On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.

Starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, Blue Moon is coming to cinemas January 29.
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Cornered in a dark alley by a knife-wielding thug? It is nothing that the gun in her handbag and the stiletto heels to his testicles can’t take care of. Tackling a difficult and highly emotional reading for a film part, nailed it! Even freeing Los Angeles from the grip of fear caused by a certain serial killer? It’s all in a day’s work.

Made to complement the other editions in the trilogy, it is not a necessity to have seen the others but for those in the know, this story takes place after the events in X. It straddles the line between horror and comedy with a deft touch and has a smarmy charm all of its own.

With an enjoyable old-school look and feel to the film and its mid-eighties-centric parade of clothes fashion and hair, it all ends up looking so fun and funky. It’s also great to see a female protagonist who can be strong without resorting to the usual gender based stereotypes. Maxine is a total badass and boy does she know it.
Rob Hudson
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MAXXXINE is coming to Aussie cinemas August 1.
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Paul Rudd has always been that anomaly in the Marvel catalogue in that it is easier to see him as a comic presence rather than a heroic one and that continues this time around. That circumstance makes for the film’s most charming moments. Once things drop into the world of zeros and ones, it’s just a matter of business as usual.

The Ant-Man films have lived mostly outside the Avengers’ based chapters and Quantumania feels amongst the most separate. There are a few mentions, including a funny scene with M.O.D.O.K. (Corey Stoll) but it’s not until the final of the two crazy credits that things get pulled into the larger world of the MCU.

Much thought has gone into creating arresting visuals and inhabitants of the Quantum Realm and in that regard, it’s an impressive display. The storyline and the character arcs of its main players unfortunately form some of its least impressive attributes. It is still enjoyable but seems a minor pleasure compared to other outings in the world created by the late and great Stan Lee.
Rob Hudson
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When a story is built around a person finding their way in life, it’s always more engaging if you feel empathetic towards that person and it is here that Seriously Red presents several challenges. Had the character of Red been a man their behaviour would be easy to dismiss as boorish and guilty of moments of toxic masculinity.

Flipping the script around to the female gender diffuses some of this but it’s still problematic. Within the context of those limitations, you sympathise with Red’s desire to find a place in the world while being frustrated by the circular nature of her self-sabotage. Many of her decisions are hard to fathom and this forces you to try to put yourself in her shoes.

There is no single path to self-fulfilment and the film challenges you to see past your own views on many things. In this regard, it is a successful work and its moments of humour ease the journey. Whether you see this as a provocation or entertainment, only you can decide.
Rob Hudson
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A vivacious and hilarious redhaired woman grappling with high expectations and low selfesteem, she pours herself a cup of ambition and trades her 9 to 5 career in real estate for a life under the spotlight as a Dolly Parton impersonator.

After misreading her work party’s dress code, Red tumbles outta bed into a new world of tribute artists and impersonators in her wild and messy journey that includes romancing a Kenny Rogers impersonator. Red has to lose herself in order to find herself. As Dolly Parton says, “Be yourself because, everyone else is taken.”

Seriously Red is directed by Gracie Otto and stars Krew Boylan, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Daniel Webber, Celeste Barber, Thomas Campbell, Jean Kittson, Wayne Blair and Todd Lassance.

Seriously Red is coming to Australian cinemas on November 24, 2022.
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Set in the world of the theatre, both big and small we get to know the crazy menagerie of animated animals that make up the cast of a work put on by Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey). A talent scout Suki (Chelsea Peretti) who works for super promotor Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale) sees the production and is unimpressed. This sets Buster on a path to eventually putting the musical on in the big smoke. A thinly disguised Las Vegas-like town called Redshore City.

With an insane set design set in outer space and uninhibited by an actual budget limitation and with colours that almost sear the retinas it is visually impressive. The character animations and actions remain in the PG world and present no problems for younger minds to fully grasp. It does teach a few worthy lessons involving friendship and dedication to one’s dreams along the way.

Who would have thought that one of 2021’s most entertaining musicals would be comprised of animated animals voiced by some of Hollywood’s best-known actors and ready to break into song and dance at any moment? It’s difficult to not get involved

Rob Hudson
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Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) and his cast have turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.

But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother pig Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy elephant Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, porcine provocateur extraordinaire Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by a ruthless mogul wolf named Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).

In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife and hasn’t been seen since.

As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage. What begins as Buster’s dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.

Sing 2 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings and features, in addition to Bono’s and Cannavale’s roles, new characters played by music superstars Pharrell Williams and Halsey, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright, and comedians Eric Andre and Chelsea Peretti.

The film is produced by visionary Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Janet Healy. Sing 2 combines dozens of classic rock and pop hit songs, electrifying performances, breathtaking artistry, and Illumination’s signature humor and heart into the definitive feel-good cinematic event of the year.
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Seriously Red stars Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Insidious, Spy, Neighbors), Krew Boylan (Primal), Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire, Blue Jasmine) and Daniel Webber (The Dirt, Escape From Pretoria).

Currently in post-production, Seriously Red first look shows a dolled-up Boylan (Red) gazing at Bobby Cannavale (Wilson). Scripted by Krew Boylan, the film features music by Dolly Parton and many others and is scheduled for theatrical release in 2022.

Red (Boylan) is a vivacious and at times misguided red-head who pours herself a cup of ambition and trades her 9 to 5 career in real estate, for a life under the spotlight as a Dolly Parton impersonator. On her journey to success, Red has to lose herself in order to find herself because as Dolly Parton says, “Be yourself because everyone else is taken’.”

Director Gracie Otto said, “Seriously Red embodies so much of what I love about cinema, culture and music.”

“We have all worked incredibly hard, filmmaking is no walk in the park (especially during a pandemic) but we are stronger for it and I love my team and the ‘happening’ a film creates. It will always occupy a special corner of my heart” said writer and lead actor, Krew Boylan.

Seriously Red is produced by Jessica Carrera, Timothy White (I am Mother), Sonia Borella (Go!) and Robyn Kershaw (Bran Nue Dae). Executive Producers include Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Insidious, Spy, Neighbors), Danny Nozell (Dumplin’), Jack Christian and Deanne Weir.

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Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters (McCarthy), so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she’s being punked. Or losing her mind.

In fact, the world’s first artificial superintelligence has chosen to study and observe Carol’s attempt to romantically reconcile with her former boyfriend to better understand the human condition. Soon, the all-powerful entity takes over her life…with ominous plans to take over the world. Now, Carol is potentially humanity’s last chance before this AI-with-an-attitude decides to pull the plug.

Superintelligence releases in Australia and New Zealand cinemas on December 17, 2020!

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