Join Michelle, Helen and Tracy each week as we review a movie from a 'human' point of view. We delve into what they reveal to us about ourselves, others and the world we live in. We talk about how movies and the power of storytelling can be used as a tool for greater self awareness, growth and even change.

<![CDATA[Helen and Michelle interview French-Portuguese writer/director Ruben Alves about his acclaimed film 'MISS' starring Alexandre Wetter. Alves shares what inspired him to write this inspiring comedy-drama story and what challenges he experienced while making the film. He reveals how he came across Wetter and what pivotal moment made him certain he was to be lead actor. We talk about the diversity of the characters and how there is strength in our differences. We delve into what it means to feel accepted, by others but also by yourself. Alves shares the biggest message he would like audiences to take away from this film. 
MISS opens at Luna Leederville on Thursday, 30 September 2021.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen and Michelle sit down with French Director Ruben Alves to chat about his film Miss. 

MISS - Interview with director Ruben Alves

<![CDATA[Helen and Jacob discuss Ryan Reynold's latest action/comedy film: Free Guy. Shawn Levy takes the director's seat and delves into the world of MMORPGs with this cinematic perspective of the life of an online gamer. Reynolds plays the obliviously delighted Non-Playable Character - Guy - who spends the film searching for love and purpose in a world designed to prohibit him from having either. As the two talk about the film, they realise just how much deeper the themes and messages of the film go. The two come to a revelation that this seemingly one-note comedy film packs just a bit more of a philosophical punch. Nevertheless, both Helen and Jacob reveal what they found heartfelt, hilarious, and hard to appreciate about the newest blockbuster attempting to tackle the world of gaming.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen and Jacob discuss Ryan Reynold's latest action/comedy film: Free Guy. Shawn Levy takes the director's seat and delves into the world of MMORPGs with this cinematic perspective of the life of an online gamer. Reynolds plays the obliviously delighted Non-Playable Character - Guy - who spends the film searching for love and purpose in a world designed to prohibit him from having either. As the two talk about the film, they realise just how much deeper the themes and messages of the film go. The two come to a revelation that this seemingly one-note comedy film packs just a bit more of a philosophical punch. Nevertheless, both Helen and Jacob reveal what they found heartfelt, hilarious, and hard to appreciate about the newest blockbuster attempting to tackle the world of gaming.

FREE GUY

<![CDATA[Helen and Jacob draw arms for a fierce debate over either the years best or worst superhero movie. Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn, helms a stylistic and action-packed feature for DC, featuring another ensemble cast of unique and colourful characters who must learn to set aside their ideologies and differences and work together for the greater good. Helen discusses why she preferred the first film much more than this one, and Jacob reveals why he believed the movie was 'made for him'. We discuss the dangers of limiting the target audience to select groups. We also speculate on why this film performed poorly, despite receiving a generally-high critical reception. We also delve into Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, and her transformation over the past few films, which demonstrate how self-care will always be important and necessary for you to start taking care of others. All in all, The Suicide Squad is an example of how the perspectives and interests of select groups dramatically alter the reception of a film so independent from the masses.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen and Jacob draw arms for a fierce debate over either the years best or worst superhero movie. Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn, helms a stylistic and action-packed feature for DC, featuring another ensemble cast of unique and colourful characters who must learn to set aside their ideologies and differences and work together for the greater good. Helen discusses why she preferred the first film much more than this one, and Jacob reveals why he believed the movie was 'made for him'. We discuss the dangers of limiting the target audience to select groups. We also speculate on why this film performed poorly, despite receiving a generally-high critical reception. We also delve into Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, and her transformation over the past few films, which demonstrate how self-care will always be important and necessary for you to start taking care of others. All in all, The Suicide Squad is an example of how the perspectives and interests of select groups dramatically alter the reception of a film so independent from the masses.

THE SUICIDE SQUAD

<![CDATA[Helen and Michelle review this Oscar-winning South African Netflix documentary, exploring it's unique perspective on the humble octopus and our connection to the ocean world.Michelle reveals what in the film made her laugh out loud and Helen admires Craig Foster's commitment.We talk about how doing what you love breeds passion and at times, obsession. Helen reminds us that trust is earned over time. We discuss vulnerability and being open to receive good things in life.Michelle links the inequality in humans with our poor treatment of the environment and animals. Michelle shares why she loved that the octopus was female. Helen uncovers what this profound relationship between man and octopus says about the universal language of love. Michelle comments on what this movie meant to her about loss.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen and Michelle review this Oscar-winning South African Netflix documentary, exploring it's unique perspective on the humble octopus and our connection to the ocean world.

MY OCTOPUS TEACHER – Oceans & Openness

<![CDATA[Ann, Michelle and Paromita return to review black comedy thriller, written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carey Mulligan. Ann raves about the musical score while Paromita isn't sold on the lead character's motivations. We debate whether Carey Mulligan was right for the role, digging into the controversial comments made by a journalist. Was she hot enough? Ann points out the topic of Power in the movie and Paromita thinks the movie trivialises the realities of assault. We talk about the role of cinema in shedding light on important and serious topics. We discuss about the relationship between choice, responsibility and consent. Paromita shares her experiences teaching her sons about consent.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Ann, Michelle and Paromita return to review black comedy thriller, written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carey Mulligan. Ann raves about the musical score while Paromita isn't sold on the lead character's motivations. We debate whether Carey Mulligan was right for the role, digging into the controversial comments made by a journalist. Was she hot enough? Ann points out the topic of Power in the movie and Paromita thinks the movie trivialises the realities of assault. We talk about the role of cinema in shedding light on important and serious topics. We discuss about the relationship between choice, responsibility and consent. Paromita shares her experiences teaching her sons about consent.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN - Hot Topics and ‘Hot Enough'

<![CDATA[Helen and Michelle return to review this semi-biographical, critically acclaimed drama film. We share our opinion whether the HFPA was right to include it in the foreign language film category for the Golden Globe nominations, despite being an American production. We reflect on our own unique experiences as children of migrant parents, comparing it to the story of the Korean-American family depicted in the film. We comment on the differences between our dreams and those of our migrant parents and how we balance our cultural heritage with calling Australia home. We explore the symbolic meaning behind the movie's title, for the director Lee Isaac Chung but also to us personally.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen and Michelle return to review this semi-biographical, critically acclaimed drama film. We share our opinion whether the HFPA was right to include it in the foreign language film category for the Golden Globe nominations, despite being an American production.  We reflect on our own unique experiences as children of migrant parents, comparing it to the story of the Korean-American family depicted in the film. We comment on the differences between our dreams and those of our migrant parents and how we balance our cultural heritage with calling Australia home. We explore the symbolic meaning behind the movie's title, for the director Lee Isaac Chung but also to us personally.

MINARI - Family & First Generation

<![CDATA[Michelle, Paromita and Tracy review "The Father" starring Academy award winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins. Paromita opens up on how she related to the story of an ageing father a deeply emotional level, sharing her experiences being separated from her father due to COVID-19. We rate the efforts of first time director Florian Zeller and his ability to portray first-hand experience of dementia. We talk about the unconditional love we have for family and the special bond between fathers and daughters. We discuss the balancing-act of looking after ageing parents and unpack the film's jarring ending. We connect over the universal themes highlighted by the movie, including recognising our mortality and choosing to appreciate our loved ones.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Michelle, Paromita and Tracy review "The Father" starring Academy award winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins.

THE FATHER - Family First Hand

<![CDATA[Helen, Jacob and Michelle review this 1940's biographical drama about jazz singer Billie Holliday, starring Golden Globe winning actress Andra Day. We sing the praises of Andra's performance, commitment and transformation for her debut-acting role. Jacob explains why he's ok with calling people 'complicated' and shares which scene he appreciated the most, creatively speaking. We disagree on whether the movie was slow and talk about 'those abs.' We connect with Andra's human fear of failure and the universality of addiction. We talk about the persistence, courage and resilience that resided within Billie, that also resides within all of us.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen, Jacob and Michelle review this 1940's biographical drama about jazz singer Billie Holliday, starring Golden Globe winning actress Andra Day. We sing the praises of Andra's performance, commitment and transformation for her debut-acting role. Jacob explains why he's ok with calling people 'complicated' and shares which scene he appreciated the most, creatively speaking. We disagree on whether the movie was slow and talk about 'those abs.' We connect with Andra's human fear of failure and the universality of addiction. We talk about the persistence, courage and resilience that resided within Billie, that also resides within all of us.

The United States Vs. Billie Holiday - Courage and Commitment

<![CDATA[Michelle and Tracy lighten the mood, reviewing funny woman Melissa McCarthy's latest collaboration with her director husband Ben Falcone. Tracy reveals why she needed this movie in her life while Michelle has a bone to pick with Falcone. We speculate on why the husband-and-wife's movies have rated so poorly and consider why Melissa continues to make movies with Falcone in spite of this. We talk about the dynamic between the two romantic leads and what it says about dating in real life. We reflect on women's insecurities in relationships and how the power dynamic between men and women is changing. We lament our love-hate relationship with apps and our need for technology 'lock downs.' We talk about how to have the material things while maintaining happiness. Tracy shares a simple exercise you can do to be happier everyday.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Reviewing funny woman Melissa McCarthy's latest collaboration with her director husband Ben Falcone. Tracy reveals why she needed this movie in her life while Michelle has a bone to pick with Falcone.

SUPERINTELLIGENCE - Super funny or Super flop?

<![CDATA[Jacob, Michelle and Tracy review Aaron Sorkin's latest film, starring a talented ensemble cast including Sacha Baron Cohen and Eddie Redmayne. We rate Sacha's performance in his departure from comedy while Michelle shouts out his afro. Tracy reveals her soft side, explaining why certain scenes hit affect her the most despite her clinical profession as a counsellor. Jacob critiques one particular scene from a filmmaking perspective. Michelle questions whether there were enough strong female characters in the movie. We talk about balancing the mind and the emotions to make change. We discuss biases and how they create self-fulfilling prophecies, sharing what we can do as a society instead.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Reviewing Aaron Sorkin's latest film, starring a talented ensemble cast including Sacha Baron Cohen and Eddie Redmayne.

THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO SEVEN - Revolution Realness

<![CDATA[Tracy and Jacob review David Fincher's 2020 feature film, Mank, discussing the positives and negatives of its subtle storytelling style. We share our take on the production design, costuming, and music, and how they build the world of 1930s Hollywood. We also comment on the psychology of the characters represented, and the use of the Johari window in explaining the relationships between Mank and his companions. We then also discuss whether or not one should have to use the internet to gain context on a film before watching it.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

We share our take on the production design, costuming, and music, and how they build the world of 1930s Hollywood.

David Fincher's 2020 feature film, Mank

<![CDATA[Helen, Jacob and Michelle recap the 93rd Academy Awards, sharing their opinion on this year’s new and ‘socially-distanced’ production format this year. We share our take on the Anthony Hopkins/Chadwick Boseman controversy, weighing-in on whether Boseman should have taken the award for Best Actor and ‘that ending.’ We highlight our favourite moments from the show and comment on this year’s winners and ‘losers’. We speculate on why this year was the least watched Oscars and what it would take to make the Oscars more relevant going forward.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

recap the 93rd Academy Awards, sharing their opinion on this year’s new and ‘socially-distanced’ production format this year.

OSCARS 2021 RECAP

<![CDATA[Helen, Michelle and Tracy review the critically acclaimed, multi-award nominated drama film NOMADLAND, starring Frances McDormand and written, directed and edited by Chloe Zhao. We rate the performances of the non-actors in the film and Michelle gushes over the character played by David Strathairn. Helen points out why the award nominations were well-deserved yet Tracy explains why she disagrees with the critics. Tracy reveals which character’s struggle touched her on a personal level and which scene reminded her of her love for South Western Australia. Helen recollects which scene reminded her to embrace the present moment. Michelle comments on when “what’s good for the gander ‘isn’t’ good for the goose and the ultimate cost of fierce independence. Michelle describes the appeal of the nomad lifestyle for her and many others who chose that way of life. Michelle tells of her observations of inequality whilst living in the United States as Tracy points out that the ‘houseless’ problem exists in plain sight in Australia too.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

We rate the performances of the non-actors in the film and Michelle gushes over the character played by David Strathairn.

NOMADLAND - Outstanding or Overrated?

<![CDATA[Helen, Michelle and Tracy unpack the emotionally-loaded Netflix movie 'Pieces of a Woman' starring Academy-award and Golden Globe nominated actress Vanessa Kirby and Shia LeBeouf.Tracy points out the paradox of life and death raised in the movie and we share our opinion on the infamous, graphic opening scene. Helen talks about the symbolism of key items in the movie and we reflect on the common saying of 'time heals all wounds.' Tracy explores the process of grieving, opening up about her personal experience with grief and her journey to healing. We disagree on how connected we felt to the characters in the film. Tracy informs us of the unhelpful practise that stunts the healing of grief in real life. Michelle shares how she buried her grief and what it took to turn it around. Helen shares a confronting, unexpected moment in a past pregnancy that gave her empathy for the characters. Michelle gives a surprising rating for the film.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen, Michelle and Tracy unpack the emotionally-loaded Netflix movie 'Pieces of a Woman' starring Academy-award and Golden Globe nominated actress Vanessa Kirby and Shia LeBeouf.

PIECES OF A WOMAN: Grief &amp; Healing

<![CDATA[Jacob, Michelle and Paromita passionately discuss the latest instalment in the Wonder Woman series "Wonder Woman 1984" starring Gal Gadot and written/directed by Patty Jenkins. Paromita and Jacob detail what specifically went wrong in the film's story telling, while Michelle rates the chemistry between Wonder Woman and her love interest. Michelle and Paromita disagree on whether female Superheros need to look perfect and Jacob raises the question on whether superheroes need to be sexualised in movies. Paromita shares her problem with the original Wonder Woman comic character and Michelle parallels a major concept of the movie with the pursuit of her dream body. Jacob reveals the cliche yet profound concept he took away from the 'forgettable' movie. We ponder what modern superhero characters need in order to inspire the next generation of women.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Jacob detail what specifically went wrong in the film's story telling, while Michelle rates the chemistry between Wonder Woman and her love interest. 

WONDER WOMAN 1984: Femininity and Superhero Short Cuts

<![CDATA[Michelle Jombwe, Tracy and special guest, Indian-born Paromita review Netflix's "The White Tiger" starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao and relative newcomer, Adarsh Gourav. Tracy reveals which scene in this Academy Award-nominated screenplay shocked her the most. Paromita talks about the misrepresentation of India in cinema and shares a deeply personal story from growing up in India. Tracy and Paromita disagree on whether the protagonist had mental health issues. The ladies discuss the barriers to overcoming poverty and what part society plays for enabling it.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Michelle Jombwe, Tracy and special guest, Indian-born Paromita review Netflix's "The White Tiger" starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao  and relative newcomer, Adarsh Gourav. Tracy reveals which scene in this Academy Award-nominated screenplay shocked her the most. Paromita talks about the misrepresentation of India in cinema and shares a deeply personal story from growing up in India. Tracy and Paromita disagree on whether the protagonist had mental health issues. The ladies discuss the barriers to overcoming poverty and what part society plays for enabling it.

THE WHITE TIGER: Survival, Morality &amp; Personality Disorders

<![CDATA[Helen Vogiatzakis, Michelle Jombwe and special guest Jacob review sci-fi rom-com "Palm Springs" starring "Brooklyn 99"'s Andy Samberg. Jacob shares his thoughts on the played-out time loop concept. Helen reveals what in the movie triggered her angst as a mum of teenagers. Michelle uncovers the most important question to ask when searching for a life partner. We debate whether you need to know someone's past to fall in love. Helen reflects on how you know whether to change or settle in life.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Helen Vogiatzakis, Michelle Jombwe and special guest Jacob review sci-fi rom-com "Palm Springs" starring "Brooklyn 99"'s Andy Samberg. Jacob shares his thoughts on the played-out time loop concept. Helen reveals what in the movie triggered her angst as a mum of teenagers. Michelle uncovers the most important question to ask when searching for a life partner. We debate whether you need to know someone's past to fall in love. Helen reflects on how you know whether to change or settle in life.

PALM SPRINGS - Vulnerability and Time Loops

<![CDATA[Michelle Jombwe, Helen and Tracy review "The Sound of Metal" starring Golden Globe nominated Riz Ahmed as well as Olivia Cooke.We comment on the films sound design and contemplate our inner metal head (hint: a work in progress!) Tracy points out co-dependent relationships and Michelle thinks she should stop projecting onto her partner. Helen reveals the most difficult angle for an actor to play. Tracy breaks down why we feel lonely in a technophile world and we ponder the 'real' reason children tug at our heartstrings in movies. Michelle opens up about how mindset saved her life in a dark time.Join our facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Michelle Jombwe, Helen and Tracy review "The Sound of Metal" starring Golden Globe nominated Riz Ahmed as well as Olivia Cooke.

THE SOUND OF METAL: Mindfulness and Mindset

<![CDATA[Michelle Jombwe, Tracy and special guest co-host Jacob Dyer review Golden Globe winning animation film, "Soul" starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey.Tracy breaks down the psychological concept of "existentialism" and reveals why animation isn't her thing. We explore whether race matters in voice acting.Michelle opens up on how perfectionism has affected her life and Jacob shares a small yet powerful moment he had that day. We talk about how to add 'spark' to the repetitiveness of 9to5 life.Jacob points out how the film challenges the 'positivity' status quo and Tracy declares which part drove her psychological-brain insane! Michelle shares an epiphany that changed her life. Join the private Facebook group here:<a title="My Life As A Movie FB" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/417719269303071</a>]]>

Michelle Jombwe, Tracy and special guest co-host Jacob Dyer review Golden Globe winning animation film, 'Soul' starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey.

SOUL: Golden Globes and Existentialism

<![CDATA[In this pilot episode, Helen, Michelle and Tracy dive into Tom Hank’s latest release, western-drama film ‘News of the World.’ They share their views on the on-screen chemistry between Hanks and child-actor newcomer, Helena Zengel. Helen confesses she’s not an outdoorsy person and Tracy reveals how the animal scenes in the film affected her. Tracy speaks on the power of non-verbal communication, in acting and in life. The ladies discuss debate whether the movie was too slow and Michelle laments on the lack of diversity in period films. They discuss Hank’s ‘good guy’ image and the depth of his characters. Michelle imagines a world where different cultures come together by communicating effectively. Helen raises how the film exposes problems with the news today. They share what ‘home’ and ‘family’ really mean.]]>

In this pilot episode, Helen, Michelle and Tracy dive into Tom Hank’s latest release, western-drama film ‘News of the World.’

News of the World

Join Michelle, Helen and Tracy each week as we review a movie from a 'human' point of view. We delve into what they reveal to us about ourselves, others and the world we live in.

My Life As A Movie

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