Holy Days

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Holy Days!

Original image located here. Accessed 21st August 2026

Kiera insisted that we watch this. And the funny thing I would've never have heard of it otherwise. 
So this is a New Zealand co-production which has to have the most unusual elevator pitch behind it: a trio of nuns go on a road trip with a little boy across both islands of New Zealand. 

So yeah, its pretty obvious that the humour will rely on that of 'nuns interacting with the real world'. But what truly makes it work is the three leads - Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes and Jacki Weaver - who are clearly having the time of their lives in these roles. There's witty dialogue, great jokes and some truly stunning imagery of New Zealand. 
Indeed, a fun movie. 

Rental Family

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Rental Family!

Original image located here. Accessed 9th January 2026

Well, Kiera wanted to see this so, as always, she dragged me along.

So what we have here is the story of an American actor who has been stuck in Japan for seven years. He manages to find work by being part of a rental service where he provides friendship to paying customers (and I have been reassured that this type of thing does indeed exist in Japan).
Of course this description doesn't really do any justice to the film itself: While this is an effective showcase for the Japanese cast and locales, the real meat here is seeing this movie as a meditation of needing connection, how it is found and what one will do to get it. And to that end, this movie is quite the touching one and a delight to see. 

Given that Brendan Fraser is credited as Executive Producer this is clearly something that he genuinely believed in and wanted to see through. Good for him but I have to wonder if this is a bid for the Best Picture Oscar....

K-Pop Demon Hunters

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... K-Pop Demon Hunters!

Original image located here. Accessed 5th September 2025

Yep, it's this movie. I have a lot of things to say about it so lets resort to dot points:

• Hasn't this been a hit? It's generated a passionate fanbase, scored hits with it's soundtrack and made a lot of interest in K-pop. And all from a an idea that seems absurd on paper.
• Personally I knew what I was getting myself in for due to an interest in Asian pop (started with anime, expanded upon by Kiera). 
• Oh who am I kidding? This was a lot of fun to watch. And there is plenty to latch onto here: Creative animation, jokes coming out at a machine-gun rate, snappy songs, great action scenes and real love for K-pop itself. 
• Special mention must go to what is some razor sharp writing with it's themes and compelling characters - which I hope other writers take note of. 
• Also of note is some surprisingly poignant musings on identity and self-worth.
• I noted Netflix has a Singalong version - which suggests that there are people who CAN hit those high notes in Golden (and make the guy in A-Ha jealous) 
• I wonder if this is going to set a new benchmark for populist entertainment that will have others falling over themselves to meet? If so, I'm all for it :)
• Ultimately, this movie has more personality than ever thought possible. Remarkable. 

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... Josee, the Tiger and the Fish!

Original image located here. Accessed 18th July 2025

Sometimes you go see a movie for the wrong reasons. And this is one of them.
Recently this movie has been generating disgust for it's plot: A guy is hired to be a carer for a woman confined to a wheelchair and they eventually both fall in love. Such disgust is based around the idea of fetishism. Or something.
Of course, such outrage could easily be written off as nonsense but it did make me aware of this movie so I decided to take a look at it for myself. 

So I watched with this with Kiera and we both enjoyed it. If anything, this is the story of two lost souls eventually finding each other. It's funny, charming and ultimately very touching. 
And whilst anime, as a genre, may be slammed for promoting unrealistic romantic expectations upon it's audience, what we have here are two people who have their own hopes and goals and how they inspire the other to pursue it. 
Throw in some great visual designs and we have a winner, 
Sometimes you go see a movie for the wrong reasons. And sometimes you can end up striking gold. 

How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... How to Train Your Dragon!

Original image located here. Accessed 11th July 2025

I will admit that I was something of a latecomer to the How to Train Your Dragon movies - but no matter: I still wound up adoring them. I equally enjoyed watching Race to the Edge. I even jumped  aboard the HMAS Hiccstrid. 

Of course, I had no plans to watch this - if the frosty reception of the Disney remakes is anything to go by - but Kiera had other plans and dragged me to it. Still, my cynicism remained: How can Live Action improve the animated splendour of the original?

I will say this: It's beautifully shot, the cast are all great, the designs are fantastic, the excitement is still there, there is a clear commitment being put into it and the strength of the source material still resonates. 
But there is still a slavish loyalty to the original: there is no need to make any improvements and there's nothing the animated original didn't do better. Furthermore, I think the original had more personality.

So yeah, it's a rollicking adventure movie but I still can't see what the point of it all was.
Mind you, if you told me that this was ploy to secure composer John Powell an Oscar then I'd believe you,
Can't wait for the Live Action remake of Shrek though...

Lilo and Stitch

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Lilo and Stitch (2025)!

Original image located here. Accessed 13th June 2025

I didn't plan on seeing this but Kiera dragged me to it. So here we are.
I think at this point the Disney remakes have been shaping up to be a series of disappointments. Complaints have been running rampant such as not offering anything new, lifeless in comparisons to their animated source material, blatant in it's cash-grabbing nature, and buckling to the bad-faith criticism internet nerds like to spruik. For such reasons, I have been hesitant in taking on these films.
Still, that a Lilo and Stitch remake exists is a surprise: It wasn't part of the Renaissance and it never seemed like one of the box-office successes. But I adored the original so maybe there will be something?

Well it wasn't bad. 

There are some good jokes and the heart of the original is still there but it's buried under an approach that is bigger and louder. It's the classic 'shock and awe' tactic: Give the audience a lot and within a short space of time and they wouldn't have time to look at it more closely. 
And that does leave an unpleasant aftertaste as the original wasn't a large scale narrative. It had something that worked. And that something was still present with this one (although I do feel Nani was done dirty in the end). 

Mind you, I do want to know what kind of witchcraft Tia Carrere is using to preserve her good looks.

Kung Fu Panda 4

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... Kung Fu Panda 4!

Original image located here. Accessed 21st February 2025

I didn't have plans on watching this, but this turned out to be one of the situations where Kiera chose the movie. Still, I am willing to be surprised. And I have had some glowing things about the other three Kung Fu Panda movies so can that winning streak continue?

Well allow me to resort to bullet points:

• The first three had their fair share of solemn moments but this does not. This was a mistake.
• The Furious Five are also absent. This is also a mistake. 
• Viola Davis was great as the antagonist. 
• Seems to be some hostility towards Zhen. Is it the character? Or Awkwafina's voice? If that is the case of the latter, I have to wonder this hostility came from as she was great in Crazy Rich Asians 
• I did enjoy the dynamic Po and Zhen as clearly the latter was written in a way reminiscent of the former in the first movie. 
• The idea of Po being a state of wisdom is a compelling one given the journey he had taken to get here. 
• The action is still as solid as ever
• The end credits theme is hilarious
• Ultimately there is some enjoyable moments but the end result is indeed removed from what the first Kung Fu Panda movies so great.

Chicago

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... Chicago!

Original image located here. Accessed 4th November 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 75 (2002)

Because of this year-long undertaking, I have found myself watching more musicals than previous years. So why not add one more to the pile?
Still, I didn't have to look far for this one as Kiera had on her DVD shelf. 

Last week, I mentioned how the unlikely victory of Shakespeare in Love has changed the Oscar for Best Picture. But there is another reason: It announced Grade-A scumbag Harvey Weinstein as the figurehead for a new era. So from here on, expect to see a lot more Miramax films. 

But ultimately this was a lot of fun. It's big, colourful, inventive and the songs are great. And it proves what can accomplished as a screen musical. 
It could be argued that this movie wouldn't exist without the success of Moulin Rouge. But I say bugger Moulin Rouge - give me this any day. 

Amadeus

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... Amadeus!

Original image located here. Accessed 4th November 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 57 (1984)

Didn't have to look far for this one: It was sitting on the shelf with the rest of Kiera's DVDs.

I've heard some bad things about this movie - all of them related to the historical inaccuracies. But I, being the stickler for realism, am willing to forgive such matters. Why? Because this movie was utterly brilliant. I could commend the use of music (which is a no-brainer as this is about Mozart). I could praise the art direction and lavishness of the production. I could gush about the acting.
I could all of that but what I'll do instead is talk about the fact that this is a movie of two creative minds, the conflict between them and the creative process that wills something into being. It is fascinating to see two conflicting personalities and their work ethic along with the triumphs and failures that come with it. Indeed, the best part of the movie happens towards the end when these two personalities meet. 

Seems the Best Pictures of the eighties weren't as disappointing as I thought....

The Naked Kitchen

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Naked Kitchen!

Original image located here. Accessed 1st September 2023

Anyone heard of this? I know I've been throwing a lot of curveballs with my movie selection this year but  this may be the biggest curveball yet.
With a title like that one would think this is a porno but no: It's a South Korean rom-com. I only came about it when Kiera dropped the dvd case in front of me and insisted that I watch it.
I suppose that is one way to get's one attention.
And they say physical media is dead, eh?

As for the movie itself, I'm not sure what to make of it: Guy wants to open a restaurant, brings in a chef to assist him and chef ends up having a fling with Guy's wife? Yeah, not doing much for me. 
As such, I found the movie dull and a chore to get through. 
Easy come easy go I guess

Sister Act 2

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... Sister Act 2!

Original image located here. Accessed 21st July 2023

Well I watched the first one so I may as well watch the second one. That and Kiera decided that we both watch this one.

I do recall this movie, as is often the case, not living up to the success of it's predecessor. Yet at the same time there seems to something of a recent reappraisal of this movie, citing a diverse cast as one of it's strong points. 

Watching the movie now, I will admit that yes: the class that Dolores teaches is indeed diverse and shows the kind that puts a lot of more recent movies to shame. However, in doing so one can't help but notice that Dolores has a lesser role in the movie. Indeed, ones get the feeling this was a movie about a teacher handling a class from the rough side of the tracks (Dangerous Minds anyone?) but it was only made when the characters from the first Sister Act movie were added. Which is a shame as I found the end result as going against the grain of what made the first movie work: The laughs are fewer, the themes of the stodginess of nuns has nowhere left to go and the crime-world sub-plot is sorely missed.

Not bad but I have the feeling it could've been better....

Sister Act

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Sister Act!

Original image located here. Accessed 14th July 2023

I recall this movie being a huge hit in the early nineties and it being instrumental in making Whoopi Goldberg a huge star. Personally I have only seen bits and pieces of it but have never sat all the way through it. Little did I know that Kiera had plans for me...

Watching it now, what strikes me is that the strength of this movie is not the murder plot, nor the humour (I will admit however the Catholic joke got a good laugh out of me), nor the general premise of poking fun at the stodginess of nuns. No, the strength of this movie is the musical numbers. They are snappy and there is some solid singing involved - indeed one could make the case this movie is an ancestor of the Pitch Perfect movies.
And that's enough for me

Strictly Ballroom

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Strictly Ballroom!

Original image located here. Accessed 22nd April 2022

Thirty years ago, i recall this movie being a big deal. It was everywhere in advertising, was a box office hit and scooping numerous AFI awards. And it introduced the world to a director by the name of Baz Luhrmann.
Oh Baz Luhrmann - not one of my favorite film directors. I found him - as indicated by his follow ups William Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet and Moulin Rouge - as the kind of guy who is obsessed with visuals, who is more concerned with style than substance, who directs like he's on a sugar high and knows his audience, a legion of squee-ing teenage girls, all too well.
I was going to be happy not seeing this movie but little did I know that Kiera had other plans...

But you know what? It's not that bad. No wait, scratch that: It's kinda good. It's funny, it's entertaining and - could it be? - Luhrmann's direction is reigned in enough to make the action on screen happen. In retrospect., this does seem a world away from what would happen with the afore-mentioned movies but the DNA is still there.
However lets be honest: the greatest selling point of this movie is the dancing and boy does this movie deliver. Say what you like about Paul Mercurio's limited acting ability but his dancing prowess is beyond compare. Also props to the Silverdome standing in for the climax.
Indeed, it makes me wonder what happened to this side of Baz Luhrmann. As the saying goes: constrictions inspire creativity so what happened to him in regards to his follow ups? Did success go to his head? Did he go crazy upon discovering larger budgets? Did he get replaced by a doppelganger? One can only wonder.

Legally Blonde 2

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Legally Blonde 2!

Original image located here. Accessed 11th March 2022

Well I saw the first one so I may as well see the second one too. Also Kiera insisted that we both watch this.
Once again this is pretty much Reese Witherspoon's show, living it up in this role and being a charismatic force. Granted it could be argued that she is effectively carrying this movie but I had fun with this one and it was both funny and surprisingly triumphant. And is even more surprising is how much I gathered from the American legal process XD

Legally Blonde

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Legally Blonde!

Original image located here. Accessed 17th December 2021

Kiera chose this one XD
I do remember this movie from it's initial release in the early 2000s. But what is fascinating about this movie, to the outsider like myself, is the shelf life it has garnered since: A lot of people still think highly of it - indeed moreso than other rom-coms of it's era - and it has a successful musical to it's name. So there must a good a reason behind this endurance, right?

Well, I will admit there were some laugh-out-loud moments (thereby passing the first and foremost requirement of any comedy). And it certainly has a greater sense of identity that makes it stand out from the other rom-coms - which is another plus.
But in all honesty, what makes this movie for me is Reese Witherspoon herself, who has charismatic presence and is clearly having the time of her life. Is it enough to sell the movie however?
Well, if Legally Blonde's enduring appeal is set to continue then the answer would indeed be yes

K-On the movie

And this week's Friday night movie has been... K-On the movie!

Original image located here. Accessed 26th March 2021

Yes, it's another trip to the anime well - and again, it's one prompted by my now wife-to-be.
Mind you, the last three movies I've watched have been action movies so nothing wrong with having some levity.
I can't say I'm a fan of K-On: I tried watching the first season but it didn't work for me. But on Kiera's recommendation I had a shot at the second season and now this: the movie which effectively closes the series.

As is often the case with movies based on popular TV series, this is one for the fans. If you liked the series, good news! You get to see these characters doing more of the same only it's stretched out to under two hours! But if you didn't like the series, well, you're going to be lost. And confused. And, dare I say, frustrated.
So in the end, those on board the K-On train will love it. Those not on board will find little to change their opinion. And the world will continue turning.
Still, at least the movie included 'Gohan wa Okazu '.

A Whisker Away

And this week's Friday night movie has been... A Whisker Away!

Original image located here. Accessed 21st August 2020

We're taking another trip to the anime well with one that the gf chose. This time, we having a gander at Netflix's attempt at making an anime. Or, to be more accurate, Netflix's attempt to beat Ghibli at their own game.

To be honest, that last sentence pretty much sums up my feelings toward this movie - it became apparent early on and, try as I might, it was a difficult perception to shake off. A Whisker Away certainly comes across as aiming to replicate the imagination and whimsy of Ghibli - as well as the beautiful scenery, detailed animation, quiet moments and dynamic female lead.
Indeed, the more I think about it, the more the comparisons to Ghibli seem inescapable.

Okay seriously, despite such grumbling, there is still a lot to like about this movie. The lead character may be annoying and clingy but she goes through some vital character development. The plot is interesting and goes in interesting directions. The animation is detailed and well done.
So in the end, it's a solid effort.

The Invisible Man

And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Invisible Man!

Original image located here. Accessed 28th February 2020

The gf chose this one
Now this is not the first time I have seen a movie with Kiera - that honor goes to Little Women. Thing is, i chose that one - which means that I went for the 'chick flick' movie while Kiera selected a psychological thriller. Go fig.

Anyho, I noticed that the director of this movie is Leigh Whannell. In recent years, he may have made a name for himself through the Saw franchise but to me, Whannell will forever be the movie critic on Recovery. I mention this because, if this movie is anything to go by, he knows his stuff: he knows how to craft suspense, how to build tension from nothing (ie blank walls) and how to build a connection with the audience that leaves them (ie me) drained by the end of it.
That being said, there certainly a lot going for this movie. It has scares, unbelievable tension and Elizabeth Moss giving it her all. Recommended