Michael Review

Michael

Release Date: April 22nd 2026 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Lionsgate (in association with)

GK Films

Optimum Productions

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Musical/Drama

Rating: PG

Runtime: 127 minutes

Budget: $200,000,000

Box Office Gross:

$1,022,317,988 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Explore the life and times

of pop legend Michael

Jackson. This film

explores his remarkable

talent, from his early

days as the lead singer

of the Jackson 5 to his

transformation into a

trailblazing artist. It

highlights his creative

vision and unwavering

ambition to become the

world's greatest entertainer,

as well as his life

offstage and some of

the most legendary

performances from his

early solo career.

Cast

Jaafar Jackson - Michael Jackson

Juliano Krue Valdi - Young Michael

Colman Domingo - Joe Jackson

Nia Long - Katherine Jackson

Miles Teller - John Branca

Laura Harrier - Suzanne de Passe

KeiLyn Durrel Jones - Bill Bray

Jamal R. Henderson - Jermaine Jackson

Jayden Harville - Young Jermaine

Tre Horton - Marlon Jackson

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter -

Young Marlon

Rhyan Hill - Tito Jackson

Judah Edwards - Young Tito

Joseph David-Jones - Jackie

Jackson

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre - Young Jackie

Jessica Sula - La Toya Jackson

Kendrick Sampson - Quincy Jones

Larenz Tate - Berry Gordy

Liv Symone - Gladys Knight

Kevin Schnick - Dick Clark

Mike Myers - Walter Yetnikoff

Deon Cole - Don King

Asia Fuqua - Ola Ray

Jono Petrie - John Landis

Paul Hipp - Bob Giraldi

Crew

Executive Producer/Director -

Antoine Fuqua

Writer - John Logan

Executive Producer/Unit

Production Manager - David B. Householter

Executive Producers - Jackie,

Jermaine, La Toya Jackson,

Marlon, Prince Michael &

Tito Jackson, Hayley King,

Karen Langford, Jordan Schur

and Lydia Silverman

Producers - John Branca,

Graham King and John McClain

Casting Director - Victoria Thomas

Production Designer - Barbara Ling

Supervising Art Director - Eric

Sundahl

Set Decorator - Amy Wells

Costume Designer - Marci Rodgers

Makeup Designer - Bill Corso

Special Makeup Effects

Artists - Howard Berger,

Kenneth Calhoun, Mark

Garbarino, Bart Mixon,

Ve Neill, Christopher Allen

Nelson and Dominie Till 

Prosthetics Designer -

Christen Tinsley 

Director of Photography -

Dion Beebe

Unit Production Manager -

Mika Saito

First Assistant Directors - Jon Mallard and Liz Tan

Animal Wrangler - Paul 'Sled' Reynolds

Supervising Stunt Coordinator - Chris O'Hara

Choreographers - Anthony & Richmond Talauega

Special Effects Coordinator - Eric Cook

Special Effects Supervisor - J.D. Schwalm

Visual Effects Supervisor - Louis Marin

Visual Effects Supervisor: ILM - Ivan Busquets

Visual Effects Supervisor: Cinesite - Holger Voss

Visual Effects Supervisor: Lola VFX - Edson Williams

Visual Effects Producer - Greg Baxter

Additional Animation Supervisor: ILM - Steve Nichols

Compositing Supervisor: Proof - Theresa Ellis Rygiel

Editors - Conrad Buff IV, Tom Cross,

John Ottman and Harry Yoon

Additional Editors - John Lee and Matt Friedman

Supervising Sound Editor/Music Supervisor -

John Warhurst

Re-Recording Mixer - David Giammarco

Re-Recording/Music Mixer - Paul Massey

Sound Mixer - Ed Novick

Supervising ADR Editor - Anna MacKenzie

Executive Music Producer - Harvey Mason Jr.

Review

As you know, Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Known as the "King of Pop," he is a groundbreaking artist who undeniably dominated the music scene in the 1980s and early 90s. People admire him not just for his music, including his best-selling album Thriller, music videos, and concert tours, but also for his voice and dance moves. Even after his death, his popularity and influence remain undiminished among fans, as his legacy lives on.

For as long as I can remember, I've heard a lot about Michael and how the public viewed him during his fall from grace, but that was before I started watching his music videos and listening to his songs in either 2007 or 2008. However, I learned much more about the singer after his untimely passing in 2009 and came to appreciate him much more.

As a diehard Michael Jackson fan, I have waited a long time for this biopic, ever since the success of Bohemian Rhapsody led Hollywood to flood the market with musical biopics. It's not entirely unexpected that both Bohemian Rhapsody and Michael have the same producer, Graham King. Many critics were unkind, labelling it "sanitised" and "playing it safe" because Michael Jackson's family and estate endorsed the biopic, and it didn't fully deconstruct his mythos. Fans, however, didn't care; they enjoyed it more than non-fans and critics did.

MICHAEL is a faithful yet honest portrayal of the late pop singer in his early years, celebrating his creative musical genius, bravado, artistry, and showmanship. Unfortunately, it lacks substance and doesn't explore the darker aspects of his personal life. It doesn't portray him as deeply troubled, though it presents him as almost entirely perfect, with only hints of his eccentricities. Another problem with this movie is its pacing; it should have been longer. The film has some historical inaccuracies, but I won't discuss them in detail. After all, that's common in musical biopics. It glossed over some significant parts of Michael's life, including his relationship with Diana Ross.

Additionally, Janet Jackson is noticeably absent, as she declined to participate, but that's her decision. Michael's other siblings, Rebbie and Randy, are also missing. Aside from Rebbie, Randy, and Janet's absence, the other Jacksons barely register and receive any attention, except for Joe and Katherine. The ending is abrupt because of legal issues led to reshoots, which further complicated things. It did, however, cover a few details, such as his complicated relationship with his tyrannical and abusive father and the infamous Pepsi commercial accident. Hopefully, the next part will delve deeper into more of Michael's backstory and address the legal side.

Antoine Fuqua's direction was spectacular. He incorporated some jaw-dropping scenes that pulsate with energy and atmosphere. In a bold casting move, Michael's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, played the King of Pop. Since he had never acted in a film before, this was his debut. He delivers an often uncanny but spectacular performance, mirroring his late uncle by nailing the voice, mannerisms, and signature dance moves, including the moonwalk. He embodies his famous relative's spirit.

Colman Domingo stands out in a detestable role as Joseph. He portrays Joe Jackson as genuinely monstrous and despicable, seeing his children as a ticket to fame and fortune and a way to escape his job at the steel mill. Special mention must go to the makeup department for making Domingo look almost identical to the real man, which is impressive given his imposing presence. Nia Long brings maternal warmth as Katherine, Michael's supportive mother and Joe's complete opposite. Juliano Krue Valdi is sensational as young Michael, and he really shines in the scenes. Mike Myers makes a special appearance as a CBS Records executive, similar to his role in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Technically, many aspects are worth admiring. The production design, costumes, and sound mixing clearly show great care and attention to detail. The musical sequences flourish as they recreate the iconic moments from Michael's career, from his music videos to his live performances, including "Thriller" and the Motown 25th anniversary special, capturing the larger-than-life energy that made Michael Jackson who he is. The film features original recordings by the legendary singer integrated throughout.

In retrospect, MICHAEL is a fitting tribute to the King of Pop, though it offers a somewhat predictable yet incomplete narrative. While it has its issues, particularly in its limited exploration of Michael Jackson, it is still a worthy addition to the King of Pop's legacy. Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10 because the film stays true to its core theme. However, if you're a Michael Jackson fan, you'll want to see this movie on the biggest screen possible. If you don't care about the late King of Pop or haven't gotten over the controversy surrounding his personal life, just beat it!

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Gran Turismo Review

Gran Turismo

Release Date: 3rd August 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures (presents)

PlayStation Productions

2.0 Entertainment

Michael De Luca Productions

Trigger Street Productions

TSG Entertainment (made in association with)

Distribution

Sony Pictures Releasing Australia

Genre: Action/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 134 minutes

Budget: $60,000,000

Box Office Gross: $122,101,055 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

After winning a series of

Nissan-sponsored video

game competitions, a

Gran Turismo player gets

his chance to become a

professional race car

driver.

Cast

Archie Madekwe - Jann Mardenborough

David Harbour - Jack Salter

Orlando Bloom - Danny Moore

Darren Barnet - Matty Davis

Geri Halliwell - Lesley

Mardenborough

Djimon Hounsou - Steve

Mardenborough

Josha Stradowski - Nicholas Capa

Daniel Puig - Cody Mardenborough

Maeve Courtier-Lilley - Audrey

Pepe Barroso - Antonio Cruz

Niall McShea - Frederik Schulin

Nikhil Parmar - Persol

Takehiro Hira - Kazunori

Yamauchi

Thomas Kretschmann -

Patrice Capa

Akie Kotabe - Akira Akiba

Sadao Ueda - Skeptical

Nissan Board Member

Wai Wong - Senior Nissan Executive

Jamie Kenna - Jack Man Jones

Royce Cronin - Capa Team Leader

Harki Bhambra - Avi Bhatt

Emelia Hartford - Leah Vega

Lindsay Pattison - Chloe McCormick

Mariano González - Henry

Evas

Maximilian Mundt - Klaus

Hoffman

Sang Heon Lee - Joo-Hwan Lee

Théo Christine - Marcel Durand

Joanne Heywood - Clothing

Customer

Cavan Jones - Kid Playing

at Gamer Cafe

Lloyd Meredith - Percy

Hannah Hornsby - Audrey's

Friend

Bence Bauer - Bonfire Guy

Ciarán Joyce - Ciaran

Cochrane

John Carter - James Wallace

Niki Faulkner - Instructor

Rina Saito - Kaz's Translator

Peter Lundie - Race Coordinator, GT Academy

Andrea Vasiliou - Dubai

Racing Fan

Yoojin Lee - Dubai Racing Fan

Matthew Hirsch - Race Marshall

(Le Mans) (Cameo)

Jacques Jouffret - Race

Official

(Le Mans) (Cameo)

Eszter Zavaros - Female Chef

Daijiro Yoshihara - Nissan

Corporate Driver (Japan)

Maya Murofushi - Nissan

Desk Clerk

Bianca Bridge - Germany Reporter

Selin Cuhadaroglu - Sarah Eaton

Frédéric North - Helicopter

Pilot, GT Academy (Cameo)

Crew

Director - Neil Blomkamp

Story/Screenplay/Executive Producer - Jason Hall

Story - Alex Tse

Screenplay - Zach Baylin

Executive Producers - Matthew Hirsch, Herman Hulst and Kazunori Yamauchi

Producers - Carter Swan, Asad Qizilbash, Dana Brunetti and Doug Belgrad

Co-Producer/Stunt Driver: Archie Madekwe

(Uncredited) - Jann Mardenborough

Co-Producer - Darren Cox

Casting Directors - Raylin Sabo and Mary Vernieu

Production Designer - Martin Whist

Supervising Art Director - Justin O'Neal Miller

Set Decorators - Lauree Martell

and Adam Polgar

Costume Designer - Terry Anderson

Makeup Department Head - Tracey Wells

Director of Photography - Jacques Jouffret

Supervising Location Manager - Naomi Liston

First Assistant Directors - Martin Krauka

and James Bitonti

Stunt Coordinators - Steve Kelso

and Andrew Gill

Stunt Coordinator: HU - Domonkos Pardanyi

Supervising Picture Vehicle Coordinator -

Alex King

Picture Vehicle Coordinator - Dennis McCarthy

Picture Vehicle Supervisor - Elia Popov

Special Effects Supervisor - Gabor Kiszelly

Visual Effects Supervisor - Viktor Muller

Editors - Austyn Daines and Colby Parker Jr.

Co-Editor - Eric Freidenberg

Supervising Sound Editors - Kami Asgar

and Erin Oakley

Sound Designers - Charles Deenen,

James Evans and Nick Spradlin

Sound Recordists - John P. Fasal,

Bryan Watkins, Travis Prater,

Ed Walker, Watson Wu and Dustin Troyan

Re-Recording Mixers - Beau Borders

and Kevin O'Connell

Supervising Foley Artist - Gary A. Hecker

Music - Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski

Review

I vividly recall Gran Turismo (GT) as a PlayStation video game series. I'm not sure if I played GT. Then again, I might have played it only once (unless it was a different racing game), since I didn't have a PlayStation. Loosely based on the GT video games, this film retells the true story of a young gamer who went from virtual racing to a professional racing career. Neil Blomkamp is one step closer to a directorial comeback after a downturn with movies such as Elysium and Chappie, as he breaks the mould of his preferred sci-fi genre. He has never directed a video game film adaptation, though he attempted a Halo movie that never materialised.

Although adapting a racing game into a Hollywood feature may seem unconventional (unless you count Need for Speed), GRAN TURISMO still features a classic underdog story with an engaging setup. Admittedly, the film has flaws, including a predictable narrative and slow pacing. The dialogue is also slightly weak in the first half, with many lines feeling cheesy and unoriginal. The editing could have been tighter if they had trimmed a few scenes and removed the unnecessary romantic subplot. However, things improved as the film progressed, particularly the emotional moments near the end.

The actors delivered first-class performances, with Orlando Bloom returning to the limelight as an idealistic motorsport executive who recognises the gaming community's potential. Archie Madekwe, a relatively inexperienced actor, carries much of the load, sharing the screen with some of Hollywood's biggest names. His character embodies a carefree, youthful spirit that mirrors Jann Mardenborough's real-life persona. David Harbour delivers a commanding performance as Jann's coach, a former racing driver.

The chemistry between Madekwe and Harbour is strong, capturing the mentor-trainee dynamic. However, Djimon Hounsou's performance as Jann's father emerges as the emotional centrepiece, despite his limited screen time. Also worth noting, Geri Hariwell, one of the Spice Girls, plays Jann's mum. Interestingly, the real-life Mardenborough did all the driving stunts for his screen counterpart.

GRAN TURISMO's racing sequences are spectacular, with the stunning drone camerawork and an engaging visual style. The latter ranges from CGI recreations of the game's user interface to real-time vehicle breakdowns. It'll make you believe you're playing a video game. The sound design is superb throughout, with roaring engines, screeching tyres, and thunderous crashes that create an immersive experience.

GRAN TURISMO is an adrenaline-fueled combination of gaming and real-world motorsports culture. Although it doesn't offer anything new to the sports-drama subgenre, its heart-pounding race sequences and moving performances make it a worthy addition for fans of racing and inspirational stories alike. Anyone who has played the game or is a massive motorsport enthusiast should check it out.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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F1 Review

F1

Release Date: 26th June 2025 - Australia

Production Companies

Apple Studios (present)

Warner Bros. Pictures (present)

Monolith Pictures

Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Plan B Entertainment

Dawn Apollo Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 156 minutes

Budget: $300,000,000

Box Office Gross: $633,742,436 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Sonny Hayes, often called

"the greatest that never

was", was Formula 1's 

most promising talent of

the 1990s until a near-

fatal accident on the track

threatened to end his

career. Now a freelance

racer-for-hire, he is

approached thirty years

later by his former

teammate, Ruben

Cervantes, who owns

a struggling Formula 1

team on the brink of

collapse. Ruben convinces

Sonny to return to Formula

1 for one final attempt

to save the team and

become the best in the

world. He'll drive alongside

Joshua Pearce, the team's

rookie sensation, who is

determined to set his own

pace. However, as the

engines roar, Sonny's

past dreams come back

to haunt him. He realises

that in Formula 1, your

teammate is your fiercest

competitor, and you

cannot travel the road to

redemption alone.

Cast

Brad Pitt - Sonny Hayes

Damson Idris - Joshua Pearce

Javier Bardem - Ruben Cervantes

Kerry Condon - Kate McKenna

Tobias Menzies - Peter Banning

Kim Bodnia - Kaspar Smolinski

Sarah Niles - Bernadette Pearce

Will Merrick - Nickleby

Joseph Balderrama - Rico Fazio

Abdul Salis - Dodge Dowda

Callie Cooke - Jodie

Samson Kayo - Cash

Simon Kunz - Don Cavendish

Liz Kingsman - Lisbeth Bampton

Simone Ashley - Herself (Cameo)

Ramona Von Pusch - Liesl

Smolinski

Barney Smith - Kaspar's Son

Poppy Smith - Kaspar's

Daughter

Luciano Bacheta - Luca Cortez

Rosie Dwyer - Pippa Leguin

Martin Brundle - Himself

David Croft - Himself

Leigh Diffey - Daytona Race Broadcaster

Shea Whigham - Chip Hart

Patrick Long - Himself (Cameo)

Will Redmond - Young Engineer

Michael Aaron Milligan - Strategy Director

Kyle Rankin - Cale Kelso

Rachel Walters - Molly,

Sonny's Assistant

Steven Sean Garland - BMW

Driver

Avis-Marie Barnes - Diner

Waitress

Will Buxton - Himself

Rachel Brookes - Herself

Natalie Pinkham - Herself

Maria Thoma - Presenter

Tom Clarkson - Las Vegas Press Conference Presenter

Martin Savage - Las Vegas FIA Race Director

Zoe Oedekerk - Las Vegas

Fun Loving Clubber

Tiësto - Himself

Elena Rivers - Supper Club Hostess

Nancy Carroll - Abu Dhabi

Corporate Executive #1

Ankur Bahl - Abu Dhabi

Corporate Executive #2

Mohammed Alkhoori - Abu Dhabi Trophy Presenter

Salwa Al Hadhrami - Abu

Dhabi Podium Dignitary

Sal Lopez - Baja Old Timer

Darius De La Cruz - Baja

Mechanic's Son

Gabriel Rivas - Baja

Teenage Grandson

Alexander Albion - Himself (Cameo)

Fernando Alonso - Himself

(Cameo)

Oliver Bearman - Himself (Cameo)

Valterri Bottas - Himself (Cameo)

Franco Colapinto - Himself

(Cameo)

Nyck de Vries - Himself

(Cameo)

Jack Doohan - Himself (Cameo)

Pierre Gasly - Himself (Cameo)

Zhou Guanyu - Himself (Cameo)

Lewis Hamilton - Himself (Cameo)

Nico Hülkenberg - Himself (Cameo)

Liam Lawson - Himself

(Cameo)

Charles Leclerc - Himself

(Cameo)

Kevin Magnussen - Himself

(Cameo)

Lando Norris - Himself (Cameo)

Esteban Ocon - Himself (Cameo)

Sergio Pérez - Himself (Cameo)

Oscar Piastri - Himself (Cameo)

Daniel Ricciardo - Himself (Cameo)

George Russell - Himself (Cameo)

Carlos Sainz Jr. - Himself (Cameo)

Logan Sargeant - Himself

(Cameo)

Lance Stroll - Himself (Cameo)

Yuki Tsunoda - Himself (Cameo)

Max Verstappen - Himself (Cameo)

Zak Brown - Himself (Cameo)

Christian Horner - Himself (Cameo)

Guenther Steiner - Himself (Cameo)

Lawrence Stroll - Himself (Cameo)

Frédéric Vasseur - Himself (Cameo)

James Vowles - Himself (Cameo)

Toto Wolff - Himself (Cameo)

Stefano Domenicali - Himself (Cameo)

Roscoe - Himself

Crew

Story/Producer/Director - Joseph Kosinski

Story/Writer - Ehren Kruger

Casting Directors - Lucy Bevan and

Emily Brockmann

Executive Producer/First Assistant Director -

Toby Hefferman

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Daniel Lupi

Executive Producers - Tim Bampton,

Stefano Domenicalli, Ian Holmes

and Toto Wolff

Producers - Dede Gardner, Lewis Hamilton,

Jeremy Kleiner, Chad Oman and Brad Pitt

Co-Producers - John K. Campbell,

Emily Cheung, Melissa Reid and Penni Thow

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager - Ben Piltz

Consultant - Will Buxton

F1 Consultants - Bernie Collins and Ruth Buscombe

Daytona Racing Consultant & Stunt Driver - Patrick Long

Production Designers - Ben Munro and

Mark Tildesley

Concept Artist - Charlie Cobb

Art Directors - Oliver Benson, Edd Cross

Hugh McClelland and Ketan Waikar

Art Director: U.S. Units - Daytona, Pismo &

Las Vegas - Timothy Moen

Car & Livery Design - Daniel Simon

Set Decorators - Reynan Castro Del Rosario,

Andrew McCarthy and Véronique Melery

Property Master: Pismo & Las Vegas Units -

Chris Call

Costume Designer - Julian Day

Hair & Makeup Designer - Denise Kum

Director of Photography - Claudio Miranda

A Camera Assistant - Dan Ming

Supervising Location Manager - Charlie Hayes

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator - Adam Kirley

Action Vehicles Supervisor - Graham Kelly

Supervising Stunt Coordinator - Gary Powell

Lead Sequence Choreographer - Luciano Bacheta

Additional Sequence Choreographer - Craig Dolby

Aerial Coordinator/Helicopter Pilot: U.S. Units -

Daytona, Pismo & Las Vegas - Kevin LaRosa II

Special Effects Supervisor - Keith Dawson

Special Effects Supervisor: U.S. Units - Daytona,

Pismo & Las Vegas - Elia P. Popov

Visual Effects On-Set Supervisor - Edward Price

Visual Effects Supervisor - Ryan Tudhope

Visual Effects Supervisors: Framestore -

Nicolas Chevallier and Robert Harrington

Supervisor: BLIND Ltd - Andrew Booth

Editors - Stephen Mirrione and Patrick J. Smith

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer - Al Nelson

Supervising Sound Editor - Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

Re-Recording Mixers - Juan Peralta and

Gary A. Rizzo

Production Sound Mixer - Gareth John

Original Score/Score Producer/Synth Programming -

Hans Zimmer

Additional Score/Score Producer - Steve Mazzarro

Music Mixer - Alan Meyerson

Review

Hollywood risks losing its audience due to its recent reliance on remakes, reboots, cash-grab sequels, and unsuccessful attempts to build franchises, all of which threaten to undermine its standing. Thankfully, that's about to change with the blockbuster release of F1, which embraces the classic storytelling conventions Hollywood has forgotten. As you know, Formula One is the world's most popular motorsport. It has experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, thanks to the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. However, I was never a fan of this huge racing event, as I only watched the Bathurst 12 Hour and Supercar races at Mount Panorama.

Riding the wave of success from Top Gun: Maverick, Joseph Kosinski returns to deliver another thrilling spectacle in F1. Kosinski expressed interest in directing a racing film after the one about the 1966 Le Mans event, which was to feature Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, fell through due to budget constraints. That movie later became Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold and starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. His regular collaborators from the previous film, including writer Ehren Kruger and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, return to help with this latest outing, reassembling the dream team. But one question remains. Will this movie offer a cinematic experience similar to Kosinski's 2022 offering? The answer is yes.

While the film is similar to the director's previous movie, it reminds me of Days of Thunder, as both films live up to the description of "Top Gun on wheels." Interestingly, Bruckheimer and legendary composer Hans Zimmer worked on that film before F1. Unfortunately, the biggest issue within F1 is its plot, which relies on familiar narrative beats from other inspirational sports movies, making it formulaic and predictable. However, its complex character moments, depth, and themes of resilience, redemption, the pursuit of greatness, and the power of teamwork make up for it. Lewis Hamilton's involvement as a producer is evident, and his guidance is pivotal in ensuring the racing scenes feel authentic. This commitment to accuracy extended even to subtle details, such as the gear changes made during cornering.

Acting legend Brad Pitt headlines the cast, bringing magnetic charm and effortless charisma as veteran race driver Sonny Hayes. The two-time Oscar winner's passion for racing is evident in his character, whose enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. Like Tom Cruise before him, he is one of the last movie stars of his generation. Although he was 61, he still kept his rugged good looks for the part. Damson Idris excels as the overconfident young driver, Joshua Pearce, adding depth with precise facial expressions and an air of confidence that matches Sonny's. The chemistry between him and Pitt is explosive, with a "veteran versus rookie" dynamic that evokes the intensity of a high-speed race.

Javier Bardem shines as struggling team owner and former Formula 1 driver Ruben Cervantes, a role that could have amounted to mere bravado. Kerry Condon steals the show as technical director Kate McKenna, the team's voice of reason. Additionally, the Irish actress shares on-screen romantic chemistry with Pitt. Formula One fans will recognise Hamilton and his peers, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, in brief cameos during the off-track scenes.

The movie stands out for its consistently exhilarating racing scenes, which provide an adrenaline rush for racing fans and propel the narrative forward at top speed. Claudio Miranda's cinematography establishes the film's realistic visual style. Whereas the cockpit camerawork in Top Gun: Maverick is impressive, F1 takes it to the next level, delivering an immersive, highly impactful viewing experience. The editing and sound design are top-notch, enhancing the racing sequences, and the film's striking visuals do, too. Hans Zimmer, who incidentally composed the score for Rush, another Formula One movie, delivers a killer, heart-pounding, electric score featuring songs by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Ed Sheeran, and others.

Arguably, F1 is a full-throttle sensation for audiences, capturing the visceral thrills of the motorsport, and is close to dethroning Ford v Ferrari as the best racing movie. It's an absolute reminder of why I love popcorn movies. Whether you're into cars or not, this is a must-see film.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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Music Review

Music

Release Date: 14th January 2021 - Australia

Production Companies

Landay Entertainment

Atlantic Films

Crush Pictures

Pineapple Lasagne Productions

Warner Music Entertainment

Distribution

StudioCanal Australia

Genre: Drama/Musical

Rating: M

Runtime: 107 minutes

Budget: $16,000,000

Box Office Gross: $645,949 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Zu is a free-spirited woman who recently went sober and

is trying to find her

place in the world when

she receives the news

that her grandmother

has died. She is about

to become the sole

caretaker of her half-

sister, Music, a young girl

on the autism spectrum.

Cast

Kate Hudson - Zu

Maddie Ziegler - Music

Leslie Odom Jr. - Ebo

Braeden Marcott - Nassir

Beto Cavillo - Felix

Blair Williamson - Abel

Mary Kay Place - Millie

Hector Elizondo - George

Eric Davis - Police Officer

Brandon Soo Hoo - Tanner,

the Boxer

Juliette Lewis - Evelyn

Kathy Najimy - Evelyn's Mom

Ben Schwartz - Rudy

Sarah Zinsser - Woman at AA Meeting

Sia - Popstar Without Borders (Cameo)

Crew

Music's World Creator/Story/

Screenplay/Additional Music/

Producer/Director - Sia

Screenplay - Dallas Clayton

Writer - Metin Bati

Executive Producers - Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Jonathan Daniel, Julie Greenwald

and Craig Kallman

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Will Weiske

Producer - Vincent Landay

Co-Producer - Jason Baum

Casting - Rachel Tenner and Charlene Lee

Choreographer - Ryan Heffington

Production Designer - Tracy Dishman

Production Designer: Additional Photography/

Art Director - Leigh Poindexter

Set Decorator - Amanda Hallberg

Costume Designer - Christine Wada

Director of Photography - Sebastian Wintero

First Assistant Director: Additional Photography -

Paula Case

Stunt Coordinator - Steven John Brown

Special Effects Coordinator - Elia P. Popov

Visual Effects Supervisor - Janelle Croshaw

Film Editors - Matt Chesse,

Curtiss Clayton and Dana Congdon

Additional Editor - Brad Besser

Additional Editor: Musicals - Loran Askill

Re-Recording Mixer/Sound Designer -

Leo Marcil

Sound Designers - Sylvain Lasseur

and Wylie Stateman

Re-Recording Mixers - Lindsey Alvarez

and Eric Hoehn

Score - Craig DeLeon

Additional Music - Labrinth

Review

I didn't care much about the pop star Sia, though I'm not into her songs. She's proven controversial when this film inaccurately depicts autism as stereotypical and offensive. Many autistic people were insulted by this portrayal, especially with Sia casting a neurotypical actress like Maddie Ziegler as the titular character with severe autism. The restraints in the film proved harmful and dangerous, which isn't a good sign. I'm disappointed with how MUSIC turned out, especially its story, given there's little plot. While the film has good intentions, it lacks the human qualities needed to represent people in a culturally diverse world. The musical numbers are silly and pointless and do not contribute to the film. From what I've learned, this film was written as a non-musical until the producers convinced Sia to add musical numbers.

Maddie Ziegler seemed miscast as the titular character, and honestly, I don't care if she's as terrible at acting as everyone said she is in this movie. Since Maddie was her frequent collaborator on her music videos, the director was Sia. Maybe she should have chosen a different young actress with some autism. While Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom Jr.'s performances were incredible, their roles weren't enough to compensate for the film's failures. Also, Sia's cameo is redundant.

MUSIC fails to deliver good value for a filmgoer's buck. As much as I want to admire this film, I wouldn't because it's disappointing. I would probably not want to see it again. As a recommendation, this movie isn't worth a second viewing, so it's best to avoid it.

Star rating: (3/10) Disappointing

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Elvis (2022) Review

Elvis

Release Date: 23rd June 2022 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Bazmark Films

The Jackal Group

Whalerock Industries

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Musical/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 159 minutes

Budget: $85,000,000

Box Office Gross: $288,670,284 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Inspired by the true story of Elvis Presley's rise to fame, the film details his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Cast

Austin Butler - Elvis Presley

Tom Hanks - Colonel Tom Parker

Olivia DeJonge - Priscilla

Helen Thomson - Gladys Presley

Richard Roxburgh - Vernon Presley

Kelvin Harrison Jr. - B.B. King

David Wenham - Hank Snow

Kodi Smit-McPhee - Jimmie Rodgers Snow

Luke Bracey - Jerry Schilling

Dacre Montgomery - Steve Binder

Leon Ford - Tom Diskin

Gary Clark Jr. - Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup

Yola - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Natasha Bassett - Dixie Locke

Xavier Samuel - Scotty Moore

Adam Dunn - Bill Black

Alton Mason - Little Richard

Shonka Dukureh - Big Mama

Thornton/Pentecostal Singer

David Gannon - Charlie Hodge

Shannon Sanders - Pentecostal

Pastor/Singer

Charles Grounds - Billy Smith

Josh McConville - Sam Phillips

Kate Mulvany - Marion Keisker

Gareth Davies - Bones Howe

Chaydon Jay - Young Elvis

Christian Kisando - Shake Rag Friend - Smoky

John Mukristayo - Shake Rag Friend - Jimmy

Miles Burton - Shake Rag

Friend - Bobby

Gad Banza - Shake Rag

Friend - Doc

Aristene Kisando - Sweet

Inspirations - Myrna

Senayt Mebrahtu - Sweet

Inspirations - Estelle

Princess Mariama

Andrews - Sweet Inspirations - Cissy

Sharon Brooks - Sweet

Inspirations - Sylvia

Nicholas Bell - Senator Eastland

Anthony Phelan - Meyer Kohn

Sandro Colarelli - Tony Goochera

Cle Morgan - Mahalia Jackson

Charles Allen - Reverend Brewster

Natalie Bassingthwaighte -

Dee Stanley

Liz Blackett - Grandma Dodger

Mike Bingaman - Sonny West

Christian McCarthy - Red West

Tony Nixon - Dr. Nick

Andrea Moor - Nurse Tish

Mark Leonard Winter - Tom Hulett

Hilton Hyppolite Denis - Claude Thompson

Christopher Sommers - Horace Logan

Terepai Richmond - DJ Fontana

Alex Knight - Ron Tutt

Elizabeth Cullen - Natalie - Motel Girl

Angie Milliken - Madam Z

Luke Corrin Care - Aladdin Croupier

Jack McGirr - Tommy (Hayride)

Miranda Frangou - Nell - Tommy's Girlfriend

Ruby Gonzales-Judd - Girl (Russwood)

Greg Powell - Milton Berle

Patrick Shearer - DJ Dewey Phillips

Sarah Ogden - Mrs. Eastland

Melina Vidler - Barbara - Vegas Penthouse

Crew

Story/Screenplay/Producer/Director -

Baz Luhrmann

Story/Screenplay - Jeremy Doner

Screenplay - Sam Bromell and Craig Pearce

Executive Producers - Toby Emmerich,

Kevin McCormick, Andrew Mittman

and Courtenay Valenti

Producers - Gail Berman and Schuyler Weiss

Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Patrick McCormick

Producer/Production/Costume

Designer/Titles Concept Design -

Catherine Martin

Casting - Nikki Barrett and Denise Chaiman

Movement Coach and Choreographer -

Polly Bennett

Production Designer - Karen Murphy

Supervising Art Director - Ian Gracie

Art Directors - Tuesday Stone and

Matt Wynne

Set Decorators - Shaun Barry,

Beverly Dunn and Daniel Reader

Property Master - Richie Dehne

Special Makeup Effects Supervisor -

Jason Baird

Special Makeup Effects Designer -

Mark Coulier

Hair/Makeup Designer - Shane Thomas

Director of Photography - Mandy Walker

Stunt Coordinator - Glenn Ruehland

Special Effects Supervisor - Brian Cox

Visual Effects Supervisor - Tom Wood

Editors - Jonathan Redmond and Matt Villa

Re-Recording Mixer/Sound Designer/

Supervising Sound Editor - Wayne Pashley

Supervising Sound Effects Editor - Fabian Sanjurjo

Sound Recordist - David Lee

Re-Recording Mixers - Greg P. Fitzgerald,

Michael Keller, Michael Minkler and

Andy Nelson

Music and Executive Music Producer -

Elliott Wheeler

Music Producer - François Tétaz

Music Supervisor - Anton Monsted

Score Recordist and Mixer - Geoff Foster

Review

People of all generations, both young and old, have been influenced by the late Elvis Presley and his role in shaping rock 'n' roll music before the Beatles. After his untimely death in 1977, several biopics have been made, including a TV movie directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell as the King. Everything changed when Baz Luhrmann, the director of Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, brought his version of Elvis' life story to the silver screen. Bohemian Rhapsody's success sparked a trend of musical biopics in recent years. The latest to jump on the bandwagon was Luhrmann's pet project, ELVIS. However, production was turbulent after Tom Hanks and his wife tested positive for COVID-19, delaying filming until the pandemic subsided.

A wild, energetic, show-stopping dazzler, ELVIS is a glamorous retake of the legendary King of Rock 'n' Roll. The story was decent, but there are some historical inaccuracies. I wasn't surprised that the film started from Elvis' manager's perspective when it should've revolved around the King. I was glad that Baz Luhrmann was the right director to pull off this biopic, though I've only seen Australia and none of his other films. Still, he always brought a musical element of style and energy into his motion pictures.

All the actors in this movie are naturally Australian (except for the two lead actors). Austin Butler delivers an electrifying performance as the King by channelling his energy. He captured the singer's intense physique, charisma, stage presence, accent, and mannerisms, which show how famous and electrifying Elvis was in his heyday. Tom Hanks wore a fat suit and a fake nose to portray Elvis's despicable manager, Colonel Tom Parker. He did well, but taking his performance seriously amid the unnecessary prosthetics and the weird accent is hard. Olivia DeJonge was terrific as Elvis's wife, Priscilla.

The musical performances were well choreographed, which made them a highlight for me. The music has a modern feel, yet it maintains the distinctive rock 'n' roll sound that Elvis brought in the 1950s.

I can't tell you how much this movie reminds me of my admiration for Elvis and my fondness for some of his music. ELVIS is a great movie that shook up all long-time fans of the King. I highly recommend it to anyone new to Elvis. I hope they make a biopic about either Michael Jackson or the Beatles; either way, it will be good.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Top Gun: Maverick Review

Top Gun: Maverick

Release Date: 26th May 2022 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Skydance Media (presents)

Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 130 minutes

Budget: $177,000,000

Box Office Gross: $1,503,260,455 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Pete "Maverick" Mitchell has been in the Navy as one of its top aviators, but after more than 30 years of service, he pushes the envelope as a daring test pilot and dodges the rank advancement that

would ground him. Now,

Maverick must train the

next generation of pilots for

a heavy assignment and

confront the shadows

of his past and inner

demons, culminating in a

mission that demands the

ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it.

Cast

Tom Cruise - Capt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell

Val Kilmer - Adm. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky

Miles Teller - Lt. Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Jennifer Connelly - Penny

Benjamin

Bashir Salahuddin - Wo-1.

Bernie 'Hondo' Coleman

Jon Hamm - Adm. Beau 'Cyclone' Simpson

Charles Parnell - Adm. Solomon 'Warlock' Bates

Monica Barbaro - Lt. Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Lewis Pullman - Lt. Robert 'Bob' Floyd

Jay Ellis - Lt. Reuben 'Payback' Fitch

Danny Ramirez - Lt. Mickey

'Fanboy' Garcia

Glen Powell - Lt. Jake

'Hangman' Seresin

Jack Schumacher - Lt. Neil

'Omaha' Vikander

Manny Jacinto - Lt. Billy

'Fritz' Avalone

Kara Wang - Lt. Callie 'Halo' Bassett

Greg Tarzan Davis - Lt. Javy 'Coyote' Machado

Jake Picking - Lt. Brigham 'Harvard' Lennox

Raymond Lee - Lt. Logan 'Yale' Lee

Jean Louisa Kelly - Sarah Kazansky

Lyliana Wray - Amelia

Ed Harris - Radm. Chester 'Hammer' Cain

James Handy - Bartender (Jimmy)

Chido Nwokocha - Mission Controller

Bob Stephenson - Senior Engineer

Chelsea Harris - Admiral's Aide

Landon Gordon - Kid in Truck Stop

Crew

Director - Joseph Kosinski

Based on Characters - Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr.

Story - Peter Craig and Justin Marks

Screenplay - Ehren Kruger and

Eric Warren Singer

Screenplay/Producer -

Christopher McQuarrie

Associate Producers - Melissa Reid, Don Ferrarone and Emily Cheung

Executive Producers - Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Chad Oman and Mike Stenson

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Tommy Harper

Producers - Jerry Bruckheimer,

Tom Cruise and David Ellison

Casting Director - Denise Chaiman

Naval Aviation Technical

Advisor/Aerial Coordinator -

Capt. Brian Ferguson

Cast Flight Trainer - Chuck Coleman

Visual Consultant - Colleen Atwood

Production Designer - Jeremy Bindle

Lead Vehicle Designer - Daniel Simon

Supervising Art Director - Clint Wallace

Art Directors - A. Todd Holland, David Meyer, Ron Mendell and Lauren E. Polizzi

Set Decorator - Jan Pascale

Property Master - Robbie Duncan

Costume Designer - Marlene Stewart

Makeup Department Head - Felicity Bowring

Director of Photography - Claudio Miranda

Director of Photography: Aerial Unit - David B. Nowell

Aerial Coordinator/Lead Camera Helicopter/

Camera Jet Pilot - Kevin LaRosa Jr.

Camera Operator: Additional Photography -

Jonathan 'Chunky' Richmond

"A" Camera: First Assistant Photographer -

Dan Ming

First Assistant Camera: Aerial Unit - Taylor Matheson

Helicopter Pilots - Kevin LaRosa

and David Paris

Supervising Location Manager - Mike Fantasia

Unit Production Manager - Leeann Stonebreaker

Second Unit Director - Eric Schwab

Motorcycle Coordinator - Justin Kell

Stunt Coordinator - Casey O'Neill

Special Effects Supervisor - Scott R. Fisher

Visual Effects Supervisor - Ryan Tudhope

Visual Effects Supervisor: MPC - Bryan Litson

Visual Effects Producer - Paul Molles

Animation Supervisor: Method Studios - Marc Chu

Additional Animation Supervisor: Method

Studios - Bernd Angerer

Computer Graphics Supervisor: BLIND LTD -

Andrew Booth

Film Editor - Eddie Hamilton

Additional Editor - Chris Lebenzon

Sound Designers/Supervising Sound Editors -

James Mather and Al Nelson

Supervising Sound Editor: Skywalker Sound -

Bjorn Schroeder

Additional Sound Effects/Re-Recording Mixer;

Skywalker Sound - Christopher Boyes

Sound Design Consultant: Skywalker Sound -

Gary Rydstrom

Production Sound Mixer - Mark Weingarten

Dialogue/ADR Editors: Skywalker Sound -

Chris Gridley, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

and Matthew Hartman

Re-Recording Mixers - Chris Burdon

and Mark Taylor

Additional Re-Recording Mixer: Skywalker

Sound - Gary Summers

Foley Artists: Skywalker Sound - Ronni Brown,

Shelley Roden, John Roesch and Jana Vance

Music/Synth Programming - Hans Zimmer

Music - Harold Faltermeyer and Lady Gaga

Score Producer - Lorne Balfe

Additional Music Composers - David Fleming,

Andrew Kawczynski and Steve Mazzaro

Music Consultant/Supervisor - Kathy Nelson

Music Consultants - T Bone Burnett,

Jason Bentley and Ryan Tedder

Score Consultant - Guthrie Govan

Synth Programming - Lorne Balfe

Review

The original Top Gun soared onto the big screen 36 years ago. It made Tom Cruise the international superstar he is now. Finally, we get to see the sequel TOP GUN: MAVERICK after years of delays, and the wait is over. This sequel delighted many reviewers, who considered it a significant improvement over its predecessor, which, in their view, was less than stellar when it premiered in 1986.

Soaring high, MAVERICK lives up to the name and legacy of the original Top Gun. It follows the trend of legacy sequels that evoke nostalgia by carefully recreating the originals, such as Jurassic World and The Force Awakens. True to its form, it is nostalgic, with callbacks, especially the opening sequence (featuring the song "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins) and ending, which remind fans of the original. Many admirers of Tony Scott will miss the unintentional homoerotic undertone, the disreputable edge, and the vulgar sensibility intact in its predecessor.

While Tony Scott may be gone forever, Joseph Kosinski (who has directed another nostalgia-heavy sequel, Tron: Legacy, and the post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie Oblivion with Tom Cruise) is given free rein to handle this airborne follow-up. The script, co-written by Cruise's regular collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, adds a new layer of emotional depth to Maverick and the other pilots, something the original film never achieved.

I admit the best thing about this movie is its stunning flight sequences, including dogfights, chases, and mid-air scenes, all even more intense than in the original. Thanks to Claudio Miranda's brilliant cinematography, audiences get an up-close-and-personal view of the action, with intimate close-ups of the pilots and sweeping shots of their surroundings. But these scenes may cause vertigo and slight dizziness.

While Cruise is still one of Hollywood's best-looking leading actors, he has brought more humanity and depth to the titular role. Though his character has matured into a rueful, responsible adult, he remains a maverick at heart. Fellow '80s star Jennifer Connelly plays Maverick's love interest and shares a familiar romantic chemistry with the seasoned actor. Miles Teller delivers a standout performance as Maverick's emotional foil. Val Kilmer returns for a brief appearance in one of the film's heartbreaking scenes despite what he's been through with his health problems. The film has the same musical style as the original Top Gun, including the soundtrack and original score by Hans Zimmer, Harold Faltermeyer, and Lady Gaga.

MAVERICK has just passed with flying colours and is unlike anything I've ever seen. It is the best Tom Cruise film we've had in years. I reckon it's one of the best movies of the year. Viewers like you won't want to miss the full-throttle excitement of this legacy sequel and will love getting their feet back into the danger zone.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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