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

THE LAST SHOWGIRL

With director Gia Coppola at the helm, ‘The Last Showgirl’ was captured on 16mm film in 18 days on a budget of 2 million dollars. Pamela Anderson makes her big screen comeback as Shelley, a 57-year-old Las Vegas showgirl who has dedicated 30+ years to the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ revue. She holds the show in high esteem but its appeal has waned and it’s no longer attracting an audience. A mostly make-up free Anderson is fabulous as Shelley, capturing her emotional anguish as she struggles with the reality of aging out of a role she cherishes, while trying to reconnect with her estranged daughter. A heart wrenching moment occurs during an audition for a new show, where Shelley begs for a place and is forced to hear several harsh truths about her career. Jamie Lee Curtis excels as Annette, a casino cocktail waitress and Shelley’s close friend. She steals every scene and her slow dance to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ will stay with you long after the credits roll. Most of the outdoor scenes are filmed away from the Las Vegas Strip, subtly suggesting that the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ is not a main attraction. Listen out for the Miley Cyrus song ‘Beautiful That Way’ in the final act. A sad, intimate depiction of ageism and how it feels to become obsolete.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

Debra’s score 7/10

DOUGLAS IS CANCELLED

After telling a distasteful story at a wedding, news anchor Douglas (Hugh Bonneville) finds himself in need of damage control. His agent, along with his show producer and co-host Madeline (Karen Gillan), prepare him of the public scrutiny he’s about to face. Madeline conducts a rehearsal (mock) interview to help Douglas formulate his responses, in an attempt to protect his reputation and his career. But is she genuinely assisting him, or is she two strategic steps ahead? While the first two episodes unfold slowly, the series gains momentum in its final stages. The misogyny present throughout causes strong tension and discomfort, but the conclusion sees a “robust” dose of justice dished out.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

BEAST GAMES

The most subscribed YouTuber on the planet, Jimmy Donaldson A.K.A. Mr Beast, brings to television the most expensive game show ever made. Spanning ten episodes, the competition starts with 1,000 participants competing for a grand prize of $10 million. Throughout the series, contestants engage in various challenges, navigate ethical dilemmas, and form alliances. Although the set design is elaborate (the first two episodes alone cost $29 million to produce), the show overall is hit and miss, with some challenges resulting in contestants being eliminated within seconds, while others hinge on the decisions of individual players. Skipped some parts as it began to feel same same and like one big branding push.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

THE GORGE

In the sci-fi romantic action film, Levi Kane (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are military operatives tasked with guarding a mysterious gorge, cloaked from view to the outside world. Stationed in adjacent towers on either side of the gorge, they sign up for 12-month tenures and receive little information about their location. Their job is to stop alien-like creatures from exiting the gorge, but as their mission unfolds they realise everything is not what it seems and find themselves engaged in a struggle for survival. This film has a decent premise on paper and is easy to follow, but its execution is sloppy, with sub standard special effects and unrealistic CGI. Teller does an average job of his role, while Taylor-Joy is unconvincing as an elite sniper. Had promise but is a time passer at best.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.9/10

Amanda’s Score 6.7/10

SWEETPEA

In this six-part rage-drama, Ella Parnell plays quiet, unassuming loner Rhiannon. The series takes a dark turn when Rhiannon’s high school bully, Julia Blenkingsopp (Nicole Lecky), reenters her life, causing Rhiannon to spiral out of control and begin randomly killing men she perceives to be “bad people”. As Rhiannon becomes increasingly obsessed with Blenkingsopp, her psychopathic tendencies increase yet she initially flies under the radar as the murder suspect. Rhiannon’s character is meant to evolve from meek and mild to confident and alluring. However Parnell’s performance struggles to convey this transformation, resulting in a portrayal that feels miscast and lacks believably. The actions of police detective Diana St.John (Ingrid Oliver) who becomes hyper-focused on Rhiannon, also leave much to be desired, contributing to the overall far fetched feeling of the show. It ends in a cliffhanger and series two has been commissioned.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

CELEBRITY BEAR HUNT

Twelve British celebrities (including Boris Becker, Spice Girl Mel B and Kate Moss’s sister) are dropped into the Costa Rican jungle, where they must complete various tasks while evading survivalist Bear Grylls. If they are located, they face the “Bear Pit,” a rugged area where the have to reach an exit before Grylls captures them. Think a poor man’s ‘Survivor’ crossed with ‘Hunted’. The “Bear Pit” trials are repetitive and the continuity throughout is manipulated to Grylls advantage. For example, in episode one he parachutes from a helicopter to chase the participants, yet not a single person sees him float down from the sky above them, indicating that he jumped before they set off for their task and not during it as claimed. In the finale, three celebrities remain uncaptured so Grylls just selects his favourite as the winner. It gives winging-it vibes and makes the series feel unplanned. Overall it lacks excitement and is boring.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

AMERICAN MURDER: GABBY PETITO

In 2021, 22-year-old Gabby Petito embarked on a cross-country journey in a van with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Tragically their adventure led to her disappearance. When Laundrie returned to his parents Florida home alone, his family declined to communicate with law enforcement or Gabby’s family, opting to hire an attorney instead. Within a matter of days, Brian also vanished and a widespread manhunt commenced. Around the same time, Gabby’s remains were discovered in Wyoming – she’d been murdered. This three-part true crime documentary features interviews with Gabby’s friends and family, witnesses, and law enforcement officials. It explores the consequences of domestic violence, as well as the decisions made by the Laundries in prioritising their son’s protection over adherence to the law.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

THE ORDER

FBI Agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) investigates “The Order,” a white supremacist group led by Bob Matthews (Nicholas Hoult). The group follows the ideology of a book called ‘The Turner Diaries’ and plans in a series of domestic terr*rist acts. Their criminal activities escalate into violent armed robberies of banks and armored vehicles transporting cash, as well as the murder of individuals they want to silence. Set in 1983 and based on a true story, the film explores the group’s radical plans to overthrow the government. Law delivers a convincing performance as hard-headed Agent Husk. A gripping insight into the mindset of individuals consumed by hatred and the extremes they’ll go to. Compelling, eye opening, and a stain on American history.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

INVISIBLE BOYS

A home grown, quintessentially Australian drama centred around the lives of three teenagers – Charlie (Joseph Zada), Zeke (Aydan Calafiore), and Kade (Zach Blampied) – living in the coastal city of Geraldton. Charlie embraces his identity as an openly gay youth, while Zeke navigates the complexities of being in the closet. Meanwhile, Kade dreams of being drafted into the AFL and struggles with his internalised homophobia. The series explores the challenges they face, particularly from friends and family who don’t fully support their se*ual orientations. The script is excellent, complemented by a talented cast and an impressive production quality. Prepare for an emotional journey where not every character will live happily ever after. Intense, tragic and realistic, it’s brilliant.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

This six-part series is loosely based on the true story of scam artist Belle Gibson (Kaitlin Dever.) In 2013, Gibson claimed to have brain cancer (and subsequently blood, spleen, uterine, liver, and kidney cancers) and alleged that she lived longer than her four month life expectancy thanks to alternative therapies, exercise, healthy eating, and natural medicine. Her lies were a slap in the face to those genuinely battling cancer. As a self proclaimed wellness guru she founded ‘The Whole Pantry,’ an app that provided unfounded health advice, and authored a book of the same name which was eventually withdrawn from publication. When two investigative journalists began to dig into the whereabouts of money she raised for several charities, and realise she never donated a cent, her empire begins to fall. American actress Dever embodies Gibson to a tee – her Aussie accent is on point and her whispery voice and constant teary outbursts will give viewers the ick. Could’ve easily been condensed into four episodes and lose its whole South America thread. While certain elements of the series are fictionalised, the depths of Gibsons deception is accurate. Infuriating, reprehensible and vile.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

QUEER

Daniel Craig stars as William Lee, an American expatriate living in Mexico, who becomes infatuated with a young American soldier, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey.) Despite Allerton’s insistence that he is “not queer,” the two begin a romantic relationship and Lee embraces the possibility of something deeper than a series of one-night stands. The film is divided into four chapters, and during its third segment, Lee and Allerton travel to South America, where they try Ayahuasca in the jungle. Things get crazy and the vibe is feels totally different to the first half of the film. Craig is brilliant as a the anguished Lee, a character in stark opposition to the straight, masculine persona of James Bond, but overall it’s a strange story that goes on for too long.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

Amanda’s Score 2/10

RUMOURS

World leaders from Germany, France, Canada, the USA, Japan, Italy, and the UK convene for the G7 summit in Germany. In a lakeside gazebo, they begin drafting a joint statement to address a global crisis. Before too long, they discover that their envoy, security detail, and catering staff have vanished, leaving them alone on the expansive property. They decide to walk through the woods at night to find help and encounter bizarre, 2000 year old creatures who keep committing s*x acts, and a living brain “as big as a hatchback”. The set design is cheap, with a fake red hue added to most scenes, and there’s a cheesy, soap opera aesthetic reminiscent of “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Cate Blanchett plays the German prime minister Hilda Orlmann and she must’ve lost a dare when she put her name to this – as an actress and an executive producer. Supposedly satire and comedy, it fails on all levels. It’s pointless rubbish and a total embarrassment to everyone associated with it. You’ll want to smash in your television (or your own face) just to stop the misery … and if you do make it to the end, you’ll feel intellectually diminished.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 1/10 for the song ‘Exile’ by Enya

Amanda’s Score 0/10

KINDA PREGNANT

When teacher Lainy Newton (Amy Schumer) ends her four-year relationship with Dave (Damon Wayans Jr.), she begins to question whether she’ll ever have a family of her own. Feeling out of place among her two pregnant friends, Lainy decides to don a fake baby bump and attend a prenatal class, where she meets Megan (Brianne Howey). To her surprise, Megan’s brother Josh (Will Forte) turns out to be the man of her dreams, and a romantic connection begins to develop. Lainy finds herself trapped in her deception and struggles to reveal the truth to Josh about her pretend pregnancy. New Zealand comedian Ursula Carlson steals the show as Fallon, Schumers potty-mouthed school guidance councillor. Her years of stand-up experience give her perfect comedic timing and she’s a natural in front of the camera. While the plot is ridiculous, the cleverly written script is brimming with humour and countless laugh-out-loud moments. Light and entertaining.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

MARIA

Set in 1970s Paris, this biographical drama depicts the final seven days of famed opera singer Maria Callas (Angelina Jolie.) As Callas grapples with an escalating addiction to prescription medication, she experiences hallucinations that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Despite the dedicated efforts of her loyal staff, housemaid Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher) and butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino), to care for her, Callas’s struggles grow. Her abusive childhood comes back to haunt her and her once unparalleled voice begins to fail. A superb Jolie perfectly embodies Callas and commands the screen in every scene. This is the best performance of her career. With a tragic final act, the sadness of Callas’s story will stay with me for some time.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

WE LIVE IN TIME

A poignant love story between chef Almut (Florence Pugh) and breakfast cereal marketer Tobias (Andrew Garfield) who meet in their mid 30’s and being dating. The film jumps backwards and forwards through time, highlighting different parts of their relationship, including Almuts second cancer diagnosis and the birth of their daughter. As Almut faces her mortality, she expresses a final wish that requires Tobias to set aside his biggest dream. This heartfelt film explores themes of life and loss, featuring strong performances from its lead actors and well-developed characters. There are many warm and light moments despite the weighty subject matter.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BABYGIRL

High-powered CEO Romy (Nicole Kidman) struggles to communicate her desires to her husband of 19 years, Jacob (Antonio Banderas.) Instead of expressing her needs openly, she jeopardies her career and personal life by engaging in an illicit affair with Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young intern at her company. Threats of blackmail are soon thrown into the mix and Kidman spends most of her on-screen time with her mouth agape, looking like a deer in the headlights. I found the characters to be one dimensional and didn’t like anything about this film except the soundtrack.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 1/10

HE AINT HEAVY

Jade (Leila George) goes to great lengths to wrench her brother Max (Sam Corlett) from the grips of addiction by when she forces him into home-rehab by locking him in their grandmothers house. When their mother, Bev (Greta Sacchi) arrives, she is shocked to discover her son imprisoned. Jade convinces her that this drastic measure is necessary to help Max, whose violent tendencies and rampant drug use have spiraled out of control. Max’s struggles weigh heavily on Jade and Bev and their desperation and despair is all consuming. All three leads deliver outstanding performances, with Corlett’s portrayal of Max being particularly convincing. Filmed in Western Australia, this gritty and intense story explores the harrowing experiences of people who have reached their breaking point, and have nowhere else to turn.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 7.5/10

WE WERE DANGEROUS

Set in New Zealand in 1956, a group of twelve delinquent girls are sent to a remote island school, where they are trained to for marriage and morherhood. Amidst the harsh conditions, their daily life is filled with chores and scripture lessons, overseen by the strict and imposing Matron, portrayed by Rima Te Wiata. Three of the girls, Nellie, Daisy, and Lou, forge a strong friendship and rise up against the oppressive institutional environment. The performances are endearing and the scenery is stunning. My only criticism is that it felt too short. I was invested in the characters and wanted to see more of the story unfold.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7.5/10

PROTECTION

Detective Inspector Liz Nyles (Siobhan Finneran) works in witness protection. SPOILER ALERT! Her world is turned upside down when two adults residing in one of her safe houses are murdered and her colleague Detective Sergeant Paul Brandice (Barry Ward) is shot. Liz had been having an affair with Brandice and he should not have had access to the safe house’s location. The murders prompt an internal investigation and Liz is put in a precarious position as she tries to protect the victims’ 12-year-old daughter while working to prove her own innocence and determine who is behind the killings. As tensions rise every officer becoming a potential suspect and mistrust grows. The police incompetence and disregard for the rules is frustrating, yet the cast delivers convincing performances, with Finneran shining in the lead role. The final episode was a bit confusing and frustrating, with a convoluted bunch of revelations and everything being too neatly tidied up without much consequence. Decent British drama.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7.5/10

NIGHTB*TCH

Amy Adams stars as Mother, a former artist who struggles with resentment over sacrificing her career to raise her son, Baby. She feels like she’s lost her identity and is overwhelmed with household responsibilities while her husband works away. Strange physical occurrences begin to manifest in her body and she is plagued by bizarre dreams where she transforms into a dog at night and roams the streets. Do her dreams cross over into reality or is the entire movie a metaphor for seeking change? SPOILER ALERT! The answer is left to the viewer. More dark comedy than horror, Adam’s is fabulous and captures her character’s profound love for Baby and her raging need for freedom. A crazy ride.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

NEVER LET GO

A woman named Momma (Halle Berry) lives in a remote forest with her young twin sons, Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins). She instills in them the belief that the world has been overtaken by a supernatural force known as ‘The Evil,’ and insists they remain tethered together with rope whenever they leave their cottage to prevent ‘The Evil’ from harming them. As winter approaches and food becomes scarce, Momma’s violent visions intensify. Soon Nolan begins to question if Mommas claims are real, causing everything to quickly go pear-shaped. While child actors Daggs and Jenkins deliver commendable performances and the forest scenes are moody and menacing, the rest of the film is mediocre and the end is disappointing. The only character I really cared about was the dog.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3.5/10

LOVER, STALKER, KILLER

This true crime documentary chronicles the harrowing experience of David Kroupa, a mechanic from Omaha, Nebraska, who ventured into online dating for the first time in 2012. Through the ‘Plenty of Fish’ app he met, and began dating, Liz Goylar. A few moths later he simultaneously began seeing Cari Farver, informing both women that he was not wanting anything serious. Just two weeks into their relationship, Farver disappeared and commenced a four-year-long stalking campaign directed at David and Liz, that eventually escalated to include arson, death threats, a shooting, and murder. The story is recollected through interviews with David, his ex wife, Farver’s mother, police investigators and prosecutors involved in the case. There’s a shocking plot twist that shows the extreme lengths some individuals will take to exact vengeance. Although justice was finally served in 2017, additional footage from the trial would’ve rounded out the otherwise compelling content. A gripping and unsettling account of obsession and its dire consequences.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED

A romantic comedy featuring Will Ferrell as the widowed father of one bride and Reese Witherspoon as the black-sheep sister of another. When they inadvertently double-book the same wedding venue, a series of chaotic events unfolds, leading to mishaps and sabotage as their efforts to co-share the space spiral out of control. Featuring a fun supporting cast and a few good laughs, seasoned comedy professionals Ferrell and Witherspoon shine in their performances, yet lack believable chemistry together – they feel like old friends. Typical of the rom com genre of the early 2000’s, this film is a lighthearted, enjoyable escape.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7.5/10

THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT

During World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was formed, comprising 855 women from the Black Women’s Army Corps under the steely leadership of Captain Charity Adams (Kerry Washington). Deployed to Birmingham, England, the battalion was tasked with addressing a backlog of 17 million military letters within a challenging six-month timeframe – an endeavor that had previously proven insurmountable for a white women’s unit and had negatively impacted soldier morale.Despite facing severe living conditions and enduring discrimination and prejudice from white male officers, the 6888th accomplished their mission in an impressive 90 days. Directed by Tyler Perry, this film highlights the extraordinary efforts, teamwork, and resilience of these women who played a pivotal role in supporting the military during the war. I shed a tear a few times and am grateful that the 6888 finally got the recognition they deserved in 2022 (70 years after the fact!) when they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Boss ladies!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

BACK IN ACTION

Former CIA spies Matt (Jamie Foxx) and Emily (Cameron Diaz) are forced to emerge from hiding after going awol from their jobs 15 years earlier. They are pursued to England, along with their children, by a group of bad guys trying to locate a key that Matt stashed on the estate of Emily’s mother (Glenn Close).

Yes, you have to suspend belief and ignore some plot holes but we laughed all the way though and found it to be fun, easy-going viewing. Foxx and Diaz carry the movie and have fabulous chemistry. They’re both great at combining action and comedy and pull off some speccy stunts. Liked it more than I expected to.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

Add Your Heading Text Here

CARPOOL KARAOKE: CHRISTMAS EDITION

In this special holiday edition, James Corden hands the wheel over to New Zealand radio DJ Zane Lowe, who tries hard but is uncharismatic. The episode begins with a visit to Chappell Roan in Missouri, followed by Dua Lipa in Japan, and Lady Gaga in Los Angeles. Staying true to the traditional carpool karaoke format, the artists sing their popular songs alongside the host as they are driven around.

The segments featuring Chappell Roan and Lady Gaga were my favourites. Chappell’s parents accompany her for part of the journey, and she opens up about her challenging upbringing in the Midwest. We are also introduced to her two best friends, who affectionately still call her Kaylee. Lady Gaga impresses with her kindness and generosity, and impressively undergoes three outfit changes.

This is a timely watch, as Chappell Roan has just secured the number one song on Triple J’s Hottest 100 with “Good Luck, Babe!” which received the highest number of votes in the competition’s history. Although the host is average the rest gets pulled up thanks to interesting insight into three singing superstars.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

THE APPRENTICE

An insight into the young adult life of Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) during the 1979’s and 80’s. It chronicles his friendship with bullish, unscrupulous lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong)who taught him to always attack, always counterattack, and never apologise.

If the mentor makes the man, Cohn certainly played a huge part in the creation of today’s Donald Trump.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

THE LATER DATERS

This reality TV dating show offers a refreshing departure from the typical influencer demographic, featuring contestants over the age of 50 who are looking for love. Centred on the experiences of six divorcees, the program provides a unique perspective on romance in later life. While I was less engaged with some of the participants (a few of them are set in their ways and resistant to any form of change) two in particular had me cheering on from the sidelines. Not earth shattering but an easy watch to pass time.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

THE BRUTALIST

Commencing in 1947, Hungarian-born revolutionary architect László Tóth (Adrian Brody) immigrates to Philadelphia to start a new life. His soon crosses paths with wealthy businessman Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) and his son Harry (Joe Alwyn) and they commission him to design a large community centre.

Eventually his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) and niece Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy) join him in the USA and all three reside on the sprawling Lee Van Buren estate. However, as Tóth grapples with drug addiction and becomes fixated on the completion of his design, his mental state begins to unravel.

Shot on 70mm film and split into three parts (Part 1: The Enigma of Arrival, Part 2: The Hard Core of Beauty and Epilogue: The First Architecture Biennale) the film spans 3 hours 35 minutes, including a 15 minute mid-way intermission.

The engaging plot, exceptional acting and compelling character development makes the lengthy run time fly by. Oscar’s buzz is swirling, in part thanks to the dynamic performances of Brody and Pearce. Director Brady Corbet said it best in his acceptance speech when ‘The Brutalist’ won Best Dramatic Film at the recent Golden Globes – “No one was asking for a three-and-a-half hour film about a midcentury designer on 70 millimeter. But it works.” Yes it does and you won’t be bored.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

CONCLAVE

With the passing of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is responsible for overseeing the election of the new pontiff. As the cardinals convene to cast their votes, issues of deceit, bribery, and political maneuvering arise, putting Cardinal Lawrence in a stressful position as he strives to uphold the integrity of the conclave. Fiennes delivers an outstanding performance as measured, ethical Lawrence, a man heavily burdened by his responsibility. The supporting cast is also superb and includes esteemed actors Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, and John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay. Mesmerising cinematography, incorporating the use of color, leading lines, and shadows, creates unforgettable visuals – like the striking overhead shot of the cardinals walking beneath their umbrellas, reminiscent of a scene that would be perfectly at home in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Numerous plot twists and the constant tension between cardinals held my attention and I’ve never been so invested in a subject I have no care for. The nuanced criticism of the church in the final reveal is deftly handled and the reveal itself is something I didn’t see coming. Director Edward Berger has created a masterpiece from beginning to end, deserving of its recent Golden Globe award for Best Screenplay. Brilliant!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

Kelly’s score 8/10

Steve’s score 8.5/10

JAMIE FOXX: WHAT HAPPENED WAS

In his return to television and stand up comedy, Jamie Foxx opens up for the first time about the life threatening medical emergency he experienced in April 2023. Wracked with emotion, he shares details of incident that saw him in a coma for 20 days and the part his strong faith played in his recovery. The first 20 minutes is repetitive (Atlanta saved his life, we get it!) but then he shifts gears into great storytelling. He delivers hilarious punchlines, can hold a tune and has a talent for impersonations – his Mike Tyson take-off was brilliant. I laughed out loud several times and thoroughly enjoyed how the live audience showed their support through song, dance and chants. Worth checking out.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

JERRY SPRINGER: FIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

The ‘Jerry Springer Show’ ran for 27 seasons from 1991 until 2018 and at its peak was one of the most watched programs in America. A tabloid talk show known for its sensationalist topics and confrontational format, it featured guests who engaged in anger-fuelled disputes about relationships, family issues, and personal scandals. With an iconic catchphrase of “Take care of yourselves and each other,” the show became a cultural phenomenon, devoid of ethics and capitalising on outrageous, chaotic and often violent moments for entertainment. This two part doco exposes the way executive producer Richard Dominick stopped at nothing to fuel the shows trashy trajectory, and how guests were manipulated and incited to rage in front of the cameras, raising questions about a duty of care, especially in the wake of a murder linked to a guest appearance. Was Springer (who died in 2023) complicit or just doing his job? Shocking and eye opening.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

PADDINGTON IN PERU

It’s been 7 years since the last Paddington movie and it was worth the wait. The latest instalment was filmed in Columbia and Peru and brings the charm and whimsy of Paddington to life through motion capture and CGI. When Paddington arrives in Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy and discovers she’s missing, he sets off on a quest across the Amazon quest to find her, with the Brown family in tow. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Olivia Colman (always brilliant!), Antonio Banderas and Ben Whishaw (as the voice of Paddington) this delightful film is filled with humour, adventure and uplifting messages. The tarantula scene on the plane is hilarious (and that’s saying a lot coming from an arachnophobe) and hearing Olivia Coleman singing ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ is a hoot. An enjoyable family romp.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

NOSFERATU

The opening scene of this movie was so unappealing I almost walked out. It gave me the feeling that everything to follow was going to be rubbish … and sure enough, most of it was. On a positive note, the cinematography perfectly captured the dark and atmospheric mood of the Gothic horror genre. Nicholas Hoult was commendable as newlywed Thomas Hutter. The sound effects, particularly the unsettling slurping during the blood-drinking scenes, added to the creepy ambiance. And thankfully all 5,000 live rats used on set survived, unharmed. However, the rest of the film left much to be desired. Bill Skarsgård, whom I loved as Pennywise the Clown in ‘It,’ played the grotesque Count Orlok and everything about his character irritated me. He really needed faster speech, an oxygen tank, some clothes and a pair of nail clippers. Lily-Rose Depp (as Thomas’s wife Ellen) was dreadful and spent most of the film in wide-eyed hysteria and exaggerated convulsions. The plot was tedious and some parts were so absurd I wondered whether the tone had shifted to comedy. Other scenes were revolting but felt like they were added for shock value rather than the further the story. I even found myself taking a few micro-naps and it’s been decades since I’ve fallen asleep during a movie. Yeah I hated it. Die-hard Dracula fans might fare better.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3/10

A MAN ON THE INSIDE

Ted Danson stars as Charles, a recent widower and retired professor who goes undercover for a private investigator at an upscale aged care facility. He’s tasked with tracking down a thief who’s stolen an expensive necklace from a resident. Struggling with the recent loss of his wife and feeling as though he is merely existing rather than living, Charles initially accepts the assignment to occupy his time. He soon discovers much more in this charming series that delves into the challenges of aging, the isolation of loneliness, and the significance friendship. Moments of lightheartedness are mixed with deeper emotional themes resulting in a lovely balance of comedy and drama. Enjoyable and easy to watch. Has been renewed for season two.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

THE ROOM NEXT DOOR

Adapted from the novel ‘What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, ‘The Room Next Door’ is Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar’s first full-length English film. Old friends Martha (a former war correspondent played by Tilda Swinton) and Ingrid (a successful author played by Julianne Moore) reconnect when Martha is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She invites Ingrid to be with her “In the next room” when she ends her life through euthanasia. Martha’s damaged relationship with her daughter Michelle resurfaces as she navigates her final days with Ingrid. Heavy on dialogue about past memories, life and death, their conversations felt stilted and didn’t flow, as if they were translated from a different language. While I admired Martha’s bravery in choosing to end her life on her own terms, I struggled to form an emotional connection with her or Ingrid – the depth just wasn’t there. The use of Swinton as three different characters (Martha, young Martha, and Michelle) felt like lazy casting. Despite the experienced lead actresses and thought provoking theme, I found this production to be mundane and lacklustre. The stunning country property and the rich shade of plum lipstick deserve a mention though.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

Kelly’s score 6.9/10

Steve’s score 7/10

SQUID GAME – Season 2

Following on from the success of its first season, which remains the most-watched show in Netflix history, season two of “Squid Game” raised in 68 million views within the first four days of its debut, smashing the previous record set by “Wednesday.” However, the similarities don’t just end with viewer milestones – the initial six of the seven episodes feel like a carbon copy of series one, only the element of surprise has gone second time around. SPOILER ALERT! The winner of the first series, Gi-Hun (Lee Jung-jae) reenters the game and we are introduced to stereotypical players and protagonists similar to those from the original go-around. The sets are the same and the format is the same, though we do get a glimpse into the lives of the staff who run the facility. Some of the games have changed too but the penalty for failing then is still death. Much of the screen time is consumed with players voting to stay or leave and nothing new really happens until episode seven kicks off. Seasons two and three were filmed concurrently, for a total of 20 episodes, with director Hwang Dong-hyuk deciding to split them at the conclusion of Episode Seven. As a result, season two ends with approximately 100 players remaining and concludes on a cliffhanger. Let’s hope the final 13 episodes will bring it home in a way that honours season one.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

BIRDEATER

This confronting and gritty film explores the dynamics between a group of young Australian men who gather at a remote country house for a bachelor party. The bride-to-be, invited by her fiancé, attends alongside a female acquaintance, adding a layer of tension to the event. As the night unfolds and excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol are consumed, past transgressions resurface, and underlying tensions among the friends come to light. Themes of toxic masculinity, psychological abuse and infidelity further complicate the night’s festivities. The dark visuals and pounding soundtrack create to a moody atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge, uncertain of what will happen next. Not all of the questions are answered but the underlying assumptions are clear. You’ll feel uncomfortable the entire time and that’s the intention.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

QUIZ LADY

Awkwafina and Sandra Oh star as sisters Anne and Jenny Yum in this delightful comedy. Anne is introverted and organised, while Jenny leads a more chaotic and disheveled lifestyle. The plot unfolds when their mother takes off from her aged care facility to go to Macau, leaving behind an $80,000 gambling debt. When Ken, a loan shark, holds Anne’s pug Mr. Linguini as leverage against the debt, the sisters must collaborate to secure the necessary funds. Anne, who has meticulously watched the quiz show “Can’t Stop the Quiz” every night since she was eight, views the host Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell, who also serves as producer) as a distant father figure. With her exceptional skill at answering quiz questions from her couch, she eventually finds the courage to audition for the live show, pitting herself against reigning champion Ron in a bid to raise the $80,000. Made for a television only release ‘Quiz Lady’ won a Primetime Emmy for ‘Outstanding television movie’ and a Critics Choice Award for ‘Best Movie Made for Television’. Rollicking, with good humour and strong chemistry between the leads, this is an easy, pleasant watch.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

GAVIN AND STACEY – SEASON 1, 2, 3 and 2 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Premiering in 2007, “Gavin and Stacey” ended with a 2024 Christmas special that captivated audiences, drawing 12.3 million viewers on the BBC alone – the highest overnight figure for a Christmas Day show since 2008’s “Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death.” The series follows the intertwined lives of Stacey (Joanna Page) from Wales and Gavin (Matthew Horne) from Britain, and subsequent relationships with their eclectic families and friends. Created by, and starring, James Corden (as knock-about lad Smithy) and Ruth Jones (a stand out as stoic and loyal Nessa), the characters are lovable and relatable. Witty writing provides the superb cast with a wealth of humorous material, which is delivered with comedic brilliance and complemented by their spontaneous ad-libbing. With an abundance of heart, “Gavin and Stacey” is a defining series of the past two decades, leaving a mark on television culture with memorable catch phrases such as “What’s occurring?”, “Tidy,” and “Crackin’.” This iconic show will long live on thanks to its huge fan base. The end of an era. Binge it.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

SONIC 3

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) join forces to form ‘Team Sonic’ as they confront a formidable new enemy, Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves.) Shadow, a disgruntled hedgehog who landed on Earth in a meteorite decades ago, poses a significant threat to human kind and is hell bent on revenge after escaping 50 years of incarceration. In their quest to obtain a second key for a powerful weapon, the Team Sonic embarks on a daring mission to infiltrate G.U.N. headquarters in London. Along the way, they encounter the villainous Doctor Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, both brilliantly portrayed by Jim Carrey. Vibrant animation brings these beloved characters back to life, while the film emphasises themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Given free rein to ad lib on set, Carrey delivers highly comical, over the top (in a good way!) performances in his dual roles and the dance sequence half way through is absolutely hilarious. He is a 10/10. There’s enough in this film to engage adults as well as kids. See it in 4DX for an added thrill!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

ANORA

Brooklyn exotic dancer Ani (short for Anora, played by Mikey Madison) impulsively marries her wealthy client Ivan (Mark Eidelstein) in Las Vegas, thinking she has found her dream life. Sound familiar? Rest assured, this is where all similarities to 1990’s ‘Pretty Woman’ end. Things take a turn when Anora discovers Ivan is the son of a Russian oligarch. After Ivan’s mother finds out about their wedding, she insists it’s annulled and sets off for New York to make it happen. The oligarch’s henchmen are tasked with taking Anora and Ivan to the courthouse, but when Ivan runs away to avoid responsibility, a race against time begins to locate him. The frequent humour amid the chaos is perfectly placed and the acting is superb. The character of Anora is a stand out with her fearless grit and empowered attitude. She’s a woman in control and is not one to be messed with. Writer / director Sean Baker is known for his views on decriminalising and destigmatising s*x work and many of his films are about the lives of marginalised subjects. Awarded the ‘Palme d’Or’ at Cannes this year, my only gripe is the long run time which would’ve benefited from a tighter edit.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

Saraj’s score 7/10

Add Your Heading Text Here

WICKED – PART ONE

‘Wicked’ is the first installment of a two-part film adaptation of the acclaimed stage production of the same name, which is inspired by the iconic 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It covers the first act of the musical, exploring the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, originally known as Elphaba, and how she came to be viewed as, well, wicked. The film’s production is spectacular, with breathtaking sets that transport you directly into the enchanting land of Oz. The elaborate costumes deserve to win several ‘Best Costume’ awards, while the CGI throughout is seamless. The musical numbers are captivating, particularly those of lead actresses Ariana Grande (as Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba.) Their powerful vocal performances convincingly bring their characters to life – not once did I feel like they were acting. I’ve never been a huge Ariana Grande fan but she was born for this role and Eviro’s on screen presence is a forced to be reckoned with. The ensemble cast has extraordinary talent as well, showcased during their impressive song and dance performances. It’s a phenomenal production that holds your attention for its entire 160 minute run time and leaves you wanting more. A magical experience! Part two is due for release in November 2025.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

A REAL PAIN

American cousins David and Benji (Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) embark on a group tour to Poland to explore their heritage and learn about the Holocaust in memory of their grandmother. The cousins are polar opposites: David is composed, methodical, employed and married with a child, while Benji is a chaotic, brash stoner who likes to break rules and is single and unemployed. Once close, they’ve drifted apart over the years and hope this trip will help them reconnect. Both actors are outstanding and Culkin’s portrayal of Benji, constantly switching between manic energy and somber reflection, is brilliant – even Oscar worthy. The supporting cast, which includes Jennifer Grey of ‘Dirty Dancing’ fame, also shines. The film balances its heavier themes with lighter moments and Eisenberg’s heartfelt writing (combined with his direction) sees the title open for interpretation in several ways, until its actual meaning becomes clear in the final melancholic scene. A sentimental reflection on the complexities family dynamics and the human condition.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

SHRINKING: SEASON 1 and 2

Brilliant character development and an exceptional cast make this engaging viewing. Psychiatrist Jimmy (Jason Segel) and his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) are learning how to navigate their relationship after Jimmys wife Tia is killed by a drunk driver. Harrison Ford plays Jimmys snarky and bitter boss Paul with absolute authenticity. He delivers a plethora of cutting one liners (mostly to Jimmy) with impeccable comedic timing. It’s fun seeing him go against type. There are many laugh out loud moments thanks to the witty writing, and each character is affectionately accepted, despite their realistic flaws. My one casting criticism is Brett Goldstein, one of the shows creators (along with Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel.) His portrayal of Lewis, a man grappling with depression and a sense of hopelessness, is occasionally undermined by Goldstein’s tendency to smirk during serious moments. Series two starts off slowly and initially piggy backs of the sub plots of its predecessor, but it builds strongly towards the last few episodes and the finale will bring a tear to your eye. Easy to binge.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.9/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

SHAUN THE SHEEP: A FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

From the team behind ‘Wallace and Grommet’ comes this humorous 30 minute Christmas special. When Timmy the lamb goes missing, Shaun and the flock set off to rescue him and find themselves having several adventures along the way. The stop motion animation is superb in this dialogue free, playful spin off.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 9.5/10

NO GOOD DEED

Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano team up as husband and wife (Lydia and Paul Morgan) in this dark comedy, which has more tragedy than laughs. A few years after the death of their teenage son, they put their house on the market. Three couples are desperate to purchase it and start pestering the Morgans, but skeletons soon begin to come out of everyone’s closets and chaos reigns. I found the stereotypes of the pushy mother in law, washed up soapie actor, criminal brother, and gay guy (real estate agent) overdone and their acting a bit much. On the other hand, the performances by Kudrow and Romano were brilliant. They carried the whole series as grieving parents and apparently ad libbed some of their dialogue. It’s no ‘Dead to me’ (same creator and writer in Liz Feldman) but is a passable watch thanks to some twists and turns.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

BEFORE

In a departure from his usual roles, Billy Crystal is psychiatrist Eli, who takes on a young patient named Noah (Jacobi Jupe). Noah experiences strange visions that he thinks are real and acts visibly haunted. As Eli grapples with the recent suicide of his wife (played by Judith Light as Lynn) he begins to unravel and starts to believe he is somehow connected to Noah. Sitting through ten episodes of this series was a struggle and truth be told, I wanted to quit after the first two. I hung in there, hoping it would finish strongly, but it didn’t. The pacing was slow, the content felt repetitive, and the plot was dull and illogical. I didn’t care for any of the characters, who were underdeveloped thanks to subpar writing. The ending was fanciful and silly. Such a disappointment.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3/10

Amanda’s Score 2/10

MUFASA: THE LION KING

Disney delivers! When displaced lion cub Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) meets fellow cub Taka (Kevin Harrison Jr) he finds a brother from another mother. They grow up together and embark on a dangerous journey across Tanzania to the Pride Lands – Mufasas true home. With a lively African musical score, stunning photo-realistic animation and beautiful attention to detail, this is an engaging and enjoyable prequel to ‘The Lion King’. There were moments where I did a double take, unsure if a few of the animals, particularly the antelope and bees, were real. Some of the running motion filmed from above was slightly stilted but it was easily forgiven thanks to the standard of everything else. My favourite song was “Bye Bye” sung by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) the white lion leader of ‘The Outsiders, as a way of threatening to k*ll Mufasa and Taka. Yes, some animals die, but their deaths are implied and not graphic – a refreshing change from the gorefests we’ve become accustomed to. Won’t take points off for Beyoncé and her nepo-baby daughter Blue Ivy Carter voicing two characters (Nala and Kiara respectively), but only because they did a decent job. Watch it on the big screen for a fully immersive experience.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 10/10

OUR LITTLE SECRET

Lindsay Lohan’s three movie deal with Netflix concludes with the release of this Christmas rom-com. Lohan stars as Avery, a business advisor who joins her new boyfriend’s family for the holidays, only to discover that his sister is dating her ex, Logan (played by Ian Harding). Following a tumultuous breakup a decade prior, they choose to keep their past relationship a secret and pretend they don’t know each other. Lohan is convincing as Avery, although it’s not much of a stretch as the role doesn’t require significant acting range. The plot is predictable and while it doesn’t break any new ground, it’s neither the worst, nor the best, of its genre. It just sits somewhere in the middle.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

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