Five Blockbusters You Can Watch Under the Stars in Melbourne this Summer
Catch the summer's big hits in the great outdoors.
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Apologies to your couch, your favourite streaming platform and that pile of old DVDs sitting on your shelves, but when it comes to watching a movie, there's nothing like seeing it on the big screen. And while heading out to the flicks is a year-round activity, it's even better when summer hits, when outdoor cinema season is in full swing.
Getting comfy on a beanbag, sipping brews and bubbles in the open air, staring up at the silver screen as the sun goes down — that's what catching a summer film is all about. In fact, that's exactly what's on the agenda at Sunset Cinema, which returns to Melbourne from Thursday, January 24 to Sunday, February 17. Taking over Commonwealth Reserve at Williamstown for four weeks of movies under the stars, this year's season is made for cosy summer date nights and stress-free hangouts with your mates. And if you're wondering what to watch, here are five blockbusters to feast your eyeballs on.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Fresh from rocking the Golden Globes, where it picked up Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody is here to rock Sunset Cinema. And if you've already seen this immensely popular Freddie Mercury biopic and had to stop yourself from singing along, you're in luck — that's on the agenda here on Friday, February 15. The sounds of Queen will echo through the outdoor screening, charting the band's formation, its rise to fame, Mercury's private life and the group's memorable music. Just remember to stay in your seats during the fantastic Live Aid concert scenes — you'll be tempted to jump up, sing and scream, but you won't want to block the view of the fellow film fans behind you.
Showing: Thursday, January 24 and Friday, February 15 (singalong)
AQUAMAN
Back in 2016, the DC Comics Extended Universe pitted Batman and Superman against each other to see who'd emerge victorious; however, the film series was clearly asking the wrong question. If a battle between Justice League superheroes did arise, Aquaman would obviously come out on top. He has at the global box office, at least, with the Australian-shot blockbuster now the highest grossing flick in the franchise. It's easy to see why, with Aussie director James Wan (The Conjuring, Fast & Furious 7) helming a comic book effort that isn't afraid to be over-the-top — in its eye-popping visuals, its action both above and below the water and its use of charming star Jason Momoa.
Showing: Saturday, February 2
VICE
A child interred in a Second World War camp. A glam rock groupie in the 70s. A psychopathic investment banker. Batman. John Connor. Christian Bale has played many roles since becoming an actor at the age of 13, and now he steps into the shoes of former US Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice. It's a powerhouse performance in a movie that spins its true tale with a sense of humour. The Big Short's Adam McKay is in the director's chair, adopting the same kind of tone as he did in that satirical banking industry flick, while Sam Rockwell plays President George W. Bush, Steve Carell plays Donald Rumsfeld and Amy Adams plays Cheney's wife, Lynne.
Showing: Sunday, February 3
HOLMES & WATSON
When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first put pen to paper, scribbled down a crime mystery and conjured up an intrepid sleuth, he couldn't have known just what he'd done. That was back in 1887, and Sherlock Holmes is still going strong 142 years later — although, you can surely put Holmes & Watson on the list of things that Doyle could never have anticipated. This time around, Will Ferrell dons the detective's deerstalker, while his Step Brothers and Talladega Nights co-star John C. Reilly steps into John Watson's shoes. The game is afoot as the famous pair try to protect Queen Victoria (Pam Ferris) from the notorious Professor Moriarty (Ralph Fiennes). As you'd expect, this isn't your usual take on the idiosyncratic sleuth.
Showing: Saturday, February 9
RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET
Not content with exploring the inner world of retro arcade games, Wreck-It Ralph is back — and in this animated sequel, the John C. Reilly-voiced character is entering the online realm. What does leaping from 8-bit consoles to the world wide web have in store for this brick-throwing character who proved that villains can be heroes too? Plenty. In fact, everything, from viral fame to internet pop-ups to learning not to get too excited when bidding in an online auction, rates a mention. Ralph also has company in the form of pint-sized racer Vanellope (voiced by Sarah Silverman), with the ups and downs of their friendship integral to Ralph Breaks the Internet's narrative.
Showing: Friday, February 1
Sunset Cinema will take over Commonwealth Reserve at Williamstown from Thursday, January 24 to Sunday, February 17. Check out the full film program here.
