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

LOCKED

This thriller is what happens when Pennywise the Clown meets Hannibal Lecter with a dose of Stephen King best sellers ‘Christine’ and ‘Mr Mercedes’ thrown in. Bill Skarsgard plays Eddie, a low level thief who breaks into a car looking for valuables. Unbeknown to him, the car belongs to a vigilante psychopath called William (Anthony Hopkins) who has customised it with reinforced steel, bulletproof glass, and electric shock seating. He remotely traps an unsuspecting Eddie inside with no way of escape. So begins a 6-day game of t*rture with William gleefully controlling all aspects of the vehicle to punish Eddie for his past transgressions. William is only a voice on the cars audio system for the first 80 minutes and most of the screen time is given to Eddie’s harrowing experience. Both actors carry the film equally and it’s a change to see Skarsgard au-naturale without the heavy prosthetics his usual roles require, which often render him unrecognisable. Thirty four years after ‘Silence of the lambs’ was released, Hopkins still excels at personifying evil. Maintained my interest from start to finish and I even laughed a few times, not that this meant to be a comedy.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

THE RULE OF JENNY PEN

Following a debilitating stroke, Judge Stefan Mortensen (portrayed by Geoffrey Rush) moves into to an aged care facility to convalesce. There he encounters Dave Crealy (played by John Lithgow, complete with striking blue contact lenses and a set of fake crooked teeth) who terrorises his fellow residents with a sinister therapy doll-puppet named Jenny Pen. Mortensen’s attempts to alert the staff to what’s happening are ignored, allowing Crealy to continue his reign of torment. This psychological horror, a production from New Zealand, will hold your attention from beginning to end. It offers an unsettling portrayal of life within a high-dependency aged care environment. The overall mood of the film is dark with exceptional use of light to create shadowy sets that add to the tension. Rush delivers a powerful performance as the frustrated judge striving to end the terror, while Lithgow shines as the cruel and sociopathic Crealy. Gripping, disturbing, and well executed.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

LAST TAKE: RUST AND THE STORY OF HALYNA

In 2021, the Western film “Rust” was in production in Santa Fe, New Mexico. During a close-up scene, actor Alec Baldwin was instructed to draw a pistol from his holster. His prop firearm discharged a live round, striking Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and Director Joel Souza. Halyna tragically succumbed to her injuries, while Joel successfully recovered after emergency surgery. The incident was preceded by a failure to adhere to firearm protocols, raising questions about who was ultimately responsible for Halyna’s death. Although the shooting was classified as an accident, it led to criminal charges and numerous civil lawsuits. With Matt’s support (he served as Executive Producer) ‘Rust’ was finally completed in 2023. This documentary was produced by Rachel Mason, a friend of Halyna’s, at the request of Halina’s husband, Matt Hutchins. With extensive access to most of the ‘Rust’ crew, Rachel seeks to understand the events of that day, while highlighting the profound impact of Halyna’s death on her loved ones. An intimate examination of a unfathomable workplace accident that should never have happened.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

HIGH POTENTIAL

Morgan Gillory (Caitlin Olson), a single mother of three, is a cleaner who becomes a consultant for the LAPD due to her exceptional problem-solving abilities and a remarkable IQ of 160. She has a keen talent for reading people and an uncanny ability to notice details that often go overlooked. Each episode begins with a murder that Morgan and her partner Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) must investigate. The two have a love / hate relationship and provide most of the witty one liners and sarcastic barbs. As a series it tries to be too clever and inundates viewers with an excess of twists and turns. The format for each episode involves a murder, an obvious main suspect who serves as a red herring, and a range of peripheral suspects to add in a few extra characters. The perpetrator is usually revealed to be the deceaseds mothers brothers sons uncles neighbours dad. It gets a bit same-same after a few episodes and feels predictable. The believability is often stretched when Morgan links clues that are unconnected to each other. Still, it’s an enjoyable time filler and has been renewed for season two thanks to decent viewership.

SCORE:

Alex’s score 7/10

Amanda’s score 7.5/10

THE ELECTRIC STATE

Set in 1997, toy smuggler Keats (Chris Pratt) and orphaned teenager Michelle Greene (Millie Bobby Brown) join forces with their robot sidekicks to locate Michelle’s brother Christopher (Woody Norman.) Along the way conflict abounds, as they face resistance from global virtual reality company Sentre and its CEO Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci), who has mainstreamed technology that enables humans to upload their minds into drone robots. With a production cost of $320 million, giving it a place amongst the most expensive films ever made, the CGI is impressive but the script lacks depth. The lead actors do their best with the writing, yet aren’t quite believable. The robots have a sweet sentience and are more cute than practical. They all possess a sense of humour and provide consistent comic relief – Mrs Scissors was a crowd favourite in our house. The soundtrack rocks and there’s a memorable robot vs Sentre drone grand-finale fight scene. Imperfect, light-hearted entertainment.

SCORE:

Alex’s score 7/10

Amanda’s score 9/10

SKINCARE

Renowned celebrity Hollywood esthetician Hope Holdman (Elizabeth Banks) is flying high after releasing her skin care range. She’s at the top of her game with a full calendar of client bookings and lots of regular media attention. Things take a turn when someone starts sabotaging her reputation. Hope tries to discover who is responsible but blindly trusts the wrong people. It doesn’t end well for her. This film loses its way two thirds through and by the end you’ll be confused as to who knew what and who was truly behind everything. Started strong but tried to be too clever and got convoluted.

SCORE:

Alex’s score 5/10

Amanda’s score 5/10

BLACK BAG

Director Steven Soderbergh delivers with this psychological thriller starring acclaimed actors Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as husband and wife spies, George and Katherine Woodhouse. George receives information that a colleague may be compromising British security by selling a dangerous cyber hacking product to the Russians, and that Catherine may be involved. He endeavours to expose the leak and has to decide how far he will go to protect his wife. This is a gripping film with superb acting and an intelligent well-crafted script. The unexpected twists will keep you engaged and the ending closes everything out nicely. Plus the stylish wardrobe is captivating!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s score 10/10

Saraj’s score 10/10

Duncan’s score 9/10

Ann’s score 9/10

ADOLESCENCE

When 13 year old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused murdering a classmate, the lives of his parents, Eddie and Amanda (Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco) and sister Lisa (Amelie Pease) are thrown into chaos. This 4 part limited series focusses on Jamie’s arrest and incarceration, the criminal investigation, and the repercussions for his family and friends, who become collateral victims. Detectives Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and Frank (Faye Marsay) are the leads on the case, tasked with piecing together what happened from unwilling witnesses. Impressively, each episode is filmed in real time as one continuous take, which creates an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like a silent observer in each scene. The production required meticulous coordination and impeccable timing, and both are executed flawlessly. Episode three is a stand out and will have you on the edge of your seat. It features a palpable 50 minute interview between psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) and Jamie, revealing his true character. Episode four will break your heart! The cast do a phenomenal job of keeping the dialogue, intensity and emotions flowing – they’re exceptional, with Graham and Cooper giving award-worthy performances. A highly recommended watch for its compelling story and outstanding execution. Incredible viewing!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

MICKEY 17

Director Bong Joon-Ho’s latest film is a sci-fi dark comedy mix. Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) travels through space for 4+ years as part of a large colonising team. Eventually they arrive on a planet covered in ice and inhabited by creatures nicknamed “Creepers” who are perceived as a threat to the newly arrived humans. Mickey is subjected to experiments and environments that lead to his frequent demise, but as an “expendable” he is cloned back to life via a human body printer. The situation escalates when Mickey 17 doesn’t die and Mickey 18 is inadvertently created, as only one version of Mickey can exist at any given time. Pattinson showcases his acting abilities as Mickey 17 and 18, and the integration of the two characters within the same scenes is seamless. Mark Ruffalo plays the power-hungry, obnoxious expedition leader, Kenneth Marshall, a character who is surrounded by sycophants and feels strikingly familiar. Toni Collette complements his performance as Yifa, his sauce-obsessed, sadistic wife. At 2 hours and 17 minutes long, the exceptional cast, sharp writing and suspense driven plot will keep you engaged. It’s a brilliant good-vs-evil tale with an identity crisis and love story thrown in.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s score 7.5/10

Steve’s score 9/10

Saraj’s score 8.5/10

Simons score 7.5/10

DELICIOUS

A wealthy German family of four (parents John and Esther and their children Alba and Philipp) head to their luxurious French estate for a holiday. After crossing paths with a young a woman named Theodora, they employ her as their housekeeper. She gradually begins to create conflict between John and Esther, who both confide in her and mistakenly believe they’ve established her trust. It doesn’t take much for them to be swayed by her influence. Theodora spends her free time with a group of friends who are employed at a nearby hotel. From the outset, it’s evident that they have ulterior motives, yet John and Esther remain oblivious … until the groups malicious intentions become apparent. The plot has significant gaps and there aren’t any consequences for Theodora’s actions. The ending is far-fetched and defies believability. While I understand the satirical point the film is trying to make, its delivery in such a literal way feels too extreme.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

Amanda’s Score 6/10

TOXIC TOWN

This British 4-part miniseries is inspired by the true story of a group of mothers from Corby (in the North Northamptonshire district of the UK) who were exposed to toxic waste in their community. They faced the heartbreaking challenge of having children with birth defects and subsequently pursued legal action against the Corby Council, which was aware of the hazardous waste but concealed evidence of its existence. The talented ensemble cast, featuring Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Robert Carlyle, Rory Kinnear, and Brendan Coyle, deliver exceptional performances, bringing striking authenticity to their characters. The script is well fleshed out and the overall story is harrowing. A gripping, high-quality drama that will keep you engaged and eager for justice to be served.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 9.5/10

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

Anthony Mackie takes the baton of Captain America from Chris Evans in this latest Marvel instalment. His character, Sam Evans, partners with American President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) to apprehend a villain who’s using mind control to make soldiers do his bidding. There are a few commendable action sequences, with the iconic shield manoeuvres being a highlight. Some of the casting choices lacked believability, particularly Shira Haas as Special Agent Sabra who was very unconvincing. The sight of 82 year old Ford transforming into a red Hulk and doing Hulk smashes is something I never thought I’d see – the CGI for these scenes was average and looked ridiculous. Liv Tyler’s two minute appearance as Dr. Betty Ross at the end felt contrived. Overall it was boring with some sporadic, moderately entertaining moments.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

THE LAST JOURNEY

This documentary began as a heartfelt project where Filip takes his elderly father, Lars, on a road trip through France, aiming to rejuvenate his joie de vivre. It evolves into something far more profound. Joined by his best friend Fredrik, Filip orchestrates a series of experiences to engage Lars and help him reminiscence, visiting locations that hold sentimental significance for him. Lars is a kind man who dedicated his career to teaching. His biggest transgression is a moment from the 1960s when he lost his temper with a taxi driver, an incident he still grapples with today. Their journey through France is an exploration of love, patience, and compassion. It highlights the importance of remaining active and connected to the world, to respectively combat the creeping effects of a sedentary lifestyle and old age. Touching, wonderful and sweet, it scores a 10 for the heart. Of note: a fellow viewer at the same screening who was 79 years of age felt it hit too close to home and did not enjoy it as a result.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

RUNNING POINT

When Cam Gordon (Justin Theroux) is forced into rehab for substance abuse, his sister Isla (Kate Hudson) takes over his role as president of the Waves basketball team in Los Angeles. Her other brother Ness (Scott MacArthur) and half brothers Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Jackie (Fabrizio Guido) work alongside her in the company. Battling the board, sponsorship issues, poor team performance, misogyny and at times, her brothers, Isla has to prove herself every step of the way. This feel-good series is as much about family relationships as it is about sport, with a nice balance of sentimentality and humour thrown in. It’s light but has meaningful messages, and feels like an American basketball version of ‘Ted Lasso’. The bite-sized episodes run for 30 minutes each making them easy to consume and great to binge. The finale ends with several cliffhangers and sets up series two, which hasn’t been commissioned yet. Creator Mindy Kaling is confident it will happen and it’s strong viewer numbers should get it over the line.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

Amanda’s Score 10/10

FLOW

This Latvian-produced animation begins with a catastrophic flood that displaces a small black cat. As the story unfolds, the cat joins forces with a golden retriever, a stork, a capybara, and a lemur, and together they face numerous challenges while navigating a water-covered world. As you anxiously follow the fate of these characters, their constant fight for survival will leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s a gripping and stressful 90 minutes! The animals communicate through vocalisations and body language, with no spoken dialogue. Authentic animal noises were used, except for the capybara, whose sounds were made by a baby camel. The strong musical score effectively builds tension throughout the story. While the animation quality is not as polished or consistent as that of “The Wild Robot” (which had a budget of $70 million dollars more) the use of shadows and reflections is excellent. As an animal lover, I was satisfied with the ending but felt like I’d been through the emotional wringer to get there. This is not a fun, cute animal “cartoon.” Brace yourself mentally but definitely check it out.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Kelly’s score 9/10

Steve’s score 8/10

THE MONKEY

Based on Stephen King’s 1980 short story, “The Monkey” tells the story of twin brothers who discover a drumming monkey toy. They soon come to the horrifying realisation that each time the drum is struck, a grotesque death follows. Theo James portrays both adult brothers, nice guy Hal and Bill his malevolent sibling. Director Osgood Perkins also scores a cameo as Uncle Chip. Much ado has been made of the grotesque and over the top k*ll sequences – two common hallmarks of a King adaptation. The special effects are visceral and realistic and overall it’s a well paced horror / comedy mix. As a huge Stephen King fan, my only criticisms are the bad wig worn by James to distinguish Bill from Hal, and (one of my pet peeves in cinema) the decision to cast him as both twins. It was a missed opportunity for more dynamic casting choices.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

BRIDGET JONES DIARY – MAD ABOUT THE BOY

Nearly a decade following the last instalment and four years after the passing of her husband, Mark Darcy (portrayed by Colin Firth), Renée Zellweger reprises her role as Bridget Jones. Now ready to reenter the dating scene, she embarks on a new romantic relationship with a younger partner while also resuming her career as a television morning show producer. The film sees the return of beloved cast members, including Hugh Grant, Sally Phillips, and Emma Thompson, alongside new additions such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, and Leila Farzad. As Bridget navigates her journey of healing and personal growth, she finds love in an unexpected place. Wish Isla Fisher had more screen time and was featured beyond a quick cameo. Enjoyable and uplifting with moments of humour that align with the franchise’s established tone.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

Kelly’s score 10/10

Saraj’s score 7/10

CASSANDRA

David and Samira Prill (Michael Klammer and Mina Tander) and their two children relocate to Germany’s oldest smart house in search of a new beginning following the sui*ide of Samira’s sister. The residence, which has been vacant for over five decades, is equipped with an AI maid robot named Cassandra. Once activated Cassandra takes full control of all aspects of the home and monitors the family in every room via large tv screens. Before too long Samira encounters a series of alarming incidents and suspects that Cassandra may be responsible. David is sceptical of her claims and Samira is admitted to a psychiatric treatment facility. With Samira out of the picture, Cassandra’s true intentions for the remaining family members become clear. This science fiction thriller alternates between the present day and the 1960s and 70s, revealing the backstory of Cassandra’s creation. The suspense builds well and the production quality is good. There are some slightly far fetched scenes where you may find yourself questioning why the often clumsy and sluggish Cassandra is not simply disarmed by being pushed over or into the pool. Engaging and worrying!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

SPIT

When larrikin con-man Johnny Spitteri aka ‘Spit’ (David Wenham) lands in Australia after 13 years on the run, he finds himself detained by immigration officers. Two crooked cops and a career criminal (Gary Sweet) get wind of his return. They attempt to silence him in relation to their involvement in a robbery which is tied to an anti-corruption investigation. This sets off a game of cat and mouse, with Spit staying one step ahead to ensure his survival. Wenham brings the annoying but endearing Spit to life with gusto and is so convincing you’ll be hard pressed to remember he’s playing a character. Many funny moments are peppered with heartfelt interactions, particularly amongst the Spits friends from immigration detention and his sister. A quality Aussie film complete with a tonne of f-bombs.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

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

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