Sometimes a movie makes a statement. Sometimes it just thinks it does. In Men, Women & Children, the impact of digital technologies on interpersonal exchanges is purportedly probed for all to see. We’re not only caught up in our daily minutiae, the film appears to posit, but our interactions are so often mediated and dictated by the online world that truly connecting with our loved ones is impossible. An interstellar framing device certainly labors this point, announced in the unseen Emma Thompson’s dulcet tones. Linking to Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot, the sequence bookends the feature’s musing on modern relationships. The narration waxes lyrical about the juxtaposition of our supposed importance: we blast tokens of our species into space as if someone might care, yet given our tiny place in our universe, our daily realities can only be trivial and insignificant. Living life through the internet doesn’t matter; we’re best spending our time cultivating physical, tangible bonds with those we care about. Adapted by writer/director Jason Reitman from the novel of the same name, Men, Women & Children states its case through intertwined vignettes. Across an average American community, lives and loves are influenced by devices on desks and in hands. A married couple (Rosemarie DeWitt and Adam Sandler) seek sexual fulfilment not from each other but through an affair website and prostitution. Their son (Travis Tope) has a porn habit that means he can’t relate to his wannabe actress classmate (Olivia Crocicchia), who posts semi-clad modelling pictures online with the help of her mother (Judy Greer). Said single parent warms to an abandoned father (Dean Norris) concerned that his son (Ansel Elgort) prefers gaming to football. And so it continues, with the lapsed athlete falling for a melancholy teen (Kaitlyn Dever) constantly surveilled by her fear-mongering mother (Jennifer Garner). Then there’s the cheerleader (Elena Kampouris) with body issues and a crush on an older boy (Will Peltz) unnoticed by her father (JK Simmons). Everyone has names, but they need not; they’re symbols, a means to an end, faces placed upon narrative convenience. That the ensemble is rendered in such broad terms, with a clear lack of subtlety and satire from the maker of Juno and Young Adult, is what makes Men, Women & Children alarming to watch. Surprisingly, it’s not the messaging that grates, because the bland material constantly undermines its own aim. The characters aren’t cast adrift by their technological predilections, but by their self-involvement, both of the on- and off-line variety. The usual Reitman aesthetic polish is evident, and the performances from the largely high-profile cast are effective; however, it all amounts to a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. With the supposed rallying against digital living too easily dismissed by inconsistent plot machinations, all that results is a soapy dramedy on the struggles of sex and secrets that has been done before and better by the likes of American Beauty and Crazy, Stupid Love.
Rowland S. Howard never quite got the notoriety he deserved. Known for his work in The Birthday Party and his iconic song 'Shivers' that was later famously covered by Nick Cave, Howard was an incredibly influential and inventive musician for well over three decades but his sound was always on the fringes. Now, five years after his death, his seminal 2009 album Pop Crimes is being treated to some serious fanfare on the big stage. These two shows at the Festival Hub will see Howard's old bandmates and key collaborators pay tribute to the fallen great. This will include old faithful like Mick Harvey and Harry Howard as well as newbies like Adalita among others. Get ready for some shivers. This event was chosen as one of our top ten things to see at the Melbourne Festival 2014. See the full list here.
More than three decades after its initial release, Talking Heads' concert film Stop Making Sense will burn down the house at ACMI in Federation Square. Shot by future Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme, the stripped-down, left-of-centre rock doco is widely accepted as being one of the all-time quintessential live performance films, and should stack up quite nicely alongside all the Melbourne Music Week events shaking things up around the city. The concert begins with lanky lead singer David Byrne performing a solo rendition of 'Psycho Killer' while bopping wildly around the otherwise empty stage. Slowly but surely he's joined by the rest of the band, as they run through many of their most famous tracks including 'Girlfriend Is Better', 'Once in a Lifetime' and 'Burning Down The House'. Basically, if you're even a casual Talking Heads fan, catching this in a theatre is a must.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that a lot can happen in six months. Around this time half a year ago, we were getting mighty excited about all the new movies set to reach Australian cinemas in 2020. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, after months spent at home, indoors, giving our streaming queues one helluva workout, it's reset time. Aussie picture palaces are slowly reopening — albeit at different rates across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and this year's big-screen releases are kicking off again. In great news for cinephiles, that means there are plenty of new flicks vying for your eyeballs. Some are big-budget blockbusters that've had everyone talking since last year. Others are long-awaited sequels and eagerly anticipated remakes. From the return of familiar faces to exceptional intimate dramas, we've rounded up ten new movies to look forward to seeing in a cinema throughout the rest of 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNXHJB5Mto BABYTEETH Usually, cancer movies aren't just terrible, generic and cliched — they're insulting. Often focusing on pretty young things succumbing slowly to the insidious disease, they generally tug at the heartstrings with shameless abandon, treating their protagonists and their plights as a mechanism to wring weepy tears out of the audience. But while Babyteeth also hones in on a cancer-afflicted teenager, it could never be mistaken for the usual illness drama. As directed by feature first-timer Shannon Murphy, this lively, vibrant, insightful and genuinely moving film truly sees its main character, Milla (Little Women's Eliza Scanlen), as a person first and foremost. Story-wise, the movie charts Milla's unexpected romance with enigmatic Sydney drug dealer Moses (Acute Misfortune's Toby Wallace), as well as the reaction of her struggling parents. Also starring Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn as Milla's mum and dad, this is a raw, sensitive, astute and arresting addition to a genre that rarely (if ever) earns any of those terms. It's also visually striking and, unsurprisingly given the cast, boasts fantastic performances — and it's one of the best Australian movies that'll hit cinemas in 2020. Babyteeth releases in Australian cinemas on July 23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKOT56zkRQ8 NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS The third film from talented American writer/director Eliza Hittman (It Felt Like Love, Beach Rats), Never Rarely Sometimes Always took home Berlinale's Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize this year — the festival's second most prestigious award — but it would've been a more than worthy overall winner. First premiering at Sundance, where it also nabbed a jury prize, this a heart-wrenching gut-punch of a movie that's about an ordinary teenager in an everyday situation, while simultaneously focused on a crucial topic. When small-town Pennsylvanian 17-year-old Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) discovers that she's pregnant, she only really has one option. She's certain her family (including Sharon Van Etten as her mother) won't help, and the local women's clinic advocates having the baby, so with her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) she hops on a bus to New York. Their experiences in the Big Apple are tense and devastating, as is this potent, compassionate and naturalistic entire film. Never Rarely Sometimes Always releases in Australian cinemas on August 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGLiMU5fuI TENET Is it a follow-up to Inception? Does Christopher Nolan just like getting twisty every ten years? Or does the acclaimed director simply enjoy messing with everyone's heads? When the first trailer for Tenet dropped in 2019, it inspired all of the above questions — and keen moviegoers have been waiting for answers. For now, we do know that Nolan's latest will involve time travel, the afterlife and stopping World War III. Also: spies, boats, sensing things before they happen and objects running in reverse. Throw in an active attempt to bend viewers' minds, plus many a superbly shot and staged spectacle, and Nolan is back in the territory that has served him so well since Memento. BlacKkKlansman's John David Washington leads the cast, alongside Robert Pattinson, Nolan regular Michael Caine, Aussie actor Elizabeth Debicki and Kenneth Branagh. Tenet releases in Australian cinemas on August 13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hAL7emClFM BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC It was first uttered more than three decades ago, but the world could always use Bill & Ted's main nugget of wisdom. "Be excellent to each other," Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure first told us in 1989, before continuing the message in 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey — and the series will do so again in the long-awaited Bill & Ted Face the Music. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are back as everyone's favourite high school slackers and wannabe rockers, who initially started travelling through time in a phone booth to pass a history report and secure the world's future. They're middle-aged now and they even have daughters (played by Ready or Not's Samara Weaving and Bombshell's Brigette Lundy-Paine), but when you're told as a teen that your music is going to change the entire universe, that responsibility doesn't just fade because you get older. Bill & Ted Face the Music releases in Australian cinemas on August 27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7qxYOpy9Ms A QUIET PLACE PART II In 2018, A Quiet Place tasked a young family with staying soundless, lest they be heard and then killed by giant spider-like monsters. As a result, audiences keenly listened out for any noise that could put Lee (John Krasinski), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe) Abbott in jeopardy, with the film serving up a mighty tense — and noise-free — time at the cinemas. Now, two years later, the frightful aliens and the hushed tones are back. So is Blunt in kick-ass mode, too. Like the first film, A Quiet Place Part II is directed and written by Krasinski, with this follow-up picking up where its predecessor left off. Certain to serve up plenty of bumps, jumps and — naturally — silence, the sequel also welcomes franchise newcomers Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy). A Quiet Place Part II opens in Australian cinemas on September 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwzuZ9kOQU CANDYMAN For nearly three decades, horror movie lovers have fallen into two categories: those who've dared to say the word 'candyman' five times while staring into a mirror, and those who haven't. If you fall into the first group, then you'll be making a date with this unnerving sequel, which revives the Candyman franchise and boasts a few tricks up its sleeves. Firstly, Candyman circa 2020 is produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, who adds another frightfest to his resume alongside Get Out and Us. Secondly, it's directed by Nia DaCosta, whose Tessa Thompson-starring 2018 film Little Woods deserved more attention. And last but by no means least, it features the OG Candyman, Tony Todd, among its cast. Plot-wise, the new flick focuses on artist Anthony McCoy (Aquaman and Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who decides to start exploring the Candyman legend through his art. His girlfriend Brianna (If Beale Street Could Talk's Teyonah Parris) thinks the story is just that, but then the bee-covered figure starts wreaking havoc again. That's what happens when folks say his name while looking at their own reflection, after all. Candyman opens in Australian cinemas on September 24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfM7_JLk-84&feature=emb_logo WONDER WOMAN 1984 New Order's 'Blue Monday'. A giant mall. Women exercising in bright leotards and leg warmers. All of the above inspire instant visions of the 80s, which is where Wonder Woman is heading in her next big-screen outing. Yes, the fierce female superhero with the bullet-deflecting bracelets and Lasso of Truth is finally back, thanks to Wonder Woman 1984. This time around, she's navigating the Cold War era and facing off against Kristen Wiig. The sequel's story pits Gal Gadot's Amazon demigoddess against Wiig's Cheetah — also known as archaeologist Barbara Ann Minerva. While the franchise newcomer is looking rather meek and mild at the beginning of the just-dropped Wonder Woman 1984 trailer, she's not likely to stay that way for long in this eagerly awaited sequel. Game of Thrones, Narcos and The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal also joins the cast as Maxwell Lord, a powerful businessman, and Chris Pine returns as American pilot Steve Trevor — despite the tragic events of the first film. And, behind the camera, writer/director Patty Jenkins is also back — as she should be given that Wonder Woman is currently the highest-grossing film ever directed solo by a woman. Wonder Woman 1984 releases in Australian cinemas on October 1. HALLOWEEN KILLS For 42 years, the Halloween franchise has been delivering stone-cold horror masterpieces, weird and wonderful detours, and entries that deserve to be locked away for all eternity with Michael Myers. The difference between the series' John Carpenter-directed best and its trashy worst is enormous, but when David Gordon Green (Prince Avalanche, Pineapple Express) took the reins for 2018's Halloween — a direct sequel to the 1978 original that ignores the seven other follow-ups and two remakes in-between — he served up one of the saga's best chapters. It helped that Jamie Lee Curtis was back, of course. Also beneficial: a meaty story that grapples with trauma, a skill for slasher thrills, a new score by Carpenter himself, and producer Jason Blum's support. So it was great news when two more movies were announced, including 2020's Halloween Kills, which brings the whole gang back to Haddonfield for another encounter with the town's masked menace. Halloween Kills releases in Australian cinemas on October 15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcPk2p0Zaw4 THE FRENCH DISPATCH An offbeat storyline. Mesmerisingly symmetrical frames. A cast that includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Saoirse Ronan, Willem Dafoe, Jason Schwartzman, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban and Anjelica Houston. Yep, it must be a new Wes Anderson film — and The French Dispatch looks like Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson-esque yet. The premise: in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé sometime in the mid-20th century, Arthur Howitzer Jr. (Murray) has turned a series of travelogue columns into a weekly American magazine. A supplement to the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun, The French Dispatch resembles The New Yorker, is staffed by top expatriate journalists, and covers life in France, world politics, high and low art, and diverse stories of human interest. As for the film that shares its name, it focuses on three tales printed in the publication's pages. The French Dispatch releases in Australian cinemas on November 26. [caption id="attachment_774009" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo credit: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] DUNE David Lynch's Dune is one of the most unfairly maligned sci-fi films ever made. It's not the version that Alejandro Jodorowsky would've whipped up — as explored in excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune — but the 1984 movie still has its surreal delights. Just how Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel will fare is still yet to be seen, but the French Canadian director has already revived another 80s sci-fi property to stunning effect with Blade Runner 2049. Once again, he has amassed a stellar cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem and Doctor Sleep's Rebecca Ferguson. They'll all fight over 'the spice', the most valuable substance in the universe. Dune releases in Australian cinemas on December 26. Top images: Dune: Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. Babyteeth: Lisa Tomasetti. Wonder Woman 1984: Clay Enos/ ™ & © DC Comics. © 2018 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.
In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Sydney. A selection of venues are hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2021 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. Every November, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festival goers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, People's Choice Award and more. Check out nine of them at the Astor Theatre from Wednesday, May 18–Thursday, May 19 and Village Crown Cinemas on Sunday, May 22.
It has only been a few months since the seventh season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine hit screens — which means you've either eagerly caught every second, or you've got some catch-up binging to do. Either way, if you've been watching and rewatching the hit sitcom since it first premiered back in 2013, then you also have something else to pop in your calendar: Isolation Trivia's upcoming B99-themed online quiz evening. How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this virtual trivia night. Live-streaming from 6.30pm on Sunday, September 6 this online trivia contest is completely devoted to the show that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours, then was renewed for an eighth season before its seventh one even aired, and features more Die Hard references than you'd think possible in one sitcom. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. If you're as keen to take part as Terry is about a tub of yoghurt, you just need to head to the Isolation Trivia Facebook page and clear out your Sunday night. That'll be your time to shine (and that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Isolation Trivia's 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' edition takes place from 6.30pm on Sunday, September 6. Images: SBS
Multicultural Arts Victoria presents Mapping Melbourne 2015, a bustling four-day festival of contemporary Asian art. Stretched across 13 city locations including the State Library and Federation Square, this year's festival will showcase the work of more than 100 different artists from around Australia and overseas — and in doing so, explore the considerable Asian influence on local art and culture. The festival kicks into gear on Wednesday, December 2 at the Queen Victoria Market, with a live performance by The Barberettes, a South Korean girl group who specialise in doo-wop. No, you didn't misread that. Music lovers might also want to check out the immersive cross-cultural sound of NOVALAYA, featuring the lead vocalist from Bombay Royale. Other items on the program that have piqued our interest include From Spaces Past, which explores the rocky social and political history of Cambodia, and An Act of Remembering, which looks back at four decades since the end of the Vietnam war. For the full Mapping Melbourne program, visit the festival website.
For pet owners, spoiling your chosen animal companion is easy at the best of times. When it's winter — and when the country has spent months indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic — stocking up on cute, cosy pet accessories is even less difficult than usual. Who doesn't want their schnauzer to look both snappy and snuggly, and their shih tzu to look rather nifty, too? Plenty of pet-loving shops have been willing to help, including The Iconic and Big W, with both releasing dapper pet lines this year. Now, Petstock has released a new range aimed at cooler conditions, keeping your four-legged friend looking and feeling luxe as the frostier weather settles in. Sure, most dogs are happy cuddling up in a regular old blanket, and many a cat loves jumping in an average, ordinary box. That's all well and good — or you can opt for plush beds that match your indoor decor. And, you can dress up your pooch in chunky jumpers, shiny parkas, sporty jackets and wool-lined coats, with petwear starting at $19.99. Spanning coordinated leads and collars as well, Petstock's new lineup is designed for pets of the barking kind. Of course, if you want to try to get your meowing pal into one, then best of luck to you. Petstock's winter range is currently available to purchase in-store and online, with contactless click and collect purchasing available.
Queen Victoria Market's sheds weren't able to host their famed soirees for much of 2020, with Melbourne's lockdowns hitting pause on the usual roster of weekly night markets and food festivals. But, after a four-week return during the festive season, the historic site is gearing up to deliver its next post-pandemic nighttime outing. Melbourne, get set for the multicultural delights of Food Truck Stop once again. Kicking off on February 3, and running across five Wednesday nights, the pop-up promises to fill your belly while sating a few of those international travel cravings. A rotation of the city's best-loved food trucks will be slinging their wares — think, goat curry and smashed samosas from Two Fat Indians; Nem N' Nem Viet signatures like noodle bowls and bao buns; and finger-lickin' wings and short ribs cooked low and slow by Bigger Than Texas BBQ. Most of the lineup has been to QVM before, but there will be a first-timer, so get ready to feast on lobster rolls, salt and pepper calamari and tempura-battered fish and chips from Twisted Fisherman, too. In true QVM style, the globe-trotting eats will be backed by a great lineup of libations, with The Beer Garden pouring an all-Victorian menu featuring Melbourne Gin Company cocktails, beers by Brick Lane Brewing, Coldstream ciders and a range of vino courtesy of Mitchelton Wines. Head on by from 5–10pm, with Food Truck Stop happening until Wednesday, March 3.
The city's events calendar is slowly but surely returning to its former glory. In fact, this month you can make like the good old days and indulge in a truly Melbourne activity, wandering down a famous CBD laneway to scope out a dynamic, immersive pop-up art exhibition held in a cosy reading room. That's the multi-sensory feast that awaits you at Dystopian Bouquet — a free exhibition helmed by artist Jason Parker which descends on Madame Brussels Lane from Friday, September 30–Sunday, October 2. [caption id="attachment_868821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannyn Higgins[/caption] Packing a huge visual punch, the installation is both a love letter to Melbourne's creative energy and a response to the tumultuous times of the past few years. Parker has collaborated with a cast of photographers, stylists, artists, dancers and videographers to bring it to life, creating a dystopian wonderland made up of sculptures, paintings and moving imagery. Expect bold, sumptuous scenes featuring plenty of Parker's trademark 'pixelated' aesthetic, plus floral elements and strewn artifacts. Entry is free, though you'll need to reserve your spot online. The exhibition runs 5.30–9pm on September 30, and 12.30–5.30pm on October 1 and 2. [caption id="attachment_868817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannyn Higgins[/caption] Images: Shannyn Higgins
Just when you thought you'd tasted every type of margarita there is — every type that El Camino Cantina can pop on its menu, too — the Tex-Mex chain has gone and released a new line of cocktails just in time for summer. Like margs? Have a sweet tooth? Then this Take Me to The Candy Shop range is for you, given that the boozy lineup is filled with bright-hued, candy-flavoured concoctions. These margs even come with edible candy garnishes, so your sweet tooth really will be satisfied. There's seven varieties on offer, including the trusty favourite that is the grape Nerd variety. From Tuesday, November 30–Sunday, January 2, it's being joined musk, marshmallow, gummy bear, Hubba Bubba and Skittles tipples, as well Squirm and Red Ripperz as well. The kind of drinks you'd be able to see in the dark — again, the colour really does stand out — these beverages are served frozen and Cadillac-style, aka with a float of Grand Marnier. In Melbourne, you'll find them livening up your next summer drinks at El Camino in Fitzroy.
For a day of sheer fun, thrills and imagination head to the Melbourne showgrounds for a magical time at the Royal Melbourne Show. Organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria to promote and celebrate agriculture, the Royal Melbourne Show is the state’s largest annual community event, and has something for everyone. What kid doesn’t like animals? Over at the livestock pavilion they can get up close and personal with all kinds of furry critters for a feed and a cuddle with cows, goats, dogs, cats, alpacas and llamas. Watch sheep get sheared, be amazed as horses perform spectacular stunts and even experience the miracle of birth. There’s plenty for the unadventurous too, with food experiences, shopping and arts and crafts. The fun doesn’t stop at night either, with motocross teams, jetpacks and fireworks making a noise over at the Coca Cola arena.
Westsiders really hit the jackpot with the arrival of Grazeland, a culinary hub crammed full of permanent food stalls slinging a smorgasbord of international eats. And now they're hitting it again, as the precinct serves up a huge weekend of specials, discounts and entertainment for its second-birthday celebrations. Head along from Friday, March 24–Sunday, March 26 to join in the feasting and festivities. Each of the 50-plus food vendors will be cooking up a storm and showcasing their best-loved dishes — whether you're craving wood-fired slices from 48h Pizza Bar, Claw & Tail's loaded lobster rolls, barbecue fare by Smokeworks, Lebanese street eats courtesy of Mr Toum, or something else from the hefty lineup. Keep an eye out for some exclusive specials, too. Taking care of the all important birthday drinks will be Cloud Cuckoo Cocktails, with $12 classics pouring right across the weekend, including mojitos, margs and espresso martinis. As you sip and graze your way through the lineup, you'll also enjoy a stack of roving entertainment, while acts like Cassidy La Crème, Tanya George and James Franklin will be serving up live tunes from not one but two stages. [caption id="attachment_845962" align="alignnone" width="1920"] I in the Sky Productions[/caption]
Some nights in lockdown call for whipping up a fancy two-course Ottolenghi feast. Other nights, you need a no-holds-barred burger with all the carbs and all the cheese in your stomach, stat. Thankfully, Melbourne's restaurants are here for you. You can order a double smash patty from the recently revived Rockwell and Sons, a Le Bon Ton cheeseburger packed with wagyu or a burger that comes with fried mac 'n' cheese. To help you in your time of need, we've rounded up five of the most epic burgers you can order for takeaway or delivery in Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_780957" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Xavier[/caption] A DOUBLE PATTY SMASH FROM ROCKWELL AND SONS Ask any true Melbourne burger fiend and they're sure to have some fond, cheesy memories of the double patty smash creation from late Collingwood institution Rockwell and Sons. The long-running diner broke more than a few hearts when it shut up shop last year, but, you can thank your lucky lockdown stars, because the legend is back in our lives once again; at least for a limited time. Sibling venue Bar Liberty — which has transformed into a bottle shop during stage four restrictions — is slinging DIY kits so you can recreate the double smash patty at home. Or, whip up a vegetarian-friendly black bean alternative, if that's more your speed. Available in limited amounts Tuesday to Sunday, the Rockwell and Sons at-home burger packs have been flying out the door at $15 a pop. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, a reminder that as the burgers are pick-up only, you can only get them if you live within five kilometres of Bar Liberty, in line with the current stage four restrictions. [caption id="attachment_782766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisket sandwich[/caption] A WAGYU CHEESEBURGER FROM LE BON TON One of Melbourne's best (and we mean best) burgers, the Le Bon Ton cheeseburger comes with a 150-gram patty of chargrilled wagyu, served with crisp bacon, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, aioli and spicy ketchup. The Collingwood joint's sandwiches, though technically not burgers, are also very delicious and range from the pit-smoked brisket number to a fried chicken and cayenne pepper sauce sanga and smoked mushroom version for vegos. Of course, if you're into slow 'n' low meats, Le Bon Ton has plenty, with its entire menu (and some of its booze) available for takeaway and delivery via Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Doordash. TEXAS RATTLESNAKE AT THE B.EAST Brunswick East's B.East is out to prove vegans can enjoy a good burger, too. Since it came to life in 2021, it's been feeding hungry northsiders with meat and vegetarian burgers, fries, sides and shakes. On the plant-based lineup, you'll fine the Texas Rattlesnake, which comes with a chargrilled patty, Texas barbecue sauce, vegan cheese, maple 'bacon' and lettuce and pickles. It can be made gluten free for an extra $1.50, too. If you prefer your burgers with meat, you can choose from the pork katsu Daikaiju, the Clint Beastwood with southern fried chicken and the Holy Cheezus with a mac 'n' cheese croquette inside it, among others. If you live within five kilometres, you can order online and pick up from the store, otherwise delivery is available via Deliveroo. [caption id="attachment_782776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leah Hulst[/caption] HOT ROD BURGER BY KUSTOM BURGER The burgers at this vintage Thornbury restaurant range from the standard Kustom Burger with a beef patty, bacon, American cheese, pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato sauce and mustard to the Impala southern fried chicken burger with cheese, jalapeños, house-made chipotle mayo and slaw, with a few stops in between. There's also a southern-fried portobello mushroom burger for vegetarians and the Hot Rod Burger will bring the toughest chilli fiend to their knees. It comes with either spicy barbecue, chilli chipotle mayo and hero chilli sauce — pick your poison wisely. Also on the lineup: poutine, choc tops and onion rings. To order, head over to Deliveroo. CHEF'S SPECIAL FROM HELLO SAM As this southside takeaway joint proclaims on its website: "burgers fix everything". While we know that's hyperbole, it certainly can't hurt to try it. Chapel Street's Hello Sam serves up all the classics (try the Simply Sam with beef, lettuce, tomato, onion and Hello Sam sauce) as well as options for those who like things a little spicy — including the Spicy Sam has chilli-basted beef, jalapeños and chipotle mayo, and is topped with a jalapeño popper. Or you can mix it up a little bit with the chef's special. This might be a monster Hello Jam — with maple bacon and chilli jam — or a vegan Italian Stallion. Plus, the venue is now serving a range of loaded fries options, including a vegan HSP, if you feel like going all out. South Yarra locals can order takeaway through the website, otherwise delivery is available via Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Top image: Hello Sam
Some weeks, that hump day hurdle is a real punish. When that happens, we spend most of the workday searching for solace to get us through the rest of the week — and it usually involves some combination of exercise, your best mates, and alcohol. Good news, Melburnians: we've found a place where you can combine all three. Richmond's adored old bank turned bar, Fargo and Co, is now offering relaxing group yoga sessions with wine. Yep, you read that correctly. Held regularly on Wednesdays, head to the Swan Street location at 6pm for a 45-minute vinyasa flow class. Yoga mats are provided, so you just need to bring a mate or two, stretchy pants and your best chaturanga. Then after you've said "namaste", you'll be given a glass of wine to enjoy as you cool down. You can pair your vino with some snacks (you've earned them). The best part is this yoga and wine combination is just $25 a spot. Spaces are limited, so make sure to book ASAP over here.
It's been 12 years since the Red Hot Chili Peppers last made a headline tour of Australia. And they're finally on their way back down under. In February and March 2019, the LA-based rockers will play all over the country, including a one-off A Day on the Green and their first-ever show in Tassie. To catch them on the Green, get yourself to Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, on Saturday, March 2. You can expect to hear tunes from the Peppers' new (and eleventh) studio album, The Getaway, as well as old hits, like 'Californication', 'By The Way' and 'Under The Bridge'. Since making their first release — a self-titled EP — in 1984, the band has sold more than 60 million albums, won five Grammys and entered the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Outside of its one-off A Day on the Green appearance — an Aussie-wide festival that is also playing host to our own Kyle Minogue — the Peppers will also be playing headline shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and a smaller show out on Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley. If you fancy a trip down south, or are maybe hanging around after Mona Foma, the Peppers are heading to Tasmania for the first time ever, to perform at a rare intimate show — with a capacity of just 1290. Supports acts for all shows will be announced soon. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2019 DATES Tasmania — Derwent Entertainment Centre, February 17 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena, February 19 Hunter Valley — Hope Estate, February 23 Brisbane — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, February 25 Melbourne — Rod Laver Arena, February 28 Geelong — A Day on the Green, Mt Duneed Estate, March 2 Perth — NIB Stadium, March 5 Pre-sale tickets for A Day on the Green will be released at 10am on Wednesday, November 22, with all other Live Nation pre-sales going live at midday on Thursday, November 23. All shows go on sale to the public at midday on Monday, November 26. Image: Steve Keros.
UPDATE, September 14, 2023: The Little Mermaid is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. For anyone without a scaly tail, communing with the ocean can be a routine dip, a refreshing splash or a sail into choppy waters. In Disney's latest dance with merpeople and the humans that its main mythical sea creature yearns for (and desperately wants to learn more about), all three prove true. The next in the Mouse House's long line of live-action remakes — albeit with ample CGI helping to bring its sea-dwelling characters to life, but no hand-drawn animation — the new The Little Mermaid is often content to wade where its beloved 1989 predecessor went before. That's the Disney do-over standard. Sometimes, though, this new effort is its own delightful paddle; when 'Under the Sea' echoes against a literal sea of colour, movement, creatures and energy, it's a dazzling Golden Age Hollywood-esque spectacular. There's no escaping the movie's bloat when it's not merrily floating, however, due in no small part to inflating the storyline from the original's 83 minutes to a hefty 135 minutes. This day at the cinematic beach — glowing highs and waterlogged lows included — keeps the same basic narrative that viewers loved 34 years ago, as loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's 19th-century fairy tale of the same name. A quote from that text opens the film as Alan Menken's revisited Oscar-winning score starts to swell, advising "but a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more". The curious and adventurous Princess Ariel (Halle Bailey, Grown-ish) cries through her siren's song instead, lamenting the strict no-humans rule enforced by her father King Triton (Javier Bardem, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile). And, in rebellious teen-style, she acts out by sneaking off to scour the ocean floor's shipwrecks with her fish best friend Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay, Luca), even when Sebastian the crab (Daveed Diggs, Snowpiercer) is tracking her every move, and stashing trinkets from the world on land in a secret cave. When it's underwater, The Little Mermaid isn't served well by arriving so soon after Avatar: The Way of Water and its stunning beneath-the-waves imagery, or releasing just as Prehistoric Planet 2 is streaming its dive into ancient waters. In director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) and cinematographer Dion Beebe's (Gemini Man) hands, plunging into the deep largely appears dark and murky. Indeed, if Bailey and Bardem's hair wasn't shimmering and flowing, it'd just look like a dimly lit set (mostly, it still does). The kaleidoscopic extravaganza that is 'Under the Sea' doesn't only stand out because that's precisely what its bright hues are doing, of course. It's a gloriously choreographed and performed piece amid a coral reef, set to Menken and late, great lyricist Howard Ashman's best (and also Oscar-winning) song, and it's an absolute showstopper. But, as made clear both before and after it drops its calypso-inspired beats, the number sets a standard that the film rarely cares to match elsewhere. When it comes to concern, Ariel has plenty. Her cup runneth over about the boats cruising above, with their sailors shooting fire into the sky, dogs and just humans doing human things — such having feet. As the story still goes, her wistful watching is fortuitous for Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King, The Flatshare). If the mermaid wasn't there to save him when he's knocked overboard, there'd be no romance. Cue a two-way obsession, plus tentacled sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy, Nine Perfect Strangers) offering Ariel a bargain to follow her feelings and taste life out of water. She's given 72 hours in human form to experience true love's kiss, after which she'll be able to stay breathing air. If that went smoothly, and if Ariel's banished aunt wasn't cackling maniacally about taking over from her brother and stealing her niece's gifts, this wouldn't even be a 90-minute flick. Like an unruly sea as a storm blows in, there's turbulence at the heart of The Little Mermaid. While it's easy to see why David McGee's (A Man Called Otto) screenplay has been padded out, it makes for an overextended voyage. Bailey is perfectly cast, and not only when Ariel is singing her heart out. Wanting to spend more time with her is as instinctive as kicking your feet in water. She's an enchanting, luminous, plucky and rousing heroine. She makes the need to know something more than just the pool she's born into feel achingly real. An added sequence where Ariel roams around Eric's library, spying his sea treasures — his equivalent of her own trove — is charming, gives both Bailey and Logan Lerman lookalike Hauer-King standout moments, and is the kind of new material that slips in easily. But the same can't be said for all the feature's new songs (this time with Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda penning lyrics) and even some of its closest recreations. Swooping somewhere new doesn't always pay off, and neither does treading water. Adored in animated form, Sebastian, Flounder and seabird Scuttle (Awkwafina, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) couldn't demonstrate The Little Mermaid's crests and drops more heartily. Diggs' voice acting and singing is unsurprisingly scene-stealing, and Awkwafina is entertainingly lively — but their new tune 'The Scuttlebutt' is instantly forgettable (other than immediately being able to tell that Miranda wrote it). Photorealism doesn't suit their characters, either, bringing The Lion King's eerie uncanny animal valley to mind. That's especially the case for poor Flounder, whose name is more apt here than it's meant to be. Loving the talent but not the execution becomes a familiar sensation throughout this version of The Little Mermaid. So does remembering that Marshall wasn't just behind Chicago and Mary Poppins Returns, but also Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Into the Woods. Back as the 80s came to a close, the first The Little Mermaid was a lifeboat, buoying Disney's animation studio when its fortunes were sinking. In its wash, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King all followed, becoming House of Mouse classics. The new The Little Mermaid marks the last of that quartet to be remade — the tale as old as time, whole new world and circle of life otherwise reappearing in that order — and, towing the company line with these cartoon-to-flesh second efforts, it smacks of playing it safe. When Ariel's latest outing surrenders to the moment and the emotion, whether showing why it's better down where it's wetter with a joyous dash of vibrance, letting Bailey's divine voice convey a lifetime of longing to be part of a different world, or having its swooning lovers dance, discover and deepen their bond, it goes swimmingly. Often, though, it's just like Ursula: biding its time calculatingly and protractedly (that said, McCarthy is having a ball, more so than much of the movie).
Melbourne's been busy reminding us that winter is well on its way, yet we forecast a scorcher in the inner-north this weekend. On Saturday, May 14, Welcome to Brunswick is firing up for the return of its tongue-numbing Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival. The day's main event is the infamous Hot Sauce Taste Challenge, where a bunch of brave punters will consume 10 of the world's fieriest condiments in ascending order of burn, before finishing off with a ghost pepper chaser. If you're game, simply sign up on the day — the grand prize is a trophy and a keg party. Meanwhile, the bar will be pouring an unfathomably spicy shot dubbed the Hot Pocket, which'll require you to sign a waiver before tasting. After that, you can stock up on fiery pantry staples, with a scoot around the boutique hot sauce market, sampling and purchasing sauces from the likes of Melbourne Hot Sauce, Grumpy Gary's, Hell's Breath and Chilli Kings. Of course, there'll also be some spicy food truck menu items to sink your teeth into, with Brunswick Smokers and Mr Burger serving up the goods on the day. Entry is free and walk-ins are welcome, though you can book a table in advance.
Not much else compares to the sounds, smells and tastes barbecuing evokes. That sizzle, the smokey aroma wafting from the barbie, that burst of juicy, meaty flavour from the initial bite — good barbecue is something pretty glorious. And luckily, we have plenty of barbecue joints at our disposal. There's Japanese yakitori, Brazilian churrasco, Korean barbecue and, of course, down-home American B-B-Q hailing from the US's southern states. Down past the Mason-Dixon Line (the obsolete boundary that 'divides' the USA's northern states from the south), barbecue is king, and we've tracked down some grade-A American barbecue joints in Melbourne where you can head for some brisket, ribs, wings and more. Get your appetites ready — you're gonna need 'em.
Not all food collaborations are created equal — and for local meat-lovers, this one is set to be top-tier stuff. Famously beautiful butcher Victor Churchill is joining forces with beloved sandwich joint Hector's Deli to create a couple of one-off treats well worth crossing town for. From Saturday, December 3–Sunday, December 4, the dynamic duo is unleashing two dreamy collaboration goodies on the world, available in super limited amounts from Hector's brand-new Fitzroy store. And let's just say, they're really reaping the benefits of both Victor Churchill's top-quality meat offering and Hector's supreme sandwich skills. First, you've got the beef dip sandwich ($20), featuring rare roasted Black Angus beef piled into a sourdough hoagie roll alongside melty provolone, pickled onions and horseradish cream. There's a whiskey-spiked dipping sauce to match, too. And if you've got room for dessert, you won't want to miss the indulgent wagyu fat caramel and cream cheese doughnut ($7) they've dreamed up for the occasion. Here, buttery pastry is topped with a silky glaze made from cream cheese and Victorian wagyu fat, to create one glorious fusion of salt, fat and sugar. There'll be just 100 of each treat up for grabs each day, so you might want to skip the weekend sleep-in. (Hot tip: Hector's Deli opens at 7.30am). Images: Jana Langhorst.
Another week, another cookie pie — again. That's how it often feels thanks to Gelato Messina's beloved dessert specials, but no, we're not complaining. After the gelato chain first introduced its cookie pies to the world in 2020, it has kept bringing the OTT dessert back over and over. We all need an extra dose of sweetness every now and then, clearly, including while both Sydney and Melbourne are in lockdown. So, it should come as no surprise that Messina is serving up the decadent dessert once more. This time, it's one of the chain's Frankenstein's monster-style desserts (although cookie pies generally fall into that category anyway). This version is also a returning favourite — and, if you like all things red velvet, prepare to get excited. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. And it serves two-to-six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Now that you're onboard with the overall cookie pie concept, the red velvet version really is exactly what it sounds like. That crunchy, crumbly red velvet and choc chip cookie pie comes filled with a thick layer of cream cheese custard, too, so prepare to get a little gooey. You can only buy this pie in kits, which means that you'll get some of the cult ice creamery's famed gelato along with it. You can opt for a 500-millilitre tub for $38, a one-litre tub for $44 or a 1.5-litre tub for $48. If you're keen to get yourself a piece of the pie, they're available to preorder online on Monday, September 13. And, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is now staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). The catch? Most people will need to peel themselves off the couch and head to their local Messina store to pick up their order. The pies will be available for collection between Friday, September 17–Sunday, September 19. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with folks in most suburbs required to stick to their Local Government Area, or within five-kilometres from home, and a strict five-kilometre limit in place in LGAs of concern. Melburnians, if the current lockdown conditions remain in place until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius to pick up food. Don't live near enough to a store in Sydney and Melbourne? Messina now delivers these specials as well, but only to select areas each time. It'll be bringing the red velvet pie to Sydneysiders in North Kellyville, Glenhaven, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, West Pennant Hills, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, Carlingford, Epping, North Epping and Beecroft. To get it brought to your door in Melbourne, you'll need to live in Heidelberg, Heidelberg West, Reservoir, Thomastown, Fawkner, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Maribyrnong, Footscray and Williamstown. Then, when it comes to cooking the pie, you just need to whack it in the oven for 25 minutes at 160–180 degrees and voila! You can preorder a Messina red velvet cookie pie from Monday, September 13, to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores — or for delivery in some Sydney and Melbourne suburbs.
The aroma of freshly made coffee is a familiar presence at Brighton's Pantry. But from 7am–4pm on Wednesday, April 28, we expect that scent will smell a little stronger. On that one day, between that window of time, the Church Street spot will be serving up free brews — so expect its baristas to be busy. The free coffee is in honour of Pay It Forward Day, with Pantry taking the idea to heart by handing out free caffeine hits. You'll be sipping Lavazza's La Reserva de Tierra coffee, and you'll need to grab a cuppa to take away — but that's all there is to it. Ideally, your free morning brown will inspire you to pay it forward, too, and to show someone else some unexpected kindness. You can only enjoy one coffee without spending a cent, though, and only within trading hours on that one day — and you can't combine the giveaway with any other offer.
As it turns out, the shelter pups and cats from Melbourne's Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) are much more than just adorable furry faces — some of them are also harbouring some pretty enviable artistic skills. And it's these creative talents that'll be showcased this month at the shelter's inaugural Paws & Tails Winter Art Gallery. The one-night exhibition is set to take over the West Melbourne Baptist Church & Community Centre on Friday, August 19, raising much needed funds for SCAR's important work rescuing and rehoming animals. [caption id="attachment_864514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doggy artist Stirling.[/caption] A group of Picasso-esque pooches — and a couple of creative cats — have put paw to canvas, for local human artists to then develop into collaborative masterpieces. Creatives including Indigenous artist Ande Kempnich Terare, and children's book author and illustrator Kathryn Steel have donated their time and talent to the cause. The finished artworks will all be displayed on the night and available to buy via a silent auction. Nab a $20 ticket to head along and see these paw-some masterpieces in person, while enjoying bubbly and snacks, and browsing SCAR's merch stalls. $100 VIP tickets are also on offer — these include a wine voucher, a signed program and a meet-and-greet with one of the talented four-legged artists. [caption id="attachment_864515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitty artist Squeak[/caption] Top Images: Shelter pups and part-time doggy artists, Soda and Sir Bowington.
It's not often that you're holding out hope that the temperature drops even further in winter. But 15 Melbourne pubs are encouraging you to do just that this chilly season. As the temperature drops, beer lovers turn to their go-to winter stout, Guinness, and the iconic brewery has enlisted the help of a group of beloved Melbourne stalwarts to give away free pints as the mercury falls. The concept is simple. If the temperature drops below nine degrees, there are free pints of Guinness on offer. To claim your complimentary beer, head to Guinness' Brewery of Meteorology site next time the temperature reads below nine degrees and find your nearest participating venue. If you want to stay alert to the temp, you can sign up for notifications that will alert you when it's Guinness time and let you know where you can head down to claim a cold-weather pint. Adding to this celebration of the colder months, Guinness has also created a set of merino-wool thermals covered in the iconic Guinness harp. If your passion for the historic beer extends far enough that you want to represent it on your body, you can win a pair of limited-edition thermals via the Brewery of Meteorology website. "As the weather gets cooler, there's nothing better than rugging up and enjoying a Guinness," said Guinness' appointed meteorologist, beloved celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge. "I'll be keeping an eye on the temperature this winter, and when it drops I hope to see plenty of Guinness fans donning their Guinness thermals and heading to a cosy pub to enjoy a pint." For more information on the Guinness giveaway and to enter to win the Guinness-branded thermals, head to the Brewery of Meteorology website.
UPDATE, December 24, 2020: The Lodge is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. When a horror movie takes its title from a house, home, cabin or other structure, nothing good will happen within those walls. Indeed, when a film boasts a name like The Cabin in the Woods, The Last House on the Left or The Orphanage, it starts creeping people out — or at least evoking a considerable sense of foreboding — long before the first frames even roll. Unsurprisingly, The Lodge fits the mould perfectly. There's a lodge, naturally. It's in the middle of nowhere, of course, and it's further isolated by the expanse of ice and snow that surrounds it for miles. Inside, strange things happen, too. But don't go thinking that Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala's (Goodnight Mommy) slow-burning psychological thriller just sticks to an easy formula. Before taking viewers to the feature's eponymous abode, the writer/director team visit two other houses: the home of journalist Richard (Richard Armitage), where kids Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) are being dropped off for the weekend; and that of his estranged wife Laura (Alicia Silverstone), who he's just told that he wants a divorce. Neither place particularly sparkles with joy, especially after Laura reacts to her marital breakdown — and the fact that Richard is planning to wed his younger girlfriend Grace (Riley Keough) within months — in a far more drastic fashion than just exclaiming "as if!". Afterwards, Aidan and Mia aren't thrilled about their new stepmother-to-be either, or the fact that she'll be joining them and their dad at the family lodge over Christmas. They're especially suspicious given that Grace isn't just the new woman in their father's life but, as a child, was the only survivor of a doomsday cult's suicide pact — which Richard literally wrote the book on. It's not hard to guess what happens next: they all go to the lodge, unease spreads and, after Richard heads back to the city to work for a few days, the situation explodes between Aidan, Mia and Grace. And while that may seem like as stock-standard a horror storyline (or family drama plot) as holidaying in a remote cabin, Franz and Fiala know how to mould even the most straightforward setup into something distinctive, chilling and disturbing. Their secret weapon: ambiguity. It's what made the aunt-and-nephew team's first feature, unsettling Austrian creepfest Goodnight Mommy, work such a charm as well. When The Lodge's central trio all awake to find a blizzard settling in, the power and water cut off, and all their food and warm clothes gone, there are a couple of perfectly reasonable explanations — but the possibility that something more sinister could be afoot also feels just as plausible. Cue a perturbing film that doesn't just ooze uncertainty, but embraces it, dwells in it and splashes it across the screen at every turn. That applies to the characters as well as to the audience, with mistrust and paranoia sparking plenty of questions on-screen and off. Grace wonders if Aidan and Mia are messing with her, the kids ponder whether their future stepmum's horrific past might be seeping into their present, and they all eventually suspect bigger, stranger causes. And, intimating that more than one answer might apply, Franz, Fiala and their co-writer Sergio Casci keep absolutely everyone guessing. Also adding another layer of queries: the movie's frequent, lingering glimpses at Mia's astonishingly detailed doll's house, which is filled with miniature versions of the exact same sights and scenes playing out in the lodge. If said doll's house reminds you of Hereditary and its disquieting diorama, that's understandable. They're made by different filmmakers, and The Lodge was in the works long before Hereditary premiered and became an instant cult horror hit, but the two films are kindred spirits. There's no limit on tragedy-fuelled explorations of family tensions, grief and distressing occurrences, after all — and no limit on atmospheric explorations of all of the above, either. Indeed, seeing how Franz and Fiala twist these familiar elements into something unique ranks among The Lodge's highlights. Mood-driven filmmakers, they ratchet up the eeriness with skill and style, firmly taking the film in its own direction. That said, for all its pinpoint-effective ambiguity, needling sights and sounds, and agitating ambience, The Lodge might've still proven generic. It could've just come across as a routine mashup of Goodnight Mommy and Hereditary, too, albeit an assured and eye-catching one. That's if it didn't have Keough at its core — and her impact in this supremely well-crafted film cannot be underestimated. As a horror device, uncertainty only works if audiences genuinely believe that multiple outcomes could be possible, which is the case here thanks to Keough's rattling performance. In her bone-chilling stare and gut-wrenching screams, Grace is a clear trauma victim. In her jittery behaviour, she's also a source of immense stress and apprehension for Aidan and Mia. Viewers never quite know whether to be frightened of Grace or to be frightened with Grace, with the Mad Max: Fury Road, American Honey and Logan Lucky actor selling both options. Serving up a nerve-shattering onslaught of psychological thrills, The Lodge leans into that anxiety-sparking uncertainty as far as it can go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN4E-NV2bpo
Easter in Sydney doesn't just mean chocolate, hot cross buns and whatever other sweet treats the city's eateries happen to come up with at this time of year — it also means the Sydney Royal Easter Show. And, while you won't find the latter at El Camino Cantina's Tex-Mex joint in Melbourne, of course, the chain is getting into the spirit of the event nationwide with its returning limited-edition margarita menu, which it has dubbed 'the Royal Rita Show'. For its latest batch of creative flavours, El Camino Cantina is serving up Jelly Belly, Warhead, Chupa Chup and Rainbow Nerd margs. There are Trolli Lolli and fairy floss versions, too. Basically, it's the candy and booze combination you obviously didn't know you'd someday want when you were a kid. These lolly-flavoured ritas are on offer from Monday, April 3–Sunday, April 30, in both 15-oz and 24-oz glasses. And if you'd like to pair them with tacos, you'll find a Royal Rita Show food menu on offer as well; think tacos with popcorn chicken, chorizo and potato hash, slow-cooked barbecue brisket, and prawns with bacon. In Melbourne, you'll find both the margs and tacos tempting your tastebuds at El Camino in Fitzroy.
Nabil Ansari, sous chef at Sunda, is putting the tail-end of his lockdown to very good use. From October 28–November 7, he'll be taking over The Hotel Windsor's Cricketers Bar for a dining pop-up inspired by the flavours and buzz of Mumbai's bazaars. Running Thursdays to Sundays across the 11-day period, the Indian Bazaar menu is set to serve up a modern, fine dining riff on authentic regional flavours from across India. The kitchen's tandoor oven will be given a workout, used to bring elements like naan, chicken and fish to life with its signature smoky touch. The share-friendly lineup includes the likes of sourdough naan matched with confit garlic and smoked butter; duck samosas; crispy school prawns finished with curry leaves and turmeric; coconut curry flounder; and even a mango lassi-inspired soft serve with white chocolate. Bookings are recommended, with a limited number of seats reserved for walk-ins each day.
It's not every day that a neon blue van pulls up in Melbourne and starts handing out free food and free drinks. But, in South Yarra from 4–8pm on Thursday, February 11, that's exactly what's happening. Setting up shop across from Gilson on Domain Road, the Ultra Violette Airstream is making its debut. It's a very brightly coloured van run by the sunscreen brand. And, yes, free protection from the sun's rays is part of the giveaway. You'll also score some free pizza — the best kind of pizza, obviously — and free margaritas. If you'd prefer something without booze, there'll be free sparkling water as well. Free merchandise will also be on offer, because this one-night-only event is all about reminding you to slop on some sunscreen. Clearly, when it comes to a topic this important, Ultra Violette is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that message sinks in.
Truffle season is back in Victoria, so expect to see your favourite expensive fungi on menus all over town. One place that does it better than most is Baby Pizza in Richmond, and they've just launched their much-loved annual Truffle Month. Baby Pizza tends to go ham on truffles at this time of year, so if pungent, earthy shavings are your thing, head on down. There are parmesan-crusted fries (with black truffle), pork sausage pizza (with black truffle), cacio e pepe (with black truffle) and roasted scallops (smother in, you guessed it, black truffle butter). Even better, for an extra $14.50, you can add black truffle shavings to literally anything on the menu. Duck ragu with truffle? Why not? Seared sashimi-grade tuna with truffle? Sounds kind of weird, but knock yourself out. Truffle Month runs basically until the fungi run out, so get your skates on and head down to 631 Church Street in Richmond. Images: Supplied
There's something momentous about opening a bottle of sparkling — unwiring the muselet, anticipating the dramatic pop and then the subsequent hiss as the bubbles start to fizz to the top — it signals celebration. We toast with it on New Year's Eve; crack it open to celebrate promotions, birthdays and engagements — but you needn't wait for one of these situations to pop the bubbly. Sometimes it suffices to just toast the sunny days ahead. Well, Melbourne offers no shortage of opportunities to knock back a glass or two in the sun, whether it's at one of the many BYO cultural events or just enjoying a balmy weekend with friends. We've partnered with Henkell, purveyors of quality bubbles, and rustled up five summer occasions perfect for that glass of sparkling. CATCH UPS WITH FRIENDS Enjoy your time off and use the Christmas and New Year period to catch up with some old pals over some delicious food. Making a home-cooked meal for your guests sounds appealing, but once the summertime heatwave hits, sometimes it's best to leave behind the pots and pans and escape to one of Melbourne's top-notch BYO restaurants. Keeping the occasion feeling special is easy when you can toast to your reunion over some Henkell Blanc de Blancs. Just some of our favourite dining options include Malaysian eatery Mamak or Jim's Greek Tavern for some Mediterranean delights. HIKES WITH A VIEW There's a wealth of great hikes you can easily reach from Melbourne, but few are as brilliant as the Two Bays walk around the Mornington Peninsula. The longest continuous walk in the region, highlights along the way include panoramic views from the top of Arthur's Seat and the striking Kings Falls. While the entire walk is 26 kilometres, there are plenty of idyllic spots to rest along the way and take in the beautiful scenery. Set about two hours from Melbourne, once you've completed this epic journey, soak up the fresh air perched high on the mountainside with an elevated picnic — elevated in height and class with a cheeky bottle of Henkell Trocken. A DIP AND LUNCH IN THE PARK Located just 20 kilometres north of the city, Plenty Gorge Park is home to one of the best tucked away spots found anywhere in Melbourne. That'd be Blue Lake, a once bustling mineral quarry that closed down in the 1970s but has become rejuvenated with picturesque parkland and a swimming hole that's a great way to avoid the heat. While the sweaty crowds are scrambling for space at the beach or some inner-city pool, Blue Lake has got more than enough room for everyone. Take a dip in the picturesque waters early in the day, and then head inside the park to find yourself a shady spot, set down your picnic basket and pop open a bottle of sparkling. SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS Celebrating Shakespeare Under The Stars' 30th anniversary, The Australian Shakespeare Company returns to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens from December 21 until February 23 to present the dark tragedy of Macbeth. Featuring an all-Australian cast, including Nathaniel Dean and Alison Whyte, the performance happens Tuesday to Sunday each week. Definitely one of the classier ways to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, make sure you pack a decadent picnic of your favourite cheeses and charcuterie. Also, get down to the gardens early to catch the stunning sunset over the beautiful surrounds before the show starts at 8.30pm. PICNICS IN THE CITY If staying in town is more your thing, you can't go wrong with a picnic amid the sprawling gardens of the Abbotsford Convent. Hidden away close to the boundary of Studley Park, it's one of the best places around to spend a lazy summertime Sunday without having to travel far. And it's not just the surrounding landscape that's beautiful. Inside the historic walls of the convent is Australia's largest multi-arts precinct. These days, more than 100 local creatives and arts organisations call the convent home with the summery gardens often coming to life with a variety of public exhibitions and performances. Pour a glass of Henkell Trocken and enjoy. Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.
Melbourne's free openair cinema at Buluk Park is back for another outing this summer. Presented by Victoria Harbour, the short 2020 season will run over three Friday nights in February. On the agenda for February 7 is last year's family-friendly remake of Jumanji, followed by smash hit rom-com Crazy Rich Asians on February 14 (Valentine's Day, ahem) and 2018's heartwarming baby reindeer film Ailo's Journey. Pack a rug and some snacks and a bottle of wine — or leave the work to whichever eatery you like, with the site featuring a designated UberEats and Deliveroo drop-off point. Just note that there is no reserved seating, so make sure you're on time to score a prime spot on the lawn — gates open at 7pm, with the screening kicking off around 8.30pm as the sun goes down. The sessions are free to attend, but you'll need to reserve a spot through Eventbrite here.
Clare Smyth has achieved a lot during her career as a chef. Her London restaurant Core was awarded two Michelin stars, Smyth was named the World's Best Female Chef at the 2018 World's 50 Best Restaurants and she cooked at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Smyth also worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse's Le Louis XV (both three Michelin starred-restaurants), guest judged on Netflix's The Final Table and, locally, appeared on MasterChef Australia. But expect to see a lot more of her soon — the highly lauded chef set to open her first Australian restaurant in Sydney next year. Set to open in February 2021, the unnamed restaurant will be located in the Crown Sydney — yes, James Packer's controversial $2.4 billion casino and hotel — which is also set to launch on that date. [caption id="attachment_759287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Food Story Media[/caption] While details on what exactly Smyth will be plating up are scarce for now, she says it'll have a similar emphasis to Core on "sustainable food sourced from local farmers and food producers". "The quality and diversity of the produce available in Australia is incredible." Smyth said in a statement. "I look forward to spending a lot of time [in Australia] further exploring its food and wine regions to create our menu which will showcase the best produce sourced from Australia's most dedicated farmers and food producers." Smyth's Aussie venture will be just one of 14 bars and restaurants opening at the Barangaroo site, with the other big-name chefs set to be announced in the coming months. Details are firmly under wraps at the moment, but we've been told "some of the most exciting names in the culinary food scene" from Australia and abroad will be involved. We'll let you know as soon as any more are announced. Clare Smyth's so far unnamed restaurant is set to open in Crown Sydney, Barangaroo in February 2021. Top images: Core by Food Story Media
UPDATE: JANUARY 28, 2020 — The Shaggy & Sean Paul show was set to take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, but it has been moved to The Forum in the CBD. Tour promoters MJR Presents announced the venue change on Facebook, but did not expand on why the move was necessary. Tickets to the original Sidney Myer Music Bowl show are valid for the new venue. Clear your diary, grab your sneakers and prepare to get busy, boombastic and nostalgic — Shaggy and Sean Paul are heading on a tour of Australia this summer. It was revealed earlier this year that the two reggae stars would be headlining Southeast Queensland's inaugural One Love Festival, and, now, it has just been announced that they'll also be hitting up Sydney and Melbourne in January and February. Yes, the shows will be taking place in the summertime, but if there is a storm, we're sure Sean Paul will be able to shelter you. Enough of the song puns, though, you know the hits and you probably already have them stuck in your head. If not, we suggest you listen to (and get ready to relive), Shaggy's 'Luv Me, Luv Me' and 'It Wasn't Me', and Sean Paul's 'Get Busy' and 'No Lie'. The two 90s and 00s stars will be supported by US reggae-pop singer Josh Wawa White, too. So get ready for a full evening of reggae come summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W5pq4bIzIw Top image: Jonathan Mannion
Sometimes, your tastebuds crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. Here are three things that they probably demand in that situation: lobster, truffles and champagne. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co has you sorted between Wednesday, January 12–Sunday, February 20, which is when it's popping up in Melbourne on the Arts Centre Forecourt. You'll only really find those three aforementioned items on the menu, too; it's solely serving up lobster rolls with truffle fries and glasses of Piper Heidsieck champagne. You'll pay $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail sourced from The Geraldton Fishermen's Co-op in Western Australia, as served on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. As for the champers, a flute of that that will cost you $20 extra. Pull up a seat at one of the umbrellaed tables on the forecourt to enjoy your lobster, chips and bubbles while gazing out over the Yarra. Images: Karon Photography.
Whether you're nursing a NYE-sized hangover or simply wanting to start the year off fresh, here's a New Year's Day affair that'll hit all the right notes: St Kilda Sea Baths is kicking off 2023 with a day of DJ-fuelled beachside bliss. Summer Summer NYD will transform all three levels of the site into a party paradise from 1pm, for the biggest all-venue, multi-stage entertainment takeover it's seen in over a decade. The minds at Together Events and LiveOneDay Events, along with Bondi Sands, have curated a thumping music lineup for the occasion, featuring the likes of Sweet Mix DJs, Andy Murphy and more. Much of the action will be happening overlooking the water at Captain Baxter and Republica, while the rooftop will play host to the VIP booths. And with names like Dasher + Fisher gin and Hard Fizz seltzer on board, the bar is set to deliver plenty of goodness to fuel your day. General tickets start from $85, including an hour of complimentary drinks and snacks, with pricier reserve-table packages also on offer. Images: Sam Tabone
The beer world is filled with big names, heavy hitters and brands that you'll find almost anywhere around the globe. They're all well and good (and tasty), and everyone has heard of them. But, whether you're having a cold one after work or throwing back a few tins on a weekend, there's nothing quite like supporting a top-notch local brew. Perhaps it's the fact that the beer you're enjoying was made so close to home. Maybe it's the feeling of knowing that you're showing some love to folks in your own community. We think it's both, actually — because sipping and celebrating a top homegrown brew is one of life's small but still significant pleasures. As everyone across the state is well aware, Victoria has a healthy beer scene — and we're sure you're knocking back local brews rather often. Still, if you need a few pointers, or you're just keen to support nearby breweries every chance you get, we're here to help. We've teamed up with our pals at BWS to highlight five Victorian-based up-and-comers you should add to your must-drink list. And whether you already know and love them, or you're discovering them for the first time, you can also throw some extra support their way by voting for them to be stocked in more BWS stores across the state.
Finding a designated driver on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve is not an easy feat — nan is stuck into the boozy pud, dad has pulled a dusty one out of the cellar and you don't really want to carpool with that weird uncle. Public Transport Victoria understands and is easing the pain of commuting on the two big days (slightly) by offering all public transport for free. Over Christmas Day, all trains, trams, buses and V/line services will be free from 3am on Wednesday, December 25, till 3am on Thursday, December 26. All public transport services will be running on the regular public holiday timetable with Night Network services running throughout the night. If you are planning to catch a reserved V/line service you still need to book ahead but you'll be provided your ticket free of charge. A few days later, over New Year's Eve, the same public transport services will be free from 6pm on Tuesday, December 31 until 6am on Wednesday, January 1. Although there are no fireworks this year, the CBD is still expected to be busy, with the New Year Street Feasts taking over the city. Metro trains will be running every 15 minutes from midnight till 1am, every 30 minutes between 1am and 2am and every hour after 2am. Most tram services will also be running every all night, 15–20 minutes from midnight to 2am and every 60 minutes from 2am. On both days, you won't need to touch on (or be carrying) your Myki — if you do, you won't be charged — but you will need to wear a face mask. Find more information on the free travel periods here and check for updates on the PTV website.
For caffeine drinkers, a good cup of coffee is a surefire way to put a smile on that dial and a bounce in that step. And this month, renowned local coffee roaster Axil is tapping into those happy feels, spreading good cheer and free coffee for Random Acts of Kindness Week. A whole lotta free coffee, in fact. From Monday, February 13–Friday, February 17, Axil — also home of the 2022 World Barista Champion — will be handing out a hefty 25,000 free coffee cards. Each one entitles the recipient to a complimentary cuppa, redeemable at any of Axil's many outposts. [caption id="attachment_888448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Butler[/caption] The team will be popping up at various landmarks across the CBD to hand out the cards throughout the week, dropping daily clues on Axil's social channels to give you a chance at scouting them out. The roaster is unleashing the freebies with the support of dairy company Riverina Fresh and the crew behind I Am Not Paper plant-based coffee cups. Keep an eye out to nab yourself a free cuppa — or you could always keep the kindness rolling and give your card to a mate. Images: James Butler
In great news for sweet tooths (and possibly dentists) the Cake Bake & Sweets Show will return to Melbourne from November 30–December 2. The three-day weekend festival will gather the best sweet treats in our city under one roof for a baking and cake decorating extravaganza. It'll feature celebrity demonstrations, baking classes and interactive workshops, hosted by the industry's finest. This year, three international heavy-hitters have joined the lineup. Two hail from the UK — that's French-trained master pâtissier Eric Lanlard (owner of Cake Boy) and chef and food writer Lorraine Pascale, who has worked in some of London's best kitchens under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Waring and Tom Aikens. Alongside the Brits is South African celebrity chef Siba Mtongana, who hosts Food Network's Siba's Table and has over a decade in the food business. They'll stand alongside local talent including pastry chef and chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs (founder of Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School), Instagram dessert queen Katherine Sabbath, and Shangri-La Sydney's award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou. The inspired can also upskill in cake-decorating with a number of masterclasses slated to take place across the weekend. And if you need a break from the sweet stuff, TV chef Miguel Maestre will also be joining the fun with a pop-up restaurant serving up tasty savoury bites including paella, tapas and jaffles. The Cake Bake & Sweets Show will run from 10am–5pm between Friday, November 30 and Sunday, December 2. Tickets can be purchased here and, since sweets are always better when shared, we've also managed to nab you a two-for-one deal on all single-day tickets purchased before November 22 — just enter the code 18CONCRETEPLAYGROUND at checkout. Plus, we've also got some double Flexi Day passes to give away — which means you and a mate can enjoy all those sweet, sweet desserts, without spending a dime. Enter with your details below. [competition]696759[/competition]
Whether you're a keen artist or simply have a curious mind, the second season of the NGV Art School is a surefire way to scratch your creative itch. Guided by in-house experts, this collection of online and in-person courses is launching over the coming months, offering fascinating ways to engage with the NGV's world-class collection and big-brained facilitators. Think curricula dedicated to Japanese visual culture, colour theory, First Nations practice, observational drawing and more. For those excited to learn more about Japan's enduring cultural legacy, Art & The World: Japan is a face-to-face, four-week course running from Monday, August 25–Monday, September 15. Held over four sessions, a specialist NGV educator will explore how the country's meticulous craftsmanship, ritual, reinvention and radical creativity have shaped its visual identity over several centuries. If a one-day intensive is more your style, Twentieth Century Design offers a deep dive into the people who defined this influential era on Saturday, November 22. Conveyed through lectures and guided gallery tours, students will unpack the work of Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and Marc Newson. By the time you head home, you'll have a sharp appreciation for how design shapes technological innovation, social progress and cross-cultural exchange. Numerous self-guided online courses are also set to enhance your creative credentials. Available from Friday, July 25, The Art of Writing offers weekly video modules, readings and interactive activities led by renowned author Cate Kennedy. Meanwhile, online courses dedicated to our perception of colour, the must-know figures in the NGV collection, and First Peoples' art and design form part of this rigorous syllabus for art lovers. Images: Tobias Titz / Dan Castano.
We all have to stick close to home during Stage 3 lockdown. But what if your all-time favourite purveyors of baked goods are located all the way across town? Well, if you've got a thing for Bread Club and happen to reside around Cremorne, you're in luck. For the next few Saturdays, the North Melbourne bakery is popping up at lush plant store Glasshaus Inside, the two venues joining forces to create a greenery- and bread-filled shopping spot. There'll be plants, there'll be pastries and there'll be (masked) smiles all round, from 9am until 2pm (or sold out) each week. Bread Club will be slinging its classic loaves, alongside cult favourite sweet treats including almond croissants, seasonal danishes, and salted toffee and chocolate cookies. And lunchtime is sorted with a rotation of flaky sausage rolls, pies and pizza bread. Meanwhile, Glasshaus has greenery galore, with its full nursery selection available to browse and buy. It'll also have $45 potted Monstera plants up for grabs, as well as freshly cut tulips ($20 a bunch or $35 for two bunches) to brighten your day. At the pop-up, masks are a must, payment will be cashless and social distancing measures will be in place.
The boutique booze-slingers at Blackhearts & Sparrows are a Melbourne go-to for quality drops — but they also have some very talented mates in the local food scene. And they'll be inviting a rotation of these food-loving friends to join them over the coming months for new culinary series Plates with Mates. Taking over the bottle shop's new Collingwood event space Perry's, the pop-up is kicking off with a bang this week, launching with a trio of Friday feasts headlined by the 1800 Lasagne crew. Roll in from 12pm on March 11, 18 and 25, to tuck into a curated lunch menu featuring that signature lasagne along with plenty more carb-heavy comfort fare. These goodies will be on offer for the start of each session, until 3pm or until sold out. If you fancy settling in for the long haul, or popping in after work, a separate offering of salumi, snacks and cheese is sure to satisfy — available through until 9pm and proving a solid match to the day's DJ tunes. Of course, Blackhearts' booze situation is set to be as top-notch as ever, this time spotlighting a crop of interesting Italian wines and varietals. A selection of takeaway vino will also be on offer. [caption id="attachment_845503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perry's[/caption] Top Image: 1800 Lasagne's namesake dish, by Parker Blain
After cancelling all international flights late last month and all domestic flights bar one daily route in early April, Virgin Australia has entered voluntary administration. In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange this morning, Tuesday, April 21, the Australian airline confirmed it had appointed Deloitte's Vaughan Strawbridge, John Greig, Sal Algeri and Richard Hughes as its voluntary administrators in an attempt to recapitalise and come out of the COVID-19 crisis in a "stronger financial position". Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah confirmed the airline will continue to operate its scheduled domestic and international flights, which are helping to "transport essential workers, maintain important freight corridors, and return Australians home", and is "determined to continue flying". "Australia needs a second airline," Scurrah said in the statement. "Virgin Australia will play a vital role in getting the Australian economy back on its feet after the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring the country has access to competitive and high-quality air travel". The airline's decision to enter voluntary administration comes as it battles a reported $5 billion debt. While the Federal Government has so far rejected its plea for a $1.4 billion loan, both the Queensland and NSW Governments have offered the airlines bailouts — conditional on the location of Virgin's headquarters, currently located in Queensland. When asked about the Federal Government's refusal to bail out Virgin in an interview with ABC, Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham said, "we can't save every business in Australia. Ultimately, there can be no black cheques from Government... we've provided additional support already in the aviation sector." Virgin launched in Australia in 2000 as Virgin Blue, with just one route and two aircraft, and quickly grew following the collapse of Ansett in 2001. With 16,000 employees and 130 planes, the Australian brand, which also includes bargain flight carrier Tigerair, is owned by Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, the HNA Group, Nanshan Group and Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. The fate of those aircraft and staff is currently unknown, with administrator Strawbridge saying in the statement, "our intention is to undertake a process to restructure and re-finance the business and bring it out of administration as soon as possible".
Falls Creek might be best known for its alpine resort and snow-covered ski runs, but a new festival kicking off next month is out to show off a different, more summery side to the region. Here to remind us all of Falls Creek's credentials as a summer destination, the inaugural Feastival will serve up a three-day celebration of food, music, arts, comedy from Friday, February 18–Sunday, February 20. Top of the bill is a free music festival taking over the resort's Slalom Plaza on February 19, showcasing live sounds from legendary Aussie acts including Boy & Bear, Didirri and Saskia, as well as science chats and a few laughs with Dr Karl. Across the rest of the weekend, catch a comedy showcase starring the likes of Dave Thornton and Zoë Coombs Marr, an opening night art exhibition, a lunchtime performance by the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Sextet, astronomy tours and a series of farmers markets where you can sample goodies from across the region. Each morning you can limber up for the day ahead with a guided yoga session at the Village Bowl. And if you prefer your workout with a bit more adrenaline, there'll be regular shuttles operating between the area's world-class mountain bike trails. [caption id="attachment_840432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Boy and Bear, by Daniel Boud[/caption]
Odd Culture is joining forces with Skinny's Eatery to bring you a tropical-themed feast on Sunday, November 26. Jamal Nicoll (Leonardo's Pizza Palace and Etta), along with his wife Genevieve, are the heart and soul of Skinny's, and they're bringing along a menu that's perfect for a chill Sunday afternoon in the sun. And if you've been to Odd Culture before, you'll know that beer garden is simply one of the best for relaxing the day away with good drinks and terrific snacks. Speaking of, the menu will feature Sydney rock oysters and po' boys (a type of sandwich made famous in Louisiana) that are just begging to be eaten – we're talking corn breaded prawns, thousand island sauce and prawn oil, all nestled in a French roll and accompanied by house-made old bay potato crisps. There's more — the bar team at Odd Culture will be putting a twist on the classic Pina Colada and shaking up their much-adored Tepache Spritz. So grab your mates, head to Brunswick Street, and let Odd Culture and Skinny's take care of the rest. Sunday sorted.
It's a part of your everyday life, and a rarely exciting one at that. But the humble chair has been cast in a whole new light, now showing off its main character energy at a new thought-provoking group exhibition led by Craft Victoria. On show at Craft Victoria's CBD gallery space from Saturday, September 10–Saturday, November 19, The Chair celebrates one of the world's most common pieces of furniture — while pushing its design concept into whole new realms. Step inside to scope out 24 chairs created by 31 Aussie artists and designers, with innovative, experimental designs musing on the question of what a chair is and what it can be. Expect a vast array of shapes and forms, and more different materials than you can poke a chair leg at — from red gum and aluminium, to recycled plastic bags and old bike wheels. You'll spy a shimmering deck chair made of zinc-plated steel by Nicole Lawrence and Thomas Coward; James Lemon's suspended swing number; and even an otherworldly creature crafted from Tasmanian wallaby pelt, plywood and copper, courtesy of Trent Jansen for Broached Monsters. [caption id="attachment_870602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bonhula Yunupingu and Damien Wright, 'Bonggawa'wu Nhana'nhamirri (Boss's Chair)', 2022. Represented by Gallery Sally Dan Cuthbert. Photo: Dan Hocking[/caption] Images: Installation shots by Annika Kafcaloudis
In the guise of her character Jess, Drew Barrymore is crying when Miss You Already starts — and the audience likely will be when the film finishes. Tissues are necessary for what overwhelmingly and shamelessly qualifies as a weepie. Expect tears from a movie that knows how to wring them out of you. Expect to know that's exactly what it is trying to do, too. Barrymore's American in London is the more down-to-earth life-long BFF of outlandish Brit Milly (Toni Collette), their friendship as firm as it is frenetic. They've been there for each other since meeting in primary school, but when Miss You Already opens, Jess is in labour and yearning for her pal before talking viewers through their shared history. That colourful past takes a turn for the catastrophic when Milly is diagnosed with breast cancer, much to the distress of Jess; Milly's rock 'n' roll-roadie-turned-family-man husband, Kit (Dominic Cooper); and their two young children. At the same time, Jess is struggling with trying to get pregnant through fertility treatment with her partner Jago (Paddy Considine). As has constantly happened throughout their years of closeness, when it comes to life-changing drama, Milly's situation trumps her own. If the combination of gal pals, a potentially terminal condition and baby craziness hasn't already given it away — and it should've — Miss You Already is solidly aiming for sometimes gently funny, often waterworks-inducing chick flick territory. That the film stems from the real-life experiences of actress and writer Morwenna Banks (perhaps best known for TV's Saxondale and Skins) helps ensure that its sentiment and depiction of illness doesn't feel fake, even if it comes on thick and paints by the numbers. Indeed, director Catherine Hardwicke moves on from the teen-focused fare of Thirteen and the first Twilight film to offer up an account of the ups and downs of female friendship, with the latter prominent when trouble and tragedy strikes. Her approach is brightly shot to look like fondly Instagrammed memories, though it also barely lingers on anything but the obvious as it flits between Vine-like vignettes. Heartstrings are tugged across the usual moments — news both good and bad, hospital visits focused on life ending and beginning, a road trip to Yorkshire's Moors, and fights and fancy occasions among them — yet every new occurrence seems like the filmmaker is ticking off a checklist. With no hunks in sight here, what the film boasts instead is chemistry between the two leads. The plot points might be routine, but the bond the talented duo of Barrymore and Collette cultivate comes across as authentic. In fact, none of the cast puts a foot wrong, including a brief but well-played appearance by iconic actress Jacqueline Bisset as Milly's TV star mother. They're Miss You Already's most effective element, other than using all the life, death, love, loyalty and friendship pressure points to manipulate salty moisture into streaming from your eyes.
Beloved Abbotsford brewery Moon Dog has had more than a few people fooled. Its cosy Duke Street tasting bar, with its home-spun fit-out and handful of small kegs on display behind the taps, might give the impression that the label is running a relatively small operation, but, in reality, it's just the tip of the iceberg. The brewery, launched in 2010 by brothers Josh and Jake Uljans and mate Karl van Buuren, is currently pumping out a couple of million litres annually. And, if it wants to brew anymore, it'll need more equipment — and more space. Having realised they'll soon outgrow their current digs, the guys have gotten their hands on a mammoth new Preston site, with plans to open a new multi-faceted brewery and hospitality destination before the year's out. The former fabrics factory clocks in at a huge 12,000 square metres, which is spread across a collection of lofty spaces that seem to stretch on forever. The bulk of Moon Dog's brewery operations will be shifted over here and expanded. And the new space has plenty of room for extra, bigger gear, as the boys look to up output and flirt with more small-batch creations in the future. "People go to the Abbotsford brewery and see those tiny tanks behind the bar and they think that's all we brew," explains Moon Dog's Brand Marketing Manager Brook Hornung as he shows us around the new site. "Right now, we're doing about two million litres a year. The brewhouse here will be able to do over ten." [caption id="attachment_714657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moon Dog's 12,000-square-metre Preston site.[/caption] While those numbers are themselves impressive, it's the boys' plans for the sprawling front bar that are the big game-changers here. "It's a pretty high concept," muses Hornung. "Essentially, in that corner, there's going to be a waterfall that flows down a little river into an ornamental lagoon," he says, pointing. "Above that, we're going to have a 'rainforest walk', if you like — there'll be some containers with a VIP area on top. And that'll be the best seat in the house." The vision for the giant space also includes sections of retractable roof above an indoor beer garden, a big central bar, a stage area for regular live music sessions and a kitchen and eatery. A sunny internal laneway down one side will funnel through to a hefty rear carpark, and a cave-like room out back will likely play host to a separate Belgian-inspired brewery, with open fermentation tanks, hundreds of barrels and an intimate space for brewer events. According to Hornung, we can expect to be sipping fresh beers beside that waterfall some time this spring, with the brewery hopefully pumping out beer by the time October rolls around. And, in excellent news for die-hard fans, the Duke Street bar and events space will kick on strong, now as a smaller sibling venue. Moon Dog Brewery is slated to open at 32 Chifley Drive, Preston in spring 2019. Top images: Libby Curran.
