curlyclub

I enjoyed this series. Debi Mazar is mesmerising as Magda, playing against type and she nails it. Miranda Otto gives a brilliant nuanced performance. Some of the other characters are a little wooden. It's a fascinating glimpse into 1960's Australian life. The running of the department store, University life and the migrant experience are well portrayed. The fashions were enjoyable however I'm glad we've moved on. The music score worked well. Overall it's a lighthearted series however we feel Magda's angst. It's interesting to be reminded of a the restrictions of a woman's lot and the burden on men to provide in those times. This is handled well and not rammed down the audiences throat.

This film started well with an interesting plot twist. However who is the target audience for a film about a chef? Presumably an audience who enjoys foodie films and in this case nature. It was enjoyable to watch the rural scenes. As for the cooking, a suspension of logic is required. A chef who can't use a knife ! Hard cheese that matures from manufacture to perfection overnight ! I could go on. It's lazy and ridiculous to assume the audience is so stupid. The supporting actors do a good job here and steal most of the scenes. The Uncles were particularly humorous. The leading lady lets the film down. More preparation for this role was desperately needed.

Firstly it is interesting armchair travelling to locations on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. I really enjoyed episode one. It was funny and engaging. It highlighted and interesting modern dilemma and was acted well. Episode two was also an interesting topic that could have been so well done but the acting and dialogue were excruciatingly bad. It was so over the top it was embarrassing. There was zero chemistry between the leading actors. It was like watching an amateur theatre production. You can be subtle and nuanced, I like to think the audience will still get the point. I will try episode three and see if it redeems itself and alter my review accordingly.