Reviews

Interview With Grace Kelly

Interview With Grace Kelly

words Wal Reid

Rising New Zealand country music singer, songwriter and musician Grace Kelly released her debut EP entitled Before on Thursday 26 March. The talented Kiwi songstress burst onto the scene after a remarkable opportunity set her on an epic path of amazing experiences in a very short period of time.

Last year was a whirlwind year for her, with Californian city San José choosing her song San José as their theme song and pushing her further into the limelight. The song has now hit over 50,000 streams on Spotify.

Wal Reid caught up with her recently (phone – of course in this Covid new-norm) to ask her a few questions and how she got to open for country music giant and television personality Blake Shelton.

WR: Hey how you going Grace? Just cruising around at home I’m guessing?

GK: I’ve got instruments galore and just time, it’s beautiful. I’ve already written an isolation song. The first of many, yes. Locked Up is the initial title. The concept was if you had to be locked up in a house that you’d be with a said person – sort of a love story. But if you were locked up with this person, it would actually be ok if you had to stay inside.” Even if you’re with people you love and care about, it’s not going to be that bad. I’m just here with my family and it’s been a lot of laughs.

So, is Grace Kelly your real name or stage?

I know, it’s a lot to live up to. The name thing definitely turns some heads. Usually if I start a school year and if the teachers are all older, that’s the classic comment, “Oh my god, do you know there’s a princess with the same name?” I’ve gone seventeen years and I’ve never known. (laughter). I lived in the States for six years. My dad got a job over there when I was eight, we didn’t move over there, but I’ve spent a lot of time living in the US. My older siblings were in high school, for me it was a lot of trips going over there for long periods of time. I was living in two countries for a while so it became a fun place that escaped your usual Auckland happenings with school and whatever. It became a playground to me as a young person.

How did your song San José get picked up over there?

I did a recording in Nashville which was very exciting and after that went back to San José to visit a couple of friends; you’re in America so you do the rounds while you’re there. I met the CEO of the Tourism Board there Karolyn Kirchgesler, she’s been a massive believer in me. She was like, “You should write a song about San José. It’s kind of the classic throw away comment when someone finds out that you write songs. I never thought anything of it and then once I was back home I got the idea for the initial line I just had this rolling in my head, “San José, nah nah nah. That’s ok we’ll roll with it,” we pumped it out in one night. I then emailed it to her and she didnt get it for a few weeks, then she called me, “We want to fly you out, and we want you to record a music video and we’ll use it for the tourism campaign”. I thought it would be like, write a song about San José and I’d send it to her and she’d be like, “Oh I love the song” and then that would be it. It just snowballed and became an epic stepping stone.

What about you meeting Country Music giant and television personality Blake Shelton?

I was staying at my Mum’s house and Dad came over at four in the morning with this hectic knock. Everyone was like, “What is going on, why are you here?” and then he read out the email from the Country radio station that played my song KRTY, it was from the station manager. “We were wondering if Grace wanted to be one of the opening acts for Blake Shelton.” and it was like, “Let me mull that one over”. I still can’t believe that happened, it was the coolest day in my life opening for him.

I read you’ve played with Taylor Swift’s songwriter Liz Rose, how was that?

As a Country music fan I got to sing You Belong To Me which was bizarre. She was at this winery where I was playing with four other Country artists. In the middle of the set she was like, “Is Grace still here? Cool, can you come up and help me sing this song?” Oh my god I’m freaking out, I had no idea that she was going to ask me. “I hope you know the song, if not you’re going to fake it real well.”

Has Before been released yet?

The live shows have been postponed, yeah it’s out. Everyone’s just siting at home what are you going to do? I’ve also done live streaming. I guess it’s just adjusting to this ‘curve ball’ of life. Lots of song writers I love in Nashville, that’s what they’re doing also.

How was recording your E.P. Before, are you happy with it?

So happy with it. First track is called Before and After and was recorded in 2018 and I redid the vocals last year. it’s been a super fun journey because I was lucky enough to record twice in Nashville, 2016 and 2018. For no other purpose than to get studio time and get comfortable in the studio, listen to my songs and have a fun project that family could listen to. Everything shifted when I got older my song writing got better so my Dad and I went back to Nashville and I was recording for the purpose of releasing an E.P, it was so much fun. It was cool to record with those guys because they’re so lovely so down to earth, everyone plays with everyone in Nashville, it’s so chilled and kind of the norm to be playing with these huge artists, so when Steve King who was touring with Keith Urban prior to playing on my songs was coming in, producer Bill Watson would go, “Steve’s coming in and laying down tracks with the keys, he’s been touring with Keith Urban”, and I’m like, “Oh, ok.” They’re all so down to earth.

What’s your best Covid-19 advice?

Stay calm, stay kind. There’s so many negative things people are talking about, like being stuck inside. One of my biggest things is; look how amazing this is going to be for the planet. I’m a big Earth gal, so its nice to be able to pause. Find time to do the things you love. For me it’s music, so I’m trying to write a song every day and find new artists I love. It’s about making the best of the situation.

Young Auckland singer-songwriter Grace Kelly officially makes her mark with the release of her debut EP ‘before.’, delivering five catchy, upbeat tunes of feel-good country songs and heart-felt ballads.
LISTEN TO ‘before.’ SPOTIFY / APPLE

Infectious lead single ‘That Girl’ is a sparkling blend of catchy effervescent pop and classic country music and, accompanied by a gorgeously simple video that encapsulates Grace’s easy charm.
WATCH ‘That Girl’ HERE

Devilskin Red Album Review

Devilskin Red Album Review

Words Mike Beck / Photo David Watson Photography.

Having a thick skin in today’s surreal times is more than a necessity, so it’s good timing that Hamilton hard rock/metal unit Devilskin have just put out their 3rd studio record; Red. Released in multiple formats (you’ll dig the colour-matching vinyl) today Arpil 3rd, Red is described by founding member/bassist Paul Martin to be; “laying ourselves bare”, with “personal subject matter.”

“The verdict – Musically lush & textural, with high production standards & visceral content”

The songs- Orwellian forecasts & loss of freedoms are prevalent in Do You See Birds & We All Fall Down, while Blood & Bone explores being alone/isolated in nature but staying connected. Be Like The River, also the title of their last studio long player, offers independence & a philosophy akin to Bruce Lee; to stay on course & be yourself.

Corrode Video Devilskin

Sweet Release deals with the underlying epidemic of suicide, Martin penning the tune in honour of Nicky Stevens, who took his life while in care of mental health services. A close to home story (the Tron), highlighting a system broken.

“Fans can rejoice in this heart offering, newcomers get in there also; this is your angle of entry”

The band – Impressive on Red is D’skin’s synergy as a unit, they sound like a band bonded. Father & son rhythm section Paul (bass) & Nic Martin (drums) are kicking in full noise, complemented by Nail Vincent’s creative gat layering. Vincent’s acoustic guitar coda on Eyes Red Heavy is deeply personal, & will be explored in its entirety on the next record.

Lead vocalist Jennie Smathers is in full voice on Red. She’s got plenty of grunt & power, mixing trademark guttural styles with soaring feminine runs; take note of her self-penned Eyes Red Heavy & Corrode.

A record of depth, Martin encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the ride. Fans can rejoice in this heart offering, newcomers get in there also; this is your angle of entry. The verdict – Musically lush & textural, with high production standards & visceral content, Red is Devilskin’s best yet.

*with thanks to Paul Martin for an online Q&A

The Way Back Film Review

The Way Back Film Review

Words Sarah Kidd

Everybody likes a good drama; a film that has a little emotion, a little feel good factor and a protagonist that despite his flaws an audience will end up rooting for by the end credits.

The Way Back is that kinda film.
Originally scheduled for release back in October last year, the new Ben Affleck vehicle has now been given a March release date. Whether this will work in their favour in regard to box office takings or not considering some of the recent issues in larger countries remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, director Gavin O’Connor [The Accountant] delivers a palatable movie, that – while it offers up nothing new – is very balanced, a touch of humour thrown in for good measure.

Ben Affleck plays Jack Cunningham, a construction worker who it is soon revealed has a liking for alcohol. Separated from his wife, he spends most of his time at the bar when not at work but is endeavouring to keep a stable connection with both his sibling and mother despite their obvious concerns for his habit.

Approached by the local high school to coach the basketball team (a small group of kids who haven’t won a game in so long that it is just accepted as the standard) due to the fact he is a bit of a home town hero in that area of sport as well as a former student, the film follows the journey of both Jack and the boys.

Written by Brad Ingelsby, the story starts out with a softer approach to addressing Cunningham’s alcohol problems, slowing ramping it up in regard to consequences as the movie progresses. The repetitive nature of one particular scene however, where Cunningham sits at home rehearsing a phone call he needs to make, provides some insight into the ritualistic elements of addiction that in time proves to be one of the hardest things for most people to break away from.

While Cunningham’s addiction is not hidden it is not dwelled upon either; it is an integral part of the protagonist’s character, his major flaw and the cause of his downfalls, but he is high functioning. He continues to carry on going to work while also coaching the team.

The basketball team bring about their own charms, from the Casanova-type who is hilariously taught a lesson about respect through to a more in-depth storyline between a boy and his father, one that Cunningham it would seem, can relate to.
While there are no major plot twists, information is introduced throughout the movie that fills in the holes in Cunningham’s character and gives the viewer an insight into what has brought him to this pivotal point in his life.

The way back itself however is not one of redemption but of evolution. Cunningham along with many of the people around him learning to grow through embracing past mistakes rather than trying to correct them as some words and actions just can not be taken back.

The project itself was one that was deeply personal for Affleck, the actor citing it as a form of therapy following his own stint in rehab. This does seem to have coloured his performance, Affleck turning in a character study that is realistic with none of the usual Hollywood bravado filter.
A solid movie, The Way Back may come across as standard fare, but scratch beneath the surface and there is actually a bit of a small carat diamond hiding underneath.

Electric Kiwi Billy T Jams Review

Electric Kiwi Billy T Jams Review

Words Glenn Blomfield

Soon this year’s International Comedy Festival season will kick off. As a precursor, we got to see five nominees for the Billy T James award, shinning stars of NZ comedy take the stage, having the opportunity to be the new participants of winning the coveted ‘Billy T James Award’, a seal of NZ comedy gold approval. Five finalist nominees, have a ten minute stand up show each in front of a live audience, they will be judged, the winner will be later announced. The five nominees are Lana Walters, Josh Davies, Brynley Stent, James Mustapic, and Ray O’Leary. All of them are also part of the comedy line up in the upcoming comedy festival.

MC for the evening was previous Billy T James nominee, Kura Forrester, taking the task of setting the mood and livening the audience announcing each nominee for the evening. Kura graced the stage with welcoming confidence, heartening the room with relaxed laughter priming us for the acts to come. We were definitely in safe hands, happy to be there and laughing ready for more comedy.

Kura forrester

First to hit the stage was Josh Davies, using his near blindness disability as his comedy act, exploring his world which may seem uncomfortable to laugh at, he had us laughing along with the craziness and irony of his view of the world. Definitely funny and insightful.

Next was Ray O’Leary, awkward and oddly relatable wit, dressed in what maybe his grand dads suit, his weird and odd views on the world have you giggling and laughing out loud. His quirkiness draws you in, he reminds me of ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ a character from a cult comedy film. Very Funny man. 

Things took a change when Brynley Stent took the stage, the only sketch act of the evening, using normal situations that take you on crazy journeys, silly and absurdly wonderful, you’re not sure how to take it, though you can’t help but laugh. Unique and awkward, comedy combo.

Storming the stage comes openly proclaiming his gayness James Mustapic, meek in stature, large in comedy bravado. Using his stand up as a ‘coming out’, his personal anxieties, his life, being gay, and how her see the world growing up. James was hysterical and lyrical.

Final nominee Lana Walters, stand up act using her personal problems as comedic expression. She is accessible, and a breath of fresh air, in using her uncomfortableness for funny enjoyment.

Tom Sainsbury

A special guest round up for the evening show, was Tom Sainsbury, using his funny awareness of fellow New Zealanders, from his travels of the country scouring the internet of kiwi news and comment sections, holding a mirror up to of the vey funny lives we live, and views we have on our daily lives in Aoteroa. Who would of thought the Tauranga Travel website would be treasure trove of hysterical comments, and the local council and peoples responses to the absurdity we live in?

Overall very funny and enjoyable evening. NZ comedy is in very safe hands. Everyone in tonights show, was worth the show’s admission alone. Sure there were some stand outs, but each one of them deserves to be seen and heard during the upcoming Comedy festival. Support the local talent and get amongst it.

3100, Run And Become Film Review

3100, Run And Become Film Review

“Going into watching this documentary was for me the fascination of why we as humans take on such a quest”

Words Glenn Blomfield

The documentary is about the 3100 mile self transcendent marathon, created by Sri Chinmoy a Guru that found enlightenment through the meditation of running. Lets get this into some perspective, 3100 miles is 4989km, the mind boggles at running that amount of distance.

The runners have 52 days to complete the distance, they must cover 60 miles per day, that is 96 1/2km a day. Running around a half mile (0.80km) block. A day of running is from 6am to midnight,18hrs a day on feet. Most consume 10,000 calories per day.

Now get this, there is no prize money, there is a trophy for the winner. This all takes place in Queens, New York City. Temperatures can be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme hot conditions, running in all weather conditions. With that information, and a perspective of what a 3100 mile event is, the big question that lingers on the mind is the “why”? The documentary attempts to answer that question, but the “why” is not a simple answer.

“The runners have 52 days to complete the distance, they must cover 60 miles per day”


As the reviewer, has some type of insight and understanding, as I myself have run what is known as Ultra-marathon, as of writing this, recently completing a 104km Ultra-marathon. Yes it does pale in comparison to 3100miles. But the question that often asked of me is the ‘Why’, and it certainly is not an easy or simple question to answer. Something I even question myself. So going into watching this documentary was for me the fascination of why we as humans take on such quest.  

The film focus around a runner Ashprihanal Aalto a Finnish runner, who has a very nondiscript delivering papers, he lives a very humble frugal existence in a one room shack abode. He lives life through meditation. He has run the self transcendent 3100miles, an incredible 13 times, 8 x winner, holds the world record for the fastest 3100miles. He certainly is not the physical specimen of a runner, small in stature. Nor does he follow any athletic training nutrition regime.

What makes him so remarkable is, and what the documentary attempts to reveal, is through his meditation, spiritual focus and mindfulness, Ashprihanal Aalto runs on mental agility. Running this type of distance, becomes about the person on a spiritual self journey as you go to such extremes.

It is not about the body anymore it is about the mental toughness. You run not to win a race, but to go beyond yourself. A more transcendent self, a spiritual awakening, by the end you definitely will be a changed person. The documentary helps enlighten those questions with some other cultural examples.

In Japan Mt Hiei, an ancient order of Buddhist monks traverse up to 60 miles a day for 1000 days in quest of enlightenment. The practice is known as Sennichi Kaihogyo (circling the mountain). Mt. Hiei is strewn with graves of failures. The long walking hike is described as ‘praying with feet’. In contrast Navajo Native Americans consider running as prayer.

Making a spiritual connection with the land. African hunters tracking their prey, can be running for a day, it is part of life and their cultural survival.
Will this make you a ultra-marathon runner? I cant answer nor can this documentary answer that for you, it is your ‘why’ to find out. As for me I will be heading out for a run soon

From running long distances, I know of the suffering and the pain. There is no plan that can avoid this, experiencing exhaustion, heat, but you will not give up. I cannot fathom running 3100miles, the documentary does put perspective on the ‘why’. It fascinates me to be able to run beyond perception and find yourself. With that in mind, the film puts a new perspective on running, something hidden with a spiritual enlightenment.

Win Tickets to The Invisible Man, an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you checking over your shoulders. In cinemas February 27.

Win Tickets to The Invisible Man, an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you checking over your shoulders. In cinemas February 27.

What you can’t see can hurt you. Emmy Award®-winner Elisabeth Moss (Us, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale) stars in a thrilling modern tale of obsession inspired by Universal’s classic monster character.
Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass (Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer, NBC’s The InBetween), their childhood friend (Aldis Hodge, Straight Outta Compton) and his teenage daughter (Storm Reid, HBO’s Euphoria). Win one of five double passes by registering your name and phone number to go into the draw on Monday March 2nd. Email meadowbank1968@gmail.com and you could be a winner!

But when Cecilia’s abusive ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House) commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

THE INVISIBLE MAN appears in cinemas February 27.

Working Woman Film Review

Working Woman Film Review

Words Wal Reid

With the #MeToo movement spurred by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment scandals, long time feminist filmmaker Michal Aviad’s gritty drama about a young Israeli mother returning to the work force and putting up with her boss’s sexual advances, is as topical as it is provocative – Does any of this smack of familiarity?

“It’s a polarising subject that is overly reported time after time in the news. The sexualisation of women in the work force”

It’s a polarising subject that is overly reported time after time in the news. The sexualisation of women in the work force. The premise revolves around young Mum Orna, (played by the brilliant Liron Ben Shlush) the mother of three lives a frugal existence while her husband struggles to start his own restaurant. Her fragmented narrative matches the movie’s pace and the mood of the picture, unfurling its lucid storyline.

To help fund her family, Orna returns to the workplace landing a job with Benny, expertly played by Menashe Noy who is a successful real estate developer. His character epitomises the macho Svengali-like predatory boss, who under the guise of an ‘helping angel’ is nothing further from the truth. To be honest, I just wanted to throttle the guy.

While she embraces her new job and tries to balance its demands with her home life, she begins to experience escalating sexual harassment from Benny which compromises her belief system and relationship with her husband Ofer (McMafia’s Oshri Cohen). Under the strain of the tense work place situation, Shlush delivers her performance with gusto while duping the audience into believing her character, this respite in the film helps her gather some much needed self-confidence.

I thought her performance was well handled and she has a pensive dead-pan expression that would leave Garbo for dead (if she was still alive) Now and then I found the film meandering but not to the point of finding myself switching off. I mean it was an easy watch so that’s a big thumbs up (short attention span here) that coupled with its surprisingly redemptive outlook was another reason to like this.

The film delivers. It’s job exposing the underbelly of a sexist society while tapping into the sentiment of the viewer. This simple truth resonated with myself even though it was subtitled, it’s message engaging. It is a powerful reminder that not all is well with the world, however, the film’s sanguine ending should serve as a timely reminder that now and then, we can restore our faith in humanity.

Gladys Knight Gig Review

Gladys Knight Gig Review

words Wal Reid

The Legendary “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight, breezed into Auckland last night under the radar for the start of her New Zealand Tour. As a youngster I fondly remember watching her on our old black & white television set. Gladys Knight & The Pips’ music piped through the feeble non-existent tv speakers, it seemed a world away. I know I’m showing my age here, but so too, were most of the crowd – it was definitely a generation thing.

Her emotive music and soulful voice has transcended the decades, she even bagged a Grammy Award for her solo work on the 1989 James Bond theme song License To Kill. She quietly mentioned she “nearly didn’t record this song” as she doesn’t “like guns”. However, there was no going ‘undercover’ tonight for the legendary RnB Diva, she had the crowd dancing in the aisles and out their seats. The band played with a hiss and a roar, but that only incited the crowd as her backing singers tore down the roof, especially on Carole King’s (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman.

“Donned in muted sparkly black attire, her outfit trailing her as the band played in her slipstream. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” she screamed over the cheering of the crowd”

Tonight the seven-time Grammy Award-winner wasted no time leaving an indelible mark on the auspicious Civic Theatre. It was incredible seeing her live strutting the stage but her voice, her God-given talent, ageless, flawlessly singing as if a role she was born to fulfil. Probably doesn’t hurt she looks ten younger than her stated years as well. She shared her earliest memory singing as a four year old adding, “back then you got whipped” she recalled. One of her most well known songs I Heard It Through the Grapevine almost never made it. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ means you weren’t there”, further adding. “It’s gossip, as Mama would say”.

As her career came on the rise in the early ’50s, she released numerous songs to her name. Her breakout hit Every Beat of My Heart was followed by a string of successful singles before the release of Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)—a soulful album which earned Knight her first Grammy Award. Then another for her smash hit Midnight Train to Georgia, before picking up another for her collaboration with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Dionne Warwick for the iconic hit tune That’s What Friends Are For.

Donned in muted sparkly black attire, her outfit trailing her as the band played in her slipstream. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” she screamed over the cheering of the crowd. Her narrative in-between songs was like taking a guided tour. The colourful raconteur rattled off story after story, of her amazing life surrounded by the calibre of talented people like vocalist James Ingram & “little brother” Marvin Gaye. Song writer Jim Weatherly also featured as his song Midnight Train To Georgia was received with raucous applause.

“Hard to believe she has quinquagenarian-plus fan boys and fan girls, but they revelled and screeched their way through her set like teenagers seeing their idol for the first time”

Her rambunctious outlook added a maternal warmth, as she found her way into the hearts of the audience – how could you not warm to her? “I’ve waited a long time for this night,” she proceeded to tell the crowd. It was her first tour of the country in over two decades, so there was generous leeway given on the crowd’s behalf since her last visit here. With her nine-piece band in tow, she performed most of the hits she is known the world over, including Ed Sheeran’s earworm Perfect & Sam Smith’s beautiful Stay With Me. Both given the ‘Gladys’ treatment to the delightful squeals of the audience.

Hard to believe she has quinquagenarian-plus fan boys and fan girls, but they revelled and screeched their way through her set like teenagers seeing their idol for the first time. Her band were absolutely stunning, tight, soulful and robotically in sync. If you want ‘church’ Gladys will give it to you. You want to hear the hits and more, Gladys has that covered also. Today’s RnB/Soul singers lack that vital ingredient; the style and vibe of those austere times emulated through her music. You can’t replicate that unless you’ve lived through it. She waxed lyrical about the importance of “communication”, “you’ve got to have the grit and the meat to make it real” she implored. It was a lesson in life as much as it was an engaging music concert, but I think all of us were just in awe at witnessing this living legend sing her song – and that you can never replicate either.

Set list.

  1. Love Overboard(Gladys Knight & The Pips song
  2. Nitty Gritty / Shake Your Body Down to the Ground
  3. Every Beat of My Heart(Johnny Otis cover)
  4. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me(Jim Weatherly cover)
  5. Stay With Me(Sam Smith cover)
  6. Save the Overtime (For Me)(Gladys Knight & The Pips song)
  7. Never Too Much(Luther Vandross cover)
  8. Part Time Love(David Gates cover)
  9. I’ve Got to Use My Imagination(Gladys Knight & The Pips song)
  10. I Heard It Through the Grapevine(Gladys Knight & The Pips song)
  11. Licence to Kill
  12. Midnight Train to Georgia(Jim Weatherly cover)
  13. If I Could
  14. Why I Love You(Major cover)
  15. One Hundred Ways(James Ingram cover)
  16. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman(Carole King cover)
  17. The Way We Were(Barbra Streisand cover)
  18. Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)(Jim Weatherly cover)
  19. Baby Don’t Change Your Mind(Gladys Knight & The Pips song)
Birds Of Prey Film Review

Birds Of Prey Film Review

Words Sarah Kidd

No one can deny that the DC Universe has struggled in the world of film; compared to Marvel and its legion of devoted followers who appreciate the cohesiveness and continuity of their blockbuster movies, DC struggles to pick a direction and stick to it.

Suicide Squad had its charms, but ultimately failed to live up to expectations. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn however, quickly gained both notoriety and praise; her look in the film soon adopted as the latest trend for Halloween parties across the globe. Cue spin-off.

So, how does Birds of Prey fare?
Admittedly not too bad at all. Taking into account that the film is a continuation of Harley Quinn’s adventures specifically – which means that instead of sharing the screen with juggernauts like Will Smith, she is predominantly the main focus – will play a part in determining the enjoyment level of the viewer.

Despite Quinns’ style of speaking, which can become a little irritating at times, Robbie otherwise delivers a solid performance, once again capturing the characteristics viewers have already come to know and expect from her portrayal of Quinn while adding a few more nuances to her already colourful persona.

“Despite Quinns’ style of speaking, which can become a little irritating at times, Robbie otherwise delivers a solid performance”

Where Robbie (who also produced the film) truly shines is in the physical arena, her movement when handling weapons, participating in fight scenes right down to how she curls up on a couch with a bowl of fruit-loops are all so wonderfully fluid that it draws the viewer into her character with a natural ease.

Throughout the film, Quinn narrates certain events or points of interest, this does start to wear a little thin, especially when the momentum of the film is broken in order to tell the backstory of a character, or to retrace the steps of what led to a particular part in the timeline. Still it is a point of difference and thankfully is not used too excessively.

So, Harley Quinn is back in Gotham, sans the Joker who has kicked her out. Keeping quiet about her current relationship status, Quinn proceeds to roll about Gotham taking full advantage of her immunity from retribution and basically behaving badly, which she is very good at. That is however until one night after overhearing people mocking her ongoing trials and tribulations with her man, she decides to announce to the city she is single by blowing up the ACME chemical plant where she first pledged her love to the Joker (apparently Batman was taking the night off, as despite Quinn almost destroying a quarter of the city, the bat is nowhere to be seen)

Cue the introduction of Black Canary (Jurnee Smollet-Bell), Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) over the course of the plot, complete with back stories that fold themselves into the timeline somewhat awkwardly, but they get the job done. Of course, there has to be a villain, Birds of Prey offering up two in the form of Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis/Black Mask and his psychotically creepy henchman Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina).

Birds of Prey is a restricted movie, and as such it contains violence that while not excessively nausea inducing, does include a few scenes that will make people wince. It was also a little disturbing that many seemed to find the beginning of one particular scene where Sionis publicly degrades a woman somewhat amusing; perhaps it was his slightly camp demeanor in which he did it … It should be noted though that there is an unnerving undercurrent to the scenes of violence featured in the movie.

“How it will stand the test of time against both the previous and any future DC cinematic offerings, remains to be seen”

While the female characters carry out theirs in a kick-ass girl kinda way, with a sense of cartoonish fun to them, a few of the scenes featuring Sionis have a far more realistic and sadistic nature to them, especially when the violence is aimed at his female victims. Written this way to truly set him apart as the bad guy? Possibly, but it is a little uncomfortable to say the least.

The film is of course called Birds of Prey, so the expectation being that at some point we see the female leads join together to become a tour de force; however, when they finally do, it seems rather anticlimactic, leaving some wondering if director Cathy Yan actually got the incredibly long film title the wrong way around.

Birds of Prey is indeed a bit of fun, and if audience members are already fans of films of a similar ilk, then this too will be a win for them. It’s bright, it’s loud, the pace keeps the storyline moving in the right direction for the majority of the film and there are some memorable performances from Robbie, McGregor, Smollett-Bell and a Hyena called Bruce. The soundtrack is none too shabby either, however some of the tracks used have already been featured in several films over the last couple of years and do feel a little tired.

It would be hard to vehemently dislike Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) but how it will stand the test of time against both the previous and any future DC cinematic offerings, remains to be seen.

Just Announced For Byron Bay Blues Festival 2020

Just Announced For Byron Bay Blues Festival 2020

Byron Bay Blues festival is lifting the curtain on round two of their exciting line-up for 2020.

After confirming the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House and Patti Smith and her Band on our first line-up, we’ve added a string of new acts, including Lenny Kravitz, Jimmie Vaughan, The Waterboys, Eagles of Death Metal, Ani DiFranco, and many more.

GET TO KNOW THE NEW ACTS HITTING THE BLUESFEST STAGE NEXT EASTER!

LENNY KRAVITZ

Grammy Award-winning Rock musician Lenny Kravitz made the albums ‘Let Love Rule’, ‘Mama Said’ and ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’. Over a musical career spanning 20 years, he has transcended genre with his unique soul, rock and funk influences. Are you ready to “Fly Away”?

JIMMIE VAUGHAN

Living legend Jimmie Vaughan is an American blues-rock guitarist and singer who hails from Austin. As a founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, he was one of the leading Texas guitarists of the ’70s and ’80s. Are you “Tuff Enuff” for Jimmie Vaughn’s gritty, hard-grooving performance?

THE WATERBOYS

With their cross-pollination of literate, soulful rock n’ roll and folk traditions of the British Isles, the Waterboys have tread a multitude of musical paths since singer-songwriter Mike Scott formed the group in London in the early ’80s, and continue to blur genres with 2019 album ‘Where The Action Is’.

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

The collaboration of lifelong friends Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, Eagles of Death Metal bring to the stage a revved-up blend of garage rock, boogie rock and hard rock, with elements of glam rock, blues rock and swamp rock thrown in. Rock out to ‘Peace Love Death Metal’!

ANI DIFRANCO

Ani Di Franco has never been afraid to push boundaries. The iconic singer, songwriter, activist and poet hit the world stage over twenty-five years ago. She has released more than 20 albums on her own record label, Righteous Babe, which gives her massive creative freedom.

AMADOU & MARIAM

A musical husband-and-wife duo who got their start in Mali, Amadou & Mariam bring the magic every time. The pair met at the Bamako Institute for the Young Blind in 1975, married in 1980, and have been releasing albums, touring and playing festivals around the globe. We dare you not to dance to their uniquely African beat!

THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND

Family tradition runs deep with the Allman Betts Band who follow in the footsteps of their groundbreaking fathers. Celebrating the founding of the Allman Brothers Band just over 50 years ago, Devon Allman and Duane Betts keep the southern rock torch burning, with a mix of classic Allmans tunes and new tracks.

ZUCCHERO

Italian musician Adelmo Fornaciari, known to the world by his nickname Zucchero (‘Sugar’), is an award-winning songwriter with a string of hits. His unique blend of blues, Italian ballads and R&B has seen him play with legends like Bono, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton and Macy Gray. Don’t miss the Father of Italian blues!

CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES

A former member of Bluesfest favourites,  Snarky Puppy, Cory Henry’s multi-instrumentalist skills are astounding. It’s funk, it’s blues, it’s R’n’B, it’s gospel, it’s soul and it’s rock! Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles breathe fresh air into all these genres. You won’t want to miss this funk explosion!

YOLA

Yola is setting the music scene on alight with her debut album ‘Walk Through Fire’ establishing her as the new Queen of Country Soul. The album is a genre-bending release bursting with Yola’s powerful vocals that capture tales of heartbreak and loves lost. One of the most exciting emerging British artists in music today – Yola is one to watch!

TAL WILKENFELD

Instrumentalist turned singer-songwriter Tal Wilkenfeld breaks new ground with new album ‘Love Remains’. Having toured as a bassist with the likes of Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Prince and The Allman Bros, Tal has honed her craft as a singer in her own right. A true musician!

JOACHIM COODER

Joachim Cooder​ grew up playing music with his father Ry Cooder, touring and recording with icons including Johnny Cash, ​John Lee Hooker and the Buena Vista Social Club. He has solidified his reputation as a lyrical drummer, composing film scores, and now writing and singing his own songs like “Country Blues”. Come on all you good time people!

STEVE ‘N’ SEAGULLS

Finnish Roots music collective Steve ‘n’ Seagulls have a penchant for turning hard rock, metal, and grunge classics into front-porch jamborees. You can’t mistake the quintet’s signature hillbilly metal sound which has endeared them to fans worldwide. We promise you’ll be on your feet falling in love with bluegrass all over again!

DON’T MISS OUT ON WHAT’S SHAPING UP TO BE THE BEST BLUESFEST YET!

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