“The Golden Llama” is book number one in Aleesah Darlison’s fun new series, “League of Llamas”. The story itself reminds me of a cross between some Paul Jennings’ zaniness, a James Bond spoof, and Andrew Hansen and Jessica Roberts’ hilarious “Bab Sharkey” adventure series. Kids will love the story’s two anti-heroes, the gorgeous, agent…
FILM REVIEW: APOLLO 11
Apollo 11 is a documentary that takes you to the moon and back. Literally. This feature-length film comes hot on the tails of First Man and Hidden Figures. It proves that there is still plenty of mileage to be had from this extraordinary, historical feat. This is directed by Todd Douglas Miller who is used to making films for museums. For…
FILM REVIEW: TEDDY PENDEGRASS- IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME
If you don’t know artist, Teddy Pendergrass by now, you certainly will. In the documentary, If You Don’t Know Me we learn all about this R & B singer who was often referred to as “The Black Elvis.” This film is an illuminating look at the life and legacy of this legendary soul man. Pendergrass’ story is one…
LIVE REVIEW: JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Bonnie Lythgoe’s mid-year pantos are becoming something of a school holiday tradition. For six years, the former dancer-turned-director and producer has brought joyous, family-friendly fun to Australian theatres. This year’s instalment, Jack & the Beanstalk, once again delivered a high quality show that was fun and broad in its appeal. Pantomimes are a great…
FILM REVIEW: WOODSTOCK AT FIFTY
Woodstock was one of the most important concerts in history. This year marks 50 years since those infamous three days of peace, love and music. The film, Woodstock at Fifty is a documentary that gives a rather backstage view to the show thanks to some interviews with various key players. While some parts of this work…
FILM REVIEW: AN UNEXPECTED LOVE
Darren Hanlon once sang that love is “Just a lazy generalisation that we use for one hundred different feelings and as many situations”. The film, An Unexpected Love (El amor menos pensado) certainly examines one of these kinds of love. It’s that of a mature couple who have been married for 25 years. They grapple with…
FILM REVIEW: TOMMY EMMANUEL: THE ENDLESS ROAD
He’s Australia’s very own finger-picking, boogie-woogie man. Tommy Emmanuel is a guitar icon and one of only a handful of people who can say they’re a certified guitar player. Tommy Emmanuel: The Endless Road is an entertaining look at many facets of this charismatic musician and artist. This film is written and directed by Jeremy Dylan who has made…
BOOK REVIEW: #MeToo- Stories from the Australian movement
In October 2017 when the hashtag #MeToo went viral, a lot of the popularity was chalked up to some rich, white celebrities speaking out. What these media reports failed to acknowledge however was that the movement’s true founder was Tarana Burke. The anthology, #MeToo- Stories from the Australian Movementis great because it broadens #MeToo’s scope….
BOOK REVIEW: JOCELYN MOORHOUSE- UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Jocelyn Moorhouse knows how to spin a great yarn. The Dressmaker director has had a rich career in film and this forms part of her memoir, Unconditional Love. This book looks at her brilliant career, including her collaborations with filmmaker husband, PJ Hogan (Muriel’s Wedding). But Moorhouse’s most intriguing chapters are about her experiences with motherhood. In Unconditional Love, Moorhouse essentially writes love…
FILM REVIEW: BOOM! A FILM ABOUT THE SONICS
Boom! A Film about the Sonics is a documentary that is cut from the same cloth as Searching for Sugar Man and Waiting: The Van Duren Story. You may not have heard about American group, The Sonics but chances are you’ve heard their influence through other people’s music. This film is an overwhelmingly positive one that finally gives this band of…
Natalie Salvo's Written Portfolio 