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

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS

It’s the early 1920’s and someone is sending obscene letters to the residents of picturesque seaside village Littlehampton in West Sussex. Pious spinster Edith Swan (Olivia Coleman) is the initial target of the crude musings and her neighbour, potty-mouthed single-mother Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), is the prime suspect. As evidence mounts against Rose, her uncouth lifestyle makes her an easy target, until an unsanctioned police investigation begins to shed new light on the case. Based on a true story that ended in a court hearing and jail time, Coleman perfectly embodies Edith, while director Thea Shamrock vividly resurrects an era where women are shackled by oppressive traditions, and endure constant subjugation and discrimination. Outrageous, polished and with over 120 out bursts of wickedly witty profanity. Loved it!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THE PLAYLIST – SPOTIFY

Captivating insight into how the expansion and evolution of an idea can result in remarkable success. Loosely based on the origins of Spotify (with some facts modified to create a more intriguing storyline), this series revolves around Swedish tech entrepreneur, Daniel Ek, and his business partner Martin Lorentzon. They revolutionised the way music is consumed and accessed globally by enabling the legal streaming of songs for free. Told from six different perspectives (one per episode), and dubbed in English, this show will appeal to viewers who have a curiosity about technology and the origins of global brands. Enjoyable and watchable!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

The sixth commandment is “Thou shalt not murder” and as the title of this series, it gives away what’s to come. This compelling British drama is based on real events – the drugging, defrauding, manipulation and murder of two lonely elderly victims by Ben Field (Eanna Hardwicke), and his subsequent criminal trial. An array of first-rate actors paired with commanding scriptwriting brings these dreadful events to the forefront. The narcissistic and calculated behaviour of Field will send chills down your spine. Branded a “psychopath” by Police, he showed no remorse for his actions and very nearly got away with his crimes. Crammed into four episodes, it’s difficult to gauge the passing of time and everything seems to happen very quickly, when in realty the events took place over 4 years. Still, it’s good. Binge it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

AM I OK?

Right when thirty-something Lucy (Dakota Fanning) begins to question her sexuality, her relationship with best friend Jane (Sonoya Mizuno) starts to deteriorate. Then cue jeopardy about whether they Lucy and Jane can reconcile before Jane moves to London and add in some scenes of Lucy on several girl dates. There’s a predictable plot, a few small laughs, and a snooze fest in between with a sprinkle of over acting, particularly from the masseuse character. If this was meant to be a romantic comedy it failed on both fronts. It’s more a “time filler” film which you’d watch if you’d exhausted all other options. A cameo by Tig Notaro is the pinnacle.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4.5/10

SEVERANCE

If I had to sum up this sci fi series in one word it would be “unique.” Directed by Ben Stiller and starring Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette and Christoper Walken, the peculiar plot revolves around employees of a company called Lumon Industries, who agree to have memories of their work life severed from memories of their home life – so whilst at work they have don’t have any knowledge of who they are outside of work, and vice versa. When one employee wants to be “unsevered” it cues a ‘Truman show’ turn. The dialogue of the (very few) characters is direct and to the point, with an almost robotic cadence, free from blather. The set design is minimalistic, the cinematography is stylistic and the camera work is nihilistic. Colours repeat across different scenes, tying them together for a strong visual impact. Everything proceeds at a gradual tempo as the story unfolds, which may feel dawdling to some viewers, but see it through. There’s a crescendo in last few episodes and when it hits, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for season two. It also has one of the coolest intro title sequences. Meticulous, quirky and disturbing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

TRAILBLAZERS

A 38 minute snapshot (for goal, boom boom) on the evolution of women’s soccer featuring past and present Australian players. The Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team, are known for their attacking style of offence and have some of the most talented and dynamic players in the world, though it hasn’t been an easy path. After enduring a 50-year ban, the pioneers of women’s soccer were finally allowed to grace the field in 1971, but still had to personally fund their own entry fees for the World Cup. Trailblazers indeed! An quick and inspiring prelude to the Paris Olympic Games commencing in July.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

JIM HENSON – IDEA MAN

What a wonderful journey into the magical world, and mind, of puppeteer Jim Henson, creator of ‘The Muppet Show’, ‘The Dark Crystal’, ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Fraggle Rock.’ Jim also helped develop ‘Sesame Street’ and gave life to beloved characters like Big Bird, Kermit, Bert, Ernie, Grover, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch. Despite passing away at the age of 53 in 1990, Jim’s puppets continue to bring joy to countless generations. You’d be hard pressed to find someone aged 40+ who doesn’t know of his work. Take a trip down memory lane with this homage to a master of his craft.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

HIT MAN

Billed as a romantic action comedy, ‘Hitman’ is loosely based on the true story of psychology professor Gary Johnson who posed undercover as a contract killer for the Houston police in the 1980s and 1990s. His job was to meet with people wanting to hire a hitman and to get them to admit it, so the arrest team could swoop in. Starting Glen Powell as Gary, it’s initially fun seeing the personas he creates as a pretend hitman but when he falls for one of his targets the plot goes off track and becomes far fetched – this is also where poetic license kicks in and the true story element ends. It’s also not particularly funny and there’s minimal action. So all that’s left is the romantic part which is quite dull. Started strong but fell down along the way.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

BECKHAM

The story of soccer sensation David Beckham, told with behind-the-scenes footage and recent interviews with his friends, family (including wife Victoria AKA Posh Spice), and Beckham himself. Pushed by his assertive father as a child, he evolved from humble beginnings into one of the world’s top soccer superstars. But the highs weren’t without the lows. Posh and Becks have endured many challenges during their relationship: harassment from the paparazzi, appalling abuse and death threats when England lost the World Cup, and scrutiny over alleged extra-marital affairs. But after more than 20+ years together their mutual love, respect, and strong family values are the ties that bind. The media’s constant portrayal of Victoria as an unsmiling villain has distorted and manipulated her public image. Don’t fall for it. She actually seems genuine and quite fun … and she has little care for soccer which makes the support she gives David even more endearing. You also don’t have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this doco.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

MOTHERS INSTINCT

The close friendship of neighbours Alice (Jessica Chastain) and Celine (Anne Hathaway) is pushed to the limits of suspicion and guilt when Celine’s young son Max dies in a freak accident. Overcome with grief, Celine finds it difficult to adjust back into everyday life. Meanwhile Alice becomes paranoid about Celine’s intentions towards her own son, Theo. This sophisticated psychological thriller set in the 1960’s will keep you guessing until the very end. Everything comes to a head quickly in the last ten minutes and feels mildly far fetched … then suddenly the show’s over and you’ll be left with questions.Absorbing enough with compelling performances from two accomplished actresses.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

CYNDI LAUPER: LET THE CANARY SING

From her singing origins right through to emerging as a star, Cyndi Lauper has never wavered in being her authentic, eccentric, colourful self. She’s a staunch women’s rights advocate, a LGBTQIA+ ally, and a trail blazer when it comes to inclusivity and representation for minority groups. Across her four decade career, she’s made an indelible mark on fans of all ages. While her Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards are testament to her incredible talents, witnessing her live in concert with my own eyes back in 2011 is something I’ll never forget. Her stage presence was mesmerising and her vocals were insane. Boy can she hold a note! She ended up standing on a seat amongst the audience belting out ‘Money Changes Everything.’ It remains, to this day, the best gig I’ve ever seen. This 99 minute documentary about her career was released just days after she announced her final tour and is perfect closure for those who won’t get to see Cyndi perform one last time. I really didn’t want this show to end and wished for more content, more interviews, more music … metaphors perhaps for the way I feel about her winding down her public appearances. Nostalgic and bittersweet.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

Would’ve scored 10/10 if it was four episodes instead of one.

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AMERICAN NIGHTMARE

In March 2015, Denise Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn were victims of a violent home invasion in Vallejo, California, and Denise was kidnapped. When she was later released by her captor, the FBI and local police accused the couple of staging the crime. As they fought to be believed, the subsequent media frenzy nearly destroyed their lives. This docuseries is a cautionary tale of what can happen when inept law enforcement agencies ignore evidence and make unfounded assumptions. Thank goodness for the hero officer who had the where-with-all to do her job thoroughly and connected vital evidence to an offender. Harrowing and infuriating.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

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AFTER THE PARTY

This six part drama slaps you in the face right from the start, when school teacher Penny (Robyn Malcolm) accuses her husband Phil (Peter Mullan) of sexually assaulting one of their daughter’s teenage friends at a birthday party. Produced in New Zealand, it’s heavy going content but the fast pace, engrossing script and stellar production will keep you watching until the end. You’ll sympathise with Penny but also feel frustrated that she’s her own worst enemy. There aren’t enough superlatives in existence to describe the way Robyn Malcolm brings Penny’s anguish, righteous commitment and doggedness to life. She owns every scene she’s in and fully immerses herself in the role. One of the best performances on the small screen. Gripping and powerful!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

CIVIL WAR

Set in dystopian America, a group of journalists travel from New York City to Washington during a civil war to interview and photograph the third term president. With little information about the war and zero back story on the characters, this is essentially a film about getting from point A to point B with some life-and-death drama along the way. Kirsten Dunst gives a satisfactory performance as photographer Lee Smith but unfortunately most of the characters around her feel one dimensional. It’s good but not great. Unsettling, intense and perhaps foreboding?

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

CODA

Winner of three Academy Awards in 2022 (for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay), ‘Coda’ is the story of 17 year old Ruby Rossi (played by Emilia Jones) who is the only member of her family who can hear. Having always acted as interpreter and translator for her father, mother and brother, her passion for singing leads to torment over family responsibilities and the pursuit of her dreams. The acting is beautiful and three of the main four cast members (Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durand) are deaf, which adds to its authenticity. Feel-good, touching and peppered with humour, this is a wonderful movie with memorable moments that will stay with you after the credits have rolled – one being several powerful minutes of complete silence during a pivotal scene. Sometimes love and loyalty transcend the spoken word. Unpretentious and everything excellent film making should be.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

BETTER DATE THAN EVER

In an age of vacuous dating shows filled with carbon copy contestants who just want to grow their social media profiles or get invited to the opening of an envelope, ‘Better Date Than Never’ is a breath of fresh air. It follows a diverse group of singles as they venture into the dating scene for the first time. You’ll be cheering from the sidelines and riding a roller coaster of emotions as these endearing souls navigate the highs and lows of finding love. Wholesome and refreshing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

ERIC

Set in gritty 1980’s New York, Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a puppeteer on children’s television show “Good morning Sunshine”. He constant conflict with his wife Cassie (Gaby Hoffmann), has addiction issues and is a PITA to his work colleagues. When his nine year old son Edgar (Ivan Howe) vanishes, Vincent’s demons escalate and his mental heath declines. He becomes obsessed with building a new puppet based on Edgar’s drawings, in the hope that Edgar will see him on television. Enter Eric, the blue, seven-foot-tall, furry foul-mouthed monster and Sesame Street goes to the dark side. Meanwhile Detective Michael Ledroit (McKinley Belcher III) is assigned to Eric’s missing persons case, but struggles to balance the demands of his job with his closeted gay life. Most of the characters in ‘Eric’ are unsavoury and unlikable but you’ll still keep watching – such is the power of a top notch script (written by Abi Morgan) combined with an exceptional cast. Cumberbatch, Hoffmann and Belcher in are skilled in the way they bring to life three flawed individuals, each struggling with their own turmoils. Engrossing and recommended.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.9/10

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THE IDEA OF YOU

When 40 year old Los Angeles divorcee Solène (Anne Hathaway) meets 24 year old English boy band member Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine) they have instant chemistry. They soon find it hard to stay away from each other, much to the chagrin of Solène’s teenage daughter, her ex-husband and Hayes adoring fans. This film frequently flips from a romcom to a drama, and back again, which makes it feel inconsistent. The “live” songs also leave a lot to be desired and take up far too much screen time given they just aren’t very good. Despite these negatives, it’s still an easy watch thanks to the solid performances from the lead actors. I had low expectations at the start but enjoyed it enough to make it through the 2 hours. A few funny moments entwined amongst a genuine, slightly schmaltzy love story.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BILL BAILEY’S WILD WEST AUSTRALIA

British comedian Bill Bailey takes a spirited road trip throughout Western Australia. Featuring famous (and not so famous) landmarks, covering Albany in the south up to Ningaloo Reef in the north, Bill presents every location through fresh eyes. His genuine fondness for Western Australia shines through and this is his love letter about it to the rest of the world. This four part series is the perfect global tourist campaign and will entice foreign visitors to our charming shores, while giving Aussies a new perspective of their own backyard. An uplifting show featuring a magnanimous human. Oh and the scene of Bill cutting donuts in a tugboat is laugh-out-loud glorious!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

ASHLEY MADISON – SEX, LIES & SCANDAL

With a marketing pitch of “Life is short. Have an affair.” the membership of Ashley Madison, a dating website for married people, grew to over 37 million customers from 2002 to 2015. Male users paid for ‘credits’ on the site and spent them connecting with profiles belonging to women who were keen to participate in extra-marital affairs. When hackers obtained user details, including names and addresses, they initially tried to extort the company but soon released the data online instead. Concurrently, it l came to light that thousands of female Ashley Madison users were actually alluring bots using fake profiles to con male customers out of their credits. This three part series diligently explores the history of the Ashley Madison company, the impacts of the data breach on staff and the fallout for those whose information was exposed. The biggest shock as a viewer was the number of people who signed up to Ashley Madison because they believed they could get away with infidelity. It poses the question “What would you do if you thought you’d never get caught?” Of interest, Ashley Madison still thrives today and now boasts 85 million users, but promises better security … which sounds great for customers but not so great for their oblivious husbands and wives. Debauched and revealing!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY

Loosely based on the life of eccentric musician and songwriter Weird Al Yankovic (played excellently by Daniel Radcliffe), this film starts off strong and provides an entertaining introduction to Yankovic’s career. Halfway through there’s a shift and it begins to get silly. I found myself fact checking the wacky scenarios, only to discover that “loosely based on” wasn’t very based on at all and the truth is stretched at almost every turn. A serious biographical feature on Yankovic would’ve sustained audience interest so I’m not sure why (SPOILER ALERT!) a relationship with Madonna, the execution of Pablo Escobar, excessive drug and alcohol issues, and a violent father were fabricated into his story. Yes, it’s a whimsical and engaging tale which is well acted and well produced but I wanted more reality and less absurdity. It feels like a parody movie about a parody singer, which might be the whole point? To enjoy it you just need to take it at face value.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

ALONE AUSTRALIA – Season 1 & 2

A survival competition featuring 10 contestants who are dropped into the remote wilds of Tasmania (season 1) and New Zealand (season 2) where they must independently find food, build a shelter and document themselves on camera for 5+ hours a day. Location specific rules apply like no bow hunting in Tasmania, and no night hunting, eating sacred eels or cutting down certain sized trees in New Zealand. Participants are allowed to take ten select items with them (sleeping bag, tarpaulin, axe, fishing line, flint, pocket knife, cooking pot, etc) and are provided with a satellite phone which enables them to “tap out” at any time. The person who lasts the longest is awarded $250,000 for their efforts. Starvation, extreme weather and isolation from loved ones are the toughest opponents for contestants. Some applicants barely make it through day one after significantly miscalculating the level of hardship, and the show increases in interest once the early drop outs head home. True survival skills, perseverance and ingenuity are required to remain. No spoilers here but those who make it to the end are the ones who master mental presence and who embrace Mother Nature instead of trying to dominate her. A foray into human resilience and endurance.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

THE FINAL: ATTACK ON WEMBLEY

At 8pm on 11th July, 2021, the English soccer team was due to play in their first UEFA European Football Championship final at Wembley Stadium in since 1966. In the hours leading up to the kick off, 6000+ ticketless fans descended on the city and began to rampage. Drunk, high and completely underestimated by police and security officers, chaos broke out as the hooligans escalated from antisocial behaviour to full on violence. They swarmed the stadium and rioted outside the gates while the game was playing inside. Featuring file footage and interviews with attendees, security staff and several of the thugs themselves, this 90 minute documentary is a reminder of how quickly mob mentality can escalate and how easily anarchy can replace public order … and that some humans will always prioritise their own desires over the safety and well being of others, irrespective of the consequences. It’s also a doco that irritatingly sits on the fence by not having a clearly stated opinion on those who caused the mayhem. Instead it gives them a platform to gloat about their embarrassing behaviour. A missed opportunity to be so much more.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

THE VEIL

This six episode spy series centres around two women: Elisabeth Moss who plays MI6 agent Imogen Salter and Yumna Marwan as ISIS commander Adilya El Idrissi. After rescuing Idrissi from imprisonment in a refugee camp, Salter promises to reunite her with her daughter if she divulges the details of a ship laden with explosives, heading for an unknown port in the USA. By episode five the information isn’t forthcoming and people are getting mad – mostly the viewers!

Pursued across three counties by everyone from the Directorate-General for External Security (DGES) in France, to the CIA, to MI6, the two women stick together, lying and deceiving each other along the way. The stereotypes of the CIA as brash Americans who believe they have world jurisdiction and the DGES as desk jockeys only working 9am to 5pm are irritating for a show trying to be taken seriously.

Watching ‘The Veil’ is a haphazard, dragging slog, filled with irrelevant segues taking the focus off the main plot – not that the main plot is much to write home about. I’m a huge Elisabeth Moss fan thanks to ‘The Handmaids Tale’ but her over-enunciated English accent and brooding stares wore me down. I acknowledge she wasn’t given much to work with here, playing a reckless character who acts like a law unto herself, unable to be controlled by anyone. I could go on for hours more but I don’t have enough life left to live to keep thinking about this show. Billed as a thriller, I was anything but thrilled. Give it a miss.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3.5 for Elisabeth Moss only

ARTHUR THE KING

Endurance athlete Mikael Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg) convinces three teammates to participate with him one final time in the Adventure Racing World Championship. The gruelling race pushes everyone to their limits as they hike, climb, paddle and cycle across 435 miles of remote Dominican Republic terrain in 10 days. Half-way through they are joined by a stray dog, who begins to follow them wherever they go. He bonds with Mikael who bestows him with the name ‘Arthur the King’. Arthur becomes a valued member of the team and through the power of human and canine connection, he shows everyone what really matters in life. Based on a true story, with some facts changed for its adaptation to the big screen, this film will manipulate your emotions like a puppeteer and you’ll need to have the tissues handy. It’s not perfect but its heartwarming message wins out over the simple dialogue and one dimensional characters. The dog actor playing Arthur also gets a mention for the best performance.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

LADY GAGA: THE CHROMATICA BALL

A visual personification of the statement “Go big or go home”, Lady Gaga brings it in her feature length ‘Chromatica’ concert spectacular. Filmed in front of 52,000+ fans at Dodgers Stadium (Los Angeles) in 2022, it’s as energetic and elaborate as you’d expect a Gaga extravaganza to be, with no expense spared for costumes, set design, lighting and props. Theres also incredible tech incorporated into the show, like the 360 degree keyboard, a tilting platform and pyrotechnics. The film covers the concert in its entirety and doesn’t include any behind the scenes footage or interviews. It’s pure entertainment. A highlight is Gaga performing the ballad ‘Shallow’ as she plays piano wearing an alien looking insect headdress that obscures her vision. Masterful! If you’re a fan you’ll love it and if you aren’t, you may just be by the end. Turn up the volume and let’s d d d d dance!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THE 8 SHOW

A bleak Korean series about 8 strangers who participate in an obscure game show and race against the clock for money. Locked in a concrete studio with their every move filmed, each contestant is housed on a different floor, with more money and status going to those on the higher levels. Soon they uncover a valuable secret: the more they entertain their unseen observers, the more time they receive in the game, enabling them to increase their prize pools. This quickly leads to shocking acts of violence, torture and punishment in order to appease the powers that be, administered by the more privileged players against the less fortunate ones. While the series accurately depicts how power can corrupt, it’s slow in parts and the irritating dream sequences blur the lines between reality and illusion. Overall it’s a poor man’s ’Squid Game’ but with less coherence, a smaller cast and none of the finesse.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

GARFIELD

Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt) is a lasagna loving, Monday-hating moggy. He spends his time indoors sleeping, watching TV, eating and bossing around his dog ‘brother’ Odie. When Garfield’s estranged father Vic appears (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson), Garfield and Odie get caught up in a series of misadventures which force them to face the big wide world. Aimed at children, but with enough pace and wit to engage adults, this is a colourful, fun and sweet story about family ties, the importance of friends and pushing through your comfort zone. The animation is top notch and the scenes of Garfield as a tiny kitten with big soulful eyes are absolutely adorable. Odie is also a star as the ever-loyal, always vigilant sidekick who frequently saves the day. What a good dog! We watched this film in a cinema filled with 200+ children and as we left one young boy remarked “I liked it!”. And that’s really the only review you need. In cinemas 30th May.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

HARD CELL

“Hard Cell’’ is a comedic mockumentary set in fictional women’s prison HMP Woldsley, starring British comedian Catherine Tate. Triple threat Tate plays six different roles and is also a co-writer and co-director. With her chameleonic skills, she seamlessly transforms into a range of believable characters, each with endearing flaws that draw you into their trials and tribulations. You will find yourself caring about individuals you never expected to even be fond of. This witty, engaging and downright funny series was unfairly panned by the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, yet adored in the general public reviews. It deserved a second season but sadly wasn’t granted one. “My Mammy says” to indulge in its hilarity and brilliance.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

For two hours and twenty eight minutes you’ll be transported into a post apocalyptic world filled with mayhem, anarchy and brutality at every turn. Unforgiving Australian terrain sets the stage for the symphony of carnage that unfolds. Yep there’s an array of familiar faces (notably Chris Hemsworth as the bonkers Dementus Anya Taylor-Joy as headliner Furiosa) and a plot that ties in with ‘Mad Max – Fury Road’ but the exhilarating battles, high octane car chases, precision stunt driving, dystopian costumes, grotesque villains, and steam punk inventions steal the show. The war rig scene half way through is a visually chaotic masterpiece with the action kicking off on land and in the sky. Director George Miller’s imagination knows no bounds and the way he conceptualises ideas and brings them to life is testament to his creative brilliance. The only way to honour his creation is to see it on the big screen. Epic!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.75/10

ONE NIGHT

The trauma from an event that occurred 20 years ago comes back to haunt three former friends, when one of them decides to write a tell-all book about the incident. Stellar performances from powerhouse leads Nicole da Silva (Simone), Yael Stone (Hat) and Jodie Whittaker (Tess) bring their complex and flawed characters to life. As Simone, Hat, and Tess recount the story from their distinct points of view, the complexities of their guilt-laden relationships with each other are exposed. A strong supporting cast and solid script round out this six part mystery x drama series. Ignore Noni Hazelhursts over-cooked Scottish accent and you’ll find this to be a raw and gripping Aussie production based on tough subject matter.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

IF

Filled with CGI imaginary friends who are voiced by a plethora of acting legends, IF is a sentimental and at times, emotional journey. Directed by John Krasinski and starring Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw and Ryan Reynolds, this feel good jaunt will have you reminiscing about your childhood and contemplating when and why you “grew up”. The banging Tina Turner song ‘Better be good to me’ half way through was a brilliant inclusion and its supporting dance number was a stand out. What absolute joy! Also a timely tribute, as it’s been 12 months this week since Tina Turner passed away. The plot won’t hold the attention of younger children, but it will appeal to tweens upwards. Heartwarming, magical and fun, with a sweet message, stay for the end credits to see who plays the IF called Kevin. You’ll leave with a smile.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

EILEEN

An adaptation of the Ottessa Moshfegh novel of the same name, Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie) works as a secretary at a juvenile detention centre for boys. As a young woman yet to fully discover herself, she lives an unfulfilled, dull existence with her alcoholic, former police chief, father. When glamorous psychologist Rebecca (Anne Hathaway) starts at the prison, Eileen immediately becomes enamoured with her and they form an unlikely friendship. The first two thirds of the film are a slow burn, until Rebecca suddenly reveals a dark secret and things take a shocking twist. Sadly it’s too little, too late. The outstanding performances from the two lead actresses should be enough to hold this noir piece together, but the languishing pace and inconclusive ending will leave you dissatisfied.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

BILLY AND MOLLY

A gorgeous documentary about the symbiotic relationship between a Shetland based man (Billy) and an orphaned baby otter called Molly. Initially Billy helps an underweight Molly regain her health, while Molly gives Billy a purpose – but soon Billy needs Molly more than she needs him, and he has to take a step back to let her find place in the wild. Told from the narrative of Billy’s wife Susan, your heart will be full as you watch the connection between Billy and Molly grow. It reminds us to respect nature and all of its creatures and that we can co exist peacefully together by doing so. The cinematography is breathtaking, with artistic mastery in every scene. Endearing, engaging, and emotional, watch it with your kids.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

ULTIMATUM: MARRY OR MOVE ON & ULTIMATUM – QUEER LOVE

A trashy reality show about six couples who shouldn’t be together, let alone married. The format sets up a disaster waiting to happen – one party gives the other a marriage ultimatum and they then seperate before entering into a “trial marriage” with another participant. After three weeks they return to their original partner for a final three weeks, to see if they’ve changed their positions on their nuptials. With filming of each series taking place in North Carolina, Texas, San Diego, France and South Africa respectively, you’ll scream out loud at the the people taking as many liberties as they can and at the poor choices being made … but you’ll want more. Mindless and addictive.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10 but I’ll still watch it again 😜

WOLF LIKE ME – Series 1 & 2

Every time a full moon comes around, Mary (Isla Fisher) has to lock herself away while she turns into a ravenous werewolf. She falls for Gary (Joshua Gad) and her life gets a lot more complicated, with her secret becoming harder to hide. A dark comedy mixed with a sprig of romance and a dash of mild horror, the plot sounds bizarre on paper, but is believable when watching. Whilst season one was engaging and unique, season two didn’t quite have the same vibe, despite having the same writer. Perhaps it’s a lesson in only doing one season and ending on a high? Still, this Aussie production is easy to binge, with episodes under 30 minutes long. It’s a howling fun time.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Generations after the passing of chimpanzee leader Caesar, apes rule with world and humans are simple, mute, creatures known as ‘Echoes”. When a rival ape gang attacks the forest home of chimp Noa and abducts its residents, Noa begins a quest to save them, aided by an orangutan called Raka and a human girl called Mae. The recurring question from the three other ‘Planet of the apes’ films remains unanswered – can humans be trusted? Don’t expect a perfectly sensical plot and understand that this film is part of a franchise that isn’t yet at its end, and you’ll find this to be a solid, action-packed ride. In a weird conjecture, it seems easier to digest bad humans acting like animals than bad animals acting like humans and I wanted the apes to know better than to fall to the follies of mankind. The visuals of dilapidated buildings reclaimed by the jungle are impressive and the CGI eagle close-ups are insanely detailed and were a tech standout. Check it out then await the next instalment!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

BODKIN

Three podcasters arrive in the fictional town of Bodkin to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three locals 20 years earlier. As they dig around for a “great story” and immerse themselves in the community, tightly held secrets begin to unravel and people’s lives are on the line. Soon the podcasters find themselves biting off more than they can chew. A silly-fun, rollicking whodunnit set in picturesque Ireland, filled with humour, intrigue and twists … plus a few c-bombs. It’s a good time.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

AFTERLIFE – SEASONS 1, 2 & 3

After Tony’s beloved wife Lisa dies of breast cancer, he moves through life consumed with anger. Throwing consequences aside, he begins doing and saying whatever he pleases, with suicide as his back up plan. As his empathy slowly grows, so do his reasons to stick around. Written, directed and starring Ricky Gervais (as Tony), the portrayal of grief is relatable. With flawed, imperfect characters you can’t help but love, the acting is stellar and the cast have wonderful synergy. For all of its heavy themes, this series is anything but a drag. It will make you laugh, cry, and laugh until you cry. You’ll feel all the feels watching Gervais at his absolute best. It has something that will touch everyone, especially those who have loved and lost. Absolutely brilliant!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

BODIES

This sci-fi crime series focuses on the repeated discovery of a naked man’s body in the same London alleyway, and the police officers tasked with solving his murder across 1890, 1943, 2023 and 2053. Confused? Indeed. It takes a few episodes to figure out what’s going on. SPOILER ALERT!! Moving from one era to the next, and back again, the main characters are interwoven through time travel, facilitated by a fictional machine called ‘The Throat’. In order to change the past, they need to take action in the future but will that prevent a catastrophic event? With average acting and a few dodgy haircuts, the best (and most emotional) part is when a crooked detective takes an orphaned girl into his care. The rest is meh. Based on a DC graphic novel, which may explain the perplexing plot, you’ll need to suspend reality to get to the anti-climactic end.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

BIG VAPE – THE RISE AND FALL OF JUUL

A cautionary tale about the boom and bust of e-cigarette company JUUL. With a slogan of “moving fast and breaking things”, their marketing campaign to target young adults quickly propelled JUUL to multi-million dollar status. But when thousands of teenagers found themselves addicted to the brand, everything imploded. The numerous interviews (with industry insiders, past and present JUUL employees, vape users, and medical professionals) provided balanced arguments for and against vaping, yet you’ll still feel horrified at the underhanded tactics used to fuel sales. And when cigarette companies climbed into bed with JUUL and joined the fray, the dubious credibility that JUUL vapes were a “healthy” alternative to smoking blew away in the wind. Informative and eye opening but stretching the content to cover 4 episodes.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND

Soon after a family of four arrive at their Long Island holiday house, a city-wide blackout knocks out all communications. Bizzare things begin to happen. Animals congregate en masse in the backyard, a huge ship runs aground on a public beach, and hundreds of Teslas manically self-drive themselves into a pile up. Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke give believable performances as scared parents trying to protect their kids, whilst navigating the growing dystopia around them. The strong supporting cast of Mahershala Ali, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon help build the tension, as their characters switch into fight or flight modes. There’s sub themes of class distinction, racism, and foreign enemies all set to an epic musical score. You’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end, then disappointed with the open-to-interpretation conclusion. Are we being set up for a sequel?

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP

In January 1985, 47 legends of American music came together in Los Angeles to record “We are the world”. Fascinating behind the scenes footage, pieced together with present day interviews, tells the story of this global hit which raised over 63 million dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia. Driven by Lionel Ritchie, meticulous planning went into every aspect of the songs production. It might’ve been the greatest night in pop, but it was also the longest, with everyone involved burning the midnight oil to complete the final track. Success came from strong leadership, incredible voices, and the absence of ego. Take a nostalgic trip back to the 80’s and witness a collaborative event for the ages, and one which is unlikely to be repeated.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ

A moving life story, recollected by Lali Sokolov (Harvey Keitel) to author Heather Morris (Melanie Lynskey), set against the brutal backdrop of Auschwitz Birkenau. Tricked into boarding a train to “work for the war effort” 26 year old Lali (Jonah Hauer-King) found himself incarcerated in a place that can only be described as hell on earth. During his time in Auschwitz he was forced to work as a tattooist, responsible for branding each new arrival with their identification numbers. When he met fellow prisoner Gita (Anna Próchniak) it was love at first sight. Their fleeting moments together were the only shards of joy amongst the atrocities they witnessed on a daily basis. Living in horrific dehumanising conditions, under the stress of random executions and unprovoked violence, their hope for a future together gave them the resilience to make it through. Based on the best selling book of the same name, this is a compelling, heart wrenching series which switches between Heather’s interviews with Lali in 2003 and memories of his harrowing experiences from 1942 to 1945. It’s not everyone’s truth but it is Lali’s truth.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THE FAVOURITE

It’s 1795 and hot tempered Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman) occupies the throne, but has little interest in governing. Instead, she’d rather eat cake and play with her 17 pet rabbits, while her confidant Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) runs the country. New servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives on the scene and hatches a plan to manipulate and seduce the queen for her own social gain. After a power struggle with Abigail, Lady Sarah finds herself on the outer and the Queen is back in control … but her mental capacity is deteriorating. Despite war raging between England and France, the palace dwellers live it up with gaudy, reckless excess. Soon the Queens house of cards begins to crumble but is she as oblivious as she seems? A stellar cast leads, with epic costumes, a jarring musical score and superb scriptwriting – plus innovative wide angle cinematography for many scenes. There’s a reason this movie received 355 award nominations and took home 185 of them, including a Best Leading Actress Oscar for Olivia Coleman.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

THE CAPE : REVEALED

Foul play is suspected in 2003 when a father and his ten year old son (Bevan and Brad Simmons) go missing at sea in remote far north Queensland. Their disappearance draws attention to the turf war between two monopolistic and intimidating fishing dynasties. Through interviews with family members, friends and questionable associates, this documentary exposes how lawless citizens living in an isolated location, can get away with murder. Raw and eye opening, with an incestuous feel, the last 30 minutes were the most interesting. Will leave you feeling a bit yuk.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS

From executive producer James Cameron and narrated by Paul Rudd, this three-part docu-series spotlights the incredible abilities of the octopus. From shape shifting, to using tools, to future planning, to changing colour, you’ll marvel at the ways octopuses think and problem solve. They may look like aliens but they’re some of the smartest creatures on Earth. The filming is superb and several scenes left me wondering how they got the shot. It could’ve been condensed into 90 minutes, or two parts instead of three, and by the end I wished for more footage of the adorable grain-of-rice sized baby octopuses, but overall it’s astounding. Check it out and learn cool new things.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

PAST LIVES

A slow-burn about destiny and fate, centred around two childhood sweethearts Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) who meet up after 24 years apart. Nora and Hae Sung are painfully aware of each other when they reconnect and the frequent bouts of silence between them are filled with the palpable tension of things unsaid. Contending with cultural differences, spiritual bonds, and time gone by, you’ll wonder whether their moment has passed or is yet to come … and you’ll be unsure of the way you want things to go. The discomfort felt by Nora’s third-wheel husband Arthur (John Magaro) adds to the overall awkwardness. Decent acting and a decent script with the question left unanswered – “Does nostalgia hold us back?” A simple and realistic glimpse into three entwined lives which will appeal most to discerning romantics.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

HIGH COUNTRY

Set in the picturesque Victorian highlands, this Australian whodunnit stars Leah Purcell as Sergeant Andie Whitford. She transfers to a small country town and begins investigating a series of disappearances and murders. For the first few episodes the show builds nicely, but then things take a turn and it spirals off into several confusing and unrealistic tangents. There are too many characters, sub plots, and loud bangs. If you look away for a second you’ll be hard pressed to catch back up. The final episode is the most infuriating with a ridiculous conclusion and some loose ends left in limbo. Sadly the stunning location isn’t enough to maintain interest. Had promise but lost its way.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

YELLOWJACKETS – SEASON 1 & 2

When the plane carrying a New Jersey high school girls soccer team (the ‘Yellowjackets’) crashes deep in the Canadian wilderness, the survivors are stranded and realise that no one is coming to their rescue. Forced to fend for themselves, they soon descend into anarchy, cannibalism and insanity. Fast forward 25 years, and those who made it out alive are still haunted by the traumatic ordeal as adults. The two time periods are interwoven via flash backs and there are over a dozen diverse characters to keep track of. Juliette Lewis and Christina Ricci give strong performances but needed more screen time to have a significant impact. You’ll have to suspend belief to get through some of the flawed and messy plot lines. Entertaining but it wears thin.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

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