Category: 42 Word Reviews

Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth

Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth

by Joe Hill; ill. Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2020)

Graphic novel cover: “Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth” by Joe Hill; ill. Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2020)

Two standalone stories plus one vignette (and some indulgent author/illustrator photos). While ‘Open the Moon’ has a wistful sort of charm, ‘In the Can’ is a non-event and ‘Grindhouse’ rolls out its exploitation film vibe without pushback. Grey tones. Borderline-grotesque character art.

Beyond Paradise, Series 2

Beyond Paradise, Series 2

(BBC, 2024)

TV poster: “Beyond Paradise, Series 2” (BBC, 2024)

Again, the balance is skewed a little too much towards character drama at the expense of the police investigations, but these personal storylines (Martha’s mum’s dating forays; Esther’s single-parenting; Humphrey and Martha’s foster-parent aspirations) are at least well-structured across the six episodes.

Stranger Things: Six

Stranger Things: Six

by Jody Houser; pencils by Edgar Salazar; inks by Keith Champagne; colours by Marissa Louise (Dark Horse, 2019)

Graphic novel cover: “Stranger Things: Six” by Jody Houser; pencils by Edgar Salazar; inks by Keith Champagne; colours by Marissa Louise (Dark Horse, 2019)

A bleak graphic novel exploring MKUltra’s backstory through the character of Francine (‘Six’), a teen exploited for her burgeoning precognisance growing up (nuclear holocaust orange–hued flashbacks) and at the lab (straightjacket greys and greens). Stays in keeping without offering anything new.

Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity

Ben Elton live @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Authentic Stupidity Tour, 1 April 2025

Performance poster: “Ben Elton live @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane” (Authentic Stupidity Tour, 1 April 2025)

Thirty years post- The Man From Auntie, Ben Elton remains a stand-up comedic force of nature: irreverent, fast-talking and provocative, conjuring hyperbolic waves to surf to the shores of taboo—uproariously dumping (himself) on society’s fads, foibles, affectations and bona fide horse-fuckery.

Split Enz, the DVD

Split Enz, the DVD

(Mushroom, 2002)

DVD cover: “Split Enz, the DVD” (Mushroom, 2002)

Eighteen music videos, ten live tracks, plus the 1993 documentary “Spellbound” showcase the ever-kooky, often troubled evolution of Split Enz from affectedly gauche musical theatre act to art-rock, trans-Tasman titans. Driven by Tim (and sometimes Neil) Finn, held together by Eddie Rayner.

Department Q: The Absent One

Department Q: The Absent One

dir. Mikkel Nørgaard (2014) [Danish, subtitled; originally ‘Fasandræberne’]

Film poster: “Department Q: The Absent One” dir. Mikkel Nørgaard (2014) [Danish, subtitled; originally ‘Fasandræberne’]

The second Department Q film is particularly confronting, bringing to light a spree of assaults, rapes and (ultimately) murders perpetrated at the carefree whim of wealthy, privileged boarding students. Johanne Louise Schmidt furthers the cast dynamic, playing the proactive new secretary Rose.

Arne Dahl: Europa Blues

Arne Dahl: Europa Blues

(SVT, 2012 / BBC, 2013) [subtitled]

TV poster: “Arne Dahl: Europa Blues” (SVT, 2012 / BBC, 2013) [subtitled]

A suitably grim and downbeat ending to the series. Again, one of A-group has an unlikely personal connection to the case—Arto Söderstedt (Niklas Åkerfelt) maxing out on harried lightbulb moments while events go to hell for everyone concerned, good or bad.

The Departed

The Departed

dir. Martin Scorsese (2006)

Film poster: “The Departed” dir. Martin Scorsese (2006)

A paragon of its genre, albeit with Matt Damon who is outshone not only by DiCaprio (nuanced and convincing) and Nicholson (borderline unhinged) but also by just about everyone else, including Conor Donovan in a few brief scenes as his younger self.

Derelict Space Sheep