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

SWEET BOBBY

For nearly a decade, Kirat Assi thought she formed a Facebook connection with a man named Bobby Jandu. For three of those years she believed she was in a serious relationship with him. However, as time progressed, the stories shared by Bobby became increasingly bizarre – ranging from getting shot in Kenya, to claims of being in witness protection while still using his real name to communicate with family and friends, and even suffering a stroke while hospitalised. Despite the numerous warning signs, Assi remained unaware that she was a victim of catfishing, deceived by an individual impersonating Jandu. The perpetrator had also fabricated over sixty additional fake Facebook profiles to perpetuate their online deception. I won’t divulge the identity of the person responsible but you’ll be shocked by the reveal. To date, no charges have been laid for a ruse that greatly affected multiple individuals. Assi is now in the process of rebuilding her life and restoring her trust.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

WOMAN OF THE HOUR

Directed by, and starring, Anna Kendrick, this is the chilling true story of American serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) and his appearance on ‘The Dating Game’ in 1978, a ‘Perfect Match’ style tv series. Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, who chose Alcala as her match on the show but never followed up with a date afterwards – a move that likely saved her life. A keen photographer, Alcala’s MO was to drive women to remote locations on the premise of taking their portrait. Once isolated, he’d commit horrific crimes against them. He killed his first victim a decade before his tv appearance and kept killing until his arrest in 1979. Well acted, suspenseful and harrowing, this movie exposes the depravity of Alcala, who was suspected of murdering over 130+ girls and women. Thankfully he died in prison in 2021. Trust no one.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

KINDS OF KINDNESS

A “triptych fable” that delves into themes of control, power, and abuse, entwined through the use of repeat actors. Jessie Plemons, Margaret Qualley, and William David portray different characters in each segment. The tone is dark, weird, and unsettling. As a statement on how far people will go to fulfill their ambitions, this film pushes the boundaries of hyperbolic storytelling to the extreme. Provocative and disturbing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

WOLFS

Two “fixers”, played by Brad Pitt and George Clooney, are thrust into a reluctant partnership when a district attorney’s hotel jaunt with a young man (Austin Adams) goes awry, resulting in what appears to be a fatal incident. Accustomed to handling matters independently, Pitt and Clooneys characters frequently clash, engaged in a relentless cycle of conflict. When it’s revealed that the young man is alive and just under the influence of drugs, the trio must unite to return four bricks of heroin that were stolen from the Albanian mafia. Although this film is meant to be a comedy, I found it monotonous and the incessant bickering between Pitt and Clooney wore me down. The plot was bland even with the twist during its dying throes. Tedious and disappointing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

THE FABULOUS FOUR

Bette Midler (Marilyn), Susan Sarandon (Lou), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Alice) and Megan Mullalley (Kitty) are lifelong friends who come together in Key West, Florida for Marilyn’s surprise wedding. Old wounds from the past resurface and require resolution, yet ultimately friendship prevails. This movie got panned by critics but if you’re after a fun, watchable, (at times) laugh out loud funny, movie that will leave you smiling, this is for you. The quartet of polished actresses at the helm are fabulous and their duet with Michael Bolton is a delight. Expect nothing and be pleasantly surprised.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

MAXXXINE

It’s the 1980’s in Los Angeles and adult entertainment actress Maxxxine Minx (Mia Goth) lands a leading role in a B-grade horror movie. Right when she begins filming, her friends start to be murdered one by one, and she realises her life is in jeopardy. Is the culprit the notorious Night Stalker or someone from her past? Maxxxine has a fierce determination to protect herself, first evidenced when she exacts brutal eye-watering revenge on an assailant who threatens her with a knife. I was engaged in the story until the final 25 minutes when the villain’s disappointing reveal felt far-fetched. Started strong but lost its way on the home stretch.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BLINK TWICE

Zoe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with this captivating thriller, which stars her real-life fiancé, Channing Tatum. The film revolves around a billionaire who invites a group of women and some male friends to his private island for a vacation. As the women enjoy their getaway and soak up the party atmosphere, they begin to wake up each day with unexplained bruises and scratches. Tension escalate, leading to a shocking showdown and a vindicating plot twist in the final scene. I couldn’t help but compare the island location and nefarious activities to Epstein Island, which was owned by notorious abuser Jeffrey Epstein. Worth a watch. Comes with a content warning.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

IT ENDS WITH US

Blake Lively leads in this book adaptation about florist (Lily Bloom) who falls for charming and handsome surgeon Ryan Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Everything seems perfect but soon physical “accidents” of assault begin to creep in to their relationship. Eventually Lily bravely decides to stop the cycle of domestic violence in her life. If only it was that easy every women in a similar situation. A good watch.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

DEAD NAME

A bigoted, short sighted and at times cruel documentary featuring parents who do not support their trans children. They refuse to correctly gender their kids and they still use their “dead names”. One parent event referred to their child as “it”. Not really sure why this doco was even made other than for the featured adults to have a complaint platform. If I’d purchased this on DVD I would’ve chucked it in the bin. Horrible people damaging their kids thanks to their small unaccepting minds.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 0/10

TREASURE

An irritating, bumbling Polish father (Stephen Fry) takes a nostalgic road trip with his adult daughter (Lena Dunham.) Complete opposites, they frequently butt heads. Ultimately they have to work through their differences. Drawn out and a tad dull, I found it hard to move past Fry’s Polish accent. Had high hopes due to the great leads but it’s a snooze fest.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

ELLEN DEGENERES: FOR YOUR APPROVAL

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres takes to the stage and shares updates on her life since being “kicked out of show business”. Her 70 minute set covers medical diagnoses, chickens, ageing, and parallel parking. Billed as her final public event, it’s funny and engaging but not side splitting, and that’s because DeGeneres is cleverly using her platform to make a valid point about the fickle nature of fame and the hypocrisy of those who tried to cancel her in the television industry. Instead of laughing raucously I was nodding my head in agreement … after all, there’s always truth in jest! DeGeneres comes across as relatable, honest and most of all kind. Good to see her on the small screen again even if only fleetingly.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX

The saying ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ rings true for this sequel, which pales against its predecessor. ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ follows Arthur Dent (Joaquin Phoenix) aka the Joker, as he faces trial for murdering five people, with Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) joining him as a new love interest. I struggled with the musical numbers and found it hard to listen to constant duets where only one of the people singing could sing. It seemed like they added in the musical elements to maximise Gaga’s talents but the film would’ve been stronger if they’d cut out her singing and dancing routines and just let her act. She was overkill for the role. The portrayal of two psychotically unstable characters as the leads was set up to manipulate the audience into feeling empathy for Arthur, but I had none. They both live in a fantasy world filled with delusions of grandeur and neither had any redeeming qualities. Some of Joaquin’s speech was hard to understand as his character mumbles. The plot was average but did set up a Batman x Joker showdown in the future. It was a bit of a drag in the middle and although I so hoped to love it, I felt disappointed at the end.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

WILL & HARPER

Comedian Will Ferrell embarks on a road trip across the United States with his friend of 27 years, Harper Steele. As they explore old stomping grounds, and a few new horizons, they discuss Harper’s recent gender transition. Will approaches Harper’s journey with the grace, kindness, and protective spirit one would hope for from a true friend. Now at 61 years of age, Harper is finally embracing her authentic self, although she still faces moments of prejudice and the harsh, bigoted words of others have a profound impact on her. You’ll find yourself smiling one minute and shedding a tear the next as you witness Will and Harpers genuine rapport and Harpers unreconciled pain. A beautiful portrayal of acceptance, understanding and above all, love … complete with a magical “theme song” by Kristen Wiig and a wonderful soundtrack.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 10/10

MEGALOPOLIS

This ambitious $120 million dollar passion project of writer, director, and producer Francis Ford Coppola was 40 years in the making and fully self-funded. It reflects what happens when someone with too much money doesn’t get told “No!”. Not that Coppola would care, as he clearly created this film for his own personal fulfilment. A red flag should’ve been his difficulty in securing a distributor after it screened at Cannes. The plot centres around a political power struggle, set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City which is intertwined with the Roman Empire. There are several messages and themes, incoherently muddled together. Adam Driver leads as Caesar Catilina, a futuristic architect who has the ability to stop time (which reminded me of an episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’ called ‘A little peace and quiet’ from season one, episode five.) Unfortunately even Driver’s talents cannot salvage this overly indulgent, grandiose mess. The last 20 seconds were the best of the entire 2+ hours. I considered leaving half way through and only stayed because I paid for my ticket. I expected this to be Coppola’s magnum opus but it was more of a let down than a legacy.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3.9/10

JAILBREAK: LOVE ON THE RUN

When the assistant director of the Lauderdale County Detention Center in Alabama, Vicky White, fell for inmate and alleged murderer Casey White, she risked everything to flee with him. A huge manhunt ensued and after eleven days on the run, law enforcement finally caught up with them. Only Casey was apprehended – tragically Vicky paid the ultimate price for her decision to help him escape. True crime doesn’t come much truer than this documentary. As a former police officer I understood how profoundly deceived her colleagues felt and how unfathomable it was to them that she threw away her 17 year career, and her life, for a violent convicted felon. Their phone conversations were sordid, the ease with which they exited the jail was shocking, and their entire love story was (and still is) utterly baffling.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY

Russian couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus play cat and mouse games with security to climb the world’s biggest skyscrapers. Once at the top they acrobatically pose for photos, keen to build their social media following and attract sponsors for their daredevil efforts. Maybe I’m just too old for this nonsense, but I found the “stars” of this doco to be reckless and selfish. I wasn’t impressed that they accessed out of bounds areas just for clout and can probably tell you how they’ll die. Apparently it took 7 years to film but that didn’t stop it from feeling scripted – especially with their break up then make up conversations which seemed like they were included to cover off on the “love” component and to add in fake relationship jeopardy.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

DAUGHTERS

Four young girls go through a range of emotions as they prepare to attend a dad and daughter dance with their incarcerated fathers in Washington DC. This doco gives insight into the ‘Date with Dad’ program which has been running in prisons for 12 years and has seen 95% of male participants stay out of jail on release. It also shows the lasting impact a parents criminal actions have on their children. The younger girls forgive easily while the older ones are resentful and have fractured relationships with their fathers. Particularly heart wrenching was the man whose daughter could not make the dance. Slow going at first and bittersweet by the end.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

DESPICABLE ME 4

Gru (Steve Carell) works for the Anti-Villain League and helps them capture villain Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell.) When Maxime escapes from prison and threatens to take revenge on Gru, his entire family (including baby son Gru Jr) go on the run. Gru takes on a rescue mission with his obnoxious young neighbour Poppy, and desperately tries to stay under the radar from Maxime and his girlfriend Valentina (Sophia Vergara.) A subplot featuring the Mega Minions introduces them into the franchise. This instalment follows the similar good vs evil theme of its predecessors, making it suitable for a younger audience. It did feel a bit repetitive and same-old though, and as a result it may not engage those outside its target demographic. The prison musical number in the finale also feels slightly out of place. Fave scenes were the minions causing mayhem.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

INTO THE FIRE: THE LOST DAUGHTER

This two-part series follows a mother’s relentless journey to find the daughter she gave up for adoption as an infant. Cathy Terkanian’s strong intuition drove her to uncover the truth behind Aundria Bowman’s disappearance, a tragedy she came to learn about 21 years after Aundria went missing in 1989. Her persistent efforts to engage law enforcement played a crucial role in unravelling this mystery and subsequently brought resolution to several other unsolved crimes. The plot twists are shocking and the heinous final act delivers a strong emotional punch. Produced by Charlize Theron, who was inspired to bring this story to life after reading an article about Cathy, this show serves as a reminder that evil exists in our midst. Compelling!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

GODS OF TENNIS

Six of the tennis greats from the 70’s and 80’s are featured in this three part doco series. Set around the courts of the iconic Wimbledon tournament, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Everet, Arthur Ashe, Bjorn Borg, and John McEnroe share their rivalries, trials and tribulations. An insightful look into the stars of the golden era of tennis, back when racquets were made from wood and warming up before a game was unheard of. One for the fans!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

THE SUBSTANCE

In her return to leading lady status, Demi Moore excels as Elisabeth Sparkle, an ageing actor and tv aerobics star. On her 50th birthday, she jumps at the invitation to try a treatment that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley as Sue.) She soon finds out that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is a sad tale of hating what you see in the mirror and being desperate to turn back the clock at any cost. The cinematography and sound really add to the tension in this film. Frequent close up shots create a realistic grotesqueness you can’t look away from and the graphic, squelchy audio that accompanies them will haunt you in your dreams – or nightmares. SPOILER ALERT! This is not for the squeamish and it kicks off near the end wth more fake blood than a Tarantino movie – 36,000 gallons or 136,274+ litres to be exact. I didn’t know what “body horror” meant before watching it, but I sure do now. Demented and visceral, I couldn’t look away.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

THE WILD ROBOT

A stunning animated feature from the talented team at Dreamworks, based on the beloved children’s book by Peter Brown. The film narrates the journey of an assistance robot named Ros (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) who finds herself on a remote island populated by wildlife. To survive, Ros must learn to exist harmoniously with the creatures she encounters. Pedro Pascal, Bill Nighy, Ving Rhames, Catherine O’Hara, and Mark Hamill also lend their voices to various animal characters. Themes of love, perseverance, and acceptance flow throughout the story and the animation beautifully depicts the untamed nature of the island and its inhabitants. Plus I only cried twice! There are more books in ‘The Wild Robot’ series, so fingers crossed for two more movies as visually glorious and heartwarming as this one. It’s been billed as “The greatest DreamWorks movie ever” and I have to agree. Exceptional! See it in the cinema!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

Amanda’s Score 10/10

SPEAK NO EVIL

James McAvoy leads the cast in this English-language version of the 2022 Danish film of the same title. During their vacation, two families (each with a young child) form a strong connection. However, when one family accepts an invitation to stay at the remote farm of the other, they soon discover that not everything is as it seems. SPOILER ALERT! As the tension escalates, they find themselves fleeing from a trio of pathological serial killers, desperate to survive. The story unfolds quickly and the violent conclusion leaves a lasting impression. Thrilling, uncomfortable and with a creepy rendition of ‘Eternal Flame’.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE ASSEMBLY

Mentored by Leigh Sales, fifteen journalism students with autism aged from 18 to 40 interview some of Australia’s most famous faces. They bravely push through their nerves and anxiety to ask creative, hard hitting, and often unfiltered, questions. They delight in meeting and interacting with their guests, who include Delta Goodrem, Hamish Blake, Adam Goodes, Anthony Albanese, Sam Neill and Amanda Keller. Raw, fun and a joy to watch, the dedicated students are the real stars of this documentary series.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE PERFECT COUPLE

Wealthy socialites Greer and Tag Winbury (Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber) are staying at their luxurious $40 million vacation home on Nantucket Island, just off Cape Cod, to host the wedding of their middle son. Surrounded by friends and family (mostly supercilious people who care more about money than morals), the rehearsal event appears to go well, until a body is discovered on their beach the following morning. Matriarch Greer is a renowned author with 27 bestselling novels to her name and a public profile to protect. As police interview everyone from the maid to the wedding planner, this whodunnit murder mystery reveals that each guest has something to hide. Tension mounts until the final episode conveniently reveals the Winbury’s dark secrets and the resulting resolution feels a bit too convenient. Regardless, it’s still intriguing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

MY NEXT GUEST NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION WITH DAVID LETTERMAN AND MILEY CYRUS

David Letterman refined his celebrity interview techniques during 33 years of late-night talk show hosting, and his expertise is evident in the series ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.’ His affable, conversational approach encourages guests to relax, and when paired with the ever authentic Miley Cyrus, the result is an engaging, fun and enjoyable interview. Both Letterman and Cyrus exude approachability, with Cyrus impressing through her grounded perspective as well as her vocal talent. She sure can belt out a tune! Their friendly dynamic leaves viewers wanting more and wishing for twice the run time.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

TRAP

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film stars Josh Harnett as Cooper, AKA ‘The Butcher’, a serial killer who takes his young daughter to a concert, only to find that the police have cordoned off the exits in their search for him. While the premise may sound intriguing, the execution falls flat with wooden acting, a lack of chemistry between characters, and an absurd, far fetched plot. Cooper’s demeanour becomes more suspicious as he tries to find a way out of the stadium, but the hundreds of police present are frustratingly incompetent and fail to realise that he’s walking amongst them. That’s just the warm up for this film to get even more disappointing and ridiculous as it goes on. Give it a hard pass.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3/10

CHIMP CRAZY

Director Eric Goode, renowned for his work on ‘Tiger King’ presents this compelling four part doco that delves into domestic chimpanzee ownership in the United States. Eric highlights the unregulated exotic animal industry, which allows individuals to acquire any animal they desire without supervision, management, or monitoring. Animal broker Tonia Haddix, is determined to keep her “pet” chimps at home, and continually defies legal restrictions imposed by animal rights organisation PETA. Haddix’s penchant for oversharing and narcissistically seeking the spotlight undermines her credibility and like all of the other featured chimp owners, her complete lack of morals and ethics is exhibited by her exploitation of these animals. This is a difficult watch at times, as it draws attention to the harsh, cruel realities faced by the chimps and the emotional disconnection of their supposed caretakers. But what I found most compelling was Tonia’s misguided belief that she is a credible animal advocate and how she inadvertently reveals her delusions and dishonesty. She really thinks she is getting a good edit when in actual fact, she is sinks herself every time she opens her mouth. Thankfully her abhorrent behaviour eventually leads to accountability. Eye-opening, insightful, and underscoring the urgent need for the legal protection of exotic animals in America.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

RUNT

Eleven year old Annie (Lily LaTorre) hatches a plan to save her family’s farm by winning an overseas dog agility competition with her best friend, Runt (rescue dog Squid). Adapted from the award winning book ‘Runt’ by Craig Silvey and mostly filmed in Western Australia, this movie will captivate dog lovers of all ages and those who delight in a sweet, robust story. LaTorre is marvellous as Annie and is complemented by an ensemble of exceptional Aussie actors including Jack Thompson, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman, Jai Courtney, Matt Day, and her real life brother Jack. With a perfect mix of humour and drama, and the added bonus of adorable dogs, this quintessentially Australian production will take you on a roller coaster of emotions, from crying one minute, to laughing the next. At the Event Cinemas Innaloo global premiere, Craig Silvey referred to ‘Runt’ as “A little bit of sunshine” and it is all that and so much more. Make it a priority to add this film to your “Must See” list and enjoy a heartwarming experience with your family; it’s a joy that’s truly worth sharing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 12/10

REBEL RIDGE

Former Marine Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) embarks on a quest for vengeance after a group of corrupt police officers, led by Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) steal his cousins’ bail money. The build-up of tension constantly ebbs and flows, leaving you hopeful for an epic Police vs Richmond confrontation … but (SPOILER ALERT) Richmond never fully unleashes. At least 30 minutes could’ve been cut from the 133 minute run time to remove the bits that drag and to tighten it up. This film has its moments but didn’t quite take it far enough for me. To be an action great, it needed more action … and less smoke b*mbs. The relevance of the title to the plot also feels like an afterthought, where no one could come up with anything better.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

What an entertaining and nostalgic film! All 104 minutes are vintage Tim Burton, complete with his trademark special effects and unique animation style. The returning cast delivers outstanding performances, while the newcomers seamlessly integrate into the whimsical world of the dead. Michael Keaton commands the screen as the uncouth and outrageous Beetlejuice, earning the film’s most laugh-out-loud moments, with Catherine O’Hara closely following suit. This sequel remains faithful to the tone and visuals of the 1988 original, and is set to rocking tunes. It exceeded my expectations and is thoroughly enjoyable. Loved it!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

KAOS

Take the stories of Greek mythology, introduce the characters to a contemporary setting, and accompany them with a banging soundtrack, and you have eight-part streaming series ‘KAOS.’ Starring Jeff Goldblum, in one of his most outstanding roles, as the egotistical and unraveling god Zeus, this dark comedy offers a fresh perspective on how the Greek deities might interact in today’s world and navigate modern life. With its superb casting, sharp script and impressive set design, ‘KAOS’ has a similar vibe to Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 1996 film ‘Romeo and Juliet’, sans the Shakespeare. If you are familiar with the fables of Greek mythology it will blow your socks off, and if you aren’t, you might just learn a thing or ten. While it won’t appeal to everyone’s taste, those who seek something unique and artistic in a series will appreciate its brilliance. Absolute mastery that will leave you wanting more! I can’t wait for season two. EDIT: There won’t be a season two – Netflix is not renewing it. 😢

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.9/10

MILLI VANILLI

This documentary delves into the rise and fall of the iconic 80s duo Milli Vanilli, comprised of Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan. Renowned for their infectious hits, striking looks and captivating dance moves, they quickly became a global sensation, earning a Grammy Award following their six-times platinum debut album. However, their glittering careers came to a sudden halt when the truth emerged: they had been lip-syncing and didn’t sing their original songs, revelations that had long-lasting impacts on their careers and lives. Interviews, combined with archival footage, delves into those behind the scandal, including the role of their manager, who had a history of dubious music practices, and how he manipulated Rob and Fab through the promise of wealth and fame to maintain the facade. A stark insight into the extremes of celebrity aspiration and how easy it is to exploit vulnerable artists.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

FLY ME TO THE MOON

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, this stylised work of fiction intertwines drama with old-school romance. Taking place in the late 1960’s, the impressive performances of the cast, engaging (sometimes comedic) dialogue, and meticulously recreated sets make it compelling viewing. Slightly long at just over two hours, this is a quirky story offering an alternative narrative to the historical Apollo 11 moon landing. Dust off your conspiracy theories and enjoy.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

When hospice resident Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) takes a day trip to New York City with other patients, she finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. The aliens track humans though sound and stalk the city from end to end, killing wantonly. This prequel to the two ‘Quiet Place’ movies shows the arrival of the aliens via fireballs but fails to explain where they originate from or their motivations in attacking Earth. It’s overly sentimental at times and depicts a swift but shallow connection between Sam and fellow survivor Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. I found it hard to connect to both main characters as neither was overly likeable. Although the visual effects are impressive and sound is used effectively to heighten the tension, the horror elements are more suggestive than explicit. Nyong’o gives a convincing performance as Sam, maintaining a heightened state of fear throughout. Plus there’s a pretty cute cat called Frodo who seems to have nine lives. It falls short compared to the other films but remains entertaining.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

AMERICAN MURDER: LACI PETERSON

In December 2002, Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant, vanished from Modesto, California. Within weeks, her husband of five years, Scott Peterson, became the primary suspect. After Laci’s body was found in San Francisco Bay in April 2003, Scott was charged with the murders of both Laci and her unborn child. This documentary meticulously reconstructs the timeline of events surrounding Laci’s disappearance and features in-depth interviews with her mother, friends, and Scott’s family members. A tragic crime, carried out by a methodical perpetrator for reasons still unknown, ultimately saw justice prevail.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE UNION

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up in this apparent ‘explosive espionage action comedy.’ Despite its impressive descriptors, it’s actually a total trash bag. The attempts at humour miss the mark, resulting in a 1 hour and 49-minute-long unfunny joke you’ll be begging to see the end of. The performances are overcooked and the storyline is so far fetched it must’ve been written during a fever dream. It’s truly dreadful but viewers will either love it or hate it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 1/10 because people turned up on set

MH370: THE PLANE THAT DISAPPEARED

In an age where you can be tracked 24/7 through your smart phone, how could Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 just disappear? This three part documentary tries to answer that question and puts forward several theories on what possibly occurred, some more plausible than others. The MH370 story is told through a combination of archival footage, eyewitness testimonies, and interviews with the families of the 239 passengers and crew members aboard the flight. It highlights the Malaysian government’s inadequate response to the situation and their unsatisfactory communication with the families of the victims. Someone must know something … but who? Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to draw their own conclusions about the events of this tragic journey. The circumstances are both frustrating and perplexing, leaving numerous questions unanswered, and the plane still missing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

ALIEN ROMULUS

A group of Gen Z friends decide to leave their home planet, weary from relentless toiling in the mines. They escape to a derelict space station, seeking cryogenic pods to use during a voyage to a new world … but they encounter something far more sinister – aliens. It’s hard not to compare the original ‘Alien’ films to this one and this instalment lacks the elements that make those movies so iconic. Maybe it was the Sigourney Weaver factor? Despite having an ‘R’ rating, it fails to deliver sufficient gore, horror, or scares to warrant such a high classification. The alien interactions felt predictable, possibly due my familiarity with the earlier films and with six main characters you know some of them are going to be expendable. SPOILER ALERT! The two ‘synthetics’ (robots) were irritating (one weirdly reminded me of JarJar Binks and the other was a resurrected character, CGI’d into existence using the likeness of an actor who has passed away) and there were a few disconnects in the story line. On a positive note, the sets were realistic and detailed, and the lead actress Cailee Spaeny (who I panned in my review of ‘Civil War’) did a reasonable job. It didn’t (face) suck but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. There will blatantly be a sequel. Also where do aliens get grillz from?

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

OWNING MANHATTAN

This reality series steps into the world of real estate mogul Ryan Serhant (of ‘Million Dollar Listing New York’ fame) and opens the doors to some of the most expensive apartments in the Big Apple. It predominantly focuses on the New York real estate industry, showcasing the intense competition among agents and delving into themes of rivalry, conflict, and personal challenges. While consummate professional Ryan consistently navigates these dynamics with poise and skill, his firm (‘Serhant’) appears to attract cut throat individuals who prioritise their own ladder climbing above all else … including loyalty. Theres no real depth to this show but it serves as an entertaining option for background viewing. Ryan is the stand out star.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BORDERLANDS

Based on a video game, ‘Borderlands’ is set in the dystopian land of Pandora, home region of the main character, bounty hunter Lilith (Cate Blanchett.) After a 36 year absence she returns to Pandora and teams up with a diverse ensemble of eccentric characters, including soldier Roland (Kevin Hart), obnoxious child Tina (Ariana Greenblat), irritating robot sidekick Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black), scientist Tannis (Jamie-Lee Curtis), and psychopath Krieg (Florian Munteanu). Their collective mission is to rescue Tina from her predetermined fate. The film is a blend of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Mad Max,’ with elements of ‘Wall-E’ thrown in. Its fast pace is punctuated by a few humorous exchanges and retorting one liners. The special effects are average in places and there are several plot holes that left me with unanswered questions. The dialogue is quite basic, suggesting an intended appeal to a younger audience. As someone unfamiliar with the video game, I approached it purely as an action film clearly designed as the first installment of a franchise. With that in mind, it almost delivered.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

Scientist Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) pushes back against the 1950’s patriarchy in an era where women are relegated to domestic roles. When she’s asked to host a cooking show on television, Zott frequently challenges the status quo and turns mundane meals into lessons in chemistry … inspiring a city of housewives in the process. With subplots featuring personal tragedy, racial discrimination and finding joy again, this gem of a series is worthy of its 10 Emmy award nominations. Heartfelt, heartbreaking and maddening at times. Every woman will relate!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

SIMONE BILES: RISING

Another timely watch to coincide with the Paris Olympics, this two part doco reveals what happened when the world’s greatest gymnast, USA’s Simone Biles, got the “twisties” at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With compelling insights from her husband, family, and teammates, Biles opens up about her mental health management and her relentless pursuit to rise once again to the top of her sport. Favourite quote – responding to the internet trolls, Biles confidently states “They can’t even do a cartwheel!” Touché, they definitely can’t. A champion who came back from the brink and won her 5th Olympic gold medal today.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE

When their dead former boss gets framed the bad boys, Mike Lowry (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), must clear his name and flush out a rat within the Miami Police ranks. Before too long the tables turn and they find themselves on the run from the law, with their families lives at risk. In keeping with the previous movies from the franchise, instalment four is filled with big shoot outs, pumping action and witty banter. Laurence steals the show with the best one liners. There’s also some very up close and personal camera angles which are pretty unique. Slightly cheesy but in a good way. Easily watchable!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

PRESUMED INNOCENT

A thriller filled with atmospheric tension, suspense and plot twists. Jake Gyllenhaal leads as Rusty Sabich, a married Chicago prosecutor with two teenage kids, who is charged with the murder of his lover and colleague Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve). While Rusty faces a very public legal trial, behind-the-scenes he tries to repair his relationship with his wife Barbara (Ruth Negga.) The cast delivers solid performances, the script is finely crafted, and the cinematography exudes a stylised yet sombre atmosphere. Under the helm of showrunner David E. Kelley, this miniseries keeps viewers engaged until the last 10 minutes, when it falters in its attempt to neatly tie up all loose ends in a far-fetched way. The conclusion fell short of expectations and left much to be desired. Had so much promise!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

FAKE

When journalist Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie) meets farmer Joe Burt on a dating app she has high hopes for their burgeoning relationship even though they don’t seem overly suited. When numerous red flags appear, Birdie begins to question Joe’s intentions. As time goes on, she becomes paranoid and wonders if she’s imagining his indiscretions or if he really is playing her. Soon the truth becomes obvious to everyone except Birdie. A well written and strongly acted Aussie drama featuring two infuriating main characters – one who’s blinded every step of the way and the other who’s a manipulative lying con artist. You’ll be yelling at your TV screen! A depressing true story based on how much some people are willing to endure in the pursuit of love.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

DEADPOOL VS WOLVERINE

Vulgar, graphic and violent – essentially everything you’d expect from a Deadpool movie. Like its predecessors, this final instalment is action packed and frequently breaks the 4th wall to directly address the audience. It has a slightly convoluted plot padded out with lots of butt jokes and crude humour. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) on screen together is a treat, even if they do spend most of the movie fighting each other, then regenerating, and fighting each other, and regenerating, and … you get the idea. Fave scene is the Madonna song massacre (no spoilers here – you’ll know it when you see it) and fave character is DogPool (aka Peggy who won the Britains ugliest dog in 2023.) Least fave part was the villain who wasn’t convincing. There’s a cool cameo by Blake Lively though. With a banging sound track and big stunts this is a fitting end to an iconic anti hero franchise. Wait until after the credits for a bonus scene.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

UNDER PARIS

Someone had a macabre sense of humour when they decided to release a film about a mutant mako shark in the Seine River, six weeks before it hosts several open water swimming events as part of the Paris Olympic Games. What a mind f@ck! The rampant shark in ‘Under Paris’ is much larger than she should be and is breeding at a rapid rate … and eating people! A shark researcher and water police team are tasked with eliminating her before she turns a large triathlon swim into a bloodbath. I was expecting this to be very b-grade and a total rubbish but I enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised overall. The CGI was mostly decent thanks to the 30 million AUD budget and the acting and script didn’t totally suck. There are the usual cliched characters who you know won’t survive but someone has to be the sacrificial shark food. I was on the side of the shark for the whole film and thought the ending was fitting. With this being one of the most watched movies of the year for Netflix, part two is already in the works. Oh and definitely don’t swim in the Seine, no matter what they tell you. It’s yuk.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

PHOTOGRAPHER

Seven world renowned photographers open up about their childhood experiences, motivations, and passion projects in this engrossing documentary series. Featuring breathtaking cinematography that embodies the quality of a National Geographic production, each episode profiles a different photographer and showcases the mastery of their chosen genre. Colourful, inspiring and with a “wow” factor.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

ALL OF US STRANGERS

A poetically melancholic story about a middle aged adult trying to reconcile the death of his parents when he was 12 years old. Adam (Andrew Scott), a solitary writer residing in a nearly vacant apartment building, travels back to his family home and engages in poignant conversations with his deceased parents, exploring the unspoken moments of his childhood that he never had the chance share. When he meets mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal), the possibility for love presents itself. As two of the most in-trend male actors on the planet right now, both Scott and Mescal are excellent, giving their characters prefect measures of vulnerability and fragility. Perplexing, dark and deep, its open-for-interpretation ending may leave some viewers wanting a more clearly defined outcome.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

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