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SPICYWATCH

Bustling and Hustling

6/4/2026

1 Comment

 
Golden intentions do not make things happen and even though my intentions were on point to write on my blog regularly, the weekends have been so busy that I rarely find enough time to get my own house in order these days. Also,  my new job makes me a slave to the keyboard, which means that in my downtime I try to avoid sitting in front of a monitor if I can. This has meant a lot less blogging, less movies and less TV overall. I am back to needing more hours in my day and potentailly another me, the term 'busier than a one legged man in a arse kicking competition' come to mind often!
I would be lying if I didnt say that I'm enjoying things though, I am having a wonderful time! I have a beautiful circle of friends, I have strong relationships with my family, I have a robust social life and not a day goes by that I don't laugh my arse off about something. But the time...ahh...there is not enough of it. I want to do so much more, see so much more, travel so much more, play so much more, explore new things, spend more time with Freja, read more books, watch more movies, paint more, do more yoga...ahhhh....the the list is endless, bascially I want to do more of everything (except work - I do too much of that) -in fact I may be at risk of being a workaholic to be honest.
Anyway - I'm just bustling and hustling all the time and I am busier than I have ever been in my life and as a consequence I find myself falling into bed with an exhaution that leaves little to no room for much of anything else during the week, and my weekends are spent racing about trying to get all the things done that that I have neglected to do during the working week. I tell you, this working 50 plus hours a week thing has really put the kibosh on many things for me. 
And in all fairness to Craig it has also made me hyper aware of how much pressure he has been under for the last 20 years trying to pay off the house when I was only on an LSO's wage for so long. It's nice to feel like I'm actually making a contribution these days and that is enough to keep me going and pushing onwards. 
And as I said, I still do a lot of incredibly joyful, fun and special things. My birthday was amazing this year, Craig and I went out for a gastromic nine course dinner and I also went to the theatre with my mum and Zoe. Spicywatch movie nights, women's circle gatherings, meditation sangha's and book club still roll out once a month which are always highlights on my calendar. I am still yoga and meditation committed, I still ghost hunt and I still spend time listening to music and audiobooks and hitting the kitchen for some cooking therapy. 
So, yeah not as much TV, books and movies, but not from lack of trying. Helen and I have started to revisit the cinema pretty regularly - once a fortnight if time allows and I have gone to the cinema a lot more this year than I did last year and I am loving that as well. 
Life moves pretty fast and if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it and lord knows I don't want to miss a thing!
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WUTHERING HEIGHTS 
Release Date: 2026
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 136 mins 

Slammed by critics and rejected by die hard fans of the original novel by Emily Bronte, director Emerald Fennell gets tongues wagging yet again with her sexy and colourful retell of the classic tale Wuthering Heights. And I sit on the opposing side with this, because even though I loved the book, I still cannot deny that this somewhat crazy romp into the sexual-psycho minds of Heathcliffe and Catherine was genuinely enjoyable and actually, a whole lot of fun.
From childhood, when Healthcliffe first lands in Catherine's life, the two appear to have an affinity and morbid fascination that keeps them passionately tethered to each other for their entire lives; and often at the cost of everyone around them. 
Margo Robbie and Jacob Elordi turn up the heat and behave abhorently throughout, which I found hilariously entertaining and I cannot deny that, yes; it is utterly outrageous and somewhat cheesy. And sure, it's gorgeously realised and also completely over the top as well. And just like all fantasy retells of romantic classics with tremendously good looking people in them, it's also very damn hard to look away from!
I recommend that you watch it with a sense of curious fun and you'll enjoy the ride as well. Not the classic tale you've come to know - but certainly a worthy watch in my books. 
FINAL SAY: I cannot live without my soul. 
3 Chilli Peppers 
​

1 Comment

The Best of 2025

7/1/2026

0 Comments

 
Just like 2024, the viewing opportunities in 2025 grew so fast that I found myself yet again frantically juggling all of my streaming services and struggling to get to the cinema often enough because as always, I seemed to have an over-abundance of new release material to trawl through. This year my viewing was made all the more challenging because I was working and travelling a lot more, which did leave me feeling exhausted more often than usual as well, so needless to say, I didn't get through nearly as much viewing as I would've liked to overall, but I did still manage to see a lot of quality offerings.   
And just like 2024, there was a head spinning amount of high quality viewing material to absorb this year, and I was very grateful to be constantly distracted by a huge variety of viewing choices.  Long story short, we were all very spoilt for choice and if you couldn't find something to watch in 2025, then in my opinion, you just weren't trying hard enough!
I managed to get through 163 movies and 114 television series this year. Basically, I was flat out watching something most days of the year and I still barely touched the sides of my forever lengthening 'to see' list, which has now blown out to more than 600 titles, so it is fair to say that I am not going to be slowing down any time soon. 
The task of seeing everything that is released in a year has become arduous beyond anyone's means, and unless you are willing to permanently strap yourself to the couch and do nothing but watch movies and TV, there is just no way that you can manage to see it all in one year. So now more than ever, you must be discerning, and hopefully this is where I can offer a hand and some sound advice around what you should be investing in your time in; if you haven't done so already. 
Again, I was thrilled to be able to view so many great movies and TV across all genres, for which I am always grateful. In particular, I again really appreciated seeing so many excellent horror, thriller and sci-fi offerings; most of which boasted stunningly good visuals, terrifically original storylines and some exceptional re-tells as well. 
And so, without further ado....here is my selection for the best viewing experiences of 2025. 
BEST MOVIES (2025 release):
Nosferatu - Horror 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Dracula: A Love Tale  - Horror  4.5 Chilli Peppers 
One Battle After Another - Crime/ Action  4 Chilli Peppers
Frankenstein - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers
Wicked - Musical 4 Chilli Peppers 
Weapons
- Horror  4 Chilli Peppers 
Predator: Killer of Killers  - Sci Fi 4 Chilli Peppers
Bring Her Back - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Friendship  - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Bugonia - Sci Fi  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Together- Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Caught Stealing - Crime/Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Wallace and Gromit: Vengence Most Fowl - Kid Friendly  3.5 Chill Peppers 


HONOURABLE MENTIONS - 2025 Release:
Companion - Sci Fi 3 Chilli Peppers 
Sinners  - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers
The Monkey - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers

Here are my top recommendations for pre-2025 releases that I didn't get around to seeing until 2025:
FLOW - Kid Friendly 5 Chilli Peppers 
Past Lives - Romance 4.5 Chilli Peppers

Conclave - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Rule of Jenny Penn  - Thriller 4 Chilli Peppers  
A Real Pain - Comedy  4 Chilli Peppers
Memoir of a Snail- Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Thelma - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Hundreds of Beavers- Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Dinner in America - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Nothing Compares - Doco 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
A Man Called Otto - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Wicked Little Letters - Comedy  3.5 Chilli Peppers
Nightbitch - Sci Fi  3 Chilli Peppers 
​
Babygirl - Drama 3 Chilli Peppers

BEST TELEVISION SERIES 2025:
The Studio - Comedy 5 Chilli Peppers 
Alien Earth - Sci Fi 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Pitt - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Severance S2 - Art House 5 Chilli Peppers 
Task - Crime/Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 

Pluribus - Sci Fi 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Death of Bunny Munroe - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
The White Lotus S3 - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Interview with the Vampire S2 - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Last of Us S2- Sci-Fi 4 Chilli Peppers 
Adolescence - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
100 Years of Solitude - International/ Fantasy 3.5 Chilli Peppers

The Bear S4 - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Serpent Queen S2 - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Black Mirror S8 - Sci Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Righteous Gemstones S5 - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 


2025 TV HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ​
Eat the Invaders- Doco 3 Chilli Peppers 
Amandaland- Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Apple Cider Vinegar  - Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Mythic Quest S3 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Side Quest- Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Always Sunny in Philadelphia S17 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
American Primeval-Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Love on the Spectrum S3 - Reality  3 Chilli Peppers 
Abbott Elementary S4 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers
Nine Perfect Strangers S2- Drama 3 Chilli Peppers
Four Seasons - Drama  3 Chilli Peppers 
Sirens- Drama  3 Chilli Peppers 
Too Much- Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Overcompensating - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Ed Gein- Horror 3 Chilli Peppers ​
BUMP S5 - Comedy/ Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
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FLOW
Release Date: 2024
Rating: G
Running Time: 85 mins 

A French, Latvian and Belgian animated adventure directed by Gints Zibalodis. Flow is a true feast for the eyes and a beautiful journey into an inspiring and mostly silent form of animated storytelling. Even more impressive, is the fact that the entire film, which took four years to complete, was created using the free, open source software, Blender. 
A stray black cat attempts to survive an apocaplytic environment, where the water levels keep rising at an alarming rate, along the way befriending a motley crew of other animals also trying to survive against the flood. 
In a word, enchanting. This film is visually stunning and utterly captivating, I was mesmerised. The animal characters are so well fleshed out that they literally come alive on the screen, and the story itself is so thoughtfully delivered. I cannot fault this, its a slice of unmissable cinema and a stroke of visual genius!
FINAL SAY: A silent marvel 
5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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A Return to the Classics

27/12/2025

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I have indeed allowed time to slip through my fingers again like grains of sand; and although my intentions and thoughts went to Spicywatch on so many occasions, I was just so fatigued over the past six weeks that I barely had time to shower in the evening before exhaustedly falling into bed each night by 9pm. No, it was not a graceful slowing down for the end of the work year for me, but rather a fast furious skid into a stop sign on December 24th that made me feel every day of my 51 years on the planet deep within my bones. In a nutshell, I was weary; deeply, deeply weary and it made me want to retreat to my room to sleep for days.
However, you cannot do that on Christmas Day and not even Boxing Day really; but today, today I did. I slept soundly until after 10am and awoke with a new a smile because I still have two weeks to recharge my batteries before the cogs begin to turn once again.  For the next 14 days I am going to do yoga, and meditate and take very long walks, and read books and share my time with people that I love  - and that is all that I will be doing. 
And as I lay there in bed thinking about this joy, I reflected on the whirlwind that the last 365 days of my life have been and I contemplated the ways that I have spent that time.
Unfortunately, I did not get to marinate in as many books, movies or TV series this year as I would normally, but this has meant that I have had to be more discerning about my choices. And two things that have been an ongoing theme for me this year has been the need to travel and the  amount of classic tales that have come into my life. For some reason there are just a lot of classics being re-made and re-told, particularly horror and science fiction classics. And although I can't always watch or read them when driving, I can audiobook them, so my audiobook count has risen quite a bit this year. I've listended to heaps of classics like The Eeerie Book, The Midwich Cuckoos, Frankenstein, The Woman in Black, Dracula, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Haunting of Briarwych Church, and In a Glass Darkly. And I have also noticed that many movies/ TV series that have presented themselves to me were also retell classics this year; like Nosferatu, Frankenstein, Dracula: A Love Tale,  Wicked, Alien Earth and IT: Welcome to Derry.  
And across the board I have had lots of opportunity to rediscover something old in new ways. Even returning to a position in Outside School Hours Care has been a returning to an old aspect of myself; however, when ever we return to something, we never really return to it in quite the same way do we? And that is because we are different, we have changed and that is why the return sometimes feel like rediscovering something for the very first time. We are not seeing it throught the same lens that we saw it the first time, we see it with many more years of experience and wisdom behind us, so what we see is different. 
I suppose what I cam trying to say is, that I am returning to the old in new ways. I am rediscovering old books, old movies, old TV and even old ways of the self in fresh, original and unique ways. And what I have learned from this, is that we sometimes need to go back. Not because we want to dwell in the old but rather because we want to rediscover how it looks now that we have changed. What new can be gleaned from the old? And honestly, I would have to say quite a lot. And this too is true for all things that lie buried in the past, through reflection we can often discover a new truth or perspective if we give it enough space, and that is not because the situation or thing has changed, its because we did. I guess the old cliche is true, sometimes in order to move forwards, first you have to be willing to go back...
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DRACULA: A LOVE TALE 
Release Date: 2025 
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 134 mins 

An English-language, French gothic, romance-fantasy film written and directed by Luc Besson. Based on the 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, this lush and beautifully realised version leans into the undying romance behind the tragic figure of Dracula retelling the story with a mixture of tenderness and violence that I found incredibly enjoyabe to watch. 
Prince Vladimir of Wallachia renounces God and becomes Dracula after the death of his beloved wife Elisabeta during a battle with the Ottomans. Over the centuries, Dracula attempts to track down the re-incarnation of his long lost love, creating vampiric companions to assist in the search. Four hundred years later, whilst negotiating real estate plans with Jonathon Harker, Dracula discovers that his wife to be Mina is the reincarnation of his beloved Elizabeta and attempts to find her in Paris and rekindle her memories of their immortal love. 
There are some fresh ideas being presented here that I really appreciated, and the overall appearance of this film is simply stunning. The sets, costumes and attention to the finer details are something that you do not often see any more in modern cinema and I really enjoyed just how good this was visually. 
The perfomances were equally fabulous with Caleb Laundry Jones delivering an explosive and compelling Dracula whilst being incredibly well supported by Zoe Bleu as Mina Murray and Christoph Waltz as the priest. I enjoyed this just as much as Nosferatu which came out early in 2025 and think that they both delivered very different and fresh perspectives on the classic tale of Dracula.
FINAL SAY: Do you think God will forgive us for loving each other so much?
4.5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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A Month of Gratitude and the Oscars 2025

15/3/2025

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Another whirlwind month slides by as I settle into my new employment and watch my grand-daughter grow more independent and beautiful by the day. I recently turned 51 and spent some time over the long weekend reflecting; as I do when I have a birthday, about the blessings that I have in my life. Whenever I have another lap around the sun, I am always blown away by how generous and kind my loved ones are and how terrifically my friends treat me. Again I was showered with love and attention, some gorgeous and thoughtful gifts and lots of messages and offers to share time in celebration of my life.  Blessings, so many blessings and much to be grateful for.
In the last month I have had so many reason to feel grateful, its hard to name all of them, but some highlights for me were The Bohemian Summer Festival, regular stays with Zoe, Ben and Freja in Bendigo due to work travel, Soundbathing with friends, my mums cast coming off the wrist that she broke in January, seeing Kinky Boots at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sip Champagne bar with Zoe, the Book Club group, trivia nights rebooting, Spicywatch movie night, the National Gallery of Victoria with Seth and watching the Oscars with my feet up and a glass of bubbles in hand!  A bloody amazing month and a reflection of how genuinely lucky I am to be able to engage and afford to be doing so many fantastic things. 
And, I also have my next month of movies lined up thanks to the awards season which always takes the thinking out of 'what to watch' for me for weeks to come. And don't worry - just in case you missed it, here are the nominees and winners in every category of the 2025 Academy Awards. Happy viewing!
Best Picture
  • WINNER: Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • I'm Still Here
  • Nickel Boys
  • The Substance
  • Wicked
Director
  • WINNER: Anora — Sean Baker
  • The Brutalist — Brady Corbet
  • A Complete Unknown — James Mangold
  • Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard
  • The Substance — Coralie Fargeat
Leading Actor
  • WINNER: Adrien Brody in The Brutalist
  • Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo in Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes in Conclave
  • Sebastian Stan in The Apprentice
Leading Actress
  • Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
  • Karla Sofia Gascon in Emilia Perez
  • WINNER: Mikey Madison in Anora
  • Demi Moore in The Substance
  • Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here
Supporting Actor
  • Yura Borisov in Anora
  • WINNER: Keiran Culkin in A Real Pain
  • Edward Norton in A Complete Unknown
  • Guy Pearce in The Brutalist
  • Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice
Supporting Actress
  • Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown
  • Ariana Grande in Wicked
  • Felicity Jones in The Brutalist
  • Isabella Rossellini in Conclave
  • WINNER: Zoe Saldana in Emilia Perez
Animated Feature Film
  • WINNER: Flow
  • Inside Out 2
  • Memoir of a Snail
  • Wallace & Gromit: Vengence Most Fowl
  • The Wild Robot
Cinematography
  • WINNER: The Brutalist — Lol Crawley
  • Dune: Part Two — Greig Fraser
  • Emilia Perez — Paul Guilhaume
  • Maria — Ed Lachman
  • Nosferatu — Jarin Blaschke
Costume design
  • A Complete Unknown — Arianne Phillips
  • Conclave — Lisy Christl
  • Gladiator II — Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
  • Nosferatu — Linda Muir
  • WINNER: Wicked —  Paul Tazewell
Documentary feature film
  • Black Box Diaries
  • WINNER: No Other Land
  • Porcelain War
  • Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
  • Sugarcane
Documentary short film
  • Death by Numbers
  • I Am Ready, Warden
  • Incident
  • Instruments of a Beating Heart
  • WINNER: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Film editing
  • WINNER: Anora — Sean Baker
  • The Brutalist — David Jancso
  • Conclave — Nick Emerson
  • Emilia Pérez — Juliette Welfling
  • Wicked — Myron Kerstein
International feature film
  • WINNER: Brazil: I'm Still Here
  • Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
  • France: Emilia Pérez
  • Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
  • Latvia: Flow
Makeup and hairstyling
  • A Different Man — Mike Marino, David Presto and Crystal Jurado
  • Emilia Pérez — Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier and Jean-Christophe Spadaccini
  • Nosferatu — David White, Traci Loader and Suzanne Stokes-Munton
  • WINNER: The Substance — Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli
  • Wicked — Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth
Music (original score)
  • WINNER: The Brutalist — Daniel Blumberg
  • Conclave — Volker Bertelmann
  • Emilia Pérez — Clément Ducol and Camille
  • Wicked — John Powell and Stephen Schwartz
  • The Wild Robot — Kris Bowers
Music (original song)
  • WINNER: El Mal from Emilia Pérez; Music by Clément Ducol and Camille; Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard
  • The Journey from The Six Triple Eight; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
  • Like A Bird from Sing Sing; Music and Lyric by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada
  • Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez; Music and Lyric by Camille and Clément Ducol
  • Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late; Music and Lyric by Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie Taupin
Production design
  • The Brutalist — Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Patricia Cuccia
  • Conclave — Production Design: Suzie Davies; Set Decoration: Cynthia Sleiter
  • Dune: Part Two — Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
  • Nosferatu — Production Design: Craig Lathrop; Set Decoration: Beatrice Brentnerová
  • WINNER: Wicked — Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
Short film (animated)
  • Beautiful Men
  • WINNER: In the Shadow of the Cypress
  • Magic Candles
  • Wander to Wonder
  • Yuck!
Short film (live action)
  • A Lien
  • Anuja
  • WINNER: I'm Not a Robot
  • The Last Ranger
  • The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Sound
  • A Complete Unknown — Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey and David Giammarco
  • WINNDER: Dune: Part Two — Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill
  • Emilia Pérez — Erwan Kerzanet, Aymeric Devoldère, Maxence Dussère, Cyril Holtz and Niels Barletta
  • Wicked — Simon Hayes, Nancy Nugent Title, Jack Dolman, Andy Nelson and John Marquis
  • The Wild Robot — Randy Thom, Brian Chumney, Gary A. Rizzo and Leff Lefferts
Visual effects
  • Alien: Romulus — Eric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin and Shane Mahan
  • Better Man — Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft and Peter Stubbs
  • WINNER: Dune: Part Two — Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer
  • Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story and Rodney Burke
  • Wicked — Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul Corbould
Adapted screenplay
  • A Complete Unknown — Screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks
  • WINNER: Conclave — Screenplay by Peter Straughan
  • Emilia Pérez — Screenplay by Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius and Nicolas Livecchi
  • Nickel Boys — Screenplay by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
  • Sing Sing — Screenplay by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John "Divine G" Whitfield
Original screenplay
  • WINNER: Anora — Written by Sean Baker
  • The Brutalist — Written by Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold
  • A Real Pain — Written by Jesse Eisenberg
  • September 5 — Written by Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; Co-Written by Alex David
  • The Substance — Written by Coralie Fargeat
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A REAL PAIN
Release Date: 2024
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins

A comedy-drama, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg who also stars in the lead role, A Real Pain delivers a thought provoking at relationship that is greatly bolstered by Keiran Culkin's incredible portrayal of Benji, a troubled young man who swings between being magnetically care free and offensively careless. Culkin landed the both the Golden Globe and the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor off the strength of his role here and he shines very brightly as Benji. 
David and Benji, mismatched and once close cousins, take a pilgrimage to Poland using the funds that their deceased grandmother left for them. They join a Jewish heritage tour in the hopes of seeing the home that she grew up in and connecting with their Jewish family history. Along the way the odd couple cousins engage in a series of activities that has a profound effect of them both and upon their relationship with each other. 
I loved the way that this movie played out, with Benji's 'real pain' character actually being the main catalyst for change and growth in others, in spite of his own misgivings and at times complete disregard for social norms and etiquette.
A Real Pain is as charming as it is disturbing, brilliantly written and perfectly cast, it's one not to miss. 
FINAL SAY: We used to be different. 
4 Chilli Peppers 
​

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The Best of 2024

5/1/2025

1 Comment

 
Just like 2023, the viewing opportunities in 2024 presented themselves so fast that I found it pretty much impossible to juggle all of my streaming services and keep up with all of the new releases at the cinema. The over-abundance of new release material to trawl through was  absolutely phenomenal!
There was a head spinning amount of high quality viewing material to absorb this year, and I was very grateful to be constantly distracted from all of the drama that 2024 delivered with a saturation of fantastic cinematic offerings. I also, again, received many welcome high quality recommendations from friends and family throughout the year as well, which stretched my viewing choices even further. Long story short, we were all very spoilt for choice and if you couldn't find something to watch, then in my opinion, you just weren't trying hard enough!
I managed to get through 211 movies and 143 television series this year. Basically, I was flat out watching something every day of the year and I still didn't get to half of the material that still sits waiting on my 'to see' lists, which has now blow out to more than 600 titles, so it is fair to say that I am not going to be slowing down any time soon either. 
The task of seeing everything has become arduous beyond anyone's means, and unless you are willing to permanently strap yourself to the couch and do nothing but watch movies and TV, there is just no way that you can manage to see it all in one year. So now more than ever, you must be discerning, and hopefully this is where I can offer a hand and some sound advice around what you should be investing in your time in; if you haven't done so already. 
Again, I was thrilled to be able to view so many great movies and TV across all genres, for which I am always grateful. In particular, I again really appreciated seeing so many excellent horror, thriller and fantasy offerings this year; most of which boasted stunningly good visuals and terrifically original storylines. I am now sure that audiences are becoming more acclimated to a few jumps and jolts, and more and more people are embracing high quality horror, thriller and challenging viewing choices, because these genres do thankfully seem to still be on the rise. 
And so, without further ado....here is my selection for the best viewing experiences of 2024, full movie reviews can be found on the corresponding genre pages in the drop down menu above. 
BEST MOVIES (2024 release):
Anora - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Dune Pt2 - Sci-fi 4 Chilli Peppers 
Longlegs - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers
The Wild Robot - Kid Friendly 4 Chilli Peppers
Late Night with the Devil - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers
The Substance - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Handling the Undead - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Alien Romulus - Sci-Fi 4 Chilli Peppers ​
Hitman - Romance 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Iron Claw- Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers
MadS - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Oddity - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
Civil War - Action/ War 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice - Supernatural 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Smile 2 - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
Inside Out 2 - Kid Friendly 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
HONOURABLE MENTIONS - 2024 Release:
Speak No Evil- Horror 3 Chilli Peppers 
Heretic - Thriller 3 Chilli Peppers 
Abigail - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers 
Lisa Frankenstein - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - Action 3 Chilli Peppers 
Deadpool and Wolverine - Action/Super 3 Chilli Peppers 

Here are my top recommendations for pre-2024 releases that I didn't get around to seeing until 2023:
Poor Things - Art House 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - Kid Friendly 4.5 Chilli Peppers
Pink Floyd: The Wall - Musical 4 Chilli Peppers 
Blackfish - Doco 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Killers of the Flower Moon - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
Departures - International 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Holdovers - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Tale of Tales - Fantasy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Rye Lane - Romance 4 Chilli Peppers 
Wild Tales - International 4 Chilli Peppers 
Society of the Snow - International 4 Chilli Peppers 
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
American Fiction - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Leo - Kid Friendly 4 Chilli Peppers 
For Sama - Doco 4 Chilli Peppers
Zone of Interest -  War 4 Chilli Peppers 
Dream Scenario - Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
After the Wedding - International 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Babylon - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Bread and Tulips - International 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

Rent-a-Pal-Gritty 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Coffee Table - Gritty 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
All of Us Strangers - Romance 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Five Devils - International 3 Chilli Peppers 
Nyad - Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Blood and Gold - War 3 Chilli Peppers 
Sisu - Action 3 Chilli Peppers 

BEST TELEVISION SERIES 2024:
Baby Reindeer - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Scavengers Reign - Sci Fi/ Animation 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Bear S3 - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Mr and Mrs Smith - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Boiling Point -Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
FALLOUT- Sci-Fi 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Boys S3 - Super 4 Chilli Peppers
One Day  - Romance 4 Chilli Peppers 
Love Has Won: Cult of the Mother God - Documentary 4 Chilli Peppers 
True Detective: Night Country -  Thriller 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Gentlemen- Crime/ comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Reservation Dogs S3 - Comedy/ drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
Yellowstone (Final Eps) - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Colin from Account S2 - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
ERIC- Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
House of the Dragon S2- Fantasy 3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S2 - Fantasy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Shrinking S2- Comedy/ Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
What We Do in the Shadows S6 - Horror/ comedy  3.5 Chilli Peppers  
Secret Level- Animation/ Sci Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Earth Abides - Sci Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
3 Body Problem - Sci Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
THEM 2: SCARE - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

2024 TV HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ​
Kaos- Fantasy  3 Chilli Peppers 
Life and Beth S2 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Love on the Spectrum S2- Reality 3 Chilli Peppers 
Nobody Wants This - Romance/ comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Mirror Mirror S3  - Documentary  3 Chilli Peppers 
Boy Swallows Universe- Comedy/ drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Such Brave Girls - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
For Those About to Die - Period Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Ghosts S4-Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Baskets S4 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Killing It S2- Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers
Fisk S3- Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers
Entitled - Art House 3 Chilli Peppers 
Mr Big Stuff - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Palm Royale - Drama/comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
It's Florida Man - Dramatisation  3 Chilli Peppers 
Queer Eye S9 - Reality 3 Chill Peppers 
Dick Turpin - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
How We Wore (Celeste Barber) - Documentary 3 Chilli Peppers ​
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THE SUBSTANCE
Release Date: 2024
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 141 mins 

A satirical body-horror; written, directed and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat that is sure to raise some eye brows and churns some weaker stomachs with it's sickly, visceral and highly amusing stab at Hollywood's relentless cries for youth and beauty. 
Actress and fitness guru Elisabeth Sparkle has just turned 50 and her sleazy producer Harvey is already showing her the door. Unwilling to go down without a fight, Elizabeth orders a mysterious serum called 'The Substance' that promises a more youthful and perfect version of the self. Elizabeth immediately administers the serum and sets about re-establishing herself in Hollywood as Sue, a much hotter and youthful version of herself. But youth and beauty always has a price, and Elizabeth finds that she is now on a very slippery slope of desperation and depravity.
The Substance is a brilliant horror film; it has an interesting storyline, lots of gross out scenes and some really solid performances from both Demi Moore as Elizabeth and Margaret Qualley as Sue.  Honestly, this could be Moore's big come back film, she is just great in this.
In truth, there is a lot to like about this movie. Sure, the last half hour is straight up bonkers, but who cares? No-ones goes to see a body-horror flick expecting to see a completely sensible slice of cinema anyway, so just strap in and enjoy the ride, I guarantee that you won't forget it! 
FINAL SAY: There has been a slight misuse of the Substance.
4 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Success

4/10/2024

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I have been chatting with a lot of people about success lately. And in general I think that most people measure success based on income, belongings, assets and achievements. Not everyone does, but many do. I think that it is the nature of the world to measure success by how much you have or how much you have to offer, but this feels wrong to me and it doesn't sit well with me. 
And let me explain my thinking here. I clearly have more than I could ever want for in this life, or any life for that matter, especially when it comes to my living conditions. I am super fortunate and for that I am eternally grateful. I have a beautiful home, a good car, a decent job that affords me many things, regular holidays and pretty much whatever I want when I want it. This in itself makes me far more well-off than millions of people on the planet, but I could compare myself to people who have much more money than myself and think - wow, I'm actually a failure. I don't have as much as....blah blah...and I haven't done enough with my life....I should have.....in the bank by now....I should be further along financially....I haven't …..
And I could go on and on and on, but I won't because I don't actually feel that way at all. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything because I know that I am not. And that is because I do not measure success based on income, belongings, assets or achievements. I think that real success looks totally different to that and it has nothing to do with money, property, profession or status. 
I think that real success looks and feels quite different to what most people assume that success will look like. 
To me real success is:
  • enjoying and experiencing authentic relationships 
  • having a regulated nervous system
  • not comparing yourself to others
  • showing up for yourself
  • having a kind inner dialogue 
  • being able to let go 
  • owning your own behaviour 
  • being aware of your words
  • meeting personal goals 
  • having authentic connections
  • keeping healthy boundaries
  • accepting your humanness and the humanness of others
  • living your life in a way that feels right for you 
  • being forgiving
  • feeling positive about your future and yourself 
  • showing gratitude easily 
  • exchanging love and being willing to be vulnerable 
That's real success to me, that's the stuff that make people complete and whole. All that other stuff is lovely, don't get me wrong, the money and the assets make life comfortable and easy, but are they the true measure of success? 
We all know that some people have a lot of wealth in this world, at their fingertips 24/7 and it may make them feel like they are successful, but we also know that it can bring with it greed, anger, bitterness, selfishness or loneliness as well.
There are some successes that money cannot afford, and they are the successes that I am looking for in my life, they are the priceless things that make me feel grateful, wealthy and joyful; and I willingly invite more of that success into my life any day of the week. 
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BREAD AND TULIPS 
Release Date: 2000
Rating: PG 13
Running Time:  114 mins 

An Italian romantic comedy directed by Silvio Soldini that delivers a perfect hit of hopeful joy and renewed self discovery that is both refreshing and entertaining to watch.
Rosalba starts to see the realities of her marriage when her husband leaves her behind whilst on a family holiday. Tired of her routine as a housewife and under appreciated mother, Rosalba embarks on a trip to finally see Venice and experience a new way of being. 
Bread and Tulips is a lot like Shirley Valentine in premise but it contained a lot more heartfelt interactions, way less sarcasm and a lot less sex. Rosalba's charming character is just impossible to not fall in love with and she is perfectly portrayed by the always lovely Lucia Maglietta. The casting here is truly great, and I especially enjoyed Bruno Ganz as Fernando, Marina Massironi  as Gazia and Guiseppe Battiston as the hilarious plumber come private detective, Costantino.
This is a terrific slice of Italian cinema and a heart-warming tale that shouldn't be missed. 
FINAL SAY: I felt my phoenix rise from the ashes. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Making Memories Mindfully

17/7/2024

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I have really been trying to be mindful and fully engaged with every aspect of my life at the moment. Whether it's work, rest or play, I'm giving it 100% (or as near to that as I can muster) as often as I can. And I have to say that it really does have so many advantages. Mindfulness is not just a fad or a trend, it actually works and if you can master it, the results are super impressive.
The first and most obvious of those results is a bit of no brainer, but it turns out that when you give 100% effort and attention to any task, you tend to get excellent results. No shit Sherlock! But really, it has made me realise that I did spend so much time flitting about between tasks that I was really just doing a lot of things half arsed and also robbing myself of better results. Pretty much everything that I am doing seems to be turning out better than it did when I was trying to multi-task everything. By just doing one thing at a time to the absolute best of my ability I have, in the long run, actually saved myself time and effort because nothing needs to be re-done, re-visited or re-designed, it is great the first time around! Amazing!
Also, and I don't quite know why this is, but time seems to move slower if you are mindfully aware of what you are doing. You know the old saying - a watched pot never boils, well that's kind of what happens when you are mindful of the moment, by giving something 100% of your attention it sort of makes it feel like it is going for a lot longer than it actually is.  The hours really feel like hours, not minutes because you are observing every part of it. Every meal is special, every conversation is filled with meaning and every exchange has purpose. Start thinking like that and nothing will ever feel ordinary or pointless. 
And it shouldn't because (and this my favourite thing about mindfulness) nothing is meaningless, well at least it isn't if you are mindful about about it. Every minute becomes filled with possibility and potential, not one moment is wasted. Everything in your life is purposeful and intentional and suddenly, that makes everything very bloody awesome. 
I can't really explain it, but mindfulness has changed my life massively. So much so that I have been doing mindfulness sessions at work for my colleagues because I am absolutely blown away by how much I have gained from doing mindful practises and being more present in my daily activities. I seem to have so much more time on my hands, so why not share what I found with other people? Seems like a logical outcome to me. Now, I don't know if these sessions are doing anything for anyone else (I  hope they are) but I am really enjoying just doing them anyway, so that feels like a win. And people's attendance is voluntary so it's not like I'm forcing anyone to come along, I am just offering - nothing more, nothing less. I prepare a session, I trial the session on myself and then I share the session; feels kind of lovely really. 
Anyway, I am loving what mindfulness has done for me. It has changed my habits, made me more present in my relationships and friendships, helped me find joy in the mundane and given me pause to smell the flowers, share a cuppa and exchange a kind word with more people; and that is all gravy to me. 
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ALL OF US STRANGERS 
Release Date: 2023
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 105 mins 

A fantasy love film written and directed by Andrew Haigh and based on the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. With a kick arse 80's soundtrack and a tale to tug at your heartstrings, All Of Us Strangers delivers a unique, magical and deeply ponderous love story. 
Screenwriter Andrew lives a lonely life in his high rise London apartment, that is until he meets Harry, his drunken neighbour who sets in motion a collision course of love, self- discovery and impossibilities that will change Andrew forever. 
This is a haunting script that explores the ghosts of the past, the present and the future. It is beautifully carried by Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal who both shine brightly in this dazzlingly and unforgettably romantic tale that will certainly bring a tear to your eye.
FINAL SAY: The power of love. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Fiji - Shi-Shi!

19/5/2024

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We are freshly back from our incredible island holiday and we are now trying to re-adjust to the realities of life again. As our leave comes to an end, Craig and I reflect on the wonderful time that we have enjoyed together. We have done so many lovely things and shared special time with all of the important people in our lives, we have been abroad and reminded ourselves of what it means to be off the clock and living on our own terms. And it was perfect, honestly, the time was just perfect in every single way. 
Fiji was in a word - incredible! It far exceeded our expectations and we had the most wonderful time. I wouldn't really recommend the mainland of Fiji, or anywhere around Nadi for a holiday, but the island that we spent our time on called Savusavu, was nothing short of a tropical paradise.  Just a short one hour flight from Nadi, in a tiny little 18 seater plane and you find yourself smack bang in the lushest, greenest jungle imaginable with the warmest tropical waters teeming with tropical fish and colourful corals. We spent seven perfect days in the Fijian sunshine; hiking, kayaking and snorkelling everyday. We had total Fiji - Shi Shi - Beverly Hills all the way! We ate like kings, slept like queens and didn't do anything but enjoy ourselves completely for the entire time. 
We kayaked the pristine Salt Lake of Savusavu, we snorkelled the tropical and much renown coral reefs of Natewa Bay and we ate three course meals three times a day! We lived the high life and it was heaven! Craig and I always have a blast when we travel together and we share the same level of curiosity and need for relaxation when we go abroad. We love to explore and we love to rest. We love to eat and we love to be active, and we always manage to make memories that will be with us for a lifetime.
Craig is a fantastic travel companion, he always offers me the window seat on the plane, he always lets me hide my face in his neck when I am terrified (which I did when we took off in that tiny plane) he always dresses smartly for dinner and holds my hand whenever we enter a room and he never gets upset or angry if I wuss-out on anything, which I didn't do this time but have done on trips before. Like me, he loves the frills and fancies that comes with a five star holiday, but he is also happy to go back to fish and chips and a beer when its done without a hiccup. 
And now, we enter the reality zone once again, the holiday that we had planned for the last 18 months suddenly over. But we are happy to be back, with a million beautiful memories and a swag of braggy photos to reminisce about, we aren't sad or disappointed. We feel blessed that we have been able to have such an astounding experience together and share yet another trip abroad. It's been a magical time and now, well I suppose that we should start to save our money once again, focus on what we have here and now for a while and smile because we were lucky enough to have done something so special together. 
For a little time, we got to live a life that was free from responsibility, free from chores and expectations and free from routine. In that time we could just take to the warm tropical sea whenever we felt like it, falling into the rocking waves together and completely letting go of all worry and concern, and just being in the moment 100% - you don't get that feeling everyday, it's special. And what a feeling that was while it lasted. That's the feeling that I am holding on to from this whole experience; the feeling of being alone, together and completely at peace. 
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NYAD 
Release Date: 2023
Rating: PG 
Running Time: 121 mins 

A biographical sports drama film about swimmer Diana Nyad's multiple attempts in the early 2010's to swim the Straits of Florida. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (in their feature narrative film directorial debut) and written by Julia Cox, the movie is based on Nyad's 2015 memoir Find a Way. 
Diana Nyad, now sixty, resolves to accomplish the one thing that has eluded her - a 110 hour nonstop swim from Cuba to Florida, which she unsuccessfully attempted 30 years earlier. With her best friend Bonnie Stoll and a team of experts behind her, Diana sets out to achieve the unachievable with a dogged and inexhaustible determination. 
This is a fantastic tale of motivation and unwavering determination, that is not only really interesting to watch but  incredibly well acted with Annette Benning as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster as her loyal best friend Bonnie Stoll. Both women received nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, the 81st Golden Globe Awards and the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards for their efforts here and after seeing this film, I can see why. 
You do not need to like sports dramas to enjoy what Nyad is delivering, because this story is far more concerned with the human spirit than it is with swimming. 
FINAL SAY: Never, ever give up!
3 Chilli Peppers 
​

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In a State of Best Living

3/5/2024

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Hitting my stride at the end of my now five week long respite and I can tell you, I could get used to this! Craig has been with me for the last two weeks and we have been living our very best lives every day with frequent visits to Bendigo to hang out with Freja and frequent trips to the couch to watch movies and relax in the middle of the day; it has been so restful and so rejuvenating. And it's the ability to have time for everything that is one of the most joyful aspects; the sheer uninterrupted and unconditioned time allowance that you can only get when you aren't worrying about or thinking about work. Time to be with people mindfully and completely, the time to spend fully immersed in a passion project or finishing a chore (that doesn't even feel like a chore because you aren't trying to squeeze it in around everything else) or just meditating (for 40 minute stretches) or doing yoga (for an hour) or having a glass of good wine with your lunch...ahhh...the absolute delight of being off the clock and choosing your own adventure on the daily. It's unlike anything else!
This is the longest break I have ever had in my life and I feel like it has given me a very clear glimpse into my retirement years, and if my retirement is only half as good as this break has been, I cannot wait! I have never loved my life the way that I love my life right now. There is something to be said for being able to do the things that you want to do whenever you want to do them that is not only freeing but also completely limitless in possibility. And in only a decade or so this could be my life everyday. Sharing time, indulging in my passions and choosing my adventures on the daily. The retired life sure is appealing but I've got a lot more work and money to save before that's a reality, so that little pipedream will need to be shelved as I head into the final stretch of my break which I will be spending a big chunk of in Fiji; snorkelling, canoeing, sipping cocktails and laying on the beach. It's a tough final call but I'm up to the challenge!
Perhaps one of the best things that this break has offered to me is some pause to take stock. Time to consider where I am at, what I already have and everything that I am grateful for. And there is plenty in my life to be grateful for. In Sweden they say that people run too fast in this life, so they need a good long break in order for their spirit to catch up with their body. This rest time allows reflection time and it is a vital component in becoming fully aware of your life and the blessings that you have. It is a time to be mindful and fully present - mind, body and spirit in all of the aspects of your life to that point and to allow for yourself feel whole and in tune again. I can honestly say that I have spent quite a bit of time contemplating my life and the blessings that I have this year and the last five weeks have really given me even more to reflect on. 
Since I have turned 50 I have felt more alive, in tune and more at peace with myself than I have ever felt before. My spirit has awoken this year and I find myself fascinated in the smallest of things and in awe of almost everything. I find inspiration and joy in everyone that I share time with now, and I feel a love for my family and friends that is resolute and powerful. My relationships bolster, strengthen and improve me and the quality of my life constantly. I am made better by every moment that I share with another, this I am now 100% certain of. The pleasure that shared time has given me is immeasurable and every relationship in my life has shifted to greater heights in the last year. I am surrounded by the best kind of people that give me their love and receive my love with open arms; how could anyone want more than that in their life? 
I also feel an incredible connection to country and a huge respect for every living thing. I am awe struck daily by the sights and sounds outside of my window. I love the land that I live on, I feel connected to it and it gives me joy beyond words or expression. I only need to step outside and be in nature to be refuelled. I only need to touch the trees, see the stars, hear the birds call, smell the air and feel the strength of the earth beneath my feet to know that I am exactly where I am meant to be. The silence and the time has given me back that connection, one that I know that I have tapped in to from time to time throughout my life, but now feel  like I am not just observing, but breathing in; every, single, day. 
So perhaps the Swedish are right, and maybe this time to go slow has given my spirit time to catch up with me. Whatever is happening, I do feel like this is all bringing me closer and closer to being the person that I have always wanted to be. A person who gives and receives love in equal measure, a person who delights in the joys of others as much as they do for themselves and a person who has nothing to prove because they are content to just be. One day, I hope to be that person but for now, I am also more than happy to be exactly where I am, in a state of best living. 
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RYE LANE
Release Date: 2023
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 82 mins 

A romantic comedy, set in South London and directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature directorial debut. Rye Lane is an exceedingly enjoyable watch with terrific and likeable characters, a plausible storyline and an original style that makes it a fresh rom-com offering. 
Yas and Dom meet in a gender neutral toilet at a mutual friend's art exhibition. Having both recently broken up with their partners, they discover that they have a lot in common and unpack their experiences as they traverse the city together. 
At just over 80 minutes run time, Rye Lane is short, sweet and to the point, leaping in head first with fresh and witty dialogue and a youthful energy that is utterly infectious. The backdrop of South London is showcased in artistic and interesting ways, the soundtrack is fabulous and the two characters of Yas and Dom are delivered perfectly by newcomers Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson; easily making this the best romance movie of 2023. 
FINAL SAY: Peng? Refreshingly disarming?
4 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Feathering the Nest

4/2/2024

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The world feels filled with jittery anticipation as we all eagerly await the arrival of Zoe's baby. Due on the 31st of January, the baby is proving to be very unwilling to join us in the world just yet and has kept Zoe and Ben sitting around feathering their nest now for weeks in a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Talk about tenterhooks! I'm not sure if the baby is delayed in getting here because it is stubborn, or if Zoe is just too comfy or perhaps the dates weren't quite accurate,  but what I do know for sure is that if it doesn't arrive soon I think that Zoe is going to have a full blown meltdown!
She is hot and very tired of waiting, and I can't say I blame her. Zoe came into the world four days early and Seth came one day late, so I can only imagine how poor Zoe must be feeling. I know that I was well and truly sick of being pregnant by the end of it all and could not wait for it to be over. The waiting and not knowing is just the worst kind of torture, and it is also peppered with a lot of fear and anxiety when it is your first baby because you just don't know what the hell is going to happen to you in labour and it is quite terrifying really.
Not that knowing makes it any easier the second time around mind you, I literally locked myself in the toilet and flat out refused to come out because I - quote - "am not doing this bullshit again, no way!" But Seth did eventually get here, so yeah, I did have to do that bullshit again turns out!
It is amazing how you forget just how challenging pregnancy and the waiting for a baby to arrive can be, but you do go through it all again with your own children and the memories are flooding back for me thick and fast. The hot, stretchy-skinned tiredness, the 'nothing fits me' and 'I'm a horrible monster' phase, the 'oh good god, how will I ever get this out of me?' worries and the 'can someone just make this all end?' pleas, it is a really trying period of time and when the baby is overdue, it can feel like an endless stretch of irrelevant moments that can only be relieved by the arrival of the baby. Everything hangs on the baby and the loss of control is so challenging. I have felt it so strongly through Zoe and she is so ready for her child to be in the world. 
And then suddenly the baby finally arrives and you feel exhilarated and achieved and wonderful and....then... well then the baby stage begins, and that, as all parents well know is it's own type of fresh hell. Plummeting hormones, sleepless nights (and days), resounding cries, sore nipples, endless nappies...but I won't go on about that just yet. We have a few hurdles to leap over before we start to traverse that river of experiences. So strap in everybody, a baby is on the way, and not just any baby - my grandchild!  Oh lord, I cannot believe my good fortune! Come on my darling baby! We are ready with open arms to receive you!
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BABYTEETH
Release Date: 2019
Rating: M 
Running Time: 118 mins 

An Australian coming of age, romance-drama directed by Shannon Murphy from a screenplay by Rita Kalnejais. After premiering at the Venice Film Festival, Babyteeth deservingly went on to win nine AACTA film awards including Best Film. With a mixture of romance and love complications, Babyteeth hits all of the right notes and delivers a thoughtful portrayal of a family dealing with youthful energy and illness. 
Milla Finlay is just like any other 16 year old, only she has cancer. On a station platform she meets Moses, a drug addled despot who steals her heart and challenges her already stretched family. 
With powerhouse performances from the always great Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn, who play Milla's parents, the young love birds (Eliza Scanlon and Toby Wallace) are well positioned for an engaging, touching and completely believable tale of love, self discovery and of course, loss. 
FINAL SAY: This is the worst possible parenting I can imagine. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers
 ​

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The Best of 2023

7/1/2024

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Just like 2022, the viewing opportunities in 2023 grew so fast that I found myself yet again juggling all of my streaming services and struggling to get to the cinema often enough because as always, I seemed to have an over-abundance of new release material to trawl through.
There was a head spinning amount of high quality viewing material to absorb this year, and I was very grateful to be constantly distracted from the political and environmental disasters of 2023 with cinematic offerings. I also received many welcome high quality recommendations from friends and family throughout the year as well, which has stretched my viewing choices as well.  Long story short, we were all very spoilt for choice in 2023, and if you couldn't find something to watch, then in my opinion, you just weren't trying hard enough!
I managed to get through 180 movies and 160 television series this year. Basically, I was flat out watching something every day of the year and I still didn't get to half of the material that still sits waiting on my 'to see' lists, which has now blow out to more than 580 titles, so it is fair to say that I am not going to be slowing down any time soon either. 
The task of seeing everything has become arduous beyond anyone's means, and unless you are willing to permanently strap yourself to the couch and do nothing but watch movies and TV, there is just no way that you can manage to see it all in one year. So now more than ever, you must be discerning, and hopefully this is where I can offer a hand and some sound advice around what you should be investing in your time in; if you haven't done so already. 
Again, I was thrilled to be able to view so many great movies and TV across all genres, for which I am always grateful. In particular, I again really appreciated seeing so many excellent horror, thriller and fantasy offerings this year; most of which boasted stunningly good visuals and terrifically original storylines. I am now sure that audiences are becoming more acclimated to a few jumps and jolts, and more and more people are embracing high quality horror, thriller and challenging viewing choices, because these genres do thankfully seem to still be on the rise. 
And so, without further ado....here is my selection for the best viewing experiences of 2023. 
BEST MOVIES (2023 release):
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Kid Friendly 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Oppenheimer - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
The Banshees of Inisherin - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Saltburn - Thriller 4 Chilli Peppers 
Talk to Me - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Barbie - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
John Wick Chapter 4 - Action 4 Chilli Peppers
Evil Dead Rise- Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Killer - Crime/ Action 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Leave The World Behind - Sci-Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Action/ Super 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Guardians of the Galaxy VOL 3 - Super 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS - 2023 Release:
Skinamarink- Horror 3 Chilli Peppers 
No Hard Feelings - Comedy  3 Chilli Peppers 
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - Action/ Adventure 3 Chilli Peppers 

Here are my top recommendations for pre-2023 releases that I didn't get around to seeing until 2023:
Pinocchio - Kid Friendly 5 Chilli Peppers 
Aftersun - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Triangle of Sadness - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
The Menu - Drama  4 Chilli Peppers
You Wont Be Alone - Art House 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Worst Person in the World - Art House 4 Chilli Peppers 
Paul Dood's Deadly Lunch Break-  Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Delicious - International 4 Chilli Peppers
Boiling Point - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
RRR - International 3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Call - International 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on - Kid Friendly 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Wildcat - Doco 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
A Man Called Otto - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Bones and All - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Survivor- War 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Where the Crawdads Sing - Romance  3 Chilli Peppers
Deerskin-Art House 3 Chilli Peppers 
Baby Teeth - Romance 3.5 
Be My Cat: A Film for Anne - Gritty 3 Chilli Peppers 

BEST TELEVISION SERIES 2023:
Lessons in Chemistry - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Bear S2 - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Succession S4 - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
The Last of Us- Sci-Fi 5 Chilli Peppers 
Love and Death - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers
Tiny Beautiful Things  - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Fall of the House of Usher - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Beef - Drama/ comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Slip - Fantasy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Dave S3 - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Righteous Gemstones S3 - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Platonic - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Life and Beth - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
GEN V- Super/ Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Copenhagen Cowboy - Fantasy/ Art House 4 Chilli Peppers
Shrinking - Comedy/ Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Interview with the Vampire - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
Mythic Quest S3- Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
FISK S2- Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Our Flag Means Death S2 - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Mirror, Mirror by Todd Samson S3 - Doco 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

2023 TV HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ​
1899- Fantasy  3 Chilli Peppers 
Down for Love - Reality 3 Chilli Peppers 
The Big Door Prize - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Poker Face  - Crime 3 Chilli Peppers 
Cunk on Earth - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Daisy Jones and the Six - Drama 3 Chilli Peppers 
Always Sunny in Philadelphia S16 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Somebody, Somewhere S2-Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
High Desert - Comedy/ Crime 3 Chilli Peppers 
Jury Duty - Reality/ Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers
Aunty Donna's Café- Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers
Deadloch - Crime/comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Swarm- Horror  3 Chilli Peppers 
War on Waste  S2- Doco 3 Chill Peppers 
The Traitors - Reality 3 Chilli Peppers 
What We Do in the Shadows S4- Horror/Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers ​
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TALK TO ME
Release Date: 2023
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 95 mins 

An Australian supernatural horror, directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. Talk To Me made its worldwide premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and has been seriously creeping out audiences ever since. With a virtually unknown cast and a seriously unsettling storyline, Talk To Me is destined to become a cult horror classic. 
A group of teenagers get their kicks from conjuring spirits, filming the outcomes and posting them onto social media. With the aid of a mysterious embalmed hand they are able to allow entities to possess their bodies, but as with all stories of possession, things go wrong and the consequences are of course, dreadful!
This is a genuinely gripping horror tale that had me captivated from start to end. Touching on concepts of grief, loss and the desperate need for belonging when it comes to teens, this film plays out in believable and disturbing ways, with the main actors giving convincing and emotional driven performances. 
Talk To Me really does get under your skin, and it also delivers enough gore and shock value to appease hardcore fans of horror. 
FINAL SAY: I let you in. 
4 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Being Authentic

23/4/2023

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Authenticity is talked about a lot these days. Everyone wants to be seen as more authentic and valued for their authenticity, but no-one really talks about what it actually means to be authentic. I am going to take a deep dive into what it actually means to be authentic and how to tell if someone is actually being authentic or just being a big phoney baloney! 
First and foremost, authentic people do not try hard to be likable. Now that doesn't mean that they are aloof assholes either, but they aren't that worried about ruffling a few feathers when it comes to standing up for what is right, just or fair. They embrace making right choices and they don't crave attention or have ulterior motives when they do this, they have a 'can do' and 'will do' attitude that attracts others to them and makes them highly reliable. 
Authentic people are also good a reserving judgement on others and themselves. They accept their own flaws and faults, and those of the people around them. They will try hard to see the world through other peoples eyes and are open-minded individuals who can meet people where they are at. They are often excellent listeners and can usually see the positive and negative aspects in people and situations.
An authentic person is generally unapologetic about expressing their thoughts. Followers worry that they may lose face of favour if they speak up about what they really think, a genuine person will express their thoughts and opinions without worrying if they wont be celebrated for it. They are not trying to garner attention or brownie points and they would never be cruel, angry or derogatory in the way that they express themselves, so they have no need to worry about how they will be interpreted.  An authentic person would never express their thoughts to attack, manipulate or offend someone, they have good character and a strong sense of integrity. 
One of the other things that you will see in people of high integrity is the ability to self reflect. You have to look inside to be a genuine and authentic. Authentic people will have fewer self doubts and experience less anxiety because they are regularly looking inside and re-evaluating the landscape of their lives.  The own their choices and decisions and can stand behind their ideas and thoughts. An authentic person will not go off half cocked or shoot from the hip, they think before they act and consider the outcomes before they approach. 
Authentic people are generous in spirit. They give to others in many ways. Through resources, time and information, they willingly share in and of themselves as much as they can and enjoy doing so. They love to entertain and spoil the people they love, and they will always share whatever they have access to with others around them. They are never secretive or mean and will not need to take credit for things that they may have been involved in launching. They like to see other succeed as much as themselves and will always bolster the people around them as much as they can. 
And I know that I have covered the topic of transparency before, but authentic people are transparent, honest and empathetic. You do not need to worry about an authentic person trying to trick you, deceive you or discredit you, this not something that an authentic person would ever embark upon. Authentic people are also not arrogant or self-satisfied and they can handle criticism and confrontation with decorum and calm. They understand that things are not always about them and can step back without having to belittle or berate someone behind their back. They welcome open conversation and honest exchanges. 
It is pretty easy to spot a person who isn't really authentic. Obviously they will lack many of the qualities listed above, but they will also have a deep need to be accepted and/or revered in their lives. This will make them insecure, quick to anger and judge others and generally quite competitive. They will be problem finders, energy drainers, constant complainers and negative Nancy's. You will not feel safe with a person who is not authentic and you will definitely struggle to get to know them on a deeper level because they may often be haughty, aggressive, secretive, sallow or dismissive. 
In short, for authentic people, the integrity, reliability and transparency of their character is always going to be more important than any monetary or social status gain. They are never in it for the glory. They are focused on their goals and willingly help others to reach theirs whenever they can. They listen when others speak instead of constantly offering their judgements and opinions. They can express genuine feelings and thoughts without hurting others, they are who they are and would not have it be any other way. They are just great people to have in your life and I hope that you have some rocking authentic people in your world to help you to shine brighter every day and grow more authentic in yourself every day. 
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WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
Release Date: 2022
Rating: M
Running Time: 125 mins 

An American mystery, drama/romance, based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Delia Owens. I was a huge fan of the book and was very much looking forward to seeing how director Olivia Newman was going to interpret the material, and although admittedly this isn't as good as the novel (as films generally are not) this was still an engaging and genuinely touching story involving a love triangle and an unresolved murder. 
Abandoned wildling girl Kya has spent her entire life in the North Carolina marshlands. Now an adult and a naturalist, she is still harshly ostracized by her community and forced to manage alone. She becomes the prime suspect in a murder case when a popular local quarterback turns up dead after secret colluding with her in the wilds. 
Daisy Edgar -Jones is terrific as the headstrong, independent spirit Kya; she does an amazing job of embodying all of the innocence, intelligence and beauty of Kya's character perfectly, and the rest of the cast deliver well upon the premise of the story as well. Sure, Where the Crawdads Sing is a bit cheesy and melodramatic at times, and that's probably why critics slammed it as hard as they did, but it is also endearing and delivers just enough of the right notes to make it a winner in my books. 
FINAL SAY: Then there was the small matter of surviving. 
3 Chilli Peppers

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The Best of 2022

8/1/2023

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Just like 2021, the home viewing opportunities in 2022 grew so fast that I found myself juggling all of my streaming services, and I always seemed to have an over-abundance of new release material to trawl through. There was a head spinning amount to absorb this year, and I was also very grateful to be constantly receiving high quality recommendations from friends and family throughout the year as well.  We were again, all very spoilt for choice, and if you couldn't find something to watch in 2022 then you just weren't trying hard enough!
I managed to get through 205 movies and 158 television series this year. I also re-watched the entire Game of Thrones series, which was just as good, perhaps even better, the second time around. Basically, I was flat out watching something every day of the year and I still didn't get to half of the material that is on my 'to see' lists, but I did have a bloody good go at it!
The task of seeing everything has become arduous beyond anyone's means, and unless you are willing to permanently strap yourself to the couch and do nothing but watch movies and TV, there is just no way that you can manage to see it all. And so you must be discerning, and hopefully this is where I can offer a hand and some sound advice around what you should be investing in your time in; if you haven't done so already. 

Again, I was thrilled to be able to view great movies and TV across all genres, for which I am always grateful. In particular I really appreciated seeing so many excellent horror, thriller and fantasy offerings this year; most of which boasted stunningly good visuals and terrifically original storylines. I think that audiences are becoming more acclimated to a few scares and chills these days, and the demand for quality horror does thankfully seem to be on the rise. 
And so, without further ado....here is my selection for the best viewing experiences of 2022. 
BEST MOVIES (2022 release):
Everything Everywhere All At Once - Art House 4 Chilli Peppers
All Quiet on the Western Front - War/ Action 4 Chilli Peppers
The Sea Beast - Kids 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Barbarian - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Nope - Sci- Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Blonde - Gritty 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
ELVIS - Musical/ drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers  
The Batman - Action/ Super 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - Action/ Super 3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Northman- Action  3.5 Chilli Peppers
Thor: Love and Thunder - Action/ Super 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Fresh - Thriller   3.5 Chilli Peppers
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - Crime  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Smile - Horror  3.5 Chilli Peppers

2022 HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Hustle - Drama 3 Chilli Peppers
Terrifier 2- Horror 3 Chilli Peppers
Hellbender-  Horror 3 Chilli Peppers 
I Want You Back - Romance/comedy  3 Chilli Peppers 

Clerks 3 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 

Here are my top recommendations for pre-2022 releases that I didn't get around to seeing until 2022:
C'mon C'mon - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Licorice Pizza - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Nightmare Alley - Horror  4 Chilli Peppers
Spiderman: No Way Home - Action/ Super 4 Chilli Peppers 
West Side Story - Musical 4 Chilli Peppers 

Flee - International 4 Chilli Peppers
Annette - Art House/ Musical 4 Chilli Peppers 
Nitram - Gritty 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Raid: Redemption - Action 4 Chilli Peppers 
Titane - Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Love Witch - Art House 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Dolemite is My Name - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Antrum - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Ron's Gone Wrong - Kids 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

Ghost Busters: Afterlife  - Horror  3 Chilli Peppers
Silent Night - Sci-Fi 3 Chilli Peppers
How I Live Now - War/ Action 3 Chilli Peppers 


BEST TELEVISION SERIES 2022:
Somebody, Somewhere - Drama/ Comedy 5 Chilli Peppers 
Atlanta S4 - Art House 5 Chilli Peppers 
Ozark S4 - Crime/ Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Maid - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Better Call Saul S6 - Crime/ Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson - Comedy 5 Chilli Peppers 
Dopesick -  Drama 5 Chilli Peppers
The White Lotus S2 - Drama 5 Chilli Peppers 
Severance - Fantasy 4.5 Chilli Peppers 

The Peacemaker - Super/ comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Pam and Tommy - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Boys S3 - Super/ Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
This is Going to Hurt - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
FROM - Horror 4 Chilli Peppers 
Pistols - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
Umbrella Academy S3- Fantasy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Dahmer- Horror/ Crime 4 Chilli Peppers
Black Bird - Crime 4 Chilli Peppers 
The Bear- Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
What We Do In The Shadows S4 - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Woodstock '99 - Doco 4 Chilli Peppers 
Love, Death and Robots S3 - Fantasy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Our Flag Means Death - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Stranger Things S4 Part 1 - Sci-Fi 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Mirror, Mirror by Todd Samson - Doco 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

2022 TV HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ​
House of the Dragon- Fantasy  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Serpent Queen - Period/ fantasy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 

Man vs Bee - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Colin from Accounts - Comedy - 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Always Sunny in Philadelphia S15 - Comedy 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Bloods S2-Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Ghosts S4 - Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Lizzo's Watch out for the Big Grrls - Reality 3 Chilli Peppers
Moon Knight - Super 3 Chilli Peppers
The Outlaws - Drama/comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Brassic S4- Crime/comedy  3 Chilli Peppers 
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Fantasy 3 Chill Peppers 
The Sandman - Fantasy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Wednesday - Fantasy 3 Chilli Peppers 

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ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT 
Release Date: 2022
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 142 mins 

An epic, German language, anti-war film based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. Directed by Edward Berger, this timeless retell of the classic 1930's adaptation packs a punch, both visually and emotionally, with its scathing critique of the idea of nationalism, control and power. 
Three idealistic German soldiers head off to war in the spring of 1917. As they experience the realities and the traumas of war, their lives are shattered by the realisation that there are no heroes in war, only survivors. 
All Quiet on the Western Front is a stand out war movie. It touches upon the desperation, the loneliness and the unrelenting chaos of war in the most unflinching ways. You will squirm, you will feel shocked and horrified and if you're anything like me you will probably cry a little too.  There are a lot of big concepts and big emotions being dealt with here so don't expect an easy ride.
Felix Kammerer is incredible as Paul Baumer, the naïve German soldier that transitions from boy to killing machine in space of 2 hours. Kammerer convincingly delivers one of the most harrowing and disturbing roles of the year with startling believability. 
​All Quiet on the Western Front is easily one of my favourite movies of 2022.  
FINAL SAY: What is a soldier without war?
4 Chilli Peppers

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Come Together

4/12/2022

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Zoe and Benjamin are now officially Mr and Mrs Jones! After months of planning and preparation, the wedding day finally arrived last weekend, and what a wonderful day it was! I should really say, what a wonderful three days it was because we actually managed to get three days of joy out the wedding celebrations, starting with dinner the night before for immediate family members, then the actual wedding day on Saturday 26th of November and then a lovely family breakfast on the morning after the event. 
All of which were truly lovely, but nothing can compare to the actual event, the wedding ceremony and reception which were just so beautiful, so heartfelt and so perfect that I just couldn't get a smile off my face all day long. I have never loved or enjoyed a wedding, or another event for that matter, as much as I enjoyed my own daughter's wedding. I know that I didn't enjoy my own wedding nearly as much as Zoe and Ben's that's for sure. They had planned the most intimate, perfect setting and gathered together a handful of beautiful souls to share it with and it all felt so calm, relaxed and easy that even the photographer was shocked by everyone's high levels of zen. 
At one point the photographer turned to me while Zoe was getting some preparation/ pre-wedding shots done and said, "could you please go and get into your outfit on now?" Even though I was still standing around in a T-shirt and jeans, I thought he meant Zoe, and was shocked when he said -"not her, you!"  "Me?!?" I exclaimed, and his response made me laugh. He said "yeah, I think you have a wedding to go to in like an hour and a half, so as chilled out as everyone is around here, you will need to put on your outfit at some point!" Perhaps we were all a little too relaxed, but the photographer said the usual vibe at the hour before point of a wedding was usually a lot more manic and he wasn't used to everyone being so relaxed.  He laughed and said that he was starting to panic for us because it was weird to have everything so zen. 
Zoe and Ben were calm, all day long. And so was I, even though I was emcee for the event, I just never felt rattled. It was all so perfect. Perfect bride, perfect groom, perfect weather, perfect venue, perfect food, perfect guests and a totally perfect mood. And Ben and Zoe will never forget their special day, and not just because they declared their love for each other and pledged to support and cherish each other for the rest of their lives, but because they entered into a conscious commitment that goes way beyond that.
They've now chosen their life partner. They've chosen to been seen everyday as they are by each other, to share everyday together as it comes, to embrace the curiosity and uncertainty of life together and to validate each other’s hopes and dreams. They've chosen to be each others life witnesses from now and forever. And how beautiful is that?
And wonderful things come in the wake of big love, things like safety, comfort and transparency, and I cannot even begin to express how delighted it makes me and Craig to see that Zoe has found a love like that in Benjamin. As a parent it is really all you ever want for your children, for them to find true happiness in life.
And Zoe is not the only one hitting the jackpot in marrying Ben, because we have also been able to welcome a most warm, kind, generous and patient man into our lives along with Zoe. Ben has not only embraced all of the weirdness that comes with being in our family, he has also been willing to let his freak flag fly proudly along with us. We did not lose a daughter in Zoe marrying Ben, we gained another son and it's been a delight to welcome to him into our family and our lives also. 
Yep, there is nothing like the wedding of your own child to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially when it is as beautiful as Zoe and Ben's wedding day was. May their love, their joy and their zen be as timeless and wonderful as their wedding day was forever. 
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​ROMEO + JULIET
Release Date: 1996
Rating: M
Running Time: 120 mins
This modern adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play Romeo and Juliet  is the most pleasing of the many attempts that have been made. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, Romeo + Juliet was his second film in The Red Curtain Trilogy, and Luhrmann shot to international fame off the back off this film, winning a lot of critic attention and awards for his efforts. 
Everyone knows the story, it's as old as time. Two rival gangs, the Capulets and the Montagues, are at odds, and Romeo and Juliet throw a spanner in the works when they fall madly in love despite the fact that their families forbid it. Juliet is already promised to Paris making things even worse, and the two seem to be doomed from start to end. 
This is the quintessential romance-tragedy, passions are running high and there is a lot at stake in the name of love. But Luhrmann's portrayal is so much more than just another Shakespearean adaptation, he has gone to painstaking efforts to keep the story fresh and alive. He has left all of the original dialect in, adding stark contrast to his work, and pushing his talented cast to really deliver. The soundtrack is a fabulous mix of funky and alternative songs which certainly adds a lot to the overall feel of the movie.
Girls everywhere were falling head over heels for Leonardo DiCaprio's powerful performance of Romeo, and Claire Danes is painfully beautiful as Juliet. However, my favourites were John Leguizamo as Tybalt and Harold Perrineau as Mercutio who both added some much needed depth and humour. It's a really well put together piece and it's worthy of a least one viewing in everyone's lifetime. 
FINAL SAY: Two households, both alike in dignity. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers

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Awards Season on the Horizon

7/8/2022

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The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards have been set for 12th September, much to my disappointment.  I am of course not disappointed that they are being held, I'm just disappointed that I will be at work when they will be televised so I will not get to enjoy them from the comfort of my couch during the day like I have previously been lucky enough to do for the last couple of years. Oh well, no biggy, I will certainly be able to catch a recap and will need to avoid all  spoilers until I can see them for myself after the fact.
For anyone who may be unaware, the Emmy awards honour the best in American prime time television programming between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. It's a glamourous 'who's who of TV' event,  that many have dubbed the 'Oscars of Television' and the nominations often guide my viewing choices for the weeks leading up to the event. As always, the nominees for 2021/2022 look promising and very worthy and here's the list just in case you missed it. 

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Better Call Saul
Euphoria
Ozark
Severance
Squid Game
Stranger Things (Season 4, Volume 1)
Succession
Yellowjackets

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Laura Linney, Ozark
Melanie Lynskey, Yellowjackets
Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show
Zendaya, Euphoria

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Jason Bateman, Ozark
Brian Cox, Succession
Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Adam Scott, Severance
Jeremy Strong, Succession

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Patricia Arquette, Severance
Julia Garner, Ozark
Jung Ho-yeon, Squid Game
Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets
Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul
J. Smith-Cameron, Succession
Sarah Snook, Succession
Sydney Sweeney, Euphoria

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Nicholas Braun, Succession
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Kieran Culkin, Succession
Park Hae-soo, Squid Game
Matthew Macfadyen, Succession
John Turturro, Severance
Christopher Walken, Severance
Oh Yeong-su, Squid Game

GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Hope Davis, Succession
Marcia Gay Harden, The Morning Show
Martha Kelly, Euphoria
Sanaa Lathan, Succession
Harriet Walter, Succession
Lee You-mi, Squid Game

GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Adrien Brody, Succession
James Cromwell, Succession
Colman Domingo, Euphoria
Arian Moayed, Succession
Tom Pelphrey, Ozark
Alexander Skarsgard, Succession

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
Abbott Elementary
Barry
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Hacks
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
What We Do in the Shadows

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant
Elle Fanning, The Great
Issa Rae, Insecure
Jean Smart, Hacks

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Donald Glover, Atlanta
Bill Hader, Barry
Nicholas Hoult, The Great
Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Sarah Niles, Ted Lasso
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
Juno Temple, Ted Lasso
Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Anthony Carrigan, Barry
Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso
Toheeb Jimoh, Ted Lasso
Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso
Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
Henry Winkler, Barry
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live

GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Jane Adams, Hacks
Harriet Sansom Harris, Hacks
Jane Lynch, Only Murders in the Building
Laurie Metcalf, Hacks
Kaitlin Olson, Hacks
Harriet Walter, Ted Lasso

GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Jerrod Carmichael, Saturday Night Live
Bill Hader, Curb Your Enthusiasm
James Lance, Ted Lasso
Nathan Lane, Only Murders in the Building
Christopher McDonald, Hacks
Sam Richardson, Ted Lasso

OUTSTANDING LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Dopesick
The Dropout
Inventing Anna
Pam & Tommy
The White Lotus

OUTSTANDING MADE-FOR-TELEVISION MOVIE
Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Ray Donovan: The Movie
Reno 911! The Hunt for QAnon
The Survivor
Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas

LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR MOVIE
Toni Collette, The Staircase
Julia Garner, Inventing Anna
Lily James, Pam & Tommy
Sarah Paulson, Impeachment: American Crime Story
Margaret Qually, Maid
Amanda Seyfried, The Dropout

LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR MOVIE
Colin Firth, The Staircase
Andrew Garfield, Under the Banner of Heaven
Oscar Isaac, Scenes From a Marriage
Michael Keaton, Dopesick
Himesh Patel, Station Eleven
Sebastian Stan, Pam & Tommy

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR MOVIE
Connie Britton, The White Lotus
Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus
Alexandra Daddario, The White Lotus
Kaitlyn Dever, Dopesick
Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus
Sydney Sweeney, The White Lotus
Mare Winningham, Dopesick

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR MOVIE
Murray Bartlett, The White Lotus
Jake Lacy, The White Lotus
Will Poulter, Dopesick
Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy
Peter Sarsgaard, Dopesick
Michael Stuhlbarg, Dopesick
Steve Zahn, The White Lotus

OUTSTANDING COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Nailed It!
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Top Chef
The Voice

OUTSTANDING UNSTRUCTURED REALITY PROGRAM
Below Deck Mediterranean
Cheer
Love On the Spectrum U.S.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked
Selling Sunset

REALITY SHOW HOST
Queer Eye‘s Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness
Nailed It!‘s Nicole Byer
Shark Tank‘s Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O’Leary
Top Chef‘s Padma Lakshmi
Making It‘s Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman
RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s RuPaul

OUTSTANDING VARIETY SKETCH SERIES
A Black Lady Sketch Show
Saturday Night Live

OUTSTANDING VARIETY TALK SERIES
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Late Night With Seth Meyers
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM
Arcane
Bob’s Burgers
Rick and Morty
The Simpsons
What If…?

I am most definitely surprised that Atlanta S3 did not get more attention, because I think that it is the best thing that I have watched so far this year. And I would also like to shout out to these terrific TV programs that also seemed to have been sadly overlooked:


  • Reservation Dogs 
  • Scenes From a Marriage
  • We Own This City 
  • Gaslit
  • Yellowstone
I'll be tuning in on September 12th for the big reveal and will keep you all posted on the outcomes!
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LEGENDS OF THE FALL
​Release Date: 1994
Rating: M
Running Time: 133 mins 

With a heartbreakingly gorgeous Brad Pitt in the lead, this epic tale of love, betrayal and sinful trysts will certainly enthral you. Based on the 1979 novella of the same name and directed by Edward Zwick, Pitt isn't the only thing looking amazing here because Legends of the Fall won the Best Cinematography Academy Award for its stunning visuals. 
An epic western saga, set in the 1900's, Legends of the Fall is about a beautiful woman from back East and the three sons of a Montana rancher who loved her and fought for her; set against the backdrop World War One. 
The cast is credible to say the least with Julia Ormond playing the love interest Susannah, Aidan Quinn, Brad Pitt and Henry Thomas playing the three sons and Anthony Hopkins portraying the family matriarch Ludlow. 
Sure it all plays out in a rather melodramatic fashion and there are a lot over the top emotions and obsessive behaviours, however for a romantic drama there a lot of other interesting things going here as well, particularly the historical significance of the US government's appalling treatment of the native Americans and the harrowing toll that WW1 had upon communities.
FINAL SAY: Every warrior hopes a good death will find him. 
3 Chilli Peppers 
​

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The Winter Long Weekend

13/6/2022

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The Queen's birthday long weekend could not have arrived at a more convenient time. Three days of wintery Enfield bliss was just what my flagging system needed and I spent much of the last few days bopping about in my flannelette PJ's, sipping alcoholic beverages and binge watching an absolute swag of TV and movies.  And I have to say that there has been a lot to enjoy on streaming services lately as they all seem to be scrambling over the top of each other to stream a multitude of good quality viewing opportunities. 
It is around this time every year that I like to offer my list of the best of the year so far to my faithful readers. Well, the best that I have watched anyway, I know for sure that there is a lot more out there to see than just what I put forward, but if I was recommending,  these are the TV programs and movies that I believe deserve your attention, your time and your energy so far.  So, in no particular order - 
TV SHOWS:
  • Atlanta S3 - Drama SBS
  • Our Flag Means Death - Comedy Foxtel
  • Severance - Mystery/ Sci Fi Apple+
  • EVIL S2 - Horror Stan 
  • Ozark S4 -  Crime/ Drama Netflix 
  • The Pentaverite - Comedy Netflix
  • Peacemaker - Comedy/ Super Foxtel
  • After Party - Mystery Apple+
  • This is Going to Hurt - Docuseries Foxtel 
  • Stranger Things S4 - Sci Fi Netflix 
  • The Outlaws - Comedy/ Drama Prime
  • Bloods S2 - Comedy Stan
  • The Boys S3 -  Super Prime
  • Pam and Tommy - Drama Disney
  • Love, Death and Robots S3 - Sci Fi/ Animation Netflix
  • Love on the Spectrum US - Reality Netflix
  • Cursed Films S2 - Documentary Shudder 
  • Lizzo's - Watch Out for the Big Grrrls - Reality Prime 
  • Moon Knight - Super Disney 
MOVIES:
  • The Batman - Super
  • Fresh - Thriller 
  • I Want You Back  - Rom/Com
  • The Northman - Action 
  • Nitram - Gritty 
  • Everything, Everywhere All At Once - Fantasy 
  • Hellbender - Horror 
  • ​Spiderman - No Way Home -Super 
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THE BATMAN
Release Date: 2022
Rating: M
Running Time: 176 mins

The latest offering in the DC comic world, The Batman directed by Matt Reeves plunges us back into the seedy underbelly of Gotham City in perhaps the most gothic and dark portrayal of Batman so far. It was universally praised by fans and critics alike for it performances, score and cinematography and quickly became one of the highest grossing films of 2022. 
A masked psychopath calling himself the Riddler begins a grisly killing spree across Gotham City, leaving notes for the Batman at every crime scene. Batman must try to uncover the true identity of the Riddler and put his diabolical plans to an end before more lives are lost. 
All of the original villains are back in action here with The Penguin, Cat woman and the Riddler all making an appearance and they are a far cry from their first portrayals in the Tim Burton originals. In fact the entire Batman franchise has shifted gear again; moving further into the realms of lavish noir and further from the comic book cheap thrills of its earlier days. 
Across the board the cast is fantastic, with notable efforts from Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Andy Serkis, John Turturro and Colin Farrell. Robert Pattinson has the lead role and portrays Batman with an entirely new level of broody emo that the character was missing from previous instalments. And although this is not my favourite Batman movie, I do think that Pattinson may be my favourite Batman to date. 
​Almost as good as The Dark Knight, and certainly as visually appealing, The Batman although clearly overlong, is a worthy and enjoyable superhero watch. 

FINAL SAY: Fear is a tool. When that light hits the sky, it's not just a call. It's a warning. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Eight, Eight... It's Perfectly Great!

4/6/2022

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Spicywatch.com celebrated its eighth birthday last Saturday evening. And how she has grown over the years from a humble dozen or so movies reviews when I first launched her in May 2014 to the massive 933 reviews that she now has under her belt. In the 8 years that Spicywatch has been on the internet I have had over 130,000 hits and on average, good old Spicywatch manages to rustle  up around 3000 readers a month.
So naturally, I had to celebrate the wonderful and joyful occasion of Spicywatch's 8th birthday and invite some movie loving family and friends around to Enfield to share in the movie chatter. 
With the perfection and infinity of the number 8 in mind, I asked my guests to share a clip that they felt was perfect in some way. 
 It could be perfect in dialogue, scene, costume, lighting, atmosphere, composition or just perfectly memorable to them and something that they go back to time and time again. 
As it has been at every Spicywatch birthday occasion, we traversed all of the genres together; laughing, crying and remembering the movie moments that have stuck with us throughout the years. 
Here is a sampling of some of the movies that made it to the viewing arena for their perfect  and memorable scenes:
  • The Fall
  • Toy Story 3
  • Everything Everywhere All at Once
  • Pan's Labyrinth 
  • Whale Rider
  • Big Fish 
  • Kill Bill 
  • The Lord of the Rings 
  • The Conjuring 2
  • ​Samsara
  • Moulin Rogue
  • Marriage Story 
  • Henry V
  • House of Flying Daggers 
  • The Lighthouse
  • Soul
  • Napoleon Dynamite
  • The Great Gatsby
  • Beautiful Creatures
  • Fantastic Mr Fox 
  • The Bourne Identity
  • Mr Bean's Disaster Movie
  • Shadow
  • Rosemary's Baby
  • Much Ado About Nothing 
  • Dancer in the Dark
  • Midsommar
  • Suicide Squad 2
  • The Great Beauty 
  • Apocalypto 
  • The Ghoulies 
Many thanks to the special people who gave up their Saturday evening and made the very cold journey out to Enfield to share the celebration of Spicywatch.com with me, your presence was a wonderful and treasured gift. Make sure that you keep on viewing because I am rounding the 1,000 review mark and we will definitely need to celebrate that when it happens! 
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EIGHTH GRADE
Release Date: 2018
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 94 mins

Written and directed by stand up comedian Bo Burnham, this coming-of-age tale had me squirming in my seat with it's accurate and embarrassingly memorable recount of early adolescence and teenage awkwardness. 
Kayla Day is completing her final week of eighth grade and preparing to enter high school. Shy and socially awkward, Kayla spends her free time making motivational videos on YouTube that get little to no views. Between navigating social media, school cliques, crushes and her clingy single father, Kayla is just trying to do her best to stay optimistic. 
This movie feels so genuine and real, the character of Kayla (played perfectly by Elsie Fisher) offers an accurate and unpolished version of early teenage awkwardness that was so desperately missing from the coming-of-age genre and it is delivered in such a fresh and plausible way. 
Although completely different in so many ways to my own adolescent experiences, there were still moments when I recognised the awkward longings and difficulties of Kayla as I watched; proving that teenagers are still just teenagers and that growing pains haven't changed all that much in 30 years. 
FINAL SAY: Growing up can be a little bit scary and weird. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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Using the Time

24/4/2022

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I always feel like I have so much time when I start a school holiday break, but two weeks is never really as long as you would think, especially when you have lots of people to catch up with and appointments to keep. However, I am certainly not complaining, I am always deeply grateful for the respite and reset time and having a couple of weeks off to gather my bearings and reboot my system every 10 weeks or so is truly a god send. 
​In the last two weeks I have really used my time efficiently, swinging between obligation, organisation and pure indulgence, and I have loved every single moment of it.
The highlights for me were:
  • Having cocktails with friends.
  • Enjoying afternoon tea in the sun at the botanical gardens.
  • A freshly baked morning tea at a dear friend's house.
  • Walking the neighbourhood most fine days.
  • Spending Easter with my loved ones.
  • Hosting a pizza/movie night.
  • Catching up with far away friends for brunch.
  • Going to the ELVIS exhibition in Bendigo with the family.
  • Sipping a 'Dark and Stormy' in a swanky bar with a buddy.
  • Getting my hair and eyebrows tizzied up.
  • Finally organising the the cable guy to hook up the Ethernet to my TV - so long Wi-Fi drop outs!
  • Enjoying two meat smoker events.
  • Going to the movies.
  • Watching 16 films and finishing eight TV series.
  • Reading four books.
  • Cleaning out my jewellery cupboard and wardrobe - long overdue!
  • Eating out at delicious restaurants four times.
  • And I also took Craig to pick up his new whip for his 50th birthday - a brand new cherry red Mustang.
Never was there a happier man than Craig when he pulled up in our driveway in that car, smiling from ear to ear and more gleeful than I have seen him in an age. Craig has wanted a flashy car for as long as I have known him, which is almost 30 years now. He has saved and worked his arse off to make it happen and to see him get something that he has wanted for so long made my heart so full of joy. It was the icing on the cake of my already incredible holiday break. 
And so, like it does at this time every year, a new term begins and I return to the hamster wheel of work  for another couple of months, refreshed and relaxed after my epic break  but still always longing for the days ahead that offer me another round of respite and indulgent joy. 
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I WANT YOU BACK
Release Date: 2022
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 111 mins 

A romantic comedy directed by Jason Orley from a screenplay written by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger that actually delivers just the right mix of rom/com to work. 
Two recently dumped strangers team up in attempt to win back their exes through unscrupulous and underhanded methods. 
The storyline here is simple enough, but the cast are truly terrific and deliver their roles with tonnes of humour and likeability which really elevates this rom/com from predictable and basic to the halls of genuine enjoyment.
Charlie Day and Jenny Slate play the roles of the two devious and heartbroken friends with a plausible onscreen chemistry and they are very well supported by Scott Eastwood, Manny Jacinto, Clark Backo and Gina Rodriguez whom all believably fall into the messy love entanglement that ensues.
I Want You Back is no game changer, but for a rom/com this is a solid and enjoyable watch. 
FINAL SAY: We're each others sadness sisters. 
3 Chilli Peppers 
​

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The Golden Globes 2022

16/1/2022

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Sadly, because the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was mired in racial controversy, The Golden Globes annual event was completely devoid of all stars and all cameras this year. Which also meant that it couldn't be televised - I mean, not a lot of point televising an awards ceremony if the stars aren't even going to be there right? So, for the first time in years, I didn't get to enjoy the glitz and glamour of it all from the comfort of my couch with a champers in my hand, I just had to wait to hear the results like everyone else did - via the media. 
It’s was a unfortunate downgrade of what used to be one of the glitziest awards shows in Hollywood. But after investigations by The Los Angeles Times and New York Times revealed a series of ethical lapses within the H.F.P.A. and a membership devoid of Black voters, Hollywood’s major publicity firms cut off the show’s access to stars. How on earth this has happened in this day and age seriously perplexes me, but at least the scandal has been brought out into the light for rectification. 
Naturally, the H.F.P.A. has since announced its new rules and has now admitted 21 new members, including journalists of colour; which is better late than never I suppose, but its pretty damn hard to make amends now.
And it still remains to be seen if Hollywood will even acknowledge Sunday’s awards ceremony, which is a genuine shame for the recipients, because in my opinion they were all most deserving of their wins. 
Below is the complete list of winners. 
Best Motion Picture, Drama
“The Power of the Dog”
Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
“West Side Story”
Best Director, Motion Picture
Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Nicole Kidman, “Being the Ricardos”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Rachel Zegler, “West Side Story”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
Will Smith, “King Richard”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Andrew Garfield, “Tick, Tick … Boom!”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture
Kodi Smit-McPhee, “The Power of the Dog”
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture
Kenneth Branagh, “Belfast”
Best Original Score, Motion Picture
Hans Zimmer, “Dune”
Best Original Song, Motion Picture
Billie Eilish, “No Time to Die”
Best Motion Picture, Animated
“Encanto”
Best Motion Picture, Non-English Language
“Drive My Car”
Best Television Series, Drama
“Succession”
Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
“Hacks”
Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
“The Underground Railroad”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, “Pose”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama
Jeremy Strong, “Succession”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Supporting Role
Sarah Snook, “Succession”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Michael Keaton, “Dopesick”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Supporting Role
O Yeong-su, “Squid Game”
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THE POWER OF THE DOG
Release Date: 2021
Rating: M
Running Time: 126 mins 

An intelligent and genuinely intriguing film; written, produced and directed by Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog is mesmerising and disturbing in equal measures. With marvellous sweeping landscapes and enough sideways glances to make anyone uncomfortable, its hard to look away from the screen whilst you are watching this. After winning the Best Motion Picture - Drama at the 79th Golden Globe Awards, The Power of Dog swiftly gained attention and became the buzz film of early 2022.
The Burbank brothers are wealthy ranchers from Montana. One is a mild mannered gentleman named George and the other is a severe and intimidating cowboy named Phil. When George falls for a widow named Rose and brings her and her impressionable son Peter to their ranch to live, tensions rise as Phil attempts to assert himself over the newcomers. 
This is a slow burning western drama, so it isn't going to appeal to everyone, but it certainly appealed to me.  The cast is unbelievably good here, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons delivering their finest, but it was young Kodi Smit-McPhee that stole the show here with his  unassuming observations and contemplative behaviours as Rose's son Peter that really engrossed me. 
I loved this film from start to end, it explores the hardest of the hard and also the tenderest of souls, which is a contrast that I am always drawn to, and just like all of Jane Campion's efforts, this was a total winner for me.  
FINAL SAY: Deliver my soul from the sword. My darling from the power of the dog. 
5 Chilli Peppers 
​

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By My Calculations...

24/10/2021

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I failed to write on my blog last week because I was doing a major overhaul of my review materials. Not only did I re-sort all of my reviews into chronological order, I also did a massive statistical review of my website. This was hours of work, but also a labour of love. 
In total, I now have 888 reviews completed on Spicywatch and only 60 unreviewed films left in my catch up (back log) of movies to review. That may sound like a lot of reviews to catch up on, but when you have managed to already do so many, it is actually quite manageable and it will give me a project to work on over the Summer break. 
My wish list of movies that I would like to see is, in contrast to my 'to review' list, ridiculously long with 493 movies currently starring, and it just continues to grow longer and longer by the day. I have to admit that I may never actually get around to seeing all of the films that I would like to see in this lifetime, but at least I will never run out of viewing options. 
Below is statistical break down of the reviews that I have joyfully completed on my website so far, which may not be that interesting to you but was very interesting for me as the reviewer. I clearly watch a lot more Horror, Drama and Art House movies than any other genres and when it comes to Romance films, I obviously struggle to find ones that I like enough to review. 
I have reviewed movies that span across a 100 year gap and most of the films that I have enjoyed enough to review have been between 1997 and 2020.
I cannot accurately estimate how many movies I have actually seen in my lifetime, however if I use my statistics from the last five years as a base line and only count the last 20 years then I think that I can safely guess that I have already seen around 5,500 films to date, with only 880 of those making it onto my lists so far. 
​At this point it would also be fair to say that I probably only like around 16% of what I actually watch, which I think probably makes me a pretty fussy reviewer!
Anyway, as always thanks for your continued readership and I hope that placing my reviews in chronological order on their genre lists will make them more user friendly for you to peruse in the future. Happy viewing!
DRAMA:
Total - 130 
Oldest Film - Citizen Kane 1941
Newest Film - Nomadland 2021
​Year with the most reviews - 2014
HORROR, THRILLER, SUPERNATURAL:

Total - 113 
Oldest Film - Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror 1922
Newest Film - Fear Street Trilogy 2021
​Year with the most reviews - 2016
COMEDY:
Total - 92
Oldest Film - Duck Soup 1933
Newest Film - JoJo Rabbit 2019
​Year with the most reviews - 2007
ACTION, CRIME, WAR:

Total - 101
Oldest Film - Seven Samurai 1954
Newest Film - Nobody 2021
​Year with the most reviews - 2019
SCIENCE FICTION, SUPER, FANTASY:

Total - 110
Oldest Film - It's A Wonderful Life 1946
Newest Film - Love and Monsters 2020
​Year with the most reviews - 2017
ART HOUSE, MUSICAL, INTERNATIONAL:

Total - 112
Oldest Film - The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Oldest film reviewed) 1920
Newest Film - Another Round 2020
​Year with the most reviews - 2004
GRITTY, CHALLENGING, DOCUMENTARY:

Total - 95
Oldest Film - Deliverance 1972
Newest Film - Swallow 2020
​Year with the most reviews - 2010 and 2011
ROMANCE, MATTERS OF THE HEART:
Total - 68
Oldest Film - My Fair Lady 1964
Newest Film - Palm Springs 2020
​Year with the most reviews - 2013
KID FRIENDLY:

Total - 67
Oldest Film - Wizard of Oz 1939
Newest Film - Cruella 2021
​Year with the most reviews - 2009 and 2016 
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​THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
Release Date: 1920
Rating: PG
Running Time: 67 mins 
Considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, this classic silent movie is arguably the first horror film to have ever been made, and although it may not have the same clout that it had back in it's day, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari still has punch when it comes to unnerving its audience. 
A man retells his horrifying experiences after meeting Dr. Caligari at a town fair. Dr Caligari has a cabinet that contains a creepy somnambulist that can predict the future, but Dr. Caligari's arrival has also brought about a series of grisly murders to the town.  
There is a stark and twisted visual style to this movie that is absolutely amazing. Sets are askew, landscapes are jagged and the characters are all ghostly white with big black eyes. It is easy to see where Tim Burton may have gotten inspiration, because the odd angles and oblique lines are uncannily similar. 
Since you can watch the entire movie on YouTube for free these days, there is no excuse for not having seen this masterpiece of German cinema. I think it is a movie that everyone should make an effort to see for its vision and uniqueness, there really is nothing else like it. 
FINAL SAY: Dr. Caligari, you are one twisted sicko! 
3.5 Chilli Peppers

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Like Embracing Me

4/7/2021

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Said you say
You wanna be alone
But someone loves you more than you know
Breath slow
'Cause you don't know
You don't know
'Cause you don't know
All the things that could set you free
Like embracing me....


No, unfortunately I didn't write those beautiful words, they are from the song Embracing Me by Safia which happens to be one of my favourite songs. I often think of those lyrics when I need a bit of healing or comfort. I recall all of the really great embraces that I have had in my lifetime and how great they all made me feel. Some of those hugs came from my husband and children, some from my parents, some from my friends and some days I have even embraced myself. 
Embracing yourself looks a little different than just stretching out your arms and wrapping them around yourself, although this too can offer a great deal of comfort when the need arises. But the comfort that I am talking about is when you embrace yourself with kindness and pleasure. Still not sure what I mean? 
Well, if you want to embrace yourself physically try these things:
  • Go for a morning walk
  • Hug someone for a longer than usual length of time
  • Drink a glass of lemon water or some good quality herbal tea
  • Stretch for 10 minutes or do yoga
  • Eat a colourful plant based meal
  • Take a hot bath or a cool shower
  • Immerse yourself in the sun
  • Apply a face mask
  • Get a massage 
To embrace yourself mentally try these options:
  • Read a book
  • Clean out your wardrobe
  • Listen to a podcast
  • Write in your journal
  • Do brain training or brain gym
  • Plan a gathering or dinner party
  • Watch a TED talk or a documentary
  • Play a video game
  • Try something new
  • Do a puzzle
  • Rearrange a room on your house
And to embrace yourself spiritually give these a try:
  • Meditate
  • Watch a sunrise, sunset or starry sky. 
  • Sit quietly in nature
  • Connect to someone you miss
  • Read or write poetry
  • Pray, visualise or contemplate
  • Have a laugh with friends
I think you may be getting the idea at this point. And time and time again I have proven myself to be a hedonist aka pleasure seeker in this life.  And lets be honest, life is challenging and demanding and mostly unpredictable so why wouldn't you take some time to embrace the really good stuff that makes you feel more alive? And remember, if there is no-one else around for you to embrace, just embrace yourself- mind, body and soul. 
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​​CHASING AMY 
Release Date: 1997
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 113 mins 
The movie that 'Silent Bob' broke his silence for. It could be seen as a bit dated these days, but when it was released, Chasing Amy had a fresh voice about the jealousies and insecurities that ruin good relationships. Written and directed by Kevin Smith (Silent Bob), Chasing Amy won two Independent Spirit Awards in 1998 and was generally received with favourable critic reviews. 
Comic book authors Banky (Jason Lee) and Holden (Ben Affleck) have been best buddies for over 20 years, but the arrival of a high spirited lesbian named Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams) threatens their friendship when Holden falls for her. Holden finds that his feelings are put to the test, not only by Banky who desperately wants Alyssa gone, but also by Alyssa's checkered and promiscuous past. 
This a great story about young people attempting to find themselves whilst trying to deal with their baggage and hang ups. I really enjoyed this movie because love does come in all kinds of packages, and some of them aren't very neat or pretty. 
FINAL SAY: So, I've spent every day since then chasing Amy. 
3.5 Chilli Peppers

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Why is No-One Talking About these Movies?

27/6/2021

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It's no secret that everyone loves a big block bluster movie or even a sleeper hit or some kind of movie that is mainstream and easy and people have heard about it through word of mouth. These types of films can be great and I cannot deny that I really adore it when a movie becomes a sleeper hit in particular. However, there are so many fabulous movies that just slip thought the cracks of people's viewing and get missed all together because not enough people are talking about them.
Well, I am talking about them, constantly! More than likely annoyingly to a lot of people. I would recommend movies to people at last a dozen or more times a week and often people will say things to me like "I haven't even heard of that movie" or "Really? I thought that film looked a bit weird/ strange/ arty / scary for me to see." And it honestly kills me because a huge number of movies that never get seen are absolutely gold, some of the best and they not only deserve to be talked about,  they most definitely deserve to be seen as well.  
Below I have listed my top 10 'You Really Should Be Talking About This Film - and Probably Will Be After You Watch it' for each genre on Spicywatch.com. These are films that are very deserving of your time and attention and in my opinion (for what it's worth) definitely should've gotten a lot more attention than they did. They are not block busters or sleeper hits, they are mostly films that flew under the radar, which means that you could easily have missed them but you really shouldn't have. They are not new, in fact many are old and could probably be streamed on many different platforms for free these days. 
Full reviews can be found on the genre lists should you require more information.
Happy viewing!
DRAMA:
  1. Ingrid Goes West 
  2. Jungle 
  3. Youth 
  4. Locke
  5. Short Term 12 
  6. Don Jon 
  7. Eighth Grade 
  8. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
  9. Brothers 
  10. The Station Agent
​HORROR:
  1. The Vigil
  2. The Lodge
  3. Saint Maud
  4. Mandy 
  5. Frailty
  6. Here Alone
  7. A Dark Song
  8. The House of the Devil
  9. Creep
  10. Hell House LLC
ACTION/CRIME/WAR:
  1. Uncut Gems
  2. The King
  3. Good Time
  4. The Bad Batch
  5. Prisoners
  6. End of Watch 
  7. Glory
  8. Children of Men
  9. The Thin Red Line
  10. Blood Simple
COMEDY:
  1. Instant Family
  2. Fighting With My Family
  3. The Breaker Upperers
  4. Game Night
  5. Spy
  6. The Grand Seduction
  7. In Bruges
  8. Son of Rambow
  9. Kung Pow! Enter the Fist!
  10. Tucker and Dale vs Evil
SCIENCE FICTION/ FANTASY:
  1. Save Yourselves!
  2. Predestination 
  3. Moon
  4. Upgrade
  5. The Endless
  6. Melancholia
  7. Ex Machina
  8. Under the Skin
  9. These Final Hours
  10. Sunshine 
ART HOUSE/ MUSICAL/ INTERNATIONAL:
  1. The Great Beauty
  2. Me and You and Everyone We Know 
  3. Once
  4. A Ghost Story
  5. Black is King 
  6. Sightseers
  7. Somewhere
  8. 20,000 Days on Earth
  9. Kung Fu Hustle 
  10. Only Lovers Left Alive 
GRITTY/ DOCO/ CHALLENGING
  1. Swallow
  2. The Nightingale
  3. The Tale
  4. Chasing Coral
  5. The Weight of Elephants
  6. Tyrannosaur
  7. Dogtooth
  8. Metal Skin
  9. Birth
  10. Fishtank
ROMANCE/ MATTERS OF THE HEART:
  1. Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool
  2. Blue Jay
  3. What If
  4. Man Up
  5. The One I Love
  6. Bright Star
  7. Labor Day
  8. Ruby Sparks
  9. Chasing Amy
  10. Your Sister's Sister
KID FRIENDLY:
  1. The Willoughbys
  2. Klaus
  3. Isle of Dogs
  4. The Little Prince
  5. Kubo and the Two Strings
  6. The Boy and The Beast
  7. Paranorman
  8. 9
  9. Hoodwinked!
  10. Hugo 
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JUNGLE
Release Date: 2017
Rating: M
Running Time: 115 mins 

A biographical survival drama based on the true story of Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg's 1981 journey into the Amazon forest. Directed by Greg McLean and written by Justin Monjo, Jungle offers a gripping and terrifying depiction of one man's struggle against the elements and the wilds of the Amazon. 
During his trekking adventures, Yossi finds himself in La Paz, Bolivia where he hooks up with two adventurous friends. Yossi has a conversation with an Austrian traveller who claims to know the whereabouts of an indigenous tribe in the jungle and entices Yossi and his friends to join him on a trek into the forest to find them. After a series of events, the group divides and Yossi takes to the river with his friend Kevin in an attempt to escape the jungle. However when their raft capsizes on the rapids and the men become separated, it soon becomes  fight for survival for Yossi as he tries to find his way back to civilisation. 
Daniel Radcliffe is delivering some of his best work here as Yossi, proving that he is maturing and developing into a reputable and diverse actor. Personally, I thought that Jungle was a genuinely interesting and intriguing movie, especially given the outcomes and if you are in to survival/biographical dramas, I can honestly say that this is definitely one of the better ones. 
FINAL SAY: I told my parents that I'd be back in a year, but I don't think that I'm ever going back. 
​3.5 Chilli Peppers

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Seven Deadly Sins

23/5/2021

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Spicywatch.com has just celebrated its seventh birthday! And how she has grown over the years from a humble dozen or so movies reviews when I first launched her in May 2014 to the massive 873 reviews that she now has under her belt. In the 7 years that Spicywatch has been on the internet I have had over 100,000 hits and on average, good old Spicywatch manages to rustle  up around 2500- 6500 readers a month.
So naturally, I had to celebrate the wonderful and joyful occasion of Spicywatch's 7th birthday, especially since last year I couldn't really do anything significant due to COVID-19.  So in the spirit of all things seven, I asked my guests to investigate the 7 Deadly Sins of gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, pride, lust and envy and then choose their favourite clips from any or all of those categories to share. 
The event was a small but meaningful gathering and everyone had clearly done their research because we traversed the genres like never before. To give you some idea of the range of the movies that had a clip in the mix, check out this movie list of just some that I can recall from last night's line up. 
GLUTTONY:
  • Mathilda
  • Austin Powers 
  • Spirited Away
  • Chocolat
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  • Stand by Me
  • The History of the World (Monty Python) 
PRIDE:
  • American Psycho 
  • Citizen Kane 
  • Monty Python - The Holy Grail 
  • The Joker 
ENVY:
  • Fatal Attraction
  • Eyes Wide Shut
  • Howl's Moving Castle
  • Moulin Rogue 
  • Zoolander 
  • Black Swan
LUST:
  • Death Proof
  • The Devil's Advocate 
  • What We Do in the Shadows 
  • The Witches of Eastwick
  • Fatal Attraction 
  • Team America 
  • American Beauty 
SLOTH:
  • Trainspotting
  • The Goonies 
  • The Big Lebowski
  • Avengers: Endgame 
WRATH:
  • Raging Bull
  • The Shining
  • Maleficent
  • Office Space 
  • The Lighthouse 
  • Revolutionary Road
  • Punch Drunk Love 
  • Brothers 
  • Kill Bill Vol 2
  • Silver Linings Playbook
GREED:
  • The Hobbit 
  • There Will Be Blood
  • Casino
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas 
  • Pocahontas 
  • The Mummy 
  • Marie Antoinette 

Many thanks to the few incredible souls that braved the weather to celebrate Spicywatch's birthday with me and thanks to all of my loyal readers that continue to check in, read my reviews, leave comments and support the growth of my little blog. 
Picture
SE7EN 
Release Date: 1995
Rating: R 18+
Running Time: 127 mins 
If you're into mystery/crime drama and can handle a few graphic murder scenes, then you will probably get a lot out of Se7en. Stylishly delivered by David Fincher, this film received a lot of commercial success at the box offices internationally, and had tongues wagging when it was released in 1995. 
Newly transferred detective Mills (Brad Pitt) teams up with ready-to-retire veteran Somerset (Morgan Freeman) to try and track down a sadistic serial killer that is murdering his victims in correspondence to the seven deadly sins of gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, pride, lust and envy. 
There is a dark and broody undertone to this movie that is hard to ignore, Fincher has clearly gone to a seedy, violent and quite depressing place here. He has highlighted the moral decay of humanity with an overcasting shadow effect called bleach bypass that sustains all of the silver in a film stock, creating a deepened-darkening effect. It works, the film is as unsettling in premise as it is visually. If serial killer films upset you, then you should probably give this one a miss. 
FINAL SAY: What's in the box?
3.5 Chilli Peppers

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The Best of 2020

2/1/2021

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Normally at this time of the year I would have been able to recount all of the wonderful things that I did and the people that I shared my time with throughout the year, and write a really amazing blog post reminiscing about those events; this year however - not so much! To say that 2020 was a difficult year would be a massive understatement, but for those of you that are out there reading this, well at least we survived it right?
Equally it was a strange year of cinema to say the least! I cannot deny that the viewing opportunities in 2020 grew wider and faster than anyone (even myself) could possibly have kept up with. However, this year I only watched 185 movies in total, which does sound like a lot but it was actually 30 less than I watched in 2019. This was mainly due to the quality of the films on offer, which in opinion were not nearly as consistently great as they were in 2019 and I found myself wading through a lot mediocre movies this year. 
However, television was a whole other ball game, and I watched 153 television series (some of which were more than one series of catch up as well) which was a lot more TV than I viewed in 2018 or 2019, so it all balances out to the same amount of couch smashing in the end and still translates to me being a serious media addict. 

You will notice that there are a lot of TV series listed below that got 4 chilli peppers or more, certainly more than movies did and that is simply because there were a lot more excellent TV experiences to be had this year. The influx of genuinely high level television in 2020 was literally never ending and because of COVID19 lockdowns across the globe we were given the best TV streaming opportunities that we have ever had before. My 'to see' list is pages long these days as I struggle to keep ahead of the game and the movie reviews that I still need to add to my blog, but alas it is a labour of love and I have enjoyed every moment of media escapism that I have indulged in this year. 
2020, just like 2019 managed to deliver greatness across all genres, for which I am very grateful. The international films, independent films and animated films were amazingly good this year and it was great to see so many excellent films and series from those genres. And so, without further ado....here is my selection for the best viewing experiences of 2020. 
BEST MOVIES (2020 release):
Soul - Kids  5 Chilli Peppers (Hall of Fame)
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers 
Sound of Metal - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
Onward - Kids  4 Chilli Peppers
Black is King - Musical  4 Chilli Peppers
The Vast of Night - Sci-Fi   3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Invisible Man - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
The Willoughbys - Kids  3.5 Chilli Peppers
His House - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Colour Out of Space - Sci -Fi  3.5 Chilli Peppers
Da 5 Bloods - War 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Enola Holmes  - Crime 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Deadwood: The Movie - Crime 3.5
 Chilli Peppers
Save Yourselves! - Sci-Fi/ Comedy   3.5 Chilli Peppers

2020 HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
The Platform - Gritty/ International  3 Chilli Peppers
Swallow - Gritty 3 Chilli Peppers
Palm Springs -  Romance/ Comedy 3 Chilli Peppers 
Vivarium - Sci-Fi 3 Chilli Peppers 
#Alive - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers
American Murder: The Family Next Door - Doco 3 Chilli Peppers 
Relic - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers 


Here are my top recommendations for pre-2020 releases that I didn't see until 2020:
1917 - War 5 Chilli Peppers (Hall of Fame) 
Parasite - International 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Shadow - International 4.5 Chilli Peppers
The Nightingale - Gritty  4 Chilli Peppers
Uncut Gems - Crime 4 Chilli Peppers
The Lighthouse - Art House  4 Chilli Peppers
The Farewell - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
Burning - International 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Ford v Ferrari - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Chasing Coral - Doco  3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Peanut Butter Falcon - Drama 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Mid90s - Drama   3.5 Chilli Peppers
Zombieland 2: Double tap - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers
Dr Sleep - Horror 3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Rocketman - Musical  3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Gentlemen - Crime 3.5 Chilli Peppers
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie - Crime  3.5 Chilli Peppers
Hail Satan? - Doco  3.5 Chilli Peppers
3 Identical Strangers - Doco  3.5 Chilli Peppers
Mystify: Michael Hutchence - Doco  
3.5 Chilli Peppers
The Lodge - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers
The Night Eats the World - Horror 3 Chilli Peppers

BEST TELEVISION SERIES 2020:
Succession S2 -  Drama 5 Chilli Peppers
Ozark S3 - Crime 5 Chilli Peppers
Lovecraft Country - Horror 5 Chilli Peppers
This Country S3 - Comedy 5 Chilli Peppers
Raised by Wolves - Sci- Fi 4.5 Chilli Peppers
The Queen's Gambit - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers

The Mandalorian - Sci-Fi 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Better Call Saul S5 - Crime 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
Morning Wars - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
I May Destroy You - Drama 4.5 Chilli Peppers 
DEVS - Sci-Fi  4 Chilli Peppers 
The Magicians S5 - Sci-Fi 4 Chilli Peppers

The Great - Period Drama 4 Chilli Peppers 
What We Do in the Shadows S2 - Horror/Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Mythic Quest - Comedy/Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Kidding S2 - Art House 4 Chilli Peppers
Awkwafina is Nora from Queens - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
The Boys S2 - Super 4 Chilli Peppers

Ramy S2 - Comedy/ Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
The Haunting of Bly Manor -  Horror 4 Chilli Peppers

The Undoing - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
Wayne - Crime/ Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
Unorthodox - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers
​It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia S14 - Comedy 4 Chilli Peppers
High Fidelity - Drama 4 Chilli Peppers


2020 TV HONOURABLE MENTIONS: ​
Ratched - Thriller  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
SEE - Sci- Fi  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Avenue 5 - Sci-Fi/ Comedy  3 Chilli Peppers 
Dave - Comedy  3 Chilli Peppers
The Servant - Thriller  3 Chilli Peppers
 
The Umbrella Academy S2- Fantasy 3 Chilli Peppers
The Third Day - Thriller  3 Chilli Peppers 
After Life S2 - Comedy  3 Chilli Peppers 
Killing Eve S3 - Crime  3 Chilli Peppers 
Breeders - Comedy  3.5 Chilli Peppers 
Picture
SOUL
Release Date: 2020
Rating: PG
Running Time: 100 mins 

A computer animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animations and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Soul is easily the best children's film and definitely one of the  best movies to come out of 2020. With a concept that could be considered too adult for children to fully comprehend, Soul skilfully weaves a tale about mindfulness and living your best life that in my opinion, won't be lost on audiences of any age. 
Middle school music teacher Joe Gardner has always aspired to become a successful jazz musician. That dream seems like it is about to become a reality when Joe lands the chance to play with jazz legend Dorothea Williams. However, when Joe takes a tumble down a manhole and arrives in the afterlife, his dreams of becoming a jazz star look highly unlikely. 
Visually magnificent, musically enchanting and filled with otherworldly delights, Soul is a pleasure to watch whilst still delivering a beautiful and thoughtful message about the way in which we engage in our everyday lives. This film has a high vibration to it that is absolutely intoxicating and I adored it. 
Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House and Richard Ayoade deliver incredible voice acting to their characters and the entire experience is nothing short of enchanting. Soul is unmissable viewing for all ages. 
FINAL SAY: Life is full of possibilities. You just need to know where to look. Don't miss out on the joys of life. 
5 Chilli Peppers ​​

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2020 Sleeper Hits

22/11/2020

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We all know that 2020 has been a rather tepid year when it comes to blockbuster movies, and for good reason. Who in their right mind would want to launch their huge box office smash hit movie when every cinema in the world is closed due to coronavirus restrictions? Clearly the smart thing to do is to just  hold off until everything returns to normal, and a lot of big budget film makers that are fortunate enough to have the equity to do that have done that. However, a lot of other smaller or independent film makers have been forced to sell the rights to their movies to streaming services in order to pay the bills - so to speak. What this has meant for us as viewers is access to a large number of sleeper hits that we have been able to watch in our own homes. 
So what is a sleeper hit? In the entertainment industry a sleeper hit is any movie, TV series, music release or video game that is usually not very successful upon first release and then gains momentum and becomes a huge success down the track. Sleeper hits often have little promotion or lack a successful launch (this often happens with films that go directly to streaming) but then they builds a reputation through critic reviews and attention which increases their overall exposure. Eventually the unknown form of entertainment becomes very popular because it has gained outside attention for being very good, original or controversial.
Some great examples of past sleeper hit movies that started out small and then deservingly gained a large following are:
  • Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - International/ Action
  • Slumdog Millionaire - Romance/ Drama
  •  Juno - Drama
  • Saw - Horror 
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Comedy/ Romance 
  • Napoleon Dynamite - Comedy 
  • Paranormal Activity - Horror 
  • The Greatest Showman - Musical 
For someone like me who goes to the movies to see pretty much everything, being able to access high quality new release cinema at home has been an appreciated and well utilised privilege, and I have to say that I have seen some excellent movies through my streaming services this year that I definitely would have gone to the cinema and paid good money to have seen if coronavirus restrictions weren't in place.
And so without further ado, here is my list of the top ten movies that have streamed this year that I would not only recommend but also regard as 2020 sleeper hits that are definitely worthy of your time and attention:
  1. #Alive - International/ Horror (Netflix) 
  2. Enola Holmes - Crime/ Action (Netflix) 
  3. Black is King - Music (Disney) 
  4. His House - Horror (Netflix) 
  5. Relic - Horror (Stan) 
  6. Da 5 Bloods - War (Netflix) 
  7. The Willoughbys - Kids (Netflix) 
  8. The Platform - International/ Thriller (Netflix) 
  9. Swallow - Thriller (Stan) 
  10. Palm Springs - Romance (Prime) 
Picture
PALM SPRINGS
Release Date: 2020
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins

With a big nod to Groundhog Day, this modern take on the time travel/romance genre delivers an unexpectedly sweet and enjoyable ride. Directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara, Palm Springs dives just far enough in to the time loop idea to keep you interested without becoming too convoluted or complicated. 
At her sister's wedding reception, maid of honour Sarah (Cristin Milioti) hooks up with Nyles (Andy Samberg) after he rescues her from an awkward wedding speech. However, it is not until Sarah wakes up the next morning that it becomes clear that something extremely unusual has happened.
Palm Springs is certainly not a game changer, but it is also not a total waste of time either (pardon the pun). The onscreen chemistry between Milioti and Samberg is actually quite plausible and helps the film to gain some levity along the way and the two seem genuinely at ease with each other as they navigate their new situation. 
Andy Samberg is actually good as the obnoxious and drunken character Nyles and it was really good to see him doing something that wasn't just completely cheesy and throw away for a change. With some solid acting support from J.K. Simmons and Meredith Hagner, in the end, this film comes together in a quite enjoyable way. 
FINAL SAY: I would rather die with you, than live in a world without you. 
3 Chilli Peppers

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    Hi, my name is Barb.
    I crave excellent, high quality viewing experiences. 
    ​Share in my addiction. 

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