'𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟'⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣ ⁣ 🎬: While awaiting her husband's return from serving in World War I, young bride Pearl [Mia Goth] lives on a Texas homestead with her German immigrant parents - her over-bearing & puritanical mother Ruth [Tandi Wright] & her wheelchair-bound & infirmed father [Matthew Sunderland].⁣ ⁣ Envisioning that her husband, Howard, had died in battle, Pearl fears the worst for her future...that she will be forever-stuck in her backwater Southern town with no hope of a better life.⁣ ⁣ With the potential to join a travelling dance troupe, which only has one free spot that she will have to compete for against her more glamorous sister-in-law, Mitsy [Emma Jenkins-Purro], is this Pearl’s last chance to be recognised as extraordinary?⁣ ⁣ 😎: A prequel/origin-story for the lead antagonist from the recent cult-hit 'X,' writer/director Ti West delves into how Pearl's longing for a better life had mutated into an obsession & hatred for young women with 'loose morals,' who took for granted their good looks & favourable opportunities in life [that she never had].⁣ ⁣ Set in 1918, during the influenza epidemic, Pearl’s mum, Ruth, refused contact with outsiders & denied receiving food from extended family. Ruth saw Pearl’s soujourns into town as potential risks to the family's health & in general treated Pearl like a lapdog, forcing her to feed & give baths to her father.⁣ ⁣ Pearl showed signs of psychopathology from a young age when she shamelessly killed a duck, for being annoying, with her [weapon of choice] pitchfork. Taking the duck to the end of the jetty, she fed it to Theda, a giant alligator patrolling the waters of the local lake. Theda later featured in 'X,' too.⁣ ⁣ 🔱 Lusting for a glamorous life like what she'd seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions & obsessions become a dangerous focus for someone so unstable. Lacking support & friendship, not to mention the companionship of the only man who truly understood her, Pearl’s descent into madness starts off slowly but gains momentum at an alarming speed. 🔱 ⁣ Thanks to @madmanfilms; 'Pearl,' rated 𝗠𝗔𝟭𝟱+, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas on March 16, 2023. ©️ (at X-Movie) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp9do7VPi88/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗩𝗜'⁣⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣⁣ ⁣ 🎬: With Samantha Carpenter [Melissa Barrera] still on edge almost a year after surviving a massacre by a pair of 'Ghostface' mimics in Woodsboro, she continues to be overprotective of her younger half-sister, Tara [Jenna Ortega], after they both had moved to New York with fellow brother & sister survivors, Chad [Mason Gooding] & Mindy [Jasmin Savoy Brown].⁣⁣ ⁣ But when a new brutal Ghostface surfaces, leaving behind the DNA of previous Ghostface killers at bloody crime scenes, the girls' worst nightmare has returned.⁣⁣ ⁣ Unable to trust anyone, can the 'Core Four' survive long enough to find the identity & motives of the new killer?⁣⁣ ⁣ 😎: From the opening scene, when Associate Professor Laura Crane [Samara Weaving] is duped by her blind-date into entering a dark alley & then brutally stabbed by a new Ghostface, it's clear that the slash-factor in this next chapter is very high.⁣⁣ ⁣ Sam is the true victim of the film. Superficially she is stoic, but in actuality she is experiencing quite serious PTSD after the last movie's events; seeking help from a therapist, he ends their sessions & says he's ill-equipped to help her after she tells him the extent.of her trauma.⁣ ⁣ Furthermore, despite the evidence to the contrary, an online troll campaign still leads people to believe that Sam was the killer of the last Woodsboro massacre - especially since she is the daughter of Billy Loomis [Skeet Ulrich], one of the OG Ghostface killers.⁣ ⁣ As a result, Sam continues to be constantly heckled in public as people take photos of her & mutter under their breath right in front of her.⁣ ⁣ The negative effects of social media trolling are really apparent, emphasising how easily misinformation is disseminated in modern society [particularly in the US] & how quickly people will believe the worst in others.⁣ ⁣ 😱 With plenty of twists & turns, the new Ghostface pays homage to his/her predecessors by somehow collecting & then leaving their DNA [despite all of them being dead] at each new crime scene. 😱⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @paramountau; 'Scream VI,' rated 𝗠𝗔𝟭𝟱+, opened in 🇦🇺 on March 9, 2023. ©️ (at SCREAM) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp10Yw-PvCr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗜𝗜'⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣ ⁣ 🎬: After retiring undefeated, Adonis Creed [Michael B Jordan] now focuses on creating the next generation of champion boxers.⁣ ⁣ But when an old acquaintance, Damian Anderson [Jonathan Majors], reappears after a near 20-year stint in prison, Creed feels compelled to help him after abandoning him for a crime they'd committed together.⁣ ⁣ Unfortunately, Anderson has an axe to grind & Creed finds out the hard way that you can't outrun your past.⁣ ⁣ Anderson, determined to take back what he believes is rightfully his, is a juggernaut. Can Creed stop him?⁣ ⁣ 😎: The 3rd chapter in the 'Creed' saga, the 9th in the 'Rocky' franchise, has all the elements synonymous with the latter 'Rocky' movies.⁣ ⁣ That is to say: can the incumbent champion overcome an overwhelming aggressor to remain on top & avoid losing everything that he had worked so hard to achieve?⁣ ⁣ Anderson & Creed were childhood friends who had endured physical abuse together at the hands of their guards in juvenile detention.⁣ ⁣ When a 15yo Creed runs into one of the abusers outside a convenience store, he brutally assaults him before being set upon by the abuser's friends. In an attempt to protect Creed, 17yo Anderson pulls out a gun but is quickly arrested & charged for gun possession & his part in the aggravated assault - as Creed escaped on foot.⁣ ⁣ A criminal recidivist on his 3rd strike, Anderson lands an 18-year prison term, thereby crushing any hopes that he may have had of turning his 'Golden Gloves' title into an Olympic Boxing Gold Medal before turning professional, where the big payouts happen.⁣ ⁣ With 18 long years to ruminate on his past indiscretions, Anderson now wants what Creed has; after all, prior to his incarceration, Anderson was the boxing champion with the world at his feet & Creed was his 'scrub.'⁣ ⁣ 🥊🥊 Jonathan Majors is a standout. Anderson is initially brooding yet respectful, but his demeanour changes dramatically as Majors convincingly portrays - with great vigour - a villain with righteous indignation. 🥊🥊 ⁣ 'Creed III,' rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas March 2nd, 2023. ©️⁣ @warnerbrosau (at Creed) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpT3uX3vJes/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗝𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗛 & 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗚⁣ 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗧': 𝟰🥼/ 𝟱⁣ 🎭 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎭: Set before Christ, when the father of 12 sons, Jacob, gives a beautiful multi-coloured coat to his favourite son, Joseph [Euan Fistrovic Doidge, but performed by ensemble Jacksion Head in this performance], it irks his 11 brothers.⁣ ⁣ Fueled by jealousy after a dream Joseph had that he would rule over the them one day, the brothers get rid of him by selling him off as a slave, covering his coat in goat's blood & telling Jacob that he had been killed in an accident.⁣ ⁣ Taken to Egypt, Joseph falls foul of his wealthy slaver, Potiphar, when he thinks that Joseph had slept with his wife.⁣ ⁣ Now in an Egytian prison with no release date in sight, is there any hope for Joseph?⁣ ⁣ 😎: Narrated by Paulini Curuenavuli, the story follows Joseph's journey from Canaan to Egypt. From start to finish, Paulini is nothing short of outstanding. Despite some very physical movements, at no stage does she sound out of breath & her on-stage rapport with the kids is very believable.⁣ ⁣ The kids do a fantastic job, too. Their energy is infectious & they genuinely appear to be having a great time.⁣ ⁣ Jackson Head was very impressive standing in for Euan as Joseph. At one stage, my wife welled up with tears during Jackson's performance of 'Close Every Door,' as Joseph laments his future in an Egyptian prison.⁣ ⁣ The entire show is genre-bending as it incorporates music from the 30's, 50's, country/western/boot sccotin', Caribbean, French/Can-Can & even Elvis impersonation [hilariously performed by Trevor Ashley as The Pharaoh].⁣ ⁣ A major highlight is Joseph's 11 brothers performing 'Those Canaan Days' in French as they regret their decision to eliminate Joseph; he was the only one smart enough to help them all survive the 7-year drought that they were currently enduring.⁣ ⁣ 🌈🥼 Packed with plenty of laughs, great lead & ensemble performances, this is worth seeing. 🥼🌈 ⁣ Thanks to @josephmusicalaus & @amandabuckworthpublicity; 'Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' runs until April 23 at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. ©️ (at Capitol Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpHbz28P8zU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚': 𝟰💻 / 𝟱⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: When 18yo June Allen [Storm Reid] waits to pick up her mum, Grace [Nia Long], from the airport...neither she nor her boyfriend, Kevin [Ken Leung], return from their Columbian holiday.⁣ ⁣ Desperate to find Grace, June delves into Kevin's online behaviour & discovers that he isn't whom he claims to be. Furthermore, Grace has been hiding secrets, too.⁣ ⁣ Will June be able to figure out what is going on?⁣ ⁣ 😎: After the death of June's dad, James [Tim Griffin], to cancer when she was very young, things have become increasingly strained between June & her mum.⁣ ⁣ In very typical Gen-Z fashion, June communicates electronically with her friends & the world in general. As a well-versed front-end user of social media & communication apps, it doesn't take long for her to upskill, with the help of her friends, to break into Kevin's email account & discover that he had served time in prison for fraud.⁣ ⁣ June's frustration with the ineptitude of law enforcement to move quickly is exacerbated by social media trolls speculating that her mum had faked her own disappearance to start a new life. Believing that Grace could do no wrong, she is devastated & confused with what she later finds out about her.⁣ ⁣ Luckily, the perils of relying on a single email account for all your passwords work in June's favour as she follows multiple leads over the disappearance of her mum. Had Kevin used 2-factor authentication, then June wouldn't have been able to investigate his digital footprint.⁣ ⁣ 💻 Using the perspectives from web-cams, mobile phones, street & security cams [even though it has been done before in films like 'Unfriended'] work really well, here; incorporating the same break-neck speed of cyber-consumption 1st seen in 'Searching' [2018], directors Nicholas D. Johnson & Will Merrick have created yet another intense hyper-modern cyber-thriller that has plenty of twists & turns to keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the very end. Only a clairvoyant could guess the truth, here!! 💻 ⁣ Thanks to @sonypicturesaus; 'Missing,' rated 𝗠, opens in 🇦🇺 cinemas February 23rd, 2023. ©️ (at Missing) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co_pbvPPs0G/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗢 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗧?: 𝟰💍/ 𝟱⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: When a UK-born oncologist of Pakistani descent, Kazim [Shazad Latif], decides to get married by the traditional 'parent-assisted' method, his shocked close friend/girl-next-door, Zoe [Lily James], decides to make a documentary about the entire process.⁣ ⁣ Trying to be impartial, Zoe looks at both the positives & negatives; will Kazim & his family be happy with the final cut?⁣ ⁣ 😎: After initially being shocked at Kazim's decision, Zoe sees an opportunity to make a 'Love Contractually' documentary when her producers reject the 1st idea that she had pitched to them.⁣ ⁣ During the process, Zoe interviews Kazim's parents & family, all of whom chose the traditional option for marriage - with the exception of Kazim's sister, Jamila, whom Zoe was close to when they were younger but now the family had shunned after Yasmin had married for love.⁣ ⁣ Ironically, Zoe is very fussy with her choice of partners & fills her need for intimacy with one-night-stands & men that treat her poorly. She is totally baffled by Kazim's choice to skip the whole dating process, as he just wants to settle down & start a family.⁣ ⁣ Even the vet, James [Oliver Chris], whom her mum, Cath [Emma Thompson], sets Zoe up with is a nice guy, but she invariably finds fault with him & their 'everything is fine' relationship fails.⁣ ⁣ Emma Thompson is outstanding as Cath, the quirky yet well-intentioned next-door neighbour & mum to Zoe.⁣ ⁣ Writer Jemima Khan [pictured] & director Shekhar Kapur have created a hilarious & thought-provoking story about the clash between Western & traditional Asian perspectives of love & marriage.⁣ ⁣ 💍 Unless you have directly grown up with this kind of familial pressure, some of the important points won't resonate & it shows in the critics' & audience's reviews. Nonetheless, the film is an accurate account of modern Asian family life & values as immigrants struggle to maintain their own culture in a Western environment. 💍 ⁣ Thanks to @studiocanalaus; "What's Love Got To Do With It?" rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas on January 26th, 2023. ©️ (at What's love got to do with it?) https://www.instagram.com/p/CobyaZPvFAu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗘': 𝟵🐳 / 𝟭𝟬⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: With only a few days left to live, Charlie [Brendan Fraser], a morbidly obese & reclusive English professor, desperately attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Ellie [Sadie Sink], whom he'd abandoned [along with her mother] 8 years ago.⁣ ⁣ Cared for by his nurse & only friend, Liz [Hong Chau], can he redeem himself with his 16yo daughter before it’s too late?⁣ ⁣ 😎: Charlie was once married to Mary [Samantha Morton] & working as a university professor before leaving her & Ellie for a younger male student in his class, Alan. After feeling immense religious guilt over his homosexuality, Alan killed himself & the tragic event was the catalyst for Charlie’s binge eating as he failed to cope with his loss.⁣ ⁣ Liz, who was also Alan's sister, unfortunately enables Charlie’s predicament by bringing him copious amounts of food [like several footlong subs], which he then binges on to the point of choking.⁣ ⁣ The movie’s title isn't just an obvious reference to Charlie’s morbid obesity; it also refers to an 8th-grade essay that Ellie wrote about ‘Moby Dick,' which Charlie loves for its honesty & he uses to ‘will’ his way through the moments when he's close to death.⁣ ⁣ Sadie Sink’s portrayal of the spurned teenager is incredible. Ellie has abandonment issues, so she is justifiably spiteful, aggressive & manipulative.⁣ ⁣ Without a doubt, Brendan Fraser’s performance is comparable to Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Denzel Washington & Leonardo DiCaprio. Charlie is heartbroken & resigned to his eventual fate, yet he still desperately clings to the hope that he can leave this world with one success - Ellie.⁣ ⁣ Director Darren Aronofsky, known for his powerful character-driven movies, ‘Requiem for a Dream’ [2000], ‘The Wrestler’ [2008] & ‘Black Swan’ [2010], has outdone himself with this emotionally-draining story. With no likeable characters at all, the viewer is dragged through a heartbreaking scenario where the outcome is no surprise, yet still is unexpected. This is a must-see.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @madmanfilms; 'The Whale,' rated 𝗠, opens in 🇦🇺 cinemas on Feb 2nd, 2023. ©️ (at The Whale) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoB6VslP1TN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡’: 𝟴½🍀/𝟭𝟬⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: How is a small isolated Irish community, on the fictional isle of Inisherin in 1923, supposed to cope when 2 of the residents, who have been lifelong best friends, all of a sudden have a falling out because the one who is larger than life, Colm Doherty [Brendan Gleeson], decided out of the blue that he no longer liked his best friend, Pádraic Súilleabháin [Colin Farrell], because he was boring?⁣ ⁣ 😎: When Pádraic invites Colm for their daily 2pm beer at the local pub, he is confused by his insistence that he no longer wants them to be friends. Thinking that he had done or said something wrong when he was last drunk, Pádraic apologises profusely.⁣ ⁣ Frustrated by Pádraic’s refusal to sever their close ties, Colm threatens to shear off one of his own fingers every time that Pádraic violates his wishes. Thinking that he is joking, Pádraic continues to be friendly with shocking consequences. Being a proficient & gifted fiddler, losing a finger makes things very difficult for Colm.⁣ ⁣ Stunned by Colm’s dramatic act of self-harm, Pádraic seeks aid from his sister, Siobhán [Kerry Condon] & a troubled young local, Dominic [Barry Keoghan], to repair the relationship.⁣ ⁣ Colin Farrell’s happy-go-lucky nature & ‘simple’ way of looking at life slowly descends into darkness as he 1st loses his oldest friend before a series of unfortunate events make things worse.⁣ ⁣ Kerry Condon is truly outstanding as Pádraic’s long-suffering sister. Every night, she weeps in her bed in a room that she shares with her older brother, Pádraic. Unaware of her level of depression, Pádraic offers little assistance.⁣ ⁣ 😔 Veiled in black humour with an assortment of quirky characters, the film raises questions about undiagnosed depression & mental illness at a time when they weren’t recognised issues that people talked about. A simple premise delivered with outstanding performances, the movie is worthy of the accolades that it's been receiving. 😔 ⁣ Thanks to @20thcenturystudios_aunz; ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas on Dec 26th, 2022. ©️ (at Banshees) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn6kiWEPq4N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗠𝟯𝗚𝗔𝗡’: 𝟰🤖/𝟱 [𝗳𝘁 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝟯𝗚𝗔𝗡]⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣ ⁣ 🎬: After the sudden death of her parents, 9yo Cady [Violet McGraw] ends up living with her workaholic aunt, Gemma [Allison Williams], a robotics prodigy.⁣ ⁣ Ill-equiped to take care of herself, let alone a child, Gemma uses a failed robotics Model 3 Generative Android protype, ‘M3GAN’ [Amie Donald - pictured], to help Cady deal with her grief.⁣ ⁣ However, by relying too heavily on M3GAN to be Cady’s “parent,” things take a violent turn when the android becomes self-aware & will do anything to protect their relationship.⁣ ⁣ Is M3GAN responsible for her own actions when she wasn't programmed to discern between fantasy & reality?⁣ ⁣ 😎: M3GAN, itself, is a life-like doll & marvel of artificial intelligence intended to be a child’s greatest companion. Programmed to listen, watch & learn, the android becomes friend/playmate/teacher/protector for the child whom she is bonded to.⁣ ⁣ With strong ‘Terminator’ franchise & ‘War Games’ [1983] tropes, the issue of artificial intelligence becoming self-aware isn’t new. However, the heated discussion about M3GAN between Gemma & her colleagues, Tess [Jen Van Epps] & Cole [Brian Jordan Alvarez], is one of the most pertinent scenes in the movie.⁣ ⁣ Tess argues that Gemma can’t rely on M3GAN to parent Cady & provide the emotional support that she needs after such a traumatic event as being orphaned. Gemma, regardless of whether she's just work-obsessed or unwilling to see the truth in what Tess has said, sees nothing wrong with having M3GAN act as a surrogate parent.⁣ ⁣ 👩🏻‍💻 Director Gerard Johnstone’s film raises a valid question: with the huge amount of code needed for an android to process any given scenario like a human, is it the automaton’s fault if it perceives a situation in a certain way & acts in an unexpected/violent manner when the appropriate protocols [such as direct learnings of what is right & wrong that humans gain via experience throughout their lives] aren't in place? 👩🏻‍💻 ⁣ Thanks to @universalpicturesnz; ‘M3GAN,’ rated 𝗠, opened in 🇳🇿 & 🇦🇺 cinemas on Jan 12th, 2023. ©️ (at M3gan Movie) https://www.instagram.com/p/CndkVVqP4Pk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦': 𝟰🎥 / 𝟱⁣ 𝟮𝘅 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥⁣ ◽ 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮⁣ ◽ 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲⁣ ⁣ 🎬: In 1952, 7yo Sammy Fabelman is convinced by his parents, Mitzi [Michelle Williams] & Burt [Paul Dano], to see Cecil B. DeMille's Oscar-winning movie, 'The Greatest Show on Earth.'⁣ ⁣ Obsessed with a scene where a train crashes into a car, Sammy tries to replicate it using his own train set but damages the precision toys, much to his dad's chagrin.⁣ ⁣ With an encouraging mum, Sammy discovers a passion for making home movies after she lets him 'borrow' his dad's 8mm camera.⁣ ⁣ As he grows older, Sammy's filmmaking skills increase exponentially despite the many life & family challenges that he faces. Is there a limit to his creative genius?⁣ ⁣ 😎: Sammy's creative projects become increasingly ambitious as he is inspired by more iconic movies. Initially using his sisters as the subjects of his films, he moves on to his boy scout troupe as the size & scope of his projects increase in complexity.⁣ ⁣ However, his ability to incorporate scientific thinking into his artistic design, skills that he innately gained from both his parents, who are very different, is what elevates his filmmaking to a new level.⁣ ⁣ But, his discovery of a life-altering secret, that was hidden in plain sight, puts a strain on his family & eventually influences his decisions.⁣ ⁣ A semi-autobiographical tale loosely based on his adolescent life & early fascination with film, director Steven Spielberg uses Sammy [Gabriel LaBelle] to explain how he, himself, went from being an aspiring filmmaker to discovering the power of film as both a means of understanding & recording events [no matter how amusing or traumatic] that go on around him.⁣ ⁣ Michelle Williams is fantastic as the quirky yet creative Mitzi, while Paul Dano's portrayal as the scientifically-gifted yet introverted Burt puts the parents at odds; they may be in love but are they compatible? The answer has significant bearing on the conclusion.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @studiocanalaus; 'The Fabelmans,' rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 on January 5th, 2023. ©️ (at Regent Theatre Te Awamutu) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnTBJ-qvpDn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦⁣ ⁣ Finally passing 100K followers in February, I managed to reach 112K by the end of the year.⁣ ⁣ My 'Best Nine' were:⁣ ⁣ 9️⃣ My preview of Season 3 of Tom Clancy’s "Jack Ryan" was well-received, partly due to the back-story of my black carpet photo of John Krasinski.⁣ ⁣ 8️⃣ My home release review for 'The Black Phone' utilised a very challenging photo that required the exposure to be just right to see the villain's reflection in the black balloon. The film is the best horror/thriller in the last decade. 9📞/10⁣ ⁣ 7️⃣ My review of the theatrical release of 'Elvis' included an exclusive photo that I took of director Baz Luhrman before the Sydney Premiere. 4🎤/5⁣ ⁣ 6️⃣ My 3-part review for the theatrical release of 'The Batman' featured Chris Stanley, my talented cosplay friend, & discussed the story of a younger Batman from 'Year 2' on the hunt of a methodical killer. 9🦇/10⁣ ⁣ 5️⃣ My preview for Season 1 of 'House Of The Dragon' on Binge featured the most incredible activation that I had ever seen. Hoyts Entertainment Quarter was transformed into a massive castle & transported the attendees into the world of Westeros.⁣ ⁣ 4️⃣ My home release review for the 'Top Gun 2 Movie 4K Steelbook Superfan Collection' had all the added features that made the iconic movies so special. 9✈️/10⁣ ⁣ 3️⃣ My Season 5 preview for ‘Yellowstone’ on Stan Australia featured me wearing a cowboy hat & a custom-made face mask saying, 'In A World Of Crybabies, Be A Dutton.' Apparently, the cowboy hat really suited me from the several DM's that I received - but I'm not convinced.⁣ ⁣ 2️⃣ A promotion that I did for 'Halloscream Xtreme' at Luna Park was incredible & featured 'Silent Hill'-esque possessed nurses, spooky witches, zombies, ghouls & other creatures of the night. I can't wait for next year's event!!⁣ ⁣ 1️⃣ My theatrical review of 'Top Gun: Maverick' utilised a photo from 2017 & perfectly supported the amazing cinematography in the film. 9✈️/10⁣ ⁣ Thanks again to everyone for your support, in particular the cosplayers that I have photographed for years, not to mention the marketing/PR teams & film distributors whom I have collaborated with, too.©️ (at Top Nine) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnGqT68PjBd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦’: 𝟰🔺️ / 𝟱⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: When a model & his influencer girlfriend join some of the world’s uber-wealthy on a $250M luxury superyacht, things take a hilarious turn after a night of rough seas & food-poisoning before the vessel is attacked by pirates.⁣ ⁣ In a world where the divide between the rich & poor gets wider every day, will the surviving passengers & crew be able to work together until they are rescued?⁣ ⁣ 😎: A film in 3 distinct parts, the story shifts dramatically between each:⁣ ⁣ Part 1 introduces Carl [Harris Dickinson] & Yaya [Charlbi Dean]: Carl is a model frustrated by the gender pay disparity, whereby male models get paid only ⅓ of their female counterparts, while Yaya is an influencer who earns considerably more money than Carl - yet she still expects him to pay for everything.⁣ ⁣ Part 2 is set on an exclusive $250M luxury cruiser, led by The Captain [Woody Harrelson]: Yaya spends her days sunbathing & getting Carl to take posed photos for her Instagram feed, while their nights are spent eating stunningly-plated fine cuisine & getting to know the uber-wealthy passengers - including Dimitry [Zlatko Burić], a Russian oligarch made wealthy by literally selling ‘crap,’ as well as an old English couple, Winston & Clementine, whom had manufactured items that ‘assisted’ governments [ie land mines, grenades & combat weaponry].⁣ ⁣ Part 3 is set after a pirate attack that results in the sinking of the superyacht: the survivors, who are stranded on a remote island of unknown location, have no survival skills at all & become reliant on Abigail [Dolly De Leon], the former on-board toilet manager, who soon usurps command from Paula [Vicki Berlin], the crew manager.⁣ ⁣ 🔺️🛥💥 Writer/director Ruben Östlund has created an engaging story with sharp dialogue & clever yet hilarious imagery, thanks to cinematographer Fredrik Wenzel. With a satirical look at gender & class roles, it’s obvious why this witty comedy won the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. 💥🛥🔺️ ⁣ Thanks to @sharmillfilms; ‘Triangle of Sadness,’ rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 on Dec 26th, 2022. ©️ (at Sharmill Films) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7UwkzB3J0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗗𝗬’⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣ ⁣ 🎬: From being a member of her gospel choir & back-up singer to her famous mother, Cissy Houston [Tamara Tunie], the life of Whitney Houston [Naomie Ackie] changed forever after she performed in front of Clive Davis [Stanley Tucci], the legendary talent-maker & record producer.⁣ ⁣ However, as her fame skyrocketed, her battle with addiction became an increasing problem, while her father & others around her took advantage of her financial prosperity.⁣ ⁣ Would the prodigious star still be alive today had her original support network not been eroded?⁣ ⁣ 😎: The behind-the-scenes view of how Houston’s music videos were made was well-executed & the attention to detail in the costumes & choreography was uncanny.⁣ ⁣ Naomie Ackie, whilst not having a strong physical resemblance to Whitney, did a great job mimicking her mannerisms & body language. Stanley Tucci was outstanding yet again in his portrayal of Clive Davis.⁣ ⁣ Director Kasi Lemmons & writer Anthony McCarten appear to have taken some poetic licence with how key characters in Whitney’s life had been portrayed. According to ‘A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston,’ a book written by her closest friend, Robyn Crawford [Nafessa Williams], Houston’s father, John [Clarke Peters], did take financial advantage of Whitney but also had a much more caring side to him than what was depicted in the movie.⁣ ⁣ Also, the fact that Crawford was harangued, marginalised & allegedly threatened with violence by the singer’s family [to break off her ‘unacceptable relationship’ with Houston] was down-played, too.⁣ ⁣ In yet another biopic of an incredible prodigious singing talent whose life was cut short by addiction, the movie is filled with both nostalgia & emotion to be a must-see for fans. Whitney Houston still remains the only artist to have 7 consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 - a record that was set over 30 years ago. To this day, her music is iconic & timeless.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @sonypicturesaus; ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody,’ rated 𝗠, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas on 26th December, 2022. ©️ (at I wanna Dance) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmtVVrWPp2m/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

𝗧𝗢𝗠 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗬’𝗦 “𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗡”⁣ 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝟯 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝟭 & 𝟮: 𝟰 ☢️ / 𝟱⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: After receiving a tip-off from a high-ranking source with questionable loyalties, Jack Ryan [John Krasinski] goes on the hunt for a Russian nuclear weapon undetectable by military radar, created by a once-defunct Russian military project from the 1980s, Sokol.⁣ ⁣ When the wheels are set in motion for the Soviet Union to be returned to its former glory in just 7 days, starting with the assassination of the Russian Defence Minister, Ryan has a red notice issued to him by the CIA as he goes on the run - refusing to take the blame for being involved in the plot.⁣ ⁣ Can Jack find out who is behind the Sokol Project & stop a potential WWIII from happening?⁣ ⁣ 😎: In the 1st 2 episodes, some of the conspirators behind the Soviet plot are revealed, as is the identity of the secret source who has been giving Ryan clues to the whereabouts of the weapon.⁣ ⁣ However, as is the case with spy versus counter-spy clandestine activity, can anyone really be trusted, especially when the motivations of those involved have yet to be revealed?⁣ ⁣ Ryan is smart & resourceful, which bodes well for him as he is on the run from his own agency. But, with the Russians hunting him, too, his efforts to stop Sokol are severely hindered.⁣ ⁣ 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙙𝙤𝙩𝙚:⁣ 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 & 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴, 𝘑𝘒 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 - 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮 & 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘵.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @primevideoaunz; Season 3 of Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan" is available in 🇦🇺 on Prime Video now. ©️ (at Amazon Prime Video) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmf_Ld_vfEO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗘.𝗧. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔-𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟’: 𝟰👽/ 𝟱 𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡⁣ 𝟰𝟬𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟰𝗞 𝗨𝗛𝗗 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗜𝗡 🇦🇺⁣ 𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦.𝗖𝗢𝗠.𝗔𝗨, 𝗝𝗕 𝗛𝗜-𝗙𝗜, 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 & 𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗭𝗢𝗡⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: While visiting Earth one night to collect plants, a group of harmless aliens must quickly flee when they are set upon by a U.S. Government Agency [USGA]. In their haste, a young alien is left behind, but as he finds himself all alone in an unfamiliar environment, he makes friends with Elliot [Henry Thomas], a lonely 10yo boy whose parents have recently divorced.⁣ ⁣ When E.T. [the name that Elliot gives him] gets sick, can he with the help of his brother, Michael [Robert MacNaughton], & younger sister, Gertie [Drew Barrymore], help E.T. get home as the members of the USGA work tirelessly to track down the young alien?⁣ ⁣ 😎: 1st released in 1982, Steven Spielberg’s all-time classic family movie won 4 Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects & Best Sound Effects Editing with 5 further nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography & Best Film Editing.⁣ ⁣ Transcending cliché by putting forth a beautiful story that isn’t lightweight by any means, the relationship between E.T. & Elliot is one of the greatest friendships in Hollywood history.⁣ ⁣ With the children being the main characters, the adults are purely peripheral. The childlike quality of the lovable alien is very endearing & when the USGA descend upon the family, the viewer willingly supports the young protagonists in their quest to save E.T.⁣ ⁣ Steven Spielberg’s timeless classic is the pinnacle of 1980s childhood movies; few other films have captured such powerful childhood emotion.⁣ ⁣ 🙏🏻🙏🏻 A special thanks to @tussaudssydney for giving me access to their 'E.T. The Extra Terrestrial' display. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 ⁣ A great Xmas gift idea for any film buff or family with kids in primary school, ‘E.T. The Extra Terrestrial,’ rated 𝗣𝗚, is available in 🇦🇺 now on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital. ©️⁣ @ownyourkicks @universalsonypicshomeent (at Madame Tussauds Sydney) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmWKJmPvS7A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

'𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗘’ 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗜𝗡 🇦🇺⁣ 𝗢𝗡 𝟰𝗞 𝗨𝗛𝗗, 𝗕𝗟𝗨-𝗥𝗔𝗬, 𝗗𝗩𝗗 & 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:⁣ ⁣ 🎬: After the suspicious death of his father from a coin that fell from the sky, & not content with the explanation that it may have come from an overhead plane as none were in the area at the time, horse wrangler OJ Haywood [Daniel Kaluuya] believes that the real explanation is far more sinister.⁣ ⁣ Can OJ & his eccentric sister, Emerald [Keke Palmer], find proof that something bizarre is responsible?⁣ ⁣ 😎: Director Jordan Peele has cleverly utilised cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema’s mastery of IMAX to produce beautiful shots of cloudy skies with spectacular night & day vistas. The use of dark & foreboding imagery helps Peele build effective tension during the first half of the film, when both the leads & the audience don't know exactly what's threatening them.⁣ ⁣ With strong parallels to M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Signs’, the movie feels very confined with a small cast, yet feels huge with high suspense levels during the ‘horror' moments.⁣ ⁣ Without fulfilling expected science fiction tropes, Peele reveals the identity of what/who is responsible in an unconventional way & completely thinks outside the box. The final climax not only looks incredible but is unexpected.⁣ ⁣ The sub-plot with the chimp [no spoilers!!] appears to be a red herring. However, much like the ‘thing’ responsible later in the film, the theme of not being able to control a ‘wild beast’ becomes more apparent as the story progresses - further supported by what happens when things go awry during a commercial shoot involving a horse getting spooked early in the film.⁣ ⁣ Daniel Kaluuya & Keke Palmer are engaging leads, supported by peripheral characters in this visual spectacle. Director Jordan Peele continues to produce suspenseful storylines that are carving out a new direction in the horror/thriller genre. Jump scares & gratuitous violence are now being replaced by thought-provoking ‘what the…’ responses from the audience.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to @ownyourkicksau & @universalsonypicshomeent; ‘Nope,' rated 𝗠, is available in 🇦🇺 now. ©️ #ad (at Nope) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl0MV1SPJ7D/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‘𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗨’: 𝟰🍽️ / 𝟱⁣ 🎬 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦 & 😎 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⁣ ⁣ 🎬: You are cordially invited to enjoy the gastronomical delights of Chef Slowik [Ralph Fiennes] at his exclusive island restaurant, ‘Hawthorne.’⁣ ⁣ Slowik has something special planned for his disgustingly-pretentious dinner patrons…but there is one uninvited guest that he hadn’t accounted for, Margot [Anya Taylor-Joy].⁣ ⁣ Will Slowik remain as cool as a cucumber, or has he bitten off more than he can chew?⁣ ⁣ 😎: A late change to the guest list, Margot, a non-foodie, is the +1 to the supposed know-it-all young gourmet, Tyler [Nicholas Hoult]. Tyler’s over-exuberance quickly irks the chef & staff, especially when he starts eating Margot’s servings & sneaks photos of the food after being specifically instructed not to.⁣ ⁣ There's little to like in the dinner patrons; unnecessarily pretentious with little substance, Lillian [Janet McTeer] & Ted [Paul Adelstein] are one example, where she critiques everything by continuously dropping negative descriptors & he willingly plays along like a performing seal.⁣ ⁣ Ralph Fiennes gives a terrific performance packed with tense facial expressions & awkward uneasiness that only enhances his commanding screen presence. Margot really unsettles him & Anya Taylor-Joy is perfectly cast as a ‘regular person,’ much brighter than everyone else, amongst a quagmire of disagreeable characters.⁣ ⁣ Mark Mylod's direction is excellent at building tension, as he & cinematographer Peter Deming load the film with stylish visuals to match the pretentiousness of its characters. Colin Stetson’s beautiful yet unnerving soundtrack complements the film perfectly.⁣ ⁣ 🍽️🍽️ Despite the story being about a successful chef whose passion for his art has been ground down by years of critiques, the film is also a poignant commentary on modern society & considers the way that we view/consume/pursue/obsess over those who produce the art around us. With a fine line between genius & insanity, are Slowik’s decisions justified? 🍽🍽️ ⁣ Thanks to @20thcenturystudios_aunz & @searchlightpics; ‘The Menu,’ rated 𝗠𝗔𝟭𝟱+, opened in 🇦🇺 cinemas on November 24th, 2022. ©️ (at The Menu) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClhL172BWyL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=