If you're an ice cream fiend and you live in Brisbane, a category that likely covers almost every resident of the Queensland capital, you will have noticed the River City's Ben & Jerry's-shaped hole — until now. While the dessert chain has its own Scoop Shops on the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, Brisbanites have only been able to head to Hoyts Sunnybank or whichever supermarkets and convenience stores stock the American brand to get their fix. But to the delight of your tastebuds, that's finally changing. The place to hit up: 153 Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank. Brisbane doesn't have a real beach to plonk a Scoop Shop beside like our neighbours up and down the coast, but we do have this watery precinct and its man-made versions. The new store will officially launch across the weekend of Saturday, December 17–Sunday, December 18, complete with an extra incentive: free ice cream. That giveaway involves handing out vouchers from 10am–10pm on Sunday, December 18 — and you'll have to spot a few folks roaming around in cow suits on the day to nab one. After that, you can exchange it for a free kids' scoop in a cone. And, you'll have a year to redeem your freebie if you can somehow hold off your ice cream cravings for that long. There's also an Instagram competition happening on the same day, giving away a full year's worth of free ice cream. To be in the running for that, you need to follow and comment on @BenandJerrySouthBrisbane's latest Instagram post, and tag three friends. While it has clearly taken a while for Ben & Jerry's to open its own standalone outpost in Brisbane, the chain is now thrilled to be here — as thrilled as your tastebuds, in fact. "We are situated in the perfect location, just around the corner from Brisbane's city oasis Streets Beach, and are so excited to bring some joy to local residents and visitors seeking their ice cream fix and refreshment after a hot day," said Sam Mackaness, the manager of Ben & Jerry's South Brisbane Scoop Shop. "At Ben & Jerry's, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve around the world, and these free scoops are just the beginning for Brisbane. Find Ben & Jerry's South Brisbane Scoop Shop at 153 Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank — and head by from 10am–10pm on Sunday, December 18 to score a voucher for a free scoop.
Whether you're getting comfortable in your own tub, settling into a spa or hitting up some hot springs, there's something particularly soothing about sitting in a body of steaming water. It's the type of pastime that delivers a pool full of bliss no matter the weather — but, just as the frostiest time of the year has rolled around, Queensland's far north now has a new place to go and soak away your worries. Talaroo Hot Springs has just opened in Mount Surprise, which is located in the Shire of Etheridge — in a region also known as the Savannah Gulf. It's further north than Townsville, but not quite as far up as Cairns. If you need more specifics, it's about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from the latter. You'll be heading inland here, though, and not along the coast. Once you've made the trek, warm water awaits. The site takes advantage of the location's natural geological features, which includes mounded terraces and, obviously, hot springs. This part of the country has been linked to the Ewamian people, its Traditional Owners, for thousands of years — and, in its pools, the surface water temperature reaches up to 68 degrees Celsius. Visitors have two options: take a tour of the hot springs, which includes a dip, or hop into one of the venue's manmade soaking pools that are filled with geothermal waters. If you opt for the former, you'll be taken around by an expert guide, you'll walk across the boardwalk surrounding the springs, and you'll go for a soak. If the latter appeals, you can book in a private 40-minute session for up to four people, and enjoy both the warm water and the scenery in the process. Also part of Talaroo Hot Springs: a camping ground and caravan park, so you have somewhere to stay; a yarning circle hosted around the fire pit each evening by Ewamian locals; and plenty of self-guided activities such as walks to the nearby Einasleigh River, and spotting both wildlife and birds. The springs just opened back in June, after a five-year push to bring the site to fruition. "Since the Native Title determination in 2013 we have been working towards creating tourism, economic development and employment opportunities and that plan is now reaching fruition at Talaroo," said Sharon Prior, General Manager of Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation. Talaroo Hot Springs is located at Gulf Development Road (Savannah Way), Mount Surprise, Queensland. For further information, head to the venue's website.
Flanked by industrial neighbours, Rogue Bistro might just be one of Brisbane's best-hidden treasures. Serving breakfast and lunch on weekends, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday nights, Rogue adds an appreciated dynamic to the Brisbane food scene: fine dining without the fuss. The staff are genuine, welcoming and enormously attentive to their guests needs. The decor has an understated elegance (even in the bathroom), and a canopy of fairy lights adds a welcome sparkle to the neighbourhood. And don't get me started on the food. A sincere passion for the trade shines through in every meal plated by the kitchen. A recent menu change merely reinforces the chef's talents for combining flavours and techniques to create memorable food experiences. The drinks menu lists well-crafted cocktails next to a range of beers, ciders, wines and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep all thirsts at bay as you try to answer the night's most pertinent question: what to eat. The dinner menu is a cruel friend, tempting you to order every item listed. To combat food envy that so often accompanies a meal, 'The Ark' ($45pp) gives you the chance to choose three animals and three sides to share between two. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the depth of the menu and delight your tastebuds to no end. Pig, bird and sheep proved to be a winning combination when accompanied by honey-roasted carrots with labna and the braised beetroot salad with candied walnuts and gorgonzola. Although you'll think you are extraordinarily full after dinner (which you will be), there is always room for dessert. The menu is short but sweet, with only four options to choose from. The staff highly recommend the cherry ripe chocolate fondant ($13), but the lemon tart ($13) was the winner at our table. The balance of the citrus curd, raspberry puree and the playful vanilla floss melt into one delightful spoonful after another. For those lacking a sweet tooth, cheese for two ($18) with quince and dried fruits should certainly satisfy. However, dinner is not the only thing Rogue gets right. Weekend brunch comes in many shapes and sizes, as can be seen across their Facebook page. Highlights include pancakes with salted caramel and fruits ($16); the spiced mince pot with poached eggs, avocado salsa and creme fraiche ($19); and avocado on toast with chorizo, sweet corn salsa, goats curd and almond dukkah.
When the Gallery of Modern Art hosts the Brisbane International Film Festival for the second time this October, it's shaping up to be spectacular spectacular. Announcing the event's first titles for 2019, GOMA has revealed that it'll be focusing on the work of Baz Luhrmann, who is one of this year's festival patrons alongside four-time Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Together, the duo has worked on all of Luhrmann's on-screen projects, from early films such as Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge! through to his Netflix TV series The Get Down. Those two flicks will get a big-screen showing at this year's festival, while BIFF will also program a number of movies by other filmmakers that Luhrmann loves — such as Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (which is also showing in cinemas at the moment), Federico Fellini's 8½ and a recently restored version of Sergei Bondarchuk's seven-hour adaptation of War and Peace. Brisbane cinephiles can also look forward to opening night's Judy & Punch, starring Mia Wasikowska and Damien Herriman; Pedro Almodovar's Cannes Best Actor-winning Pain and Glory, featuring a sublime performance by Antonio Banderas; Jim Jarmusch's zombie comedy The Dead Don't Die, which boasts everyone from Bill Murray to Adam Driver to Iggy Pop among its cast; and seeing Tilda Swinton act opposite her talented daughter Honor Swinton Byrne in The Souvenir. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brxU_Qi1eOM While the rest of the 100-plus film lineup won't be unveiled until Thursday, August 22, BIFF will also span workshops, conversation sessions, panels, events with food and live music, as well as the festival's new Short Film Awards and an exhibition at GOMA called Setting the Stage. If you're wondering just where you'll be watching its program of features, shorts and documentaries, the fest's venues have been announced as well. In addition to GOMA's own Australian Cinematheque, the fest will screen at Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Reading Cinemas Newmarket and the State Library of Queensland The 2019 Brisbane International Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 13 at a variety of Brisbane venues. The full program will release on Thursday, August 22 — head to the festival website for further details.
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 live music, and the biggest bonus of all — air con. The markets kick off at 11am, 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.
If you've been to Fortitude Valley in the past few years, you've probably noticed a couple of particularly tall buildings shooting up on Alfred Street, around the northern end of Brunswick Street. You can't really miss them — they're part of the $600 million FV precinct. The Valley House and Flatiron, which houses the FV by Peppers hotel, are already operating; however now they have company. Not only has the new FV No. 1 joined the fold, but it has also thrown open the doors on an all-day eatery dubbed Foresters Restaurant and Bar. First announced in May, Foresters is overseen by Peter Popow, with the chef whipping up breakfast, lunch and dinner options that showcase pub staples such as parmigiana, pizzas, burgers and steaks. From a menu with a strong local focus — sourcing its ingredients from local farmers and producers — highlights include smashed avocado on a quinoa loaf, topped with beetroot hummus, dukkha and cashew cream; chicken parmigiana with prosciutto and fior di latte; and house-made damper, which uses milk stout from Sea Legs Brewing Co. in Kangaroo Point. For dessert, you can't go past a classic: pavlova. Drinks are a feature, obviously, complete with a separate cocktail lounge nestled around the corner from the main restaurant. There's a separate bar menu, too — but tipples such as the 'Bush Fire Negroni' (made with Mt Uncle 'Bushfire' smoked gin) are the main attraction. Decor-wise, the 150-seater heroes neutral tones and a laidback feel, with tables for two and leather banquettes that can fit in six all scattered beneath exposed brick walls. The latter makes the most of the building's existing façade, because this is a site with a hefty history. Built in 1889, it was originally known as Foresters' Hall, as referenced in the restaurant's name. Back then, the structure housed a community meeting place, until it became Fortitude Valley's first cinema in 1910. Signature Hospitality Group and developers of the FV precinct, Gurner, are taking charge at Foresters Restaurant and Bar, while Signature will go it alone on the site's other new spot — a rooftop bar called Altitude. Set to open at the end of July, it'll sit on the sixth floor of the building, welcoming patrons into its 250-square-metre space from midday daily. As well as views, it'll sling cocktails, a hefty beverage list and a small range of bar snacks, and host DJs on the dance floor underneath its retractable roof. In total, once it's all open, the FV's dining options will sprawl over 1000 square-metres. Find Foresters Restaurant and Bar at FV No. 1, 209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley — open Sunday–Thursday from 6.30am–10pm, and Friday–Saturday from 6.30am–midnight.
2019 represents one giant milestone for humanity's space exploits, marking half a century since astronauts first walked on the moon. That's just one of the achievements that the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, is known for — and it's just one of the events that'll feature in a new exhibition chronicling the organisation's jaunts beyond the earth's surface, which heads to Australia this year NASA – A Human Adventure will display at the Queensland Museum in not only its first trip to our shores, but its only Aussie season. It's set to be huge in a number of ways. The exclusive showcase will bring more than 250 historically significant items to Brisbane, and it'll run for a whopping seven months. It'll also be the largest exhibition ever hosted by the newly refurbished South Bank spot, taking over two levels. Gracing QM's walls and halls between March 15 and October 9, NASA – A Human Adventure will feature everything from objects that actually have flown through space, to high-fidelity models, to both small-size and full-scale replicas. Think real rocket engines, space food, space suits, lunar cameras and moon boots, plus miniature versions of NASA's Space Shuttle, Lunar Rover, and Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space crafts. Touching on the Soviet contribution to space travel as well, it'll also display a replica of the robotic lunar rover Lunokhod. Australia is the latest stop in the exhibition's tour, which aims to showcase the story of space travel, as well as the history of rocket science and space flight. It comes to Brisbane after previously venturing to Milan, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Istanbul, Madrid, Utrecht, and both Stockholm and Norrkoping in Sweden.
Art galleries are places of creativity and tranquility. At the Queensland Art Gallery, it's regularly a place for yoga and meditation too. It makes sense — you're in a space known for its peace and quiet, and for contemplation and serenity. Breaking out your best downward dog pose or sitting in mindful silence just seems like a natural thing to do, really. We don't recommend showing off your flexibility just anywhere, of course. Instead, make a date with QAG's Mindfulness Yoga sessions. If you'd prefer chasing zen another way, you will find a chilled atmosphere across both the venue in general; however, there are specific Mind/Body Meditation classes as well. The dates change each month, with 2022's remaining yoga sessions scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, September 7; 8.45am on Sunday, September 18; 6pm on Wednesday, October 19; 8.45am on Sunday, October 30; 6pm on Wednesday, November 2; and 8.45am on Sunday, November 20. That gives you the option of starting your day or winding down at the QAG. For finding your bliss another way, a meditation class is scheduled for 8am on Friday, September 16. Led by Yasuyo Anne Uehara, the classes are open to all skill levels — and bookings are essential. Yoga costs $16 for gallery members and $20 otherwise, while meditation will set you pack either $10 or $15, based on the same categories. Images: Mindfulness Yoga led by Yasuyo Anne Uehara, holistic counsellor, life-long meditator, and mindfulness yoga teacher, Queensland Art Gallery, 2022 / Photograph: Brad Wagner, QAGOMA.
If you're planning on spending a Saturday with a beer in your hand, then one Fortitude Valley establishment has you covered. Admittedly, serving up pints is what Bloodhound Bar does every day of the week; however in honour of Brewsvegas, it's bringing back its beloved beer fest on Saturday, March 21, adding it to the city-wide celebration and making an extra special occasion of it. At the sixth Hopfields, Bloodhound Bar is also making an occasion out of showcasing hops, without which we wouldn't have the brews we know and love. With that in mind, expect all the tasty IPAs from around the world that you could dream of — and plenty you've likely never heard of, too — including limited releases, launches of new beers and one-offs brewed especially for the event, plus a slew of classics. In previous years, names like Sparkle Muffin, Alligator Tugboat, Unicorn Tears and 'Morning Blend' Coffee Milkshake IPA have been on the menu — and if this year can match it, you're going to want to try them all. Save some room for the creative concoctions though, with the humble hop flower given its moment to shine in all its forms. 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.
Every Brisbanite with a vinyl collection has bought something from Rocking Horse Records — and over the years, with the store dating back to the 70s, we've all bought more than that, too. CDs, DVDs, band merchandise: they're just some of the reasons that stopping by the city spot has long proven a must. Back in the days before the internet, it was a go-to for gig tickets as well. Fancy trawling through the Brissie icon's wares, but in the huge surroundings of South Bank Piazza? That's about to become a reality for one day only. From 12pm on Friday, August 12, Vinyl Village will take over the South Brisbane venue — and bring Rocking Horse across the river. Browsing for and buying all the records you can dream of — thousands of them, in fact — is only part of the fun, however. The record market will run until 8pm, but there'll be DJ sets from 4.30pm, as hosted by fellow Brisbane legends Ben Ely (from Regurgitator) and Patience Hodgson (from The Grates). Ely will also hit the decks, as will DJ Elnorto. If you have a favourite track, you'll be able to request it, too. And, from 6pm, Ely and Hodgson will chair a Vinyl Listening Party, complete with a panel discussion after each song featuring Lissie Turner (aka former Triple J presenter Mel Bampton), the Brisbane Jazz Club's Malcolm Wood, Luke Henery from Violent Soho, hop hop artist Sachem and singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin. All of the above is free — other than the records you'll be stocking up on, of course, and any food you nab from Bill's Burgers and El Corazon, plus drinks from Hop and Pickle. Updated August 9.
Wynnum Fringe lives up to its name, giving Brisbane's bayside its own fringe festival. The fest is upon us for another year, and it just keeps getting bigger. First staged in 2020 as a three day event, then returning in 2021 for six days, the festival is back for a third go in the seaside suburb — this time, with almost three weeks of arts and culture on the lineup, running from Wednesday, November 16–Sunday, December 4. At Wynnum Fringe 2022, you'll find everything from cabaret and comedy to music and dance on the bill, and even a ferris wheel. The event is aiming to entice 35,000 folks along across its 19-day run, so you'll also find ample company at a range of venues. Highlights include the first-ever Wynnum Fringe Comedy Gala, with Mel Buttle, Damien Power, Luke Heggie and Chris Ryan taking to the microphone; more laughs from Dave Hughes, Akmal Saleh and Cal Wilson; and Marcia Hines getting her disco on in Velvet Rewired. There's also opening ceremony yana marumba (Walk Good) as part of the First Nations programming, Dolly Diamond's variety show High T and a one-night-only gig by Diesel, as well as an all-ages amateur dance eisteddfod led by Common People Dance Project, Head First Acrobats' circus performances GODZ and Crème de la crème, Dane Simpson's Didgeridoozy and a local Battle of the Bands. The 2022 festival also boasts a new garden hub at George Clayton Park, which is where Wynnum Fringe's spiegeltent will sit — and a ferris wheel, food trucks, pop-up daily gigs and roving entertainment. For drinks, the new fest base includes a cocktail-slinging container bar, too, complete with rooftop seating. Throw in a fancy dress parade for dogs — and program themes that change weekly, starting with an Indigenous focus, then taking on Euro vibes, then going all in on local talent — and there's no shortage of things to see and do.
We can't all jump on a plane to Germany whenever the urge for a traditional roast pork knuckle with fried potatoes and sauerkraut hits, but we can all do the next best thing. Dating back to 1883 and moving from Stanley to Melbourne to Vulture Streets during its history, the Brisbane German Club will make you feel like Deutschland has come to Woolloongabba. Start off with a pretzel (obviously) then eat the meal that everyone rushes in for. Let's not forget the one-man-band that is DJ Andrew. If you haven't experienced his style of entertainment at this classic haunt, you don't know what you're in for.
Brisbane, get ready to giggle — because a whole heap of chuckle-inducing comedians are coming your way. Normally at this time in March, guffaws and chortles would already be echoing through Brisbane Powerhouse; however, as announced last year, 2022's Brisbane Comedy Festival is happening a bit later than usual. The just-dropped full lineup will still have you in stitches, though. Some of 2022's funny folks were already revealed last year, too, so you've probably already been looking forward to rolling in the aisles watching Nazeem Hussain, Ross Noble, Tom Ballard and Melanie Bracewell, plus Josh Earl, Jude Perl, Wil Anderson, Lizzy Hoo, Nat's What I Reckon and Peter Helliar. But the list of talent that'll be doing their hilarious thing across Friday, April 29–Sunday, May 29 definitely doesn't end there, with more than 100 comedians bringing the laughs across 350-plus shows. Also on the bill: the inimitable David O'Doherty, complete with his trusty keyboard; Irish star Jason Byrne, who heads back to Australia for the first time in four years; Malaysian doctor-turned-comedian Jason Leong; the BCF debut of Schapelle, Schapelle – The Musical; the return of Speed: The Movie, The Play; and everyone from the always side-splitting Judith Lucy to TV regular Dave Hughes. And, there's a big focus on local talent — so much so that BCF 2022 boasts the fest's largest-ever homegrown lineup. Becky Lucas, Cal Wilson, Claire Hooper, Mel Buttle, Zoë Coombs Marr, Rhys Nicholson, Reuben Kaye and The Chaser's Andrew Hansen: they're all on the bill, too. Plus, BCF is also shining a spotlight on well-known and upcoming Indigenous comics, including Steven Choolburra, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders and Steph Tisdell. Other highlights from the program include the Brisbane Comedy Festival Opening Gala, with Nick Cody hosting; the Multicultural Comedy Gala, complete with Akmal, Tahir and Ting Lim; late-night comedy sessions; and a Sunday roast at The Tivoli. Or, there's also Brisburned's comedy sketches about Brissie, after-work laughs and the return of Queerstories. Wondering which BCF show has the best name? That'd be Diana Nguyen's Chasing Keanu Reeves. As always, Brisbane Comedy Festival will takeover Brisbane Powerhouse, filling as many of the New Farm spot's spaces with comedians as it possibly can. And, venue-wise, it'll also get you giggling at The Tivoli and Fortitude Music Hall. The 2022 Brisbane Comedy Festival will take place between Friday, April 29–Sunday, May 29. For further details and tickets, head to the festival's website.
If Christmas vibes and shopping for greenery inside a Coorparoo warehouse sounds like your perfect outing, then head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. It's the latest Brissie market from The Jungle Collective, a Melbourne nursery that stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Yes, it is trucking its way up north again for another Queensland venture. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Get inspired by greenery aplenty, learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, and nab a few Christmas gifts —all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Best get in quick though, as these markets are always popular, with more than 170 different species usually on offer. Due to expected demand, the sale will be held in four sessions on Saturday (8-10am, 10am-noon, 12-2pm and 2-4pm) and two on Sunday (10am-noon, 12-2pm), and attendees will need to register for free tickets in advance. Plus, if you dress up like 'Aussie Santa' complete with a Santa hat and beard (and, ideally, some boardies) — and spend at least $10 — you'll get $5 off your purchase.
Concrete Playground recently caught up with Mexican-Canadian tech artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Lozano-Hemmer is famous for art that lurks in public spaces, galleries and even beaches, amplifying passers-by into new creatures with a city-sized will. He's taking over a slice of the as-yet unfinished Museum of Contemporary Art over summer, with his hands-on exhibition Recorders. Lozano-Hemmer mashes-up tech, art and his audience, with an effortlessness that would leave the mechanism invisible — if he didn't then go on to scrupulously explain, in-situ, how his works work. How would you describe what do you do? I work primarily with the intersection of architecture and performance art. Most of my installations are in the form of either displays or lights, or sounds that react to the presence of the public. And to do that there are things like sensors and tracking systems, and biometric scanners which allow the artworks to detect the presence of people. I like always to reveal the mechanisms by which these works function. So oftentimes in my work you get to see the tracking systems, or you get explanations about what equations are at work to make a project happen. I pretentiously call it a 'Brechtian moment'. You remember how in Brecht, all of a sudden all the actors stop and just look at the public and say "Well, you know, this situation is just make believe. This is just a simulation of reality. We are actors. You're the public." So there's this moment where you all get back, anchored in reality. You've said one of the things you liked about an outdoor work of yours was that you had people outside in public, just hanging around and not shopping. It must be very interesting for you, watching the Occupy movements around the world. When it first started in Spain in May it was just so exciting. I'm from Latin America, so oftentimes protests and so on turn out to be these ideology-based, adversarial kinds of movements. And that's not what I saw with the Occupy movement, when it started in Spain. With the indignados ('indignant ones') it was mostly professionals, architects, dentists, students, professors, whatever. And they were just taking over public space. And that was just such a beautiful statement, and they did so in such a sophisticated way. The indignados started in Madrid, where there's a tradition of young people going out and drinking in the streets. There's a sense of ownership of the street. Real estate was so expensive that everybody lives with their parents. And so you needed to go out in order to see your friends. And that produced very lively street life. But it's also just a sense of being seen. It's almost as if the actual protest is the message all by itself. Just a we're here. Yeah. Just this idea of just occupying space is radical. You know, you're there. You're existing. Just spending time, and connecting, and being present, is in my opinion extremely radical. Especially in Latin countries where people used to just disappear under the dictators, the idea of just being there.. That's a really good way to understand the sense of presence and absence, in terms of the political dialogue. It's like "Yeah, what are you going to do? You cannot wipe us out. We think these things, and therefore we are taking space. These ideas take space." I just came back from Art Basel Miami Beach. Which is this art fair. I mean, I'm not a moralist. And I love money. And I love champagne as much as the next guy, but there is something really absurd about a system that only reserves this sort of superior cultural production to this tiny fraction of the population. And I'm telling you this because there was an Occupy Art Basel Miami. There were all these artists. You know, local artists and so on, and educators, camping out of Art Basel Miami saying "We can't afford the 50 bucks it costs to go in. And, even if we could, we would never be able to afford any of the art that is on display here." Something else you try to bring to people's awareness is the surveillance around them all the time. These technologies come mostly from a desire to control the public, a desire to seek out, search and detect suspicious activity. The surveillance aspect of my work is more about acknowledging this kind of darker, predetorial side of where these things come from. But then creating critical or poetic experiences with these very same technologies. I would love people to come out of Recorders with a sense of inclusion, a sense that these technologies are neither this Orwellian, ominous threat — it's already happened — and also not like an infantile, fun, hands on science experiment thing. In between those two extremes, there's a whole range of different poetry that is possible. Image courtesy and © Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Photo: Ana Cristina Enriquez
If you've ever played along with McDonald's regular Monopoly promotion, then you'll want to watch McMillion$. The marketing campaign itself is rather simple — handing out Monopoly tokens with burger purchases, which corresponds to the game's squares and lets customers win big. But in the 90s in America, someone worked out how to rig it and handpick the lucky folks taking home $1 million cheques, as well as other prizes. Smartly, McMillion$ plays this 100-percent true tale as a whodunnit. If you don't already know the details, we'd advise you to keep it that way until you watch the docuseries' six very compelling and very bingeable episodes. You might not think that a show that spends so much time talking to FBI agents in nondescript offices would prove quite so gripping, but the case they uncovered is both complex and jaw-dropping. The interviews with the promotion's controversial winners, and with other figures involved with the scam, also have to be seen to be believed.
In 2000, Tsubi was the child born from a bunch of surfers from Sydney’s northern beaches. One name change and one rat-infested catwalk later and Tsubi – sorry, Ksubi - was an unstoppable force, providing denim to the masses at home shores and overseas. Fast forward to 2005, one third of the design team Gareth Moody left to set up the brand’s office in LA and ended up staying for twelve months. I guess a year in LA will change most people and it certainly changed Moody. Upon returning to Australia, Moody no longer felt connected to the Ksubi brand or its business, and thus left the company. He then set out to forge his own path with Chronicles of Never, an androgynous unisex jewellery brand. In 2011 Chronicles of Never is now a mainstay in homegrown fashion, with men’s and (newly launched) women’s ranges, bespoke shoes, and a collaboration with Graz eyewear rounding off the Chronicles of Never brand. Not bad for a one-man show. This Saturday you can catch the Chronicles in the Valley, where they’ll be setting up shop for sample sale madness. Clothes, shoes, jewellery and optics from SS11 and AW11 will be on sale from 50-70% off (come naked, leave with a new outfit?) and there will also be samples and limited edition items on the tables too. The sale is for one day only too so first in, best dressed.
Bargain-hunting Christmas shoppers, rejoice — if you're doing Christmas on a budget, like buying secondhand gifts to do the environment a solid or just love garage sales, you'll want to head to the Sunday Discovery Market at Rocklea's Brisbane Market on Sunday, November 28. From 6am–12pm, the westside spot is hosting a mega garage sale in addition to its usual weekend stalls. 'Tis the time of year for it, which is great news for your wallet. For starters, the standard 200-plus vendors will be onsite selling all kinds of wares — so whether you're after vintage records, plants or new threads, you'll find it here as per normal. The garage sale part of the event involves hosting around a month's worth of secondhand sellers, all hoping to turn their unwanted items into your new treasure. Entry costs $1 if you're on foot and $4 per car, and there'll also be an array of food trucks keeping you fed and caffeinated.
The fact that it took 50 years to bring Misbehaviour's true tale to the screen is nothing less than remarkable. Following the protests staged by the women's liberation movement at the 1970 Miss World Pageant in London, it harks back to a noteworthy and important chapter of history — so much so that you would've expected filmmakers to have been clamouring to give it the cinematic treatment. A plethora of compelling topics are baked into this story, after all, including calling out the gross sexism inherent in objectifying women and ascribing their worth according to their looks, questioning society's narrow view of beauty and making plain the racial prejudice that's also frequently in play. But you don't need a movie about all of the above to tell you the obvious, and also the probable reason that a film about this incident hasn't existed until now. Much may have changed in the past half-century, but the feminist quest for recognition, fairness and equality in every way isn't over yet. Indeed, it's galling how many of Misbehaviour's observations about the way women are treated — and how women of colour fare on top of that — continue to ring true in 2020. Also rather telling: that, of the two big controversies that surrounded the pageant that year, this is the one that has finally reached movie-watching audiences. Again, Misbehaviour focuses on crucial events. It's a tale that should be told, about a battle that isn't over yet, and focusing on women who helped kickstart the progress that has been made over the last five decades. Still, the uproar that arose afterwards in response to the pageant's winner also speaks volumes. The result was questioned, for reasons this review won't give away even though it's a simple matter of record, and the extent of the narrow-minded attitudes cultivated and encouraged by such exercises in objectification couldn't have been more blatant. This film comes to a conclusion before then, however, simplifying what deserves to be a complex and multifaceted examination of the entire affair. Audiences might've endured a hefty wait to see the 1970 situation get any big-screen attention, but they don't have to wonder why Misbehaviour favours the approach its does for very long. Director Philippa Lowthorpe (Swallows and Amazons) and screenwriters Rebecca Frayn (The Lady) and Gaby Chiappe (Their Finest) are eager to pay tribute to pioneering feminists, but they're also very keen to make a feel-good, cheer-inducing movie that fits a clear formula. So it is that a seemly mismatched group comes together, united by the shared goal of improving how women are regarded by society, and decides to target the giant, glitzy and televised spectacle that is the Miss World Pageant — which 100 million people will watch. The two main instigators, aspiring history academic Sally Alexander (Keira Knightley, Official Secrets) and graffiti-spraying anarchist Jo Robinson (Jessie Buckley, I'm Thinking of Ending Things), are initially worlds apart, but squaring off against a common enemy has a way of bringing people together. Making a TV appearance after the protestors make their plans publicly known, Sally stresses one huge point: they're not rallying against the Miss World contestants themselves, but at the institution they're interacting with. Misbehaviour takes that view too, splitting its time — not in equal portions, though — between Sally, Jo and their pals, and also the women vying for the sash and crown. Jennifer Hosten (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Farming), aka Miss Grenada, receives the lion's share of attention among the contenders. That said, Swedish favourite Maj Johansson (Clara Rosager, The Rain), US entrant Sandra Wolsfeld (Suki Waterhouse, The Broken Hearts Gallery) and 'Miss Africa South' Pearl Jansen (Loreece Harrison, Black Mirror) — a late addition after a journalist constantly questions why South Africa's competitor is always white — also get their moments. The film spends time with pageant founder Eric Morley (Rhys Ifans, Berlin Station) and the year's host Bob Hope (Greg Kinnear, Strange But True) as well, serving up two prime examples of the kinds of attitudes that Sally and Jo are trying to tackle. The result is exactly the type of rousing, overt and easy movie that Lowthorpe and her colleagues set out to make — a film that ticks all the boxes it has placed on its own checklist, but doesn't do anything more. That makes Misbehaviour spirited, heavy-handed and well-intended in tandem, and also immensely straightforward. Anyone familiar with the likes of Calendar Girls, The Full Monty and Swimming with Men will able able to spot the template at work, for instance, even though the narrative specifics vary significantly. Misbehaviour has the same shine and energy, too, and the same crowd-pleasing nature. Its recognisable cast all do what's asked of them as well, as seen in Knightley and Buckley's fight against the patriarchy, Mbatha-Raw's quiet determination to give women of colour more prominence, Ifans and Kinnear playing the slimy villainous roles, and Keeley Hawes (Rebecca) and Lesley Manville (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) as the latter pair's other halves. In other words, being caught up in Misbehaviour's plot, purpose and impressively staged climax is almost a foregone conclusion. Being happy that it's hitting screens and telling this tale at all after all of these years is as well. But so is knowing that this is the most standard and clearcut rendering of this story possible — and noticing that, even as it completely avoids one big part of the pageant's aftermath, the film always keeps viewers well aware that there are other tales related to these events it could and definitely should be exploring and unpacking in more detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3WjuJJYB8
2024 is already set to be a huge year for Australia's most-inclusive music festival, after the Dylan Alcott-founded Ability Fest announced that it would not only play Melbourne but also hit up Brisbane as well. Mere days after revealing its expansion, the event has now dropped its lineup — and, with Ocean Alley, King Stingray, Cub Sport and Bag Raiders leading the bill, it too is massive. Ability Fest will first head to Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr in Melbourne on Saturday, October 19, then to Victoria Park/Barrambin in Brisbane on Saturday, October 26. The roster of talent varies slightly per state, but the aforementioned four acts will take to the stage in both cities. So will Asha Jefferies, Boone, Brenn!, Dewbs, Eliza Hull and jamesjamesjames, alongside Jordan Brando, Jordz, Kita Alexander and a triple j Unearthed winner. From there, Melburnians will can catch ONEFOUR, Crybaby, DAWS, Floodlights, Kuzco, NayNay and Wax'o Paradiso. In Brisbane only, punters will see Middle Kids, Cheq, Eves Karydas, Mikalah Watego, Moss, Neesha Alexander and Xeimma. Across both locations, Ability Fest is splitting its musicians across two stages, one for bands and one for DJs. The fully accessible event, which launched in 2018, has been carefully designed from the get-go. It features ramps and pathways for easy access, Auslan interpreters working alongside the artists, and elevated platforms to give everyone a shot at seeing the stage. Plus, there's also quiet zones, dedicated sensory areas and accessible toilets. The Brisbane festival will cater to around 5000 people, and Ability Fest is committed to being financially accessible during the current cost-of-living crisis in both of its stops. Accordingly, tickets will only cost $60 plus booking fee, and carers will receive complimentary entry. The fest is also lowering the age of admission to 16 so more folks can head along. While dishing up primo live tunes and music experiences to Aussies of all abilities, the not-for-profit fest also raises money for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with 100-percent of its ticket proceeds going to the organisation. [caption id="attachment_963990" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Chloe Hall[/caption] "Ability Fest is all about bringing people together through music — a celebration where everyone, regardless of ability, can have an extraordinary time," said Alcott. "I'm particularly excited about the diverse and talented artists we have lined up this year. Their performances will undoubtedly bring such a unique energy to Ability Fest, uniting our community and creating unforgettable moments." [caption id="attachment_963997" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Glenn Hunt[/caption] Ability Fest 2024 Lineup: Brisbane and Melbourne: Asha Jefferies Bag Raiders Boone Brenn! Cub Sport Dewbs Eliza Hull jamesjamesjames Jordan Brando Jordz King Stingray Kita Alexander Ocean Alley triple j Unearthed winner Melbourne only: Crybaby DAWS Floodlights Kuzco NayNay ONEFOUR Wax'o Paradiso Brisbane only: Cheq Eves Karydas Middle Kids Mikalah Watego Moss Neesha Alexander Xeimma [caption id="attachment_963996" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Chloe Hall[/caption] Ability Fest 2024 Dates and Venues: Saturday, October 19 — Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr, Melbourne Saturday, October 26 — Victoria Park/Barrambin, Brisbane [caption id="attachment_963995" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Chloe Hall[/caption] Ability Fest 2024 will hit Melbourne and Brisbane in October 2024. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, July 10 (register online), with general tickets selling online from 12pm on Thursday, July 11. Head to the festival website for more details. Top image: Chloe Hall.
Brisbane has lost yet another well-loved eatery, with Madame Rouge Bar & Bistro announcing it's shut up shop for good. With its red velvet curtains and soft jazz soundtrack, the restaurant proved a favourite French-style escape for many locals since opening its doors in 2016. Mary Randles, owner of the Fortitude Valley venue, took to Facebook yesterday to announce news of its closure, explaining that she wouldn't be renewing the lease and that the dinner service on Saturday, July 21, had been the final act. In the social media post, Randles also praised Madame Rouge's loyal customers and employees, saying "we can't fully express our sincerest gratitude for your custom and support. Serving you has been nothing but an absolute pleasure." "We feel privileged we were able to watch you share memorable times over many meals with your friends, family and associates," she continued. Randle, who also owns modern Australian Newstead restaurant E'cco Bistro, revealed she'll now be focusing her full attention on her remaining venture, with plans for some "exciting new additions" come September.
There's plenty of people who go around collecting art and putting it in their house. But how about turning your home itself into an artwork? That's exactly what Aussie-born, New York-based artist Ian Strange will be doing this weekend in Richmond. For this Saturday and Sunday only, he's projecting a site-specific illumination onto a family home on Clifton Street. Passersby will see a huge red dot covering the doorway, framed by concentric circles: a bit like an interpretation of the eye of a dartboard. Titled OPEN HOME, the work aims to explore ideas of suburban isolation. On one hand, the home appears as a shelter — on the other, it is vulnerable and at risk of demolition. The piece is one of many by Strange investigating the meaning and architecture of the buildings in which we live. While creating the illumination on Monday, October 2, Strange documented the process in detail. The result is a collection of photographs titled Twenty-Five, which will be on display in the home's front bedroom, next to another series called Forty-Eight. Meanwhile, spread across the other bedrooms, bathroom and living room, you'll find Shadows, a group of photographs and videos that Strange created in Western Australia during 2015 and 2016. The former explore changes to post-war red-brick dwellings, while the latter document Strange at work in the light of dawn. Rounding out the exhibition are two sculptures. Elliot Terrace (2013) features a cut from a New Jersey home that's since been demolished, while Framework (Kenyon 3) (2017) is from a series of site-specific installations that explore the role of frameworks and architectural drawings in the creation and imagining of homes. OPEN HOME is located at 25 Clifton Street, Richmond and will be open from 10am – 6pm on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. For more info on the series, visit ianstrange.com.
Brisbane's riverside Howard Smith Wharves precinct loves a party, throwing shindigs for Easter, to celebrate margaritas and basically whenever it can. That includes getting into the revelry every Saturday and Sunday at its long-running Weekends on the Lawn series. Taking place from 2pm on both days, the weekly event welcomes in Brisbanites eager to kick back by the water, have a bite to eat and knock back a few drinks. Bring along your mates to enjoy a refreshing beverage — Felons Brewing Co. is right there, after all, and isn't your only option. There's also be plenty of food to dig into, because lining your stomach is important. Mr Percival's, Greca, Yoko, Betty's Burgers, Goodtimes Gelateria and more are all right there, too with contactless ordering and payment via your phone available. Running until late, the live tunes echo from 3–6pm on both days, with the lineup changing weekly. All that's left is to grab your friends and your pets, and enjoy that sultry Brissie weather by the water. And entry is free, but your wallet is needed for drinks and bites.
Spring in southeast Queensland means hanging out in Toowoomba, where the annual Carnival of Flowers takes place. In autumn, folks eager to be surrounded by petals have a date with the Scenic Rim instead. On the agenda: the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which celebrates golden-hued blooms over a big April weekend, with 2024's event happening from Friday, April 19–Sunday, April 21. Sat just over an hour outside of Brisbane, the Kalbar Sunflowers farm couldn't be more vibrant at this time of year. It's no wonder that its festival has become a much-loved and hugely popular autumn event, with more than 12,000 people attending annually. Keen to head along? Tickets have just gone on sale, but they never last long. If you're lucky enough to score entry, expect to spot sunflowers as far as the eye can see at the Jenner family farm. In its early years, more than 200,000 blooms reached up to the sky, which is a hefty number. In 2023, over one million sunflowers were planted across 24 acres — and the same number will bloom in 2024. All those golden petals also help the fest play host to a highlight to get lost in, literally: a four-acre sunflower maze. Also on the program, other than picking sunflowers at $3 per stem: yoga sessions among the sea of gold, art classes amid the blooms and helicopter rides over the fields, all of which have been drawcards in past years. Photo sessions will be back, of course, taking Kalbar's eye-catching sight to social media feeds. As always as well, the farm makes one helluva picnic spot. In a first, the 2024 fest sees sound-healing meditation classes among the petals make their debut. For eating and drinking against a stunning backdrop, Kalbar Sunflower Festival opens with a lunch, is hosting a fundraiser luncheon as well, has a sunset soirée on the itinerary, and will pair jazz with a midday meal. Or, enjoy a stint of Devonshire tea, shop market stalls, then make flower crowns. As announced in 2023, this year's Kalbar Sunflower Festival won't just be gorgeous to look at and frolic through. It'll also support a supremely worthy cause. To pay tribute to her husband Russell, who battled oesophageal cancer for 18 months and passed away in July 2023, the event's organiser Jenny Jenner is aiming to raise $100,000 for cancer research and care at the Mater. With picking sunflowers a huge part of the event, every sunflower sold during the festival will also see $1.50 go to the hospital and its Cancer Care Centres in South Brisbane and Springfield. The Kalbar Sunflower Festival came about after Russell and Jenny changed direction during Queensland's ongoing drought conditions. Previously, they farmed lucerne but, with water levels low, they opted to switch to a crop that doesn't require as much H2O. And, with all those sunflowers then looking rather striking, the couple wanted to let everyone else enjoy their golden petals. The Kalbar Sunflower Festival 2024 takes place from Friday, April 19–Sunday, April 21 at Kalbar in Queensland's Scenic Rim. For further information and tickets, head to the event's website.
Queensland College of Art Honours Graduate, Monica Rohan, has created an exhibition of work that walks a fine line between sublime surrealism and grounded practicality. Predicament is a series of paintings that draw heavily from rural Queensland surroundings, then overlayed and intertwined with novel ideas and ruminations. The paintings rely heavily on self portraiture and the use of space, with figures depicted in vivid settings that convey deep emotion and use of imagination. Monica Rohan was a finalist in the James Kiwi Watercolour Prize and has had works shown in galleries all across South East Queensland. This is an extremely talented artist who is coming into her own with a truly unique style and flair. Predicament is an exhibition that will be familiar to those with deep connections to the Queensland soil, but with enough of a grasp of the use of imagination and fiction to hook any avid art lover.
Huge music festivals are back, and Australia has the ever-growing gig calendar to prove it — and it just got even bigger. Get ready to hop into the mosh pit like its the 90s and early 00s at massive alternative, metal and punk music fest Good Things, which is living up to its name with its just-dropped 2022 lineup. Headlining the tour are Bring Me The Horizon and Deftones, plus NOFX — who'll be playing 1994's iconic album Punk In Drublic in full. They'll also be joined by The Amity Affliction, Gojira and Millencolin, spanning everything from Queensland favourites to infectious Swedish punk. Oh, and just none other than Australia's own TISM playing their first live shows in 19 years. Will TISM take to the stage naked? That's now the question of the summer. 'Tis the season — and the times in general — for Ron Hitler-Barassi and company to drop their clothes but keep their masks, after all. Whatever they're decked out in, or not, expect plenty of legendary Aussie songs. Expect to have 'Greg! The Stop Sign!', 'Whatareya' and 'Ol' Man River' stuck in your head right now as well, obviously. Good Things' impressive bill also features Kisschasy playing 2005's United Paper People in full, fellow Aussie faves Regurgitator — because, just like the 90s and 00s, it wouldn't be a festival without them — and Lacuna Coil, Soulfly, ONE OK ROCK, 3OH!3, Cosmic Psychos and more. The fest is headed to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane across three massive early December days, from Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4. And whether you're a yob or a wanker, you'll want to be there. GOOD THINGS 2022 LINEUP: Bring Me The Horizon Deftones NOFX (performing Punk In Drublic in full) TISM The Amity Affliction Gojira ONE OK ROCK 3OH!3 Blood Command Chasing Ghosts Cosmic Psychos Electric Callboy Fever 333 Jinjer JXDN Kisschasy (performing United Paper People in full) Lacuna Coil Millencolin Nova Twins Polaris RedHook Regurgitator Sabaton Sleeping With Sirens Soulfly The Story So Far Thornhill GOOD THINGS 2022 DATES: Friday, December 2 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Saturday, December 3 — Centennial Park, Sydney Sunday, December 4 – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Good Things will hit the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2022. Pre-sale tickets go on sale from 10am, Tuesday, June 21, and general sales from 10am on Thursday, June 23. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales.
The DC Extended Universe is dead. With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the comic book-to-screen franchise hardly swims out with a memorable farewell, hasn't washed up on a high and shouldn't have many tearful over its demise. More movies based on the company's superheroes are still on the way. They'll be badged the DC Universe instead, and start largely afresh; 2025's Superman: Legacy will be the first, with Pearl's David Corenswet as the eponymous figure, as directed by new DC Studios co-chairman and co-CEO James Gunn (The Suicide Squad). Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ends up the 15-feature decade-long current regime about as expected, however: soggily, unable to make the most of its star, and stuck treading water between what it really wants to be and box-ticking saga formula. Led by Jason Momoa (Fast X) — not Adrian Grenier (Clickbait), as Entourage once put out into the world — the first Aquaman knew that it was goofy, playful fun. Its main man, plus filmmaker James Wan (Malignant), didn't splash around self-importance or sink into seriousness in giving DC Comics' aquatic hero his debut self-titled paddle across the silver screen (after Momoa played the same part in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League). Rather, they made an underwater space opera that was as giddily irreverent as that sounded — and, while it ebbed and flowed between colouring by numbers and getting winningly silly, the latter usually won out. Alas, exuberance loses the same battle in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In a film that sets sail upon a plodding plot and garish CGI, and can't make an octopus spy and Nicole Kidman (Faraway Downs) riding a robot shark entertaining, any sense of spirit is jettisoned overboard. Having spent its existence playing catch-up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DCEU does exactly that for a final time here. It isn't subtle about it; see: calling Aquaman's imprisoned half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson, Insidious: The Red Door) Loki and ripping off one of the most-famous throwaway MCU moments there is. As with 2023's fellow Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, there's also such a large debt owed to Star Wars that elements seem to be lifted wholesale from a galaxy far, far away (and from a competing company, although it was still terrible when Disney was plagiarising itself). Just try not to laugh at Jabba the Hutt as a sea creature, as voiced by Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building), introduced reclining in a familiar pose and, of course, surrounded by a school of amphibious ladies. Not intentionally by any means, it's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom funniest moment. 2018's initial Aquaman used past intergalactic flicks as a diving-off point, too, including Jupiter Ascending, but with its own personality — no trace of which bobs up this time around. Wan helms again, switching to workman-like mode. While he's co-credited on the story with returning screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (Orphan: First Kill), Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett (The Last Manhunt), there's little but being dragged out with the prevailing tide and tonal chaos on show. Worse: ideas from abandoned spinoff The Trench, which was first floated as a horror effort about a villainous Atlantean kingdom but later revealed to be a secret Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ambulance) movie, get clunkily flushed in. While this should be Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring alum Wan's wheelhouse, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom feels like the narrative equivalent of pouring the dregs of whatever's in Arthur Curry's liquor cabinet into one tankard. Now king of Atlantis as well as a father to Arthur Jr — the water-controlling Mera has become his wife, too, but that doesn't mean that Amber Heard (The Stand) says more than 50 words — the half-human, half-Atlantean best-known as Aquaman has another tussle with pirate David Kane to face. Bumped up to chief baddie, Black Manta is aided by dark magic manifested in the black trident, as found by a marine biologist (Randall Park, Totally Killer) who's endeavouring to prove that Atlantis exists. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's evil threat is also climate change, as exacerbated by its nefarious enemy on his vengeance mission after the events of the first movie. With the human and undersea realms alike beginning to boil, only Aquaman teaming up with Orm will give the planet a chance to survive. Pairing Momoa and Wilson odd-couple comedy-style like they're Hobbs and Shaw would've been one of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's best moves if the material was up to it. Their escapade amid the foliage on a volcanic South Pacific island — where the film wants to be a tropical creature feature, and also a Journey to the Centre of the Earth- and Jumanji-esque jaunt — is certainly the most promising visually. But here as across the entire flick, relying upon Momoa's charm to do the heavy lifting appears to be the number-one approach. In some pictures with some stars, that can work. Rom-com Anyone But You manages it thanks to Sydney Sweeney (Reality) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), for instance. In Aquaman, Momoa had a mischievous ball and was a delight to watch. What everyone involved in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hasn't factored in is that this version of Arthur has swapped underdog roguishness for the overblown kind. Momoa remains visibly enthusiastic as the wettest of the DCEU's world-saving cohort, but Aquaman's cockiness is laid on as thickly as a kelp forest. Although there's no doubting that the movie's star can handle the part, it's a less-engaging, more one-note turn than his last jump into this ocean, and sells him short. Momoa commits, though, with the kind of gusto that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom lacks virtually everywhere else. What happens when a film that clearly wants to be as ridiculous as it can be, or as dark, clashes with staying within the genre's routine lane? This shipwreck, which ends the franchise it's in and the saga's busiest year — after Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle — with one of its worst entries. At least it didn't have to worry about setting up sequels or connecting to other DCEU fare, aka a welcome lifeboat.
Kimberley Bowden has quite a few feathers in her cap: a grand final berth in the 2008 Toyota Star Maker competition, a place on the Billy Thorpe Scholarship shortlist, and national airplay for the first radio single, 'Do I', from her 2009 debut EP, just to name a few. After taking some time out to perfect her stagecraft, write, record and collaborate, Kimberley is ready to send her new EP, Burnt on You, out into the world. We had a quick chat with the singer ahead of her official EP launch. Hi Kim! Thanks for talking to us. First of all, we'd love to know, who are your musical idols? At the moment, I'm listening to a lot of One Republic, Sia and Miranda Lambert. I've also flogged Adele, Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran and Lily Allen's albums and many more. Have any particular artists been an inspiration for this EP? I'd probably say Miranda Lambert the most. I'm not sure that it's her music exactly, more her image and the attitude she portrays. She's got spunk! The EP is all based on real events in my life, so that was how the songs came about. It's been several years since you released your debut self-titled EP. What have you been up to in that time? Yeah, it's taken a while! I was lucky enough to go to Nashville two years in a row to co-write and perform. I've also been gigging all over Brisbane with a good friend of mine, Ryan 'Brooksy' Brooks. I owe my stagecraft to him in many ways. I've been writing with people and on my own. Mostly I think I've just been growing up. Being twenty-six is a good time! https://youtube.com/watch?v=9Rg5JdeAMK0 Burnt on You has a more rock/pop vibe than your previous alt-country work. Do you think this is a permanent shift or will you return to your country roots one day? Who knows? Only time will tell. You mentioned that you've been to Nashville several times. Could you see yourself moving Stateside in the future? Yes, definitely, under the right circumstances. It's always in the back of my mind. I'd definitely miss Australia, though — it really is the best. How does the Brisbane music scene compare to America? For a start, genre. But Nashville in particular, which is where I've spent most of my time, has a real pulse going through it. Every single person you come into contact with is gigging around, writing something, has had a hit or is producing something. Brisbane has immense talent, just on a smaller scale and it doesn't live and breathe music quite as much. In Nashville people are fanatical! It's cray. Tell us a little bit about your writing process. It's always same process for me — I write the music and the lyrics at the same time. I might go back and tweak lyrics after, but it always starts with just gibberish and noise that turns into a song. You are playing with a full band at your EP launch on Sunday. How does playing with a full band differ from just you and your guitar? Which do you prefer? When I play on my own, I'm definitely more comfortable because I can fly by the seat of my pants more and change things around if I want. I'm usually solo so it's a comfort zone thing. But I hardly ever get to play my songs with a band and when I do I love it. So if I could I'd always have a band … no question. I still have fun either way, though. How can people get a copy of Burnt On You? Every single Brisbane citizen should come to my EP launch on Sunday and get a copy! Otherwise, it is available on iTunes now. You can also keep an eye on my Facebook page for upcoming shows elsewhere in Australia and news. Kimberley is launching Burnt on You at the New Globe Theatre this Sunday, July 20, from 4pm.
Drinks. Food. Music. It's the recipe for a good time — and, if it's a Sunday afternoon, you're sipping on natural wines, feasting on share plates and listening to cruisy jazz, for a relaxing one too. That's King Arthur's serving of end-of-weekend fun, kicking off at 2.30pm every week. If you've only dropped by for a daytime meal or a Friday night dinner in the past, then this is your chance to do something different in the Fortitude Valley favourite. The kitchen will be cooking up a storm until 6.30pm, while the tunes will liven things up until 4.30pm, with Dan Hirsch and Friends on music duties. As always, King Arthur Cafe's farm-to-table ethos remains, as does the all-Australian beer and wine menu to go with it.
Jurassic Park told us that life finds a way, and that line has been quoted many times ever since. But sometimes life gets in the way. You mean to get around to doing something, but you get busy, or it slips your mind, or it falls further down your to-do list. If getting vaccinated against COVID-19 falls into that category for you, the Queensland Government has announced a weekend of walk-in Pfizer jabs on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19. Across those two days, you can stroll on in to any of Queensland Health's 38 vaccination hubs that'll be open around the state and get vaxxed — and you won't need to have a booking. So, if you haven't gotten around to navigating the online booking system yet, you don't need to — at least for one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone aged 12 or over can walk in and get vaccinated, because Queensland has now also opened up the Pfizer vax to anyone in that age group. Everyone aged 12 years and over can walk-in to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at QLD Health vaccination locations this weekend🙌 No appointment needed! 📍To find your closest walk-in vaccination location, visit 👉 www. https://t.co/VJI6JEVg2f pic.twitter.com/oLvSOeEED3 — Queensland Health (@qldhealthnews) September 16, 2021 If you're wondering where to head, Brisbane's sites include the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall, Doomben Racecourse, Queensland Children's Hospital, Rocklea Showgrounds, Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. You'll need to be onsite at least one hour before your clinic of choice closes for the day, and getting the jab is subject to availability. But, if there isn't a shot for you that day, you'll be able to book an appointment for another day that suits you. If you already have an appointment at a Queensland Health vax hub for this weekend, you can still keep it — that won't be affected by the walk-in weekend. Either way, getting vaxxed will help the country increase its vaccination rate, with more restrictions likely to ease for fully vaxxed Aussies once the nation hits both the 70-percent and 80-percent vaccination thresholds. Obviously, if you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 jab, you should seek advice from your GP or a healthcare professional. For further information about Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, head to the Australian Government Department of Health website. For more details specific to Queensland, visit the Queensland Health website.
Fatima Fazal, founder of iHeart, has created the Heart Part, a clever contraption which can be used as a knife, fork and scoop. Heart Parts are 100% biodegradable and are made of 88% less plastic than regular utensils. Furthermore, when they're joined together they form a lovely heart shape that will bring a little happiness into your day. Sitting at $8.95 for a box of ten, these are conveniently small, environmentally friendly and easy on the wallet too. I doubt these will get you through a 500 gram rump steak, but they'll be a handy addition for light snacks and party foods. Grab one of these at the iHeart store and do your part to save the world. Watch the video below for a comprehensive rundown on how these work. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jAIVjmQKn0g [via PSFK]
If you're planning to head to Cunnamulla, you don't have to leave your favourite set of clubs behind. The Cunnamulla Golf Club offers 18 challenging holes that ensure you practice your game overlooking the great outback expanse. However, don't expect the Augusta National when you arrive. This remote golf course is landscaped using dirt fairways and sandy 'greens', meaning you might have to give your swing some extra oomph. Sections of the course are lined with river gums and coolabah trees, so keep an eye out for local wildlife using the course as a thoroughfare from the nearby Warrego River.
New year, new plans to eat healthier. Yes, we all know how resolutions go. And if you're kicking things off by ditching meat — altogether, or just by trying to work more plant-based options into your meals — but you don't want to cook each and every dish that you tuck into, Deliveroo has announced a handy special to start 2022. Until Monday, January 31, the delivery service is offering Australians free delivery from more than 1500 local restaurants, but only if you're ordering plant-based fare. Looking for an excuse to munch on a fried cauliflower burger from Mary's, one of Zeus Street Greek's pitas with plant-based lamb, Katsu King's vegan katsu curries or a classic vegan burg from Betty's Burgers? We've just found it. Other eateries involved include Huxtaburger, MadMex, Fishbowl, Grease Monkey and Grill'd, plus Oriental Teahouse, Royal Stacks, Grassfed, I Love Pizza and Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers. Obviously, the list goes on. Odds are that if you can think of a dish that doesn't include meat, it's part of the deal somewhere around the country. Of course, whichever plant-based dish you choose, you'll still need to pay for whatever you'd like to eat; however, you won't have to fork out more on top to get it brought to your door. Deliveroo is calling the special 'veganuary' — and, as you usually do, you'll need to place your order via the Deliveroo app. Deliveroo's free delivery on plant-based dishes on offer until Monday, January 31 Australia-wide via the Deliveroo app.
Scares are in the air at Victoria Park / Barrambin this October. Movies are screening in the open air, too. On Saturday, October 28, in the lead up to the spookiest day of the year, the Herston patch of turf is bringing back its outdoor cinema for a Halloween Movie Night session. Even better: entry is free, with the event starting at 5.30pm. That's when onsite food trucks will be serving, so you will need your wallet for that — or you and moviegoing date or mates can pack your own snacks and drinks, and enjoy a picnic. Film-wise, the animated Hotel Transylvania will play from 6.30pm, while Ghostbusters: Afterlife then hits the screen with its horror-comedy antics from 8.15pm. Entry is via the Gilchrest Avenue side of the park. And, if your dog likes flicks under the stars, too, you can bring them along — but they need to remain on a leash. While you're in the vicinity, you can also embrace Halloween at Victoria Park's spooky putt putt for 2023.
Brisbane's balmy spring weather, a varied spread of seafood and a day spent embracing both: that's what's on the menu at The Prince Consort on Sunday, October 22. From 11am, as part of its venue-wide, five-week-long Spring Fling festival, the Wickham Street spot is going all in on the ocean's finest by hosting the Spring Fling Seafood Festival. The fest will welcome in a heap of local seafood vendors, all serving up their wares. Expect prawns, sashimi, oysters, paella and a heap of other seafood bites set up at multiple stations. Attendees will also be able to enjoy samples as they do the rounds, and chat to seafood industry professionals. Entry is free, and it wouldn't be an event at The Prince Consort if there wasn't a live music soundtrack setting the mood. And yes, Brisbane is rarely short on seafood fests — but just like everything you can eat on the day at this one, you can never have too much of a good thing.
As our fear of global warming intensifies, major cities are coming up with all kinds of piecemeal solutions, from solar-powered bridges to train-powered heating systems. But always in our minds nags the persistent question, 'Will it all prove to be too little, too late?' So, a New York-based research group by the name of Terreform has taken matters further. They've envisioned the city as it would be, were every last block — from Manhattan to The Bronx — self-sustaining. In this green paradise, 147th Street would transmogrify into an urban farming block, Amsterdam Avenue would be free of cars and reclaimed rooftops would each provide food enough for 12,000 individuals. There are even plans for meat production towers, where chickens would range freely (sort of) on outdoor terraces. Terreform put six years of research into the project, which they've named 'New York (Steady) State'. If every detail were to be executed, it'd be possible for New York's citizens to meet every one of their needs without stepping (or trading) outside of the city's geographical boundaries. Food, water, waste disposal, air quality, climate regulation, construction, manufacturing and construction would all be taken care of. Sounds an awful lot better than slowly roasting while watching our coastal cities (Manhattan included) drown. Via PSFK.
Forget everything you thought you knew about eating schnitzel. Forget whatever ideas you have about which other food items can sit atop them, too. Now isn't the time for plain old parmas/parmis/parmys (whichever you prefer), as great as they are — because The Bavarian has dropped a limited-time loaded schnitzel menu that's as OTT as schnitties come. On offer from Monday, March 7–Saturday, April 30, this chicken schnitty range takes the loaded concept super-seriously. There are six different varieties, and they all stack a whole heap of toppings and sauces upon a crumbed piece of chook. Plenty of them also turn this good schnit into another beloved meal — like the avo smash version, which comes slathered with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta and sesame seeds, plus fries. There's also a bangers and mash version with cheese kransky, creamy mash, caramelised onion and gravy; a pizza-style option with spicy salami, kalamata olives, roasted capsicum, mozzarella and fries; and a nachos option with corn chips, chilli con carne, salsa, jalapenos, cheese and sour cream. Or, go for schnitty topped with cheddar cheese, fries and lashings of gravy — a choice that's been dubbed a hangover cure — or a schnitty decked out with fried calamari, chorizo, roasted pumpkin, crispy potatoes and jalapeno sauce. Prices range from $26–28 for just one schnitty loaded with any of the above options, but you can also go for a one-kilogram schnitzel snack if you really do love this schnit. That'll set you back $80, and put you in the running to win either a $1000 if you finish it faster than anyone else — with winners announced on Monday, May 2 — or one of nine $100 dining vouchers for runners up. Hungry? You can head to any The Bavarian venue to tuck in. There are ten in Queensland — including everywhere from Chermside and The Barracks to Eagle Street Pier and Robina — so you've got options.
A horde of local and international joke makers will be descending on our fair city over the next few weeks as part of the 3rd annual Brisbane Comedy Festival. If you are yet to bare witness to the festival, our advice is to make sure you leave your nanna at home (naughty words are well and truly part of the vocab here) and bring your funny bone because this is Queensland's largest comedy festival and laughing is the name of the game. Topping the bill for 2011 will be American actress Lily Tomlin, Scottish sensation Danny Bhoy, British comedian Stephen K Amos, Australian wise cracker Wil Anderson and Brisbane's favourite Gen Y boy, Josh Thomas. Australia's adopted son Arj Barker will also be joining the festival for the first time this year with his show Let me do the talking. If you've bared witness to Barker's laid back and witty stand up before, or caught him on the hilarious HBO series Flight of the Concords, you'll know he's one comedian you won't want to miss. Other Brisbane favourites including Tom Ballard, Denise Scott, Tom Gleeson and Dave O'Neill will also be hot shows on the festival line up this year. And for those looking for a night of shameful inappropriateness, Heath Franklin will be appearing as Chopper for one hilarious night of Chooper's F**kin Bingo.
If there's an occasion worth celebrating, including Christmas, spring and winter, Woolloongabba's South City Square has marked it with markets in the past. The inner-east precinct also loves putting on monthly shindigs with food trucks and stalls — such as on Friday, February 21, 2025, when it's hosting the return of its Latino Fiesta. Running from 4–8.30pm, this after-work event goes heavy on bites that'll make your tastebuds believe that they're in Latin and South America. Last time the pop-up took place, empanadas, tacos and arepas were on the menu. Tunes are also on the agenda, getting Latin music echoing. Latin dancing is part of the fun as well — and, of course, there'll be market stalls aplenty. Entry is free, as is onsite parking for two hours. If you attended in 2024, or have been to other events inSouth City Square's monthly series — such as the Vegan Laneway Festival, Asian Hawker Market and European Food Safari — you'll know that you're in for a Friday-night treat.
Purrfect news, feline fans: everything a dapper doggo can do, a cute cat can as well. While that's an accurate statement in general, as anyone who has ever shared their life with both a pooch and a kitty will know, it's also the thinking behind Brisbane's brand-new animal event. From the folks behind the Dog Lovers Festival comes the mouser equivalent: the Cat Lovers Festival. If you wear the 'crazy cat person' label as a badge of honour, stop to pat every moggie you meet while you're walking down the street or spend your all of your spare time watching cat videos (or all of the above), then you'll want to block out Saturday, March 9–Sunday, March 10, 2024 in your calendar. Expect the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to come alive with the sounds of meows, and expect pussy lovers to come out in force. On the agenda: feline-focused education and celebration. Before you go thinking about adorable kitties wearing glasses and sitting at desks, or popping streamers and wearing party hats (awwwwwwwww), humans will be doing the learning and rejoicing. Really, what's more informative and exuberant than entering the Pat-A-Cat zone and getting cosy with cats of all shapes and sizes — and possibly taking one home with you? If that doesn't tickle your whiskers, expect to meet more than 200 kitties, hit up a cat supermarket, listen to talks about felines, watch cat shows, see a Hello Kitty! performance and grab a bite to eat. Just remember: there'll be plenty of mousers in the Cat Lovers Show house, so you'll need to leave your own moggie at home. Also, over the same two days, the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival will be on next door.
Two hundred years ago, 18-year-old Mary Shelley sat around a campfire with her lover and their pals, and engaged in a horror story competition. They challenged each other to come up something haunting and ghostly — and it has to be said that Mary well and truly won. That's when she thought up the now-iconic piece of gothic literature that is Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus, after all. Now, a couple of centuries later, a group of Griffith University theatre students have joined forces with actor, writer and director Lucas Stibbard to follow in her footsteps. After Frankenstein: Mary & Victor & Adam & Us ponders the three figures that have made the tale such an enduring classic (aka its author, the man who conjured life from death within her pages, and the creature he fashioned from body parts), as well as add their own modern interpretation to the mix. The end result is designed to inspire, surprise and question, much like Mary's story itself. Sure, you've probably seen plenty of different takes on Frankenstein's monster before; however we don't think you've seen one quite like this.
When it comes to yoga poses, downward-facing dog is yesterday's news. Now, it's all about reclining cats and scampering kitties — and having furry, friendly felines in the room with you. Okay, okay, so we just made up those two positions; however we wouldn't dare joke when it comes to Brisbane's latest exercise trend. And, at Stretch Yoga's next event, working out with a purrfect pal isn't the only thing on the agenda. Should you fall in love with one of the cute critters, you can also take it home with you. That's right, stretching your limbs, potentially adding a cat to your family and helping a creature from Kitt Kat Care go hand in hand at the studio's Kitten Yoga Adoption Day. With all that on offer at 5.30pm and 6.30pm April 27 in the CBD, at 12.30pm and 1.30pm on April 28 at Holland Park, and at the same time and place on May 5 — but this time throwing pilates into the mix — resistance is futile. Just remember to book in for the classes in advance, because this kitty bonanza is certain to be popular. And, if you'd rather do pilates with a pooch, that's on offer too — as part of Stretch Yoga's Stretch for a Stray animal-oriented birthday weekend.
At Mac From Way Back, one thing monopolises the menu: creamy, gooey macaroni and cheese. And at Sabotage Social, it's taking over their kitchen as well, with the food truck and the Valley bar teaming up to create Brisbane's first dedicated mac 'n' cheese eatery. Throwing open its doors at the beginning of October, Mac From Way Back has made 143 Wickham Street its permanent base, serving up its 100 percent indulgent creations from within Sabotage Social. That means loaded bowls, fries and burgers are permanently on offer to complement the venue's whiskey, beer and cocktail range. Operating from Wednesday to Sunday, there's be meal deals too. For those who haven't experienced the food truck's existing mac dishes, think overflowing containers filled with the good stuff, such as the old favourite that is the five-cheese original — plus m'n'c drizzled over chips and smashed onto burgs. Their new digs offer all of the above, with more mouthwatering varieties, and in monster-sized servings that might just feed two. Truffle mushroom and parmesan and chilli chorizo bowls are just two of the fresh, special flavours that'll be popping up to tempt your tastebuds, with fried haloumi and mozzarella sticks as sides, as well as onion rings. Coming just over a year after first hitting the road, it's a big move for Mac From Way Back, as well as indication of just how popular they've proven. Getting a mac attack more often is the stuff mac-lovers' dreams are made of; like their Mac Daddy burger, it'll make you jump jump into the Valley for some cheesy goodness. Mac From Way Back will open at Sabotage Social, 143 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley from mid-to-late October. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for further details.
It only takes two tries to turn something into an annual event, so meet Brisbane's latest: Wynnum Fringe. First staged in 2020, and now Brissie's only yearly fringe festival, it's returning to the seaside suburb for six days of arts and culture between Tuesday, November 16–Sunday, November 21. Here, you'll find everything from cabaret and comedy to music and dance — whether you're keen to see a duet with an electronic device, which is what Jacob Watton's Alexa, Turn on the Lights is all about; you're eager to see a live and boozy re-enactment of Twilight, complete with its own drinking game; or you like your theatre shows to double as haunted mansions. There's also Brisbane music royalty Ben Ely doing his thing; Killer Queens, which pays tribute to glam superstars such as Freddie Mercury, Prince and David Bowie; and Anthony Lawrence performing poetry along the Wynnum mangrove boardwalk. Plus, across Friday, November 19–Saturday, November 20, Bay Terrace will shut down to normal traffic — and open up to two days of live tunes, street entertainment and food trucks. There'll even be a pop-up whiskey bar in an old church, if you need something else to say cheers to.
Usually when an exhibition takes over a display space such as the Institute of Modern Art, it weaves a story. Whether sharing a common theme or stemming from the same pair of hands, the various pieces remain connected — and that connection tells a tale. That's true of Khadim Ali's new show at the Fortitude Valley spot; however, Invisible Border also features weaving in a more literal sense. Its big eye-catching pieces: intricately woven tapestries. The centrepiece is called Invisible Border 1, and it stretches nine metres. Hand-woven by Hazara men and women, it's made by a community that has lost loved ones to conflict. The striking textile piece is joined by other tapestries, as well as miniature paintings and sound installations — and together, they all weave into an examination of war, displacement and the refugee experience. Staging his largest solo exhibition to date, Hazara artist Ali draws upon his own background, too, as seen in a wide-ranging display of both newly commissioned and existing pieces. Invisible Border graces the IMA's walls until Saturday, June 5, with the gallery open from 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday — and entry is free.
One of Sydney's favourite Italian eateries has arrived in Brisbane, and it's giving everyone a pizza-filled treat. Now trading on Skyring Terrace, the long-awaited Salt Meats Cheese Gasworks isn't just serving up gelato cocktails — it's holding $20 all-you-can-eat pizza nights every Monday from 5pm. "Does this look like someone who's had all they can eat?" isn't something you'll be saying when you devour as many slices as your stomach can handle, so calm your inner Homer Simpson. The only catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both boozy and non-alcoholic options. If you go for the former and order a bellini, Espresso Freddo or Kaffirinha, you'll find peach sorbet, Baileys gelato and kaffir lime sorbet among the ingredients, as supplied by La Macelleria in Teneriffe. As for the 'za lineup, the venue's pizza bar boasts eight tomato- and six white-based varieties, plus two calzones. Don't have an afternoon snack beforehand, obviously.
So, you eat meat— but how much do you really know about the work needed to get it onto your plate? Don't just think as far as the kitchen or the supermarket. And don't just think about the one piece you eat at a time. At Nose to Tail, you'll discover just how pork gets into an edible state by butchering, curing, drying, smoking and devouring it yourself. Across two Saturday sessions, you'll learn about specific cuts, make your own sausages, ensure no part of the animal is wasted, and then enjoy the tasty results of your efforts. Favouring a deliberately slow food approach that showcases traditional food techniques, and featuring a final shared meal with local beer and wine, no wonder it is one of The Makers Club's most popular workshops. At $200, it doesn't come cheap; however you can't put a price of how much you'll impress everyone you know next time you make a pork dish for dinner, now can you?
Call it bad timing. Call it ignorance. Call it laziness. Whichever you choose, Gringo has a problem. A couple of years ago, a film could probably call its villain "the Black Panther" and ignore the fact that the comic book character exists. Now, mere months after the first-ever standalone Black Panther movie became one of the highest-grossing superhero flicks ever made, the name is impossible to overlook. Every time it's mentioned in this crime comedy, the moniker sounds awkward. More than that, it also sounds like screenwriters Anthony Tambakis (Jane Got a Gun) and Matthew Stone (Soul Men) just thought the name was cool, but didn't think much more about it. That seems to have been their general approach anyway — well that and filling the script with as much caper chaos as possible. Despite regularly travelling to Mexico for his pharmaceutical job, Nigerian immigrant Harold (David Oyelowo) is unaware of the Black Panther's (Carlos Corona) existence. The same can't be said for Promethium's ruthless CEOs, Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Elaine (Charlize Theron). The scheming duo happily took the drug lord's money and supplied him with their medical marijuana pills, but now they're keen to end the arrangement so they can sneakily sell off the business — something else they're keeping from Harold. Of course, when Richard and Elaine accompany their underling on his latest trip across the border, they discover that the Black Panther doesn't want things to change. Rather, he wants the formula to the firm's lucrative product and will do whatever it takes to get it. That includes kidnapping Harold, although the secret recipe is yet another thing the lackey doesn't know. Complicating matters is the fact that, in response to his growing personal and professional troubles, the mild-mannered middle manager has already decided to pretend that he has been abducted. Gringo's needlessly convoluted narrative is just getting started, with Harold's unhappy wife (Thandie Newton) and Richard's ex-mercenary brother (Sharlto Copley) also playing their parts. So does a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) with no idea that her boyfriend (Harry Treadaway) is trying to smuggle Promethium's drugs back into the US. To the surprise of no one, there's more than one link between the various characters, and between the array of intertwined plot threads. Jam-packed would be the nice way to describe the movie, which has been spliced together by three editors yet drags over its 111-minute running time. Overblown, unfunny, messy and meandering is another way to put it. If there's any sliver of a saving grace, it comes from Oyelowo and Theron, who stand out among the film's high-profile cast. While neither are at their best, you could put these two in nearly any picture and they'd make a considerable difference, even when they're saddled with woefully underwritten roles. Oyelowo almost makes the hapless Harold's journey believable — emphasis on "almost", because the character's jump from believing in the American dream to breaking bad for revenge feels incredibly convenient. Theron has plenty of fun chewing the scenery as the wily, icy Elaine and certainly makes more of an impression than Edgerton, not to mention the rest of the acting lineup. The last time Edgerton starred in a big-screen effort by his director brother Nash, the end result was the ace 2008 Australian crime thriller The Square. Nominated for seven AFI Awards, the film boasted well-executed twists, genuine tension and smart black comedy — and Joel co-wrote the script. With a much weaker screenplay, Gringo plays like an overdone, ineffective attempt to up the ante, using similar components but boosting the star power and budget. Still, Nash demonstrates a definite eye for action with his second full-length film, as evident in the movie's shoot-outs and chase scenes. But by the time these antics properly kick in, it's a case of too little, too late. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx0KDIFCAu0
When The Square won the top prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival, it was considered a controversial choice. That's an understandable reaction — an over-the-top satire about the art world that's filled with odd incidents and clocks in at nearly two-and-a-half hours long was never going to be everyone's idea of a masterpiece. But with Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund behind the camera, that's by design. Fittingly, he's made a piece of art that's not only about a divisive piece of art, but also proves incredibly divisive itself. A complex look at the responsibilities that come with living within a society, as seen through the filter of creativity, contemporary art galleries and the reactions to both, The Square marches straight into the gap between public posturing and private truths. As such, it places the writer-director in very familiar thematic territory. Fans of Östlund's previous film, the fantastic Force Majeure, should instantly recognise his thematic hangups, as he skewers humanity's general tendency to say one thing but do another. Last time, he stepped inside the intimate confines of a dysfunctional marriage undone by a husband's selfish behaviour in a time of crisis. Here, the filmmaker similarly contemplates a wealth of complicated contradictions, this time in a world known for being polarising, prestigious and — sometimes — downright pretentious. Indeed, if egotistical Stockholm gallery curator Christian (Claes Bang) was to offer his thoughts of the film he's in, he'd likely declare The Square a triumph — all while knowing that half of the audience strongly disagrees. Moreover, he'd do so with a particular kind of arrogance meant to pressure others to come around to his way of thinking. That's how he talks about his new installation, also called 'The Square', which is designed to cultivate empathy. Whether he's being interviewed by journalist Anne (Elisabeth Moss), discussing viral promotional strategies with his marketing team, or trying to wow the elite art crowd at gallery functions, Christian is certain that the four-by-four metre space (a "sanctuary of trust and caring" where participants "all share equal rights and obligations") is vitally essential and important. How much of his behaviour is authentic? When you're expected to act a particular way, can you ever be your real self? Or are you putting on your own piece of theatre, whether you know it or not? And should your own personal role-play come at the expense of others? Again and again, Östlund puts his protagonist in situations that ponder the boundaries between art, life, truth and performance. Christian goes home with Anne, only to discover that she has a chimpanzee for a roommate. He hosts an elaborate party, which features an actor (Terry Notary) accosting the guests by acting like an ape. He's mugged on the street, but it's so well choreographed that it could be a show. As Christian, Bang lives up to his surname. It's not a loud performance, but rather a commanding and compelling one, with the Danish actor turning in a portrayal that's as dense and disarming as the film itself. Considering he's in a movie that probes the difference between the organic and the staged, that's quite a significant feat. Furthermore, he also achieves something that Östlund sometimes struggles with: balance. The Square might contend that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, but it sometimes overplays its hand in making that statement. The film is funny and insightful when you're on its wavelength, and positively grating when you're not. Its stunning set-pieces grab attention no matter which side you fall on at any given moment, but the movie can jump from astute and amusing to patience-testing with whiplash-inducing speed. And yet, in a picture this savage, smart and wildly ambitious, even the infuriating bits always feel like they're part of Östlund's playful game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXOV2-7tYP8
Lasagne is a bit like lamingtons, even though the two delicious dishes taste and look absolutely nothing alike. Their one big commonality: if there's an inventive way to twist either in any way, whatever that new bite happens to be is definitely worth trying. Actually, the two foods share something else in common, because Australia's world-famous Lune Croissanterie has also given them both a whirl. It's served up lamington cruffins and lasagne pastries before, but they're both always welcome — and, to start winter 2023, the latter is back. Lasagne, but a pastry? Yes, that's now a real thing that exists — but only for this month, until Friday, June 30, at all Lune stores around the country. That spans Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale in Melbourne, plus South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane. From Armadale, South Brisbane and Burnett Lane only, you can also order its June specials online. So, what are these instantly tastebud-tempting lasagne pastries? Prepare to meet, devour and love the lasagne escargot. It's the second time that Lune has whipped up this particular Frankenstein's monster of a bakery creation — and, as it did in 2022, it's bound to set your stomach alive with deliciousness. Yes, it comes stuffed with bolognese and béchamel. There's also shredded mozzarella cheese, because of course there is. And, that pastry is then topped with parmesan before it goes in the oven. Also on the month-long specials menu: pumpkin pie cruffins. Using a recipe from Lune co-founder Kate Reid's cookbook Lune: Croissants All Day, All Night, this snack fills a cruffin with pumpkin pie custard and maple syrup, then tops it with cinnamon cream and cinnamon sugar. Clearly, there's winter comfort foods, and then there's Lune's winter comfort foods. Ginger molasses croissants and chocolate banana rum pains au chocolat should also get stomachs grumbling. The former stuffs a twice-baked croissant with ginger molasses frangipane, with ginger molasses cookie and cream cheese icing on top. The latter is also baked twice, and benefits from chocolate frangipane, banana jam and rum caramel inside, plus rum-spiked whipped cream and toasted cocoa nibs to cap it off. Still hungry? The pear and chocolate danish pairs chocolate custard and slices of poached pear, while the Coconut Kouign Amann takes its cues from Filipino treat pane de coco, baking in a brown sugar syrup until its caramelised, and being piped with coconut cream caramel. Lune's lasagne escargot are available from all stores — Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane — until Friday, June 30. From Armadale, South Brisbane and Burnett Lane only, you can also order them online. Images: Peter Dillon.
