film – michellebeesley.com

I love being able to review new films before they arrive in the cinema. It enables me to see films that might not be on my own or my reader’s radars. This month though there are two highly anticipated Hollywood films, the type you’ll want to see on a date night or night out with the girls. Those films that will have you talking in the staff room the next day.

The first is from the celebrated John Wick Universe. This is arguably the best known action franchise in the world with fight scenes, car chases and plenty of stunts, high octane action and martial arts. It also has the fabulous Keanu Reeves. My family have been fans from the beginning. I don’t know why I like them. I usually don’t favour violence in films but it’s hard to look away once you’ve strapped in for one of these movies.

The latest film is a prequel to some of the others and it introduces a new character called Ballerina. The casting of Ana de Armas in the lead role was genius as she lends an elegance to the fight and ballet scenes and her expressive face eats up every frame.

I was on the edge of my seat seeing how Ballerina became a trained assassin and I loved the mix of ballet and martial arts. It shows girl power at its finest with Eve aka Ballerina showing off her moves with an ever more elaborate arsenal at her disposal.

Did I mention there was Keanu? Giving just enough John Wick to satisfy diehard fans without overshadowing the newest recruit. The fight scenes were exhausting to watch. This poor girl did not have a moment to rest before someone else was after her. But that’s why we watch the John Wick Universe, right ?

If you are looking for a wild ride to keep you warm this weekend you can’t go past Ballerina. This film gives you all the kick ass action of the John Wick World with the ultra feminine energy of the magnificent Ana de Armas. In cinemas now.

My favourite style of movies are rom coms and the latest romance drama written and directed by Celine Song ( Past Lives) is Materialists. This one boasts a stellar cast including Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. It’s sure to be a winner for your next date night or gal pal movie night.

Materialists is a biting and witty romance drama set in bustling New York. It details the perils of the modern dating scene with all its clinical equations and maths but do equations equate to love?

For successful matchmaker, Lily ( Johnson) they do. But in her personal life Lily must decide between her perfect match on paper, Harry (Pascal) or her not so perfect ex, John (Evans). It’s a delightfully grown up love story that ticked all the boxes for this romance writer. I would love to see more movies like this made as it’s slick and stylish and will make you think about human nature. So tell me are you team Pedro or Chris? To find out you’ll have to head to your nearest cinema. Materialists is on now.

Valentine’s Day was the perfect day to launch the BLUSSH Romance Festival. Filled with films, author talks, market stalls, poetry readings and more this festival was designed for lovers of love.

I grabbed my valentine and walked the pink carpet before our screening of the wonderfully heartwarming rom com film, ‘ Bridget Jones – Mad About the Boy.’ We laughed, cried and revelled in catching up with our favourite characters.

Saturday brought the first of many author talks with the Rom – Com Revival panel. Romance author, Ally Blake was in conversation with the USA Today bestseller Amy Andrews, local romance author Louisa Duval and Australia’s reigning rom com queen, Rachael Johns, who was in town to promote her latest rom com novel, ‘ The Bad Bridesmaid’.

The group talked about the historical heyday of the rom com citing favourite films like ‘ Notting Hill’ and ‘ When Harry met Sally’ before discussing how a new generation are discovering rom coms thanks to streaming services and tik tok’s popular book tok recommendations.

After exploring the market stalls and having my new book signed by Rachael Johns I caught up with my publisher Sarah Williams from Serenade publishing who had a table at the market. Many of her titles sold out!

Midday brought a special ‘ Lit to Lens’ panel who shared examples of books being adapted to film. This was followed by a screening of Brisbane author, Kylie Scott’s book ‘ Lick’ which has been made into a film through Passionflix. We all enjoyed this spicy rock star romance starring the Gold Coast’s Brooke Lee.

The Romantasy panel shared their thoughts on this popular genre which includes witches and dragons, urban fantasy and aliens. It is one of the hottest romance genres right now. Capably led by H.M. Hodgson the panel featured Melanie Pickering, Elena Moriarty and Demi Clorissa.

Exiting the cinema we bumped into the cast and crew of ‘ A Royal Proposal – A Royal in Paradise Two’ who were strutting their stuff on the pink carpet before a special advanced screening of their film which will be in cinemas later this year.

Our hearts were full as we made our way home after a wonderful festival which was kind, inspiring and lovely. Thanks to the hardworking organisers, Sue -Anne Chapman and Kylie Pascoe for a truly wonderful event.