Scenestr – Back to the Drawing Board Productions

‘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.

Two Marvel releases in a row. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Another lanyard of power. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Indooroopily Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

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

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, 2023March 5, 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.

Karen at Ombra. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Me at BIFF 2021. 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 crowd on the night. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The entrance to Suncorp Piazza. 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

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Journalist Trent Dalton introduces the show. 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

The Valley. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Leaving Element Collective after the show. 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…

The fantastic threatre and set design.Copyright Lloyd Marken.

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

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

Karen and I at ‘Triple X’. 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

‘HOTMESS’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on January 24, 2021February 13, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

December 06

I was very fortunate to be back on assignment for Scenestr magazine, this time my first live event since COVID shut down the Brisbane Comedy Festival in March.

It was at The Sideshow in Brisbane’s West End. West End has its own character and history as a southside boy from the suburbs I am fairly ignorant of.

It’s down from the city’s South Bank precinct which I am more familiar with which is a giant cultural and restaurant hub with museums, art gallery and markets.

West End is the cheaper hippier end of this.

I remember going to see show with David Hasselholf years ago and seeing young people eating on a window sill out of saucepans in an apartment above a set of shops and just being delighted by it.

Places like West End are in danger of losing such culture with increased urban development but it was alive and well on sunday night December 6.

Scenestr4

We entered what looked like a regular cafe, went up some stairs, got served at some makeshift bar and sat on pretty simple chairs. Nobody was wearing masks, we just didn’t do that in Queensland.

There were 13 active cases in the state.

The venue had the setting of being in someone’s large living room for a get together on a sunday arvo for a few laughs.

It was good to have a laugh.

The comedians were diverse in their styles and backgrounds and led by MC Steph Tisdell who got the crowd supporting them fully and open to the experimentation of the event.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/comedy/hot-mess-comedy-brisbane-review-the-sideshow-20201208

This War of the World piece is a mainstay of West End.Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Christmas Decorations. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Afterwards Karen and I wandered the streets of West End looking for a place to eat and also making our way back to where we parked in South Bank. Yeah we kind of had to let it across the suburbs to get to The Sideshow.

With some delight we saw some Christmas decorations and entered a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant we had seen packed only two hours later completely empty.

As someone who has always enjoyed quiet places Karen and I settled in for some fried rice.

There was a garden inside with a pond and we had the whole place to ourselves as West End started to quiet down for the night.

Karen waiting for our dinner. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The West End Garden Restaurant staff were so good to us, the food was fantastic and the whole place was just wonderful. Karen and I really enjoyed our night out.

Numbers were climbing around the word, I was worried about people who lived there. It was almost surreal what was happening in Australia. It felt like we being kept out of some sick game although I’m sure Victorians would agree they had had their fill.

On the 6th of December the World Health Organisation reported there had been 66,184,789 cases globally with a daily increase of 652,608.

1 million 5 hundred 2 twenty 6 six thousand and 6 hundred and 6 sixty 2 two deaths.

1,526,662 deaths globally from COVID.

With a daily increase of 10,767.

In Australia there had been 27,956 confirmed cases with a daily increase of seven. There had been 908 deaths.

In Canada there had been 402,569 confirmed cases with a daily increase of 6,299. There had been 12,496 deaths with a daily increase of 89.

In the United Kingdom there had been 1,705,975 confirmed cases with a daily increase of 15,539. There had been 61,014 deaths with a daily increase of 397.

In India there had been 9,644,222 confirmed cases with a daily increase of 36,011. There had been 140,182 deaths with a daily increase of 482.

In the United States of America the day before, the 5th of December had been a day of big numbers. A new record for daily increase in confirmed cases – 218,671. The highest number of daily recorded deaths since March and April – 2,844.

On the 6th of December there had been 14,191,298 confirmed cases with a daily increase of 213,127. There had been 276,503 deaths with a daily increase of 2,426.

-Lloyd Marken

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