Dance is a primal urge that has played a role in our existence for thousands of years. From dancing around a fire to late night, air-guitar sessions with very little clothing, our bodies have a natural, deep-lodged desire to boogie. Now the Judith Wright centre is paying homage this ridiculously important part of the human psyche with a week just for dance! Even Whitney Houston would be content at the Judith Wright Centre in this coming week of dance - there’s going to be an awful lot of grooving, moving, working, twerking and everything in between. Tap, hip-hop, Bollywood, that one with the cardboard, are all going to be making an appearance. Real deal 'booteh' shakers, Claire Marshal, Gareth Belling and Lucy Ingham will be starting of the week with DANCE. INDIE DANCE. Next on the agenda - more dancing! The BIG DANCE NIGHT OUT, a collection of Brisbane’s best dance groups showing what’s what on the stage, will follow. The week will be wrapped up with STAY UP LATER, where Queensland dance schools will put together a performance featuring blockbuster tunes and fabulous classics. Kick off your Sunday shoes, cut-loose and join in this brilliant celebration!
A new wine festival is coming to Brisbane — but this one doesn't just want you to just stand around and drink. Sure, there's a lot of that on the menu at Wine Playground. In fact, there'll be more than 50 different vinos on offer for your sampling pleasure. Between mouthfuls, however, this fest will be letting you mingle with some of the country's best winemakers. From 12pm on Saturday, July 7, folks from 13 different outfits will be serving up tastings, selling their wares and chatting with you about everything that goes into making good plonk. The lineup casts its eye around the nation, so prepare to send your wine-loving tastebuds on a journey. On the bill: Queensland's La Petite Mort; New South Wales' Frankly; Victoria's Jamsheed; South Australia's Basket Range, Small Fry and Somos; Western Australia's Brave New Wine, Dormilona, L.A.S. Vino, LS Merchants and Ravensworth; and Tasmania's Shiny and Two Tonne Tasmania. Throw in open forums and snacks across the event's three-hour duration, and if that sounds like your ideal way to spend an afternoon, then Fortitude Valley's Happy Boy is the place to be. Tickets cost $65, which includes your own Plumm glass plus plenty — and we mean plenty — of sips.
Director Sam Raimi is no stranger to reboots. His 1981 horror flick The Evil Dead just received the reboot treatment this year, and last year's reboot of the Spiderman franchise (The Amazing Spiderman) marked a mere decade since Raimi's own version of story came out. It's no surprise, then, that Raimi was the one tapped to direct Oz the Great and Powerful — a prequel to 1939's beloved Wizard of Oz. Nor is it a shock that he's now supposedly attached to direct a remake of 1982's Poltergeist. Basically if you want something done right, again, then Sam's your man. And he'd need to be, since tackling The Wizard of Oz — a film often ranked in the 10 best of all time — has traditionally been a fool's errand fraught with difficulties. Just consider 1978's The Wiz, an African American version starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow (...if he only had a nose...). Then came Disney's terrifying attempt at a sequel, Return to Oz, in 1985. The opening scenes alone, depicting a frenzied Dorothy, strapped to a gurney and receiving electroshock therapy in a crumbling mental asylum, somehow failed to charm the hearts and minds of families in quite the same way as its predecessor — a task not helped by later scenes featuring masked murderous gangs with wheels for hands or a queen who froze people and wore their heads. You know, a children's movie. Finally in 2003, the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical Wicked opened on Broadway and has since become the 12th longest-running show in its history. Of all the reinterpretations, it's Wicked that fits most comfortably with the original, and so its story (the explanation of why the wicked witch became wicked) was the logical choice for Raimi's prequel, along with the 'how and why' of the Wizard becoming their great but mysterious leader. That man, Oscar Diggs (or 'Oz'), is played by James Franco, and his story begins as a lying, cheating carnival con man in Kansas. In a delightful homage to the 1939 version, Raimi also begins his film in black and white, and just like the original, that device makes Oscar's subsequent arrival into the fantastically colourful world of Oz all the more spectacular. Once there, he meets three beguiling but feuding witches named Theodora (Mila Kunis), Glinda (Michelle Williams), and Evanora (Rachel Weisz). Each claims the other is the 'wicked one' and begs him to save the land and its people by killing their rival. Oz the Great and Powerful isn't a film whose enjoyment is predicated upon knowledge of the original; however, its frequent tips of the hat definitely add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. And just like the original, Oz's journey along the yellow brick road leads to several chance encounters with some wonderfully creative, tender and amusing companions, including a small china doll and a wisecracking flying monkey (voiced by Zach Braff). Being Disney, it's obviously very much a children's movie, but one whose respectful treatment of the original still offers adults a chance to enhance, rather than replace, one cherished Wizard of Oz story with another.
Festival season is well and truly upon us, with the Woodford Folk Festival the latest event to announce its program. If you fancy seeing out 2018 and welcoming in 2019 while catching a heap of bands, wandering between arts performances and getting a little muddy across a grassy patch of southeast Queensland, the fest has you covered for its whopping 33rd year. Taking place at Woodfordia about 90 minutes north of Brisbane, this year's fest will be held for six days between December 27, 2018 and January 1, 2019 — with Electric Fields, Kimbra, Alex the Astronaut, The Cat Empire, Screamfeeder, Remi and Jen Cloher among its high-profile talent. In total, more than 200 acts will grace a lineup that features everything from music, art, circus and cabaret to yoga, dance and comedy, all in venues that range from a 25,000-seat amphitheatre to chilled-out hangout spots. Other highlights include spoken word, comedy and performances by everyone from Dr Karl to Vernon Ah Kee to Tripod's Steven Gates with Paul McDermott; arts, dance and meditation workshops; and a heap of circus and cabaret shows — plus, if you're bringing littlies, the event's Children's Festival within the broader fest is also returning. Or, you can enjoy a three-course bush food feast, catch The Spirit of Churaki about the Aboriginal man heralded as the Gold Coast's first surf lifesaver and see podcast Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids live. While the annual Queensland festival has weathered an uncertain future in recent years, it remains a staple of the state's end-of-year calendar — and visit will also boast 195 stalls around the grounds, turning the site into a mini-village for its duration. That includes everything from bars, cafes and restaurants, to an on-site doctor's surgery and two general stores. As always, camping is available at one of the fest's nine campgrounds, or you can nab a ticket just for the day. Either way, expect to have company, as around 130,000 people attend each year. The 2018–19 Woodford Folk Festival runs from December 27, 2018 and January 1, 2019 at Woodfordia on the Sunshine Coast. To view the program and buy tickets, head to woodfordfolkfestival.com Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
If you've ever felt guilty about staying at home on a Saturday night to play video games, learn Beyoncé dance moves off YouTube or watch six straight hours of Netflix — don't. The Sydney Opera House has just announced that they'll be hosting an epic overnight 24-hour festival dedicated to binging on pop culture in a totally acceptable social setting. Think Buffy marathons, Street Fighter, Shia LeBeouf — and cats. Bingefest is a brand new festival for the Opera House (their first newbie in five years) and will pull together this year's pop culture phenomenons to discuss, celebrate and — most importantly — enjoy them for what they are when it comes to the Opera House for 24 hours (or so) this December 17 and 18. The biggest announcement is that actor and artist Shia LeBeouf — along with collaborators Nastja Säde Rönkkön and Luke Turner — will be coming along to the fest. Best known for their live performance art like Take Me Anywhere, where they posted their coordinates and waited for the first people to find them and pick them up, the trio will be creating a work especially for Bingefest. No word on what it is yet though. The program — which will run from about 3pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday morning — includes a whole range of things we consume on the Internet, from TV and video games to podcasts and viral videos. Running overnight on the Saturday will be a Buffy marathon, in which lovers of the kickass femme vampire can relive the best episodes all over again (and all night), as well as a 24-hour Street Fighter session. Those familiar with the cult '80s video game will be able to drop in at any point in the night for a go. Other highlights include a talk from The AV Club, where four of their editorial staff will take you through all the TV you should have watched by now. Community's Dan Harmon and Luke McGregor and Celia Pacquola (from the soon-to-air ABC show Rosehaven) will write a TV-show from scratch in front of an audience, Serial producer Julie Snyder will discuss binge-worthy journalism and Amrita Hepi will hold two Rihanna and Beyoncé dance clases in the Opera House's ballet rehearsal room (perfect post-Buffy binge). Redfern Convenience Store will even be holding a pop-up snack store. Also, in what could be the most captivating performance the forecourt has seen this year, the Internet Cat Festival will make its Sydney debut on the Saturday night. It will be held in partnership with the RSPCA and will be goddamn adorable. Bingefest founder and curator Danielle Harvey says the festival is an opportunity for people to consume pop culture together as a community. As something that's largely consumed personally at home, the live participation of festival makes it a whole different experience. Danielle is a co-curator of other Opera House events like All About Women and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, but unlike the other festivals that incorporate elements of pop culture, Bingefest will be 100 percent dedicated to featuring it in a more celebratory way. Bingefest will take place at the Sydney Opera House from the afternoon of Saturday, December 17 until the morning of Monday, December 19. FOr more info and to buy tickets, visit bingefest.sydneyoperahouse.com.
Taking over the city during September, Brisbane Festival does many things. It gives everyone an excuse to devour entertaining cultural delights — and it serves up a new hangout. Actually, make that hangouts. Yes, Brisbane Festival's central hub offers multiple spaces in one. Revamping South Bank's Cultural Forecourt, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia boasts everything from pop-up food stalls to the spiegeltent to everything in between. Indeed, as well as offering a place to go when you need a wine, craft beer or food between shows, there's two places you'll want to check out. Stop by Divine for a dose of drag entertainment over a frosé, plus late-night DJs — or head to The Box for outdoor dancing and pop-up parties. Other events in Arcadia's vicinity include the House of Mirrors, Seance and a nightly light show, plus the feast of performances at The Courier-Mail Spiegeltent. That's where you'll catch many of the fest's headliners, including LIFE - THE SHOW, Tkay Maidza, Jen Cloher and the California Crooners Club.
First The Basics, now Tex Perkins — this legend of the Australian music scene best known for his work with The Cruel Sea is making a bid for state parliament. Though The Basics have strong feelings about education and welfare as well as local music restrictions, Perkins has one specific goal in mind. He wants to save the Palais Theatre. Since August this year, major doubts have been cast over the future of this iconic beachside venue. Despite consistently pulling big name acts including the great Bob Dylan, the Palais has been facing irreconcilable infrastructure problems. Once these impending renovations costs were estimated to be between $25-40 million, the Port Philip Council began lobbying the state government for funding. In the past month the Council has pledged $7.5 million for repairs if the state front the remainder. And, frankly, it doesn't look great. To remedy this and potentially save the regal old St Kilda venue, Perkins plans to run as an independent candidate for the seat of Albert Park. "The neglect of such an iconic performance venue, along with all the buck-passing from both sides of politics — it's just not good enough," Perkins said in a statement. "The Palais is a state-owned heritage building and there are policies for how you maintain these buildings." Though the problem of the decaying Palais hasn't made the same headlines or drawn the same amount of protest as the potential demolishment of the Palace Theatre in the CBD, support is growing quickly. I Love My Palais is gaining traction on social media, and even Mick Jagger came out in support of the campaign this week. While playing at Rod Laver Arena, Jagger urged his audience to "give generously". "I'd just like to tell you, we played at the Palais Theatre about 50 years ago," he said. This is good news for both Perkins and the Palais. Government is unlikely to affect change without significant community outrage. "The depth of voter disillusionment presents a frightening possibility," Perkins told The Age. "I might win." Via ABC and The Age. The Victorian state election will take place on November 29.
It was the sweet treat chain that rose faster than yeasty baked goods, then sunk like your stomach when you've eaten too much sugar. After closing down its 30 stores earlier this year during the collapse of then-owner Damien Griffith's hospitality empire, Doughnut Time is now set to return — imminently — under new owners and managers. Talk of a comeback has been happening for months, it was first announced in August 2018, but now it's actually happening, with four new Queensland stores opening before Christmas. Two stores have opened their mint green doors — in Brisbane City Myer Centre and on Grey Street in South Bank — along two on the Gold Coast And that's just for starters. Melbourne is expected to get three new stores, in Fitzroy and Hawthorn and on Degraves Street, and Sydney is expected to nab a new store or two in early 2019. With the chain now overseen by Queensland entrepreneur Peter Andros, Doughnut Time is eager to put the brand's past behind it — a situation that not only saw its previous stores shuttered without warning, but left many of its staff unpaid. "We think what happened to past employees is unacceptable," the company wrote on Facebook. Fans and sugar fiends should prepare their tastebuds for a dose of the old and the new when the fresh batch of stores start cooking up a storm. Hit flavours like the Cate Blanchett (a milk chocolate doughnut covered in Tim Tam pieces) have been teased on social media, as have new vegan, gluten free, high protein, low sugar and keto options. The stores launched with free doughnut giveaways. An interesting way to launch a company that has a past tainted by liquidation and unpaid wages, but let's hope, in this case, history doesn't repeat itself. Find Doughnut Time at the Brisbane City Myer Centre, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane City, and 186 Grey Street, South Bank. The Melbourne store are set to open soon — we'll let you know when they do. Updated: January 8, 2019.
Brisbanites, your autumn plans just got bigger, because the Queensland Government is easing a heap of pandemic restrictions. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today, Tuesday, February 22, that caps on the number of folks you can have over to your house will lift, density limits will be scrapped in a number of public places, and masks will no longer be required in a heap of indoor settings from 6pm on Friday, March 4. The rules will relax more than two months after restrictions were tightened around Christmas in response to the Omicron wave. But now, thanks to decreasing community transmission and hospital admission numbers, Queenslanders can get ready to do more things in more places with more people again. BREAKING: Masks will no longer be required workplaces, schools and shops from 6pm on Friday 4 March. Hospitality staff and patrons won't be required to wear them at cafés, pubs or restaurants. pic.twitter.com/gdWrSA8BTc — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) February 21, 2022 If you're most excited about having friends and family over, you'll be able to have as many people at your house as you like. And yes, the new rule kicks in just as a weekend starts. For those eager to spend more time out and about, density limits will be ditched in food courts, hairdressers, gyms, private venues and universities — and at weddings and funerals. Regarding masks, they'll no longer be required in workplaces, schools and shops. Hospitality staff and patrons won't be required to wear them at cafés, pubs or restaurants, either. That said, you will still have to mask up on public transport, in airports and on planes, as well as in hospitals, disability care, prisons and aged care. Queensland's COVID-19 case numbers for today, Tuesday, February 22, hadn't been announced at the time of writing, but the state recorded 4114 new cases yesterday, Monday, February 21. Queensland's density, gathering and mask rules will ease at 6pm on Friday, March 4. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. Top image: Kiff and Culture.
If you're starting to feel like a new season hasn't truly started until Finders Keepers has come to town, you're not alone. The ever-expanding art and design market has been bringing us face-to-face with some of the country's most quirky and creative designers for over a decade now — and it's set to do it all over again when it returns to Brisbane this November. The autumn/winter event saw the festival extend its trading hours, a move which will be repeated this time round, giving you maximum opportunity to explore the extensive program of vendors, food and entertainment. Of course, the focus remains on helping you discover and connect with the next wave of independent and emerging artisans, so expect to find plenty to take home with you from the event's more than 200 stalls. As usual, there'll also be live music and other entertainment scattered across the weekend to keep the good vibes going. And you're covered when the inevitable shopping-induced hunger strikes, a heap of food trucks will be dishing up bites to eat. Tickets are $5, available at the door and valid for the entire weekend. Finders Keepers Spring/Summer Brisbane will run from November 9–11 at 12pm–9pm on Friday, and 9am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Image: Mark Lobo.
Finders Keepers is a frequent visitor to Brisbane, usually unleashing its market spread upon the River City twice a year. But with Brisbane Art Design back for 2023, it's making another trip to celebrate. It is all about showcasing art and design, after all, which is exactly what it'll do at a one-day pop-up. As has been its custom for 15 years now, Finders Keepers will once again bring shoppers face-to-face with some of the country's most quirky and creative designers — this time from 8am–3pm on Saturday, May 20 at Craft'd Grounds in Albion. [caption id="attachment_857128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samee Lapham[/caption] The focus remains, as ever, on helping you discover and connect with the next wave of independent and emerging artisans. Expect to find more than 20 stalls slinging wares from talented local makers Entry is free and, when the inevitable shopping-induced hunger strikes, you'll be in the right spot to grab a bite onsite — and a coffee — to help fuel your shopping. [caption id="attachment_879387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Full Stop Social Media[/caption]
What's better than one Will Smith? Two Will Smiths, apparently. That's how Gemini Man seems to feel, with the new sci-fi thriller starring the former Fresh Prince as an assassin with a very familiar-looking foe: a younger version of himself. It has been three years since his last big-screen flicks, aka the immensely underwhelming Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty — so if you're a Smith fan that's been missing the actor's presence in cinemas of late, then consider Gemini Man a two-for-one catch-up deal. If you're particularly fond of the actor's Bad Boys, Men in Black and Independence Day-era heyday, then get ready for a CGI blast from the past. And if, for whatever reason, you've always wondered what today's 50-year-old Smith would look like if he was facing off against his own 20-something clone, then prepare to find out. Directed by Ang Lee, Gemini Man follows Smith's hitman Henry Brogan as he learns that his worst enemy really is himself — and also co-stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong. The film hits theatres in October, after Smith goes blue in Disney's Guy Ritchie-helmed live-action Aladdin remake. See double with the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGTp7YVUaxQ&feature=youtu.be Gemini Man opens in Australian cinemas on October 10.
It has been almost 50 years since Philip K. Dick pondered whether androids dream of electric sheep, and 35 years since Blade Runner brought that question to the cinema. In celebration of the long-awaited big screen sequel, Blade Runner 2049, Melbourne's Cinema Nova is throwing another query into the mix: do replicants have a hankering for themed cocktails? Eagle-eyed fans of the first film will have spotted that, yes, bioengineered beings can have a beverage. And we all know that the trackers tasked with retiring them can too. Accordingly, downing a few drinks like Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard seems like a fitting way to mark his return. When Bar 2049 pops up for a month from September 28 — a week before the new movie releases on October 5 — here's hoping there's some of his booze of choice (that is, whiskey), in Cinema Nova's two new tipples: the Nexus 9 and The Offworld. Bar 2049 won't just boast drinks to match the occasion, but will transform the existing Nova Bar & Kitchen into an immersive, eye-catching Blade Runner-like space that takes its cues from both Ridley Scott's original flick and Denis Villeneuve's forthcoming, Ryan Gosling-starring follow-up. Custom wall murals from street artist Chris Hancock of Blender Creative and video installations from filmmaker Ben Helweg will create a striking, futuristic look, while an audio soundscape will blend Vangelis' iconic score with synth pop. Other touches searing themselves into your memory include neon lighting and lasers, LCD screens, floor decals, mannequins and silver unicorns. If that doesn't cause an emotional reaction that proves you're not a robot, then a 'Tastes From The Future' food menu should. The latest example of Cinema Nova's Blade Runner love — with the theatre screening the classic movie several times over the years — Bar 2049 is open from 10am daily, licensed from midday, and serves up dinner from 5pm weeknights and midday on weekends. Find Bar 2049 at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton from September 28 to October 27. For more information, keep an eye on the cinema's website and Facebook page. Images: ©2017 Alcon Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved via Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Rumour has it that Obama likes his beats, so as part of the G20 celebrations, The City Sounds is bringing a bunch of music to our city's streets. Running for seven days between November 10-16, Brisbane’s G20 Soundtrack will see 100 musicians showcased in more than 200 live performances all over the CBD. The program features a range of musicians, who will be playing in Queen Street Mall, Reddacliff Place, King George Square, Post Office Square and The Riverside Precinct. Don’t be surprised if you catch some sound around parks, monuments and city green patches as well — everything from funk, blues and rock will be taking over every little nook and street corner. Of course, with G20 traffic and transport restrictions it's not as though you'll actually be able to get into the city to check out these great performers, but we think the talent on show might just be worth the hike into town. Check out the full line up here.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Game of Rhones our way each year — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. For just one day, Brisbane wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 150 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. Expect drops from more than 40 wineries, plus a lineup of beer as well. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. Food vendors have yet to be announced, but the calibre of previous years leads us to believe you won't be disappointed. Pinot Palooza will hit Brisbane Showgrounds from 1–6pm on Sunday, October 13. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $65 — and include all tastings and a take-home crystal Plumm RedB glass. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $95 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get access to the VIP area, a glass of bubbles on arrival, entry into wine talks and some one-on-one with one of the event's sommeliers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw
No need for the neuralisers, folks. This is one you'll forget about all on your own. In what's proving a particularly rough patch for blockbuster franchises (thanks chiefly to the hugely disappointing Godzilla II and X-Men: Dark Phoenix), Men In Black: International represents the latest casualty, offering a dull, generic and largely pointless extension of the popular sci-fi series. With the departure of original stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, it falls to franchise newcomers Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson to keep the ball rolling. Sadly, whatever chemistry they had in Thor: Ragnarok is noticeably absent. The dialogue is stilted and the tension forced, while the acerbic sparring that defined the Jones/Smith relationship plays here like a clumsy copy-and-paste job. Hemsworth's comedic touch is well established, but it's best served in small doses, either via bit-parts as per Ghostbusters, or as flourishes in otherwise serious roles, as seen in all but the last Avengers. When comedy becomes his character's main task, the result is less satisfying. His portly, traumatised Thor in Avengers: Endgame robbed both him and audiences of everything that made his character so appealing, and here again in Men in Black the role plays to few of his strengths. Hemsworth constantly flicks back and forth between hammy clowning on the one hand, and pouting like he's in a Hugo Boss commercial on the other. Only the latter works for him. Thompson fares a little better. Her character's motivation is neatly established via a cute intro sequence that defines her as a driven, intelligent and highly capable individual. In a refreshing twist, she essentially recruits herself into MiB, having pursued the mysterious agency ever since a chance encounter with its agents and a furry little alien back when she was just a child. Once inside the agency, though, her reactions feel far too indifferent for someone only hours into life behind the proverbial curtain. Just because you believe in aliens doesn't mean you wouldn't balk, stop and stare at each and every new encounter of the weird and wonderful, but Thompson's Agent M takes it all in her stride. It's as if she's sharing in the audience's experience of yeah yeah yeah, we've seen all this before. Where Men In Black: International works best is in its secondary characters. The villains this time round are a pair of intergalactic assassins played by French brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, otherwise known as Les Twins. The shape-shifting, time-jumping killers are delightfully menacing and beautifully imagined on the special effects front. Reminscent of the Twins from the second Matrix movie, this duo pulls focus in every scene, especially when they're dancing so extraordinarily you're convinced it has to be computer-generated (it's not). Equally appealing is the arms dealer Riza, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Ferguson's recent turns in the last two Mission: Impossible films were amongst their best features, and here again she delivers a sumptuous blend of sensual and sinister. Then there's comedian Kumail Nanjiani, whose tiny chessboard alien Pawny serves up almost every good laugh in the film. If the producers are scratching their heads as to what to do with this franchise in the wake of such a poor initial reception, they could do worse than giving Pawny his own spin-off. If nothing else, at least Men In Black: International has a fitting title. It's a film that feels purposefully generic and inoffensive so as to appeal to the broadest possible market. As a result, it ends up being nothing much to anyone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV-WEb2oxLk
If there's an occasion worth celebrating, including Christmas, spring and winter, Woolloongabba's South City Square sure does like marking it with markets. The inner-east precinct can still roll out the stalls just because, however — such as on Friday, April 14 at its Market Stall Carnival. Running from 5–8pm, this after-work pop-up features all the staples, food trucks and cocktails included. One will help line your stomach, the other will be served from a drink cart that's only for big kids — aka adults — at this family-friendly affair. Also on the agenda: live tunes and, of course, market stalls aplenty. Back to the food, in keeping with the theme there'll be popcorn, fairy floss and snow cone stands. Attendees can also check out dance performances, while kids can hit the jumping castle, get their faces painted and nab a twisted balloon. Plus, it all tales place in and around a brick-lined, industrial-style space, which tends to make you feel like you're wandering around a European-style market. Top image: Markus Ravik.
They're taking the hobbits to Isengard at Dendy Cinemas this winter, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for one sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King (with The Two Towers in the middle, of course), this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at over nine hours plus intermissions — with the journey starting at 10.30am on Sunday, August 28 at Dendy Coorparoo, Portside and Southport. If you make it through breakfast and second breakfast to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest person on your way home (note: do not actually screech at people). Tickets are the precious and come in at $30 for the whole ordeal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_WZxJpHzEE
Just a 30-minute drive out of Brisbane's CBD, Wynnum is well worth a day trip — for a splash and for some fish and chips. As far as the former is concerned, the shorefront pool fills with sea water, making it the perfect spot to dip your toes. And when it comes to the latter, you could easily enjoy a fish 'n' chip crawl of the area's abundance of greasy spoons. Pick from Cooper's, Baywatch Café, Pelican's Nest and Barramundi Boys, or order something from each place you pass as you walk along the Esplanade. Image: Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Some days you wake up, go for a quick run, make yourself a cheeky bowl of Cornflakes. Others, you rise knowing today's the day, the glorious moment when you can shape squid ink-coloured cuttlefish into a ball, painstakingly sculpt it to look like a penguin and viciously mount it on a kebab stick for the masses to enjoy. This is that day for Hong Kong gamechangers The Drunken Pot, who have created one heck of an adorable offering for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, now running on HK's Central Harbourfront until October 30. Dubbed the 'Happy Penguin Cuttlefish Ball', this little Instagrammable delight is one of the festival's so-called 'Adorable Eats', which is legitimately a series of highly cute dishes on offer at the event. While jumping a flight across to Honkers to inhale these staked Pengus isn't on the cards for everyone, sitting back and marvelling at them from your chair and knowing you won't have to eat cuttlefish should suffice. Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival runs until October 30.
Flow Athletica's super-popular silent disco yoga classes have, in the past, seen up to 800 yogis shavasana-ing together. This time, it's aiming for 10,000. Obviously, in the current COVID-19 climate, this won't feature people in one physical room, but thousands of people all logging on together for a virtual version of the class. First up, taking place at 7pm AEST on Thursday, April 9, the 90-minute all-level vinyasa class will be hosted by Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall — and beamed across the world to Hong Kong, London, Singapore and New York. In true Flow style, there'll be beats from Sydney DJ James Mack. And lots of neon. Then, at 7pm AEST on Wednesday, May 6, there'll be a slower vinyasa class, focusing more on relieving stress and tension and accompanied by mellow tunes. Expect 40 minutes of flowing movement, followed by 20 minutes guided rest. Tickets are only $10, which is a bargain considering physical classes usually set you back $50. You will, however, need to BYO yoga mat.
When the festive season hit last year, Brisbane Quarter lit up in celebration. Now that lunar new year is approaching, the inner-city precinct is doing the same. You won't miss the CBD spot's glowing tribute to the year of the tiger, all courtesy of a vibrant red and gold LED installation. But that's not all that the place has to offer. As well as checking out the nightly light show, you can wander through a cherry tree installation on Podium 1 — where you'll find cherry blossoms, red lanterns and red envelopes, with the latter symbolising good fortune to start off your lunar new year with the best possible luck. At 12.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday, January 31, there'll be lion dances as well. And, with Brisbane Phoenix located at Brisbane Quarter, you can tuck into a feast as well. That part isn't free — or cheap, as you'll need at least six people for the $888 option — but we're sure that the restaurant's garlic king prawns, braised lobster, steamed coral trout, sauteed scallops and cultural cookies will tempt you between Monday, January 31–Sunday, February 6 anyway. On Monday, January 31 only, you can also tuck into a number of the above dishes — and a heap of others — via an a la carte menu that starts at $28.
If on a Friday night you want to escape the mainstream and go a little crazy on the dance floor, Yon Plume’s first birthday might just be your ticket to bliss. These hard working guys and gals started this entertainment organisation 12 months ago, and now it’s time to celebrate, let loose and party party party. Yon Plume’s specialty has long – well, for a year – been uncovering little known bands, giving them a hearty slap on the back and pushing them into a flaming hot spotlight. As such, they’ve snatched three of Brisbane’s hottest acts, Babaganouj, Johnny and the Fembots and The Good Sports to host some grooves and let fun ensue at Southside Tea Room. Don’t be lazy – go see three of Brisbane’s brightest up and coming bands and give the team at Yon Plume a celebratory high-five for their year long success.
Please allow us to introduce Australia's next big pop culture exhibition: Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit. Firmly focused on the British rockers that are still starting things up 56 years after first forming, the touring showcase makes its Aussie debut at the Sydney International Convention Centre. After premiering in London, then heading to New York and Nashville, it'll bring more than 500 Stones items to our shores between November 17, 2018 to February 3, 2019. Attendees will be able to get some satisfaction thanks to an enormous array of objects and memorabilia, including a vintage guitar gallery, a number of rare instruments, the band's lyric books, plus all kinds of backstage and touring paraphernalia, album art. If you've ever wanted to read Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and company's personal diaries and letters, they'll feature as well, alongside Stones photography and examples of their stage design. Given the group's considerable longevity, one section of the exhibition will focus on five decades of their outfits — and yes, you can expect more than just Jagger's leather pants. On display will be articles from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Hedi Slimane, Ossie Clark and L'Wren Scott, not only charting Stones history but fashion over the same period. Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit also includes 190 original artworks, with everyone from Andy Warhol to Shepard Fairey to Robert Frank involved with or taking inspiration from the band over the years — and doing more than just painting things black. Because no huge music exhibition is complete unless it makes you feel like you're at a gig in some way, Stones aficionados will get what they want (and what they need as well) thanks to interactive sound mixing decks and a recording studio, videos throughout the displays and a screening cinema with narration by Martin Scorsese. Also featured is an immersive backstage recreation, which leads visitors to a 3D concert finale. If you're a fan of the band, wild horses probably wouldn't drag you away from a showcase that Jagger describes as both an event and an experience. "It's about a sense of The Rolling Stones — it's something we want people to go away talking about it," he explains. For Richards, "while this is about The Rolling Stones, it's not necessarily only just about us. It's also about all the paraphernalia and technology associated with a group like us". Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit displays at the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) from November 17, 2018 to February 3, 2019. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.stonesexhibitionism.com.
If you and your partner have a little (or a lot) of pent-up energy, and you're looking for a different outlet to help ease it, here's an option: Brisbane's axe-throwing joint Maniax is hosting Valentine's date-night sessions from Friday, February 11–Friday, February 18. The Newstead joint is doing two-hour public sessions that'll cost you and your other half $100 in total to hurl hatchets — and will let you do something different to mark the occasion. Also, that price also includes a beer, wine or canned spirit each afterwards to celebrate. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely throw a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your partner and/or friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Chuck those axes, sink a bullseye, and then calm down after all the hatchet-lobbing excitement with a drink with your significant other.
You shouldn’t really need an excuse to get behind the empowerment of women – but a panel discussion is a panel discussion and we’ll take any reason to see some pretty magnificent people sharing their know-how. Luckily for us, the Ladyfest movement is back and bigger and better than ever in 2013, and to celebrate they’re hosting an evening of discussion with some pretty incredible faces to match. Ladyfest have foraged for some of Brisbane’s most marvellous creative women – we can assume without too much trouble – and gathered some real gems. Musician Seja Vogel, author Krissy Kneen, Greens candidate Rachael Jacobs, tattoo-artist Aureole McAlpine, founder and creator of Spare Parts, Priscilla Sutton, and writer Michelle Law will be at the forefront of the discussion. Engaging in conversation, and possibly debate about their challenges and experiences in the Brisbane arts scene, this is an event not to be missed by budding artists, fans or anyone in need of a healthy dose of motivation. Join these wonderful ladies at The Zoo in what will be an exciting and inspiring afternoon.
Painting a plaster figurine isn't just for kids. Sure, Carina's Plaster Fun House usually caters for bright and creative young minds — but, from 5.30–9pm on Saturday, December 12, it's hosting a Christmas-themed Adult Plaster Painting Night. On the agenda: an evening where you and your mates can get crafty, make something you can treasure and likely feel mighty nostalgic. Pick from over 100 pieces on offer, get into the arty spirit and see what you can whip up. You'll have your own multi-coloured animal, cartoon character or motivational plaque in no time. Looking for a handmade gift idea? You can even take care of that with your painted creation. Also, when else will you get to paint a plaster figurine with glitter? You'll also tuck into snacks, pizza, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink — all of which are included in your $20 ticket. [caption id="attachment_648988" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Plaster Fun House in Belmont Brisbane[/caption]
When a Gossip Girl leaves the world of backstabbing teen chatter behind, she becomes an ageless woman. Well, at least, that's the path Blake Lively has taken. After flirting with a few supporting film roles around the television series that made her famous, she has found a star vehicle. It feels fitting that Lively plays Adaline Bowman, a character most notable for continuing to look strikingly youthful even as the years pass. That's the type of obvious film The Age of Adaline is as it tells a lovesick tale of a long life half lived. Even when heavy-handed narration is explaining the movie's gimmick through cosmic forces and lightning strikes (yes, really), it takes the most earnest path. Adaline was born in 1908, growing from a child into an adult in an unremarkable fashion. She marries, becomes a mother and then a widow, before an unusually snowy evening sees her car veer off the road. After the accident, she's inexplicably trapped at the age of 29 and immune to the ravages of time. As the decades roll by, Adaline changes her identity and moves around to avoid arousing suspicion, with only her daughter, Flemming (first played by Cate Richardson, and then by Ellen Burstyn), aware of her secret. A celebration of eternal youth, this is not, with the film taking a more dramatic approach to remaining young in appearance but getting older in the heart. The Age of Adaline is a gentle story of sacrifice and yearning told as such, gliding slowly by as it recounts Adaline's fate. It's also a sentimental account of the power and necessity of love, as her lonely life is changed on the eve of her 107th birthday. That's when she meets philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), his instantly smitten perseverance threatening to crack through her time-hardened shell. Cue the kind of sweeping, star-crossed romance typically relegated to the cheesiest, sappiest movies, though much better made, more genuine in its emotions, and with stronger-written characters here. The usual suspension of disbelief is required, and the standard complications arise, involving reconciling the past with the future. It's a considerable change of pace for director Lee Toland Krieger, making his first feature after his breakout hit Celeste & Jesse Forever; however, he never flounders in such drastically different territory. Indeed, he takes to telling a leisurely love story with elegance and enthusiasm, never more so than in his affectionate eye for period details. From the costumes to the sets, this is a movie as handsome as it is unashamedly heartfelt. As for Lively, she may be the star of The Age of Adaline, looking the part and acting suitably restrained, but she's far from the film's shining light. Instead, that honour goes to Huisman, ramping up his Game of Thrones charm to maximum levels. Though he shows up late in the game, Harrison Ford also does well as a blast from Adaline's past. They're exactly the kind of modest highlights that help the movie stick together so well, making something that could've been silly surprisingly sincere from start to finish — and somewhat timeless, too, as far as old-fashioned fantasies are concerned.
For the 29th time, the Mardi Gras Film Festival is back — and just like in 2021, that's great news for more than just cinema-going Sydneysiders. If you feel more comfortable watching from home during the current Omicron outbreak, attending a film festival isn't always accessible to you for health or work reasons or you're a fan of LGBTQIA+ movies located elsewhere in Australia, you'll also be able to enjoy this year's MGFF digitally as well. Yes, that means if you're in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or elsewhere across the country, you now have a feast of queer cinema coming your way. More titles are available at the fest's in-person event compared to its digital lineup, but more than half of the program will be screening online for those playing along at home and interstate. You'll want to watch from Thursday, February 17–Thursday, March 3, and highlights include horror film The Retreat, which combines a cabin-in-the-woods setup with planning a queer wedding; Cannes-selected Taiwanese drama Moneyboys; the relationship-focused Ma Belle, My Beauty, about a long-term couple living in a scenic villa in the south of France; and Estonia's Firebird, which charts a romance against the backdrop of the Cold War. There's also documentary Coming to You, following two mothers fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Korea; and As We Like It, an all-female version of Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It.
The weather might be heating up in sunny Queensland, but that doesn't mean you can't all spend a day pretending you're somewhere much, much cooler. How does an imaginary visit to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Iceland sound? All you need to do is head along to the Scandinavian Festival Brisbane. Now in its seventh year, the annual showcase of countries with colder climates offers a smorgasbord of authentic food, entertainment and shopping that'll make you think you're on the other side of the world. Yes, the festival does include two of the things Scandinavian nations are best known for: Ikea and Lego. Taking place at Bowen Hills' Perry Park from 10am on Sunday, September 9, it also includes stalls serving up Swedish pastries, Finnish recycled products, Nordic homewares and other goodies, plus traditional folk dancing and music. 15,000 people attend each year, so arriving early is recommended — more Norwegian waffles, Swedish meatballs and Finnish beer for you.
Exploring a city while staring at your phone might seem counter-intuitive, but it's how most of us wander through the world these days. If you're a Melburnian looking to play tourist in your own town or a visitor to the Victorian capital trying to find your way around, you'll soon have an excuse to keep checking the screen that's always glued your hand: a guide to the city that's also a game. Announced this week by the Victorian Government, 64 Ways of Being is an app that helps users see the sights of Melbourne, with a focus not only on the CBD, but on the surrounding suburbs out to Braybrook in the west to Elwood in the south. While you're spotting things around you, the free app will combine augmented reality, public art and games design to show exclusively commissioned artworks on your screen. Expect rotating live theatre performances, street art and digital AR elements to pop up on your phone. More than that, 64 Ways of Being has a playable component. It's not just about letting users spy special artworks via the app — it's about encouraging you to catch 'em all. If you've long had enough of Pokemon Go, consider this the touristy alternative. The aim is to get everyone exploring as much of the city as possible, obviously, but we all know that the lure to keep upping your tally will be hard to ignore. https://www.instagram.com/p/BrW3lMLF3Hx/ The Victoria Government will invest $950,000 in the app, which is expected to launch in 2020. A collaborative effort by Dr Troy Innocent, a Victorian artist, educator and coder; games studio Millipede; and 'one step at a time like this', a performance collective, 64 Ways of Being will be designed to allow new artworks and locations to be added in the future — including the possibility of rolling out the app to other cities. For further information about 64 Ways of Being, check out the project's Instagram feed. Images: Visit Victoria, Roberto Seba / 64 Ways of Being.
On TV screens over the past eight years, the residents of the Seven Kingdoms have fought many a fight over a single piece of furniture. But just as Game of Thrones isn't any old fantasy series, the Iron Throne isn't any old chair. As fans of the epic HBO show know — and readers of George RR Martin's books, too — it's the seat reserved for the realm's ruler. It's also the term used to refer to GoT's monarchy overall. Plenty of folks have sat on the Iron Throne. Plenty have died trying. Dragons, zombies and giants have all been used in the ongoing battle for the famous seat, and that's before the popular series airs its eighth and final season. Just who'll end up perched upon the grey, pointy item won't be unveiled until GoT returns in April; however GoT aficionados can plonk themselves down on one first thanks to HBO's For the Throne scavenger hunt. Since March 19, the US network has been scattering Iron Thrones at various locations around the world and asking the general public to find them. There's six in total, but other than enticing GoT diehards to discover the chairs' whereabouts, details about the overall quest are being kept suitably secret. Indeed, whether the winners receive anything other than the glory of sitting in the iron throne — and a shiny crown, as based on social media photos — is yet to be revealed. https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones/status/1107642891252436993 At the time of writing, the hunt runs for another 11 days, wrapping up on Wednesday, April 3 unless all of the Iron Thrones have been found before then. Clues for the Throne of the Forest, Throne of the North, Throne of Joy and Throne of Valyria have been revealed so far, comprised of hour-long 360-degree YouTube videos of each in their current surroundings at different times of the day. Three have been located — one in the forest at Puzzlewood in England, another surrounded by snow in Björkliden in Sweden and the third near the Castle of Atienza in Spain. If you've been counting down the days until the series airs its final episodes — starting on Monday, April 15, Australian time — this could be just what you need to fill your time. The new season arrives nearly two years after its predecessor, which premiered in July 2017. And, let's be honest, you've probably already rewatched the first seven seasons so often over that period that you can now recite every line. You've probably also watched and rewatched season eight's full trailer, which only dropped earlier this month. And the other season eight teasers — yes, there's more than one — as well. Check out one of the scavenger hunt clues below, and keep an eye on the For the Throne website and the Game of Thrones YouTube channel for further details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keFHw-VhTjg The first episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 will air on HBO on Monday, April 15, AEST.
It's always a bittersweet moment when you leave a hairdresser or barbershop. On one hand, you're feeling sharp. On the other, you know it's only a matter of time before all the stylist's hard work comes undone. To give your new look the best chance of surviving you're going to need some swag, and Esq Male Grooming Barber and Supplies has it in spades. With British barber Mark Rabone at the helm, this Milton barbershop is dedicated to providing a luxury grooming experience — from a beer or coffee on arrival to the vast range of aftercare products available for purchase. After your luxury face shave ($60, or $100 if you pair with a haircut), stock up on aftershave balm, facial scrub and a super-swish double-sided chrome razor, all by Baxters of California, to keep things looking sharp until your next visit.
You've heard the tales. Those mystical, weird-as-blazes stories of entire restaurants manned by robots in Japan, surrounded by glow sticks, frantic lasers, bejewelled dancers and robot battles. The rumours are straight-up true. But don't even think about breaking that piggy bank open for an airfare, the world-renowed Japanese Robot Restaurant from Shinjuku, Tokyo is coming to Sydney for two nights only. This is not a drill. As part of the launch of Contiki’s new 'Japan Unrivalled' itinerary kicking off in March 2015, the travel-lovin' team are bringing one of Japan's major kitschy attractions to you — battling robots included. Set to pop up in a yet-to-be-announced location, the Japanese Robot Restaurant is the sum of your wildest, weirdest and wackiest Japanese-inspired dreams — big ol' J-pop beats, choreographed dancers, fluorescent fitout and tasty Japanese food and bevs — and LASERS. So very many lasers. The kicker? The pop-up will see giant futuristic robots doing battle while you nosh. That's right, bigass robots battling. Just, just look at this: Classic weird, wonderful Japan. This is going to be nuts. Robots Unrivalled will perform from February 23 -24 at the pop-up, location TBA. For more information or to register for tickets head to www.contiki.com/robotsunrivalled. Image: Lindsay Clark, THINK Global School.
When one door closes, another one opens, or so the cliche goes — but that's proving true at 35 Peel Street in South Brisbane. Peel St Kitchen is packing up to make way for newcomer 35 Bar & Bistro. The name and menu might be changing, however, the love of location-based monikers just can't be beaten. At the revamped eatery overseen by executive chef Sean Calliste, casual Mediterranean-inspired dining is on the menu whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Calliste has quite the resume, including his previous role as head chef at Jellyfish, and being mentored by Gordon Ramsay early in his career. As for just what he'll be whipping up, expect familiar dishes with a few twists. Yes, that's what every restaurant claims, sure, but with breakfast selections that include spiced roast plum and almond French toast, plus signature pancakes with mixed berry compote and Tim Tam dust, 35 Bar & Bistro is aiming to please. Come lunch and dinner, expect to snack on savoury goat's cheese cheesecake (say that ten times fast) and antipasto platters. A selection of pizzas, wraps and sandwiches are also available in the middle of the day, while desserts include lavender and vanilla crème brûlée, and the most Queensland option imaginable. Who doesn't want a trio of mango, with parfait, sorbet and carpaccio? Find 35 Bar & Bistro at 35 Peel Street, South Brisbane. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
Iggy Pop has been hitting the stage — mostly topless — for nigh on 50 years, both as the frontman of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Stooges and as a solo artist. Now, the 'Godfather of Punk' is heading back to Australia in April, 2019. As well as his debut performance at the Sydney Opera House, Iggy Pop will be performing at Melbourne's Festival Hall and at Byron Bay's Bluesfest — where he'll take to the stage alongside the likes of Paul Kelly, Hozier, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals. Iggy Pop may be almost 72 (his birthday on the night of the Melbourne show), but his shows aren't getting any less raucous. And the legendary singer only two years ago released his 17th solo album, Post Pop Depression. If you are, in any way, doubting his virility, please watch this video of Iggy performing 'The Passenger' at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2016. Yep, still shirtless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9srgtTTVwk IGGY POP 2019 DATES Sydney — Sydney Opera House, April 15 and 17 Byron Bay — Bluesfest, April 19 Melbourne — Festival Hall, April 21 Bluesfest tickets are on sale now. Melbourne and Sydney pre-sale tickets will be released at 12pm on Wednesday, December 12, with general sale following at 12pm on Friday, December 14. Sydney Opera House shows can be purchased here and Melbourne shows through the Bluesfest Touring website. Image: Ross Halfin.
In 2011's The Raid, a squad of 20 elite police officers took on a tower block ruled by a crime lord, making their way up the 30 floors through a mixture of gunplay and extreme martial arts. The film was a thrilling surprise, a fun and visceral action ride that we hadn't seen in some time. In the end of that film, our lead, Rama, limps off, after encountering his estranged brother — one of the criminals! — in a tantalising promise of a story that would continue later. That story does not actually continue in The Raid 2. Though it picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, it tells a whole new story about criminals and corruption. In fact, this film was written before The Raid, and it was only later that writer/director Gareth Evans decided to create a link. It might not have been the wisest idea. Part of the joy of The Raid lies in its almost video game-like simplicity. A bunch of cops making their way up a building, defeating nefarious figures, until they finally reach the big boss. Easily digestible. The appeal of creating a story like Infernal Affairs (or, if you prefer, The Departed) is obvious, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Evans wanting to delve deeper into the world of gangs, corruption, loyalty, double-crosses and general intrigue. The problem is that action films such as these are essentially delivery systems for the action sequences, and so the convolution in this film after the relative simplicity of The Raid is a bit jarring. I'm not one to shy away from a complex plot, but it feels tonally wrong in this film, like someone crowbarred it in, amongst the scenes of actual crowbarring. Whether or not you like The Raid 2: Berandal will depend on which direction you're approaching it from. If you're looking for a crime epic in the vein of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather or Kinji Fukasaku's Battles Without Honour or Humanity, you might find it a fairly unoriginal exercise. But if you're after an action film full of the visceral fight scenes that have been lacking in the recent spate of CGI spectacle, you'll get a lot of out this. Some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring, particularly a martial arts-filled car chase. Some moments of reflective beauty demonstrate that Evans can go quiet when he needs to, and there's certainly no denying his ability to create memorable, distinctive characters. It may be missing the refreshing simplicity of The Raid, but The Raid 2: Berandal is a thrilling film that revives the visceral, tangible hand-on-hand tradition of action cinema. Get past the serpentine plot contortions and you'll have an absolute blast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. And television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, debuted its first season last year and has a second season in the works. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi in 2017, given a pilot order earlier in 2018 and now set to air a ten-episode first season in the US this March, the American version has been written by Clement and directed by Waititi, The Hollywood Reporter notes — and sees a documentary crew follow three vampire flatmates living in New York City, according to Variety. The series stars Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou and The Magicians' Harvey Guillen. It's unknown whether Clement and Waititi will reprise their on-screen roles in a guest capacity, but Australian viewers will get to see the series — according to ads aired frequently during Foxtel's Golden Globes broadcast this week, the show is headed to the pay TV network's Fox Showcase channel at a yet-to-be-revealed date. Two very brief teasers were released late in 2018, and another has just dropped — and while it's still very short, it does give viewers a look at the whole main gang: https://twitter.com/theshadowsfx/status/1083072161051541504 With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement's latest Flight of the Conchords TV special aired late last year, while Waititi two post-Thor: Ragnarok flicks in the works — a stop-motion animated effort called Bubbles, about Michael Jackson's chimp, and another by the name of Jojo Rabbit, set during World War II and starring Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Image: Kane Skennar.
If GOMA's Harvest has taught us anything, it's that food and art pair better than nutella and waffles. From Momento Mori to Vines of dogs eating icecream, we tend to react most strongly to images of the edible, and there's one artist whose been utilising this in his art for over 20 years. Franz Ehmann is an internationality renowned artist and master of installation, video and turning just about anything in the fridge into gallery-worthy craft. Now, Ehmann is bringing his latest exhibition Many Things (it's a colourful world) to Spiro Grace Art Gallery. Displaying everyday objects in ways that simultaneously confront and resolve humanistic concerns, Ehman explores the meaning of the language, material and imagery we tend to take for granted. Unique theatrical language and metaphorical significance play core to the objects she uses in her unique translation of the everyday. Many Things (it's a colourful world) shows from September 11 to 27.
Head along to The Hold Artspace for an exhibition that is all-too familiar, but perhaps not as you’d think. Artists Carolyn McKenzie-Craig and Heidi Stevens present together their new works, considering and exploring the experience of the human body within contemporary society, how one constructs itself in relation to its surroundings. McKenzie-Craig deconstructs the idea of gender and the perceived norms of reality that are placed upon an individual, as well as that which an individual must navigate through the human experience. Through performance, McKenzie-Craig looks to examine stereotyping - how it originated, and how it affixes itself to an individual by means of behaviour. While McKenzie-Craig looks at the outward performance, Stevens delves within, looking at female-specific subdued and silenced sexual psychology. By inverting the norms and examining the inner dialogue, it’s surprising how much can be revealed, leading to more questions rather than answering them. No matter the focus, the works of these two inspired artists is something of excitement, and should be seen while the chance presents itself.
You don't have to veer off the beaten path to find Woolloongabba's Detour — physically, at least. Diving into its menu? That's another thing entirely. When was the last time you ate emu tartare, gunpowdered wagyu brisket, salmon with black ants, and fossilised carrots with dukkha and curry? Or Kentucky Fried Duck with jalapeño cornbread, the restaurant's signature dish? They're just some of the highlights from the ever-evolving menu offered by the Detour kitchen since it started wowing east-side diners — and luring hungry folks from the rest of the city — since 2017. Nestled into the energetic Logan Road precinct, the eatery aims to serve up a meal you'll remember from its selection of dishes split into 'omnivore' and 'herbivore' dishes. When we say serve up, we mean it — and not just because Detour's plating game is visually stellar. Here, you'll see everything happen while you relax under the former tyre factory's lofty ceilings. The open kitchen sits in full view of patrons, adding some glistening chrome to the space, and making watching your meal get made all part of the experience. Other culinary highlights include wagyu brisket (with optional 'do not order hot sauce' for the brave) and nitro meringue with basil and raspberries, plus salt and vinegar fries as a side. Or pull up a stool at the bar for a beverage from the wine list and a cocktail menu filled with twists (capsicum margarita, anyone?) are also available. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
If you're a fan of musical theatre, then you'll know who Stephen Sondheim is. And even if you're not, you still will — even if you don't know it. The American composer and lyricist has played a hand in everything from West Side Story to Sweeney Todd to Into the Woods, both on the stage and screen. There's more to his talents and impact, of course, as Boys of Sondheim explores at MELT Festival. The intimate cabaret celebrates the Pulitzer Prize and Oscar, Tony and Grammy Award-winner as one of the most significant gay artists of the 20th century, as well as the men his works have brought to life.
The MCA's Anna Davis has curated this survey exhibition of leading Australian artist Jenny Watson, which features works from the 1970s up to the present day ranging from her early realist drawings and paintings to several series of works on fabric. Evidencing Watson's naive, unaffected style, The Fabric of Fantasy showcases her special ability to blend autobiography and psychology with imagination, wit and deadpan delivery to explore her dreams and desires. Based in Brisbane but an avid traveller, Watson often incorporates textiles purloined during her adventures into the surface for several of her paintings — which could be anything from sequins to horsehair to magazines. Influenced by punk and the feminist movement, a significant part of Watson's work involves self-portraits or alter egos — think longhaired Alice in Wonderland-like figures in dresses, ballerinas, rock guitarists, plus the odd horse or cat — and often uses hand painted text alongside distilled imagery to bring to life an unusual interior world. Whether you're a fan or not, don't miss this chance to see over four decades of work from a truly fascinating conceptual painter. Image: Jenny Watson, 'The Pretty Face of Domesticity' (2014).
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — and if the idea hasn't quite sunk in, the show's latest trailer is here to help. After announcing that the series would return in April for its final season with a very brief clip, HBO has dropped another short teaser. Expect snow and dragons, obviously. While we're still hanging out for a proper trailer, the latest sneak peek features the series' Dragonstone table map, aka a painted depiction of Westeros. Sadly, there's no footage from the new season — but there is enough icy intrigue to whet fans' appetites. After leaving everyone hanging for the entirety of 2018, Game of Thrones' eighth and final season will hit the small screen in April 2019, nearly two years after season seven premiered in July 2017. The US network hasn't announced an exact premiere date as yet, but even knowing which month to look forward to is good news. If you're eager to get your fix of the series' staples — that is, battles, bloodshed, betrayal, bare chests, family bickering, Jon Snow knowing nothing (including about his long-lost aunt) and plenty of dragons — then you can almost start counting down the days. Of course, we all know that this isn't really the end of the world created by author George RR Martin — and no, we're not talking about the now seven-year wait for his next book in the literary franchise, The Winds of Winter. A prequel TV series to Game of Thrones is in the works, set thousands of years before the events we've all be watching since 2011, with Naomi Watts set to star. Come next year, you'll also be able to tour original GoT filming locations in Northern Ireland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NspqGM0DbbQ Game of Thrones season eight will arrive on HBO in April, 2019.
Feel like getting fast and furious? Got the need for speed? Want to live out your Mario Kart fantasies? Slideways has you covered. Whether you choose to channel your inner Vin Diesel or simply don some overalls and a red cap (or neither), motoring fun is on the agenda in the multi-coloured Eagle Farm space — a 425-metre, two-level indoor track, complete with a bridge, tunnel and loop of the carpark. It's the best kind of car-related activity the area has to offer, because getting stuck in traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive doesn't count. Afterwards, keep the revving revelry going by hopping in one of the site's new full-motion race car simulators.
One of Sydney Festival 2017's most Instagrammed events was The Beach, an enormous ball pit inside a human-made cave, as created by Brooklyn-based design studio Snarkitecture. Tonnes of the city's residents spent at least some part of January diving, cannonballing and floating about in a sea of plastic bliss. Understandably. If you've been fretting about whether this kind of fun would ever come to Brisbane, here's your answer. Another ball pit, this time called The Ballpit!, is on its way around the country. It was first slated for Sydney, but now Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have been added to the agenda. Like The Beach, it'll be a behemoth, made up of one million balls. Rather than filling up just a single space, they'll be arranged across several, creating a kind of playground — but for adults. On top of that, the balls are of the glow-in-the-dark variety, illuminated by LED lights that will pulsate to a soundtrack provided by some of Brisbane's best DJs. There'll also be an onsite cocktail bar, to let you rest and refuel in between dips and dives. Just when and where The Ballpit! will pop up is yet to be revealed, but expect it in early 2018. Entry will be via ticket, available online. Sessions are likely to sell out pretty quickly, so get in early by registering on The Ballpit!'s website. Image: The Beach, Sydney Festival 2017 by Shannon Connellan.
Stones Corner's Shady Palms has just the activity for your Friday night — and if you guessed that it's giving a game your nan probably plays a musical twist, then that's a bingo. At Musical Bingo, you don't just wait for someone to tumble a sphere of balls, pick out a number and make a bad joke. Instead, you'll hear bits and pieces of songs, and then match them to the ones listed on your bingo card. Running from 6.30pm on August 24, it's as simple as it sounds — so if you're keen to both face and match the music, then you're more than catered for. Entry is free, the session runs for two-and-a-half hours and there are prizes up for grabs, of course. And yes, given the nature of the night, we're guessing there'll be sing-alongs.
If there's one thing that's almost as great as eating delicious Japanese food, it's watching the creation of it in the most dramatic fashion possible. If you haven't caught an episode of Iron Chef, Japan's favourite extreme '90s cooking show, do yourself a favour and YouTube it right now. Once you're done, imagine combining a Friday night feast of sushi, teppanyaki, ramen and more with the thrill of skilled gastronomy TV wizards? And, what if you could do all of that without leaving Brisbane? The team behind Fortitude Valley's Longtime Restaurant & Bar is making that happen at their next venture, a Japanese restaurant that's due to launch in mid-2017. As well as the obvious culinary focus, The Courier-Mail is reporting that the new eatery will boast a real former Iron Chef, who'll act as head chef and design the menu with Longtime and Rick Shores group executive chef Ben Bertei. Looks like the Iron Chef team's recent Australian tour left an impression. Just which previous star of the 309-episode Japanese TV show will be overseeing the 90-seat restaurant's culinary wares has yet to be revealed, and nor has the venue's name or location — although it apparently won't be far from Longtime at 610 Ann Street. And as for specific food fare, you'll have to wait and see on that front too, but expect a unique blend of traditional styles and modern dishes. Via The Courier-Mail.
Mid-morning croissant cravings will no longer require a trip across the river — if you're in the Brisbane CBD and hankering for Lune Croissanterie's finest, that is. After launching its first Brissie store in South Brisbane back in August 2021, which also marked its first-ever outpost beyond its Melbourne base, the pastry favourites are now adding a second location in Burnett Lane. Come July, Lune's new Brisbane spot will be serving up all those baked goods that fans know and love — traditional French croissants which take three days to prepare, of course, as well as everything from lemon curd cruffins and morning buns to its rotating range of monthly specials. The laneway shop will be a satellite store, mirroring the brand's two-location setup down south. Indeed, if you've been to Lune's Melbourne CBD venue, you'll know what Brisbane is in for. Pastry production won't be a part of the Burnett Lane outpost, with Lune's wares made raw back over on Manning Street, then brought over to the city via refrigerated van. Then, they'll be proven overnight onsite in the CBD, and baked fresh throughout the day. Exactly when in July you'll be able to pick up Lune's croissants — which have been described as "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times — hasn't been confirmed; however, whenever those doors do open, expect Burnett Lane to be busy. Lining up for baked goods is a regular part of the Lune experience. Brisbane is scoring a second Lune location before Sydney even gets one, with the chain finally due to open in the NSW capital sometime in 2023. Wondering why Lune's tasty pastries are so coveted? Founder Kate Reid is an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, and brings scientific precision to her craft. That includes the climate-controlled glass cube that Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. It has been a big decade for the brand, which Reid co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project). The company's journey started back in 2012 with a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood. Since then, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with those perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the Melbourne CBD, earned praise aplenty — including that aforementioned rave from The New York Times — and now branched out to Brissie. Find Lune Croissanterie's second Brisbane store in Burnett Lane, Brisbane, opening sometime in July — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
If you thought those cult favourite Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts were a one-hit wonder, think again. The masterminds behind the famed sweet treats are also responsible for another Japanese dessert craze, PAFU. The apple pastry puffs loaded with fuji apple and warm custard have seen perpetual queues since their launch in the Melbourne's QV Centre a couple of years back. Now, they're coming for you, Brisbane. PAFU's first Queensland store is now open at Coorparoo Square, but it's launching properly on Friday, January 18 — and bringing strawberry pastry puffs with it as well, plus apple and strawberry soft serve. And you can expect some pretty grand opening celebrations, with free PAFU pastries going to the first 100 customers through the doors, from 11am on the day — and on Saturday, January 19 too. There'll also be free tastings afterwards, plenty of vouchers and merch up for grabs, and a lion dance performance.
