Three questions, New Year's Eve partygoers: What's your preferred view? Where would you like to pretend to be? Are you in for a concentrated burst of fun, or for the long haul? If you answered river vantages, on the sea and a hefty chuck of time, then set sail for Riverland's Nautical New Year's Eve. The numbers speak for themselves: 50 metres of open-air river frontage, 80 feet of bar space, five authentic street kitchens, five-and-a-half hours of food and drinks, and $180 for the lot. You'll only see 2018 once, after all. Dressing for the occasion — something stripey if you're lazy, whatever nautical wonder you can come up with if you're feeling creative — is encouraged. And, you'll have one of the best outlooks in the city.
If you liked alternative and indie rock in the late '00s, then Common People probably means something to you. We're not talking about the ace Pulp song, though you should think highly of that as well. We're talking about the club night that used to play all the best tunes. If you ever went along, you'll be keen for another Common People experience, which have become a New Year's Eve staple over the past two years. This time around, it's back and going by another moniker — Take Me Out — but the same tunes and fun are on the agenda. Put on some comfy shoes and prepare to dance the night away to three decades of indie tracks, spanning everything from The Pixies, Blur and Arctic Monkeys to Joy Division, Beastie Boys and The Killers — and Franz Ferdinand, obviously.
Grab your guitar and a boot-scootin' babe, and saddle up for the biggest event on the Australian country music calendar. The Tamworth Country Music Festival is now in its 46th year and is back, bigger than ever. There will be over 700 artists performing across 120 venues around the city over the course of the ten-day festival, with both ticketed and free events on offer. Tamworth will be alive with the coos of country music, from street corners to pubs to backyards, and everything in between. Spot the next Troy Cassar-Daley at the Australian Country Music Busking Championships and marvel at the Toyota Cavalcade, which features over 100 floats, bands and magnificent groups of horses marching through town. And let's not forget Australian country music's night of nights, the 46th Country Music Awards of Australia, where the best country artists will be named and get to take home golden guitar statues.
When your Friday sees the calendar bear the number 13, it's time to get a little evil. And what better way than to revisit the film that made everyone fear cabins in the woods, be wary of dusty old books, warm to a chainsaw-wielding, shotgun-blasting hero, and take notice of director Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell. Yes, we're talking about The Evil Dead. Yes, we mean the 1981 original effort, not the 2013 remake that it'd be best if we all forgot ever happened. To mark the spookiest time of the year outside of Halloween, the New Globe Theatre and Kristian Fletcher are treating audiences to a big-screen viewing. We know you've probably seen the movie many times before, but there's never a bad time to return to this classic horror effort. In fact, regardless of the date, there's probably never been a better time. Raimi and Campbell have reunited for TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead, which has just started showing on Australian streaming media services — but if you're a fan, you likely already knew that.
Food, glorious food — it's more than just the cry of the orphans from Oliver! It's also the way almost everyone feels about our energy supply, but how many of us have thought about source of sustenance further? Elizabeth Willing has, with her artistic practice examining gastronomy and the collective experience of eating. In Between Courses, she continues her fascination with the accessibility and all-encompassing nature of food, not only exploring the tools and objects commonly associated dining, but deconstructing and reassembling them to give these implements a new logic and purpose. And, if the free exhibition is an all-you-can-eat buffet of contemplating cuisine, then the one-night-only event that is Dessert III is its centrepiece. Attendees will take part in an intimate participatory artwork of degustation desserts set at the dining table. You'll subtly reposition your physical and psychological relationship to what you're consuming, but be warned – you'll also need to have a spare $380 for the experience.
Keen to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Thailand, but can't make the trip abroad at the moment? The annual Brisbane Thai Festival has you covered, whether you're lamenting your inability to head to southeast Asia, getting your fix in-between sight-seeing visits, or simply a fan of Thai culture, cuisine and traditions. The event is expected to attract more than 15,000 patrons, so you certainly won't be alone. Don't worry — with food, performances, Muay Thai demonstrations and a Singha beer garden on offer, there's plenty for everyone at Brisbane's largest Thai-focused event. Indulging in all the Massaman curries you can eat, iced teas you can drink and traditional dances you can watch is only part of the equation, of course. As run by the Thai-Australian Association of Queensland Inc, the festival aims to promote and strengthen ties and harmony between the Thai and Australian communities. By heading along, you'll not only get a feast of food and entertainment — you'll be doing your cross-cultural part.
Alex Seton crafts sculptures out of marble, and yet the name of his latest exhibition actively invites audiences to think of paper. That's not by accident. He might be working with a strong substance, but the circumstances he's trying to bring attention to are fragile. The chasm between the large amount of time he has spent making his pieces, and their usual quick, easy and flimsy appearance, is also by design. With 400 carved boats the centerpiece of the show, Paper Armada responds to Australia's current asylum seeker policies. Consider his collection a depiction of complex political and humanitarian issues. The exhibition is also the latest example of Seton's existence as an analogue artist living in a digital world. He's drawn to the sensory and tactile appeal of materials, and believes that powerful emotion is attached to works of art made by the human hand. Gazing at his recreations of paper boats in all their glistening marble glory, it's difficult not to agree with him.
Christmas is coming up and there’s only one way to bypass the mad Queen Street Mall rushes and giving all your hard earned cash to Mr David Jones — shop local. Karen White Gallery and New Farm Cinemas are hosting the Artisan Market at the Movies, and it’s just in the nick of time for all your Chrissie shopping needs. On the market will be a everything from jewellery to locally made fashion, art and food, all crafted by the hands of indie makers, small business owners and local artisans of our Brisbane community. There will also be food and drinks for sale, plus the biggest bonus of all — air con. The markets kick off at 12pm, and will round up around 6pm. Take a Christmas list, a wad of cash, and your festive spirit, because this might just be your one-stop shop for everything that needs to go under this year’s tree.
So, you haven't been to River Quay — and you don't know where River Quay is. It's the pocket of South Bank that now houses a host of restaurants, plenty of grass and a great view of the river, and it's the place to be from January 23 to 26. For four days, the eateries in the area — aka Aquitaine Brasserie, Cove Bar & Dining, Popolo and The Jetty — will showcase their wares, offering not only a sample of everything that makes them great, but a feast of Queensland ingredients as well. A lineup of live performances provides just the right kind of mood music, and a fireworks display brings everything to a close on Australia Day. If Great Australian Bites sounds like the perfect way to while away an afternoon, that's because it is. Who doesn't love taster plates piled up, pop-ups, local artists and scenic sights, after all? No one, that's who.
Strewth isn't just the most Aussie thing you can exclaim when you're surprised, although is certainly that. At The Elephant, it's also an annual pre-Australia Day party. As the Fortitude Valley pub clearly knows, the nation's big public holiday deserves a shindig boasting some local slang, after all. That's not all the free event boasts in its second year, with an array of tunes the real drawcard. Brisbane favourites Velociraptor top the bill, alongside Babaganouj, Waax, Deluso and Deeds. If you hadn't already guessed, an afternoon of rock 'n' roll is on the menu. If the music lineup isn't enough (or you just know that you'll be sporting a sizeable thirst and a hefty appetite), The Elephant's usual combination of beer and barbecued food will certainly hit the spot. Basically, you can pretend you're in your own backyard — but no one has to cook, and your soundtrack is being played live.
If an item or an image can inspire an emotional response, then think of Jessica Row's current exhibition as a showcase of sentiments. The artist and arts worker has captured poignant moments from her past five years, then turned them into memento/momentum. Yes, you can expect to feel something while you're looking at them. You can expect to feel joy, adventure, heartbreak, loss and self-discovery, for starters, with those the sensations on Row's mind. Her collection of printmaking, photography, video and sculpture is designed to conjure just that, and to take viewers on a journey through themes of identity, memory, mortality and belonging. Indeed, celebrating ordinary things, everyday people and unique connections is part of her plan — and part of the latest highlight of her blooming career. Prior to memento/momentum, Row has featured at Jugglers Art Space several times, as well as Bleeding Heart Gallery, POP Gallery, Sydney's Globe Gallery and Melbourne's Brunswick Street Art Gallery, with her pieces held in the Griffith University Art Collection in Brisbane, the University of West England Centre for Fine Print Research in Bristol and private collections around Australia. Image: Jessica Row.
If you think theatre companies are just about putting on new productions, think again. Take Shake & Stir Theatre Co., for example. Every year, they devote their time and resources to not only staging fresh shows, but nurturing the next generation of performers. Their latest effort, a version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, provides the perfect example. Here, what may be Shakespeare’s most famous rom-com comes alive courtesy of the efforts of 35 of the state's up-and-comers. You know they're good, because they've been handpicked from the 2015 QLD Youth Shake Fest. It all makes for an evening of unexpected delights, even if you already know the play back to front, have seen many a version over many a year, or watched the film adaptation. Sure, you might be familiar with the Bard's comic tale of family, friendship, foils and fairies — but you haven't seen its dream-like charms tackled by the stars of tomorrow. Image: Marshall Stay.
When Green Beacon Brewing Co opened its doors back in 2013, few could've known the yeasty, tasty joy that would follow. Actually, that's not true. Predicting that a brewery in Newstead was going to be a hit — well, that can't have been all that difficult. Now, three years later, they're doing what every brewery is obliged to do on such an occasion, aka throwing a massive birthday bash. And because the Beacon doesn't do things by halves, they not just throwing a shindig — they're making the most of it over the course of a week-long celebration. It all kicks off with Big Thanks Thursday on January 21, with the help of How We Rolls and some IPA pork belly. Yep, booze and food is the ongoing theme, as also seen in Saturday's food truck and beer special event, Fiesta of the Froth. If you like four-course meals matched with mouthwatering tipples — and who doesn't? — then we recommend dropping by on Monday for the Statler & Waldorf pop-up. Finish up the fun with a good ol' fashioned Australia Day party; tis the day for it, and all that.
Emma Le Strange isn't just an artist — she's an aspiring creative polymath. Her work aims to combine styles and forms, the past and the future, and the old and the new. Think costuming, photography, realist drawing, etching, music and cabaret, all in one presentation. Think a Victorian-inspired corset and faux peacock tail crocheted from fibre optic cable. Indeed, that's exactly what Optical Awakening — her latest exhibition — offers. Le Strange forces the age-old endeavours of drawing and crochet into contemporary times, and blends performance and art in the culmination of a yearlong project. The opening night event on December 4 perhaps illustrates this combination best, featuring performances from Le Strange's muse CeCe Shabam, cabaret aficionado Melissa Cloake, and Le Strange herself making her stage debut as Delta de Milo. If you can't make it along then, don't despair — the magical mix of cabaret illumination and artistic manifestation will also brighten up Jugglers Art Space for a two-week season.
Yangon is the former capital of Myanmar and the subject of Judith Sinnamon's latest exhibition. In her collection of works, she explores the current, changing people and scapes of this city. "Yangon is a city in transition,"says Sinnamon of the place she has been living and painting in this year. Indeed, its population is one facing poverty, and the city itself is experiencing a tidal wave of consumerist culture. Sinnamon lists teenagers with sparkly t-shirts featuring English slogans, monks with Samsung Galaxy phones and the recent opening of the first KFC as the telltale signs of western influence in the air. In her collection of pieces, she exposes the stories that pass through her everyday life, specifically those of the women who shared her street. She even invited some of the women to her apartment to sit for portraits, with some turning up proudly in traditional Burmese clothing and others in work clothes. Judith Simmon's exhibition beautifully combines the subjects of portrait, still life and the stories from a city experiencing change. The exhibition runs from 28 November to 19 December at the Edwina Corlette Gallery.
How far would you go to keep a roof over your family's head? That's the question posed by 99 Homes, the blistering new moral melodrama from writer-director Ramin Bahrani. Set in Orlando, Florida during the height of the 2010 foreclosure crisis, it is perhaps the most compelling film yet made about the global economic downturn and the everyday people whose lives it tore apart. Forget serial killers wielding machetes. This is a horror movie for the modern age. Trading his spandex and web-shooters for a toolbox and blue collar, Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield plays protagonist Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single parent forced to move his family into a motel after they're thrown out of their home. Adding insult to injury, the only work Nash is able to find is as a day labourer for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the same ruthless real estate broker who evicted him in the first place. But Carver soon sees potential in the desperate young father and invites him to take a greater role in his business. But what will it take for Nash to sell his soul? 99 Homes is Bahrani's fifth feature effort, although it's the first to receive a significant release here in Australia. Still, those who have seen his earlier work, including Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo and At Any Price, will recognise his signature motifs. He's an unapologetically earnest filmmaker with a strong social conscience, taking major issues that dominate headlines and using them as a basis for intimate human stories. During the film's numerous eviction scenes, he employs handheld cameras and a low, pulsating score, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming helplessness. Watching Carver throw Nash and his family out of their home will likely leave viewers feeling nauseous – although not half as nauseous as they'll feel later in the film, when Nash begins evicting families on Carver's behalf. After a few years languishing in superhero limbo, Garfield recaptures the stellar dramatic form seen in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go. Every compromise Nash considers the actor makes us understand, forcing us to ponder what we'd do in the same situation. Laura Dern is likewise strong in the admittedly thankless role as Nash's kind-hearted mother. Both, however, are overshadowed by Shannon. With the same simmering intensity he brought to Take Shelter and Boardwalk Empire, the Oscar-nominated actor is captivating whenever he's on screen. A callous big screen capitalist in the vein of Gordon Gecko, Carver is at once repellent and uncomfortably persuasive – characteristics best exemplified in a monologue midway through the film in which the e-cig smoking realtor gives us a glimpse into what drives him while raining rhetorical fire down on everyone from federal regulators to homeowners themselves. It is, quite simply, one of the best written, best acted scenes you'll see in a cinema this year. That's not to say that Bahrani's screenplay isn't also without its weak points. Nuance isn't exactly his strong suit, and there are stretches of the film that feel rather histrionic. More frustrating is the ending, in which the writer-director strips away any sense of moral ambiguity in favour of a simpler, less interesting conflict between right and wrong. Yet even in the moments where the narrative falters, the weight and sincerity of Bahrani's intention are enough to carry you through. That, along with the phenomenal work of one of the finest actors working today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfttvNCIJvE
To some people, Doctor Who is just a television show and a character that likes telephone booths. To others, the time lord and his TV program are the inspiration for an all-consuming obsession. Rob Lloyd falls into the latter camp, and has dedicated himself to amassing as much Doctor Who knowledge and paraphernalia as he can afford since 1996. In his honest and hopefully hysterical one-man show, he details his fascination and its consequences. He also dares to ponder and answer the questions every pop culture fan contemplates: how did he get here? Why is he so fixated? Is his passion healthy?
Immersing yourself in a treasure trove of theatre, art, cabaret, comedy and burlesque is enough to kick your appetite into overdrive. That hunger you're feeling isn't just for Wonderland's bustling lineup, but for tasty food and a relaxing beverage too — and the festival delivers on both counts. At the Wonderland Food Markets each Thursday to Sunday from 6pm 'til 10pm, Brisbane's best food trucks, market stalls and other culinary traders will converge on the Powerhouse Plaza to serve up all the things your stomach desires. Bring some extra cash on Saturdays, because the Wonderland Treasure Markets will also be out in force. Yes, you can see a show, enjoy a meal and take home some eclectic vintage wares, because Wonderland has thought of everything.
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, from Touch Wood Designs to Zilla, Everingham & Watson (pictured) and Anon&Co. 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 stalls. Merry Shopping!
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Now, get ready for the Weekend of Tartness — the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the latter cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over two days, the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. The event also doubles as a fourth birthday party for one of the coolest dive bars around, so prepare for double the fun.
Brisbanites, meet your latest arts festival. Yes, it covers visual arts, theatre, music, dance and film. Yes, it takes place over four days and features more than 80 artists. No, it's not your usual event. As devised by Brisbane-based theatre collective The Stan Dup Ensemble, the DIY Festival doesn't even adhere to the norm when it comes to the acronym in its name, actually. That D doesn't stand for do, but for devise, though it could also reference diversity. Emerging creatives have been encouraged to craft their own innovative and original works, and to go wherever their imaginations take them. Everything from a dance about how to be an adult to a short film about the struggles of those coping with a family member's active duty comprises the end result, and meditative art pieces and psychedelic rock mixed with space-funk, too. If it's fresh and inventive, you'll find it here, in the city's newest showcase of the next generation of artists.
Brisbane, welcome to barbecue season. The sun is shining, the weather has warmed up, and there's almost nothing better to do on a hot day than revel in the combination of beer and sausages. The folks at the Mill on Constance certainly think so, and they don't just like to chase the former with the latter, as delicious as that always proves. Here, they like their beverages soaked within their grilled bangers. They also want to find the city's best from a lineup of local bars, breweries and butchers. Eight contenders will vie for supremacy over four knockout rounds, but of course, only one can emerge victorious. Actually, when something as tasty as alcohol-infused sausages are at stake, that may not be the case. Regardless of whoever claims the title of Brisbane's best beer banger, everyone who gets to try such tasty morsels can rightfully consider themselves among the winners.
Handball isn't just something kids play in the schoolyard. Well, it is for the most part, but that doesn't mean running around a slab of concrete while attempting to slap a tennis ball with your hand isn't something anyone at any age can't enjoy. In fact, if you haven’t outgrown the game that filled many of your youthful lunchtimes — or if you want to relive those past glories — then the New Farm Bouncing Back Handball Festival is the event for you. The free all-ages event invites everyone to have some fun in the sun while competing in their favourite childhood pastime. Last time the festival was held back in 2012, 500 people took part. The New Farm Neighbourhood Centre is guiding the show, which means it's a community affair complete with food and drinks for those working up an appetite and a thirst. Bringing the suburb together is of its aims, as is promoting a positive mindset, with the event running as part of Mental Health Week.
When naming the world's highest-pressure occupations, one traditionally thinks of heads of state, air traffic controllers and emergency room surgeons. Kindergarten teachers would probably put their hands up, too, but one area that’s generally overlooked — mostly because it’s hidden away by design — is the kitchen of any Michelin-rated restaurant. These temples of fine dining and avant garde cuisine play host to the most talented chefs in the world, and to cook alongside them is — as one character in Burnt explains — like working with Yoda. But the privilege comes at a cost. Their genius seems almost inextricably bonded with arrogance and rage, an exacting expectation of excellence that permits no error or half-measures. Egos clash, tempers flare, reputations are made and ruined and all the while the wealthiest one percent sits just metres away, oblivious and impatient. To see Burnt is to finally peer behind this temple’s curtain and experience just a semblance of the chaotic magic within. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Adam Jones, a disgraced chef in search of his third Michelin star — the highest rating a restaurant (and hence its chef) can secure. Penniless and jobless, Jones is at rock bottom; a recovering addict of every imaginable vice and shucking one million oysters as part of a gruelling personal penance. Redemption beckons, however, so he procures a London restaurant from his friend Tony (Daniel Brühl) and attempts to assemble a team of the most talented cooks and sauciers available. The stakes may seem low, but placing an addict in a high-pressure environment haunted by both the demons of his past and the debilitating fear of future failure creates levels of Sicario-like tension throughout this film that rarely drop below ten. To make a non-wanky movie about a chef is an achievement in itself, but to also make it suspenseful is definitely worthy of praise. For the food lovers, Burnt features an absolute bucket load of cooking, mixing, sharpening, experimentation and close-up food porn — perhaps more than any other recent offering along similar lines (including, for example, Jon Favreau’s Chef). It’s also guilty of more montages than Teen Wolf 2, but — in its defence — they’re not making two minute noodles here. To watch beef brisket cooked sous-vide would be like watching water boil, in that — well — that’s exactly what it is, so the editing choices are forgivable. The dialogue is mostly snappy and the kitchen scenes are fast-paced and volatile, making the delicate creations they produce seem all the more inconceivable. In all, Burnt is something of a culinary action movie, and while several of its characters are admittedly lacking in narrative depth (most notably Sienna Miller as Jones’s gifted saucier), it’s still a cracking film and a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen world.
Whether you know Highgate Hill as the best viewing point for Stefan's tower, or couldn't point it out on a map, Stephen Nothling's paintings can resonate with any Brisbane local. His latest exhibition showcases an artist's view of his endearing, colourful, South Brisbane neighbourhood in a series that documents Louisa Street, where the artist has lived for 14 years. In The last street in Highgate Hill, Nothling captures 38 Australian dreams, as housed in each of the homes that line his street. His paintings contain a cheery appreciation of the locale, all incorporated with lashings of humour, collage and some really great birds. Beyond capturing their tropical colours, tripartite levels and verandah after verandah, Nothling imagines the life behind the Queenslander's facades, showcasing the incremental and drastic changes he's witnessed on his daily walks. The last street in Highgate Hill exhibits at the Clem Jones Gallery in the Museum of Brisbane until January 31.
All hail the Keanaissance — for bringing him back to our screens, and for making it acceptable to love his past hits as well. Before he was Neo and John Wick, he wasn’t just one half of Bill and Ted and surfing FBI agent Johnny Utah but also a guy trying to stop the bus that couldn’t slow down. We know you’re a fan, and we know you’ve always wanted to relive the action movie magic that was Speed — so here’s your chance. Step on board a vintage B59 Volvo, and prepare for the ride of your life. After thrilling fans and making plenty of new ones during Brisbane Comedy Festival 2015, Speed: The Movie, The Play returns for a high-octane encore. This is one stint of public transport chaos you should willingly sign up for.
You might not recognise the names Inspired Insomniac, Jaycee and Yukon Snakes now, but in time, we think you probably will. They're three of Brisbane's best up-and-coming hip hop and electronic acts, and they have an extra advantage at their latest show. We're not just talking about their versatility, although that will definitely be on display. Inspired Insomniac plays everything from deep dubstep to experimental hip hop, while Jaycee's lyrics and Yukon Snakes' beats are the driving forces behind their respective claims to fame. No, their push to prominence comes in the form of the force supporting their combined showcase at The Milk Factory. The talented trio are all on the lineup for the latest 4ZZZ gig, which is quite the stamp of approval, as alternative and independent music lovers will know. When it comes to championing local talent, no one does it better than the city's favourite community radio station.
When Sin Vida opened its doors a few short months ago, savvy lovers of Mexican culture and tradition likely marked the end of October and beginning of November in their diaries. A restaurant dedicated to dia de los muertos — or the day of the dead — is certainly going to deliver when the event rolls around, aren’t they? The answer, of course, is yes — as anyone who has checked out the Valley hotspot could’ve guessed. To mark the globally recognised occasion that springs from ancient pre-Columbian times, was developed by the Aztecs and then merged with Christian beliefs by the Spanish conquistadors, they’re throwing one heck of a party. Sugar skull face painting and live entertainment are on the menu, but the real drawcard here are the themed food and drink menus themselves. Grab three friends and enjoy a banquet full of tacos, empanadas, quesadillas, principales, ensalada and more, then take your pick from three tequila and mezcal options.
In the guise of her character Jess, Drew Barrymore is crying when Miss You Already starts — and the audience likely will be when the film finishes. Tissues are necessary for what overwhelmingly and shamelessly qualifies as a weepie. Expect tears from a movie that knows how to wring them out of you. Expect to know that's exactly what it is trying to do, too. Barrymore's American in London is the more down-to-earth life-long BFF of outlandish Brit Milly (Toni Collette), their friendship as firm as it is frenetic. They've been there for each other since meeting in primary school, but when Miss You Already opens, Jess is in labour and yearning for her pal before talking viewers through their shared history. That colourful past takes a turn for the catastrophic when Milly is diagnosed with breast cancer, much to the distress of Jess; Milly's rock 'n' roll-roadie-turned-family-man husband, Kit (Dominic Cooper); and their two young children. At the same time, Jess is struggling with trying to get pregnant through fertility treatment with her partner Jago (Paddy Considine). As has constantly happened throughout their years of closeness, when it comes to life-changing drama, Milly's situation trumps her own. If the combination of gal pals, a potentially terminal condition and baby craziness hasn't already given it away — and it should've — Miss You Already is solidly aiming for sometimes gently funny, often waterworks-inducing chick flick territory. That the film stems from the real-life experiences of actress and writer Morwenna Banks (perhaps best known for TV's Saxondale and Skins) helps ensure that its sentiment and depiction of illness doesn't feel fake, even if it comes on thick and paints by the numbers. Indeed, director Catherine Hardwicke moves on from the teen-focused fare of Thirteen and the first Twilight film to offer up an account of the ups and downs of female friendship, with the latter prominent when trouble and tragedy strikes. Her approach is brightly shot to look like fondly Instagrammed memories, though it also barely lingers on anything but the obvious as it flits between Vine-like vignettes. Heartstrings are tugged across the usual moments — news both good and bad, hospital visits focused on life ending and beginning, a road trip to Yorkshire's Moors, and fights and fancy occasions among them — yet every new occurrence seems like the filmmaker is ticking off a checklist. With no hunks in sight here, what the film boasts instead is chemistry between the two leads. The plot points might be routine, but the bond the talented duo of Barrymore and Collette cultivate comes across as authentic. In fact, none of the cast puts a foot wrong, including a brief but well-played appearance by iconic actress Jacqueline Bisset as Milly's TV star mother. They're Miss You Already's most effective element, other than using all the life, death, love, loyalty and friendship pressure points to manipulate salty moisture into streaming from your eyes.
Eastsiders, your favourite street party is back — and yes, it is hard to believe that it's only in its second year. The End of the Line Festival made such a splash in 2014 that its return is rather highly anticipated. Thankfully, the program for the one-day event more than justifies that excitement. On October 24, Woolloongabba’s Village Precinct between Logan Road and Jurgens Street will once again become a vibrant hub of food, music and entertainment. Local eateries will provide all the tasty morsels you could want to sample, while Jet Black Cat Records' Shannon Logan has curated the eclectic line-up of bands, so attendees know they're in for quite the treat. Tunes-wise, that includes Jess Ribeiro, Blank Realm, East Brunswick All Girls Choir and Caitlin Park, and that's only the beginning of the mix of rock, indie-pop, jazz funk, electronic and folk performers. When you're not enjoying their sweet sounds, you can wander around market stalls, devour dishes served up by food trucks, marvel at projection art and watch skateboarding demonstrations — and appreciate the area, too, because that's what a block party is really all about.
A wardrobe staple gets its time to shine, and a group of Brisbane creatives get their chance to showcase their creativity. In the former camp, we have the trusty denim jacket. In the latter, 11 locals up-cycle and re-design an item of clothing everyone has. A collaboration between The Brisbane Collective, SWOP Clothing Exchange and Crowbar, Battle Jackets: An Exhibition of Denim Expression is the end result, with the eclectic mix of designed denim available to both view and purchase. The show takes its name from heavy metal and punk subcultures, but you can expect more than cut-off sleeves and ironed-on patches here. These jackets are works of wearable art. This one-night-only event isn't just a chance to check out some cool threads — it's also a party. Jud Campbell, Dane Adamo and QMusic award winner Leanne Tennant will provide the sounds for your browsing, and if there was a dress code, you know what it would call for. Here, double denim can only be a good thing. Image: Bec Todd.
Thinking about Japan's greatest animation studio, and one of the men who helped it earn that status, has been a bittersweet experience of late. Both Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki may have made their final films; however, we'll always have their bustling back catalogue of beautiful, handcrafted fables. That's what the Gallery of Modern Art is focusing on: the good times and great works gone by, including movies about flying pigs, a goldfish princess and a warrior raised by wolves. As part of GOMA's Cult Japan film lineup at the Australian Cinematheque, they're mounting a Miyazaki retrospective that steps through his output from his first-ever feature, 1979's Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, to his last, 2013's The Wind Rises. In between, expect all the cinema delights you love, and all the ones you might not yet have caught up with, too. The wondrous worlds of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are certain highlights, and you owe it to yourself to meet the cute and charming My Neighbour Totoro, journey through Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and subscribe to Kiki’s Delivery Service, if you haven't done so already. Most are being shown on 35mm, a rare treat in this day and age of digital projection. Yes, when it comes to movie magic, this program really does have it all.
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then surely a cider does too? If you're willing to believe that that's the case, you can get a head start on the next week or so at the Scratch's ode to fruity alcoholic beverages. At Tastes Like Fruit, the Milton bar is paying tribute to drinks that owe quite a debt to orchard-grown produce. Officially, the evening is a celebration of Beard and Brau Farmhouse Brewery and Batlow Cider, who teamed up to create apple farmhouse ale Bon Pommes — but all things apple are in the spotlight. That includes more cider than you could possible consume, be it traditional, mulled or otherwise. Yes, warm alcoholic concoctions are on the menu; 'tis the season for it, and all that. With winter in mind, patrons are encouraged to don their warmest knitted jumpers and bring a rug to snuggle up in. Just be prepared to get both covered in crumbs from the Alphabet Cafe's tasty snacks, because there'll be plenty of those on offer, too.
So, you're the eager kind of bastard (not the Snow type mind you) who likes to throw spoilers in the face of your lessers? Lucky for you, the Game of Thrones edition of Flying Cock & Man vs Bear Trivia is here, so you'll be able to use that smug mouth to win. Or die. Costume is not mandatory, but greatly rewarded. White walkers, maesters, red priests, naked extras and dung-faced peasants will also most likely be in abundance, so if you really want to impress you'll need to think outside the boxset (someone had better turn up as the animated map of the opening credits, is what we're saying here). A host of prizes are on offer. Team registration via the Man Vs Bear website is necessary. And don't delay, because it's winter soon. Game of Thrones will also be on at Wintergarden Grilld on July 14.
At some point or another, we’ve all been guilty of wasting food and thinking "it's not that much, it'll be ok" — but did you know that up to 40 percent of the average household bin is comprised of edible items? To highlight this issue, OzHarvest and the UN have teamed up to present Think.Eat.Save, a series of national events that will aid you in doing your bit to combat food waste. Think.Eat.Save is part of a global campaign to increase awareness about food sustainability, so head along, pledge your commitment to #thinkeatsave and opt to reduce your 'foodprint'. You'll also be able to enjoy a free, delicious and hot meal made from rescued produce, and get tips on how to help our food system become more sustainable. Australia's top chefs, politicians and celebrities will unite to address the alarming amount of food wasted in Australia each year. Waste is a huge problem but it doesn't have to be. Image: Untitled via photopin (license).
If one man's trash is another man's treasure, then a trunk full of junk may as well be a treasure chest. Suitcase Rummage gets that when it comes to shopping, second-hand reaps the best bang for your buck. For years they've been hosting regular events at Brisbane Square, but now they're upgrading and upsizing to the Powerhouse and adding a craft workshop to the mix. The Suitcase Rummage and Crafternoon takes place from 11am to 4pm, and will feature a crowd of open suitcases filled with the type of clothes, knick-knacks and craft you probably don't need but definitely deserve. Plus, join Naomi Huntsman for a workshop on rag rugs, where you'll learn the basics of making floor and wall coverings from upcycled bed linen, old clothing and pieces of fabric you have hanging around. You can have your own shot at crafting something beautiful, and if you really know how to take advantage of a situation, pop it in an open suitcase and smack a $20 pricetag on it. Entry for Suitcase Rummage and Crafternoon is free, and if you're interested in running a stall, register here.
Anyone can drink a lager, pilsner or pale ale. Not everyone can knock back a stout or porter. And while the former are available everywhere, you won’t find a celebration of the latter just anywhere. That's why Milton's favourite dive bar started the Weekend of Darkness. Since 2013, the Scratch has dedicated two days each year to showing their love for brews on the blacker end of the beer spectrum — and offering a home for those who feel the same way, of course. If it's yeasty, liquid and overflowing with smoky, coffee, chocolate, spiced and even bourbon flavours, you'll find it here. You'll also find snacks, offbeat vibes and strange happenings galore. Expect this dalliance with the dark side to include a 35-beer lineup, a smorgasbord of smoked meats and more from local BBQ legends the Shank Bros, and delicious treats by Beerkary Bakery. Expect everything, be it food, drink or atmosphere, to warm up your insides too. There's a reason this takes place in winter, after all.
Gerard’s Bar know what they’re doing when it comes to cured meats and cheese pairings - in fact their menu is pretty much just that (and amazing for the record). Celebrate being a wine-loving, cheese-hungry fancy adult with a wine and cheese pairing for $30. But make sure you go with friends who won’t judge you when you inevitably transition (as we all do) from the grown-up you're pretending to be to a cheese fiend who wraps a whole wheel of brie in ham and eats it like a burger.
If you're a Brisbanite with a healthy appetite, there's only one place to be this week. Take your rumbling stomach and its yearning for something scrumptious down to James Street, and fill it with tasty treats. From July 30 to August 1, the New Farm precinct becomes a foodie wonderland for the fourth year running, once again highlighting the gastronomic delights of the area. That includes devouring delicious dishes and drinks, of course, regardless of what kind of food, beverage or event takes your fancy. Whether you want to learn to whip up Thai or Italian meals like the masters, shop for edible artisanal creations, or let some cinema cookery wash over you, all your culinary dreams are catered for. You an also sample the street's signature concoctions, enjoy some beer, burgers and beats, or get into the swing of things at a laneway party. If you like your epicurean fun on the chilled side, then head to the urban picnic or enjoy a tipple in the beer garden. Just because it's a food and wine trail doesn't mean you have to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. In fact, we recommend the same approach to eating, drinking and being merry: savouring the moment.
It's Friday night and you're eager to head to the flicks, but you're keen on an old favourite rather than the latest blockbuster. Enter In the House, Event Cinemas Myer Centre's regular celebration of all your favourite films — plus those cult classics you've always been meaning to get around to. Their latest program kicks off with Predator, so you know they're serious about old school cinema fun. If Arnie running away from aliens isn't your thing, one of the next movies is sure to be. The lineup boasts everything from Martin Scorsese's gangster epic Goodfellas to iconic '80s effort The Breakfast Club, after all. Highlander, Blade Runner and a chance to revisit the original Ghostbusters before the remake hits later this year also feature on the schedule, because every retro film feast values its variety. And while Brisbane might be overflowing with cinema blasts from the past at the moment, you'll never hear us complaining. Who doesn't want to be able to see more movies more often?
Actually going to a store's main place of business is so 2010. If our favourite eateries aren't delivering us goodies, then they're popping up all over the place. On the latter front, Gramercy knows what we're talking about. Last year, the Wintergarden cafe brought their doughnuts to the Queen Street Mall. This year, they're bringing those tasty treats and more to James Street. And this time, much to the delight of New Farm snack-lovers, it isn't just a one-day affair. Bakehouse by Gramercy will be taking over the space next to Sass & Bide from 8am to 3pm every Tuesday to Sunday between February 18 and April 30. That's more than two whole months' worth of pastries, danishes, cakes, tarts and housemade jams and preserves, aka the items that will make up Bakehouse's daily rotating menu. A word of warning: these scrumptious baked goods will be available individually as well as by the box, because one really isn't enough.
It wouldn't be a film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks book without the glow of sunlight, the shimmer of a body of water, and some all-knowing, overly sentimental narration. Sticking as closely to the formula as it can, The Choice begins with all three. Other Sparks trademarks swiftly make themselves known: an opposites-attract romance featuring would-be paramours from different sides of the tracks; rustic homes in a scenic, small-town location; letters professing feelings of love and longing; and a sudden catastrophe threatening to tear the central duo apart. Original, this certainly isn't. Indeed, while the movie version of The Choice might not be directed or written by Sparks (those honours going to relative newcomers Ross Katz and Bryan Sipe, respectively), there's never any doubt that the author responsible for 18 sappy books to date is the most influential force behind this film. Audiences that have watched Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried in Dear John, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus in The Last Song or Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling in The Lucky One — yes, attractive white people hooking up is another of Sparks' staples — should know what they're in for. This time, charismatic veterinarian Travis (Benjamin Walker) and spirited medical student Gabby (Teresa Palmer) are the star-crossed parties in the spotlight, meeting when the latter accuses the former's dog of knocking up her own beloved pooch. Though Travis is already fooling around with barmaid Monica (Alexandra Daddario) and Gabby is dating local doctor Ryan (Tom Welling), sparks between the two soon fly (pun intended). The will-they-or-won't-they aspect of their relationship isn't the end of their tale, though. The first half of the feature charts their courtship, then the second half moves the characters to a hospital seven years later, where the titular decision comes into play. As it is in all movies made from Sparks-penned fare, wish fulfilment is the aim of the game, peddling the notion of an epic love story that will withstand even the harshest obstacles, and trying to push as many emotional buttons as possible in the process. But while there's nothing wrong with romantic fantasies or old-fashioned weepies, The Choice dials everything up way too many notches — clumsy meet-cute, overly adorable rapport, corny dialogue and tragic twist included. The film isn't just adhering to a template, it's lazily throwing clichés at the screen to see what sticks. At least Walker, who was previously the best thing about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, oozes the requisite charm, while Palmer is given much more to do here than she did in the Point Break remake. The scenery also proves a highlight, though it's obviously a problem when the picturesque background is more engaging than the narrative. Of course, the more troubling thought is that there are still seven of Sparks' novels that haven't been made into movies… yet. We might all love Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdam locking lips in the rain, but The Notebook has a lot to answer for.
A great concert photo doesn't just record a moment in time, but makes you feel like you were there — even if you weren't. Mitch Lowe knows this. He's been snapping music gigs since he was 17, and he knows how to take a fantastic shot. Don't just take our word for it, though. Check his pics out for yourself at his exhibition, and maybe even take one home with you. Given that he's worked as an official photographer for festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Listen Out, and Future Music Festival, he's probably captured a show that you were at. A selection of his efforts will line Beach Burrito Company's Fortitude Valley store on January 8 — aka their most fitting locale, nestled right in the heart of Brisbane's music hub. It's the eatery's latest artist showcase, as they continue to give the people what they want. Yep, if there's one thing everyone likes more than tacos and tequila, it's tacos and tequila served against an eye-catching backdrop. Image: Mitch Lowe.
Who said music fests had to involve thriving masses, multiple stages, trampled grass and mud in all the wrong places? If jazz, folk, classical and world music floats your boat, then prepare for a different kind of festival experience. Firstly, the sea will be close by. More importantly, you can sit in comfort. All that is on offer at Music By the Sea 2016, aka Sandgate's 14th annual celebration of soaring sounds. Local and international talent will converge on the oceanside spot to showcase a variety of musical styles. Yes, it's one of those "something for everyone" events, combining a bit of everything, including roots ballads, percussion, strings, modern art music and more. If you'd rather drop by instead of devoting a whole day or weekend to smooth tunes, that's also an option. Soak up the laidback atmosphere and sample some songs without actually buying a ticket, courtesy of the free performance program. You'll also get to hang out in local cafes and bars — and who doesn't want to do that?
We've all wished for a little peace and quiet — but while we're yearning for such a blissful state, we're probably not thinking about what that really means. Peace is a term with personal, social and political importance, particularly in relation to war and combat. As part of the State Library of Queensland's Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation project, they're turning their attention to the concept of harmony via a community-generated exhibition. Artists Elizabeth Woods and Kevin Leong have collected the thoughts and gestures of contemporary Queenslanders during peacetime. Of course, everything comes together against the ever-present and inescapable backdrop of growing international political conflict. As well as admiring the resulting artworks, attendees can do their part, with the exhibition an interactive affair. Learn to craft something wearable to add to the gallery, or get a peaceful makeover, then take a selfie and contribute that. Or, share the peace around by making a gift for a loved one.
For years it’s been rumoured that Brisbane’s music scene was getting better and better and now we have incontrovertible proof that it is. FOMO, a boutique festival set up by locals BBE and Steven Papas, just dropped their lineup and it’s killer. The brand new January 2016 festival has quite the eclectic electronic bunch teed up, headlined by RL Grime, Jamie xx and local lads Flight Facilities. Joining them are bigtime internationals like Boys Noize, Skepta , Keys N Krates and Mr. Carmack, balanced out by a solid local lineup including Tkay Maidza, Anna Lunoe and UV Boi. Like Jungle Love, the Sunshine Coast's BYO camping festival, FOMO has nailed the boutique festival vibe. Held over one day, the festival is happening on Saturday, January 9 at Riverstage, which Brissie locals know means one thing: one stage, no clashes. This is exactly what you want at a small festival to make the most of your ticket. FOMO 2016 LINEUP: RL Grime Flight Facilities Jamie XX Boys Noize Skepta Mr Carmack Keys N Krates Tkay Maidza Anna Lunoe Benson UV Boi
Going out on New Year's Eve, but spending the night sensible and sober — or just choosing not to stump up for an all-you-can-drink package — is much, much harder than it sounds. Most parties build the beverages into the ticket price; however the smart folks at Black Bear Lodge are offering up two options. You can ensure your brews are taken care of as part of the VIP package ($95), or you can just pay for an evening's worth of great music ($20). Of course, with The Gooch Palms, Skegss and Rolls Bayce on the lineup, the latter is guaranteed anyway. Image: Tony Mott.
Room is by no means an easy film to watch. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Emma Donoghue, which was in turn inspired by the crimes of Josef Fritzl, it's a tale whose existence is rooted in horror and misery, and the perverse fascination such stories tend to inspire. And yet despite its grim subject matter, Room never wallows in darkness, but instead stares defiantly into the light. It is a tale not of depravity but of resilience, and the incredible, unbreakable love between a parent and their child. Room is told from the perspective of Jack (Jacob Tremblay), a five year old boy who lives with his mother Joy (Brie Larson) in a small, dishevelled shed called Room. Jack was born in Room, and its meagre contents, including a bed, a bath, a sink, a wardrobe and a skylight, are all he has ever known. Joy tells him nothing of the outside world in order to protect him from the truth: that they are captives of a man named Old Nick (Sean Bridgers), and that Jack is the product of rape. Very few films ask as much of their lead actors as Room does of Larson and Tremblay. There's barely a frame of the film in which one, if not both, are not present, particularly during the initial harrowing hour. Larson is tipped to take home an Oscar, and it would be hard to fault the Academy for that decision. Her performance communicates with unflinching clarity both the years of abuse that Joy has suffered, and the lengths she is willing to go to to keep her son from experiencing the same fate. Tremblay is, if anything, even more impressive, capturing the optimism of a child unburdened by adult comprehension, without ever dipping into the kind of forced cutesiness that scuppers so many young performers. Tremblay's flawless performance also validates the risky decision to tell the story from Jack's point of view. In the film's bleakest moments, Jack's innocence is like a life preserver, and the only thing that keeps us from drowning in despair. Likewise, when he is finally exposed to the world outside his prison, we share in his sense of wonderment. So palpable is his emotion that it feels like we, too, are discovering the world for the very first time. Director Lenny Abrahamson is largely invisible behind the camera, and perhaps that's for the best. There's a lot he could have done, through camerawork and editing, to ratchet up the unease or foster a sense of claustrophobia, but to do so would run the risk of distracting from the performances – and ultimately, it's by the performances that the movie lives or dies. Even as the film ventures into more conventional narrative territory in its latter half, Larson and Tremblay make it impossible to look away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C6fZ-fwDws
When George Lucas unleashed his sci-fi space opera upon cinema-goers back in 1977, he couldn't have predicted the pop culture frenzy that would follow. 38 years later, the franchise is still going strong. And while the release of Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens this week certainly proves the series' popularity and longevity, it's not the only event fans should be excited about. Indeed, 25 aficionados have turned their obsession into works of art, and The Scratch has turned those creations into a Star Wars-themed exhibition. Yep, Short For A Stormtrooper delves into a galaxy far, far away as you've never seen it before, aka in painting form. Of course, the Milton dive bar has a few other tricks up their sleeves for the unofficial pre-party before The Force Awakens' midnight screenings. The Cantina theme on the stereo, and thanks to Noisy Minor Brewing Company, Brewtal Brewers and Bacchus Brewing Co, Star Wars beers will be on the menu. All that's left is for you to dress up — but let's face it, you were probably going to do that anyway.
"Luke, I am your father" might just be one of the most famous line ever uttered in a movie — except, of course, that's not actually what Darth Vader said. If you're pedantic about the exact phrasing of iconic Star Wars dialogue, or just brimming with Jedi-focused tidbits, then here's your chance to put those skills to the test. With Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens about to hit cinemas, it's the trivia night that had to happen — and an evening of fun that no one can have a bad feeling about. Yes, Man vs Bear are delving into the series that has spanned six films to date and inspired a host of new instalments to come. If you have a Chewbacca costume in your wardrobe, you're destined to be there. As always, dressing up is heartily encouraged, with prizes on offer for your outfits as well as your mastery of Star Wars info. And, because it's all taking place at The Flying Cock, themed drinks are on the menu. Sure, it's not quite the Mos Eisley Cantina, but with Jam Jar Jars, Boba Wetts and Jabba the Shotts on offer, you can pretend.
