Silver Screen Queens 191: La La Land

Published 11 January 2017 • 33 minutes, 22 seconds

The early awards season favourite LA LA LAND arrived in Australia on Boxing Day, and being big musical fans, we were there for it. While it isn’t the masterpiece some people seem to think, it does have its moments. It is helmed by the technically dazzling Damien Chazelle (WHIPLASH) and features the talented John Legend in a small role. It’s let down, however, by the lack of singing and dancing skills of its otherwise charming and charismatic leads.

Silver Screen Queens 190: Moana

Published 4 January 2017 • 30 minutes, 38 seconds

Disney’s latest animated adventure finally arrived in Australia on Boxing Day 2016, and we were first in line to see it. It turns out, however, that we kind of disagree on this one, apart from the magnificence of The Rock, who puts in a star turn as the demi-god, Maui. It’s fun, cute and you should definitely take your kids to see it over the holidays, but it’s probably not the same modern classic that Frozen has become.

Silver Screen Queens 189: Lion

Published 28 December 2016 • 41 minutes, 56 seconds

We caught an early screening of Nicole Kidman’s latest Oscar bait. This movie has some good elements (the acting is excellent, and it’s not only Kidman who should be in contention), but is let down by un-engaging storytelling. It’s notable for its focus on the story of the adoptee rather than his parents, and doesn’t shy away from the more problematic aspects, but would have benefitted from a more dynamic structure.

Silver Screen Queens 188: Live Episode: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Published 21 December 2016 • 33 minutes, 53 seconds

The long-awaited Star Wars spin-off film has arrived, so we decided to watch it with an audience. This gritty film really focuses in on the ‘war’ part of Star Wars, following a band of rebels as they steal the plans to the original Death Star in the days before the beginning of STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE. Recorded live at Palace Cinemas in Canberra; special thanks to Daniel ‘Jelly’ Farrelly for the sound production.

Silver Screen Queens 187: Queen of Katwe

Published 14 December 2016 • 45 minutes, 19 seconds

Disney Princess Lupita N’yongo uses her power for good, teaming up with the legendary Mira Nair to tell the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi’s rise from the slum of Katwe to chess master. It’s an inspirational kids sports movie with a twist, featuring the extraordinary talents of Ms N’yongo and David Oyelowo, and it’s well worth your time.

Mobile Couch 98: File > New > Project…

Published 12 December 2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes

It’s the final episode of Mobile Couch, so Jake MacMullin returns to the couch, and they discuss how they got started as developers, as well as how they feel about starting new projects.

Silver Screen Queens 186: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Published 7 December 2016 • 1 hour, 24 minutes

Another of our occasional ventures into television as we cover the Gilmore Girls reunion show. There’s something nice and comfortable about hanging out in Stars Hollow, with all your quirky faves. It may be problematic, but at least it’s a problematic fave.

Silver Screen Queens 185: Arrival

Published 30 November 2016 • 39 minutes, 47 seconds

This Amy Adams/Jeremy Renner sci-fi has been getting great word of mouth, so we check it out. If you haven’t seen it yet, we recommend you do so before listening to this episode, because it really is best enjoyed unspoiled.

Mobile Couch 97: Javascript Dishwashers

Published 28 November 2016 • 58 minutes, 1 second

Ben takes Jelly on a journey through his favourite points from the book Pragmatic Programming: From Journeyman to Master, which details points that you’ll want to learn if you want to be a better developer. Along the way they discuss everything from philosophy to buying dishwashers, and maybe even a little actual code here and there.

Silver Screen Queens 184: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Published 23 November 2016 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds

We weren’t really that excited to hear about another Harry Potter franchise. As long-term fans, we have been burnt before by the films, and this movie didn’t exactly generate a buzz. Luckily, this set us up to be pleasantly surprised by a charming Eddie Redmayne, a creepy Colin Farrell, and a ragtag band of mostly-unknowns giving it their all.