Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Hacks - Season Five/Series Finale

Hacks is one of the best 30 minute comedies of all time. The HBO Max, follows Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a stand-up comedian, and her comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), as they navigate the evolving dynamics of their professional partnership and personal lives within the contemporary comedy industry. 

Sadly, the series concluded last Friday, after five seasons & 47 episodes. That said, they went out with a bang! The show left on a massive high. Unlike recent concluding series, Heartbreak High, the soon to conclude All American, which will begin it's final season in July, along with The Boys, which kind of left with a whimper.

Hacks has received critical acclaim and won a number of major awards, including four consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, winning that award for its third season. Its first and third seasons won the Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series and the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and its third season won the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.

Smart's performance won her four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, four Critics' Choice Awards, two Television Critics Association Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Einbinder received four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning in 2025. Other members of the cast who received Emmy nominations include Downs (one nomination) and Carl Clemons-Hopkins (one nomination).

So how does this exceptional comedy series conclude? Read on below if you got around to watching the finale Friday. Allow with fellow HBO series, Halfman.

Man HBO is having a moment. Also Euphoria really does need to end too. That has defiantly passed its prime.

Ava shoots the pilot for Who's Making Dinner; Deborah and Marcus open the Diva, which now employs Marty, Kiki, Josefina and Damien; Jimmy puts up with humiliation in the Latitude mailroom. 

Deborah confesses to Ava she has cancer and refuses to be treated, and that after their Paris vacation they'll head to Zurich for Deborah's assisted suicide. 

Ava refuses to participate and confides in Jimmy, who already knows and convinces her to go with Deborah. Jimmy blackmails Michael into giving up Latitude to him and Kayla after discovering via his mailroom work that Michael had been embezzling from the company; half the employees quit but the rest support Jimmy's new vision for Latitude. 

Deborah and Ava enjoy Paris, and Ava makes one last attempt to change Deborah's mind because she's scared of losing her but Deborah refuses. Ava relents, and while waiting to board their train to Zurich, she and Deborah riff on jokes about dying. 

Inspired, Deborah stops Ava from boarding and asks her to help write one last hour-long comedy special. Ava accepts, and Deborah starts treatment in Las Vegas as they work on jokes together again.

Was a near perfect finale. I honestly thought Deborah was going to die. This was a damn fine series. Every season had laugh out loud moments. It was always like did Jean Smart just say that?

I expect more awards incoming for this show. Great last season. Funnily enough, it steams on Stan, not HBO Max. Which does actually only have The Pitt and upcoming Big Bang Theory spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe incoming.

I guess Paramount really are taking over!

Until next time! BYE!

NOT another streaming Movie - Backrooms

I had no idea what to expect when I stepped into the cinema to watch Backrooms, for it's opening weekend.

It's part, science fiction, part psychological horror film, directed and co-scored by Kane Parsons (in his feature-length directorial debut).

Based on Parsons' web series and inspired by the Backrooms creepypasta. The film sees Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a furniture store owner and his therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve), discover a dimension of seemingly endless liminal spaces accessed through the basement of the store.

Also featured in the small cast, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, & Shrinking star Lukita Maxwell.

Backrooms has received positive reviews from critics, with most praising Parsons' direction.

It is unsettling, fresh and a new type of horror. It also appears they are looking to expand the Backrooms universe.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is excellent as the lead slightly losing his mind. He brings therapist, Renate Reinsve into this decent into madness.

The random spaces create this eerie parallel universe, which allows the viewer to see how scared they will get, with the absence of jump scares and bumps in the night. Which we have seen a lot of this year. With Scary Movie 6 landing next week, 2026 is not finished with horror, just yet.

I enjoyed this, was a little lost, was a little tired on Friday night. But this again was a popular Friday session with the cinema at 9pm (following the conclusion of my 7pm session) a buzz with youth, rediscovering the magic of cinema.

I will give this fresh take on horror 3 stars.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Fire Country - Season Four

As we near my network TV posts (Sullivan's Crossing incoming next week), Fire Country (like it's spin-off Sheriff Country) concluded over the weekend.

Back in January, the series was renewed for a shortened fifth season. The rumour is, season five will only feature 13 episodes. Down from 20 over the last two seasons.

Season four kicked off with two major departures from last season. Stephanie Arcila as Gabriela Perez. In the season four premiere, she leaves Edgewater after accepting a job offer from Cal Fire, recruiting new firefighters nationwide.

While Billy Burke as Vincent "Vince" Leone, Bode and Riley's father, Sharon's husband, and Cal Fire Battalion Chief. In the season four premiere, he was revealed to have perished during the season three finale in a building collapse.

That leaves room for Animal Kingdom's Shawn Hatosy to join as Brett Richards, interim Battalion Chief at Station 42 following Vince’s death.

So there are some fresh faces at Edgewater, now the series is heading into season five.

The series streams on Paramount+ and had a decent crossover Sheriff Country this season. Featuring their main characters, Morena Baccarin as Mickey Fox, W. Earl Brown as Wes Fox, who have appeared previously. Whilst Matt Lauria as Nathan Boone joins this seasons crossover.

I'm not sure how many seasons Fire Country has in it. The season finale really felt like it could have been a happily ever, series finale. A wedding, dancing, all the main characters in the same place together, happy. No sign of a cliffhanger.

CBS has a larger than life, full schedule for their 2026-2027 season. If they want new shows in the future, sadly shows like Fire Country might fade away into the sunset.

This wasn't a bad season, it just isn't covering new ground four seasons in.

Let's see if a shorter season next time around, leads to less filler episodes and more action!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - The Testaments - Season One

OMG the evolution of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is a dramatic, incredible coming-of-age story set in Gilead. 

For the haters who said, more The Handmaid’s Tale, no thanks! Give this a go on Disney+ ASAP! This was five star TV!

The series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders. As they navigate the gilded halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification, their bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future.

Based on the 2019 novel The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, it serves as a narrative continuation to The Handmaid's Tale, which concluded last year.

Praise be, the series was renewed for a second season, earlier this month! It was getting to close to the finale. I needed more!

The Handmaid's Tale lead Elisabeth Moss would executive produce the project alongside Miller, Littlefield, Barker, Steve Stark, Shana Stein, Maya Goldsmith, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Daniel Wilson, and Fran Sears. Priscilla Poriand would serve as co-executive producer.

Chase Infiniti was cast as the lead character Agnes, joining The Handmaid's Tale's Ann Dowd, who was reprises her role as Lydia.

Lucy Halliday is co-lead Daisy, alongside Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti as Shunammite and Becka, respectively.

Aussie Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien joined the cast as Aunt Vidala, Paula, Garth, Aunt Gabbana, Aunt Estee, Hulda, Jehosheba, Miriam, and Rosa, respectively.

Gosh this cast was good. If you are not up to date on this Disney+ series, caution ahead!

In the aftermath of Becka's arrest, Agnes and Daisy attempt to save her. After a sharp reality check from Agnes, Vidala offers Lydia her help rather than standing against her. 

Agnes gets Weston to release Becka to her home, but he breaks off their engagement upon learning that she was assaulted. 

A drunk Paula tells Agnes that Gilead had wanted to use her to retaliate for the Handmaid attack, but Commander MacKenzie protected Agnes. 

June arrives in Gilead to extract a reluctant Daisy, but relents upon learning that Daisy knows her daughter. 

Lydia and Vidala convince Becka's mother to take the fall while Daisy reveals to Agnes her true identity as Hannah. 

Mrs. Grove is executed while Garth is promoted to Commander and marries Becka to protect her at Agnes' behest. June receives a message from Daisy vowing to finish what June started by rallying the girls of Gilead to fight back.

God this was good. Finishing with alt-J's, Hunger of the Pine. DAMN! That Miley hook, I'm a female rebel!

SO GOOD! This could be the show of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series! SO GOOD! I'll say it again!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Y: Marshals - Season One

Marshals (originally Y: Marshals) is yet another spin-off/sequel to Yellowstone (2018–2024), making it  the fourth television series in the Yellowstone franchise. 

Luke Grimes returns as Special Deputy U.S. Marshal Kayce Dutton, with Brecken Merrill, Mo Brings Plenty, and Gil Birmingham reprising their roles from Yellowstone. New to the hit Paramount+/CBS series, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, & Tatanka Means.

Marshals was a big hitting midseason series on CBS starting in March, the same month, the series was renewed for a second season.

This was the final network series to end for the 2025-2026 TV season. My Fire Country post is still to come. CBS had a big finale week last week. So what is Marshals all about? How's it work in the Yellowstone universe? It follows former U.S. Navy SEAL and rancher Kayce Dutton (Grimes) as he joins a specialised group of U.S. Marshals tasked with protecting Montana. We find out early on, he also is suffering a great loss.

So it kinda gives The Madison vibes too. Also Taylor Sheridan's handy work.

For a network show, the budget for this series was a load higher, than now axed DMV. Sheridan known for producing high-budget series, concerns were raised about the series budget and how the show would look and feel on a broadcast network rather than cable.

Creatives responded saying that "we don't do cheap" and that creatively, the show would be similar to Yellowstone, assuring that a proper budget had been allocated.

Early on when the series commended, CBS executives were reportedly confident enough in the success of the series to commission a writers' room for a potential second season in February before the program premiered or was officially renewed, with script work on season two to begin "soon".

Recently CBS announced this series would likely return in October on Sunday nights. I only hope they don't drag out season two for 20 or so episodes.

Honestly this show started well, felt more like a Paramount+ title, than a CBS network procedural.

I feel like the 13 episodes, felt a little bloated. I really do hope they keep season two tight. It started with promised and heart, but by the end did feel just like another cop series. Just with really rogue cops.

I will be interested to see how season two goes.

Fire Country post incoming like a rogue Vivid drone show on a wet Sydney night.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - R.J. Decker - Season One

Slightly dirty, looking (almost too old to be a rat boy) TV hunk, Scott Speedman stars as R.J. Decker. A disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who starts over as a private investigator in the colourful world of South Florida. 

Across nine episodes, viewers follow RJ tackling cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife and a shadowy new benefactor — a woman from his past who could be his greatest ally … or his one-way ticket back to prison.

R.J. Decker is inspired by the novel Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen.

Earlier this month, the Disney+ show was renewed for a second season.

Alongside Speedman, Weruche Opia (later to be replaced by Station 19's Jaina Lee Ortiz), Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, & Bevin Bru joined the main cast.

Dexter, Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Resurrection's David Zayas also plays Jaina Lee Ortiz's father.

While Stephen Bishop also stars, in this fairly lean, new TV world smaller cast network TV series.

This was an easy, breezy nine episode, Florida watch. With no Dexter in Florida anymore, there are few shows set in the sunny state now.

ABC really gave this series a second shot with a second run to stream/air later in 2026. One of their only scripted series to air later this year, I am predicting early, this will be a two and done series.

The fact it was their last show to get renewed, the fact they are giving The Rookie a second chance with a second spin-off. The first Niecy Nash's The Rookie: Feds was cancelled after one season. They are also apparently investing in another Grey's Anatomy untitled Texas spinoff. So it's spin-off central at ABC.

9-1-1 has one, Grey's Anatomy's getting another (following the above mentioned Station 19's recent conclusion) and The Rookie gets a second bite at the spin-off cherry.

With no cancellations last season, two new entires this season and some strong comedy content. One drama is ripe for the cancellation. My money is on R.J. Decker.

If you want to catch up with it though, all episodes stream now on Disney+.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Sheriff Country - Season One

Sheriff Country is the first spin-off of the Fire Country franchise. Apparently CBS has others in the works. In Australia this streams on Paramount+.

Starring Morena Baccarin, Christopher Gorham, Michele Weaver, Matt Lauria, plus W. Earl Brown. 

Last December, the series was renewed for a second season.

Sheriff Mickey Fox (Baccarin) investigates criminal activity in Edgewater County, CA, while contending with her ex-con father, Wes, and her wayward daughter, Skye. An early plot line focuses on the murder of Skye's ex-boyfriend, Brandon, a recovering addict.

Baccarin was introduced as the police spin-off series to Fire Country. The back-door pilot episode landed in season two of the parent series.

The episode, Alert the Sheriff introduced Baccarin's character, Edgewater County Sheriff's Sergeant Mickey Fox.

Since then, episode 13 and 14 this season was also a crossover.

With Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan, Diane Farr as Sharon Leone, True Blood's Kevin Alejandro as Manuel "Manny" Perez, along with Jules Latimer as Eve Edwards.

The finale left on a bit of a cliffhanger after a fairly action packed episode 20. Apparently the mothership show will get an episode cut next season, however Sheriff Country appears to be untouched for their episode count.

Apparently there is also a second spin-off in the works. Featuring Jared Padalecki who played Camden Casey in season three.

This was a more enjoyable series than the OG show. There were some sexy characters and Morena Baccarin is very good. I'll be happy to see some more of Ian Quinlan as Deputy Hank Iglesias, along with Matt Lauria as Nathan Boone.

Likely to return in October. This is one of three CBS finales over the next few days. I need to get through Y: Marshalls and the mothership, Fire Country's finales. Also landed on Paramount+, the latest season Canadian series, SkyMed, along with another Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton's Raunch.

So a lot of Paramount+ reviews/news incoming.

See you next time! 

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - The Boys - Seasons Five/Series Finale

The fifth & final season of  The Boys, has finally streamed on Amazon. Based on the comic book series of the same name, which commenced back in 2019. The series has now officially concluded. It's spin-off Gen V was also cancelled. Where some of the character actually crossed over in this season.

Returning cast, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Colby Minifie, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Cameron Crovetti, with Snowpiercer Daveed Diggs, joining as a religious nut job.

This season, the Boys and Billy Butcher, who possesses a virus capable of killing all Supes in the world, join forces one last time to try to end Homelander's reign, who now threatens to become immortal with the discovery of the first version of Compound V, the V1.

The season received critical acclaim with praise towards its action sequences, character development, social commentary, humour, storyline, performances (particularly Urban, Starr, Fukuhara, & Ackles), and having a satisfying conclusion, though some criticised its pacing and claimed the season suffered from a lack of focus.

Vought Rising , is the next spin-off series, which will star Ackles and Cash reprising their roles as Soldier Boy and Stormfront, respectively. 

Vought Rising will be set in the 1950s, apparently set to stream in 2027.

In the series finale, The Boys bury Frenchie as Homelander prepares a national address proclaiming his godhood from the Oval Office. 

After provoking Kimiko into testing her new power on her, Sage is rendered powerless and departs the Boys to live an ordinary life. 

Once the Boys successfully infiltrate the White House with Ashley's help, Annie fights the Deep while Hughie and M.M. lure Oh Father away so Butcher and Kimiko can face Homelander. 

Oh Father and the Deep are killed while Ryan aids Butcher in restraining Homelander, enabling Kimiko to blast them all and neutralise the Compound V in their blood. 

A now powerless Homelander begs for his life but Butcher kills him. Subsequently, Ashley is removed from office and Edgar once again becomes Vought's CEO. Overcome with despair after being rejected by Ryan and learning of his dog's death, Butcher goes to Vought Tower to release the virus but is killed by Hughie before he can do so. 

After the Boys disband, M.M. renews his marriage vows and takes in Ryan; Kimiko goes to France; and Hughie and Annie prepare to become parents.

It was a slightly random, neat finale. But it worked. Homelander had to die, I wish Frenchie didn't in the previous episode.

Whilst I think Gen V could have had a better ending, a possible third and final season, I am looking forward to Vought Rising in 2027.

Another bi series finale next week, Hacks. If episode nine is anything to go by, it's gonna go out with a BANG!

See you soon!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Margo's Got Money Troubles - Season One

Margo's Got Money Troubles is the latest series from David E. Kelley. Based on the 2024 novel by Rufi Thorpe, starring, Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, Thaddea Graham, Michael Angarano, Michelle Pfeiffer, plus some Nicole Kidman. 

The eight episode first season (I originally thought it was a miniseries) landed on Apple TV mid-April. Margo received positive reviews from critics, with the series then gaining a renewal for a second season.

Margo's Got Money Troubles centres on Margo Millet (Fanning), the daughter of a Hooters waitress, Shyanne (Pfeiffer), and a former professional wrestler, Jinx (Offerman). After becoming pregnant by her English professor (Angarano), Margo turns to OnlyFans to support herself. 

Reconnecting with her estranged father, who shares wisdom gleaned from his wrestling days, Margo achieves remarkable success on OnlyFans.

In the finale, Lock and Load, all Margo's issues come to a head. The episodes ends like it could have been a miniseries, however Apple TV & A24 had different ideas.

Where will season two see Margo (Fanning) and her son  Bodhi end up. Time will tell. If having Kidman and Pfeiffer on the show, we may have a wait!

Both Apple TV & A24, have excelled recently. Apple TV is also getting lot's of love for Widow's Bay and the new Wednesday series, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.

Honestly the $25 dollars I pay a month for my Apple Music and TV is so worth it. Not an ad. But damn. I used to pay $30 a full album back in my youth at HMV, Erina Fair! Now I get unlimited music and premium TV content. Damn. Some things are cheaper in 2026!

Have an ace weekend. The Boys finale incoming. Not to mention on the weekend, Fire Country and Sheriff Country also both conclude on Paramount+. With SkyMed also returning. Paramount+ is also a content champion right now.

Till then. Bye!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Alert: Missing Persons Unit - Seasons One - Three/Series Finale

Alert: Missing Persons Unit is a procedural drama about the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons’ Unit (MPU). 

Across the 30 episode run, each episode features a heart-pounding, life-or-death search for a missing person that runs alongside police officers Jason Grant (Scott Caan, Hawaii 5-0) and his ex-wife Nikki Batista’s (Dania Ramirez, Devious Maids) season one long quest to find out the truth about their long-lost son.

Which is all neatly resolved by the end of season one. No spoilers here if you are late to the party. Like me.

The series is created by John Eisendrath and Jamie Foxx. Which originally landed on FOX back in January, 2023. Back in June 2025, the series was canceled after three seasons. With the very last episode airing last May.

A procedural show, during these uncertain times, can be very calming. Every episode has a strict formula to follow. Every episode a new missing person (s). However the lose of a main character at the start of the season three, leaves the show a little lost.

Adeola Role, Ryan Broussard, & Graham Verchere join Ramirez and Caan as the main series regulars. Don't worry about Caan being out of a job. Following an episode on NCIS: Los Angeles, next TV season he joins NCIS: New York. Which in turn has bumped NCIS: Sydney to a midseason, ten episode run next season.

Stan has all thirty episodes streaming right now, after acquiring the series well after it concluded.

2024–25 TV season was cruel at FOX. Alongside Alert: Missing Persons Unit, we also farewelled, 9-1-1: Lone Star, the spin-off with way more heart than the OG. The Cleaning Lady which had a promising start, but grew increasingly tedious,  The Great North & Baywatch wannabe series, Rescue: HI-Surf. Funny that got cancelled, next TV season Baywatch is legit being rebooted.

With a mild cliffhanger, Alert: Missing Persons Unit sails off into the TV graveyard. Could a fourth season have worked? I think it ended just well enough. Unfortunately in the US, some network shows (9-1-1) have outstayed their welcome. Jumped the shark. Or just become so average. I'm looking at you Grey's Anatomy.

Until next time. Night, night.

NOT another streaming Movie - Mother Mary

Mother Mary is a musical/psychological drama-thriller film written and directed by David Lowery. 

Starring Anne Hathaway & Michaela Coel, with the music was composed by Daniel Hart, with original songs provided by musicians Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX. FKA Twigs also provided an original song.

The soundtrack album Mother Mary: Greatest Hits was announced in March, whilst being released in April. It includes seven original songs, all performed by Hathaway. Alongside the announcement, the lead single Burial was released.

Hunter Schafer, Sian Clifford joined Hathaway & Cole, playing smaller roles. Whilst FKA Twigs also had a small role in the film.

Mother Mary follows a pop star whose reunion with her former costume designer forces her to confront her past.

The film has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and was a box-office disappointment, grossing only $3 million against its $20 million budget.

With names like Charli XCX, Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel and FKA Twigs involved, this would be disappointing for A24. They are on such a roll with TV and film. With Margo's Got Money Troubles one of the most impressive TV series streaming right now.

I enjoyed this different look at fame and life in the spotlight. A massive star with wardrobe issues.

It was a little random at times, however this is my second Anne Hathaway film this weekend and I'm back in love with her performances. I did like her as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises.

I read very little about this film, nor watched the trailer ahead of seeing a Sunday session of this film. I could almost tell part one through this has FKA Twigs name all over it.

I will pass this as I did feel in the middle it sort of lost it's way a bit.

2.5 Stars. Big TV finales this week and next week. Chat soon. Bye!

NOT another streaming Movie - The Devil Wears Prada 2

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, & Stanley Tucci return to show that printed press isn't dead yet! The Devil Wears Prada 2, has been slaying in cinemas recently, with Lady Gaga x Docehii's hit Runway smashing the charts & streaming platforms.

Gag also stars in the hit film, which has received generally positive reviews from critics, whilst grossing $453 million against a $100 million production budget. This makes The Devil Wears Prada 2, the fifth highest-grossing film of 2026. Thus far! We are only halfway through May 2026 people!

Almost 20 years after making their iconic turn as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine. Spoiler alert I never saw the original film.

Yes I a bad gay! A terrible gay some may say!

The film reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and introduces an all-new runway of characters including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Aussie Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak & Conrad Ricamora. 

Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv” from the first film. 

Set two decades after the events of the first film, it follows Andy Sachs (Hathaway) as she helps Miranda Priestly (Streep) navigate a new media landscape and corporate threats to the survival of Runway magazine. 

As media dies in 2026, this film takes aim at the dying art of journalism, with its impacts on the new media, along with fashion media!

It's all about the fashion scene in this film. The fashion, the gay anthems played through the film. This is clearly aimed at the gays and their allies lol. It is Eurovision weekend after all.

Even though I never say the OG Devil Wears Prada film, you can just slide into this easy, breezy, popcorn film.

Honestly the storyline is very easy to keep up with.

Hathaway excels in this film, while Streep is effortless.

I enjoyed every minute of this escapism from fuel crisis, wars, the rise of One Nation and the news cycle in general. Which in a way this film is telling you to care about.

Enjoy the fashion, enjoy the Gaga, enjoy the luxury. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is pure, simple fun.

3.5 Stars.

NOT another streaming Movie - Obsession

Obsession is the latest supernatural/horror film of 2026.

How ironic the week of the federal budget, we get yet (another) horror film.

In Obsession, we follow Bear (played by Michael Johnston), a music store employee who buys a supernatural toy and wishes for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to fall in love with him.

Alongside Johnston & Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter also star in this love story, turned into a nightmare! The film received critical acclaim, with praise directed towards Navarrette's performance. Currently on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is scoring in the high 90's! That's almost unheard of now, with the sheer volume of horror films landing in 2026.

I jumped multiple times. Shit got real about thirty or so minutes into the film. The film is close to tow hours but gets seriously messed up as the run time goes on.

The whole audience in the sold (peak) Friday evening session in, inner Sydney was laughing, yelling out and getting behind the film's leads.

This was a real experience. Honestly there were real moments were people yelled or laughed out loud.

Cinema was back baby. Sold out Devil Wears Prada 2, Michael and more. I got the last two tickets in the back row (similar to Mortal Kombat II last week) for this session.

It's rare now that these horror, mixed with a supernatural film, get such a good reaction.

I enjoyed this. Bring on the return of the cinema in 2026.

3.5 Stars.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - DMV - Season One/Series Finale

DMV followed the workers at the East Hollywood DMV. Collette, a driving instructor, tackles workplace problems, romance, and interpersonal connections with her coworkers. 

The show is a fictional account of the DMV, but makes the jokes that most people have when going to renew licenses and forms. Sadly for the cast and crew, back in March, the series was canceled after one season. With the series finale streaming yesterday on Binge. This is one of the only CBS series to air away from Paramount+. Oh well it didn't stream for long, just 20, twenty minute episodes.

Aussie Harriet Dyer and hunky Kiwi, Alex Tarrant, with Tim Meadows, Molly Kearney, Tony Cavalero, Gigi Zumbado, and Jessica Camacho.

With Dyer on board, what could go wrong you ask?

Well a lot. It just wasn't that funny. Don't expect another Colin From Accounts. They ain't one F bomb in this network series. Or rude sex joke. Most jokes just fell a little or lot flat!

In the last ever episode, the consultants choose in two days which DMV will close, for good. Kinda like the shows fate!

Noa passes his driver’s test and they throw a party after work and Collette finally kisses Noa. 

The DMV staff prepare for the worst and fix-up their résumés and we learn Vic never finished high school. Kinda not surprising though. Also a fall from grace after his efforts in HBO's hit, The Righteous Gemstones.

Colette realises there’s no chemistry with Noa after the bad kiss and Ceci helps her see how much she’s grown since starting to work at the DMV. 

Barb finds out Ray Henderson is embezzling money from the pensions. 

The consultants accidentally hit Barb with their car and decide to keep the branch open and shut down the North Hollywood branch. 

Ray gets fired and the new head of the DMV is Beau Young. Played by the lovely, Randall Park. So we may have got more Park if season two would have gone ahead. Oh well. Not to worry.

Abbott Elementary for me, is still the network gold comedy standard. This just wasn't it. Still, I am looking forward to Dyer's, Colin From Accounts apparently also streaming on Binge, soon.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - NCIS: Sydney - Season Three

NCIS: Sydney the Aussie spin-off of NCIS franchise. 

Starring Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Mavournee Hazel, Claude Jabbour & William McInnes.

Back in January, NCIS: Sydney was renewed for a fourth season.

The team is back for a bigger, bolder, and even more explosive third season, which streams locally on Paramount+.

After their croc-fuelled Top End adventure, the team are back in the glistening Harbour City, but something even more dangerous is coming back to bite them… their own pasts. Blue (Hazel) is hunted down by her so-called “family” who harbour a shocking ulterior motive; while DeShawn (Sagar) is forced to admit he concealed a crucial piece of evidence in a court-martial to protect someone very close. 

 JD (Lasance) must deal with the fallout from a Faustian pact to keep the team intact within the context of a crumbling relationship… while Evie (Narkle) tentatively embarks on a new one; and Doc Roy (William McInnes) must decide if he’s ready to let go. Against a backdrop of adrenaline pumping cases, our beloved team are put to the test like never before, involving an outback alien abduction, a nano-tech assassin, a true crime podcast cold case, a journey to Antarctica, a swashbuckling treasure hunt, and an international conspiracy with links to… Mackey (Swann). 

This season features special local guest stars including Doris Younane, Simone Kessell, Fayssal Bazzi, Stephen Peacocke, Lincoln Lewis, Anthony Hayes and more. Stephen Peacocke & Lincoln Lewis are everywhere!

Actually I wish Lincoln Lewis was in more places!

With a minor cliffhanger in the final scenes, we may be waiting longer, for a shorter fourth season.

Announced midseason. The fourth season's episode count will be halved back to ten episodes next season.

Likely to arrive in early 2027.

CBS has a solid line up in-coming next season. 

The Amazing Race—Renewed for a thirty-ninth season

Boston Blue—Renewed for a second season

CIA—Renewed for a second season

Elsbeth—Renewed for a fourth season

FBI—Renewed for a ninth season

Fire Country—Renewed for a fifth season (also getting shorter season, nest season)

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage—Renewed for a third season

Ghosts—Renewed for a sixth season. No word on the Australian second season yet :(

Harlan Coben's Final Twist—Renewed for a second season

Y: Marshals—Renewed for a second season. More Yellowstone incoming.

Matlock—Renewed for a third season 

NCIS—Renewed for a twenty-fourth 

NCIS: Origins—Renewed for a third (also a shortened season)

NCIS: Sydney—Renewed for a fourth season 

Sheriff Country—Renewed for a second season 

Survivor—Renewed for a fifty-first and fifty-second season

Tracker—Renewed for a fourth season

Tomorrow, the axed CBS series, DMV, here we come. Till then. BYE!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - 9-1-1: Nashville - Season One

9-1-1: Nashville is the second spin-off of the 9-1-1 franchise, following 9-1-1: Lone Star, which concluded last February.

Back in March, the series was renewed for a second season. This follows the failure of Doctor Odyssey last season, being scrapped after one season.

That said, this soapy 9-1-1 spin-off, did give full midday movie vibes at times. Even with the addition of country music star, LeAnn Rimes as Dixie Bennings, Blue's mother and Don's ex-girlfriend, who is a singer.

So what's it all about?

As with 9-1-1, the series follows the personal and professional lives of first responders and 911 dispatchers. 

The series primarily follows the staff of Station 113 of the Nashville Fire Department and their families, including Captain Donald "Don" Hart (Chris O'Donnell), his wealthy wife Blythe (Jessica Capshaw), and Cammie Raleigh (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) a Nashville 911 dispatcher who is Blythe's sister-in-law.

Also starring Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, Hunter McVey, Gregory Alan Williams, MacKenzie Porter, plus Tim Matheson. Ryan Phillippe joined the cast as a series regular for the second season, likely to come later in 2026.

ABC (American Broadcasting Company) will announce their 2026-2027 schedule next week. With all series now being renewed. RJ Decker, the last to be renewed was officially given a second run yesterday.

Leading into the finale Intrusive Thoughts, Dixie (Rimes) gets advice from her grandmother and writes a diss-track about Blythe. 

The 113 responds to a woman choking on an engagement ring. On another call, the men who were dynamite fishing in a previous episode sabotage the break lines on a fork lift which starts crushing one of their coworkers. Roxie keeps sabotaging her meetings and dates with Elena. 

Dixie’s song comes between Blythe and Don’s marriage as she keeps making songs about an anonymous woman.

It was super trashy! The finale, sort of leaves on a cliffhanger/bitch fight. It felt like an old school Melrose Place cat fight. Honestly this wasn't the highest quality or engaging drama that previous 9-1-1: Lone Star gave us. 9-1-1 OG is bat shit crazy, it never had the heart Lone Star did, but Nashville, it's just kinda pure trashy soap.

Onto RJ Decker, it also feels a little AI from a source novel.

I am not sure how ABC will move forward for the next TV season. With smaller episode counts and less main characters on their ageing series likely. As long as the brilliant Abbott Elementary continues its quality, I will be happy.

NOT another streaming Movie - Mortal Kombat II

Mortal Kombat II is a the sequel to 2021's Mortal Kombat, the fourth instalment in the Mortal Kombat film series. 

Returning cast members Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman (in a different role), Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada, with Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Tati Gabrielle joining the sequel, filmed in QLD. 

In the sequel, martial arts actor Johnny Cage is recruited by the thunder god Raiden and Sonya Blade to join his fellow Earthrealm fighters in a tournament against the Outworld warriors and stop the tyrannical emperor Shao Kahn, with the help of Edenian princess Kitana.

Fan favourite champions, now joined by Johnny Cage himself, are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. There is blood, violence, with a sequel also set to be in the works.

The Boys, Karl Urban stars as Johnny Cage, taking a break from starring in the final season as Billy Butcher.

The cinema was sold out on a Friday screening on the video game sequel. The trailers also included a reboot of Street Fighter and a new live action He-Man film. Talk about my 80's, 90's childhood coming to a cinema near you.

I had, had a huge week. This was just what I needed. Some big, dumb action.

I honestly didn't hate this, but can only just pass it as some of the dialogue was not great.

2.5 Stars.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Daredevil: Born Again - Season Two

And just like that, the rebooted second season of Daredevil: Born Again just wrapped on Disney+.

Blind vigilante Matt Murdock/Daredevil gathering allies to resist Wilson Fisk, who is the mayor of New York City, and his Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF). Born Again is a revival and continuation of Marvel Television and Netflix's Daredevil (2015–2018). 

Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdock / Daredevil from Marvel's Netflix television series and prior Marvel Studios productions, starring alongside Vincent D'Onofrio (Fisk), Deborah Ann Woll, Margarita Levieva, Tony Dalton, Michael Gandolfini, Nikki M. James, Arty Froushan, Genneya Walton, Zabryna Guevara, Clark Johnson, Ayelet Zurer, Wilson Bethel, and Elden Henson.

New additions this season, include Scream vet, Matthew Lillard, Lili Taylor, Toby Leonard Moore, & Krysten Ritter.

The second season is part of Phase Six of the MCU. A third season was confirmed in September 2025. Apparently this will stream in 2027. It was great seeing the return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones. Also Mike Colter returns briefly as Luke Cage. Maybe he and the Iron Fist will return for more in season three.

This has received critical acclaim. Following the world of the superhero falling a little off the cliff. If you are scared of spoilers or not up to date, don't read below the trailer.

The finale commences, as McDuffie is cross-examining Glenn, Murdock returns to court and summons Fisk for questioning on the Northern Star incident. Murdock presents Savva's video testimony which implicates Fisk, before publicly revealing his identity as Daredevil to corroborate the testimony and prove Fisk's abuses of power; the judges dismiss the case against Page. 

Nearby, Dex takes out AVTF officers and an impersonator ordered to assassinate Murdock before targeting Fisk. Cashman takes the bullet, provoking Fisk to lock down the courthouse as Daredevil's supporters surround the building. 

AVTF officer Cole North betrays Powell and allows the protesters into the courthouse. An enraged Fisk leaves the courtroom and slaughters numerous protestors, while Murdock, Jones, and Angela incapacitate AVTF officers guarding the building as both parties converge in the central chamber. 

Fisk attempts to make a final appeal to his constituents as protestors rush him, but Murdock disarms the mob and persuades Fisk to accept a plea deal, exiling himself from New York. 

Consequently, Murdock is incarcerated for his years of vigilante activities as Daredevil, while Jones reunites with Cage, who was dismissed by Mr. Charles in favour of Dex. 

BB is hired by the New York Bulletin for her work in uncovering Fisk's activities, while Glenn puts on Muse's mask.

Bring on season three I say. This has been the best thing Marvel have streamed in a hot minute. Up next, the 9-1-1: Nashville finale airs on Saturday morning. See you then!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Abbott Elementary - Season Five

Abbott Elementary just concluded its fifth season. Like the previous seasons, the season stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis & Sheryl Lee Ralph. This season contained 22 episodes. Back to normal following the COVID and writers strike.

Creator Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, a perpetually optimistic second-grade teacher at the underfunded Abbott Elementary, a fictional predominantly black public school in West Philadelphia. Back in March, it was announced that the series was renewed for a sixth season. Most likely to return later this year.

Like FOX, here is an update of where ABC (series stream in Australia on Disney+) are up to for their 2026-2027 season.

9-1-1—Renewed 

9-1-1: Nashville—Renewed

Abbott Elementary—Renewed

Dancing with the Stars—Renewed 

Grey's Anatomy—Renewed for a twenty-third season!

High Potential—Renewed 

ABC Hockey Saturday—Renewed 

Monday Night Football—Renewed

The Rookie—Renewed for a ninth season, a new spin-off The Rookie: North, looking good to commence, following The Rookie: Feds scrapped after one season in 2023.

Scrubs—Reboot renewed 

Shifting Gears—Renewed

Will Trent—Renewed 

The only series yet to be renewed, RJ Decker. Which will drop on Disney+ in full this coming week. Hopefully I can clear some space to smash that one. News of a second season, should drop the second full week of May.

Now back to the conclusion of season five of the wonderful, comfort viewing of Abbott Elementary. This is the best of network TV comedy.

When I say comfort TV, this is just like a warm hug. Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard. Particularly in the April Fools episode.

This show has been a joy this fifth season. Honestly the show is not slowing down with the non-stop laugh out loud moments. 

In the finale, the teachers head to Miami for the conference, all the various teachers are alarmed that the district plans on shutting down 20 schools, including Abbott. 

The teachers panic abut what their next career moves could be, but rally everyone that night to have one last party. Gregory tells O'Shon he was getting ready in his life plan to propose to Janine. 

The next morning Jacob tries to talk to the new superintendent, but is rebuffed. The district spares Abbott as Jacob pointed out they have a new furnace which means financially Abbott should stay open. To prepare for the influx of students coming, Ava will need an Assistant Principal and chooses Gregory, actualising his dream. 

O'Shon offers to help get him a discount on a ring. 

Meanwhile, at school, Mr. Johnson accidentally washes away the parking spot lines. Causing an entertaining last minute scene as the teachers return to Abbott Elementary ready for season six.

This show just gets better and better. I hope ABC announce its early return so as a Christmas gift, Disney+ delivers part one of season six for the holidays.

If you were late to the party, get onto Abbott Elementary NOW!

NOT another streaming Movie - Seven Snipers

Australia does an action/revenge film. Like a Liam Neeson revenge film, similar to John Wick. Gender reversed of course!

Radha Mitchell is a retired sniper in hiding on an Australian ranch must reunite her elite kill squad when a vengeful warlord threatens her daughter.

After retiring from her lethal career, elite sniper Kris Hendricks (Mitchell) takes refuge on an Australian ranch with her rebellious 15-year old daughter, Anja. 

But as a vengeful warlord named The Dragon (Tim Roth) tracks her down, she enlists her old team of elite killers to protect herself and her daughter to take out his deadly pawns one by one. 

When the true reasons for The Dragon’s revenge become clear, the deadly game of cat-and-mouse reaches an excruciating climax with unimaginable consequences for Kris and Anja.

Alongside Roth & Mitchell, Ryan Kwanten, Ioan Gruffudd, Lee Tiger Halley, Annabel Wolfe, Bianca Wallis, Pacharo Mzembe, Charles Cottier, plus Damien Ryan all star.

This film was fairly edge of your seat style action.

On a remote property, the body count builds up over the 90 minute run time.

It was good seeing True Blood (former Home & Away) hunk Ryan Kwanten, back in something with bite.

I enjoyed the film. It wasn't too graphic with the violence, the plot twist was a little predictable, but isn't every plot in a revenge film. 

This was a fun Saturday morning film. Also good to get out and see an Aussie picture, that isn't deep. OK, so to the score. I'm giving this a solid 3 locally sourced stars.

Till next time. Daredevil and 9-1-1: Nashville call it quits for their respective seasons next week. Bye!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - Season Two

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters just concluded its second run. Following two years off our screens, the Apple TV series stars Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, alongside Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell in the shared role of Lee Shaw.

Based on the Monsterverse from Legendary, this dramatic saga — spanning three generations — reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

There is no news yet on season three, however season two leaves us hopeful that in another two years, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will return to Apple TV.

So how'd the season finale go down? Spoilers below the trailer. You have been warned!

In 2017, Kentaro explains Isabel's theory that he might be able to rescue the version of Hiroshi from 2014, when he was trapped in Axis Mundi. Keiko learns about Shaw's interaction with his younger self, before they meet up with Tim's team. 

Cate escapes from Isabel's base as Kong arrives and battles Titan X. Keiko rescues Cate, while Tim and May enter Isabel's base; they are unable to deactivate the overloading neural implants, but are able to pacify Titan X and disable the implants by returning her egg, which ends the fight. Shaw steals one of Isabel's helicopters and picks up Cate, Keiko, Tim and May, while Isabel and Kentaro leave on another helicopter. Cate leads Titan X to the Hollow Earth tunnel entrance, and Titan X returns to Axis Mundi with her egg. 

In the process, Shaw and Keiko have a brief vision of Shaw's younger self.

Six weeks later, Hiroshi is added to a memorial for deceased Monarch employees, while Barris recruits May, Keiko and Cate into Monarch alongside Tim, and assigns them to the task of tracking down Kentaro and Isabel. Meanwhile, Shaw is already following the pair; he meets up with an old friend, A-Wut, and is led to a volcano where he encounters Rodan.

So it really leaves everything up in the air. Or up in the volanco.

This show looks a million bucks. It has a real cinema feel.

Apple TV continue to impress. Bring on Cape Fear next month! Also how good is Margo's Got Money Troubles? It just gets better and better. Week on week. Right?

I'm also keen to try new series, Widow's Bay. So much to watch, so little time!