OK real talk, 2022 could be the worst year for cinema for this film buff. From awful superhero films to very average action, reboot films, it hasn't been a great year. There were however some damn fine diamonds in the rough like Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.
BEST hyped film of 2022 - Elvis
BEST jump out of the seat film - Barbarian
BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - Where the Crawdads Sing
BEST films of 2022 - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande/The Batman
BEST small (budget) film - Everything Everywhere All at Once
BEST Aussie Movie - Bosch & Rockit
BEST Music films (TIE) - Elvis/I Wanna Dance with Somebody
BEST controversial film of 2022 - I actually don't think there were any controversial films I sat through this year. Better luck in 2023.
BEST Drama - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Notable The (Non) Masked (Home) Cinema 2022 mentions.
BEST Aussie Movie/BEST Music film - 6 Festivals
BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah (TIE) - Senior Year/Do Revenge
Bump is back on Stan for a third season. Boy was season three an express, easy watch! I was done in two days! Like the second season, the third landed on Boxing Day 2022.
Another ten episodes down concluding with No Fairytales, which in my mind opens the series up for Stan to green lit a fourth season. Off the top of my head that would be the longest running Stan series to date.
Moving on from the high school days in the Inner West of Sydney of Oly & Santi. Their daughter Jacinda (think NZ) now attends the school that Oly & Santi did. Or at least I think so. It's the one, where the school scenes are filmed on and around Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus
Last year we had the good news the show was already returning for a third season, this year we now need to wait. However with the show sold to the USA to air on The CW network, here is hoping there is enough interest in the series here and abroad to keep it going.
From episode one First Day to season finale No Fairytales, I was hooked on the Sydney based drama.
Claudia Karvan is divine as always, however Ioane Sa’ula as Vince (Santi's mate) really steals the show this season. He is a killer nice, with cheeky lines and fun storylines!
Honestly if you need a good drama this summer, look no further than the third run of Bump on Stan. Or if this is all new to you, no spoilers, just start from episode one. It's a hoot!
God I loved this look at a summer of Australian music festivals!
As I have recently got back into festivals, this film was an instant favourite of mine. Streaming on Paramount+, this Australian original film is a little, hidden gem.
Three teen besties go to extremes to attend six music festivals in an uplifting film by Macario De Souza (Bra Boys) featuring some of Australia’s hottest acts performing live.
Maxie, Summer and James share a deep bond and love for music. James (Rory Potter) is the entrepreneur of the trio, his sights set on a career as a promoter. Summer (Yasmin Honeychurch) has an incredible singing voice.
Maxie (Rasmus King, Bosch & Rockit) is the maestro of mischief. When James receives a devastating diagnosis, the friends – each with burdens to bear – throw themselves into a whirlwind of festivals in an attempt to escape reality.
Featuring Dune Rats, G Flip, Bliss n Eso, B Wise, Peking Duk, Ruby Fields, Jerome Farah, Kobie Dee plus more! There is also fantastic footage shot at actual festivals.
6 Festivals is a moving love letter to young friendship and the life-altering power of live music.
I do love me some G Flip, so this was a good old time at the home cinema this summer. Also a perfect summer film with some big festivals incoming.
I must say this would be one of my favourite Aussie films of 2022. You will soon see my "Best Of" 2022 list for the cinema. This year including the The (Non) Masked (Home) Cinema 2022 films for the first time.
Yes streaming films are here to stay. Not to mention the quality is on the up and up!
If you have Paramount+ this is a great little, local 90 odd minute film. 4 Stars.
I Hate Suzie is back for a three episode season run titled, I Hate Suzie Too. Landing on Stan right before Christmas this one pushed me back on starting the third run of Jack Ryan.
Three episodes what an easy binge! I discovered this one part of the whole COVID era. It wasn't my favourite series, however it was a bit different.
Created by Lucy Prebble and Billie Piper. Suzie Pickles (Piper) is a former teenage pop star and television actress. However she has now tried to get back into the spotlight by starring in a Dancing with the Stars style show.
Like the first season, some episodes are frantic AF!
Suzie continues to struggle with her ex-hisband Cob (Daniel Ings) whilst looking after her deaf son Frank (Matthew Jordan-Caws).
Naomi (Leila Farzad), Suzie's manager and friend, also tries agin this season to help Suzie keep on track. Despite the dancing show being a totally wild ride. Not what a woman with a load going on needs in her life.
Stan has some interesting content this summer. Bump is back for a third run in the Inner West whilst new series Black Snow is being advertised everywhere. Black Snow is a US co-production so I will be excited to watch this in the new year.
I Hate Suzie Too (season two of I Hate Suzie) streams right now on Stan. Until next time...
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is the latest biographical musical drama following films about Elton John and Queen. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, based on the life and career of American pop singer and actress Whitney Houston. Houston is played by the talented Naomi Ackie, while her manager/friend is played by Stanley Tucci. Also joining the cast is Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams, and Clarke Peters.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody was released against the ridiculous number of screenings for Avator 2. There is a big focus on the early years/relationship with Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams). This has always been a controversial part of Houston's history.
Also in the mix is her marriage to Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders) and her relationship with her daughter. Which if you know your Whitney history ends tragically.
By the critics, the film received mixed reviews, who praised Ackie's portrayal of Houston and the musical sequences, but criticized McCarten's screenplay.
I really enjoyed this film. Maybe as a music lover, I saw how she was played by the label, her family and Bobby. Whitney was a HUGE talent. Her music is timeless. I Wanna Dance with Somebody will always get folks on the dance floor. Gay or straight.
This was a fun, whilst tragic film. Whitney is incredible. Was incredible. Her music will always live on.
I enjoyed the two hour plus look at her very short life.
Well we made it to Christmas Eve. What a year 2022 has been. There has really been the good, the bad and the ugly in TV this calendar year. For me the spring released series were either awesome or fucking shit. That is a truth bomb right there.
There really was some quality releases, both local and abroad. With the top two shows of all 39 being Australian productions.
Netflix really got its groove back this season with two of the top 5 series this season being Netflix Originals. I feel in love with Disney+ with some real quality releases like Reboot and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law easily being the best Marvel series in months!
Ok so if you need something to watch this holiday season, the below 39 series might tickle your fancy. Or you can review previous RATED posts, HERE.
Until next time, happy holidays besties!
1. Colin From Accounts - Season One (Early December) 2. Fisk - Season Two (November) 3. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story - miniseries (September) 4. Wednesday - Season One (November) 5. The Handmaid's Tale - Season Five (November) 6. Reboot - Season One (October) 7. Heartbreak High (2022 Reboot) - Season One (September) 8. Elite - Season Six (November) 9. The White Lotus - Season Two (Early December) 10. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law - miniseries (October) 11. Dead to Me - Season Three/Series Finale (November) 12. The Watcher - miniseries (October) 13. This England - miniseries (September) 14. Smiley - miniseries (Early December) 15. Andor - Season One (November) 16. Upright - Season Two (November) 17. Bali 2002 - miniseries (September) 18. Cobra Kai - Season Five (September) 19. Wedding Season - miniseries (September) 20. The Patient - miniseries (October) 21. House of the Dragon - Season One (October) 22. The Cleaning Lady - Season Two (Early December) 23. City on a Hill - Season Three/Series Finale (September) 24. Pennyworth - The Origin of Batman's Butler - Season Three (November) 25. Sort Of - Season Two (Early December) 26. Ramy - Season Three (September) 27. Power Book III: Raising Kanan - Season Two (October) 28. Industry - Season Two (September) 29. Reservation Dogs - Season Two (September) 30. Chucky - Season Two (November) 31.American Gigolo - Season One (October) 32. Atlanta - Season Four/Series Finale (November) 33. One of Us Is Lying - Season Two (October) 34. Monarch - Season One/Series Finale (Early December) 35. Stargirl - Season Three/Series Finale (Early December) 36. Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin - miniseries (November) 37. American Horror Story: NYC - Season Eleven (November) 38. First Wives Club - Season Three (Early December) 39. The Walking Dead - Season Eleven/Series Finale (November)
Wednesday posted on Thursday marks the end of Spring Season/Series Ender post series.
I was never a huge fan of the Addams family, however the Wednesday Addams by Charles Addams, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, is loads of fun. Reminds me a little bit of a better Sabrina also recently on Netflix.
Jenna Ortega plays the titular character, with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Fred Armisen, along with Christina Ricci also starring in the hit series.
Four out of the eight episodes are directed by Tim Burton, who also serves as executive producer.
The first season revolves around Wednesday Addams, who attempts to solve a monster mystery at her school.
Filming took place in Romania between September 2021 and March 2022. Wednesday premiered on mid-November, so I am still playing catch up a little. However this was one, easy watch.
Within three weeks of release, it became the second-most watched English-language Netflix series. It received two Golden Globe nominations: Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy for Ortega.
Spoilers ahead, here is a brief plot before a guide to episode eight below. Wednesday Addams is expelled from her school after dumping live piranhas into the school's pool in retaliation for the boys' water polo team bullying her brother, Pugsley.
Consequently, her parents, Gomez and Morticia Addams, enroll her at their high school alma mater, Nevermore Academy, in the town of Jericho, Vermont, a private school for monstrous outcasts.
Wednesday's cold, emotionless personality and her defiant nature make it difficult for her to connect with her schoolmates and cause her to run afoul of the school's principal. However, she discovers she has inherited her mother's psychic abilities which allow her to solve a local murder mystery.
Fast forward to episode eight, it's an easy watch so you are there before you know it. Just wait for that Lady Gaga dance sequence!
Wednesday and her classmates kidnap Tyler, and Wednesday starts torturing him to make him confess. Disagreeing with her methods, her classmates alert Weems, and Wednesday is arrested.
At the police station, Tyler finally confesses to being the monster. Fed up with Wednesday's behavior, Weems expels her from Nevermore.
Wednesday visits Eugene at the hospital, whose description of the figure he saw at the monster's cave matches Ms. Thornhill, a teacher at Nevermore. Weems, disguised as Tyler, and Wednesday get Thornhill to confess that she is Laurel Gates and manipulated Tyler into killing the victims as part of her scheme to resurrect Joseph Crackstone and wipe out all outcasts.
However, Gates manages to kill Weems and subdue Wednesday. Using Wednesday's blood, Gates resurrects Crackstone and leaves Wednesday to die, but Goody appears to heal her. Enid, having transformed into her werewolf form, defeats Tyler in his Hyde form while Crackstone breaches Nevermore. With help from Bianca, Wednesday destroys Crackstone, and Eugene helps defeat Gates.
Xavier is released from prison, Tyler is detained, and Wednesday departs Nevermore, which is closing for the remainder of the semester.
The episode closes with some serious questions to be answered. I am almost positive after the success of this series it will 100% be back for a second run. This was really good TV. Honestly after an average year for the movies, TV is really shining with series like this.
Tomorrow the RATED list will be posted for the Spring Season/Series Ender post series. See you then.
2022 has really not been a great year for film. Hear me out. We had two years of movies, on, then off, streaming services now releasing films like Poker Face with big Hollywood names and singers, like RZA.
So in 2022, we had so many ways to consume films. Either on premium demand, Netflix, Disney+, even Australia's own Stan. That's where this Australian-American thriller film written, directed and starring Russell Crowe.
Crowe is not the only big star in this film. Also featuring in Poker Face is Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games franchise), RZA (The Man with the Iron Fists), Aden Young (Rectify), Steve Bastoni (Fires), Daniel MacPherson (Neighbours), Brooke Satchwell (upcoming Stan Original Series Black Snow), Paul Tassone (The Code), Matt Nable (upcoming Stan Original Film Transfusion, The Dry), Benedict Hardie (Joe vs. Carole), Jacqueline McKenzie (Stan Original Series Bloom) and Molly Grace (Savage River), with Elsa Pataky (Fast and Furious franchise) and Jack Thompson (High Ground).
The plots super basic with a random flashback sequence which is where I started and paused the film from when it was released until, just now. Jake Foley, a tech billionaire, holds a high stakes poker night with his childhood friends. As the night goes on, it is revealed Foley wants his friends to reveal secrets they've held their entire lives. Things go awry as thieves try to rob the game, and the friends must band together to survive.
Poker Face premieres November 22, on Stan. This was after a very short cinema release.
The film was shot in New South Wales and marks Crowe’s second directorial outing following 2014’s AACTA Award-winning The Water Diviner.
However this will not be an AACTA award winning film. It was fairly average at best. Making me think, have these streaming exclusive films, also made the movie going experience? After the long, drawn out Black Panther sequel on the weekend, I see the argument for now chilling out at home, ordering Uber Eats and then switching on your selected streaming service for the evening. Or morning. We all know I used to love a morning film.
Either way Poker Face is just not a great film. It seems to be shot in a post COVID world with many scenes featuring limited cast.
I can't pass this film, even though it was a free film, with only my monthly Stan direct debit setting me back for this 90 minute dud.
Smiley is yet another Spanish romantic comedy series, starring the hunk of spunk Carlos Cuevas. Also starring Miki Esparbé & Cedrick Mugisha.
It's hunk central in Smiley which is based on the play of the same name by Guillem Clua. It landed on Netflix early December, hence it being one of my last in the Spring Miniseries/series/season Ender post series.
Set in Barcelona, the plot revolves around the love story between two guys (bartender Àlex and architect Bruno), who meet upon a misdirected voicemail.
All eight episodes are super enjoyable. Lot's of sexy skin, good times and romance along the way.
With other couples, straight (married with kids), lesbian and older couples also have moments with their couple life. It is interesting to see Alex and Bruno connect over a misdirected voicemail.
Not 100% confirmed as a miniseries however there is very little detail on whether there would actually be a second season.
So if you are looking for some hot, Spanish romance, Smiley on Netflix could be an easy, breezy summer slack watch.
First Wives Club is another series ready to get rested. Three seasons in, where is this series headed? With one of the three wives vanishing between seasons 2 and 3, the third season felt a little forced, while lacking direction.
Streaming on BET+ stateside, it streams on Stan in Australia.
The tenth episode of this season really felt like a series ender. With SPOILER ALERT! Hazel and Regina reconcile and solidify their partnership with a Grammy. Then Bree & Gary find the answers they were looking for in each other and hit the open road in an RV. Hitting the road in an RV? Yep that sounds like some series finale shit right there!
No announcement of season four yet, however I am sure Jill Scott is far to busy to play Hazel again in another season.
Until next time, hopefully I get to see a good film or conclude the cute Netflix Spanish series, Smiley. Check it out now, FUN!
Oh dear. 2022 has served up some rather average films, however Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is one of the longest, most frustrating films of the year thus far.
Serving as a sequel to Black Panther (2018), it feels a long way away from the OG film with a great soundtrack and amazing action scenes.
Starring Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther, alongside Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Martin Freeman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Angela Bassett.
A brief plot of the film is the leaders of Wakanda fight to protect their nation in the wake of King T'Challa's death.
There is some touching moments though for the OG Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. The start of the film was super moving. By the end though, you are less than moved by emotion, rather the mood to move out of the cinema after close to three hours.
Yes it's way too long, I saw this late in its run. Opening November 11, 2022, the film has somehow received positive reviews from critics. Look, it looks great, its just WAY, way, way too long. Drawn out, overlong useless scenes after scene. Why is Julia Louis-Dreyfus even in this movie?
It has also grossed over $774 million worldwide, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2022.
I wanted to like this so much! I had barely been to the movies this month, which makes this even more disappointing.
Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin is Peacock (Stan in Australia) television series spinoff of the film series Pitch Perfect.
Developed by Megan Amram and Elizabeth Banks based on characters created by Kay Cannon. The six part series/miniseries landed late November. So as I said earlier I am catching up.
Adam DeVine (The Righteous Gemstones) stars as lead, Bumper. Flula Borg joined the main cast to reprise his role from Pitch Perfect 2. Sarah Hyland, Jameela Jamil, and Lera Abova also joined the cast, with filming on the series began in March 2022 in Berlin.
Americans by nature don't travel well so am an American series based in Germany has some of those random comments, generalisations you would expect. I much prefer DeVine in his is he gay or isn't he in The Righteous Gemstones on HBO.
I was told by a co-worker episode one was cringe. It totally was, she was 100% right. However it was a super easy watch. I did love the first Pitch Perfect film. The second was not great, the third from 2017 was downright awful.
I can't see any future spin off's coming anytime soon, however this was an easy watch, fun for the background while wrapping secret Santa presents.
Anyway this lives on Stan if you are keen. Also soon on Stan, Yellowstone will continue its latest series, Bump will return for its third season along with some more exciting titles. Until tomorrow when we head into another film turned TV Stan title, The First Wives Club. Spoiler alert, it was awful.
Dead to Me has just concluded its final, third season. Executively produced by Feldman, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Jessica Elbaum.
First showing up on our Netflix, May 3, 2019, it's been a rather long wait till the third and final run.
Starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, the third season had some delay issues. Including the COVID-19 pandemic, while then further delayed by Applegate's multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Eventually the third season was released mid November. Hence me running the Spring Series/Season Ender post series until the years end.
Season three opens up with Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Cardellini) visit a tropical location, though it is revealed to be a dream after the hit-and-run accident.
An intoxicated Ben arrives at Jen's house only to be greeted by Charlie; Charlie drives Ben to the hospital in Ben's busted up SUV. Jen and Judy are being treated for their injuries at the same hospital as Ben.
Judy fakes a seizure, swipes a nurse's identification badge, and steals pain relievers for Jen just as Judy used to fake seizures as a girl so Judy's mom could steal drugs.
After Steve's buried body is found, Detective Perez tries to convince Nick that the Greek Mafia is responsible for Steve's death; Nick is skeptical of the story. Detective Perez tries to call Jen, but poor cellphone signals prevent them from speaking.
Judy runs into Ben in a hospital corridor where Ben tells Judy that Steve's body has been found. Jen accidentally receives the results of both women's scans and realizes that Judy's scan reveals the possibility that Judy may have cancer.
So there is a lot to unpack in the final season. It's emotional, funny, bold while giving us a fitting end to one of the best Netflix comedies of all time. Well so far in the history of Netflix originals.
I haven't been too keen on Netflix of late, however it's shows like Dead to Me which draw me back in.
If you have ever watched this show Applegate drops a monster number of F bombs, whilst at 49 James Marsden is still a total BABE! He went from playing Steve Wood to Ben Wood across seasons one to two to three. He still looks damn fine shirtless! YASS Daddy!
Anyway Dead to Me now streams its entire run on Netflix. I wish Christina Applegate all the best. Applegate has had a tough run of health issues over the year, which is why you have to give it up for her this season. She totally shines. Love a good comeback, Applegate has really had her moment with her youth, Married with Children to Bad Moms and now Dead to Me. Geddit GIRL!
The Cleaning Lady has just concluded its double episode, season two finale.
A third season is not yet on the cards, however with Monarch already cancelled the Fox network in the USA needs some dramas on their books. My bet is Fantasy Island will wrap up early next week, with some more underwhelming new series to launch next TV season.
The series developed by Miranda Kwok, is based on the 2017 Argentinian television series La chica que limpia. Commencing mid September, we got a bonus two episodes for the second run. The first season only concluded in March of 2022, so there was a very short wait between seasons. This could be a good or bad thing.
The Cleaning Lady AKA Thony De La Rosa, continues to get in more trouble this season, all of which is now streaming on Binge.
Naveen Andrew's joins the cast as a new bad dude, Robert Kamdar. No spoilers but the body count builds in season two. Fairly quickly and consistently.
Las Vegas has never been so dirty!
I enjoyed this season, maybe a little less than season one. However this was an easy watch. If we do get a third season on the Fox network in the USA I would say that'll be a wrap. There is not much else that can help to Thony and her family. Poor Luca can only take so much!
Until tomorrow when I finally caught up on the final season to Dead to Me. Is it Christmas yet?
The White Lotus was intended as a six-part limited series, the show's success led to HBO renewing it as an anthology series; a second season premiered on October 30, 2022. Last month, the series was renewed for a third season. The American Film Institute named it one of the ten best television programs of 2021 and 2022.
Created by Mike White streaming on HBO/Binge in Australia, the comedy-drama-horror series follows the guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus resort chain, whose stay is affected by their various psychosocial dysfunctions. The first season is set in Hawaii and the second season is set in Sicily.
The second season was a wild ride, however was it as good as that stay in Hawaii? Oh and I know you're like it's summer in Australia. Well I am behind in my shows, most of these shows had the majority of their episodes in spring, so I will conclude this series at the end of December. With my Spring RATED report landing early January, 2023.
So over to episode seven, Arrivederci. Yes one episode longer than season one. So you are warned SPOILERS AHEAD!
After Harper admits to him that Cameron kissed her, a furious Ethan attacks Cameron, nearly drowning him before a bystander intervenes.
Ethan shares his suspicions with Daphne, who repeats the advice she gave Harper, to do whatever makes him feel better; she then invites him to join her on a walk to a nearby island, though it is not revealed whether they have a sexual encounter there.
An invigorated Ethan later has sex with Harper, reigniting the passion in their marriage. Albie convinces Dominic to wire €50,000 to Lucia to save her from Alessio, in exchange for Albie's help in salvaging Dominic's marriage.
Valentina gains a newfound sense of confidence and hires Mia as the resort’s permanent piano player, to the anger of the returning Giuseppe.
Portia becomes anxious when she wakes up and finds that her phone is missing, while Jack insists everything is fine. She takes his phone and calls Tanya, telling her she feels something terrible is about to happen as Jack has said that Quentin is broke and about to come into a large fortune that will help save his palazzo.
Remembering the framed photo of Quentin and Greg again, Tanya deduces that Greg hired Quentin to kill Tanya so that he can inherit her fortune. Jack coerces Portia into his car, where she confronts him about his relationship with Quentin; he angrily drives off saying he will take Portia back to Taormina. He later drops her off near Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, warning her not to return to the White Lotus for her own safety.
On Quentin's yacht back to the hotel, a panicked Tanya retrieves Niccolo's gun and kills him, Quentin, and their other associates but, while attempting to board a dinghy to escape, falls off the yacht to her death.
Her body washes up to shore the next day and is discovered by Daphne, and the other bodies on the yacht are found soon after. Lucia leaves Albie and celebrates her successful scam with Mia and Alessio, who had been working with them.
Albie and Portia run into each other at the airport, where Albie confirms Tanya's death to Portia and nonchalantly mentions that Lucia had played him. They exchange numbers as they wait for their flights home.
I may not of loved it as much as season one, however it was a lot of fun. There was a lot more sex in season two. Will Sharpe is WAY too sexy while Aubrey Plaza was outstanding this season. Some of those resting bitch faces were insanely amazing.
So if you need a summer, Christmas series to smash out! The White Lotus seasons one and two stream now on Binge. Catch it all while you can as HBO Max is on a cancellation spree in the USA. Love/Life, Minx (even though it was renewed already) and The Nevers have all now been cancelled. I feel Pennyworth and The Flight Attendant will join them soon. Also I am not super confident about a third season of the rebooted Gossip Girl.
For now The White Lotus will hopefully be back in 2023, where will it be located? Who knows? Hopefully Ethan will be back. Please!
Another DC series bites the dust, so farewell Stargirl. In October, it was announced that the third season will be its last. The third season was titled, Frenemies, with Chapter Thirteen: The Reckoning marking the end of the road for yet another The CW series.
Two days in a row of series enders.
Spoilers ahead y'all. Ahead of that if you want to watch all three seasons, head to Binge.
Pat escapes and reveals the truth about Sylvester before joining Barbara, Mike's group, and the JSA in fighting Sylvester and the Mahkents at the junkyard.
Lily is crushed to death by a falling car, Courtney takes back the staff, Jakeem has Thunderbolt turn Dragon King into a stuffed animal, Pat leaves Sylvester brain-damaged, and Cameron shatters Jordan before leaving with Sofus.
Afterwards, Rick apologizes to Beth's family and Beth lets her parents become her sidekicks. Pat keeps Sylvester on life support, Mike meets his mother, Courtney delivers Sharpe's letter to Rebecca and later reunites with Cameron, Grundy reawakens, and Yolanda tells her mother the truth.
Three months later, Artemis burns Jordan alive in Copenhagen. Over the following ten years, Sylvester's brain is found and he is revived, the JSA rescues the other Seven Soldiers of Victory from Nebula Man, and Rick and Beth get engaged.
While working as a tour guide for a JSA museum, Shade is interrupted by Jay Garrick, who tells him that the JSA is needed and that the adventures are not over.
So another superhero series bites the dust. The Flash has confirmed its final season commences in February 2023. I have always wanted to watch HBO Max's Titans, so maybe one day when I am not fatigued by superhero series I may give that a go.
No word on the return of Superman and Lois for their third season.
Until then its the weekend, Christmas shutdown is almost here so expect a binge FEST! Laters!
Monarch is another one and done series. Meaning this week its Monarch and Stargirl all ending on network TV for good. Are TV dramas in the USA heading down the same path as the Australian drama market? More cheap reality crap for America like here in Australia???
The main problem with the series was Susan Sarandon stars as Dottie Cantrell, but only in episode one. Spoiler alert, Dottie goes bye-bye in episode one. However my favourite was and generally is when they are in a series, Beth Ditto.
Alongside Sarandon & Ditto, Trace Adkins, Anna Friel, Martha Higareda, Iñigo Pascual + Joshua Sasse star in the former Fox series. Streaming in Australia through on Paramount+.
The series premiered September 11, after a slight delay from originally set for a January, 2022 launch. Maybe the nine month delay was a sign the series was doomed from the start.
So what's it all about you ask? Dottie and Albie Roman lead a country music dynasty at the center of a multigenerational family drama. Daughter Nicky Roman does all she can to protect the dynasty's reign in country music while ensuring her own stardom.
With some fun musical acts (all covers, no originals) the series had some fun moments, however after the short lived Queens, Empire and Glee tapping out, is there still room for musical dramas on network TV?
Well that is another series I don't need to worry about for the 2023-2024 series. Tomorrow I will take a look at the final ever Stargirl episode too. Until then, sleep tight. BYE!
Colin From Accounts was technically released on the 1st day of December, however I am including this in my Spring Season Ender series. Let's face it summer is not yet here, I am still sleeping with blankets and no air con.
Created and written by, and starring, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, the series is Binge's second original production after Love Me. Please Binge keep up the local release. Cause damn, your on fire, two from two!
Premiering on Binge + Foxtel services on 1 December 2022, with all eight episodes dropping.
Set in Sydney, Australia and centred on Ashley (Harriet Dyer) & Gordon or Flash (Patrick Brammall), two singles who are brought together by a car accident and an injured dog.
Flawed, funny people choosing each other and being brave enough to show their true selves, scars and all, as they navigate life together. It's a modern-day romantic love story.
Critics are digging the series thus far. So I am to be honest!
Kylie Northover from SMH gave the show 4-stars stating "Yes, that's right: it's a romcom. But Australian romcom offerings, particularly on television, are something of a rarity, so to see one executed well, and with particular emphasis on the 'com', is a genuine treat."
Film and TV critic Luke Buckmaster from Guardian Australia also gave the series 4-stars, praising the writing efforts of co-stars Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall: "Here we're in good hands, with Dyer creating the show and co-writing it with Brammall, the pair developing their roles from the inside out – creating personalities that slowly reveal layers, nuances and virtues in ways that feel genuine and germane to the narrative."
I was hooked on this series following the other local Foxtel comedy series Upright. I smashed this in like 24-36 hours. All eight (roughly) less than 30 minute episodes were so raw, honest, but more importantly funny.
Dyer was a real highlight. With sexy support act Tai Hara being a good addition as Dyer's ex. Helen Thomson as Lynelle is also a series highlight. Episode six, Good Room is pure gold!
So happy for these excellent late Australian TV entries. FUN! Get amongst the excellent Colin from Accounts NOW!
Upright has just aired its second season on Foxtel's Showcase along with Binge. Season one follows the story of Lucky and Meg (Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock), who are trying to get an upright piano across the country. Season two commences years after his adventure with Meg, Lucky struggles to adjust to his new life as a successful musician and its not long before Meg comes bursting back into his chaotic world.
Episode one is literal chaos!
With some fine supporting cast this season, it was a super fun, wild little ride!
Queenie van de Zandt was a total highlight!
All of season two's eight episodes premiered on November 15, 2022. So it's pretty fair to say i smashed through them quick smart.
Streaming on Binge, it streams alongside new Aussie sensation Colin From Accounts, which I am also loving sick! You can also catch Upright on Foxtel streaming services.
In the last couple of episodes (SPOILERS) the dymanic duo are trapped at the Wellfulness Commune, Lucky starts to unravel its secrets as Meg finally gets the chance to speak to her mother. With a big finale wrapping up with the duo, escaping the commune, Lucky and Meg race back to Sydney hoping to make it in time to meet Billie at the airport.
I liked Upright a lot this time around. I forgot the first season aired all the way back in 2019. Where it aired week to week unlike this total drop.
If you need some adventure, comedy, original Aussie story telling, this might be the right vibe for you now.
All two seasons now streaming. A season three announcement is yet to be announced. However I never thought a second season would be possible, so who knows?
What is The Menu all about? Well it's described as a dark comedy horror. What does that even mean? Grim comedy with some gruesome murders?
No spoilers here team. Just a brief overview of one of the most original films I have seen in 2022.
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit), Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Reed Birney, Judith Light & John Leguizamo.
The Menu has received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised the screenplay, direction, production design, and cast performances. It's a really wild ride, where at some points you really don't know what is actually going to happen.
Ralph Fiennes is equally terrifying and brilliant all at once whilst Anya Taylor-Joy is as intriguing as she was in The Queen's Gambit.
Nicholas Hoult could play the most annoying character, however sometimes these characters get there just deserved.
It's weird, bold and at times deeply disturbing. Like the White Lotus does with annoying rich people at fancy hotels, this takes the wealthy to a fancy AF restaurant where all hell could and maybe does take place.
The Menu was an interesting Friday evening watch. I think it was all too much for me after a long ass week. That said, I did enjoy parts of it, the themes, 3 Stars. Until next time!
Sort Of had its second season land on Stan recently. I binged season one back in April of this year.
The Canadian series had its second round of eight real episodes show heartbreak, love, loss and humour all in the neat 20 minute or so episodes.
I really enjoyed the second season, even with the heartbreaking last couple of episodes. I smashed all eight episodes in the one week. Such an easy watch.
Bilal Baig as Sabi Mehboob, is so refreshing to watch. With smart wit, a can do attitude the show is like Fisk, a warm blanket. Funny, but real, touching and relatable. Also interesting to see an original, fresh show stream.
If you are looking for a show about young love, building on a dream, trying to keep the family happy. Sort Of is totally for you. Both seasons can be streamed now on Stan. Good job acquiring this title Stan.
Wow how quick did the six episodes of season two's Fisk go by?
ABC, you've done it again! Another great little thirty minute sitcom, which first commended airing on 17 March 2021. Sadly at the 2023 ABC Upfronts there was no mention of a third season of Fisk... Well yet.
The show has been a ratings goldmine for the ABC, whilst the iView catch up numbers are even more impressive! The life of lawyer Helen Tudor-Fisk, is slightly less impressive. From having a photocopier dumped in her office to a library riot. It was quite the blast for season two.
Kitty Flanagan is outstanding as Helen Tudor-Fisk, whilst Julia Zemiro as Roz Gruber is my absolute favourite. The high hair, the relatable office all-rounder nightmare. So good.
Aaron Chen as George is also pure gold, whilst we all know a Ray Gruber (Marty Sheargold) right?
This could easily be one of my favourite series of Spring. I do love comedy. Fisk is miles ahead of some of the recent same-same dramas. Even Yellowstone is a little dull this season.
Oh well for a laugh, a but of good hearted fun, Fisk streams both seasons one and two NOW on ABC iView.
Pennyworth moved to HBO Max for its third season, which also gained the clunky title of The Origin of Batman's Butler.
The season concluded last week, however there has been so much TV to whiz through, plus Canberra, it's been a week.
Jack Bannon plays lead Alfred Pennyworth, a younger version of the iteration of the character previously portrayed by Sean Pertwee in Heller's and Cannon's Fox series Gotham (2014–2019), with the series serving as a prequel to both Gotham, & V for Vendetta.
No fourth season is currently in the works with HBO Max, with a number of DC comic books on shaky ground.
Season three really got a little more back to basics after a rather bat shit (mind the Batman pun) crazy season two.
With a fair amount of action and Pennyworth finding and falling out of love, season three whizzed past after dropping the first three episodes all in one go.
I think I enjoyed this season a lot more than the past one, however I don't know how much longer this can go on for?
With HBO Max and DC cutting titles, it could be the end of the road for Pennyworth. We may just need to wait for the next Batman film to get our next fix of Alfred.
Next up it's off to Canada for sweet comedy Sort Of streaming on Stan. Speaking of streaming, Pennyworth - The Origin of Batman's Butler, streams in Australia on Binge.
