Now, this is a story all about how a 90s sitcom favourite got flipped-turned upside down. And we'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, to tell you how the show that gave Will Smith his big acting break became a new gritty reboot called Bel-Air. Yes, just by reading that last paragraph, you now have the theme tune to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stuck in your head. But let's be honest: if you've ever watched an episode of the 1990–96 series, even if it was decades back, you've had the ridiculously catchy song immersed in your brain ever since. Whether that track will pop up in Bel-Air is yet to be seen — but the show itself will drop on Monday, February 14. In Australia, Stan will be streaming the series, which turns Smith's earliest acting claim to fame into a drama, updates it to modern-day America, but otherwise sticks to the same basic premise. Once again, a West Philadelphia-born and -raised teenager by the name of Will Smith — this time played by first-timer Jabari Banks — will make the move to the titular Los Angeles neighbourhood. Lavish gated mansions and disparate worlds colliding awaits, as do the Banks family, with Adrian Holmes (Arrow) as Will's uncle Phillip, Cassandra Freeman (The Last OG) as his aunt Vivian, and Olly Sholotan (Run Hide Fight), Coco Jones (Vampires vs the Bronx) and Akira Akbar (Captain Marvel) as his cousins Carlton, Hilary and Ashley. Also featuring: Will's pal Jazz, this time played by Jordan L Jones (Rel). As that storyline and character list shows — and the just-dropped trailer for Bel-Air, too — there's plenty that's familiar about the series, which has been developed by the IRL Smith with filmmaker Morgan Cooper based on the latter's 2019 short fan film of the same name. But the tone firmly takes a swerve to the serious, so don't expect to be giggling along with the latest classic series to resurface after years (see also: Gossip Girl, Saved by the Bell, Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That..., just to name a few). Check out the Bel-Air trailer below: Bel-Air will start streaming in Australia on Monday, February 14 via Stan.
Culinary puns, food-themed songs, and the delightful adventures of a burger-slinging family: on the small screen, that's what Bob's Burgers has been serving up since 2011. Just like the dish that's right there in the title, there's more than one way to enjoy this animated gem, however, with The Bob's Burgers Movie set to hit cinemas in May this year. The film has been a long time coming — and not just because the series it springs from has been on the air for a whopping 12 seasons now. The Bob's Burgers Movie was originally due to reach the big screen back in mid-2020, but the pandemic got in the way. Think of it as the movie version of IRL supermarket shortages. Thankfully, 2022 is here with the promise that The Bob's Burgers Movie will be a real thing that we'll all get to feast our eyeballs on — and soon. And if your appetite for a movie-length musical comedy-mystery-adventure flick about Bob Belcher (H Jon Benjamin, Archer) and his nearest and dearest isn't already ravenous, the film's just-dropped trailer is here to help. Sexy burgers, a big summer for Tina and trying to keep Bob's Burgers afloat after a ruptured water main causes a huge sinkhole right in front of the store: they're all on the movie's menu, as is a mystery that only Belcher kids Tina (Dan Mintz, Veep), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Archer) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, What We Do in the Shadows) can solve. And yes, The Bob's Burgers Movie does offer a solution to the feeling that every Bob's Burgers' fan has felt more than once: not wanting this colourful, hilarious and engaging animated meal to end when you're binging through it in 20-minute episode blocks. Check out the trailer for The Bob's Burgers Movie below: The Bob's Burgers Movie will open in cinemas Down Under on May 26, 2022. Images: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Few could deny that Matt Bax's cocktails are akin to works of art. The mind behind standard-setting bars such as Bar Americano and the now-closed Der Raum and Bar Economico is known for whipping up incredibly clever liquid treats — and, as it happens, he's also an artist. But for his next project, the celebrated barman-artist is blurring the lines even more, as he sets out to overhaul the commercial art gallery model and give Melbourne something it's never seen before. Slated to open on November 22 in Clifton Hill, Grau Projekt will be part concept bar, part gallery space. It'll offer what Bax has dubbed "artist-curated drinking", guided by a program of exhibitions. Each new art show will see Bax's team collaborate with the exhibiting artist on an exclusive cocktail, designed to perfectly complement the mood and the work. Guests will be able to sip this innovative concoction on opening night, while browsing the artworks as they wander through Grau Projekt's huge 1050-square-metre warehouse. In effect, it'll bridge that gap between cocktail bar and exhibition on opening night and offer something more considered, holistic and refined. It's clear Bax is keen to inspire a new generation of art collector, both with this venue and the purchasing model. Each show will see a select number of works held in reserve until the exhibition's opening, and offered at a heavily subsidised price. The plan is for the gallery to open to the public Thursdays through Sundays, with the curated cocktails offered as part of the ticketed events coinciding with each show's public opening. No word yet on what the inaugural exhibition will be, but we'll let you know the details once it's been announced. Grau Projekt will open at 2–12 Alexandra Parade, Clifton Hill on November 22. Images: John Laurie.
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is last year's news, sadly. There's still two years to wait until Australia hosts the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. But 2024 is the year of the Paris Olympics — and in preparation for vying for gold, the Matildas are hitting the field Down Under. The country's national women's soccer team are playing two friendlies against China, the first in Adelaide on Friday, May 31 and the second in Sydney on Monday, June 3. And although both are sold out — giving the Tillies a massive 14 sellout games on home soil in a row — you can still tune in from home, or the pub, if you won't be in the South Australian or New South Wales capitals or haven't scored tickets. These are the Matildas' first games in Australia since the last match of the final Olympics qualifiers back in February. Taking place in Melbourne against Uzbekistan, that game turned out mighty well for the squad, resulting in a 10–0 scoreline their way and locking in a spot in Paris. This time, there's nothing but bragging rights on the line, but a Tillies game is still a Tillies game. To watch, 10Play and Paramount+ are your destinations — plus Network 10 on regular TV. Sam Kerr is injured, but the squad is filled with high-profile names, including Steph Catley donning the captain's armband, Ellie Carpenter as vice captain, and also everyone from Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross to Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman, Cortnee Vine and Lydia Williams. Expect the latter to spend some time in goal, given that the legend of the game announced that she'll retire from international football following the Olympics. After this, the Tillies kick off their quest for a medal in Paris on Friday, July 26 at 3am Australian time, playing Germany. Their first-round draw also includes matches against Zambia and the USA. In-between, you can get another Matildas fix via documentary Trailblazers, which hits Stan on Tuesday, June 4 — and if you're in Sydney on Monday, June 10, at a Vivid 2024 talk with Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson. The Matildas vs China PR Friendlies 2024: Friday, May 31 — 8.10pm AEST / 7.40pm ACST / 6.10pm AWST Monday, June 3 — 7.40pm AEST / 7.10pm ACST / 5.10pm AWST The Matildas' friendlies against in China PR take place on Friday, May 31 and Monday, June 3, 2024— and you can watch via 10, 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+. Images: Tiffany Williams, Football Australia.
Art, wine and a sumptuous long lunch. It's a covetable trio — and one that's set to star at Mornington Peninsula winery Montalto plenty over the coming months, thanks to a new series of in-depth artist chats. The renowned winery has teamed up with the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) to deliver the Contemplating Art lunchtime events, which each host a conversation with a different celebrated artist over a relaxed long lunch. They'll take place in Montalto's award-winning restaurant, fittingly overlooking the estate's Sculpture Trail. [caption id="attachment_845381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Montalto[/caption] The series is set to dive right into the deep end, too, with acclaimed artist Patricia Piccinini as guest of honour at the first of these lunches, on Thursday, March 24. If that name feels particularly familiar right now, it's likely because of A Miracle Constantly Repeated, Piccinini's ongoing otherworldly exhibition in the Flinders Street Station Ballroom. Or perhaps you know her as the artist behind giant hot-air balloon sculptures Skywhalepapa and Skywhale, which are set to take to the skies above Melbourne this month as part of the MPavilion program. For the debut of Contemplating Art, Piccinini will appear in conversation with MPRG Gallery Director Danny Lacy, chatting about her background, inspiration, the techniques that drive her practice, and her existing and soon-to-be-completed works. All while you enjoy a two-course shared lunch feast courtesy of the Montalto kitchen. [caption id="attachment_845383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Piccinini's 'No Fear of Depths' (2019), from exhibition 'A Miracle Constantly Repeated'[/caption] On Thursday, May 12, the second event in the series will shine a spotlight on interdisciplinary NSW-based artist Hiromi Tango and collaborator, neuroscientist Emma Burrows. The pair are behind newly launched Science Gallery Melbourne installation Wheel (for Mental: Head Inside) — an interactive 'hamster wheel' that explores the benefits of exercise on our brains and mental health. Contemplating Art marks a desire by Montalto to offer its guests more 'moments out of the ordinary', as the winery gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Further events in the series are set to be announced soon — stay tuned via the Montalto newsletter and website. Contemplating Art kicks off on Thursday, March 24, with guest artist Patricia Piccinini, followed by a conversation with Hiromi Tango and Emma Burrows on Thursday, May 12. Events will take place at Montalto, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, Victoria. For more info and to grab tickets, see the website. Top Images: Patricia Piccinini with one of her works, captured by H.Walker. Montalto Estate.
The Crown fans, it's time to say goodbye to the 20th century. You'll also be farewelling the show's leaps back several decades, too. When season six of Netflix's royal drama arrives later in 2023, the hit series will embrace the 21st century, including the early days of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship. Netflix has confirmed that The Crown will return this year for another dose of regal intrigue, although no exact release date has been announced. Based on past patterns, it's safe to expect it to arrive in November. For now, the streaming service has unveiled its first sneak peek at the next batch of episodes, however — images, not a trailer — which does indeed focus on the man currently second in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022. Screen debutant Ed McVey takes on the role of Prince William, while newcomer Meg Bellamy will slip into Middleton's shoes. The Crown's sixth season will follow the IRL pair's first meeting at university in St Andrew's, starting the story that's played out in plenty of headlines and a ridiculous amount of worldwide media coverage since 2001. While everything that's popped up in the show draws its details from history — dramatised history, of course, but still history — this next instalment is bound to feel even more familiar. Getting closer to our current time will do that. When the series began, it kicked off with Queen Elizabeth II's life from her marriage to Prince Philip back in 1947. The first season made its way to the mid-50s, the second season leapt into the 60s, and season three spanned all the way up to the late 70s. In season four, the royal family hit the 80s, while season five covered the 90s. Just like in season five, Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton dons the titular headwear, while Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce wears Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret is played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. Also, Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki returns as Princess Diana, with The Wire and The Pursuit of Love's Dominic West as Prince Charles. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. There's no trailer yet for The Crown season six, but you can revisit season five's trailer below: The Crown's sixth season will hit Netflix sometime before 2023 is out — we'll update you with an exact release date when one is announced. Images: Keith Bernstein / Netflix
Back in 2020, which now seems a lifetime ago, St Jerome's Laneway Festival celebrated 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes. The beloved fest marked that milestone with a characteristically jam-packed lineup that made its way to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, as well as Auckland — but since then, it's been quiet thanks to the pandemic. After two Laneway-less years, the festival has finally locked in dates for its 2023 return — plus new venues for four of its five Australian stops. The festival will kick off in Auckland, returning to Albert Park for the long weekend of Auckland Anniversary Day on Monday, January 30. From there it will arrive in Brisbane on Saturday, February 4, Sydney on Sunday, February 5, Adelaide on Friday, February 10, Melbourne on Saturday, February 11 and Perth on Sunday, February 12. Across these five Australian dates, the Brisbane venue is the only one that has remained consistent from the festival's 2020 run of shows, taking to Brisbane Showgrounds again. The Melbourne leg of the festival has been forced to move away from its previous home at Footscray Park and will now pop up at the newly opened Epsom Road venue The Park in Flemington. The Park has an on-site train station and is located just 15 minutes from the CBD. [caption id="attachment_655626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Smith[/caption] In Sydney, after 10 years at Sydney College of the Arts and Callan Park, Laneway 2020's Sydney date shifted to The Domain. Now for 2023, it's moved again and will be making its home at the Sydney Showground. Sydneysiders will associate the Showground with the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but this won't be its first time hosting a major touring music festival, as it was once the regular home for the now-defunct Big Day Out. The South Australian leg has moved from Port Adelaide's Hart's Mill to the Adelaide CBD's Bonython Park, and, in the biggest move, the Western Australia leg will be going down at the recently revamped Wellington Square. "The Laneway Festival team is constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance the patron and artist experience and each of the sites will allow us to bring in A+ production and facilities. We are absolutely pumped to host music fans and our favourite ever line-up on these new sites," Laneway Festival co-Founder Danny Rogers said. If you're hanging out to know who will be gracing the stage next year, you'll have to wait a couple more days. The lineup is set to drop at 7.40am this Wednesday, September 21. In 2020, the lineup was headed up by the likes of The 1975, Charli XCX and Earl Sweatshirt, as well as a host of local favourites like Ruel, DMA's and Ocean Alley. View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jerome's Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) St Jerome's Laneway Festival will return to Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth between Monday, January 30 and Sunday, February 12. Head to the festival's social pages for all the info on its 2023 edition and for next year's lineup when it drops this Wednesday, September 21.
2022 marks 23 years since Baltimore high-school student Hae Min Lee was found dead, and 22 years since her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed was convicted of her murder. It also marks eight years since the case became an international obsession thanks to the first season of Sarah Koenig's grimly addictive podcast Serial. Since the latter, the details have rarely been out of the spotlight — including the legal situation, as well as Syed's ongoing quest to have the extremely complex matter reassessed in the years after he was found guilty. And come Wednesday, September 21, the case will fuel a brand-new episode of Serial as well. Yes, everyone's favourite 2014 true-crime podcast obsession is returning to its original subject, with the Koenig-hosted audio series Serial set to drop a new episode about Syed. The reason? After more than two decades in prison, Syed's conviction has just been vacated by the Baltimore City Circuit Court, with Syed released today, Tuesday, September 20, Down Under time. Syed has been released into home detention while the state has 30 days to decide whether to pursue a new trial or dismiss the case. The New York Times reports that Judge Melissa Phinn overturned the conviction "in the interests of fairness and justice". Her ruling came after finding that prosecutors did not turn over evidence that may have assisted Syed during his trial, as well as new evidence might've influenced the outcome. Serial confirmed via social media that Koenig was at the courthouse when Syed was released, and that a new episode of the podcast will arrive tomorrow morning US time. Syed was convicted of first-degree murder in 2020, sentenced to life in prison, and has been fighting his case through the courts ever since. While he was granted a new trial in 2016, that ruling was subsequently appealed by the State of Maryland — only for the Court of Special Appeals to agree to vacate Syed's conviction and finally give him that retrial. Then in 2019, in Maryland's Court of Appeals, that retrial request was denied, but Syed's attorney committed to keep battling. Lee's murder and Syed's conviction were also the subject of HBO documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed, which picked up where Serial's 12-episode first season left off — not only exploring 18-year-old Lee's death in 1999 and Syed's conviction the year afterwards, but the latter's ongoing legal questions. The doco featured everything from Lee and Syed's relationship to the original police investigation and trial, and also the developments up until when it released in 2018, gaining exclusive access to Syed, his family and his lawyers. Keen to re-binge Serial today? Aren't we all. If you don't have time, The Case Against Adnan Syed is available to stream via Fetch in Australia — and you can check out the trailer below: Serial's new episode about Adnan Syed will drop on Wednesday, September 21 Australia and New Zealand time. Keep an eye on Serial's website for further details. Image: The Case Against Adnan Syed, Syed Family / Courtesy of HBO.
Bringing authentic(ish) Indian food to Gertrude Street, Ish fuses modern and traditional elements of the cuisine. The share menu is split between 'peckish', 'moreish' and 'famished' categories. Smaller plates include free-range chicken tikka with ginger and garlic, Indian scotch eggs with curried onion and pulled confit duck marinated in Indian spices. Also try the home made pan buns with a spiced potato fritter and mint and coriander chutney, a classic on the streets of Mumbai. Bigger plates feature the slow-cooked Kerala beef curry with Malabari paratha (flatbread), Punjabi style tick creamy butter chicken with cashew nuts, an eggplant moiled curry served with turmeric, coconut curry and mustard seeds or the Bengali lamb curry, flavoured with yogurt, cashew paste and poppy seeds. From the sea enjoy the island fish curry or the prawn and eggplant moiled with coconut and turmeric. The fit-out was designed by Melbourne's Studio Round and Indian interior designer Annu Bains, with all of the bespoke furniture imported directly from India, too. Stepping through the doors, you'll feel transported to contemporary India. Spread over two floors, the restaurant features leather banquettes, timber high tables and exposed brick walls downstairs, while upstairs boasts forest green accents, round tables and brass and leather seating. Grab a seat, get comfy and prepare to feast on all manners of tasty Indian treats. Images: Rhiannon Taylor.
Set against a backdrop of Hindi pop music and projected Bollywood films, Babu Ji has been regarded as one of Melbourne's best Indian restaurants since opening in 2014. Famous for its incredible home-style flavours, Babu Ji's menu leans into authentic Indian cooking and street food, while a contemporary twist is evident both in the decor and on the plate. The food is simple yet sophisticated, and most dishes are designed to be shared amongst friends. From the pot, there are choice picks like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options such as blue pumpkin and chickpea curry with roasted cherry tomatoes or black lentils in ginger, garlic and garam masala. The street-food menu offers papdi chat, the motherland's version of nachos and salsa, prawn momos and soy chilli cauliflower. The sweet and sour pork marinated in honey glaze with apple chutney and tempered with fennel and onion seeds is the standout. There are a range of salads to compliment the mains including a roasted pumpkin salad with ricotta, wild pepper and pumpkin seeds and the naan menu includes a Kashmari naan stuffed with almonds and cashew nuts as well as a gluten free option. Be sure to stay for dessert and enjoy a flattened cheesecake in a sweetened creamy milk and a mango lassi. Alcoholic drinks include both the Kingfisher Indian lager and the Babuji lager, both ideal pairings for babu Ji's expertly spiced curries.
Sydney has really stepped up its art game this year. In addition to increased investment in some of our most beloved galleries, the city has secured exhibitions by some of the most influential artists of their generation from home and abroad across the next few months. From prizes celebrating Australia's best contemporary art to retrospectives from the masters, there's something for everyone whether you're a studied aficionado or a casual fan. Each of the following exhibitions is worthy of an article in itself, but let's start with a little taster. We've teamed up with Destination NSW to give you the lowdown on the seven of the most anticipated exhibitions to have on your radar.
Serving up some of Melbourne's best pan-Asian food for about a decade, Red Spice Road is an express tour of Asian cuisine by doing no more than booking a table and arriving hungry. Located in the centre of town on McKillop Street, the restaurant has a relaxed yet constantly buzzing vibe, featuring long, communal tables and a menu that is designed to be shared. In short, sharing is highly encouraged at Red Spice Road. Small plates pack a bite-sized punch, like the betel leaf with roasted snapper, jackfruit, lemongrass and dried coconut ($8) and the crispy prawns with dashi and lime ($19). Medium plates include a watermelon salad with fresh mint and red nam jim dressing ($16), kingfish with coriander, pickled garlic, chilli, shallots and crispy wonton ($32) and sambal chicken wings ($21). For large plates, expect a range of curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes. Open both at lunch and dinner, Red Spice also offers an express tasting menu ($36 per person) during the day for those in a hurry while at night choose from one of two banquets, priced at $79 or $99 per head. Plus, the restaurant is fully licensed, with beers, wines, cocktails and even sake all available.
It has been 87 years since Perry Mason first started sleuthing his way across the page, 86 since the defence attorney character initially hit the big screen, 77 since he made the leap to radio serials and 63 since he made his TV debut. In other words, this is a fictional figure with more than a little history — but 2020's version, starring Matthew Rhys, just might be the best yet. Brooding, moody, slinky, and making the most of thematically fitting, visually stunning inky black tones and lingering shadows, the HBO series heads back to 1932, when Los Angeles and the US in general are struggling with the Great Depression. Traumatised from World War I and grappling with a tough divorce, Mason is struggling as well. Then he's hired on a missing-child case as a private detective, and this star-filled series — think: John Lithgow, Robert Patrick and Tatiana Maslany, among others — kicks into quite the compelling gear.
Calling all French film fans: for the whopping 34th year, Australia's Alliance Française French Film Festival is screening a feast of flicks from the other side of the world. Hitting Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Astor Theatre, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema in Melbourne from Wednesday, March 8–Wednesday, April 5, this year's cinematic celebration will screen 39 movies throughout March and April — and the full program is something special. AFFFF's 2023 opening-night pick: Masquerade, spinning a tale of glitz, glamour and the Côte d'Azur's far-less-glossy underbelly under La Belle Époque's director Nicolas Bedos' guidance — and with Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) and Isabelle Adjani (The World Is Yours) among his stars. As a bookend on closing night, it's joined by Freestyle, which takes to the road with Benjamin Voisin (Lost Illusions) and Marina Foïs (Stella in Love), and promises to end the fest as memorably as it begins. In-between, must-sees include Saint Omer, with documentarian Alice Diop drawing from true events to craft a drama about a young Parisian journalist and novelist attending murder trial, then wading through the complexities it surfaces within her own family history; One Fine Morning, the latest film by Bergman Island's Mia Hansen-Løve, this time a family drama starring Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future); and The Innocent, as written by, directed by and starring Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man), based on his own experiences, and also featuring Noémie Merlant (Tár). There's also Final Cut, a French remake of Japanese cult hit One Cut of the Dead from The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius, starring Romain Duris (Eiffel); Winter Boy, the new film from Sorry Angel's Christophe Honoré, an autobiographical drama focusing on 17-year-old Lucas (newcomer Paul Kircher); Brother and Sister, with Marion Cotillard (Annette) playing a stage actor and sibling to Melvil Poupaud (Summer of 85); and Other People's Children, a Virginie Efira (Benedetta)-led effort about being a stepmother that's also inspired by director Rebecca Zlotowski's (Planetarium) own life. Two Quentin Dupieux films sit on the program, too, with the director of Rubber and Deerskin adding both Incredible but True and Smoking Causes Coughing to the lineup — and a sense of humour that only he possesses. Plus, there's award-winner Playground, which focuses on a seven-year-old girl; On the Wandering Paths, which brings Sylvain Tesson's novel to the screen so swiftly after The Velvet Queen also turned his work into cinema (including at AFFFF 2022); and The Origin of Evil, an account of a dysfunctional family that's one of three AFFFF 2023 movies to star Full Time's Laure Calamy. This year's focus is firmly on the new over the classic, but when it comes to looking backwards, 1988 French box-office smash The Big Blue does the honours. The full list of 2023 AFFFF titles goes on, as cinephiles have come to not just expect but thoroughly enjoy from a fest that's the largest celebration of French film outside of France.
POOF DOOF, GiRLTHING, Thursgay and CLOSET are all coming together for the ultimate Midsumma blowout at St Kilda's iconic Luna Park. From 3pm until late, Yass Pride! will see an all-star lineup of DJs, dancers and drag performers working their magic across multiple stages beneath the rickety Scenic Railway. Oh, and if that weren't enough, once 8pm rolls around, ticketholders will be given unlimited ride access. If your inner child isn't screaming with glee right now, then we just don't know what to say. First release tickets have already sold out, so snap up second release tickets while you still can.
Since opening in August of 2020, Brunswick East favourite Don Taco has been bringing 100-percent vegan Mexican eats to Melbourne. Now, the Lygon Street eatery is taking Tacos Tuesdays to another level, with bottomless vegan tacos on offer for just $20 per person. Make a booking for either 6–7.30pm or 7.45–9.15pm at Don Taco on a Tuesday and you'll be treated to 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat tacos. Some of the options you'll find here include the capsicum fajita taco with spicy avocado salsa, the sautéd oyster mushroom carnitas taco, the house-made vegan chorizo taco topped with diced potato and salsa roja, and the vegan baja fish taco made from banana blossom. While you're enjoying your endless supply of plant-based tacos, you can add jugs of sangria, spicy pineapple margaritas or a mezcal tasting plate to your meal — or turn to the mocktail menu to avoid any Wednesday morning regrets.
Pharrell's putting that giant-hatted brain to good use; the multi-Grammy award-winning artist has co-designed and curated the first ever denim collection made with recycled plastic yarn. Fronting the G-Star crew as creative director of Bionic Yarn, Pharrell is spearheading G-Star's eco-friendly collections for men and women, dubbed RAW for Ocean. Sounding like something Iron Man knits mittens with, Bionic Yarn is an eco-thread of fibres made from recycled plastic bottles found littering the ocean. Having already recycled a whopping ten tonnes of plastic waste from the seas, RAW for Ocean is the first ever collection to use Bionic Yarn to create a denim collection. And when three times as much rubbish is dumped into the ocean as the weight of fish caught every year, this is a sustainable initiative we can truly get behind. At the forefront of sustainable fashion, G-Star and Pharrell have teamed up with some pretty kickass initiatives to see the collection come to fruition. The Vortex Project works to retrieve and recycle the millions of kilos of plastic floating in our global oceans, hoping to reduce it and come up with smart awareness campaigns to disrupt the vicious cycle. Parley for the Oceans is another top notch platform which brings together artists, musicians, fashion designers, scientists, engineers and other environmentally-conscious legends to talk about the ocean's massive problem in high-profile events and activations. They've also got Sea Shepherd giving them the thumbs up. So what's in store for the collection? Raw for Ocean will see jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, caps and more created from Bionic Yarn — all featuring different shades of mazarine indigo blue and black. One of the cornerstone pieces for men is a modern trench cut from the Bionic Yarn raw denim, the A-Crotch Trench, while ladies can look forward to a printed denim Fallden Bomber. The RAW for Ocean collection even has a dorky little mascot, Otto the Octopus, whose presence in the collection becomes a quirky take on the classic houndstooth print. Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson said, "Creativity is the key to saving creation from our darker side and the key to a future of ecological harmony between humanity and the diversity of wondrous species we share this planet with." Big ups to G-Star and Pharrell for getting on board. The RAW for Ocean collection drops September 10 in stores and online.
Trailblazing graffiti artist Nychos is on his way to Australia. Gracing our shores in late February and early March, the Austrian artist who recently took New York City by storm will split his time between Sydney and Melbourne, presenting exhibitions, hosting workshops and leaving his unique mark on walls around town. In Sydney, Nychos will head a graffiti art workshop at Work-Shop on February 25. He'll also present a screening of his street art documentary The Deepest Depths of the Burrow. In Melbourne, the workshop and screening will take place on March 11. He'll also launch a pair of exhibitions, showcasing his new sculpture project, Vienna Therapy, featuring the three-foot-tall Dissection of Sigmund Freud in Federation Square from March 8-12, and his solo exhibition, MONOCHROME ORGANISM, at Juddy Roller Gallery in Fitzroy from March 10-24. In between his various public engagements, Nychos plans to create original wall art in locations around Sydney and Melbourne. Here's hoping it's as eye-popping as his Oakland T-Rex. Detail of the Oakland Tyrannosaurus Rex . Full wall coming soon. #translucenttyrannosaurus #nychos #isliceforaliving #anatomy #oakland #bayarea #lordscrew A photo posted by nychos (@nychos) on Jan 14, 2017 at 8:37pm PST Images courtesy of the artist.
Captain Baxter is slinging lunch, dinner and drinks at the St Kilda Sea Baths. Everything about the beachside restaurant and bar has had a facelift, from the menu to the decor — and with the latter taking inspiration from 20s-style tropical beach bungalows, it's vying to become your next hangout any time of the year. Inside, Captain Baxter is light and bright. Thanks to a new retractable roof, on a sunny day, the venue means that literally. Another fresh addition is a new vantage over the beach because pairing your food and beverages with a view is part of the appeal. With Timothy Martin (ex-The European and Taxi Dining Room) and Adrian Hawkins (ex-Est and Bistrode Sydney) joining St Kilda Venues' group executive chef Matt Dawson, Captain Baxter's menu highlights seafood in a big way — think prawn and ginger dumplings, hiramasa kingfish and grilled swordfish with 'nduja xo, charred garlic and pickled celery. Among the standouts that didn't come from the ocean are duck sausages, lamb shoulder with crying tiger sauce and whipped tofu with mushroom xo and cassava, recognising the venue's other big influence: Asian-style cuisine. And, it wouldn't be a beachside spot without cocktails, such as the blood orange coconut margarita or The Captain — whiskey, apple liqueur, pomegranate molasses, lemon and apple. An extensive wine list is also available, focusing on quality drops from across Australia, although there are a few foreign beauties in there too.
Love heading to a scenic spot to dance to live tunes? Adore sipping wine, too? Music and vino festival Grapevine Gathering understands. That pairing is this annual event's entire setup, with the fest bringing a heap of bands to vineyards each year. Yes, that includes 2022, with its October dates and venues now locked in. And if you live in Queensland or South Australia, get ready to experience Grapevine Gathering on your home turf for the very first time. The fest will return to Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, of course — hitting up Sandalford Wines in Swan Valley, Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley and Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley, respectively. But this'll mark the first time that Grapevine Gathering has made its way to the Sunshine State and SA. Where it's heading: Sirromet Wines at Mount Cotton and Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale. While it's too early for the event's full lineup, it has dropped one key act: Aussie sketch comedians and Instagram celebrities The Inspired Unemployed. As they did at the last Victorian Grapevine Gathering, they're taking on hosting duties in order to keep you entertained between musos — and also hitting the decks as well. If you're wondering what the duo also known as Jack Steele and Matt Ford might have in store, shenanigans-wise, they did shoeys out of punters' footwear, performed an acoustic version of 'Drops of Jupiter' and hosted a segment of The Bachelorette the last time around. If you're also eager to find out who'll they be introducing, aren't we all — but past fests have been headlined by Two Door Cinema Club, Flight Facilities, The Wombats, Tkay Maidza and The Veronicas. Naturally, sipping wine is a huge part of the attraction. As always, attendees will have access to a heap of vino given the fest's locations, as well as an array of yet-to-be-announced food options. GRAPEVINE GATHERING 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 1 — Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley, Western Australia Sunday, October 2 — Serafino Wines, McLaren Vale, South Australia Saturday, October 8 — Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, Victoria Saturday, October 15 — Roche Estate, Hunter Valley, New South Wales Sunday, October 16 — Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, Queensland Grapevine Gathering will tour Australia in October 2022. The full lineup hasn't been announced yet, but we'll update you when it is. In the interim, you can head to the festival's website to register for further details when it hits.
Head east of Melbourne and you'll discover a region full of mountains, hiking trails, beaches, inlets and rainforests. It's a place so varied and full of natural wonder that you'll find it hard to believe you're only three hours from the city. This is Gippsland, a nature lover's paradise where you can spend your mornings searching for native flora and fauna in the rainforest and afternoons floating in the sea. Civilisation is limited here, so it's a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days. With a collection of tiny towns and plenty of activities for your inner adventurer, it can be difficult to know where to start. Let us point you in the right direction; we've put together some tips to help you make the most of the gorgeous region. [caption id="attachment_642993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Squeaky Beach.[/caption] DO A weekend in South Gippsland is incomplete without a visit to Tarra Bulga National Park. The park includes some of the best cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki ranges and is packed full of extraordinary flora and fauna. Start at the Visitor Centre and walk through the neighbouring historic mountain ash trees until you reach the impressive Corrigan Suspension Bridge, where you can look out over a forest of ferns and listen to lyrebirds singing throughout. After your walk, jump back in the car and head to Agnes Falls, a spectacular waterfall reaching almost 60 metres. Pack a picnic lunch and make the most of the visit — you may even see yellow-tailed black cockatoos or even a wallaby or two if you're lucky. [caption id="attachment_642994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corrigan Suspension Bridge.[/caption] Arguably the number one nature attraction in South Gippsland (and dare we say Victoria) is Wilsons Promontory. This spectacular national park is made up of huge granite mountains, open forest, sweeping beaches and vast rugged coastline. There are a million and one things to do at 'The Prom', but we'd recommend choosing a hike to explore the region. Hikes to Mount Oberon and Pillar Point take less than two hours and offer breathtaking views of the peninsula, but if you have a little more time, embark on an overnight hike to untouched Sealers Cove. [caption id="attachment_642996" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pillar Point.[/caption] If bushwalking isn't your thing, look towards the shore. Visit the famous Squeaky Beach to feel and hear the quartz sand squeak between your toes and catch some waves at Tidal River, The Prom's main surf beach. For something a little more laid-back Waratah Bay is another beautiful swimming spot, just a short drive from Tidal River. After you've experienced all The Promontory has to offer, make your way back to Melbourne along the coast. Take the Bunurong Coastal Drive and stop for spectacular views and a quick dip at Cape Paterson. Keep driving and you'll reach the town of Kilcunda, where you'll find the historic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge. [caption id="attachment_642891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kilcunda General Store.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Gippsland is a go-to for rustic cuisine. Starting in the east, the sleepy seaside village of Port Albert has some delicious options. For a sophisticated dining experience, head to Wildfish Restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the port. If you're into something more low-key, the takeaway fish and chip shop next door is also perfect for a DIY picnic by the water — their fish and chips are known as some of the best around the region. Drive on west through Welshpool and you'll find Foster, one of the last stops before The Prom. For a breakfast or lunch of simple fare made from local produce, visit Cafe Max. The cafe offers locally roasted coffee and freshly baked cakes and slices to stock up on before heading back to the city. Next up is the small town of Fish Creek, home to the iconic Fish Creek Hotel. You can't miss the art deco building, largely because of the giant fish sculpture mounted on the roof. Stop by for classic pub fare and an extensive selection of regional produce shining throughout the menu. [caption id="attachment_643315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildfish Restaurant.[/caption] After a day at The Prom, head back up to Moyarra and explore the farm gate at Prom Country Cheese. Pack your bag full of award-winning Venus Blue cheese or indulge in a home-style meal on the veranda overlooking the valley. If you're after some fresh, local produce to take away with you, you can also pick up a selection from Prom Coast Food Collective. Happening once every month, this collaboration between farmers and producers is a great way for locals and visitors to get their hands on the freshest seasonal produce. You can even organise to pick up your goods from Blue Tree Honey Farm on your way back to Melbourne. And as you make your way through Kilcunda, stop at Udder & Hoe for some of the best local fruit and veg and a feed at the Kilcunda General Store. Grab a seat out the front, order the breakfast special — specials can be anything from brioche french toast or savoury cheddar waffles — and soak up views of the ocean across the road. STAY To really get back to nature, hire a hut at Tidal River, just seconds away from the action. With all the basics you'll need, these simple huts sit right in the heart of The Prom. For those who want to reunite with the wild, but can't quite stomach camping, look to a fair medium: Prom Coast Eco Glamping. Offering deluxe bell tents at select locations along the Prom Coast, they'll even set them up for you (and pack them down after you leave). All you have to do is pack your belongings and you're set for a luxury stay by the waves. [caption id="attachment_643282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prom Coast Eco Glamping.[/caption] More luxurious (and indoor) options are available at Limosa Rise, where you can rent a self-contained cottage with beautiful views of the nearby Prom and at the indulgent Church House, a boutique, gourmet retreat in Fish Creek. And for an inland stay, The Hicks in Leongatha is a beautifully renovated holiday home with room for up to ten guests, so you can make your Gippsland trip a weekend away with mates. [caption id="attachment_643283" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Church House.[/caption] Images: Visit Victoria. Discover more of Gippsland here.
Digital nomad visas and remote working have never been more attainable, so if you've ever toyed with the idea of taking your skills abroad, Tourism Authority of Thailand is giving you the chance to try before you fly (away forever) with its Live Your Best Digital Nomad Life competition. Up for grabs is a Concrete Playground Trips voucher valued at $3000 (covering return flights to any major airport in Thailand and accommodation for any hotel in Thailand hosted on the CP Trips website), a $500 Klook voucher to spend on top experiences, activities and travel essentials such as transport and SIM cards, as well as $1500 worth of Visa travel vouchers which should cover you for long-tail boat rides along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, trekking in Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon National Park, hopping on island escapades in Phuket or Krabi and all the Tom Kha Kai you can consume in a week. That's a total prize value of $5000. And who knows — at worst you can enjoy a change of WFH scenery. Or after a week you might love the Thai hospitality, your digital nomad life (and affordable living) so much, that you'll decide never to come back. Want to find out more about remote working in this incredible part of the world? Here's what you need to know to get yourself set up for a working holiday in Thailand. [competition]885290[/competition]
Since 2016's Suicide Squad, the DC Extended Universe has tasked Viola Davis with corralling super-powered folks, including villains forced to do the state's bidding (as also seen in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker) and regular world-saving superheroes (the just-released Black Adam). In The Woman King, however, she's more formidable, powerful and magnificent than any spandex-wearing character she's ever shared a frame with — or ever will in that comic-to-screen realm. Here, she plays the dedicated and determined General Nanisca, leader of the Agojie circa 1823. This is an "inspired by true events" tale, and the all-female warrior troupe was very much real, protecting the now-defunct west African kingdom of Dahomey during its existence in what's now modern-day Benin. Suddenly thinking about a different superhero domain and its own redoubtable women-only army, aka the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Dora Milaje in Wakanda? Yes, Black Panther took inspiration from the Agojie. If you're thinking about Wonder Woman's Amazons, too, the Agojie obviously pre-dates them as well. Links to two huge franchises in various fashions aren't anywhere near The Woman King's main attraction, of course. Davis and her fellow exceptional cast members, such as Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die), Thuso Mbedu and Sheila Atim (both co-stars in The Underground Railroad); The Old Guard filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood and her grand and kinetic direction, especially in fight scenes; stunningly detailed costumes and production design that's both vibrant and textured; a story that still boasts humour and heart: they all rank far higher among this feature's drawcards. So does the fact that this is a lavish historical epic in the Braveheart and Gladiator mould, but about ass-kicking Black women badged "the bloodiest bitches in Africa". Also, while serving up an empowering vision, The Woman King also openly grapples with many difficulties inherent in Dahomey's IRL history (albeit in a mass consumption-friendly, picking-and-choosing manner). It's under the cover of night that Nanisca and the stealthy, feline-quick Agojie first show The Woman King's audience exactly what they're capable of, as camped-out male slavers from the rival Oyo Empire are swiftly and brutally dispensed with during a mission to free abducted Dahomean women. From that vivid opening, the female-led The Woman King on- and off-screen lets viewers know what it, Davis, Prince-Bythewood and their collaborators are capable of, too. Potent, ferocious, mighty: they all fit. When it comes to the film's protagonist, she's fierceness personified, yet also always nuanced. In a role that'll likely garner her award nominations at the very least, to go along with past Oscar nods for Doubt, The Help and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — and her win for Fences — Davis is tremendous in the part, in battle and otherwise, exuding world-weariness, raw strength, and the kind of resilience that's only forged by navigating deep horrors. After the film's initial rescue gambit, the Agojie are down in number. Abandoned to Dahomey's King Ghezo (John Boyega, Small Axe) because she won't marry men who beat her, headstrong Nawi (Mbedu) becomes a new recruit. As the teen trains to become permanently accepted among them, including by the resolute and mischievous Izogie (Lynch) and Amenza (Atim), Nanisca endeavours to bend the ruler's ear about future battles and policies. The Oyo will keep attacking, and keep trying to trade Dahomey's populace into slavery. A Portuguese-Brazilian aristocrat (Hero Fiennes Tiffin, After Ever Happy) knows that he can profit off the Dahomey-Oyo tensions, and gain slaves to hawk along the way. Also, Dahomey itself isn't above selling Africans into subservience themselves. Nanisca has other concerns, too: getting revenge over a heartbreaking chapter of her past, the pain and sacrifice she still bears as a result, and instilling the Agojie's brand of sisterhood in Nawi. The Woman King's title isn't just another way to say 'queen'. Rather, it's a label given by Dahomey's male leader to the woman he sees as his equal in their lands. His preferred wife Shante (Jayme Lawson, The Batman) wants the designation in a firmly regal sense, but the conventions of storytelling and filmmaking mean there's zero doubt that Nanisca deserves the status. Bestowing the moniker is hardly the chief concern to her, Prince-Bythewood or screenwriter Dana Stevens (Fatherhood) — who also shares a story credit with actress Maria Bello (NCIS) — though. Nanisca is still the force to be reckoned with either way, and a compelling figure worthy of the movie's appreciation. So, in a feature about striving for freedom, fairness, parity, progress and justice, as well as countering misogyny, colonialism and greed, and also surviving trauma, consider that title a reminder about the fight for equality, and how female power is perceived and treated — two centuries ago and also now. Slavishly devoted to every single fact, Prince-Bythewood, Stevens and their film aren't. First and foremost, they're committed to their aims, themes and ideas — to being a rousing action flick about the Agojie, primarily; to delving into all that represents; to celebrating strong and skilled women; and to making a movie that truly doesn't otherwise exist — so thinking of its take on the truth as akin to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's is wise. The Woman King doesn't hide this, given that it finds time for long-lost family connections that could've sprung straight from a soap opera, and for a romance between Nawi and the often-shirtless half-Dahomey slaver associate Malik (Jordan Bolger, Tom & Jerry). When everything else in the movie is so stirring, getting loose with reality and throwing in pure emotion-swelling Hollywood inclusions never drags The Woman King down. Indeed, not that they have to here, but the phenomenal quartet that is Davis, Lynch, Mbedu and Atim could lift any material. For all the mastery that ripples from Davis, she's in astonishing company, with all three of her key co-stars turning in weighty, resonant and career-cementing portrayals — Lynch with perceptiveness, Mbedu with volatility, and Atim with both wisdom and comfort. Not that they have to either, but Prince-Bythewood, cinematographer Polly Morgan (Where the Crawdads Sing) and the former's regular editor Terilyn A Shropshire (dating right back to 2000's Love & Basketball) could improve any fray-filled picture as well. When it's in full fight mode, with radiant lighting that adores its cast, plus sharp, visceral, muscular and balletic action choreography, The Woman King is not just electrifying but spectacular. That won't be a surprise to fans of The Old Guard, another riveting feature that saw Prince-Bythewood take on a familiar template, give it a female focus and reinvigorate it. That's a warrior's skill, too, and she's terrific at it.
Queer theatre company The Sisters Grimm have displayed their trashtastic aesthetic in shows with names such as Fat Camp and Cellblock Booty. Now they're marching into the heartland of Australian history, and into the heart of the Melbourne arts precinct in the MTC theatre, with The Sovereign Wife. It sounds like a classic enough tale — the story of a plucky Irishwoman who comes with her husband to the Ballarat Goldfields and under the rigours of colonial life becomes hardened, morally compromised and ultimately transformed. In the hands of the Sisters Grimm, this saga of frontier struggle become a wild romp, an exuberant parody of historical melodrama, with a bent sense of humour that underscores every element of the production. Gags fly thick and fast and contemporary pop culture intrudes at will. The design has a cobbled-together homespun feel, while the performances are outrageous. There are dances, songs and (naturally) a rave sequence. Gender, race and age are completely fluid. There are girls in fake beards and men in frocks. A Chinaman is played by a white guy, a black man by an Asian woman, a white woman by a black man. Cultural stereotypes are appropriated, then blurred and jumbled into a risible mess that mocks the very concept of stereotyping. There’s hilarity galore but underscoring it is a fiercely intelligent interrogation of the Australian identity. All the gender-switching and jumbling of racial stereotypes serves a purpose. Identity is presented as a muddled construct and the symbolic connection to the national psyche is clear. This is at its most salient in the character of the Sovereign Wife herself, who is played by a different performer in each of the three acts, the changes in casting reflecting the development of her character through time and hardship. For all the madcap trappings, for much of the show the story arc is that of classic tragedy and there is considerable narrative force keeping the circus moving. The vision of Australia that forms is unsettling, too uncomfortably close to the bone to be presented in any form other than comedy perhaps. The script, by head sisters Declan Greene and Ash Flanders (who also appears in the play, including one act as the Wife) has lavish helpings of wit and not a skerrick of shame. The diverse and energetic cast give the performance everything. If camp’s your thing, you’ll love the pants off it. If it’s not, well the Sisters might yet win you over. However, it is a very long show. By the third act, it’s starting to run out of storyline and some of the later scenes become stretched to the point of self-indulgence. It never fails to be amusing, though, and ultimately pulls together for an exuberant finale. The Sovereign Wife is also the finale to the NEON festival and it’s exactly the brash, outlandish, fabulous bang the festival deserves to end on. Hurrah, Sisters Grimm, hurrah!
When pink guards approach, little that's good happens. In the first teaser trailer for Squid Game season three, that proves true again. The just-dropped sneak peek at the Netflix hit's third and final season starts with its red-adorned figures carrying a black box — the type used as coffins for players who haven't made it in this life-or-death game. Naturally, everyone decked out in a green tracksuit is curious, as well as apprehensive. It's time to play one last time — or it will be come Friday, June 27, 2025. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) is back in the game. A huge gumball machine is part of the next round, complete with red and blue balls. The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) also makes a return. Expect to hear a baby crying as well. That the deadly contest at the heart of Squid Game just keeps going, continuing to pit new batches of 456 players against each other in a battle to the death to win 45.6 billion won, sits at the heart of the award-winning Netflix series — but will that remain the case now that the show itself is wrapping up? What happens next in Gi-hun's quest to bring down those responsible for the killer competition? If you've watched season two, which dropped on Boxing Day 2024, then these are probably some of your questions already. Fans will also know that Player 456 went back in the game with new fellow competitors for company, then found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. However his efforts pan out this time around, the show's last run will feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. In Squid Game's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returned as the man in the suit, aka the person who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place — and so did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho. That said, a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount, so new faces were always going to be essential. That's where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Check out the first trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
Once you've self-proclaimed your next album as the "album of the life" (see tweet), the next logical step is to create an epic, worldwide premiere party for its release. Well, it is if you're Kanye West (and, really, Kanye is the only person who could pull this off). So for the release of his upcoming album Waves — which was, up until a few hours ago named Swish — he'll be debuting it with a show at Madison Square Garden in NYC on February 11. And he'll be broadcasting the performance live in cinemas around the world. Yep, Kanye is literally going cinematic — and if you're in Melbourne or Sydney, you can get in on the action. Sydney's Hoyts Broadway and Hoyts Melbourne Central have both added listings for Kanye West / Season 3 / Waves which, according Hoyts' synopsis, will feature the "world premiere of the album Waves in its entirety, live from Madison Square Garden". He's also expected to present his new fashion line, Yeezy Season 3 at the show. Both screenings will take place at 8am on Friday, February 12. On Monday, Kanye tweeted a handwritten page detailing the tracklist for the then-Swish, now-Waves album. It's set to be broken into three acts and include collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Sia, Ty Dolla $ign, Vic Mensa and Post Malone. Amazingly, there are still a few tickets left to the screenings, so head over to the Hoyts website to snap some up. This is the greatest album of your whole life, after all.
It's been three years since Spanish-born civil engineer Santiago Seco-Pablos left his career to start a new food business dedicated to the classic bechamel croquetas of his homeland. La Croqueteria has been winning over local fans ever since — and now it's celebrating its third birthday with a one-day pop-up at South Melbourne Market's La Central Deli & Bodega. If hot cheese-filled morsels take your fancy, swing past from 11am on Saturday, April 15 to sink your teeth into some free tastings. La Croqueteria's ever-growing range currently includes varieties like jamon serrano, goat cheese and jalapeno, bacalao (salted cod), and a calamari number that's been dipped in squid ink. Once you've snacked on some samples and selected a few favourite flavours, you'll also find a selection of take-home packs (12-piece boxes and one-kilogram bags) available to buy and stock your freezer with. Deep-fry those croquetas until golden brown and you've got yourself some standout Spanish snacks. Sounds like it's time to start planning a tapas night at your place.
Cyclists, for a long time considered well behind the peloton in the fashion stakes, seem to be catching up. Leading designers are decking them out in fashionable threads, and now the helmet is even starting to look good. Perhaps fuelled by the rise in cycle chic, designers are now rethinking the humble lid and giving it a new look — after all, what’s the point of looking sharp in your $650 jacket if you cap it off with a Stackhat? Designboom have gathered together some of the more interesting takes on the humble helmet. Some simply add some quality materials to the traditional design, others take inspiration from the military, or nature. The more radical ideas start with a blank slate, and end up with something foldable that can be slipped in your handbag or back pocket. They might look great and suit your new outfit perfectly, but many of them wouldn’t meet Australian safety standards. Which is a shame, as it seems that a lot of cyclists would rather be a traffic-victim than a fashion-victim. [via Designboom]
One of modern art's most argued-about works is finally up for auction. Tracey Emin's famously debated 1999 work My Bed is going under the hammer for the very first time, complete with dirty sheets, cigarette butts and condoms. Emin gained notoriety when her work Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995 debuted at a 1997 Charles Saatchi's Sensation exhibition at London's Royal Academy. After getting drunk, going on national TV and getting all sweary, she'd release My Bed two years later to colossal debate. One of modern art's classic "Is this art? What is art? Is this bag of wrenches art?" generators, My Bed is expected to sell between £800,000 and £1.2 million (roughly $1.4 million to $2.2 million) at auction in July. The highly-scrutinised installation is a recreation of Emin's actual bed during a rough time — the artist spent days in the bed during relationship difficulties and dealt with suicidal thoughts. Scattered with paraphenalia from the artist's own bedroom (condoms, menstrual-stained underwear, slippers), My Bed caused controversy not for the collective sum of confrontingly personal items but for the stains on the sheets. Gallery-goers saw the traces of bodily secretion as a little too human. "It's a self-portrait, but not one that people would like to see," Emin said. "I took everything out of my bedroom and made it into an installation," Emin said. "And when I put it into a white space, for some people it became quite shocking. But I just thought it looked like a damsel in distress, like a woman fainting or something, needing to be helped." The new owners might be able to recreate the work of two performance artists, Yuan Chai and Jian Jun Xi, who jumped on Emin's bed in a performance creatively titled Two Naked Men Jump into Tracey's Bed. Most interestingly will be the conditions under which the new owner must actually display My Bed. Previously (when not displayed in a gallery setting) the work has been on display at the home of its owner Charles Saatchi. As The Guardian reports, the work — a flurry of seemingly random miscellany — has very meticulous installation instructions. "It's a very complicated piece to put together," Director of Cadogan Tate Fine Art Stephen Glynn says. "It comes with a dossier of photographs of every object, and a list of where exactly everything needs to go." A bit like an Ikea instruction manual, then? "A bit. You're certainly trying to make sure that everything goes in the right place." Displayed at the Tate Modern in 1999, My Bed was shortlisted for the Turner Prize that year. Christies will put the Saatchi-owned work to auction, with proceeds going straight back to the Saatchi Gallery — the team are moving to make the gallery have free admission. Via Reuters and The Guardian.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins stitches past and present — four restored frontages on a storied corner outside, bold colour and layered storytelling within. The mood lands somewhere between gallery and hideaway: Mondrian blues nod to the city's street signs, while monkey motifs wink at E.W. Cole's legendary Book Arcade. A sculptural spiral staircase coils up through a cathedral-like atrium, where a circular bar offers front-row seats to a three-storey "cabinet of curiosities" by artist Lisa King. The palette swings from polished brass and jewel tones to exposed heritage bones, with intimate lobby nooks, a light-filled internal courtyard and a quietly social buzz that suits both staycays and work trips. Rooms and suites keep the narrative going without skimping on comfort. Expect free Wi-Fi and Chromecast-enabled TVs, mini bars stocked with Little Lon Gin and graphic maps that mark your exact laneway location. Design touches layer history with play — terrazzo tables made from recycled Skyy Vodka bottles, brass accents and gem-like stools — and a handful of balcony rooms overlook Little Collins for golden-hour people-watching. At Hotel Indigo, you're well and truly in the thick of it — theatres, galleries and shopping at the door, trams to the NGV, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the MCG within easy reach. There's a compact fitness centre for a quick sweat, a 12-seat meeting room for private dinners or brainstorms, and direct access to the refreshed Melbourne Walk precinct below, home to a mega JD Sports and pop-culture favourite Pop Mart (and adjacent MECCA flagship). The Hotel Indigo ethos is all about embodying its neighbourhood — and here on Little Collins Street, that means heritage facades, laneway attitude and a design language that reads like a love letter to the CBD. It's character over cookie-cutter, with enough creature comforts to make lingering feel inevitable.
After making his fortune at the card tables as a professional gambler, David Walsh launched MONA as something to give back to the community. Three years later it's become a national icon, boosted Tasmania's economy and given rise to one of Australia's best festivals. Now, despite labelling gambling as "mostly immoral", Walsh has plans in the works to build a mini-casino at his much-loved Tasmanian gallery. Yes, this is confusing. In its defence, Walsh's vision for the space goes far beyond the sad state of affairs you see on an average night at Star City or Crown. Designed for the more refined gambler, the space would be "a little high-roller, tourist-only, no-pokie casino". The entire operation would consist of nothing more than 12 cards tables. Basically, it'd be the perfect place for Bond villains to hang out should they ever find themselves in Australia. To add to this eye-patch wearing, cigar-puffing, international art smuggling cartel theme, Walsh has stated he would call the casino Monaco. While a cute play on the gallery name, the choice could also be a knowing wink at the ritzy Monte Carlo casino the nation is known for — a site coincidentally used in many Bond movies. Regardless, these plans have a long hard road to becoming a reality. At present, the Federal Group (owners of Wrest Point Casino) have an exclusive license on casino operations in Tasmania and Walsh's plans would require an overturning of the license by the state government. Walsh has reportedly made initial contact but is sceptical about his chances. At one point, the MONA owner was banned from Wrest Point for card counting. If the plans were to go through, the gallery would undoubtedly enjoy a large boost in funds. At the very least it would be an un unconventional solution to the impending cuts to Australia's arts industries and a welcome salvation for Walsh himself who has bankrolled the gallery since its inception. But honestly, the outlook doesn't look great. You can't blame an eccentric, art-loving millionaire for chasing the dream. Via The Guardian and The Mercury.
The last two years might have been a little lighter on travel adventures than we're used to, but if you're keen to make up for lost time, Visit Victoria has come up with a beaut excuse to escape the city and hit the road again. It's just unveiled its latest touring off-grid accommodation experience championing the regions — a tiny home stay for two by the name of Stella the Stargazer. Similarly to Visit Victoria's Wine Down Pop-Up Hotel, which launched in mid 2019, Stella won't be tying herself down to just one location. Rather, she'll move between three idyllic regional settings for eight weeks at a time, starting with a sojourn at Maffra's Blue Gables vineyard from Friday, October 14. [caption id="attachment_869901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blue Gables Vineyard, Maffra[/caption] After its Gippsland stint, the environmentally sensitive pop-up will relocate to a spot along the Great Ocean Road for a couple of months, before seeing out its last leg nestled against the mountainous backdrop of the Grampians in April and May, 2023. The accommodation itself is a study in simple luxury, the off-grid tiny home the work of Port Fairy-based design and manufacture crew Ample. Inviting you to switch off, unplug and recharge, without forgoing comfort, it's kitted out with a queen-sized bed, complete with threads from Weave Home Australia, Society of Wanderers and Grampians Goods Co. There's a roll-out sleeping platform that's primed for stargazing, an indulgent shower surrounded by adjustable glass louvres designed to envelop you in the natural surroundings, and a central wood fire that doubles as a hotplate for cooking. Glass sliding doors open onto the modular deck and fire pit, and you'll find plenty of local wares featured throughout; from crockery, to Dindi Naturals toiletries. Meanwhile, famed chef Alejandro Saravia (Farmer's Daughters, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters) will ensure you're dining like royalty, with guests enjoying a curated welcome hamper, a bottle of wine and breakfast provisions showcasing top local produce. A dinner experience is also available to add on to your stay. Stella the Stargazer will make her home in Maffra, Gippsland, from October 14–December 15, 2022. She'll then stop in a new location along the Great Ocean Road from February 3–April 6, 2023, before moving to the Grampians from April 17–June 18, 2023. Rates are $330 per night Monday–Thursday, and $390 per night Friday–Sunday.
We've seen plenty of iPhone camera extensions before but this one takes the cake. Don't go wild just yet – it's still only in concept stage – but with the optical zoom of a Leica lens combined with the functionality of the Apple iPhone, the Leica i9 is sure to take iPhoneography to new heights. This week Black Design Associates announced the Leica i9 concept, which lets you slip your iPhone 4 into a Leica camera casing. The result? A point and shoot camera with internal flash memory, a 12.1 megapixel sensor and 8x optical zoom. In developing the concept, BDA asked the question: "How do you combine a great smart phone with a great digital camera when your brands may speak to very different categories?" BDA approached the brief with the strategy of compliment without compromise, allowing the strengths of both Apple and Leica products to shine through in tandem. Sweet features of the Leica i9 include: Camera/iPhone Toggle: turns on your camera with an instant start-up time of 0.3 seconds, while simultaneously loading the Leica app on your iPhone 4 Flash and Light Meter: offers higher quality photos and videos in low-light conditions Camera Back Dock: harks back to traditional 35mm film, the back swinging open like a traditional film door to reveal the standard Apple 30-pin connector dock [Via Engadget]
No matter your feelings on the ideal timeline between Boxing Day shopping and Easter treats hitting the shelves, March has arrived and those babies are coming in hot like a certain glazed fruit bun. And this year, you've got a boozy new offering to add to your Easter shopping list — a Hot Cross Rum from family-run Margaret River distillery The Grove. The small-batch sip has been hand-crafted using The Grove's four-year barrel-aged dark rum, then housed in an American Oak former bourbon barrel. Raisins, oranges and a bunch of warm spices are left to steep, before the rum's given a final infusion of classic hot cross bun flavours including cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. [caption id="attachment_845050" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Freedom Garvey-Warr[/caption] At the end, you've got a warm, rich, festive-tasting spirit, packed with notes of caramelised raisin, vanilla and cinnamon, with a lingering fruity finish. A 40-percent ABV hot cross bun in a glass, if you like. The Grove team recommends you sip their new creation neat; with a hot buttered Easter bun on the side for full effect, of course. Word is, it's also a solid match to a cheese board or dessert. Just 240 bottles of the Hot Cross Rum have been made, available now to pre-order with Australia-wide delivery happening this month, just in time for Easter. The Hot Cross Rum marks the first of The Grove's new Collector's Series of limited-edition spirits, so expect plenty more creative rum releases to follow. The Grove's Hot Cross Rum is available to pre-order via the website, at RRP $100 for a 500ml bottle.
Earlier this year, Melburnians scored another excuse to hit the water, with GoBoat splashing into town. After launching its eco-friendly picnic boats in cities all over Europe, the Danish company made the leap to Australia, giving punters a fun new way to cruise the Yarra. And, thanks to a new move, you now can hop onboard from the CBD. When GoBoat's vessels first arrived, the company was setting sail out of Docklands. If you're keen for a day on the river, you can now grab a boat from Banana Alley near Flinders Street Station. GoBoat has just secured a ten-year berthing arrangement with Parks Victoria, which means that it won't be shifting again anytime soon, either. Aimed at making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk, the outfit's Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles. Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, boasting a central picnic table with room for eight people (and all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your post-holiday budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will cost you less than $15 per person, per hour. That's $109 hourly in total, or $189 for two hours, $269 for three hours, $349 for four hours, $429 for five hours and $509 for six hours. Yes, you can really make a whole day of it. Bookings are currently available until the end of March, with timeslots available in 15-minute increments from 11am. The boats required to be returned by sunset, with the specific time obviously changing with the seasons. Oh, and did we mention they're pet-friendly? Surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt. For more information about GoBoat, or to make a booking, visit the service's website. Images: Lean Timms.
One balmy day this summer, a normally quiet pocket of Abbotsford is set to come alive, as it plays host to a rollicking, tune-filled block party. On February 2, Duke Street will be putting on quite the show, with resident businesses opening their doors for a series of one-off activations. Enjoy crafty brews and live, local tunes at Moon Dog Brewery, a local design showcase at Hub Furniture, motorbike workshops at Kustom Kommune, freshly roasted coffee courtesy of Bureaux Coffee Roasters, plus plenty more. You'll also find an assortment of pop-up dining spaces, slinging specialty food and cocktails to fuel the day's fun. Meanwhile, touring agency Crown Ruler and Melbourne collective Untitled Group — the peeps behind Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Ability Fest — are teaming up to deliver one heck of a music lineup, with a main stage overlooking Yarra Bend bushland and a second making its home in a carpark. Dishing up a broad range of musical goodness will be USA synth-funk darling Evelyn Champagne King, along with Mondo Freaks, a DJ set from UK legends Floating Points, and London-based selector John Gómez. They'll be joined by a swag of local favourites, including Total Giovanni, Nasty Mars & The Martians, Cassettes For Kids and Brooke Powers. Duke Street Block Party will run from 12pm–10pm. Pre-sale tickets will be released at 5pm on Thursday, December 20 — signup for them here — with general tickets at 12pm on Friday, December 21.
We can't yet zipline around the entire world, though it does sound like something Elon Musk might dream up. We can, however, come up with an increasingly impressive holiday itinerary by touring the globe's scenic zipline spots. From this week, the Grand Canyon joins the list. Zooming along tightly stretched cables is already a reality at the world's longest zipline opening at Jebel Jais in the United Arab Emirates and across Dubai's skyline. London recently had one, currently letting locals and visitors fly across the city, as did Sydney did, stretching between two skyscrapers 75 metres above Circular Quay. Seeing the Grand Canyon from such lofty heights is now on offer at Grand Canyon West, at the Hualapai Ranch in Arizona, reaching 300 metres above the floor of the rock formation. Capable of accommodating 350,000 visitors each year, two ziplines have been strung across the natural wonder, one measuring 335 metres and the other spanning 640 metres while traversing a steeper run. Each consists of four steel cables running side-by-side, which means that groups can enjoy the experience together. Riders will reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. For those planning a high-adrenaline sight-seeing stint as part of their next US trip, tickets cost AU$115, with the zipline operating from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. The ziplines join the resort's helicopter tours and 1.2-kilometre-high skywalk among its sky-high attractions. Via PR Newswire.
Replacing traditional gin ingredients with homegrown delights such as Australian lemon myrtle, pepperberry, lavender and cassia, the Fossey's team can be found hand-foraging and hand-bottling its gins in Mildura, the largest settlement in the Sunraysia region (aka the land of grapes and oranges). Fossey's Navel Strength Gin Elixir has won awards at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards; it's a drop that's packed full of juniper berries, ginger and — you guessed it — citrus. It has four times the amount of citrus than the distillery's regular gin: a nod to how historically, navy sailors would sip, squeeze and scrounge for oranges to keep scurvy at bay. Mark this one down on your 'someday' map — you might be somewhere near Mildura at some point and the bar would make a welcome pitstop, what with its gin and whisky tasting paddles, and its impressive lineup of cocktails. Otherwise, you can order a bottle of Fossey's online from $75.
Decking the halls with boughs of holly — or whatever other jolly decorations you like — is a standard way to celebrate Christmas. Enjoying a holiday in a caravan decked out like a seasonal dream? That isn't, but you can add it to your list this November. You will need to adore the merriest time of year, obviously. And you'll have to be keen to take an early festive getaway in New South Wales as well. Your Christmas tree-, fairy light- and festive ornament-filled home away from home? Tillie, aka the Christmas caravan, which is available to book via RV rental site Camplify. The service set up shop in Australia a few years back now, and has treated holidaymakers to gin-themed caravans before — but now it's time to take a getaway that's all about Christmas. A vintage caravan that leans into its retro vibe, Tillie sleeps four, and is available at your choice of three Reflections Holiday Parks in NSW: Hawks Nest, Jimmys Beach and Seal Rocks. Whichever one you pick, you'll be paying $125 per night, and the van will be delivered to your chosen site — all decorated, of course — for you. Inside the van, expect those ornaments aplenty. Outside — where it's recommended that you kick back as the sun goes down — fairy lights and Christmas garlands will be wrapped around Tillie. And, you'll even find a wreath on the back of the van, too. No one will be saying "bah, humbug!" here, clearly. You do need to commit to a four-night stay at a minimum, so no need to rush your festive holiday. Also, there's an $80 service fee — and while delivering Tillie to Hawks Nest and Jimmys Beach is free, there's an extra $100 cost for Seal Rocks. All three sites sit along the coast, turning your time with Tillie into a beachy Christmas jaunt. At Hawks Nest, you'll find yourself between Bennett's Beach and the village of Hawks Nest, and also in the vicinity of Port Stephens and Nelson Bay. At Jimmys Beach, you'll be in NSW's Great Lakes region. And at Seal Rocks, a mid-north coast escape awaits. To book Tillie throughout November — with prices from $125 per day, and rentals available at Reflections Holiday Parks at Hawks Nest, Jimmys Beach and Seal Rocks — visit the Camplify website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Icon alert: in a year that's already bringing everyone from Kraftwerk, Devo and Paul McCartney to Sparks, Ms Lauryn Hill and Christina Aguilera Australia's way, Chaka Khan is also heading Down Under. The American singer and ten-time Grammy-winner will headline the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, putting on a one-night-only Aussie-exclusive show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. And joining her onstage? Nile Rodgers & Chic while they're in the country for Harvest Rock. That evening of tunes will be all about icons teaming up with icons, clearly. Khan — aka the Queen of Funk — will celebrate five decades in the music industry with talents that've been around just as long. Among the Chicago-born singer's hits: 'I'm Every Woman', which was later covered by Whitney Houston; the Prince-penned 'I Feel for You'; and 'Ain't Nobody' with her funk band Rufus. Rodgers and Chic will bust out 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times', and also revel in their own hefty history. And, there's also the former's prowess as a guitarist to relish — which has seen him pop up on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. As a writer and producer, too, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Khan, Rodgers and Chic will be supported by Kaiit and Horns of Leroy at their six-hour opening-weekend show, which will help launch MIFJ's 26th festival. Running from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne, the rest of the fest's lineup spans more than 100 events, with 11 world premieres and ten Australian-exclusive performances on that list. Lisa Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, will take to Hamer Hall's stage to sing her mother's songs, while the Hot 8 Brass Band will host and lead the Second Line Street Party, a New Orleans jazz parade along the Yarra, Southbank and into Fed Square. The fest's international contingent is bringing Cécile McLorin Salvant, Makaya McCraven, GoGo Penguin and SFJAZZCollective to Melbourne as well, alongside trumpeters Marquis Hill and Ingrid Jensen. Also on offer: Raw Denshi, with the Australian Art Orchestra teaming up with Japanese hip hop's Kojoe and Hikaru Tanaka — and a collaboration featuring William Barton's didgeridoo sounds and Nduduzo Makhathini's jazz stylings. Or, jazz fans can hit up Federation Square to see Bumpy Thndo and Rita Satch play for free, then get their toes tapping to Afrobeat at Beasts of No Nation, where 87-year-old Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will make his Australian debut. Throw in Australian names such as Elixir and Paul Grabowsky AO, Chapel Off Chapel hosting five days of jazz, JazzLab in Brunswick welcoming late-night jams, and outdoor dining and tunes at Grazeland, and this hefty program keeps throwing up more and more reasons to attend. The 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne. Head to the festival's website for further details, and for tickets from 8am on Tuesday, August 29.
In Mark Wahlberg's performances, men are patriotic heroes and fun-loving dads. With his Funky Bunch and Boogie Nights days long behind him, that's the image he's been cultivating on-screen of late. The actor's resume has become littered with gung-ho action and family-friendly comedies — Patriot's Day, Mile 22 and Transformers sequels on one side; a pair of Daddy's Home movies and now Instant Family on the other. As different as the two might seem, both types of film basically allow him to play the same character. He doesn't disappear into his roles or make every part feel distinctive, but simply adds to his particular portrait of masculinity. While Wahlberg might hunt down terrorists in one flick, battle shape-shifting robots in another and then face the challenges of being a father in the next, he's really just painting the same picture one movie at a time. Instant Family, Wahlberg's latest all-ages affair, slides seamlessly into his recent filmography. As for the actor, he steps into the shoes of Pete Wagner, a take-charge kind of guy who renovates and sells houses for a profit with his wife Ellie (Rose Byrne). The couple's life is comfortable and happy, but they've fallen into a rut. So, being at the age where everyone comments about their lack of kids, they start thinking about helping children in need. Approaching becoming foster parents like they're remodelling a rundown home, the pair considers their new task a spiritual and emotional revamp. And the arrival of teenager Lizzy (Isabela Moner) and her siblings Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and Lita (Julianna Gamiz) goes smoothly at first; in fact, Pete and Ellie are initially pretty pleased with themselves. It's easy to see why Instant Family appealed to Wahlberg, who gets to play another tough but tender everyman facing a challenge, looking out for his family and doing what his type of guy does. That said, there's more to this specific story, with the film inspired by the life of director and foster parent Sean Anders. There's an evident ring of truth to many of the movie's scenes — the awkwardness of adoption fairs, where potential caregivers browse for kids like they might a new pet, coo over cute tykes and steer clear of teenagers, provides just one example. Anders hasn't come up with an offbeat scenario solely for laughs, and it shows in the script penned with his regular co-writer John Morris. Certainly, the authentic side of Instant Family shines through on occasion. It definitely shines brighter than the picture's unremarkable imagery. But Anders also wrote and directed the broad, formulaic Daddy's Home and its equally grating follow-up, and he's not giving up his by-the-numbers ways yet. As a result, Instant Family is a movie with its heart firmly in the right spot, yet it doesn't trust that audiences will buy in without the expected array of physical mishaps, kids saying the darnedest things and adults getting frustrated in the usual cliched manner. It's a film that feels caught between what it wants to say and what it needs to be — and while supporting actors Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro bring genuine comedic chops to the more overt comic moments, the movie just can't reconcile its various parts. Think the Bad Neighbours flicks, but pitting new parents against actual children in a kid-friendly fashion. Think the aforementioned Daddy's Home duo, too, but much less stale and more sincere. Instant Family is never as entertaining as the first set of films or as excruciating as the second, and if you prefer the former to the latter, Byrne is obviously here to help. Like her co-lead, she's doing something that she's done before, however the Aussie actor never makes her character feel like a stock-standard part. That she manages such a feat while being saddled with some of the movie's most routine material — playing a thirty-something woman who suddenly gets maternal and regrets her life decisions, namely — confirms why she's one of today's great, often underrated comedic performers. When it comes to enlivening an otherwise run-of-the-mill role, Wahlberg might want to take note. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCWHr6AUxwI
Three months have passed in 2023, but Marvel fans have only enjoyed one chance to get their caped-crusader fix so far. The ever-sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe is reportedly set to keep spreading at a slower rate from now on, in fact; however, both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Secret Invasion are on their way — and soon. The latter joins the MCU's small-screen slate, alongside WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms Marvel and She-Hulk. The focus: Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury. The Director of SHIELD and creator of the Avengers Initiative acted as the connective tissue between most of the big-screen franchise's early instalments — if Jackson didn't show up in a Marvel movie back then, was it really a Marvel movie? — but it's taken 15 years since first appearing in the post-credits scene of the original Iron Man for him to gain the spotlight in his own adventure. Secret Invasion itself has been in the works for some time, after first being announced back in 2020, and also dropping a debut trailer in 2022. Now, it finally has a release date: Wednesday, June 21. Mark your diaries, then get excited by checking out the show's latest trailer, which goes heavy on the looming war. The six-episode show will reteam with Fury as a battle is imminent with the shapeshifting Skrulls, Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother) keeps asking help and his popularity within the MCU is waning. Plenty of other familiar faces pop up, too: Australia's own Ben Mendelsohn (Cyrano) returning as Talos after Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home, Don Cheadle (The Wonder Years) as War Machine and Martin Freeman (Breeders) as the CIA's Everett Ross. Will their characters really show up? Or will we really be seeing Skrull impersonators? Obviously, that'll only be answered when Secret Invasion arrives. Because every actor ever has to fit into the MCU at some point, the above cast is joined by a few other huge names as well: Olivia Colman (Empire of Light), Emilia Clarke (Last Christmas) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami). The story clearly ties into Captain Marvel, which is proving a launching pad for more than a few recent and upcoming MCU chapters, such as streaming's Ms Marvel and big-screen release The Marvels — which teams up Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Just Mercy), Ms Marvel (Iman Vellani) and WandaVision's Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris, Candyman), and also arrives this year, in November. Fury, and therefore Jackson, did appear in two episodes of the Agents of SHIELD TV show in 2013 and 2014, so this isn't the character's first small-screen outing. Behind the scenes, Kyle Bradstreet (Mr Robot) created Secret Invasion, and writes and executive produces. Check out the latest trailer for Secret Invasion below: Secret Invasion will stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, June 21. Images: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.
Over the past six months, Fleabag picked up six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, becoming the most-acclaimed TV comedy of the past year. Sadly, that isn't enough to inspire Phoebe Waller-Bridge to make more episodes of the hit show — but for everyone lamenting the Fleabag-sized hole in their lives, the multi-talented Brit has a new project landing soon. She has a couple, actually. Waller-Bridge helped write the script for upcoming Bond flick No Time to Die, which is no small feat. If you're keen to see her on-screen, however, then you'll want to add Run to your must-watch pile. Waller-Bridge executive produces and pops up among the cast, with Vicky Jones — the director of her Fleabag stage show, and a script editor on Fleabag's first TV season — writing and producing the series. Hitting HBO in the US in mid-April, with release dates Down Under yet to be revealed, Run spends time with ex-lovers Ruby Richardson (Unbelievable's Merritt Wever) and Billy Johnson (Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker's Domhnall Gleeson). They dated in college and, 17 years ago, they made a pact. First, one of them has to text the word 'run' whenever they feel like it. Next, the other has to respond the same way. After that, they both have to drop everything, step away from their everyday lives and meet at Grand Central Station, then travel across the America together. For Ruby, that means escaping her monotonous existence and leaving her husband (Mad Men's Rich Sommer) at home. As for what happens next, the just-released first trailer gives a sneak peek. Expect plenty of chatty train trips, as well as both tension and laughs — with HBO badging the series as a romantic-comedy thriller. And if you're wondering about Waller-Bridge, she plays Laurel, a woman who Ruby and Billy meet on their journey. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=_jwEiXdJGKM&feature=emb_logo Run starts screening in the US from Sunday, April 12, with air dates Down Under yet to be announced — we'll update you when local details come to hand. Image: Ken Woroner/HBO.
Good times are coming Down Under in October, and disco-soul hit 'Good Times', too. As well as locking in spots at 2023's Harvest Rock in Adelaide and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nile Rodgers & Chic are doing their own headline tour. Ah, Melburnians, get ready to freak out at their headlining gig on Sunday, October 29 at the Forum — with tickets on sale at 11am on Thursday, September 28. Not only 'Good Times' but also 'Le Freak' is certain to get a whirl when the one and only Rodgers takes to the stage with the group that he co-founded more than five decades ago. Also on their recent setlists: Chic tracks 'Everybody Dance', 'Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)' and 'I Want Your Love'. [caption id="attachment_916215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Marshall via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Mention Chic and Rodgers instantly springs to mind; however, as a guitarist, the latter is in a league of his own. You'll also know his work on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. And as a writer and producer, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Accordingly, Nile Rodgers & Chic gigs are known to bust out tracks from across Rodgers' career beyond Chic. Cue 'Get Lucky' and its earworm of a guitar riff, both 'Let's Dance' and the always-delightful 'Modern Love' by Bowie, and also a Madonna double of 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'. Because Rodgers and late, great fellow Chic member Bernard Edwards were involved in writing, composing and/or producing them, Diana Ross' 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down' also get a spin, plus Sister Sledge's 'He's the Greatest Dancer' and 'We Are Family'.
Tucked away deep in Cheltenham's bustling industrial area, Bambam Eatery is a light-filled, family-run cafe boasting a mostly vegan menu that changes almost daily. The oft-rotating menu is thanks to the super-fresh produce on the menu, which is sourced by Bambam owner Evan Georgopoulos and his father Angelo from Moorabbin Wholesale Farmers Fresh Market in the morning before the cafe opens. "We have a core menu of sandwiches and bagels," says Evan."But the rest is whatever is in season at the time. We have a really honest relationship with our fruit and vegetable vendor and we are not price-driven. If avocado isn't right on the day, we won't put it on the menu." Created by Evan and his mum Maria, the menu is described as "accidentally mostly vegan". And while the noticeable lack of meat wasn't on purpose, the duo hopes it'll help to break misconceptions about vegan food. "Veganism has come a really long way," says Evan. "People once thought vegan food was lacking in flavour, but, now, people eat our menu and are surprised to realise what they're eating has no meat in it. It has been really exciting to watch." [caption id="attachment_743145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] When Evan and the team aren't sourcing produce from the market, they're teaming up with local makers like Bromley's Bread and Huff Bagelry to ensure every element on the plate is locally sourced. Which also includes Bambam's vibrant house-made hot sauce. Those visiting for a quick lunch fix can grab a Really Good Sh**t ($12) poppyseed bagel loaded with smoked trout, cream cheese and pickles, or a PB & Maple Bagel ($10) oozing with banana and crunchy peanut butter. More vegan-friendly options include the Green Dreamz ($15) — a delightful treasure trove of charred, seasonal vegetables — and the Fal#fels ($15) special, served up with labneh, pickled vegetables and plenty of chilli. If you do eat meat, though, there's plenty on the menu for you, too, including the Bad + Boujee bowl ($16), packed with the aforementioned smoky hot sauce, 'njuda, creamy hummus, roast butternut pumpkin soft eggs and sourdough — and the Number TwentyFive ($12), the cafe's take on a B&E roll made with pork belly, a fried egg and XO mayo. [caption id="attachment_743141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Evan and Maria Georgopoulos by Julia Sansone[/caption] Aside from food, sustainability is another passion of the Georgopoulos family. The cafe is powered by solar panels, is a plastic-free business and the team makes cold-pressed juices in house. "We work in a closed loop as much as possible," explains Evan. "We serve up our coffee in Huskee Cups (made from the husks of coffee beans) and our used coffee grounds are turned into compost. We're also working on some other products that minimise waste and our customers can take home with them — watch this space." From October 4, Bambam will keep its doors open past 4pm every Friday for after-work knockoffs. Inspired by Italian aperitivo hours, After Dark will star cocktails and share plates to "butter you up" before the weekend begins. Find Bambam Eatery at 132 Keys Road, Cheltenham. It's open from Monday–Friday 7am–3.30pm and Saturday 8am–2.30pm. Top images: Julia Sansone
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next escape. In this instalment, we go to The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart, Tasmania, where you'll encounter hundreds of artworks adorning the walls, views of the harbour and boutique interiors with exposed timber beams and walls of hand-cut stone that nod to the building's former life as a waterfront jam factory. Stay here as part of one of our curated itineraries on Concrete Playground Trips that includes a four-nights stay with daily breakfast included, scenic flights for two over Wineglass Bay, and Posh Pit tickets to MONA. Book it now. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Located in the Hunter Street precinct, this building is one of the oldest waterfront warehouses in Hobart named for the one-time building owner who started working in the former jam factory as a 12-year-old kid, working his way up the ranks until he eventually took over the business and ultimately made the jam trade his bitch. While art hotels are no longer new-news, the Henry Jones does has the claim to fame as Australia's first dedicated art hotel and the extensive collection of works and ongoing artist in residence program upholds its place as a leader within the onslaught of art-devoted stays that has followed. There are some 400 artworks throughout the property with a strong representation of emerging Tasmanian artists. Stroll the hallways, guest rooms, drinking and dinings options and public spaces, including The Packing Room Gallery, which hosts a roster of themed exhibitions. THE ROOMS At the Henry Jones Art Hotel no two rooms are the same. Organic materials, tones and polished timber meets rich accents of primary colours and thoughtfully curated decor in each of the hotel's lodgings. In many rooms, large harbour-facing windows let in natural light to show off sleek contemporary design elements amid the building's original features. Like much of Hobart, it's a collision of old and new influences. As for the details: luxurious bedding, original artworks and beautifully-appointed modern bathrooms complete with ample fluffy white towels. There's also the requisite free wifi and in-room coffee machine, and in some rooms you'll find an ultra-deep Kohler bath tub for soaking between strolls and sampling the sensational local dining scene. FOOD AND DRINK Speaking of dining, the in-house offering is a step above your usual hotel lobby bar. There's the IXL Long Bar, for innovative cocktails and snacks. At the front of the hotel is the Landscape Restaurant and Grill with a menu by Head Chef Nathaniel Embrey designed around the Asado grill and inspired by the region's exceptional local produce and artworks of legendary landscape artist John Glover that surrounds diners. Then there's the hero of the lineup: Peacock & Jones. Culinary Curator Ben Milbourne (chef and former Masterchef Australia contestant) and Head Chef Julian Volkmer (MONA) have crafted a menu that celebrates the very best of seasonal Tasmanian produce from sea urchin to truffles. And, of course, the drinks program showcases a carefully considered selection of Tasmanian wines, whiskies and spirits. [caption id="attachment_869996" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maria Island[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA It's no secret that we are serious devotees to all that Tasmania's got on offer. Here's a quick guide to some of our Hobart favourites, and a more comprehensive exploration of all the flavours of Tassie can be found here. Head to The Henry Jones Art Hotel website to book a stay or, if you'd rather we sort your itinerary for you, book our curated Bucket-List Hobart Getaway here.
If you're missing travel as much as we are, you're probably spending your days dreaming of faraway destinations — and binge watching every single travel show on Netflix. But, Australian intrastate borders are beginning to open, which means it's time to start planning a local getaway. And we found a way to do this that won't cost you a cent. Surf fashion brand Roxy is giving two Aussies the chance to win a free trip to absolutely any beach in the country. Maybe you could head to New South Wales' Cabarita Beach — Tourism Australia's best beach for 2020 — or The Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in the world (multiple times). Whether you're after white sands and sparkling blue waters, secluded spots hidden away from the hustle and bustle or legendary stretches of surf, Australia has it. You just need to choose the beach you want to visit. [caption id="attachment_785976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach in The Whitsundays[/caption] To enter, head over to the competition website and describe, in 25 words or less, your all-time favourite Aussie beach, and what makes it so bloody great. You'll also have to subscribe to the Roxy mailing list, but we reckon that's a small price to pay. If you win, Roxy will organise the flights, accommodation and hire car to your chosen destination — and you'll get a $500 gift card to spend on some new beachy threads. And don't worry about COVID-19 restrictions when choosing your beach — Roxy will honour the prize until it's fully safe to travel anywhere in Australia. The competition closes on Saturday, October 31, though, so best get on it. Roxy's Request a Beach competition run until Saturday, October 31. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Apologies to your usual streaming queue — and to everything from the past month you're still trying to catch up with, too — but if you're a horror fan, there's only one acceptable way to spend your viewing time during October. Filling every spare second with unnerving flicks new and old is what the lead up to Halloween is all about. Scary movies work all year round, of course, but this is their season. Here's one to add to your list for your next couch session: Jordan Peele's Nope, the comedian-turned-filmmaker's third stint behind the camera, and a movie that's just as great as his Oscar-winning Get Out and equally exceptional Us. Yep, when it comes to making the leap from an iconic sketch comedy series to helming horror fare — and having a hand in bringing everything from BlacKkKlansman and the ace latest Candyman flick to Hunters and Lovecraft Country to our eyeballs, too — the former Key & Peele has been having a helluva time of it. Nope only hit cinemas in mid-August, and it's actually still showing on the big screen — so it joins the list of films that've been fast-tracked to digital while still gracing picture palaces. That's no longer a rarity, given that everything from Dune, The Matrix Resurrections, Spencer and West Side Story through to Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and Elvis have done the same thing this year. Still, the timing of this digital release couldn't be better, especially if you've spent the first few days of October working out which chilling movies you're going to enjoy all month. The film reteams Peele with Get Out star and Judas and the Black Messiah Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya, with the latter playing Haywood's Hollywood Horses trainer OJ. His family ranch is proudly run by the only Black-owned horse trainers in show business (with Hustlers' Keke Palmer as his sister Emerald), with their connection to the industry dating back to the very birth of cinema. But their remote patch of inland California soon becomes home to a disturbing discovery — and the fact that everyone spends a fair amount of time either looking up in horror or running away from something chilling in the sky in the trailers says plenty. Emerald decides that they need to capture what's happening on film, which is where Michael Wincott (Veni Vidi Vici) and Brandon Perea (The OA) come in — one charged with standing behind the lens, the other selling tech equipment. And, the Haywoods aren't the only California residents seeing this uncanny presence in the sky, with neighbour, rodeo cowboy and former child star Ricky 'Jupe' Park (Steven Yeun, The Humans) also peering upwards. As with all of Peele's celluloid nightmares so far, the less you know going in, the better. Get ready for a whirlwind of unsettling imagery, though, including fields of colourful inflatable tube men waving in the breeze, the creepiest of clouds and shadows, and a big leap into X-Files territory. Check out the full trailer for Nope below: Nope is currently screening in Australian cinemas (and NZ cinemas), and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video in Australia, and Neon, Google Play and iTunes in NZ. Read our full review.
Live in New South Wales, Victoria or Queensland? Craving a doughnut right about now? There's a very good reason for those hunger pangs. All three states have been affected by Melbourne's latest COVID-19 cluster — the one that saw the city go into lockdown for two weeks, and only just ended — but today, Friday, June 11, the country's entire east coast has recorded zero new locally acquired cases. Yes, it's a doughnut day across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and across the rest of their states as well. Twelve months or so ago, if you uttered that term, you were probably using it in the literal sense between mouthfuls. Thanks to the chaos of the past year, however, the term now refers to this welcome COVID-19 milestone. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1403120157711605764 All three states use slightly different timeframes when it comes to their 24-hour reporting periods — NSW cuts off at 8pm the previous day, for instance, while Victoria counts up until midnight — but the results are the same regardless. In Melbourne, it's the first zero day since the current cluster began. So, it's the first since Monday, May 24. Obviously, with lockdown just finishing last night, that nice round figure is very happy news. While neither Queensland or NSW have had big case numbers lately, the big fat zero is still significant there as well. On Wednesday, it was revealed that two people from Melbourne had driven through NSW and Queensland to the Sunshine Coast, with one then testing positive. The second person then tested positive on Thursday. https://twitter.com/qldhealthnews/status/1403182248707256320 At the moment, Victoria has 75 active cases, which includes both locally acquired and those in hotel quarantine. NSW has 26 cases being treated at present — and in Queensland there is currently 15 cases. Of course, this doesn't mean the war is over in any of the three states, or around Australia — but it is a very welcome development after the past few days and weeks. For more information about COVID-19 in NSW and current restrictions, head to NSW Health. For more information about COVID-19 in Victoria, head over to the Department of Health website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in the Queensland, visit the Qld COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
A cucumber is more or less responsible for Andrew Mowbray's obsession with the gourd. Wandering around his garden one fateful morning, he made a rather unusual discovery. Between his fence and a tree, a cucumber was growing, but as a result of being squashed on both sides, it looked more like a hard, green pancake - 'pressed flat with rounded edges and completely trapped'. Finding the form 'formally interesting' and 'architecturally amazing', he started thinking about how he might be able to re-create it in a manner that would not be threatened by decomposition. Research led him to the Lagenaria gourd, which won't come as a surprise to those acquainted with the robust plant. When people initially came up with the idea of cultivating plants, the Lagenaria gourd was one of the first with which they experimented. Once dried, it becomes as tough as wood, making for a trusty container, bottle, ladle or birdhouse. The West Africans were the first to transform it into an instrument, and the concept soon spread through Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. The gourd is one of the few plants that we grow for aesthetic and practical purposes, rather than to feed ourselves. Now, Mowbray is taking its functionality to new heights, by transforming the gourd into a building block. He grows each one in an acrylic container, which is cubic, with semi-circular depressions enabling the development of 'nubs or buttons'. A modular unit' can be created by locking several of them together. At the same time, he is exploring the sculptural potential of the gourd's form, through emulation with plaster, cement and other materials. [VIA Inhabitat]
