Series
- I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (Season 2)
The only bad thing about this is that there were only six episodes. I tried to ration it out, knowing how much I loved the first season, but couldn’t help myself. This is terrific, and had me laughing out loud, having to pause at times to recover. - The White Lotus
From the opening theme I was hooked. It immediately and accurately set the tone. From there it got better. The brilliant cinematography and some of the subject matter put it up there with Euphoria. The cast was fantastic, and so convincing that I’d fear the actors being typecast. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing rich douchebags getting a nice dose of karma? - Succession (Seasons 1-2)
I wasn’t sure about this to begin with. My initial impression was that it was just too stacked with horrible characters, but solid performances soon had me hooked to the point I’m now eagerly awaiting the third season. - AP Bio (Seasons 1-3)
With no new Always Sunny in sight for some time, I set forth to watch what other work the guys had done. Glenn Howerton (Dennis from Sunny) takes the lead in this, and plays a similar character – albeit less sociopathic. The stories are less futile and more optimistic than Sunny, and the laughs are milder – but it’s a pretty solid placebo – unlike the following series… - Mythic Quest (Seasons 1-2)
Rob McElhenney (Mac in Always Sunny) fronts this comedy, and similar to Howerton in AP Bio, plays a similar character to the one he plays in Sunny. It’s set in a game design studio and starts out very strongly. It captures very well the personalities of digital media studios and video gaming in general, with a strong supporting cast including David Hornsby (Cricket from Sunny) and Charlotte Nicdao (using her native Aussie accent).
Unfortunately it falls apart in season 2, with a couple of Community-style “themed” episodes, and then some which take a left turn into serious drama – focusing on side characters in a non-comedic way. It’s possibly the most bizarre tonal change I’ve ever seen within a series. I didn’t make it to the last episode. Stop after season one. - Brooklyn Nine Nine (Season 8)
It dawned on me watching this final season how most of the bigger US sitcoms seem to last 8-10 years (Seinfeld, The Office, Parks & Rec), and there’s a reason for that. Humour changes and moves and eventually a show birthed nine years ago feels dated. This has been a great show, with solid characters, but it’s time has come. - The Handmaid’s Tale (Seasons 1-4)
This was hard to watch. The subject matter is disturbing on every level, and the religious aspect only added to how enraging it was. Lockdown kept me watching. It’s never “bad”, nor is it ever that amazing. But it is always disturbing. - Loki
This is possibly the most visually impressive thing Marvel has produced. The content was fun, but the Marvel silliness was a bit exhausting by the end. - Rick & Morty (Season 5)
This started so strongly and did what this show does best – good laughs and very clever plotlines. By half way through it went from must-see to see-when-I-get-around-to-it. Still good, but I wonder if it’s getting a little tired.
Movies
- Gattaca
Somehow this one passed me by back in the day, but the good thing about that is I was able to enjoy it for the first time now. Loved it. - Fast 9
Up until last year I hadn’t seen any of these. Thanks to Covid I smashed through the lot. They were laughably ridiculous, but loaded with good fun and good action. This ninth instalment however, is plain bad. And just the sight of John Cena shits me. His giant head exudes massive douche energy, and you get the feeling he thinks he’s the next Dwayne or Arnie, when in fact he’s the next has-been-in-waiting. - Nobody
Can’t say a bad thing about Bob Odenkirk. This was entertaining, but forgettable. - The Game
I’m a mad Fincher head, but somehow had never seen this one. It’s not one of his best – but a decent ride with great pacing and thrills. Unfortunately the ending kinda sucked. - Clueless
Another one I never saw back in the day, and was pleasantly surprised. Watching this was like taking a trip back to the 90s for ninety minutes. Silverstone is seriously underrated and it’s amazing her career dwindled. Perhaps Batman is to thank for that. - Contact
They should have sent a poet. I’ve watched this Zemeckis / Sagan classic countless times, but not for many years. It still holds up and remains one of my favourites. The medicine cabinet mirror shot still blows my mind.
Games
- Quantum Break
I jumped on this after learning it was from the same team as Control. It had some clever puzzles which messed with time jumps, however is a prime example of a game with more budget than ideas. So many lengthy cinematics could have been gameplay, and so much walking-and-talking gameplay could have been cinematic. I didn’t care enough to persist in completing the final battle. - Beneath a Steel Sky
I finally played this point & click adventure title 27 years after its release, thanks to lockdown. Somehow it passed me by back in the day. It’s a post-apocalyptic sci-fi comedy set in Sydney (very unusual for a game, particularly in the 90s). I loved it. The gags still work, and I did get a kick out of walking past locations such as Museum and St James stations.
Docos
- Ms Represented
Great ABC series covering both the historical and present-day challenges and discrimination placed on women in public life. Like many things (environmentalism, government innovation), Australia went from a world leader to a laggard and I really hope after decades of stagnation this country is on the verge of long overdue changes. - Fantastic Fungi
The incredible photography kept my eyes glued and the content kept my ears peeled. Highly recommend.
