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I am a reviewer of films and television at Spryfilm.com and I upload stories to thisissouthtaranaki.com.
  • 4K Blu-ray review: “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019)

    4K Blu-ray review: “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019)

    “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019)

    Drama

    Running time: 161 minutes

    Written & Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

    Featuring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Austin Butler, Dakota Fanning, Bruce Dern and Al Pacino

    Cliff Booth: “Alright, What’s the matter partner?”

    Rick Dalton: “It’s official old buddy, I’m a has been.”

    Critical Commentary

    Well its official the latest (and ninth) Quentin Tarantino has been released on 4K Blu-ray/DVD, that being the homage titled “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019) (as seen onscreen), a period piece set in the late 60s/early 70s that is basically a ‘hang out’ movie (that is we seem to be just spending time with DiCaprio/Pitt), as well as fictionalising an earlier time in Hollywood as well as featuring almost every single pop culture element of that time and in classic Tarantino fashion also boasts a huge soundtrack that resonates more than the actual plot, if there could be said to be any at all. This movie much like “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) is a loose narrative built around real events but featuring events as well as characters purely fictionalized based on real people who are amalgams of truer characters; the line between reality and fiction is blurred as it has real people on the periphery so legitimising the entire endeavour. What this means for this film as well as others of its ilk is really unknown at this time as history will judge the relative success or failure, but for now it left me a little cold in one way but it was a fun ride while it lasted which is how I feel those involved felt. The time in which this is set is one of the most important aspects of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”, it is a time of real change, not only in terms of the politics of the day, but the landscape of entertainment was shifting as well, money from outside Hollywood was arriving with conglomerates purchasing studios outright, Hollywood was about to see the arrival of the ‘easy rider, raging bull’ generation (which Quentin wishes he was a part of) and the last real generation of legends were born, that is the last true movie stars. The movie also features a who’s who of actors who have appeared in previous Tarantino movies from his first effort to his last, with some new additions, most notably Margot Robbie who shines in a limited role. Curiously this film marks a major part of the US Summer box office as one of only a handful of original movies released not only during this period but this year in total, it will unlike many original films this year make money for its distributor Sony, in spite of its release, R rating and subject matter.

    If this movie was said to be based on anything it is definitely the idea behind Peter Biskind’s book (later documentary “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood” (2003)) which covers much of the results of what occurs within this film. This movie acts as more of a homage to the imagined reality of Hollywood in 1969 as opposed to the real events which makes the entire thing a lot more palatable, especially with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in the lead roles as Clint Eastwood and Hal Needham types respectively, two of the greatest ever in their jobs. Of course, the most obvious person that DiCaprio and Tarantino could have chosen to ape would have been Needhams closest friend Burt Reynolds but that may have been too on the nose, although Reynolds was supposed to make an appearance here. What is obvious throughout this film is that Tarantino has a love for this period that he has emulated throughout his career not only as director but as screenwriter, this is the strength of the narrative where is comes unstuck is in its treatment of real events and people, especially Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski, Bruce Lee and Charles Manson, which do not feature as much as one might think, this was definitely the right decision to make. 

    The movie initially set in 1969 Los Angeles, centres around actor Rick Dalton, the former star of the 1950s Western television series Bounty Law, who finds his career faltering due to ongoing alcoholism issues. Dalton laments to Cliff Booth, his best friend and stunt double, that his career is over. Booth, a war veteran who lives in a derelict trailer next to a drive-in in Van Nuys, attempts to bolster Dalton’s self-confidence. Meanwhile, actress Sharon Tate  and her husband Roman Polanski have just moved into the home next door to Dalton’s. Dalton hopes to befriend the couple and use Polanski to restore his leading man status.

    Quentin Tarantino has never been known as someone who tackles issues or is at pains to analyse elements of politics and society in ways others might, but here we see a deep dive into the past with a huge number of themes covered, but in ways that are not heavy handed or will be even obvious to most, which has to be a part of Tarantinos growth as a man as well as a talent. While the plot of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is pedestrian at best there are few writers of dialogue like Tarantino, this is perhaps his greatest attribute as is his way with a character, both of which come from his upbringing and training. The other great aspect of Tarantinos movies is the look, placement and movement of the camera where he is assisted by legendary and long-time cinematographer Robert Richardson who again shows what a master can do given the freedom he obviously has with his director. “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is possibly the best looking, most assuredly directed film this year, it will certainly take something special to see something any better or well composed. 

    The movie is led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt who are both effortless in their portrayal of their characters, although with these two at the head of any movie it matters little what they both actually do. Here Tarantino uses them as what they are, movie stars, who as an audience you feel like you are on a journey with them which is almost exactly the point. Neither of them are strangers to Tarantino or his movies as both have worked with him prior to this, so they know what he requires and they play along, almost at times winking to the audience which is to be expected. Of course, one of the other major aspects of a Tarantino movie is the way he casts great character actors in major parts or even just in cameos, in particular he always has actors he loves, so we see Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Luke Perry, Timothy Olyphant and a whole host of others which for a cinephile is a true treat indeed. No matter who we see in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” they are all serving the purpose of auteur Tarantino who, no matter what you think of him, is in total command. Which brings me to the casting of Margot Robbie, Rafal Zawierucha and Damon Herriman as Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski and Charles Manson respectively who are all excellent as real people in their limited time onscreen, it is a shame as I would have liked to see more of them, all three are unforgettable which is saying something as the three are still major parts of Hollywood history and lore. 

    Tarantino touches on a host of real events and locations such as the Playboy Mansion, studio backlots, real as well as legendary locations, the Italian movie scene, some of the sentimental L.A. restaurants and hotels which mean a lot to the director. We also see some very real commentary on stardom, popular music, the actual power of stardom, Hollywood homes, modern consumerism, old fashioned greed, drugs, cults, fetishism, auteur power, growing importance of TV, waning of star power, talent versus luck, egotism, truth versus the legend, the end of the swinging 60s into something more serious and troubling, the burgeoning porn industry, the importance of genre and a host of other ideas that will unfold on further viewings I am sure. At its very best “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is a snapshot of Hollywood over a handful of years that highlights some of the ways change took place in Hollywood as well as the entire media landscape which is one of the most important periods in not only Hollywood but the world itself. Through the leads characters eyes we see drugs come to the fore, independent cinema become a voice for a generation, foreign cinema as opportunity that still exists today, the lack of permanence and who that still resonates, the passing of an old guard and of course violence as not only metaphor but a way to cement struggle. 

    “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” as a movie is interesting as it uses a lot exposition as it disseminates a possible forgotten history which the director wants to keep alive but because of this it sometimes feels like a history lesson and not entertainment. To bring a sense of the time Tarantino where he can uses real footage from movies as well as intercutting his actors with the that footage which is a way to legitimise his own ideas and this works to a degree, especially when Sharon Tate is in a theatre watching herself in “The Wrecking Crew” (1968). The director also recognises the importance of genre as well as changing tastes in regards to genre which Hollywood (and Tarantino himself) lives off and generates billions of dollars each year from.

    With “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” Tarantino has written and directed a film that contains a lot of material that will appeal to a wide audience, it has big stars being funny, loud and action orientated, it also has a lot of elements people will recognise as being Tarantinoish, he pokes fun at institutions but at the same time he has reverence as he is now part of the same institutions. You will enjoy this if you love movies as well as have an admiration for cinema and its history as well as that being skewered and heavily fictionalised. Ultimately though this will appeal to those who worship at the altar of Tarantino, it will not bring new people in but will legitimise his own success. It still has many elements that make him popular, it is violent, is overly masculine and is not at all woke, it is like the writer and director a throwback which is maybe what we need right now.

    Technical Commentary

    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” to Ultra HD Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack. The triple-layered UHD100 disc sits comfortably opposite a Region Free, BD50 disc inside a black, eco-elite vortex case with a glossy slipcover. At startup, the disc goes straight to an interactive main menu that changes screens while toggling between the usual options while music plays in the background.

    Video

    “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” premieres on Ultra HD with a great HEVC H.265 encode brightening screens with an excellent and better performance over its Blu-ray counterpart. The movie was shot on traditional 35mm film with a mix of 8mm and 16mm footage sprinkled throughout, and the elements were later mastered to a 4K digital intermediate. “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is bathed in an ultra-fine layer of natural grain, the freshly-minted 2160p transfer shows razor-sharp definition.

    Audio

    “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” arrives with a satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, but the addition of two more channels don’t reveal much of a discernible difference from its 5.1 audio counterpart. With that said, the track is faithful to Tarantino’s intentions, meaning this is not the sort to compete with blockbuster actioners but is sure to rock the house nonetheless with its collection of radio hits from 1969.

    Special Features

    The 4K Ultra HD of Once Upon a Time shares with its Blu-ray counterpart an amusingly enjoyable collection of additional scenes while the BD carries the load of supplements. 

    • Additional Scenes (HD, 25 min): An entertaining assortment of faux promos, more mock footage from the TV western shows and a few extended sequences. 
    • Restoring Hollywood – The Production Design (HD, 9 min): Discussion on the effort for authenticity and accuracy when recreating the specific time period.
    • The Fashion of 1969 (HD, 7 min): Similar to the above but focused on the costumes.
    • Shop Talk – The Cars of 1969 (HD, 6 min): A look at the various vehicles in the film.
    • Quentin Tarantino’s Love Letter to Hollywood (HD, 5 min): Cast & crew interviews praising the filmmaker’s talent, his near-encyclopedic memories of Hollywood and the production.
    • Bob Richardson – For The Love of the Film (HD, 5 min): Acclaim from the cast & crew.

    Soundtrack:

    Treat Her Right – Roy Head & The Traits (1965)

    The Green Door – Jim Lowe (1956), performed by Leonardo DiCaprio

    I’ll Never Say Never To Always – Charles Manson (1969)

    Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel (1968)

    The Letter – Joe Cocker (1969)

    Summertime – Billy Stewart (1956)

    Funky Fanfare – Keith Manfield (1969)

    Hector – The Village Callers (1968)

    Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – The Bob Seger System (1968)

    The House That Jack Built – Aretha Franklin (1968)

    MacArthur Park – Robert Goulet (1969)

    Paxton Quigley’s Had the Course – Chad & Jeremy (1968)

    Hush – Deep Purple (1968)

    Son of a Lovin’ Man – Buchanan Brothers (1969)

    Choo Choo Train – The Box Tops (1968)

    Kentucky Woman – Deep Purple (1968)

    Good Thing – Paul Revere & The Raiders (1966)

    Time for Livin’ – The Association (1968)

    Hungry – Paul Revere & the Raiders (1966)

    The Circle Game – Buffy Sainte-Marie (1967)

    Jenny Take a Ride – Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (1965)

    Can’t Turn You Lose – Otis Redding (1967)

    Soul Serenade – Willie Mitchell (1968)

    Bring a Little Lovin’ – Los Bravos (1966)

    Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show – Neil Diamond (1969)

    Hey Little Girl – Dee Clark (1959)

    Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon – Paul Revere & the Raiders feat. Mark Lindsay (1969)

    Don’t Chase Me Around – Robert Corff (1969)

    California Dreamin’ – Jose Feliciano (1968)

    Dinamite Jim (English Version) – I Cantori Moderni di Alessandroni (1966)

    Out of Time – The Rolling Stones (1966)

    Straight Shooter – The Mamas & The Papas (1966)

    Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon) – The Mamas & The Papas (1968)

    Snoopy vs. The Red Baron – The Royal Guardsman (1966)

    You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Vanilla Fudge (1967)

    Miss Lily Langtry – Maurice Jarre (1972)

    Judge Roy Bean’s Theme – Maurice Jarre (1972)

    Batman Theme – Neal Hefti (1966)

  • Trailer: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2020)

    Trailer: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2020)

    Trailer: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2020)

    The full trailer for Joseph Kosinski’s “Top Gun: Maverick” has just arrived courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    The follow-up to the 1986 classic is set in a world of drone technology and fifth-generation fighters along with exploring the end of the era of dogfighting. Maverick (Tom Cruise) is now a flight instructor, who takes Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late partner Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw, under his wing.

    The film also stars Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Glen Powell and Ed Harris. Joseph Kosinski helms from a script by Peter Craig, Justin Marks and Eric Warren Singer.

    “Top Gun: Maverick” opens June 26th.

  • Trailer: “The Witcher” (2019)

    Trailer: “The Witcher” (2019)

    Trailer: “The Witcher” (2019)

    Netflix has released a final trailer for their “The Witcher” series adaptation which goes online on Friday December 20th.

    Based on Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski’s series of fantasy novels, which spawned the hugely popular video game franchise, the story focuses on monster hunters known as Witchers who develop supernatural abilities at a young age. Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) is a solitary Witcher who struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. 

    The series also stars Freya Allan as Ciri, Chalotra as Yennefer, Jodhi May as Queen Calanthe, Mimi Ndiweni as fledgeling sorceress Fringilla, Sabrina as Therica Wilson-Read, Adam Levy as the druid Mousesack, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson as Queen Calanthe’s husband, the knight Eist and MyAnna Buring as Tissaia, head of the magical academy.

  • Trailer: “Antlers” (2020)

    Trailer: “Antlers” (2020)

    Trailer: “Antlers” (2020)

    Following a teaser in August and a full trailer in October, Fox Searchlight Pictures has now debuted what they call a ‘final trailer’ for the Guillermo del Toro-produced horror tale “Antlers” – even as the film doesn’t open for another four months yet.

    Acclaimed “Out of the Furnace,” “Crazy Heart” and “Black Mass” director Scott Cooper helms the film which follows a small-town Oregon teacher (Keri Russell) and her brother (Jesse Plemons), the local sheriff, who discover that a young student (Jeremy T. Thomas) is harbouring a dangerous secret with frightening consequences. The feature is adapted from a short story by “Channel Zero” creator Nick Antosca.

    JT Corbitt, Graham Greene, Scott Haze, Rory Cochrane, and Amy Madigan also star in the film which Cooper says has influences ranging from John Carpenter to Andrei Tarkovsky. Antosca, Cooper and C. Henry Chaisson penned the script for the film which opens April 17th.

  • Trailer: “Wonder Woman 1984” (2020)

    Trailer: “Wonder Woman 1984” (2020)

    Trailer: “Wonder Woman 1984” (2020)

    Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films have released the first trailer and some character posters for “Wonder Woman 1984,” the follow-up to the celebrated 2017 film adaptation of the DC Comics title, with both actress Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins returning.

    The story fast forwards to the 1980s as Diana’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah. 

    The film stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.

    “Wonder Woman 1984” is set to open in theaters on June 5, 2019 in 2D and 3D in select theaters and IMAX.

  • Trailer: “Lost In Space – Season 2” (2019)

    Trailer: “Lost In Space – Season 2” (2019)

    Trailer: “Lost In Space – Season 2” (2019)

    Netflix has released a full final trailer for the second season of its sci-fi series “Lost in Space”.

    In the new episodes, the Robinson family is attempting to survive on a mysterious ocean planet. Attempts to turn their spaceship into an ocean vessel turns out to be a bad idea. 

    At the same time, young Will Robinson still dreams about his Robot that is no longer there to protect them. Toby Stephens, Molly Parker, Maxwell Jenkins, Mina Sundwall, Taylor Russell, Ignacio Serricchio, and Parker Posey all return for the new episodes.

  • Trailer: “No Time to Die” (2020)

    Trailer: “No Time to Die” (2020)

    The first trailer has arrived for the new James Bond film “No Time to Die,” this clip coming four months out from the film’s release in early April.

    Cary Fukunaga helms this fifth and final outing of Daniel Craig in the role of MI6 agent James Bond who is living a tranquil retirement life in Jamaica – one that’s interrupted when Felix Leiter shows up and asks for help to rescue a kidnapped scientist.

    That puts Bond on the trail of a mysterious villain (Rami Malek) armed with dangerous new technology. Ralph Fiennes, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Jeffrey Wright, Dali Benssalah, Billy Magnussen, Ana De Arma, David Dencik and Lashana Lynch co-star.

    “No Time to Die” opens April 2nd in the UK and April 8th in the United States.

  • Trailer: Pixar’s “Onward” (2020)

    Trailer: Pixar’s “Onward” (2020)

    Trailer: Pixar’s “Onward” (2020)

    Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar have premiered the latest trailer for the animated fantasy feature “Onward” starring the voices of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer.

    Set in a suburban fantasy world, the story follows two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.

    Dan Scanlon helms the film which was inspired by his own relationship with his brother. It opens in cinemas March 6th 2020.

  • Trailer: “Antebellum”

    Trailer: “Antebellum”

    Trailer: “Antebellum”

    Lionsgate has released the official teaser trailer for directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz’s horror thriller “Antebellum” opening April 24th 2020.

    The story follows a successful author (Janelle Monae) who finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.

    Kiersey Clemons, Gabourey Sidibe, Jena Malone, Eric Lange, Jack Huston, Tongayi Chirisa, Marque Richardson II, Rob Aramayo, and Lily Cowles co-star.

    The project serves as the feature writing and directorial debut of Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz.

  • Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Six: This Extraordinary Being” (2019)

    Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Six: This Extraordinary Being” (2019)

    “Watchmen – Episode Six: This Extraordinary Being”

    Drama/Science Fiction

    8 Episodes

    Developed by: Damon Lindelof based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

    Directed by: Stephen Williams

    Featuring: Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Andrew Howard, Jacob Ming-Trent, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Dylan Schombing, Louis Gossett Jr. and Jeremy Irons

    Jane Crawford: “What are y’all talking about?”

    Judd Crawford: “Oh, nothing. Just the end of the world.”

    [to Angela]

    Judd Crawford: “Tick-tock, tick-tock…”

    The Story so far…

    The Watchmen series is based on the comic of the same name, taking place in an alternative, contemporary reality in the United States. Masked vigilantes became outlawed due to their violent methods. Despite this, some gather around in order to start a revolution while others are out to stop it before it is too late. In this reality, the Watergate scandal never happened, allowing President Richard Nixon to dismiss term limits and run for five terms and lead the United States to a decisive victory in the Vietnam War with help of some of the vigilantes that sided with the government. The comics events end in 1985 after Adrian Veidt, a former vigilante known as Ozymandias, created a fake alien attack in New York City with millions dead in the resulting psychic shockwave, leading to a new accord between the United States and the Soviet Union ending the Cold War and avoiding a potential nuclear holocaust. Veidt asserts his actions were for the greater good, but they disgust his former allies; Rorschach seeks to tell the world of Veidt’s misdeeds but is vaporized by Doctor Manhattan before he can do so, after which Dr. Manhattan decides to depart Earth, seeking a place less complicated than Earth. Unaware to them, Rorschach had sent his journal to be published before he accosted Veidt.

    Now…

    The sixth episode of the HBO series “Watchmen” has aired, following on from last weeks game changing instalment which ended with the cliffhanger of Laurie taking the drug Nostalgia which means we are set to revisit the past through her eyes while at times she is actually experiencing the memories of her Grandfather. This on the surface may seem like treading water but it actually illustrates how and why the world has arrived where it has, especially in the South. While a black cop, Will is isolated in a white police force he has to witness racism, violence against himself and other African Americans all the while bowing to pressure, ignoring crimes and being betrayed by his own fellow officers, it is at once shocking but a reminder how far society has come and why these elements at least up until 2016 were pushed underground. One of the more serious and shocking aspects is Will being taken by fellow officers to be lynched, when hens cut down we see Laurie in his place. After this shock we see an origin story where Will dons a sack cloth to save two white people from being mugged, in doing so we see hm become a ‘superhero’ of sorts in the form of the first “Hooded Justice”. What is absolutely genius about this is that a scene earlier saw Will talking to a man who was reading ‘Action‘ comics with the origin of the original white saviour in the Christ inspired Superman, which is of course a play on words as Will becomes a white saviour, of sorts. This of course is echoed in the black and white silent movie that Will has seen as a child, this is an incredible and original turn of events, these echoes are felt throughout history where it is easy to see that white people in power were in a majority and were intent on keeping their power. We then witness a montage in which Will takes the law into his own hands to punish criminals thought out the city. You can feel the anger in Will when he takes down the KKK, years of persecution are thrown off in a one action that sets him free, something he has wanted for himself and his people.

    It is exactly at the half way point that Laurie has her first reprieve, we also get a chance to breathe in what has been a very dramatically heavy episode. However when we are plunged back into the narrative so is Laurie of course as Will. The idea of secret identities comes into play when Will is approached to join the ‘Minutemen’ we see that as an African American in the South he already has two identities so keeping secrets is second nature unlike whites at the time who were only one thing, we see here that this might not be the case with heroes sexuality comes into play, something that resonates into the present day, illustrating that some things never really change.

    The idea of shaping a narrative to fit a plot come to play when Will joins the Minutemen and their own public face does not fit into his own persona, especially when he has to pretend to be a white hero, he sees the racism all around and it sickens him as well as the hypocrisy as time moves on, is he part of the solution or part of the problem. We also see the lies that have permeated society as in the mini series that plays in the present Will is played by a white man. What is ridiculous is that even though they hide the fact he was black they don’t mind broaching the subject of his homosexuality, not only that but he is able to defend his orientation.

    “This Extraordinary Being” is arguably the best episode yet which after last weeks episode is really saying something, it explores many issues about society, the relevance of heroes, who we are as well as who public figures portray themselves as. It also explores the harrowing effects that occur and are felt when you are a minority within a minority within a minority, something that is seldom explored at all let alone in fantasy. We also see the truth of the Chiefs death at the hands of Will but how the sins of the past can never be forgotten which is truly sad. The truth of the Chief is not at all what anyone suspects but it will come to play in the closing episodes I am sure.

    Some of the ongoing themes that occur within this episode are of course some of the same that we face today, politics, social commentary, past actions having real effects on the modern world, the reliability of news, forgiveness, racism, left versus right and one of the more important, that of decision making and the outcomes of those decisions. There are of course a multitude of others which will become apparent on repeat viewings and as the episodes unfold from week to week.

    Some important aspects to consider in this alternate present:

    • The series takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma;
    • Vietnam is now a U.S. state;
    • Fossil fuels have been eliminated by Dr. Manhattan;
    • Robert Redford is the President and has been in office since 1992, he is now the longest-serving President.
    • There is an Act named as the ‘Victims Of Racial Violence Legislation’ designed to give reparations for those affected from past racial injustice, which is seen as unfavorable by a large portion of the white population.
    • The ‘Seventh Kavalry’, a white supremacy group in Tulsa has taken to the writings of Rorschach and use masks similar to his own.
    • Laws are passed to allow the police to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their families, including wearing their own masks.

    Whilst there have already been readings of this being about possible white power as well as a variety of what could be called anti-left stances this is far too simple. This new world is not just a place where we have back versus white, but there are serious political, economic and social realties that have come to the fore which like today is something that divides people along rigid lines. Unlike the world in which we live where there is a right wing President in office who seems at peace with disrupting the left as well as behave like some new millennium Nixon this new one is run by the left, so a figurehead like Robert Redford is apt to be able to embody this for all audiences who know his obvious allegiances. This is a world we can see what would happen to the right if the left were in charge, making laws that were not agreed with and where the price for disagreement can be ultimate. We live in an age where right wing politicians globally are making a comeback in many countries and hard liners are making their feelings grow. At the same time we are also seeing the lot flex their own muscles in social media where they are negating others opinions so that wokeness and SJW are able to influence where there should be none, these are juxtaposing narratives which exist in “Watchmen”. I am looking forward to how these dichotomies shake out in weeks to come and if they can be brought together somehow, unlike in real life.

    This episode has the first returning male director in Stephen Williams who also was present for the excellent “She Was Killed by Space Junk” which was a episode where we really departed but also established what this series was going to be, something that was very present but embraced the past much like this new episode which is a narrative set in the past that fills in much about Angela and her family especially farming the racism that existed and exists in this alternate reality. This is such a wonderfully complex episode it would have been simple for it to go off the rails but Williams does an expert job at balancing all of the elements so as to offer what must be the best episode so far, possibly one of the best episodes of television of the year, with the stellar Regina King at the centre, proving her Oscar win was no light award or mistake.

    What is unique about the “Watchman” series is that in any given episode we can be in a small room or in a giant machine that keeps time, one a real environment that other a CGI creation but both are as good as each other, the mise en scène for each scene is intricate, important and sometimes extremely subtle. The construction of sets or scenery is as important as the music, the characters or the direction which lends itself to proving why this is a prestige drama. I have to admit that Damon Lindelof  has done an exquisite job something I would not have been thought possible.

    There are three songs that feature prominently in this weeks epsiode they resonate long after the instalment is over, they are:

    • I Don’t Want To Set the World On Fire – The Ink Spots
    • Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – Eartha Kitt
    • Living In The Past – Witch

    Their importance is impactful as they assist in the narrative especially with the story beats that occur while they are playing, along with and complimented by the score by Ross and Reznor.

    I cannot wait until next week.

    Episode Six: This Extraordinary Being

    Laurie tries to get Angela to agree to treatment before the Nostalgia kicks in, but is too late as the latter starts to experience Will’s memories as a new officer with the New York Police in 1938. After discovering a ploy called “Cyclops”, he is nearly lynched by his fellow white officers. While walking home, he dons a mask and hood to fight off men attacking a young couple. He is called a hero the next day, and supported by his wife June, takes on the persona of “Hooded Justice”. Will is invited to the Minutemen by Captain Metropolis and begins an affair with him, but when Will finds that “Cyclops” is a plan by the KKK to hypnotize black people at movie theaters to incite riots among themselves across the country, they refuse to help. Will takes out the New York operation on his own, killing all involved, and becomes disillusioned with his role; leaving his family. In the present, Will uses a modified form of the hypnotic technology to make Judd hang himself. Angela wakes up at Lady Trieu’s quarters, who has been helping to get the Nostalgia out of her system.

  • Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Five: Little Fear of Lightning” (2019)

    Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Five: Little Fear of Lightning” (2019)

    “Watchmen – Episode Five: Little Fear of Lightning” (2019)

    Drama/Science Fiction

    8 Episodes

    Developed by: Damon Lindelof based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

    Directed by: Steph Green

    Featuring: Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Andrew Howard, Jacob Ming-Trent, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Dylan Schombing, Louis Gossett Jr. and Jeremy Irons

    Rorschach’s Diary: “Soon they will shout, ‘Save us!’ And we will whisper, ‘No.’”

    The Story so far…

    The Watchmen series is based on the comic of the same name, taking place in an alternative, contemporary reality in the United States. Masked vigilantes became outlawed due to their violent methods. Despite this, some gather around in order to start a revolution while others are out to stop it before it is too late. In this reality, the Watergate scandal never happened, allowing President Richard Nixon to dismiss term limits and run for five terms and lead the United States to a decisive victory in the Vietnam War with help of some of the vigilantes that sided with the government. The comics events end in 1985 after Adrian Veidt, a former vigilante known as Ozymandias, created a fake alien attack in New York City with millions dead in the resulting psychic shockwave, leading to a new accord between the United States and the Soviet Union ending the Cold War and avoiding a potential nuclear holocaust. Veidt asserts his actions were for the greater good, but they disgust his former allies; Rorschach seeks to tell the world of Veidt’s misdeeds but is vaporized by Doctor Manhattan before he can do so, after which Dr. Manhattan decides to depart Earth, seeking a place less complicated than Earth. Unaware to them, Rorschach had sent his journal to be published before he accosted Veidt.

    Now…

    The fifth episode of the HBO series “Watchmen” has aired, following on from last weeks discoveries this instalment takes a step back as well as revisiting one the key moments from the original graphic novel as well as the denouement of that epic story. That being a flashback to New York, 2nd November 1985, when a giant inter-dimensional squid killed millions and effected millions more, all the while being a plan orchestrated by Veidt who it has now been revealed to be trapped on a moon of Jupiter, obviously put there by Dr. Manhattan. Much of this episode is built around the character of policeman Looking Glass who was a young man in 1985 and present at the squid attack who has been mentally and emotionally scarred and who finds out the truth about not only the giant squid but the intermittent showers of baby squids that we witnessed in the first episode. What is refreshing about this episode (as well as the show) is that almost all characters are treated equally, even though it has appeared that some high profile actors were in support only but have been given their own narratives that are unknown to others but are revealed to audiences. So we spend a large part of this episode with Looking Glass who is a straight arrow until the truth about New York, Veidt and the election of President Robert Redford is revealed to him but his supposed enemy. Of course these type of narratives are popular not only in straight fiction but especially in fantasy fiction where a perceived enemy is actually at the very least the anti-heroes of the story, meaning that many supposed heroes are in actuality the villains or unknowing collaborators in the suppression that is taking place as is the case we, and some of our characters find ourselves in. The other important element is that we have found out where Veidt actually is and that he is has been put on a moon of Jupiter by Dr.Manhattan and that his subjects are there for him as well which it seems they are all aware of. I still hope that Manhattan will make an appearance of some sort which for me will be welcoming especially as it will tie this show more to the graphic novel which after this episode is, for me, mandatory.

    Some of the ongoing themes that occur within this episode are of course some of the same that we face today, politics, social commentary, past actions having real effects on the modern world, the reliability of news, forgiveness, racism, left versus right and one of the more important, that of decision making and the outcomes of those decisions. There are of course a multitude of others which will become apparent on repeat viewings and as the episodes unfold from week to week.

    Some important aspects to consider in this alternate present:

    • The series takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma;
    • Vietnam is now a U.S. state;
    • Fossil fuels have been eliminated by Dr. Manhattan;
    • Robert Redford is the President and has been in office since 1992, he is now the longest-serving President.
    • There is an Act named as the ‘Victims Of Racial Violence Legislation’ designed to give reparations for those affected from past racial injustice, which is seen as unfavorable by a large portion of the white population.
    • The ‘Seventh Kavalry’, a white supremacy group in Tulsa has taken to the writings of Rorschach and use masks similar to his own.
    • Laws are passed to allow the police to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their families, including wearing their own masks.

    Whilst there have already been readings of this being about possible white power as well as a variety of what could be called anti-left stances this is far too simple. This new world is not just a place where we have back versus white, but there are serious political, economic and social realties that have come to the fore which like today is something that divides people along rigid lines. Unlike the world in which we live where there is a right wing President in office who seems at peace with disrupting the left as well as behave like some new millennium Nixon this new one is run by the left, so a figurehead like Robert Redford is apt to be able to embody this for all audiences who know his obvious allegiances. This is a world we can see what would happen to the right if the left were in charge, making laws that were not agreed with and where the price for disagreement can be ultimate. We live in an age where right wing politicians globally are making a comeback in many countries and hard liners are making their feelings grow. At the same time we are also seeing the lot flex their own muscles in social media where they are negating others opinions so that wokeness and SJW are able to influence where there should be none, these are juxtaposing narratives which exist in “Watchmen”. I am looking forward to how these dichotomies shake out in weeks to come and if they can be brought together somehow, unlike in real life.

    This episode has a new director in Steph Green, it matches the general look and feel of the first four episodes which is to be commended when different people are behind subsequent episodes. Green is a somewhat experienced director of television especially in terms of singular or standalone episodes which is a strength as she is only heeling one episode here, but has enough talent to seemingly fit in well. Interestingly as the episodes move towards their conclusion the narratives are becoming more complicated which means attention and care by the people behind the camera needs to be taken so as to not lose the audience or to over complicate a narrative and plot that has been streamlined to make sure it is one self contained season.

    What is unique about the “Watchman” series is that in any given episode we can be in a small room or in a giant machine that keeps time, one a real environment that other a CGI creation but both are as good as each other, the mise en scène for each scene is intricate, important and sometimes extremely subtle. The construction of sets or scenery is as important as the music, the characters or the direction which lends itself to proving why this is a prestige drama. I have to admit that Damon Lindelof  has done an exquisite job something I would not have been thought possible.

    I cannot wait until next week.

    Episode Five: Little Fear of Lightning

    Wade suffers PTSD as a survivor of Veidt’s 1985 squid attack. Laurie has bugged Wade’s desk, and knows Angela asked him about the pills. Wade’s ex-wife Cynthia tells him the pills are Nostalgia, which contain other people’s memories. The Kavalry lure Wade to a warehouse, where they are testing a teleportation portal. Joe explains both he and Judd are Kavalry members trying to keep them in check. Joe coerces Wade’s help to learn what Angela knows about Judd’s death, in exchange showing him a video of Veidt, made a day before the 1985 attack, to future President Redford explaining his long-term plan, which shakes Wade’s core. At the station the next day, Wade gets Angela to state that her grandfather was behind Judd’s death. Laurie hears this via the audio bug and arrests Angela, but not before she ingests the pills. Wade returns home after work and Kavalry members arrive with guns. Veidt finds his prison is on a moon of Jupiter, and arranges the frozen bodies of his servents to spell out “SAVE ME” visible to Juno. He is pulled back into the prison and arrested by the Game Warden.

  • DVD review: “The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps” (2019)

    DVD review: “The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps” (2019)

    “The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps” (2019)

    Documentary

    Running time: 95 minutes

    Directed by: Julia Parnell and Rob Curry

    Featuring: Martin Phillipps, Bob Biggs, Daniel Dawson and James Dickson 

    The Chills:

    “Each evening the sun sets in five billion places
    Seen by ten billion eyes set in five billion faces
    Then they close in a daze and wait for the dawning
    But the daylight and sunrise are brighter in our eyes
    Where night cannot devour golden solar power

    Once we were damned, now I guess we are angels
    For we passed through the dark and eluded the dangers
    Then awoke with a start to startling changes
    All the tension is ended, the sentence suspended
    And darkness now sparkles and gleams

    And it all seems larger than life to me
    I find it rather hard to believe

    And so I stand and the sound goes straight through my body
    I’m so bloated up, happy, I can throw things around me
    And I’m growing in stages and have been for ages
    Just singing and floating and free”

    Released this month in cinemas is the documentary “Mystify: Michael Hutchence ” (2019), which is primarily based on the celebrity as well as the personal life of INXS front man Michael Hutchence, the ups as well as the down, a few surprises are revealed which might explain some of the career as well as personal decisions he made before taking his own life over two decades ago. This is a documentary whose narrative is structured through three main ways, that is through archival interviews with the subject, archival video footage (as well as sometimes accompanying audio) and current interviews with people who surrounded Hutchence through his life looking back at certain time periods. The one great part of this new documentary is that the people that are left who want to talk about their interactions with Hutchence seem to be speaking the truth which exposes some parts of the titular singers life that have gone unsaid, this honesty offers a different picture of Hutchence’s life that may means his work as well as INXS’s music can be re-evaluated. I am not going to give the story of this documentary away as the impact of what occurs in the last third is not only shocking but actually gives an insight into what celebrity is now and what it was in the mid to late 1990s. 

    As far as documentaries go this is a very good example of a subject based one in that it not only explores what it takes to break through in popular music, but what it takes to do this from Australia (especially in the 1980s), the skill, talent and luck that needs to be present to offer music that is still around today even though it has been over twenty years since there has been an INXS album with the classic lineup. To be honest looking back at the music INXS created they really only produced one great album in the timeless, ageless ‘Listen like thieves’ (1985) and one massively successful album in ‘Kick’ (1989) which has sold twenty million copies worldwide. The fact that at least the first third has to tell an origin story of sorts that involves the band as much as it does Hutchance is the only real weakness of the narrative, this section is a little routine, charting the course of a band that as an audience we have not only seen in narrative film but also in other documentaries. However once we get past this aspect of the plot of the documentary and we see the very personal nature of the subject it becomes much more interesting and intense, we witness something never seen before, almost the truth of a man who struggles to figure out who he is which of course takes a dark turn after the events in Copenhagen in the early 1990s. 

    The past two years or so has been an excellent year for documentaries not only on streaming or DVD but also in cinemas, which is a trend that goes against what many people may have expected. However I find this to be exactly what should be expected especially with the concentration of so-called ‘fake news’ that now exists on the internet, coupled with what has been coming from the White House under the Trump Presidency. In fact there was a thought that cinematic documentaries might be a thing of the past especially with the success as well as saturation of Disney-fied blockbusters invading multiplexes, in fact audiences have been flocking to cinemas to seek out stories about real people making real differences in times and places where many others have been marginalised and made powerless by the people in charge in their respective times. Some of the great, as well as critically received, not forgetting making money documentaires at the box office are: “Wont you be my neighbour?” (2018), “Three Identical Strangers” (2018), “Jane” (2018),  “RBG” (2018), and my personal favourite “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story” (2017) with so many more. What this says about audiences is that they will seek out true stories told in the relative first person that are not only inspiring but are direct counter programming to the politics of the day as well as the lies that are being produced by a President who is not only artificial but hate fuelled. My belief as a fan of documentaries is that this genre will only gain in popularity, with the coming years being a boon as well as revealing the importance of truth in the media as well as the importance of researching decisions made by the electorate. It is no surprise that the rise in fake news, Donald Trump, racism and may other hate fuelled elements has been answered by artists creating documentaries that prove there can be positive outcomes when people choose to buck the system as well as believing in others, differences, freedom and most of all, discussion. 

    The story of lyrical genius, Martin Phillipps and his band, The Chills, is a cautionary tale, a triumph over tragedy, and a statement about the meaning of music in our lives.

  • Trailer: “Fantasy Island” (2020)

    Trailer: “Fantasy Island” (2020)

    Trailer: “Fantasy Island” (2020)

    Blumhouse Productions and Sony Pictures have premiered the first trailers for “Fantasy Island,” a supernatural horror film adaptation of the classic ABC series of the same name.

    In the film the Enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Michael Pena) makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery in order to escape with their lives.

    Dubbed a blending of “Westworld” and “The Cabin in the Woods,” the story follows a group of contest winners who arrive at the island. Michael Rooker, Lucy Hale, Jimmy O. Yang, Charlotte McKinney, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Austin Stowell, Maggie Q, Portia Doubleday and Ryan Hansen co-star.

    Jeff Wadlow helms the film from a script he penned with Chris Roach and Jillian Jacobs. Jason Blum produces and the film opens in the U.S. on February 14th.

  • DVD review: “Acquitted: Season 1 and 2” (2018)

    DVD review: “Acquitted: Season 1 and 2” (2018)

    “Acquitted: Season 1 and 2” (2018)

    Drama/Thriller

    18 Episodes

    Developed by: Anna Bache-Wiig and Siv Rajendram Eliassen

    Featuring:  Nicolai Cleve Broch, Lena Endre, Anne Marit Jacobsen

    In season one, Aksel Nilsen (Nicolai Cleve Broch), was tried 20 years ago for the murder of 18-year-old ex-girlfriend Karine Hansteen. Although he was first convicted for the crime, he was acquitted later following a decisive witness testimony from his childhood friend, Tonje Sandvik (Synnøve Macody Lund). Branded, he disappears from his home town Lifjord in Norway and makes his career in Asia. He lives with his wife Angeline and his son as a successful businessman in Kuala Lumpur. One day he receives a phone call from William Hansteen, father of Karine, who asks him for an investment in the financially troubled solar panel company in Lifjord. Aksel flies to Norway, where old feuds flare up and Eva Hansteen, mother of Karine and CEO of the company, fights him fiercely and convinces the police officer of the town to re-investigate the murder of Karine. This eventually leads to significant revelations regarding the night of the crime and the role of William Hansteen in the murder.

    In season two, after an outrageous confession, William Hansteen is brought to trial for the murder of Karine. Aksel hopes that the truth will come to light and that he will finally be washed clean of the old suspicion. Although he receives support from prosecutor Amina Sahir, he once again finds Eva Hansteen in his way, who uses every means to protect her husband from imprisonment. When another girl dies, the investigation again focuses on the Nilsen family and Aksel’s brother Erik is arrested. Alone, Aksel now also has to free his brother from suspicion.

    Episodes:

    Season One

    1. After business success in Asia Aksel Borgen is back in his small town in Norway saving an important local firm. 20 years ago he was acquitted for the murder of a high school sweetheart. And his new family don’t know much about his past.
    2. The fight. Aksel do not want to give up the fight for a majority shareholder in Solar Tech. More and more people in the village are starting to see Aksel as an asset to the company and are willing to forget the past. Hansteen family is divided, part of the family do better bankrupt than to sell to the enemy. Cast: Nicolai Cleve Broch, Stig R. Amdam, Anna Bache-Wiig, Lena Endre.
    3. The fragmentation. Aksel will have to stay in Lifjord until he finds a new leader for Solar Tech. A conflict arises in the Hansteen family and Lars loyalty to his mother is tested when he is offered a job as CEO. Aksel’s family was hit hard when he left and he is trying to put things in order. Tonje seems Aksel’s only friend in the village.
    4. When Angeline and her son Tim come to Lifjord, Aksel has to tell his wife about Karine and his past, but omit some. Everything is fine for Solar Tech, but when Lars makes a gaffe, Aksel asks Angeline for help. Meanwhile, Eva is now trying to have the investigation reopened and is looking for things that the police may have missed. 
    5. Angeline no longer believe that Aksel is innocent, and to convince her he needs Tönjes help. William’re looking for a new investment opportunity, and glances at the hotel. Eve tries to get Eric to testify that Aksel gets violent when he drinks, all to the suspicion must be brought again. Cast: Nicolai Cleve Broch, Stig R. Amdam, Anna Bache-Wiig, Lena Endre, etc.
    6. After receiving revealing images of Karine want Aksel take up the hunt for the killer. Solar Tech must do away with people and Lars will be forced to terminate their friends. Eva continues locate evidence against Aksel, and now it Tönjes testimony she has doubts. And the more Aksel looking for Karines killer, the more doubts the people of his own innocence. Cast: Nicolai Cleve Broch, Stig R. Amdam, Anna Bache-Wiig, Lena Endre, etc.
    7. Aksel’s suspicions about Per Olav increase when he finds out that he is beating his girlfriend Ase. William and Inger’s plans to expand the hotel gain fresh momentum now that Eva is on board.
    8. The police are looking for Aksel’s bloody t-shirt from 20 years back, but he can’t remember anything about the night Karine was killed. Eva’s behavior causes frustration and concern for her family.
    9. Aksel must choose between his two lives. After an unexpected confession and surprising DNA test result, the police are sure they have found the true killer, but Eva thinks something isn’t quite right.

    Season Two

    1. William survives the suicide attempt, and so Aksel is confident that he will be tried and convicted for the murder of Karine. But the young, newly appointed prosecutor sees things differently.
    2. Aksel creates turmoil in Lifjord when he starts digging into the past for evidence that could get William charged with murder. It turns out that it isn’t just William who has something to hide.
    3. Aksel digs further, desperate to convince Amina Sahir that there are grounds for a trial against William. Amina even begins to ask questions.
    4. The stage is set for a dramatic trial in Lifjord. Old wounds are torn open again, and new secrets are revealed.
    5. After William’s earthshaking revelations the mood changes towards Aksel, and an unexpected witness forces Aksel to relive the old trauma. Otto Haudemann pushes William and Eva to make an unpleasant choice.
    6. After the trial the village turns against Aksel in earnest. Eva will return to Solar Tech, and Lars has an important decision to make.
    7. A new tragedy strikes Lifjord and Aksel is hopeful that the Karine case can be resolved once and for all. Amina faces a difficult dilemma.
    8. The lies and secrets surrounding Karine’s death threatens to destroy everyone involved. When Aksel finally reveals the truth there may be fatal consequences.
  • DVD review: “Delicious: Series 1 – 3” (2017 – 2019)

    DVD review: “Delicious: Series 1 – 3” (2017 – 2019)

    “Delicious: Series One & Two”

    TV Series/Drama/Comedy

    3-stars

    Episodes: Eight

    Created by: Dan Sefton

    Featuring: Dawn French, Emilia Fox, Iain Glen, Sheila Hancock

    Dawn French: “This is Cornwall – there are no secrets.”

    These days cooking and comedy go together so well that it’s easy to forget when shows about cooking were relegated to Saturday and Sunday afternoons with Julia Childs and Hudson and Hall. Of course now they are an industry unto themselves, so it stands to reason that combining a good story, great actresses as well a touch of cookery would be an obvious thing to do. Introducing the dramedy “Delicious” (2017) featuring Dawn French, Emilia Fox and Iain Glen. “Delicious” follows in the footsteps of other similar shows going back to “Shelly” (1979-1992) where there was a dramatic edge with a comedy heart. Of course “Delicious” skews to the more dramatic elements but with a central talent like Dawn French and support from Sheila Hancock this show was always going to have humour,  it doesn’t seem to want to take itself to seriously.

    Sure there are elements of the soap opera genre that are present right from the outset but for me that’s what made it fun, not to be taken too seriously at all – it also had elements from the HBO show “Six Feet Under” (2001 – 2005) but transferred to the location of a high class restaurant instead of an undertakers business. Interestingly the talents behind the scenes, creator Dan Sefton as well as Directors John Hardwick and Clare Kilner, have all had a breadth of television experience in the UK which is a breeding ground for this kind of show – that can be a positive as well as a negative as it can limit the impact of the show as well as being confined to a formula of a sort. This is not a perfect show but it is very good, and is extremely entertaining.

    The series is set in Cornwall, England, where celebrity chef Leo is married to the beautiful Sam and has a successful hotel business. However, he is having an affair with his first wife Gina, a talented cook from whom he stole many of his recipes and cheated on for years. After his death things hot up for all the lives he touched.

    For me the real strength of this show is the talent that has been assembled onscreen, with Dawn French and Amelia Fox as the duel antagonists/protagonists, with the awesome Sheila Hancock and Iain Glen in meaty supporting roles that show off talents not seen before in other roles. There is no doubt that Dawn French is the star of the show, having really taken a backseat to writing and producing partner Jennifer Saunders for years, it is great to see French in a role she can sink her teeth into over four episodes – something she has never really done dramatically so this is refreshing for an audience. I do admit I was waiting for the other shoe to drop in terms of her performance, that is move into some kind of character shtick, but this never happens. On the other hand Emilia Fox, best know for her work on “Silent Witness” (1996 – present) is a real revelation as she shows her comic timing, matching French scene for scene, line for line. Then there is the always-reliable Iain Glen who is on another level thanks to his role as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones” (2011 – present). What is nice to see is that he has range, which he has shown before but it is here with other experienced actors that he excels, you can see the glint in his eye – he doesn’t have to hold back or be reserved, he can just let loose, a sight to see for sure. Glen has always been that character actor who could be relied upon to show up and do his job, but for all intents and purposes he is the catalyst for this story, which endures after he is long gone.

    As with many television shows produced about ‘real’ people the geographic area they inhabit, work and live in becomes vital and important, but instead of representing isolation “Delicious” uses its locations in very different ways. Set and shot in Cornwall it is a holiday destination for families and has a warm climate which is a great setting for a restaurant as well as fine food which a large aspect of this show relies on.

    This is an excellent example of using resources and talent to create really good show that could have been mundane in different hands or with different onscreen talent. There is a B story involving the children of the two main characters, which is nice. There are also ‘soap’ and drama tropes that have been overused in the past few years, and are on hand here, i can only hope these might be dispensed with on the second season. I think that this is a real new millennium family drama about people who want to fit in but have issues because of one person’s vanity and bad choices. It is a real affirmation that the women in this show are the real heroes that have to not only come to terms with a real loss but also need to start to forge a future for their respective families. This show is definitely worth owning, it can be rewatch and that is down to the narrative as well as the cast which is top notch.

    Series One:

    Episode One: Leo Vincent is a successful chef, who has stolen most of his recipes from ex-wife Gina Benelli, whom he cuckolded for years with second spouse Sam. Now Sam is convinced he is having an affair and he is – with Gina. Gina has another problem with rebellious daughter Teresa, who is allergic to water, but things come to a head at a party for Sam and Leo’s son Michael’s eighteenth birthday party, when Sam learns the truth and reacts angrily.

    Episode Two: As friends and family gather for the funeral, emotions run high and one or two relationships take a new turn. The will also reveals a few surprises.

    Episode Three: Gina returns to the Penrose and reminisces about her relationship with Leo. Later, Gina has a run-in with Rosa and throws her wedding plans into turmoil.

    Episdoe Four: A suspicious Sam gets Michael to confess his affair with Teresa, whom she blames and attacks in the street. Teresa is saved by the intervention of James Harley, Teresa’s less than welcome visitor, who publicly admits that he is Teresa’s father, leading to her attempting suicide. Whilst unconscious she dreams about meeting Leo in the after life – which seems to give her the strength to recover.

    Series Two:

    Episode One: The Penrose is thriving with new staff member Adam Hesketh joining Gina and Sam but at a personal level things are not running so smoothly. Teresa is in therapy when she starts to become aware of her father’s shade and Sam embarks on n unfortunate relationship with a prospective bridegroom whose wedding will be held at the Penrose. Gina meanwhile gets as unannounced visit from her estranged father Joe and is not pleased to see him.

    Episode Two: To Gina’s annoyance Sam, after an argument, allows Joe to stay and moves into a cottage in the hotel grounds with Mimi, who is very much cheered by Joe’s presence. Michael returns from Europe and, hearing from Teresa that her therapist tried to kiss her, takes action. Teresa is still seeing Leo’s ghost and, despite Gina’s best efforts to keep them apart, meets Joe, At Sam’s fortieth birthday party Gina explains to her why she dislikes Joe so much and the women reconcile. Sam also meets her first love Marc and Gina gets a marriage proposal from old flame James.

    Episode Three: The anniversary of Leo’s death approaches and tensions are frayed all around the hotel. Police are putting on the pressure in their bid to take down Gina and Sam, and a familiar face makes a startling announcement which changes the family dynamic forever.

    Episode Four: Gina introduces Adam as Leo’s son, provoking hostility from Michael and Sam whilst James marries Gina at a lavish feast, suggesting he buy out Sam’s share of the hotel when she leaves. However Gina’s memories of Leo make her doubt her future with him and she casts him off. Teresa and Michael go off together but Sam decides to stay and run the Penrose with Gina. They are both unaware that the rest of the hidden money has been found by the authorities.

    Series Three:

    Episode One: Gina and Sam have just about managed to find a way to work together. But a new man is about to stir things up – in the shape of rich investor Mason Elliott.

    Episode Two: Sam and Gina discover that Mason is up to something that threatens all that they have worked for. Teresa comes clean to the family.

    Episode Three: Sam and Gina come to blows over the best way to help Mimi, but when it comes to dealing with Mason they agree there is only one course of action – revenge. 

    Episode Four: Teresa comes clean to Sam, a bewildered Gina struggles with her feelings for Mason and as the family pulls together for Mimi, tragedy strikes elsewhere. Last in the series.

  • Movie review: “Zombieland: Double Tap” (2019)

    Movie review: “Zombieland: Double Tap” (2019)

    “Zombieland: Double Tap” (2019)

    Horror/Comedy

    Running time: 99 minutes

    Written by: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Dave Callaham

    Directed by: Ruben Fleischer

    Featuring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone,  Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch

    Tallahassee: “I have nothing against hippies, I just wanna beat the shit out of ’em.”

    Recently released into cinemas is the horror/comedy sequel “Zombieland: Double Tap” (2019) a direct follow on to “Zombieland” (2009) released ten years ago, solidifying the talents of that cast, adding to a sub genre that had not been explored to the extent it has now and launching the cinematic career of  Ruben Fleischer who would never really live up to the hype of this first hit, definitely making this his best movie to date. Now this sequel has arrived with all the original people returning as well as adding a few more recognisable faces that at times compete for screen-time which gives the effect of a piecemeal project that never really satisfies like the first one. That is not to say that this new movie is not enjoyable, it is, yet it feels like the plot, narrative and humour has not changed in ten years, all the familiar narrative devices are almost exactly the same, which was fun but predictable, something that good sequels are never guilty of.

    What is surprising with “Zombieland: Double Tap” is that the entire cast has returned including Oscar winner Emma Stone who has not lost a comedic step in the intervening years, she is still fun as well as being a true talent having proved herself over almost every genre going with still so much to do. It is also great to see a grown up Abigail Breslin who since the double of “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Zombieland” has proven herself a mainstay of the horror genre and of course being an Oscar nominee herself. Both Woody Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg do their usual routines that they have been executing for years which is always fun to see, Harrelson is possibly the second best actor here and is also the lead which is something he sometimes shies away from but here he is in top form.

    For some the idea of a zombie comedy might have started with the always watchable “Shaun of the Dead” (2003) but of course that have been around much longer with one of the first, and in my opinion the greatest example of this sub genre “The Return of the Living Dead” (1985) that proved it was possible to make a R rated horror comedy that would be often imitated but never truly surpassed even with all its garish 1980s framing. Written and Directed by Dan O’Bannon who would err on the side of horror as he was not a gifted writer of comedy would see this movie as a highlight of his career, even though he co-wrote the genre define “Alien” (1979). Of course even though there have been innumerable zombie comedies “Zombieland” represented a shift as it was more concerned with the human’s than it was with either the zombies or even surviving the apocalypse, these new characters thrived in this new environment, there was no existential angst or attempting to turn back the clock, it was obsessed with the good elements of a zombie apocalypse and what it would take to thrive in such an environment. We also were introduced to people that were all fun no matter where they landed on the serious spectrum.

    Of course “Zombieland” was filmed and released during President Obama’s first term in office when the US after eight years of a Republican Presidency had pushed the country to the brink, there was some hope. The GEC was in full effect which for some was like an apocalypse, there were homes that were so far under water people left them abandoned, not only that but speculators were able to thrive in this environment even making a living and purchasing first cheap foreclosed homes. We see the kind of desolation in the surrounds in “Zombieland” as you might have seen in some streets in towns in the US. So if Romeros “Dawn of the Dead” (1975) was in part a comment on consumerism, then this movie could be said to have been one on the effects of GEC.

    “Zombieland: Double Tap” is set ten years after the events of the first film, survivors Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock have become experts in identifying and disposing of various zombies and set up their new home in the abandoned White House. Columbus decides to propose to Wichita, while Tallahassee rebuffs Little Rock’s hopes of starting her own family. The next morning, Tallahassee finds a note from Wichita and Little Rock, who have left due to Little Rock feeling Tallahassee still treats her like a child and Wichita’s fear she is too attached to Columbus. As one might expect this new movie becomes a road movie with surprises along the way which are both funny and frightening. I will not spoil anything but there are some plot twists along the way, they are all welcoming as is the conclusion and there is a post credit sting of sorts, fans of the previous movie will no doubt enjoy this as it does have a welcome cameo.

    Not only is the director back for more but screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick return for the sequel, both have seen some high highs since the original having written both ‘Deadpool’ movies so it must have been a slam-dunk to have them return but like their ‘Deadpool’ sequel they seem unable to movie a plot forward to anywhere actually original. Sure they can construct a movie and write clever lines, they also seem to know how to construct character, but a plot seems to evade them, they do enjoy repeating themselves.

    The most welcome addition in terms of the cast is definitely Rosario Dawson whose inclusion automatically makes this a must watch movie, Dawson adds to the cast in ways that only she is able to with her seriousness as well as her ability to seemingly effortlessly be funny at the very same time. Through the years Dawson has made anything she appears in better which is not something that many actors can say, she has star power to spare, in many respects she is a working actor but a true superstar that most any audience member will appreciate.

    “Zombieland: Double Tap” is one of those sequels that in some ways does not have to do a lot to please audiences, on one hand if you liked the first movie then this one is almost exactly in the same vein, if you are new to the idea of a ‘Zombieland’ movie then everything is introduced and backgrounded for you so will not be missing too much. Not only that but new characters are introduced (and there are a few to be fair) quickly so the narrative movies along at a brisk pace, although the actual stakes as well as the plot are actually pretty thin on the the ground. The bottom line is this: you know exactly what you are getting when you pay your money for a ticket, there is no false advertising at all. In saying that could not help but think that it would have been pleasing for this to have some more originality and an actual continuation of the plot, I mean almost everything from the first movie is dropped here, which I found just a little lazy. However if you want a nice night out with some comedy and a few scares then you could a lot worse than “Zombieland: Double Tap”.

  • DVD review: “Detectorists – Series 1 – 3” (2014 – 2017)

    DVD review: “Detectorists – Series 1 – 3” (2014 – 2017)

    “Detectorists – Series 1 – 3” (2014 – 2017)

    Television Comedy

    19 Episodes

    Created by: Mackenzie Crook

    Featuring: Mackenzie Crook, Toby Jones, Lucy Benjamin, Rachel Stirling, Simon Farnaby and Diana Rigg

    Released this week is the entire three series of the excellent comedy television series “Detectorists” (2014-2017) which sees the entire cast return for what must be the funniest as well as the season with the most plot yet as well as the reliance of more of the entire cast and not just the twi leads in Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, who still both shine in what has to be the most underrated comedy on television in recent years.

    The series is set in the fictional small town of Danebury in northern Essex and the plot revolves around the lives, loves and detecting ambitions of Andy and Lance, members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club (DMDC).

    It’s remarkable the seeming ease that the British Film and Television Industry is able to produce great independent drama, comedies and horror movies and television shows each and every year. Not only that, but the talent on show always seems to be original as well as first class. What many of these English productions have in common is that they are based around something unique or have some kind of gimmick, the “Detectorists” has both, it is a comedy set around a small village that is host to a somewhat thriving amateur Detectorists club (two in fact) who come together with different issues (mostly personal), ending up in very normal but funny situations that revolve around the attempt to find treasure both for historical as well as monetary reasons. However with most English show of this ilk they normally follow very familiar A and B narratives where the main character is going through some life changing event, or has been through one. Then there is a larger overarching narrative for the main cast that propels the plot and is broad in that it appeals to a larger general audience, i.e. it is normally pretty non offensive.

    There are two great reasons to watch this show, the first is the cast, which is spectacular, it is stacked with great character actors, you can see why they are all present, that is the original writing that gives them all the room to create some original performances, especially Toby Jones and Simon Farnaby. The other reason to watch not just this season but the entire series is the writing which is tight but offers a glimpse into something that most people would not know about, coupled with the unique way of looking at this and the humour, this becomes a perfect mix of plot, narrative and performance that means this a must watch series.

    The star of the series is without a doubt Mackenzie Crook who stars as well as writes each episode, deserving all the credit as each episode is not only superbly paced but his own performance always seems to be spot on as he navigates his life dealing with issues at home as well as on the field where he would love to spend his entire life. Through the first two seasons he feels a pull towards making adult decisions even as he loses his job, his partner falls pregnant and he feels his private time being encroached on by not only competition but land development. The co-lead is the wonderful Toby Jones who we find to br the perfect foil to Crook, as the seasons roll by Jones becomes a focal point as his personal life which he thinks he has under strict control but he is wrong in many ways as we find out, all this comes to a head for both men in the third season.

    “Detectorists” is about so much, the village lifestyle, niche hobbies, history as well as the encroaching urban lifestyles on what are rural locales, something many people can identify with, here these are all laid out for all to see, as well as laugh along to, if you haven’t seen this series you should seek it out immediately.

    Episodes:

    Series One

    1. Andy and Lance are approached by Sophie, who explains that she is a student with an interest in metal detecting. They invite her to attend the next meeting of their detecting club, the DMDC, where she is enthusiastically welcomed.
    2. Lance suggests to Andy that they perform a song he’s written at a local pub open-mic event, hoping to impress Maggie. Andy tries to convince his girlfriend Becky to come along, knowing that she resents the time he spends out detecting with Lance.
    3. Andy and Lance get an unexpected visit from the rival detectorists, the ‘Antiquisearchers’, who know all about the artefacts Bishop showed them. Deciding they need to act fast, Lance and Andy get the club involved, and Terry — the club president — is only too keen to muck in if he can prove that Larry Bishop murdered his wife.
    4. After striking an unexploded bomb digging on Bishop’s land, Terry is hospitalised and announces that he is standing down as president of the DMDC.
    5. Andy tries to convince Becky that he isn’t having an affair. She shows him the photograph but doesn’t know who took it. Lance helps out at Maggie’s shop, where she pressures him to give her a large loan. Later he and Sophie encounter the Antiquisearchers, who announce that they now have the sole right to search Bishop’s Farm.
    6. Andy gives up detecting, hoping that by selling his detector he can prove his devotion to Becky. He proposes to her and she accepts. Lance discovers that the only reason Maggie keeps in contact with him is that she knows he has substantial lottery winnings saved.

    Series Two

    1. Baby Stan has arrived, Andy has qualified as an archaeologist but has no work, and Becky is off with Gay Martin, talking about VSO. A young German man, Peter, turns up at a meeting of the DMDC, telling them he is looking for the wreckage of a Junkers World War II bomber.
    2. Lance is preparing to meet the mystery woman, but keeps it a secret. Andy heads to the library to join Sophie and Peter with their research, but gets the impression they don’t want him around, so leaves them to it. Meanwhile Becky’s patience with the petty politics at her school is at breaking point and she walks out of a staff meeting.
    3. Russell and Hugh begin the search for the mayor’s missing chain of office. Sophie and Peter discover Lance buying flowers and chocolate— apparently preparing for a date—and, on Andy’s instructions, spy on him as he meets the mystery woman again.
    4. The mayor—unwillingly, but with the threat of blackmail from Russell and Hugh—agrees to let the DMDC search his land. Sophie and Peter have been spending a lot of time together, and when Peter asks her to go travelling with him in the summer, she accepts. Andy’s interview goes disastrously at first, but his enthusiasm for archaeology shows when he presents some clay pipe pieces he found in a flower-bed. Terry receives the licence from the MOD to excavate the crash site, which reveals there were no crewmen on board when the plane crashed.
    5. Andy fears the uncertainties of providing for his family in Botswana and conceals that he’s been offered the job, leading to a fight and an ultimatum from Becky. Sophie manages to contact Peter, who tells her he’s been offended by the accusations Terry made against him and is going home.
    6. The DMDC hold their rally at the Junkers Ju 88 crash site. Peter, whom Sophie learns has been twice convicted of disturbing war graves in Germany, skulks in to search and is caught by Terry who calls the constabulary on him.

    Series Three

    1. Lance’s flat is not his own any more and Andy is staying with the mother-in-law. But they have their old faithful permission to escape to. A solar farm threatens the tranquillity.
    2. Just as they are losing their farm, Lance and Andy start making good discoveries. But old enemies are around. Home lives are chaotic as usual and Lance is persuaded to try hypnotherapy for an awkward affliction, with mixed results.
    3. With time running out, Andy and Lance go to great (action-packed) lengths to protect their land. Away from the fields, life is no less stressful as Andy quits his job and Lance finds an unwelcome guest in the spare room. An audacious theft leaves Lance reeling.
    4. Lance is obsessed with finding the thief that stole his gold, which means he can ignore the melodrama going on at home. Andy’s lies are catching up with him too. They decide that camping out is the safest option.
    5. Andy and Lance become eco-warriors when they find their beloved oak tree is due to be felled. But a 24-hour helpline turns out to be more of a hindrance. Andy stumbles upon treasure when, for once, he wasn’t even looking.
    6. With only days left before they lose the field, Andy and Lance decides to make a final push to find the golden hoard. They recruit the help of the entire DMDC, and gain some new allies as well. Andy and Becky attend an auction to bid on their dream home.
  • Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Four: If You Don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own” (2019)

    Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Four: If You Don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own” (2019)

    Television review: “Watchmen – Episode Four: If You Don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own” (2019)

    Drama/Science Fiction

    8 Episodes

    Developed by: Damon Lindelof based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

    Directed by: Andrij Parekh

    Featuring: Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Andrew Howard, Jacob Ming-Trent, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Dylan Schombing, Louis Gossett Jr. and Jeremy Irons

    Rorschach’s Diary: “Soon they will shout, ‘Save us!’ And we will whisper, ‘No.’”

    The Story so far…

    The Watchmen series is based on the comic of the same name, taking place in an alternative, contemporary reality in the United States. Masked vigilantes became outlawed due to their violent methods. Despite this, some gather around in order to start a revolution while others are out to stop it before it is too late. In this reality, the Watergate scandal never happened, allowing President Richard Nixon to dismiss term limits and run for five terms and lead the United States to a decisive victory in the Vietnam War with help of some of the vigilantes that sided with the government. The comics events end in 1985 after Adrian Veidt, a former vigilante known as Ozymandias, created a fake alien attack in New York City with millions dead in the resulting psychic shockwave, leading to a new accord between the United States and the Soviet Union ending the Cold War and avoiding a potential nuclear holocaust. Veidt asserts his actions were for the greater good, but they disgust his former allies; Rorschach seeks to tell the world of Veidt’s misdeeds but is vaporized by Doctor Manhattan before he can do so, after which Dr. Manhattan decides to depart Earth, seeking a place less complicated than Earth. Unaware to them, Rorschach had sent his journal to be published before he accosted Veidt.

    Now…

    The fourth episode of the HBO series “Watchmen” has aired, following on from last weeks introduction of Agent Blake as well as the continuing mystery around Angela and her Grandfather we are introduced to Lady Trieu who seems to know a lot about all three characters. Her motivations are clouded as we see a flashback to 2016, her purchase of a farm and the crashing to Earth of some mystery object. We also are given more information about Ozymandias with his English Estate actually on the Moon with him seeking to escape after four years there. Of course it should be no surprise that there are even more questions asked in this episode which I am sure we will get some answers to by the end of the season, although I would not hold my breath for them all to be given away.

    Some of the ongoing themes that occur within this episode are of course some of the same that we face today, politics, social commentary, past actions having real effects on the modern world, the reliability of news, forgiveness, racism, left versus right and one of the more important, that of decision making and the outcomes of those decisions. There are of course a multitude of others which will become apparent on repeat viewings and as the episodes unfold from week to week.

    Some important aspects to consider in this alternate present:

    • The series takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma;
    • Vietnam is now a U.S. state;
    • Fossil fuels have been eliminated by Dr. Manhattan;
    • Robert Redford is the President and has been in office since 1992, he is now the longest-serving President.
    • There is an Act named as the ‘Victims Of Racial Violence Legislation’ designed to give reparations for those affected from past racial injustice, which is seen as unfavorable by a large portion of the white population.
    • The ‘Seventh Kavalry’, a white supremacy group in Tulsa has taken to the writings of Rorschach and use masks similar to his own.
    • Laws are passed to allow the police to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their families, including wearing their own masks.

    Whilst there have already been readings of this being about possible white power as well as a variety of what could be called anti-left stances this is far too simple. This new world is not just a place where we have back versus white, but there are serious political, economic and social realties that have come to the fore which like today is something that divides people along rigid lines. Unlike the world in which we live where there is a right wing President in office who seems at peace with disrupting the left as well as behave like some new millennium Nixon this new one is run by the left, so a figurehead like Robert Redford is apt to be able to embody this for all audiences who know his obvious allegiances. This is a world we can see what would happen to the right if the left were in charge, making laws that were not agreed with and where the price for disagreement can be ultimate. We live in an age where right wing politicians globally are making a comeback in many countries and hard liners are making their feelings grow. At the same time we are also seeing the lot flex their own muscles in social media where they are negating others opinions so that wokeness and SJW are able to influence where there should be none, these are juxtaposing narratives which exist in “Watchmen”. I am looking forward to how these dichotomies shake out in weeks to come and if they can be brought together somehow, unlike in real life.

    This episode has a new director in Andrij Parekh, it matches the general look and feel of the first three episodes which is to be commended when different people are behind subsequent episodes. Parekh is an inexperienced director but is a hugely experienced cinematographer, which shows in this episode. This is an episode that has not only a lot of light but its fair share of darkness as well which is well represented in all the locations used.

    What is unique about the “Watchman” series is that in any given episode we can be in a small room or in a giant machine that keeps time, one a real environment that other a CGI creation but both are as good as each other, the mise en scène for each scene is intricate, important and sometimes extremely subtle. The construction of sets or scenery is as important as the music, the characters or the direction which lends itself to proving why this is a prestige drama. I have to admit that Damon Lindelof  has done an exquisite job something I would not have been thought possible.

    I cannot wait until next week.

    Episode Four: If You Don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own

    Sometime prior to 2019, Lady Trieu buys out the farmland of a Tulsa couple just moments before an object from space crashes onto their property as to claim its ownership. In the present, Angela learns about Will’s parents at the heritage center, when she hears her car crash outside and meets Laurie, finding a pill bottle inside. Later, Angela leaves Judd’s KKK outfit with Looking Glass, and fails to capture a unknown vigilante. At the station, she finds Laurie has found Will’s fingerprints in Angela’s car, as well as a connection to Trieu’s facility at the Millennium Clock. Trieu provides them with a list of people with access to new lightweight drones, and in Vietnamese, tells Angela that Will wonders if she got the pill bottle. That evening, Trieu talks to Will about being upfront with Angela, but with events to come to a head in a few days, he would rather she figure it out herself. Meanwhile, Veidt collects fetuses from a lake to grow new clones of Phillips and Crookshanks after killing off all of the existing ones. With their help, Veidt launches the dead bodies by catapult to test the limits of his prison.

  • Blu-ray/DVD review: “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019)

    Blu-ray/DVD review: “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019)

    “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019)

    Animation

    Running time: 86 minutes

    Written by: Brian Lynch

    Directed by: Chris Renaud

    Featuring: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Tiffany Haddish, Lake Bell, Nick Kroll, Dana Carvey, Ellie Kemper, Chris Renaud, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan and Harrison Ford

    Rooster: “Guy’s got two things in this life: his water bowl and his dignity. You take one, you take the other.”

    Released recently on DVD/Blu-ray (alas no 4K) recently is the animated sequel “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019) that offers a movie that no-one was asking for as well as being the least likely movie to be caught up in the #metoo era as it featured in a prominent role, Louis C.K. who was replaced by fellow comic Patton Oswalt, not that anyone would actually care about. 

    The allure of the first “Secret Life of Pets” (2016), a surprise hit for the animation studio Illumination, known primarily for their ‘Despicable Me’ franchise, were the gags about what our pets did when we weren’t home. The ideas behind how dogs, cats, and birds acted when we were gone, ranging from the appropriately cartoonish to clever in a grounded way, was what made the experience interesting and fun on its own.

    The sequel, “The Secret Life of Pets 2”, seems to have been aware of this, so what we get here is a series of vignettes that center on the various characters from the first film, with the addition of some new characters like the fearless dog Daisy voiced by Tiffany Haddish. It’s basically an anthology made up of a number of short films, intercut instead of presented episodically. Only during the forced third act climax do the stories interject, and even then the ending fizzles because the artificiality of bringing these shorts together sticks out.

    The most basic “come to terms with your fears” family movie plot comes in the form of the first film’s protagonist Max worrying about his owner’s toddler getting hurt during a vacation at a farm. In comes the obligatory parental figure in the form of the gruff sheepdog Rooster (Harrison Ford, who sounds asleep at the mic), who will eventually teach Max the importance of letting children learn for themselves. It’s a fairly predictable and by-the-numbers story for the genre.

    Video

    Universal’s Blu-ray edition of “The Secret Life of Pets 2”  is stunning. The 1080p AVC-encoded transfer presents the film in its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with vivid colors with no evidence of banding or blooming. Detail is excellent, from the individual strands of fur, textures of skin on the dogs’ noses, blades of grass, to random leaves and cracks in the sidewalk. Contrast is superb with deep blacks and strong shadow detail with no evidence of crushing as well as bright whites that never clip. I found no evidence of any compression artifacts whatsoever.

    Audio

    Universal has included a Dolby Atmos track on the Blu-ray release (which is backwards compatible to Dolby TrueHD 7.1). The track uses the Atmos capability rather subtly, with a few discrete sounds here and there, but mostly uses the heights to extend and expand the music and atmospherics. Surrounds are very active when necessary (such as the chase sequence though the circus), and LFE is strong, adding a solid low-end to many of the pop songs featured in the film. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.

    Special Features:

    • Super Gidget (1080p; 3:49): Gidget goes on an adventure to save Max from an evil band of squirrels. Presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio encoded at 640 kbps.
    • Minion Scouts (1080p; 4:04): Jealous of the badges Margo, Agnes and Edith earned at Badger Scouts camp, minions Stuart, Kevin, Bob and Dave sign up to try and earn their own badges. Presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio encoded at 640 kbps.
    • The Making of the Mini-Movies (1080p; 4:59): The directors of Super Gidget and Minion Scouts discuss making the movies.
    • Deleted Scenes (1080p; 2:19): Four scenes are included, Wake Up, Duke Explores the Farm, Snowball in Trainingand Secret Confessions, with only Duke Explores the Farm and Secret Confessions in completed animation form.
    • A Tapestry of a Tail – The Making of (1080p; 7:00): A very brief and fluffy (pun intended) look at the making of the film.
    • How to Draw (1080p; 7:40): Head of Story Eric Favela shows viewers how to draw Max, Snowball and Chloe.
    • Frame by Frame – How to Make a Flip Book (1080p; 4:25): As the title suggests, Head of Story Eric Favela shows the viewer how to make their own flip book.
    • Character Pods (1080p; 16:40): The voice actors discuss their characters in the film – Paton Oswalt – Max, Kevin Hart – Snowball, Eric Stonestreet – Duke, Jenny Slate – Gidget, Tiffany Haddish – Daisy, Lake Bell – Chloe, Nick Kroll – Sergei, Dana Carvey – Pops, Bobby Moynihan – Mel and Harrison Ford – Rooster.
    • My Buddy and Me (1080p; 3:28): The cast and crew discuss their pets.
    • The Further Adventures of Captain Snowball (1080p; 6:32): An interactive motion comic adventure featuring Captain Snowball.
    • Pets with Jobs – A Documentary (1080p; 7:10): A look at how various animals help humans by being more than just pets.
    • A Party Fit For a Pet (1080p; 7:19): How to make all the necessary items for the perfect pet party – Captain Snowball’s Super Capes, Pop’s Pupsicles, Daisy’s Happy Hats, Duke’s Doggie Donuts and Gidget’s Goody Bags.
    • Relax the Cat: The Secret Life of Pet Massage (1080p; 4:21): Dana Carvey, Bobby Moynihan and Lake Bell are joined by pet massage therapist Amber Lockspeiser, as they demonstrate how to properly massage your pet.
    • Pop’s Puppy Training School with Kevin Hart (1080p; 2:28): Kevin Hart demonstrates some simple puppy training techniques.
    • Production Pets (1080p; 5:56): A photo gallery of pets owned by the cast and crew.
    • Pet’s Yule Log (1080p; 2:13): “Security camera” footage of various characters from the film.
    • Panda Lyric Video (1080p; 0:45)
    • It’s Gonna Be a Lovely Day (Secret life of Pets 2) Lyric Video (1080p; 3:55)
  • Trailer: “The Invisible Man” (2020)

    Trailer: “The Invisible Man” (2020)

    Universal Pictures has released first trailer for Leigh Whannell’s “The Invisible Man,” a new contemporary take on H.G. Wells’ story for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions.

    The film stars Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass, a woman trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). She escapes in the dead of night and goes into hiding, aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer), their childhood friend (Aldis Hodge), and his teenage daughter (Storm Reid).

    But when Cecilia’s abusive ex dies by suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turn lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, her sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

    The film opens February 28th 2020.