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Rescue: HI-Surf (2024)
Concept is good, stunning cinematography, will keep watcing
Welcome to North Shore unless you're in the recording booth doing post production audio replacement dialogue.. Someone should've worked on that a little bit more because some dialogue sounds janky, other bits are really noticeable and it's fine but you think it would've been picked up?.
Well not many shows set on the beach other then reality TV or all the seasons of Bondi Rescue.
This is like Bondi Rescue but not in Sydney. It's set in Hawaii which is stunning in this and it was great to see Robbie Magasiva playing Sonny, he finally looks settled and happy post Wentworth and while I love him, I see the character battling some bad demons.
Sonny made a deal with the 'devil' hoping he sees that persons lies soon enough.
Here for the banter between characters keeping it real in a dangerous profession and being there for each other when needed.
Aftertaste (2021)
Rare ABC fail
I have absolutely nothing to like about this show, because it was so terrible.
Erik Thomson playing a chef that was trying to be the Gordon Ramsey of Temu was just so awful and so unlikable I didn't stick around to watch the rest of the series, I think I got to episode 3 and then stopped because there was nothing enjoyable.
Don't know what they were trying to go, or whoever thought that someone who played 'Australia's dad' for almost a decade could pull of temu famous 5 star chefs.
What a waste of funding, and what a waste of Erik's talents, I hope someone said sorry to him because it was bad. Easy skip.
Return to Paradise (2024)
some great fun
I know we all love the original in Death in Paradise and all had thoughts that "oh god this is going to be bad.." "oh its set in Australia.. at the beach because of course."
BUT.. I did read a few internet reviews who didn't recommend watching this, in fact do the opposite.
It may not be England, or the original series but the spin off is worth a watch. Anna Samson is amazing in the role of DI Mackenzie Clarke. Great to see her back on TV after leaving Home and Away.
Also great to see on screen again is Celia Ireland as "Reggie Rocco" who is hilarious in the scenes she is in.
Recommend watching this as I caught it very early on the ABC Iview ap, a great first episode, will watch to see what happens next.
I mean though, if you don't like it, maybe watch something else?
The Twelve (2022)
The second season is way better then the first
After watching the first season of the show you would be remised if all you got from the first season was confusion and 'ah what just happened?'. Well the first season was poorly written and it does show in the side plots and the confusing murder trial narrative, in a case that should of had it's jurors kicked off the jury for many reasons.. I thought "oh this can't get much worse.." and it did. I wanted someone to apologise to Sam Neill for the first season.
When I heard it had been renewed for a second season, I wasn't too thrilled after all Foxtel was heading into life without a leader in Brian Walsh, but when I seen the cast list and the fact the show had been moved from one state to another it gave me hope again.
I will say the second season is much better then the first, with one episode in particular with a very surprising twist I don't think anyone saw coming..
So.. If you want, skip season one, season two is way better then one. Enjoy!
Mother and Son (2023)
Absolutely horrible
Matt Okine should seriously apologise to the original cast of the original show. This is AWFUL in every sense of the word, it isn't funny, it has NO heart and takes everything away from the original, ABC should send out an apology to everyone that had to endure the first season... And apologize to the audience for the second season it's about to get.
I cannot believe this was greenlighted in the first place. It was one of the WORST shows that aired in 2023 and that's saying something there were some shockers but this one takes the cake.
Nothing good about this being tacky, with two main cast members who are actually good comedians but the terrible writing and script throws it for a loop and out the window.
Truly trash, watch the original instead because it is so much better then what this version served up.
Nautilus (2024)
We waited for this???
The original deserves an apology, because this "updated" series is really bad, so bad that it is very laughable and painful to get through.
Unfortunately I have to write more words for this terrible series, I think this is the worst series of 2024 and that is saying a lot. The industry deserves better then this, the actors, crew and others deserve an apology.
The dialogue is clunky, the story does not live up to the original and it's downright sad, it's the definition of mediocre and actors trying way too hard to act and talk the script.
This should've stayed in the vault. This was embarrassingly bad.
Critical Incident (2024)
Missed the Mark but overall really good
I was expecting a lot of good things from this series but in the end it failed to live up to the expectation of a person who reviews things like this for a living claiming it was the "best television show of the year.." and sadly it is far from that but it could be so much more.
Some actors tried way too hard to act and others were brilliant.
Side plots were more interesting with the main story and addresses what is it like to live in group homes and the system quite well. People playing the officers showing the difficulties of life in the system
Someone also lowkey apologise to Eric Thomson please because the character he plays just looks perpetually confused.
All in all I did enjoy it and hopefully there is more because it is an interesting concept.
Human Error (2024)
Was the two year wait worth it? Maybe?
I remember this being announced back in 2022, and their was heaps of great actors attached to this and it sounded like an interesting series.
Channel 9 really should put more effort in every show they make, their last few really show. I mean I watched this from my motel room in Sweden and I thought it was a bit strange for it not to be shown in it's country of origin first? But oh well, great to see an Aussie show abroad!
The one highlight of this was seeing Leeanna Walsman on screen again, she was brilliant in this in her return to the small screen, given how heavy the dialogue in the script is, and spotting a great amount of familiar faces as well, that was great too!. Points go to the shots of the city and the cinematography.
If you love crime dramas this is for you. If you waited two years to watch this said crime drama, great patience, go gently into the series, with fresh eyes.
Was the two year wait for the show worth it? Yes and no, but mostly yes, since Leeanna holds her own very well and the support cast are quite good as well.
Fam Time (2024)
Should've stayed in the vault
Well, well, well it sounded like the original head of channel was right about this one and he really was.. I managed to watch this the moment it got released on 7plus and we waited five years to watch that?
It was Incredibly unfunny and it wasted the talents of Michala Banas and Duncan Fellowes in my opinion. I did not laugh once and found it really hard to watch.
We can make better comedies and in fact you can skip this one entirely and go and watch both seasons of fisk on iview and actually laugh.
This one should've stayed in the vault, because the curiosity of this one? Was not worth even logging into 7plus to watch it.
Austin (2024)
Take a bow Michael Theo
Oh, I loved this series so much so I went back and watched it three times already, gather the family and go to ABC iview and watch this gem, because it's a brilliant story mixed with finding out who you are..
Michael Theo does a fantastic job in his first major acting role and there was so many laughs to be had all-round while watching it.
The backdrops where great Canberra really scrubs up well and England? You don't see that often in an Aussie series and it was amazing to see the story progress the way it did.
I hope there will be a second series, Theo has natural talent for comedic timing and he does it so perfectly.
Ladies in Black (2024)
Watch the movie instead
As someone who watched the 2018 film and enjoyed it... This version in my opinion is really not it.
The 600 characters writing this are sad that this review has to exist. The only interesting thing was cinematography and the stunning shots of the store and the set pieces.
But I feel like even though the movie was in 2018, the decision to make a series 4-ish years on was a rushed one and sometimes it really shows.
It feels slow, characters are wooden and it's just really hard to like. But there are actors who you know and you're like "omg is that?" and yes it is!
Miranda Otto plays Virgina Ambrose brilliantly and is the one of many shining lights in the disappointment of the series.
White Fever (2024)
Fresher eyes newer review
So after my last review I decided to delete that one and make a new one and watch the whole thing from scratch. And going back in a second time this time with fresh eyes and time to reflect, it was actually really good and something new.
It was something different and new and written by someone with lived experiences, and it was well done and well made by Ra Chapman who deserves major credit for also writing a play on the same subjected, so it was great to see.
It's actually a really funny comedy and while it does start slow it is worth sticking around and seeing the character just have the time of their lives, written from lived experiences and that has to be commended and what also has to be commended is the "controversy" this brought because it shines a lit on dating and just things we don't think about in others lives.
Go in with fresh eyes, and a new perspective, you may find your next binge!
Windcatcher (2024)
Fun Family Film
Actually really enjoyed watching this over Easter, as I had seen the ads for it on TV and thought it was just going to be about a kid who loves running and that was it.
It was so much more and it was a great movie, not to long not to short, the characters clicked really well and the story was actually pretty decent.
We need more storytelling like this with humour and heart because that is what we all need in our lives adults and kids alike.
Was great to see Jess Mauboy again and she put in a great performance and so did the actors who played the teachers, the dude who played Grandpa was another highlight.
Great to watch with the family they will love this!
Slant (2022)
Unfunny comedy
Hate how you have to give this over 600 words.. It doesn't even deserve 600 words..
The amount of good things I heard about this and how it was so hyped up during the festivals and even on instagram and how it took the festivals "by storm" who did actually enjoy it? Because I know it wasn't me, that is for sure.
It needs the speed up feature to be watched because it is so slow in places and so over the top.
The only decent actor in this is Sigrid Thornton and then she is too over the top for this, her monologue during one scene was the only good part of this, someone please apologise to Sigird.
You can skip this one, find something a bit more fast paced or with a speed up option.
High Country (2024)
Brian Walsh's final commission in the high country
Nothing could even prepare me to watch so far the first couple of episodes that have aired, because it was written by the team who were behind Wentworth and then you just knew it had to be good.
Leah Purcell being given the reigns of her first lead in a series and it is off to a magnificent start and how good are the shots of the country? We have some of the best bushlands in Australia and this show is showcasing it perfectly.
My only wish is what would Brian have said when he seen this one come to life, afterall it was his last commission as head of foxtel/binge, this one is for you Brian
Stick with it, you might just like it. I know I do.
Dark City: The Cleaner (2024)
Budget Dexter
Making this review 600 words will be kind of easy.. here we go..
Managed to watch all the episodes of series one so far and it has felt like it has a Dexter vibe to it, but got kind of lost meaning if you bought Dexter at the dollar store and gave him a script and said "be like Dexter but the cheaper version.. the we have dexter at home.. dexter at home.."
Really enjoyed the premise and to see David De Lautour and Robbie Magasiva after Wentworth and just how well Magasiva played Schroder, I hope if/when there is a second season if he is asked to return because that would be awesome!
Budget Dexter better have his Budget Rita with him too! Minus the voiceover during the next season though please.
Apples Never Fall (2024)
Someone apologise to Liane Moriarty
Hard to put into words how much this didn't deserve to be a series and making sure this reaches 600 words will be a stretch.
I agree with another review were they said it was like the cast met right before filming and didn't know or worked alongside each other before..
The acting is so stiff and the camera movements during certain scenes being edited in such a way where it give you motion sickness if you looked at it for a long time.
I love Sam Neill but far out he deserved a better series then this and everyone else should take some acting lessons cause god they were stiff and it wasn't good.
Give it a miss. Read the book instead.
Population: 11 (2024)
Some silly fun
Find it really hard to make a review 600 words now lol, but here we go.
I managed to finish the series in one night and while I normally don't do that, it was the support cast that kept me engrossed as I chuckled alongside them.
How good was it seeing Katrina Milosevic in a comedy for once? Especially after Wentworth she was truly a breath of fresh air that made me chuckle watching her in a role far from the confines of Wentworth. Geraldine was a hoot who wasn't afraid to cross a line when needed.
It's not supposed to be serious and why are people complaining about that? Acting like you're superior, it's silly fun and if you don't like that, maybe comedic dramas aren't your thing.
Give it a go, it's comedic drama being silly and it's good.
Home and Away (1988)
Somethings Been Lost
The last few years of Home And Away something has been lost, whether that is the shows original heart or jumping the shark so often it feels broken.
Something has to give for this show and I don't know what it is.
Ah. Yes. It's the writing that has been lost, and the show not allowing older characters to return to the show. It feels lost, the writing and current production team relying too much on the young cast, while older cast members are thrust into the background with the same repetitive storylines.
Channel 7 has some brilliant productions coming through but now? With HAA beings its only major draw it needs to change. Cause the longer the current writing team is in, the more the show gets lost.
Prosper (2024)
Can someone apologise to Rebecca Gibney and Richard Roxburgh
Ah.. Here we go again. I did manage to watch this in one night and while I thought it was ok, I just want someone at Rebecca and Richard's agencies to apologise to them, oh an apologise to Jacek Koman as well this is one of his best performances in years and yet he got casted here.
The story jumps up and down and the B story is like three stories that mix together in some confusing way and someone in the script department just went "make everyone sound as nervous as possible." it's fine but gets old quick and most of the way the characters speak is like they aren't used to talking in such a way.
Maybe give it a few years and I might watch it again, but if it does get a second season I hope they replace the writing team.
Strife (2023)
Someone please apologise to Asher Keddie
Can someone please apologise to Asher Keddie and Tina Bursill? That would be great thanks.
If this is what post Brian Walsh can look like at Foxtel/Binge I dread whats coming next.
I just could not get into this and watched it over the course of a few days because there is no way this should've been made into a show.
Can we please stop greenlighting peoples memoirs please because after the failure that was Warnie this year you think Binge/Foxtel would've served up something just a little bit better.
Don't get me wrong Asher is a national treasure but I feel like someone just handed her the script and went "read it now"... Do yourself a favour, skip this.
Erotic Stories (2023)
The SBS of Old is back
Everyone kind of knows what SBS is famous for, and to me after the success of their previous drama titled Safe Home, we are served with this "Erotic Stories", not really what we were expecting this year, but hey? It's SBS haha.
Now I won't spoil much but I really enjoyed episode two "The Deluge", Kate Box, Danielle Cormack and Emily Havea were all brilliant in this episode, and it was so great to see Kate Box again after Deadloch and Wentworth, gosh Kate is such an incredible actor and deserves the entire world.
Also enjoyed the episode "Powerful Owl", what a good episode.
If anyone from the Wentworth fandom gets to see this series, please watch this, you will enjoy it more then you know.
Every episode is important to a different demo and it shows, but it's truly something that gives the audience what they need and want to see in the realm of sex, love and boundaries
Also, more SBS like this again please.
C*A*U*G*H*T (2023)
Ben O'Toole the most underrated actor here
Wow just wow. Ben O'Toole is the most underrated person in the show, just his performance alone and how he can be heartbreaking with his emotional scenes and when he needs to be funny he is. IMO one of the most underrated people here.
This is a brilliant dramedy that has a good premise and great actors on a mission to give this show life. I also think Lincoln Younes as Albhanis is a riot and the character giving a "rambo" vibe is what I live for lol.
Someone also please slap that gum out of Matt Fox's face cause it's like watching a cow chew its cud and bring it up numerous times. That's really my only gripe about this lol.
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
This is brilliant
I managed to see this during The Sydney Film Festival when it was on and it was one of the most underrated films of the night.
David Dastmalchian is brilliant in this role and the other actors in this gel and make this one of the films of the year.
As an Australian it is good to know when can at least make some good horror films, and you'd never know that this was made on a minimal budget it never shows and I hope it gets to make a big return..
I have nothing but good things to say about this because of just how good it was. I always see things at film festivals and seeing this was a highlight of the SFF and it has MIFF to go. Can't wait for everyone else to see it.
Warnie (2023)
Hot Garbage
If I could write the word "GARBAGE" over and over I would. Because that is what this is. This is tacky in the highest order and we all thought Underbelly Vanishing Act was awful this is just a cash grab of a legend of the game.
It's a pity as well because the "archive" footage if you can even call it that is edited in such a way the "bowling" action used by Alex Williams is awful, maybe should've used a stunt actor who actually played cricket professionally. Alex Williams didn't portay Warnie the way we knew him as a larrakin, his acting in certain scenes looks stiff and it's noticeable in some scenes alongside the actors who had been in the industry for years.
I love a lot of the actors in this, but whoever let them do this, I feel sorry for them, not only did they have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but the script writer Matt Ford? Should never write another biopic again.. and Geoff Bennett? Needs to stop directing "drama events" because they are becoming worse and worse.
Channel 9 should offer a personal apology to the screen legends in this, specifically the actor who played his mother and Marny Kennedy this project was above them and they were the only shining lights to a project where again: The cast had the weight of the world, media scrutiny and a family in mourning to deal with at the same time.
Again, Channel 9 apologise to everyone who appeared in this and be careful with your next "drama event of the year." make sure its not as tacky as this..