It is always a thrill to get to review a film and to attend a critics screening which is what I did on Wednesday night when I saw The Happytime Murders at New Farm Cinemas for Scenestr magazine. A new milestone was reached too, my first media screening where I had to sign an agreement not to breach a media blackout. Karen has taken me to preview screenings previously where mobile phones were confiscated but this was something new for me as a critic where I kept my phone but turned it off during the screening. I was attending a screening at 6:45pm Wednesday and the ban lifted 7am Thursday morning. One can never be too careful. I always enjoy going to New Farm cinemas and hitting the local Pig’n’Whistle afterwards before heading home to write my review.
The film itself is not destined to feature in end of year lists but I did note that one person in our screening chuckled happily away for a lot of the runtime. You can read my review here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/the-happytime-murders-review-20180824
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Celebrating 25 years in 2018 of publishing history 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, Queensland every month and the first issue for Victoria is coming out this month too.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
Congratulations, Lloyd. Sorry it seems unlikely I will have access to watching the film.
Yeah I hear outside the major cities there can be a lack of choices in some times. What’s it like in Arizona?
I have a six plex and an hour away is a 14plex. Phoenix is 2 hours and endless opportunities.
I am astonished how commercial the films are. That is, it is hard to see anything indie or foreign. That 14plex an hour away will show the blockbuster in four rooms. Anyway, I find I do most of my viewing by way of streaming and ordering up a movie on Anazon.
It’s disappointing to see a big plex not showing a wider range. We typically have 8 cinema complexes with some themed around independent and foreign and others blockbusters but often both will have a few from each despite their specialty leanings. 2 hours is a long way to drive too if you’re regularly going to do it. Streaming is certainly changing the playing field but I hope cinemas remain. I’m very lucky where I am I guess and only in recent years thought about how it might not be so in other places. I like to support small chains that give cheap tickets and candy bar items. The chain that does that best is Cineplex but I also enjoy Palace who are higher end for patrons who want to see foreign and indie. A new chain has opened up in Brisbane which is reasonable and sport massive screens.
I am not allowed to see the clip, but from your review, it doesn’t really sound like something I would like. HOWEVER, I said that about ‘Ted’, and loved it! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I put it to you this you, it’s fine. I liked the original Ted a lot and not so much Ted 2. I also think Avenue Q was great. Hope that helps inform your choices. It’s not a bad film but there are other ones to see.
Pete, I’ve also added a trailer here that you should be able to view. Will be interesting to see what you think. 😉
As the trailer started, I thought it might even be sillier than I suspected. HOWEVER, I laughed, a lot. I liked the ‘adult’ themes, enjoyed the swearing, and thought this could be the new ‘Roger Rabbit’. I might even buy the DVD! Well done, Lloyd, you overcame my prejudices. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I caution again it is not in my humble opinion as good as Ted or Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It is passable if you got nothing better to do like gaining the only true satisfaction that can come from cleaning your house. However there are worse films. The trailer did not blow me away until the ‘blowing away’ scene. That really cracked me up but I’d say that’s the best joke in the whole film.
A case of the trailer showcasing all the best bits? OK, I will wait for a used copy for £1. Then it won’t be money wasted. 🙂
Terrific Lloyd! I am very curious about this, because I really WANT it to be good – she needs someone to focus her talent more!
Thanks John, as I mentioned in my review Paul Feig has directed her best films although I wasn’t a big fan of the Ghostbusters reboot. I hope she has a long and varied career because I agree she is a great talent.
Yes, they should have done a sequel to The Heat…not that I love sequels but he really nailed that one and she apparently needs stronger direction…
Spy also lends itself to a sequel too.
Yes indeed – that worked as well!
Congrats, Lloyd! 🙂
Thank you Eric.
Media blackout! That’s a great sign ha.
Also interesting that Elizabeth Banks and Melissa McCarthy have been unavailable for promoting it too apparently.
Intrigued for sure
🙂