Matt Neal

This is a bit different to the writing I usually post on here, but it's what's been on my mind of late.

What the hell is going on in Ballarat? With three women dead in two tragic months, it's a question worth asking About 16 per cent of all women allegedly killed by men in Australia this year have died in the Ballarat region. It may sound like an absurd figure, but data shows the rate of family violence in the Victorian town is higher than state and national averages.

Today is the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. My piece on his legacy.

30 years on from his death, Kurt Cobain's influence looms large on 1994's music It's hard to fathom how one singer-songwriter and his little rock band could have such a profound impact on music, but perhaps the best way to explain it can be found by examining the musical landscape from the year he died.

So late to the party, but Oppenheimer is the bomb.

Oppenheimer This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on March 7, 2024. (MA15+) ★★★★★ Director: Christopher Nola...

I got to watch cartoons for work!

Six new and good shows and movies to watch this Easter long weekend It's the Easter long weekend so that obviously means chocolate and TV. Here's a rundown of the best new shows and movies streaming right now.

Catching up on some belated reviews. Force Of Nature - The Dry 2 was as awkward as its sequel-signalling title.

Force Of Nature: The Dry 2 This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on February 22, 2024. (M) ★★ Director: Robert Connolly. Ca...

Currently reading Judy Ryan's fascinating book You Talk, We Die ahead of hosting this talk at the Warrnambool Library. Will be an interesting discussion, guaranteed. Click the link to reserve your (free) seat.

warrnamboollibrary.spydus.com

Another review, this time for Damsel AKA Millie Bobby Brown Versus A Dragon.

Damsel This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on March 21, 2024. (M) ★★★ Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadil...

Sorry, been busy, got some reviews to catch up on. Here's Poor Things, which is one of the best things I've seen in a while.

Poor Things This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on March 7, 2024. (MA15+) ★★★★★ Director: Yorgos Lanthimos...

Here's where I'll be at the Folkie. Catch my band Doctor & The Apologies, or see me on Sunday hosting the Meet The Authors sesh or talking (and singing some songs) at the Songwriting Secrets panel with the legendary Jim Haynes.

Argylle is fun, but one silly thing really annoyed me about it.

Argylle This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on February 8, 2024. (M) ★★★ Director: Matthew Vaughn. Cas...

A bit of music for your weekend - the first taste of the Burn The Evidence EP from my band Doctor & The Apologies, who are playing the Port Fairy Folk Festival this year. Check it out.

Let Me Be Your Cautionary Tale Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio

I've been catching up on some of George Clooney's directorial efforts, and this one is as great as ever.

REWIND REVIEW: Good Night, And Good Luck (2005) This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on January 25, 2023. (PG) ★★★★ Director: George Clooney. ...

Here's a wrap-up of the records that fell in the 2023 triple j Hottest 100.

The records broken in triple j's 2023 Hottest 100 Another year, another Hottest 100. There have been 31 annual countdowns to date, and each one brings new songs, new records, and new things ...

Aside from the winners and shoulda-been-highers, here are some key things to look out for in Saturday's Hottest 100.

I still can't believe the ABC let's me write this stuff.

Could some records tumble during triple j's 2023 Hottest 100 countdown? Kylie Minogue could be among the record-breakers that feature in triple j's Hottest 100 countdown on Saturday, as we take stock of those artists who've broken them in the past, and those who might be about to.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Hottest 100 time! Here's my usual form guide for why all the favourites will and won't win.

https://movies8mylife.blogspot.com/2024/01/who-will-win-triple-js-hottest-100-of.html

No one asked for it and here it is - my review of mclusky at The Corner.

GIG REVIEW: mclusky - Corner Hotel, Melbourne, January 2, 2024 mclusky Corner Hotel, Melbourne January 2, 2024 Last time iconic Welsh punk band * mclusky played in Melbourne, frontman Andrew "Falco" Fal...

My latest piece for Double J. Can't wait to see these guys in a few days time.

mclusky back to Do Dallas in Australia, ear defenders and all - Double J A health scare derailed mclusky's planned Australian tour a year ago, but frontman Andrew Falkous is back, wit and hearing intact.

Probably my last review for the year. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

Genie This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on December 7, 2023. (PG) ★★ Director: Sam Boyd. Cast: Me...

My latest piece for the ABC.

What is Rebel Moon, the new straight-to-streaming blockbuster by Zack Snyder? Everything you need to know about the latest Netflix blockbuster, which was almost a Star Wars spin-off.

Sunday! The Cover Drives (that's me, Daniel Miles and Matt Hewson) rocking out (acoustically and saxophonically) at Frolic Lane from 3pm. See you there!

A belated review for The Marvels, which is far better than its box office suggests.

The Marvels This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on November 16, 2023. (M) ★★★½ Director: Nia DiCosta. Cast...

I love a self-deprecating bio. Also - I really need Doctor & The Apologies band photos.
^^ PS. Like/follow my band page and you're guaranteed to end up on Santa's "nice" list.

A big tick for the bucket list - Doctor & The Apologies (Apologies not pictured lol) are playing at the 2024 Port Fairy Folk Festival. And we'll be launching a new EP. Can't wait.

Big news coming for Doctor & The Apologies - please like the new band page to find out more! Tell your friends!

My band Doctor & The Apologies is back and dropping some very very big news on Tuesday November 14. New page for the band - please smash that like button!

Doctor & The Apologies Warrnambool's third favourite band returns to play the Port Fairy Folk Festival and release a new EP.

Yes, it's bloody long. But it's also bloody good.

Killers Of The Flower Moon This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on November 2, 2023. (M) ★★★½ Director: Martin Scorsese. C...

A belated Beckham review, in which I admit I had no idea how incredible he was as a soccer player.

Beckham This is a version of a review airing on ABC Victoria's Statewide Mornings program on October 19, 2023. (M) ★★★ ★ Director: Fisher Stevens. "...