Tuesday 28 February 2017

Hidden Figures


'Hidden Figures' is based on true events in the early days of the United States' space program focussing in particular on three African-American women who each helped breakdown racial and gender barriers.

The film follows a predictable path but provides important reminders of the racially based segregation laws that still applied in the USA as recently as the 1970s.

Many winning performances and highly entertaining.

✮✮✮1/2

Monday 27 February 2017

They're ba-ack

Fifty-six years after Sydney's extensive tram system closed down tram tracks have reappeared on Anzac Parade in Kensington as part of the construction of Sydney's new south-eastern light rail line. For Andrew's benefit in particular, here are a couple of photos of the newly constructed sections of track.



Sunday 26 February 2017

T2: Trainspotting


I never saw the original 'Trainspotting' which has become a cult classic. Twenty-one years later the sequel, 'T2: Trainspotting', sets out what happens when the four petty criminals cross paths apparently for the first time since their earlier escapades. Foremost on their minds is the £16,000 which one of them Ewan McGregor absconded.

The Scottish accents are a challenge and the violence gets a bit heavy but I didn't find my lack of knowledge of the original to be an issue. References to the earlier movie are helpful and do not intrude.

Despite it's style, an oddly affectionate tale of male friendship.

✮✮✮✮


Saturday 25 February 2017

The Mystery of Love and Sex


The latest production at the Eternity Playhouse is 'The Mystery of Love Sex' about a young man and woman, childhood friends, setting up house as they embark on college studies. They and her parents learn a few lessons about sex, sexuality and love.

The play has its moments although the mystery of it's title doesn't come across as particularly mysterious to the audience from my judgement. Slightly overlong, occasionally amusing but not the strongest theatrical experience. With some tightening I can see this as an Indie romantic drama for the screen.

✮✮1/2

Friday 24 February 2017

Thursday 23 February 2017

The Pontifical Gregorian University

Strolling through the streets of Rome we literally stumbled up a hill to find ourselves in a grand plaza adjacent to the Pontifical Gregorian University.