LATEST REVIEWS BY THE POPCORN PANEL
No-holds-barred reviews of movies, TV series, and streaming shows by Alex Cearns. 

TINA ARENA: UNRAVEL ME

Sicilian-Australian Filippina Arena’s ability to sing was discovered during a wedding when she was nine. While working with a vocal coach, she auditioned for the popular kids’ variety show ‘Young Talent Time’. Host Johnny Young was blown away by her vocals and made her a permanent cast member. He suggested she go by the stage name of Tina to sound more commercial than her nickname, Pina. After several years on the show, she left to forge her own path, eventually heading to Los Angeles, where she married her then-manager Ralph Carr in 1995. She released hit singles “I Need Your Body” and “Chains” before she began feeling increasingly controlled by those around her. She moved to Paris looking for a fresh start and the French public welcomed her with open arms. Arena speaks candidly in this 96 minute documentary, reflecting on the highs and lows of a career spanning five decades. She comes across as a hardworking, resilient woman who fought for her success. Her extraordinary vocal range and powerful voice are highlights. You know her music – now you’ll know her too.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

BIG BABY

Horror writer Adam Lewis (Brandon Scott) spirals when two podcast hosts give his latest screenplay a bad review. As depression sets in, he attempts to write a new script, only to be haunted by nightmares of a man wearing an oversized baby mask, who he names Big Baby (Adam Marcinowski). The hulking man-toddler tells Adam he was drowned in a swimming pool as a boy and wants revenge against the people who pushed him in. Adam decides to make Big Baby the focus of his next film and shares this news with his girlfriend Kate (Krsy Fox, who also serves as a producer, editor and sound mixer). Adam becomes obsessed with Big Baby and his mental state deteriorates even more. Kate moves out and Adam starts writing storylines where Big Baby gruesomely slaughters his childhood enemies. This flick is surprisingly effective at combining the pressure of being a self employed artist with a total breakdown. While some of the practical effects are cheesy, the kills are violent, and the hideous get-up of the title character is unsettling. Executive produced by singing icon Cher and her son Chaz Bono, the plot constantly blurs the line between reality and fantasy. B-grade, diaper driven mayhem.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

UNTOLD RAYGUN: BREAKING BADLY

Rachael Gunn, AKA Raygun, became an overnight sensation for all the wrong reasons after her breakdancing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She failed to score a single point across three rounds with her dismal routine (which included the sprinkler, a bouncing kangaroo imitation, and spinning around on the floor) and sparked thousands of viral memes and global ridicule. This 72 minute documentary features Rachael and her husband (and coach) Samuel Free sharing her journey in their own words. They recount the Oceania qualifying tournament, where she was deemed the best dancer in a very small field of competition, and progress to the fallout that followed her Olympic appearance. Unfortunately participating in this production does her few favours. For the first hour, it feels like a comedy mockumentary and she is given limitless rope. Gunn and Free fail to acknowledge her lack of technical skill and treat the situation like a joke that only they seem to get. Instead of admitting her shortcomings, Gunn comes across as arrogant and insists she gave it her all. There is only one brief moment where she has remorse and states “I bought shame and embarrassment to the country.” When billionaire Richard Branson offers her a lifeline by taking her on one of his cruises and getting her to “dance”, the passengers appear to be laughing at her rather than with her – which she is completely oblivious to. While it must be horrible to have your shortcomings exposed for the whole world to see, and no one should be abused online, a little humility goes a long way. Nothing good comes from delusions of grandeur.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

THE DOG STARS

*CONTAINS A SPOILER* Ridley Scott’s latest offering is set in post-apocalyptic 2035 following a flu pandemic that wiped out most of the population. Former mechanic Hig (Jacob Elordi) lives at a derelict airfield with his beloved dog Jasper and cynical ex-Marine Bangley (Josh Brolin). Grieving the loss of his wife Melissa (Sai Bennett) and their unborn child, Hig routinely flies his beaten-up Cessna on dangerous supply runs to a nearby city. When he’s forced to land in a field, he befriends Cima (Margaret Qualley) and her curmudgeonly father Pops (Guy Pearce). He emotionally connects with Cima, who is a widow, but struggles to fully open his heart to her. This is a survival movie where resources are scarce and everyone is constantly under threat, yet it has moments of calmness amongst the chaos. The cinematography is spectacular, with breathtaking aerials captured above rugged landscapes – while humanity has nearly been destroyed, the great outdoors is thriving. Apart from a surreal visit to a community run by the mysterious Darlene (Allison Janney, having lots of fun), the story is engaging and Elordi does a solid job portraying melancholic Hig. There are many blanks to fill in regarding the virus and backstory for every character, but this film focusses on what is, rather than what has been. In the interests of full disclosure (and because dog people need to know!), Jasper dies and usually this would kill a film for me, but I feel that his loss adds to Hig’s attachment avoidance moving forward. Brutal and gentle at the same time.

SCORE:

Alex and Jason’s Score 8/10

Janette’s Score 7.5/10

STOP! THAT! TRAIN!

Former ‘Stank Rail’ stewardesses Tess (Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee) sneak aboard high speed bullet train the Glamazonian Express. When it hurtles straight towards a catastrophic “Stormaganza”, they try to keep the passengers calm. President Judy Gagwell (RuPaul Charles who looks every bit the star) and command centre dispatcher Donna Dusk (Rachel Bloom) take charge and together they attempt to avert the disaster. This film follows the joke-a-minute slapstick style of spoofs like ‘Flying High!’ and ‘The Naked Gun’. Despite its glossy sets, phenomenal drag queens (including Marcia Marcia Marcia, Latrice Royale, Brock Hayhoe and Symone), and immaculate costuming, the comedy falls flat, relying on unoriginal, crude one liners. Not even celebrity cameos from Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lisa Rinna, Nicole Richie, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Missi Pyle, and Raven-Symoné can rescue the lacklustre script. It doesn’t take itself seriously and is a bit of fun but still ends up a train wreck.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

Kerryn’s Score 9.5

Janette’s Score 8/10

Duncan’s Score 7.5/10

Kelly’s Score 7/10

SPA WEEKEND

Three best friends, Jane (Leslie Mann), Sophie (Anna Faris), and Coco (Michelle Buteau), head off on an expensive spa weekend to celebrate Jane’s birthday. Desperate for some downtime, their hopes for a relaxing getaway are dashed when eccentric pal Mel (Isla Fisher) decides to gatecrash. She’s an unhinged, loose unit without a filter who wrecks everything she touches. Jane, Sophie, and Coco get dragged into her chaos as she disrupts the entire luxury resort. Mel has a stereotypical ocker Australian accent, which is fitting given Fisher is an Aussie and filming took place on the Gold Coast in Queensland. This is a predictable comedy with jokes that feel forced and overly rehearsed. It reminds me of ‘The Hangover’, and has the same writers, but with middle aged women who are dealing with divorce, new relationships and burnout. None of the characters possess any likable traits, making it difficult to care when their retreat falls apart. Amongst a lot of cringing, I only laughed once, when a group of goats ran amok during a yoga session – such a shame since I fit the demographic for the target audience. While the shallow script means the four leads had very little to work with, they were also given the freedom to ad-lib, and overall they failed to demonstrate their comedic range. The best bits are the post credit bloopers. The rest is mind numbing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4.5/10

Jason’s Score 6.5/10

DALLIANCE

Billy (Hugo Weaving) randomly meets caterer Dani (Heather Mitchell) on a ferry while he’s trying to escape his angry brother Gary (David Wenham). Dani helps him hide then drives him home, where she’s introduced to his wife Rose (Georgie Parker). She later asks Rose if she can “borrow” Billy as her plus-one date for a fancy dinner her ex will be at. Rose agrees, but Billy tragically passes away at the event after having a heart attack. A group of his former school friends, now all in their 60’s, reunite at his funeral. The emotional highs and lows of their personal lives are revealed and their different relationship dynamics rise to the surface. Did someone say midlife crisis? Meanwhile Rose begins to question the events that occurred leading up to his death and wonders if Dani is telling the truth. This six part series builds the expectation of an explosive twist, but one never comes. It fails to deliver a satisfying payoff and apart from Billy’s death, nothing much happens. The talented cast, which also includes Catherine McClements and Wayne Blair, is let down by the weak writing. Lacks punch.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 5/10

PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIE

Ten year old Ryder (Henry Rolan) and his pack of heroic rescue pups Chase (Rain Janjua), Marshall (Carter Young), Skye (Mckenna Grace), Rubble (Lucien Duncan-Reid), Rocky (William Desrosiers), and Zuma (Nylan Parthipan) discover a hidden island populated by dinosaurs. There they meet Rex (Hayden Chamberlain), a happy go lucky dog in a wheelchair who rides around on a Tyrannosaurus Rex and lives in a treehouse. When villainous Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) is released from jail alongside his Kitten Catastrophe Crew, he decides to mine the island for its precious diamonds by blowing it up. His greedy actions threaten to destroy the prehistoric ecosystem and the PAW Patrol spring into action to stop him in his tracks and save their new Dino friends. This is an uplifting kids film filled with simple, sweet messaging about inclusivity, never giving up and always trying your best. It’s beautifully animated, with the anthropomorphism of the dogs drawn in a vibrant round-faced style. Their sleek, glossy vehicles reflect each pooch’s personal branding and their tech is innovative and fun. With a plot that’s easy to follow, the optimism and team spirit of the dogs shines though. Pure positivity.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Kyleigh and Emilee’s Score 9/10

THE WHISPER MAN

Following the death of his wife, author Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott) moves cities with his young son Jake (Woody Norman). Their fresh start quickly turns into a nightmare when Jake is abducted by someone copycatting an imprisoned serial killer called Frank Carter, AKA The Whisper Man (Michael Keaton). Tom’s estranged father Peter (Robert De Niro) is a retired detective who put Carter away decades earlier. He’s approached by detective Amanda Beck (Michelle Monaghan) to help hunt down the kidnapper and in doing so, reconnects with Tom. Despite the accomplished cast and big production value of this sleek looking film, the story pushes believability beyond the limit. It’s filled with ridiculous coincidences, absurd plot holes, and miraculous recoveries from injuries that would definitely cause death – not to mention the police and prison procedural misconduct. While it’s fun to see Keaton playing a creepy role for a change, nothing else about this is memorable. All hype, much disappointment.

SCORE:

Alex’s Score 4.9/10

Amanda’s Score 4/10

DEATH OF THE PASTOR’S WIFE

Mica Miller joined the evangelical Solid Rock Church in South Carolina when she was 13 years old. The congregation’s older pastor JP Miller groomed her and the two began an affair before leaving their respective partners and getting married when Mica was 22. For the next five years, Miller subjected Mica to relentless psychological, s*xual, and physical abuse while she tried to be the perfect Pastors wife. He began having an affair and behaved in ways that were in direct contradiction to his preachings. Mica eventually left him and filed for divorce, only to later take her life in a North Carolina national park. Her siblings believe that his relentless torment drove her to su*cide, and they are pushing for “Mica’s Law” to criminalise coercive control and domestic abuse. While the FBI has charged Miller for stalking and sending harassing digital communications, he’s never been held accountable for his role in her death. This documentary reconstructs the fateful relationship between Mica and JP’s using audio recordings, video footage, and interviews with friends, family members, and parishioners. An anger inducing, frustrating look at a religious zealot using the church as cover.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s score 8/10

FREEFALL: A RECKONING FOR BOEING

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing was once trusted for building the safest, highest quality airplanes in the world. This changed with the appointment of CEO Jim McNerney Jr. Keen to cut costs by 50%, he outsourced manufacturing tasks, resulting in major flaws in the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX models – two of the latter have since crashed, killing everyone on board. In this eye opening documentary, whistleblowers reveal how management deliberately overlooked quality control problems, repurposed scrap metal, frequently used defective parts, and ignored failing oxygen masks. Hidden camera footage captured at the South Carolina plant records employees admitting they would never travel on the very planes they are building. Boeing claims to have implemented software upgrades, revised pilot training, and reformed manufacturing processes to rectify the issues, but even if one per cent of the allegations against them are true, this is the stuff of nightmares. For anyone who flies, the mounting evidence and testimonies are terrifying and expose an unacceptable “profits before people” culture. When power and greed are more important than human lives, people die. Be outraged and tell everyone.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER

Dental hygienist and single mother Gemma (Amelia Eve) lives with her nine year old daughter Maya (Island Austin) in her childhood home – the location of her mother’s traumatic death twenty years earlier. When Maya’s pillow fort opens a gateway to the realm of the dead, called “The Further”, Gemma discovers she can cross between both worlds. As an added supernatural bonus, she can take objects and entities with her. Evil cult leader Cyrus Lam (Sam Spruell), who is trapped in The Further, tries to force Gemma bring him and his disciples into the present, targeting Maya when Gemma resists. The first twenty minutes of this film are quite engaging, but as soon as the plot shifts to demonic possession and ridiculous realm hopping, it becomes hard to follow. It sorts itself out just in time for the final showdown to kick off between Gemma and Cyrus, a battle that ends with Gemma needing to call Budget Direct. Eve does a convincing job as the lead, but the hangry undead are more creepy than terrifying. They have a “Beetlejuice” vibe. The scariest parts of this movie are when it cleverly taps into dental phobia territory. Gemma’s workplace scenes feature horrific close ups of manky teeth picking, drilling, and grotesque inner mouth shots, which will make anyone who dreads the dentist squirm in their seat. Eye rolls are greater than jump scares.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

Kate’s Score 7/10

MUTINY

Jason Statham is back on our screens again. This time he plays bodyguard Cole Reed, who gets framed for murder after his billionaire boss Tibu Campallo (Ramon Tikaram) is assassinated in Bangkok. Seeking revenge, Reed stows away on a cargo ship owned by Campallo’s company KMG and uncovers a human trafficking ring. He is forced to battle its crooked crew members to save the captives. As to be expected of a Jason Statham flick, this film delivers plenty of action, bolstered by pounding, overly dramatic music, basic dialogue, and a plot revolving around a lone wolf hero. They blew the special effects budget on two graphic fight scenes – a knife to the face and a speargun shot to the head – while the rest of the skirmishes are pretty tame. There’s a fun moment where blood splashes directly onto the camera lens and in the next shot it’s been wiped off, so the jury’s out on whether it was deliberate or not. In order to make Statham look like a better actor than he is, the supporting cast are pretty average. There really is one mould for this guy, but he’s still making movies and making money. Generic and unoriginal but on brand.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4.5/10

Cath’s Score 8/10

Jason’s Score 6.5/10

DE GAULLE: RESISTANCE

In 1940, General Charles de Gaulle (Simon Abkarian) refused to accept France’s temporary peace agreement with Germany. He sought exile in London and launched the Free France movement, which was initially dismissed by many as futile. Eventually supported by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Simon Russell Beale), de Gaulle used French colonised territories across Africa to build an army and push back against the German occupation. This intriguing story gives a factual account of World War II politics and military strategy. The scenes during the Battle of Bir Hakeim in the Libyan desert emphasise the futility of war alongside the importance of fighting for the bigger picture. As part one of two, this instalment covers the years 1940 to 1942. Rich set design, impeccable costuming, and vintage colour grading create a classic aesthetic that suits the era. Running at 160 minutes, Abkarian gives a commanding performance, personifying the steely resolve and never say die attitude of de Gaulle. A masterful historical drama.

SCORE:

Alex, Janette and Fiona’s Score 9/10

Narelle’s Score 9.5/10

Bob’s Score 8.5/10

Debbie, Tracy, Lydia and Angela’s Score 8/10

Nola’s Score 7/10

Kent’s Score 6/10

THE B*MBING OF PAN AM 103

In December 1988, a b*mb detonated mid air on Pan Am Flight 103, causing the aircraft to crash into the town of Lockerbie, Scotland. All 259 passengers and crew were killed, along with 11 local residents on the ground. This six part series follows the multi country investigation led by Scottish police and US law enforcement agencies. It highlights the meticulous collection of evidence at the crime scene alongside the jurisdictional hurdles that complicated the case. Moving into the courtroom, the tension mounts when two Libyan intelligence operatives are eventually arrested – the prosecutor’s closing argument is particularly powerful. Adding to the credibility of this dramatisation, real news footage, archival interviews, and street vox pops are included. Thanks to a strong script and a solid cast, the human trauma is never forgotten and great care is taken to honour the victims, displaying their names in the closing credits. The lessons learnt from this abhorrent attack transformed airport security procedures worldwide and led to the creation of Scotland’s first witness protection program. A powerful, solemn and moving retelling.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 8/0

ON THE LINE

This documentary series provides an eye opening look into the very best of the culinary industry. Now in its third season, it has racked up 84 episodes, all under 30 minutes in duration. Each one follows a single day in the life of a different chef who runs a Michelin-starred venue, school cafeteria, pizzeria, burger joint, BBQ house, or sandwich bar. Presented fly-on-the-wall style, with the chefs speaking directly into the camera sans interviewer, the episodes are fast paced and highlight the endless preparation, stock control, staff supervision, meetings, and social media management, alongside menu planning and actual cooking. Regardless of whether the business is a casual diner or a fancy restaurant, their dedication to food quality and an excellent customer experience gives a greater appreciation of the efforts involved. Bite sized and mouth watering!

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

I WANT YOUR S*X

This film hits the ground running with artist Erika Tracey (Olivia Wilde) found floating face down in a swimming pool and her shocked assistant Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) being interrogated by two detectives (Johnny Knoxville and Margaret Cho). The story then rewinds nine and a half weeks to show how Elliot landed what he believed was a dream job working with Erika in her gallery. Fourteen years older than Elliot, she is a tough narcissist who aims to provoke and shock with her boundary pushing, x-rated art. She quickly takes a shine to naive, doe eyed Elliot, enticing him into an inappropriate employer-employee BDSM affair. He becomes fixated on catering to her every whim, causing his relationships with girlfriend Minerva (Charli XCX) and best friend Apple (Chase Sui Wonders) to implode. The leads bring playful energy to their cheeky roles in this fast paced, edgy production. Erika’s avant-garde outfits, which are akin to wearable art, complement the vibrant, colourful set design. The plot is over the top and engaging, until it falters on the home stretch with two absurd future fast forwards. For a dark comedy, I wished for a few stronger laughs. Silly fun with a stylish an aesthetic.

SCORE:

Alex, Saraj, Jason, Chani and Duncan’s Score 6/10

Debbie, Jodie, Sally, Lydia and Anna’s Score 9/10

Deborah’s Score 8.5/10

Tracey’s Score 8/10

Kelly, Steve and Mel’s Score 7/10

Isabelle’s Score 3/10

TONY

Based on part of Anthony Bourdain’s memoir “Kitchen Confidential”, this biographical drama opens with a quote from the man himself: “I was, to be frank, a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive, and thoughtless young lout, badly in need of a good a*s kicking.” Never were truer words spoken. By his own admission, he was also a compulsive liar who lacked confidence and was aggressive towards women who rebuffed him. In the 1970’s, nineteen year old Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) impulsively moved to Provincetown, Massachusetts, chasing after his high school crush Nancy Putkoski (Emilia Jones). Without a plan or the funds to support himself, he fell into a job washing dishes at a seafood restaurant owned by Chef Ciro (Antonio Banderas), his only positive acquaintance at the time. After lying about his previous cooking experience, he progressed to a food preparation position in the hectic, filthy kitchen. Bourdain buddied up with oyster shucker Sal (Leo Woodall), an unscrupulous bad boy who introduced him to drugs and partying. While Bourdain was not an instigator, he had zero moral compass, quickly going along with the nefarious status quo set by Sal and bringing chaos into the lives of everyone he knew. He eventually experienced a redeeming moment that led him to culinary school before he went on to become a celebrated chef, which all unfolds at the very end of the film. Sessa is convincing as the unlikable young Bourdain, so much so that he gave me the ikk. Woodall extends himself beyond his usual nice guy roles, stepping into the shoes of a violent thug who acts without accountability. There aren’t any aspirational food prep sequences in this film. Instead it explores who Bourdain was before he found fame and traces his journey from Tony to Anthony. Covering just one summer, his death by suicide eight years ago is omitted from the end captions that update what he did next. A raw story well told.

SCORE:

Alex, Stefan, Deb, Paul, Jill’s Score 8/10

Mon and Treliza’s Score 10/10

Lydia’s Score 9/10

Suzanne’s Score 8.5/10

Jason and Natalie’s Score 7.5/10

Sally and Nola’s Score 7/10

Zoe’s Score 6.5/10

Janette, Debbie and Brian’s Score 6/10

THE RIVALS OF AMZIAH KING

 Returning to the screen after a six year hiatus, Matthew McConaughey leads as Amziah King, a musician and honey producer. He reconnects with his former foster child Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass), who is Native American, and begins teaching her the beekeeping trade. The story focuses on beehive rustling and plays out over two distinct halves – the first is infused with laugh out loud moments, while the second is more serious in tone. Be prepared for captivating bee scenes and a few unexpected twists. Both the casting and acting are brilliant and there’s no weak link. Some of the dialogue is tricky to catch due to the dense Oklahoman accent and in a deliberate acknowledgement of this, Amziah’s right hand man Chimmy (Scott Shepherd) mumbles so heavily that even the other characters struggle to understand him. The action is complemented by rousing folk music, with six of the songs performed live on set to ensure their spontaneity and authenticity. A man of many talents, McConaughey sings and plays the mandolin … and he does not miss a beat. The inclusion of the song “Green Lights” (by Tony K) is a sweet Easter egg reference to his globally bestselling book of the same name. Buzz worthy!

SCORE:

Alex, Amanda, Saraj, Jason and Angela’s Score 9/10

Cheryl’s Score 8.5/10

Marcia, Duncan, Wayne, Cec, Lydia and Janette’s Score 8/10

Steve’s Score 7.5/10

Dave, Anna, Sharon, Harry, Mark, Kath, Tony, Eve and Sally’s Score 7/10

Katherine and Leeanne’s Score 6/10

Alison and Terri’s Score 4/10

Kelly’s Score 2/10

DARE TO CARE

Photography has been a passion of Sherry Ringer’s for more than 50 years, ever since her father bought her a Box Brownie camera when she was 10. Since then she’s travelled the world, capturing all creatures great and small, from the populous to the vulnerable. In her first feature length production she shares the results of her life’s work through images and videos of feathered, furred, fanged and finned animals found in 21 different countries. Each animal’s vulnerability status is listed, bringing a strong educational element to her film. Carefully curated into three chapters: air, land, and sea, it’s clear that the ocean is where Sherry’s heart lies. The footage of humpback whales swimming freely off the coast of Hawaii is absolutely mesmerising. All of the video clips and photographs are beautiful, showcasing how Sherry views her subjects. Her driving motivation is to promote conservation and she powerfully emphasises that we need to preserve what we have left before it’s too late. Accompanied by an effective musical score, her images will leave you feeling a deep connection to the natural world, and a new found respect all who call it home. A labour of love crafted into lasting legacy.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THIRD

Married couple Thomas (played by writer and director Alexander Parkinson) and Sandra (Coley Campany) have hit the doldrums. They’re sleeping in separate rooms and merely going through the motions of daily life together. When a handsome naked man named Ernesto (Norio Nishimura) mysteriously falls from the sky into their backyard swimming pool, their monotony fades. Ernesto initially struggles to remember anything other than his own name, but soon his early memories return. He ingratiates himself into the household by cooking meals and introducing Thomas and Sandra to c*caine. Sandra becomes enamoured with him and the two begin a passionate affair that eventually ensnares Thomas. The trio orders their illicit substances and household goods through “Smile”, an Amazon Alexa-style assistant that facilitates the delivery of everything directly to their door. Before long Thomas uncovers Ernesto’s true intentions and their ménage à trois bubble bursts. Filmed almost entirely in Thomas and Sandra’s home with only a handful of characters, the story moves at a quick pace across its eighty three minute run time. This debut feature from Parkinson delivers a thought provoking look at artificial intelligence and smart devices, showing how gadgets can be used to nefariously monitor our every move and influence our decision making. An intriguing technological gut punch.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

EMPATHY / EMPATHIE

Former police psychiatrist Dr Suzanne Bien-Aimé (played by series creator Florence Longpré) returns to work after taking two years off following a personal tragedy and subsequent emotional breakdown. She takes up a role at Mont-Royal Psychiatric Institute in Montreal and begins treating patients, accompanied by her security officer Mortimer Vaillant (Thomas Ngijol). This French-spoken ten part series explores the daily routines of the residents, portraying their mental health issues with care, sensitivity, and insight. It also follows Dr Bien-Aimé’s growth as she processes her trauma and slowly becomes open to experiencing joy again. Supported by a brilliant cast and strong script, the themes of hope and human connection are handled with warmth and relatability. The compelling final minutes of the finale perfectly set up the second season, which has already been commissioned. An endearing exploration of relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and oneself. Highly recommended!

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 9/10

GONE

Music teacher Sarah Polly (Halle Bailey), wife of Michael Polly (David Morrissey), the headmaster of an elite private boys school, is found murdered in the woods near their on-campus home. Detective Sergeant Annie Cassidy (Eve Myles) is assigned to the case as a family liaison officer, while entangled in a dysfunctional relationship with her ex DI Craig Stanhope (Peter McDonald). Michael’s detached, terse demeanour does him no favours and he is initially the main suspect, until skeletons in Sarah’s closet are uncovered. His daughter Alana (Emma Appleton) is desperate for a connection with him, but he remains emotionally unavailable. The story keeps you guessing about who committed the crime before everything is suddenly, and rather too conveniently, revealed in the final episode. While I can’t fault the acting, and Morrissey is always convincing when he’s playing a character with a dark nature, some of the police procedural elements are highly questionable and would jeopardise a case if they were conducted in real life – a surprising flaw given the series creator consulted with a former Detective Superintendent to cover the procedural elements of the series. Not quite up to par compared to other British crime dramas.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

Amanda’s Score 7/0

& SONS

Acclaimed author Andrew Dyer (Bill Nighy) lives in an eclectic manor with his housekeeper Gerde (Anna Geislerová) and youngest son Andy (Noah Jupe). Now an elderly recluse in the grip of alcoholism, Andrew has not left his home for over two decades. After the death of a former friend, he summons his two eldest, estranged sons,, filmmaker Jamie (George MacKay) and screenwriter Richard (Johnny Flynn), to meet with him in an attempt to purge a secret he’s held for twenty years. They have little patience for Andrew’s addiction issues and declining mental state. His clearing of conscience has a damaging impact on Richard, Jamie, and his former wife Isabel (Imelda Staunton). While the cast boasts some accomplished British names, former child actor Jupe anchors the film through his portrayal of Andy. Essentially a story about an unlikable narcissist, the plot is slow and confusing with several gaps, and as a result it failed to maintain my interest. There’s a lack of backstory and character development for Richard and Jamie, making their anger towards Andrew feel disproportionate as a result. While Andrew’s bombshell secret is shocking, it requires a suspension of logic to believe someone would destroy their own family the way he did. Droll and sluggish.

SCORE:

Alex and Mel’s Score 5/10

Cheryl’s Score 9/10

Lydia’s Score 8/10

Kelly’s Score 6.7/10

Janice’s Score 6/10

Chelsey’s Score 4.5/10

Mon’s Score 4/10

Nola’s Score 3/10

OUTBACK TERROR: THE FALCONIO MURDER

In 2001 British backpacker Peter Falconio was murdered by Bradley Murdoch on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory. His girlfriend Joanne Lees incredibly avoided abduction by hiding for four hours in the scrub before flagging down a truck driver and raising the alarm. In this two part documentary, geoforensic specialist Dr Mark Harrison MBE and former FBI profiler Kathy Canning-Mello analyse the behaviour of Murdoch before, during, and after the crime, while examining environmental factors to determine where he might’ve hidden Falconio’s body. The two experts occasionally adopt an overly excitable, sensationalist tone that feels out of touch with the tragedy, though they do offer valuable information about potential search locations. Lees has her story relayed through archival interviews and court transcripts, as she doesn’t participate directly. Unfortunately Falconio’s body still hasn’t been located and Murdoch died in 2025 without revealing the location – this leaves the case without a resolution. I felt a sense of futility by the end of this series as nothing has changed as a result of it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

THE END OF OAK STREET

Greg (Ewan McGregor) and his wife Denise (Anne Hathaway) live on Oak Street with their teenagers Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery) and their blue heeler dog Starbuck. After a cosmic event, which they initially assume is a severe lightning storm, the family wakes up to discover their suburb has been taken over by exotic plants and hungry roaming dinosaurs. Their once safe, quiet community is now a prehistoric hunting ground, forcing them to fight for survival as they struggle to comprehend what’s happening. Once the action kicks in, the story unfolds rapidly, with ample suspense and jump scares to keep you engaged. All four leads give strong performances and authentically convey their growing terror and desperation, with Hathaway being the stand out. Her character believably goes from unhappy housewife to fierce, gun toting protector. Set in 1982, this film has a retro, nostalgic feel to it thanks to the music, colour palette, and props used. To heighten the anxiety, intriguing split diopter “in your face” camera angles are used to focus inches away from the face of one character while others appear smaller in the background. The dinosaurs themselves are realistic in design and movement, with animatronics used for the smaller creatures – a technique many filmmakers are incorporating more often to give actors tangible, physical threats to react to. The run time of 99 minutes was perfect. I loved everything about this movie and would watch it again. An excellent creature feature.

SCORE:

Alex and Saraj’s Score 9/10

Simon’s Score 7.5/10

Amanda, Zoe and Dave’s Score 7/10

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Set in New York City, a countrywide law known as “The Mandate” bans s*x before marriage for 364 days of the year. On the remaining day the ban is lifted for a 12 hour window – all the unbetrothed go crazy and condoms become the most valuable commodity. Pizza store owner Owen (Callum Turner) gets dumped by his girlfriend when she decides to pursue another romantic option for the night. Heartbroken he heads out on the town hoping to drown his sorrows with a fling. He crosses paths with jingle singer Allie (Monica Barbaro) who’s single and searching for a genuine connection with a nice guy rather than a hookup. The two have a series of sliding door moments across Manhattan together before realising that what they are looking for is right in front of them. This solid rom com has several sweet moments, good chemistry between the leads, and a playful tone despite its predictable plot. It requires belief to be suspended regarding the unpopular mandate but doesn’t get bogged down by the conservative politics. Lighthearted and fun, plus the bonus of Molly Ringwald cameoing as Owen’s mother Linda.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

THE ASSISTANT

Told across one day, Jane (Julia Garner) is five weeks into her job as an assistant for a film industry executive in New York. Her tasks are mostly menial and repetitive, and her colleagues are indifferent towards her. When she tires of the toxic work environment and her boss’s sexual exploitation of young women, she makes a complaint to the head of HR, Wilcock (Matthew Macfadyen). He dismisses her concerns and she faces her own moral dilemma relating to her boss’s predatory behaviour. Garner captures her character in an understated, pared-back manner. Her growing anxiety is heightened by the absence of any music, filled instead with off-screen voices, muffled phone calls, and office background noise. The camera follows Jane closely, often from directly above or right in front of her face. Lingering shots of her walking down hallways, standing at the photocopier, and working at her desk emphasise the monotony of her routine. You do not see or hear her boss clearly – he’s faceless, which ironically makes his presence feel even more dominating. The bleak office sets, decked out in dull greys and flat blue tones, lack warmth and are uninspiring. Do not expect a big crescendo of justice at the end. Instead the final scene cleverness reflects the futility often experienced by women trapped in a power imbalance with an abusive employer. On the back of the #MeToo movement, this film is not fiction. Intentional and poignant.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE IDAHO MURDERS: COLLEGE NIGHTMARE

In November 2022, the brutal quadruple homicide of university students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin sent shockwaves through Moscow, Idaho. The four flatmates were popular young adults who had bright futures ahead of them. Through interviews with friends and family members, police bodycam footage, and crime scene records, this well crafted documentary series meticulously pieces together the final hours of the victims lives and the subsequent investigation. It details how officers eliminated several early suspects, before piecing together evidence that led them to criminology graduate Bryan Kohberger. The three episodes culminate with Kohberger’s plea agreement to avoid the death penalty. Instead he trades a guilty plea to four counts of first degree murder for four consecutive life sentences without parole. The absence of a clear motive still painfully impacts the loved ones of Kaylee, Xana, Madison, and Ethan. A senseless crime masterfully portrayed.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

THE MAN WILL BURN

This four part documentary series explores the history and evolution of Burning Man at Black Rock City, Nevada. It details how the festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic – the first time in its forty year history. In its place, dedicated group of participants decided to stage a “Free Burn” gathering, returning the event to its corporate free, grassroots beginnings. The official management team took notice of this and since 2023 they’ve shifted their focus back to the core artistic experience for the 80,000 attendees who attend each year. Event founders, founders, artists and attendees speak about the stresses of extreme weather, land use permit issues, navigating safety logistics, power struggles among the management team, and the tension caused by billionaires who believe that their financial support automatically gives them a share of the control. An eye opening look at navigating the madness of this iconic social experiment and what goes into ensuring the man will burn.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

THE KILLINGS AT PARISH STATION

Four scientists are gruesomely murdered at Parrish Station, an isolated research facility. The sole survivor Dr Kate Reynolds (Alex Malone) is rushed to hospital in a catatonic state and starts behaving weirdly when she eventually wakes up. Lead detective Millie Farah (Kat Hoyos and Doris Younane) realises that these deaths are a copycat of four unsolved murders that occurred at the station thirty seven years earlier. She recruits the original, now former, detective of that case Georgia Cooke (Mia Wasikowska and Heather Mitchell), signing her out of the psychiatric facility where she has lived since her career ended prematurely. Cooke is forced to confront her past traumas as she helps to investigate the new case. This series sounds intriguing on paper, but the plot soon becomes convoluted with the constant flashbacks between 1987 and the present day, and it gets absurd when occult elements are introduced. It’s also easy to predict who the perpetrator is. I lost interest early and had to force myself to watch until the end. I’m all for suspending reality but when a story does not make any sense, it becomes impossible to stay invested. While the acting is okay, certain character choices do not always land – like the constant swearing from the elder Cooke. The visually striking environmental scenes are impressive, giving a sense of sparseness and futility to the remote location. More far fetched than mysterious.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

DEAR LIFE

Lillian Vandenberg (Brooke Satchwell) is a grieving woman whose fiancé was killed in a violent incident at a hospital. Following his death, the recipients of his donated organs begin reaching out to her. This inspires her to track them down, which takes her on a journey of vulnerability. While this series boasts a premise with a lot of heart, the acting lets it down. Satchwell is great in the lead role, as is Eleanor Matsuura as her best friend Mary, but many of the remaining cast deliver average performances. With only a few characters doing the heavy lifting, any sense of drama is stalled, and some of the reunions lack a believable connection. This is such a shame because the series has a positive, encouraging view of organ donation that needs to be shared. Hit and miss, despite being able to see what it was trying to achieve.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

THE ODYSSEY

My second viewing of this masterpiece confirms how glad I am that I saw it in IMAX at eventinnaloo the first time. Although IMAX isn’t available everywhere, waiting for a ticket is completely worth it to do the cinematography and sound justice. Seeing it again on a non-IMAX screen just isn’t the same. It’s still a 10/10 for the film though.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

THE LAST HOUSE

After a torrential rainstorm, Jason Delgado (Wagner Moura), his wife Ann (Greta Lee) and their children Graham (Noah Alexander Sosnowski) and Ruth (Riley Chung) find every exit in their house sealed shut. Trapped in their own home, they soon realise all of their neighbours have suffered the same fate. Jason initially attempts to smash out windows and bash through walls before he realises it’s futile and gives up. It’s then revealed that water is their captor and weird aqua monsters are roaming around outside. The family quickly (and weirdly) resign themselves to the fact that they are trapped and that being inside 24/7 is their new normal. Time passes quickly and soon five years have gone by, with the family surviving by snaring animals via their chimney and growing food in the floorboards. Things get even more crazy plot wise and the story soon becomes completely unfathomable. I was engaged for the first forty five minutes, but soon had more questions than answers. By the end I was frustrated. I think the whole film is a metaphor for the planet being a prisoner to climate change and how we need to take care of it before Mother Nature turns on us, but I could be giving it too much credit and it’s actually just about some crazy water. If there was a deeper meaning, it should’ve been expressed in a clearer, more succinct way that made sense. I also didn’t like the animal scenes or the noises that came with them. The cast are decent, but they don’t have a substantial script to work from. This drowns in its own absurdity.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

RICKY GERVAIS: ALLEY CATS

Ricky Gervais’s latest project is an animated series featuring street smart felines who roam their neighbourhood and live in a derelict building. Gervais voices lead tomcat Gus and is joined by a group of misfits including Ponce (Tom Basden), Puke (David Earl), Fang (Andrew Brooke), Olive (Diane Morgan), and Kitten (Jo Hartley). This is not a cute cartoon for children though. It’s risque and filled with profanity, but there are moments of sweet sentimentality. If you look away from the screen and only listen to the audio, the constant banter and pot stirring makes you feel like you’re a fly on the wall during a catch up between Gervais and his real life mates. Several of his friends from hit shows like ‘After Life’ and ‘Derek’ voice the characters. While Gervais writes to shock, he also has an uncanny knack for sharing what matters to him – in this case that’s navigating death, looking after each other, and friends being the family you choose. I just wish he’d dialled back the crassness and let more of the good stuff in. The characters of Olive, Ponce, and Kitten don’t participate in the vulgarity and provide welcome relief from it. With just six episodes, all under twenty minutes in duration, this is easy to binge in one go.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

DEEP WATER

A plane filled with 257 passengers is flying from Los Angeles to Shanghai over the Pacific Ocean. Those on board include a middle aged man who’s angry about a refused upgrade, an obnoxious child, and a couple sneaking off to join the Mile High Club in the bathroom. When a fire breaks out in the cargo hold and both engines explode, pilot Rich (Ben Kingsley) is forced to attempt a water landing, eventually ditching onto a partially submerged reef. A handful of survivors, including co-pilot Ben (Aaron Eckhart), are stranded in the wreckage surrounded by sharks. It’s easy to predict who will make it and who won’t. While the premise is totally implausible, this could’ve been a nail biting thriller had the overall execution been better. Fake looking water scenes give away that they were filmed using large tanks and green screens, and the CGI sharks are tacky. The character development is light on, alongside wooden, over the top acting. Avoid watching this on a plane, as the crash is jarringly realistic and is the only memorable part of the entire 106 minutes.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

IN PURSUIT OF GIANTS 5

 In 2022, esteemed Kiwi photographers Richard Linton, Tony Stewart, Rebecca Kempton, Chris Helliwell, Richard Wood, Rachael Smith, Gerard Emery, and Glen Howey set out to create an annual documentary about the world around them under the banner of In Pursuit of Giants. For their fifth film release they spent nine months planning a unique project to push them outside their comfort zones and support their LGBTQIA+ friends and family members – they would transform into drag queens and kings and perform in a special show at the famous Family Bar in Auckland. With expert guidance from three accomplished and fabulous drag mentors, SPANKIE JACKZON (winner of Drag Race: Down Under Season 2), Amanduh La Hoare and Kola Gin, they all meet up for an intense week of rehearsals. This film tracks their six day baptism-of-fire journey as they learn choreography, practice how to lip sync, and discover the physical effort required to wear prosthetic chest plates and bodysuits. The entire team undergoes a physical metamorphosis and their epic performance feels as though they were born for the stage. Within ten minutes of this documentary starting, I knew what my score was going to be, and when the credits rolled nearly three hours later it hadn’t changed. What makes this so special is the way everyone pushes through their fears and works tirelessly to do their drag mothers proud. It has so much heart from start to finish and is filled with genuine moments of fun, joy, and connection between a wonderful group of good friends. They took their goal seriously and as Spankie points out, no one “caricatured drag … they embodied it”. Very rarely do I watch something that emotionally floors me in the best possible way, but this did. Shown as a one-off screening to an enthralled full house, by the end everyone was on their feet. We all wigged out. Superb!

 

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

SUPER TROOPERS 3

The immature, coffee addicted officers from Spurbury Station, Vermont are back. The paper-thin plot sees Officer Rodney Farva (Kevin Heffernan) get engaged the sister of Senior Trooper Arcot “Thorny” Ramathorn (Jay Chandrasekhar) which causes conflict between the crew … plus theres a silly side thread about two local louts. To make up for the lack of story, this film is stuffed with ridiculous situations and crass dialogue. Prior to filming, crowdfunding backers and fans of the comedy troupe behind the production (Broken Lizard) were asked to vote on the inclusion of certain jokes and storylines, which explains why the outcome is so juvenile. Remember what happened in 2016 when a UK based research company asked the public to name a $382 million dollar ship and the majority wanted to call it “Boaty McBoatface”? I guess at least that was funny, but I didn’t laugh once in this movie. I definitely don’t fit the target demographic. It wasn’t even a good time passer as the entertainment factor rated a zero. Points though for the bonus scene in the end credits which raised a smile and rounded out one of the ongoing gags. Grating and frustrating.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 1.5/10

ICE CREAM MAN

A creepy ice cream man (Ari Millen) curb crawls along the streets of Bayleen Bay in his vintage truck. After the local children gorge themselves on his sugary wares, they turn into homicidal maniacs, slaughtering adults in gruesome ways. Lactose-intolerant teen Jared (Charlie Zeltzer) is unaffected and teams up with his friends and older sister to try to stop the carnage. Written and directed by Eli Roth (who also plays Officer Marty), this slasher is a mix of horror and comedy. One minute you’ll be squirming, the next laughing – either heartily or nervously. The cinematography is this movie’s strongest aspect. The vibrant colour palette of saturated pinks, electric blues, mint greens, and rich yellows reminds me of the sprinkles atop the ice creams, and later, smeared on the infected children’s faces. The visceral images of exposed innards, hacked limbs, and blood splatter graphically contrast against the idyllic set design of Bayleen Bay. It presents as a picturesque safe haven, yet chaos is unfolding all over town. I even enjoyed the abrupt ending, which felt appropriate given the supernatural and fantasy elements. This is an unhinged kill fest which doesn’t let up for 86 minutes. Sure, some elements are cheesy and imperfect, but it’s amusing and entertaining if you don’t expect an intellectual viewing experience. I’ll never look at an ice cream truck the same way again … or ice cream for that matter.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Kerryn’s Score 8/10

Chelsea and Stefan’s Score 6.5/10

Cheryl and Nat’s Score 6/10

Isaac’s Score 3.5/10

Jim’s Score 3/10

THE BLOCK: SEASON 22

The latest season of Australia’s biggest renovation show is back on Channel 9, this time taking place in picturesque Mount Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Ten contestants from different states across Australia are working in pairs to renovate five brand new, two storey houses with amazing views across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne. Though the homes currently exist as bare skeletal frameworks, they’re impressive in scale and will be luxuriously grand when completed. The contestants had just finished excitedly meeting each other when host Scotty Cam surprised them with a spare room fit-out challenge to determine the property allocations. Several participants have strong backgrounds in trade and design, but they’re desperate to keep this information a secret from the rest of the group. Alongside Cam, Shelley Craft is back as an on site advisor, foreman Dan Reilly returns, and the judging panel is rounded out by Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Marty Fox. This season feels like a return to the grassroots of the competition, diving straight into the renovation process and moving along at a fast pace. Expect time pressures, inevitable mistakes, fierce competition and plenty of drama as the builds progress. I thoroughly enjoyed the two episodes which have aired to date and even picked up some renovation tips. Put your “tools down” and settle in to watch this high stakes series.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

INFINITE ICON: A VISUAL MEMOIR

Paris Hilton became a household name back in 2003 when she co-starred in the hit reality television series ‘The Simple Life’ alongside her best friend Nicole Richie. It only came out years later that she was acting ditsy, even adopting a fake baby voice for the camera. In this two hour documentary she looks back over the decades, sharing personal moments interspersed with footage from her sold out Hollywood Palladium concert. Her past includes terrible physical and s*xual abuse as a 16 year old when she was sent to a behaviour modification school in Utah for eleven months, and becoming fodder for the tabloid press, who labeled her as promiscuous after an ex-boyfriend released a s*x tape without her consent. Seeing Paris as her authentic self reveals someone very different to her public persona. She comes across as articulate, business minded, and driven. While her heavily manufactured style of pop isn’t my vibe, Paris declares it’s one of her greatest joys. The dual focus of promoting her music and sharing past traumas makes the flow of her story slightly disjointed. Her journey is strong enough to carry this doco without all of the self promotion. It ends on a high though, emphasising that she’s found true happiness with her husband Carter and is finally “sliving” her best life. Loves it!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

CAPE FEAR

This series is adapted from the 1962 film ‘Cape Fear’ starring Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum, as well as Martin Scorsese’s 1991 remake with Nick Nolte and Robert De Niro. Married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) live in Savannah, Georgia with their teenagers Natalie (Lily Collias) and Zack (Joe Anders). Seventeen years earlier, Anna and Tom were involved in a high profile case where Max Cady (Javier Bardem) was found guilty of killing his wife and unborn child. When Cady is exonerated and released from prison, he vows to seek revenge. The entire family finds themselves in danger as Cady stalks, harasses, and victimises them. One episode in, the plot becomes irritating, with too much going on and the characters making ridiculous decisions. Cady gets away with a campaign of violence that would’ve landed him right back behind bars and he also feels unrealistically indestructible. Bardem’s performance is unsettling but his acting is overcooked. The best part of the series is Juliette Lewis making a nostalgic appearance as Cady’s unhinged, damaged half sister, Crystal Cady. Lewis earned an Oscar nomination in 1992 as Danielle Bowden in Scorsese’s movie and always excels at playing unhinged, troubled women. I wish she had a much larger role other than a few brief scenes. She is definitely under-utilised. Elements of the dramatic score from the original film have been included in the new format to reinforce the connection between the two, but it doesn’t fit the modern feel of the series and sounds out of place. While the moody, shadowy cinematography adds to the constant sense of dread, you need to suspend belief to make it through all ten episodes. Not even the decent cast can save this overstuffed story from being crushed by its own weight.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3/10

Amanda’s Score 4/10

BELIEVE ME

This four part series is based on the shocking true story of serial r*pist John Worboys, a notorious black cab driver in London. Dating back to the early 2000’s, his modus operandi was to stalk women leaving nightclubs and offer them cheap or free fares home. Once they were in his cab, he’d spin a story about winning big at the casino and cajole them into having a celebratory sip of champagne, which was drugged. Once his victims fell unconscious, he’d subject them to horrific s*xual abuse. Even though his crimes were reported to the police many times, none of the women were believed for several years. It’s chilling to know that the dialogue used in the police interrogation scenes was taken directly from actual, historical interview transcripts. Worboys’ offending eventually caught up with him, and over a hundred victims came forward. The first two episodes are infuriating due to the lack of concern on the part of the investigating officers. Their victim blaming is off the charts. The third episode focuses on Worboys’ arrest, while the finale revolves around his court case, life sentence, and the landmark human rights appeals the victims pursued to hold the Metropolitan Police accountable for their failures. While the pacing slows during the courtroom scenes, they provide important legal closure and prove that justice was finally served. We can only hope this monster never sees the light of day again. An unflinching look into a broken system and the brave women who fought for their voices to be heard.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 8/10

A TOXIC LOVE STORY

When US Marshal Ian Diaz met Angela Connell he thought he’d found his soul mate. Within eight months they were engaged, had moved in together, and were excited to be expecting twins. Their love bubble burst when Angela started receiving vile, threatening emails from an anonymous account called “Lilith is Truth”. Ian and Angela were convinced the harassment was coming from Ian’s ex-fiancee Michelle Hadley. They reported the threats to the police and took out a restraining order against Michelle, which was repeatedly breached as the barrage of messages kept coming. Things escalated when the perpetrator went online and hired a man for a “r*pe fantasy”, using Angela’s home address for the attack and writing fake emails to make it look like she was requesting the assault herself. Michelle was arrested and held in jail awaiting trial, but as investigators began digging deeper, digital evidence led to a shocking twist – she was innocent. When I watch true crime documentaries like this, I’m always perplexed by the lengths toxic people will go to in order to harass and stalk a target with intent to ruin their life. What is wrong with people?!?Thankfully in this case, police figured out the truth and justice was served. Prepare to be kept second guessing!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

TELL EVERYONE

Set in the late 19th century in Southern Finland, free-spirited Amanda (Marketta Tikkanen) is a poor, low status woman who’s led an unconventional life. She became homeless in Paris as a teen when her mother abandoned her, forcing her to fend for herself on the streets. Amanda is confined to an asylum on a remote island with a letter that describes her as having premenstrual dysmorphia – she is regarded as having a type of monthly madness. During an examination by a doctor, he doesn’t even enquire about the pain she suffers. She struggles with her loss of freedom and rebels against the strict, prison like routine. The story follows eight years of Amanda’s life, including her development of close friendships with the other confined women, played by Alma Poysti, Krista Kosonen, Aamu Milnoff, and Noora Dadu. On occasion, the women taste what they regard as a semblance of normal life by being lent out to work with people in the local community. There’s a poignant scene where they express an “almost” normal life, and Amanda falls in love with a local fisherman (Jakob Ohrman). This movie is filmed in beautiful surrounds and nature provides a well needed salve for all. The superb acting from start to finish is highly emotional, and while I found it all extremely sad, the importance of kindness and friendship were beautifully illustrated. Needs a trigger warning for themes of s*xual abuse and su*cide.

SCORE:

Liz’s Score 8/10

Thanks to Liz for reviewing on behalf of The Popcorn Panel

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

Four and a half years after erasing the memories of his loved ones in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man (Tom Holland) lives in isolation. As he goes through the motions of fighting crime, his only companion is the voice of his AI assistant, E.V. (Naomi Watts). Holland excels as the heavy hearted, depressed superhero who’s pining for his true love MJ (Zendaya) and living a lonely ‘Groundhog Day’ existence. His eventual reconnection with MJ and his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) puts them both in the same danger he was previously trying to protect them from. Sadie Sink’s role has been shrouded in secrecy and I won’t spoil the surprise – though I will share that her character is the weak link for me and I enjoyed the story more before her big reveal. In keeping with tradition, there are cameos from other members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but this time they crowd the plot. This movie is an obvious stepping stone for what’s to come, rather than a standalone film and it left me wondering how Spider-Man will fit into the broader MCU story moving forward. I loved the first person point-of-view web swinging sequences, where innovative filming techniques emphasise Parker’s momentum as he moves through New York City. Such an immersive rush and so creative, I even had a touch of vertigo! The franchise set-up drags, but the rest is a visual spectacle.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Shanaaz and Razia’s Score 8/10

Simon’s Score 7.5/10

Dave’s Score 6/10

Saraj’s Score 5/10

THE BIRTHDAY TRIP

Three couples head to luxury country retreat Lothian Gate to celebrate the joint 30th birthdays of Clare (Nicola Frew), Angie (Josephine Starte), and Isabel (Annelise Hall). The women have all been friends since high school but their partners haven’t met before and have little in common. Angie’s husband Lars (Luke Jacobz) is gregarious but immature, Isabel’s partner Mark (Ben Gerrard) is pompous, and Clare’s boyfriend Jim (David Quirk) intellectualises everything. As their weekend progresses, trouble simmers between the couples and cracks appear. Ironically the estate’s caretaker Felix (Robert Preston) lives on-site in a dilapidated house with his wife Sapphire (Sapphire Blossom) and two small children. Sapphire is constantly enraged by the lack of repairs undertaken by management, and their squalid home reflects the huge divide between staff and guests. This satirical drama revolves around friendships, the perversions that take place behind closed doors, and class privilege. The plot builds as if a major event will occur between the couples, but one never eventuates. This is anticlimactic for everyone except Felix, who has a crazy “falling down” episode when he finally reaches breaking point. Filled with uncomfortable conversations and visual subtext, the jittery handheld filming makes you feel like you’re a fly on the wall. A voyeuristic look at relationships.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

TEENAGE S*X AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA

Kris (Hannah Einbinder) is a rising star filmmaker who wants to write a new screenplay for the slasher franchise ‘Camp Miasma’. While the horror series initially started strongly and was a hit with audiences, a string of weak sequels led to poor sales and lost earnings. Thirty five years have passed since the release of the first movie, which starred actress Billy Presley (Gillian Anderson) as the “final girl”. She’s now a recluse who lives in a cabin at the very location where the original was shot. The two women meet up to discuss the reboot and things get intense between them, before spiralling into a bizarre role-play fantasy. This entire production feels like a movie within a movie within a movie. It’s not a story you can rationalise – you need to just go with what happens on screen and accept it at face value. Anderson is mesmerising with her Dolly Parton-esque southern accent and Einbinder is no slouch either as s*xually repressed Kris. The colour palette and cinematography are dream-like, with a retro, neon aesthetic. A highlight was the musical score which adds to the surrealist vibe. I don’t know what I just watched but for the most part, I liked it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Kelly and Jet’s Score 9/10

Cheryl’s Score 8.5/10

Amanda, Janette, Debbie, Eve, Shelley, Serena, and Kate’s Score 8/10

Steve, Alex, Mel, Kerryn, Lydia, Natalie, and Stefan’s Score 7/10

Dave’s Score 6.5/10

Angel’s Score 6.2/10

Mark’s Score 4/10

Tracy’s Score 2/10

HOME (‘HEIM’)

Anni (Hanne Skille Reitan) works in children’s television, and her career comes to a dramatic end after an on-air breakdown where she swears profusely and vomits on the show’s mascot. Fired immediately, she heads to her small Nordic hometown to lie low, moving in with her mother. Reconnecting with her old high school friends, she’s forced to confront unresolved issues within her family and the dysfunctional aspects of her romantic relationships. Anni is an unlikeable, flawed character, but this allows her to experience meaningful growth where she realises what truly matters. She gradually becomes more palatable. The plot is fairly predictable with a big redemption arc and a pleasant theme of second chances. An easy watch with subtitled profanity.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

Janette’s Score 6/10

TREASURE & DIRT

Detectives Ivan Lucic (Michael Dorman) and Nell Buchanan (Liv Hewson) are called to the fictional town of Nulla after the brutal murder of an opal miner. Both have past demons that reveal themselves as their investigation progresses. Dorman excels as the eccentric lead detective who’s still processing the death of his young son, while Hewson (known for ‘Yellowjackets’) is brilliant as level headed loner Nell who returns to her toxic home town. The supporting cast also shines, including ten year old Perth newcomer Evie Greay as Bess McGee. The overall story leans heavily into stereotypical outback characters. There’s a megalomaniacal mayor (Mark Mitchinson), his narcissistic wife (Ling Cooper Tang), an overly friendly mining baron (Eamon Farren), and a prophesying cult leader (Thomas M. Wright) who lives with his disciples in a cave. At six respectable episodes long, there are clever plot twists to keep you guessing but they never bog down the flow. With a similar quirkiness to ‘Twin Peaks’, but with a distinct Aussie vibe, the stylised filming portrays the desert landscape as imposing and all encompassing, plus the unique surrounds of Coober Pedy in South Australia are an appropriate stand in for Nulla. Special mention for the final scene song. A bold and atmospheric series, which is up there amongst the best home grown crime dramas I’ve seen.

SCORE:

Alex and Amanda’s Score 9/10

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