Don't work at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. That's the message at the heart of video-game franchise Five Nights at Freddy's, and has been since 2014. The folks earning a paycheque at the fictional joint, particularly the unlucky night-time employees, tend to get some rather unpleasant company: the restaurant's animatronic animal mascots turning murderous. In the button-mashing space, the concept has unsurprisingly proven a hit. So far, nine games have brandished the Five Nights at Freddy's name in the franchise's main series, plus a range of spinoffs. Next, however, it'll be cinemas that are splashing that moniker around. Joining The Super Mario Bros Movie and Gran Turismo among 2023's big-screen game-to-film releases, a feature version of Five Nights at Freddy will hit picture palaces in October. Josh Hutcherson (The Disaster Artist), Matthew Lillard (Good Girls), demonic robots: they're all in the just-dropped full trailer for movie take on the horror favourite. Hutcherson plays a security guard clocking in for this first night on the job, then discovering what's really in store. And those animatronics Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy? They're courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Also appearing on-screen are Elizabeth Lail (You), Piper Rubio (Unstable), Kat Conner Sterling (We Have a Ghost) and Mary Stuart Masterson (Blindspot). Putting Scream star Matthew Lillard in any horror movie is always a nice touch, too. Emma Tammi (The Wind) directs, while prolific horror producer Jason Blum is behind the movie via his company Blumhouse, adding it to a roster that's also given us The Black Phone, Freaky, Black Christmas, the Happy Death Day flicks and the most recent Halloween trilogy in the past few years. And, yes, Blumhouse just brought M3GAN our way as well, because 2023 is clearly the year of the unhinged machines. Also, Willy's Wonderland riffed on the same concept a few years back, if you're not a gamer and you're wondering why the concept sounds familiar. That movie's highlight: starring the one and only Nicolas Cage. Check out the trailer for Five Nights at Freddy's below: Five Nights at Freddy's releases in cinemas Down Under on October 26.
If you're not fond of clowns, find yourself scurrying past sewers and simply can't stand red balloons, there's probably one big reason for your phobias. Maybe you read Stephen King's horror tome IT, which first hit bookshelves back in 1986. Perhaps you saw the 1990 miniseries, which turned Tim Curry from The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Frank N Furter into the transdimensional evil entity known as Pennywise. In 2017, you might've seen the IT movie on the big screen, too, then backed it up in 2019 with sequel IT: Chapter Two. Whichever fits, your fears are about to get another workout — via your streaming queue, and if you dare. HBO has officially greenlit a prequel series set in the world of IT, and in King's go-to town of Derry, Maine. Fittingly called Welcome to Derry, it'll step through the locale's scares before the terror that viewers have already seen and experienced. Returning to oversee the show is filmmaker Andy Muschietti, who helmed the most recent two movies and next directs DC Extended Universe flick The Flash. So far, the rest of the details are scare, including the exact storyline, all cast members, when it'll arrive and how many episodes there are to look forward to. But Muschietti will direct multiple instalments, including the first. Also, the show is still based on King's novel, and will expand Muschietti's vision from his two features. "As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King's IT until the thick paperback fell to pieces," said Muschietti and his sister Barbara Muschietti, who'll also work on Welcome to Derry, announcing the news. "IT is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our IT movies. We can't wait to share the depths of Steve's novel, in all its heart, humour, humanity and horror." "I'm excited that the story of Derry, Maine's most haunted city, is continuing, and I'm glad Andy Muschietti is going to be overseeing the frightening festivities, along with a brain trust including his talented sister, Barbara. Red balloons all around!" added King. If you've somehow missed all things IT so far, it follows the exploits of maniacal clown Pennywise, as well as the folks he's rather fond of terrorising. In the recent movies, Bill Skarsgård (Barbarian) put on the demonic makeup. In the first film, his targets were all kids. In the second, those teens — the Losers Club — were all grown up and still getting spooked. It's too early for a Welcome to Derry trailer, but you can watch the IT and IT: Chapter Two trailers below: Welcome to Derry doesn't yet have a release date, including Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
As any destination-hopping traveller knows, actually jumping between multiple locations isn't as fun as it sounds. Sure, visiting as many places as you can in a single trip is great, but the minutiae of moving between stopovers is far less exciting. Think complicated itineraries scheduled down to the last second, too many airport waits, and continually packing and unpacking your suitcase — you're exhausted just reading about it, aren't you? Inspired by Elon Musk's proposed high-speed, compressed air-powered transport system, the Hyperloop Hotel aims to take the hassle out of multi-destination trips by turning hotel rooms into a form of travel. Designed by University of Nevada graduate architecture student Brandan Siebrecht, and winning the student category at this year's Radical Innovation Award, the concept uses Musk's Hyperloop to move modular suites between 13 US destinations. Siebrecht's proposal relies upon shipping containers turned into hotel rooms, that can then easily undock from base sites in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Seattle and Washington, DC. Each suite would be fully customisable, featuring spaces for sleeping, bathing and living, while the permanent structures in each city would boast the usual on-site hotel amenities. With the Hyperloop currently in the testing phase — and mooted to become operational as early as 2018 — Siebrecht believes it could be as little as five years until his idea becomes feasible. Unsurprisingly, however, it won't come cheap. He has floated a cost of US$8-10 million per hotel, and suggested US$1200 per person for travel and a one-night stay. And as for just how long you'd spend in transit, the system Musk describes as a "cross between a Concorde and a railgun and an air hockey table" will reportedly cut travel time down considerably. In the US, it has been suggested that the trek from LA to San Francisco would take just 35 minutes. In Australia, apparently zipping from Sydney to Melbourne could happen in a mere 55 minutes. Via Live Science / Inhabitat. Image: Radical Innovation Award.
We've spent heaps of time curating exclusive holiday packages for Concrete Playground Trips, but we're especially proud of this one. We teamed up with some of Auckland's biggest players in the food, music and culture scenes to bring you one epic luxury holiday experience in November. Guests will get VIP tickets to Spring City Music Festival headlined by Groove Armada, a one-of-a-kind private sommelier and chef lunch at Ahi Restaurant and a spectacular helicopter ride to Waiheke Island where you'll choose to do some gin or wine tastings. You have all these unique experiences organised for you as well as three nights at the five-star The Hotel Britomart on Auckland's harbour. 'Epic' only begins to describe this trip — and that's why numbers for this package are extremely limited. Read on to see why you should make your way to Auckland on November 26. SPRING CITY VIP ZONE Spring City Music Festival hits Auckland on Saturday, November 26. If you book our exclusive package on Concrete Playground Trips, you'll get express lane access into the festival, entry into the Spring City VIP tent, prime viewing to make the most of the festival, as well as access to the VIP bar. No lines, no portaloos and no crowds to navigate. This is a festival done differently. This year, for the festival's return, legendary dance music duo Groove Armada are headlining. You'll have the best reserved standing room to hear fan favourites like "Superstylin" and "At The River" and "Easy". There'll be plenty of other artists at Spring City too, with key performers still to be announced. CHARTERED HELICOPTER WINE OR GIN TASTING After a day of dancing, you'll head off on a helicopter ride across the scenic Hauraki Gulf. Once you've taken in these stunning surrounds, you'll touch down and be taken to your choice of locations – either a winery or gin distillery (choose your own adventure). Those who choose vino will be guided through the olive grove, down to the grape vines, for a unique tasting experience of the finest cabernet blends with the winemaker at Stonyridge Vineyard. You'll then dig into a delicious two-course lunch paired with wine at the restaurant overlooking the vines. Gin lovers are in for a real treat, too. You'll head to Waiheke Distilling Company to enjoy a bespoke distillery tour where you'll have the opportunity to learn, taste and explore Waiheke's hand-crafted spirits. Sample a range of internationally award-winning gins and vodkas, from the classic to the contemporary, with fresh botanicals being paramount. Top it all off with a delectable two-course lunch paired with wine at the cellar door. Both options are fab. Just choose your booze. AHI PRIVATE SOMMELIER AND CHEF LUNCH But wait, there's more. When creating this trip, we could think of no better restaurant to send you to than the famous Ahi. If you've seen A New Zealand Food Story then you'll already know the backstory behind the new downtown eatery. The eight-part online series follows acclaimed chef Ben Bayly and his team as they set out to discover what local cuisine is all about and where our produce comes from – the end goal being to create a truly unique New Zealand restaurant. And he did just that. The team serves up creative dishes with a strong sustainability ethos each and every day. And you are lucky enough to get a table for lunch. But it ain't just any table – we've reserved the best seats in the house. Expect a kitchen counter experience, with high stools perched right over the chefs working their magic. Indulge in a premium lunch tasting menu alongside world-class matched wines — all carefully selected and created to showcase the best of New Zealand's gourmet offerings. New Zealand's incredible gastronomy will be on full display. ACCOMMODATION We are also putting you up in The Hotel Britomart for three nights. This five-star hotel is one of New Zealand's finest accommodations, with the added bonus of being incredibly sustainable (it is New Zealand's only 5-Green Star hotel). Each of the 99 rooms is designed for tranquil escapism. Think of The Hotel Britomart like an opulent city retreat, lined in natural and sustainably sourced timber. Guest rooms all come with in-built sofas, hand-made ceramics and minibars full of locally sourced treats. Attention to detail is on point. It's the perfect place to return to, following day after day of extraordinary holiday experiences. Book your tickets now, by visiting Concrete Playground Trips.
There's no wrong way to visit a winery, whether you choose to participate in a boozy fun run within the grounds, cycle between a couple of wine-slinging spots, or simply stop by for a few hours, taste some tipples and make a few purchase. Or, you can stay for the night, which isn't a new concept — but one South Australian vineyard is letting folks sleep right next to the vines in a luxury pod. Wineries from Queensland to Victoria boast glamping facilities; however The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale now has an Escapod. As the name suggests, it's all about escaping from the hustle and bustle, which is definitely on the agenda in what's essentially a luxury detached cabin right in the heart of the vineyard. Measuring 72 square metres, the pre-fab structure includes an open-plan dining and lounge room, a king-sized bed, an open fire and two small external decks, plus a fully functioning kitchen, a separate bathroom and a storage room. On the mod cons front, it also has the requisite appliances, under-floor heating, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, and automated blinds — although you'll want to keep them open to enjoy the vineyard views. Furthermore, the pod can be connected to the main power or can go off the grid via a solar power battery, rainwater tanks and a wastewater treatment system. Built off-site then brought to the winery, the Escapod can also be moved again in the future if needed. It'll be available for bookings from September — and it's one of two pods destined for the McLaren Vale spot, although just when the second will arrive is yet to be determined. If the pod has you planning a boozy getaway, there's some other good news — more are planned. In total, Escapod is hoping to roll out 20 pods across South Australian sites across the next year. Find the first Escapod at The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale, 165 Whitings Road, Blewitt Springs. Visit the retreat website for further details. Via The Lead. Images: The Vineyard Retreat / Escapod.
Even though any Apple smartphone you've ever owned has struggled to survive more than a couple of years, the iPhone itself has just clocked up a whole decade. And Apple marked the occasion in style, launching three new phones, a new Apple watch and a 4K Apple TV, at the new Steve Jobs Theatre in California overnight. First up was the Apple 8 and its 8 Plus counterpart — which are the updates to the iPhone 7. They're pretty impressive, but it's the hotly anticipated iPhone X that breaks new ground — and it's this one that people have been itching to take a squiz at. Apple's calling this little beauty "the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone", claiming it'll "set the path for technology for the next decade". Of course, it doesn't come without its share of cringe-worthy factors. For starters, it's supposedly pronounced 'iPhone ten' which seems a bit contrived. It also comes with a pretty hefty price tag, set to retail at a cool $1579 here in Australia. But it's got some features that might make the cost justified — here's what you need to know. IT'S A TOUGH LITTLE COOKIE Like the iPhone 7 and 8 before it, the iPhone X makes poolside anxiety a thing of the past — it's water and dust resistant, even to a microscopic level. It should also be pretty darn tough, given Apple's used the most durable glass you've ever seen in a smartphone, along with surgical grade stainless steel along the edge. IT'S ALL SCREEN And it's huge. We're talking about a 5.8-inch display that runs from side to side and top to bottom, right into the curves. It's also got the highest resolution of any iPhone ever, clocking in at 2436 x 1125, or 458 pixels per inch. Throw in HDR capabilities and True Tone light sensor technology and you've got yourself some next-level video-viewing. THE HOME BUTTON IS HISTORY Of course, that mega-sized, edge-to-edge screen means the home button has finally been axed. Instead, you'll get to the home screen by simply swiping up from the bottom and move between apps by swiping along the base of the screen. Chat to your old mate Siri by just speaking into your phone, or holding down the new, larger side button. IT CAN RECOGNISE YOUR FACE No joke — we've officially entered an era where facial recognition technology exists on your phone. The iPhone X has ditched the old Touch ID fingerprint system, instead using a new state-of-the-art True Depth Camera System and neural engine to scan and detect your mug, even in the dark. After you set it up to recognise your unique facial map, you'll be able to unlock the screen simply by looking at it. Apple even reckons the technology is smart enough to adapt as your face changes over time. FACE ID MEANS YOU'LL BE ABLE TO BECOME AN EMOJI Namely, access to a bunch of augmented reality experiences. Apple's already teamed up with Snapchat on a special series of filters that'll fit perfectly to your own face, using your iPhone's facial scanning technology. The company's also taken its emoji game to new heights, allowing you to customise animated emojis to your own facial expressions, then send them on to your mates as looping videos. IT NOW CHARGES WIRELESSLY First they got rid of the headphone jack (no, it hasn't made a comeback) and Apple are reducing your need for tangled cords even further. Instead of plugging your phone in to charge, you'll be able to place it on an AirPower mat, which will also be able to charge the Apple Watch and AirPods. Of course, you'll have to buy this separately (and it's not available until next year), but Apple's aim is to eventually have the mats readily available in public places like airports, hotels and cafes. The iPhone 7 will be available to order from October 27 and to buy from November 3, right here.
We don't know what you have to do to be considered a 'beach expert', but after Australia's best beaches were revealed this week, we're sure we need to become one. The 2018 list details 101 of the country's most stunning beaches, but the one that's come out on top isn't Bondi or Jervis Bay — it's Nudey Beach. So where the bloody hell is that? It's located on Fitzroy Island, just off the far north Queensland coast. Now, the 'best' beach is obviously a hard one to quantify, but Brad Farmer has done a pretty thorough research job. He's the aforementioned beach expert, and for the release of the 2018 edition of 101 Best Beaches he visited, documented and rated a whole heap of beaches alongside coastal geomorphologist Professor Andy Short, who has personally visited every single beach in Oz (there's 11,761 of them, by the way). Eventually the pair landed on the tropical Nudey as number one. It's obviously insanely beautiful, and the pair have noted it as the best beach of them all due to its surrounding lush rainforest and views of the Cairns hinterland. Plus, for somewhere so special and secluded, it's super accessible — you can get there in 45 minutes on a catamaran from Cairns. Other top beaches are ones you probably haven't heard too much about either — Horrocks Beach north of Perth in WA, Dreamtime Beach at Tweed Heads on the NSW–Queensland border and Dolly Beach on Christmas Island all make the list. Tourist spots Burleigh Heads and Tassie's Bay of Fires get a look in as well. Have a look at the top ten below. BRAD FARMER'S BEST BEACHES IN AUSTRALIA 2018 Nudey Beach, Far North Queensland Horrocks Beach, WA Dreamtime Beach, NSW Cossies Beach, Cocos Keeling Islands Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland Seal Rocks, NSW Bay of Fires, Tasmania Quobba, Red Bluff, WA Dolly Beach, Christmas Island Second Valley, SA Neds Beach, Lord Howe Island Image: Chris McLennan/Tourism and Events Queensland.
In an ideal world, every single item necessary to living out of a carry bag would be slimline. So far, mobile devices have it well sorted. But between keys, water bottles and sundry accessories, it's way too easy for everything else to turn into the kind of mad jumble that'd give Detective Scott Turner a heart attack (yep, look 'im up). Instead of moaning about it, an Aussie-US collaboration has decided to take action — on at least one front. They’ve redesigned the water bottle and come up with a slimline, reusable version: the memobottle. Inspired by paper, it’s a rectangular vessel that slides into your carry bag, right next to your laptop or tablet, with such efficiency and style that you hardly notice it’s there. The memobottle team is hoping to revolutionise personal convenience while giving environmental protection a leg-up. Last year alone, more than 50 billion single-use bottles were sold across the planet. In the US, 1,500 or so of them are used and thrown out every second. One of the reasons for this insane waste, according to memobottle’s Kickstarter campaign, is that regular bottles are such a hassle to carry around. But this new invention changes all that. It's made of BPA-free Tritan, which is resilient, durable and dishwasher-friendly. Three sizes – A5, A4 and Letter – are available, allowing you to choose one to fit your bag (and hydration needs). Plus, whether it’s lying flat or standing up, the memobottle is leak-proof. So far, the innovation definitely seems to be hitting the right spot. With five days to go, the Kickstarter campaign has seen more than 5,500 supporters pledge over $232,000 — that’s fifteen times the initial target goal. Via Fast Company.
Rapidly developing technology sees damn great inventions pop up week after week — namely Snapchat’s scary new filters and this killer whale submarine that’ll set you back a cheeky 100k. The flipside of such speedy development comes when all those fully-functional, expensive devices suddenly become clunky and incompatible with new phones and laptops. But Google's come up with a nifty way to make old technology relevant again, your old Bluetooth-less speakers in particular. Paired with this week's release of the new Google Chromecast, Google has come up with a nifty little doodad that acts as a go-between for online tune streaming and old-school audio devices with 3.5mm audio jacks or RCA/optical audio outputs — the bit where your headphones plug in, for those feeling confused. It's called Chromecast Audio, a dongle that allows you to sync your phone to the once defunct speakers via wi-fi. This dinky doodad dongle (we'll stop) looks like a spy device but only costs $35 a pop — but you'll need one for each device you wish to make relevant. Chromecast Audio is compatible with iOS, Android and most laptops and can stream tunes from Pandora, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Rdio. Where’s Apple Music, you might ask? We don’t know. Perhaps they fell down the village well on the way to the project signing or perhaps, as BGR suggests, they're just pulling a classic Apple and refusing to work with competitors. No synergy points for you, Apple. Via The Verge.
If you've tried cycling around London, you'll understand why residents are celebrating Mayor Boris Johnson's intention to spend nearly 1 billion pounds on the city's bicycle routes. Double decker buses, cramped alleyways and teetering lorries have made for a 21st-century population explosion in spaces that Dickens described as crowded 150 years ago. The plan's backbone is a 24-kilometre (or 15-mile, as the Poms would say) bicycle highway, which will enable Londoners to cycle from west to east, in a lane (mostly) separated from motorised vehicles. This "bike Crossrail" will be the longest cycle path of its kind to be found in any European city. The aim is to decrease pressure on roads and public transport, improve air quality and increase faith that two wheels can be better than four. In the words of the ever-eloquent Johnson, "I want to de-Lycrafy cycling ... [to] give people the confidence to get in the saddle." Apart from the Crossrail, the vision includes a Central London Grid, which will create links in frenetic areas like the West End and the City; a series of 'Quietways', which are extended, signposted, suburban routes that guide cyclists along tranquil side streets; and a host of semi-segregated and fully segregated lanes. The Dutch commitment to the cultivation of a healthy cycling culture will be emulated through the development of what are being dubbed 'Little Hollands' in a minimum of one, and perhaps as many as three, boroughs. If these cyclist-friendly areas are a success, expansion throughout Outer London is likely. Furthermore, the Safer Intersection Review is about to receive a 500 percent increase in funding, from 19 million to 100 million, which means that some of London's most chaotic junctions — including Elephant and Castle, Blackfriars and Vauxhall — will be treated to improvements. Eight police will be employed to deal exclusively with accidents involving cyclists and heavy goods vehicles. At an April 2012 hustings concerned with cycling and road safety, Johnson lost support from some members of the cycling community after describing "stereotypical cyclists" as those who "charge around in lycra", "jump lights" and consider themselves "morally superior". His new plan is likely to go a long way in healing the damage done. London cycling image by Felix O and Ottawa cycling image by John Talbot.
When you've made a movie fictionalising your life, played yourself in it and managed to get Marissa Tomei as your mother, what comes next? After The King of Staten Island, Pete Davidson goes for another arrested development-fuelled comedy, this time in sitcom form. The show: Bupkis, the comedian's latest project following his departure from Saturday Night Live — once again riffing on star's own life, and this time enlisting the one and only Joe Pesci, Tomei's My Cousin Vinny co-star, as his grandfather. Arriving on Binge on Thursday, May 4, this may be Davidson's show — indeed, as the just-dropped trailer demonstrates, it pokes plenty of fun at his life, fame and chaos — but having Pesci among the cast is no minor feat. Since 2010, the iconic Goodfellas, Casino and Raging Bull actor (and Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York talent as well) has exactly two on-screen appearances to his name: Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and now Bupkis. Well played, Pesci — if most of us could only roll out of bed for Martin Scorsese and Pete Davidson, we would. In Bupkis, Pesci plays the father of Davidson's mother Amy, which gives the series another tie to a great of the gangster genre: The Sopranos' Edie Falco. From there, the names keep on coming, with guest stars including It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Charlie Day, Red Rocket's Simon Rex, Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett and Ray Romano, Bodies Bodies Bodies' Chase Sui Wonders, SNL's Kenan Thompson, Miracle Workers' Steve Buscemi, Nine Perfect Strangers' Bobby Cannavale, Black Bird's Paul Walter Hauser, Machine Gun Kelly, Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, Al Gore and Method Man. With Day, Garrett and Romano popping up, clearly Davidson likes TV comedies as much as he likes mobster fare — although It's Always Sunny and Everybody Loves Raymond couldn't be further apart. Across eight episodes, Davidson and all that high-profile help will navigate another semi-autobiographical attempt to grapple with celebrity, everything it brings, keeping family ties healthy — and Davidson in general — and trying to forge meaningful bonds. Getting chased by the paparazzi, wielding a glave, life advice from Pesci, looking after a kid, movie stunts, guns and cars, Googling himself, Gore flashing the Wu-Tang hands: they're all included as well. Check out the trailer for Bupkis below: Bupkis streams via Binge from Thursday, May 4. Images: Heidi Gutman/Peacock.
The picnic mecca that is Moonlight Cinema doesn't just show movies outdoors each summer. It does exactly that, obviously, but it's also fond of theming its openair film selection around different parts of its season. So, when it kicked off for summer 2022–23 in November and December, it featured a heap of Christmas fare, naturally. When February hits, it'll be time for love — whether you're heading along with a date or mate. Surrounding both Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day — yes, Leslie Knope would be proud — Moonlight Cinema's just-revealed February program includes a week of romantic pictures spanning new and classic titles. Magic Mike's Last Dance will get a whirl, as will the Lily James (Pam & Tommy)-starring What's Love Got to Do With It. And, if you're fond of movie blasts from the past, perennial favourites 10 Things I Hate About You, The Notebook and Muriel's Wedding are also on the bill, as are the Julia Roberts-led Notting Hill and Pretty Woman. Other highlights include Australian favourites The Castle and Strictly Ballroom among the other retro titles — the latter, from Baz Luhrmann, also getting romantic — as well as repeat sessions of A Man Called Otto, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Because the exact roster varies per city — and because Brisbane and Adelaide's season wraps up mid-February — some venues will also get treated to creepy doll thriller M3GAN, plus sneak-peek sessions of the cinema-loving, Olivia Colman-starring Empire of Light and Bill Nighy drama Living. As always, one piece of advice bears repeating: pack your picnic basket and get ready to watch a heap of flicks under the summer evening sky. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema is letting you bring BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can also enjoy a plethora of bites to eat from food trucks — perfect, messy treats made for reclining on bean beds. There's also a VIP section for an extra-luxe openair movie experience, a beauty cart handing out samples, and dogs are welcome at all sites except Perth — and there's even special doggo bean beds, and a snack menu for pooches. And, on Sundays in February, Moonlight Cinema will host a Singleton Whisky cart in Melbourne and Sydney. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2022–23 DATES Brisbane: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, February 19 in Roma Street Parkland Sydney: Thursday, November 24–Sunday, March 26 in Centennial Park Perth: Friday, November 25–Sunday, March 26 in Kings Park and Botanic Garden Adelaide: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, February 19 in Botanic Park Melbourne: Thursday, December 1–Sunday, March 26 in Royal Botanic Gardens Moonlight Cinema runs through until March 2023, with dates varying per city. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with further program details when they're announced.
Keen on chasing an endless winter, jet-setting to Switzerland's top slopes, and getting there in the most direct way possible? There's an airline for that. Because there's no niche too small these days, Europe now has a carrier dedicated to snow sports in the Swiss Alps. Due to fly its first passengers in December this year, Powdair will make its home base in Sion in the Valais region, near the Swiss resorts of Verbier, Saas-Fee, Crans-Montana, Zermatt and Nendaz. It'll connect to eight European airports, ferrying eager snow lovers from London Luton, London Southend, Bristol, Manchester and Southampton in Britain; Edinburgh in Scotland; Hamburg in Germany; and Antwerp in Belgium, straight to the heart of Switzerland's frosty playground. In an attempt to become the go-to airline for Swiss-venturing snow spots fans, Powdair also boasts free equipment carriage; yep, your skis and snowboard won't be classed as oversized baggage here. They'll also be offering season discounts for eager skiers. And, while their first routes are all focused on making the most of the icy weather, should they prove a hit, the startup plans to offer summer jaunts too — in case you'd like to check out the Alps in greener circumstances. Via: The Independent. Image: Aletsch Arena.
The Back to the Future franchise has pinned this decade all too well. In the next development of unbelievably futuristic sounding technology, Google-backed company Kitty Hawk released the first video footage of its flying car prototype yesterday, April 24. Yeah, Doc Brown's Delorean just got real. The company is financially backed by Google co-founder Larry Page and its chief executive Sebastian Thrun, is the founder of Google's 'semi-secret' X lab and a pioneer of the self-driving car. The 'Kitty Hawk Flyer' is described as an "all-electric aircraft" designed to operate over water. The open-seated, 220-pound single seater is powered by eight battery-powered propellers — it essentially resembles a mix between a jetski and a hoverboard, seemingly powered by what looks like a bunch of mini-drones. It will not require a pilot's license to fly, as it is considered an "ultralight aircraft" by FAA regulations, and Kitty Hawk claims drivers will be able to learn how to operate the vehicle "in minutes". Here's the just-dropped intro video, with requisite cheesy inspirational music and somewhat shitty acting: The company is trying to attract enthusiasts to test-drive the vehicle by offering a $100 three-year membership that includes waiting list priority, company-branded gear, flight simulator access and invites to company events and demonstrations. Members will also get a $2000 discount once the car does go to retail. Kitty Hawk is not the first company to attempt the flying car feat, with the Slovakian company AeroMobil making their flying vehicle available for pre-order by the end of 2017 and the aerospace firm Airbus releasing plans for its ground-air hybrid car at the Geneva International Motor Show last month. The government of Dubai, in partnership with a Chinese firm, EHang has also released plans to begin operating flying taxis by July 2017 and Uber is holding a conference in Texas on Tuesday to discuss details of their own "urban-air transportation" vehicle. Though the car is said to be in consumer production by the end of the year, no retail price has been given yet. As of now, the vehicle will only be shipped within the US, so Australians will have to wait a bit longer for a ride. Via The New York Times.
2024's working year might've only just begun, but it's already time to book in a big overseas holiday. Put in that leave request ASAP. Block out your calendar. Bust out your suitcase, too, and make sure your passport is up to date. Your destination: the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, because Coachella is back for 2024 with a characteristically impressive roster of acts. Mark Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is a jaw-dropper, as usual, with Lana Del Rey headlining the Friday nights, Tyler, The Creator doing the Saturday nights and Doja Cat on Sunday nights. Also, the reunited No Doubt are on the bill, but without a set day so far. Also hitting the stage: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Blur, Ice Spice, J Balvin and Peso Pluma to Sabrina Carpenter, Grimes, Lil Yachty and Flight Facilities. Whether you're after new tunes, the biggest music names right now or dripping nostalgia, it's on offer at Coachella 2024. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella will once again team up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). At the time of writing, the festival advises that best bet for passes is the second weekend. Coachella 2024 runs from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). Top image: Casey via Wikimedia Commons.
Google's glasses may be set to bring our eyes back up from the tiny screen, but until then we're happily on the path towards having a permanent earthbound gaze. It is no wonder then that our love for the portable, digital universe has caught the imagination of publishers seeking to enhance the quality of our heads-down attention. Enter Branches Publishing and their freshly sprouted, digital-only anthology of new Australian writing, Cuttings. Having budded from arts app composers The Nest, Branches Publishing launches with a well-designed experience for electronic letter lovers. Cuttings Issue Zero is now available for free on Apple and Android tablets and what you'll download is a time capsule about Australian life in 2013. Editors Angela Bennetts and Alice Fenton (of Even Books) have ensured that this memorial contains the right balance of humour and solemnity from a local suite of talented posteritists*, all presented with wit by senior designer Dave Fernandes. Every work in Issue Zero is shorter than a Borges and kept to its own page (there will be longer pieces from Issue One onwards in May), which is great news for the scrambled brains of overloaded content junkies. Some pieces are presented as contemporary artefacts, such as Sophie Braham's '2012 Job Description', which efficiently captures the plight of every 20/30-something in a 20km radius. Other works act as framing text for a series of curated hyperlinks — Wilfred Brandt's hypothesis of skateboarding as alien technology and Steph Harmon's historiography of dog fashion both succeed as tap-and-swipe pecha kucha equivalents. A result of these short pieces occupying their own pages is that your reading slows down. Your eyes will not melt from the fatigue of gleaning conversation pieces out of cluttered content sewers, and in turn you'll calm down enough to actually meditate on the world observed by Cuttings' contributors. This is a world populated by M.B. Windle's graphic epiphany about Hollywood's lies, Tessa Lunney's nostalgic dancers, and Max Lavergne's suggestion of what might happen should a savvy Mexican girl be dropped into the West Bank. Fernandes and the contributing illustrators and photographers have equally crafted something poetic. Cuttings is attractive in both landscape and portrait, and each piece is augmented by an interface design that reminds readers that they're looking at a tablet and not a print article with some hyperlinks. Two lovely visual effects pop up, for example, in A.H. Cayley's meditation on how ineffectual jacarandas are as barometers, and in Cleo Braithwaite's sketch of impending feline dominion. One slight tarnish is that as several of the articles are hyperlink-enhanced, you will need an active internet connection on your tablet to gain the full experience of Cuttings. Though copyright does make it difficult to include certain things in the downloaded content — such as a Taylor Swift video clip — Matt Roden's fantastic illustrations are bundled with the issue and pop up within the body of his words with an elegance that could ideally appear throughout the whole publication. That said, Cuttings has launched with an auspicious debut and stands to only gain in quality as it opens its submissions to a horde of head-bowed Australian talent. *this will be a real word when the time capsule is unearthed
It's been a huge few weeks for Australian tour news — Kraftwerk! Meredith! Strawberry Fields! This That! Summer Camp! Paul McCartney! Harvest Rock! Pendulum! Flight Facilities! Weezer! Beyond The Valley! Field Day! Bluesfest! — but only one big announcement can whip it, whip it good. When Good Things returns for 2023, it'll hit Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with new-wave icons Devo on the bill. The 'Girl U Want' band will be celebrating 50 years since first forming in 1973, and also saying goodbye on a farewell tour that'll mark their last-ever Australian shows. Devo's famous energy dome hats will be on display at Centennial Park, Flemington Racecourse and Brisbane Showgrounds this December, on a jam-packed Good Things lineup that is brimming with nostalgia-inducing acts — including Fall Out Boy. A day after teasing that they were heading Down Under, the group behind 'Sugar, We're Goin Down' and 'Uma Thurman' have been confirmed as festival headliners, playing both tunes dating back to their 2000s heyday and recent tracks. From there, Good Things keeps rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' with Limp Bizkit; will see Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor hit the stage solo; and is guaranteed to burst with punk energy thanks to Pennywise. Bullet for My Valentine, Taking Back Sunday and I Prevail are also on the bill, plus Enter Shikari, Pvris, Behemoth and Sepultura. Fresh from featuring a reunited TISM in 2022, Good Things boasts a packed roster of local names in 2023, too, celebrating Australian alternative rock with Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe. On both the international and homegrown front, the list goes on, including Hanabie, While She Sleeps, Magnolia Park, Short Stack, Boom Crash Opera, Luca Brasi and more. And yes, this is a fest where you can likely hear 'Whip It', 'Dance, Dance', 'Society' and 'Buy Me a Pony' live on the same day, plus 'The Last Fight', 'Leaving Home', 'Punch in the Face' and a very non-George Michael cover of 'Faith' as well. GOOD THINGS 2023 LINEUP: Fall Out Boy Limp Bizkit Devo (The Farewell Tour celebrating 50 years) I Prevail Bullet For My Valentine Corey Taylor Pennywise Spiderbait Slowly Slowly Enter Shikari Behemoth Sepultura Taking Back Sunday PVRIS Bloom Boom Crash Opera Eskimo Joe Frenzal Rhomb Hanabie Jebediah Luca Brasi Magnolia Park Make Them Suffer Ocean Sleeper Royal & The Serpent Short Stack Slaughter To Prevail Stand Atlantic Tapestry The Plot In You While She Sleeps GOOD THINGS 2023 DATES: Friday, December 1 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Saturday, December 2 — Centennial Park, Sydney Sunday, December 3 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Good Things will hit the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2023. Pre-sale tickets go on sale from 10am, Tuesday, August 22, and general sales from 10am on Thursday, August 24. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Top image: swimfinfan via Wikimedia Commons.
Head into Lune Croissanterie's Melbourne and Brisbane stores any day of the week, and world-famous pastries await. Also on the menu: limited-time treats that you'll need to be speedy to enjoy. Usually, the Kate Reid co-founded chain swaps out its specials monthly; however, it also likes dropping particularly coveted bites for certain occasions. One such instance: the return of its apple pie twice-baked croissants just for Father's Day. Lune hasn't dropped its full range of September specials at the time of writing, but it has revealed that this one pastry will be back between Friday, September 1–Sunday, September 3 only. Vying to become your dad's favourite? Best your siblings by grabbing him one of these rarities. Fancy one (or more) for yourself? That's 100-percent acceptable as well. The apple pie twice-baked croissants are making a comeback for the first time in years — since Lune was in Elwood in Melbourne, in fact. These days, the chain has sites in Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale in the Victorian capital, plus South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane. (Not one but two Sydney venues are in their works, but not in time for Father's Day). What is an apple pie twice-baked croissant? It's a croissant, obviously, with apple purée and hazelnut frangipane as fillings — and apple pie filling itself, too. Then, on top, it features hazelnut frangipane and hazelnuts, plus whipped cream and coconut streusel. Sadly, if your dad isn't able to eat nuts, or you aren't, you'll need to give it a miss. Lune expects the special to be particularly popular, and recommends arriving early across the apple pie twice-baked croissant's three-day window. You can collect it at all stores for $15 per croissant — and it's an in-store only bite, so it won't be available to order online. [caption id="attachment_735740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers, Visit Victoria.[/caption] Lune's apple pie twice-baked croissants are available from all stores — Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane — for $15 from Friday, September 1–Sunday, September 3 only. Images: Peter Dillon.
2015 isn't the only thing coming to an end this month. It has only been six months since the Red Hill Markets started trading, but they're calling it a day. That's right — one of Brisbane's newest weekend browsing spots is about to become one of its shortest lived. This development is a result of, well, development, as is often the case. The Ithaca TAFE campus on Fulcher Road that the markets have called home since May this year is slated for a revamp. Come January, instead of stalls selling gourmet bites to eat, fresh produce straight from the farm, and arts and crafts, you'll find a building site — and further down the track, a new training facility for the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team.T Thankfully, this not-so-good news has a silver lining as long as you're free on either of the next two Sunday mornings. That's when you can head along for your last stint of inner-west shopping — or your belated first visit, if you've been meaning to check out the markets but haven't followed through yet. Keeping an eye on the event's Facebook page is also recommended, with talk afoot of a search for a new home. Fingers crossed that this isn't a permanent goodbye, but a temporary break before the markets move elsewhere. Find the Red Hill Markets at Fulcher Road, Red Hill on December 13 and 20, or visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
When you hear the word 'aurora', there are two possible things that pop into your mind. A lot of people will be reminded of fantastical images of the Northern Lights that colour the skies of Scandinavia — they're actually making their way over the UK right now. Then again, many of us will think of nothing other than Superintendent Chalmers yelling 'aurora borealis'. And, in our books, both are satisfactory responses. But what may not cross your mind is the lesser talked about aurora australis — the Southern Lights. Equally as magical and much closer to home, this phenomenal feat of nature may be visible from Australia and New Zealand this week. This Wednesday, NASA reported a huge sun flare that is currently hurtling its way towards Earth. As the ABC report, "the blast has sheared off a few billion tons of the sun's outer layer ... [it's] heading towards Earth at a speed of about 4 million kilometres per hour". And, while this sounds completely terrifying to anyone not well-versed in science, it's apparently a pretty good thing for those watching the skies. Once they arrive at Earth, the remnants of the blast could manifest themselves as beautiful auroras. NASA's already getting a preview of the show: The hot tip so far is to head to Tasmania, and locals are on high alert. Boasting over 14,000 members, the Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook group is in constant chatter about the best place to see the magical lights and at what time they might strike. Though no definite auroras have been reported so far, the views aren't bad at all. Magaret Sonnemann, founder of the group and published author on the topic, is showing particular faith in the light's arrival. "We haven't seen an event like this for several years and we have no idea when it might occur again," she said. Though the event is incredibly difficult to predict, it's definitely worth keeping your eyes on the sky this week. Views like this would set the bar really high for next year's Dark Mofo. Via ABC. Images: Seabird NZ, 'J', Image Editor, Jonathan Esling Photography via photopin cc.
Spending your days jetting around the world is truly the travel dream. Doing so without paying for flights? Now that's a next-level fantasy. Actually, that's the exact gift that Jetstar is giving one lucky person and their favourite travelling companion to celebrate 19 years of operation. The discount carrier is having a birthday, but it's the one handing out a present. If you're the competition's winner, you'll fill a year zooming about, although there is a limit to how much you can get soaring over the 12-month period. The chosen recipient will receive 12 domestic return flights plus six international return flights, both for two people. So, if you win, your other half / bestie / sibling is going to want to start making holiday plans, too. That equates to three holidays every two months, whether you're keen to hit up your favourite places or try somewhere new. The winner will be able to choose from 86 destinations — and, if you want to be guided by where you would've loved to visit when you were 19, that's perfectly acceptable. Before you can go in the running for the contest, which is only open to over-18s, you will need to start pondering. Jetstar has dubbed the contest 'FEEL 19 AGAIN', and entering requires you to tell the airline in 19 words or less what your absolute dream job be. The specific question: "if you could try any job for a day, what would it be and why?". And yes, plenty of people are bound to answer "travelling the world". After you direct your response to the airline's Instagram, you'll then need to wait to find out if you're chosen as a semi-finalist, which will be revealed on Thursday, June 1. Nineteen folks will get the nod — spot the theme? — and will be picked based on the most creative, funny or quirky answers. They'll then have three days (until 11.59pm on Sunday, June 4) to create and send a short video highlighting why they'd be an ace fit (the best, in fact) for the gig. Following that, Jetstar will shortlist its top entries again, whittling down the contenders. Finally, the company's social-media followers will vote on Monday, June 5. Obviously, you'll want to pick something memorable to stand out. The airline suggests ghost hunting in Adelaide and being a professional mascot in Tokyo, but you can do better than that. Jetstar's 19th-birthday ticket giveaway runs from 6am on Thursday, May 25–11.59pm on Wednesday, May 31. Head to the airline's website and Instagram for further details. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Great news, fans of LGBTQIA+ cinema: Mardi Gras Film Festival organiser Queer Screen is back with its second cinema celebration of 2023. That happens every year, but it's only been recently that the Sydney-based outfit's two fests both stream online — and nationally. So, getting cosy on the couch while watching your way through this year's Queer Screen Film Fest is 100-percent on the agenda between Wednesday, August 23–Sunday, September 3. Whether you're a Sydneysider with too heaving a social calendar to hit the picture palace in-person or you live outside of the Harbour City, a feast of new queer highlights and retrospective standouts awaits. Must-sees include the Berlin-set Drifter; the AIDS in Hollywood-focused Commitment to Life; and Equal the Contest, which follows regional women's Australian rules football team Mount Alexander Falcons in an exploration of the barriers still faced for women and gender-diverse people on the field. Gay, sapphic, and trans and gender-diverse shorts sessions are also streaming. And those retro titles? They span Anchor & Hope, about a trio's complicated relationship; German coming-of-age romance Centre of My World; rom-com Nina's Heavenly Delights, focusing on a woman reuniting with her Indian family in Scotland; and the southern Chile-set The Strong Ones.
Though we now live in an age that is mostly without skin colour-based prejudice, that wasn’t always the case. We have come a long way from segregation and discrimination but there are still lessons to be learned from the past, even if it comes in comedic form. Delectable Shelter is a “black comedy about white terror”. It looks at five fortunate survivors of the apocalypse, each of whom is privileged and white. Their plans for the future go awry when they realise they may not be the only ones to survive, and that they may be sharing the earth on equal terms with those they thought were inferior. This play is a reportedly hilarious production that takes aim at the prejudices of Western society and provides a all too real look into the future. Brought to you by The Hayloft Project and Critical Stages, Delectable Shelter is a comedy that makes you think about a serious issue. One that isn't simply black and white.
One of the best pieces of Nicolas Cage news of 2023 has come to fruition, and your 2024 must-see list is likely to benefit. Back in May, word arrived that the inimitable actor was hopping from playing himself in 2022's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and then Dracula in this year's Renfield to becoming an Australian surfer in a film called, fittingly, The Surfer. Production has now wrapped on the movie's shoot — and the flick will land in cinemas and on streaming sometime in the future. There's no release date for Cage's Aussie stint as yet, nor a trailer, but there is a first-look image of the actor looking bloody in a car with the sun streaming in, binoculars around his neck and a bullet in his hand. Stan, which is behind the movie, has also dropped more details about the picture that adds to Cage's resume — slotting in alongside everything from crooning Elvis songs in David Lynch's Wild at Heart to having everyone see him when they slumber in Dream Scenario. [caption id="attachment_901588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gerald Geronimo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Surfer sadly isn't the only Point Break remake that needs to be made (forget the terrible 2015 do-over). Rather, it sees Cage star as an Australian expat returning home from America, then getting in a beach battle with a local gang of wave riders. Cage's titular character makes the trip Down Under after years in the US, only to get humiliated by other surfers in front of his teenage son. Cue a turf war, plus Cage's protagonist refusing to leave the beach. Cue the stakes escalating and the movie's namesake having his sanity tested, too. [caption id="attachment_901587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Paumier via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The film shot in Yallingup in Western Australia, just in the single location, with director Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium) helming and working with a script by screenwriter Thomas Martin. Featuring alongside Cage: an Aussie cast that spans Julian McMahon (FBI: Most Wanted), Nicholas Cassim (The Messenger), Miranda Tapsell (The Artful Dodger), Alexander Bertrand (Australian Gangster), Justin Rosniak (Mr Inbetween), Rahel Romahn (Here Out West), Finn Little (Yellowstone) and Charlotte Maggi (Summer Love). While we wait for the trailer for The Surfer, check out the sneak peek for Dream Scenario, Cage's next film in cinemas Down Under, below: The Surfer doesn't yet have an in-cinema or streaming release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Top image: Radek Ladczuk.
It's been a long time coming and a pretty rough road for LGBTIQ+ Australians, but same-sex marriage is set to become legal in Australia within the month. This thing is actually happening. At approximately 6pm AEST today, the House of Representatives in Federal Parliament held a final vote to finally, belatedly, once and for all, pass the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 on its third reading. So what does this mean? To pull directly from the bill, it will officially redefine the Marriage Act 1961's definition of marriage from 'the union of a man and a woman' to the non-gendered 'union of two people'. The bill has been floating around parliament for a few weeks now. It was passed by the Senate on November 29 and has been debated in the House of Reps since Monday, November 4. Members have spent most of this week reading and discussing amendments to the bill — mostly ones related to religious freedom — of which none have been passed. To make it legal, the law needs to be ratified by the Governor-General, which could even happen this week. If all goes to plan, the ABC predicts same-sex marriages could start happening from January 8, 2018. The bill entered parliament after 61.6 percent of Aussies — that's a tidy 7,817,247 people — voted in favour same-sex marriage being legalised in the national postal vote survey. You can find a break-down of the votes for various electorates and the participation rates for different age groups on the ABS' survey results website. Cue the celebrations. We can practically hear the rainbow confetti cannons and collective cries of relief for the queer community from here (although, to be fair, our office is very close to Oxford Street). Image: Letícia Almeida.
It's 3am, you're drunk on Mojitos and each of your limbs feels heavier than a barrel of rocks. Who wants to brush their teeth at a time like this? What would be the point anyway, since your poorly aimed joustings with a mouldy old Oral B would do little to dislodge the mint leaves hiding in your dental crevices? Enter the Blizzident 3D-printed toothbrush, a furry mouthguard that does the brushing for you — apparently all you have to do is briefly chomp on it, since it's digitally tailored to your mouth and your mouth alone. Unlike those nasty, bourgeois off-the-rack toothbrushes at the chemist. Blizzident takes the concept of the chewable toothbrush (a most bizarre, toothpaste-encrusted plastic fur ball that can be purchased for one Euro in various far-flung toilet vending machines) to the next level. Its claim is that only six seconds of chomping is required to get the results of a traditional three-minute brushing. While that six seconds will probably feel pretty awkward and counterintuitive — like eating a hair pizza? — the Blizzident could one day make even an electric toothbrush seem like too much work, and plaque a thing of the past. Even flossing and tongue-cleaning are said to be covered by this thing. Thank you, 3D printing. Check out the vid below to see a rendering of the toothbrush in action. So how do you score one? Firstly, by getting a scan of your teeth done in the same way you might've gotten a cast for a retainer once upon a time. The cast must be taken to a dental lab to be converted into a 3D file. Then upload it to Blizzident, lay down $300 and voila, the vaunted six-second clean is yours via this strange-looking contraption perfectly customised to your bod. Has it been clinically proven effective? No, not really. But we are willing to listen out for any and all solutions to our 3am Mojito mint leaf issues. Via Gizmodo.
The team behind BIGSOUND have just released the massive line-up for their 2013 Live Showcase, one of the biggest events to take place in the Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct each year. Music industry members, musicians and fans get to rub shoulders and watch some of the best up-and-coming artists in the country perform. The first live announcement revealed that the line-up would be spearheaded by the likes of Xavier Rudd, Megan Washington, The John Steel Singers, Stonefield and the Bleeding Knees Club to go along with their great range of speakers including Billy Bragg and Amanda Palmer — a great start! As the biggest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere, BIGSOUND has a big reputation to uphold. As the self-professed SXSW of Australia, BIGSOUND has helped promote and foster Australian music since its inception 12 years ago. Well, they haven’t shamed themselves this year, as the 80-odd artists just announced are the cream of the crop of new Australian musicians. The current line-up is as follows: Xavier Rudd // Megan Washington // The John Steel Singers // Melbourne Ska Orchestra // Darren Middleton // Natalie Pa'apa'a of Blue King Brown // Gossling // The Trouble With Templeton // Yukon Blonde // The Jungle Giants // Calling All Cars // Stonefield // Chance Waters // Bleeding Knees Club // Regular John // Clubfeet // Jonti // Thelma Plum // KINGSWOOD // Dune Rats // Eagle And The Worm // Hey Geronimo // Tigertown // The Toot Toot Toots // The Griswolds // King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard // Grey Ghost // Diviney // Halfway // Spit Sydnicate // Elizabeth Rose // Dubmarine // Davey Lane // Feelings // Sheppard // The Audreys // Cub Scouts // Surecut Kids // Tales in Space // Songs // Buchanan // Citizen Kay // Cosmo's Midnight // Them Swoops // Jess Ribeiro and The Bone Collectors // Way Of The Eagle // Jeremy Neale // Little Bastard // Band of Frequencies // Lime Cordiale // Breaking Orbit // Eden Mulholland // Electric Horse // The Walking Who // Damn Terran // MT WARNING // Glass Towers // The Lazys // Bored Nothing // The Guppies // The Love Junkies // Spender // Rainy Day Women // BLOODS // JONES Jnr // Clap Clap Riot // Gay Paris // SHE REX // Money For Rope // Lanterns // The Starry Field // Patrick James // Simone and Girlfunkle // Bec and Ben // Sidney York // Mining Boom // Your Favorite Enemies // Fun Machine // The Peep Tempel // The Orbweavers // Bed Wettin' Bad Boys // Saidah Babah Talibah // Good Oak // Tkay Maidza // Clowns // Two Cartoons // Born Lion // Zeahorse // Mr Cassidy // Ride Into The Sun // The Sinking Teeth // Karl S. Williams // The Demon Parade // Slip-on Stereo // Willow // New Brutalists // Mustered Courage And, get this: there are still more artists to be announced. Festival passes can be purchased via Oztix. If you live in Brisbane and enjoy good music, go to this.
Everyone knows Batman is the best superhero. Superman and Captain America are too pristine and dull, Spiderman whines a lot and had an unfortunate stint as an emo kid in 2007. And though Robert Downey Jr is nearly enough to sway me on side with Iron Man, he just can't beat the brooding growl and moral complexity of the Dark Knight. As such it's no surprise that Batman fanatics are a particularly passionate breed. But what one of them has done now will truly baffle you. Zac Mihajlovic, a die-hard fan from Sydney, has spent two years creating a custom-made Batmobile. As a replica of the 1989 model used in Tim Burton's classically cartoonish Batman films, the six-metre-long chassis had to be custom built — its body panels were actually spares from the original set that were imported from the US. Completed with such skill and dedication, the resulting masterpiece was actually deemed roadworthy. Zac's been driving it around for the last few years, quickly racking up street cred as either the coolest or nerdiest man in the country (depending on your allegiances to commemorative geek memorabilia). Now, to mark the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton's original film, this absolute champion is renting out his ride to Sydney residents via Groupon. (We're not going to be offended if you immediately leave us for that link). For $250 you can experience 20 minutes in the passenger seat, or $2,500 will get you 'The Gotham Package' — a four-hour joyride with ten friends. To put this experience in perspective, this is the only Batmobile in existence in the Southern Hemisphere besides a prop at Movie World. Between 10-12 are believed to be around elsewhere, but Zac believes his is the only one with legit street registration. The creator himself has only taken it out casually a few times (because of the huge fuss it creates), and it's been predominantly utilised for kids in the Make-A-Wish foundation. Honestly, I don't even know why you're still reading this. Book it. Now. If you're not in Sydney, or don't have $250 lying around for joyrides in fictional cars that have magically manifested themselves into reality — not everyone can be as loaded as Bruce Wayne — then you'll have to settle for some mopey internet stalking instead. The rest of Zac's work/his life in general is totally worth checking out. Under the moniker of Batmobile Australia, he rents his Batmobile for weddings and conventions, and also shows off his accompanying Batbike and Batsuit. It's entertaining to flip through, but browser beware: it will dwarf every accomplishment in your own life. As for everyone else, this is your opportunity. You can be the hero Sydney deserves, but not the one it needs right now. You'll be hunted, but you can take it. Because you're not a hero. You're a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight. This offer expires Sunday, June 22 so get in quick. Via Gizmodo.
With the fast approaching tour dates for iconic '90s pop groups, New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Hanson, Wheatus, S Club, Big Brovaz and Eiffel 65 (I'm blue da ba de dab a die), it is now completely undeniable that 2012 will be remembered throughout history as none other than the year of '90s music revival. The Venga Bus came and went, just as Aqua has been and gone. But, it seems as one group leaves, another jumps on the Aussie touring bandwagon. You can't sit dwelling in your hip modern residence forever. Embrace the time where it was cool to not be cool. Forget our technological advances, political debacles and ferocious weather. Australia has seen/is awaiting some of the world's greatest manufactured bands to take us back to the decade that actually welcomed the fashion of flair jeans and a large percentage of the population questioned who that bastard was that 'let the dogs out'. It was common to say mega to the start of every saying, shout NOT at the end of every sentence and no matter how terrible things would seem, the world would always be 'all good'. There's no use fighting the urge to whip out your old Pepsi Charts CDs and embrace the shitness that once was the music industry. Let us respect those that were kicking about before 1D had left the crib and accept the return of the '90s music revolution.
You've filled your house with its minimalist designs and homewares, and dreamed of living in its flat-pack homes and tiny pre-fab huts as well. MUJI fans, your love affair with the Japanese home goods giant isn't over yet. First announced in 2017, the retailer has been opening its own range of hotels — and while sites in Shenzhen and Beijing in China are already welcoming guests, the brand's Tokyo abode now has a launch date. Come April 4, 2019, you'll be able to check into MUJI's very own Ginza site, aka MUJI Hotel Ginza. The company's first Japanese hotel, it'll be located in the same spot as its new flagship store. The shop will take up seven floors from the basement upwards, the hotel reception will be situated on level six, and 79 guest rooms will be spread across levels seven to ten. A diner, which'll be open to the public, will also make its home in the basement. MUJI fans, and anyone looking for somewhere different to stay in one of Tokyo's busiest districts, can expect the retailer's usual minimalist aesthetic — think recycled wooden interiors and spaces filled with plenty of the brand's furniture. The company describes it as "anti-gorgeous, anti-cheap", which fits in with its overall practical but quality vibe, with the concept and interior design managed by MUJI-owning company Ryohin Keikaku. The site will also feature the multi-purpose Atelier MUJI Ginza, a space on the sixth floor that's all about design and culture. Between shopping for MUJI goods and slumbering in a MUJI bed, guests can wander through two galleries that'll feature craft and design exhibitions, grab a drink in the salon, and peruse arts-related books in the library. There'll also be a lounge where MUJI will host regular events and workshops. Image: Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd.
Secure yourself one of the best views in town this New Year's Eve and head to a rooftop overlooking Brisbane River, where the magic will be happening for this year's fireworks. W Brisbane's WET Deck is hosting a tropical-themed Tutti Frutti NYE Party, kicking off at 8pm, and is the place to be when you enter into a new decade. Early bird tickets are available for $35, which includes a cheeky Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial champagne spritzer on arrival. Local DJ Jack Wood will be spinning modern and classic house jams to get the party started, before Just Kait steps behind the decks, keeping you glued to the dance floor from 10pm into the early hours of the new year. The bar will be slinging plenty of celebratory bubbles, plus other fruity tipples. To keep you fuelled, the kitchen will be serving up some tropical barbecue fare — think king prawns with lime, pineapple and coriander salsa. To make sure you have some of the best seats in the house, you can book a private table with bottle service for up to eight people. There's a cool $1000 minimum spend on food and drinks, which, let's face it, you and your mates will probably spend anyway. Secure your early bird ticket here, as tickets go up to $55 on the door. For table reservations call (07) 3556 8888 or email bfreservations@whotels.com
The year is 2113, you are about to embark on a walking tour that dissects the consumerism, ignorance and individualism of 2013. Well, sort of. It's not really 2113, but this comedic tour of our fair city (as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival) pokes fun at the rampant idiocy of contemporary living and the possible implications of living in an age of overconsumption and intolerance. While it may not be as in-your-face as the film Idiocracy was, the tour (led by Xavier the Penguin) takes in all the interesting artefacts of our time, including 'cars', 'mobile phones', 'beef', 'pop music', 'sport', 'the stock market', 'advertising' and 'reality television' and examines the pop culture obsession that threatens to dumb down our future. The tours depart Brew in the City every day at 5.30pm until Sunday, May 19 (with an additional 2pm tour on weekends). Thanks to Graceful Productions, we have two double passes to When We Were Idiots on Wednesday, May 15, to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au.
Believe. That's Ted Lasso's (Jason Sudeikis, Saturday Night Live) standard advice, and it's going to come in handy in the hit Apple TV+ sitcom that shares his name's upcoming third season. On-screen, the American coach and his AFC Richmond team need to believe in themselves after their promotion to the Premier League, especially when everyone around them thinks they'll be relegated before the year is out. Off-screen, fans of this award-winner can simply believe that the show will finally be back, returning mid-March almost two years after its second season. Believing has played a part in both of Ted Lasso's season-three trailers so far, too, the latest of which has just hit the pitch. The choice of song accompanying the new sneak peek is telling, and just the kind of advice that Ted would give his squad: 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'. The new trailer is filled with glimpses of ups, downs and showdowns to come set to The Rolling Stones' tune, with AFC Richmond battling that lack of belief from outside, and also clashing with the club's former assistant coach Nathan 'Nate' Shelley (Nick Mohammed, Intelligence). He walked out on the team, and on his perennially optimistic mentor Ted, for rivals West Ham United. So, get ready for a hefty rivalry — but is Ted facing off against an adversary still going to be the usual Ted? Viewers will find out across 12 episodes, which will start streaming from Wednesday, March 15. Also, Ted has both work and personal struggles to deal with, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Uncle) leans into his assistant coach role, Keeley Jones (Juno Temple, The Offer) is managing her own PR firm, and AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, Hocus Pocus 2) is all about defeating West Ham United (and her ex Rupert Mannion, played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Anthony Stewart Head, who owns it). While Ted Lasso has felt like streaming's biggest warm hug across its first and second seasons, it wasn't afraid to skew darker in the latter, including as Nate felt pushed aside, ignored and unloved by Ted. Viewers will know that the last batch of episodes culminated with Nate's defection — but as seen in the first teaser trailer for season three, the rest of the AFC Richmond crew still has plenty to believe in, taking one of Ted's favourite words to heart. Also part of the team, whether on or off the field: recent hotshot player Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, The Devil's Hour), his teammates Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh, The French Dispatch) and Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernandez, Spider-Man: No Way Home), Ted's laconic second-in-charge and long-time friend Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt, Bless This Mess), and AFC Richmond Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins (Jeffrey Swift, Housebound). As the sitcom's first two seasons have shown, viewers definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this series' ongoing charms — although if you obsessed over the 2022 World Cup, it might help fill the gap until the 2026 version arrives. Kind-hearted in the way that Parks and Recreation, Wellington Paranormal, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Abbott Elementary have also proven, Ted Lasso will be in for a significant obstacle in 2023, thanks to Ted and Nate's battle. Usually, this series celebrates people who support each other, are always there for each other and form close bonds as a result. Indeed, that's what has made it so instantly likeable. But with Nate now working for the competition, change is afoot — don't expect to see the show mess too much with its winning formula, though. Check out the trailer for Ted Lasso's third season below: Season three of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ from Wednesday, March 15. Read our full review of season two.
The act of fashioning sandcastles from the tiny grains of sand situated on the edge of the ocean's gently crashing waves holds a place in the heart of everyone's inner child. Standing armed with a spade and bucket on the seemingly never-ending expanse of sand at the beach is a thrill few can forget. The possibilities for creating mysterious cities, dangerous moats, impenetrable barriers, and elaborate decoration within the imagination of a young mind can be exceeded by very few people. However, highly skilled artists who can manipulate the sand so precisely and creatively to produce sandcastles that appear photoshopped or from a fantasy world are some of the few who make that cut. And sandcastle builder Calvin Seibert is one of those artists. Consisting purely of sand particles and water, Seibert's perfect geometric shapes of sharply angled turrets, perfectly curved ramps, and serenely smooth surfaces need to be seen to be believed. Each of the artist's masterpieces takes roughly a day to build, and although appearing as solid as concrete, each construction is merely a light step away from being crumpled into oblivion. Take a look at some of Seibert's astonishing sandcastles. They're sure to bring back the good old imaginative days of childhood - but they will also make you sharply aware of how imperfect your young hands and bucket really were. See more of Seibert's sandcastles on Flickr.
The b.f.f. is now your new BFF. Now in its second year of operation, the Brisbane Fringe Festival has released a massive program of events that encompass everything. Yes, I mean everything. They've got music, art, burlesque, cabaret, circus, comedy, literature, theatrical productions andworkshops, plus heaps more. The Brisbane Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit, artist and venue run organisation that simply encourages people to immerse themselves in some of the off-beat culture that Brisbane has to offer. This supportive team of disparate factions unite and celebrate collaborative work, idea sharing and providing excellent entertainment under one banner. The festival has a great selection of partners, eager to get on board and ensure that this is a fortnight to remember. Brisbane’s own community television station, 31 Digital, is presenting the b.f.f. Comedy Festival, while Scene Magazine and 4zzz Radio are throwing their support in as well. There simply isn't enough room in this post to tell you about all the great things, but we have made an effort to list our choices of some of the best. We've only just scratched the surface though, so make sure you are checking out the program for yourself and making a mental note of each and every event that catches your eye. Happy hunting!
It doesn’t take a genius to work out the Fortitude Valley is going through a bit of mid-life crisis. From the Brunswick Mall facelift to epic old school pub renovations, the winds are a-changing, bringing with them a gust of fresh-faced, tried and true local joints. Now, The Wickham is the latest heritage bar to nip, tuck and treat their venue to a much needed do-over. The historic Valley pub has reopened its doors with five completely new spaces, all-day menus and an aim to attract a broader audience — that means you. Gone are the stale smells, foreign stains and giddy bright lights; class and sophistication have swept through the venue, transforming the Wickham into a bar that finally complements the space's beautiful heritage architecture. While The Wickham has always managed to draw a tipsy crowd on any weeknight, wide-ranging food and innovative cocktails are their new drawcard — including a bacon Bloody Mary. The competitive show of restaurants in the Valley might have a new rival with The Wickam's penchant for pub staples sporting contemporary flare. The new dinner and share menu have something to suit every pub meal palate, with everything from bánh mì to karaage chicken, Moroccan meatballs to a brioche cheeseburger — and of course, a fresh take on the chicken parmigiana. With these expansive dining options on show, you can sit down for an intimate meal or drink and nibble with friends in the courtyard or corner bar. With five rooms and an outdoor area to choose from, choosing a seat won't be nearly as hard as picking from the menu — head Chef Gillian Hirst has really worked wonders. Everything from the tiles to the trading times has changed with The Wickham's refurbishments. The Valley pub is now open seven days a week, with coffee, tea and 'grab and go' options available from 6.30am weekdays and 10am weekends. The full menu begins from 11.30am and goes until late. We suggest you embrace this renovation with open arms and empty stomach. Rediscover The Wickham at 308 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley.
The world is a big place. Making decisions is stressful. Choosing a place to holiday is hard. But if you're really in a bind — or a standoff with your holiday partner — Lonely Planet's latest travel list might be able to help you lock in your next destination. The travel publication has just released its annual Best in Travel list. Topping the list for the best country to visit in 2019 is Sri Lanka. This might not come as much of a shock — if you haven't already been yourself, you most likely have mates that have been over there on a surf trip, to hike through the tea fields or to visit family. According to Lonely Planet's editors, the island nation was given its number one place due to its "mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene" and its affordable nosh. It recommends catching some surf at Arugam Bay, kayaking through the lagoons of Marakolliya Beach, catching the scenic train to Ella, getting some culture in Kandy and visiting the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka is still in relative infancy when it comes to tourism; the country's civil war only ended ten years ago, but tourism continues to grow at a rapid rate. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority estimates that the number of tourist arrivals has grown from 448,000 in 2009 when the civil war ended to over two million in 2017. This has seen major hotel chains scramble to open properties in Sri Lanka and improved access to parts of the country that were previously harder to access. Lonely Planet calls it a "country revived" and, we predict, one that's likely to change rapidly with the fast growing tourism industry. Other countries on the list include Germany — which is set to score new museums in 2019 — as well as Zimbabwe, Panama and another new tourist spot, Kyrgyzstan. Unlike last year when New Zealand was ranked number five on the best countries list and Canberra came in as the third best city, neither Australia nor NZ made it onto the lists.
The year is 2113, you are about to embark on a walking tour that dissects the consumerism, ignorance and individualism of 2013. Well, sort of. It's not really 2113, but this comedic tour of our fair city (as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival) pokes fun at the rampant idiocy of contemporary living and the possible implications of living in an age of overconsumption and intolerance. While it may not be as in-your-face as the film Idiocracy was, the tour (led by Xavier the Penguin) takes in all the interesting artefacts of our time, including ‘cars’, ‘mobile phones’, ‘beef’, ‘pop music’, ‘sport’, ‘the stock market’, ‘advertising’ and ‘reality television’ and examines the pop culture obsession that threatens to dumb down our future. You can catch the tours every day at 5.30pm (with an additional 2pm tour on weekends) at Brew in the City. The show ends on Sunday, May 19, so grab an ticket and head into town soon if you want to be a part of the fun.
Are you in the mood for a tantalising show with a bit of coarse language, adult themes, sexual references and partial nudity? If so, you’re in luck because the latest show to grace QPAC comes with the above warning label. Spring Awakening may have been doing the rounds for many years now, but its long standing history only proves its doing something right. Oh, and I guess you could also say the eight Tony Awards (including Best Musical) the play has won also prove that. The storyline appears to sound exactly like your standard coming of age saga, with promises of 19th century German youth, self-discovery and rebellion filling the script. However, no matter how cliché and played out the narrative may appear to be, how often is it that you can see such a story acted and sung out live, right in front of you? The production is run and cast by a group of talented Brisbane-ites, including director Emily Gilhome and musical director David Law. Take this opportunity to see a worldwide hit presented by our own people and it will not disappoint – after all, it has a warning label!
Every now and then, Airbnb wants you to sleep somewhere you wouldn't normally be able to visit, such as Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Gwyneth Paltrow's Montecito abode. Whichever spots that the accommodation platform is offering up, there's usually a common denominator: these once-in-a-lifetime stays aren't Down Under. Hobbiton broke the trend, and the Bluey house, too. So does Logan Martin's Gold Coast home. Fancy spending a long weekend at the Olympic BMX gold medalist's house? This spring, you can. Airbnb has been focusing on well-known folks of late, following up Paltrow's guesthouse with Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' own oceanside equivalent in Santa Barbara County. Now comes Martin's place, with the Australian champ — who won his gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the first-ever men's BMX freestyle competition at the games — welcoming a group of up to four people from Saturday, September 30–Tuesday, October 3. In some Aussie states — including Queensland — the dates do indeed fall over a long weekend. Even if they don't for you, this is a three-night getaway. And it's cheap. How cheap? Just $16 per night, which is a real cost-of-living crisis bargain. If you're wondering whether Martin will be hanging around, the answer is yes — for a BMX demonstration and session in his backyard. He'll put his very own state-of-the-art, Olympic-sized skatepark to good use, and also show you how to, in an effort to inspire future BMX riders. Scoring the booking also includes making the most of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom Gold Coast hinterland home's views, putting green and sandpit, as well as its pool. Inside, you'll be surrounded by Martin's trophies, medals and other memorabilia. Like all of these special Airbnb stays, you do need to be available to kick back on the specific dates — and you need to be lucky enough to score the reservation, which opens at 9am AEST on Tuesday, September 12. Also, all travel costs fall on you, with the $16-per-night accommodation fee just covering access to the property. "I stay in Airbnbs all over the world, and love how these stays have given my family and I a unique way to explore amazing places and really authentically connect with new communities," said Martin. "As a host, I will bring a unique and adventure-fuelled experience to my guests so they can create exciting lifelong memories — including a very special one-on-one BMX experience in my world class skatepark in my backyard." Airbnb adds this new extremely short-term listing to its roster after also doing the same with Japan's World Heritage-listed Suganuma Village, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop and the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage in recent years. For more information about Logan Martin's Gold Coast home on Airbnb, or to book at 9am AEST on Tuesday, September 12 for a stay from Saturday, September 30–Tuesday, October 3, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Luke Marsden Photography. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Platform sneakers, Union Jack-themed apparel, glittery outfits and anything that screams 90s girl power — it's all currently making its way around Britain as part of a huge new Spice Girls exhibition. Now open in London until August 20, moving to Manchester from August 24 to September 4, and planning to keep touring the country into 2019, Spice Up is exactly what it sounds like. If you wannabe indulging your nostalgia for one of the biggest acts of two decades ago, this is the event to zigazig-ah your way to — and attendees can also see the Spice Bus, aka the double-decker vehicle immortalised in Spice World. In total, more than 7000 items are on display, spanning everything from costumes worn by Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham — hundreds of them, in fact — to as much merchandise featuring the group's name and likeness as the organisers could find. Or, if simply spicing up your life by looking at various Spice Girls-themed bits and pieces isn't enough, the exhibition has also recreated a typical fan bedroom from the group's heyday for the ultimate blast for the past. Tickets cost £10 (AU$17.57), if you happen to be in the UK in the next two months — and there's no word yet if Spice Up will take the show on the road beyond Britain. Just cross your fingers and say you'll be there if it does.
Baz Luhrmann is known for many things; however, as everything from Strictly Ballroom to The Great Gatsby has demonstrated, subtlety isn't one of them. When you're making a hip-shakin', gyrating, pompadour-sporting Elvis Presley biopic, though — and that characteristically huge film is your first movie in nine years — that trait isn't called for anyway. So, when the second trailer for the Australian filmmaker's Elvis calls its namesake a god, it couldn't feel more fitting. Actually, it has Tom Hanks sling that term the king of rock 'n' roll's way to ramp up the sense of importance. "In that moment, Elvis the man was sacrificed — and Elvis the god was born," he narrates, in character as manager Colonel Tom Parker. That said, Elvis, the film, doesn't look content to just take the Colonel's word for it. Instead, as its just-dropped new sneak peek and original trailer from back in February both show, it's diving into why the world's most famous blue suede shoe aficionado became the icon he did — what made him tick, what influenced him, what he stood for, and how that rippled out into the world and got the planet all shook up. That's a big aim, but again, Luhrmann isn't known to shy away from a challenge. Set to release Down Under on June 23 — after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, hosting its local debut on the Gold Coast in early June and also having a flashy premiere in Sydney as well — Elvis stars Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don't Die's Austin Butler as the music legend. And yes, as the footage keeps demonstrating to the requisite soundtrack of Presley's hits, he looks and sounds the part. Shot in Australia with a cast that also spans a wealth of local talent — Olivia DeJonge (Better Watch Out) as Priscilla, Richard Roxburgh (Fires) as Presley's father Vernon, Oscar-nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog) as singer Jimmie Rodgers, and David Wenham (The Furnace) as country artist Hank Snow, for starters — the film clearly has a big story to tell. Charting the king of rock 'n' roll's rise to fame, exploring the role that manager Colonel Tom Parker played in that success and examining how Presley became the symbol of rock 'n' roll that he still remains now, 45 years after his death, as everything from touring exhibitions to his enduring status in popular culture keep showing: that's all in the movie's remit, too. And, so is examining what that rise, and that ongoing love, says about America and pop culture. Check out the latest trailer for Elvis below: Elvis releases in cinemas Down Under on June 23, 2022. Images: Hugh Stewart.
Every Martin Scorsese movie is worth waiting for, but Killers of the Flower Moon has been decades in the making. The nonfiction book that the acclaimed director's latest film adapts details events in the 1920s, in Osage County in Oklahoma, where members of the Osage Nation became wealthy through oil, then targets for white interlopers. And the feature that's bringing this true tale to the screen? It finally unites Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro in one of Scorsese's full-length flicks, after the filmmaker has spent decades working with both separately. Marty. De Niro. Leo. Yes, enough said. That's the basic maths behind Scorsese's first film since 2019's The Irishman, which premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in May, will hit cinemas Down Under in October and then heads to Apple TV+ after that. De Niro and DiCaprio have been in so many of the legendary director's movies that it's rare for any of his titles to not include one or the other. The former's run gave viewers gangster masterpieces such as Mean Streets, Goodfellas and Casino; also spans the iconic Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King of Comedy; and covers musical New York, New York and thriller remake Cape Fear, too — and, of course The Irishman. The latter began leading Scorsese's films in the early 2000s, kicking off with Gangs of New York, then starring in The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. That's a helluva resume for both actors, and for their favourite helmer. Enter Killers of the Flower Moon — which is actually the second time that De Niro and DiCaprio have joined forces for Scorsese, after they played themselves in the director's 2015 comedy short The Audition. The actors have a past on-screen beyond that thanks to the non-Marty helmed This Boy's Life in 1993, back when DiCaprio was still a teen. That's the Scorsese–De Niro–DiCaprio history. Its main talents aside, Killers of the Flower Moon has looking backwards on its mind as well. As seen in the initial teaser in May and just-dropped full trailer now, the film jumps into a series of real-life of murders. DiCaprio (Don't Look Up) and Certain Women standout Lily Gladstone play Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, a couple that gets caught up in the investigations surrounding the mounting killings. The deaths start when oil turns the Osage Nation into some of the richest folks on the planet, and quickly, which attracts the wrong kind of notice — attention fuelled by greed and envy, and resulting in manipulation, extortion and homicide. Killers of the Flower Moon surveys that story through Burkhart, Kyle and their romance. Scorsese also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth (Dune, and an Oscar-winner for Forest Gump), adapting David Gann's 2017 non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. And, as well as De Niro (Amsterdam), the movie co-stars Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), John Lithgow (Sharper) and newly minted Best Actor Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale). Check out the full trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon below: Killers of the Flower Moon releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 19, and will then stream via Apple TV+ at a later date — we'll update you with streaming details when they're announced.
Remember when going on holiday meant asking your travel agent for impartial advice on where to stay, play or party? And though you suspected that Gladys Hamby had never actually stayed in that beachfront cabana soaking up cosmopolitan Broadbeach and throwing back stiff Long Islands, she scored you a free daily continental breakfast so you booked it anyway? These days you’re more likely to do your own research when planning an escape, but even better than scanning through an acquaintance’s holiday snaps on Facebook is new social travel website Hooroo. Enticing pictures are accompanied by untold stories, inside tips and destination inspiration, all from real people who really want to share their travel adventures. Once you’ve decided where to go and what to do once you’re there you can choose from thousands of discounted accommodation options all over Australia, from Melbourne and the Gold Coast to Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Get your name on their list before the site goes live on July 18 and those deals will be even sweeter. Go here and start hoarding annual leave. Sponsored post
If Brisbane sounds a little quieter than normal between Thursday, June 1–Friday, June 30 you can thank (or blame) Dine BNE City. The noise you won't be hearing? The roar and grumble of hungry stomachs, with this food program returning for 2023 after successful runs in 2021 and 2022, and serving up everything from cheap lunches and bar specials to winter roasts and cocktails in igloos. When it first arrived two years ago, Dine BNE City sprang from an understandable idea: to get everyone out and about, and eating and drinking in particular, in this fair city of ours after a tough pandemic period. As a result, it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of affair. You can treat yo'self to a special midday meal (and more than once), or decide that you'd rather hop between watering holes. It's all up to you, and there are plenty of options to choose from. From the Let's Do Lunch program within the broader program, options start at $19, which will get you pizza or pasta at Albert Lane's Vapiano. From there, highlights include three bao and a beer for $25 at Mr Bao, steak and chips at The Walnut Restaurant for $35, and a five-course seafood banquet at Tillerman for $65. Or, there's Luke Nguyen's Vietnamese chicken salad paired with two spring rolls for $25 at Fat Noodle; Patina's Moreton Bay bug, prawn risotto and wine combo for $39; a two-course Cantonese roasted lunch at Brisbane Phoenix Chinese Restaurant for $40; and an Amalfi-style four-dish spread at Guy Grossi's Settimo for $50. Fancy adding drinks and bites to your after-work routine? Dine BNE City's quittin'-time selection, aka Bar Safari, spans oysters and champagne at Rothwell's, buns and beers at Red Hook, skewers over a schooner (and a view from the rooftop) at Sixteen Antlers, and whiskey flights with wagyu at Bar 1603. Boom Boom Room has a bar sets for snacking, and everywhere from The Hibiscus Room to Frog's Hollow Saloon and Birrunga Gallery and Dining have a special on offer. For dinner, there's also a Supper Club lineup. That's where you'll find a three-martini dinner at The Inchcolm, a six-dish banquet at Donna Chang, and tacos and tequila at Comuna Cantina — and a Middle Eastern spread with wine at Babylon, Longtime doing yum cha for two and a range of Japanese set menus at Tena as well. In addition to all of the above excuses to drop into just about every bar and restaurant in Brisbane's inner city on any day you like, Dine BNE City also serves up special events. So, get ready to sip prestigious sparkling drops at Lennons Restaurant and Bar's Champagne Icons Series, stroll the streets for Urban Wine Walk's latest outing, and learn a thing or two at rosé blending workshops at City Winery's Edward Street Cellar Door. Or, you can hit up a fireside food and wine party at the Cathedral of St Stephen, enjoy live Italian opera as you eat at Massimo, and taste the results when Walter's Steakhouse and E'cco team up for a collaborative dinner. Top image: Naga Thai, Darcy Starr.
With hard-hitting dramas, imaginative comedies and a retrospective tribute to one of the all-time greats, the latest edition of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival doesn't disappoint. Lighting up the screen from March 2-24 in Brisbane, the 2016 program features a diverse mix of titles showcasing the very best the French film industry has to offer. Cannes winners are set to be a highlight, with Rust and Bone director Jacques Audiard tackling the issue of asylum seekers in his new offering Dheepan, and Philippe Garrel's masterful romantic drama In the Shadow of Women. Legendary French filmmaker Michel Gondry's new film Microbe & Gasoline will also feature in the festival — which will be closed by Jean Luc-Godard's 1963 film Contempt.
This week is host to a number of promiscuous events. So, in the spirit of all things sexual, the Ghostboy with Golden Virtues show should also make it onto your to do list for this week. The Berlin style rock 'n' roll cabaret group have been (dis) gracing stages across the country at the likes of Melbourne Fringe Festival and Bohemian Ball. But as Ghostboy with Golden Virtues strut their critically acclaimed stuff back to the Judy this week they bring with them an all-new hybrid rock cabaret extravaganza. Infamous for their explosive live shows, the band really sets the bar high for live entertainment. And just in case there wasn't enough enjoyment for the evening GWGV will be supported by Avaberee and the cocktail-pop-circus that is Emma Dean. Boo ya! Don't get your knickers in a twist over this exciting event. Just get ya' but down to the Judy this Friday.
It's blast from the past time — again — thanks to Australia and New Zealand's annual dose of R&B and hip hop nostalgia. Fridayz Live previously went by RNB Fridays, but still serves up the same focus on old-school favourites no matter its moniker. On 2023's bill: Jason Derulo, Boyz II Men, Kelly Rowland and Flo Rida. 'Whatcha Say', 'End of the Road', 'Low', Destiny's Child songs — they'll all get a whirl on this tour, which does the rounds in November. Hitting up arenas at every stop, it'll kick off in Melbourne, before heading to Perth, Adelaide and Auckland. Then it's Brisbane's and Sydney's turn to finish off the run. As well Derulo and his 20 platinum singles, 90s boy band favourites Boyz II Men, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams' former colleague, and one of the biggest fans of collaborations in the business, 2023's Fridayz Live will also feature Jojo, 112, Baby Bash, Travie McCoy and Havana Brown. Making a massive event even bigger, Naughty by Nature's Vin Rock & DJ Kay Gee are on the bill, too, celebrating 50 years of hip hop with a countdown. Just like last year, Yo! Mafia will be on DJ duties, while Abbie Chatfield and Fatman Scoop are both playing host. And yes, it's a glorious time to see huge music names Down Under at the moment, with Fridayz Live's roster of talent joining tours by everyone from Kraftwerk, Devo and Paul McCartney to Sparks, Ms Lauryn Hill and Christina Aguilera, plus Chaka Khan, Fall Out Boy and more, getting retro across a whole heap of genres. [caption id="attachment_915622" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images[/caption] RNB FRIDAYS AND FLAVA PRESENTS FRIDAYZ LIVE 2023 LINEUP: Jason Derulo Boyz II Men Flo Rida Kelly Rowland Jojo 112 Baby Bash Travie McCoy Havana Brown 50 Years of Hip Hop Countdown: Vin Rock & DJ Kay Gee of Naughty by Nature Resident DJ Yo! Mafia Hosted by Abbie Chatfield and Fatman Scoop RNB FRIDAYS AND FLAVA PRESENTS FRIDAYZ LIVE 2023 DATES: Friday, November 10 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, November 11 — HBF Park, Perth Sunday, November 12 — AEC Arena, Adelaide Thursday, November 16 — Spark Arena, Auckland Friday, November 17 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, November 18 — GIANTS Stadium, Sydney RNB Fridays and Flava presents Fridayz Live will tour Australia and New Zealand in November 2023. Pre sales start on Tuesday, September 5, with general sales from Tuesday, September 12 at staggered times. For more information, head to the tour website. Jason Derulo image: Peter O'Dowd.
For some reason Sydneysiders have a tendency to rag on each other's hostility and unfriendliness. This probably has something to do with the city's day-to-day shortcomings — i.e. rage-inducing traffic, waiting for a bus that never comes, having to pay $5 for a soy latte etc. — that could make even Kimmy Schmidt a cranky human for a morning. It also might have something to do with Melburnians spreading the rumour Sydneysiders are jerks in the long-standing Melbourne-Sydney rivalry (which, by the way, is propagated almost exclusively by you, Melbourne). But evidently we all need to take a step back and reassess because it seems visitors to our fair country have quite a different view on things — they've just ranked Sydney as the second friendliest city in the world in the 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards survey. Around 128,000 readers of the international publication voted in this year's survey, and the category for the friendliest and unfriendliest cities in the world was rated against criteria such as how welcome a traveller felt, how helpful its locals were and how easy it was to get around. Sydney topped the list last year, but in 2016 still came in a very respectable second to the US city of Charleston in South Carolina. No other Australian cities got a look in, but Wellington, Auckland and Queenstown all got a place in the top 20. Half the list is made up of U.S. cities, which isn't surprising considering CNT's audience. On the other hand, the unfriendliest cities in the world were named as New Jersey's Newark, Tijuana in Mexico and the Californian city of Oakland, with readers citing that they felt unsafe, overcrowded or — in the case of Newark — just sad. Naw. But here's the places you want to go for the warm smiles and welcoming gestures. CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS' CHOICE AWARDS FRIENDLIEST CITIES IN THE WORLD 2016 1. Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. 2. Sydney, Australia 3. Dublin, Ireland 4. Queenstown, New Zealand 5. Park City, Utah, U.S. 6. Galway, Ireland 7. Savannah, Georgia, U.S. 8. Krakow, Poland 9. Bruges, Belgium 10. Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. 11. Edinburgh, Scotland 12. Austin, Texas, U.S. 13. Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S. 14. Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. 15. Auckland, New Zealand 16. Reykjavik, Iceland 17. Wellington, New Zealand 18. Jackson, Wyoming, U.S. 19. New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. 20. Burlington, Vermont, U.S. Image: Frances Gunn.
This piece of tour news will get you smiling like you mean it: The Killers are returning Down Under before 2024 is out, announcing their latest stint on Australia's stages. The Las Vegas-born rockers were last here in November and December 2022 — including playing intimate midnight shows — and will head back across the same months this year to get local crowds singing 'Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me' again. Hot Fuss, the album that gave the world those two beloved tracks — and 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine', 'All These Things That I've Done' and more — is the reason for the tour. 2024 marks 20 years since it first released, so Brandon Flowers and company are celebrating. More than that, they're playing two types of gigs on their Aussie trip. Most will be Rebel Diamonds shows, pumping through the group's hits across their entire career. In Sydney and Melbourne, however, The Killers are doing an extra night to work through Hot Fuss in its entirety. [caption id="attachment_972411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © 2022 Chris Phelps[/caption] Open up your eager eyes, Australia: destiny is calling you to those two concerts apiece in the New South Wales and Victorian capitals, at Qudos Bank Arena and Rod Laver Arena, as well as to single shows at Brisbane Entertainment Centre in the Sunshine State capital and Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Sadly, the November/December timing means that The Killers won't be repeating their AFL Grand Final berth after stealing the show back in 2017. They will be in the country for the AFLW Grand Final, however, if you want to start crossing your fingers. Given the band's lengthy back catalogue, The Killers won't just be focusing on Hot Fuss tunes at both kinds of shows on their tour, but have plenty more songs to bust out. Also likely to get a whirl as well: 'When You Were Young', 'Bones', 'Human', 'The Man' and latest single 'Bright Lights', just to name a few. The Hot Fuss gigs have been receiving a workout in the group's hometown of late, where they played a soldout residency at Caesar's Palace from mid-August till early September. The Killers 2024 Australian Tour Dates: Saturday, November 30 — Rebel Diamonds — Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville Friday, December 6 — Rebel Diamonds — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Saturday, December 7 — Hot Fuss — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Monday, December 9 — Rebel Diamonds — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, December 12 — Rebel Diamonds — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, December 13 – Hot Fuss — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne [caption id="attachment_831494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Killers are touring Australia in November and December 2024. Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 3pm local time on Tuesday, September 10, with general tickets on sale from 4pm local time on Monday, September 12. For further details, head to the tour website. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
