FIVE YEARS WITH SCENESTR – TOP FIVE FILMS

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr Lloyd

On the 23rd of February, 2022 I marked five years of being a freelance writer with Scenestr magazine.

Five years earlier I had submitted a review for Hidden Figures to their editorial team and they had chosen to publish it. Handy tip to young players, if in doubt call back.

After I was published with Scenestr I sought to challenge myself. I got published with others like Heavy and Buzz magazine. Later this included X-Press, FilmInk and Weekend Notes.

FIve years on and I seem to be continuing with mostly reviews of films and shows for Scenestr and maybe Weekend Notes as I pursue other interests but the point is I gained a lot of confidence getting published with Scenestr and that pushed me to pursue writing as much as possible.

In 2018 I had over fifty pieces published with Scenestr alone. A feat I will probably never match but one that was important for me to achieve at least once.

I am grateful that I continue to enjoy working with Scenestr.

Here are again a few highlights from 141 published pieces.

TOP FIVE MOVIES

1. The Go-Betweens: Right Here (2017) – The world really opened up to me in my first year writing for Scenestr. I learnt about the Metro Arts Theatre, rediscovered the Brisbane Powerhouse and went to its Wonderland Festival and in early 2018 for the first time the Brisbane Comedy Festival.

Another discovery was the Bryon Bay Film Festival where I met and interviewed an interesting young filmmaker and saw a great documentary from director Kriv Stenders. Stenders had made Red Dog, one of the most successful Australian films of recent years but it is his The Go-Betweens: Here and Now that revealed to me the true extent of his talent. A wonderful film about the passage of time and the relationships that matter centred around the tale of a local band.

“The band ended abruptly, and like its trailer the film does too. Life too can end abruptly and it feels that director Kriv Stenders is articulating this on purpose. Life is fleeting, memory does play tricks, some things don’t need to get dug up and some connections can’t be reforged again. Some things endure because they were real and they meant something and in that sense, The Go-Betweens now have a documentary that reflects the appeal of their music very well.”

2. First Man (2018) – I went to First Man about Neil Armstrong’s journey to the moon with some interest and two hours later I walked out thinking I had seen one of the best film of the year. A gem with hidden depths that can’t be revealed in a three minute trailer. I humbly submit it remains one of my best film reviews of one of the best films I ever saw for Scenestr.

“No great thing is done by one great individual alone. ‘First Man’ reveals this by focusing on one individual achieving something great. What drove him and those around him to do the impossible? Up in the heavens, his home planet the size of his thumb and in quiet solitude, the film offers one possible answer with an action taken by Neil Armstrong. Yet the film also reminds that it is the journey not the destination that matters. This is one of the year’s best.”

Leaving the train station. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen at Blinded by the Light preview screening. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

3. Blinded By The Light (2019) – This was such an unexpected joy to see at a preview screening, directed by Gurinder Chadha of Bend It Like Beckham fame. Whenever I mention this film everybody thinks about Yesterday directed by Danny Boyle and written by RIchard Curtis with a far bigger budget, stars and a completely different plot. Yesterday with respect to all involved who have made some of my favourite films is a much lesser film with two central characters who are idiots and annoy the shit out of me coasting off our love for the timeless music of The Beatles. Blinded By The Light revels in the themes and voice of the music by the great Bruce Springsteen but is far more than that winning hook. It is a wonderful coming of age story and one about the immigrant experience that is nuanced and affecting. I love this film and once you have seen it you will love it too. The other day I mentioned it at work and a colleague raved about it. Too few have seen it but those who have love it.

20191205_175543

4. 1917 (2019) – It is nice to reflect that both First Man and Blinded By The Light topped my end of year lists. I have been very fortunate to see so many great films and review them for Scenestr. 1917 about World War One is another, when we left the cinema you could feel people were abuzz with what they had just seen.

“More than a harrowing and kinetic tale, ‘1917’ repeatedly reminds of both how humanity is lost in war and how it touchingly endures. There was nothing natural, colourful or human in those trenches except the men left breathing. They cracked wise, held each other close and laid down their lives for their fellow man. ‘1917’ remembers this and asks us to never forget.”

5. Undine (2021) – It wasn’t just the movies themselves that made it so much fun to write reviews for Scenestr. I was living out a little bit of a dream, getting to follow in the footsteps of the great Roger Ebert in my own way. Sometimes when you go to these preview screenings it can be a real treat. Sometimes I went to small cinemas with just fellow critics.

20211105_184238 — Walking the red carpet. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

I took a friend to the premiere of a James Bond movie, went to some Marvel movies when that was a big deal and when it wasn’t, once Karen and I went to the premiere night of the Italian FIlm Festival in Brisbane and enjoyed so much good food. I never forget Karen grabbing some extra sliders off a waiter when we went to see The Kingsman: The Golden Circle while we had Scotch. Yet rounding out my Top FIve is a humble film from Germany I went and saw at the Brisbane International Film Festival. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a heart-rending tale about love and a fine movie.

Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. They are the largest street press magazine in the country celebrating 30 years going strong in 2023. 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

FIVE YEARS WITH SCENESTR – TOP FIVE STAND-UP SHOWS

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr Lloyd

On the 23rd of February, 2022 I marked five years of being a freelance writer with Scenestr magazine.

Five years earlier I had submitted a review for Hidden Figures to their editorial team and they had chosen to publish it. Handy tip to young players, if in doubt call back.

I am grateful that I continue to enjoy working with Scenestr.

A few highlights from 141 published pieces.

TOP FIVE STAND-UPS

1. Randy Writes A Novel (2017) – Sadly there is no link available anymore for this review but attending my first Wonderland Festival held at the Brisbane Powerhouse was magical. Part of the magic of the experience took place Friday night in the lower levels of the venue. Randy, a purple felt puppet mind you, kept us enthralled throughout our show not just making us laugh, not just by playing with the crowd but by playing with the conventions of narrative openly and moving us. This was early on in my time with Scenestr but I have seldom enjoyed a stand-up show as much as I enjoyed this one.

2. Nath Valvo (2017) – Part of the thrill of seeing and reviewing Nath Valvo’s show at this time was recognising he was about to blow up just before he did. No doubt he was well known in Melbourne at the time but after this tour he started appearing more on television and his shows in other states played at bigger venues. At Wonderland Festival 2017 he was down in the bowels of the powerhouse in a little theatre on a sunday afternoon with a crowd half full of boomers and he killed it. His talent was undeniable and the fame that followed was very satisfying to see from someone who had been there early on.

3. Love/Hate Actually (2017) – It seems the 2017 Wonderland Festival was a spoil of riches because three of my top five shows come from it.

Earlier in the year I had attended a show from Impromafia at the Metro Arts theatre and was blown away by the talent involved. Not least of which was a performer strutting out in a blonde wig and doing a riff on Danearys Targareyn from Games of Thrones.

Her name was Natalie Bochenski who I have since come to recognise as a bit of local celebrity who has worked as a journalist and media officer, featured as a television pundit and has her own podcast. Beyond all these calling cards though, Bochenski and her creative partner Amy Currie shine brightest in the funny productions they write and star in.

None more so than this production where they equally break apart and celebrate the film Love Actually. With their improv background they are always ready to react in the moment to something that happens unexpectedly with the audience but the insight they bring to such a beloved classic shows the depth of their witful intellect. Their chemistry honed across several years is a delight to watch in person as well. I have seen them both perform in other productions over the years but if I have to pick a favourite it is probably this. Love/Hate Actually has tourned now all across the country and even made it all the way to success at the Edinburgh Fringe. This is where it started though and it was joy to be there.

4. Rich Hall (2018) – I have been lucky enough to see a lot of stand-ups over the years.

I saw Tom Gleeson perform at a packed Brisbane City Hall and then share my review on his Facebook page. I recently enjoyed seeing Sammy J and Lawrence Mooney at the Brisbane Comedy Festival 2023 and found myself shrinking in my seat from laughing so hard. I am such a huge fan of both and I really felt something in the air that night with Mooney. Sometimes I have been in a small venue watching up and comers hungry and angry and hilarious.

It is hard to pick one but I found myself coming back to Rich Hall at the Brisbane Comedy Festival in 2018. Rich has been on British and American screens for many decades on panel shows. He’s done them here too in Australia for decades. He even worked as a writer for David Letterman. He has that journeyman quality to him, you recognise the face can’t always conjure up the name, you remember some of the jokes but don’t know a routine off by heart. He’s stayed around but never been too famous. When you head in to see that kind of comic especially at a big venue like the Powerhouse Theatre you don’t know if he is going to coast on old jokes or be a little washed up or something. You worry… which is weird because hasn’t such a performer proven themselves reliable enough already? Well the answer is yes he has, because I laughed all night, Rich Hall – one of the greats.

5. Dave Hughes (2020) – Seeing this performance on Friday the 13th of March, 2020 marks time in a very special. Restrictions has just been announced that day to be brought into effect on Monday. The Australian F1 had been cancelled that morning and the COVID had been taking up the news all week. The world was changing and there we were at the Brisbane Comedy Festival that night feeling it. Hughes didn’t talk about it too much but he did address what was going on. And as we all took a collective breath to see what would happen, he made us laugh and reminded me at least that in the months ahead that laughter and being together with a group of strangers is something to be treasured.

-Lloyd Marken

FIVE YEARS WITH SCENESTR – TOP FIVE SHOWS

Posted on October 14, 2023October 14, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

Scenestr Lloyd

On the 23rd of February last year I marked five years of being a freelance writer with Scenestr magazine.

Five years earlier I had submitted a review for Hidden Figures to their editorial team and they had chosen to publish it. Handy tip to young players, if in doubt call back.

Within a month I was sent on assignment to review Queensland Ballet’s Raw. I was in between jobs and here I was taking my wife to the ballet. We were seated in the row behind the Artistic Director Li Cunxin. My tickets came in an envelope marked Lloyd Marken Reviewer. Tickets that retailed for $100 each.

20170321_215014 — After seeing Raw starting a tradition of Grilled Burgers while on assignment. Copyright Lloyd Marken

After we grabbed a bite to eat from Grill’d at South Bank and my wife took maybe one of my favourite pictures of me. In that moment I was living a dream come true. Out on the town late at night having seen a show with a review deadline for the next day.

I also had to do an induction for a new temporary job the next day too but the review would come first. At the time of embarking on this new work I was terrified there would be an end to such nights all too soon. I was fortunate enough that there were many more to come.

I am grateful that I continue to enjoy working with Scenestr.

A few highlights from 141 published pieces.

TOP FIVE SHOWS

1. Queensland Ballet’s Raw (2017) – You never forget your first maybe but beyond the experience I still believe this is one of the best ballet performances I have ever seen.

An anthology show with three distinct pieces that still fitted into a theme for me. The artistry on display not just from the dancers but the costumes and music as well was truly moving.

“A mix of contemporary and classical dance with three distinct works, ‘Raw’ appears to have a common thread throughout of lives wrecked and relationships torn apart by either war, tyranny or something more abstract. It is regularly emotionally engaging and the dancers are a sight to behold.”

2. Humans by Circa (2017) – I saw two shows from Circa in 2017 and came out believing they were the greatest show to see in Brisbane.

A modern circus group they perform far more pared down and intimate pieces than say Cirque Du Soleil but are just as impressive if not more.

“While never explicitly explained, there could be various takeaways from each piece. On stage there are couplings with the swaying of hips, ascensions to the sky, people unwrapping themselves from clothes like they were cocoons. These could be metaphors for birth, growth, reproduction, decline and the afterlife.”

3. CHER (2018) – I have only really gone to one music concert in my work for what is primarily a music magazine.

But if you are going to go to just one you might as well make it for a legend.

Taking Karen to this and seeing how much she enjoyed it was a real thrill for me.

“There was only one way to top this all off and you could feel the excitement building for the inevitable appearance of ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, which did not disappoint. Nobody can turn back time or even hold it in place, but one woman has stood the test of it. As she noted at the end of her monologue: “What’s your Grandma doing tonight?” If she has any sense, she is going to see Cher.”

4. The Duke (2019) – I saw two shows at the Brisbane Powerhouse performed by Shon Dale-Jones. If that is his name?

In each show he told a different tale with overlapping consistencies and while the mood was slightly different the result was the same.

I was moved by an intricately crafted and refined narrative and performance.

Just a man on stage with his words and physicality, a reminder of the power of sheer storytelling and one of the best shows I have ever seen.

The style of Shon is to tell something that we can relate to, to be personal and intimate which is perhaps why I have always remarked on the fact that what is real in his shows could be, as he freely informs, not a whole lot. However ultimately, I don’t think it matters if you enjoyed the story and enjoyed it, I did.

“The way Shon describes these things makes us relate to how much we appreciate our own loved ones and our own aspirations to have successful careers and retain some integrity. You will feel things during this play.”

5. Awesome Ocean Party (2019) – I have seen a lot of good shows over the years with Scenestr magazine including the excellent work by ImproMafia and Act/React and hungry fearless young performers. I have seen grappling bravely with the human condition in all it forms. To pick only five seems a crime but when filling out this list I kept on thinking about Giema Contini and her delightful show that made me laugh and moved me. Maybe I’m also a little sentimental since this would be the last Wonderland Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse before the pandemic.

“It must be said, Giema Contini elevates her material, she effortlessly moves from awkward embarrassment to shaking with barely constrained volatility, expressing goofy joy and heartfelt pain seamlessly. Giema is a powder keg of emotions barely contained and genuinely expressed – and that is before she sings.”

I am grateful too for this little corner of the internet to write and engage with you. I am sorry I have not been around as much and hope to be around more going forward. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

-Lloyd Marken

‘THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 6, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrMatrix

20 December, 2021

I was lucky enough to be on assignment for Scenestr one last time in 2021 to review the fourth Matrix film. Another delayed sequel to a beloved franchise that has long been dormant revitalised yet again out of nostalgia and a quick cash grab.

If Bond marked time, this certainly stung even deeper. The Matrix in 1999 was a breath of fresh air, yes it brought a lot of things familiar to anime fans to a mainstream Western audience and it was not the first trapped in the machine dystopian thriller of that decade. Comparisons to Alex Cox’s Dark City have often been made but The Matrix was a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. At 18 in 1999 in the wake of a new Star Wars film it felt like the kind of earth-shaking industry re-making hit as Star Wars had in 1977. For a while that felt true, every fight scene in the wake of The Matrix ripped it off even though from a storytelling point of view it made no sense in those movies as they were not in a warped reality. The sequels four years later were not as beloved and everything kind of went quiet, but that first film still remains something special and the sequels have been re-evaluated too in recent times.

I’ve remained a fan of the filmmakers believing Cloud Atlas is underrated and underseen.

But why do another Matrix movie and why now? The reason is kind of sweet and there is some imagination and ambition here but I will leave for you to decide if it ultimately justifies.

I will put it to you this way.

The Matrix was special in 1999 because it was something new rather than a sequel or a remake of 1960s TV show which was very much happening at the time.

I look forward to new films in this era which are their own thing like The Matrix was in 1999.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/the-matrix-resurrections-film-review-20211223

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

‘LAST NIGHT IN SOHO’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 4, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrSoho

On Monday 15th of November, 2021 Karen and I went and saw Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho at Palace Centro cinemas at James Street where we met for the first time years earlier.

I was on assignment for Scenestr and am a big fan of Edgar Wright.

He is entering a new phase of his career where he is looking to move beyond the Cornetto trilogy. I believe he’s got the goods and I enjoyed the Last Night In Soho but can’t help myself thinking I preferred his earlier funnier films.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/last-night-in-soho-film-review-20211116

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

It remains a thrill to work for Scenestr magazine.

-Lloyd Marken

‘NO TIME TO DIE’ REVIEW AVAILABLE ON SCENESTR

Posted on April 2, 2023April 2, 2023 by Lloyd Marken

ScenestrBond

On Friday the 5th of November, 2021 I went and saw the latest James Bond movie No TIme To Die on assignment for Scenestr.

For a lot of us Bond kind of marks time, this is maybe the only film franchise in the world that gets handed down from generation to generation. They have proven timeless and yet current releases speak to our times.

The first Bond film I saw was Goldfinger with Sean Connery so it imprinted on me that he was Bond as much as TImothy Dalton was featuring on the cover of a fresh VHS packet.

As a kid Moore’s entries like Moonraker and Octopussy were treasured and fit right along The Living Daylights and You Only Live Twice.

When I saw Goldeneye on Boxing Day 1995 with Dad and siblings something new clicked into place. Pierce Brosnan was my Bond for my time although my Dad seemed to enjoy it just as much. That is the magic of Bond.

I was twenty-six when Daniel Craig reinvigorated the franchise and did something new with it. Now I was days away from turning 41 and taking one of my oldest friends to a Bond screening on assignment as a freelance writer and Craig was retiring the role.

Bond marks time.

So there I was a middle aged man with a friend I have known for 30 years seeing the last Daniel Craig Bond film. Let’s just say themes conveyed in this new film seemed to fit the occasion.

Bond always adds a touch of class and sophistication. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Newmarket Reading Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Some of the goodies to eat upon entry. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Inside waiting for the movie to start. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Walking the red carpet. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

If you’ve seen the film you’ll understand why the need to avoid spoilers. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/no-time-to-die-film-review-20211108

My friend didn’t pose for pictures on the red carpet, he didn’t partake in the free food upon entry (after all he had just gone downstairs to wolf down a burger from Grill’D).

He came because I asked him to, he knew I wanted to share this experience with him just once.

He came after work from across town, his wife patiently taking care of their toddler for a few hours.

Afterwards we drove down to a local shopping centre and stood outside for a little bit. We had done this many times in the wee hours during our 20s to talk. Tonight we did not delay too long. We had homes and responsibilities to get too.

But that night he came and with James Bond we marked time. I’m very lucky to have such a friend.

-Lloyd Marken

‘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.

Karen and I. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Another lanyard of power. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Two Marvel releases in a row. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Indooroopily Cinemas. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

-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, 2023April 2, 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.

Me at BIFF 2021. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Back at Ombra. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Karen 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.

The crowd on the night. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Tyrone Noonan performing. 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

Journalist Trent Dalton introduces the show. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Suncorp Piazza. Copyright Lloyd Marken

Karen and I. 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…

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

Karen and I at ‘Triple X’. Copyright Lloyd Marken.

The fantastic threatre and set design.Copyright Lloyd Marken.

Opening night for 'Triple X' in 2021. 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

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