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Alex First

Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.

The Addams Family – movie review

After several decades, with the release of the animated film The Addams Family, I can finally come clean. I had a crush on Carolyn Jones who played Morticia Addams in the original live action television series (1964-66). I also thought Christina Ricci was well cast as Morticia’s daughter, Wednesday, in the subsequent cinematic adaptations (The…

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The Good Liar

A con man tries to fleece a widow; but there’s more here than meets the eye. A crime caper and a dramatic thriller, The Good Liar stars two of the UK’s best known and most beloved actors – Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan. Consummate swindler Roy Courtnay (McKellen) has set his sights on his latest…

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Knives Out – movie review

One of the great whodunnits, Knives Out has a whip-smart script, a stellar cast and a delicious tongue-in-cheek humour. When wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) dies at his estate, the police begin probing. But someone mysteriously also engages debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to investigate. The cops and Blanc begin questioning the…

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Frozen II – movie review

An epic adventure and love story featuring the key voice talent from the original mega-success (2013), Frozen II is a strong follow-up. If Frozen ended with happily ever after, this is effectively the day after happily ever after, when life gets in the way. All appears ship-shape in the kingdom of Arendelle, with Elsa (Idina…

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Suzi Q – movie review

After seeing this doco, I fell in love with Suzi Quatro all over again. Growing up she was the “it” girl for me – this sexy, dynamic bass player and singer with that gravelly voice … all dressed in leather. I loved songs like “Devil Gate Drive”, “48 Crash”, “The Wild One”, “Stumblin’ In” and…

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