Movies: Coming Soon

I'm yet to catch:
Birds of Prey
Parasite
Jo Jo Rabbit
Bombshell
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
Judy

And Coming Soon:
The Invisible Man
Bloodshot
No Time to Die (April 8th)
Black Widow
Top Gun Maverick ( I know but it's when we were growing up)
Ghostbusters Afterlife (looks good)

Row G Seat 10 "1917" MA15+

   Sam Mendes very person project "1917"was an engaging 1hr 59 (much the better for not being stretched another unnecessary 30-40 mins). The cinematography took you into the trenches and the graphic details of lives lost and the desolation of battle were starkly shown.

   Having fired 303s the single gunshots (loud) and inaccurate results gave what seemed to be a realism to the man to man fighting in areas the Germans had pulled back from. The premise of running a message to a General who was about to send 1600 soldiers and your brother into a trap (all in the trailers) gave the story the needed tension.

   The film was a series of vignettes exploring: the futility of the war; it's impact on individuals the trauma of battle and death; soldiers and officers interactions; different attitudes to 'medals'; and the whole notion of 'digging in' t defend yardage in the fields of France.

   The violence, bodies and setting are confronting but the story is an important one around the 100 years since the end of the conflict... I was drawn  into the drama of it bu the details. Having been a School Army cadet you're aware of the old uniforms; spats and bags and how much their personal packs would weigh... It's hard to say "I liked it" rather I was completely in the story and valued the time I spent watching it!! I don't really give films a score... it was good! The visuals and sound were stunning!

Australia's "Close the Gap" is not working

Even with advisors from the indigenous community this program is simply ineffective and it's an insulting embarrassment for our gentle, spirited, creative and much maligned indigenous people.
Everyone must take some responsibility for their own lives and those of their children BUT inequality and hard to access systems create ghettos, traps, intertia, resentment and above all ill health !! It's time to listen to "The Statement from the Heart," to stop 'verballing' indigenous people and especially to stop blaming them for a system that let's them down through lack of incentive to get involved... it is "a road train going' nowhere'!!

Super Bowl LIV Ads 2020

Expensive TV adverts are part of the American NFL Super Bowl hoopla and this year my favourite was Bill Murray reprising his role as Phill Connors (weatherman) in Puxatawny for 'Groundhog Day'!

Then there was also this teaser trailer for 'No Time to Die'

Australia Day_Survival Day 2020

Australia Day_Survival Day 2020
   We're all part of the story and we all have an opportunity to LISTEN to our indigenous brothers and sisters while we seek to celebrate how flaming' lucky we are to live in Australia!! To celebrate here I share BAD DREEMS 'Like a Version' cover for Triple J, of The Warumpi Band's legendary "Black Fella/White Fella." This was the 'changeover track between 'the Warumps' and Midnight Oil in there tour of the Top End and the development of the album "Deisel & Dust" into a worldwide hit for the Oils!! Hence PG happy to guest on this track. Another example of indigenous story, generosity, creativity and endeavour inspiring us to better, different and to delve into the rich culture and landscape of our country. Here's where this started... don't miss Neil Murray on guitar...

10 Movies I've enjoyed for Whatever Reason #10 "Dead Poets Society"

2008 outside the Trump Hotel Columbus Circle, 

Robin Williams about to ride off into Central Park

   A collection of some of the best scenes ever in film tie together this story that could have used a better edit at some clunky points and meanders a bit with some storylines but has so much to say about adolescent struggles for identity and self esteem when the emotional side of that is so real.

 The meta-narrative cops some criticism as American liberal agenda and drivel but maybe those critics don't relate to the personal struggle described...

   "Carpe Diem... that's seize the day" Sometimes when I watch it I'm angry at what happens to Neil Perry, sometimes understand that some parental pressure to be lawyer, doctor or Ivy Leaguer must be soul destroying. In my own small way I never took on art beyond Year 7, not wanting to have my work judged or wondering at it's value long term... like much of my story, hindsight asks me "so what use was learning German for four years?" Nowadays, without the techniques to really nail some of my creative ideas I wish my total inability to master the pottery wheel had not held me back...

   I could also relate to Todd Anderson and most certainly Knox Overstreet's fumbling and laughable efforts with the woman of his teenage dreams...

   No doubt this film showed early indications of just how immensely talented Robin Williams was as an actor, with that fine line between comedy and tragedy or drama... Vale!

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #09 "Midnight Run"

   It took a little while into the film but soon I was hooked by the dry, laconic, downplayed but enthralling relationship between mob accountant and 'bounty hunter.' Jonathan Mardukas (played by Charles Grodin, who I haven't liked in a few films), a mafia accountant, is on the run, and Jack Walsh (seminal Robert De Niro), a bounty hunter, wants to find him in order to claim a hefty fee. But he has to reach Jonathan before the others do. The alternative bounty hunter in pursuit makes the perfect foil for the main characters and action!

"My Country" Midnight Oil

   Fitting lyrics and tune approaching 16th January 2020!! (Thanks Malin Forsgren for the video) of a song I could get behind as National Anthem... shared for Survival Day 26th January 2020. The song is about a broader theme but it's advocacy and remedy are the same!!Aboriginal people in this country persevere despite a lack of proper recognition, self determination or resources. Something akin to ATSIC (without the scourge of corruption or mishandling) could create a 'Voice' to the Australian Federal Parliament, set realistic plans for 'Stop the Gap,' work towards 'Recognition' and more...

   It's not right to: celebrate dot painted Qantas jets; hold 'Welcome to Country' without due respect in concrete terms; or revering traditional fire practices 'when in trauma'... We need to sort this out to have a genuine crack, so "the great southland can be as great as the one it could have been... "
   Crikey even South Africa has a two part National Anthem! Don't wear an indigenous themed jersey in your chosen sport unless you're willing to listen, change and get behind genuine indigenous leaders hopes and plans for the future!! Always was, always will be Awabakal Land!!

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #08 "Four Weddings & a Funeral"

   It's just about the perfect movie (if you like that sort of thing)!!...
   Hugh Grant plays himself, the casting is superb and the dialogue from Richard Curtis, with Mike Newell's as Director... outstanding!!
   The premise is we follow Charles and his friends as they track through that time when every Saturday seems to be a Wedding you're running late for... Their frequency, the gift travails and all the ups and downs cause reflection about what love is and how you "know..."
   The humour, gritty reality when all is not well and the cameos and jokes are all great... if you like British comedy this is a stellar effort!!

   The bonus is the Funeral evokes Good Friday/Easter with Auden's wonderfully evocative words! The interplay offers some great one liners and no 'first wedding' Clergy is safe from unusual names or the 'Father, Son and Holy Goat'!!

   Charles' attempts to break out of his 'oh so British' politeness and inability to express his feelings and "that thing about the Beatles" is great!! The cringeworthy moments are done perfectly!!

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #07 "Apollo 13"

   Ron Howard is a superb film maker (eclipsing his fame a second time around from child star to Richie Cunningham and now Director of some epic movies). Case in point is the film "Apollo 13"!! You see the tension in the film is how these astronauts survive an onboard explosion, malfunction and aborted Moon landing... where the whole time, we know the outcome.
   So the challenge to the Director is to use: footage; dialogue; responses to adversity; and inside knowledge to heighten the tension... you forget they did make it back while you wonder at how, given the 'long shot' and the task for ground crew. This is evidenced in the move to convert the lunar module when the air filters are round and square, creating the scene where a Team are given only what is at hand on the craft (duct tape included) to make a connector. There are manual fuel burns lining up the earth in the window pane and more...
   Was it a malfunction? Human error? How does this effect the team dynamic when the astronaut in question was sub for illness?
   'Cousin Tom' or 'Hanx' as he signs off on twitter, anchors the story with humour, warmth, authority and plan common sense and hope as needed...

Celebration/Thanks Terry Butler 14th Jan 2020

Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Terry Butler
5/5.15pm – (6.45pm) + eats/drinks/outside after (out 7.30pm)
Janice Reid Pavilion University of Western Sydney (off Victoria Rd, Rydalmere)

Terry’s Playlist - Simon Hodges
5pm Lali Mourning Beat + 5.15pm Lali Gathering Beat - Siaki

Lighting Candle/s
God/Christ Candle (light in the darkness) WHITE –
Cassius & Zeus Button (Grandson)
Terry’s Spirit Candle BLUE –
Judyth Roberts + Carolyn Handley

Permission to be on Country –
Samuela Nabis Barrkha Sadrata (Sam)

AND Response
Thankyou (Sam) for your story shared (and the welcome it offers).
(The Ancient of Days breathed life into this land and Peoples and)
from time beyond our reckoning the Barramadigal people blessed
this place with their care and concern and we (as people of many
cultures and stories) join in paying respect to their Elders past,
present and being formed for the future.
May we be mindful of songlines and stories, as we join our voices
to those already here. May we walk gently and respectfully
on this land.

Welcome and Introduction
Welcome everyone, I’m Rob Hanks... xxx
We are here today to celebrate and give thanks
for the life of Terry Butler…
Words that are simple and clear yet seem inadequate…
People have come from Tasmania, Victoria, Canberra, Newcastle,
Queensland & South Australia, from bushfire regions & beyond…
Family and friends, from football, life and work, the coffee shop,
mainstream and complimentary medical treatment, care and
support, Uniting Church Leaders (President, Deidre Palmer on
behalf of the National Church) colleagues
& friends, velvet rabbits, llamas, online and faith communities and
so many touched by Terry’s spirit, faith, values,
hospitality and friendship…

Messages of love & support have come from
The International Godly Play Foundation, the World Methodist
Council, the World Council of Churches, the Hindu Council of
Australia, the Buddhist Students’ Association of Western Sydney,
the Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Sydney,
the FB Group – Survivors of Clergy Abuse, and letters, emails
and flowers from friends in 7 different countries.

Today we are mindful of Terry’s immediate family:
Janai (and Chris); Emryn, grandsons Zeus and Cassius
and their mum, Vinodini and siblings Roby (and Peter),
Bob (and Jan)

Terry planned much of this gathering himself and wanted
to ensure children and storytellers, footballers and people
of all cultures and people identifying as LGBTIQ+ would
all be welcome and safe… My words today, lean on creative
others, including Dorothy McRae-McMahon.

There is no casket here
Having already had a Committal at home (sending off Terry’s
physical remains) and an “Ochre Ceremony” leading to
“Calling Home,” Terry’s ashes will be welcomed back onto the
Adnyamathanha country of the Ikara Flinders Ranges by the
First Peoples there…. (a moment of silence)

We come today knowing who we are & how we have lived,
matters & lives on... We come believing Terry’s life joins the
human story stretching into our past and our future and all Terry
means to you surrounds & sustains you…

Here we will… share stories, laughter and tears…
Here we will celebrate the wonder & wisdom held
in different faith expressions
(God’s love & grace are wider & grander
than we’ll ever know)
Here we will commend Terry’s spirit into God’s care…
There is both grief and joy…

Beginning Prayer
And so we pray, God of life, with many feelings,
as well as grief and sadness, Travel with us in this time,
open our hearts to each other, give love and understanding
for family & friends and all those feeling the loss of Terry…

Help us hear comfort in the stories we tell
& in the memories we share,
Enable us to celebrate, even as we grieve.
When we have missed the mark, forgive us
and help us forgive Terry,
things done or said, left or unspoken.
This is a time to lay aside regret
and to resist carrying that into the future…

We reflect on our lives and Terry’s,
the last time he prayed for or encouraged us, spoke,
shared a meal or coffee, a rant, swearing about sport
or leadership, laughter, a message of support, a hug,
accepted help, time given or spent, anything really…
This brief silence is yours xxx.

We gather in hope,
may we build community in spirit and in truth.(Amen)
OR may it be so…

Song Video “Bohemian Rhapsody” Queen (all invited to sing)



Sentences
Today I’m thinking about Jesus generosity (Matthew 5)
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted… 

Nadia Bolz Weber imagines,
blessed are those who can offer you nothing
Blessed are they who can’t fall apart because 
they have to keep it together for everyone else
These are not a goal, but where true
(a sign of community living out hope)
Hope, Midnight Oil tells us “only offers when justice is coming”
(Terry, challenge accepted and nailed, Nadia Bolz Webber & Midnight Oil, 
in one coherent phrase, totally relevant to the point)

I’m thinking about Blue, the colour of the sky & the sea,
depth & stability, trust, loyalty, wisdom, faith, truth,
good for mind & body, calming, optimism, kindness, solidarity
& the colour marking so many different things in common

Symbols of Terry’s life + Booklet 
Symbol of God – White Candle
(to be lit) REMINDER
Symbol of Terry’s spirit – Blue Candle
Symbol of Thanksgiving – Calligraphy
(long banner hanging in place) THANKS
Symbol of Confession - Radiation mask
(loaned by Julie McCrossin) BARRIERS
Symbol of Comfort – 3 Quilts
(Tony and Shirley Floyd, 2 x Vivianne Butchers)
+ Adding, Sand from Bar Beach, Newcastle
(Tony Floyd to share the story of their quilt)

Spoken Memories
Deb Clarke
Emryn Button
Janai Tabbernor
Amelia
Everyone spoke with heart & warm memories and raw feelings
Part of Amelia's Eulogy and the AV of Photos are here

Reading Micah 6: 6-8 David Hodges
8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; 
and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, 
and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? GNB

Reading excerpt “The Velveteen Rabbit” Marg Robinson

Words/Thoughts notes
What does God expect of you? What is real?
(Two Qs I hadn't necessarily thought of together before)
To do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God…
(8th C, BCE) Micah speaks prophetically, into a time of violence,
exploitation & oppression, into Israel’s broken relationship with God,
offering a way into reconciliation, summarising Scripture,
it resonated in Jesus teaching and life as…
“Love neighbour and love God” “
(who is my neighbour? "Work it out!!”)

Walter Bruggeman wrote ‘walking humbly’
is to pay attention to others
(the opposite of pride, self-righteousness
or dehumanising oppression) P Freire
Jesus call to love our neighbour and God is a verb, an action word,
doing justice as ‘the work of the people,” participating in God’s mission,
reconciling & renewing people, restoring them to community…
these marks in Terry’s life

“The thing about grief is…” sings Claire Bowditch
“It knows what I did and It knows what I did not say.
It sentenced me to a life of excavating things
my little head can not understand.
But I patched it all together with string and rubber bands”
Sounds a bit like becoming real, one lyric (no time 4 more)

But none of us knows the whole truth
about what happens beyond death,
We travel with an infinitely gracious God,
revealed in loving relationships.
God ‘one of us’ showing us what God is like…
Inviting us to question whether what we have valued in life
 has any eternal value. The God who stands with us in that moment
is the same God prepared to die in love for all humankind,
entering every struggle of our lives,
understanding the choices we have made…
Here we find an image of life, lasting values,
the story that goes on…
Inviting us to do justice, and to love kindness 
& to walk humbly with your God…

Photos AV Pics + “I’m Going Home” Tim Curry here

Pastoral Prayer
Take Home Gifts : Candle, Hanky, Holding Heart, Ice Collar
(Eyes open until you're comfortable you know what we are doing)
God of life,
We hold in our hands, resources for reflection/prayer/
remembering
A Candle, carry Terry’s light forward
In a moment of silence I invite your reflections, hopes, prayer
Can we write a story of hope for Terry’s family and friends xxx

Some days we might need to hold belief and joy and trust and light
Some days are hard,
may you know that you are loved and held in faith

We hold in our hands, a handkerchief,
a less wasteful offer of care & help
Can we write a story of blessing,
can we give thanks and pray
For medical and complimentary care,
for health workers and wellbeing,
For helpers and supporters, for blue folks, online presence,
those mentored and those receiving hospitality and care
in Terry’s own tireless way
God’s spirit, a solid story of life, inspiring thanks every day.

We hold in our hands, a timber holding heart,
giving, love, connection
Can we write a story of justice, sacrifice, inclusion,
of creativity and art
Can we pray for each other, determined,
courageous and real
(we prayed for two families
in their current moment of life & need)

Hold out those symbols in your own way,
take them home,
May the cool wind of the hovering spirit
soothe and replenish you. Amen

Fijian Congregation Singing "The Lords Prayer"
+ Action Song "Help Me Up" Justin Wellington
by the young people

Blessing for Terry/Commendation
Terry, all these things and more you have given to us,
We respect your journey through life with all its realities
You embraced life and squeezed everything out of it,
Giving it away to others at any opportunity.
Be embraced by love, be yourself as we let go of things and trust
You were and always will be son, dad, grandad, partner, brother,
friend + more
You lived a following of the way, undertaken with panache,
with flair & reckless courage…
(We commend your Spirit to God’s care) added, Amen

Song “Child of Mine”
Sung by Amelia, Mixed Blessings & friends
written by Leigh Newton, Tanya Wittwer and Amelia
for Terry on the cancer journey

Changing the Light – Judyth Roberts and Carolyn Handley

Everyone is invited to stay on, eat, share stories together, 
look at the photo displays, flick through some photo books 
and kick a football around (outside)
Anyone who would like to can take food outside. 
We have water on tap

Sending (please stand as you are able)
We have sung, laughed, mourned,
shared and reflected
Even as we grieve this loss,
Let’s commit ourselves
to comfort those who miss Terry most
Now let us go into the world, glad that we have loved
Free to grieve for our loss,
free to hold each other in human frailty
Empowered to live life to the full
and to affirm the hope of human existence
And may God be our company,
Christ walk before us
And the spirit, surround us with grace.
Amen

Recessional Song (invitation to whistle)
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” Monty Python



Some people also asked about

"The Thing About Grief Is" Claire Bowditch



Lyrics here

I hope it's Ok to share the details and gives others a glimpse of how we fleshed out Terry's hopes and plans. Thanks particularly to Darren and Aimee for brilliant assistance with the Tech/Sound/Vision/Logistics. Thanks to all contributors and those offering affirmation and afterwards sharing what they appreciated/needed/found. All working well at the beginning we lost Mics and some Volume later that was beyond our capacity to resolve on the spot

"Earth and Sun and Moon" Midnight Oil

Audio only...

"In the morning we will wake up and take to the air
Look back at the planet - I'm glued to my chair
Southern half is burning as we climb through the sky
Sea birds softly falling, smoke way up high..."

As relevant today as when it was written... reflecting on our responsibility for our stewardship of creation!! A recognition of anthropogenic impact through things like fossil fuels and more...

"Earth And Sun And Moon"
In the morning we will wake up and take to the air
Look back at the planet - I'm glued to my chair
Southern half is burning as we climb through the sky
Sea birds softly falling, smoke way up high

There's the contours of the mountains, the deserts and plains
And a hurricane is blowing, and it turns once again
Now there's oil spills in the water where Columbus once sailed
And there's history and mystery and it's rolling away

I wish you could see this great mystery
Earth and sun and moon, human tribe, thin blue line
Earth and sun and moon will survive

Sediment is flowing from river to sea
Now where are the mighty nations, no lines to be seen
An axe upon the broken ground the sigh of the trees
And it's floating in the ether, it brings me to my knees

Too messed up to care
Anyone got a wing and a prayer
In the blink of an eye
Thank you and goodnight

Earth and sun and moon, human tribe, one thin blue line
Earth and sun and moon will survive, will survive, we will survive

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #06 "Bridge of Spies"

   I reckon it's almost always true... "good scripts make good films!" It helps get to know characters, brings the imagery alive and creates quotable quotes for everyday life!
These help a film live beyond the screen!!
   Who hasn't called out "Wiiillsson!" at the sight of a volleyball? Perhaps my most flippant yet poignantly true example ever is from "The Wedding Singer." Robbie's bride explains her no show, causing him to respond "information that would have been useful, yesterday!"
   So enters my number #05 choice (in no particular order) "Bridge of Spies." It's not the best film ever made (a predictably too long Spielberg 2hrs 22 but I never looked at my watch this time). It cleverly captures the Cold War tensions around the Berlin Wall and through the challenges ahead of two main characters and one US pilot alongside...
   James Donovan (Tom Hanks) is called on to represent Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) so justice might be seen to be done. The CIA also need to facilitate the return  of American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers, so Hanks' lawyer catches the significance of the opportunity despite the hidden agendas and people pulling the strings.
   The tension is held throughout as Rudolf Abel faces his fate with a quiet resolve that makes the relationship with his lawyer, one of mutual respect and support. Things don't look good for Abel and as his lawyer Jim observes (roughly) "You don't seem to be worried?" and the reply "would it help?"

And then there's...

James Donovan: The death sentence is not a foregone conclusion. Don’t worry.
Rudolf Abel: I’m not afraid to die, Mr. Donovan. Although, it wouldn’t be my first choice.

Rudolf Abel: Standing there like that you reminded me of the man that used to come to our house when I was young. My father used to say: “watch this man”, so I did, every time he came. And never once he do anything remarkable.
James Donovan: And I remind you of him?

Rudolf Abel: This one time, I was at the age of your son, our house is overrun by partisan boarder guards. Dozen of them. My father was beaten, my mother was beaten, and this man, my father’s friend, he was beaten. And I watched this man. Every time they hit him, he stood back up again. Soldier hit him harder, still he got back up to his feet. I think because of this they stopped the beating and let him live. “Stoikiy muzhik”. Which sort of means like a “standing man”. Standing man.


 
 
   

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #05 "Breaking Away"

   These ten won't be the best movies ever But are films I'd watch over and over again. Describing a film as a "coming of age" story doesn't quite do it justice when it coincides with your own growing up and somehow speaks into that from a completely different context. Perhaps it nails  how it feels to have your self esteem stretched, crushed, pumped up and levelled again!!
   With (was it 5) Academy Award nominations (and the win for Screenplay) I just loved the set up of the young man who idolises the Italian Cycling Team, until they let him down in his dream moments and he crashes back to middle American 'earth' with a thud as his fellow 'Cutters' (short for Stone cutters) try to outgrow, avoid, ignore or hate their reputation as locals in a University town of try hards...  Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern do a great job as the young townies and the great dynamic between Dave (Christopher) and his Dad (Paul Dooley) makes the film a standout!!
The limestone quarry is now a waterhole and of course the 'cutters' object when the students tun up. The irony of 'cutters' is the stone was good enough to build the University, but now the working class folk of the town aren't seen as good enough to go there.
   It's also my chance to laud a film 101 mins long when 98 to 110 was the average length!! "If you can't tell a story in 98 minutes" was my most quoted comment in the 1980s and 90s...

"Refund! Refund!"

What is this?
It's sauteed zucchini.
It's I-ty food. I don't want no I-ty food.
It's not. I got it at the A&P. It's like... squash.
I know I-ty food when I hear it! It's all them "eenie" foods... zucchini... and linguine... and fettuccine. I want some American food, dammit! I want French Fries!
[to the cat] Oh, get off the table, Fellini!
Hey, that's *my* cat! His name's Jake, not Fellini! I won't have any "eenie" in this house!
[to the cat] Your name's Jake, you understand?

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #04 "The Pink Panther"

   There are more mainstream comedies to come BUT this left turn is an acquired taste. In recent years catching them on classic channels I have to admit the films have not aged quite as well as I remember by comparison with some of my other favourites!!
   At the time, as each one in the series was released, we (mate Graeme and I) went to Newcastle movie theatres and laughed so hard our sides ached, more than once sliding virtually onto the floor.
   Peter Sellers 'Clouseau' is combination physical comedy, laughable french accent, and ridiculous capers from an accident prone Policeman/Detective who somehow solves the crimes (inspite of himself). No scene really bares verbal description: from pirate costumes with inflatable parrots that spring a leak; bombs; cars in swimming pools; and swooning female co-stars. Then comes Bert Kwok's Cato, hired to surprise attack Clouseau, using martial arts, to 'keep him sharp.' My favourite is the launch from within the fridge/freezer covered in icicles, after Sellers character relaxes having searched in vain... Just talking about it makes me want to watch again, even given Peter Sellers personal struggles, poor behaviour and story...

"Does your deerrg bat? pardon? does your deer bat? He goes to pat the dog, which growls and bites him... "I thought you said your deerrg does not bat? That is not my dog!!
See, doesn't make sense does it!! Although if you have 4 minutes here are some examples...

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #03 "National Lampoon's Vacation"

   The original and the best, I saw this film three times (with three different groups of friends) in it's first week here in the Cinema at Newcastle' Tower Cinema!! I went having read a blurb about it nearly six months earlier, trying to tell anyone who'd listen they should come along!! Expecting a B grade laugh... it was gold from beginning to end and showcased Chevy Chase' wonderful deadpan humour!! The premise is the long anticipated family holiday across the country to Roy Walley's "Walleyworld" with a long list of sights along the way... why would we fly, everyone does that? We can even visit family (including Cousin Eddie) make good time and be together while we travel...
   From the moment Clark W Griswold is pitched into accepting the wrong new car (the family truckster) and he and Ellen, take Audrey and Rusty cross country, I couldn't stop laughing!!
 
Classic scenes include:
- Clark not knowing where to put fuel sending the numberplate flying
- Christie Brinkley as 'The Girl in the Ferrari" later naked in the pool
- Falling asleep at the wheel and crash/spinning into the Hotel Car Park
- Lost luggage, money and car parts
- Aunt Edna, who dies in the car, wrapped and strapped to the roof
- Stranded in the desert
- The Policeman and Aunt Edna's dog's lead left dangling after being forgotten as they drove away
- Car graffiti in downtown LA
- Walleyworld being closed for maintenance when they finally arrive
- John Candy's cameo as the kidnapped Security Guard forced into the thrill rides
And so many more... 'Scraps', Randy Quade as Cousin Eddie (hamburger helper)

It serves no other purpose than a good laugh, phrases that entered the lexicon and the rest of the franchise where after the 'Pig in a Poke' UK Holiday that was OK, "Christmas Vacation" is almost as good and iconic as the original!!

10 Movies I've Enjoyed for Whatever Reason #02 "The Blues Brothers"

   Well, probably time for my second film (no particular order)... John Landis' "The Blues Brothers" (1980) which I didn't see until a few years later and is memorable because by then it was second or third film on all nighters and I reckon I saw it at least 12 times before I'd actually seen the whole film (falling asleep at different parts).
   It featured the uncontrolled comic genius of John Belushi, was inspired by two actual Chicago based Blues musicians. The humour is oddball but classic, the cameos, bit players and Police are a perfect foil for the crazy 'mission from God' to raise funds for their childhood orphanage... delivering the money to the Office of the Cook County Assessor (staffed by a youngish Steven Spielberg).
   Eventually we would learn of how controversial it was as then Hollywood's most expensive film largely due to the sheer number of trashed automobiles = 103 (especially old Police black & whites).
   The characters within the story and the iconic scenes make this a memorable acquired taste in comedy... and the music is brilliant!! Orange whip?

10 Movies I Enjoy for Whatever Reason

1. "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
I've set this challenge for myself and it's unlikely I'll complete it in ten consecutive days, but here goes!! At this time it has to be first choice, 42 years on (Douglas Adams would be happy)
My Uncle Colin's Chelsea Theatre, Melbourne St, East Maitland 1977 (matinee)

I guess now it's hard to imagine what it was like to have never seen the yellow font 'chapter update' disappear seemingly vertically into the screen when nowadays it's an effect in iMovie. Bigger still imagine it's the first time you've ever seen anything like the Battleship getting bigger and bigger onscreen as it passes over you into full view, outstanding!! Western, meets fable, meets big story with a presence of 'other' George Lucas hoped would resonate with any faith or spirituality and offend none... so we had "The Force"!!

“The force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the Galaxy together.” Ben Obi Wan Kenobi

- George Lucas likes to start stories in the middle (Indiana Jones for example)
- Look past his historic editing ( I still have the version where the Stormtrooper hits his head)
- My adage is 'good scripts make good films' Star Wars disproves the theory
- If you loved the 1960s Batman TV series, chances are you embraced this film wholeheartedly
- Hooked by this one I couldn't wait for V and VI
- I try to forget I, II and III (fair effort but...)
I'll leave it there for now...
- Classic quotable lines
- Making lesser known actors famous
- Creating fandom, 501st, Comicon hype, Museum exhibits galore... iconic indeed
All that and Droids, though "these aren't the droids you're looking for..."

Beyond all that I was just a kid who loved movies!!

Movies I've Watched in 2019

In 2019 I think I set a record for how few of these were seen at the Cinema!!
As a 'day off' option or late night distraction I still enjoy most films. Some weeks (especially on Mondays) I was too mentally exhausted to invest 2 1/2 hours, choosing rest or outdoor options instead so whatever wasn't working I could do something different and not have 'burned' half a day... A sign of a busy year!!

Green Book - although not historically accurate or sensitive, a cracking story
Vice - brilliantly frightening
The Favourite - Really interesting
Aquaman - it was OK
Bohemian Rhapsody - huge success, mostly deserved
A Star is Born - I shouldn't have loved it but did
The House with a Clock in It's Walls - playing catch up it was OK
Ladies in Black - terrific aussie film
Mary Poppins Returns - justified praise
The Girl in the Spider's Web - needed a well know independent film maker involved
BlackkKlansman - close to my fav. for the year, funny, clever, true
Fighting with My Family - a great laugh
Mortal Engines - forgettable
The Kid Who Would Be King - loved the idea and film
Robin Hood - close but not quite
Boy Erased - moving and important
Creed I I- oh dear
The Mule - Clint gold
Captain Marvel - terrific film
Avengers: Endgame - yep, loved it
Mary Queen of Scots - great acting
Widows - can't remember it
(Nostalgia) Barry Lyndon - soft porn/Kubrick
John Wick 3 Parabellum - love the Wick, great escapism
Spider-Man Far From Home - better than expected
Yesterday - top 3 for the year for me
On the Basis of Sex - good film
I Can Only Imagine - moving
Long Shot - better than expected
Shazam - quirky, liked the humour but it didn't quite deliver
Rambo: Last Blood - aahhh, mindless, I love them but really, how do these ideas get funded
Rocketman - Not my style, I can see what was good about it but the arty choices and quirky use of Elton's songs left me feeling flat
The King - filled in 2 hrs
Terminator: Dark Fate - it could have been worse, some gold moments
Booksmart - worth being aware of but not well made
Tolkein - interesting, some great moments, didn't learn anything
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - I couldn't put it off any longer, QT is a wonderful cinematic Director and I get the quirk in the story but not why he made it. I wouldn't have cast Leo.
The Irishman - great acting, poor script

Looking forward to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

Christmas Playlist 2019

Many friends, colleagues and groups have been posting Advent/Christmas playlists...

Here's some highlights from mine...

"Christmas in Hollis" Run-DMC (from the soundtrack to Christmas Movie "Diehard"
"13 (There is a Light)" U2
"White Wine in the Sun" Tim Minchin
"How to Make Gravy" Paul Kelly
"Christmas Must Be Tonight" Paul Kelly
"Christmas Must Be Tonight" The Band
"Christmas Day" Kasey Chambers
"Step Into Christmas" Elton John
"Do They Know It's Christmas" Bandaid
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" U2
"Fairytale of New York" The Pogues
"Last Christmas" Taylor Swift
"Best are Burning" Midnight Oil
"Hallelujah" Tori Kelly
"Silver Bells" Sarah McLachlan
"O Come O Come Emmanuel" Sufjan Stevens
"Joy the World Sufjan Stevens
"Christmas with the Devil" Spinal Tap
"2000 Miles" The Pretenders
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" Darlene Love (thanks David Letterman)


Search Spotify Playlists for "RH Christmas 2019"

#AUSMUSICTSHIRTDAY 15th November 2019

  "Support Act" Aus Music T-shirt Day is 15th November 2019!! Wear your Aussie Band T-shirt but even more importantly go here to find about about donating money to support Australian Music!! AND/OR if you'd like to be part of a legendary group of "Midnight Oil" tragics or Powderworkers then make your donate through this brilliant group organised by Matt Yau here

Rugby World Cup 2019

   A week off is what it takes for em to get back to this blog I guess (except for Star Wars). I write as the Rugby World Cup has been run and won by the inspired South Africa!! This gave credence to the "any one of five teams could win it" predictions going in. New Zealand at unbackable odds were outplayed by England, who exposed the things the All Blacks had been trying to fix with their squad adjustments and first XV picked. Then South Africa, who had reached maybe 80% of their potential across the previous two years, stepped up and from scrum to running the ball were that extra bit better team...
   The Wallabies stuttered along with the ability and some smart changes to style of play. They chose players on form, not preconceived ideas, and while some of that didn't work it the loss to Wales consigned them to the tougher side of the draw and an exit at Quarter Final loss stage. Anyhow, I assume Dave Rennie will fix all that, surely, or else why would he already be signed on for the coaching role (why waste time on an exhaustive search or why appoint someone Scott Johnson couldn't manage, like Eddie)...

   Our game didn't get the hoped for boost... cue memories of our legendary 1984 side, close in 1987, winners in 1991 when you couldn't get a Bledisloe Cup ticket of you logged on 15mins after onsale. Inspired by our form I became a Waratahs Member, attending up to four Super Games PLUS access to presale Wallabies tix and many memorable games at the SFS and later Homebush... There's a lot that needs to be fixed...

So the recipe is:

- Coordinated Super Rugby cooperation and clear pathways in every province
- Foster a cohort of Aussie Coaches

- A clear program to keep growing our national player depth, choosing on form 

  (as Cheika finally did for this Cup)

- Technical scrum coaching, pick n stick with a loose forward combination and get fit

- Balance our kick and run/pass game with plan B as well

- Keep working on our defence as it's not too bad when their 'heads are on'
- Look forward to a rectangular Stadium that Homebush will become
- Win Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, playing the French in the Final!!

Star Wars "The Rise of Skywalker"

"ME"

Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco "ME"

"Every Anzac Day" John Schumann and friends

Brilliant work from John Schumann (and friends)!! A great story in song...

Australia Day 2019 "Hopes"

Saretta Fielding's 2014 Ray Ban winning artwork featured on limited edition "Wayferers" to celebrate 'seeing' in physical, spiritual and all ways!! The win allowed Saretta to devote full time attention to her art, online and pop up stores!!

I acknowledge that I live and work on the land with which the Awabakal people share a special relationship. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and being formed for the future! I celebrate their holding and sharing of their culture, history and stories!

*Apologies that the names and images of deceased indigenous people appear in this post as a celebration of life in ways permission was at one time given.

Today I am thinking of: Donna Meehan and her wonderful community work; Stanley Moylan and his crafting and custodianship of the Didge (carrying on from Mick Davison and others); Aunty Zelma Moran and her achievements in Health Administration and Hockey and her energy for NAIDOC, telling her story and much more; the wonderful art of Saretta Fielding and the many other stories shared through ABC Local Radio's "Meet the Mob"!! Read about that project and access the stories here 

Hopes this Australia Day that we:
- Heal the scar on our country's soul by giving voice and power to indigenous people
- Move beyond the short term political cycle and see a vision for the common good
- Celebrate and embrace faith in that which brings abundant life for all
- Value teaching and education beyond crude measurement
- Leave behind irrational fear building wider tables not bigger walls
- Reject the politics of race, fear, exclusion and three word slogans
- #free Hakeem Hakeem Al-Araibi the detained footballer #whereisFIFA
- Find a more compassionate policy for refugees and people seeking asylum
- Build resilient communities
- Remember every person has a story and everyone's story is worth hearing

That'll do for today, perhaps our currently divided news and media commentary along lines of left and right needs moderating voices and xenophobic political views need challenging!!



"Sing About Life" TIDDAS audio



"My Island Home" Warumpi Band

Approaching Australia Day Post #03

*

*made in China

This and so much more to celebrate:
- Climate and environment, don't trash it
- Stable enough political system to withstand current low ebb, vote for values
- Sport and life, get into it and value the precious moments
- Arts, always in need fo funding and equality
- Freedoms, we do take for granted
- Larrikin humour and appropriate 'tall poppy' syndrome
- Distrust for corruptible authority... fair enough
- Opportunities and safety nets
- Community by and large valued and embraced

Yet, at the same time:
- The gap between rich and poor grows
- Crime and the motives
- Social dislocation and problems are growing
- Impacts and loss of indigenous community
- Shattered Islander dreams for so many of their children
- Cruel inhumane failure towards refugees and people seeking asylum
- Religious intolerance
- Racism & fear expressed most unhelpfully by Pauline Hanson and others
- Lack of visionary political leadership

"Beds Are Burning" Midnight Oil
Out where the river broke
The bloodwood and the desert oak
Holden wrecks and boiling diesels
Steam in forty five degrees

The time has come To say fair's fair
To pay the rent To pay our share
The time has come A fact's a fact
It belongs to them Let's give it back

How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning

The time has come...

Four wheels scare the cockatoos
From Kintore East to Yuendemu
The western desert lives and breathes
In forty five degrees

The time has come...

How can we dance when our earth is turning...

The time has come...

How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning...
Songwriters: James Moginie / Martin Rotsey / Peter Garrett / Peter Gifford / Robert Hirst
Beds Are Burning lyrics © O/B/O Apra Amcos

Approaching Australia Day 2019 Post #02

The Stiff Gins and the Sydney Childrens Choir performed together at TEDx Sydney in the Carriageworks at Redfern AND it was electric live!! The music and comedians punctuated a brilliant day of speakers telling their stories and this was an absolute highlight!! The various songs all had stories of family, long cultural history and spoke of the depth of indigenous society.

It seems we appreciate: dot paintings; decorated Qantas Jets; football jerseys; music; and sometimes Welcomes to Country at community events BUT is that really where it ends?
That can't be good enough...

The Sydney 2000 Olympics were a great example of what can be done in relationship with a shared vision and integrity in action. The Organisers and Creatives shared a hope to include, celebrate and give appropriate space for the indigenous history of this country. Some may remember murmurings of protest in the lead up but good work was done to say "just trust us, participate and watch the story unfold." True to their word the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the two weeks, the cultural space and everything about the Games showed sensitive and collaborative recognition. Even Midnight Oil, being themselves, wanted to play a current single in the Closing Ceremony but were convinced "Bed are Burning" was the song to play, not just because it was their world breaking song. So began their clandestine idea for the 'Sorry Suits" with the word "Sorry" (covered by velcro/material until the last moments before taking the stage)!! At the time our PM was well known for arguing we shouldn't say sorry for something that wasn't our doing. The possible power of acknowledging structural and historical impacts, seeking reconciliation and being vulnerable by giving away power, was lost on him. Instead we heard about "practical reconciliation" which is code for doing what we want with little regard for the hopes of those directly effected by our policy in action.
That can't be good enough...

Empathy, non judgement, shared hopes and openness to hear indigenous stories genuinely could be the making of Australia... People I've met, experiences I've had and stories I've heard have changed my life!! "Just get over it!"
That can't be good enough...

In my own sphere the Biblical concept of "Jubilee" is relevant... it's where land was returned to the families who owned it before (every fifty years) so wealth was gained but shared... and then redistributed. If families experienced hardship it could be addressed with generosity across generations... This gave rise to the global Jubilee 2000 movement seeking for countries and the IMF to cancel third world debt that was crippling struggling economies in ways that could see them never prosper... the principles apply...

Anyhow, one day we will be mature enough to explore this, kids will learn the stories at school and it'll seem crazy that we didn't deal with the relationships by 'giving up power' and focusing on resilience and thriving communities everywhere (by shared definition of what that looks like)...

Approaching Australia Day 2019 Post #01

"Lucky Country" Midnight Oil live at "Tanelorn" October 1981 (courtesy MOMO)
All my mates went... I had too much Uni work to do and no money!!

A mature country would understand a day that's equal parts celebration and lament!

The celebration of how fortunate we are to live in the best country on the planet is a worthy moment for reflection, fun and dressing up in your third world sweat shop pluggers and bikini/boardies adorned with the nation flag so you can sit your backside on the Union Jack all day!! 

BUT seriously, how good is our: climate; natural geography; coastal and rural life; flawed but peaceful democracy (where even the currently sad bunch don't seem to be able to completely ruin everything); cultural richness; diversity; and overarching values!! 

How gloriously some are getting it so wrong in the current neoliberal age... 

Our own PM was banging on about Citizenship Ceremonies and Dress Codes and him wanting it to be about us 'all coming together.' It's like telling someone that's fallen over that you want them 'to have a pain free knee.' 

Now comes the $7 million plan to commemorate Captain Cook's (apparently airbrushed in) circumnavigation... it was Flinders who did that wasn't it? It's like an episode of "Yes Prime Minister," seriously!! Incidentally, how many of us knew that on Flinders third journey he was accompanied by Kuringgai man Bungaree, an accomplished indigenous sailor from the Broken Bay area? 

At the same time "the great southland could be as great as the one it could have been" if by 1988 (at least) we had properly addressed our history of colonisation. It is 'history' BUT we second peoples continue to benefit from this land without appropriate recognition of the first peoples. There has been progress, but it's not up to the dominant culture to decide how free, valued, or appreciated an invaded people are or should be. 

Everyone has their story but surely the 'big story' is one where colonisation has brought great change and massive problems along with it. The scar on the soul of this country needs legitimate action, words and power to reflect the rich culture, wisdom and relationship that existed tens of thousands of years before we came, yet has been at risk ever since!! Still, we can't fix what we don't understand, except by listening and then responding appropriately!

Acknowledgement

Reconciliation

Recognition

Truth telling

Treaty

Self determination

Resources

Celebration

I'll celebrate but also lament and commit myself to do more and be more in relation to reconciliation!!

Instead we all have our own preoccupations!!

"Lucky Country" Midnight Oil

Speed, and this

There's a feeling I get when I look to the sun

Love, it's so tough

Cause it raises your hopes and then it makes you run

We're all looking for a shorter day

We're all looking for an easy way

Even when the debts are dead and gone

Down, the stairs

And an eight mile drive waits for you to turn on

Hear, the time clocks sing

And the smoke in the distance reaches the eye line

We're all working on a shorter day...

No conversation as you go

There's so much space the heat moves you

Terracotta homes, backyard barbeque and eucalyptus smell

It's fine on the clothes line

It's fast food and slow life and red roof

My silence, comic interruptions

Surely there's some relief from atomic art

And the fragile state of world events

With clowns who love the kings and power and the mutant media babes

Wanking on dreams and fashions and toilet paper flowers

Don't talk to me in this backyard - it's clandestine, it's nuclear

Smell of space and now forever I want to go

Straight down the exit eight mile attraction

you-turn is up and the time clock sings lets go

Lucky country...

Where the geckos are paid to live in the sun

On and on there's a ribbon of road and a mile to spare

Lucky country

Lucky country...

Songwriters: James Moginie / Martin Rotsey / Peter Garrett / Peter Gifford / Robert Hirst
Lucky Country lyrics © O/B/O Apra Amcos

Movies I've Seen in 2018

I thought last year was pretty lean for original, creative and engaging movies! It feels to me like 2018 was worse with the bright spots being quite memorable. The other thing that marked this year was the number of 'days off' where I was too tired to commit to a film (unless it was unmissable). A bit like it being too much time to commit to not getting rest... Anyhow, via cinema, iTunes, Netflix or friends here's my list. I don't pursue the serious or arthouse films, catching them when I can...

2018
Mollys Game, interesting
The Post, a terrific story
The Commuter, generic but engaging
Black Panther, outstanding
Game Night, mindless clever fun
Pacific Rim Uprising, I thought it couldn't be worse than the original, I was wrong
Tomb Raider, it was OK just
Paul, Apostle of Christ, not engaging enough, I fell asleep
Red Sparrow, bizarre, script must have read OK, poor execution
Borg v McEnroe, good film
Ready Player One, loved it
Blockers, time filler
I Feel Pretty, about ten minutes worth seeing, they let the premise down
Avengers Infinity War, great moments
Solo: A Star Wars Story, I really enjoyed it, I go with low expectations
1984 Midnight Oil, just an amazing documentary of the era I got into the Oils
Adrift, gripping but got bored
TAG, great entertainment, based on true legend
Oceans 8, pretty good
Jurrasic World Fallen Kingdom, I liked it better than I thought I would
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, loved it
Ant Man and the Wasp, surprisingly good, see I'm not a fan of the cast
Skyscraper, time filler
Equalizer 2, love these films and I don't usually like Denzel
Mission: Impossible Fallout, mindless gripping fun
First Man, probably my fav. 2018 film
Beirut, gritty painful and informative
Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald, almost as good as it could have been
The Predator, seemed a good idea
A Simple Favour, a surprise packet, lost their way, found it again
Ladies in Black, loved it

Still on my list or computer
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
A Star is Born
Bohemian Rhapsody
Boy Erased
The Girl in the Spiders Web
Creed 2
Mary Poppins Returns
Aquaman
Mortal Engines*
Bumblebee*
very poor reviews so marginal
postscript, caught up on these so far