Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Kidnapped

March has been film madness for me! That said the quality of films has been mixed, at best. So it's time to Return to Cinema 2021 with Kidnapped.

Look unlike The Dry this will not do box office magic. I believe it has been pulled from cinemas to make way for the April school holidays films.

So what's Kidnapped all about? Basic plot, a woman living with her family in a tropical paradise. It is idyllic until their four-year-old daughter goes missing. Solving the mystery of her disappearance reveals previously hidden information about the family.

Starring Claire van der Boom and former Home & Away heartthrob, Todd Lasance.

To me this felt like a movie length Home & Away episode. The scenery around Port Douglas was sublime. The storyline and script. Very average.

It's been a big return to form for Australian cinema in 2021 with The Dry, Penguin Bloom and High Ground to name a few doing big business.

Sadly Kidnapped won't have as healthy balance sheet once it finishes playing at the cinema. Todd, the scenery and some of the plot twists will allow this film to just pass. Sadly the competition is on in Australia for high performing films in 2021.

2.5 Stars.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Godzilla vs. Kong

Godzilla vs. Kong is the latest and possibly the last film of the Legendary's MonsterVerse. Godzilla vs. Kong marks the the 36th Godzilla film whilst King Kong has only appeared on the big screen 12 times.

Godzilla vs. Kong stars Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood), Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), and Demián Bichir (the recent horrific film Chaos Walking).

Like most films Godzilla vs. Kong was delayed from a November 2020 release date due to the COVID-19.

Released last week in Australia, whilst it's scheduled to be released in the United States on the big screen this week, as well as on HBO Max. It's another HBO Max special for subscribes like the recent Wonder Woman film.


I had totally forgot the plot of Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island, however once the battle scenes begin, you just completely forget about any plot or any of the human characters.

It has been praised for its big action scenes, however criticised for the character development. The pacing is great too, so full marks in that department. 

So for now with the current climate of Australian cinema, this is the best of a pretty bad bunch right now. So heading into school holidays, this might be your best bet.

I think I liked Skull Island more, however I will pass this blockbuster at 2.5 Stars.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

March TV Finales - Superman & Lois - Mid-Season Finale

Superman & Lois is the latest Greg Berlanti series, based on the DC Comics characters developed for The CW network. In Australia it airs on Binge.

Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch star as the title characters Clark Kent / Superman, a costumed superhero, and Lois Lane, a journalist for the Daily Planet. The couple have appeared previously in the Arrowverse, sharing continuity with the Flash and Supergirl. It actually is a spin off of Supergirl, which ends this season.

Superman & Lois premiered late February, by March it was renewed for a second season.

Clearing a million live viewers a week and up to 3.25 million with catch up viewers, like Walker this season for The CW, this show is a hit!


The series had a two episode in one pilot meaning the series has already roughly aired 6 episodes, despite online 5 episodes are listed.

It now takes a short break whilst Supergirl returns as there was some COVID related filming issues. I for one actually look forward to seeing more Superman and Lois in 2021. Being renewed so early this show could have a long career at The CW.

The first five (six) episodes have explored an older Clark and Lois. Adding kids to the mix its part superhero/part high school series.

With Black Lightening also ended in 2021 The CW can not help itself with more superhero/DC content. March TV Finales returns next week with a look at the Snowpiercer double season two wrap up.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - French Exit

French Exit is one of those exceptional films that comes along at just the right time. Let's be honest, there has been some damn average cinema of late!

However Michelle Pfeiffer is outstanding in the lead role of Frances Price. So much so, she was nominated for Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

French Exit tells the story of a Manhattan heiress (Michelle Pfeiffer) who moves to Paris with her son (Lucas Hedges) with the little money they have left. Her cat also comes along for the ride, as does a random number of friends and randoms.

Speaking of random, the film is a little random in parts, however for the most part it is a hoot! Directed by Azazel Jacobs, based on the novel of the same name by Patrick deWitt, who also wrote the screenplay. 

The film is playing at random Event Cinemas as well as indie cinemas, so use your Dine and Discover vouchers NOW! They expire 30 June, 2021. Let's get cinemas back on their feet again!

This was a welcome return to quality cinema, not to mention the welcome return of Michelle Pfeiffer to the big screen!

4 Stars.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Zack Snyder's Justice League (Snyder Cut)

(Released on HBO Max in the United States on March 18, 2021, in Australia it's available on Binge)

Back in 2017 superhero film Justice League was released upon the world. I wasn't a huge fan, however now in 201 we get Zack Snyder's Justice League, often referred to as the "Snyder Cut".

Like the 2017 release, Zack Snyder's Justice League follows the Justice League. We get Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and the Flash (Ezra Miller).

The villains are Darkseid (Ray Porter), Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), and their army of Parademons.

Back in 2017 Justice League received mixed reviews whilst also being a box-office bomb. 

The remixed version is a four-hour film, dedicated to the memory of Snyder's daughter, Autumn.


Look we are up to our necks in superhero TV series and movies. A four hour superhero extravaganza was a bit much. After the last woeful Wonder Woman film along with a really average start to The Flash's seventh series, DC is really following massively being Marvel.

Affleck really was an awful Batman (here is hoping the next Batman in 2022 is a vast improvement) whilst Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash is really bad.

The Suicide Squad sequel film is still to come this year whilst a The Flash film is set for 2022. Also in 2022 we will score the Aquaman sequel. So we will still see some of these characters spin off from this four hour saga.

Look the shine of the original excellent Wonder Woman film can not save the current trend of DC films. I will pass this solely for Henry Cavill's exposed chest.

2.5 Stars. Catch all four hours (or close to) on Binge in Australia. Alongside the return of Mayan's MC, Superman and Lois, The Walking Dead and a number of other excellent drama series.

Tomorrow, French Exit at the actual cinemas!

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry

(Released on Apple TV+ February 26, 2021)

I have watched a few things on Apple TV+ but none of the movies, including the critically acclaimed Tom Hanks, Greyhound. I am however keen about the new Tom Holland film, Cherry along with the Justin Timberlake flick Palmer.

So Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry became my first Apple TV+ film to watch. I watched it in parts as it is well over 2 hours.


The documentary is directed by R. J. Cutler, centring around Billie Eilish's creation process of Eilish's debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

The title of the documentary film is referencing a lyric from the album track "Ilomilo".

I have never wanted to be famous, so watching this made me even happier I was just a plain ass Jane.

Billie created easily the best album of 2019 with When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. So much so it was my personal favourite album of that year.

With tracks with Khalid, Rosalía while her teen icon Justin Bieber appears on the monster hit, Bad Guy. Justin appears in the movie in some of the sweetest moments of the film.

Billie's brother Finneas (the albums producer) and mother Maria are also the sweetest and nicest parts of the film. Billie's family is so supportive and so loving. They are there for her all the time. On tour, at home, at events. It's a special relationship. It's the beauty at the heart of this film.

Billie's music is sublime, from big hits like Bad Guy to album tracks like My Strange Addiction and earlier EP tracks like Bellyache. Billie is already a legend.

I really enjoyed this music documentary. While the current offerings at the cinema are a little subpar, streaming services can really get the upper hand. I am looking forward to Apple TV+ launching the second season of The Morning Show, however I do need more from this streaming service. To be honest Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry is the best thing I have seen on Apple TV+ thus far.

4 Stars.

Monday, March 22, 2021

March TV Finales - American Gods - Season 3

The third season of American Gods has just concluded making it to my March TV Finales series.

Like Servant before it, running solid for ten episodes, January until now just before Easter 2021.

It's one of the only shows on Starz (USA) that does not appear on Stan in Australia. In Australia you must have an Amazon Prime log in/membership.

The season was officially greenlit in March 2019 and production began in October 2019. There is still no word on season four, however this is a show where you have long gaps between seasons. For example season one commenced in 2017, season two landed in 2019. Whilst 2020 was a full gap year with season three arriving this year.

Starring hunk of burning love Ricky Whittle alongside Aussie Emily Browning, Yetide Badaki, Crispin Glover, Bruce Langley, Omid Abtahi, Demore Barnes and Ian McShane.

This season follows Shadow Moon as he moves to Lakeside, Wisconsin under a new name to hide from the New Gods. It felt well paced this year with a number of sexy scenes, some violence and even Marilyn Manson joining the cast.

I enjoyed American Gods this season, now it's done, you too can get on board and watch the three seasons via a Free Amazon Trial Here.

Okay well that's a wrap for today, tomorrow we look to Apple TV+ again. Stay dry Sydney!

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Dine & Discover

NSW residents unite, it's time to Dine & Discover. Yes this is not a paid post but a simple post for you to get $100, check out a film I have recently seen (so many reviews on this blog) or get some food.

I have downloaded the Service NSW for check in purposes, now downloaded and received plus spent my four x $25 vouchers.

$50 for food, 2 x $25 and $50 for entertainment (can be used at Hoyts, Dendy and Event Cinemas, not sure about Palace) totalling $100 for all NSW residents. Like me you can also get your parents vouchers for an additional $100's of bucks!

So the catch. If you spend $19, you forfeit the remaining $6. The vouchers MUST also be used by June 30. Also they can not be used on public holidays.

Good news is the dining vouchers are no longer Monday - Thursday only. This has been extended to seven days of redemptions. Praise Be, clearly Service NSW heard the feedback that a lot of people actually work or need to watch MAFS Monday - Thursday.

Dine and Discover is my first ever hand out from the government. With no children and (semi) steady employment I am loving getting out there and helping my local cafe get some more cash in the register. I have long been a supporter of my wonderful Chippendale cafes and businesses.

I also want to help the cinema industry as right now with a rather dull release schedule they need our support. Whilst some films are less than amazing, if we ever want to see the latest James Bond film at the cinema, you may need to see a budget film in the meantime to keep those cinema doors open.

Or if cinema isn't your thing help a local zoo, tour or anything when you search on the Service NSW site for activities near you.

2021 has been tough, 2020 was the year our lives went on pause, so let's restart things. Safely of course, wash your hands, wear a mask if you are feeling ill or on public transport or a place that requires you to do so. Don't be a tool. Every train I was on recently there are people either not wearing masks or wearing them around their chins. Grow the fuck up, do your part. I want to go to music festivals and concerts again. I don't want a "new normal" I liked my life before. So I think by being sensible while listening to medical advice we can get back to music festivals, enjoy theatre, support the arts and enjoy a fun run if you so choose.

Australia we have done so well. Like other island nations (or surrounded by water) New Zealand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand (until recently) let's not be like the UK and USA. Let's move forward.

Also is it time to be a republic yet? Prince Andrew, Megan and Harry, endless Royal baby photos we are forced to look at?

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Chaos Walking

Chaos Walking is the latest sci-fi flop at cinemas.

Following the woeful Cosmic Sin, Chaos Walking is also a monster cluster fuck of a film. 

Starring Star Wars lead Daisy Ridley alongside Spiderman Tom Holland.

Starring TV royalty Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Demián Bichir (The Bridge and Grand Hotel), Cynthia Erivo (The Outsider), Nick Jonas (a Jonas Brother!), and David Oyelowo.

Basic plot, no spoilers, Chaos Walking follows a young man (Holland) who lives in a dystopian world where there are no women and all living creatures can hear each other's thoughts in a stream of images, words, and sounds called "Noise." When a woman (Ridley) crash lands onto the planet, he must help her escape danger.


Apparently the movie (like a lot of post COVID movies) seemed to have a lot of issues before getting release. I wonder why these studios decide to roll out these shit shows. Cosmic Sin was an epic fail, Chaos Walking is a fail, but slightly better than last week's sci-fi shit show.

1 Star for Tom Hollands well developing body. 24 and going strong. Looking forward to a more mature Spiderman in coming years.

Friday, March 19, 2021

March TV Finales - Servant - Season 2

Servant is my first of a few March TV Finales. Season two picks up right where season one left off.

Created and written by Tony Basgallop, who also executive produced alongside M. Night Shyamalan. 

The series continues Dorothy and Sean Turner, Leanne and their baby son, Jericho. In December 2020, ahead of the second season premiere, the series was renewed for a third season.


So will I be back for a third helping of this Apple TV+ series?

Well I do like a thirty minute show in my rotation, so likely yes. However will Apple continue to extend their subscribers free trial? Not so likely. A number of new films and series are on the way. Ted Lasso even won a Golden Globe recently.

When will Servant return for a third season? Who knows, there was a big gap between seasons one and two whilst with filming and COVID restrictions in place there may very well be a big delay.

We get a bit of a cliffhanger with the season two closer, Leanne is spooky and even more strange than season one. One must think though this show has a certain shelf life.

With viewership being secret lord only knows how popular this show is, for now I think it must do OK numbers for a third season announcement to come ahead of the season two finale.

Until I take a look at the not yet renewed American Gods, I return to the movies tonight, so look out for a Chaos Walking review real soon.

Sorry again for belated and low posts lately. Rain, Rain, go away too please!

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

2021 OSCARS Nominations | Predictions

Following the dodgy Grammy awards, another awards ceremony is incoming. Here are the nominations along with my predictions in red and bold.

Best Picture

“The Father”

“Judas and the Black Messiah”

“Mank”

“Minari”

“Nomadland”

“Promising Young Woman”

“Sound of Metal”

“The Trial of the Chicago 7”


Best Director

Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”

Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”

David Fincher, “Mank”

Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland”

Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round”


Best Actor

Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”

Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

Anthony Hopkins, “The Father”

Gary Oldman, “Mank”

Steven Yeun, “Minari”


Best Actress

Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”

Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”

Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”

Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”


Best Supporting Actor

Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami”

Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”

Lakeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”


Best Supporting Actress

Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”

Olivia Colman, “The Father”

Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”

Yuh-Jung Youn, “Minari”


Original Screenplay

“Judas and the Black Messiah”

“Minari”

“Promising Young Woman”

“Sound of Metal”

“The Trial of the Chicago 7”


Adapted Screenplay

“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

“The Father”

“Nomadland”

“One Night in Miami”

“The White Tiger”


Animated Feature

“Onward”

“Over the Moon”

“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”

“Soul”

“Wolfwalkers”


Production Design

“The Father”

“Mank”

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

“News of the World”

“Tenet”


Costume Design

“Emma”

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

“Mank”

“Mulan”

“Pinocchio”


Cinematography

Sean Bobbitt, “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Erik Messerschmidt, “Mank”

Dariusz Wolski, “News of the World”

Joshua James Richards, “Nomadland”

Phedon Papamichael, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”


Editing

“The Father”

“Nomadland”

“Promising Young Woman”

“Sound of Metal”

“The Trial of the Chicago 7”


Makeup and Hairstyling

“Emma”

“Hillbilly Elegy”

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

“Mank”

“Pinocchio”


Sound

“Greyhound”

“Mank”

“News of the World”

“Soul”

“Sound of Metal”


Visual Effects

“Love and Monsters”

“The Midnight Sky”

“Mulan”

“The One and Only Ivan”

“Tenet”


Score

“Da 5 Bloods”

“Mank”

“Minari”

“News of the World”

“Soul”


Song

“Husavik” (“Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”)

“Fight for You” (“Judas and the Black Messiah”)

“Lo Sì (Seen)” (“The Life Ahead”)

“Speak Now” (“One Night in Miami”)

“Hear My Voice” (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”)


International Feature

“Another Round,” Denmark

“Better Days,” Hong Kong

“Collective,” Romania

“The Man Who Sold His Skin,” Tunisia

“Quo Vadis, Aida?” Bosnia and Herzegovina

Monday, March 15, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Cosmic Sin

I am keeping this short like the 88 minute run time of new science fiction film, Cosmic Sin. Sadly this is directed by Australian music video director Edward Drake. Shame he has directed some stellar music videos over time. The film also stars Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo.

Not surprisingly Cosmic Sin has a 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. My star rating underneath the trailer.

Well it definitely doesn't deserve a full star, but even a half star might be too high. This I think is my first quarter of a star review.

That is right, 0.25/5

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - Nomadland

Ok so after a break from the cinema last week, I saw two films today. First being, Nomadland.

Directed, written, and edited by Chloé Zhao, Nomadland is based on the 2017 book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder.

Starring the fantastic, Frances McDormand Nomadland premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion. It also won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

The film had some preview screenings in Australia around the summer holidays, before landing in general release earlier this month. In the (former) United States some cinemas begun screening the film on January 29, whilst also streaming digitally on Hulu on February 19, 2021. 

The basic plot of the stunning US road movie is McDormand as Fern, a woman who leaves home to travel around the American West. Along with Frances McDormand, the film also stars real-life nomads Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells, as fictionalized versions of themselves. 


The film garnered critical acclaim while becoming the third-highest rated of 2020 on Metacritic.

Nomadland was frequently ranked by critics and publications as one of the best films of 2020. It was named one of the ten best films of 2020 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, and received four nominations at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, winning Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director; in winning the latter award, Zhao became the second woman and the first Asian woman to do so.

I loved this film. It was slow in parts but heartbreaking at times too, so the pacing actually allowed my emotions to catch up with me.

If you need a good drama to use your Service NSW Dine & Discover vouchers to see, this is a must see. Frances McDormand is so exceptional whilst also appearing completely naked. You go girl.

4.5 Stars. American poverty on the big screen for the whole world to see.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Australia, Not so All Over: Wollongong - Part II

This week I am GONG bound! Here is Part I. This time I should have more fun photos and more food talk. Maybe I may even see another movie since I didn't get to the movies over the weekend. More March TV posts coming soon with some big season finales on the way. Servant on Apple TV+ and American Gods both have two more episodes left. Whilst 9-1-1 and the spin off 9-1-1 Lone Star concludes this week for a USA Winter finale.

Also this month, City on a Hill returns on Stan whilst Supergirl and Mayans MC return on Binge.

April/May TV wise is also shaping up to be huge with The Handmaids Tales long awaited fourth season coming, Dynasty returns for a fourth season also. Not to be left out Pose will also return for its third and final season in May.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Binged 2021 - The Queen's Gambit (miniseries)

The Queen's Gambit has been the talk of town since October last year, then again following the recent Golden Globe Awards. I watched the first episode ages ago, liked it and then this week caught up with the remaining six episodes.

The coming-of-age period miniseries is based on Walter Tevis's 1983 novel of the same name. The title refers to "Queen's Gambit", a chess opening. 

The miniseries travels through the mid-1950s into the 1960s, following the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy). Beth is an orphaned chess prodigy on her rise to the top of the chess world while struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.

After four weeks it had become Netflix's most-watched scripted miniseries.

It has received critical acclaimed whilst also receiving a positive response from the chess community. Apparently there has also been an increased public interest in the game.


The series won two Golden Globe Awards: Best Limited Series or Television Film and Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for Taylor-Joy. 

Anya Taylor-Joy is also nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries and a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie.

There is no violence, hardly any swear words, little sex/nudity. It's actually a really clean series for everyone.

If you are interested in chess, good acting or just a damn fine miniseries, The Queen's Gambit is for you. If like me you have been living under a rock and hadn't binged this yet, get on board!

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Return to Cinema 2021 - The Little Things

The Little Things is one of those big hype Hollywood films with some big old names on the movie poster. Denzel Washington and Rami Malek star alongside Jared Leto in this neo-noir crime thriller. Written and directed by John Lee Hancock & produced by Hancock and Mark Johnson. 

Set in the 90's in Los Angeles, the film follows two detectives (Denzel Washington and Rami Malek) who investigate a string of murders, which lead them to a strange loner who may be the culprit (Jared Leto). 

The Little Things was released a few weeks back with advance screenings then finally in Australia 18 February, 2021. In the United States it was released in late January as well as a month-long simultaneous release on the HBO Max streaming service. Can Australia just hurry up and get us some HBO Max action so I can ditch give Foxtel my hard earned coin?


The film received mixed reviews from critics, also Leto received Best Supporting Actor nominations at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. So far the film has reached 23 million at the box office, of its 30 million budget.

I enjoyed the film, however the pacing was a little slow. Clocking in at over two hours the film could have done with some tidy edits.

Denzal and Malek worked well together however the ending left me a little, cold. No spoiler alerts however this films conclusion is for me its downfall. However in an era of subpar films, this rises above average, 3 stars.

Monday, March 1, 2021

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Robbie Miller

The (Mini) Monday Spotlight is back for 2021! Welcome to 2021 with Robbie Miller. Hello Autumn 2021, from the outset the (Mini) Monday Spotlight will be a lot less regular than in 2020.

So let's get to edition one in 2021. Robbie Miller released his debut album Little Love mid last month. The album at the time was a feature record on Double J. In 2013, Miller won Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Winner at the NIMA Awards.

In 2017 Miller won an APRA Award for his single "The Pain". 

We have waited a while for this debut album from Miller, however over the years Miller has delivered us great singles and two EP's.

Let's start Monday (and autumn) right with some new music as well as some more familiar tunes from Robbie Miller.