July 06, 2020
I was on assignment with Scenestr magazine for the first time since the pandemic shut everything down in March.
Cinemas had just re-opened in Queensland and I attended a preview screening of Waves with a bunch of critics at New Farm cinemas. There were no plus ones so Karen wasn’t with me.
Waves is an excellent film which would have made my Top 10 last year if it had been released in Australia. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/waves-film-review-20200708
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.
There was definitely some joy to be taken that here was another activity back but this one was tempered with some caution.
As a film buff people have often asked my feelings on how the pandemic has shut down movies.
Since this pandemic happened I’ve never really missed movies, I’ve watched some classics and some new stuff on streaming services.
Yes I’ve worried about those who work in the arts.
But more so I’ve worried about everybody who has lost their jobs in recent months.
I love going to the cinema but I haven’t felt I lost her in these recent weeks.
We’ve lost lives. Hundreds and thousands of them.
We’ve lost jobs.
Millions of them.
We’ve lost good health and good prospects for the future for millions more.
I enjoyed seeing a wonderful movie and being a film critic again on the job. Something I am eternally grateful for.
But on the 6th of July I found my cinema had patiently waited for my return and was happy to see me again. I know she will wait for me again and for all of us if need be.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
I would be really wary of attending any indoor event, especially if air conditioning is involved. This weekend they started over here, with the snooker world championships in Sheffield, but it’s too early to say if it went OK, I suppose..
I’m in air conditioning at work anyway. I’m also heading to another screening this Friday but I might wear a mask. You do raise a good point John. Another note while the film keeps you on edge, I think it is a winner.
I hadn’t heard of the film, so thanks for the review.
I doubt I will go back to a cinema for a long time. They are asking patrons to wear masks here, and I don’t want to sit for over two hours wearing one. Besides, I doubt they will police that, which means most of the audience will remove them to eat popcorn and drink soft drinks. Seems to me it is a lot like being on an aircraft, a potential breeding ground for the virus.
Best wishes, Pete.
I think that is a good call given the number of cases in the UK currently. There were a handful of critics in this screening and two active classes in Queensland at the time. I would feel differently if case numbers rise here. I do recommend the film Pete if you get a chance to see it on TV down the line.
Once we get a vaccine, which we will, I am certain all the arts will lead the way in the comeback. I know right now my great nephew is back in Germany working on the Deadpool sequel that was stopped by a lockdown. He is stunt and fight coordinator and I imagine the Green Screen will be in great use.
PS: Another fine review, Lloyd.
Stay Safe.
Wow they’ve already started that, is it X-Force or actual Deadpool 3? Anyway I hope they stay safe and I look forward to more films being made as long as it is safe to do so and the same for seeing films. I have a preview screening this week. Thank you for the kind words Don. My editor was happy, it was pretty short and punchy for me I think. I certainly laid it on think. I went full James Lipton. 😉
It is the Deadpool. Like you, I hope things go okay for them.
I love the fact you went ‘full James Lipton;
🙂 Stay safe Don. You and yours.