Emily Cat 176

   Firstly l didn't know that the film was a musical. I love a musical. Did l love this film; no but l did like it. The music and dancing were good and the costumes were stunning. Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett are good as the leads as are the supporting cast. I didn't recognise Ben Mendelsohn. The storyline did drag in places and the battle scene didn't look realistic but it did show pathos with the men going off to die. So, overall, a good film.  3.5 stars

  It is a sunny Friday afternoon and l am sitting in the nave of a Uniting Church waiting. Luke Severn steps onto the stage and it begins. Soon l'm cocooned in the rich, deep, sensual sound of the Cello. The first piece is Bach Suite No 1 in G major. What beautiful music and played with such good musicianship.  Next the senses are awakened by the Kodaly Sonata for Cello. Such an interesting piece. It was learned, as we the audience were told, in lockdown. Live performances are back and l so happy. Nothing beats seeing performances live. If you get the chance to hear him perform take it. The music is brought to life by his wonderful musicianship. He can be contacted via his website lukesevernmusic.com

It starts as soon as l walked in the doors. The buzz of anticipation. I love the arts, especially live theatre and this is the first of several shows l'm seeing. Lux Radio Theatre Australia are a company of actors who perform radio plays. Yes, in their own words, this is theatre from a time before tv. Seeing the actors play different parts and all the sound effects made for a good performance. 4 actors doing a great job. Even the accents sounded good. If you ever get a chance to see radio theatre being performed take it. I've missed live performances so much and the entertainment industry as a whole has suffered due to Covid. It's good to be back.  

  Is House of Gucci a good film; yes and no. Firstly let me say how good it was to be in a cinema again. I haven't been in over 2 years. Now that's out of the way onto the film.  House of Gucci is an awful story about horrible people. The film is based on real events and, after the film l did look it up. None of the characters are likeable and the excesses of the 80's are there to see. Maybe all this coloured my view of the film.  Lady Gaga and Al Pacino are good as is the soundtrack and scenery.  House of Gucci is a film about greed and dishonour with unlikeable characters.

  https://youtu.be/2D9xJdphfMM

  2nd book read. Barbara Vine was the pen name of Ruth Rendell. This is an excellent thriller with a great plot. Ruth Rendell was such a good writer and this book motors along with good plotting, structure and language. A great book for the mystery/thriller genre. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We are in lockdown 6 in Melbourne with no end in sight. I'm not going to get into politics, but, will say l'm fed up. Books are going to be read to pass the time and l have started with a beauty.  This is a very good mystery novel. I didn't guess the ending and that's always a good sign for me. The writing is crisp, the storyline strong and it all comes together nicely at the end. 4.5 out of 5 stars from me.