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

IT’S A SIN

Follows the exploits of three young gay men (Ritchie, Colin and Roscoe) who move to London seeking fun and independence. They explore their new found freedom with absolute verve and are enthralled at everything the big city has to offer. Ollie Alexander, as Ritchie, leads with excellence, bolstered by an incredible cast whose endearing characters will hit you in the heart. Every part of this limited series embodies the 1980’s to its core – from the music, to the costumes, to the sets … and to the start of the AIDS epidemic. The lack of awareness, social stigma, and limited access to effective treatments soon amplify its deadly consequences. You will cry and laugh and cry again. Devastatingly good and also plain devastating.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

THE FALL GUY

A rollicking rom-com with a big budget and lots of speccy stunts. Ryan Gosling (stuntman Cole Seavers) and Emily Blunt (movie director Jody Moreno) have great chemistry and slay with their comic timing. With a pumping soundtrack and the Sydney Opera House as a frequent backdrop, this action extravaganza is entertaining, fast-paced and fun – with a similar vibe to ‘Bullet Train’ which has the same director. Could’ve improved the exaggerated Aussie accents and Hannah Waddingham’s bad wig and over-acting, but Gosling and Blunts performances more than compensated. Bonus points for the promotional material generously shining a light on the unsung heroes of cinema, the stunt teams. Perfect for theatre viewing. Thumbs up!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE BOYS – SEASON 1, 2, 3 and 4

With a catchphrase of “Never meet your heroes”, ‘The Boys’ takes place in a world where superheroes are real and get treated like celebrities. But what happens when said “heroes” begin to use their powers for evil, becoming murderously diabolical and corrupt without care or consequence? Chaos kicks off quickly and severely, and is fuelled by a team of renegade vigilantes who try to regain control of the city. Featuring several characters who lack any moral conscience and behave as a law unto themselves. this show goes for maximum shock value and isn’t for the faint hearted. It’s filled to the brim with graphic violence, strong gore, obscene language, and highly sexualised scenes.
It
Is
A
Lot!
But geez it gets you hooked. Colourful in all the ways, watch it knowing what you’re in for.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

TLC FOREVER

‘Chilli’ (Rozonda Thomas) and ‘T-Boz’ (Tionne Watkins) share the triumphs and tribulations they experienced as part of innovative R&B trio TLC. Chronicling their meteoric rise, from humble beginnings to becoming the best selling American girl group of all time, they dominated the 90’s music charts with nine top ten singles and four number one hits. But their success came at a cost – there were domestic violence allegations, serious health issues, bankruptcy claims and the sudden death of group member Lisa ‘Left-Eye’ Lopez. As a bonus to reliving their music, you’ll be touched by the depth of love, trust and friendship between Chilli and T-Boz, even to this day. They see each other as family and have always had each others backs. They represent the sisterhood at its best and the “chicken coop” shoplifting re-enactment scene is fabulous. One for the fans.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

CUNK ON EARTH

In this five episode mockumentary, Philomena Cunk (Dianne Morgan) traces humankind from its origins to the present day. Cunks deadpan interview technique and baffling questions bewilder most of the scientists, scholars and experts she interviews, as they genuinely try to explain historical events to this seemingly witless woman. How Morgan remains in character the entire time is testament to her comedic ability and her hilarious improvisation skills are award worthy. It’s laugh out loud brilliance with many of the jokes hitting the mark. “My mate Paul” also loved it. IYKYK.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

ASTEROID CITY

In signature Wes Anderson style, the visual aesthetic of ‘Asteroid City’ features symmetry, a pastel colour palette and sparseness. It tells the story of a recently widowed war photographer who takes his son and three daughters to a junior stargazer convention. Plus something about a stage play with the same plot. Enter an alien and the subsequent turmoil that comes with an extraterrestrial arrival. A who’s-who of Hollywood makes up the cast and it’s more a case of who isn’t in it, than who is. The story has some touching moments and is dotted with humour. Enjoyable if you’re Anderson fan – might feel too off beat if you’re not.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

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ALL OF US ARE DEAD

One of the best zombie series to grace our screens. The virus outbreak starts in the fictional Hyosan High School in South Korea, and quickly spreads amongst its students, creating a nightmare the uninfected are desperate to escape. The character development is excellent and you’ll have favourites, but be warned – not everyone will survive. With a “horror” classification, the gore rating is high, the jump-scares are plenty, and the tension will have you holding your breath multiple times an episode. Watch it with one eye open!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

NOTHING COMPARES

Released eighteen months before Sinead O’Connor’s tragic death, this documentary pieces together her rise to fame and subsequent exile from the music industry between 1987 and 1993. File footage, interviews and her autobiographical lyrics are interwoven to shine a light on her horribly abusive childhood and her desire to be viewed as an activist and not a pop singer. She used her talent as a platform in her polarising quest for justice and she was ahead of her time, criticising the Catholic Church for the atrocities they committed against children long before anyone would listen. She was the first celebrity to experience “cancel culture” before it was a thing and instead of protecting her at all costs, the media and the public threw her to the wolves. Emotionally stirring and sad. RIP Sinead.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Princes estate refusing to let the doco use the lyrics (he wrote) to ‘Nothing Compares To You’ 0/10

ROADHOUSE

A remake of the 1989 film of the same name that no one asked for. Props to Jake Gyllenhaal for his physical transformation into ex MMA fighter turned bouncer, Dalton – it was the biggest effort put into the whole movie. Dalton’s main adversary is played by real MMA and boxing champion Conor McGregor, who didn’t stretch much past being his actual self for the 5.5 million USD payday he received. There’s also a predictable and schmaltzy plot peppered with a few graphic bare-knuckle fight scenes. It sucked.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 2/10

PAIN HUSTLERS

When Liza Drake (Emily Blunt) accepts a job in pharmaceutical sales, it seems too good to be true .. and it is. Before too long, Drake becomes entrenched in a prescription writing scam and Doctor kickback ruse which brings in the big bucks, but leads to even bigger consequences. With Chris Evans and Andy Garcia in supporting roles, the cast is top notch but their characters are morally repugnant. Based on the true story of the pharmaceutical industry’s failures, ‘Pain Hustlers’ exposes the lengths corrupt individuals will go to for profit and power. Engaging but leaves a sour note.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

ONE DAY

Spanning more than two decades, ‘One Day’ follows college graduates Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) who agree to reunite every year on the same day. The outstanding and diverse cast expertly weave their way through themes of fate, friendship and the fragility of life. With an authentic portrayal of the human spirit, you’ll ride the roller coaster of emotions as you cheer on Emma and Dexter. Get your tissues ready.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

UNLOCKED – A JAIL EXPERIMENT

Can prisoners self-govern effectively if their cell doors are unlocked and the guards are removed? That’s the question ‘Unlocked’ seeks to answer. Along the way it gives a pared back look at the inner workings of men’s Unit H in Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, Arkansas. Footage is captured through surveillance cameras plus a crew with access to the cells, and inmates and staff interviews are conducted as part of the six week long experiment. Whilst it feels similar to other fly-on-the-wall prison shows, the ‘60 Days In’ series pips it at the post for supremacy in this genre. The constant crim speak where they talk themselves up was grating.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

RIPLEY

An American psychopathic con-artist travels to Italy and pulls out all of the stops, including murder, in his quest for social status. Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is calm, methodical and unrushed – ironically these attributes are perfect descriptors for this entire series. His web of lies is so tightly woven that even the most experienced detective is at a loss to join the dots. The dialogue is sparse and it punctuates tense periods of silence and solitude. Filmed in black and white, every scene is visually alluring and each frame could be a stand alone photograph. Masterful noir.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

TRUE DETECTIVE- NIGHT COUNTRY

When eight men from a remote Alaskan research station vanish at the start of the polar night, Police chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) is called in to investigate. Joined by offsider Evangeline Navarro (former world boxing champion Kali Reis) their tumultuous relationship adds tension to an already uneasy vibe. There’s horror, mystery, mysticism, corruption and a hostile environment which isn’t for the faint hearted. Reis excels as Navarro, while Fosters character of Danvers does herself no favours with her brash attitude. Has a few plot holes in the final episode but maintains interest overall. Rug up!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BABY REINDEER

The true story of writer, creator and lead actor Richard Gadd about the catalyst that led him to confront his past trauma. When bar tender Donny (Gadd) makes a cup of tea for a distraught customer, Martha (played superbly and chillingly by Jessica Gunning) she becomes obsessed with him – and so begins years of relentless stalking. But does Donny really want it to end? You’ll feel shocked, uncomfortable and infuriated and will question Donny’s destructive choices as his patterns repeat themselves. It’s a car crash you cannot look away from. Tough going but excellent.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

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SCREW

A fictional series from the UK about the officers in charge at Long Marsh men’s prison. Found it hard to get past several unrealistic scenes, like the ward boss secretly sleeping in one of the cells every night, and poor tactical protocols, particularly walking in front of prisoners when escorting them around the wing. Violence is referenced but not actually depicted – felt like they didn’t have the budget for any proper special effects. This sort of show has been done before and done better. Ordinary.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

SCHOOL OF CHOCOLATE

Eight budding chocolatiers craft sculptures from chocolate under the watchful eye of master dessert chef Amaury Guichon. The lowest sculpture scores for the week earn that contestant a private lesson with Guichon and no one ever gets eliminated. This is a refreshing format for a competitive reality show, promoting guidance and growth rather than a failure driven exit. Whilst there’s improvement from week to week, none of the participants can reach the unattainable heights of Guichon’s chocolate creations and most of their attempts are underwhelming as a result. Tune in if there isn’t anything else on.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

LOVE & DEATH

Created by David E. Kelley and starring Elisabeth Olsen, this limited series is based on the true story of a grisly homicide committed after an affair goes wrong. Olsen expertly builds the tension as church-going housewife Candy Montgomery. Her impassive expression after the axe attack will have you squirming with discomfort – Candy may be able to disassociate from the extreme act of violence, but the viewer cannot. It’s even more shocking when you remember that this is about the lives of actual people. Palpable and thought provoking.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

TED LASSO – SEASONS 1, 2 & 3

This uplifting comedy x drama is all about inherent goodness, eternal optimism and the power of strong relationships, built around a UK soccer club. Led by Jason Sudekis as American coach Ted, the emotional journey of the cast, combined with their story arcs and redemptions, will win you over and leave a smile on your face. With 61 Emmy nominations across all three seasons and the title of the most watched series on AppleTV, ‘Ted Lasso’ is sweet but not saccharine. If you missed the Ted Lasso bus it’s not too late to catch a ride.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

FORCE OF NATURE – THE DRY 2

Five female colleagues with tumultuous relationships stomp off into the forest on a team-building weekend but only four come out. Alice has vanished and she happens to be an informant for the feds (enter Eric Bana as Det Aaron Falk) who are investigating her employer for fraud and money laundering. Is she just missing? Is she dead? What happened? Who’s telling the truth? Det Faulk and his offsider have their work cut out for them. SPOILER ALERT! With frequent flashbacks, there’s also a serial killer from 40 years ago and Falk’s own mother coming undone in the same forest, thrown into the mix. It all feels a bit rushed. The cinematography makes the lush forest, grand waterfalls, and stunning mountain ranges the stars of the show, with filming taking place across three visually spectacular areas of Victoria. Everything else is just the supporting cast.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Scenery score 10/10

EXPATS

A six part mini-series focussing on a group of privileged expats living in drama and crisis. One has a young son who was abducted but it’s more about the aftermath than the incident. The complex social classes of Hong Kong are well depicted, with the domestic helpers sacrificing dreams and time with their own families to serve their employers. Eastern and Western cultures clash frequently and stereotypes abound, particularly for the Asian and Indian mothers. I’m not a Nicole Kidman fan but she usually chooses decent roles. This one is similar to a few other melodramatic, wealthy wife characters she’s played. Wished for more HK scenery and street-life visuals but filming during the pandemic was prohibited at many locations. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it but did think about it for a while afterwards.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BACK TO BLACK

This is the story of Amy Winehouse – her rise to fame and her sad spiral into addiction. If I suspend the fact that I was meant to be watching someone who looks like Amy Winehouse, sounds like Amy Winehouse, and is Amy Winehouse, this biopic would just be passable. Singing the songs herself, Marisa Abela as Amy wasn’t convincing enough to bring home Amy’s unique vocal style. It was imitation, not replication and there was no musical crescendo. Actor Jack O’Connell (who plays Amy’s former husband Blake Fielder-Civil) called the film a “reimagination” and “fictitious” which seems like a lazy way to explain the omission of pivotal occurrences in Amy’s life. Abrupt ending.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY NEVER TOLD

Probably shouldn’t have been told. Have always been a JLo fan but after watching this self-indulgent, needy, “I’m now happy but I’ve had so much heartache in my life”, whinge fest, I’ve gone cold. There’s no denying she has an amazing work ethic and a tenacity to achieve her goals. The behind the scenes footage of her working on her music video, sorry music film, was engaging and she’s clearly in her element when in total control of her environment. Ben Affleck’s measured words and unaffected-by-fame attitude were good additions too. But the rest was meh. Contradicting the high score on Rotten Tomatoes.

SCORE:

Doco score 5.5/10

SCOOP

Based on true events, this drama gives a compelling inside view of the efforts taken by BBC Newsnight journalist McAlistair to secure the infamous Prince Andrew interview. There’s tenacity, tension and a pathetic Duke of York who, when questioned on camera about his involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, digs his own grave – leading to a public relations disaster for Buckingham Palace. 1.7 million viewers tuned in to the hour-long interview when it aired in 2019. Gillian Anderson heads the cast with Billie Piper as McAlister. Replicating history.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

PHYSICAL 100 – SEASON TWO

Have you ever wondered which body type is the ideal physique? Someone in South Korea did and ‘Physical 100’ was born. Following on from the format of season one, the 100 competitors include elite athletes, Olympic gold medalists, weightlifters, rock climbers, dancers, UFC fighters, cross fit masters, actors, singers, parkour experts, police officers, and military personnel. Participants compete in a knock-out series of individual and team challenges based on strength, endurance, and agility, with mass eliminations occurring along the way. There’s a lot of flexing. It frequently feels repetitive, with every aspect replayed from different angles, multiple times, for dramatic effect, but it piques your curiosity enough to see it through until the end. Best viewed with English dubbing.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

DEADLOCH

Possibly the best Australian television series ever made. Filled to the brim with banter, wit and intrigue plus excellent character development – each with their quirks and foibles – this crime and comedy combo is compelling. Superb writing by Kate Mclennan and Kate McCartney pulls your emotional chain and sees you laughing hysterically one minute and on tenterhooks in the next. Even the crass detective will win you over. Watch it twice and cross everything for a second season.

SCORE:

Alex's Score score 10/10

ROBOT DREAMS

A deeply emotive animated film about meaningful friendships, loneliness and finding joy in life. Dialogue free, the story is carried on the strength of its expressive characters. It’s tailored to adults more than children and the ending will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Poignant, delightful and memorable. Received a surprise 2024 Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.

SCORE:

Alex's score 9/10

GHOST BUSTERS – FROZEN EMPIRE

Convinced a friend to come along and watch it with me by pitching it as likely to be “fun, a bit silly, and not unlike the other Ghostbusters movies.” It was all those things with some decent special effects to boot. There were some cute references to the past films and it was fast paced and held my attention. Some plot lines felt rushed (like capturing the main rogue spirit) and a few of the teen actors irked me with their constant jeopardy, but if your expectation is just to be entertained for 1hr 45min you won’t be disappointed. If you want to fact check and debate the apparent science, it won’t be such a good time. Suspend belief and go with the flow.

SCORE:

Alex's score 6/10 for the 👻 special effects and the New York City backdrop.

GRISELDA

Based on the life of Griselda Blanco (with a few factual adjustments), a key underworld figure involved in the trade of cocaine between Colombia and the USA for close to 30 years. Mostly in Spanish with English subtitles, Sofia Vergara excels in her portrayal of Griselda and shares the full gamut of her acting abilities. Gritty, realistic and violent, it has several shocking and unexpected moments. There’s loyalty and betrayal in equal measure at every turn. It gives a glimpse into a whole different world and into the ballsy boss lady who fought to control it.

SCORE:

Alex's score 8/10

THE GENTLEMEN

Usually love anything by director Guy Ritchie, and loved the movie of the same name but didn’t love this TV series. Frustrating and bumbling characters I had zero care for, who were immersed in constant chaos. An absolute annoying cluster feck the whole time. Couldn’t even get to the end of it.

SCORE:

Alex's score 1/10 for Guy Ritchie’s name attached to It.

BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE

This film is a genuinely gritty and grim glimpse (say that three times fast) into 1980’s life, set in a low socio economic suburb of Brisbane. It takes the viewer on a transcendental journey through the eyes of 13 year old Eli Bell (Felix Cameron) and his dysfunctional family. It’s filled with violence, drug use, and obscene language and is a constant emotional roller coaster which leaves you holding on for dear life until the end. The superb cast pull together the robust script and authentic sets. Excellent!

SCORE:

Alex's score 9/10

HAPPY VALLEY – SEASON 1 , 2 and 3

Solid UK police show following the trials and tribulations of Catherine Cawood, a fearlessand empathetic Sergeant played to perfection by Sarah Lancashire. Fast paced with realistic police banter, flawed (but mostly likeable) characters, and a relentless-feeling themed storyline which continues across all seasons, Happy Valley is anything but happy.

SCORE:

Alex's score 8/10

THE REGIME

Kate Winslet convincingly plays the infantile, useless, deluded, ridiculous, out of touch (get the idea?) hypochondriac leader of an unnamed European country, manipulated by a basic and aggressive soldier with a murderous past. When they team up, it goes to 💩. It’s meant to be satire but it’s just silly and fanciful and it feels like someone who had a life dream to make this series, paid to create it themselves when everyone else said no.

SCORE:

Alex's score 3/10 for Winslet’s acting only.

DUNE – PART TWO

The bad guys were bad. The special effects were seamless. Costuming was masterful and the musical score set the foreboding tone throughout. Never a dull moment. Storyline left the door open for the third and final instalment. Truly epic!

Costing $190million USD to make, loved seeing it at Event Innaloo Gold Class for $45. See it on the big screen. Also helps to watch ‘Dune – Part One’ beforehand as a refresher.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 10/10

DREAM SCENARIO

A journey into what happens when your dreams impact your reality, and the pitfalls of social media, going viral, cancel culture and herd mentality. Nicholas Cage plays the unassuming professor to a tee as his life rises, then falls, around him. Will leave you thinking long after it has ended.

Hope you don’t see me in your dreams.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

WONKA

This whimsical semi-musical is about friendship, chocolate, and never giving up on your dreams. It’s consists of catchy songs, a strong visual aesthetic, CGI animals, and Olivia Coleman’s tobacco-stained false teeth. Overall it makes for simple but charming entertainment which will leave you with a feel-good glow and a smile on your face.

I had no expectations other than being entertained by something light and airy. It deliverered. The kids in the cinema enjoyed it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

POOR THINGS

Much mention has been made of the “stupefying performances, insane production and epic costume design” and this movie is all that, but I was not prepared for (or forewarned about) the frequent visceral dissection of bodies, nakey people and bountiful f*rnication scenes.

It. Was. A. Lot. But I don’t regret watching it. Definitely wasn’t bored.

SCORE:

Alex's score 10/10

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