Category: Published

TOP 10 MOMENTS FROM STRANGERS THINGS SEASON 2 AVAILABLE AT HEAVY

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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It’s been a while but I’m back with another published piece at Heavy Magazine. Following on from the Top 5 Best Tom Hanks Movies, The Top 10 Best Moments from Game of Thrones I’ve now done a recap of the Top 10 Best Moments from the latest season of the Netflix hit show Stranger Things. Spoiler Alert! Don’t read if you haven’t caught up on this season yet.

I find Strangers Things a frustrating show, on the one hand I kind of love it and then at times I found myself kind of zoning out looking at my phone never compelled to go back and watch scenes I’ve missed.

To this end doing a Top 10 was great because I could just write about those moments that just worked. Be sure to check it out here https://heavymag.com.au/tv-top-10-best-moments-stranger-things-season-2/ and let us know what your favourite moments were.

Heavy is an independent magazine and website that is all about the music and specifically heavy music and supporting the Australian music scene in general. Fortunately for me they do cover film as well and I have been fortunate to have a few things published there.

-Lloyd Marken

‘ANYTHING GOES’ BY BEENLEIGH THEATRE GROUP REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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I returned last Friday to the Crete Street Theatre in Beenleigh to see the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes. If you’re not familiar with the musical you’ll soon recognise plenty of its songs that have seeped into the popular consciousness.

I was blown away by the enthusiasm and effort that had gone into staging the production but this would have been all for nothing if the sense of fun wasn’t there. It was. You can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/anything-goes-brisbane-review-crete-street-theatre-20171114

Back in April, I enjoyed the Beenleigh Theatre Group’s production of the play Cosi and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years 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 Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. It is the last two where I’ve been fortunate enough to do some coverage of which I’m very grateful.

-Lloyd Marken

BAD MOMS 2 REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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I was lucky enough to be on assignment for Scenestr last Sunday to see Bad Moms 2 which is called Bad Moms Christmas in America. They went to the trouble of changing the title in Australia but not of correcting the spelling to Bad Mums 2. Most Australians will avoid confusion none the less. 🙂

Karen and I went to Chermside again and got sliders from Grilled which is always a nice treat. There was a little package of food when we attended the screening and a free glass of champagne or wine. In the packet was some crackers with a pesto dip and some fancy popcorn to dip in a chocolate sauce. Nice.

The movie was a good comedy sequel produced in quick turnaround. Such things can’t be taken for granted. You can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/bad-moms-2-review-20171102

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years 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 Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. It is the last two where I’ve been fortunate enough to do some coverage of which I’m very grateful.

-Lloyd Marken

INTERVIEW WITH ‘NO END OF BLAME’ DIRECTOR DAMIEN RYAN AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to get the opportunity to interview Director Damien Ryan about his new play No End of Blame. Put on by Sport for Jove theatre company in Sydney it was a bit of a departure for them and Ryan. Known for adapting classical texts and in particular Shakespeare this play was written by Howard Barker who’s work tends to be more challenging to audiences and storytellers alike. I spoke to Damien as he was nearing opening night for a play that was going to push him, his company and his fans into new territory. It was an exciting time and I wish them well.

I often repeat how nervous I am doing these interviews and how rewarding that has made them. As I’ve gone along though I seem to be growing in confidence and how to discuss the work with the artist and so it felt here with Damien. The play features work from political cartoonists Cathy Wilcox and David Pope for example which we discussed for a bit but there is always a limit to what can be practically related in the written piece.

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Below is a cartoon from the great Cathy Wilcox which we discussed amongst others.  Like all directors he has a real fondness and respect for his cast and crew. It would have been great to see No End of Blame but alas I’m in Brisbane and they’re in Sydney but I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to interview Mr Ryan. You can read the interview here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/no-end-of-blame-is-unafraid-to-point-the-pencil-in-sydney or read it on page 36 of the digital copy of Scenestr’s latest NSW print issue here http://scenestr.com.au/read/NSW/2017/17-NSW/scenestr-NSW-17.html#p=36

This is now my fifth interview with Scenestr which began with the performers Meghan O’Shea and Drew Weston for Grease – The Arena Experience, director Michael Beh for Uncle Vanya, followed by playwright Aidan Fennessy for the musical What Rhymes With Cars and Girls before the next day interviewing Palace CEO Benjamin Zeccola for the 2017 Italian Film Festival and finally director Damien Ryan for No End of Blame. Additionally all the interviews have been published in print around Australia while often reviews are exclusively online content. As a member of Generation X I get a thrill out of being published in print I have to admit. I get a thrill out of being published – period. This is still new to me, still something I’m eternally grateful and still something I don’t take for granted. Hopefully though I am growing with confidence and that will make the work better too. Thank you for your continued interest in my writing even if now sometimes you have to click on a link to read it.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. The magazine is focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.

-Lloyd Marken

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WHAT RHYMES WITH CAR AND GIRLS? REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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Karen and I attended the Brisbane Powerhouse last night to watch the musical What Rhymes With Cars And Girls? When people think musicals they might imagine scores of extra and massive production values. This musical had two performers on stage backed up by a band of three musicians telling a love story in an intimately sized theatre. Based on the album of the same name by Tim Rodgers (You Am I), playwright Aidan Fennessy has written a story that sparkles with witty wordplay and telling insight. Never more powerful though than when it echoes the struggles and dreams only too familiar to audiences. I loved it, and the two performers Johhny Carr and Sophie Rose at the centre of telling it.

You can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/what-rhymes-with-cars-and-girls-review-brisbane-powerhouse-20171026 and I was lucky enough to interview Aidan Fennessy earlier which you can read here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/what-rhymes-with-cars-and-girls-from-an-album-to-a-stage-show

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years 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 Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. It is the last two where I’ve been fortunate enough to do some coverage of which I’m very grateful.

-Lloyd Marken

REVIEW OF YOUNG AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKER SHORTS AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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A week earlier I was lucky enough to attend the Bryon Bay Film Festival at Brunswick Heads to review the new documentary The Go-Betweens: Right Here. The following Saturday I was able to attend again to see the Young Australian Filmmaker program in Byron Bay itself. We parked on the beach and got caught in the rain on our way to the Bryon Community Centre arriving a little soaked. There were ten short films all made by a group of talented young people vying for the Young Australian Filmmaker Award. You can read more of my thoughts on the films here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/young-australian-filmmakers-programme-review-byron-bay-film-festival-20171017

Afterwards it was arranged for me to talk to the director, Cody Cameron-Brown of one short Watchdog. This was an informal chat rather than an interview, nothing was recorded and I simply asked Cody about things that occurred to me after watching his work. Watchdog was inspired by the story of the late Don Ritchie, OAM the hero of The Gap. Image result for don ritchieA man who rescued hundreds of people from suicide over the course of several decades. Speaking to Cody two things became apparent, this is a remarkably talented and insightful artist. Secondly he had done his research about the subject matter and it showed. He had sought out the Ritchie family and their trust in sharing some of Don’s story was not misplaced. While the film is more inspired by Don’s example than telling his exact story the young filmmaker appears to have been driven to honour the man’s legacy and their trust and he has.

It was great to talk to Cody and to see all the films from such promising young talent.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years 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 Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. It is the last two where I’ve been fortunate enough to do some coverage of which I’m very grateful.

-Lloyd Marken

THE GO-BETWEENS: RIGHT HERE REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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If you’ve never heard of the band The Go-Betweens, don’t worry you’re not alone. A documentary about the history of the band has just been released and even non-fans of the cult band should find it utterly engrossing. Director Kriv Stenders has highlighted the fascinating personalities that made up the band and the poignancy of looking back over the years.

Attending a screening at the Byron Bay Film Festival at the Brunswick Picture House, the documentary was a joy to watch. You can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/the-go-betweens-right-here-review-byron-bay-film-festival-2017-20171010

Whatever you write and put out into the world will be taken by readers however they like. For me personally though I was not really happy with my review for Kingsman: The Golden Circle. This review I felt a lot better about and hope you enjoy.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. The magazine is focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.

-Lloyd Marken

INTERVIEW WITH ‘WHAT RYHMES WITH CARS AND GIRLS’ PLAYWRIGHT AIDAN FENNESSY AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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A little while back I was fortunate enough to interview Aidan Fennessy about his musical What Rhymes With Cars and Girls based off the album of the same name from Tim Rogers. Aidan spoke with great enthusiasm about his cast and the album that inspired the musical.  The next day I spoke to Benjamin Zeccola about the 2017 Italian Film Festival and both interviews were in the print edition of Scenestr for Brisbane which for an old fashion guy like myself was a big thrill.

You can find see how the print edition looked here http://scenestr.com.au/read/QLD/2017/1095-QLD/scenestr-QLD-1095.html#p=63 and read the online edition of the Aidan Fennessy interview here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/what-rhymes-with-cars-and-girls-from-an-album-to-a-stage-show

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Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. The magazine is focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.

-Lloyd Marken

KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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A few weeks back I was lucky enough to attend a preview screening for the sequel to Kingsman to write a review for Scenestr magazine. I’ve been aware of Matthew Vaughan as a filmmaker with Layer Cake and Stardust neither of which entertained me as much as I hoped they would. God bless you Ms Miller for wearing that get up in one scene though.

Karen took me along to a free preview screening at the old Regent Cinemas though the first year we were dating. It was for the film Kick-Ass and suddenly Vaughan was a director I was really interested in following. Kingsman: The Secret Service had a similar energy and it has been interesting to see if Vaughan for the first time actually directing a sequel to one of his success stories would do.

Preview screenings can vary in expense. Uncharacteristically the line was backed up across the foyer and moving slowly towards a red carpet disappearing under a black curtain entrance. When we got through Karen and I found out why. At the end of the line was one bartender pouring champagne into a glass or a shot of whisky into a tumbler for every guest. Out of the kitchen came a young man serving sliders on a tray which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were like mini-cheeseburgers the way you imagine they should taste. Perfection. The line was so long he came out again with sliders of chicken and coleslaw. I turned to Karen and mentioned that if I could get another cheeseburger one I wouldn’t need dinner and I’d be a happy man. As we just got past the doors the waiter came out and went past us. Karen called out my name to alert me to the sliders that I was happy to let go. The waiter sensing this came back and I got my wish. Having a wife comes in handy. 🙂 When I got to the bar I was surprised to see they weren’t just pouring Johnny Walker Black but actually Johnny Walker Green Label which I’d never had before. It was an easy decision and I have to say it went down smooth.

As always with these things I feel very lucky to be able to attend at all let alone write about the film. I went home and started writing late into the evening to meet my deadline. It will come as no surprise to most of you that a film you truly love or hate are the easy ones to write about. The films that are a mixed bag are the tough ones and I’m not particularly proud of my review for Kingsman: The Golden Circle. You can read here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/kingsman-the-golden-circle-review-20170921 and let me know what you think.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. The magazine is focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.

-Lloyd Marken

INTERVIEW WITH PALACE CEO BENJAMIN ZECCOLA AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on by Lloyd Marken

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I didn’t intend to go away for over a month, there’s been things I’ve been doing and I planned to post often but it just got away from me, overtime shifts, an impromptu getaway and feeble attempts to improve my health and sleeping patterns. So here we are and it’s been more than a month. I feel very frustrated that I’m not getting to write and read as much as I used to but the first thing I had to do was write about Kelly. Now that I’ve done that I will try to catch up on some things I’ve gotten published in the past month.

A few weeks back I jumped at the chance to interview the Festival Director of the Italian Film Festival which tours around Australia at this time of the year. Alas she was ill and last minute I got to speak to the CEO Of Palace Cinemas himself Benjamin Zeccola. Interviews are still a relatively new thing for me and often listening back to the tapes I hear a nervous interviewer building to his questions. How the hell was I gonna go with a CEO?! Well Mr Zeccola was so charming that I grew in confidence during our conversation. We spoke for about 30 minutes about how I met my wife at a Palace cinema, the changing landscape of media and how to program a film festival. It was a truly fascinating conversation with a man who revealed himself to be very grounded, a hopeless romantic but also a savvy businessman. It gave me a great deal of confidence coming out of it and made me realise what a dream it would be for me to do this for a living full time. Alas due to word count restrictions we were only able to print his thoughts on the 2017 Italian Film Festival which you can read here http://scenestr.com.au/movies/lavazza-italian-film-festival-coming-to-a-cinema-near-you

Later I attended the return of the Brisbane International Film Festival where his father Antonio Zeccola was acknowledged for his work in bringing back my favourite hometown film festival. I had thanked Benjamin and Palace for doing so during our interview and I feel eternally grateful for the privilege of being able to do that as a writer for Scenestr.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish Scenestr magazine in print every month and I was lucky enough that this featured in all the September issues published across the country. In the Queensland issue it featured alongside another interview I conducted. A digital copy of the printed magazine with two interviews I did for the Queensland September issue can be found here http://scenestr.com.au/read/QLD/2017/1095-QLD/scenestr-QLD-1095.html#p=63

Scenestr18Scenestr focus mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.

-Lloyd Marken