Back to the Drawing Board Productions

‘THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 6, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrMatrix

20 December, 2021

I was lucky enough to be on assignment for Scenestr one last time in 2021 to review the fourth Matrix film. Another delayed sequel to a beloved franchise that has long been dormant revitalised yet again out of nostalgia and a quick cash grab.

If Bond marked time, this certainly stung even deeper. The Matrix in 1999 was a breath of fresh air, yes it brought a lot of things familiar to anime fans to a mainstream Western audience and it was not the first trapped in the machine dystopian thriller of that decade. Comparisons to Alex Cox’s Dark City have often been made but The Matrix was a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. At 18 in 1999 in the wake of a new Star Wars film it felt like the kind of earth-shaking industry re-making hit as Star Wars had in 1977. For a while that felt true, every fight scene in the wake of The Matrix ripped it off even though from a storytelling point of view it made no sense in those movies as they were not in a warped reality. The sequels four years later were not as beloved and everything kind of went quiet, but that first film still remains something special and the sequels have been re-evaluated too in recent times.

I’ve remained a fan of the filmmakers believing Cloud Atlas is underrated and underseen.

But why do another Matrix movie and why now? The reason is kind of sweet and there is some imagination and ambition here but I will leave for you to decide if it ultimately justifies.

I will put it to you this way.

The Matrix was special in 1999 because it was something new rather than a sequel or a remake of 1960s TV show which was very much happening at the time.

I look forward to new films in this era which are their own thing like The Matrix was in 1999.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/the-matrix-resurrections-film-review-20211223

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Having started in 1993 they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland every month.

-Lloyd Marken

‘LAST NIGHT IN SOHO’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 4, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrSoho

On Monday 15th of November, 2021 Karen and I went and saw Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho at Palace Centro cinemas at James Street where we met for the first time years earlier.

I was on assignment for Scenestr and am a big fan of Edgar Wright.

He is entering a new phase of his career where he is looking to move beyond the Cornetto trilogy. I believe he’s got the goods and I enjoyed the Last Night In Soho but can’t help myself thinking I preferred his earlier funnier films.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/last-night-in-soho-film-review-20211116

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

It remains a thrill to work for Scenestr magazine.

-Lloyd Marken

‘NO TIME TO DIE’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 2, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrBond

On Friday the 5th of November, 2021 I went and saw the latest James Bond movie No TIme To Die on assignment for Scenestr.

For a lot of us Bond kind of marks time, this is maybe the only film franchise in the world that gets handed down from generation to generation. They have proven timeless and yet current releases speak to our times.

The first Bond film I saw was Goldfinger with Sean Connery so it imprinted on me that he was Bond as much as TImothy Dalton was featuring on the cover of a fresh VHS packet.

As a kid Moore’s entries like Moonraker and Octopussy were treasured and fit right along The Living Daylights and You Only Live Twice.

When I saw Goldeneye on Boxing Day 1995 with Dad and siblings something new clicked into place. Pierce Brosnan was my Bond for my time although my Dad seemed to enjoy it just as much. That is the magic of Bond.

I was twenty-six when Daniel Craig reinvigorated the franchise and did something new with it. Now I was days away from turning 41 and taking one of my oldest friends to a Bond screening on assignment as a freelance writer and Craig was retiring the role.

Bond marks time.

So there I was a middle aged man with a friend I have known for 30 years seeing the last Daniel Craig Bond film. Let’s just say themes conveyed in this new film seemed to fit the occasion.

If you’ve seen the film you’ll understand why the need to avoid spoilers. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Bond always adds a touch of class and sophistication. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Inside waiting for the movie to start. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Newmarket Reading Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Walking the red carpet. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Some of the goodies to eat upon entry. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/no-time-to-die-film-review-20211108

My friend didn’t pose for pictures on the red carpet, he didn’t partake in the free food upon entry (after all he had just gone downstairs to wolf down a burger from Grill’D).

He came because I asked him to, he knew I wanted to share this experience with him just once.

He came after work from across town, his wife patiently taking care of their toddler for a few hours.

Afterwards we drove down to a local shopping centre and stood outside for a little bit. We had done this many times in the wee hours during our 20s to talk. Tonight we did not delay too long. We had homes and responsibilities to get too.

But that night he came and with James Bond we marked time. I’m very lucky to have such a friend.

-Lloyd Marken

‘ETERNALS’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENSTR

Posted on March 9, 2023March 5, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr Eternals

In the wake of the Brisbane International Film Festival I was also fortunate enough to review the latest Marvel blockbuster over at Indooroopilly cinemas on Monday the 1st of November, 2021.

Eternals became a little infamous for its muted critical reaction in comparison to other film from the franchise. I found it a film not without some merits but ultimately I too shared a frustration at what may have been and was not. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/eternals-film-review-20211103

Of note to Beetley Pete maybe that the cast includes the talented actress Salma Hayek.

Another lanyard of power. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Two Marvel releases in a row. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Indooroopily Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

-Lloyd Marken

THE BIFF IS BACK – BIFF 2021 PART II – ‘THE CARD COUNTER’, ‘BAD LUCK BANGING OR LOONY PORN’ AND ‘ASCENSION’ REVIEWS AVAILABLE ON SCENSTR

Posted on March 7, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

BIFF'S 2021 PROGRAM IS GUARANTEED TO INSPIRE, PROVOKE AND ENTERTAIN | FilmInk

I was back on assignment for Scenestr for the second and final weekend of the Brisbane International Film Festival 2021.

On Friday night the 29th of October I went to New Farm Cinemas to see the latest film from 75 year old Paul Schrader – The Card Counter.

Schrader has been on a revival run of late and this feature is part of that while continuing his “Man in a Room” stories. American Gigolo may remain his masterpiece, but I enjoyed partly how this film seemed a counterpoint to that. I also enjoyed the performances from the cast that includes some of the great actors that have come to stardom in the past year including Oscar Isaac, Tiffancy Haddish and Tye Sheridan.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/the-card-counter-film-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-2021-20211103

The next night I was back at New Farm Cinemas late at night in one of their cinemas at the back to watch Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn from Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude. Karen and I both had dinner at Ombra before I went to see the movie.

Me at BIFF 2021. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen at Ombra. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Back at Ombra. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

There was not a massive crowd in the cinema but there were some young people who occasionally cackled at what was unfolding on the screen. That felt right. Young people at a film festival watching something foreign and wild that provides a way of looking at things.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/bad-luck-banging-or-loony-porn-film-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-2021-20211108

On Sunday the 31st of October, 2021 I saw my last film at BIFF 2021. It was a screening of the documentary Ascension at Palace Cinemas on James Street, I have a soft spot for this cinema as I met my wife on the steps of it at BIFF 2008.

The steps where I met Karen. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Ascension was slow and observant American documentary from Jessica Kingdon about modern China. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/ascension-film-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-2021-20211109

That was it for another year at BIFF, I am very glad to have been on assignment to watch and review six films at BIFF. I am very glad that the Brisbane International Film Festival continued in the wake of COVID and remain a staple of my hometown showing 81 features and 22 short films during its eleven day run.

-Lloyd Marken

THE BIFF IS BACK – BIFF 2021 PART I – ‘RAMBLIN RACER’, ‘LOCAL SHORTS FOCUS’ AND ‘UNDINE’ REVIEWS AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

BIFF'S 2021 PROGRAM IS GUARANTEED TO INSPIRE, PROVOKE AND ENTERTAIN | FilmInk

I returned to the Brisbane International Film Festival October 23, 2021 as a freelance writer for Scenestr. Having a long association with the festival going back to the days when I used to be a Volunteer at it, it was a particular joy to get to review so many films at the Festival for Scenestr. As it always with such a wonderful program there were plenty of films I would have liked to have seen but did not get the chance one of them being You Can Drive My Car which went on to win an Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Others were The Worst Person in the World and Zola. I do have to say I feel like those films found audiences in any event and the films I got to see and maybe champion are still to be discovered.

BIFF was under new management having switched from the Gallery of Modern Art to be run for the next three years by Film Fantastic Limited who have been responsible for several years for the running of the Gold Coast Film Festival.

First up on a Saturday morning at Newmarket Reading Cinemas I went to the screening of Queensland documentary Ramblin Racer. It told the story of two middle aged men who pursued a boyhood dream to race cars for real. Low key and local there is a charm to the film. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/ramblin-racer-film-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-2021-20211027

Following the film there was a Question and Answer session with the two “stars” of the documentary Phil Robinson and Tim Boyle, editor Navas Illava and writer/director Neil McGregor led by film academic Ruari Elkington. One of the pleasures of such film festival screenings and particularly special when it is something home grown.

Arriving at Newmarket Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Next up I went to New Farm Cinemas that afternoon and discovered a new Italian place outside the cinema named Ombra. It is just a fairly small place, beautifully decorated and with friendly staff who served delicious meals at reasonable prices. I fell in love with it immediately and have gone back from time to time with Karen who was sadly not joining me for these BIFF screenings.

Inside OMBRA before the dinner crowds. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Oh my God this was so delicious. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Preview of things to come. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Painting of new releases outside New Farm Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken

A rainbow. Copyright Lloyd Marken

I was in attendance at New Farm to watch eight locally produced shorts, I found something to commend about all eight of them but a personal favourite was James Latter’s Home. I also found Stephen Lance’s Torch Song riveting and was touched by Loani Arman’s Our Greatest Escape.

There were quite a few people packing into the New Farm lobby waiting for this one.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/local-shorts-focus-brisbane-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-20211028

The next day I was back at New Farm to see the German film Undine which really left an impression on me. A beautiful melancholic love story which I was already keen to see since it starred Franz Rogowski who was so good in a film Karen and I enjoyed from BIFF 2018 – In the Aisles.

You can read my review of that film here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/undine-film-review-brisbane-international-film-festival-2021-20211028

It was such a joy to be back at the Brisbane International Film Festival and to be reviewing so many movies and Undine was easily one of best films of the year.

-Lloyd Marken

REVIEW OF ‘WHAT’S GOING ON’ AT BRISBANE FESTIVAL 2021 AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on March 2, 2023February 28, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Whats Going On Scenestr

The second show I saw at the Brisbane Festival 2021 was ‘What’s Going’ on assignment for Scenestr magazine. Tyrone Noonan and his band Palimpsest performed in concert Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album What’s Going On. It was a real pleasure to see this show in person, the album itself is so beloved that to see these songs performed in person by such musicians who are fans themselves was very special. It was an interesting to attend such a performance where Boomers jumped up and boogied together en masse while COVID was gripping New South Wales and Victoria.

Karen and I enjoyed the concert and a personal highlight for me was being messaged later by Tyrone that he liked my review. You can read it for yourself here https://scenestr.com.au/music/what-s-going-on-review-brisbane-festival-2021-20210928

I also enjoyed that one of my images made the grade for being included in the review as it is not exactly my strong suit.

Tyrone Noonan performing. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The entrance to Suncorp Piazza. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The crowd on the night. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Katie Noonan made a special appearance. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Once the tracks of the album were done, we were treated to renditions of other Marvin Gaye classics including a song that Marvin Gaye covered called Abraham, Martin and John. This is such a beautiful song, in the weeks ahead I would listen to it whenever I was feeling a little melancholic. Thank you Tyrone, and thank you Marvin.

-Lloyd Marken

REVIEW OF ‘LOVE STORIES’ AT BRISBANE FESTIVAL 2021 AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on February 28, 2023February 26, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Love Stories Scenestr

Karen and I returned to the Brisbane Festival in 2021 as I was lucky enough to review two shows for Scenestr magazine.

The first one was called Love Stories, a series of video interviews with homeless people conceived by journalist Trent Dalton. The interviews played on a large screen were accompanied by musicians performing.

I was very moved by Love Stories, you can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/arts/love-stories-review-brisbane-festival-2021-20210913

Suncorp Piazza. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Journalist Trent Dalton introduces the show. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken

It took place at the Suncorp Piazza at Southbank parklands on the edge the Brisbane River and CBD. I worked for many years across the river at the Queensland University of Technology and studied at QUT before that. I have roamed South Bank quite a bit over the years.

A couple of weeks earlier Karen and I had celebrated our ten-year wedding anniversary at South Bank and roamed around after dinner. Again, on this night South Bank was lit up with all kinds of activities and displays for the Brisbane Festival and we found ourselves wandering through quite moved to be back there. It wasn’t the first time since the pandemic had begun but they just seemed to be something to savour more these days.

-Lloyd Marken

‘SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on February 26, 2023February 26, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Shang-Chi Scenestr

Dear Gentle Reader,

I am sorry for my absence these past two years. My plan is to get back into the swing of things but we will see as life continues to pull in a lot of different directions as it does us all.

For now and probably going forward, I have gotten rid of the COVID-19 Diary. I enjoyed doing it but at some point it slowed down my productivity referencing all the news articles and while I would like to say I will return and finish it off the past two years suggests otherwise.

Instead I will be returning to writing about films and shows I see and have a few ideas in the pipeline I hope to bring to fruition.

For now let’s play catch-up.

Before the crowds arrive. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

In early September 2021 I went to see a Marvel movie for Scenestr magazine which is quite a get. The last time I did that was for the underwhelming Captain Marvel. Shang-Chi fared better with me for its likeable characters and slick fight choreography. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/shang-chi-and-the-legend-of-the-ten-rings-film-review-20210901

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Having started in 1993 they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland every month.

-Lloyd Marken

REVIEW OF ‘PLUCKED’ AT ANYWHERE FESTIVAL AVAILABLE ON WEEKEND NOTES

Posted on June 20, 2021February 12, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Weekend Notes 23

May 16

I got an e-mail a little while back inviting me to review a show at Anywhere Festival which was pretty exciting.

On Sunday night Karen and I left early from a family gathering and headed for Elements Collective a bar in the Valley.

I really enjoyed the themes and jokes of Plucked, the first show from new theatre company WhittleBerry.

The review ran in the Weekend Notes newsletter, racked up some views and the following weekend the show was sold out.

So a lot can be expected from WhittleBerry in the years to come and it was very exciting to see their firsrt show.

You can read my review here Plucked – Anywhere Festival – Brisbane (weekendnotes.com)

I really enjoyed going to the Anywhere Festival in 2021 and seeing a terrific show.

As Karen and I headed home, I once again realised how lucky i was to live in Australia while developments happened elsewhere.

Actress Lisa Hickey made her directorial debut here, I had previously seen her perform in The Curators productions of Uncle Vanya and Ibsen’s Ghosts, and as Cassius in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar mounted by heartBeast Theatre, writing reviews for Scenestr and Weekend Notes.

I really enjoyed going to the Anywhere Festival in 2021 and seeing a terrific show.

It had been a while since we had gone to see a show in the Valley. I once again realised how lucky i was to live in Australia while developments happened elsewhere.

Weekend Notes are a growing online magazine with a wealth of contributors based out of several cities across the United Kingdom, Australia and New York. Articles are leisure related and can include a wide variety of subjects from rainforest hikes to cultural festivals, from what hot new play is on at your underground theatre to a ultra trendy eatery. Writers are paid for their work based partly on how many views their articles get so please feel free to stop by and show some love.

-Lloyd Marken

Leaving Element Collective after the show. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The Valley. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

TWO MAN TARANTINO REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on May 6, 2021February 13, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr 6

I found myself returning to the Brisbane Powerhouse for the first time since March 13, 2020 when I had attended the Brisbane Comedy Festival as the first COVID restrictions were announced in Australia. No more than 500 people at a venue starting Monday the 16th of February.

Now here I was back on the 25th of March, 2021 at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Interestingly enough I was there to review the show Two Man Tarantino for Scenestr magazine. I had previously reviewed the show back in 2018 for the Wonderland Festival so I was setting myself an interesting challenge.

The show seemed even better this time around to me and you can read my review here –Two Man Tarantino Review @ Brisbane Powerhouse (scenestr.com.au)

There was no mask wearing and the theatre was packed as per current health guidelines.

Karen and I also enjoyed our beloved Snack Bar Menu pizza after the show.

In such moments you can’t help but feel that something has been regained if only briefly after having been absent for so long.

-Lloyd Marken

‘TRIPLE X’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 27, 2021February 13, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr 5

March 11

I was fortunate enough to be on assignment with Scenestr once again on the Thursday the 11th of March.

Since the pandemic hit Brisbane I had been to three films and one stand-up show.

Now I was going to the theatre again to see Triple X, which had its season cut short a year ago due to COVID.

It was a privilege to be there to see the show’s return that had been promised by Queensland Theatre and delivered against some unprecedented odds.

At the end of the show the lead performer and writer Glace Chase appeared to be becoming emotional.

The show itself was wonderful, detailing a love story rife with laughs and pain and yearning.

What was interesting for me having not been to the theatre in a while was the measures.

We had to sign in on a Qld Government App at the venue. The menu was slightly altered to mostly packed foods and drinks.

And yet…

Karen and I at ‘Triple X’. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Opening night for 'Triple X' in 2021. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The fantastic threatre and set design.Copyright Lloyd Marken.

After the show and making plans to head off. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Looking out over the lobby before going into the show there was a sizeable crowd and nobody was wearing a mask because the current health advice was not to.

Then when we went into the venue it was a packed house with everybody seated together with no spare seats in between.

Again completely in keeping with the health advice but being aware of what was being experienced elsewhere in this world made our current circumstances seem a little surreal.

There were 41 active cases in Queensland on the 11th of March, 2021.

Anyway the show was wonderful and you can read my review here Triple X Review @ Queensland Theare (scenestr.com.au)

I was fortunate to have interviewed the director Paige Rattray two years earlier in the lead up to the run Hedda directed by her too.

-Lloyd Marken

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