking time lapse scene with a couple hammers home the reality of 400,000 now dead in the USA.

9-1-1 was always a bit of an escape, now it's not so much of an escape but a more dramatic version of the 2021 we are all living in right now.

Return to Cinema 2021 - Shadow in the Cloud

Well, well, well, I thought Monster Hunter was fucking weird, however Shadow in the Cloud is possibly weirder. Also take the monster out add in a gremlin. Yep a gremlin.

Frecking hell!  Chloë Grace Moretz almost stars alone in a one woman film (well it could almost be a HBO TV episode, it clocks in at 83 minutes) excluding the opening and closing ten or so minutes.

Also starring is Love Simon, Love Victor and recent A Teacher star Nick Robinson, alongside Aussie ick Robinson, Taylor John Smith and Beulah Koale.

The plot is sketchy at best. I think it's set in World War II air force service woman who is on a mysterious mission, only to have a gremlin attack the bomber she is riding on.

The film aired at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, whilst in various territories it was released at cinemas January 1, 2021.

It came out last week in Australia and I think due to the number of current sessions (like Music) it may be over before we know it. There are a few excellent looking Australian films hitting the screens this week and next. So expect a more positive film review soon. Not to mention Liam Neeson is already back at the cinema!

Shadow in the Cloud randomly has decent reviews (according to Wikipedia) however it's not decent, it's average at best.

2 Stars, both for Chloë Grace Moretz, remember her dropping a C bomb in the first Kick-Ass film.

January La Première - 9-1-1: Lone Star (Season Two)

9-1-1: Lone Star is back, however Liv Tyler as Michelle Blake is out and Gina Torres as Tommy Vega is in. Rob Lowe as Owen Strand continues to lead the series, whilst former Girlfriends Guide to Divorce Lisa Edelstein appears as Gwyneth Morgan, Rob Lowe's ex wife. Their son Ronen Rubinstein as Tyler Kennedy "TK" Strand is super handsome, with a handsome cop boyfriend Rafael Silva as Carlos Reyes.

The series focuses on the fire, police, and ambulance departments of the fictional company 126. Unlike 9-1-1 OG in California, 9-1-1: Lone Star is located in Austin, Texas. The use of "Lone Star" in the name associates it with Texas, the "Lone Star State." 

Another non Netflix series, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. The series returned almost exactly a year following its 10 episode debut episode. I hope they keep it to a similar number of episodes. 9-1-1 feels a little overcooked at 18 episodes.

Episode one kicks off as follows. Owen and the rest of the first responders deal with a rogue military tanker loose, and creating chaos in Austin. 

Meanwhile, Owen meets new paramedic-in-charge Tommy Vega following Michelle Blake's departure. 

TK's patience is put on edge when his mother, Owen's ex-wife comes to Austin to be with Owen during his cancer diagnoses.

The series opener had over six million Americans tune for episode one. So on par with where it wrapped up back in March, 2020. Right before the world shit itself.

So the set up for episode two looks huge. Like it's parent show 9-1-1 it looks like we will have a major disaster to kick off each season. I look forward to seeing where the season goes. I also really hope they filmed the entire season. FOX has had a rough start to the 2020-2021 season with Filthy Rich and NeXt already canned. However I am fairly sure 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star will be back for fourth and fifth seasons respectively.

Until tomorrow. Keep up with all the January La Premières right here!

January La Première - Batwoman (Season Two)

The second season of The CW series Batwoman is back, however there is a twist! Ruby Rose is out as Kate Kane / Batwoman while Ryan Wilder / Batwoman (take two ?) portrayed by Javicia Leslie is in.

So essentially the second series starts with a hard refresh. That said main cast members Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson and Dougray Scott return.

Here is a sneak peak with the first episode broken down below.

Homeless ex-convict Ryan Wilder is surprised when the crash of Kate Kane's plane yields her a functioning Batsuit, which she uses to try to locate Alice (whose gang killed her mother). 

Tommy Eliot appears with Bruce Wayne's face, moves into Wayne Manor, and is shown the Batcave. Julia quickly identifies him as an impostor, but he steals the Batmobile and goes after Ryan, bringing a gun with the kryptonite bullet. 

He shoots Ryan -- the Batsuit protects her enough that she is able to recover and beat him to the point where his false face comes off and leave him to be returned to Arkham. 

She returns the Batsuit to Luke and Mary, but then notices some effects from the kryptonite wound. Kate's body is not recovered but Jacob and Mary vow not to give up the search.

So how was the new Batwoman? I for one liked it. Ruby Rose was fine, however Javicia Leslie as Ryan seems to be a better more badass Batwoman.

That said the show returned with a very low number of viewers. Maybe the whole Arrowverse thing is wearing thin?

With The Flash and Black Lightening (final season) returning next month, Batwoman is the first show to return for 2020-2021. Superman and Lois also lands next month, however an Arrow spinoff (which was planned) has since been canned.

I have always loved Batman more than other DC heroes, so it's no wonder I am attracted to this whilst also picking up on Pennyworth recently (in my spare time).

Batwoman will feature in a much downsized crossover event this season so hopefully that will boost its popularity. 

I for one will continue to watch this season, however I think a number of viewers like Ruby Rose have already moved on.

January La Première - Servant (Season Two)

Servant is back on Apple TV+ following its first season which debuted back in November 2019. 

The series created and written by Tony Basgallop, who also executive produced alongside M. Night Shyamalan. The series follows Dorothy and Sean Turner, a Philadelphia couple who hire a girl named Leanne to be the nanny for their baby son, Jericho. Leanne's arrival brings about strange and frightening occurrences for the couple.

Servant stars Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free, and Rupert Grint as a tight knit cast. Last month ahead of the second season premiere, the series was renewed for a third season. So far I believe this will be Apple TV+ 's longest running show.

Season two is set to conclude on March 19, 2021, giving us ten weeks of drama to look forward to. My free years (which turned into a year plus 3 months or so) is set to end soon and I am undecided whether to keep another subscription.

I recently decided Binge was worthy of paying for, but does Apple TV+ have enough content to keep me keen?

If Servant sounds new to you, here is a brief catch up on the plot.

Six weeks after the death of their 13-week-old son, Philadelphia couple Dorothy and Sean Turner hire a young nanny, Leanne, to move in and take care of their baby, Jericho, a reborn doll. 

The doll, which Dorothy believes is her real child, was the only thing that brought her out of her catatonic state following Jericho's death. While Sean deals with the grief on his own, he becomes deeply suspicious of Leanne.

Airing week to week on Apple TV+, Servant Season Two is streaming now, Fridays.

Return to Cinema 2021 - Music

I have been waiting for Music for a bit now. Together was one of those songs I leaned into during isolation, no gyms, no eating at restaurants or no movies on the big screen.

Music is musical drama film directed by singer-songwriter Sia. The film was co-written by Sia and children's book author Dallas Clayton and stars Kate Hudson, Maddie Ziegler (longtime collaborator) and Leslie Odom Jr.

Music was released here in Australia last week to limited sessions. Lord knows how long it will last at the cinema, so if you want to see it, go before Thursday when some more films will be released.

Critically and via the cancel culture social media uses this film has had a rough start, however I'm about to try and change that, a bit.

The film will land in the United States for one night on February 10, 2021, followed by an on demand release on February 12. How times have changed, Australia getting films before Donald J Trump's orange America.

The film is rough in parts as we meet, Zu (Kate Hudson), a newly sober drug dealer and self-saboteur finds herself the sole guardian of her teenaged (minor), autistic half-sister, Music (Maddie Ziegler).

We then meet Ebo (Leslie Odom Jr. man can sing & dance), a neighbour whose own family story makes him someone Zu can learn from and rely upon. 

The film explores the tenuous bonds that hold us together and imagines a world where those bonds can be strengthened in times of great challenge. Fantasy musical sequences (using Sia's original music for the film) take place inside the title character's mind, showing how she views the world.

Sadly the entire soundtrack is being held back for release until the film is released in the USA. Last week we scored a new animated video of one of the singles, Hey Boy. This time with Burna Boy guesting.

The movie will be a hit with Sia fans however due to some super dark moments (at time it feels like everyone is having a rough time, kinda like 2020 really) might find this a hard watch.

Sia's music is wonderful, I really liked 1+1 and of course lead single Together. Hey Boy is also a catchy bop. Sia is at a point in her career where she is still on top of her game despite bad reviews. Together was the eleventh most popular Australian single of 2020. 

If you like me was disappointed in her Sydney Football Stadium live show a number of years back this was a bit of redemption for me. Even her cameo is a little quirky, much like the Adelaide born artist herself.

From seeing her at the Enmore and Metro theatres, to seeing her now on the big screen, it's been a wild ride as a Sia fan.

Music is screening now in Australia, 3.5 Stars.

January La Première - Prodigal Son (Season Two)

Prodigal Son was one of those shows I gave a when everything was shut last year. No gyms, no eating out basically no being social, sad.

In May 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on January 12, 2021. The first season was an early ratings smash. The show returned to a slightly smaller audience, however Prodigal Son was still an intriguing as ever.

Tom Payne (The Walking Dead) stars as Malcolm Bright whilst Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Sheen, Halston Sage, Bellamy Young and Keiko Agena also star. 

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christian Borle and Michael Potts also join as new stars in the psychological thriller by DC Comic star producer Greg Berlanti.

Episode one had a lot to cover following its abrupt season one finale. Originally season one was set out to be 22 episodes (Berlanti loves a long drawn out series on US network TV) but due to COVID-19 (happy birthday by the way COVID-19, we have been living with this shit for over 12 months now) the last two episodes were never filmed.

The show isn't your usual cop procedural show as the difference between "good guys" and "bad guys" is tough to identify.

Prodigal Son isn't perfect but I am interested in the direction it will take with season two. I am also excited to see Catherine Zeta-Jones on the small screen.

Prodigal Son will air again on Binge/Foxtel.

December/January TV Finales - Bridgerton

Bridgerton is Shonda Rhimes first effort on Netflix has landed. Premiering on December 25, 2020, the show has been a massive success. Way more successful than her past period drama Still Star-Crossed. The ABC series lasted only seven episodes back in 2017, then was swiftly cancelled after the one short season.

Whilst Bridgerton is not much longer (only 8 easy to consume episodes) the show looks a million bucks. Still Star-Crossed suffered being a US network show, with most likely a much smaller budget than a Netflix original title.

The series is based on Julia Quinn's novels set in the competitive world of Regency London during the season, when debutantes are presented at court. 

Centering around the Bridgerton family: Violet, Dowager Lady Bridgerton; her four sons, Anthony, Benedict, Colin and Gregory and her four daughters, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca and Hyacinth. 

On the lower end of the economic scale of society are the Featheringtons. Portia, Lady Featherington; her husband the Baron; and their three daughters, Philipa, Prudence and Penelope.

However for me it was all about the Duke. Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings is sex on toast. He is completely delicious. Yes I am thirsty!

Netflix is on a bit of a role at present, The Queen's Gambit was a sleeper hit late October, which is now still slaying. Newly launched Lupin is a French series already creating waves and need I say Cobra Kai is a huge hit.

I look forward to more Shonda Rhimes on Netflix. This gives her the freedom to have swearing more intense sex scenes (like the ones with the Duke this series, you all know what I'm talking about, that ass) with less censorship and US network TV PC bullshit.

I also want more of Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews reads her scandals so well) and no I am not telling you who it is, you need to watch all eight episodes to find that out!

Watch this, join the conversation and get on board the Bridgerton train!

January La Première - American Gods (Season Three)

The third season of American Gods come onto Amazon (in Australia) this week. It joins a large number of shows returning over this week and coming weeks. Hence my January La Première post series.

The third season follows Shadow Moon (the dreamy Ricky Whittle) as he moves to Lakeside, Wisconsin under a new name to hide from the New Gods.

Most notable is Ricky Whittle has a new hairdo. Still hot and we will see more of him this year, the episode count has jumped from 8 to 10 episodes. This is the first season to see a higher number of episodes. The season is set to conclude mid March, 2021.

As mentioned this season stars Ricky Whittle, alongside Emily Browning, Yetide Badaki, Bruce Langley, Omid Abtahi, and Ian McShane, while Ashley Reyes joins the main cast.

The first episode has set up the series for a change of scenery whilst apparently Marilyn Manson will also join the show this season.

The show always looks a million bucks however I feel this is a fan favourite show and will likely not get too many new viewers, despite it being a new season. Figures out today show Amazon in Australia is on the incline so maybe the audience here in Australia will grow?

It's a worrying sign for Free to Air TV with so many Aussies flocking to some fab content the streamers provide. Tomorrow I have finally caught up with another Netflix summer series, so pop by for that. Till then, stay cool Sydney, summer is finally here!

January La Première - Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (Season Two)

Zoey's Extraordinary Return sees the return of a popular blog post series known as January La Première. Back when a pile of shows returned last year I took a look at their first episode. So in 2021 with heaps of popular US shows returning this month, it's time to revisit La Première.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist returned for season two last week, today episode two lands on STAN at 2pm today! Yes 4 hours away.

Last season we got the tissues out, this season started sad whilst also bringing joy back to our screens. Sadly though in episode one, Lauren Graham as Joan makes a shift exit stage left. Due to real life filming commitments Graham is off to do more Mighty Ducks.

Today's episode is titled Zoey’s Extraordinary Distraction, so no spoilers but is this to do with her love life choices?

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist returned also for record ratings. Cracking an overnight number of 3 million live viewers, which is up on the season one opener and over a million viewers more than the season one finale.

I really like this show, it's honestly one of the most joyous shows on TV right now, so if you are on STAN, get on it today @ 2pm or catch up on the first season now.

Return to Cinema 2021 - A Sunburnt Christmas

*STAN original film, now streaming on STAN.

Whilst I didn't love True History of the Kelly Gang STAN film released last year, around this time, A Sunburnt Christmas was my second holiday film I watched of the 2020/2021 holiday period. First I enjoyed a fair bit, The Happiest Season, I thought was a solid four star film.

Sadly I didn't love the local holiday film as much. Whilst it was a different approach to the generic holiday film (much like The Happiest Season) A Sunburnt Christmas had its moments however for me it was missing something.

It had some soul as well a look at Australia's outback and a real life issue, drought. A simple plot description is an outback farm ravaged by drought, the lives of a struggling family are upended when a runaway criminal dressed as Santa Claus crashes onto their property.

The feature is the directorial debut of Christiaan Van Vuuren, formally of the Bondi Hipsters fame.

Telling the story of a single mum (Ling Cooper Tang) and her three children Hazel (Tatiana Goode), Tom (Eaden McGuinness) and Daisy (Lena Nankivell), who live on an outback property in rural South Australia.

Also starring is Blindspot vet Sullivan Stapleton as a mobster named Dingo who chases down Daryl (aka Santa) played by Daniel Henshall. Daryl and the three children do have a cute relationship over the films 90 minute duration.

Look I wouldn't say this is must watch and after seeing the fab The Dry, it's not going to be my best Aussie film of 2021. But this has its moments and sweet messages under the rough exterior. 3 Stars.

December/January TV Finales - The Reagans

The Reagans was an interesting miniseries centred around former U.S. President Ronald Reagan & First Lady Nancy Reagan, for me to watch prior to the week we had last week.

The four-part series originally starting airing week to week, on November 15, 2020. In Australia you can watch the mesmerising close to four hour political series on Stan. 

Like Donald J Trump, Reagan was a household name before he was the leader of the free world. Reagan like Trump did not seem incredibly smart, he also coined the slogan Make America Great Again. And this was back in the 80's. As a child it was almost time for me to visit the "Great" country.

Poverty and wealth equality is what first strikes me about the USA and the Republican party like to keep the rich, rich and poor, poor.

Through voter suppression and gerrymandering, the Republican party knows how to "steal" or even "rig" an election. American elections are like Eurovision, some states will always be blue (Democratic New York and California) whilst there are some serious red states (Republication strong holds like Texas).

Reagan and his second wife Nancy are fascinating. The four episodes is really one of the easiest watches of the summer series for me. From Reagan's Hollywood days to Governor of California, then to President. It's a wild ride.

There are some similar behaviours to how Trump got to where he did. His following however was 100% not the same "traditional" Republican following Reagan attracted. Trump's fans (as we saw throughout the week) are the stereotypical bottom feeders from the swamp we expected. The deplorables once called out by Hilary Clinton. The funny thing is Ivanka still swans around in her designer clothes, attending elite events whilst her fans look like they crawled out from one of America's poorest neighbourhoods.

History definitely is repeating again, I would love to watch more on the Clinton's and the Bush families moving forward. These powerhouse families in US politics is fascinating. Will the Trump's follow suit with Don Junior or Ivanka? You can bet your bottom dollar though, we may have seen the last of Eric and Tiffany Trump.

The Reagans streams now on Stan, its ace, so go check it out before American Gods season three starts later today on Amazon Prime.

Return to Cinema 2021 - Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Woman had some preview screenings back in 2020, however I was patient and waited till it's offical day of release this week.

Directed, written, and produced by Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve show runner), in her feature directorial debut, whilst Margot Robbie also serves as a producer.

Lead star Carey Mulligan shines alongside Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, and Connie Britton.

As this film took a completely different turn than I was expecting I want to remain spoiler free. The main (simple) plot of the film, is it follows a woman who takes revenge against men who have wronged her.

Where it goes from there, you will have to support your local cinema and check this out for yourself.

Promising Young Woman clocks under 2 hours, moving at an extremely rapid pace. It twists and turns while keeping the viewer guessing the entire film. I loved every minute of this film. Carey Mulligan is outstanding as Cassie Thomas while Jennifer Coolidge almost leaves comedy behind in this role. Once you see the film you will get her one funny line.

The film has received positive reviews from critics praising Mulligan's performance s well as Fennell's direction.

I am happy with the three films I have seen in 2021 thus far. All different, but all giving me hope for cinema in 2021. Sadly some of 2020's films were rather subpar.

4.5 Stars.

December/January TV Finales - Cobra Kai (Season Three)

I binged the first two series of Cobra Kai back in November, 2020. Oh November, how you seem like a lifetime ago. Based on The Karate Kid film series created by Robert Mark Kamen, the TV series was created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg.

Bringing back stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka 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 first two seasons being released in 2018 to 2019. In June 2020, Netflix acquired the series. Now the third season got an early release on January 1, 2021. Initially it was sent to be released today, however Netflix gave us a New Years gift.

Last year Netflix gave us another gift. The series was renewed for a fourth season ahead of the third season premiere. Praise be.

Season three was truly outstanding. I could not stop watching this series. I was so sad when episode ten came to an end. The ten episodes across the LA dojo's to Japan (yes they go to Japan this season) were some of the best episodes yet.

I expect Cobra Kai to be one of Netflix's biggest titles moving forward. The show has wide appeal, every person I have spoken to about the show who has watched the show, enjoyed it. Young, old, into or new to Karate Kid, all enjoyed this Netflix title.

It's a great acquisition for Netflix, to gain this title from the now defunct YouTube original series. If you need a distraction from all things USA Cobra Kai season three (or season one-three) is the most fun you will have while travel, dancing and attending live music are still off the menu in 2021.

December/January TV Finales - Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Fourth & Final Part)

Oh boy, a once great Netflix title fizzles out with its Fourth & Final Part, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is now done and dusted.

Based on the Archie comic book series of the same name, originally to air on The CW, the series was intended to be a companion series to Riverdale; however, the project was moved to Netflix and a darker tone was reflected in the first two parts. Filming (like a lot of other CW shows) took place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The series is yet another Berlanti Productions as Greg Berlanti serves as executive producers, alongside Sarah Schechter, Jon Goldwater, and Lee Toland Krieger.

The show (like the previous Sabrina the Teenage Witch) is centered on the Archie Comics character Sabrina Spellman, portrayed by Kiernan Shipka. The show has a strong and beautiful cast made up of Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Chance Perdomo, Michelle Gomez, Jaz Sinclair, Tati Gabrielle, Adeline Rudolph, Lachlan Watson, Gavin Leatherwood, Richard Coyle, and Miranda Otto. 

The last eight episodes landed on Netflix on December 31, 2020. Previously in July, Netflix announced Part IV would be the last.

Both Parts III and IV just happened to landed around holidays in Australia. Part III around Australia Day and the IV on the New Years #StayHome year. Sadly for Sabrina, Cobra Kai launched the next day and Shonda series Bridgerton were grabbing all the headlines, also maybe viewers too.

I enjoyed the series for what it was, it was darker than Riverdale, less camp than the lesser discussed other spinoff Katy Keene however by Part IV it felt like it overstayed it's welcome. Sadly Riverdale still feels like that, yet The CW can't live without one of its only non superhero series.

Like Riverdale there were musical numbers, high school cliches and shirtless men, however sometimes the over arching plot of each season seemed to get lost. The Rotten Tomatoes scores went lower for Part IV but picked up in Part III following a Part II slip.

My favourite part of Part IV was when the OG aunties came to the show part of some multi universe storyline they were running with. Caroline Rhea as Hilda Spellman & Beth Broderick as Zelda Spellman had a bit more than a cameo but did play the aunties back when the OG show ran for 163 episodes. Yes 163!!!

What does the future bring for the Archie comic spin offs? Now Katy Keene is dead and buried as a one and done series, Sabrina is done and dusted and Riverdale is about to enter its fifth season on January 20. This season is said to be shorter (like last season, although that was cut short by COVID) to 19 episodes. Still that is a heck of a lot of high school drama, after Archie himself IRL is 23 years old whilst Veronica Lodge is 26.

So back to Sabrina is it worth eight final episodes. Yes and no, Nick (Gavin Leatherwood) is a dreamboat. The show gets a little repetitive over time. As one door closes at Netflix I am sure others will open. Cobra Kai is on my list to tell you about real soon, Season Three, WOW!

December/January TV Finales - Bump

Bump is the latest Australian drama series to pop up on Stan. 

It centres around Oly, an ambitious and high-achieving teenage girl who has a surprise baby whilst still at school in Glebe, Sydney. Bringing two vastly different families together.

Released on New Year's Day, 2021, the series was co-created by Claudia Karvan and Kelsey Munro, who also co-wrote with a writing team of Jessica Tuckwell, Timothy Lee, Mithila Gupta and Steven Arriagada. 

Karvan produced along with John Edwards and Dan Edwards. Geoff Bennett, Gracie Otto and Leticia Cáceres directed the series.

With a relatively fresh cast Claudia Karvan has headed back to the brilliance of Love My Way season one days.

Carlos Sanson Jnr as Santiago 'Santi' Hernandez is super handsome in the lead role as a schoolyard baby daddy whilst favourites like Karvan and Sampson lead the young cast well.

Whatever TV awards last through 2020 and rise from the ashes, we should see Nathalie Morris as lead Oly Chambers pick up a few awards. The brutal honestly and compassion expressed in this ten part (likely one and done) series is truly beautiful. Sydney looks awesome whilst seeing all these fresh faces come together, it's great. Below is to me what the real Sydney looks like. A total mix of beautiful faces. Love it.

This might well be STAN's best work to date. I even enjoyed this more than the brilliant Romper Stomper, one and done movie continuation. Not to mention this is actually one of Stan's best original (non movie continuation) dramas to date. 

Bloom and The Other Guy were good, but Wolf Creek and Romper Stomper seemed to get more attention.

For a summer treat Bump could be the easiest show to watch this Aussie summer. Well done all involved this is truly excellent TV.

December/January TV Finales - Power Book II: Ghost

Power Book II: Ghost is a spinoff of the long-running series, Power. However I don't know whether spinoff is the right title, more like a continuation.

In September (after a few episodes had aired), the series was renewed for a second season. I'm assuming this will air late 2021, following the next spinoff Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Which seems to be more of an origin story, rather than a spinoff.

Power Book II: Ghost picks up the narrative just a few days after the Power finale. The sequel then follows Tariq navigating his new life, in which his desire to shed his father's legacy comes up against the mounting pressure to save his family. 

Along the way, Tariq gets entangled in the affairs of the cutthroat Tejada family, adding further complications as he tries to balance his drug operations with his education, love life, family affairs, and mounting pressure from Cooper Saxe.

The cast is huge including hip hop heavyweights Mary J. Blige and Method Man. Both newcomers to the franchise whilst a bunch of folks are back from the OG series Power.

Spoiler ALERT Joseph Sikora appears as Tommy Egan ahead of his solo series, Power Book IV: Force.

For a super compressive run down of the finale, go HERE.

I enjoyed the second half of the debut ten episode season. We had an October/November rest period whilst we waited for the final five episodes, however by this time I could get my head around the fact the show was basically just a continuation and not a series going out on it's own.

Airing weekly (or now in its entirety) on STAN, will Power Book II: Ghost have the longevity the parent show enjoyed? Time will tell but Michael Rainey Jr. as Tariq St. Patrick and Mary J. are a force to reckon with.

Bring on season two!

Return to Cinema 2021 - Monster Hunter

I wasn't expecting to see a film so soon after the brilliant The Dry. Monster Hunter was as far from The Dry as you can get, however it is definitely an entertaining ride.

Featuring a huge, all star action cast, Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa, Tip "T. I." Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta, Josh Helman, Jin Au-Yeung and Ron Perlman.

For a massive action sequences, serious fight scenes between Milla Jovovich & Tony Jaa (until they become monster hunters together) with this huge cast, Monster Hunter is now playing.

Just go to the movie with no exceptions, don't even watch the above trailer. Just go in blind, it's a wild ass ride, talking cats and all.

Just when you think it can not get anymore crazy, they up it up a notch. Monster Hunter may not get amazing reviews nor get a sequel (which they are clearly setting it up for) but it's summer this is fun and it's blockbuster time, not awards season.

3 Stars (very generous I know, but it was fun, we all need a little fun right now)

So many TV reviews coming soon...

December/January TV Finales - neXt

neXt is the second of FOX's filler series whilst they wait for new episodes of both 9-1-1 series and The Resident. Also I am excited for the second season of Prodigal Son this month.

First was Filthy Rich which concluded early December. Now neXt wraps it's solo ten episode season. Airing in Australia on Binge or one of the many Foxtel apps, I accidentally watched episode ten twice when the double finale aired. However episode nine was a real dud.

Back in October 2020, the series was cancelled after two episodes aired. The series centers on the efforts of a homeland cybersecurity team to counter "a rogue AI with the ability to constantly improve itself".

The show had average reviews, however never grew an audience. Even with later viewers, the show never hit the 2 million viewers mark.

The idea for the series wasn't awful, I just think right now, signing into every venue we eat, visit, shop plus the whole world going cashless might be a little too close to home.

Even with Mad Men John Slattery as Paul LeBlanc the show did not stand much of a chance.

How will returning FOX shows do when they return in the coming days/weeks? As far as network US TV is concerned I am very happy that Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist returns (in Australia) to STAN next week. We all need a feel good show right now. Not to mention I read they are completely ignoring COVID. Thank fuck.

neXt's all ten episodes are available to Binge on Binge in Australia.

Return to Cinema 2021 - The Dry

After Wonder Woman I was a little nervous to return to the cinema, not because of COVID but because WW1984 was so bad. Such a long wait for such an average film. The Dry was apparently set for release in August of the 2020, so the wait has not been too long.

The Dry is based on the 2016 debut novel by Australian author Jane Harper.

The book has won numerous international awards whilst selling more than 1 million copies worldwide.

Eric Bana leads an outstanding cast, Miranda Tapsell, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Matt Nable and Genevieve O'Reilly.

Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life.

When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound - the death of 17- year-old Ellie Deacon. 

Falk begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by decades, are connected. As he struggles to prove not only Luke's innocence but also his own, Falk finds himself pitted against the prejudice towards him and and pent-up rage of a terrified community.

The suspense and lies being covered up in this small town makes for an outstanding piece of Australian cinema. It would have certainly topped my two BC and AC cinema lists for 2020 had I seen a preview screening of this film.

I am guessing this will do seriously well on my 2021 best of list, even though we are only two days in. So yeah happy new year, happy new cinema going year.

Let's keep the cinema business afloat, it's been a shit year for cinemas, so here is hoping for a good year of releases. If not predictable American blockbusters but a booming Australia and international film scene. With filming about to go on hold again in LA, things are looking grim for the old super power of film.

However The Dry is honestly one of the best films I have seen in years. Showcasing the Australian landscape and acting skills so well, 5 Stars. Outstanding.

December/January TV Finales - Tiny Pretty Things

So my November/December TV Finales post series has now become, December/January TV Finales as we get set to farewell more shows this month. Like Power Book II: Ghost and Cobra Kai season three. So some of these shows wrapped last month like this one, Tiny Pretty Things and tomorrow's post, neXt.

On to today's Netflix series, Tiny Pretty Things. The teen drama had its ten episode opening season drop on December 14, 2020. Right in time for people's holiday bingeing. The show was constantly in the "Netflix Top 20" and widely discussed due to the number of sex scenes and naked "teens".

Based on the novel of the same name by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, the first seasons ten episode run was a little longer than it needed to be but all the same a modern Gossip Girl, just based around ballet and Chicago.

There is so much eye candy in Tiny Pretty Things sometimes you forgot they are trying to figure out who pushed Cassie from the dance schools roof.

It's sexy, its camp, its an easy watch whilst overall being entertaining. If you like dance movies like the Step Up series, Centre Stage or in that style, Tiny Pretty Things will be an easy watch.