Without question one of the most fruitful pieces of science fiction ever written, ‘The War of the Worlds’ by H.G. Wells was published in 1898. That fact alone, blowing our tiny minds in the year 2020, is testament to the reach and power of one hell of a good story. Spawning a whole host of…
Watching Boy Erased is hard work. It’s a downbeat look at a religious doctrine absolutely committed to outlawing homosexuality. You pity the poor souls who face indoctrination aimed at exorcising what is regarded as a vile sin. Boy Erased tells the true story of Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in…
– BBC Shakespeare Collection Vol. 5 – On DVD now We have 5 Blu-ray copies thanks to Via Vision Entertainment. *(Valid in Australia only)* Watch the trailer HERE In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare’s plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyalty to the…
Vulnerability and how to make it as an actor. That is what The Mentor is all about. Amanda Redfern (Amanda Muggleton) is noted for one feature film, but of late parts have been few and far between for the ageing starlet. She spent time in Los Angeles, but has no desire to return. Now she spends her days…
– Swimming for Gold – Only in cinemas from 17 September 2020 We have 10 double in-season passes thanks to Athabasca Film. *(Tickets valid in Australia only)* Watch the trailer HERE 17-year-old Claire Carpenter (Peyton List) was an elite swimmer and social media darling until an accident left her with a fear of drowning. Tired…
Boys on the Verge of Tears is one of the toughest, grittiest plays I have come across. Having premiered at the Soho Theatre in London in 2023, it is an unrelenting 95 minutes of mainly toxic masculinity, in all its forms. These are boys and men, some grappling with their identity and feeling the pressure…
Imagine living your life in an endless time loop and going crazy in the process. In essence, that is what Groundhog Day: The Musical is all about. It is based on the 1993 hit movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, directed by Harold Ramis. Phil Connors is an egotistical Pittsburgh TV weather presenter. He is dreading…
A decent set up gives way to quite a convoluted storyline in Insidious: The Last Key, the fourth instalment of the supernatural horror franchise co-created by Leigh Whannell. He has also served as screenwriter for the quartet. It started back in 2010 and the central figure is a psychic, Dr Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye). Where…
If you are into slapstick humour, you are going to have a ball. This riotous theatrical disaster is stumbling its way around Australia and has just opened in Melbourne. The premise is straight forward enough, but its execution something else entirely. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is attempting to stage a 1920s Agatha Christie-style murder…
He’s such a naturally funny guy, quick witted, endlessly talented and responsive. With his boyish charm and relaxed attitude, he welcomes audience interaction. Michael Shafar’s material is fresh. He observes the world around him from an obtuse perspective. He delves into what many may regard as taboo subjects and gets away with it. In his sights are,…
