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20Jan

[FILM REVIEW] BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC Review (2020)

Posted in Adventure, Comedy, Film, Film Genre, Home Page | Leave a comment

Summary: Once again it is up to Bill and Ted to save the world – this time they have to travel through time and work out how they wrote the perfect song in the future. With a task so big though this time they may need their daughters to help them.

Year: 2020

Cinema Release Dates: 28th August 2020 (Australia), 16th September 2020 (UK), 28th August 2020 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: 28th August 2020 (Australia), 28th August 2020 (USA)

Country: Bahamas, USA

Director: Dean Parisot

Screenwriter: Chris Matheson, Ed Solomon

Cast: Brigette Nicole Andrews (Cleopatra), Linda Ayliff (Amelia Earhart), Jared Bankins (Jesus/Young Ted), Diana Barnes (Frida), Jillian Bell (Dr. Taylor Wood), Beck Bennett (Deacon), Artis Burney (Buddha), George Carlin (Rufus Hologram), Anthony Carrigan (Dennis Caleb McCoy), Georgia Cohran (Harriet Tubman), Jeremiah Craft (Louis Armstrong), Daniel Dorr (Mozart), Doug Gagnon (Bartholomew), Sharon Gee (Ling Lun),Kallie Glidewell (Flapper), Mickey Gooch Jnr. (Clete), Dave Grohl (himself), William E. Harris (George Washington), Erinn Hayes (Elizabeth), Miles Hendler (Judas), Kid Cudi (himself), Hal Landon Jnr. (Chief Logan), Xavier Leblanc (Phaoroh), Reece Loustalot (Babe Ruth), Jeff Pagano (Noelle Redding), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Billie), Jayma Mays (Joanna), Piotr Michael (Rufus (voice)), Patty Anne Miller (Grom), Kharismisa Morris (Josephine Baker), Keanu Reeves (Ted), Eliana Ruiz (Indira Gandhi), William Sadler (Death), Kristen Schaal (Kelly), Billy Slaughter (Young Bill), DaZMann Still (Jimi Hendrix), Amy Stoch (Missy), Kimberley Stockton (Queen Elizabeth), Holland Taylor (The Great Leader), Samara Weaving (Thea), Peter Wick (Zenny), Alex Winter (Bill), Tommie Wong (Kubla Khan), Ned Yousef (Gandhi)

Running Time: 91 mins

Classification: PG (Australia), PG (UK), PG-13 (USA)

OUR BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Bill & Ted Face The Music Review:

I can still remember the first time I saw a Bill & Ted film. I was in Primary School and while at my friend’s place he shoved this pink and purple VHS into my hands and said “Dude, we need to watch this.” From that moment I was hooked with these likable idiots. I wanted to be them so much that they are probably one of the reasons why I love hard rock and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I used some of the things I learned from the film when it came to History at High School.

Yes, I wanted to be Bill and Ted but then I grew up. I graduated, went to College, got married and bought a house… like adults do. But according to what we find in the new instalment of the Bill & Ted franchise people don’t change – they are the same forever. Yes, it is ridiculous to think that way but that is what any audience going into this film is expected to think.

Set nearly thirty years after the originals Bill And Ted Face The Music find Bill (Alex Winter – Grand Piano) and Ted (Keanu Reeves – John Wick) completely washed up but the fathers of two daughters – Thea (Samara Weaving – Guns Akimbo) and Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine – The Glass Castle). The two’s music careers are over and their marriages are in tatters – in general their lives are a mess.

Then out of the blue Kelly (Kristan Schall – The Muppets) turns up from the future to tell them that the world is about to end if Bill and Ted can’t create the perfect song. The two travel through time to try and find how they wrote the perfect song while being pursued by a deadly assassin named Dennis Caleb McCoy (Anthony Carrigan – Gotham). Meanwhile Thea and Billie begin their own journey through time in a bid to build the perfect band for their fathers.

To be honest this was probably one of the most disappointing films I have watched in a long time. I wanted to see the filmmakers, director Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) and his screenwriting team, doing something really special with this film; instead I got something that was slightly insulting to my childhood. Not only is the film plain dumb and feature nothing ‘spectacular’ that I was hoping for but the film seems to be ill thought out. I get that Bill and Ted are losers whose lives have never reached the potential that they should have; you know what as a fan of Jay and Silent Bob I can deal with that. What I can’t deal with or even believe is that they are so juvenile that they still speak like stoners so much later in their lives… it is so ridiculous that nobody can comprehend it.

Likewise the film does nothing ‘special.’ Despite a few moments that might make you chuckle Bill and Ted’s journey is this film is lacklustre and nowhere near as exciting as the journey in their original film. I can’t help but wonder why the writers didn’t do more things like the brilliant Dave Grohl cameo – this film needed to be epic not the lacklustre yawn fest that it became.

There are times during this film that the script is so stupid that I swear Keanu Reeves looks uncomfortable. We know what a brilliant actor he is but there are times during the film where his ‘stoner’ language and laugh seem to be ‘forced’ and you can see his mind asking “why did I sign up for this?” Despite the quality of the performers in the film, including Samara Weaving, this is not a film that is going to end up a highlight on anyone’s acting resume.

There will be a lot of people out there who go out and watch Bill And Ted Face The Music simply because of the nostalgia factor. As a fan of the original movies though I have to warn you that you will be sadly disappointed.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

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IMDB Rating:

Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020) on IMDb

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20Jan

[VOD NEWS] SAVED BY THE BELL Re-Newed

Posted in Comedy, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, News, TV | Leave a comment

 Get ready to go back to Bayside (again!) because Stan today announced the critically acclaimed comedy Saved By The Bell has been renewed for a second season, with ten brand new episodes on the way only on Stan.

Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren starred in the first celebrated season, reprising their roles as A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano, and were joined by John Michael Higgins, alongside a new class featuring Belmont Cameli, Dexter Darden, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Josie Totah and Haskiri Velazquez.

“I’m thrilled that Saved By The Bell has been renewed. I’ve been blown away by all the love for the show and can’t wait to go back and make more episodes,” said writer and executive producer Tracey Wigfield.

In the reimagined series, when California governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools, he proposes they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state – including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in twenty-two minutes) a much-needed dose of reality.

Season 1 addressed many important topics such as race, inclusion, class and education. In the season finale, Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) stages a walkout in order to keep the Douglas High students at Bayside. 

Tracey Wigfield serves as writer and executive producer for the series, alongside executive producer Franco Bario. Peter Engel also serves as executive producer. Saved By The Bell is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Saved By The Bell Season 1 is now streaming only on Stan, with every iconic episode of the original series also available on Stan.

20Jan

[VOD NEWS] THE MUPPETS Arrive On DISNEY+

Posted in Comedy, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, News | Leave a comment

The long wait for Muppet fans is almost over! The Muppet Show, Jim Henson’s iconic variety series that started it all, will begin streaming Friday, 19 February exclusively on Disney+. In addition to the first three seasons, fans will be able to enjoy seasons 4 and 5, which have never previously been released on home entertainment. 

The Muppet Show stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, the Swedish Chef, and more in a ground-breaking twist on the classic variety show, blending original songs, sketch comedy, and guest stars into a prime-time hit for all ages.

“It’s going to be great to welcome back longtime fans, and to give a new generation of fans a chance to see how we got our start, how Miss Piggy became a star and so much more,” said Kermit the Frog. “Today, I’m proud to say: ‘It’s time to play the music, light the lights and meet the Muppets on Disney Plus tonight!’  And as for Statler and Waldorf, the two old guys in the balcony, I can only add: ‘Sorry, guys, but….here we go again.”

Originally premiering in 1976, some of Hollywood’s brightest stars stopped by “The Muppet Show” for unforgettable comedy and chaos including Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Alice Cooper, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Gene Kelly, and Mark Hamill.
 

With all five seasons of The Muppet Show, Muppet favourites like “Muppet Treasure Island” celebrating its 25th anniversary next month, and new hits like “Muppets Now,” Disney+ is now the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational streaming service on Earth. To stream The Muppets Collection, visit www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-muppets.

07Jan

[FILM NEWS] THE FLOOD Gets More Cinema Dates

Posted in Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Thriller, Western | Leave a comment

The Flood, Victoria Wharfe McIntyre’s debut feature about a female heroine exacting revenge on an unjust Australia, will begin a theatrical release in multiple cinemas in NSW, Victoria and South Australia from January 14 after a successful series of Q&A screenings in December and positive reviews.

Originally screening as a Cinema on Demand style release in December, cinemas have invited the film to return for a theatrical release off the back of strong word of mouth.

Madman have also released the film on disc and digital platforms (including iTunes, Google Play & Telstra Movies) from today.

Cinemas screening the film are:

  • Wallis Cinema Mildura  start date Jan 21
  • Wallis Cinema Mitcham  start date Jan 21
  • Wallis Cinema Piccadilly start date Jan 21
  • Wallis Cinema Mt Barker start date Jan 21
  • Wallis Cinema Noarlunga start date Jan 21

Other cinemas taking the film (January dates tbc) include the remaining Wallis Cinemas circuit, The Ritz (Randwick), Richmond Regent , 6th Toe South West Rocks, Star Court Cinema Lismore, Peninsula Cinemas, Glenbrook Cinema and Roxy Cinema Nowra.

The Flood stars Alexis Lane, Shaka Cook (who will be seen this year in the hit musical Hamilton), Dean Kyrwood, Dalara Williams and Aaron Jeffery, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the 2020 AACTA Awards for his work on the film.  Victoria Wharfe McIntyre also won the Best Director Award and Alexis Lane won Best Actress at the recent Sydney International Women’s Film Festival.

Set during WWII, the film is the story of Jarah’s (Alexis Lane) coming-of-age in a brutal and lawless land – growing from a sweet child to a strong, independent and ferocious woman taking on Australia’s corrupt and bigoted system one bad guy at a time. In the best tradition of the gunslinging outlaw, when the enigmatic Jarah is pushed to the limit she explodes in a fury of retribution. But for a revenge western there is a surprising series of twists and turns that hint towards redemption and reconciliation.

Writer/director Victoria Wharfe McIntyre says:  “It’s such an honour to be approached by cinemas who have heard the feedback from our screenings and we’re very grateful to all the people who are keen and asking to see it on the big screen.”

Filmed in Victoria’s hometown of Kangaroo Valley, in what Victoria describes as a “wonderful creative collaboration with the local Yuin Nation community, utilising our land and that of friends and neighbours”, The Flood has poignantly become a visual archive of the Valley’s pristine subtropical rainforests and unique bushland which were destroyed by the 2020 firestorm that devastated the east coast of Australia.
https://www.madmanfilms.com.au/the-flood/

07Jan

[TV NEWS] IT’S A SIN Gets Australian Release Date

Posted in Drama, Film, Film Genre, Home Page | Leave a comment

L-R Henry and Colin

Stan today announced that every episode of It’s A Sin, the brand new 5-part drama series from award-winning writer, Russell T. Davies, will premiere 23 January, same day as the U.K. and only on Stan. 

Set in the 1980s, It’s A Sin stars Olly Alexander, Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Fry and explores the lives of Ritchie (Alexander), Roscoe (Omari Douglas) and Colin (Callum Scott Howells) as they embark on a new life in London at the beginning of the decade. Strangers at first, these young gay lads, and their best friend Jill (Lydia West), find themselves thrown together, and soon share each other’s adventures. But a new virus is on the rise, and soon their lives will be tested in ways they never imagined. As the decade passes, and they grow up in the shadow of AIDS, they’re determined to live and love more fiercely than ever.

It’s A Sin stars a cast of established and rising talentled by Olly Alexander (Skins, God Help the Girl, Penny Dreadful) including Neil Patrick Harris (A Series of Unfortunate Events, How I Met Your Mother), Stephen Fry (Wilde, Gosford Park, Bones), Lydia West (Years and Years), Keeley Hawes (Honour, Bodyguard, The Durrells, Line of Duty), Shaun Dooley (Gentleman Jack, Broadchurch, Woman in Black), Omari Douglas (Wise Children) and Tracy-Ann Oberman (Friday Night Dinner, Toast of London, After Life). The series also sees television acting debuts for exciting new talent Nathaniel Curtis and Callum Scott Howells.

Produced by Red Productions, the series is written and executive produced by Primetime Emmy Nominated Russell T Davies (Queer as Folk, A Very English Scandal, Years and Years), with Red Production’s Nicola Shindler (Happy Valley, Traces) also executive producing.

All episodes of It’s A Sin premiere 23 January, only on Stan.

07Jan

[TV NEWS] PUNKY BREWSTER To Return To Australian Air Waves

Posted in Comedy, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, TV | Leave a comment

Stan today announced the brand new Punky Brewster series will premiere 26 February, with all ten episodes available at once, same day as the U.S. – only on Stan.

In this continuation of the iconic ‘80s sitcom about a bright young girl raised by a foster dad, Punky is now a single mother of three trying to get her life back on track when she meets Izzy, a young girl in the foster system who reminds Punky a lot of her younger self. 

Soleil Moon Frye (Punky) and Cherie Johnson (Cherie) will reprise their original roles. The series also stars Freddie Prinze Jr. (Travis, Punky’s ex-husband), Quinn Copeland (Izzy), Noah Cottrell (Diego), Oliver De Los Santos (Daniel) and Lauren Lindsey Donzis (Hannah).

From UCP and Universal Television, divisions of Universal Studio Group, and premiering on Peacock in the U.S., Punky Brewster is written and executive produced by Steve and Jim Armogida (School of Rock, Grounded For Life). Frye serves as executive producer alongside original series creator David Duclon (Punky Brewster, Family Matters, Silver Spoons) and Emmy-winning producer Jimmy Fox (The Arrangement, United Shades of America) of Main Event Media, an All3Media America company.

Punky Brewster premieres 26 February, same day as the U.S. – only on Stan.

07Jan

[FILM NEWS] CLARICE To Air On STAN

Posted in Crime, Drama, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Thriller, TV | Leave a comment

Stan today announced the highly anticipated brand new drama series Clarice will premiere 12 February, same day as the U.S. – only on Stan.

Starring Australia’s ownRebecca Breeds (The Originals, Pretty Little Liars) in the title role, the series will deep dive into the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, one year after the events of The Silence of the Lambs. 

To watch and share the first-look teaser, click here: https://youtu.be/mg1kV90QnCo

Brilliant and vulnerable, Clarice’s bravery gives her an inner light that draws monsters and madmen to her. However, her complex psychological makeup that comes from a challenging childhood empowers her to begin to find her voice while working in a man’s world, as well as escape the family secrets that have haunted her throughout her life.

Created by Star Trek: Discovery Executive Producers Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, Breeds starsin the title role as Clarice Starling and is joined by Michael Cudlitz (The Walking Dead), Kal Penn (House), Lucca de Oliveira (SEAL Team), Nick Sandow (Orange Is the New Black), Jayne Atkinson (Criminal Minds), Devyn Tyler (The Purge) and newcomer Marnee Carpenter.

Clarice premieres 12 February, same day as the U.S. – only on Stan.