Jill Masters

Clever. Sharp. One of a kind, almost, harking back to Death Becomes Her, or even Dorian Gray, but much cooler. 5 stars go to perfect movies, so I don't ever give them out but this is still a TERRIFIC film. Be Warned, the final 15 or so minutes are truly sickening, but the rest of the body horror all makes sense relative to the processes undertaken when receiving the Substance. Anyone who criticises the film might not understand that its meant to be borderline satirical and fantastical. Its science fiction horror so not worthy of comparison to other genres. The premise is uncomplicated and engaging, with plenty of room for reflection after you've watched the whole thing. That takes skill. Even when things are going nuts and totally out of control, the desire for youth and beauty is paramount, and its really poignant when Demi's character realises what she has given up forever, ie. a beautiful and perfectly preserved 50 year old's face and body. I think all teenage girls should be invited to watch it, with certain warnings and permission to cover their eyes. We need crazy films like this from time to time. Thanks. JM

We can't change the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, and Zone of Interest didn't try to take any sort of moral stance, or convince us of anything. Instead, this movie brilliantly provided a new way to interpret that brutal, inhuman and shameful period in history. Drawn into one family's story, their relationships, everyday domestic lives, wants, needs, disappointments and secrets, made me question many things about what it is to be human. Knowing what we do of what went on behind the barbed wire of Auschwitz created an unbroken tension and unsettling contrast to the authentic and also often gentle interplay between Hoss family members. Her frustration at the changes happening in their lives was revealed by Hedwig Hoss's unkind treatment of her servants, and this in turn showed that her focus was firmly on the goings on inside her own house, far from the appalling suffering just over the fence. Using sound and suggestion, the horror of events unfolding within the camp was woven into the story with disturbing intensity, but the impact that instructions from the top had on family life and Hedwig's hopes and dreams nevertheless made for compelling viewing. For the first time I was struck by how deeply loyalty was honoured and rewarded within the hierarchy of the Nazi war machine, and wondered what the consequences of questioning party policy would have been. No excuses can be made for the millions who died at the hands of the Nazis, but this movie reminds us that somehow, real people accepted what was happening at the Death Camps, and lived with it. In the Hoss's case, next door. Zone of Interest, for me, was incredible, one of the best so far this year. It is an experience worth having, and an invitation to ask ourselves how we feel about all the wars being waged in 2024, as well as personal wars, with those close to us, and even with ourselves. Go see it.

I never give a movie 5 stars because nothing is perfect but man I loved this film. A bleak drama of such intense emotions, and beautifully acted by every single one of the cast. It needs to be said that it will bring you down and leave you with lots of things to reflect on. In an era in which families often had a controlling patriarch such as Dad Fritz, there still shines through the deep love and affection he had for all his boys, and the love between the brothers was both heart-warming and gut-wrenching. the fact that this is based in truth makes it even more difficult and poignant, but if you can handle pain and tragedy within a human story with all the action and drama related to world class wrestling, make it a must see. JM

The Bachelorette is a guilty pleasure for me, and I have watched it almost all the way through and loved it up until recently. It is on a downhill slide as it has begun to put people into embarrassing and confronting situations. Chris Harrison was a favourite, always a gentleman with time to assist with problems, and offer good advice in an unintrusive way. His dismissal was ridiculous, and he is missed very much, plus the show has fallen apart without him at the rudder. In Michelle Young's season, the boundaries have been crossed. The two presenters go into the room of one of the men and go through his personal belongings and report their findings to Michelle, who sends this man home on night one. In Episode 8 of this season, the Men's reunion, business owner, Peter, has to see 1 star reviews of his pizzeria on screen, and we never find out if they were maliciously written by Will, or not. Peter was not a pleasant character, but hardly deserves to have his livelihood damaged this way. The show has lost its integrity and while I know it is meant as fun and entertainment, it still has a responsibility to treat the participants with the greatest of respect and kindness as they navigate what for them can be a life-changing experience. Bring back Chris.

Its a rare feat when a film can in turn make you smile, laugh out loud, think and also on occasion twang your heartstrings. I can't speak for anyone else, but as a 61 year old woman who played with these dolls, and other types, as a child, Barbie managed to do all that, and more. Every actor gave it their all. Sure, at times it borders on syrupy, and is complete fantasy, but for all that its a thoroughly enjoyable comedy that somehow also manages to comment on gender roles and ageing with empathy and warmth, in a wonderfully clever, entertaining and totally satisfying manner. I knew I had to see it, and that I might hate it, but I went in with an open mind, and within 10 minutes I knew it was destined to be a winner. Highly recommend for a fun outing, especially for adult mothers and daughters.