Noel Anderson

Alien Romulus is a riveting addition to the Alien franchise, blending cutting-edge technology with classic sci-fi horror elements. I found it entertaining, suspenseful and thrilling. The standout feature for me was the character of Rook, who was brought seamlessly back to life through AI. Originally portrayed by the late Ian Holm as Ash in the 1979 Alien film, Rook’s digital resurrection is a technical triumph. It was as if the filmmakers had brought Holm back from the dead. It’s that good. What actors feared, their work being copied by AI, in Alien Romulus is now a reality. Alien Romulus is an excellent action film, a must-watch for fans of the franchise and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. However, it also invites viewers to ponder the ethical implications of AI. That said, the film had me on the edge of my seat. It’s one of the best movies in the series. What are your thoughts on the ethical aspects of using AI to bring characters back to life?

The Substance is a gripping horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat. It is a wild ride that demands viewers surrender to the horror on screen. The film’s special effects are mind-blowing, reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s The Fly and David Lynch’s The Elephant Man, making it a visual feast for fans of the body horror genre. Demi Moore is terrific in her role as Elizabeth Sparkle, proving that she’s still got it as an actress. Her fearless portrayal of a once-glamorous star now grappling with the grotesque consequences of a mysterious substance is compelling and brave. At one point, she gets to play the Wicked Witch in this twisted fairytale and does it brilliantly. The Substance is directed with a keen eye for gore. It features buckets of blood, stellar performances, and jaw-dropping special effects. It’s a standalone horror film that pays homage to classics like Carrie and The Thing and 1970s B-grade thrillers like Lipstick. Remember to look for the carpet design featured inside the Overlook Hotel from Kubrick’s The Shining and the Hitchcock and De Palma film references littered throughout, and surrender to the gruesome images playing on the screen. The Substance is an injection of film horror that will leave you shaken, stirred, and breathless.

I started watching the Aussie films entered for AACTA nominations. First up is The Moogai, an ambitious horror film by Jon Bell that attempts to weave Indigenous trauma of the stolen generation into a supernatural tale about a monster that snatches children away. The largely Aboriginal cast do well in their roles; and while I enjoyed the film (and its brightly lit atmosphere and somewhat under cooked screenplay) it often felt episodic and never really sustained enough tension for a truly scary experience. However, the film does build up to a visually striking ending, featuring a literal firestorm and a rather odd creature with two faces that leaves a lasting impression. This ties the narrative threads together, providing a satisfying finish to the film’s otherwise mixed execution. #AACTA #THEMOOGAI #filmreview

I started watching Swan Song on a wet afternoon as a way to pass the time. I was drawn to it because one of Andy Warhol’s favourite actors, Udo Kier, was in the lead role. While it won’t win any awards, I thoroughly enjoyed this somewhat sentimental film and also Udo Kier’s fine performance. Right near the end of the film there’s a guest appearance by Linda Evans from Dynasty which was a rather nice (camp) added touch. The film is a little outlandish at times and predictable. The themes around aging and ‘where do old queens end up’ is laboured but the lead performance and the ultra gay soundtrack keeps it bouncing along until the final ‘swan song’ is played. Enjoyable, touching, more than a little camp…and has Jennifer Coolidge in a small role, makes this a film worth watching.

Mini Review - Yesterday I binge watched Netflix’s new miniseries Baby Reindeer —and was glued to my TV screen. It became clear to me in seconds that this was a true story. The series follows Scottish comedian Richard Gadd’s experience with a female stalker in his 20s. Both Gadd as Donny and Jessica Gunning as the crazy Martha give first class performances. And the subplot of grooming and male rape is both brutal and sensitively handled. Baby Reindeer started out as a one man show in the Edinburgh Fringe written by Gadd and his connection to the material makes for excellent storytelling. I didn’t know anything about this series before I started watching it. I suggest that you watch it now … before everyone starts telling you about it, and they will. Special mention to Tom Goodman-Hill as Darrien and Nava May as Teri who support Gadd with gusto. This occasionally funny, well acted and brilliantly harrowing TV series, turns the tables on stalking and rape… with the victim of the tale being a man. It’s a five star show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Harlequin Ink #randyandy42

**Mini Review - Wow... Heartbreak High Season 2 is better than the first season. I didn't think that was even possible! No wonder it's number 1 on Netflix. I love how sex-positive it is, and the casting is diverse and creative. No one gives a bad performance however the men’s rights versus woke culture storyline is often heavy handed. All the lead kids (young adults really playing school kids) do well with often tricky P.C. dialogue—and occasionally not-so-woke material. They tackle topics from toxic masculinity to gender identity and erectile dysfunction. No subject is taboo, and the magic mushroom scenes were hilarious. The Alfred Hitchcock and Aussie film references made me smile—and the boys calling themselves the 'Cum Lords' shocked me... just a little. 😉 In fact, I wish my school days were like they are in Heartbreak High—wild and fun, lots of sex - straight and gay, parties, and drinking! I missed out! If this is how Gen Z is feeling and living, well, good on them. 👍 Great show! 🎉 #heartbreakhigh #netflixseries #seasontwo

I haven’t read the book of Boy Swallows Universe, so I can’t say how closely this series follows the original story. What I can tell you is that this Aussie Netflix series is very well made and that young Eli, played by Felix Cameron, is an extremely talented young actor. (Eli is played by Zac Burgess later on, who also shines as a much older character. 👍) Another great actor in the cast is Aussie stalwart Bryan Brown. He is effective in the role of Slim, an ex-criminal with a heart of gold. Simon Baker as Eli’s hard-drinking, book-loving dad is also terrific. Based on the author’s life with his dysfunctional family in Brisbane in the 80s, you’ll need to figure out for yourself how much is true and how much is completely made up. Violent at times, Eli losing his finger at one point is particularly gruesome. Boy Swallows Universe is an excellent seven-part series that will keep you engaged until the closing credits roll. It’s the series that proves once and for all that crime doesn’t pay and that in the end, love conquers everything!

The trouble with Monstrous is it starts off promisingly but delivers nothing new. Roman Polanski has a lot to answer for, as his 1965 film Repulsion with Catherine Deneuve has been copied a million times by every man (with a camera) and his dog. Monstrous is just another cheap variation and ripoff. On a positive note, there’s some nice photography, the performances aren’t bad and the vintage look of the piece is well done. But the film’s pacing and surprise ending leaves a lot to be desired. It’s all so damn predictable. Take a sleeping pill and knock yourself out. Don’t bother with this soggy tale about lake monsters, grieving, and accidents we regret.💊

Do you believe in love at first sight? The filmmakers working on ‘Of an Age’ certainly do. It’s a coming of age story that’s a slow burn to begin with but ultimately ends up being worth the ride. Beautifully filmed and acted, this gay romance dazzles with confidence, humour and grace. Shot In Melbourne with scenes often playing out inside a car, this well made film proves that all you need is good script, great actors, a car and a cameraman to make high art. Everything else is simply decoration. Well done 👍

Film Review 🎥 I just got back from watching Don’t Worry Darling and for the most part I was impressed. The acting by Florence Pugh is absolutely brilliant and Christopher Pine isn’t too far behind her, he does creepy very well. It’s directed at a deliberately measured pace so it won’t appeal to movie action lovers. (But there is a terrific car chase towards the end) The big reveal isn’t really surprising though, if you’re a fan of writer Ira Levin like me, you’ll know where the film is going! All I will say is it’s like The Stepford Wives (exact same plot/turning points) reimagined for a modern audience. The producers obviously didn’t want to pay royalties for Levin’s story. But it’s very well done particularly the production design, and Palm Springs makes a good backdrop to the horror elements. Lastly Harry Styles doesn’t quite nail his role at the beginning but he’s got screen appeal, and comes into his own as the storyline unfolds. Would I recommend it? I love thrillers, I love the 70s film of The Stepford Wives, and I love the feel of Don’t Worry Darling! So it’s a 👍 from me 🥂 PS. Special mention to Dita Von Teese who appears semi naked in one scene in a glass of champagne 🍾