Category Archive for "Film & TV"

Geckos and DVDs

Sunday, October 2, 2022 Permalink

Given my lack of non-bookish blog posting I’m going to try to attempt random posts about stuff on my mind. I’ve mentioned before that I miss the old style blogging that was akin to a journal or keeping a diary. I realise it’s often of interest to no one but me, although I do dip in and out of others who blog daily (such as House Goes Home) and enjoy it. I often tend to jot ideas into my phone and never do anything with them. Or I start a blog post but realise either: I can’t sustain a whole post on such an inconsequential subject; and/or my topic is entirely pointless or of no interest to anyone other than me.

But… I need to get back into the habit of writing, so here I go…

Book review: Halifax Transgression by Roger Simpson

Sunday, September 18, 2022 Permalink

We’re very much accustomed to books being adapted for television but the opposite – books appearing as a result of popular television shows or movies – is less common. Though we did have the pleasure last year of a Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mystery (in print) following the success of that TV series. And more recently the book Heat 2 has been released, complementing the popular 1995 film (Heat). Here, well-known television producer and screenwriter Roger Simpson has adapted his iconic series Halifax fp, from the small screen onto the page.

Earworms: swallowing the Kate Bush spider to catch the Bridgerton fly

Friday, July 8, 2022 Permalink

We all now know what earworms are. Mostly synonymous with annoying children’s TV shows and unfortunate songs that get stuck in our head. Usually the Wiggles or the one about the Baby Shark or similar.

Like many I recently fell in love with the latest season of Bridgerton; far preferring it to season one (as Daphne annoyed me and looked like a petulant 15 year old).

I loved the simmering steaminess of season two compared to the openly sexuality in season one. And of course the music – which received much attention in s1; the classic twist on contemporary hits – is an integral part of the show’s innovation and allure. Season two built on this and I loved Alanis Morissette’s You Outta Know, along with Dancing on my Own, Sign of the Times and Wrecking Ball, the latter which stuck in my head for weeks… months. (Perhaps as a result of the number of times I’d watched that episode).

Life lately – March 2022

Monday, March 28, 2022 Permalink

My posts have been few and far between of late. Particularly my non-bookish posts, but even the book reviews.

I guess I’m still finding some balance though I’ve now been in my ‘new’ job for over 4 months. The uncertainty or unease I wrote about early this month remains but I’m trying to be more accepting of my moods and responses. Most of which are only evident to others because I share them publicly rather than grappling with them in silence. I’m not sure which is better. I know I get frustrated with those who do nothing but whinge, but then again we all know that many only share the good on social media and their lives seem charmed. Enviable, but also inaccessible in some ways.

Anyhoo, my blogging friend Denyse is reigniting a linkup every couple of weeks so I figured I should share something today and am going with the usual ‘check-in’ post.

What I’ve been watching – January 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Permalink

I’ve not done much writing in the past couple of months. I mentioned late last year that I was adjusting to working from home (full time) and spending 7-8hrs glued to my desk. Having said that November to January are usually slower reviewing months for me anyway because of the plethora of non-fiction books released at Christmas. It seems every man and their mother wants to buy memoirs, books about sport or cookbooks. None of which interest me at all.

Instead I’ve continued watching inordinate amounts of streaming services so thought I’d offer up a run-down of what I’ve been watching.

Book review: The Vacation by John Marrs

Sunday, January 9, 2022 Permalink

The Vacation by John Marrs is a difficult book to write about. It’s certainly an addictive read as I was desperate to see how it ended – or more accurately – how our characters all fared.

In some ways it’s a bit like a Woody Allen-esque movie featuring a series of vignettes with an array of characters, all with their own stories that come together in some unbelievably coincidental way at the end.

What I’ve been watching

Monday, September 27, 2021 Permalink

I’ve not been doing as much reading this year. Instead I seem to have rediscovered my TV-watching mojo. Or rather, my TV streaming mojo.

A long time ago – before Netflix and the like – I talked about how much I enjoyed binge-watching television series. I pondered if it was akin to an addiction. Back then it was via DVDs and I raced my way through Deadwood, Dead Like Me, The Sopranos and Entourage, but now of course we have a plethora of choices. I only pay for two services (Amazon Prime and Netflix) but have access to AppleTV+ after buying a new phone a few months ago. I’m also a huge fan of Australia’s ABCiView and SBSonDemand (despite its repetitive ads).

Life lately – the August 2021 edition

Monday, August 16, 2021 Permalink

I really wanted to write something today but am too lazy to think about anything too deeply. I had some genius ideas last night while I was unable to sleep, but they have either disappeared from my memory, require further pondering, or are things that I don’t really NEED to (over)share.

So, welcome to ‘life lately’ – my semi-regular mind-dump, in which I write about random crap… which actually screws with my website (SEO) stats, though thankfully I seem to care little.

Book review: Just Murdered by Katherine Kovacic

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Permalink

I’ve written a number of times here about my love for Miss Phryne Fisher – 1920s icon, lady detective and adventuress. I wasn’t aware of the delightful character who’s (now) featured in over twenty Kerry Greenwood books before discovering her almost a decade ago via the ABCTV show, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

It meant I was excited by the 2019 small screen arrival of Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, featuring Phryne’s niece Peregrine.