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  • DVD review: “Earth 2” (1994 – 1995) 

    DVD review: “Earth 2” (1994 – 1995) 

    “Earth 2” (1994 – 1995) 

    Television

    Twenty One Episodes

    Created by: Billy Ray, Michael Duggan, Carol Flint and Mark Levin

    Featuring: Debrah Farentino, Joey Zimmerman, Clancy Brown, J. Madison Wright, Sullivan Walker, Jessica Steen, Rebecca Gayheart, John Gegenhuber and Antonio Sabàto, Jr.

    Alonzo Solace: “It seems like Terrians, but it’s not.”

    Morgan Martin: “What’s that supposed to mean? You seem coherent, but you’re not.”

    Released recently on DVD is the short lived science fiction series “Earth 2” (1994 – 1995) which was set in the future and was slightly ahead of its time in predicting what has become known as global warming with much of the human race living off planet with a small team looking for an alternative in another planet, hence the title  “Earth 2”. 

    The show was created by Michael Duggan, Carol Flint, and Mark Levin and produced by Amblin Television and Universal Television. The series followed a group of colonists who were sent to a distant planet to establish a new civilization after Earth had become uninhabitable due to environmental destruction.

    One of the strengths of “Earth 2”  was its world-building. The show’s creators crafted a unique and imaginative universe that was both visually stunning and thematically rich. The planet that the colonists were sent to was full of strange and dangerous creatures, mysterious ruins, and unexplained phenomena, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration.

    The cast of “Earth 2” was also strong, featuring a mix of experienced actors and fresh faces. Debrah Farentino played the lead role of Devon Adair, the leader of the colonists, and gave a compelling performance as a woman driven by a desire to create a better future for her son and for humanity as a whole. The supporting cast, including Clancy Brown, Sullivan Walker, and Rebecca Gayheart, also delivered strong performances.

    Despite its strengths, Earth 2 struggled to find an audience and was cancelled after one season. Some critics and viewers felt that the show’s pacing was too slow, and that it failed to deliver on the promise of its premise. Others praised the show’s ambitious storytelling and innovative visuals.

    “Earth 2”  was an imaginative and well-crafted science fiction series that was unfortunately cut short before it could fully realize its potential. While it may not have been for everyone, fans of the genre may still find it worth checking out for its world-building and strong performances.

    Episodes 

    First Contact: Devon Adair and her crew are searching a new home for the human race. The colonization of “Earth 2” is difficult. Some government forces want to destroy the ship of the colonists. But they manage to escape and arrive in orbit around “Earth 2”. There the crew has to face some technical problems and they crash land on the planet. Soon they find out that the Earth like planet is inhabited by intelligent humanoid life forms…

    The Man Who Fell to Earth (Two): With narration by Danziger, the colonists discover more from the indigenous humanoid aliens, and find a human, Gaal, who claims creatures beat him near death. He also claims to be an astronaut that landed on planet G889, but several are uncertain of his truthfulness and suspicious of him. But the colonists believe they cannot leave a human behind, so they invite him to join them on the journey to New Pacifica. He teaches them that the Koba’s poison doesn’t kill them, but leaves them in a coma like state for several days. They race back to recover the Commander, whom …

    Life Lessons: With narration by True, Gaal tries to gain her confidence in order to obtain a vehicle. Meanwhile Yale searches for the meaning of Gaal’s E2 tattoo. Finally Danziger must find his daughter and confront Gaal.

    Promises, Promises: With narration by Alonzo, Uly’s health severely deteriorates as the Terrians suffer under Gaal’s use of shock collars on them. After a scouting trip, Denziger leads a party to confront Gaal again and help to heal Uly.

    A Memory Play: With narration by Adair, the colonists find other crew members dead or gravely ill. As Dr. Heller searches for the cause and cure for the illness, Adair considers whether the ship was sabotaged.

    Natural Born Grendlers: With narration by Yale, some problems intensify. Morgan seeks to escape reality, Alonzo suffers from severe depression, and the colonists need to supplement their food supply. Bess now tries to barter with a Grendler.

    Water: With narration by Bess, the colonists face a dwindling water supply. Having a scan showing water 12Km away, Adair and Danzinger take 6 empty drums and ride the dune-rail, but encounter Terrians.

    The Church of Morgan: With narration by Julia, the feeling of loneliness is adversely affecting the marriage status of Morgan and Bess. Meanwhile, at the urging of Reilly, Dr. Heller addresses the growing symbiosis between Uly and the Terrians.

    The Enemy Within: Julia hopes the secret injection of Uly’s DNA will make her the link to the Terrians. When her V.R. visit with Reilly is disclosed by True, Julia’s conflict of Project-physician/Council-patriot is considered by the group.

    Redemption: With narration by Devon, Alonzo seeks and returns Julia to the camp. Yale is then the first to be shot by a deadly assailant, identified later by Reilly as a Z.E.D. The group must now find him and stop the threat.

    Moon Cross: With narration by Alonzo, the approaching winter prompts Uly to reveal the location of Mary’s garden, a vacated dome. Alonzo later meets Mary, a woman whose strange past is revealed when the moons cross in the sky.

    Better Living Through Morganite: Part 1: With narration by Morgan, the group finds a new remarkable substance, which he names Morganite. As Yale increasingly appears to become a danger to others, Morgan sets the geolock, which petrifies a 1Km zone.

    Better Living Through Morganite: Part 2: With narration by Morgan, Mary appears with the Terrians who want retribution against Bess, Morgan and Yale. As the group struggles to break the lock code and restore the affected area, the sun stones reveal the truth of Yale’s past.

    Grendlers in the Myst: With narration by Danziger, the scouts chase a Grendler to locate its stash. The group also receives mysterious transmissions by a Dell to a Whalen and a primitive hut is found. Finally, True learns the truth about her mother.

    The Greatest Love Story Never Told: Having gotten lost and dragged into a cave, Danziger lies ill in a bed. As stipulated through a dream, Devon seeks to search for him alone and meets Sheppard, who surprisingly knows her very well.

    Brave New Pacifica: After the group plans to scout ahead toward New Pacifica, a Grendler ransacks Julia’s medical supplies and later kidnaps her. Devon, Danziger and Alonzo search to find where she is and why the Grendler can obtain seawater.

    The Boy Who Would Be Terrian King: As Uly celebrates his ninth birthday, his adult self from the future contacts Devon to persuade her to help him evade the authorities determined to wipe his Terrian-traits from his DNA. Meanwhile, Yale and True nurse a sick koba to health.

    After the Thaw: (Day 109) While foraging for food during the harsh winter, Julia finds a Terrian body frozen in the ice. The hope of learning more about the native inhabitants turns to fear as strange things start to happen around the camp.

    Survival of the Fittest: With narration by Danziger, a scout team, in search for much needed supplies, finds that Cargo Pod 09 has been completely looted. Now in need of rescue after crashing the Rail, Danziger and Alonzo pursue a Grendler for its stash.

    Flower Child: Scouting in all directions, Danziger, Bess and Morgan come upon colorful flower buds which burst open throwing a golden powder in their faces. The flower pollen carries a sickness that causes them to emit a golden vapor.

    All About Eve: Facing an unknown illness where they progressively deteriorate, the colonists find the remains of a Venus class Council research ship containing several cold sleep crypts. The 2 survivors are distressed they are not back on Earth.

    Episodes 

    First Contact: Devon Adair and her crew are searching a new home for the human race. The colonization of “Earth 2” is difficult. Some government forces want to destroy the ship of the colonists. But they manage to escape and arrive in orbit around “Earth 2”. There the crew has to face some technical problems and they crash land on the planet. Soon they find out that the Earth like planet is inhabited by intelligent humanoid life forms…

    The Man Who Fell to Earth (Two): With narration by Danziger, the colonists discover more from the indigenous humanoid aliens, and find a human, Gaal, who claims creatures beat him near death. He also claims to be an astronaut that landed on planet G889, but several are uncertain of his truthfulness and suspicious of him. But the colonists believe they cannot leave a human behind, so they invite him to join them on the journey to New Pacifica. He teaches them that the Koba’s poison doesn’t kill them, but leaves them in a coma like state for several days. They race back to recover the Commander, whom …

    Life Lessons: With narration by True, Gaal tries to gain her confidence in order to obtain a vehicle. Meanwhile Yale searches for the meaning of Gaal’s E2 tattoo. Finally Danziger must find his daughter and confront Gaal.

    Promises, Promises: With narration by Alonzo, Uly’s health severely deteriorates as the Terrians suffer under Gaal’s use of shock collars on them. After a scouting trip, Denziger leads a party to confront Gaal again and help to heal Uly.

    A Memory Play: With narration by Adair, the colonists find other crew members dead or gravely ill. As Dr. Heller searches for the cause and cure for the illness, Adair considers whether the ship was sabotaged.

    Natural Born Grendlers: With narration by Yale, some problems intensify. Morgan seeks to escape reality, Alonzo suffers from severe depression, and the colonists need to supplement their food supply. Bess now tries to barter with a Grendler.

    Water: With narration by Bess, the colonists face a dwindling water supply. Having a scan showing water 12Km away, Adair and Danzinger take 6 empty drums and ride the dune-rail, but encounter Terrians.

    The Church of Morgan: With narration by Julia, the feeling of loneliness is adversely affecting the marriage status of Morgan and Bess. Meanwhile, at the urging of Reilly, Dr. Heller addresses the growing symbiosis between Uly and the Terrians.

    The Enemy Within: Julia hopes the secret injection of Uly’s DNA will make her the link to the Terrians. When her V.R. visit with Reilly is disclosed by True, Julia’s conflict of Project-physician/Council-patriot is considered by the group.

    Redemption: With narration by Devon, Alonzo seeks and returns Julia to the camp. Yale is then the first to be shot by a deadly assailant, identified later by Reilly as a Z.E.D. The group must now find him and stop the threat.

    Moon Cross: With narration by Alonzo, the approaching winter prompts Uly to reveal the location of Mary’s garden, a vacated dome. Alonzo later meets Mary, a woman whose strange past is revealed when the moons cross in the sky.

    Better Living Through Morganite: Part 1: With narration by Morgan, the group finds a new remarkable substance, which he names Morganite. As Yale increasingly appears to become a danger to others, Morgan sets the geolock, which petrifies a 1Km zone.

    Better Living Through Morganite: Part 2: With narration by Morgan, Mary appears with the Terrians who want retribution against Bess, Morgan and Yale. As the group struggles to break the lock code and restore the affected area, the sun stones reveal the truth of Yale’s past.

    Grendlers in the Myst: With narration by Danziger, the scouts chase a Grendler to locate its stash. The group also receives mysterious transmissions by a Dell to a Whalen and a primitive hut is found. Finally, True learns the truth about her mother.

    The Greatest Love Story Never Told: Having gotten lost and dragged into a cave, Danziger lies ill in a bed. As stipulated through a dream, Devon seeks to search for him alone and meets Sheppard, who surprisingly knows her very well.

    Brave New Pacifica: After the group plans to scout ahead toward New Pacifica, a Grendler ransacks Julia’s medical supplies and later kidnaps her. Devon, Danziger and Alonzo search to find where she is and why the Grendler can obtain seawater.

    The Boy Who Would Be Terrian King: As Uly celebrates his ninth birthday, his adult self from the future contacts Devon to persuade her to help him evade the authorities determined to wipe his Terrian-traits from his DNA. Meanwhile, Yale and True nurse a sick koba to health.

    After the Thaw: (Day 109) While foraging for food during the harsh winter, Julia finds a Terrian body frozen in the ice. The hope of learning more about the native inhabitants turns to fear as strange things start to happen around the camp.

    Survival of the Fittest: With narration by Danziger, a scout team, in search for much needed supplies, finds that Cargo Pod 09 has been completely looted. Now in need of rescue after crashing the Rail, Danziger and Alonzo pursue a Grendler for its stash.

    Flower Child: Scouting in all directions, Danziger, Bess and Morgan come upon colorful flower buds which burst open throwing a golden powder in their faces. The flower pollen carries a sickness that causes them to emit a golden vapor.

    All About Eve: Facing an unknown illness where they progressively deteriorate, the colonists find the remains of a Venus class Council research ship containing several cold sleep crypts. The 2 survivors are distressed they are not back on Earth.

  • DVD review: “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)” (1969 – 1970)

    DVD review: “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)” (1969 – 1970)

    “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)” (1969 – 1970) 

    Television

    Twenty Six Episodes

    Created by: Dennis Spooner

    Featuring: Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre

    Sidney Crabbe: “I’ve always said the only good copper is a dead copper, and the only good dead copper is a good dead copper in pain.”

    Released recently on DVD is the 1960s created television drama “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)” (1969 – 1970) that was essentially a three hander and featured a story of the week framework which suited this series very well for its limited time on air before it was cancelled. This series along with such ground-breaking and influential shows such as “The Avengers” (1961-1969), “Doctor Who” (1963-present), “Adam Adamant Lives” (1966-1967), “Department S” (1969-1970), “The Champions” (1968-1969), “The Thunderbirds” (1965-1966) and “The Prisoner” (1967-1968) amongst many others that would shape genre television right up to the present day. In fact their influence can be seen in many series still around today either in dramas, science fiction and comedy. 

    “Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)” was created by genre stalwart Dennis Spooner who has written many scripts for some of the aforementioned series with an in-depth knowledge in terms of what was required for the 1960s but could also bring some humour to proceedings which ended up being an important aspect of the series created within this period. In terms of performance this show was spearheaded by Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope as the private detectives Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk. For such a high concept series these two leads seem to know exactly what is required from the outset, they know to play these two seriously without any irony or winking to the camera. 

    In the initial episode, Hopkirk is murdered during an investigation but returns as a ghost. Randall is the only main character able to see or hear him, though certain minor characters are also able to do so in various circumstances throughout the series, such as mediums, drunks, or those under hypnosis. From here as mentioned it boils down to an episode of the week style that features cases to solve much like the procedural drama of today. Where high concept shows sometimes fail or struggle is to place their characters in the real world, in other words having them progress to grow and change so that an audience can see this onscreen. What may have been advantageous for this show would have been to have arcs over multiple episodes to show the changing nature of the main characters to breathe life into the genre, but of course that was not the case and it was cancelled after one season. 

    Episodes

    My Late Lamented Friend and Partner: Private Investigator Marty Hopkirk is murdered by the husband of a client but returns as a ghost to help his business partner Jeff Randall bring the man responsible for his murder to justice.

    A Disturbing Case: Concerned for Jeff’s mental health Jeannie sends Jeff to Dr. Conrad at the Lambert Clinic where it turns out he is the mastermind of a series of robberies of his patients using hypnotic suggestion, forcing Marty to try to find a way to break Jeff from his control before Jeff has been so severely hypnotized that he loses the ability to see Marty.

    All Work and No Pay: Two eccentric conmen brothers (The Foster Brothers) who claim to be spiritualists try to convince Jeannie that Marty is haunting her as a poltergeist using electronic equipment.

    Never Trust a Ghost: Two enemy agents murder a high British Secret Service official and his wife and pass themselves as their impostors in their own home to steal important documents.

    That’s How Murder Snowballs: When a theatre performer is murdered by a loaded gun during one of his acts Jeff joins the theatre as a mind reader to investigate his murder and hunt down the killer.

    Just for the Record: Jeff is acting as a bodyguard to a beauty queen, Anne Soames, who wants to visit the Public Records Office. An intrigued Marty watches as she uses a special pair of glasses to cut the alarm and later a file is stolen by a man named Pargiter. When Jeff pursues him, Pargiter explains that the stolen document reveals him to be the rightful king of England – with his two heavies as noble lords. He condemns Jeff as a heretic, tying him up along with Anne, who has outlived her usefulness, and leaving them to die in a burning building. However, Marty sets off the fire alarm,…

    Murder Ain’t What it Used to Be!: Notorious American crime boss Paul Kirstner travels to London for “business” and hires Randall to take care of his daughter. However his wicked past and his haunting by the 1920s Chicago gangster Bugsy catches up with him.

    Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?: Knowing about Marty, a crime syndicate, in disguise, hire Jeff to begin surveillance on a gang of criminals (themselves), knowing that he will use Marty. Using an elderly psychic they detect Marty’s presence, and deliberately mislead Jeff and the police.

    The House on Haunted Hill: Jeff investigates a diamond theft in which the manager is implicated and threatens Jeff to lie about his investigation. Whilst also investigating a haunting at a country manor it turns out the diamond gang are using it as a hideout.

    When did You Start to Stop Seeing Things?: Jeff is hired by a company to find out who is leaking information in the stock market. Finding Jeff suspiciously out of character – and also now being unable to see him – Marty finds out that the real Jeff has been captured and that the fake Jeff is an impostor, using his status to conduct murders of financial personnel. Marty uses a hypnotist to save the day.

    The Ghost who Saved the Bank at Monte Carlo: Marty’s Aunt Clara hires Jeff as a bodyguard for a trip to Monte Carlo where she plans to win £100,000 on her self-devised gambling system. Closely followed and watched by several different gangs they only lose their would-be robbers by Marty manipulating the final game of roulette losing the money.

    For the Girl who Has Everything: Jeff is hired by a ghost hunter to investigate at a manor where the lady appears to be haunted. When the ghost hunter is murdered whilst on night watch Jeff investigates. When the man of the house is shot by his wife believing she saw a ghost, Jeff becomes suspicious and discovers that it was part of her plan to get rid of her draining husband and leave the country with her butler toyboy.

    But What a Sweet Little Room: Jeff investigates the disappearance of a wealthy young heiress’s aunt. When she is then killed by a hit and run driver he is led to a medium previously visited by the aunt and uses Jeannie as a decoy to foil a thieving operation in which middle class men rob wealthy widows by murdering them in the room of the episode title, which then transpires to be a gas chamber in disguise.

    Who Killed Cock Robin?: In this murder mystery, Jeff is hired by a large estate manager to investigate a series of bird shootings in the manor aviary. Under the terms of the will of the manor’s late owner, the estate is being held in trust for as long as the birds live (which could be twenty years or more), and will be divided up equally among the surviving relatives only when all the birds are dead. While Jeff keeps guard of the valuable birds, he discovers that members of the family of the manor are being murdered one by one, gradually narrowing down the suspects, leaving Jeff with the surprising culprit.

    The Man from Nowhere: A man enters Jeannie’s life pretending that he is Marty returned from the dead. As he gradually builds Jeannie’s trust with his alarming knowledge of Marty’s life, Jeff, suspicious from the beginning finds that he is a runaway member of a gang and has taken Jeannie to the Cotswolds where she and Marty had their honeymoon to dig up something of the past.

    When the Spirit Moves You: Jeff becomes involved with a conman and a stash of $125,000 of stolen bonds from the United States that a criminal racket are after.

    Somebody Just Walked Over My Grave: Marty finds somebody digging around his grave. He sends Jeff to investigate the cemetery and in doing so is knocked unconscious several times by a masked 18th-century axe wielder. Suspecting the gardener, Jeff accepts a job for a wealthy man in the nearby mansion and stumbles on an intricate plot to steal his insane agoraphobic son through a tunnel pretending to hold him to ransom. It is all part of a plot to inherit his father’s fortune but when he marries his young housekeeper the plan is demised.

    Could You Recognise the Man Again?: When Jeff and Jeannie find a dead body in their car unknown to them at the time that the man they met outside was a killer, Jeannie is held hostage to keep Randall from confessing to the police and giving a testimony in court. And even the ghostly Marty can’t locate her until the very last minute.

    A Sentimental Journey: A reluctant Jeff agrees to take a valuable item worth £10,000 from Glasgow to London on the overnight express. When the consignment turns out to be an attractive blonde, Jeff initially concedes that the assignment is to his liking. How gradually becoming suspicious it turns out the blonde is a traitor involved in stealing a highly valuable postage stamp.

    Money to Burn: Randall is offered by a dodgy friend to take part in a money salvaging operation whereby £500,000 of old money is to be incinerated but is replaced with newspaper pieces. Not informing the police nor accepting any part in it, Randall watches from a nearby street and is caught by the police and imprisoned. Using his lady friend lawyer she tracks down his dodgy friend at his London club finding the real culprits are his lady dancers freeing Randall.

    The Ghost Talks: With Jeff in a hospital bed with an arm and a leg in plaster, having fallen off a balcony while attempting to apprehend a safe-cracker, Marty seizes the opportunity to tell him about a spy drama that he handled alone (Jeff being out of town at the time) while he was still alive, involving a corrupt MI5 official and spy ring, the details of which he had never revealed before.

    It’s Supposed to be Thicker than Water: Playing postman to deliver an envelope to an escaped convict strikes Jeff as simple until he finds out it contains an invitation to murder and before long his own life is on the line.

    The Trouble with Women: Jeff is hired by a woman and deliberately set up her husband’s murder. In disguise she misleads Randall with her club owner boyfriend she is secretly having an affair with, almost leading to his shooting at a quarry.

    Vendetta for a Dead Man: A vengeance-seeking escaped convict decides that since Marty Hopkirk, the man who put him behind bars is dead then his widow Jeannie will have to suffer.

    You Can Always Find a Fall Guy: Jeff is hired to retrieve stolen funds by a nun, only to discover the nun is not what she seems to be and he is being set up.

    The Smile Behind the Veil: Only a ghost would notice the smile behind the veil of a funeral mourner. Marty stumbles upon a hidden murder mystery.

  • Blu-ray/DVD review: “Decision to Leave”

    Blu-ray/DVD review: “Decision to Leave”

    “Decision to Leave” (2022)

    Drama

    Running Time: 139 minutes

    Written by: Jeong Seo-kyeong and Park Chan-wook

    Directed by: Park Chan-wook

    Featuring: Tang Wei and Park Hae-il

    Seo-rae: “The moment you said you loved me, your love is over. The moment your love ends, my love begins.”

    Released recently on DVD and Blu-ray is Korean writer/director Park Chan-wook’s follow up to his hit and Oscar worthy “The Handmaiden” (2016) in the form of the drama/thriller “Decision to Leave” (2022) which had extremely high expectations considering its forbear and it is an extremely worthy film that appears to have missed its mark with critics and fans. It is curious for a film to be set in South Korea and in a modern age it feels like a throwback to not only the directors previous work but also to a Hollywood of the late 1990s. 

    “Decision to Leave” is based around insomniac detective, Hae-Jun, who works in Busan and only sees his wife, Jung-An, a nuclear power plant worker residing in Ipo, once a week. Hae-Jun and his partner, Soo-Wan, encounter a case where a retired immigration officer, Ki Do Soo, is found dead at the foot of a mountain he often climbed. They interview his much younger wife, Seo-Rae, an emigrant from China who works as a caretaker for seniors. They suspect her because of her insufficient displays of grief, a scratch on her hand, bruises on her legs and torso, and a tattoo of Ki’s initials in the manner that he marked his other belongings. Hae-Jun conducts further interviews with Seo-Rae and conducts nightly stakeouts outside of Seo-Rae’s apartment building, becoming infatuated with her in the process.

    There is no doubt that “Decision to Leave” may appear to be traditional especially in terms of Park’s previous movies but it does indicate a step forward while looking at the past or history especially of erotic thrillers. But this film does take a left turn towards the latter half although it does appear tame compared to say “Oldboy” (2005) and “The Handmaiden” but this does illustrate a wanting to be taken more seriously and less like a shock director and more like one with something to say, this could be why the film was met with a muted response. 

    It should be made clear that “Decision to Leave” is not what you would call a mainstream drama as the motivations and the outcomes of the characters involved. As with many thrillers the main characters start off as what would be considered normal, such as Al Pacino in the very late 1980s thriller “Sea of Love” (1989), but as the narrative moves around him he makes leaps pf logic a normal policeman would not make. Here in “Decision to Leave” Park sets up Hae-jun as a rational creature so he can then unmoor him from his routines and see what happens. And he’s wonderfully playful here with the theme of communication—Seo-rae speaks Korean but sometimes has to use a translator app from her native Chinese, highlighting how these people aren’t really speaking to one another in a direct manner. 

    There is no doubt that Park has a lot going on within “Decision to Leave”, but it does feel like two separate halves, one half a sentimental old fashioned plot and narrative that seems like the work of a seasoned director who makes genre experiments. While the second half seems to at least emulate the kind of Park Chan-wook from the past. What may have been more interesting was if “Decision to Leave” had been produced earlier in his career what may have happened would have been more of a singular union between both halves, instead of the feeling I have of something left on the cutting room floor. This is a very good film but it does lack a certain unifying of both the plot and the narrative as well as some evenness throughout, it is still worthy of a look especially on Blu-ray. 

  • DVD review: “Sissy” (2022)

    DVD review: “Sissy” (2022)

    “Sissy” (2022)

    Horror

    Running Time: 102 minutes

    Written and directed by: Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes

    Featuring: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow, Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha and Lucy Barrett

    Sissy: “I am loved, I am special, I am enough.”

    Recently released on DVD is the independent horror movie “Sissy” (2022), a movie that uses the conceit of social media and influencers to harness a plot that is at once humorous and horrifying especially when taking childhood trauma into account and the meaning behind being popular, likeable and what that looks like to an online audience as opposed to actual real life friends and acquaintances. I was not sure what to expect going into it 

    Interestingly this is the second movie of 2022 to be released that deals directly with social media and influencers with the excellent “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” (2022) making waves at the box office that had at its heart a party that ends in quite a bit of death. What is interesting is that both movies while having similar themes attack them in the genre of horror as well as being very humorous at times. The other element that these movies have in common are female filmmakers and these are there their second features.

    “Sissy” is based around Cecilia (Aisha Dee) a successful social media influencer who appears to have it all. Living the dream as an independent and modern millennial woman, nothing can stand in Cecilia’s way of feeling special. That is, until she reunites with her ex-best friend, Emma (Hannah Barlow), from her pre-teen years after over a decade of separation. Cecilia and Emma had plans to grow old together and never let anything come between them until Alex (Emily De Margheriti) came into the picture. And even years later, cattiness is still at the forefront of their interactions. During Emma’s bachelorette party get-away at a remote cabin in the mountains, Alex proceeds to make Cecilia’s weekend a living nightmare. Unfortunately, it doesn’t bode well for the entire party. The narrative is pretty straight forward as is the plot, of course as the viewer you are constantly wondering will she get caught or get away with it. The storytelling paints all the characters almost all one way, that is they fit into archetypical types that we have seen before. 

    Written and directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes who are to be fairly inexperienced have created something that suits the horror genre very well. The way “Sissy” unfolds with a plot and narrative that seems deceptively simple is a masterclass in genre low budget filmmaking especially one that deals with a main character that could have been written and portrayed as something else entirely, unsympathetic as well as quite unlikeable. However there is a line line operating here that makes not only what Sissy ends up doing acceptable but by the conclusion you are on her side for what she has been carrying out which is of course ridiculous but the filmmakers have carried out their work very well. Also smartly the filmmakers have kept the locations to a minimal which also enhances the look of the movie, while at the same time illustrating this world, it also highlights the outside world and being in Australia it looks just perfect.

    “Sissy” is led by a great and perfectly pitched performance by Aisha Dee who for a young actor seems to know this person, although growing up in the social media age she has probably seen or even encountered this type of people. Dee who is probably more experienced than the actual filmmakers so I would think knows how to put something like this together and again if her performance is off even a little the audience will not buy her actions, motivations or her fate at the end of the movie. The rest of the cast have a slightly easier job in that they have to be passive aggressive, mean or borderline bullying which they all do well, of course they are all broadly written and performed, there is little depth but that is normally the case for perceived victims within the genre.

    From the very beginning of “Sissy” in its opening sequence we see Cecilia who appears to have it all in terms of her online presentation, however it is clear in reality it’s all a façade. After a broadcast to over 200,000 followers, requesting them to repeat her coined mantra, “I am loved, I am special, I am enough,” we then see how she really lives off camera. She lives alone in a cluttered apartment, spends time eating terrible food while basking in reality TV, and she frequently checks her phone for validation from her fan base. All this happens in between nightmares from a troubling accident that awakens Cecilia from her sleep. For even the most put-together social media influencer, all isn’t what it seems.

    There are a few themes operating within “Sissy” one of which is the idea of bullying which of course is a timeless concept especially in dealing with adolescence and the portrayal of female friendships on screen. This is of course a horror movie which means that the deeper themes are a little buried within the action, violence and yes humour, it does require some digging but the fact that this bullying idea is also matched with how people portray themselves on social media for good and bad which as different platforms are aging this is a theme that will become only more important and relevant. Going into “Sissy” I was not sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by almost everything about it which is a recommendation to view it.

    “Sissy” is not a perfect movie of course but it does an admirable job with some complex ideas but it is set firmly within the horror genre, it is not a drama so there are shortcuts taken to link plot to narrative, not everything is well thought out but it makes up for that with a great central performance as well as some thinly drawn characters to up the ante on the violence.

  • Trailer: “The Last of Us: Episode Seven” (2023)

    Trailer: “The Last of Us: Episode Seven” (2023)

    Trailer: “The Last of Us: Episode Seven” (2023)

    Celebrated Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić of “Quo Vadis, Aida?” fame made her TV directorial debut on the sixth episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us” night.

    The episode also contained some big surprises for fans of the game as several elements from “The Last of Us: Part II” showed up earlier than expected in the narrative – including a brief cameo. The hour-long episode adapted the ‘Tommy’s Dam’ and ‘The University’ segments of the first game for the screen – albeit in colder climates than those game sections which unfolded in the Fall.

    Check out the ‘Inside the Episode’ featurette above along with a promo, below, for next week’s seventh episode which tackles the ‘Left Behind’ DLC.

  • DVD review: “Mister Organ” (2022)

    DVD review: “Mister Organ” (2022)

    “Mister Organ” (2022)

    Documentary

    Running Time: 96 minutes

    Produced by: David Farrier, Alex Reed and Emma Slade

    Directed by: David Farrier

    David Farrier: “That does seem quite weird. I mean I’d prefer you didn’t have a key to my house.”

    Released recently on DVD is the New Zealand documentary “Mister Organ” (2022) that saw what was a long time dispute about parking, towing and an antique shop in Ponsonby turn into a somewhat chilling character study but ultimately feels like a story that had nowhere to go, finishing rather unfulfilling and looking for an ending. In fact the more one contemplates this documentary the more one feels a little let down by something that could have been quite special. 

    The documentary investigates Michael Organ, beginning with an investigation into Bashford Antiques, an antique store in Ponsonby, Auckland which was known for its over-enthusiastic car clamping policy. The documentary follows Organ’s past victims, his response to Farrier’s organisation, and the psychological warfare techniques he uses against Farrier.

    “Mister Organ” starts with an intriguing premise as well as establishing that the story is something that piqued national interest so there was always going to be a story behind the story and Farrier does expose it kind of, although after multiple talking heads as well as some fishing with both the protagonist as well as a few of his relations and his partner we as an audience are nowhere near any kind of truth or resolution. In fact this documentary feels a little like the television show ‘Fair Go’ but a lot longer.

    As is usual Farrier injects himself within the narrative to give some kind of perceived stake and/or jeopardy that makes us feel like he may have something to lose. This is a technique that has been used by many documentarians especially those that have a personality and connect with their audiences such as Michael Moore, Nick Broomfield, Louis Theroux and a host of others who have also spun their ‘personalities’ into other connected careers, here Farrier is no different. At this stage I feel like his documentary is a long form trailer to his other endeavours. 

    I was looking forward to “Mister Organ” quite a lot actually, especially because I really enjoyed with the surprisingly good “Tickled” (2016) that again started in one place and ended with another, it also had a very good conclusion that seemed to bring the entire movie together, something that is sorely missing with this new documentary. My main criticism of “Mister Organ” is that it feels like the start of a good idea, one that seemed to have legs especially with the discovery of the life of the main character, however beyond that there are no real surprises or revelations that are brought to any kind of real conclusion. It looks like it was edited with the intention of finding a story hence the beginning of the documentary that features what will occur at the ending, narratively speaking. 

    In fact the entire documentary is put together like a narrative movie to begin with not really a documentary at all especially with the so called jeopardy that Farrier finds himself in a few times throughout it. To be honest the narrative stops ringing true or even interesting after the first act when the ‘true’ character of Organ is revealed, to be honest I am not even sure the threats even seem real. I would question the actual veracity of the documentary to be begin with. To appear in the movie all of the participants need to sign releases so really how ‘real’ can any of it be? 

    “Mister Organ” is still worth a viewing but I would leave it for a streaming service, it is a passing good time but the end may leave you feeling a little hollow.

  • Final Trailer: “John Wick – Chapter 4” (2023)

    Final Trailer: “John Wick – Chapter 4” (2023)

    Final Trailer: “John Wick – Chapter 4” (2023)

    Lionsgate has premiered a third and final trailer for the upcoming fourth feature in the “John Wick” action franchise which finally arrives nearly four years after the prior entry.

    Spanning Japan, Jordan, Germany, France and the U.S., the new entry sees Keanu Reeves’ John Wick getting ready to take on the High Table following the events of the third film. He finds himself challenging The Marquis (Bill Skarsgard) in order to have his past transgression absolved.

    Regulars to the franchise that return include Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane and Lance Reddick are back while Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen, Shamier Anderson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins and Clancy Brown co-star in the new entry as both allies and villains.

  • Final Trailer: “Creed III” (2023)

    Final Trailer: “Creed III” (2023)

    Final Trailer: “Creed III” (2023)

    MGM has premiered one final tailer for Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut with “Creed III”.

    Marking the first film in the “Rocky” franchise without its creator, Sylvester Stallone, the new film sees a time jump of five years ahead with Adonis Creed (Jordan) at a pivotal time well into his professional career.

    He ends up facing off against a recently released from prison childhood friend named Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) in the ring. Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, and Felicia Rashad reprise their roles from earlier entries.

    Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II, Mila Davis-Kent, and Canelo Álvarez also star in “Creed III” which is set to hit cinemas on March 3rd.

  • Movie review: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023)

    Movie review: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023)

    “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023)

    Action

    Running Time: 124 minutes

    Written by: Jeff Loveness

    Directed by: Peyton Reed

    Featuring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, William Jackson Harper, Katy O’Brian and Bill Murray

    Scott Lang: “Who are you?”

    Kang The Conqueror: “I’m the man who can give you the one thing you want.”

    Scott Lang: “What’s that?”

    Kang The Conqueror: “Time.”

    Released in cinemas this week is the first MCU movie of the year in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023), which represents the third movie of the Ant-Man movies, as well as the thirty-first entry in the MCU itself. After all these movies and storylines you might expect some real daring in both the storytelling, the narrative or even the special effects but it seems to me after some disappointments in the form of “Eternals” (2021) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) it seems that attempting to play it safe is the order of the day. However in terms of the result it is a little pedestrian as well as a letdown as the first entry into the fifth phase of the storytelling model. Don’t get me wrong there is much to like here, the performances are great but maybe taking a gamble may have paid off to make this more enjoyable and memorable.

    The plot of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” this time involves Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hope’s parents, Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, and Lang’s daughter, Cassie, who all go on a new adventure exploring the Quantum Realm that pushes their limits and pits them against Kang the Conqueror. 

    Directed by Peyton Reed who was also at the helm of the previous two instalments here knows exactly what he is doing with this franchise, this has always been the smallest part of the MCU, so Reed seemed to be able to add his own style to the proceedings. However now in this movie it is a major kicking off point for what is promised to be something huge with a main villain that will rival the great Thanos. For me it’s not really the direction that is an issue, although I have a feeling that this entry is more paint by numbers than the previous two. Unfortunately it’s the script, written by newcomer Jeff Loveness, that is far too full of plot as well as endless explanations that would be much better in a longer more in-depth movie, maybe that’s indicative of a studio that just didn’t believe in the movie from the start. Its unfortunate then that Loveness is also writing a new Avengers movie to be released in the next few years.

    When addressing as well as viewing a movie with a name like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” you would expect this movie to be a little more crazier than the previous ones ala the Doctor Strange movies, although they had a much higher budget than the Ant-man instalments. Although with a budget north of US$200 million far more than the two previous movies the spectacle should be off the charts, alas it is kind of dull in its own way. However what I felt was an overabundance of digital effects and green screen with a plot that felt all setup and not much payoff. There is nothing wrong with a movie that sets up the future that was something the MCU did so well, but this as a standalone movie seems a little off and a little lost. 

    Of course with a movie that has Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly as its leads and the stellar Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas in supporting roles there are very good performances across the board although it is Majors who seems to know what movie he is actually appearing in. In his other outings as the titular character Rudd was always charming but he always felt like the second lead in his own movies because of the addition of actual superstars that he had to play off against. I don’t think it is any coincidence that almost everyone is better in a scene when Douglas and Pfeiffer are in it as well, everyone raises their game around true legends. I think that all the actors are let down by a listless script that becomes more apparent by the end of proceedings. Majors as Kang the Conqueror makes for an excellent villain, who brings nuance and subtlety to his character.

    In terms of the science of the movie that we witnessed in the first two instalments this new one does not hold back we get smart ants, crazy ships that are apparently run by slime worms, and plenty of size-changing antics. We even get the return of Corey Stoll’s Darren Cross, who now plays M.O.D.O.K., with a giant head that never stops being unnervingly creepy. Most of the Ant-Man powers are still relegated to Scott, Hope, and now Cassie shrinking down small, punching someone, then getting big again, but at least this world finally sees the prospects this world has.

    The real weakness as mentioned is that the primary function of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is introducing the next big bad guy for the next few phases of the MCU’s master plan. Even though this story gets started with the cool tech and family dynamics being handled in a way that is more impactful than in any previous films, the film quickly becomes the Kang show. And that’s not entirely a bad thing, since Majors is absolutely the best part of this film, but it feels like a major character’s introduction glomming onto the first Scott Lang story that actually knows what it should be doing.

    Which is a shame, because all the pieces are there for a solid Scott Lang/Hope van Dyne/Pym family adventure, and with these actors doing some of their best work in the MCU, but that story gets overtaken. But it’s easy to forget that this wasn’t his story, that this was supposed to be about Scott, his family, and his loved ones. There’s a fascinating world to explore here, and Ant-Man finally gets close to the full realization of the potential of his character and this concept, but it all, unfortunately, gets overtaken by Kang, it seems like a missed opportunity to either streamline the story or make it a true epic. 

  • New Opening Song: “Outlander: Season Seven” (2023)

    New Opening Song: “Outlander: Season Seven” (2023)

    New Opening Song: “Outlander: Season Seven” (2023)

    Famed singer Sinead O’Connor has been revealed as the singer of the opening titles sequence for the seventh season of “Outlander” with Starz releasing the credits sequence online. 

    O’Connor delivers her rendition of The Skye Boat Song for the series credits which as usual are updated each season to reflect the story’s current location and events. The new run premieres this Summer.

  • “Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche” (2018)

    “Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche” (2018)

    “Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche” (2018)

    Documentary

    Running Time: 93 minutes

    Written by: Arianna Marelli

    Directed by: Michele Mally

    Featuring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Lily Cole, Maxi Blaha and Rudolf Buchbinder

    Gustav Klimt: “No part of life is so small and insignificant that it does not offer space for artistic aspirations”

    Released recently on DVD is the documentary “Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche” (2018) that is based around the artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt as well as three exhibitions that featured their works. 

    At the beginning of 1900, Vienna became the European capital of thought and the arts, in an era destined to end with the First World War and the fall of the Hapsburg Empire. Its elegant streets graced the presence of Arthur Schnitzler, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the young Ludwig Wittgenstein, and future directors Fritz Lang and Erich von Stroheim, while Alma Mahler used to invite musicians and intellectuals to her prestigious living room. The first of her many lovers was in fact Gustav Klimt, the star of the Vienna Secession art movement. 

    A portrait of a highpoint that had a truly unique cultural spirit and in which taboos were broken and the rules of upper-middle classes of Viennese society and the Western world were overcome. A time when the erotic relationship between the two sexes was turned on its head, allowing women to assume roles that had been unthinkable until that point in time: Hermine Hug-Hellmuth, one of the first women to be admitted to Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, published a diary on the sexual life of young women, while Dora Kallmus’ photographic studio became famous all over Vienna, and Berta Zuckerkandl opened up her living room to some of the most prominent artists. The artistic vision and turmoil represented in paintings by Klimt and Schiele communicate with us with undeniable talent. And films such as this only serve to highlight just how much the freedom of art and culture is in danger in modern times.

    The documentary begins in 1918 as the roar of the First World War cannons are dying out, in Vienna, the heart of Central Europe, a golden age comes to an end. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is beginning to disintegrate. On the night of October 31st, in the bed of his home, Egon Schiele dies, one of the 20 million deaths caused by the Spanish flu. He dies looking at the invisible evil in the face, in the only he can do: painting it. He is 28 years old. Only a few months earlier, the main hall of the Secession building had welcomed his works: 19 oil paintings and 29 drawings. His first successful exhibition, a celebration of a new painting idea that portrays the restlessness and desires of mankind. A few months earlier, his teacher and friend Gustav Klimt had died. From the turn of the century, he had fundamentally changed the feeling of art and founded a new group: the Secession. The documentary film Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche, will recount this extraordinary season: a magical moment for art, literature, and music, in which new ideas are circulated, Freud discovers the drives of the psyche, and women begin to claim their independence. An age that revealed the abysses of the ego, in which today we’re still reflecting ourselves. The film will take us through 3 stunning exhibitions:- Vienna 1900. Klimt – Moser – Gerstl – Kokoschka (Leopold Museum);- Egon Schiele. The Jubilee Show (Leopold Museum);- Stairway to Klimt. Eye to Eye with Klimt & Nuda Veritas (Kunsthistorischesmuseum).

    “Klimt & Schiele – Eros and Psyche” is directed with determination, skill and clarity by relative newcomer Mateusz Stolecki, he is able to enhances the film’s shapes and colours, the 4K theatrical version takes viewers on a journey inside the innovative works of art by the two great artists, as well as through history itself, accompanied by the voice of the actor Lorenzo Richelmy. The other element of the movie are the readings by the actress Lily Cole, speeches by theNobel prize winner for medicine and neuroscience Eric Kandel, the art historians Alfred Weidinger and Jane Kallir, musicologist Bryan Gilliam and the pianist Rudolf Buchbinder.

    The artistic vision and turmoil represented in paintings by Klimt and Schiele communicate with us with undeniable talent. And films such as this only serve to highlight just how much the freedom of art and culture is in danger in modern times.

  • Trailer: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

    Trailer: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

    “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

    Marvel Studios has unveiled the full-length trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” ahead of the film’s debut on May 5th. The final adventure of the Guardians is set several years after the second and sees Peter Quill still reeling from the loss of Gamora. He must rally the Guardians of the Galaxy on a mission to defend the universe.

    Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff and Sean Gunn all return along with Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone and Maria Bakalova. They’re joined by Will Poulter as Adam Warlock and Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary.

  • Trailer: “The Flash” (2023)

    Trailer: “The Flash” (2023)

    Trailer: “The Flash” (2023)

    Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod (Michael Shannon) has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to.

    That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

    “The Flash” will open in theaters on June 16th 2023.

  • DVD review: “Magnum P.I.: Season 4” (2021)

    DVD review: “Magnum P.I.: Season 4” (2021)

    “Magnum P.I.: Season 4” (2021)

    Television

    Twenty Episodes

    Developed by: Peter M. Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim

    Featuring: Jay Hernandez, Perdita Weeks, Zachary Knighton, Stephen Hill, Amy Hill and Tim Kang

    Detective Gordon Katsumoto: “Still don’t get why you guys are doing this.”

    Thomas Magnum: “Mike and Terry wanted to free these people, and it cost them their lives. We didn’t know them but they’re still our brothers. We’re going to finish what they started.”

    Released recently on DVD is the reimagining of the long running 1980s television series “Magnum” (1980-1988) that featured and made a star out of its leading man Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum. This new boxset, “Magnum P.I.: Season 4”, features Jay Hernandez in the titular role as a private investigator based in Hawaii who solves cases with the help of an eclectic group of friends and other contacts he has built up over the years.

    This new iteration of “Magnum P.I.” centres on Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez), a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, Magnum lives in a guest cottage on Robin’s Nest, the luxurious estate where he works as a security consultant to supplement his P.I. business. The “majordomo” of the property is Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks), a beautiful and commanding disavowed MI:6 agent whose second job is to keep Magnum in line, with the help of her two Dobermans.

    As with the original series, “Magnum P.I”. revolves around Thomas Magnum, an ex-United States Navy SEAL who occupies the guest house on Robin’s Nest, the Hawaiian Estate owned by famous author Robin Masters. In exchange for allowing Magnum to live in his guest house, Masters writes a fictional book series about a “White knight” centered around Magnum’s time in the military. In addition, Magnum works for Masters as a security consultant; despite this, Masters never appears in the series. Also living on the estate are Juliet Higgins, an ex-MI6 Agent who serves as the estates majordomo, and native Hawaiian Kumu Tuileta, who is the estate’s cultural curator. In his off time Magnum solves crimes as a private investigator, often with Higgins who officially joins him as his partner in the second season. The two are frequently assisted by ex-United States Marines, Orville “Rick” Wright and Theodore “T.C.” Calvin. Rick is now a bar owner, while T.C. is a pilot whose main business is running helicopter tours of the islands. Gordon Katsumoto is a detective for the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) who frequently disagrees with Magnum’s investigation methods, but nonetheless respects his crime solving expertise.

    All the reboot pieces are in place: Jay Hernandez is the new Tom Selleck. He’s a private investigator living in the guest house of an unseen millionaire’s mansion, and he’s working with a team of ex-military buds to keep the peace in Hawaii. This Magnum is lacking a mustache, but he’s still a charming Lothario who fits in a few critical shirtless scenes between skydiving in outer space and jumping from a speeding car to a flying helicopter without breaking a sweat.

    Hernandez gives off the natural charisma needed to carry a procedural, and his cohorts are given brief moments to shine. The action scenes are so-so, even as the special effects are not that convincing but I assume this comes to the budget of the series overall. This new reboot fits within the new CBS model: easily digestible, easy-to-follow episodic action not far-removed from the network’s mothership formula, “NCIS.” To point out the flaws is pointless, given that things like disposable characters and questionable living expenses are baked into the recipe.

    Episodes

    Island Vibes: As Magnum tries to keep his new relationship a secret and handle his cases solo, he’s now looking for a single mom being hunted by two very dangerous killers. A misstep abroad forces Higgins to become involved with an old employer.

    The Harder They Fall: While Magnum and Higgins reunite and work the case of a construction worker’s tragic death, TC and Shammy get skyjacked by a pair of drug runners posing as tourists.

    Texas Wedge: Magnum, Higgins and Rick go undercover at a ritzy country club when a young caddie is fired after being accused of stealing a member’s golf clubs.

    Those We Leave Behind: Higgins’ therapist hires her to look into why one of her teenage patients died of suicide.

    Til Death: When Magnum and Higgins are hired by an anxious groom to look into his bride-to-be on the eve of their wedding, what they think is a simple case of cold feet turns into a web of lies.

    Devil on the Doorstep: A journalist hires Magnum to track down his anonymous source after they mysteriously go dark. Higgins receives a new assignment from MI-6. Rick’s old friend comes to the island, but TC is suspicious of his motives.

    A New Lease on Death: When Rick is asked to assist with a federal investigation of Robbie, Magnum launches his own investigation. Higgins is hired to investigate the disappearance of a retirement community resident’s life savings.

    A Fire in the Ashes: Magnum starts following Higgins to discover what she’s been hiding, as she’s secretly assigned to infiltrate a group threatening to take down MI-6. Rick struggles after an explosion takes the life of someone important to him.

    Better Watch Out: A Christmas Eve ransomware attack on the Honolulu Police Department forces Lia to reveal a family secret to Magnum and Katsumoto.\

    Dream Lover: When a woman hires Magnum and Higgins to locate a man she met briefly at a coffee shop and felt a spark with, they learn that he is hiding a big secret.

    If I Should Die Before I Wake: A nun hires Magnum and Higgins to investigate a mysterious cash donation made to a parishioner undergoing medical treatment at the church. Jin’s new dog walking business takes a dramatic turn.

    Angels Sometimes Kill: Shammy asks Magnum and Higgins to locate his missing friend, a homeless veteran. T.C. tries to get Cade to return to school, but quickly learns it’s not that simple.

    Judge Me Not: When Hawaii Supreme Court nominee Judge Rachel Park is being blackmailed, she hires Magnum and Higgins who go to extraordinary lengths to help her out.

    Run, Baby, Run: A bail bondsman hires Magnum and Higgins to track down a woman who skipped out on her $250,000 bond. T.C. and Katsumoto team up on an emotional search for Cade’s mother.

    Dead Man Walking: When Magnum balks at notorious crime boss Osi Shima’s request to find his missing son, Magnum learns he’s been poisoned and has only eight hours to locate Shima’s son to earn the antidote, or else he dies.

    Evil Walks Softly: The mother of a suspected bomber hires the team to locate her son and turn him in to the authority. Kumu and Rick help T.C. navigate his guilty conscience when he runs in to an old flame.

    Remember Me Tomorrow: Higgins is in a complicated situation when 12-year-old Ella asks for help cracking a triple homicide that involves her mother. Magnum bonds with a terminally ill veteran and attempts to reunite him with his estranged family.

    Shallow Grave, Deep Water: Magnum goes to extreme lengths to uncover the truth about a crime that may have involved his dear deceased friend, Nuzo.

    The Long Sleep: A disoriented man hires Magnum and Higgins to investigate a crime he doesn’t remember after he woke up on the beach covered in blood. TC is taken aback when Cade’s biological grandmother makes a surprise visit.

    Close to Home: Magnum and Higgins are sent on a deadly mission inside a high security correctional center when a ruthless criminal abducts Katsumoto and his ex-wife, Beth.

  • Trailer: “Fast X” (2023)

    Trailer: “Fast X” (2023)

    Trailer: “Fast X” (2023)

    Universal Pictures has unveiled the extended first trailer for “Fast X,” the tenth entry in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. The Louis Leterrier-helmed film serves as the first of a two-parter closing out the main franchise. 

    Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path.

    Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything – and everyone – that Dom loves, forever.

    Returnees include Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, John Cena, Charlize Theron, Cardi B, Helen Mirren, Michael Rooker and Scott Eastwood.

    Joining the series for the first time are Daniela Melchior (“The Suicide Squad”), Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”) and Alan Ritchson (“Reacher”).

    The film will hit cinemas on May 19th.

  • Trailer: “Air” (2023)

    Trailer: “Air” (2023)

    Trailer: “Air” (2023)

    Amazon Studios has released the trailer for the Ben Affleck-directed and Matt Damon-led sports merchandising drama “Air” which is set to score a worldwide cinema release on April 5th.

    The story centers on real-life shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro (Damon) and how he led Nike in its pursuit of then mostly unknown basketball phenom Michael Jordan – it was an endorsement deal that ended up changing sport and fashion forever and turned Nike into one of the biggest corporate names on the planet.

    Affleck plays Nike founder Phil Knight, Viola Davis is Jordan’s mother, whilst Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon and Chris Tucker round out the cast. Affleck helms from a screenplay by Alex Convery.

  • Trailer: “Luther: The Fallen Sun” (2023)

    Trailer: “Luther: The Fallen Sun” (2023)

    “Luther: The Fallen Sun” 

    Netflix has released the official trailer for the film “Luther: The Fallen Sun” which serves as a sequel feature to the BBC’s hit British crime thriller.

    In this continuation, a gruesome serial killer is terrorizing London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Idris Elba) sits behind bars.

    Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job by any means necessary. Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis, and Jess Liaudin also star whilst Dermot Crowley reprises his role as Martin Schenk.

    The project is helmed by Emmy nominee Jamie Payne from a screenplay written by series creator Neil Cross. The film will arrive in select theaters on February 24th followed by its streaming debut on March 10th.

  • DVD review: “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” (1967 – 1968)

    DVD review: “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” (1967 – 1968)

    “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” (1967 – 1968)

    Television / Sci-Fi

    Thirty Two Episodes

    Created by: Gerry and Sylvia Anderson

    Featuring: Sylvia Anderson, Ed Bishop, Gary Files, Cy Grant, Donald Gray, David Healy, Janna Hill, Martin King, Francis Matthews, Paul Maxwell, Liz Morgan, Lian-Shin, Charles Tingwell, Jeremy Wilkin, Neil McCallum and Shane Rimmer

    The Mysterons: [Their last line, from series finale] “This is the voice of the Mysterons. We know you can hear us, Earthmen. The powers of the Mysterons are infinite. We can distort space and time. We have shown you the consequences of your primitive and aggressive behavior. It has been decided by our Imperial Council that a peaceful settlement with the planet Earth might someday be possible. So we will spare you. Be warned, Earthmen: Your warlike behavior can only result in disaster for your planet. One day, the Mysterons will return. We hope you will be ready. Someday…”

    Released recently on DVD is the 1960s science fiction series “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” (1967 – 1968), one of the many series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson using their self-named and patented ‘Supermarionation’ that has become a signature of most of their endeavours. It is very true that “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” was an in demand series which is proven by the fact that, in New Zealand at least, it was in heavy rotation on repeats for a number of decades. That is why it seems to get releases on DVD every so often. In fact all of the Anderson’s shows get releases on DVD to satiate their demand especially now that pop culture is such a huge demographic. 

    Unlike many of the other Anderson and Supermarionation created television series “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” was the most serious and adult this is because it focused intently on the war between the faceless alien would-be conquerors the Mysterons, and the entire planet, in the first episode they announce themselves as the sworn enemies of all Earthmen and women of course. It revelled not only in the explosive mayhem and carnage of which there was much, but also death, with the invulnerable Scarlet being put in all manner of inventive scrapes, only to return to life if his luck happened to run out.

    “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” begins in 2068, in the first episode, the crew of the Zero-X spacecraft are investigating the surface of Mars after mysterious radio signals are found to be coming from the planet. The source is discovered to be an alien city, which the astronauts destroy in a missile attack after mistaking a harmless surveillance device for a weapon. The city’s inhabitants, the Mysterons, are a collective of sentient computers that possess partial control over matter and communicate in a deep, echoing voice. After using their power of “reversing matter” to rebuild their city, they swear revenge for humanity’s unwarranted aggression and declare war on Earth. Each episode is based around both titular figures, with the stakes increasing all the time. 

    One of the key aspects of “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” was the music by veteran Barry Gray which saw him going back to his roots in electronic music, in order to capture that eerie, otherworldly nature of the alien aggressors. Gray seems to almost effortlessly combine electronica with electric guitars, and then – just for good measure – mixes in strings for a richer orchestral depth to the track. The mixture of styles might sound jarring in the wrong hands, but Gray fuses them together with ease.

    Any fantasy drama as can be seen in any television show or movie within the genre rests and falls on its villains, and while the baddies have who linger in dark places with hidden motives had been done to death at this point, we’d never seen anything like the lethal and for all we knew hideous Mysterons. The alien rings were great they hid identities and made you feel like there was something else to be revealed. 

    Of course “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” is not just a boys own show, the Anderson’s also included an elite fighter jet squad led by five women called The Angels. They get to fight the aliens in the sky and are as good as the guys in defending Earth. The show might have been made in miniature, but the action is huge. The puppets look more realistic than previous efforts since the heads are proportional to their bodies. There’s moments where you think this is being done with humans or at least actors with very little emoting skills.

    The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The transfers bring out the colourful nature of the show. Remember that what looks like scratches are the strings on the actors. The audio is Dolby Digital mono. The levels are bring out the sound effects for the action scenes.

    Extras

    • Audio Commentaries on “Mysteron” and “Attack on Cloudbase” have Gerry Anderson recount the episodes. He really gets into how the modelmakers controlled the scenes. 
    • Gerry Anderson Interview (10:22) recounts his early years. He started as a sound editor, but his name would be made in visual effects. He recounts how his failing production company was saved by a woman who arrived with scripts for a children’s series that needed puppets.
    • Spotlight on Captain Scarlet: The Directing (13:29) explains how to call the shots when your actors are strung out. Perry talks about working on the show. He enjoyed the experience.
    • The Writing (11:36) explores what went into the scripts. Shane Rimmer explains how he became a part of the show. He liked the work. 
    • The Puppets (7:34) shows off what made the puppets tick. They redid the ratios from the puppet heads they used in Thunderbirds. The mystery of who Captain Scarlet looks like is exposed.

    Episodes

    The Mysterons: After a misunderstanding on the planet Mars, a war is started between humans and an alien race called The Mysterons. Thier first act of revenge is to try and assassinate The World President.

    Winged Assassin: The Mysterons second target is the Director General of the United Asian Republic. The Director is on a visit to London and is scheduled to fly back to Asia via London airport but the Mysterons have other plans.

    Big Ben Strikes Again: The Mysterons threaten to blow up London with a bomb they have stolen. Spectrum race against time to stop this latest and greatest threat to mankind.

    Manhunt: A manhunt begins for former spectrum officer Captain Black after a failed break in at a nuclear power plant, when he is accidentally exposed to radiation.

    Avalanche: When the Mysterons threaten to destroy key links in the Frost Line Outer Space Defence System, Scarlet and Green investigate the mysterious deaths of the personnel at Red Deer Base.

    White as Snow: The Mysterons threaten to kill Colonel White and after their initial attempt fails, White elects to leave Cloudbase so as not to place the other Spectrum agents in jeopardy.

    The Trap: Following the latest Mysteron threat, Scarlet is dispatched to supervise security at the International Air Conference at Glen Garry Castle.

    Operation Time: The Mysterons’ cryptic threat to “kill time” has the Spectrum personnel stumped until Captain Magenta realizes that their target is General Tiempo, the Commander of Western Region World Defence.

    Spectrum Strikes Back: Spectrum attends a secret conference to demonstrate two new anti Mysteron gadgets (A Mysteron detector and a Mysteron gun), but the Mysterons announce they intend to sabotage the demonstration of Spectrums new anti-Mysteron devices.

    Special Assignment: The Mysterons threaten to obliterate North America, but Spectrum is left without its number one agent when Scarlet is dismissed for gambling offences.

    The Heart of New York: As the Mysterons threaten to destroy the “Heart of New York”, Scarlet and Blue investigate the theft of Grade A Security documents from the Spectrum security vaults.

    Lunarville 7: When the Lunar Controller announces the Moon’s independence from Earth in the war of nerves with the Mysterons, Scarlet, Blue and Green journey to Lunarville 7 to investigate reports of an unauthorised complex under construction in the Humboldt Sea.

    Point 783: When the Mysterons threaten the life of the Supreme Commander of Earth Forces, Scarlet and Blue are assigned to escort him to SHEF HQ in New York.

    Model Spy: The Mysterons target fashion designer Andre Verdain, secret controller of the European Area Intelligence Service.

    Seek and Destroy: When the Mysterons threaten to kill one of the Angels, Scarlet and Blue are sent to Paris to escort Destiny back to Cloudbase.

    Renegade Rocket: The Mysterons engineer the launch of a Variable Geometry Rocket from Base Concord and their agent, Major Reeves, escapes with the destruct mechanism and target information.

    Crater 101: Scarlet, Blue and Green volunteer for a dangerous mission to remove the power source of the Mysteron complex in Crater 101 before it is destroyed by a low yield atomic device.

    Shadow of Fear: Astronomers at K14 Observatory are monitoring signals from a hidden satellite that has made a successful landing on the Martian moon Phobos.

    Dangerous Rendezvous: Using the Mysteron pulsator recovered from the complex in Crater 101, Dr Kurnitz has developed a transmission device with which Colonel White attempts to contact the Mysterons and sue for peace.

    Fire at Rig 15: When the Mysterons threaten to immobilise the whole of Spectrum, Scarlet and Blue are sent to the Spectrum oil refinery at Bensheba.

    Treble Cross: Captain Black engineers the death of chief test pilot Major Gravener, who is retrometabolised as a Mysteron agent as part of the Mysterons’ plan to destroy the World Capital, Futura City.

    Flight 104: When the Mysterons threaten to sabotage a vital conference at Lake Toma in Switzerland, Scarlet and Blue are assigned to escort the world’s leading astrophysicist, Dr. Conrad, to Geneva.

    Place of Angels: Mysteron agent Judith Chapman steals a phial of deadly K14 virus – enough to kill ten million people – from Biological Research Station D near Manchester.

    Noose of Ice: Tritonium alloy mining operations at Hotspot Tower in the North Pole are threatened when a Mysteron agent cuts the power to vital heating elements.

    Expo 2068: A lorry carrying an atomic core reactor to the new Manicougan power complex falls into the hands of the Mysterons who intend to strike the Atlantic Seaboard of North America.

    The Launching: When the Mysterons threaten to destroy President Roberts within twelve hours, Scarlet is assigned as bodyguard to the sceptical President.

    Codename Europa: The Mysterons threaten to destroy the Triumvirate of Europe, the three most powerful men on Earth after the World President.

    Inferno: Captain Scarlet and the rest of Spectrum are in a desperate race against time to defeat the Mysteron’s latest threat. The total destruction of the massive desalination plant at Najama, high in the Andes Mountains.

    Traitor: The ultimate mind game is unleashed, Spectrum, turned against itself. Captains Scarlet and Blue travel to outback Australia in a desperate attempt to unravel the Mysteron plans before it is too late.

    Flight to Atlantica: When the Mysterons threaten to destroy the World Navy Complex at Atlantica, Blue and Ochre fly a V17 Air Force bomber to destroy a wreck that has been sighted drifting towards the base.

    Attack on Cloudbase: After the Mysterons threaten Spectrum’s Cloudbase headquarters, a large fast-moving trace appears on the radar.

    The Inquisition: Captain Blue disappears from a restaurant. He awakes to find it is 3 months later and Spectrum Security want to know where he has been, and if he is even the real Captain Blue.

  • Streaming review: “His House” (2020)

    Streaming review: “His House” (2020)

    “His House” (2020)

    Drama / Horror

    Running Time: 93 minutes

    Written and directed by: Remi Weekes

    Featuring: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu and Matt Smith

    Rial: “My mother used to tell me a story.”

    Rial: “In our village, there was once an honorable but poor man who wanted a home of his own. He wanted it so badly, he began to steal from others. One day… he stole from an old man who lived by the river. He didn’t know that this man was an apeth. A night witch. And so the thief could not know that when he built his home… the apeth, too, would live there. So, before long, the walls would whisper the spells of the apeth. From the shadows… the dead would come. The apeth would not stop… until he had consumed the man entirely.”

    Rial: “An apeth has arisen from the ocean. It has followed us here. It spoke to me.”

    Available to stream on Netflix now is the Horror/Drama “His House” (2020) the debut film from Remi Weekes who won a BAFTA for this and well deserved as there is much more to this film than my meet the eye, especially when just reading a synopsis. In fact there are multiple themes which to the writer/directors credit never feel muddled with a narrative that may be challenging for some but for open minds this will be a richly rewarding film that begs to be watched multiple times. 

    “His House” is a mix of genres, it is most definitely a drama but it also has parts of the horror and noir genres built within it, which brings forth some very frightening scenes as well as setting up a third act ending which may or may not be obvious depending on the viewers experience with both genres. Like many great horrors “His House” asks the viewer to inhabit the skins of both protagonists while at the same time it is revealed that they both are unreliable narrators of their own and each other’s stories particularly around specific events. It is possible to not know what has occurred until the third act reveal although with the events unfolding it has to be asked is what we are witnessing real or in the minds of the two main characters. 

    “His House” is based around Bol and Rial who are refugees fleeing with their daughter, Nyagak, from war-torn South Sudan. They brave stormy waters on an overcrowded motorboat, along with fellow refugees traversing the perilous English Channel from France in search of a better life. Although they survive the treacherous crossing, their daughter and many others do not. When they are finally granted probational asylum in Britain three months later, the government assigns them a shabby house with peeling walls and dismal furnishings on the outskirts of London. They are given strict restrictions or they may face deportation. They experience racism and hatred from their tenement neighbours. They are met by their case worker Mark, who tells them he hopes they are two of “the good ones.” From this point on within the house they are living in seemingly supernatural events start to occur and Bol and Rial have to ask themselves what is happening and how do they stop it. I am not going to go into spoilers here but if you go along with what is happening and start to interrogate the events it will become obvious especially within the final parts of this film. 

    Written and directed by Remi Weekes in his first film, “His House” grips you and never really lets go, it is a masterclass in developing a story and then constructing a narrative around it that is original but never strays into pretentiousness which it easily could have. This film is so well put together it is difficult to believe that this is Weekes first film, it takes some very horrific but simple events and ideas, turning them into something that would cause such guilt that it manifests itself physically at time when it seems like the characters have gotten away and are safe in a location that is a million miles away from where they began, however that’s when their troubles really start. 

    In the lead roles are Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu who are excellent in their roles as Sudanese refugees who have survived a genocide and are new arrivals in the UK. Both actors are as believable as could be and have appeared in many roles on stage and on screen, always the highlights of whatever they appear in. Here they have to convey a lot to the audience, not only are escaping their own county but they are both haunted and have PTSD from their previous experiences, they are harrowing roles and not once do you doubt their veracity. What I also enjoyed was that they relied on each other a lot and it seemed natural and genuine, I was absorbed at every turn as what actually happened them is revealed. These are complex roles with motivations that are honest even though they remain hidden for much of the movie. 

    On the surface “His House” may seem like the characters have PTSD from all they have experienced but this is coupled with incredible feelings of guilt about what they have done to survive not only what happened in the Sudan but what happened to them since they left their on the journey to the UK. In fact “His House” is all about surviving and the lengths we will go to so that we and our family do just that, but it is also about the fallout of the choices we make to survive especially after some pretty significant and unbelievable events such as a genocide when people do unthinkable things to other people. Both Bol and Rial make some conscious decisions so that they live and in a way the bill comes due when they think they are safe, their only hope is to reconcile what they have done with the damage they have caused and this literally happens in and to the new flat they find themselves in. 

    This is simply a brilliant film that deserves to be seen and would make a welcome addition to any collection, it is available to stream on Netflix and demands to be seen.

  • Streaming review: “Alice, Darling” (2022)

    Streaming review: “Alice, Darling” (2022)

    “Alice, Darling” (2022)

    Drama

    Running Time: 89 minutes

    Written by: Alanna Francis

    Directed by: Mary Nighy

    Featuring: Anna Kendrick, Kaniehtiio Horn, Charlie Carrick and Wunmi Mosaku

    Simon: “What am I going to do without you…… my beautiful cow.”

    Released on the Apple Streaming platform is the drama “Alice, Darling” (2022) a film about a toxic and manipulative relationship and the dawning of that on the victim. It has essentially two main characters as well as two others on the periphery, which means everything about this had better draw you in or it will not be enjoyed much at all. 

    “Alice, Darling” feels like a brief film, and at eighty nine minutes it is time wise, especially when dramas run a lot longer in cinemas. This film feels like it wants to get on with it, and feels like there may have been a longer film but it was left on the cutting room floor. In some cases getting to the heart of a story is a good thing, however this feels like it needed room to breathe but I felt hammered by how quick it went and was confused about a lot, with many questions left unanswered. Sure the subject matter is very personal and important but for it to be handled in the way it is onscreen is extremely disappointing. Possibly my main issue with “Alice, Darling” is that it is told from the point of view of privilege, where all the people involved are obviously rich and have no money issues or not important ones. I mean one of Alice’s friends is working in some media role with no money issues, she can take a week off and show no signs of missing money at all. Alice works in a high paying job where she can take a week off and lie about it and her boyfriend is an artist who can put on a show in New York with no perceived issues other than not as many people turned up as he would have liked. What this film seems to miss is that many of these situations are within low socio economic groups who also have some kind of dependant so leaving is very difficult because there is either nowhere to go or they would be left literally out in the cold.

    “Alice, Darling” is based around Alice (Anna Kendrick) who seemingly has a psychologically abusive boyfriend, Simon (Charlie Carrick). After taking a vacation with friends, she reassesses her relationship and attempts to break her codependency in spite of Simon’s vengeful attitude. Although these friends seem clueless about her situation until very late in the peace, but make up for it with a confrontational ending that occurs with little narrative realism.

    Written by Alanna Francis and directed by Mary Nighy who are relatively inexperienced in putting together a film especially one that requires nuance to be believable seem lost although on the surface “Alice, Darling” does have a clear plot and narrative that comes to a conclusion it does so without really being earnt. In fact this seems like it comes from the television format of the 2000s where characters are drawn broadly enough to be understood but vague enough that they are one dimensional, there is no real depth to anyone within the narrative. Don’t get me wrong, I get what this story is about but the reality is so much different to this, I require more in a drama than what “Alice, Darling” offers.

    The performances within “Alice, Darling” are all ok, no-one really shines, they either don’t have enough time to flourish or they are only one thing which is not how a film like this should work. In all honesty the actors are all let down by an anaemic script with little directorial control. In the end I didn’t buy any of the characters motivations for most of the running time, everyone is far to pretty and the idea that some new age laying on hands will be an actual answer to someone leaving an abusive partner is a let off for the real actions that are required.

    Over the decades there have been many films made about abusive partners, husbands and situations and they have been of varying quality which is normal, many have been based in some kind of reality. If you are looking for a good story with some realistic situations then there a simply a plethora of under sung gems like “Waitress” (2007) or even “Sleeping with the Enemy” (1991), the former was lost at the time of release but offers some situations that occur in these type of relationships and the former was a hit at the time and shows what a star can do with a role when the script is not 100% there.

    I actually like all the actresses in this film and they have nothing to prove but they were sold a bill of goods on “Alice, Darling”, to me it feels like a crowd pleasing film far too much than it should be, we see Alice in a bad relationship, we see her bond with her friends after some issues, we then see them all stand up to the abuser with an outcome that relies on post new age feel goodisms and finally a rebirth of a new strong person. Ask anyone that has been in a relationship like this and see how it went for them.

    Avoid this at all costs and go check out “Waitress”, you will feel all the better for it.