When some of Australia's biggest events were forced to change their 2020 plans due to the pandemic, it was hoped that'd be a one-time deal. But more than halfway into 2021, COVID-19 and Australia's response to it keeps causing havoc with the music and events industries. The latest casualty, following Bluesfest and Vivid Sydney: this year's BIGSOUND. If your spring routine usually involves bar-hopping around Brisbane — and around Fortitude Valley in particular — while listening to up-and-coming musicians, then you're in for bad news. The music-fuelled celebration normally takes over the Queensland capital every September or October, and did so virtually in 2020. Plans had already been announced for the event's physical return this year; however, given the current lockdowns in both Sydney and Melbourne, organisers have now scrapped the 2021 conference and festival altogether. "Without our music mates in New South Wales and Victoria and no certain timeline as to when domestic borders will remain open, BIGSOUND 2021 wouldn't be able to deliver on its promise to reunite the music community for three extraordinary days of connection, conversation, and music discovery," said QMusic CEO Kris Stewart in a statement announcing the cancellation. BIGSOUND's 2021 event was due to run from Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9, with the three-day program slated to feature conferences, live festival showcases, secret shows and official parties. Around 150 musicians were expected to take to the stage, with past events showcasing everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants. Instead of trying to move around this year's fest or adjust to lockdowns and restrictions, the BIGSOUND team will now work towards staging the next event in September 2022. That said, 100-percent First Nations youth-led music conference Little BLAKSOUND will still go ahead this September, as presented by Digi Youth Arts. And, with 2021 marking BIGSOUND's 20th anniversary, work is underway to find a way to celebrate that milestone in some shape or form this year, too. BIGSOUND 2021 will no longer place between Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Current ticket holders will receive refunds, as will artists who've paid application fees. For further details, visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019 by Lachlan Douglas.
Every birthday is worth celebrating — but when one of Brisbane's cultural icons hits 120 years old, it's truly a special occasion. That venue: the State Library of Queensland. And, as you'd expect of a place that's been all about books, knowledge, creativity, smart thinking and expanding your horizons for so long, it's marking its big birthday in the most appropriate fashion possible. On the agenda: an Extra-ordinary Day at State Library, as the South Brisbane spot has dubbed Saturday, June 18. Tours, talks, workshops and exhibitions are all on the agenda, spanning everything from First Nations art, a peek into SLQ's conservation labs and 4.5-metre-high cardboard sculptures through to screen-printing sessions, banana leaf weaving and a treasure hunt-style mystery experience based on houses whose histories the venue has helped uncover. It all kicks off at 9.45am, with some events only running at set times and others sprawling across the day. Whatever you choose to attend, you'll be commemorating a key part of the city. Images: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
If you live in Brisbane, you've heard all about the city's connections with Asia; we're the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, which is currently gracing Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery or Modern Art for the tenth time, and we've also hosted the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has been on that list as well, paying homage to the many cultures that originated from the continent. Timed around Lunar New Year — and running from Tuesday, February 1–Sunday, February 20 this year — the 2022 program features yet another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. And while some of the unmistakable highlights will treat your stomach — a brand-new laneway tea festival in South Brisbane's Fish Lane, plus a Southside by Night event at Willawong that'll combine street food with a car meet (yes, think Fast and Furious vibes) — that's just the beginning of the fun. Overall, there's 50-plus events taking place in ten Brisbane suburbs, so you won't be lacking in things to do. The fest will sneakily start a few days early, on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29, to celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year, before starting its music program at venues around town — QPAC's Melbourne Street Green, The Zoo and Queen Street Mall included — and hosting a big (and free) launch party at Fortitude Music Hall. Elsewhere, you can attend an Asian-pop celebration and get decked out in bright hues at the returning Holi – Festival of Colours — or scope out the new BrisAsia Fashion Festival, which'll focus on labels and designers with Asian, Indigenous and international heritages. Plus, Brissie's Asian Australian comedians will also take to the stage for a night of standup comedy, the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens will host a night of love songs from around the globe in the lead up to Valentine's Day, and digital storytelling initiative Mother's Table will showcase local restaurant owners Maggie Nguyen, Mie Mie Wing Kee and Taro Akimoto chatting about their eateries and signature dishes. BrisAsia 2022 runs from Tuesday, February 1–Sunday, February 20. For further details, head to the event's website. Top image: Kim Borg, Ozwide Photography.
If smooth, often improvised sounds get your toes tapping, then the Brisbane International Jazz Festival probably gets your heart racing. Where else can you celebrate experimental melodies and witness some of the best musicians in the world? Or move and groove to what just might be one-off performances. That's the joy of jazz: no show is ever the same. There's so much in the festival's fourth-year program that you probably won't get to test that — but you will get to enjoy the talents of an impressive array of performers from around the country, plus a few international guests. Local hotshots including The Mal Wood's Bowery Hot 5, Aathmika and Parmis Rose and the Beauty School Dropouts are certain to be a highlight, as are an afternoon jazz workshop and a Women in Jazz panel. Or, get a dose of global sounds courtesy of New Zealand's Wil Sargisson Trio and Marcus Strickland's Twi-Life from New York.
Roll up to the latest music festival that's taking to Australian and New Zealand stages: Light It Up, a brand-new hip hop fest that'll make its debut this spring. Hitting arenas Down Under come September, the event is backed by the folks that brought Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube this way earlier in 2023, and boasts its own impressive lineup. Leading the bill: 'See You Again' rapper Wiz Khalifa. If you've had Khalifa's 2015 single in your head for years, you're obviously a Fast and Furious franchise fan. The last time that the North Dakota star toured Australia was the same year that tune was featured in Fast and Furious 7, after being commissioned as a tribute to Paul Walker. It isn't the only track he'll be busting out on his next visit, of course, thanks to a career that also includes everything from 'Say Yeah' and 'No Sleep' to 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and 'Remember You'. Khalifa will be joined by fellow US talents Rae Sremmurd and Lola Brooke — both fresh from Coachella 2023, with the latter making her first trip to Australia. Rounding out the lineup are local acts Hooligan Hefs, Youngn Lipz and DJ BeastMod. When Light It Up debuts, it'll host its first-ever gig at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, then head to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, RAC Arena in Perth and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. After that, the fest will cross the ditch to Auckland's Spark Arena. LIGHT IT UP 2023 DATES: Saturday, September 2 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Sunday, September 3 —Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, September 5 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Wednesday, September 6 — RAC Arena, Perth Friday, September 8 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, September 10 — Spark Arena, Auckland LIGHT IT UP 2023 LINEUP: Wiz Khalifa Rae Sremmurd Lola Brooke Hooligan Hefs Youngn Lipz DJ BeastMode Light It Up will tour Australia and New Zealand in September 2023. For more information, or for tickets — with pre-sales from 12pm local time on Thursday, June 1 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, June 2 — head to the festival website.
From board game to movie to in-cinema whodunnit — that's the journey that Metro Arts' Friday night screening has taken. First, Cluedo became the 1985 movie Clue, and now it's returning to the big-screen for one evening only with some suitably mysterious pre-show activities. On Friday, September 28, you'll be treated to interactive entertainment from 8.15pm, with the film kicking off at 8.40pm. And yes, throughout the night you'll be pondering life's important questions. Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with the candlestick? Or Miss Scarlet with the rope? You've played the game, so you know how it goes; however that's not the end of the fun. You can also turn the evening into a double or triple feature with Pretty in Pink and Barbarella. Sure, those films don't quite fit the theme, but you'll be in for an intriguing movie marathon.
If you're looking to level-up your vino game, who better to have on your side than Australia's oldest family-owned winery. Barossa Valley's Yalumba has been crafting fine wine since 1849 — a stint that's spanned six whole generations. And in addition to its stable of top-notch drops for all occasions, the independent label is helping Aussies elevate their wine-sipping experience with its own Yalumba Wine Club. With a little something for seasoned wine aficionados and novices alike, the Wine Club lets you to tap into expert wine knowledge, exclusive offers and product specials, as well as to access a range of special events and tastings. And despite the swag of goodies that comes with it, membership won't cost you a cent. Sign up and you'll nab ten percent off select purchases in the online wine store and at the beautiful Angaston Wine Room, including plenty of those premium red wines that have become synonymous with South Australia's Barossa Valley. You'll also score exclusive access to a series of seasonal wine packs, chosen by Yalumba's winemakers. Order one of these bad boys delivered to your door, whip out the selection for your next dinner party and prepare to impress your guests with your newfound vinous smarts. Yalumba Wine Club members can also look forward to free shipping on online orders over $200, exclusive dibs on a bunch of limited releases and special wines, and invites to Yalumba events, including premium tastings and masterclasses held all over the country. You can sign up to the Yalumba Wine Club for free over at the website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Any animated film buff should know about Hayao Miyazaki. As one of Japan’s greatest animators and story tellers, Miyazaki has created some iconic pieces of Japanese cinema. Movies such as Spirited Away, Laputa: Castle In The Sky and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind have become much loved in Japan and internationally. If you are yet to see any of these movies but really, really want to, you’re in luck. Palace Centro Cinemas are playing select Japanese anime in their Pop-Up Manga Film Festival. Miyazaki favourites and other cherished titles will be screened throughout July; a different movie will be played each Friday night and Saturday day. These movies rival Disney classics in scope, style and imagination. Check out the schedule below to see which week your favourite falls on: Friday Jun 28 8:45pm Spirited Away [PG] - Buy Tickets Friday Jul 5 8:45pm Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind [PG] - Buy Tickets Friday Jul 12 8:45pm Arrietty [G] - Buy Tickets Friday Jul 19 8:45pm My Neighbor Totoro [G] 25th anniversary screening! - Buy Tickets Friday Jul 26 8:45pm From Up On Poppy Hill [G] - Buy Tickets Saturday Jun 29 12pm My Neighbor Totoro [G] 25th anniversary screening - Buy Tickets Saturday Jul 6 12pm Laputa Castle in the Sky [G] - Buy Tickets Saturday Jul 13 12pm From up on Poppy Hill [G] - Buy Tickets Saturday Jul 20 12pm Arrietty [G] - Buy Tickets Saturday Jul 27 12pm Kiki's Delivery Service [G] - Buy Tickets
Sure, you've eaten tacos and burritos before — but have you tried tortas and arepas? One of the benefits of the street food surge is the easy accessibility of different types of international delights. And when it comes to all things Latin, Comuna Cantina is jumping on that bandwagon. The upcoming addition to Albert Lane will champion the flavour, experience and spirit of South America in a market-style eatery in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. That means more than just Mexican cuisine, though a few old favourites are also on the low-carb, high-protein menu. Expect everything from grilled street corn to cassava chips to barbecue skewers — all made fresh in-house daily, right down to the sauces and salsas. When it opens its doors in March, Comuna Cantina will be the kind of place that you can grab a char-grilled chicken torta and go, or settle in for a few share plates and frozen margaritas — the choice is yours. And while the former is perfectly acceptable, it's the latter that will really be encouraged, as the space will feature a well-stocked cocktail bar serving Comuna Coladas and Comuna Martinis, and no doubt some great, lively Latin vibes. Comuna does mean community in Spanish, after all. Comuna Cantina is set to open in March in Albert Lane, Brisbane. For more information, keep an eye on their Facebook page and Instagram.
Before mini-golf bars started popping up around Brisbane — Fortitude Valley, the Wintergarden, Chermside, Mt Gravatt and South Bank all have them, just to name a few spots — the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course provided a trusty place to get tap, tap, tapping. Don't go thinking that it doesn't like to theme its courses, just like its fellow golfing havens. Head by as Halloween approaches, in fact, and you'll see just how much it loves making over its turf. One of Brisbane's most recent traditions is also one of its most fun: themed mini golf at different times of year at Victoria Park. At Christmas, the site gives itself a festive revamp. At Easter, a candy-themed wonderland has popped up in the past. And the Halloween spirit kicks in leading up to the spookiest date of the year. From Friday, September 19–Sunday, November 2, the venue's greens will be getting a horror-themed makeover again — and, no, missing a hole in one won't be the most terrifying thing about your stint on the course. As it did in 2023 and 2024, the mini-golf spot is busting out something that's haunted one of Stephen King's best-known horror novels, the movies based on them, and just life in general: clowns being creepy, chilling and downright terrifying. [caption id="attachment_1020599" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied [/caption] Fancy seeing how you cope with eerie decorations while tap, tap, tapping? Wondering if that unsettling vibe will put you off your short game? When you're doing the monster mash on the green this year, you'll also be trying to avoid frightening zombies, ghouls and more. Haunted tents, creepy jack-in-the-boxes, evil clowns: they're among the petrifying things that'll be improving or scaring your short game again. So is a spot called Freakshow Freeway. If a haunted house was to meet up with a mini golf course, this is what it'd look like. Bookings are essential, with the course staying open till midnight on Friday and Saturday for maximum spook. Just remember that it's a family-friendly affair, so you'll likely have plenty of company — and tickets cost $24 per adult. [caption id="attachment_1020600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption]
When The Calile opened its doors on James Street in October, it didn't just add a rather striking-looking hotel to the busy Fortitude Valley strip. It also became home to the first Brisbane outpost of Gold Coast Greek restaurant Hellenika. Now serving up meals and drinks for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Brisbane's Hellenika lets enjoy their meals in a pastel and neutral space that befits the complex's cruisy, stylish and minimalistic digs. A close collaboration between Hellenika owner Simon Gloftis with architects Richards and Spence, the Valley spot capitalises upon as many of The Calile's features as it can — complete with a pool-adjacent terrace, poolside cabana and sun lounge dining for hotel guests (with its own menu), and a casual bar overlooking the forthcoming Ada Lane. And, as you might expect in a restaurant that has a body of water in sight — even an artificial one — seafood is the main culinary attraction. Hellenika's daily fish market range flies in the ocean's finest from around the country, including kingfish, lobster (served whole or in halves) and more. Other dishes include dips, olives, anchovies and salads for those after a small bite; calamari, zucchini chips, grilled lamb ribs and veal dolmades in the more substantial category; and spanakopita, eggplant moussaka, souvlaki and wagyu beef pastito from the large plate selection. Pairing your meal with a beverage involves perusing a 500-strong wine list, including Greek tipples, naturally. As for cocktails, the Hellenika G&T comes with a splash of rosemary, while the Ari Onassis combines mastiha, gin, elderflower, lemon and cucumber. Classic cocktails, non-boozy options, beers, ciders and ouzo are also on offer. Plus, come December, Hellenika will be open for breakfast, too. Find Hellenika at The Calile, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley, open for lunch from 12–2.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm until late. Images: Sean Fennessy.
To whip up a hearty, soupy bowl of ramen, you need a warm, thick broth, a handful of long, slurp-worthy noodles and a selection of toppings — ranging from thin slices of char siu pork and marinated hardboiled eggs to a smattering of bamboo pieces and a sheet of nori. That's how the folks at Taro's Ramen make it, and the recipe has been filling Brisbanites' stomachs for years. Now, the Japanese joint wants you to cook it up at home, too. Not quite sure how to boil up the ideal creamy pork stock flavoured with soy and burnt garlic? Uncertain about the right mix of soy and kombu dashi to use with your eggs? That's where Taro's new DIY home packs come in. The restaurant chain prepares all the ingredients for you and packages them up separately, all ready for you to put them all together in your own kitchen. That's a few of your isolation meals taken care of, whether you slurp your way through them immediately or freeze some for later. Taro's stores in Stones Corner and Ascot are also still open for takeaway orders and deliveries to nearby suburbs, should you want your ramen fix now; however if you'd like delicious, restaurant-quality noodle soups for days, these packs have you covered. The full pack comes with eight serves of broth and noodles ($62), split between classic tonkotsu and iekei broths. Or, you can mix and match half packs ($28.10–$34.70), picking between classic, miso, shoyu, shio, red (with mild chilli) and fire (with spicy chilli) options — with vegan classic, red and fire varieties also available. If you're opting for half packs, you will need to purchase at least two — and, either way, you'll also need to purchase your toppings separately. Ramen lovers can choose packs of pork and tofu char siu, chicken, marinated eggs, nori, bamboo, red ginger, as well as extra noodles. And, because every good ramen meal starts with a serving of takana, you can order a packet of the picked mustard leaves too. To help you make ramen that Taro's owner and namesake Taro Akimoto would be proud of, he's also put together a video that walks you through the cooking steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgS_sowNCRY&fbclid=IwAR1_Ygs2Kx7ew42CNHqLiX_WVMHeyZ14XsKJiJ7KfgP_AWYgrEy2nnkpm10 You will need to order Taro's home packs a week in advance, though; however they're available for pickup and, if you live in the Brisbane City Council area, for delivery as well. For more information about Taro's home packs — or to order one — visit the chain's website. Taro's Stones Corner and Ascot are also open for takeaway orders, as well as deliveries to suburbs in the Brisbane City Council area. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. Top image: Anwyn Howarth.
The past couple of years have been tough on all of us. Plus, with life-as-normal coming back at what seems like full speed, we wouldn't blame you if you needed time away from it all. And there's no better way to do that than by escaping to somewhere that feels like a world away from your daily routine. That's where we come in. We've teamed up with Wild Turkey to offer four lucky Aussies the chance to win a $2000 Airbnb voucher for their next weekend away. And with some pretty spectacular Airbnbs that can be found all around this great land, you might have a tough time deciding where to go — and who to take with you. We'll also throw in four cases of Wild Turkey's new Discovery Series to keep the good times going, wherever you find yourself. To be in the running, all you have to do is tell about your favourite off-the-beaten-track destination — the spot you don't tell anyone else about. (Don't worry, we won't tell anyone either.) Need some inspo? Check out our guides to the towns of Lexton, Cunnamulla and Lightning Ridge. [competition]838819[/competition]
Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures will do that, and so will plenty of people staying home because they aren't well — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Perhaps you've been under the weather. Given the hefty amount of titles now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are eight that you can watch right now at home. The Fall Guy The Nice Guys mightn't have scored a sequel, but The Fall Guy does nicely instead. Getting a hearty workout: Ryan Gosling's charm, comedic talent that just earned an Oscar-nominated showcase in Barbie and action skills as last seen in The Gray Man. He's back in stunts, too, as Drive first gifted the world so mesmerisingly. A loose remake of the 80s television series of the same name, The Fall Guy is a take-it-and-run-with-it kind of film, then. Not only does it grasp hold of what Gosling does best and sprint, but the same applies for co-lead Emily Blunt (Pain Hustlers) — and, of course, for director David Leitch (Bullet Train), who first took the journey from stunt performer to filmmaker with John Wick, has kept filling his resume with action fare since (see: Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw and Bullet Train) and now virtually comes full circle in helming a flick where his protagonist does the same gig that he once did. Gosling's Colt Seavers is also taking it and running with it — in a profession where it's his job to help bring whatever impossible physical endeavour is required to the screen, as well as on the gig that gets him to Sydney. The Fall Guy starts 18 months prior to his trip Down Under, however, but still with him doubling for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bullet Train), one of the world's biggest actors. Seavers has a career that he loves and steady work at it thanks to Ryder's fame. He's also happily romancing Jody Moreno (Blunt), a camera operator with dreams of doing more. Then a stunt goes wrong, leaving him badly injured, battered and bruised emotionally and psychologically, and inspiring him to quit the business. Only a call from Ryder-loving producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso) sparks his return to the industry — he makes a crust as a valet once he's fit and able in-between — and, even then, it's only really the fact that Moreno is helming Ryder's latest movie as her directorial debut that nudges him onto the plane. Then, upon his arrival in Australia, Seavers soon discovers that the situation isn't exactly what he's been told. The Fall Guy streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with David Leitch and Kelly McCormick. Challengers Tennis is a game of serves, shots, slices and smashes, and also of approaches, backhands, rallies and volleys. Challengers is a film of each, too, plus a movie about tennis. As it follows a love triangle that charts a path so back and forth that its ins and outs could be carved by a ball being hit around on the court, it's a picture that takes its aesthetic, thematic and emotional approach from the sport that its trio of protagonists are obsessed with as well. Tennis is everything to Tashi Duncan (Zendaya, Dune: Part Two), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor, La Chimera), other than the threesome themselves being everything to each other. It's a stroke of genius to fashion the feature about them around the game they adore, then. Metaphors comparing life with a pastime are easy to coin. Movies that build such a juxtaposition into their fabric are far harder to craft. But it's been true of Luca Guadagnino for decades: he's a craftsman. Jumping from one Dune franchise lead to another, after doing Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All with Timothée Chalamet, Guadagnino proves something else accurate that's been his cinematic baseline: he's infatuated with the cinema of yearning. Among his features so far, only in Bones and All was the hunger for connection literal. The Italian director didn't deliver cannibalism in Call Me By Your Name and doesn't in Challengers, but longing is the strongest flavour in all three, and prominent across the filmmaker's Suspiria, A Bigger Splash and I Am Love also. So, combine the idea of styling a movie around a tennis match — one spans its entire duration, in fact — with a lusty love triangle, romantic cravings and three players at the top of their field, then this is the sublime end product. Challengers is so smartly constructed, so well thought-out down to every meticulous detail, so sensual and seductive, and so on point in conveying Tashi plus Art and Patrick's feelings, that it's instantly one of Guadagnino's grand slams. Challengers streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, as well as what Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist had to say about the film when they were in Australia. Perfect Days When Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' enjoyed its initial sublime movie moment in Trainspotting, it soundtracked a descent into heroin's depths, including literally via the film's visual choices. For three decades since, that's been the tune's definitive on-screen use. Now drifts in Perfect Days, the Oscar-nominated Japan-set drama from German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence). This slice-of-life movie takes its name from the song. It also places the iconic David Bowie-produced classic among the tracks listened to by toilet cleaner Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho, Vivant) as he goes about his daily routine. Fond of 60s- and 70s-era music, the Tokyo native's picks say everything about his mindset, both day by day and in his zen approach to his modest existence. 'Perfect Day' and Nina Simone's 'Feeling Good' each also sum up the feeling of watching this gorgeous ode to making the most of what you have, seeing beauty in the everyday and being in the moment. Not every tune that Hirayama pops into his van's tape deck — cassettes are still his format of choice — has the same type of title. Patti Smith's 'Redondo Beach', The Animals' 'The House of the Rising Sun', Otis Redding's '(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay' and The Rolling Stones' '(Walkin' Thru the) Sleepy City' also rank among his go-tos, all reflecting his mood in their own ways. If there's a wistfulness to Hirayama's music selections, it's in the manner that comes over all of us when we hark back to something that we first loved when we were younger. Perfect Days' protagonist is at peace with his life, however. Subtly layered into the film is the idea that things were once far different and more-conventionally successful, but Hirayama wasn't as content as he now is doing the rounds of the Japanese capital's public bathrooms, blasting his favourite songs between stops, eating lunch in a leafy park and photographing trees with an analogue camera. Perfect Days streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Robot Dreams Heartbreak is two souls wanting nothing more than each other, but life having other plans. So goes Robot Dreams, another dialogue-free marvel from Spanish filmmaker Pablo Berger, who had audiences feeling without words uttered with 2012's Blancanieves — and showed then with black and white imagery, as he does now with animation, that he's a master at deeply expressive visual storytelling. His fourth picture as a director was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. In most years, if it wasn't up against Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron, it would've taken home the Oscar. It earns not just affection instead, but the awe deserved of a movie that perfects the sensation of longing for someone to navigate life with, finding them, adoring them, then having fate doing what fate does by throwing up complications. Usually this would be a boy-meets-girl, boy-meets-boy or girl-meets-girl story. Here, it's a dog-meets-robot tale. The time: the 80s, with nods to Tab and Pong to prove it. The place: a version of Manhattan where anthropomorphised animals are the only inhabitants — plus mechanised offsiders that, just by placing an order and putting together the contents of the package that arrives, can be built as instant friends. Eating macaroni meals for one and watching TV solo in his small East Village apartment each evening, Dog is achingly lonely when he orders his Amica 2000 after seeing an infomercial. As he tinkers to construct Robot, pigeons watch on from the window, but they've never been his company. Soon exuberantly strutting the streets hand in hand with his maker, the android is a dream pal, however, this kismet pairing isn't what gives Robot Dreams its name. Robot Dreams streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Origin For most filmmakers, Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents would've screamed for the documentary treatment. A non-fiction text published in 2020, it works through the thesis that racism in America isn't just the product of xenophobia, but is an example of social stratification. The journalist and author — and, in 1994, Pulitzer Prize-winner — examines how categorising populations into groups with a perceived grading is at the heart of US race relations, and how the same was true in Nazi Germany and still does in the treatment of the Dalit in India. A doco could spring easily from there. If it happens to in the future, no one should be surprised. Ava DuVernay, who brings Wilkerson's prize-winning tome to the screen now, has demonstrated again and again with Selma, The 13th and A Wrinkle in Time that she's not most directors, however. Make the points in Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents via a documentary, if and when that occurs, and they'd be accurate and powerful. Express them through cinema's function as an empathy machine, via personal tales including Wilkerson's own, and they resonate by getting audiences stepping into a range of shoes. Watching isn't merely investigating and learning in Origin, as Wilkerson as a character — played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (The Color Purple) in a phenomenally passionate and thoughtful lead performance — does in a movie that's also a biopic about her life and work. Sitting down to DuVernay's film is all about feeling, understanding what it's like to be a range of people who are forced to grapple with being seen as less than others for no reason but the fact that urge to judge that keeps proving inherent in human nature. Origin streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Boy Kills World In The Hunger Games and its sequels and prequels, a post-apocalyptic totalitarian state enforces order by murder, picking children via lottery to compete until just one remains standing. Before it reached pages and screens, The Running Man, Battle Royale and Series 7: The Contenders were among the stories that got there first, always with kill-or-be-killed contests at their cores. Now Boy Kills World enters the fray, but in a city ruled over by despot Van Der Koy matriarch Hilda (Famke Janssen, Locked In), with a group of candidates chosen annually, then slaughtered at big televised display that is The Culling no matter what. The titular Boy (played by the US Goodnight Mommy remake's Nicholas and Cameron Crovetti as a kid) is the rare exception: after witnessing his sister and mother's execution in this nightmarish realm, he's simply left for dead. Making his feature debut, director Moritz Mohr (TV's Viva Berlin!) holds tight to another big-screen staple: a revenge mission. As an adult, that the role of Boy falls to Bill Skarsgård fresh from John Wick: Chapter 4 says plenty. The vengeance that's always fuelled that Keanu Reeves (The Matrix Resurrections)-led franchise, and fellow influence Oldboy as well, mixes with cinema's wealth of fight-to-the-death tales. Also thrown in with the fervour of a fan mixing together his favourite things — which is Mohr's unapologetic approach from start to finish — is a colour scheme that Kill Bill also deployed, Deadpool-style humour and violence, notes cribbed from Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman movies and Argylle with its carnage, and nods to video games and Hong Kong action fare plus Looney Tunes and anime. Boy Kills World streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Moritz Mohr. The First Omen Resurrecting horror franchises that first gleamed bright in the 70s is a trend that Hollywood isn't done idolising. Halloween did it. The Exorcist returned as well. Via remakes, Carrie, Suspiria and Black Christmas have all made comebacks since the 2010s. The Omen was always going to get its turn, then. Taking the prequel route — because the OG 1976 film hadn't spawned one yet with 1978's Damien — Omen II, 1981's Omen III: The Final Conflict and 1991's Omen IV: The Awakening, plus a 2006 remake and 2016's one-season TV series — gives rise to The First Omen, as set in Rome in 1971. Fans will know that June 6 that year was when Damien was born. Spinning backstories into new movies can create flicks that smack of inevitability above all else, but not here: this is a genuinely eerie and dread-laced Omen entry with an expert command of unnerving imagery by first-time feature director Arkasha Stevenson (Brand New Cherry Flavour), plus a well-chosen anchor in lead actor Nell Tiger Free (Game of Thrones). Horror, unusual babies, childminding at its most disquieting, a claustrophobic location, a lack of agency, distressing displays of faith: Free has been here before. Indeed, if Stevenson and her co-writers Tim Smith (a screenwriting debutant) and Keith Thomas (the director of 2022's awful Firestarter remake) used Servant as their inspiration in more ways than one, they've made a savvy choice. Featuring their star for four seasons between 2019–2023, that M Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin)-produced series was one of the great horror streaming efforts of the past five years. The First Omen goes heavier on jolting visuals to go with its nerve-jangling atmosphere, but it too stands out. Its worst choice is being needlessly and gratingly blatant in connecting dots in its very last moments, even if nearly half a century has passed since this spawn-of-Satan saga began. The First Omen streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Back to Black Casting a biopic can't be easy. The awards-courting label that hangs over the genre that's earned Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Will Smith (King Richard), Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody), Renée Zellweger (Judy) and Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) lead actor and actress Oscars over the past decade alone can't make the task any less tricky, either. Then, when music bios get a spin — which is often — the weight of recognition and fandom is an especially heavy factor. Does the actor resemble the star that they're playing physically or in spirit? Can they? Will their attempt to slip into someone else's mega fame read like a triumphant ode or a faded facsimile? Will they try to inhabit rather than impersonate? Is doing the real-life person justice even possible? The questions go on. Even with those queries in mind, Back to Black has chosen its lead well. In Industry's Marisa Abela, who has just six prior acting credits on her resume before now — Barbie is the latest; Man in a Box, her first, came when she was only 11 — the Amy Winehouse-focused film from director Sam Taylor-Johnson (A Million Little Pieces) and screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh (Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool) has someone who looks the part beehive or not, and convincingly lives and breathes it behind a north London accent. She sings it, too, when the picture weaves in her own vocals atop Winehouse's music. But casting isn't the only key element for a biopic. The dance that a feature is taking through a well-known figure's life needs the material and the approach to support its central performance — the lyrics and tune to match with sheer talent, in music terms. If they fall flat, so does the flick. And unlike a bad song for an exceptional singer, there's no second chances in this realm. Back to Black streams via YouTube Movies and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and fast-tracked highlights from January, February, March, April and May 2024 (and also January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2023, too). We keep a running list of must-stream TV from across 2024 as well, complete with full reviews. And, we've also rounded up 2023's 15 best films, 15 best straight-to-streaming movies, 15 top flicks hardly anyone saw, 30 other films to catch up with, 15 best new TV series of 2023, another 15 excellent new TV shows that you might've missed and 15 best returning shows.
Everybody loves a good food pairing, and Belgium has one of the best: moules and frites. Think of it as the fancier version of the Aussie favourite that is fish and chips — because the fact that seafood and potato go well together is something that every nation clearly knows. Throw in a cold brew, and it's heaven in a meal. It's also on the menu at Brewski's returning Moules & Frites & Biére festival, which takes over the Petrie Terrace bar for a whole weekend — across Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 this year. That's two days of mussels, fries and beer served up in abundance, making for quite the tasty weekend meal. Given all things Belgian are in the spotlight for festival, that extends to the tipples flowing through the taps, with various types on offer. Breweries such as Cantillon, Lindemans, Wildflower, Oud Beersel, Croft Brewing, St Bernardus, Saison DuPont, De Ranke, MayDay Hills, The Bruery and Holgate are all likely to get a look-in — and last year's lineup also included Belgian-style offerings from Australia, the US and New Zealand as well.
Days are getting longer, and the nights are getting warmer. And we don't doubt that you've already seen Brisbane's pubs and bars flooded with rounds of that most summery of drinks: the Aperol Spritz. That's why we thought it appropriate to create a list of some of our favourite places to go for a sunset spritz in partnership with Aperol. First and foremost, these guys all make a good spritz —that's essential. But, beyond that, each spot offers a great way to experience sunset — whether you're soaking it up from high up on a rooftop bar or enjoying it a riverside breeze. TETTO ROOFTOP BAR, EVERTON PARK Is Tetto the ultimate spritz destination in Brisbane? It might just be. First of all, this Italian rooftop bar is adorned in that famous Aperol orange — from the striped umbrellas to the floor itself. Second, this Everton Park spot also slings out spritzes in a bunch of different ways. If you want to lean into the spritz spirit, then get your crew around a spritz tree, which holds no less than 12 ice-cold spritzes. And as the sun goes down on Fridays and Saturdays, DJs set the mood with vibey tunes, while nights are usually reserved for 90s and old-school R&B bangers. Stay for a boogie or find your own little spot to hide away and hang with your mates. BAR ALTO, NEW FARM While Brisbane Powerhouse might be better known as a contemporary multi-arts venue that hosts regular comedy shows, live music gigs and all kinds of performance art, its breezy first-floor Italian restaurant and bar Bar Alto is a destination in its own right. Grab a seat overlooking the Brisbane River, order a round of spritzes and feast on a big bucket of mussels cooked in a rich garlic and tomato sauce. Whether you're stopping in before a show or making a night of it watching the sunset from this expansive openair space, there are certainly worse ways to spend a weekend evening. THE PRINCE CONSORT HOTEL, FORTITUDE VALLEY Since 1888, a pub has stood on the stretch of Fortitude Valley's Wickham Street approaching Brunswick Street, albeit under different names over the years. Now known as The Prince Consort Hotel, this eight-venue collective seems to always be buzzing — especially in the large beer garden out the back that's awash with plants and pastel hues. Spend a weekend here sipping on a spritz as the sun goes down, or come on a weeknight for an event — there's trivia on Tuesdays, free drag bingo on Wednesdays and a meat raffle on Thursdays. BYBLOS, HAMILTON If you're after sunset hangs on the river, then put this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar on your list. Options abound here: either stop by for a spritz or two as that cool river breeze washes over you, or stay for a proper feast — food at Byblos is made for sharing (so BYO mates), with a banquet that's perfect for a taste of Lebanese classics. Or, order a bunch of meze to complement your night of spritzing. IRIS ROOFTOP, FORTITUDE VALLEY This glam poolside bar and restaurant offers up some mighty stunning views from its Brunswick Street rooftop. Grab a cocktail and gaze over the Brisbane skyline towards New Farm, the Valley and the city beyond, add in a sunset that matches the colour of your spritz, and you have well and truly found your new happy place. If you're coming with a big group and really want to treat yourselves, hire out one of the private cabanas. You can spend hours up here, sinking into the plush seats overlooking the city. IL MOLO, BULIMBA This waterside bar and restaurant brings a little slice of Italy to Bulimba. Amidst black, white and wooden décor or on the sun-lit outdoor deck, patrons of Il Molo can enjoy front-row views of the Brisbane River while eating and drinking their way through some of Italy's greatest hits. Spritzes are, of course, obligatory, but be sure to get some snacks while you're here — tuck into calamari fritti and pancetta-spiked arancini, or order a few pizzas to share with your mates. There's also a dedicated aperitivo time here from 3pm, so you won't have to try too hard to lean into la dolce vita at this great sunset spritz spot. POPOLO, SOUTH BRISBANE Popolo might be one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Brisbane, but you don't have to come here for a full-blown meal — you can very easily grab an al fresco seat by the river and drink away the night. Although while you're here, we recommend you do put some food in your belly and, if you choose anything, make it the heavenly pappardelle pasta with duck leg ragu and generous amounts of Grana Padano, perfect for pairing with a spritz. For more ways to elevate your summer with Aperol, head to the website.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it). A bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department will be on display — such as Paper Boat Press, Touch Wood Designs, Yippywhippy, Meta Design, Illy's Wall and more — and take the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art, as well as the edible delights to keep you going. Remember: cute design gifts call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all sellers. This year's market promises more stalls than ever before. Merry shopping!
Dishing up desserts across Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland the Australian Capital Territory, Gelato Messina obviously specialises in frosty sweet treats. But, because the chain has amassed quite the following, it also has a range of merchandise. Over the past couple of years, it has released gelato-scented candles and decked out a line of clothing with pictures of its towering ice cream cones — and now it's collaborating with Lanolips on a gelato-flavoured balm. You can't spend all day every day eating Messina's desserts (sorry); however, you can slather your lips in its new salted caramel and mango coconut lip balm. Presumably, like those aforementioned candles, this'll give you a constant craving for a few scoops — so if you start eating more gelato as a result, you'll know why. The Messina x Lanolips collab takes its cues from Messina's most popular coconut milk sorbet — a flavour that features Murray River salt and Australian Kensington Pride mango salsa. In balm form, it's made with lanolin from local sheep's wool, vitamin E, natural coconut oil and mango fruit extract. You'll find the lip-smacking new product in all Messina stores, Messina's online store, at Lanolips' website and at Mecca. Head to Messina to pick some up before Tuesday, November 2 — or buy one from Messina's website — and you'll also nab a free scoop while stocks last. For more information about Gelato Messina's new Lanolips balm — and to buy some — head to the chain's website.
If you're going to celebrate an invented food-themed holiday, you have to go big. If you're Mister Fitz and it's National Ice Cream Sandwich day, then you clearly have to turn things to eleven. Behold, their 20-scoop monster of an ice cream sandwich. Dubbed the 'Baby Got Back' in keeping with the ice cream parlour's usual hip hop-themed menu, the giant creation features more ice cream than you've probably eaten all winter, all stuffed between two super huge M&M cookies. Because old Fitzy is known for smashing extra goodies into its frozen treats too, the dairy deliciousness inside also boasts a decent smattering of mini M&Ms. If you're keen on trying it out and you've got a few mates to help — you only need to look at it to know this isn't a solo dessert — then you'd best get in quick, with the mammoth ice cream sandwich only available today, August 2. It's also only available via Deliveroo, meaning that you won't have to worry about gorging on this behemoth in public (but hey, if you're keen on munching your way through this, you're probably not all that worried about making a mess anyway).
Yatala Drive-In's big screens are back in business, playing recent flicks and retro favourites every weekend. For four nights between Thursday, May 21–Sunday, May 24, one of the outdoor cinema's fields is going green, too — with nightly sessions of animated favourite Shrek. Rediscover why it really isn't easy being an ogre, all while watching vibrant CGI animation and listening to the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. And, as no one who has ever seen Shrek before can manage to forget, you'll also get a whole lot of Smashmouth — aka 'All Star' and their version of 'I'm a Believer' — stuck in your head as well. As always, your night at the flicks will cost $35 per car, which covers up to six people. Keeping in line with Queensland's social-distancing requirements, the venue has also implemented some new rules and procedures, however, to keep everyone safe and healthy. They include contactless entry, hand sanitiser stations, restricting capacity to 50 percent or less, only making restrooms available for emergencies, and limiting the candy bar to ten patrons at a time. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
UPDATE, December 9, 2020: Yesterday is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Dreaming of music stardom but spending a decade gigging around seaside Essex pubs, Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is nobody's John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison or Ringo Starr. No one's except his lifelong friend and dedicated manager Ellie (Lily James), who thinks he's the fab four all rolled into one, and has remained by his side with a devotion that can only be explained by romantic affection (although Jack, of course, is blissfully unaware). Then, after a disastrous festival appearance, the aspiring singer-songwriter is hit by a bus during a global power outage. It's chaotic, and yet it's also a stroke of good luck. When he next whips out his guitar among friends, strumming and crooning The Beatles' 'Yesterday', he discovers that no one recognises what he's playing. "It's no Coldplay," one pal remarks. A lack of music knowledge doesn't explain his mates' obliviousness. As a quick internet search shows, the world knows nothing of John, Paul, George or Ringo (or Oasis, understandably). So springs Yesterday's terrific concept, as well as Jack's clearcut path to fame and fortune. Passing off The Beatles' work as his own, all his troubles seem so far away — if he's ever had a ticket to ride, this is it. Ed Sheeran (playing himself) hears his tunes, takes Jack under his wing and unleashes him on the public. A gleefully amoral Hollywood record executive, Debra (Kate McKinnon), helps capitalise upon his growing popularity. Releasing tracks like 'Let It Be' and 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand', he's soon bigger than, well, the band that no one has ever heard of. Arriving in the same year that has seen The Twilight Zone make a comeback and Black Mirror keep kicking on (and taking on pop music, too), Yesterday's premise is rife with smart satire, not to mention commentary about how the times are a-changing and cultural history along with it. The key word there is 'premise'. It's worth remembering that this jukebox musical is written by Love Actually's Richard Curtis, who has made feel-good romance a staple of everything from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Notting Hill to About Time. As a result, all his latest film and protagonist really need is love, apparently — and Jack and Ellie's will-they, won't-they dance is the least interesting part of Yesterday. It's easy to forgive the script for thinking that today's listeners could hear 'She Loves You' and 'Hey Jude' at basically the same time and think they're equally excellent, as unlikely as that would be. It's much harder to overlook the fact that the film just uses its promising gimmick (and excellent soundtrack) for nothing more than an average rom-com. Patel, playing the latest in Curtis' long line of flustered everyman characters, radiates genuine charisma. He's a joy to watch — and the fact that Yesterday embraces diversity, unlike the writer's previous work, is a pleasing development. James, nowhere near the star of the show as she was in the similarly music-driven, nostalgia-dripping Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, is less convincing, but her chemistry with Patel is enough. It's telling, though, that both are outshone by McKinnon. Watching the SNL star upstage everyone she's working with has become a regular occurrence, and she's operating on such a zany comic level here that you can be excused for wishing the movie took her lead. Indeed, in a film about a man first squandering his potential, then finding an opportunistic way to make the most of an incredibly strange situation, Yesterday seems all too content to stay in the first category. None of these issues make Yesterday a bad movie — just a blandly pleasant, overly sweet, happily lighthearted and hardly memorable one. It's the cinematic equivalent of tapping your toes to an ace playlist that you know is trying to entice you onto your feet, but just never being inspired to get up and dance, let alone scream, twist and shout. But perhaps the picture's most perplexing element is its choice of director. Or, more accurately, the lack of impact that the usually vibrant and energetic Danny Boyle has. Only in swift scene transitions, large titles splashed across the screen, upbeat montages and a few instances of recreating Beatlemania does the filmmaker behind Trainspotting come close to making his presence felt. Boyle has dallied with love and music before in both A Life Less Ordinary and Slumdog Millionaire, and they're each vastly more vivid and lively. His skill with the soundtracks to his prior movies, including the pulsating drug-fuelled film that brought him to broader attention, is worlds above his work here. If Yesterday slots into his usual oeuvre, however, it's because it's a heist flick of sorts. The director keeps making them, focusing on characters who take what isn't theirs for their own gain, and pull the wool over someone's eyes in the process. And while this alternative-universe piece of Beatles worship blasts the same kind of tune, clearly, it's also guilty of playing just as fast and loose with the audience — selling them a quirky 'what if?' caper, but delivering a corny, business-as-usual romance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6jfp78Ho3k
The foundations of wine are relatively simple — find a fertile patch of land, plant extraordinary grapes, and make the best wine you possibly can. In Australia, we grow more than 100 different grape varieties scattered across the country, in 65 distinct wine regions, and in each region we celebrate our unique climate and landscape by crafting some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Knowing the differences between them all is not so simple, which is why we've pinned down the six varieties you should get to know better — from dry, crisp rieslings to that spicy shiraz you like to crack open at a summer barbie. Winemakers, grape growers and viticulturists all work with Australia's varied climates and our ancient soils to plant classics like riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz alongside newer varieties like vermentino, fiano, nebbiolo and sangiovese. Unlike other winemaking countries in Europe, Australia's not beholden to any rules or boundaries, which means we've fostered a creative and innovative wine scene. Our winemakers are pushing boundaries by not only experimenting with new grape varieties and unusual blends but also by toying with new winemaking techniques, such as partial berry ferments, carbonic maceration and skin-contact wines. Start taste testing the classics and progress from there. [caption id="attachment_673382" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Wine[/caption] RIESLING Riesling is one of the most exciting and elegant dry white wines in the world. The grapes produce aromatic light- to medium-bodied wines with high acid presence and Australian rieslings tend to lean on the drier, crisp end of the spectrum. They are generally unoaked to highlight the wines zippy, acid lines, and while it's drinkable when it's very young, some wines can mature for decades. Where it's grown: Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania, Great Southern (WA) and Canberra District. What it tastes like: It's got so many expressions: jasmine florals overlaid by lime cordial and lemon meringue pie with a backbone of acidity and structure that will complement dishes like pork dumplings or sweet-and-sour chicken. SAUVIGNON BLANC Even though it's a white varietal, sauvignon blanc is the parent grape to red grape cabernet sauvignon. Hailing from France's Loire Valley, the grape was first grown in Australia in the 1800s but didn't become popular until 160 years later when our friends across the ditch started generating buzz about this little aromatic variety from the Marlborough region. Sauvignon blanc suits a more 'hands-off' approach; it's often picked when ripe and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and vibrancy. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Tasmania and Orange. What it tastes like: Australian Savvy Bs tend to take on a more tropical fruit expression — think pineapple, mandarin and guava — with bright citrus notes that scream for a bucket of prawns or fish and chips by the beach. CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is an excellent representation of the vineyard in which its fruit was grown, and it allows for experimentation — winemakers can choose what barrel it's fermented in, for example. Australia makes lean and light-bodied wines in cooler climates up to fuller-bodied, rich and ripe versions in our warm climates. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Margaret River, Hunter Valley and Mornington Peninsula. What it tastes like: Ripe stone fruits like white peach, balanced with fruits like pink grapefruit or apples and pears, rounded out with vanilla notes (from the oak it's fermented in). ROSÉ There are a few different ways to make rosé, but the most common is the practice of 'free run' juice. The grapes are crushed and all the liquid freely drains from the skins to the tank before the squeezing process begins. This process produces wines that are balanced in acidity and display high levels of purity in fruit aroma and flavour. Where it's grown: Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Langhorne Creek, plus most other wine regions. What it tastes like: Depending on the style of rosé, you could have florals, pomegranate and wild strawberry characters with fleshy savoury flavours (like dried herbs) on the other end of the spectrum. Dunk one in an ice bucket and enjoy with an antipasti platter for summer grazing. [caption id="attachment_731347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] PINOT NOIR All over the world pinot noir is regarded as one of the hardest grapes to grow and requires extra attention in every step of its development. A common winemaking strategy when handling pinot noir is to do an 'early press'. Pressing is the process that separates the red juice from its skins. Flavour and structure are extracted during this process by pressing early, before fermentation is completed. Where it's grown: Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, Geelong and Macedon Ranges. What it tastes like: It runs the full gamut of flavours from raspberry and crushed blueberries to savoury expressions like hints of clove, cinnamon bark and wet earth. With its complexity and versatility, pinot noir is the ultimate team player — an all-rounder that can fit into any culinary occasion. SHIRAZ Shiraz thrives in the heat and requires a warm growing season (something we're not short on here in Australia). However, the most aromatic, elegant styles of shiraz are grown in regions with high diurnal temperature ranges (warm days/cool nights). In more temperate areas, shiraz shows jammy, dark berry and plummy fruit characters and less of the delicate aromas. Where it's grown will affect how shiraz is processed and fermented, allowing the winemaker to create a particular style and to build character and complexity into the wine. Where it's grown: Barossa, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Heathcote, Hunter Valley, Canberra District, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley and Mount Barker. What it tastes like: Punnets of berries dusted with black and green peppercorns, usually medium-bodied in style with drying tannins that call for barbecued meats. WHO'S DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY? Australia's winemakers are always looking for new ways to develop, and even our more established wineries are open to experimentation in crafting new and exciting wines. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project range is all about celebrating the artistry of winemaking and showcasing the unique properties of each grape variety grown at a particular site. Experimental wines, like this range, are a way of developing and fostering new talent too, as the opportunity encourages the next generation of winemakers to think outside the box. The Wolf Blass Makers' Project wines showcase textures and freshness from the grapes to create fun and easy-to-drink styles like the pink pinot grigio, which is crafted with 'free run' juice, and the pinot noir, made using early pressing techniques to create a smooth and silky wine that's bursting with berry fruit characters. And then there's the reserve shiraz, which uses whole berry fermentation so that more full-fruit and robust flavours are extracted with gentle spicy characteristics. Explore the range that celebrates the processes of skilled winemakers, here. Love to wine and dine? Learn about your favourite flavour matches in our series Encyclopedia of Wine in collaboration with Wolf Blass. Top image: Hunter Valley, Destination NSW.
Boasting 64 hectares of public space right in the middle of the city, Victoria Park / Barrambin is a tree-lined Brisbane favourite for everything from leafy strolls and picnics to having a kick and taking the dog for a walk. When the first-ever Outdoor Adventure Festival rolls in, it'll also become home to two days showcasing adventure — it's right there in the name — and nature. On offer: an inflatable obstacle course, meditation, yoga, BMX stunt shows and plenty more. Across Saturday, August 26–Sunday, August 27, from 10am–5pm daily, the grassy Herston patch will welcome in a number of precincts, all offering different activities. At Basecamp, for instance, there'll be ultramarathon training with Andrew Hedgman, Mike from Alone Australia giving outback survival tips, Ben Polson showing people how to become a ninja and Aunty Theresa sharing authentic Indigenous storytelling. At The Great Outdoors, orienteering, archery, trail runs and challenges, disc golf and spikeball will all be on the agenda. And at The Sanctuary, pilates, horticulture and creating fishing nets (another wilderness survival skill) are on offer as well. Entry is free, attendees will want to head on in via Gilchrist Avenue, and there'll be food and live tunes, too. Expect an all-ages crowd for company, and to get your heart racing in the fresh air. [caption id="attachment_818960" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria Park[/caption]
It has been five years since Deliveroo started speeding through Australia's streets to bring takeaway meals to our doors. And, as we all like to when a birthday rolls around, it's celebrating. This is the kind of party that rewards everyone, too, with the company delivering $1 meals from more than 26 eateries across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Each day this week, between Tuesday, November 10–Friday, November 13, Deliveroo is picking a city and gifting its residents meals at $1 a pop. A different number of eateries will be taking part in each location, and they'll each be offering up 100 meals at the gold-coin price. So yes, that means getting in quickly is recommended. First up, from 1–5pm on Tuesday, November 10, is Adelaide. On the menu: dishes from Burgertec, Goodlife Modern Organic Pizza, Cheeky Chook, Blue & White Cafe and Lukoumades. Then, from 12–6pm on Wednesday, November 11, it's Melbourne's turn — with Chicken Episode Plus, Bistro Morgan (including in Collingwood), Tadka Hut, Gelato Messina in Richmond and Royal Stacks Brunswick among the eateries involved. [caption id="attachment_783738" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Royal Stacks[/caption] When Thursday, November 12 rolls around, Sydneysiders can get their cheap food fix between 1–4.30pm — from Little L, Fishmongers, BL Burgers, Manoosh Pizzeria, Johnny Bird, The Italian Bowl and Burger Patch. Finally, to close out the week of super-affordable eats, Brisbane's Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Paddington, Ginga Sushi Japanese at Emporium, Brooklyn Depot in South Brisbane and The Yiros Shop will get in on the action between 2–5pm on Friday, November 13. There are a few tricks to the $1 special, however. It will really only cost $1 — there's no delivery cost on top of that — but exactly what each restaurant will be offering for that price won't be revealed until the day. And, a new restaurant will appear on Deliveroo's Instagram every hour, which is where you'll find out what's on the menu. From there, you'll just need to search for '$1 deals' when you're ordering online or via the Deliveroo app. And yes, that's an easy way to decide what to eat on the relevant day in your city this week. For further details about Deliveroo's $1 fifth birthday specials — which are on offer in Adelaide from 1–5pm on Tuesday, November 10; Melbourne from 12–6pm on Wednesday, November 11; Sydney from 1–4.30pm on Thursday, November 12; and Brisbane from 2–5pm on Friday, November 13 — keep an eye on the company's Instagram feed. Top images: Johnny Bird, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers.
"Tonight we're going to party like it's 2006," isn't a line that Prince ever sang — but it's one that Death Valley is inventing. The Morningside bar and its sibling venue Southside Tea Room like jumping back in time when the end of the year rolls around. As 2016 comes to a close, they're pretending it's a decade ago. Cast your mind back to the days of MySpace, Augie March winning the Hottest 100 — and The Grates, two of whom happen to own the nifty venue, released their first album. We're not saying that all of the above won't get a mention from 5pm, and over the course of a $99 food and drink package, but we're not saying they won't, either.
Dust off your sombreros, amigos. The latest international excuse for a good time to reach our shores is Cinco de Mayo — a celebration of all things Mexican (which, if we’re being nit-picky, is really more of an Americanisation than anything but shh, let us party). In celebration, the folks at Corona and Beach Burrito Company West End are putting together a fiesta, complete with face painting by local street artists and the first ever Taco Time Trials Eating Contest. For the less competitively inclined but equally taco-happy, Cinco de Mayo falls conveniently on a Tuesday, and Beach Burrito Co’s regular $3 taco deal applies, so your pesos’ll stretch further. With what you’ve got left, you can sip salt-rimmed margaritas, down trays of tequila shots (not recommended) or share a bucket of ice-cold Coronas. And, of course, come prepared to smash and whack your way to glory, because they wouldn’t be doing Mexico right without pinatas.
As part of the flurry of new streaming services competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic — with the pay-per-view platform not only screening movies, but pairing them with virtual Q&A sessions as well. Now, between Wednesday, May 27–Tuesday, June 2, it's also hosting an online film fest: the first Virtual Indigenous Film Festival. The event coincides with National Reconciliation Week, and will showcase six Australian documentaries: In My Blood It Runs, The Australian Dream, Gurrumul, Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley, Zach's Ceremony and Namatjira Project. That means you can watch your way through an array of Indigenous stories, spanning everything from everyday tales to culturally significant figures in art, sport and music — and exploring race relations, tradition and the environment in the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa3gw3g4C4 Sessions will also feature guest speakers and expert panelists, such as Gurrumul director Paul Williams, Undermined filmmaker Nic Wrathall, and Zach and Alec Doomadgee from Zach's Ceremony. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, with tickets starting at US$6.99, or buy an all-access pass to everything for US$19.99.
There are plenty of great dates for the end of the world. Archbishop James Ussher's infamous count ended on October 23, 1997, at midday. The year 2000 was a focus of millenialism, and had the luck to have its Millennium Bug as a weightier side show. Today's so-called end of the world is a similar, numbers thing. The Mayans reach an interesting date today, with rumours going around that their version of December 21, 2012 could be a pretty bad day indeed. So many rumours that NASA has set up a page on why we'll all still be around this time tomorrow. They expect no surprise interplanetary collisions, worldwide blackouts or 180 degree polar shifts arriving in the earth's near future. What is coming is a turned page on the Mayan calendar. The Mayans numbered their years with a calendar system called the Long Count, which started on August 13, 3114BC. For them, that year was 13.0.0.0.0 — 13 baktun (400 years) 0 katun (20 years) 0 years 0 months 0 days. Their creation date started at 13 baktun, but tocked straight from 13.0.0.0.0 back to 1.0.0.0.0, 400 years later. Today the calendar has completed about 5,125 years and is up to 13.0.0.0.0 again, though the evidence seems to suggest that the Maya had no particular plans to start the count again. 400 years from now baktun 14 should arrive, right on schedule. There are probably very few modern Mayans who think the world is coming to an end. If anything, a Mayan world ended centuries ago: when sixteenth century Conquistadors put an end to much of the mesoamerica's way of life. What's happening today is that we're ticking over from 13.0.0.0.0 to tomorrow's 13.0.0.0.1. The numbers are nice, but tomorrow is bound to look a lot like today. Leading image of the Aztec calendar stone by El Commandante.
When the working week is done, folks just wanna have fun. We're paraphrasing Cyndi Lauper because she knows what she's singing about. If your idea of taking her advice involves listening to ace musos belt out a few tunes, then QPAC's returning Green Jam is the Friday afternoon session you're looking for. All about live music, tasty bites to eat and kicking back in a grassy spot a stone's throw from the inner city, the regular event offers an ace start to your weekend from 5.30–7.30pm. This year's season will run between Friday, July 30–Friday, August 20, so you can warm up your winter with an outdoor songfest at the Melbourne Street Green (aka that vibrant patch of turf just past the Cultural Centre walkway). The music lineup changes weekly and, food-wise, you can tuck into pizzas and arancini — while sipping wine and beer, including of the non-alcoholic variety. Entry is free, but you'll obviously have to pay for the eating and drinking part of the evening.
At a time when Australia's craft spirits scene was yet to kick into gear, Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy pulled their inspiration from overseas, spurred on by a desire to give locals a taste of something fresh and exciting. And that something was their debut creation, Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin. It was back in their Enmore share house that the two mates — already keen gin-thusiasts — started exploring a whole new world of international gins. We talk to the gin duo about finding a core audience and ultimately staying true to yourself. "We discovered all these different gins from around the world that were doing new things, and I guess a light bulb went off," Blumer explains. "Each gin was bringing something new to the table based on its geography and the mentality of these small producers, and we were like, 'why isn't anyone doing that here?'" he says. "There are all these unique ingredients here. Australians have a good attitude towards experimenting with new products and flavours, and it just made sense that someone would be doing this in Sydney. That's when it all kind of clicked." A little dose of inspiration from sources closer to home helped to seal the deal. "Our house was really close to a couple of new breweries, and seeing how they were experimenting with new styles did inspire us somewhat — that there probably was a market for a smaller, more expressive style of gin that speaks to this city the way these beers were," reveals Kennedy. Now, with their distillery having cemented its status as one of Sydney's best-loved, the duo's creative process is driven by that same desire to give local gin lovers something great. They've always been big on feedback, their creative direction steered by the people enjoying their gin. It's why Poor Toms' strawberry gin went from an exclusive onsite pour to an upcoming major release. "We saw how much it's enjoyed at the tasting bar and how well it's sold there," says Kennedy. "That's all the feedback we needed to realise it was something worth making available to everyone. That's pretty much what inspires us anyway as a brand, just making enjoyable spirits." The boys are quick to tell you they're not out to please everyone, however. "If you're a tiny producer, you can make the product you want to make," explains Blumer. "You can cater to people in a unique way and find your hardcore audience, rather than being mildly pleasing to everybody. Being small is good for that." You could say it's an attitude that extends to the duo's style, staying true to their own relaxed selves, rather than worrying about what everyone else thinks. "I pretty much wear the same clothes every day," says Blumer. "Whether I'm doing something sweaty at the distillery, going to a tasting at a bar or even to a corporate event, I'll just wear my jeans. Jeans are a staple." For him, it's part and parcel of creating something decent. "People take you as you are, if you project that. Being relaxed and not up yourself is an important part of the process — and making good stuff," he muses. "If your job is to give people enjoyment, then you have to enjoy yourself. You're not enjoying yourself if you're always worrying about what other people think of you." Check out Poor Toms' distillery and bar, and find the denim that brings out the creative, innovator and gamechanger in you at The Iconic. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
One of the most strenuous undertakings of summer is deciding how best to allocate your funds to Sydney's music festival calendar. This year doing so has proved especially draining to both brain and bank balance what with all the excellent new boutique festivals cropping up alongside the mainstays, but hopefully you've remembered that the best lineup is often painstakingly kept on the d-low until well into spring. After weeks of teasing Twitter followers with inscrutable clues St Jerome's Laneway Festival has finally released its lineup and, duh, it's an indie-dense doozy. Headliners Bat for Lashes, Yeasayer and Nicolas Jaar help comprise the exciting international contingent, alongside plenty of budding artists you'll be hearing a lot more of before 2013. In alphabetical order, the St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2013 Lineup: ALPINE ALT-J# BAT FOR LASHES CHET FAKER CLOUD NOTHINGS DIVINE FITS EL-P FLUME HENRY WAGONS & THE UNWELCOME COMPANY HIGH HIGHS* HOLY OTHER JAPANDROIDS# JESSIE WARE JULIA HOLTER KINGS OF CONVENIENCE THE MEN MS MR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD NICOLAS JAAR## NITE JEWEL* OF MONSTERS AND MEN* PERFUME GENIUS POLICA POND REAL ESTATE# THE RUBENS SHLOHMO SNAKADAKTAL TWERPS YEASAYER St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2013 dates: Brisbane RNA Showgrounds Friday 1st February Sydney Sydney College of the Arts (Subject to Council approval) Saturday 2nd February Melbourne Footscray Community Arts Centre (Subject to Council approval) Sunday 3rd February Adelaide Fowler's Live and UniSA West Courtyards Friday 8th February Perth Perth Cultural Centre Saturday 9th February 2013 Presale tickets start 9AM, Wednesday 3 October. See full details on the Laneway website. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iqkLWlZx7A4
When the end of August hits, Greater Sydney will have been in lockdown for a very lengthy nine weeks. The region's stay-at-home stint hasn't just expanding in duration, however. Lockdowns have also been spreading across New South Wales as new positive COVID-19 cases pop up, including in Tamworth, Armidale, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock. And, since 6pm on Monday, August 9, four Local Government Areas on the NSW north coast have been put under stay-at-home conditions as well. Until at least Tuesday, August 17, the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire LGAs are now under the same lockdown rules that Sydneysiders have been experiencing since the end of June. The stay-at-home order was announced "following updated health advice from NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant," NSW Health announced in a statement — and the new restrictions apply to everyone who lives in these areas, or has been there, on or after Saturday, July 31. The change comes after a man tested positive to COVID-19 in the area, after arriving in Byron from Sydney. As a result, it means that residents can only leave the house for four specific essential reasons: to work and study if you can't do it from home; for essential shopping; for exercise outdoors; and for compassionate reasons, which includes medical treatment, getting a COVID-19 test and getting vaccinated. ⚠️ Stay-at-home order for new areas of concern ⚠️ New restrictions will be introduced for the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire Local Government Areas, effective from 6pm today until 12.01am Tuesday 17 August. pic.twitter.com/mLyRr4ShBU — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 9, 2021 Also, only businesses deemed "critical retail" are permitted to remain open. Stores that can continue to welcome in customers include supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stores, liquor stores and fishmongers; pharmacies and chemists; and shops that primarily sell health, medical, maternity and infant supplies. Also allowed to stay open: pet supply shops, post offices, newsagencies, office supply stores, petrol stations, car hire places, banks, hardware shops, nurseries, and places that sell building, agricultural and rural goods. Any retail premises that don't fall into the above categories are closed to physical customers, but they can do takeaways, home deliveries, and click and collect orders. If you need supplies, only one person from each household can go out shopping each day to buy essential items — and browsing is prohibited, too. Carpooling is still off the cards, unless you're in a vehicle with members of your own household. And, you can still only exercise in groups of two outdoors — or as a household. And, although folks in Greater Sydney are under lockdown anyway — and, in Queensland, people in 11 LGAs in and around Brisbane have just come out of their own lockdown and are asked not to travel outside of these regions under current restrictions — no one should be venturing north or south to head to Byron while it is under stay-at-home conditions. In fact, as part of the order, people can't enter the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire LGAs without a reasonable excuse to do so. As always, NSW residents are asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited. If you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, you'll need to get tested immediately and follow NSW Health's self-isolation instructions. In terms of symptoms, you should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. The Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire Local Government Areas will remain in lockdown until at least Tuesday, August 17. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Father’s Day is coming up and we all know that dads can be hard to please. Or maybe they just don’t really care. After years of receiving socks and ties as gifts, maybe they gave up on an exciting Father’s Day years ago. Here at Concrete Playground we want to make sure that if nothing else, your dad’s stomach is satisfied on his special day. So here are our suggestions of the top five spots to take your old man. Mundo Churrasco If your Dad is the type of guy who likes to chew on jerky and mop up his steak juices with bread, then this Brazilian barbecue is the perfect place for him. Located in Bardon and open for lunch and dinner, Mundo Churrasco is a meat lover's dream. Order the ‘churrasco’ for an all-you-can-eat option with endless sides being topped up throughout your sitting. Waiters walk around with slabs of beef, chicken, and pork on large skewers and slice the meat off for you at the table, and keep coming until you politely decline. Not for the faint of heart, this meal is great for dad but you may end up with the meat sweats afterwards. Lure on Latrobe This destination ticks the ‘outdoor’, ‘laidback’, and ‘absolutely delicious’ boxes. Often found with a line up out the door, Lure’s popularity is well deserved. The food is amazing and the staff are welcoming and fun. If your Dad is an up and at ‘em kind of guy then this is the perfect place to go to break your fast. Get there early and influence your dad to get the breakfast burger. It's a guaranteed winner, and very reasonably priced so you can afford to pay. Archive Some dads have simple wishes, which may include a chicken schnitzel and a good pint of beer (or five). If this sounds like your old man then you have to take him to Archive in West End. With $10 chicken schnitzels, it leaves you open to try some of the unique boutique beers that they have on tap. There is always a great vibe, and live musicians singing foot-thumping hits. To take your dad back to his rocking youth, Archive is the place to go. Corner Store Café If your father is a green thumb then he will enjoy investigating the garden at Corner Store Cafe. Overlooking a herb and vegetable patch, Corner Store covers all of the ‘dad’ classics including burgers, curries, and a bowl of mussels for the seafood lovers. With food that never disappoints, your dad will be feeling very special after this Father’s Day lunch. Hundred Acre Bar If you have a large group to organise for Father’s Day then consider heading to the Hundred Acre Bar in St Lucia. With a diverse menu for both breakfast and lunch, including kids specials, the whole family will be pleased with your choice. Overlooking the rolling green St Lucia Golf Course and amongst their well-groomed gardens, it is a beautiful spot to enjoy a meal with the family…followed by a round of golf for the enthusiasts.
If you have been through grade eight drama, or have watched Whose Line Is It Anyway, then you will know the theatre sports game where one person starts a scene, and as the next person jumps into the scene, they create their own new storyline, and so on. Apply this theory to music composition, and you have Ten Hands. Brisbane-based group Topology have created their latest piece of work collaboratively through a series of recorded collective improvisations. After each recording the members would listen independently and then write out the best moments and bring these to rehearsal. The quintet would play each annotated piece of music, rehearse these and then continue improvising until they formed a one hour long piece, which is Ten Hands. Don’t miss this astonishing performance on Thursday and Friday 2-3 August at the Powerhouse.
There's no avoiding the Hottest 100 on Australia Day. Even if you don't still tune in now, you definitely grew up listening to it — and if you fall in the latter category, you probably have fond memories of the great Aussie rock acts that have graced the countdown over the years. The Empire Hotel certainly does, which is why they're dedicating the occasion to the homegrown bands that made the '90s great. Settle in for the sounds of Silverchair, Spiderbait, Jebediah and Frenzal Rhomb — and, if that's not enough, play giant versions of jenga, connect four and chess with your mates.
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and, after announcing back in May last year that Burger Project will be coming to Brisbane, Perry has finally confirmed an opening date: this Friday, February 17. The new store will open up at 11am on ground level at the new Southport precinct in South Bank. The venue, which will boast big floor-to-ceiling windows, will have room for 60 burger fiends inside and another 30 outside. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Brisbane Burger Project will also be the first outlet to offer breakfast, from Monday, February 20. They'll switch out their regular menu for bacon and egg (and mushroom and egg) burgers, BLTs, potato gems and coffee from Melbourne's Market Lane from 8–11am daily. The South Bank store is the eighth Burger Project to open around the country, and the first in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group, they plan to open more stores here this year. Burger Project is set to open on the ground floor of the Southport precinct at 271 Grey Street, South Bank at 11am on Friday, February 17. For more information, visit burgerproject.com. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
If you don't believe that Fast X will be one of the Fast and Furious franchise's last films, which you shouldn't, then it's time to face a different realisation. Now 22 years old, this family-, street racing- and Corona-loving "cult with cars" saga — its own words in this latest instalment — might one day feature every actor ever in its always-expanding cast. Dying back in 2013 hasn't stopped Paul Walker from regularly appearing a decade on. He's the first of the core F&F crew to be seen in Fast X, in fact, thanks to a flashback to 2011's Fast Five that explains why the series' flamboyant new villain has beef with the usual Vin Diesel (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3)-led faces. Playing said antagonist is Jason Momoa (Dune), who adds another high-profile name to a roster that also gains Brie Larson (Ms Marvel), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), Alan Ritchson (Reacher) and Walker's daughter Meadow this time around. It's no wonder that this 11th flick in the franchise (yes spinoff Hobbs & Shaw counts) clocks in at an anything-but-swift 141 minutes. It's also hardly surprising that living on-screen life a quarter mile at a time now seems more like a variety show than a movie, at least where all that recognisable talent is involved. There are so many people to stuff into Fast X that most merely get wheeled out for their big moment or, if they're lucky, a couple. Some bring comedy (the long-running double act that is End of the Road's Ludacris and Morbius' Tyrese Gibson), others steely glares and frenetic fight scenes (The School for Good and Evil and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves' always-welcome Charlize Theron and Michelle Rodriguez, respectively), or just reasons to keep bringing up Walker's retired Brian O'Conner (which is where Who Invited Charlie?'s Jordana Brewster still fits in). When more than a few actors pop up, it feels purely obligatory, like the F&F realm just can't exist now without a glimpse of Jason Statham's (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) scowl or getting Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) going cockney. Do too many drivers and offsiders spoil the Point Break-but-cars hijinks? Not completely, but the high-octane saga's jam-packed cast is now a roadblock. It certainly can't have helped screenwriter Justin Lin, the director of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, F9 and initially Fast X until leaving a week into production, and his co-scribe Dan Mazeau (Wrath of the Titans). Their script sports an overarching plot, with Momoa's Dante Reyes avenging the death of his drug-lord father five films back, but it's really about servicing the required parts. Oh-so-many folks require some screentime; all the usual heist, chase and race antics have to drop in; everyone needs to jet between the US, Italy, Brazil, the UK, Antarctica and Portugal; family must be mentioned approximately 423,000 times; and Diesel's Dominic Toretto demands a few of beats to act as if Brian is dead even though he remains alive in the series' storyline. That's the to-do list that Lin, Mazeau, and Statham's The Transporter and The Transporter 2 filmmaker-turned-Fast X helmer Louis Leterrier tick through — and tick they do. Dom and the fam, including his abuelita (Moreno) and son Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry, Cheaper by the Dozen), get an early backyard barbecue, waxing lyrical under the Los Angeles sun about the ties that bind. Then Roman (Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Han (Sung Kang, Obi-Wan Kenobi) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel, The Invitation) go to Rome for a job that goes wrong, and ex-adversary Cipher (Theron) shows up bruised and bloody on Dom and Letty's (Rodriguez) doorstep talking about the devil. The common factor: Reyes, who has declared war on the extended Toretto brood without them knowing he exists. They should've expected him, though, given that battling family members — of past enemies and, when John Cena (Peacemaker) joined in F9 as Dom's brother Jakob, their own — is another box-checking saga staple. Almost every newcomer to the franchise, both here and in general, is related to someone else. That's how deep the series' family values go. And yet, for a saga that started embracing its ridiculousness when Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam) jumped aboard — also in Fast Five; you can't have Diesel, Johnson and later Statham bashing their sweaty heads together without having a sense of humour about it — it plays the soap opera-esque parade of kin (and the well-known actors being them) too straight. Fast X knows how outlandish it and its predecessors are with stunts, even if no one rockets to space this time. It says cheers over Mexican beers to its established cliches as well. And it joyfully has Momoa get giddily OTT as the scrunchie-wearing, "awesome!"-spouting, Joker-esque Dante, visibly having a ball doing so. But the so-earnest-it's-playful deliriousness that should always hum through these tales of petty thieves-turned-international spies is often revved over by needing to shoehorn in another character, then another, then more, whether they've been fam since day one or they're making their debut. It's doubtful that it's on purpose, but Fast X practises what Dom preaches, making its audience appreciate the simple things. There's nothing uncomplicated about the movie's hyper-stylised stunt choreography, with its giant pinballing bombs and reggaeton drag racing — the latter soundtracked by Daddy Yankee's 'Gasolina', of course — but the film is lighter and livelier when it strips itself down to its pedal-to-the-metal and fist-throwing basics. That's when there's an energy to now seven-time F&F cinematographer Stephen F Windon's whooshing and whirling lensing, too, especially when he's gliding through windshields while engines are purring in a Rio-set moment. Smartly, Theron and Rodriguez are gifted an impressively staged fray that screams for them to have their own spinoff. And when helicopters are being flung at each other by a Dodge Charger, it's pure dumb action-flick fun. While those choppers are swooping and crashing, revhead-in-training Little Brian can't help exclaiming with excitement. Fast X isn't ready to usher the saga's big-screen entries into Fast and Furious: The Next Generation just yet — it will eventually, sometime after this chapter's one confirmed sequel and likely second follow-up get motoring, although animated Netflix series Fast & Furious Spy Racers got there first — but that glee is exactly what Diesel and company want their audience to share. This is a thrill ride in fits and starts, however. At its worst, including with its stop-mid-scene cliffhanger, it's franchise-extending filler that never-ending sagas like the Marvel Cinematic Universe have made the gear-grinding norm. But when Fast X pumps the gas on turbocharged vehicular lunacy rather than playing connect-the-dots and spot-the-famous-face, giving four Oscar-winning actresses too little to do and dropping in hardly surprising guest appearances, it's an entertaining-enough spin down a well-driven road.
Stay tuned. More info is coming soon.
One of Australia's best bars is taking a trip to one of Australia's best hotels this winter, as The Calile welcomes the crew from Sydney agave den Cantina OK! for one night only. It's part of The Calile's Rooftop Harvest series, which invites figures from the hospitality world around Australia to create dishes and drinks using ingredients from the hotel's rooftop garden. Behind the stick will be Cantina OK! Venue Manager Jordan Grocock and Creative Lead Jaxon Kite, who'll be shaking up a bespoke cocktail inspired by the pastel tones of The Calile's pool. The Sandia OK! is a vibrant green and pink margarita in which fresh lime and hibiscus leaf harvested from the hotel's rooftop garden are mixed with makrut lime leaf tequila and topped with shaved watermelon for a textural and visual punch. Alongside them, The Calile crew will be serving one of its signature creations. The Marigold Highball is a twist on the classic highball, with a mix of Red Mill coconut rum, soda, coconut vinegar and a house-made shrub crafted using marigold leaves picked from the rooftop garden. Both drinks will be paired with seasonal snacks that also showcase ingredients from the June harvest. Entry is free but registration is recommended — don't miss your chance to experience one of Sydney's most celebrated bars, no flight required. [caption id="attachment_1006984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption]
Brain freeze or caffeine hit? Sweet, sweet sugar in ice-cold slushie form, or a soul-warming cup of joe? Brisbanites, you have an important decision to make on Tuesday, November 7: would you like a free slurpee or a free coffee? Pay particular attention to the date, not just to put in your calendar, but to explain why you're scoring freebies. It couldn't be the more perfect time for 7-Eleven giveaways, on a day that the convenience store chain has dubbed 7-Eleven Day — and the celebrations will be running at the brand's 740 stores Australia-wide. Here's how it works: head to a 7-Eleven store all day — so, from 12.01am–11.59pm —then purchase anything other than tobacco or tobacco-related products to receive your choice of either a free regular coffee or a large slurpee. In more great news for your wallet, you can spend as little as 25 cents on a lollipop or 50 cents on a chocolate to still score a free drink.
When they were making All the Real Girls, Pineapple Express and Your Highness together, plus Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones as well, did conversations between filmmaker David Gordon Green and actor Danny McBride go as follows? "Do you like all-time horror masterpieces?" one may've asked. "Is creating your own version of some of the genre-defining greats your ultimate dream?" the other could've responded. "What if we revived the best of the best from the 70s decades later?" might've been the enthusiastic next line. Then, as two of the driving forces behind 2018's Halloween and its follow-ups Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends kept chatting, "shall we keep their biggest stars, but in flicks that act as direct sequels to the OG films and ignore all of the past sequels, and also work as reboots sparking a new trilogy?" could've been the latest reply. Thanks to the recent Halloween films, a natter like the above seems likely. Now that Green and McBride are also giving The Exorcist a spin, this kind of talk appears a certainty. So, writer/director Green was possessed with a new demonic screen story with McBride and Halloween Kills' Scott Teems, then penned a devil-made-me-do-it script with Camp X-Ray's Peter Sattler. The result is The Exorcist: Believer, a 50-years-later return to head-twisting dances with evil — this time with a prologue in Haiti rather than Iraq, the bulk of the action set in Georgia instead of Washington, DC's Georgetown, and two girls not one in need of faith's help to cast out malevolent fiends. Green and McBride's swap from Michael Myers to Pazuzu also already has its own trinity in the works, with first sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver due in 2025. As it apes the original movie's structure, there's a touch of trickery in starting The Exorcist: Believer in Port-au-Prince: the city's 2010 earthquake is used to get the plot in motion, a move that lands queasily, clunkily and exploitatively. Perhaps Green and company thought that slipping into a real-life tragedy's skin then wreaking havoc was a fitting piece of mirroring; instead, that choice should've been exorcised. Photographer Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) is holidaying with his heavily pregnant wife Sorenne (Tracey Graves, On Ten) when the earth rumbles, leading to him becoming a single father — but not before the baby is blessed in utero by a local healer. Cut to 13 years later, where teenager Angela (Lidya Jewett, Ivy + Bean) is introduced rifling through her mother's belongings, then convincing her grief-stricken dad to let her have an after-school date with her classmate Katherine (debutant Olivia O'Neill). She doesn't tell him that they'll be trying to contact Sorenne via a seance in the woods, though. Christianity reaches The Exorcist: Believer via Katherine, plus her devout parents Miranda (Jennifer Nettles, The Righteous Gemstones) and Tony (Norbert Leo Butz, Justified: City Primeval). Two bedevilled kids means more concerned adults, with the latter's nightmares beginning when Angela and Katherine don't return home from their forest frolic for three days. Once the girls re-emerge, they're withdrawn and erratic. The medical diagnosis is trauma; however, that doesn't explain the spooky happenings. Miranda and Tony contend that something unholy is afoot from the instant that the teens go missing, but Victor takes convincing. There's no lack of folks endeavouring to sway his thinking, as led by believing neighbour and nurse Ann (Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale), who points him in the direction of someone who has been there, seen that and dealt with all the terrors of having a daughter taken over by Pazuzu: Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Organised Crime). Shorter than its inspiration but feeling longer, The Exorcist: Believer largely operates in two modes post-preamble: slowly setting the scene, building up to the thrashing, voices and good-versus-evil battle that everyone knows is coming (the film is called The Exorcist, after all); and letting the expected play out. Both are overextended, which doesn't up what little suspense, scares or tension that the feature has — but does benefit the movie's actors and their performances. More time spent with Tony-winners Odom Jr (for Hamilton) and Butz (for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can) gives The Exorcist: Believer more emotional depth, as much needed. Jewett and O'Neill are visibly enjoying themselves in the picture's darkest turns. Oscar-winner Burstyn (for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) plays a smaller part, but her presence has weight to it. Alas, that's all that the film sadly wants of her, as it sets up one possible path, takes it away and then leans on easy nostalgia. As 2018's Halloween did with that saga's 40th anniversary, The Exorcist: Believer has timed its arrival carefully; 2023 marks half a century since William Friedkin adapted William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel that started it all. Green again considers the source material sacred, and it is: earning the now-late but always-great Friedkin his second Best Director Oscar nomination two years after he won for The French Connection, The Exorcist is a horror titan. It made history as the first-ever horror film nominated for Best Picture, too. Not just its own sequels (1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic and 1990's The Exorcist III) and prequels (2004's Exorcist: The Beginning and 2005's Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist) took its lead, but everything about demonic hauntings since 1973. Still, while The Exorcist: Believer is certainly better than the unrelated The Pope's Exorcist, also from 2023, it's as dispiritingly by the numbers as it can be in attempting to emptily copy Friedkin, resurrect lines, get notes of the same score echoing and keep to the franchise playbook. When controversy surrounded the OG The Exorcist all those years back, the ideas and sights that helped cause it had meaning. A crisis of faith lingered throughout the film as heavy as dread, unease and alarm. When the Pazuzu-possessed Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair, Landfill) stabbed violently downwards with a crucifix, the movie's musing on religion's love of the patriarchy and the latter's struggle with girls when they reach puberty were searing. The list goes on, as Green knows but can't match. The Exorcist: Believer amasses a multi-faith group to do the exorcising this time, deploying inclusivity to comment on the changing role that worship plays in modern American life, yet only weakly says the obvious. The patriarchy is addressed again, overtly in monologues, but mostly The Exorcist: Believer plays like its big church-set moment: wandering in to make a big bloody scene while just splashing around some standard shocks.
Among the many things that happened at this year's Oscars, looking back on movies gone by ranked high on the agenda. The ceremony didn't just pay tribute to the films that won awards, but to a heap of flicks celebrating big anniversaries. It's a natural urge, and it's also a nostalgic one that Gold Coast Film Festival understands. See: the southeast Queensland event's 2022 lineup, which peppered with the same kind of tributes — including a big nod to features that are as old as this cinema-loving fest. This year marks GCFF's 20th, so it's hosting screenings of Scooby Doo, Blue Crush and Van Wilder Party Liaison, all of which are celebrating the same anniversary. None of these movies are your usual film fest fare, but here they're each being turned into events — so you'll venture back to Spooky Island as part of a gala session, commemorating the fact that the flick was shot on the Goldie; soak in the surf-movie vibes at a free outdoor beachside session in Coolangatta; and sip beers at Burleigh Brewing Company while watching a young Ryan Reynolds. GCFF isn't just peering backwards between from Wednesday, April 20–Sunday, May 1, however — although it does also include sessions of Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland as well. Still, the rest of the fest's lineup is filled with new titles, starting with opening night's How to Please a Woman starring Sally Phillips (Blinded by the Light), then wrapping up with the Luke Hemsworth (Westworld)-starring Bosch & Rockit. Between those bookends, highlights include a gala session of blistering Aussie revenge flick The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, which is directed by and stars Leah Purcell; fellow Australian effort Friends and Strangers; plus eerie homegrown indie Mother Mountain. Or, there's also surfing documentary The Waterman, about five-time Olympic medallist Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, as narrated by Jason Momoa — and the Javier Bardem-starring Spanish dramedy The Good Boss. Other standouts span Miss, which ponders gender identity within the confines of the Miss France beauty pageant; Cannes 2021 gem Compartment No 6, which has been compared to the Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight films; and Benediction, a biopic about British soldier and poet Siegfried Sassoon. Throw in Cambodian sci-fi/drama Karmalink, Cannes award-winner Murina, the world premiere of all-ages mystery/drama The Curious Case of Dolphin Bay, a documentary about photographer Helmut Newton, a movie and music trivia night at the QT, and short films by the beach, and there's plenty on GCFF's 2022 lineup to tempt movie-loving Brisbanites down the highway.
UPDATE, March 12, 2021: Slender Man is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Forget Slender Man's thin body, faceless head and eerie vibe. Sure, the character's unsettling appearance was designed to frighten people; however the scariest thing about the lingering internet meme is the fact that it still exists. It's been nine years since Something Awful forum user Eric Knudsen came up with the macabre figure as part of a photoshop contest to create paranormal images, and not only is it still doing the digital rounds, it's making the leap onto the big screen as well. Longevity is one thing. Flogging a nearly decade-old creepypasta — the online equivalent of telling ghost stories around a campfire — is something else entirely. In the film that shares its name, Slender Man has a knack for timing, but Slender Man the movie definitely doesn't. In fact, this flimsy horror effort doesn't have a knack for much, other than sticking to the dullest of formulas. A group of teenage girls view an unnerving video, begin to notice weird occurrences and then start disappearing. If you'd like us to wake you up when it stops sounding generic, then you're in for quite a lengthy snooze. When Massachusetts pals Katie (Annalise Basso), Chloe (Jaz Sinclair), Hallie (Julia Goldani Telles) and Wren (Joey King) get bored at a slumber party, they decide to switch from watching porn to discovering what this Slender Man character is all about. A week later, Katie goes missing during a class trip to a cemetery, and her drunken dad blames her newfound obsession with the occult. That sparks the rest of the gang into action, taking advice from a mysterious online source and trying to offer Slender Man an exchange to get their missing friend back. To their surprise (but not to the audience's), that plan doesn't pan out well. Slender Man isn't someone to be bargained with, it seems. Given that Ringu and The Ring already exist (with several sequels to both), you might expect Slender Man to reach beyond an already well-worn premise. Given that The Craft exists as well, you might expect more than just a group of goth-leaning besties trifling with ominous forces, too. Sadly, we can keep playing this game, and the outcome remains the same. The film follows terrorised, victimised girls in the same US state that's infamous for the Salem witch trials, but it draws zero modern-day parallels. And, while it stems from the pen of screenwriter David Birke — the scribe behind the vastly superior Isabelle Huppert-led rape-revenge thriller Elle — Slender Man boasts no signs of complexity either. Along with by-the-numbers performances, bland shots of spooky forests and a paper-thin message about the corruptive power of going viral, among Slender Man's many missteps is the squandering of its eponymous villain. The elongated figure is literally yesterday's news now, but the film does little more than point out that it looks creepy and thrust it at the screen for a few jump-scares. That's the kind of laziness that usually plagues direct-to-video sequels, arrogantly believing that name recognition will do half of the work, and that occasionally pointing the camera at something sinister will do the rest. In that spirit, it should come as no surprise that director Sylvain White also has derivative threequel I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer on his resume. If there's one positive aspect to Slender Man, though, it's this: thankfully, it doesn't try to capitalise upon the real-life stabbing committed in the titular entity's name. Back in 2014, two 12-year-old girls attacked one of their friends in an effort to impress the internet's favourite boogeyman, adding an extra level of discomfort to the Slender Man saga. The case was covered in 2016 documentary Beware the Slenderman, which is straightforward but still vastly more intelligent and engaging than this fictional take on the meme. Still, watching Slender Man, viewers get the feeling that the film might've once cribbed a few cues from reality, then cut them from the final version — the movie is so drab and cobbled-together that it seems like the work of filmmakers trying to salvage a bad situation. Or, that could just be the kindest way to look at this scare-free, intrigue-free mess. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jc0ez0IZ4k
Whether you think you can dance or know for a fact that you can't, we have got a hell of an at-home activity for you. Groove Therapy has brought its judgement-free classes online and is charging just $8 a pop. The relaxed, 35-minute live streamed classes for the aspiring street dancer in all of us run most nights at 6 or 6.30pm AEST via Zoom. From Sunday–Thursday, you can partake in a Sweats in Sweats class — where you'll stretch it out and learn a mini-choreography — then on Friday the founder of Mission Stiletto Cassandra Merwood will run you through a playful class in stilettos (if you want, otherwise barefoot is just fine). Indeed, the classes are designed for beginner students who might feel intimidated by a more professional environment. Don't let that fool you though, because the instructors are legit, and will have you popping and locking in no time. It's perfect for those of us who dream of burning up the dance floor, but have never had the moves to back it up. If you'd like to sink your teeth into a longer dance program, Groove Therapy also offers four online dance courses, which you can progress through at your own rate. Kick things off with the 16-class Beginner 1: Grooves (for $69); level up with Party Dances ($89), which'll teach you everything from the moonwalk to the running man, then complete your education with House 1 ($89) and 11 ($69). You'll be ready to rip up the disco dance floor in no time. Images: Gracie Steindl
Take a deep dive into the wondrous cinematic worlds of Wes Anderson — symmetry, quirkiness, pastel cinematography and all. From October 17 through until December 5, Palace James Street is dedicating every Thursday night to the acclaimed director's work. Film buffs can enjoy a weekly serve of Anderson's distinctive visual stylings, compelling soundtracks and all-star casts, with the Fortitude Valley venue playing a different flick each week. First up, catch 1996 crime-comedy Bottle Rocket, followed by the Jason Schwartzman-led hit Rushmore on October 24, and October 31's non-spooky showing of The Royal Tenenbaums. This is a near-complete retrospective, so most of Anderson's iconic movies are hitting the big screen — including The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (November 7), The Darjeeling Limited (November 14), Fantastic Mr Fox (November 21), The Grand Budapest Hotel (November 28) and Isle of Dogs (December 5).
Kevin Spacey finally had his moment in the Cranston-less sun, Billy Bob Thornton nabbed gold for his terrifying, terrifying role in Fargo, Boyhood quite rightly cleaned up, Keira Knightley wore a dress it took 30 people to make and Emma Stone and Lorde wore pants to make every fashion magazine have a social media kitten about. PANTS?! EGADS. But apart from the red carpet scrutiny and award-giving, here are the bits from that made the 72nd Golden Globes worth it, having just wrapped up at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. When Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Fired a Bill Cosby Joke Straight Off the Bat "We're gonna make it a party... what are they going to do fire us?" Cahmaaaahhhn, it's their third year presenting, all bets were off. When The New Yorker's Bob Eckstein Started Live Drawing the Event Even though no one really understood them, classic New Yorker. Check them out here. When Ricky Gervais Couldn't Help But Insult the Whole Audience (Again) "I wouldn't want to insult any of you rich, beautiful, overprivileged celebrities." Then does. When Prince Popped In Presenting this year's Best Original Song to John Legend and Common for 'Glory' from Selma, the legend himself dropped by with one of his fluffiest fros yet. When Everyone Freaked Out Over Jared Leto's Braid HuffPost called him 'a rockstar, award-winning actor and apparently, hairsyle maven'. FFS. When Benedict Cumberbatch Photobombed Meryl Streep and Margaret Cho Taken by Michael Keaton. Too good. When Kevin Spacey Dropped an F-Bomb Accepting Best Actor in a TV Drama "This is just the beginning of my revenge... I cannot believe I fucking won." When Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader Didn't Nail a De Niro Impersonation Remained flawless in everyone's eyes. When Wes Anderson Accepted his Globe for Best Picture (Comedy/Musical) in a Purple Velvet Bow Tie "Wes Anderson is here tonight for the movie Grand Budapest Hotel. Per usual, Wes arrived on a bike made of antique tuba parts." — Amy Poehler. When You Didn't See Any of This Because You Were Working or Eating or Something, Anything Happy Globes y'all. Forward march to the Oscars. Image credit: justingaynor via photopin cc.
The Pope of Trash is back, he's here to have a lively chat and you won't see anything quite like it this year. We're talking about John Waters, of course, with the cult filmmaker, queer icon and all-round pop culture legend heading to Brisbane for a divine evening of revelatory reflections, eye-opening anecdotes and shameless secrets from a life spent making cinematic trouble. In fact, Make Trouble is the incredibly apt name of his live show. Waters is the rare auteur who doesn't just craft vivid, transgressive, larger-than-life movies such as the notorious Pink Flamingos, big-budget hit Hairspray and black comedy Serial Mom — he's also as lively and fascinating as you'd expect based on his incredibly distinctive filmography. (And, he has a killer pencil-thin moustache.) Expect to dive into his 50-plus years in the business, hear about his time spent working with everyone from Mink Stole and Divine to Kathleen Turner and Patricia Hearst, and get an earful of insights into his opinions about today's chaotic existence. There'll be more topics of conversation, too; if there's one thing that Waters knows about, it's everything. You'll laugh at his gleefully filthy tidbits (in fact, you might even cry from giggling so hard), and you'll also soak up the best kind of devilish yet worldly wisdom, all while spending an evening in the company of a talent like no other. Timed just after the release of his latest (and ninth) book, The Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder, John Waters hits the Brisbane Powerhouse stage on Wednesday, October 16. Image: Prudence Upton.
