Simon Morris
Movie review - Apollo 11
If you want to know why everyone on Earth walked a little taller, and felt a little braver and better on 20 July 1969, watch this spectacular documentary. Video, Audio
At the Movies for 4 September 2019
Simon Morris looks at three films that look back to 1969 - the year of the Moon landing, the Vietnam War, and the publication of that definitive gangster novel, The Godfather. Audio
Review - Angel has Fallen
Angel has fallen follows thrillers Olympus has fallen and London has fallen as Gerard Butler once again sets out to protect the President of the United States (Morgan Freeman). Audio
Review - 2040
2040 looks optimistically towards the future with some potential solutions to global warming. Directed by Damon Gameau (That sugar film.) Audio
Review - Blinded by the Light
Blinded by the light sees a young Asian British kid falling in love with the song-book of American star Bruce Springsteen. Audio
At The Movies for 28 August 2019
Simon Morris looks at three films whose fate doesn't simply depend on their quality - a movie relying on the hits of Bruce Springsteen, another documentary about the fate of the planet, and the third… Audio
Kākahu, levitation, Schoon, McCahon and Parkin: Standing Room Only on Sunday
This Sunday's art, culture and heritage radio show 12.30-4pm RNZ National
Coming up
Review - Support The Girls
Support the girls is a day in the life of a bunch of young female waitresses at a bar strongly reminiscent of the real-life Hooters chain. Stars Regina Hall (Girls Trip, Little) Audio
Review - Here Comes The Grump
Here comes the Grump is a remake of a forgotten TV series from the Sixties. Features the voice talent of Ian McShane and Lily Collins. Audio
Review - Hobbs and Shaw
Hobbs and Shaw features action stars Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, but they're in danger of having the film stolen from them by Idris Elba, Dame Helen Mirren and Vanessa Kirby (The Crown). Audio
At The Movies for 7 August 2019
Simon Morris wonders whether the current climate of "big titles, not big stars" always works. He looks at a new movie starring the two current biggest names in action thrillers, a minor children's… Audio
Alone again, naturally: Tahi Festival
It's the most cost-effective drama there is, and often the most riveting. Solo Performance - one person on stage for an hour or so with no visible support - has a noble tradition in New Zealand - from… Audio
Paul Cleave's gritty overseas crime story
Thriller writer Paul Cleave is one of our best-selling authors - responsible for even more fictional murders than fellow Cantabrian, whodunnit queen Dame Ngaio Marsh. But his latest - Whatever it… Audio
Dancing with a Stranger - Daniel James
Wellington mutlmedia artist Daniel James is the man behind what is being billed as a world-first, an interactive installation work merging dance, film and touchscreen technology. Debuting in… Audio, Gallery
Giving Hope in a Climate Emergency - Anthropozine.org
Art for earth's sake… the antropocene is the name for the current geological age, judged as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on our climate and environment. And… Audio
And the winner is.... The National Contemporary Art Award
Dunedin-based artist Ayesha Green has won the prestigious $25,000 National Contemporary Art Award for 2019 for a painting entitled Nana's Birthday (A Big Breath). New Zealand's National Contemporary… Audio
What price art and culture? Paying for museum admission in NZ
Who should pay? That's the question that continues to be asked of New Zealand's public museums and galleries, particularly by their councils. Wander in and take shelter with family or friends on a… Audio, Gallery
Museum admission charges, winners and solo shows: Standing Room Only Sunday 4 August
This week on your arts and culture radio show, 12.30pm to 4pm winners and going solo. We speak to the winner of the National Contemporary Art Award, have Billy T winner Kura Forrester on the Laugh…
Coming up
Review - The Kepper
The keeper tells the true story of Bert Trautmann, a German prisoner of war who became one of England's favourite footballers. Audio
Review - The Public
The Public features a standoff between the police and a group of homeless people staging a sit-in at the public library. Features Alec Baldwin, Jena Malone (The Hunger Games) and Emilio Estevez, who… Audio