NOT another streaming Movie - Michael

I love a weekend where I can catch up on a few films.

Michael was released all the way back in April. So yes I am WAY late to this musical party. For a movie to have lasted at the cinemas for this amount of time is incredible in this day and age!

Michael follows the early life of the American singer Michael Jackson, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s.

Jackson is portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson and as a child by Juliano Valdi, both in their film debuts. 

Alongside  Jackson, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, & Colman Domingo star.

After delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, principal photography took place between January and May 2024. After a clause was discovered in a legal settlement, references to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations against Michael were removed, the third act was revised, and reshoots took place in June 2025, bringing the total production budget to $155–200 million.

Michael has received generally negative reviews from critics, who praised Jaafar's performance but criticised the story as "sanitised". 

Michael grossed $978.1 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing biographical film, and the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. 

So it is not surprising, a sequel is in development. Also the last seconds of the film gives the audience no resolution. No closure, no ending. It literally ends on a cliffhanger in a large stadium.

So this is another example of critical response vs the box office potential.

Apparently Madonna's biopic has recently faced some issues, meaning future box office success in this genre is at a roadblock. Given Madonna's new record just landed, along with these figures for Michael, I'm sure a Madonna picture will see the light of day eventually. Despite the creative differences the project is currently facing.

Back to the film. No doubt it will be on some streaming service soon, given this lasted three long weekends and months at the cinema.

The cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. 

The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. 

Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Michael's father is portrayed in really awful light. Also Janet is missing in action. Gosh I would love a Janet feature film!

Either way, this film was fun. I did have to put aside all my thoughts on Michael. The two hours sped by, I will go see the Hollywood style sequel. He was a genius, but also weird AF. I always love the story behind the song, this was exactly that. Just a PG version of Michael's life.

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Dutton Ranch - Season One

Dutton Ranch serves as both a spin-off and sequel to Yellowstone (2018–2024). This is the fifth series in the Yellowstone franchise. 

Starring OG Yellowstone favourite, Kelly Reilly as Beth, plus Cole Hauser as Rip reprising their roles from Yellowstone.

Dutton Ranch launched on Paramount+ mid-May, concluding Friday evening.

The nine episodes sped by, with Rip Wheeler & Beth Dutton gambling everything on a new life in South Texas, but the promise of building a future far from the ghosts of Yellowstone quickly collides with brutal new realities and a rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire.

And yes, first cab of the rank, this was WAY better than Y: Marshals, also now streaming all season one episodes on Paramount+.

Recently Paramount+ renewed the series for a second season. This marks yet another Taylor Sheridan series to continue on Paramount+. Lioness returns early next month.

Now whilst this was an improvement on Y: Marshals, I think I need a rest from the Yellowstone universe. Like superhero films, these stories are getting a little tired. Splitting all the Dutton family up all over the USA is not really working for me. They also have more spin-offs in the works.

666, was announced and would be set in the present day on the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. The 6666 Ranch is also featured during the fourth and fifth seasons of Yellowstone. Another prequel series, titled 1944 and set during that year, was reportedly in development. It would serve as a sequel to 1923 and be filmed in the Bitterroot Valley.

In February 2026, the series was confirmed to still be in active development, with Paramount aiming for a late-2026 release date.

So how'd season one end up at Dutton's Raunch? Watch out for spoilers below...

Rip and Beth confirm Austin's claims about the Jacksons' criminal activities, while Rob-Will alerts Beulah to their discovery. 

After learning the truth about the drug-smuggling operation, Everett confronts Beulah and tells her to leave his house. 

Oreana discovers she is pregnant, reconciles with Carter, and convinces him to run away with her that evening. 

Mariano, Joaquin's father and the drug lord to whom Beulah is indebted, arrives in Ria Paloma and lays down his terms. 

Beulah attempts to justify her actions to Beth and Rip, but they send her away with the drugs loaded into her vehicle. 

Rob-Will tells Mariano that Beth and Rip are in possession of his drugs. After Rob-Will leaves, Mariano orders Joaquin to kill him. 

Everett joins Rip, Azul, and Zachariah at the ranch as Mariano's men launch an assault, but the attack is swiftly repelled, with Rip capturing the last surviving gunman for questioning. 

Unable to find Carter, Beth returns to the ranch as Rip and the ranch hands dispose of the bodies in the mineshaft. Oreana's plans to leave are derailed when Rob-Will is fatally shot downstairs by Joaquin. 

Mariano calls Beth to reveal that Carter has been abducted. Beth informs Rip and they resolve to confront Mariano.

So an action packed finale. More drama awaits Beth & Rip when the series returns. Maybe next year or 2028. Sheridan has a lot on his plate. Not to mention Tulsa King getting a spin-off too! Until next time.

NOT another streaming Movie - Disclosure Day

TWO AND A HALF-ish hours! YES! Let's sit down for a debrief about Disclosure Day.

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? 

Created & directed by Steven Spielberg, Disclosure Day stars SAG winner and Oscar® nominee Emily Blunt, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor, Oscar® winner Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, plus two-time Oscar® nominee Colman Domingo.

John Williams composed the film's score, marking his thirtieth collaboration with Spielberg.

Disclosure Day premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris in June, whilst getting its cinema release mid that month. The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $201 million worldwide. Currently sitting at around 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, this was a long ass film. My verdict below the trailer.

Going in, I didn't know too much, however I did enjoy this film. Despite it being overly long. I don't always love Emily Blunt, but the tension and the build to the dramatic finale was impressive.

There were some big sequences (the train one was triggering) across the 2.5 hours.

The drama builds and builds, then it is all over with one word from Blunt. 

Sadly the session times have been drastically cut for this film as we head into the winter school holidays. So if you want to see it, get out there NOW! With Supergirl, Toy Story and Minons all demanding screens, you'll be lucky if you can catch Disclosure Day before it heads outta space!

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Killings at Parrish Station - Miniseries

A new blog series, a new quarter, can you believe we are half way through 2026. Winter be Bingeing 26' is the next TV series for quarter three. I'll kick this off with, The Killings at Parrish Station is a Stan local crime drama.

The six-episode series landed late last month. Featuring, Mia Wasikowska, Heather Mitchell, Xavier Samuel, Robert Taylor, plus Neighbours legend, Alan Dale.

In 1987, detectives Georgia Cooke (Wasikowska) and Michael Thorne (Samuel) are called to investigate the bizarre and brutal killings of four scientists at the remote Parrish Research Station. They uncover a complex case involving mania, ritual, and the occult, and Georgia's obsessive truth-seeking spirals, threatening her family, career, and sanity. 

Thirty seven years later, a chilling new spree of murders pull Georgia (Mitchell) back into this nightmare as she confronts the possibility that the horrors at Parrish Station were never fully buried.

The story is inspired by the Dyatlov Pass incident but uses an Australian setting, with locations around Broken Hill.

This went from graphic crime, to slightly bizarre. That said, it was an easy, compelling watch. Heather Mitchell was exceptional in this insane crime thriller.

I wasn't sure I'd get so hooked on this drama. But once I started, I found the final episodes credits rolling.

This was a big improvement on Stan's feature film, Beast. I am excited for the F Ward landing mid this month. Stan are really showing up for local content in 2026. At least Binge, also finally have the third season of Colin From Accounts landing later this month.

With commercial networks giving up on local content (except for ABC + SBS) it really is up to Channel Nine owned Stan.

If you are over the soccer, give The Killings at Parrish Station a go. It is super gory but totally addictive.

#RATED - Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26'

Winter finally has arrived. Well kinda, it's still around the low 20's, but people are staying indoors, damn. Not sure what Q3's series will be called yet, but it will kick off with Stan's epic Aussie series, The Killings at Parrish Station.

Now let's look at Aussie content for the past quarter. Well done to Paramount+'s Two Years Later. Also starring Heather Mitchell, who also lead's The Killings at Parrish Station.

Bad Company was a little bit of a letdown from Anne Edmonds and Kitty. The ABC also gave us the sketch version of Urzila.

Whilst the third and final season of Heartbreak High, was a real let down.

Disney+ takes home the prize for the biggest series for Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26'. The Testaments was pure excellence across its first season. It's a hard act to follow, however the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale was outstanding.

That said, Tip Toe was a super close second. Binge did well to actually score a decent series. Luckily Colin from Accounts, returns this month to Binge.

Half Man was also UK excellence over on Stan, whilst Hacks totally finished on a high, also on Stan. Not finishing on a high was Euphoria. That was a tragic third season. Not just the deaths, but the whole fucking plot line.

Now if you want more RATED's and TV lists, you can check out my other lists here. Or my mega #RATED - Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25/26.

Until next time. Have a fab new financial year.

1. The Testaments - Season One

2. Tip Toe - Miniseries (very close second!!)

3. Hacks - Season Five/Series Finale

4. Two Years Later - Season One (AU)

5. Imperfect Women - Miniseries

6. Half Man - Miniseries 

7. Abbott Elementary - Season Five

8. Off Campus - Season One

9. Margo's Got Money Troubles - Season One

10. Shrinking - Season Three

11. Bad Company - Season One (AU) 

12. Scarpetta - Season One

13. Cross - Season Two

14. Widow's Bay - Season One

15. The Boys - Season Five/Series Finale

16. Urzila - Season One (AU)

17. Beef - Season Two 

18. Hijack - Season Two

19. Daredevil: Born Again - Season Two

20. Y: Marshals - Season One

21. Sheriff Country - Season One

22. Sullivan's Crossing - Season Four

23. High Potential - Season Two

24. Memory of a Killer - Season One

25. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - Season Two

26. Citadel - Season Two

27. Heartbreak High - Season Three/Series Finale (AU)

28. Animal Control - Season Four

29. DMV - Season One/Series Finale

30. NCIS: Sydney - Season Three (AU)

31. The Way Home - Season Four/Series Finale

32. SkyMed - Season Four

33. Fire Country - Season Four

34. Alert: Missing Persons Unit - Seasons One - Three/Series Finale

35. 9-1-1: Nashville - Season One

36. Big Mood - Season Two

37. R.J. Decker - Season One

38. Deli Boys - Season Two

39. Euphoria - Season Three/Series Finale

40. Bait - Miniseries

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Scarpetta - Season One

Scarpetta is my latest Amazon binge, along with the finale of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series.

Developed by Liz Sarnoff & based on the book series of the same name by Patricia Cornwell, Scarpetta stars Nicole Kidman as the titular character as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Scarpetta is a forensic pathologist who uses forensic technology to solve crimes. Alongside Kidman, adopted Aussie Bobby Cannavale, Jamie Lee Curtis, real Aussie Simon Baker, Rosy McEwen, Jacob Lumet Cannavale, Hunter Parrish, plus Ariana DeBose all star. 

Yeah its a good cast! How good is having Hunter Parrish back on the idiot box!

I'm struggling to keep up with all the Amazon content, with this title landing back in March. All eight episodes landed on the same day.

This week the Legally Blonde series, Elle also streams all eight episodes.

Kay Scarpetta (Kidman) is a brilliant forensic pathologist. Inspired by former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Marcella Farinelli Fierro, she employs advanced forensic technology to unravel mysteries and solve crimes.

Settings include Florida, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The same month season one was released, the second season had started production. Just another series to continue watching on Amazon, now The Boys has wrapped up.

Amazon has done a great job this year (thus far). With Deadloch's second season, The Boys wrapping up, Off Campus (even though it's a straight copy cat of Heated Rivalry), the long awaited return of The Night Manager, Steal and the horny 56 Days.

A remake of Carrie is on the way, whilst The Boys lives on in Vought Rising next year. What a streaming time to be alive.

 Scarpetta isn't perfect, but damn Jamie Lee Curtis was good in this!

Album of the Week - KITA ALEXANDER - {Rage}

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - SkyMed - Season Four

SkyMed gets a near complete facelift/reboot. The majority of the cast have moved on, leaving Chief Nurse Hayley & Chief Pilot Wheezer navigate new personalities and fresh drama as SkyMed auditions rookie medics and pilots to join the flight crew. 

The fourth (and in my opinion final) season of SkyMed landed late last month on Paramount+. No longer airing on Canadian network, CBC, SkyMed has gone streaming only.

In the season opener, it took me a little bit to get my head around the new characters, whilst head nurse Hayley and Lead Pilot Wheezer deal with the different characters, along with emerging conflicts. This season, there is an episode in a deserted mine, along with a tornado too.

There is a lot going on this season, however the show (like real jet fuel around the globe) feels like it is running outta gas.

The limited familiar faces, the season finale, that felt like a series finale. Like RFDS in Australia, there is only limited storylines that can be covered in this environment. That said, Canada does look exceptionally beautiful in this season. Which is just as well they are one three host nations for the FIFA world cup this year.

In the finale, with SkyMed's future in jeopardy, Wheezer is forced to face his anxieties, Stef gets back to work, Lexi and Maya struggle with their past demons, and Crystal and Hayley must decide what comes next.

Will a fifth season be given the green light by Paramount+? I am guessing no. They need to pay for Warner Brothers somehow. Plus Dutton's Raunch just got another season, the Taylor Sheridan content train, keeps steam rolling in, probably taking a lot of the Paramount+ budget.

Paramount+ sadly relies very heavily on one content creator. Any other series outside the Yellowstone/Sheridan universe seem a little less of a priority for the streamer.

Time will tell, this has been a cute, Canadian comfort series to binge watch. I did find though I could only take this season in much smaller doses than previous ones.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - The Way Home - Season Four/Series Finale

The Way Home has just officially concluded on Binge. Following The Boys, Heartbreak High, Power Book III: Raising Kanan (currently streaming the final season) and upcoming final season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, a lot of legacy shows are wrapping up this year.

Not to mention even Emily in Paris is pulling up stumps with their next season. Starring Chyler Leigh, Evan Williams, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, plus Andie MacDowell, The Way Home begun back in 2023. Streaming in Australia on Binge, this is a Hallmark original series.

Last November, People reported that the fourth season of The Way Home would be its last.

This time travelling, chick flick, romantic pond jumping series, got way too complicated in the final run. With timelines and storylines spiralling outta control.

At times I just thought, why I am still watching this Hallmark, middle of the road trash. However, I saw the end in sight and I pushed through this final season.

There is so much competition with streaming these days. So much content crying out for yours and the critics attention. I sadly think the poor The Way Home, will vanish into the TV pond and maybe sink to the bottom with few people remembering the 2023-2026 in a few years.

The Bear, also concludes it's run this week, following the surprise prequel episode release, Gary.

TV Week Logie Awards 2026: My Picks

Recently, The Logies announced their nominations. Here is my yearly tradition of "My Picks" in Red + BOLD.

The ABC and streaming (particularly Prime Video's, The Narrow Road to the Deep North) did exceptionally well with the nominations (again).

Binge were the real streaming losers with very few nominations, however The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer got a couple of nods again. Colin From Accounts is yet to return for its third (and likely final) season. There is still no word on another season of The Twelve. Maybe following this effort, news will be on the way.

Stan improved a lot after last year only achieving success with the short lived, US co-pro Good Cop/Bad Cop.

Dear Life was easily one of the best shows nominated here. ABC drama's all seem to get a fairly even spread of nominations from the 3 part, Goolagong, Mystery Road: Origin, The Family Next Door, Austin, Dog Park &Mother and Son.

So again, thank god for the ABC!

Voting is now open, so get cracking people! The ceremony will be broadcast on Sunday, August 16. 

Here we go, my picks below!

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television

Host and journalist, Ally Langdon

Presenter and comedian, Julia Morris

Journalist and presenter, Lisa Millar

Judge and co-host, Poh Ling Yeow

Presenter, Robert Irwin

Comedian and presenter, Sam Pang

Host and presenter, Todd Woodbridge

Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter

Amanda Keller, The Piano, ABC

Hamish Blake, Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy, 9Network

Julia Morris, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Larry Emdur, The Chase Australia, Seven Network

Lisa Millar, Muster Dogs, Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now and Back Roads, ABC

Robert Irwin, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent

Andrea Lam, The Piano, ABC

Eloise Hart, Goolagong and Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Lila McGuire, Goolagong, ABC

Rowan Witt, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Stuart Broad, The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

Tamala, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter

Ally Langdon, A Current Affair, The Great Debate and Election 2025: Australia Decides, 9Network

David Speers, Australia Votes 2025: Election Night Live and Insiders, ABC

Karl Stefanovic, Today, 9Network

Michael Usher, 7NEWS and 7NEWS Spotlight, Seven Network

Sarah Abo, Today, 9Network

Sarah Ferguson, 7.30 and Australia Votes 2025: Election Night Live, ABC

Bruce McAvaney Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter

Bruce McAvaney, World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, SBS

Danika Mason, Today, NRL and Freddy and the Eighth, 9Network

Eddie McGuire, Footy Classified Tuesday and 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network

James Bracey, 9News, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, NRL, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, 100% Footy and 2025 Australian Swimming Trials, 9Network

Jelena Dokic, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, Wimbledon 2025, Roland Garros 2025, US Open 2025 and Cross Court 2025, 9Network

Ricky Ponting, The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

TV Week Silver Logie– Best Lead Actor in a Drama

Hunter Page-Lochard, Reckless, SBS / NITV

Jacob Elordi, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Rob Collins, RFDS, Seven Network

Sam Neill, The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Binge / Foxtel

Stephen Peacocke, RFDS, Seven Network

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Lead Actress in a Drama

Aisha Dee, Watching You, Stan

Brooke Satchwell, Dear Life, Stan

Lila McGuire, Goolagong, ABC

Odessa Young, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Tuuli Narkle, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Yerin Ha, The Survivors, Netflix

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Clarence Ryan, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Damien Garvey, The Survivors, Netflix

Dan Henshall, The Family Next Door, ABC

Simon Baker, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Thomas Weatherall, Heartbreak High, Netflix

Thomas Weatherall, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Catherine McClements, The Survivors, Netflix

Claudia Karvan, Homebodies, SBS

Eleanor Matsuura, Dear Life, Stan

Heather Mitchell, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Philippa Northeast, The Family Next Door, ABC

Robyn Malcolm, The Survivors, Netflix

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Actor in a Comedy

Ben Miller, Austin, ABC

George Zhao, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Leon Ford, Dog Park, ABC

Matt Day, Strife, Binge / Foxtel

Michael Theo, Austin, ABC

Steve Bisley, Deadloch, Prime Video

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Actress in a Comedy

Asher Keddie, Strife, Binge / Foxtel

Celia Pacquola, Dog Park, ABC

Denise Scott, Mother and Son, ABC

Kate Box, Deadloch, Prime Video

Madeleine Sami, Deadloch, Prime Video

Michelle Brasier, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Best Drama Program

Dear Life, Stan

Heartbreak High, Netflix

Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

RFDS, Seven Network

The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Binge / Foxtel

Watching You, Stan

Best Miniseries or Telemovie

Goolagong, ABC

Homebodies, SBS

Mix Tape, Binge / Foxtel

The Family Next Door, ABC

The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

The Survivors, Netflix

Best Entertainment Program

Australian Idol, Seven Network

Dancing With The Stars, Seven Network

The 1% Club Australia, Seven Network

The Floor, 9Network

The Piano, ABC

Tipping Point Australia, 9Network

Best Current Affairs Program

60 Minutes, 9Network

7.30, ABC

A Current Affair, 9Network

Australian Story, ABC

Four Corners, ABC

Today, 9Network

Best Scripted Comedy Program

Austin, ABC

Deadloch, Prime Video

Dog Park, ABC

Strife, Binge / Foxtel

The Artful Dodger, Disney+

Top End Bub, Prime Video

Best Comedy Entertainment Program

Gruen Nation, ABC

Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, ABC

Hard Quiz, ABC

Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network 10

The Cheap Seats, Network 10

The Front Bar, Seven Network

Best Competition Reality Program

Big Brother, Network 10

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy, 9Network

Love Island, 9Network

MasterChef Australia, Network 10

The Block, 9Network

Best Structured Reality Program

Farmer Wants A Wife, Seven Network

Gogglebox Australia, Network 10

Married at First Sight, 9Network

Muster Dogs, ABC

The Golden Bachelor, 9Network

The Hospital: In The Deep End, SBS

Best Lifestyle Program

Getaway, 9Network

Grand Designs Australia, ABC

Love It Or List It Australia, Binge / Foxtel

Selling Houses Australia, Binge / Foxtel

The Dog House Australia, Network 10

Travel Guides, 9Network

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report

Bondi Terror Attack, 7NEWS and Sunrise, Seven Network

Fighting Back, A Current Affair, 9Network

Hammered: Inside the Bunnings Machine, Four Corners, ABC

Iran War, 7NEWS, Seven Network

Out of Order, 60 Minutes, 9Network

Virginia’s Final Wish, 60 Minutes, 9Network

Best Factual or Documentary Program

But Also John Clarke, ABC

Revealed: Death Cap Murders, Stan

Revealed: Joh – Last King of Queensland, Stan

The Assembly, ABC

The People vs Robodebt, SBS

The Secret DNA Of Us, SBS

Best Sports Coverage

2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network

2025 Men’s & Women’s State of Origin Series, 9Network

AFL Grand Final 2025, Seven Network

Australian Open 2026, 9Network

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, 9Network

The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

Best Children’s Program

Do Not Watch This Show, ABC

Dreaming Big, NITV

Ginger and the Vegesaurs, ABC

Hard Quiz Kids, ABC

Knee High Spies, ABC

Play School, ABC

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Beef - Season Two

Every couple meets their match. Beef is back for a whole new season. New cast. New setting. Rich, good looking people. What could go wrong?

A young couple witnesses an alarming fight between their boss and his wife, triggering chess moves of favours and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner. 

UK's Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, sexy Riverdale hunk, Charles Melton, with Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho.

Charles Melton is honestly so good looking it hurts! So was season two as good as season one with Ali Wong and Steven Yeun?

Absolutely not. The first season was gold. The second season was barely silver. Unfortunately the good looking cast couldn't save the less interesting feud between the leads. They were just too good looking. The beef was also more just two unhappy couples with their own issues, they just happened to also work together and witness and initial incident.

Like, there were good moments. The sub plot with Matthew Kim (BM) as Woosh the thirsty tennis coach was fun. But Cailee Spaeny as Ashley Miller was just not that interesting.

If you haven't caught up on the series yet, don't read ahead. Unless you want to save yourself watching the eight short(ish) episodes.

In the finale of Beef' second season, Josh kills his attacker and flies to Korea. 

In Seoul, Eunice slips a USB to Austin before escaping Park's men. 

The next morning, Austin is unable to find the USB. Park's men abduct Josh from the airport, but Dr. Kim helps him escape. At the clinic, Dr. Kim tells Ashley, Lindsay, and Austin that he wants to help them expose Park, but Park discovers them; Dr. Kim is killed during their escape. 

The trio flee and reunite with Josh, allowing Park's men to recapture them. While in captivity, Josh and Lindsay reconcile, while Austin confronts Ashley about her abandonment issues and seems to end their relationship. Ashley gives Austin the USB that she'd stolen, Austin escapes, heading for the police and notifying Eunice. However, when she hesitates to reciprocate his romantic advances, he instead offers the USB to Park. 

Josh is arrested for embezzlement, Dr. Kim's death is ruled a suicide, and Park avoids punishment. 

Eight years later, Ashley manages the club and is married to Austin with a child, but tensions remain between them. Josh is released and chooses not to contact Lindsay, who has a child with a new husband. 

While visiting the grave of her first husband, Park admits that wealth cannot buy time and reflects on her loneliness, while an overhead view modelled on saṃsāra reflects the characters' repeated patterns and fates.

Oh well, that's done and dusted. The Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' blog series concludes next week before we head into the second half of 2026!

NOT another streaming Movie - Leviticus

Leviticus is a multi genre, new Aussie feature film. Part coming-of-age/romantic, part supernatural/horror, it also ticks June Pride month boxes.

Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, whilst starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, & Mia Wasikowska.

Leviticus follows two teenagers who become tormented by a violent supernatural entity, summoned by their religious community, that takes the form of the person they desire most – each other.

Leviticus premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, while gaining a local release last week.

Whilst there were genuine jump scares, this was a solid little local horror film. Following Talk to Me and Bring Her Back, Australia is getting a nasty name for itself, with horror all across this fine brown land.

I loved Talk to Me back in 2022, seeing it overseas with audiences lapping it up. I am not sure if Leviticus will gain as many overseas fans, however this short, to the point film, really packs a punch.

With religious fear and shows like Tip Toe exposing, whilst we have come far with gay rights, there are still parts of the community who have issues accepting all forms of love.

This film isn't as preachy as Tip Toe, however it does tell a good tale. The tale of young love and forces which sometimes keep that love apart.

Leviticus takes on the supernatural/horror genre, whilst also tackling coming of age, young love. Young gay love in regional (by the looks of things, we don't learn much about the setting) Australia. The film does move a little too fast in parts with some character development lacking.

I did enjoy this, 3 stars. Good to see Australian filmmakers cashing in on the horror cash cow at the box office.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - OLIVIA RODRIGO - {You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love}

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Tip Toe - Miniseries

Tip Toe is TOP quality TV. At the tail end of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series, this is a top tier contender for my RATED post in a couple of weeks.

The British psychological thriller in the UK on Channel 4 written by Russell T Davies, starring Alan Cumming & David Morrissey, streams locally on Binge in Australia.

Revolving around two next-door neighbours in Manchester—Leo Struthers (Cumming), the gay owner of the Canal Street bar Spit and Polish, and his long-standing neighbour Clive Goss (Morrissey), an electrician. 

Tip Toe explores the effects of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on social media, leading the neighbours to gradually become deadly enemies. As events unfurl involving Clive's son George and online conspiracy theories, the series reaches a deadly conclusion.

Multi-BAFTA award-winning writer Russell T. Davies (It’s A Sin; Queer As Folk) continues to shine with this terrifying tale of escalating anger and fear. Timely after that mad redheads speech during the week in Canberra.

Clive has his own issues at home. With his wife and his two sons, who find their lives unravelling amidst rising social tensions and gradually become deadly enemies. 

Populated by a cast of vibrant characters and underscored by Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, the series is an urgent and timely suburban thriller that shines a light on prejudices creeping back into modern life. Its themes speak not only to the queer community but to the world at large. 

If you haven't caught up with this buzz-worthy series on Binge yet, don't read on. Honestly this is the BEST Binge series in a while. Believe the hype people!

Leo and Stephanie argue about the best way to help George, with Stephanie believing Marie would be supportive. Saul sees the photo of George wearing makeup and partying with Zee and her friends, he expresses support but warns George about his friends possible reactions. 

The Gosses host a football livestream during which George is violently hazed. Zee is unable to delete the photo, and goes to George's house, but he rejects her help. Clive sees Zee, and Leo agrees to help her by talking to Clive. 

The confrontation soon devolves into violence, with the Gosses' friends exposing both Saul's account and George's photos to their parents. Upon seeing Zee with George, Clive attacks Leo and accuses him of taking advantage of George. George refutes this, stating Leo has HIV. 

After the video of Clive helping Leo during the fight is exposed, Clive whips the crowd into a frenzy and take Leo outside to hang him. Saul desperately attempts to prevent them, but is unsuccessful. 

Ultimately, Clive and his accomplices are arrested for murder, George becomes a drug-addict, Saul gets married and lives happily, Zee chooses the name Sarah and becomes a teacher, and the bar is turned into a pizzeria. Two years prior, Stephanie and Leo discuss his divorce, and the effects that coming out has had on their lives. Leo expresses a belief that something big will happen.

The finale was so intense. Maybe as intense as the last hour of The Testaments. This was full on viewing. Not for the faint hearted OK.

I enjoyed this, but it did scare the fuck outta me. Fear and anger is alive. We saw it here in Australia during the week at the press club. Wake up people, the future is also a little frightening like the past we thought we escaped. Learn lessons from the past people.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Off Campus - Season One

Off Campus is the latest monster smash on Amazon. They have had one incredible 2026! I am also nearly done with Scarpetta!

The young adult, romantic drama is based on the Off-Campus book series by Elle Kennedy. 

I missed this when it launched last month. I quickly binged all eight episodes in Bali. But, back in February, ahead of the series premiere, the series was renewed for a second season. Which has big shoes to follow. Season one has been a smash hit!

Not to mention, ice hockey is a hot topic for TV. Following Heated Rivalry, a Netflix series will be the third, with Icebreaker (again based on books) coming soon! Talk about the gays leading the way! A streaming drama in the sheets, a cool drama on the ice.

Set at the fictional Briar University, Off Campus follows Hannah Wells, a music student, and Garrett Graham, the school's star hockey player and captain of the Briar Hawks. They agree to a "fake romantic relationship" so that Hannah can catch the attention of her musician crush, Justin Kohl. 

In exchange, Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett so he can pass his philosophy class. As they spend more time together, Hannah and Garrett's relationship begins to develop into a real romance. 

Subplots include Hannah's best friend and roommate, Allie Hayes, as well as Garrett's teammates, Dean Di Laurentis, John Logan, and John Tucker.

Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston,  Stephen Kalyn, Steve Howey,  Khobe Clarke, AJ Abell, Francesca Bianchi, Kai Bradbury, Karis Cameron, Josh Chambers, Riley Davis, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Chelah Horsdal, Quinten James, Dylan Kingwell, Riley Orr, Lauren Patten, Frankie Randysek, Brandon Scott, Jennifer Spence, Julia Sarah Stone, Marlee Walchuk, and Chad Willett all star in season one.

With Phillipa Soo joining the cast in a recurring capacity for the second season.

Bring on season two I say!

With Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli leading, it's great seeing Aussie hunk and Heartbreak High king, Josh Heuston also starring.

Fresh from his short stint on High Potenial, Steve Howey also joins as the bad father figure. He sure was hotter in Shameless!

Watch out spoilers ahead! In the finale, Hannah drops out of the song competition. 

Garrett gives the captainship to John and decides to quit hockey, as he felt he was only doing it to please Phil. 

When Hannah sees Garrett skating at the rink alone, she reasons why he shouldn't quit. She changes her mind about the song contest and manages to sneak in a final spot at the showcase. 

Allie convinces Dean to bring Garrett and friends to the contest to watch Hannah. Hannah performs her song The Girl That I Am, inspired by her past trauma. 

Afterwards, Garrett apologises to Hannah and asks for another chance; the couple happily reconciles. 

Meanwhile, to create distance in her relationship with Dean, Allie suggests to him that they sleep with other people. Dean is not able to follow through, but Allie has sex with Carter. Carter, whose real name is Hunter Davenport, and whom John has recruited to the Hawks after Garrett's suspension, walks into Malone's. 

Hunter immediately gets into a fight with Dean and the other guys, due to a past incident involving Dean's younger sister.

So apparently season two will focus more on Allie + Dean. Bring that on I say. Following the drama that unfolded in the season one finale.

Until next week when The Way Home wraps for good, see again soon for another, TV binge.

NOT another streaming Movie - Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is part of the Star Wars franchise and serves as a continuation of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian.

It sounds like the series that streamed between 2019–2023. So is this the last we see of Baby Yoda? AKA Grogu.

Pedro Pascal stars as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian (who was also portrayed on set by Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder). Joining the film, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Martin Scorsese, & Sigourney Weaver. 

Following the third season of the Disney+ hit series, the two hour film follows the fall of the Galactic Empire, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (White) in exchange for information on a target.

Favreau and Filoni wrote a fourth season of The Mandalorian by February 2023, but production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. 

During this time, Lucasfilm re-evaluated their plans for the franchise and decided to prioritise a Mandalorian film over the fourth season. 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu premiered last month, so I am a little late to the party. Following a huge few weeks of films, the US blockbuster cinema summer is here.

So far the film has grossed $316.2 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2026. 

I asked Gaston (a co-worker) in the lift today about this film. Like Masters of the Universe, he liked it. Star Wars fan probably like it. It's a little long, but thus far baby Yoda has received mixed reviews, with critics praising the score, while criticising the plot, visuals, and action sequences.

Star Wars has been milked within an inch of its life for stories reaching far and wide across the old galaxy. From TV series (where The Mandalorian begun) to that Solo film. The first Star Wars box office bomb.

Maybe they need to rest the galaxy for a little. Whilst I enjoyed this, this could have just been a fourth and final season on Disney+.

Hopefully I'll get off to the cinema again this weekend.

Until then, go the Socceroo's VS Gilead tomorrow!

3 Stars.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Widow's Bay - Season One

Widow’s Bay is a quaint island town 40-miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface. 

Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no wifi, spotty cellular reception, and he must contend with superstitious old locals who believe their island is cursed. 

He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. 

Miraculously, Loftis succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again. Widow’s Bay blends genuine horror with an undercurrent of character-driven comedy. 

The American's Rhys stars alongside, Kate O'Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll & Dale Dickey.

Apple has really done it again! They are on a roll right now. Cape Fear, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, whilst, Sugar, Silo + Ted Lasso are all incoming.

Hiro Murai serves as director and executive producer on the series. Which has received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its performances, writing, direction, production values, originality, and tonal balance of horror and comedy. 

Earlier this month, Widow's Bay was renewed for a second season. Bring it on I say! Apple's roster is looking damn fine right about now! Watch out for spoilers below.

Int he finale which streamed yesterday, Tom finds an oblivious Ruth going about her day at home. The two discuss their lives and the hardships of growing up on the island; Tom secretly poisons Ruth's tea with a deadly combination of her prescription medications. 

At the shelter, mayor's office employee Dale uncovers evidence that the town has secretly maintained Warren’s covenant for generations by sacrificing people whenever the church bell rings. 

Bechir learns that Chelle is going into labor. 

As Ruth succumbs to an apparent overdose, she reveals that she is the biological mother of Tom’s late wife Lauren, making Evan—not Ruth—the last surviving descendant of Richard Warren. 

Realising the curse cannot end with Ruth’s death, Tom rushes to save her, but Bechir arrives and shoots her after learning of the plan from Patricia. 

Meanwhile, Evan and his friends discover tunnels beneath the shelter leading to the sacrificial chamber. Ken, the custodian at the mayor's office, finds them, but Evan's friends lock him inside, and he gets dragged through the cellar doors and sacrificed to the entity beneath the island, fulfilling the covenant and causing the storm to subside. 

The following day, the church bell rings eight times, signalling that eight new sacrifices are required.

I originally thought this could have been a miniseries, however this has legs for a second season. Maybe even a third or fourth. I am loving my Apple subscription sick right now. It works in Indonesia. They stream multiple shows per week, all year round. Whilst the quality is always high! Loving it!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Citadel - Season Two

What if you lost your memory? What if a spy didn’t know they were a spy? Years ago, the top agents of Citadel, Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), had their minds wiped. 

But, they’re called back to action as sinister forces emerge from the past. With the help of spymaster Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), these former lovers must remember the past to save the future.

Citadel returns to Amazon Prime Video, with the Russo brothers acting as executive producers. 

The first season had production budget of US$300 million, the six-episode first season ranks as one of the most expensive television series ever made. 

The second season, returned with all seven episodes premiering last month. Around three years after the first season. Which aired week-to-week. Season two arrived with little fanfare, not much marketing and blown out of the water by young adult drama, Off Campus. The show stole all the attention and the chatter. Not to mention it was also another Amazon title.

Citadel was meant to spin-off to multiple non-English language series. Initially these were to be set in, the Italian Alps, India, Spain, and Mexico. The Italian series, Citadel: Diana, premiered on October 2024, while the Indian series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, premiered on November of the same year.

Both of these have now been cancelled, while the Mexico series is off the cards. For now. Season three of Citadel, may also be off the books, with an apparent drop in viewers from seasons one, to two.

Following a dramatic second last episode to the second season, Highlands, the finale sees the Citadel agents race to prevent Joana from assassinating President Aronov at the G8 Summit, where she plans to take control of Russian satellites.

No spoilers here, however I do see a third season a bit tricky. There was a small potential cliffhanger, however I think the world has moved on from Citadel.

This was easy, breezy holiday viewing, but nothing to write home about.

Album of the Week - SOUTH SUMMIT - {Run It Back}

NOT another streaming Movie - Power Ballad

Power Ballad is the third film I saw over the last long weekend until October.

Man its long haul until the next long weekend. Anyway the musical/comedy/drama film stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, plus Jack Reynor. 

Power Ballad follows wedding singer Rick who bonds with boy-band member Danny; when Danny uses Rick's song to reignite his own solo career, Rick sets out for the recognition he believes he deserves.

When Rick (Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about. 

Despite having US leads, the film is set largely in Ireland. At a beautiful property for the wedding meeting between Rudd and Jonas, moving to LA for the later scenes.

Power Ballad is a fun, crazy tale about the story of a songs creation. Also, at ageing. Ageing outta boy bands, ageing out of your dreams and playing cover songs to drunk randoms at weddings.

This is a small idea film. But damn. It is cute.

I really like Paul Rudd. I also really like Nick Jonas. His track Jealous is damn good. The Jonas Brothers not so much.

I saw three very different films over the long weekend. But this was one of my favourites. I think it's over now, however if it is screening somewhere, go check it out!

3 stars. Fun!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Two Years Later - Season One

Two Years Later is the latest Australian romantic drama series. Landing on Paramount+ last week, this was a damn easy watch.

Following Emily and Ryan in a post pandemic world after the world came to a halt, they reconnect after two years in a series of brief encounters and see if they truly love each other.

When their work commute is interrupted by COVID-19, Emily and Ryan reunite two years later after a series of brief flirtatious interactions. Ryan proposes an idea: to go on a series of eight dates to decide if they are truly right for each other.

Phoebe Tonkin is Emily, whilst Brenton Thwaites is Ryan.

It's a small cast show, with Jada Alberts as Nat, Joey Vieira as Antonio, Ron Smyck as Mike, the divine Heather Mitchell as Lorna & Roy Billing as Morgan, Lorna's husband.

The show is intimate, warts and all real romance. I really enjoyed this eight episode first season. It is left open for a second season. However with the current TV climate, who knows if (or when) a second season would get made.

I really enjoyed all eight (short) episodes. The dates across each episode were cute.

I think this could easily be my favourite Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' Aussie series of the last quarter. This was storytelling at its best, with real heart.

Heather Mitchell & Roy Billing's support story was a truly beautiful one.

I can't recommend this Brisbane based series highly enough. Please, beg, borrow or steal a Paramount+ log in and give this a watch. I want a second season!

NOT another streaming Movie - Masters of the Universe

Masters of the Universe, follows Barbie as the next Mattel venture into film. 

It is the second live-action film adaptation after the 1987 film. Thirst trap Nicholas Galitzine is Prince Adam / He-Man, alongside Riverdale's Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristen Wiig, Sherriff Country's Morena Baccarin, & mr can do everything Idris Elba. 

Masters of the Universe, follows Prince Adam as he returns to his home planet, Eternia, to take his destiny as He-Man, and save his home from the evil forces of Skeletor.

Principal photography (most likely, largely in front of a green screen) occurred in London, England, from January to June 2025.

Surprisingly this is an Amazon MGM Studios film, meaning I actually could have watched this for free in a few months.

So was it any good? Scroll below the trailer for my verdict.

Nicholas Galitzine is sex on legs as a blonde. I honestly never really saw him as a total babe before. But now as a bulky blonde in minimal clothes - YASS!

The plot is fairly thin. The ending feels a little rushed, despite it being a fairly long film.

Despite some post credits scenes, a sequel is not yet being discussed or offical, however I think this had legs for a bit of a fantasy, comedy, action nostalgia film series. It's not like Amazon is short on cash.

A lot of the characters were a little lost on me. Particularly the poorly aged named ones like, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Fisto, & Jon Xue Zhang as Ram-Man.

Fisto had some interesting jokes.

Overall I will pass this. It was fun escapism. 2.5 Stars.

Album of the Week - SKRILLEX - {Soma}

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Deli Boys - Season Two

Turns out inheriting a criminal empire was the easy part… and more money really does mean more problems. 

The second season on Disney+'s Deli Boys, the Dars are drowning in dirty cash and Philly’s sketchiest crooks are circling. 

Enter Max Sugar: casino king, money launderer, and Lucky’s new crush who turns laundering into a chaotic situationship. 

Raj plots revenge on Ahmad, Mir tries to expand DarCo without blowing it up, and Philly D.A. Andrew Chadwater hopes one big bust will make him mayor.

Girls, Andrew Rannells joins as Andrew Chadwater, a district attorney, along with Kumail Nanjiani as Danyal, Max Sugar's attorney. So there is some star power in the shorter six episode second season.

There is currently no word on a third season for our favourite Deli Boys. However the series seems popular with critics and I'd say it's not the most expensive comedy to make.

Hulu has a decent supply of comedies unlike other streamers like Paramount+ and Starz. With Only Murders in the Building, Futurama, King of the Hill, Chad Powers, and Not Suitable for Work either currently streaming or returning.

Deli Boys was an express watch this season, but a fun little ride. I would say the way things leave off, a third season may stream sometime in the future.

NOT another streaming Movie - Scary Movie (2026 film)

Scary Movie (also known as Scary Movie 6) is the return for horror-parody film series. The sixth instalment in the Scary Movie film series, following Scary Movie 5, which was released all the way back in 2013.

The return has been referred to as the spiritual sequel to the first two films. With Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, & Regina Hall all returning for some madness.

Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. 

Marlon Wayans (“Shorty”), Shawn Wayans (“Ray”), Faris (“Cindy”), & Hall (“Brenda”) reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favourites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final. 

Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. ​Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.

Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, Chris Elliott, Damon Wayans Jr., Kim Wayans, Craig Wayans, Heidi Gardner, Olivia Rose Keegan, Savannah Lee Nassif, Cameron Scott Roberts, Sydney Park, Gregg Wayans, Ruby Snowber, & Benny Zielke joined the sixth film.

Whilst, Anthony Anderson, Kai Cenat, Teyana Taylor, and Shaquille O'Neal cameo as themselves.

A sixth Scary Movie film was announced in 2024 and later that same year, it was revealed to have the involvement of the Wayans family for the first time since their departure from the franchise following the release of Scary Movie 2 (2001) due to creative conflicts with the original producers.

Scary Movie has received negative reviews from critics, however the box office is solid thus far! Even beating fellow blockbuster release Masters of the Universe

This was insane, but fun. Some of the pop culture jokes were just wild!

I did need this after a LONG ass week. Gosh I am loving these long ass weekends. All hail the king. lol. Joking.

I'll pass this piss take on the crowded horror movie world right now. 2.5 Stars for bringing the silly, to a mad ass world!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Bad Company - Season One

Bad Company was a show I was so desperately looking forward to.

The comedy focuses on Margie Argyle (Anne Edmonds) and the Argyle Theatre, her unchecked spending has sent in Julia McNamara (Kitty Flanagan) who is tasked with saving a theatre company teetering on the edge of closure.

At the centre of the chaos is Margie, the Argyle Theatre’s wildly confident artistic director who is determined to stage her most experimental, critic-wowing masterpiece yet. There’s just one small problem: Margie’s bold creative vision might also send the already-fragile theatre hurtling towards financial ruin. 

Standing between Margie and catastrophe is Julia, a corporate high-flyer with a flawless track record and the steely resolve to match. Tasked with rescuing the crumbling Argyle Theatre, Julia is determined to whip the place into shape, even if that means going head-to-head with Margie’s chaotic genius at every turn.

It's a small ensemble cast alongside Edmonds and Flanagan, music star Kira Puru stars as Kat, Louise Siversen as Carmel, with Sibylla Budd as Caitlen Allard in the finale.

I wanted to love this so much. I did enjoy parts but it was very niche. I used to work in musical theatre, theatre spaces, so this was no in joke for me. I got the theatre quirks, but I am not sure a larger audience would.

Edmonds and Flanagan were incredible together. However I will always love Edmonds for Helen Bidou and her stand up.

This was enjoyable and decent ABC comedy. I do hope they bring back their local Sunday night drama soon too. Another Sunday sitcom is incoming, Ground Up, starring Sam Pang, commences tomorrow.

Until next time, happy Kings Birthday long weekend. The final long weekend, until the October long weekend!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Sullivan's Crossing - Season Four

Season four of Sullivan's Crossing sees Maggie setting her sights on a new vision for her career, and a renewed commitment to Cal, only to be blindsided by Liam’s sudden reappearance, which threatens to disrupt Maggie’s plans. 

The latest Sullivan's Crossing concluded on Stan Monday lunchtime. Sadly this week has been hectic in the lead up to the long weekend. Man I have caught up on some TV though. Deli Boys second season, started Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, damn, even though network TV is done. There are some gems currently streaming.

Sullivan's Crossing is basically a network show, originating from CTV, in the USA it streams on The CW. Basically all The CW can afford is international dramas. Their final original series, All American commences next month.

Buried in the US summer.

So, this Canadian romantic series, is possibly my mums favourite series. She is desperate on a verdict for a fifth season. A renewal which could really go either way. A fifth season for any series in this current TV climate is a big deal. 

Sullivan's Crossing is sweet enough, just with losing father figure, Scott Patterson as Harry 'Sully' Sullivan, the series is only left with four main players.

This season dragged out the love story triangle, however the plot lines could be running low. It is just a sweet, comfort viewing piece of TV. I enjoy the scenery, but damn some episodes are so predictable, even my 71 year old mother can guess what's incoming...

Either way, all four seasons of Sullivan's Crossing are streaming now on Stan.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Euphoria - Season Three/Series Finale

The third and final season of Euphoria, inspired by Ron Leshem's miniseries of the same name, commenced mid-April, concluding yesterday on HBO.

The season centers on recovering addict young adult Rue Bennett navigating her faith while also being drawn into the illegal drug trade. 

Zendaya stars as Rue alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, and Toby Wallace.

Way back in February 2022, Euphoria was renewed for a third season, filming commenced in February 2025 and wrapped in November. 

The season consists of eight episodes and received mixed reviews from critics. On the same day that the final episode of the third season was released, HBO confirmed that the series had concluded after three seasons.

Which damn was obvious. Let's be honest it's a miracle the show made it to a third season.

Season one was good, season two (and the specials) were OK, this season however was rubbish. It was too much at times. The shock factor had long left the building. The show was just turning into a giant pile of burning trash.

I hate to be bold, but this was really bad. Like Riverdale bad. Every episode, just got worse and worse. Poor Sydney Sweeney, there were some low points in this season. So how'd the series end?

Rue escapes Laurie's ranch with G's help after injuring Wayne and fleeing from Harley. As the DEA closes Laurie's operation, Alamo takes control of a fentanyl shipment by switching ambulances. Facing arrest, Laurie kills herself. 

Alamo gives Rue money and Percocet pills secretly containing fentanyl, and she dies from an overdose, with Ali finding her the next day. 

Three months later, Ali attends his final recovery meeting, where he confesses that he has lost faith, and declares the dealers, politicians and enablers of the drug trade simply evil. He then confronts Alamo at his strip club. After Bishop secretly unloads Alamo's gun, Ali shoots and kills him. 

Elsewhere, Cassie and Maddy plan to turn Nate's house into an influencer business and invite Lexi to join, but she refuses. 

Jules copes with Rue's death by painting her portrait. 

Ali later visits a religious family Rue had known, introduces himself by his Islam pre-conversion name, and leads a prayer, during which Rue appears peacefully in a vision.

Sound fucked up? Well it was. If you never started this series back in 2019, maybe give this one a miss.

More TV incoming. Deli Boys second season just landed, I'm pacing myself through Canadian drama Sky Med. Not to mention Canada's other favourite Virgin River style drama, Sullivan's Crossing. That is coming soon.

Till then, enjoy the full moon!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Half Man - Miniseries

Following the success of Baby Reindeer, Half Man is the latest gritty drama created by Richard Gadd.

The British six-part series, is a co-production between BBC and HBO. 

The series stars Gadd, Jamie Bell, Stuart Campbell, and Mitchell Robertson. Ruben (Campbell) & Niall (Robertson) grew up as brothers despite not being related by blood—one strong and fiercely loyal, the other quiet and gentle. 

Thirty years later, they reunite at Niall’s (Bell) wedding, but Ruben (Gadd) seems uneasy and on edge; when a sudden act of violence erupts, it sends the story back through their shared past, revealing how their bond was shaped and how even the closest relationships can ultimately fall apart.

This series was bold, rough and damn terrifying at times. Some scenes were just way too full on. Like honestly, so gruesome.

Toxic masculinity on steroids is Half Man in a nut shell. The series (like Hacks) also is a fail for HBO Max in Australia, as Stan got the streaming rights for this big title.

Meaning two out of three HBO finales this past week, live outside of HBO Max. Why would anyone sign up to that service? Particularly if they are being merged with Paramount one day...

In the grim finale, four years pass, and Ruben is in jail for attacking Benji, but he wants to turn his life around for Mona and their son, Baird, who was born while he was in jail. 

Niall's semi-autobiographical novel about his experiences with Ruben becomes a hit, but the public is more interested in Ruben than in him. Ruben's mother Maura dies, and Niall informs Ruben in prison, causing Ruben to lash out at Niall. 

Niall's lifestyle of drugs and sex spirals until he reunites with Alby, years after Ruben's assault, and they rekindle their romance. With Alby's encouragement, Niall visits Ruben in prison and finally comes out to him. To his surprise, Ruben is accepting, having always suspected, and criticises him for wasting his life trying to belong. Niall blames Ruben's language for his self-loathing, but Ruben deflects back at Niall for rejecting his own truth. 

Ruben also reveals he was a victim of sexual assault from his own father when he was young, resulting in him feeling like a "half man." The two become open and vulnerable to one another, but the mood sours when Niall reveals that he slept with Mona and fathered Baird, infuriating Ruben. 

In the present, Ruben attacks Niall in the barn during his wedding for sleeping with Mona, and they have a gruelling fight. Niall manages to stab Ruben's side, mortally wounding Ruben, but Ruben manages to smother Niall to death, telling his brother that he loves him. The dying Ruben sits down on a bale of hay, staring at Niall's corpse.

It was an intense final hour. This show, showed a bleak outlook for angry young men. It was an interesting, yet brutal watch. Viewers be warned, this is full on!

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Urzila - Season One

Urzila Carlson's live shows are remarkable. Speaking of, she is touring mid this year, until late August.

So what happens when she mixes her comedy, with sketches, for a show simply titled Urzila?

Over six episodes, now streaming on ABC or ABC iView, we see Carlson tackle a range of issues. Some of the sketches do really well and are laugh out loud funny, some are a little lame.

She also has a full blown sitcom in the works (also at the ABC) with Nazeem Hussain.

Urzila Carlson is of course, a South African-born ,New Zealand comedian and actress, known for her jokes around being a lesbian and being a little larger. Prior to this ABC series, Carlson is a regular panellist on 7 Days & both the Australian and New Zealand version of Have You Been Paying Attention?

She was also a panellist on The Masked Singer Australia for the show's second and third seasons, until it got the axe in Australia. Man channel 10 are broke AF. They just scrapped I'm a Celebrity too! There biggest hit, next to Masterchef.

She was a contestant on the second season of Taskmaster NZ.

So Urzila is well known on our TV screens. A classic sketch show is something they don't make like they used to.

I'm not sure the ABC will invest in a sound round of Hire a Lez, but I sure am excited for a scripted comedy from her and Nazeem Hussain. Next up from the ABC a review of Bad Company, up soon!

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!