Should we be willing to accept the happiness of the majority at the expense of the view? That's the question that St Martins' Youth Arts Centre will attempt to answer with For The Ones Who Walk Away, their new multidisplinary art installation at Siteworks in Brunswick. Presented in partnership with the 2017 Melbourne Fringe Festival, and featuring a cast of more than 50 young people between the ages of nine and 18, the ambitious work draws on the traditions of promenade theatre, installation and live performance art, as it invites audiences to journey through the multi-room space. There they'll find everything from song and spoken word performances, to video art and choreography, as they search for traces of the ones who walked away.
The Heiresses, a Paraguayan film featuring a first-time actress and hailing from a debut feature writer and director, has emerged victorious at this year's Sydney Film Festival. After picking up two awards at this year's Berlinale — including best actress for star Ana Brun — Marcelo Martinessi's moving drama beat out 11 other contenders to win the 2018 Sydney Film Prize. That's no mean feat in any year, but given that this year's competition included Cannes prizewinner BlacKkKlansman; Sundance hits Leave No Trace and The Miseducation of Cameron Post; and fellow Berlin standouts Transit, Aga and Daughter of Mine, it's quite the considerable achievement. Telling the tale of Chela, who is forced to adjust when her girlfriend of more than three decades is imprisoned due to the couple's mounting debts, The Heiresses became the 11th feature to nab the festival's $60,000 award. Again, it's in fine company, with previous winners including On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_LxrE9vVA Comprised of Australian artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, Aussie actor Ewen Leslie (The Daughter), Filipino producer and writer Bianca Balbuena (Season of the Devil), South African film composer and songwriter Chris Letcher and Tokyo Film Festival programming director Yoshi Yatabe, the jury dubbed The Heiresses a "provocative, layered and surprising film". "The film we chose carried us with restraint and confidence into a world still shielded by entitlement even as its structures crumble," explained Wallworth at SFF's closing night ceremony. "It revealed a delicately unfolding courage to release what we cling to, even when it is all we know, and let change come — within ourselves and within this collective frame that we build, that is society." The fest's other big 2018 prize — the $10,000 Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary — went to Aussie doco Ghosthunter by another first-timer, Ben Lawrence. In the kind of story that has to be seen to be believed, the documentary starts out as a portrait of Sydney security guard Jason King and his after-hours gig as an amateur ghost hunter. That's not how it ends up, however, with the film evolving over the course of its seven-year shoot to delve into King's troubled family history.
It's called Ghostbusters, not franchisebusters — so, four decades after the initial supernatural comedy flick in the series proved a huge hit, of course the saga is still tackling ghouls on the big screen. There was a 27-year pause between 1989's Ghostbusters II and 2016's women-led, excellent and wrongly maligned Paul Feig-helmed Ghostbusters, but then came 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Next up: its sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. As both the initial teaser back in 2023 and the just-dropped full trailer show, familiar faces are everywhere in the fifth Ghostbusters movie — and from past features both recent and classic. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson: they're all back, teaming up to take on an ancient force that's trying to unleash a second Ice Age. Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) returns as Gary Grooberson, while Coon (The Gilded Age), McKenna Grace (Crater) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) are back as Callie, Phoebe and Trevor Spengler. Yes, they're the daughter and grandchildren of the late Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler, who became initiated in the family business when they inherited his old farmhouse in Afterlife. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire reverses the last flick's swap, which centred around that eerie abode. So, rather than unfurling in Oklahoma, it returns the series to New York. There, summer is proceeding as normal until an unseasonable chill kicks in. The reason for the plummeting temperatures isn't any old blast of cooler weather, either, which is where the Ghostbusters come in. Also in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire's cast: Kumail Nanjiani (Welcome to Chippendales), Patton Oswalt (What We Do in the Shadows), Celeste O'Connor (A Good Person) and Logan Kim (The Walking Dead: Dead City), alongside OGs Murray (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Aykroyd (Zombie Town) and Hudson (Quantum Leap), plus Annie Potts (Young Sheldon). A certain firehouse pops up as well, as does Slimer, an army of ghosts, possessed possessions, rising supernatural attacks and a new paranormal research centre. The latest film sees Gil Kenan (A Boy Called Christmas) directing. After helming Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Jason Reitman (Tully, The Front Runner) — who is the son of Ivan Reitman, who directed the first two movies — co-writes the script this time around. Check out the full trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire below: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Melbourne's CBD and surrounds could become a little more difficult to navigate in a car, but much safer for tram users, if a significant Yarra Trams upgrade plan is given the green light. The tram operator has proposed a $42.7 million project that would see concrete and bluestone kerbs installed along 38 kilometres of Melbourne's tram tracks, similar to what's already in place along sections of Nicholson and Lygon Streets. With 75 percent of the tram network shared with other road users, the move is hoped to help decrease the 1000 vehicle-to-tram collisions that currently occur each year. That's an average of three a day. As well as having the potential to injure passengers and drivers, these collisions cause delays and cancellations, and result in less trams on the tracks while the damaged carriages undergo repairs. According to to Yarra Trams, around ten trams are out for repair each day because of motor vehicle incidents. While the concrete kerbs would help limit collisions, they could also block motorists from crossing key city streets, which is sure to cause more than a few driver headaches. As part of Yarra Trams' plan, it wants to add the safety kerbs along some of the CBD's busiest stretches, including Flinders, Collins, Elizabeth and Bourke streets. Sections of St Kilda Road and Richmond's Bridge Road would also score kerbs, along with 'high risk' areas like Racecourse Road and Commercial Road. These are the proposed routes where kerbs would be implemented. Tram crashes decreased by 25 per cent when hard kerbing was installed on Docklands tram routes. The tram operator's proposed upgrades were submitted to a Victorian Parliament in response to an inquiry looking into ways of reducing road fatalities. Submissions will remain open until April 30, so it could be a while before we hear if the Government's takes any of Yarra Trams' proposals on board. If it is approved, though, Yarra Trams expects it'll take approximately 18 months to construct and install the kerbs. Of course, with Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project — and the road closures its construction has brought with it — not expected to reach completion until 2025, now isn't the best time to be driving a car anyway. Perhaps stick with the public transport slog, or just hang out for the launch of Uber's much-hyped air taxis, which are set to start testing in Melbourne later this year. You can check out Yarra Trams' full submission here.
Australia has so much wonderful wilderness that spending a few days trekking up hills and down mountains is something everyone should try at least once. But doing so is not something that anyone should take lightly — from safety steps, to preparing food and drink, to having the ideal gear, being suitably prepared for your journey is a must before heading off. Since 1973, Macpac has been ensuring that both new and experienced hikers get the most out of their overnight treks, all thanks to a range of technical clothing and outdoor gear that can handle any type of climate. So, we teamed up with the brand — in celebration of the opening of its new Adventure Hubs — to help you get properly kitted out and put your plan in place. It's time to go trekking. HIKE AT THE RIGHT TIME It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Australia's weather can be pretty temperamental. So when it comes to overnight hiking, it's important to choose a track that's going to have the right conditions for when you're planning to set off. Throughout the year, many hikes can change dramatically thanks to heavy rain or snow, with some becoming inaccessible altogether. Ensure that you're not caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time by researching exactly where you're heading — and by keeping an eye on the weather forecast so you always have the appropriate gear. Pack this: Less is Less Rain Jacket in women's and men's styles ($329.99) MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT Whenever you set out for an overnight trip into the hills, having a travel plan that you can stick to is the best way to avoid a bad situation. There are plenty of things to consider but, if it's possible, you should seek advice from the local Parks Victoria office or experienced local hikers so that you know what to expect when you arrive. (Plus, this way you may get some hints to some epic sights and views.) But bear in mind that if conditions change and any dangers arise, it's better to scrap the plan and cut your trip short than to keep pushing forward. Also crucial: making sure that you leave a detailed itinerary for someone at home, who can then raise the alarm if you don't return by your expected time. Include where you're going, the route you plan to take and how long you think you'll be gone for. You can also head to the Macpac website to make use of its helpful planning tool. Pack this: Suunto Spartan Sport Watch ($699) TAKE EXTRA FOOD AND WATER — JUST IN CASE More is more when you're heading off on an overnight hike — that is, it's always advisable to take more food and water than you think you'll need. And while packing food can be a bit of a challenge, you'll be thanking yourself if you largely opt for lightweight, dehydrated and non-perishable foods. As a general guide, you'll want to try to consume around 12,500 kilojoules or more per day; for water, it's recommended that you drink 250 millilitres for every 30–45 minutes of hiking. In terms of what to pack, many hikers prefer simple products that are easily stored like muesli bars, oatmeal sachets and basic pasta. But if you're feeling ambitious, here are a host of awesome camp food ideas that you can try if you consider yourself a bit of a chef around the fire. Pack this: Hydration Reservoir 3L ($59.95) PICK YOUR GEAR WISELY Bringing all of the right gear is going to make your overnight hike smoother and more enjoyable — plus, you'll feel like a seasoned adventurer. If you're the forgetful type, pack early and have a checklist of all the things you know you'll need. One thing that people often don't remember is just how useful a headlamp is, especially if you've ever tried cooking in the dark with one hand occupied by a torch. That also means bringing along some spare batteries, while sunscreen, a first aid kit and a paper map are always good ideas as well. Next, you need to consider if the gear you currently own is going to be suited for the climate that you're heading into. Consider upgrading your tent, sleeping bag or winter clothing if you think things might get a little chilly. Many popular hiking destinations also have online packing lists, so checking them out will also help. Pack this: Petzl Headlamp ($59.99) LEAVE NO TRACE Everyone loves Australia's pristine nature, so we all need to work together to keep it that way. Always plan to leave no trace when you go out hiking — that means carrying your rubbish with you and staying respectful of any wildlife you come across. Also, make sure that you're aware of any local camping regulations or environmental concerns in the area. One particular warning to take note of: total fire bans. While everyone wants a campfire when they set up their tent for the night, bans are commonplace across Australia and must be followed. If having a fire is allowed, try to keep it small while also using fire pans or mounds, which help keep the flames safely under control. Pack this: Scarpa Kailash Boots in women's and men's styles ($399.99) DON'T FORGET ENTERTAINMENT If storm clouds roll through and you find yourself stuck in your tent for a few hours, you might find that the conversation becomes a little stale. That's why bringing some light form of entertainment to keep yourself and others occupied never goes amiss. A deck of cards weighs next to nothing and is easy to carry, while paperback books (or a Kindle), magazines and audiobooks are other great ways to pass the time before you can hit the track again. Top image: Visit Victoria.
Melburnian pooches are in for the ultimate dog treat next month, when an experiential playground for pups arrives in the inner north. If you thought your very good boy or girl was spoiled before, just you wait until they find themselves living it up at Scratch Patch — the activity-filled pop-up dog park of their twitchiest doggy dreams. The brainchild of locally-based ethical pet food company Scratch, Scratch Patch is set to take over Edinburgh Gardens from Saturday, March 5–Sunday, March 27. And oh boy, is it a mood. The playground will be filled with fun obstacles and activities for the four-legged crowd, from high jump and agility poles to ball pits and totem tennis. A dog-friendly pop-up pool is sure to get a workout, too. If your pup is more of a book worm type, we're sure they'll be pretty stoked with a visit to the on-site stick library. No word yet on whether there'll be ruff fines for any late returns. Meanwhile, a tuck shop will be slinging an array of healthy Scratch pet food and treats, because all that excitement is bound to get the appetite going. And, since no pet parent can call themselves such without a camera roll full of adorable snaps to prove it, there'll be photo ops galore. Make sure Boswell is looking the goods, because there'll be a bunch of installations and activations designed for taking pawsome pics in front of. Each activity zone will be limited to five pups at a time, though there'll also always be a team of behaviour specialists on hand to facilitate harmonious playtime for all. Scratch customers and City of Yarra residents can enjoy Scratch Patch for free, with a $10 cover charge for everyone else. As you can imagine, bookings are required — you'd better snap up a play slot for Luna so she doesn't get left out and have to hear about it from all her mates forevermore. Find Scratch Patch at Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North, from March 5–27. It'll open daily from 8am–8pm.
Chances are you've got a Grain-Store-shaped hole in your heart right now. The eatery on Flinders Lane is a long-time city lunch break favourite for its vibrant, produce-driven fare. Fortunately, it has launched new four-course at-home feasts, available for both delivery and click-and-collect. And a special Father's Day edition is hitting the menu this weekend. Each $165 meal pack is designed for two, with this week's menu starring rosemary focaccia with anchovy and sage butter, lobster curry teamed with spiced prosecco crumpets, and a riff on the classic beef wellington featuring a rich marsala jus. Step things up a notch with the $210 version which includes two half-bottles of paired wine. The Grain Store is delivering the at-home dinners to various suburbs this Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5. Or pick your order up in-store, Thursday through Saturday. Pre-order here by 4pm for the following day.
You can never have too many occasions to eat cheese, but this Melbourne cheese festival isn't just keen to shower cheese fiends with creamy goodness. A collaboration between Bruny Island Cheese Co. cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, Mould wants dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. Returning for a third year, the festival will paint North Melbourne's Meat Market yellow on Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17. Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses — there will be over 50 types, with the lineup still be to announced — it'll feature flavoursome fare from other food vendors. Think of it as a cheese tasting trip around Australia without leaving Blackwood Street. Of course, snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you are just two ways to enjoy cheese. The fest will have cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks so you can stretch your cheese knowledge as well as your cheese stomach. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, beer and sake — all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. There will be an evening session on Friday from 4–8pm and two sessions (from 11am–3pm and 4–8pm) on Saturday. Tickets cost $40–45 + booking fee, which includes tastings.
Fancy spending your public holiday eve with a drink in hand, soaking up some breezy Mediterranean holiday vibes? You're in for exactly that when Tetto di Carolina throws open the doors for an Amalfi-inspired rooftop party on Wednesday, January 25. From 4pm, the South Yarra bar's rooftop terrace will whisk punters away to aperitivo hour on the Italian coast, including kicking back sipping limoncello spritzes and bergamot margaritas for $10 a pop. Also yours for a tenner, you'll find the now famous negroni sbagliato — a riff on the classic negroni that's finished with prosecco. [caption id="attachment_885240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] The drink specials will be flowing until 7pm, while the Italo Disco tunes are set to kick on all night long — Mike Gurrieri is hitting the decks from 6pm and spinning until late. And of course, you can add on a few choice bites from the Tetto snack menu while you're there — including lamb loin arrosticini, octopus panzanella, roast scallops matched with finger lime, and beef carpaccio served with horseradish cream and aged comte. [caption id="attachment_742277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Top image: Jeff Anderson Jnr.
Sweet birthday babies, the big dose of déjà vu you've long been waiting for is finally almost here. It's been three years since Russian Doll first brought its Groundhog Day-meets-The Good Place vibes to Netflix, proved a hit and got renewed for a second season — and if you've been hanging out to rehash the smart and twisty Natasha Lyonne-starring series all over again, it'll drop new episodes in April. Orange Is the New Black, Irresistible and The United States vs Billie Holiday star Lyonne plays New Yorker Nadia, who had a 36th birthday she'd never forget in Russian Doll's first season — although she desperately wished that she could. While getting stuck at a celebration in your own honour will sound like a literal party to most folks, that wasn't Nadia's path. So, after a couple of go-arounds, she went searching for answers. Indeed, being trapped in a loop featuring her closest pals (Sisters' Greta Lee and Werewolves Within's Rebecca Henderson), friendly ex (Yul Vazquez, Severance), wise aunt (Elizabeth Ashley, Ocean's 8), a cute roaming cat and a determined but neurotic guy (Charlie Barnett, You) who lives around the corner wasn't quite bliss for the show's acerbic, misanthropic lead character. Co-created and co-written by Lyonne, the one and only Amy Poehler, and filmmaker Leslye Headland (Bachelorette, Sleeping with Other People), the show's eight-episode first run was one of the highlights of 2019 — and fingers crossed that its second season proves the same in 2022. As well as announcing that Russian Doll's second season will drop on Wednesday, April 20, Netflix also released a first sneak peek at the new episodes, although little is given away story-wise. Examining fate, logic, life's loops and wading through limbo in a clever and compelling way is this show's wheelhouse, though — and proving dark, heartfelt, hilarious and inventive all at once, too, even though the do-over premise has become a well-established trope on both the big and small screens. So, if any series was well-placed to serve up a savvy second season — a do-over in a show that's already about do-overs — it's this one. NYC's subway system does feature prominently in the season two trailer, so there's one big clue. Also, Barnett is back as Alan. A graveyard is seen, too, as so is Nadia providing her latest advice: "when the universe fucks with you, let it." Plus, although they're not glimpsed in this first sneak peek, Schitt's Creek and Kevin Can F**k Himself star Annie Murphy and District 9's Sharlto Copley also join the cast. Check out the first teaser trailer for Russian Doll's second season below: The second season of Russian Doll will be available to stream via Netflix on Wednesday, April 20. Image: Netflix.
Activewear fans, we've got some big news: P.E. Nation is bringing back its warehouse sale — and it's all online. The athleisure experts hosted their first ever sample sale in 2016, and everything sold out in the first day. But, luckily, you don't have to worry about being crushed in a throng this year. You just need to have your mouse at the ready. Whether you're stocking up your own balcony-gym wardrobe (or WFH outfit, if we're totally honest) or doing a solid for sporty loved ones, you'll find an extensive array of swim, activewear, accessories, sweaters and jackets now available — and all for up to 60 percent off. That spans tops from $49, bottoms from $59, hoodies from $69 and jackets from $129 (because yes, cold weather really is just around the corner). Remember the age-old advice of when it comes to sample sales: you need to get in quick. Given the following the label has amassed since General Pants Co. design director Pip Edwards and former senior Sass & Bide designer Claire Tregoning joined forces, its functional, fashionable bits and pieces are bound to be popular. So, keep an eye on the website — and you'll need to be signed up as a member to access the deals.
After a little something to brighten your mood? How does a vibrant bouquet of bright yellow blooms sound? This year, Cancer Council Victoria's Daffodil Day celebrations will spreading lots more of that brightly-hued cheer as they once again transform the Rialto Melbourne's Piazza into a sea of 20,000 flowers. For its 36th annual edition, the famed fundraising appeal is set to sell thousands of daffodils at this CBD pop-up on Thursday, August 25. To jump aboard an excellent cause and buy a bouquet for yourself or someone else in need of some bright blooms, head along from 7.30am. Both small and large bunches are available, with prices starting from $7.50. If you can't make it in person, Cancer Council Victoria is also doing a daffodil delivery service, dropping small, large and extra large bunches to homes across the state this week. You can order online, up until August 25. Proceeds from all flowers sold will go to support Cancer Council Victoria's life-saving work in the field of cancer research.
In preparation for the release of her super-hyped, internet-breaking personal memoir Not That Kind of Girl, your spirit animal Lena Dunham has created a 12-part web series. Taking the whole 'voice of her generation' thing to its logical conclusion, Dunham poses as an agony aunt for people's personal and relationship problems and dishes out some stellar advice. Namely, don't date garbage men and don't yell 'vagina' in inappropriate public places (at home is obviously fine). Though Dunham has worked hard to differentiate herself from her on-air persona Hannah Horvath, it's interesting to note the similarities. For all her faults, the narcissistic Girls character is at least a feminist and a thinker. Here's how the two compare: Takeaway advice: Wear booty shorts and rock on with your bad self. Takeaway advice: Don't bother counting almonds, love your size and rock it in a romper. Takeaway advice: Don't waste time with bad friends. Takeaway advice: Don't fuck garbage people (or something like that). Takeaway advice: The personal is political. Write about whatever you want. Takeaway advice: Ask for help. Mental illness is just as serious as any other disease. Takeaway advice: Bullies are just sad ol' meanies. Takeaway advice: Eating your own stockings doesn't necessarily lead to lots of orgasms. Takeaway advice: Sometimes people just aren't right for each other. Takeaway advice: We're all going to die and Lena Dunham's life is much better than yours. Takeaway advice: We can all be successful, just make a fatty to-do list and hit that shit hard. Takeaway advice: Screaming 'vagina' in a chocolate store is apparently a bad thing. Not That Kind of Girl is released in the US on September 30. Expect overanalysed excerpts on Gawker not long after that.
Do you have a friend in Wellington who likes writing, and going to cafes where the baristas are knee-deep in tattoos and serve organic ethnic blend coffees? A friend who knows what a cold brew is, can stomach eating fine cuisine on a weekly basis, and gets enthused about going to the latest Bats plays and being 'in the know'? Would that friend enjoy getting paid to do all of the above and more? Well, good. We're looking for writers in Wellington city and need someone like your friend (you can subscribe here to read about it soon). So pass this message on to them and get them to send us through their name and wee bit of their writing (no personal postcard to your aunt or your Mills & Boon-esque short fiction piece, please) to wellington@concreteplayground.co.nz We'll be waiting.
Masters of putting unlikely things together, Ikea, have kicked off a smart design initiative to connect thousands of homeless dogs with potential families. Shelters are overcrowded and homestarters want that little extra addition to their pad, so the US-based Animal Lovers League and Singapore's Save Our Street Dogs have teamed up with the Swedish furniture giants for a very simple marketing project. Dubbed Home for Hope, the campaign uses the ol' cardboard cut out routine in the best possible way. Home renovators wander through Ikea displays picturing every thoughtfully-placed item in their own abodes (we've all entertained 'friends' around an Ikea display kitchen once, right?), a state of mind the furniture heavyweights are harnessing with life-size cardboard cut outs of the adoptable dogs merrily chillin' out in the lounge room. Customers visualise themselves 'completing their home' with throw rugs, patterned curtains and kitchen blackboards, then attach the same sentiment to a scruffy little face. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBka2eF4OAI Ikea's team headed to the involved shelters, photographed the homeless pooches and created life-size cardboard cut outs of legends like Momo, Lady and Pampam. Then the team went to work, perching the 'dogs' on lounge chairs, begging at dinner tables, snuggling at the end of beds. Shoppers can scan the QR codes on the cardboard dogs' collars to register their interest in adoption, with each scruffy mutt having their own bio and individual video on the Home for Hope website (watching dogs have their own photoshoots is actually The Best Thing Ever). Alongside Ikea, Home for Hope will work with other big furniture players like Grafunkt, Foundry, Commune, Journey East and Noden Collective. The idea was borne from a lack of budget and a subsequent need to market the poor pooches creatively. "Home for Hope was borne out of a pressing issue," the foundation says. "With a limited budget, most animal shelters can only afford to voice their messages using social media. Problem is, their followers are pet lovers, and most already own pets. Hence, adoption rates are low." Via Fast Co.Design.
Hop, skip and jump your way down to the National Gallery of Victoria for a first look at the latest installation work from acclaimed American conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner. Inspired by the game of hopscotch, Out of Sight is a 16-metre long participatory artwork built into the floor in front of the NGV's iconic waterwall. Aimed primarily at teenage visitors (because teens love hopscotch, don't you know?), the work is designed to make you think creatively about the direction of your life, and will incorporate the artist's characteristic text-based approach along with a short film featuring local high school students. "We're thrilled to be one of the first galleries in the world to stage Lawrence Weiner's newest work Out of Sight, which will also be presented in cities including New York, Houston, Chicago and Shanghai," said NGV director Tony Ellwood. "Out of Sight will explore the concept of uncertain futures with visitors encountering a number of different phrases and ideas as they move along the hopscotch." Out of Sight will be on display at NGV International from February 10 until April 17. Image: Libraryrachel.
We're a long way from New York City's Lower East Side, but it'll feel a whole lot closer (for at least one night) when celebrated speakeasy-style cocktail bar Death & Co hits Down Under. The NYC team will be visiting three much-loved venues across Australia for a series of cocktail-fuelled dinners. Out to offer locals a taste of their contemporary drinks mastery, Death & Co's David Kaplan and Alex Day are swinging past Melbourne laneway bar Trinket for two nights. The Wednesday night session has already sold out but there are still some left for Tuesday, February 4. Launched in 2006, the NYC bar is considered something of a pioneer in the world of modern cocktail bars, having scored a slew of big-time awards, played host to a roll-call of bartending legends and birthed its share of now-iconic cocktail creations. Each of the Aussie dinners will see the team showcase five crafty concoctions, matched with five courses from the host venue. The tour's a collaboration with US label Aviation Gin, which just so happens to be owned by your good mate Ryan Reynolds, so you can expect lots of gin. There will be sips like the Have At It welcome shot, blending Dry Sack Sherry, gin, lemon juice and grapefruit, and the Trust Fall: a fusion of Aviation gin, pisco and vermouth, finished with lychee liqueur, raspberry, absinthe and Peychaud's Bitters. At Trinket's dinner, you'll find the booze carefully paired with dishes like a wallaby tartare with Davison plum and gin jam, fried quail with Yarra Valley caviar, and a lamington-inspired take on a Magnum ice cream for dessert. Tickets to each event clock in at $95 per person (or $145 if you also want a signed copy of Death & Co's own book, Cocktail Codex). All that should leave you feeling pretty inspired to try out some drinks wizardry in your own home bar.
UPDATE: June 14 2023, Face The Fire has sold out, but other Fireside Yarra Valley events still have available tickets. The cooler months have many positives: cosy jumpers, nights spent by toasty fires, a greater inclination to drink bold reds — the list goes on. If you're in the mood to bask in all this winter warmth, Fireside Yarra Valley is the regional festival you want to know about. From Saturday, July 8 till Sunday, July 23, the wine-driven region will be hosting exclusive events aplenty. Over 16 days, culinary pop-ups, chef collaborations and one-off dinners will be highlighting the deliciousness of cooking with flames. Wintry menus celebrating smoky dishes, chargrilled native ingredients and woodfired cooking — all of it backdropped by Melbourne's closest wine region. One festival highlight is Face the Fire, a 60-person feast bringing together Movida's Frank Camorra and TarraWarra Estate's Joel Alderdice — delivering a duck paella to complement the winery's perfected pinot noir. Smoked kangaroo will kick off the night, with preserved beetroot and pepperberry elevating the roasted native meat. The Spanish rice will be cooked over flames for all to see, and there'll be a pine-mushroom version for any meat-averse. A washed rind encased in brioche, baked and topped with honey and quince, will see the night out — with a TarraWarra nebbiolo alongside. Tickets are $158 and are strictly limited. On Sunday, July 9, Zackary Leon Furst (head chef at the favoured Melbourne spot Bar Liberty) will be joining forces with Joel Bowers for a five-course long lunch at No. 7 Healesville. Bowers will deliver all the fiery flavours he's known for at No. 7, with Furst adding all the pickles, ferments and preserves he can. Bar Liberty's signature cocktails will be gracing the Yarra Valley digs, and there will be rare natty bottles brought out of the cellar especially. The five-course meal will set you back $110, and the wine pairing another $65. These two events are just the tip of the stellar lineup hitting the wine region this July. Grab your mates, peruse all that's on offer and get ready to lean into Yarra Valley's winter delights. Fireside Yarra Valley takes over the region (and some select inner-city venues) from Saturday, July 8 till Sunday, July 23. To discover the full lineup and secure your tickets, head to the website.
2023's working year might've only just begun, but it's already time to book in a big overseas holiday. Put in that leave request ASAP. Block out your calendar. Bust out your suitcase, too, and make sure your passport is up to date. Your destination: the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, because Coachella is back for 2023 with a characteristically impressive roster of acts. Mark April 14–16 and April 21–23 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is a jaw-dropper, as usual, with Bad Bunny headlining the Friday nights, BLACKPINK doing the Saturday nights and Frank Ocean on Sunday nights. Also on the bill: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, ROSALÍA and Blondie through to The Kid LAROI, Björk, Fisher, Charlie XCX, Porter Robinson and Idris Elba. Whether you're after new tunes, the biggest music names right now or dripping nostalgia, it's on offer at Coachella 2023. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella will once again team up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 13 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 14). At the time of writing, the festival advises that there are very limited passes left for weekend one, so your best bet is the second weekend. COACHELLA 2023 LINEUP: $uicideboy$ ¿Téo? 070 Shake 1999.ODDS 2manydjs A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Adam Beyer AG Club Airrica Alex G Ali Sethi Angèle Ashnikko Bad Bunny Bakar Becky G BENEE Big Wild Björk BLACKPINK Blondie Boris Brejcha boygenius BRATTY Burna Boy Calvin Harris Camelphat Cannons Cassian Charli XCX Chloé Caillet Chris Stussy Christine and the Queens Chromeo Colyn Conexión Divina DannyLux Dennis Cruz + PAWSA Despacio Destroy Boys Diljit Dosanjh Dinner Party featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington DJ Tennis + Carlita Doechii Dombresky Domi & JD Beck Dominic Fike Donavan's Yard DPR LIVE + DPR IAN DRAMA EARTHGANG El Michels Affair Eladio Carrión Elderbrook Elyanna Eric Prydz presents HOLO Ethel Cain Fisher + Chris Lake FKJ Flo Milli Fousheé Francis Mercier Frank Ocean Gabriels GloRilla Gordo Gorillaz Hiatus Kaiyote Horsegirl Hot Since 82 IDK Idris Elba Jackson Wang Jai Paul Jai Wolf Jamie Jones Jan Blomqvist Joy Crookes Juliet Mendoza Jupiter & Okwess Kali Uchis Kaytranad Keinemusik Kenny Beats Knocked Loose Kyle Watson Labrinth Latto Lava La Rue Lewis OfMan Los Bitchos Los Fabulosos Cadillacs LP Giobbi Maceo Plex Magdalena Bay Malaa Marc Rebillet Mareux Mathame Metro Boomin Minus the Light MK Mochakk Momma Monolink MUNA Mura Masa NIA ARCHIVES Noname Nora En Pure Oliver Koletzki Overmono Paris Texas Pi'erre Bourne Porter Robinson Pusha T Rae Sremmurd Rebelution Remi Wolf Romy ROSALÍA Saba Sasha & John Digweed Sasha Alex Sloan Scowl SG Lewis Shenseea Sleaford Mods Snail Mail SOFI TUKKER Soul Glo Stick Figure Sudan Archives Sunset Rollercoaster Tale Of Us TESTPILOT The Blaze The Breeders The Chemical Brothers The Comet Is Coming The Garden The Kid LAROI The Linda Lindas The Murder Capital Tobe Nwigwe TSHA TV Girl Two Friends UMI Uncle Waffles Underworld Vintage Culture Wet Leg Weyes Blood WhoMadeWho Whyte Fang Willow Yaeji Yung Lean YUNGBLUD Yves Tumor Coachella runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 13 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 14).
A lacklustre vehicle for two fine actors, Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are wasted in Joel Hopkins' Hampstead, a light-on-charm plod-along which harbours not much more than a giggle every now and then, some pretty scenery, and a particularly nice looking veggie patch. Keaton is Emily, a recently widowed woman who lives in an upmarket block of apartments in London's Hampstead, neighboured mostly by other rich women her age. Her days involve throwing her hands up in the air about her debts while wandering around with her peers signing petitions and having brunch. Unsurprisingly, she feels as though something is missing from her life. Enter Gleeson as Donald, a gruff Irishman who lives in a ramshackle hut on the heath, in perfect binocular-spying distance from Emily's attic. He grows his own food and fishes in the lake. One thing leads to another, there's some perfunctory plot development, and the two meet and strike up a romance. The only problem is that there's so little chemistry between the two that at one point, during a scene where they're kissing in bed, I found myself wondering whether it would rain tomorrow and if I had washing to put on at home. The two actors do their best with the cloying, Richard Curtis-wannabe script, which aims for whimsical and lands on limp. Turns out Donald has built a cottage on the Heath without permission, doesn't pay rent or taxes, and is being evicted by the council who plan to build apartment blocks in place of him, leaving him homeless without any relatives to rely on. Emily, on the other hand, is worried about whether she's going to have to sell her super lush apartment because she's bad at accounting. Naturally the two bond over their "similar" circumstances. Based on the true tale of Harry Hallowes, who did actually live on Hampstead Heath in a DIY shack, the story itself is quite interesting. But the romantic comedy angle feels as though it's being squeezed out of a nearly-dry sponge. Hampstead isn't bad. It just isn't, in the grand scheme of things, particularly good either. If you want to feel warm and fuzzy, there are plenty of better, sweeter and more charming British films worth watching. Also, if fishing and cheese picnics are someone's idea of "trampy" dates, then line me up. I'd swipe right on that any day of the week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsJv_bJBHSY
Strange as it may seem, the difference between a good action movie and a great one isn't actually the action. It's the story. You can have the greatest action sequences of all time, but without a compelling story to back them up they'll end up falling flat, and viewers will struggle to care about why their hero is enduring it all. This characteristic was key to the success of the first Bourne trilogy, which chronicled the relentless attempts of Matt Damon's protagonist to pierce the veil of his amnesia and discover the truth about his past. Less so the follow up, The Bourne Legacy, which again contained outstanding action, but struggled in the later stages when the hero's sole motivation was tracking down medication to keep him functioning as a super soldier. The stakes were lessened, and – as a consequence – so too the audience's regard. As the name suggests, Jason Bourne returns the focus to the heart of this franchise, picking up the story with Matt Damon's character now limping through life in Athens as a bare-knuckle fighter in an illegal gambling ring. When an old face resurfaces and provides him with hacked CIA documents suggesting his past mightn't be as clear-cut as he previously thought, he's forced to resume a cat-and-mouse game with his former employers as they try to kill him, and he tries to find out what they did to him during his recruitment. In that sense, Jason Bourne is back on familiar ground. But with deception supplanting amnesia as the obstacle to his clarity, it's something of a Jason Bourne movie without quite the same level of Jason Bourne magic. As always, the villains – in the form of the CIA and their ominously named 'assets' – spend the bulk of their time in darkened surveillance rooms, delivering almost comically jargon-heavy dialogue with unblinking, stone-cold faces. This time round the team is led by Tommy Lee-Jones as CIA Director Robert Dewey, and Alicia Vikander as his ruthless senior analyst Heather Lee. If nothing else, Jason Bourne is a terrifying insight into the technological capabilities now available to the world's top spy agencies, able to surveil the faces of thousands of people instantly and simultaneously within a riot, remotely shut down the power of a building in Reykjavik, and delete the files off a computer via a mobile phone in the same apartment. The emphasis on technology, however, pulls focus away from the man at the heart of the story, and the movie feels slightly hollow because of it. Director Paul Greengrass's preference for minimal dialogue and frenetic, shaky cinematography is well known. In this film he constantly pushes the limits of continuity, resulting in the need for clumsily inserted markers just to keep the audience up to speed. Maps are helpfully labelled "SEWER SYSTEM" in giant letters, every text message is sent in all-caps, and when Bourne nabs several items from a tech convention, they're beneath signs saying "Remote Surveillance Camera" and "Wireless Tracking Device". It's an unfortunate dumbing down of a traditionally intelligent franchise, feeling almost as though the script notes for the props department somehow ended up on screen. Even the action, whilst constant and thrilling, lacks some of the Magyver-esque charm of the earlier films, in which Bourne improvised lethal weapons out of everyday items like biro pens and rolled up newspapers. In a word, it's all very conventional, taking the franchise out of its genre-defining position and dropping it squarely back into the middle of the pack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71ce1Dqqns
An offshoot of Hannah Brontë's feminist rap Still I Rise for Next Wave Festival, this Sunday night gig at Howler in Brunswick will see a selection of Indigenous fem-cees and DJs take control of the decks and the dancefloor. Curated by Brontë, the lineup will include SEZZO, SOVTRAK, Busty Beatz and Amrita Amrita, as well as an open mic session which will be open to all female MCs. Should be the perfect way to shake the lead out ahead of the final week of the fest.
When Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) returns to the world of fashion, very few people care. In Zoolander 2, the male model finds that everyone has moved on during his 15-year absence; in fact, upon his arrival at the Rome airport with his rival turned best buddy Hansel (Owen Wilson), the paparazzi barely give him a second glance. The dim-witted character's on-screen comeback appears to subvert the film's off-screen reality, given that audiences have been clamouring for a follow-up to Zoolander ever since the 2001 feature became a cult favourite. Alas, it actually proves a sign of things to come, with the sequel rendering its central figure utterly forgettable. The Derek Zoolander of today might still boast shiny hair and his famous facial expressions, but he's now a recluse who gave up his career and son after a tragedy. Only an invitation to sashay down the runway for superstar seamstress Alexanya Atoz (Kristen Wiig) lures him back into the spotlight, though his trip to Italy also thrusts him into the thick of another conspiracy plot. This time, celebrities are dropping like flies, leaving pouting, blue steel-style selfies behind. Enter Interpol fashion division agent Valentina (Penélope Cruz), who needs Derek's help to put an end to the assassinations. Like many sequels, Zoolander 2 knows that viewers liked the first film, and isn't willing to stray far from that winning formula for its second outing. That means not just a similar story, the same levels of sartorial silliness and ample stupid dialogue, but plenty of overt nods to its predecessor. Indeed, spotting the references, repeats and rehashes — a familiar face here, a recycled line there — is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the movie. If you think that's a bad sign, you'd be right. If you think that everything else feels stretched, with countless twists and gags about obvious pop culture targets, you'd be right there too. That sense of déjà vu you're feeling is by design. What sets the two films apart, other than the sequels bloated narrative, is their respective strike rates. Zoolander might've been little more than a collection of exaggerated sketches and quotable dialogue, but at least its jokes landed more often than they didn't, whether skewering the fashion industry or taking aim at society's obsession with superficiality. Here, the recognisable content raises a smile, but attempts to contemplate loyalty, legacy and longevity come across as cheap and easy. Everything else — taking down hipsters, packing in cameo appearances, literally killing off Justin Bieber, and having Hansel date an orgy — falls flat. At least Stiller, as co-writer, director and star, can't be accused of lacking enthusiasm either in front of or behind the lens. Zoolander 2 is left wanting in the surprise and subtlety departments, however it forges ahead with the same energy he brings to his performance. Acting-wise, he's pulling the same faces and hitting the same beats — as is Wilson and scene-stealing fellow returnee Will Ferrell as devious designer Mugatu — but he doesn't seem as strained as the material he's working with. Ultimately though, Stiller's eagerness isn't enough. Just like there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking, there should be more to a long-awaited sequel than blatantly reliving past glories.
New Zealand entrepreneur Hamish Dobbie is in the final rounds of a Kickstarter campaign to fund Yolkr, a rather nifty egg yolk separator. 'Finally', I hear you say, a simple and incredibly good looking kitchen tool for separating those whites from the yolk, without scattering shells throughout your 'egg'cellent kitchen creation. Having been tested by his 90 year old Grandfather, who has one eye, wears glasses and shakes somewhat, along with numerous others, the Yolkr project reached its Kickstarter goal within 5 days, and there are still 54 days remaining. Move over Number 8 wire, a new and revolutionary Kiwi invention has arrived. And it will change the way you make your omelette forever.
This year is flying by at rapid pace and that means summer is just around the corner — and we all need to get our warm weather wardrobes in order. Ready-to-wear and swimwear label Tigerlily is offering something very relevant to your interests: a big 29-hour online clothing sale to get you some much-welcome bargains. There's never a bad time to treat yourself to some new clothes, especially when you're saving a heap of money in the process. The Aussie brand is known and loved for its timeless prints and unique patterns, so getting your mitts on some of the goods at up to 80 percent off is a major win. You'll be able to get a brand new threads for a steal, including dresses, shorts, kaftans and sample pieces to help you prep for the summer months. The sale starts at 7pm on Tuesday, November 12 and ends at 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 13, so you'll have to get in quick. To check out what's up for grabs, head here. The Tigerlily click frenzy sale will kick off at 7pm on Tuesday, November 12 and end at 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 13.
Aboriginal-owned and -led social enterprise Clothing the Gap campaigns for important issues impacting Indigenous Australians, promotes social change and invests in projects that make a difference in the lives of the country's First Nations population. You may have seen its efforts against the copyright of the Aboriginal Flag with the Free the Flag campaign, or against the celebrations on January 26. One way the organisation raises money and awareness is through its popular clothing. The line of meaningful merch has been such a success that Clothing the Gap has now opened a retail store in Melbourne, setting up shop on Sydney Road, Brunswick, Wurundjeri Country. Since opening in December 2020, the store has been a hub for Clothing the Gap clothing range, as well as for other Aboriginal-owned businesses — and an important community space, too. "Opening a physical store was not in our foreseeable future pre COVID, but it is incredibly exciting having a bla(c)k space people can visit," Clothing the Gap Head of Brand and Marketing, Sianna Catullo says. "Everything in store, from the staff to the clothes, to the music is bla(c)k. We invite non-Indigenous people to learn, shop and reflect more here." On entering the store, you'll find the roof of the shop is adorned with a sand-blasted artwork and LED light instillations created by Clothing the Gap co-founder Laura Thompson. As you browse the racks, you'll find the best picks from the Clothing the Gap online shop. Products on display currently from other Indigenous owned businesses include earrings from The Koorie Circle, Acknowledgement of Country plaques by Kinya Lerrk and eucalyptus-scented candles by Matakupaat Arts. New Clothing the Gap pieces also appear in-store first before heading online. According to Catullo, the products hit the shelves in-person first, "so we can hear firsthand what our community are loving about them, and so we can grab some pics for our socials. It is important to us that our CTG community represents and continues to be the face of our brand". Items in-store also contain one of two labels that are designed to help non-Indigenous allies navigate the shelves. Catullo says that Clothing the Gap would often receive messages asking what was appropriate for non-Indigenous customers to wear, and so designed these symbols to assist. All products both in-store and online are labelled with the symbols 'Ally Friendly' for merch accessible to all and 'Mob Only' for items designed for Indigenous community members to wear — those containing slogans like 'Shades of Deadly', for instance. Clothing the Gap is located at 744 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Wurundjeri Country. The store is open Tuesday–Friday 11am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
Being spoilt for choice can be overrated. Sometimes, like when deciding which wine varieties you feel like at any given moment, it's easier to have someone else do the picking for you. Enter Pinot Palooza, which celebrates exactly the type of vino that's in its name, and has also locked in when you'll be able to spend a day sipping pinot noir in 2024. Here, the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass is the standard soundtrack. And you'll hear that noise a whole heap — before the pandemic, the Melbourne-born wine-tasting festival had notched up an estimated 65,000 tickets sold globally. In 2024, Pinot Palooza has spring dates locked in for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all for a two-day stint. So far, venues are yet to be announced. Also, tickets will go on sale in early July. The vino-sipping fun will play out similarly to before, although exactly who'll be doing the pouring is also yet to be revealed. Whoever it is, Pinot Palooza's lineup always spans drops from Australia, New Zealand and further afield. Last year, more than 50 winemakers came to the party. As always, attendees will spend their session swirling and sampling that huge array of pinot noir, and hitting up pop-up bars and food stalls between drinks. And, while Pinot Palooza as a standalone fest only has east coast dates for 2024, in Perth and Adelaide it's part of an already-announced collaboration with cheese festival Mould. Pinot Palooza 2024 Dates: Friday, October 4–Saturday, October 5: Sydney, venue TBC Friday, October 18–Saturday, October 19: Brisbane, venue TBC Friday, November 22–Saturday, November 23: Melbourne, venue TBC Pinot Palooza will tour Australia's east coast in October–November 2024. For more information, and for tickets from early July, head to the event's website.
UPDATE, June 1, 2024: Godzilla Minus One is available to stream via Netflix. Since 1954, there have been few pieces of movie music as meaningful, magnificent and momentous as Akira Ifukube's Godzilla theme. It's a tune of urgency and spirit, and of foreboding and triumph alike. The OG feature that brought Japan's towering kaiju to the screen isn't a masterpiece simply due to its score, but the picture's main song contributes as forcefully as Zilly's big bite. Memorable film music doesn't solely make an impact when it is echoing, though. When Ifukube's all-timer fades away in a Godzilla flick can impart as much as when it resounds. Godzilla Minus One knows this expertly, because the first Japanese live-action entry in the franchise since 2016's exceptional Shin Godzilla is a movie about living in the silent shadow and aftermath of devastation in addition to being about its namesake making an appearance in post-World War II Tokyo. A film that deploys its theme so artfully, precisely and potently is a film that knows how to thoughtfully ponder more deeply than a gash from pop culture's ultimate giant lizard. That's evident from Godzilla Minus One's name as well, which references the desolated state that Japan was in at the 20th century's midpoint, plus the magnified ruin that comes with Godzilla being Godzilla. Writer and director Takashi Yamazaki (Lupin III: The First, Ghost Book) tackles everything in his entry to the creature-feature saga with that kind of care and insight, and the picture that results isn't just better for it — it's one of the best Godzilla efforts yet. Electrifyingly moving and heartfelt, it's the Godzilla movie equivalent of the blazing blue spikes that its chief critter now sports. It dazzles and stands out, including at a time when the kaiju is everywhere, with the American Monsterverse fresh from 2014's Godzilla, 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2021's Godzilla vs Kong, plus Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on streaming, and with 2024's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on the way. Yamazaki doesn't just go back to Godzilla's beginnings. He ventures further into the past, albeit still to Odo Island. As the Second World War is almost at an end, the land mass is being used as an aviation hub. Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunokuke Kamiki, Suzume) arrives to escape having to donate his life to the war effort, only for Godzilla to emerge. The same situation awaits, and the same outcome. Kōichi survives alongside mechanic Sosaku Tachibana (Munetaka Aoki, Fence); however, this won't be anyone's last encounter with the mutated, ferocious, radiation-breathing dinosaur-like being that was initially conjured up as a metaphor for the trauma inflicted in that war, and by atomic weaponry. While Godzilla still represents the fallout from and anxiety sparked by going nuclear, and due to combat in general, Godzilla Minus One stamps its way among the series' greats by being delicately and affectingly attuned to the human toll. The fact that he still lives while others fell victim to Godzilla haunts Kōichi as Yamazaki's film tracks him in subsequent months and years. Movies about the monster who has multiple Tokyo statues dedicated to it can also turn their commentary inwards, towards Japan — so, after Shin Godzilla leaned on bureaucratic bungling to nod to the Fukushima meltdown, Godzilla Minus One tears into the military concept that a single life is expendable. Being wracked with survivor's guilt and dismay over abandoning his kamikaze mission drives Kōichi to seek redemption once Godzilla returns, and disrupts the makeshift family that he forms with Noriko (Minami Hamabe, Shin Kamen Rider) and a baby orphaned in the Japanese capital's bombing. Lingering over the narrative, though, is the truth that every person and their time alive matters, and that people banding together can take on colossal problems — yes, that means Godzilla. Kōichi's first post-war job: ridding the sea of mines, another gig where his existence is treated as expendable. Jaws sinks its teeth in as inspiration as the ragtag cleanup crew take to their task — and, of course, as a formidable figure from the deep surfaces to wreak havoc. Yamazaki matches the blockbuster thrills of Steven Spielberg's game-changer, masterfully crafting tense ocean-set sequences that are a spectacle to behold. In the air, the Top Gun flicks get a run for their money. When Zilly tramples through Ginza, complete with train carnage that tops Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, it's another stunning moment. When you have a background in special effects, as Godzilla Minus One's guiding force does — including on Shin Godzilla — gifting the screen one of its best visual renderings of Godzilla yet isn't a given, but Yamazaki repeatedly delivers with the craggy-skinned, plate-clad critter and the damage it causes. Viewers can see it all clearly, too; there's no hiding shoddy CGI in dim night scenes here. Also as plain as not just day, but as a skyscraper-sized beast: that the people dwarfed by Godzilla Minus One's eponymous presence are suffering and grieving both individually and en masse. Although performances aren't reliably among the highlights when the king of the monsters is in the frame, film or genre, Kamiki, Hamabe, Aoki, Sakura Ando (Shoplifters) and Hidetaka Yoshioka (Dr Coto's Clinic) — the latter pair as one of Kōichi and Noriko's neighbours, and a big-thinking scientist, respectively — are all terrific. The weight and toll, stakes and pain, and fears and horrors that Godzilla is wrapped up in as a symbol are resonantly conveyed in their portrayals, which also enjoy a similar role as Ifukube's always-rousing theme song. Words, sounds and tunes can say much, and do, yet the emptiness when they're hushed can also speak volumes. Godzilla Minus One understands the importance of both, and how to balance the two. Now 37 live-action entries in, Godzilla is the longest-running film franchise ever, a feat befitting an on-screen titan in multiple senses of the word. Over the saga's 69 years to-date, almost everything that can happen in a Godzilla movie has, for better and worse — "an internet" being the saviour in the awful 1998 first American flick proving a prime case of the series' direst of developments — but Godzilla Minus One shows that the finest instances won't ever stop thundering with surprises. When a Godzilla feature is as substantial as this one, spawning seven more decades of films feels warranted. The possibilities continue to be endless. So far, no one has made a mashup movie starring the two hugely popular creatures both linked to Bikini Atoll, aka Godzilla and SpongeBob SquarePants, for example. Nothing beats Zilly blasting into the world that created it, however — back in 1954 when Ifukube's music first delighted and, with composer Naoki Satô's (Kazama Kimichika: Kyojo Zero) score assisting, also now.
Flow Athletica's super-popular silent disco yoga classes have, in the past, seen up to 800 yogis shavasana-ing together. This time, it's aiming for 10,000. Obviously, in the current COVID-19 climate, this won't feature people in one physical room, but thousands of people all logging on together for a virtual version of the class. First up, taking place at 7pm AEST on Thursday, April 9, the 90-minute all-level vinyasa class will be hosted by Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall — and beamed across the world to Hong Kong, London, Singapore and New York. In true Flow style, there'll be beats from Sydney DJ James Mack. And lots of neon. Then, at 7pm AEST on Wednesday, May 6, there'll be a slower vinyasa class, focusing more on relieving stress and tension and accompanied by mellow tunes. Expect 40 minutes of flowing movement, followed by 20 minutes guided rest. Tickets are only $10, which is a bargain considering physical classes usually set you back $50. You will, however, need to BYO yoga mat.
Mary Eats Cake celebrates the timeless tradition of pairing a nice cuppa with some delicious small bites, calling it a "high tea" and making you feel just that little bit fancy. With two teahouses — one in Brunswick and one in Montrose — Mary has hosted countless high teas, and now she's upping the ante by serving them alongside plenty of gin. Running on every Saturday afternoon in October, November and December, the gin-fuelled high teas are hosted in collaboration with Aussie-favourite distiller Four Pillars. The Gin High Tea will set you back $65 a head, and includes a gin and tea cocktail on arrival and a full High Tea menu of sweet and savoury treats matched to two more gin cocktails. And, maybe the important news, you'll also have access to unlimited scones.
People dream of finding someone who looks at them they way that Michael Fassbender looks at Alicia Vikander in The Light Between Oceans. A World War I soldier turned lighthouse keeper, Tom Sherbourne (Fassbender) has swapped the horrors of combat for the routine and simplicity of his new life — and he never glances anything less than adoringly at Isabel Graysmark (Vikander), the woman who'll become his wife. In a film that is unashamedly a weepie, his stare tells a sometimes heart-swelling, sometimes heartbreaking story, and silently speaks of the ups and downs of life that everyone wants to weather with someone by their side. An intimate tale working with big, sweeping feelings as well as notions of guilt and forgiveness, The Light Between Oceans is a melodrama through and through. Not that that's a bad thing, necessarily. This adaptation of Australian author M. L. Stedman's 2012 novel is not what might derisively be labelled merely a chick flick. Yes, it may tug at the heartstrings, and focus its plot around marital life and motherhood, but the sentiments this period-set romantic drama stirs up remain unflinchingly real. The aforementioned couple meet, wed and forge a life together in and around Janus Rock off the coast of Western Australia. They're the only inhabitants living off the mainland, though it seems they'll be joined by the pitter-patter of tiny feet until tragedy strikes on multiple occasions. Then, a lifeboat — or a rowboat, to be exact — brings them a lost baby girl. Keeping her will help them become a family. But unbeknownst to them, it will also tear the child's real mother (Rachel Weisz) apart. After exploring the complications of romance in the raw and resonant Blue Valentine, and pondering the ties between parents and children in The Place Beyond the Pines, writer-director Derek Cianfrance combines the two in The Light Between Oceans, as though he's been building up to this all along. It may not be the strongest of the three features, but it's as astute in matters of the heart as it is picturesque. Indeed, as far as the latter is concerned, Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, who gave the recent version of Macbeth such an icy, compelling gleam, will have you gazing at the soft, glowing, frequently pink-lit images in the same way that the film's characters gaze at each other. Cianfrance provides ample space for Fassbender and Vikander to flesh out their loving but troubled characters. There's no mistaking the actors' chemistry, or the hard-earned range of emotions they cultivate, often in no more than their expressions. He conveys Tom's doting affection as well as the war-inspired melancholy he can't quite hide, while she paints Isabel as vibrant and determined, both in happiness and in pain. Even when the film's efforts to evoke tears are a little too evident, Fassbender and Vikander ensure that everything feels, and looks, utterly genuine. [competition]598626[/competition]
Melbourne has added to its ever-growing collection of basement drinking dens with the arrival of The Mulberry Group's latest venture, Dessous. Gracing the Flinders Lane space beneath newly launched sibling Hazel in the1920s T&G Building and joining a stable of venues that also includes the multi-faceted Liminal and Geelong's Common Ground Project, this is the city's new hideaway wine bar. The same minds that first brought us The Kettle Black, Top Paddock and Higher Ground, The Mulberry Group has here created yet another inviting hospitality destination with plenty of attention to detail. Like both its recent siblings, Dessous is sporting interiors by award-winning design firm The Stella Collective. It's a warm and moody assembly of deep greens, plush velvet and dark timber — a comfy, subterranean escape you'll be in no rush to leave. [caption id="attachment_748021" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jana Langhorst[/caption] Chef Dan Sawasak (Movida, Higher Ground) has pulled together a menu focused on snacking and sharing. Settle in over the likes of a pork belly sandwich with Bull-Dog sauce (a popular Japanese brand of tonkatsu sauce), a savoury comté panna cotta teamed with almonds, nettle and asparagus, or perhaps a main of skate dressed with crushed hazelnuts, jamón and warm grapes. Potatoes are done with fennel, 'nduja and crisp chicken skin, while a magical-sounding 'unicorn' doughnut stars corn custard, sea urchin (uni) and salmon roe. The drinks lineup is an extensive one, with an international wine list that caters to just about every mood and taste. A strong contingent of by-the-glass options is sure to prove a hit with the after-work crowd, as is the tight, but proudly local craft beer selection and the hefty selection of spirits. Signature cocktails are crafty and refined, with options like the strawberry and cream-infused Peach Blow Fizz and the Hollowman: a fruity blend of mezcal, ginger, apricot and lemon sherbet. Find Dessous at Lower Level, 164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It's open from Monday–Saturday, 5pm–11pm. Images: Jana Langhorst
With summer upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it's the perfect time to treat yourself and sort out your sleep. If you're tossing and turning at night it might not just be because of the state of the world, it could be your mattress and pillow as well. Luckily, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you get a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are 25 percent off from Monday, November 23 to Monday, November 30. That's right, a whole week of deals in which you can save up to $350 on everything you need for a sleek, comfortable nights sleep. If you've been complaining about a crook neck, maybe head off to the physio and get yourself fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so you can pack it up and take it with you everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, get in early for some Christmas shopping. Ecosa is your one-stop sleep shop, with luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and weighted blanket all available at the discounted price. So, you can treat yourself, your friends and your whole family to a better night's sleep. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If sunning yourself on a beach, surrounded by palm trees and crystal blue waters, sounds like total bliss, we'd say you're not alone. Most of us have a pang of wanderlust from time-to-time and, after a pretty stressful year, kicking back in a bikini or boardies with a cocktail in hand sounds like paradise. Sure, you can't yet jet off to the sandy white shores of Puerto Rico, the turquoise seas of the Maldives or the buzzing streets of Havana, but you can still get plenty of vacay vibes in Australia. We've teamed up with our friends at go-to rum label Bacardi to bring you four cruisy cocktails that you can whip up fuss-free over summer. We bet these tasty tipples will transport you to a tropical island in no time. So, don your favourite holiday outfit, whack on some bossa nova tunes and get ready makes some next-level drinks. THE COOL ONE: FROZEN DAIQUIRI Serves one Aussie summers are hot, so you'll want an ice-cold beverage on those days where the cicadas thrum and the air is thick and sticky. Enter the frozen daiquiri, a cool riff on the classic daiquiri. Basically, it's summer in a glass. To make it, you'll need a blender, so you can make multiple serves at once, meaning it's the perfect party drink. Just be sure to stick to the ratios to ensure you're serving up a sweet-but-equally-tangy concoction. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 30ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 1 lime wedge (optional) 3/4 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass, or, if you're feeling fancy, a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge and serve. THE PARTY STARTER: SPICED PIÑA COLADA Serves one If you like this fun drink and getting caught in the rain on a sweltering summer evening, then you should be making yourself one stat. Originating from Puerto Rico, the piña colada is typically made with white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice aplenty. But this version, using Bacardi Spiced to hints of vanilla and cinnamon, is sure to get any party going. It has a surprisingly smooth finish, too, and the coconut water instead of cream or milk keeps things fresh. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Spiced 30ml fresh pineapple juice 30ml coconut water 2 teaspoons castor sugar 3–4 cubes of fresh pineapple 1 pineapple slice (optional) 1 tropical leaf (optional) Ice Method Place pineapple cubes and castor sugar in cocktail shaker and slightly crush using a muddler or spoon. Add pineapple juice and coconut water to mixture and stir to dissolve the sugar, then add Bacardi Spiced. Half fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a highball glass and add ice cubes. Top with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple slice and leaf to serve. THE COOL ONE'S FUN COUSIN: FROZEN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI Serves one This frosty, fruity take on the daiquiri is pretty much an adult slushie. Again, to make this frozen delight you'll be using a blender, meaning you can easily make it in batches. Not only is it delicious, but its vibrant colour makes it an ideal go-to throughout the holiday season. Best of all, it is easy as a Sunday morning to whip up. Ingredients 45ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 20ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 3–4 strawberries 1 partially sliced strawberry (optional) 1 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and crushed ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass or any glass, really. Garnish with sliced strawberry and serve. THE CLASSIC: MOJITO Serves one If there's one drink that has you dreaming of salsa dancing in Cuba upon first sip it's the mojito. It's got all the ingredients for a refreshing summer drink without being utterly dull. There's zesty citrus, the freshness of mint, a slight sweetness and some fizz to keep things light and bubbly. Of course, there's also the rum. If you want to keep things old-school opt for Bacardi Carta Blanca, or you can spice things up a bit by using Bacardi Spiced. Either way, it's an A-class cocktail. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Spiced 4 lime wedges 2 teaspoons castor sugar 6–8 mint leaves 15–30ml soda water 1 mint sprig (optional) Method Squeeze lime into a highball glass, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add mint leaves and muddle. Half fill glass with crushed ice, pour Bacardi Carta Blanca, or Bacardi Spiced if you're making a spiced mojito, then stir to combine. Top up with more crushed ice, add a dash of soda (to taste) and garnish with mint sprig. Do what moves you this summer with these super-easy tropical cocktails from Bacardi. Once you've mastered the art of rum cocktails, check out Bacardi's competition, where you and 20 mates could win the chance to attend Australia's smallest music festival. Top image: Mushroom Creative House
From Thursday, March 23–Tuesday, March 28, Melbourne will once again host a huge celebration of Indigenous and First Nations filmmaking. First hitting the city back in 2019, the Birrarangga Film Festival is returning for six days jam-packed with features, documentaries and shorts. Get excited about films from local talents, of course, and from New Zealand, Canada, USA, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Mexico, Russia and Hawaii as well. One massive highlight: ÁRRAN 360°, which comes to Australia for its southern hemisphere debut after enjoying its world premiere at the 2022 Venice Biennale. This isn't just something that you sit down and watch. Rather, it's an experience featuring original 360-degree screen-based works created by six Sámi artists from across Sápmi, the Sámi homeland (which covers the Arctic region of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia). Filmed using unique cameras — a six-camera rig, in fact — it'll show on a special 360-degree screen. Other standouts include opening night's Bone of Crows from Canada, Australian drama Sweet As, New Zealand's Whetū Mārama – Bright Star about Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi and, also from Aotearoa, the powerful Muru. It hails from director Tearepa Kahi, is inspired by real events, also features activist Tāme Iti as himself and will close out the fest. Popping up at The Capitol, ACMI, Lido, Classic and Pride Centre, Birrarangga will also host a swathe of chats pondering everything from the making of the wonderful — and aforementioned — Sweet As through to who has ownership of which stories.
"It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful." These are the words of one Vincent van Gogh, part-time ear surgeon, all-time famous artist, declaring the artistic beauty inherent within books. Some artists have elected to take his words literally, adopting literary works as their medium and through careful artistic surgery have constructed intricate and engrossing works that put even the greatest of pop-up books to shame. The best of these have now been collated together by Laura Heyenga in the new book Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed. The volume features the varied book-based work of 27 different artists, each with their own technique of sculpting. Whether it is transforming a hardback book into a miniaturist tableaux of surgical precision or carefully operating with scalpel and tweezer to encapsulate a new literary work like the one below, each artist has their own means of message-construction. "Some of these artists are making comments about the role of reading in contemporary culture, others find that books are a handy art form," says Alison Kuhn, author of the introduction to Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed, in an interview with Fast Co.Create. "They see books as a backdrop for their creativity." Whilst some may think of these works as vandalism, many are merely breathing new life into tired books or outdated telephone directories. "The information is outdated, the paper is probably yellowed or worse, so the fact that a book can become something charming and creative and valuable in a new light is kind of great." Amidst the depths of the digital age and the advent of the Kindle, these works just go to show that van Gogh was right; there is no replacing the enchanting aura of a book. Let the bookception begin. BRRRRRRRAAAAAWWWWRWRRRMRMRMMRMRMMMMM!!! Via Fast Co.Create
Father's Day is upon us. We're sure your dad, like ours, has received enough slippers and ties to last him a lifetime. This year, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you give dad something he'll really enjoy — a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are now 20 percent off until Sunday, September 6 (aka Father's Day). For all the dads complaining of a crook neck, maybe send them off to the physio and get them a fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so dad can pack it up and take it with him everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow and your dad is sure to love it. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, why not shop for yourself while you're at it. Ecosa's luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and brand new weighted blanket are all available at the discounted price, too. There's no reason why you can't treat dad and yourself at the same time, right? FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
From the people behind Drawing Dicks On The Herald Sun, a Facebook page turned art show turned honest-to-God documentary, comes a brand new exhibition dedicated to arguably the biggest dick of them all. Doodles On Donald will combine the timeless art of drawing willies on things with the deep, existential terror we all feel at the thought that Donald Trump might actually become President. (One week to go, guys. One week until America decides whether to drive the bus into the ocean. Just keep breathing.) Running from November 4-6 at ArtBoy Gallery in Prahran, the exhibition will feature more than 40 original artworks — and we use the term 'artworks' with complete and utter sincerity. Entry into Doodles On Donald is free, because really, isn't that what democracy is all about?
This Saturday, Lavezzi is doing you a solid and giving out a stack of free gelato at its Lygon Street store from 5pm. The gelateria is celebrating the first birthday of its Carlton store, off the back of its first sweet success in Ringwood's Eastland Shopping Centre. The newer store showcases Lavezzi's 20-plus range of traditional flavours and inventive signature creations, which are all churned on-site daily. The lineup features everything from a dreamy peanut butter and Nutella swirl to watermelon sorbet, panna cotta to blood orange. It also has melted chocolate on tap — if you'd like a little something extra on top of your cone. If you haven't yet checked out the fancy Carlton digs, we'd recommend a Saturday arvo visit — the Lygon store is handing out those free scoops of gelato between 5pm and 8pm. All you need to do is rock up and choose your flavour. The gelateria is also giving away access to its Lavezzi Gelati Cart – stocked with four flavours of your choosing — to one lucky Melburnian. To win, you just need to post a pic of Lavezzi's gelato on Insta and tag @LavezziGelato and #LavezziTurns1 before 8pm on Sunday, February 24.
Whether it's half a capsicum or a few slightly withered mushrooms, we're probably all guilty of throwing away perfectly good food. But collectively, food waste costs Australians up to $10 billion each year. To put that in perspective, about one third of what is produced ends up in landfill. Given 2 million people still rely on food relief, this is pretty baffling. Think.Eat.Save. will see Oz Harvest team up with the United Nations Environment Program to tackle the problem and advocate more sustainable solutions. On July 21, some of the nation's top chefs, politicians and celebrities will be donning aprons and dishing up a delicious free meal to thousands of members of the public. Made from surplus food, it should inspire you to switch on socially and get creative with those odds and ends at the back of the fridge. With an increasing global population and the effects of climate change expected to reduce agricultural yield by up to 5 percent in some areas, it's time to start thinking collectively and enhance efficiency. Check the website to find out where your city's free food hotspot will be.
Melbourne will play host to the first Australian solo exhibition of acclaimed French artist and filmmaker Philippe Parreno. On display at ACMI from December through to mid-March, Philippe Parreno: Thenabouts will combine light, sound and sculptural elements as it weaves together more than two decades of the artist's remarkable filmic work, creating "an evolving cinematic experience" within the gallery. Moreover, the exhibition will be controlled by a live gallery technician, ensuring no two visits are exactly the same. "ACMI is thrilled to be bringing the first major exhibition of Philippe Parreno's work to Australia," said ACMI CEO and Director, Katrina Sedgwick. "He is one of the most exciting artists in the world to be working with the moving image." The free exhibition will be on display in ACMI Gallery One until March 13. Image: Philippe Parreno, The Crowd, film still (2015) © Philippe Parreno, Courtesy Pilar Corrias, Barbara Gladstone, Esther Schipper.
We don't care what you say, fries are the main course at Lord of the Fries, and this Thursday, July 13 the vegetarian fast food joint is giving away free serves of 'em. Just get to one of their stores between 1 and 2pm and you'll be gifted with the greatest gift of all: free shoestring fries. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. Why is this happening? Well, it's National Fry Day — and whether or not this is an actual holiday, it doesn't really matter because a) we should celebrate fried golden potato sticks every day of the year, and b) it's free. Your free fries won't be naked, either. The Lords are throwing in some complementary sauce — they've got Aussie, American, Indian, French Canadian and Malaysian. You know the drill. The free fries will be available at all Australian stores, which includes Melbourne and Sydney. For a full list of Lord of the Fries locations, check out their website.
Time to retrieve your dancing shoes from the dark corners of your closet, Brisbane's indie-pop darlings are coming down for two shows at the Corner this month. After releasing their debut album Learn To Exist last year, it's been a whirlwind of sold-out shows and international touring for this little band in a big hurry. The Jungle Giants' leading lad Sam Hales writes songs that are both autobiographical and highly danceable. Their first single 'I Am What You Want Me To Be' is the perfect encapsulation of that frenetic energy and infectious sound. While the Jungle Giants certainly know how to get the party started, tracks like 'Devil's In The Detail' bring a lot of heart and depth to their overall sound. Friday's gig will be kicked off by fellow-Brisbane act Millions, and Saturday will see Tkay Maidza supporting alongside Shortstraw. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q33YIyslOgU
Death is coming to Arts House in North Melbourne, courtesy of nine new works about grief, mortality and what lies beyond. Get your affairs in order, because from November 7 to December 3, local and international artists working in theatre, live art, music and more are taking audiences six feet under. In While You Sleep, musicians will perform alongside live action and animated video footage, transporting viewers into a fugue state where nothing is quite what it seems. In Supper Club: The C-Word, guests will join artists, medical practitioners and cancer survivors for a discussion about the disease over dinner. And in The Infirmary, audience members submit themselves to the care of someone else in an immersive, hospital-set artwork unlike any other. Other events in the Mere Mortals program include Daniel Jenatsch's video installation A Mysterious Illness, Lara Thoms' The Director starring a veteran ex-funeral director, and the latest production from UK theatre company Ridiculusmus, the grimly titled Die! Die! Die! Old People Die! If nothing else, it's on theme. Outside of Arts House, in the Royal Botanic Gardens, you'll be able to visit an interactive installation called Public Cooling House and borrow headphones to listen to the evocative audio piece Bushland. Images: The Infirmary, Triage Live Art Collective, photo by Sarah Walker; While You Sleep: a fugue, Kate Neal and Sal Cooper.
Once, dance and classical weren't music genres that you'd usually find swirling around in the same basket, unless you have a particular bent for the orchestral 'Sandstorm' covers found in the depths of YouTube. Since 2019 in Australia, however, Synthony has been here to prove that the disciplines go hand in hand — and it's returning for another tour in 2024. Initially founded in New Zealand, and now an annual highlight on Australia's gig calendar, the event gets a live orchestra joining forces with a selection of DJs and onstage performers to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years. Think: tunes by Swedish House Mafia, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Avicii, Fisher, Faithless, Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and the like, and as you've never heard them before. Wherever Synthony pops up, the venues that it temporarily call home take a few cues from the nightclub scene, with lights, lasers and mapped video all featured in the experience. And, as the orchestra busts out a selection of dance floor bangers note for note, vocalists also do their part — because this isn't just about instrumental versions of your favourite club tunes. The 2024 run first has a date with Melbourne on Friday, September 20, playing Margaret Court Arena. On the lineup: the Australian Pops Orchestra conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, as joined by Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Masha Mnjoyan, Emily Williams, Greg Gould, Matty O, Nate Dousand and Mobin Master — plus Example.
Independent designers from all across Melbourne will descend upon the city for a pre-Xmas edition of Markit@Fedsquare. Taking over the Federation Square Atrium and Deakin Edge from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, December 11, this massive biannual bazaar will be jam-packed with stallholders selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and ceramics, to custom-made clothes and accessories, to unique homeware and stationery. Basically, if you need to sort out all your Christmas shopping in one hit, then this is the place for you. Alternatively, if you just want something sweet to munch on, you're covered on that front as well. Sensory Lab Coffee and All Day Donuts will both be on hand from open to close, ensuring you're well sugared and caffeinated for a long day of marketeering.
The man behind the book that inspired the movie about the man behind the movie affectionately known as the best worst movie of all time is on his way to Australia. If you found that sentence a little bit on the baffling side, just know that it's got nothing on the mind-bending saga behind the creation of Tommy Wiseau's The Room, aka a flick that really has to be seen to be believed. The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies, The Room is a bonafide cult classic. In fact, it's so beloved that Wiseau's co-star Greg Sestero wrote a book, The Disaster Artist, about how the whole thing came together. His text, in turn, has been turned into a film directed by and starring none other than James Franco. And to celebrate the film's Australian premiere, Sestero is heading down under. Sestero will take part in Q&A screenings in Sydney and Melbourne, at the Hayden Orpheum on November 17 and 18 and Cinema Nova on November 21 and 22. Make sure you come armed with a question… a maybe a couple of plastic spoons.
When some of Australia's biggest events were forced to change their 2020 plans due to the pandemic, it was hoped that'd be a one-time deal. But more than halfway into 2021, COVID-19 and Australia's response to it keeps causing havoc with the music and events industries. The latest casualty, following Bluesfest and Vivid Sydney: this year's BIGSOUND. If your spring routine usually involves bar-hopping around Brisbane — and around Fortitude Valley in particular — while listening to up-and-coming musicians, then you're in for bad news. The music-fuelled celebration normally takes over the Queensland capital every September or October, and did so virtually in 2020. Plans had already been announced for the event's physical return this year; however, given the current lockdowns in both Sydney and Melbourne, organisers have now scrapped the 2021 conference and festival altogether. "Without our music mates in New South Wales and Victoria and no certain timeline as to when domestic borders will remain open, BIGSOUND 2021 wouldn't be able to deliver on its promise to reunite the music community for three extraordinary days of connection, conversation, and music discovery," said QMusic CEO Kris Stewart in a statement announcing the cancellation. BIGSOUND's 2021 event was due to run from Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9, with the three-day program slated to feature conferences, live festival showcases, secret shows and official parties. Around 150 musicians were expected to take to the stage, with past events showcasing everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants. Instead of trying to move around this year's fest or adjust to lockdowns and restrictions, the BIGSOUND team will now work towards staging the next event in September 2022. That said, 100-percent First Nations youth-led music conference Little BLAKSOUND will still go ahead this September, as presented by Digi Youth Arts. And, with 2021 marking BIGSOUND's 20th anniversary, work is underway to find a way to celebrate that milestone in some shape or form this year, too. BIGSOUND 2021 will no longer place between Tuesday, September 7–Thursday, September 9 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Current ticket holders will receive refunds, as will artists who've paid application fees. For further details, visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019 by Lachlan Douglas.
Spinning a tale about US government-backed operatives plotting to kidnap a Mexican teenager, Sicario: Day of the Soldado was always going to strike a chord. That said, the film's storyline hits home particularly hard at the moment — a time when children are being taken from their parents at the US-Mexico border, and a tweet-happy president keeps raging about cartels and building a wall. Reality casts a long shadow over this sequel to 2015's surprise standout Sicario. Indeed, there's no way to wade into such murky, politically loaded territory without stirring up more than a few real-world parallels. In the movie as in life, the war on drugs has been overtaken by the war on immigration, and there's absolutely nothing pleasant about it. After attempting to stop the influx of illicit substances into the US in Sicario, military contractor Matt (Josh Brolin) and hitman Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) reunite to tackle the cartels' latest cash cow. With the smuggling of people rather than drugs now the US administration's main concern, the duo is given free reign to do whatever they must; there are no rules this time, as the American tells his Colombian counterpart. Opening fire in traffic, prolonged gunfights with Mexican cops, abductions in broad daylight — if it helps to secretly start a battle between rival mobsters, then it's on the agenda. Their main task: kidnap 16-year-old Isabel Reyes (Isabela Moner), the daughter of a powerful cartel boss with ties to Alejandro's own sad story, and make it appear as though another gang is responsible. It's with an expectedly unsettling air that Sicario: Day of the Soldado becomes a tense exercise in distress, dancing through dark terrain, and ramping up the anxiety and carnage at every turn. From a soundtrack that drones with each blasting note, to bright yet gritty visuals that lay bare the stark situation on the ground, to a seemingly relentless onslaught of action set-pieces, nothing about the film shies away from its uneasy content and mood. That's an achievement that the picture shares with its predecessor, although this follow-up doesn't quite belong in the same company. With the original film's director Denis Villeneuve, cinematographer Roger Deakins and composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (who passed away earlier this year) all absent, it's left to their replacements Stefano Sollima (TV's Gomorrah), Dariusz Wolski (All the Money in the World) and Hildur Guðnadóttir (a cellist on the first flick) to offer up as close a copy as they can, instead of trying anything different or distinctive. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' might be the motto behind-the-scenes, but it proves a mixed bag on-screen. As the film watches its characters coldly and brazenly apply a familiar approach to a new scenario and expect the same successful result, it doesn't escape attention that the movie does the exact same thing. Well, with one major difference, and a crucial one. Where Sicario centred on a female FBI agent (Emily Blunt) thrust into a murky realm she wasn't prepared for or willingly to go blindly along with, this second effort dispenses with the character altogether. In her absence, so too does the film do away with the idea that someone might stand up for doing what's right, rather than what the government and its ruthless agents deem necessary. That's not to say that Brolin and Del Toro don't sweat moral complexity from their furrowed brows, or that their protagonists don't get caught in situations that test even their tenuous ethical limits. They do both, although that's more thanks to the actors than returning screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Wind River). What's missing here is an outside perspective — a view on this dog-eat-dog world that doesn't just accept the bleak circumstances, the by-any-means mindset, or the cruelty that goes with it. Still, Del Toro comes closest to demonstrating the humanity that often gets caught in the crossfire, even when he's holding a weapon and training it at someone else. The path his assassin takes, and the world-weary performance Del Toro turns in, makes the otherwise grim but standard Sicario: Day of the Soldado worth watching. But the less said about the movie's sequel-baiting last few minutes and the teen gang protege subplot that accompanies it, the better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBOxhfWvVDc
