A Movie for Every Kind of Date You Might Have This Summer in Brisbane

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Brisbanites, it's time to make plans. Sunset Cinema is back for a huge month and a half of movies, and you've got plenty to see. Fancy a romantic evening under the stars with your special someone? A relaxed hangout with the gang? A night of family fun with the littlies? That's the joy of heading to an outdoor cinema — there's truly something for all.

Screening at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens from Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, April 13, this year's Sunset Cinema delivers all of the essentials. Those beanbags aren't going to get cosy by themselves — and those bubbles and brews aren't going to drink themselves either. All that's left is for you to pick the right flick and make a stress-free night of it. From all-ages delights to date night picks to films made for watching with friends, here are your next four nights at the movies sorted.

MATES NIGHT: A STAR IS BORN

Just when you thought that Lady Gaga had done everything that she possibly could, she sheds her over-the-top persona and becomes a star — again. Playing a waitress who's thrust into stardom after a chance encounter with Bradley Cooper's booze-soaked rocker, her performance in A Star Is Born remains a revelation. It's not her first stint in front of the camera by any means, but it is her most powerful and affecting. Those two words also describe this tale of love, fame and the cost of both, which marks the fourth time a flick of this name has told this story. As for Cooper, he turns in his best work in years in front of the camera, while also stepping behind it to make his directorial debut. Be prepared to belt out Shallow with your mates for the rest of summer.

Showing: Saturday, March 16 and Wednesday, April 3

FRIEND DATE: CAPTAIN MARVEL

It took 21 movies and more than a decade, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe finally has its first flick that solely focuses on a female superhero. Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) has plenty of company in the film that shares her moniker — particularly Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury — but this is the popular kick-ass character's time to shine. If you need some backstory, that's what the movie is all about, setting its action in 1995 in a time long before a lot of MCU's antics (and, yes, long before the events of Avengers: Infinity War and its forthcoming sequel). As ex-US Air Force fighter pilot Carol Danvers becomes the titular hero, she just has to casually save the world, as you do, in an all-star affair that also features Jude Law, Annette Bening, existing MCU members Clark Gregg and Lee Pace, and Australia's own Ben Mendelsohn (as a villain, naturally).

Showing: Saturday, April 13

DATE NIGHT: INSTANT FAMILY

Rose Byrne, Mark Wahlberg and a trio of kids. That's Instant Family. When thirty-something couple Ellie and Pete Wagner start taking comments about their childless lives to heart, they also start thinking about helping kids in need — however, becoming a foster parent isn't as easy as it sounds. Drawn from the real life of Daddy's Home director Sean Anders, a foster parent himself, this broad comedy charts the ups and downs of suddenly caring for three tykes — and benefits from being made by someone who's been there and done that. It also lets Aussie star Byrne show off her comedic talents once again, so if you loved her work in Bridesmaids and Bad Neighbours and its sequel, you'll love her here as well.

Showing: Saturday, March 9

FAMILY NIGHT: MARY POPPINS RETURNS

More than five decades ago, a spoonful of sugar helped the medicine go down — and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was a word to sing about. Now, it's time to trip a little light fantastic and remember that a cover is not the book. Yes, Mary Poppins is back, as played by a pitch-perfect Emily Blunt, and cinema is all the better for it. If you grew up watching the 1964 classic, this is a nostalgic blast from the past that still manages to enchant on its own merits. If you're introducing a whole new generation to the magical nanny who floats in on an umbrella, croons about stuff and nonsense, and teaches engaging life lessons, prepare to watch their faces light up with joy.

Showing: Friday, March 15 and Friday, April 12

Sunset Cinema will take over Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens from Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, April 13. Check out the full film program and book tickets here.