Warm summer days, kicking back with friends, gin and tonics on the go — it doesn't get much better than that. While you don't need to go out to enjoy the classic drink, you'll definitely need all the best ingredients. Enter Ginny Brings: the brainchild of Tanqueray and Jimmy Brings that's arrived to make your at-home hangs even better. You can now order any Tanqueray gin from the Ginny Brings site between midday and 11pm and have it delivered to your door within half an hour. Plus, each order comes with a free Fever-Tree tonic water (some of the best tonic out there) and garnishes to help kit you out for total G&T success. But hold on, your gin mastery doesn't stop there. You may now have quality ingredients at your fingertips, but you still need to know how to make a G&T properly. It's all too easy to end up with an unbalanced drink — even if it seems like it's one of the easiest drink recipes out there. To help you out, we've had a chat with Tanqueray brand ambassador Krystal Hart to uncover a few key tricks of the trade so you can concoct flawless G&Ts at home like a pro. Gather the troops, order your preferred gin and start mixing. Just make sure to brush up on the below tips first for maximum G&T prowess. [caption id="attachment_689394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Smallbone.[/caption] CHOOSE THE RIGHT GIN With so many gins on the market at the moment, choosing the right one can make your head spin. But really it comes down to personal preference. If you love that big hit of juniper, Tanqueray London Dry could be the winner. After a burst of citrus? Tanqueray No. Ten delivers refined, zesty notes. And if you're looking to shake things up a bit, set your sights on Tanqueray's new Rangpur gin, distilled with Rangpur limes and mandarin, or the sweeter Flor de Sevilla, made with Seville oranges. FIND THE PERFECT TONIC Tonic can affect taste just as much as your choice of gin. Skip the home brand option and opt for something a little more distinctive in terms of purity and flavour. Fever-Tree has a range a tonics, from elderflower to lemon to Mediterranean, that help to highlight the varying botanicals in your gin. Hot tip: pair Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin and Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, then add a wedge of orange and sprig of thyme for an afternoon spritz-inspired G&T. [caption id="attachment_689430" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Smallbone.[/caption] CONSIDER YOUR GLASSWARE They say it's what's on the inside that counts, but that rule doesn't apply to your G&T vessel of choice. You wouldn't drink coffee from a wine glass, so don't go pouring quality gin into some second-rate sippy cup. For an aromatic gin like Tanqueray Sevilla, try a stemless wine glass or Bordeaux glass to help accentuate the taste. A good glass is ergonomic, it's classy — it's fashion. KEEP THINGS CHILL No one likes a flat, warm G&T. The best way to avoid this dire outcome is by loading up on the ice. Depending on personal preference, you can roll with one giant cube (classy and restrained) or fill your glass to the brim with standard cubes. The more chilled, the more balanced, the better. [caption id="attachment_700029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud.[/caption] MAKE IT VISUAL Always garnish. We're not saying it's hard science, but pretty looking drinks just seem to taste better. A classic staple is a piece of citrus and, to up the ante slightly, some fresh herbs to complement the gin's botanicals. But feel free to experiment with the unknown: add a fresh bay leaf, get around blackberries and cucumber or garnish with chilli, lime and coriander for a spicy, savoury alternative. You'll not only end up with some attractive drinks but also some new flavours to tickle your tastebuds. Start exercising your skills this festive season. Just make sure you've got everything you need for a flawless G&T. Look to Ginny Brings to get you sorted with the Tanqueray of your choice (Tanqueray London Dry, Tanqueray No. Ten, Tanqueray Rangpur and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla) plus free Fever-Tree tonic and garnishes to go with. Looking for more ways to enjoy gin? Check out The Gin List for more ideas.
What if a trio of old guys robbed a bank? That'd be funny, wouldn't it? That seems to be the only line of thinking behind Going in Style, which remakes a 1979 flick of the same name and brings together a thoroughly likeable cast of elderly actors, but doesn't rise above "aren't geriatrics hilarious?"-style humour. Attempting to bulk up its premise with a hefty tug at the heartstrings and a weak statement about ruthless financial institutions proves about as effective as chewing steak with dentures. Sure, you can give it a shot, but everyone knows that it's not going to work. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin play old friends Joe, Willie and Albert, who toiled away for decades together at a Brooklyn steel works, only to find themselves stripped of their pensions after a corporate takeover by an overseas company. But after Joe witnesses a slick holdup at his uncaring bank — an establishment that tricked him into a loan with a nasty interest rate, is now threatening to take his house away, and happens to be handling the pension debacle — the three hatch a plan to reclaim their entitlements via a caper of their own. Given the talent the film puts on screen, Going in Style probably could've worked quite well without throwing in the sob stories. Alas, the script by Hidden Figures writer-director Theodore Melfi is determined to justify the characters' newfound criminal urges in the most blatantly sappy and cliched ways that it can. Accordingly, Joe has to save the home where his daughter and granddaughter also live, while Willie is in dire need of a new kidney. Former musician Albert takes longer to warm to the stickup idea, probably because he isn't blighted with his own sad tale; instead, he's more preoccupied with his new romance with a grocery store clerk (Ann-Margaret). The fact is, Caine, Freeman and Arkin are all much, much better than the material they're saddled with. If there's any fun to be had here, it's in watching the three Oscar winners sit in a diner bickering and bantering. Any time they're tasked with supposedly comic hijinks, you're left wishing they were all in a better film; a horribly executed sequence in which they attempt to shoplift from a local supermarket as a practice run for their big heist is a prime example. Still, they fare much better than their poor co-star Christopher Lloyd, whose hammy performance might make you exclaim "great Scott!" in horror. Although he's helmed two movies already, in Garden State and Wish I Was Here, Actor-turned-director Zach Braff is still best known for starring in the small screen hospital comedy Scrubs. Perhaps it's not a coincidence, then, that his latest effort feels more like a bland, formulaic sitcom pilot than it does a feature film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Qq3pIWMHk
Just in time for your summer binge sessions, streaming platform Stan has revealed their next huge addition: a hefty lineup of films and TV shows from The Walt Disney Company. From Friday, December 14, the Australian service will welcome the wonderful world of Disney to its selection. And, that doesn't just mean Disney's own animated and live-action efforts, but movies and series from Disney-owned companies Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm, too. Whether you want to enjoy gorgeous animated stories, jump into the Marvel Cinematic Universe or head to a galaxy far, far away, the Disney range will bring a heap of your favourites to Stan — think all three Toy Story flicks, the live-action likes of Maleficent and Cinderella, this year's big superhero hits Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, and both Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Want to catch up on the original The Lion King before the new version comes out next year? Fancy watching all three Thor films? They're also on the lineup. Other Disney and Pixar titles heading Stan's way include Wall-E, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, Cars 2, Monsters Inc., Monsters University, The Incredibles and Big Hero 6 — and, if you just can't let it go, Frozen as well. From Marvel's slate, the three Iron Man movies, the first two Captain America films and the initial Ant-Man are all on the bill, and the first two Avengers flicks alongside Infinity War. For younger viewers, animated shows including Tangled: The Series, Star Wars Rebels and Duck Tales will also hit Stan's queue. That's your holiday viewing sorted — and while you can reasonably expect that this big batch of Disney content will be available for a while, it's likely a short-to-medium term arrangement, given that Disney is launching its own streaming platform in 2019. Stan's Disney lineup will be available from Friday, December 14.
In Woody Allen's latest film, Cate Blanchett plays Jasmine, an unpleasant socialite who's fallen on hard times. Jasmine finds herself at odds with her adopted sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins), whom she plans to stay with until she is back on her feet. Jasmine had little time for Ginger when she was living high on the hog in Manhattan and finds herself appalled at Ginger's working-class lifestyle and new boyfriend, Chili (Bobby Cannavale), a mechanic. The story flashes back and forth between Jasmine's glamorous New York life of polo matches and Hamptons holidays and her later comeuppance in California. Along the way, Ginger and ex-boyfriend Augie (Andrew Dice Clay) make a rare visit to New York, where Jasmine suggests husband Hal (Alec Baldwin) can invest money for Ginger and Augie. The flashbacks find Jasmine in wilfully ignorant bliss, raising the question of whether she should have taken more of an interest in his staggering accumulation of wealth. The prickly figure of Jasmine, a character who is by turns contemptible and pitiful, washing Xanax down with vodka as she endlessly recounts stories from better times, is perfectly realised, and Blanchett's compelling work lights up one of Woody Allen's darkest films. Blue Jasmine is in cinemas on September 12, and thanks to Hopscotch Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BXnktqEWvGM
UPDATE, AUGUST 9: Due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns, The Empire Strips Back's 2021 season has been postponed to 2022. The Melbourne show will now take place on Saturday, February 12. This article has been updated to reflect that change. In 2011, in this very country and galaxy, a pop culture favourite gained a singing, stripping burlesque parody. It's the mash-up that was bound to happen. Who hasn't looked at George Lucas' space opera, its sprawling drama and ample spectacle, and wondered what a steamier, funnier version with more visible butt cheeks would look like? Russall S Beattie clearly did, and had a good feeling that other people would give it a shot. The Empire Strips Back was the end result. It became a hit around Australia, then took itself overseas to much acclaim. Now it's returning home for a 2021 tour — once again showing local audiences that lightsabers aren't the hottest thing in the Star Wars galaxy. The saucy show promises "seriously sexy stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker [and] the droids you are looking for", according to its website. Apparently Yoda doesn't get the sexed-up treatment, but there is plenty of song, dance, acrobatics and — because it's burlesque — the removal of clothing. A dancing Chewie and Han is just the beginning of this cheeky take on Star Wars cosplay. Given that it's got an upbeat soundtrack, the costumes are extremely detailed and the show throws out lots of references to George Lucas' original plot, it's not surprising that local audiences — presumably the same ones that pack out Star Wars parties and large-scale screenings with a live orchestra — have latched onto the production. Heading to the Palais on Saturday, February 12, The Empire Strips Back sits alongside Dame of Thrones in Beattie's pop culture parody stable — so if you've already seen one of your fantastical screen obsessions get the burlesque treatment, then you know what you're in for. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, March 12 — so not too far away, and obviously in this very galaxy. If you're super keen, you can also nab a Wookieerotica magazine online: a 116-page, 70s-style men's mag, just casually featuring all of your favourite jedis, siths, ewoks and other Star Wars characters. Either way, it could be a great introduction to burlesque or Star Wars, depending on which way you're coming at it. Images: Jon Bauer, Leslie Liu and Josh Groom.
Things are heating up at The B.East on Lygon Street, the official home of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship. This Saturday, 26 brave souls will put their lives on the line in this searing hot contest to find Melbourne's steeliest tastebuds. Doors open at noon, while the main event kicks off at half past three. The contest consists of 12 knockout rounds, with things getting progressively spicier as the competition intensifies. Participants can be eliminated by tapping out, passing out or vomiting their guts up – although, hopefully it doesn't come to that. It all culminates with the consumption of the Carolina Reaper, which Guinness World Records considers the hottest chilli in the world. All competitor spots have already been filled, although there's always a chance someone chickens out on the day. In addition to the championship there'll by live music throughout the day, including sets by the Davidson Brothers, DJ Johnny El Pájaro and Iaki Vallejo & The Hits.
Feeling warm, Melbourne? There's a very good reason for that. Seeing in 2019 with a scorcher, the city has been sweltering through quite the toasty day — the hottest in five years, in fact. As predicted earlier this week, the mercury soared past 42 degrees on Friday, January 4, hitting 42.6 in Melbourne, 45.8 at Avalon and 43.8 in Moorabbin. That's more than 16 degrees above Melbourne's average top January temperature according to Weatherzone, although it's still lower than the city's highest recorded January maximum of 45.6 degrees back in 1939. https://twitter.com/weatherzone/status/1081048522504298496 Extra scorching temperatures also blazed across the rest of the state — with highs of over 46 degrees experienced around Mildura, Swan Hill and Walpeup. The particularly hot spell comes after several similarly baking days last month, exceeding the 38-degree maximum experienced in Melbourne's brief early-December heatwave. And, it tops the city's efforts post-Christmas, when the mercury climbed to 37.4 degrees on December 27. Thankfully, the scorching summer blast is set to be short-lived. BOM expects a gusty southwest change to arrive late on Friday, heralding a return to mid-20s temps. In fact, the mercury is currently dropping around the state, including a 12-degree dip across a period of 10 minutes in Geelong. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1081042375416442880 Melbourne's Saturday forecast is a considerably mild 21 degrees, with temps set to stay below 27 until Thursday, January 10. Via Weatherzone. Image: udeyismail via Flickr.
It's been over a decade since we first got hooked on the rough and rowdy antics of these boys from the deep South. Peddling fast-paced garage rock and loveable ratbag tunes like 2007's 'Bad Kids' or 2011's 'Modern Art' and 'Family Tree', Black Lips have been a staple of all your recent summer road trips. Now they're back in town peddling their seventh studio album (count 'em). Released early last year, Underneath The Rainbow and its lead singles like 'Boys In The Wood' and 'Justice After All' see the four-piece staying true to their roots with those iconic raw vocals and all-round messy musical style. Despite being partly produced by The Black Keys' Patrick Carney, the album does however lose some of the hooky melodies you know and love from their past hits. But even if you're not so keen on the new stuff, their live show is always worth the money on the door. Best to come with covered shoes and loose morals: Black Lips are known for intense crowd-surfing, regular nudity and a few disturbing moments where band members have spit into each other's mouths. Though they're coming off the back of a busy festival season in the US, Europe, the Middle East — they were actually the first American band to tour there since The Grateful Dead in 1978 — Falls, and soon Laneway, they're sure to deliver not only a good show but a great story too.
Life is so busy these days, one can't help but wish some things would just sort themselves out. We have technological advancements and perhaps Google to thank for such laissez-faire attitudes. PumpTire's prototype for a self-inflating tyre appeals to the whinger in us but also proves to be an eco-friendly invention saving time, money and extraneous resources needed to pump a flat bicycle tyre. Components of the PumpTire includes a tyre, a detachable valve and inner tube. It can be used in conjunction with existing rim models and works as the cyclist rides their bike. According to founder of PumpTire Benjamin Krempel, it works "by using the rolling motion of the tyre to draw in air from the atmosphere". A hollow tube attached to the edge of the tire pushes air into the tyre. The tyre is even capable of sensing when the ideal air pressure is reached. PumpTire is currently promoting its invention on Kickstarter to raise funds for further engineering design, testing and purchasing tools and materials. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rMmZnzG9QqI [via PSFK]
Somehow, entirely inexplicably, we're already thinking about Christmas. This year, skip the typical department stores and instead pick out unique gifts for your family and friends at The Big Design Market. Coming to Melbourne for the eight time on the first weekend of summer, the three-day independent designer extravaganza features over 250 stallholders selling furniture, fashion, homewares, textiles, and much more. With such a wide range of products, you're sure to find something for even the pickiest people on your list. The Big Design Market always commissions an impressive installation, and this year illustrator Marc Martin will fill the Exhibition Building with a flock of colourful birds. You can also expect a smorgasbord of food options from local favourites like Gelato Messina, All Day Donuts, Q le Baker and 5 & Dime Bagels, plus cocktails from Sydney gin distillery Archie Rose and bottled negronis from The Everleigh. Each year the market also puts together a showbag of goodies from some of Melbourne and Sydney's best designers, including Erika Harder Jewellery, Kester Black, Danica Studio and Leif. A limited number will be available to purchase for $25 ($120 value). So prepare your bank account, and get ready to have your Christmas shopping done earlier than you ever have before. The market will be open from 10am–9pm on Friday, 10am–7pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday.
Bel Ami is the adaptation of a nineteenth century French novel by Guy de Maupassant. And before you get all judgey about nineteenth century novels, you should keep in mind that while the Victorians were drinking tea and worrying about exposing their ankles, the French were all about sex, drugs, alcohol and general decadence, in their fiction at least. So you're in for a far more salacious film than you might be expecting. The story follows the rise into high society of George Duroy, aka Bel Ami (Robert Pattinson). Handsome, smart and resourceful he uses his job as a journalist on one of France's premier newspapers to manipulate his was into the very best that Paris has to offer. Surrounded by colleagues, financiers and mistresses with barely a moral to bless themselves with, Bel Ami quickly becomes an adept blackmailer and seducer of just about every woman in town. In some ways your heart does ache for the cast of Twilight: actors who might otherwise have been perfectly respectable will be tainted forever by, well, Twilight. Frankly it's hard to see Robert Pattinson as anything other than a pallid, lovesick vampire who sparkles in sunlight. But he's trying to break the mould, and you have to give him credit for that. Bel Ami sees Pattinson break some new ground in a period drama, and also sees him hook but with not only Christina Ricci, but Kristin Scott Thomas and Uma Thurman as well. Taunting aside, Bel Ami looks set to be a fantastic film, and an old-school French one at that. Concrete Playground has five double passes to giveaway. To go in the running to win tickets to Bel Ami, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
After suffering months of protest about the controversial East West Link, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine today announced plans to invest $70 million in new cycling and pedestrian pathways in Melbourne's north and north-east. Claiming the East West Link was "never just about a road", Napthine hopes the project will provide increased safety and enhance Melbourne's reputation as a city for cyclists. But the changes won't be as far-reaching as you might think. While the idea of $70 million worth of bike paths makes us want to head over to Spring Street right now and forcibly high-five everyone in state parliament, the main thrust of the project is geared towards access to the Mornington Peninsula. With bridges and pathways connecting to the Chandler Highway, the North East Bike Link will supposedly knock ten minutes off the 80km trip down south. "You'll be able to get to Mornington for your coffee after about an hour peddling on this 80-kilometre ring," said Premier Napthine today (to the non-existent humanoids who happily ride 80km in one hour just to get a coffee). It's great news for those who spend their weekend in lycra visiting their holiday house in Sorrento, but kind of underwhelming for the rest of us. That being said, the new infrastructure closer to the city will be helpful for those commuting from the inner-east. New bridges have been proposed over the Yarra and Merri Creek, and a 3km path would run from Alexandra Ave to the Main Yarra Trail. The first contracts for the project were signed last week, but opposition leader Daniel Andrew claims its future will be decided by the outcome of the November state election. Leave your lycra onesie aside for the moment; even if it does go ahead, the date of completion is scheduled for 2019. I guess we can awkwardly ride on the footpaths for a few more years. Via The Age and ABC. Photo credit: Looking Glass via photopin cc.
The first time that filmmaker Justin Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant tackled a recent dark chapter in Australia's history, in 2011's Snowtown, they both earned AACTA awards for their efforts — and their film picked up six gongs in total. Ten years later, they've bettered the feat with Nitram, which explores the lead up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Both Kurzel and Grant again collected trophies, while the feature nabbed eight awards all up. One of those prizes: the AACTA for Best Film, beating out The Dry, The Furnace, High Ground, Penguin Bloom and Rams. Nitram also swept all four acting prizes in the film fields, with its four key cast members — Cannes Film Festival Best Actor-winner Caleb Landry Jones, plus Aussies Judy Davis, Anthony LaPaglia and Essie Davis — emerging victorious. That's the big story from the 2021 AACTA Awards, which announced its nominees back at the beginning of November, then handed out its trophies on Wednesday, December 8. Nitram scooping the pool isn't surprising, given that it's powerful, haunting and the best Aussie movie of the year — and that AACTA has a history of going all on features it loves. Last year's Best Film recipient, Babyteeth, won seven awards, while The Nightingale picked up six the year before, Sweet Country did the same the year before that and Lion nabbed 12 in 2017. (Thanks to the likes of Hacksaw Ridge, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dressmaker, The Great Gatsby and The Sapphires before that, the trend goes on.) The Academy's gongs also span television — so, if you've watched The Newsreader or Fisk this year, then you've seen 2021's Best Drama and Best Narrative Comedy Series. Across both the big and small screens, other winners include Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) for Best Indie Film, My Name Is Gulpilil for Best Documentary, and Fires for Best Telefeature or Miniseries. Here's a rundown of the major nominations — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2021 FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM The Dry The Furnace High Ground Nitram — WINNER Penguin Bloom Rams BEST INDIE FILM Disclosure Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) — WINNER Lone Wolf Moon Rock for Monday My First Summer Under My Skin BEST DIRECTION Rob Connolly, The Dry Roderick MacKay, The Furnace Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground Justin Kurzel, Nitram — WINNER Glendyn Ivin, Penguin Bloom BEST LEAD ACTOR Simon Baker, High Ground Eric Bana, The Dry Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram — WINNER Ahmed Malek, The Furnace Jacob Junior Nayinggul, High Ground BEST LEAD ACTRESS Rose Byrne, Peter Rabbit 2 Judy Davis, Nitram — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, June Again Genevieve O'Reilly, The Dry Naomi Watts, Penguin Bloom BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Michael Caton, Rams Baykali Ganambarr, The Furnace Anthony LaPaglia, Nitram — WINNER Sean Mununggurr, High Ground Jack Thompson, High Ground BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Essie Davis, Nitram — WINNER Claudia Karvan, June Again Esmerelda Marimowa, High Ground Miranda Tapsell, The Dry Jacki Weaver, Penguin Bloom BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Monica Zanetti, Ellie and Abbie (& Abbie's Dead Aunt) Roderick McKay, The Furnace Chris Anastassiades, High Ground JJ Winlove, June Again Shaun Grant, Nitram — WINNER BEST SCREENPLAY Rob Connolly and Harry Cripps, The Dry — WINNER Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, Penguin Bloom Will Gluck and Patrick Burleigh, Peter Rabbit 2 Jules Duncan, Rams BEST DOCUMENTARY Girls Can't Surf I'm Wanita My Name Is Gulpilil — WINNER Playing with Sharks Strong Female Lead When the Camera Stopped Rolling TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Clickbait Jack Irish Mr Inbetween The Newsreader — WINNER Total Control Wakefield Wentworth BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINISERIES A Sunburnt Christmas The End Fires — WINNER New Gold Mountain The Unusual Suspects BEST NARRATIVE COMEDY SERIES Aftertaste Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Fisk — WINNER Frayed Preppers Rosehaven BEST COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Dom and Adrian 2020 Hard Quiz — WINNER The Moth Effect Spicks and Specks The Weekly BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Rudi Dharmaligam, Wakefield Guy Pearce, Jack Irish Sam Reid, The Newsreader Richard Roxburgh, Fires Scott Ryan, Mr Inbetween — WINNER BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Deborah Mailman, Total Control Mandy McElhinney, Wakefield Miranda Otto, Fires Pamela Rabe, Wentworth Anna Torv, The Newsreader — WINNER BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Mark Samual Bonanno, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Kitty Flanagan, Fisk — WINNER Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Sarah Kendall, Frayed Nakkiah Lui, Preppers Luke McGregor, Rosehaven Celia Pacquola, Rosehaven BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Harry Greenwood, Wakefield William McInnes, The Newsreader — WINNER Matt Nable, Mr Inbetween Stephen Peacocke, The Newsreader Justin Rosniak, Mr Inbetween BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Michelle Lim Davidson, The Newsreader Marg Downey, The Newsreader Harriet Dyer, Wakefield Rachel Griffiths, Total Control — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, The End
Melbourne, rejoice! No longer will your late-night pho cravings go unsated. From early December, the team behind Hochi Mama are opening Australia's first ever 24-hour pho joint in the CBD. Pho real. Set to open on Russell Street in the heart of the CBD, the team at Twenty Pho Seven will set out to deliver exactly what their name suggests. Pho. 24/7. Whether it's a breakfast broth or a substitute for that 4am kebab, these guys will have you covered. "We are confident in providing an authentic yet tasty and hearty bowl of Pho that will keep you coming back for more," said co-founder Thai Ho. "We have so many great ideas that we can't wait to share with everyone." In addition to promising "the best pho in Melbourne", Twenty Pho Seven will also serve up an array of Vietnamese entrees – including rice paper rolls, spring rolls and banh me. They'll also have a number of Asian-inspired cocktails on offer, served in bubble cups. Look for Twenty Pho Seven at 138 Russel Street, Melbourne from early December. For more information, you can check them out on Instagram.
If you're wondering how to make a good bar even better, look no further than Bar Liberty. The Fitzroy bar — which was our favourite new bar of 2016, mind you — has added a standalone outdoor bar out the back of their Johnston Street space, called Drinkwell. The small space is built on fake grass and features a corrugated iron bar and a few long communal timber tables that are surrounded by murals, one of which is by Melbourne artist Kitt Bennet. All up, the backyard bar, which opens onto a small sidestreet, seats about 30 people. Oh, and it's dog-friendly (even at nights). The drinks list features two beers on tap at a time, as well as some tinnies, wines and a few cocktails. If you're looking for something you can't get just anywhere, go for the Okar Spritz ($12). Okar is made by South Australian distillery Applewood and is basically the Australian version of Aperol, only a little more bitter and rich in flavour. It's an acquired taste — but if you like an Aperol Spritz, give these homegrown bitters a go. If you visit Drinkwell with the intent of not eating, that's fine, but we urge you to reconsider. Regardless of which drink you choose, pairing it with hummus, falafel or a plate heaped with salad (or all of the above) will not be regretted. Drinkwell is relaxed, no fuss, and a great spot to make some new pals. It's both a top choice to kick off a night out and wind down with a nightcap — whether you're just having dinner inside at Bar Liberty or heading further afield. The lack of heaters, however, may cut your not-so-summery Melbourne summer night short. Let's hope they've arrived by winter. Images: Brook James. UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2017: Drinkwell has reopened for the summer, complete with a new food menu (falafel) and drinks offering (wine in mini goon sacks).
The 21st-century has not been kind to the vampire. Between Stephenie Meyer's sparkling high schoolers, the leather-clad killers of the Underworld series and whatever the hell those things in I Am Legend were meant to be, the once noble creatures of the night have been reduced by pop-culture to cringeworthy caricatures. Bela Lugosi must be turning in his grave. Enter Jim Jarmusch, director of Dead Man, Ghost Dog and Broken Flowers, to name just a few. One of the enduring figures of the American indie film movement, Jarmusch has made a career out of minimally plotted, post-modern genre subversions, and his latest work is no exception. Mixing traditional vampire mythology with the director's distinctively aloof brand of cool, Only Lovers Left Alive is a handsome, compelling, meditative take on the lives of the eternal undead. An appropriately gaunt and pasty Tom Hiddleston plays Adam, a centuries-old bloodsucker living on the outskirts of Detroit. A reclusive figure, Adam's only human contacts are a crooked hospital doctor (Jeffrey Wright) who provides him with fresh batches of O-negative, and a wide-eyed rock 'n' roll fan (Anton Yelchin) from whom the vampire buys vintage guitars. Aside from his music, the one thing Adam cares about is his wife, Eve (Tilda Swinton), with whom he is reunited not long after the movie begins. For a while, the immortal lovers live in peace, but their solitary existence is shattered by the arrival of Eve's impulsive younger sister (Mia Wasikowska). Read our full review of Only Lovers Left Alive here. Only Lovers Left Alive is in cinemas on Thursday, April 17, and thanks to Madman, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=ycOKvWrwYFo
The team behind one of South Melbourne's most decadent cafes is heading to the CBD. Opening mid-October on Little Collins Street, Crux & Co Patisserie will focus on the sweeter things in life, serving up macaroons, éclairs, cakes and assorted other pastries that'll make your teeth rot just by looking at them. Might be time to preemptively punch another hole in your belt buckle, huh? The 40-seat patisserie will be open 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday, making it the perfect place to satisfy your hankering for a pre-work coffee and salted caramel éclair. Or maybe you'd prefer double vanilla? Or passionfruit? Or bitter chocolate, or raspberry, or lemon meringue? Best get one of each, just to be safe. Alternatively, you'll be able to grab a box of meringues, which come in flavours such as lychee, oreo and wasabi. The sweet treats will all be crafted by Crux's head pastry chef MK Lee, and transported from South Melbourne to Little Collins Street each day. Your caffeine fix, meanwhile, will come courtesy of local roasters, including Five Senses Coffee. Crux & Co Patisserie is set to open on October 10 at 25 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. In the meantime, you can find their original cafe at 35 Albert Road, South Melbourne, and perv on pastry photos via their Facebook page.
"I kneel before no one," says Teth-Adam, aka Black Adam, aka the DC Comics character that dates back to 1945, and that Dwayne Johnson (Red Notice) has long wanted to play. That proclamation is made early in the film that bears the burly, flying, impervious-to-everything figure's name, echoing as a statement of might as well as mood: he doesn't need to bow down to anyone or anything, and if he did he wouldn't anyway. Yet the DC Extended Universe flick that Black Adam is in — the 11th in a saga that's rarely great — kneels frequently to almost everything. It bends the knee to the dispiritingly by-the-numbers template that keeps lurking behind this comic book-inspired series' most forgettable entries, and the whole franchise's efforts to emulate the rival (and more successful) Marvel Cinematic Universe, for starters. It also shows deference to the lack of spark and personality that makes the lesser DC-based features so routine at best, too. Even worse, Black Adam kneels to the idea that slipping Johnson into a sprawling superhero franchise means robbing the wrestler-turned-actor himself of any on-screen personality. Glowering and gloomy is a personality, for sure, but it's not what's made The Rock such a box office drawcard — and, rather than branching out, breaking the mould or suiting the character, he just appears to be pouting and coasting. He looks the physical part, of course, as he needs to playing a slave-turned-champion who now can't be killed or hurt. It's hard not to wish that the Fast and Furious franchise's humour seeped into his performance, however, or even the goofy corniness of Jungle Cruise, Johnson's last collaboration with filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra. The latter has template-esque action flicks Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter on his resume before that, and helms his current star here like he'd rather still directing Liam Neeson. That said, Black Adam, the character, has much to scowl about — and scowl he does. Black Adam, the film, has much backstory to lay out, with exposition slathered on thick during the opening ten minutes. As a mere human in 2600 BCE in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Kahndaq, its namesake was among an entire populace caught under a cruel ruler hungry for power, and for a powerful supernatural crown fashioned out a mineral called 'eternium' that said subjects were forced to mine. Now, 5000 years later, Black Adam is a just-awakened mortal-turned-god who isn't too thrilled about the modern world, or being in it. Bridging the gap: the fact that back in the day, one boy was anointed with magic by ancient wizards to defend Kahndaq's people (the word "shazam!" gets uttered, because Black Adam dwells in the same part of the DCEU as 2019's Shazam! and its upcoming sequel), but misusing those skills ended in entombment until modern-day resistance fighters interfere. The above really is just the preamble. Black Adam is freed by widowed professor Adrianna (Sarah Shahi, Sex/Life), who is trying to fight the Intergang, the mercenaries who've been Kahndaq's new oppressors for decades — and, yes, Black Adam gets caught up in that battle. But being out and about, instead of interred in a cave, gets the attention of the Justice Society. The DCEU already has the Justice League and the Suicide Squad, but it apparently still needs another super-powered crew. Indeed, Suicide Squad and The Suicide Squad's Amanda Waller (Viola Davis, The First Lady) even shows up to help put this new gang together. That's how Hawkman (Aldis Hodge, One Night in Miami), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan, The Misfits), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell, Voyagers) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo, the To All the Boys movies) don their caped-crusader getup and try to stop Black Adam, or convince him to stop himself. Another blatant act of kneeling on this film's part: its new team. The Justice Society isn't new on the page, and some of its number pre-date their patent Marvel counterparts — but reaching the screen now, after the MCU and the X-Men movies, makes this bunch seem like a rehash. Wings like the Falcon, seeing the future like Dr Strange, controlling the weather like Cyclone, changing size like Ant-Man: that's all covered here, and it's impossible not to make comparisons. That Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone and Atom Smasher are also given little personality doesn't help. The cast behind them visibly commit, and there's a better flick to be made with far more Brosnan waving around a golden helmet in it (a welcomely sillier one, too), but character development clearly wasn't high among screenwriters Adam Sztykiel (Scoob!), Rory Haines (The Mauritanian) and Sohrab Noshirvani's (also The Mauritanian) priorities. As often proves the case in this genre, because superhero movies have been their own genre for years, the main aim of Black Adam is laying the groundwork for more to come. The titular figure gets an origin story, then an entryway into the broader DCEU, then sets up future franchise appearances, then teases the next step via the obligatory post-credits sting — stop us when this doesn't sound familiar. It's little wonder, then, that everyone around Black Adam feels like filler, including Adrianna's son Amon (Bodhi Sabongui, The Baby-Sitters Club), as well as the villain of the piece. And it's hardly surprising that any attempts at thematic relevance or resonance are thinner than Black Adam's smile. This tries to be a picture about the great responsibility that comes with great power (yep, again), choosing to do the right thing, and the thorniness of being an anti-hero, and also about the merits (or not) of throwing American force around (or not) in other countries; 'tries' is the key word. Collet-Serra does give Sabongui the best action sequences, though, all involving sneaking out of, skateboarding around and skirting attacks in his apartment/building. There's a tactile sense to these moments — as lively and as lived-in as the film gets, too — that's thoroughly absent in the bland, generic look and feel elsewhere. That Black Adam kneels before and could simply be mashing up parts of 300, Clash of the Titans and Tomb Raider for much of its running time, especially visually, just makes a dull movie duller (the DCEU really can't move on from Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League director Zack Snyder, so it seems). When the feature busts out The Rolling Stones' 'Paint It Black', because of course it does, it's both as obvious a choice as there is and a rare dose of energy. And when it shows iconic spaghetti western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on a TV screen, wishing you were watching that instead comes swiftly — or watching Aquaman's gleeful ridiculousness, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)'s rampant flair, or the non-DCEU weightiness of Joker or The Batman, actually.
Explore the connection between the online and the IRL, as well as the role of the internet in societal inequality, when this hit production from Sydney's Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Green Door Theatre Company arrives in Melbourne. Directed by Bardi and Jabirr Jabirr woman Shari Sebbens (Top End Wedding, The Sapphires) and Zindzi Okenyo, starring Iolanthe and Chika Ikogwe (Netflix's Heartbreak High), and supported by an all-female production team, Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner follows an argument between two friends over the eponymous influencer and her supposed 'self-made billionaire' status. Delving into the commodification of Black women and exploitive nature of white capitalism, as well as the politics of social media activism, the production combines on-stage performances with gifs and memes. [caption id="attachment_837143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teniola Komolafe[/caption] "Racial gaslighting. Colourism. Homophobia. Online trolling. Cultural appropriation. Memes. This play leaves no stone unturned," says Green Floor Theatre Company Co-Creative Producer Bernedette Fam. Penned by celebrated British playwright Jasmine Lee-Jones, the Olivier Award-nominated play lands in Melbourne after a successful run of Brisbane and Sydney shows, playing at the Malthouse Theatre from Wednesday, January 18–Sunday, January 29. Images: Teniola Komolafe
The Japanese have a particular skill when it comes to making useful objects much more compact and convenient. It seems that such skills have extended well into the realm of eyewear, as Menicon Co. has recently revealed with Magic, the world's thinnest contact lens pack. At just '12.5% of the thickness and just 40% of the volume of a conventional pack used to store contact lenses', Magic is thin enough to slide inside your wallet. With such minuscule size, these daily lenses will be much easier to carry around when you're travelling light. The packs have been patterned by designer Yoshihiro Yagi, with a simple black and white print that mimics the daily movements of the sun. Furthermore, the contact lenses contain 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate-Glycerol Methacrylate, which apparently allows for 'superior water retention'. These are set for nationwide distribution in Japan from April 2012. Watch the video below for a real glance at the dynamics of this product. [via PSFK]
If you'd said five years ago that Matthew McConaughey was one of the finest actors of his generation, you'd have been a laughing stock. As it turns out, you'd also have been right. After spending most of last decade taking his shirt off in rom-coms and exhibiting poor equilibrium in film posters, the Texan has undergone a total reinvention in recent times, stringing together a series of scene-stealing supporting turns in films like Killer Joe, Magic Mike and The Wolf of Wall Street, along with more serious dramatic performances in Mud and HBO's True Detective. His role in Dallas Buyers Club, however, is his most transformative yet. With Christian Bale-like commitment, the actor is down to skin and bones as Ron Woodroof, a real-life AIDS patient who, at a time when the legally permitted treatments were proving totally ineffectual, ruffled the feathers of the Federal Drug Administration by smuggling unapproved medicines in through Mexico. Even more emaciated than McConaughey is Jared Leto, nigh unrecognisable as an AIDS-suffering transgender woman named Rayon. Together, she and Woodroof thumb their noses at the medical bureaucracy by forming the 'Dallas Buyers Club', providing patients with imported drugs in return for a $400 monthly fee. Even discounting their weight loss, both actors are in phenomenal form. McConaughey brings a rough-around-the-edges humanity to his character, an outlandish, hustling, often flat-out unlikable man, whose gradual transition from homophobic swindler to altruist is handled with a refreshing degree of nuance. Leto, meanwhile, disappears completely into his part, creating a kind, funny, heartbreaking character whose unlikely friendship with Woodroof gives the movie its beating heart. French-Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée does excellent work behind the camera, adopting a considerably less flashy approach than he used in his earlier films Café de Flore and C.R.A.Z.Y., while nonetheless crafting a subtly distinctive aesthetic. Screenwriters Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack likewise deserve credit for avoiding false sentiment and typical biopic cliches. Where Dallas Buyers Club runs into trouble is in its relationship with real life. Many have disputed the film's claim that the FDA approved drug AZT was poisonous, while also questioning the effectiveness of Woodroof's unregulated alternatives. Others have accused the filmmakers of distorting the history and spirit of AIDS activism by sidelining gay characters in favour of a heterosexual protagonist. Like any movie claiming to be based on real life, viewers would be wise to engage in some post-film research, to separate facts from fiction. At the same time, Dallas Buyers Club also deserves credit for being the first Hollywood film with significant LGBTQ themes since Brokeback Mountain in 2005, and the first significant AIDS film since Philadelphia in 1993. As problematic as the movie's approach may sometimes be, it cannot be worse than not addressing these subjects at all. Nor can it detract from the strength of Vallée's direction, nor the sensational work of his actors. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ety5kOjlXoU
It's safe to say that Australia's COVID-19 vaccination rollout hasn't been all smooth sailing. Nor has it come without its (unfair) share of highly divided opinions. But, we can all agree that getting back to a world where we're all able to do the things we love would be very nice, indeed. For many, the arts industry is one of the biggest things we've sorely been missing in the last 18 months, and it's also one of the sectors that has been hit the hardest by the pandemic. This was the catalyst for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's compelling new ad campaign aimed at overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Australia. The Performance of a Lifetime was created with the help of a diverse cast of local artists and arts organisations in order to encourage audiences to get on board and get vaccinated when they're eligible. Its message? The sooner people play their part and get their jab — aka the performance of a lifetime — the sooner we can all get back to doing what we love. Best of all, it ditches any alarmist chat in favour of clear, straightforward messaging and a hopeful outlook. Musical comedy trio Tripod, who appeared in the ad, summarised the sentiment nicely in a media statement: "The sooner everyone mucks in and gets the jab, the sooner the arts community can get back to what we do best — providing a focal point for communities to gather, so we can all share our joy at being alive on this big, stupid planet." The two-minute-long ad features a rollcall of other familiar faces from Melbourne's music, theatre, dance and performance communities, including iconic entertainer Rhonda Burchmore OAM, composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham AO, and actress Virginia Gay. You'll also spy appearances from members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company, The Australian Ballet and national Indigenous opera company Short Black Opera. As comedian and songwriter Tim Minchin said in a statement, "Get vaccinated Aussies…as soon as you possibly can. Let's show this fucking bug the door." You can check out the full 'Performance of a Lifetime' ad video here on YouTube.
UPDATE: MARCH 13, 2020 — Due to fears surrounding COVID-19, Meatstock has been postponed from March 14 and 15 until August 15 and 16. All tickets will be automatically transferred to those dates. We'll let you know when more information is announced. If you're the sort of person who likes to eat meat until you start shaking with the meat sweats and can (m)eat no more, then a festival very relevant to your interests is coming to town. Meatstock Festival, a two-day celebration of all things animal, is setting up its smoky self in the Melbourne Showgrounds. Not just your regular food festival, bands on the Meatstock lineup include Jebediah, Cookin' on 3 Burners, Freya Josephine Hollick, Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys, The Soul Movers and Jim Lawrie, with more to be announced. Sure, there'll be less music than there is at Woodstock, but there will be 200 percent more tasty meat-related foods. The food stars of the show are Burn City Smokers, Limp Brisket, Black Barrel BBQ, Hoy Pinoy and more. Try some of each, or make your way through all of the food stalls and then fall into a sweaty, cholesterol-heavy heap — don't say we didn't warn you. Finally, for a little old-fashioned rivalry, the festival will be running its Butcher Wars, which will basically be a bunch of hopefully unbloodied people running around competing and wielding various knives. There's also Barbecue Wars too, heating up the grill in more ways than one. What a weekend.
The trio behind Collingwood's 70s-themed wine bar Gum has launched into the loaded deli sandwich game with new venture The Continental. Located next door to the team's small bar on Johnston Street, this spot is loading up fresh focaccias with a heap of different Mediterranean flavours — the white anchovy number with whipped ricotta, capers, rocket, red onion and salsa verde is already a hot fave. The mortadella sanga with manchego, Sicilian olives and that verde sauce is another winner — especially when you add crisps inside for an extra $2. There are currently just seven sandwiches available, with none pricier than $19. They're not the cheapest, but these big lunchtime bites are full of top-quality Aussie and imported produce. And though the deli is mostly set up for takeaway trade, visitors are invited to stick around to play a spot of pool. There aren't any seats, but you can take a bite of your sanga while you're waiting for your turn. On the drinks side, $3.50 espressos are the only dine-in option. It's a lot like Europe's coffee culture where you quickly down an espresso at the bar before getting on with the day. All other food and drinks are served in takeaway containers, whether you're staying or leaving. The Continental has really charming European social club vibes, both in the style of service and its design. Old brown tiles — that'll remind you of your nonna's, yiayia's or abuela's kitchen — line the floors, and there's a smattering of kitsch artwork on the walls. Other than that, the space is pretty sparse – the focus here is on quality sandwiches and deli fillings that are given plenty of love. And if you want to sit down with your sanga, you can always take it next door to Gum (when it's open) and pair it with some natty wines. What's not to love about that? You can find The Continental at 171 Johnston Street, Collingwood, open 10am–3pm, Tuesday–Sunday. For more information, head to the venue's website.
No one wants to live in a world where Parasite, the best movie of 2019, doesn't exist. But if it didn't for some reason, it's highly likely that Corpus Christi would've been this year's Best International Feature Film Oscar-winner, rather than just a nominee. This Polish drama also focuses on people pretending to be something they're not. As directed by Warsaw 44 and The Hater's Jan Komasa, and written by the latter's screenwriter Mateusz Pacewicz, it casts a wry eye over much about life in their homeland today, too. And it isn't afraid to call out hypocrisy, societal divisions and greed, either — literally in the latter case, via its protagonist's speech at the local sawmill. There are few other similarities between Corpus Christi and the movie it lost to, but perhaps the only one that really matters is how potently, blisteringly and rousingly it unfurls its on-screen gifts. Well that, and how striking every second of the film looks, pairing its ashen, almost-hazy aesthetics with its complicated account of an ex-juvenile delinquent who poses as a small-town priest. The imposter's name is Daniel and, as played with soulful intensity by star-in-the-making Bartosz Bielenia, he's a complex figure. First seen serving the final days of his reform school sentence, he has made a fan out of the facility's head priest, Father Tomasz (Lukasz Simlat). In fact, if Daniel's criminal record didn't preclude it, he'd desperately love to follow in the elder man's footsteps and join the seminary. While the correctional centre's hierarchy means that he has to take on look-out duties when his fellow inmates brutally rough up one of their own — lest he be on the receiving end instead — the look in the 20-year-old's eyes whenever he's reminded that his past choices have stripped away his preferred future is haunting. There's much about Bielenia's exceptional performance that sears itself into memory, but that firm, mournful gaze that adorns his face again and again is unshakeably powerful and poignant. When Daniel is released to work at the aforementioned sawmill in rural Poland, it's better than incarceration. Of course, it's hardly what he has dreamed about. Call it fate, call it divine intervention, or call it either good or dumb luck, but he's soon given the chance to pursue his calling. Through a series of events that never feels convenient or strained, Daniel claims that he's a priest — and that contention largely goes unquestioned. In a close-knit community of devout but struggling souls, with the area rocked by a recent tragedy that still lingers, locals eagerly welcome him as their new spiritual advisor. Daniel's devotion to the task helps to mask his youthful years. With those around his age, he's particularly at ease. He also genuinely has faith and believes in the job, so the jump from jailhouse scraps and drug-addled post-release parties to assisting his surprise congregation is both easy and natural. Corpus Christi is loosely inspired by real-life details, but even though this is a movie about an unconventional priest, it isn't the type of religious true tale that might instantly spring to mind. It couldn't be further from the dutifully pious standard, which remains the case even as it gifts its young protagonist with an unexpected second chance — an unlikely opportunity to follow his heart and make a difference to an insular yet divided town, too — and demonstrates that he's not the only one within the movie's frames with a troubled past to overcome. Whether he's attempting to convince the locals that an old grief-fuelled grudge reflects badly upon their character or getting closer to parishioner Marta (Eliza Rycembel) to an ungodly degree, Daniel is a wiry and magnetic bag of contradictions. Much the same can be said of his potential absolution, too. His motives are sincere, but his shot at vindication springs through subterfuge — well-meaning subterfuge that's purely a result of grasping an opportunity, rather than any misdeeds or maliciousness, but subterfuge all the same. Crafting a film that starts with grey hues, grim visuals and a mood to match, and never buffers out or prays away the grit in its aesthetics, Komasa uses Daniel's situation to veer down an important path. Benevolence and redemption are key tenets of Catholicism, and of many faiths, but there's a difference between speaking of them and putting them into action — which Corpus Christi explores in every reaction that comes its central figure's way. The film doesn't deify its protagonist, nor shy away from his mistakes and woes, but it clearly sees and accepts his desire to aid others. And, in the process, it asks what might be considered a sacrilegious question to some: if people can find the solace, warmth and comfort they yearn for in biblical characters who teach compassion and charity, why can't they in a tattooed, scarred, street-smart ex-criminal standing in front of them, getting to know them, willingly dedicating his time to helping them, and driven by the same kind intentions and aspirations? If that train of thought sounds thorny, tricky and even anxiety-inducing, that's Corpus Christi. When he's lost in prayer, Bielenia's face may look angelic; however, nothing else about this movie is ever so blissful or simple. As a film about a rehabilitated crim-turned-masquerading cleric, tension and foreboding unsurprisingly seethes through every second. First, Daniel wonders how he'll ever be seen as anything other than "scum", as he's called. Next, he worries about maintaining his deception and keeping the position he treasures. As it bubbles and broods, Corpus Christi doesn't ever offer simple answers — to audiences or to its lead character. That's to be expected; this is a feature that spends its entire time rallying against easy solutions, after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-Z90SEqGQ&t=20s
For the past two years, Prahran's Toko has ranked among Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants. And with good reason — the Melbourne offshoot of the top Sydney and Dubai fine dining establishment, it served up everything from fairy floss cocktails to sashimi matched with pork crackling. Alas, the Greville Street favourite has now closed its doors, but for a quick rest rather than a certain goodbye, with a new venture in the works. Come September, Toko will be reborn as tokosan. The new iteration of the venue will favour a more casual food menu and a focus on beverages in a space that will boast neon lighting, art installations and DJs spinning tunes. A highlight of the move will be a new karaoke room, which will also be bookable for functions — so prepare to give your lungs a workout (as well as your stomach). Scheduled to open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, as well as hosting weekly Sunday sessions from 11am, tokosan will keep things cosy with its 100-person inside capacity. Outside, what was once a courtyard will be converted into a lounge garden, catering for up to 60 people — with heating in winter, of course. And fans of the OG Toko need not despair as it will relocate to the CBD in the near future. The exact details have yet to be confirmed, but we'll keep you updated on this one. tokosan will open 142 Greville Street, Prahran in September. For more information, keep an eye on their website.
A band whose name summons up parental fears and memories of legendary video nasties like 'Last House On The Left' and 'Evil Dead', Cannibal Corpse once had their records banned from sale in Australia, but now they’re here and ready to riot, with their 2012 Torture Tour. Back on our shores after three long years, Cannibal Corpse take their Torture Tour to Melbourne, bringing a relentless mêlée of nerve-rendering riffs, cataclysmic drums and guttural, razor-sharp vocals. Their new record proves that even after twenty-four years and twelve studio albums the Buffalo quintet remain the undisputed overlords of death metal. Friday’s gig will see a dark cloud of chaos hang over Billboard. Expect the wretched spawn to eviscerate your very consciousness, and drag your wretched soul into the very pit of despair where nightmares lie. Support will be provided by Entrails Eradicated, Disentomb and Psycroptic.
While much of this year's Australian Open action is going down at Melbourne Park, one special Grand Slam-themed celebration is descending on Melbourne's inner north instead. The Distiller, the new bar from local vodka label Grainshaker, is serving a whole lot of aces with its one-off tennis-inspired bottomless brunch. On Saturday, January 29, the new Northcote digs will fire up for the Get Served brunch, clocking in at $85 per person. For that, you'll enjoy two signature cocktails and a brunch grazing platter, plus two hours of free-flowing beer, wine, and basics and mixed drinks from the Grainshaker line. Guests will also have the chance to sample the distillery's new Australian Open creation, Fortylove — a summery vodka blending notes of mango, passionfruit, finger lime, Geraldton wax and eucalyptus, and coming in at 40-percent ABV. Stick around post-brunch to catch the AO women's finals on the big screen, while enjoying tastings and drinks specials. [caption id="attachment_839874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Distiller[/caption]
If you have a very particular set of skills (an encyclopaedic knowledge of useless Friends related facts, for example) that you've acquired over a very long career (of, maybe, watching repeats of Friends since it came off the air fourteen years ago), then boy is this news for you. Supersmall Club in South Yarra is hosting a Friends-themed trivia night on Saturday, November 10 — which will make up for all those times you quoted Chandler Bing to people who didn't watch the show and just came off as weirdly sarcastic. It could also end up being The One Where You End Up Quite Tipsy, too, because Supersmall is offering unlimited cocktails and beers to sweeten the deal, which is included in the entry price of $30. For two hours you can cop endless Cosmos, Daiquiris, Fruit Tingles or beers. Just take your enormous bottomless cocktail glass that is given to you upon producing your entry ticket back up to the bar to keep on kicking. Updated: November 5, 2018.
For Melbourne jazzers still lamenting last year's announcement that Bennetts Lane will be closing this June, here's some consolation. On March 1, a brand new venue, named Bird's Basement, will open its doors. The program is already littered with big names, including saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and guitarist Lee Ritenour, both from the U.S., as well as local pianists Mike Nock and Joe Chindamo. The club will be located in the CBD, in a purpose-built performance venue just off LaTrobe Street. Concerts will happen twice a night — at 6pm and 9.30pm — and head chef Luigi Buono, who has previously worked at Italian institutions Caffe e Cucina, Thirty Eight Chairs and Enoteca Sileno, will be taking care of the kitchen with an Italian a la carte menu. The owner of this shiny new jazz club is Albert Dadon AM. As founder and chairman of the Australian Jazz Awards Limited and a prominent jazz musician himself, he seems like the absolute best person for the job. "I hope to create a permanent music festival in the heart of Melbourne," he says. Ravi Coltrane — the son of jazz musicians John and Alice Coltrane — will take over the club throughout its opening week, playing six consecutive nights, from March 1-6. During his 20-year career, he inspired Grammy nominations, released numerous albums and founded RKM, an independent record label. Following Coltrane's mini residency, the John Montesante Quintet will perform with vocalist Rebecca Mendoza on Wednesday, March 9, followed by vocalist Chris McNulty and her quintet on the Thursday night, and Joe Chindamo will perform his Romantic Project on the Friday. While jazz will form the backbone of Bird Basement's schedule, there'll also be side-trips into folk, rock and blues. Other artists performing during March include Wendy Matthews, Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Brian Mannix (as one member of the Brat Pack) and The Young'uns, an acappella trio from the UK. Bird's Basement will open on Tuesday, March 1 at 11 Singers Lane, Melbourne. For more information and the full program, visit birdsbasement.com.
With The Girl in the Spider's Web, the Dragon Tattoo saga becomes a franchise that mashes up other franchises. It's a little bit Bond, thanks to the series' happy switching of actors playing Lisbeth Salander. It has a dash of Bourne, courtesy of its returning protagonist and her ongoing crusade against many an unseemly conspiracy. And, with violent vengeance firmly placed centre stage in this more action-packed instalment, it nods to John Wick as well. However, blending all of these parts together, there are a few things that The Girl in the Spider's Web definitely isn't: entertaining, thrilling, or anything other than bland and generic, narrative-wise. Even if you haven't read the book that the film is based on, The Girl in the Spider's Web comes with a sense of deja vu. It's a case of new star, new director and new author, but business as usual otherwise. For the uninitiated, Stieg Larsson's initial three novels were published after his death, then adapted into a Swedish film trilogy starring Noomi Rapace. David Fincher remade the first movie in the franchise, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, in 2011 with Rooney Mara as his lead. Then, in 2015 and 2017, writer David Lagercrantz penned two more books that continued the series, starting with The Girl in the Spider's Web. With Claire Foy stepping into Lisbeth's black and leather outfits, the hacker-slash-vigilante once again punishes men who harm women, tries to unravel a murky scheme and finds herself immersed in a plot with links to her past. This time, she's hired by an ex-National Security Agency operative (Stephen Merchant) to steal a computer program he wrote that can access the world's entire nuclear arsenal. Lisbeth's cyber skills get the job done, but another NSA expert (Lakeith Stanfield) is soon making his way around Stockholm and trying to retrieve the software. He's not the only other interested party, thanks to a shadowy group called The Spiders — who also make Lisbeth face her tragic history, including her estranged sister Camilla (Sylvia Hoeks). Franchise devotees will also spot investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Sverrir Gudnason) and his publisher and lover Erika Berger (Vicky Krieps), although that side of the series takes a backseat to Lisbeth's latest antics. Indeed, while it boasts similar story elements, this film isn't really a mystery-thriller with a detective bent like its predecessors. Rather, it uses the same packaging to place Foy's version of Lisbeth in the kind of chasing and fighting situations that are stock-standard in action flicks. There's an uncomfortable sense of conflict within The Girl in the Spider's Web as a result — a sense that what it's saying and what it's doing don't quite work together. The film presents its protagonist as a fiercely individualistic feminist avenger, but fashions the movie she's in after plenty of other action franchises. Whether she's virtually retracing her own footsteps or stepping into those of other no-nonsense on-screen heroes, this iteration of Lisbeth always feels like she's going through the motions. That doesn't give Foy much room to make an impact. Instead, she's largely tasked with mimicking Rapace and Mara – the latter of whom earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the role. The Girl in the Spider's Web also squanders much of its supporting cast, most of whom have impressed elsewhere, such as Gudnason in Borg vs McEnroe and Krieps in Phantom Thread. Get Out's Stanfield fares best based on his innate talent and charm, rather than as a result of the material that he's working with. Still, the film soars in one area: its visuals. With both his Evil Dead remake and Don't Breathe, writer-director Fede Alvarez demonstrated a distinctive command of style, which translates here to evocative and moody shades of black, white and grey. Other movies in the series have sported a suitably grim, gloomy sheen, but Alvarez makes it look and feel new here. If only the rest of The Girl in the Spider's Web had managed the same feat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QTmNtRpnbU
Anthony Femia's Maker & Monger might be a dairy-filled treasure trove, but the Prahran Market store is about to up its vegan game. The acclaimed cheesemonger has teamed up with Melbourne's plant-based maestro Shannon Martinez to deliver two new vegan jaffles, hitting the menu on Friday, January 24. An animal product-free alternative to Maker & Monger's oozy, cheesy toasties, the vegan jaffles will be up for grabs until the end summer, with punters invited to vote for their favourite via Instagram over the coming weeks. The winning creation is set to become a permanent fixture on the menu. [caption id="attachment_757540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Pannell[/caption] You can sink your teeth into the Little Carmine ($15) — a hefty concoction of vegan bolognese, mushrooms and house-made cashew mozzarella, finished with garlic, oregano and vegan butter — or, for something more fiery, the Mapo Magic ($15): a punchy combination of vegan cheddar and parmesan, and sichuan pepper mapo tofu. And, if you want to stock up on some of that vegan cheese for home, a selection of Martinez's preservative-free plant-based products will also be gracing the Maker & Monger retail counter from here on out. Maker & Monger is open 7.30am–4pm Tuesday, 7.30am–4.30pm Thursday–Saturday and 9am–3pm Sunday. Images: Sarah Pannell
Arts House are about to round out a year of compelling theatre with a production of The Hanging of Jean Lee, an "underbelly song cycle" that traces the life (and death) of the last woman to be hanged in Australia. The work premiered at the Sydney Opera House in 2006 to massive acclaim and was hailed as a uniquely Australian piece of music theatre. Lee's story plays out in the form of vivid projections combined with lurid, visceral text, written by Jordie Albiston and Abe Pogos. The score verges into gritty territory, straddling the border between jazz, pop and improvisation, with some of the Bad Seeds (Max Sharam and Hugo Race) adding their post-punk credentials to the mix. The performers are backed by a band of musos who've played with the likes of Gotye and Deborah Conway, as well as jazz maestro Lachlan Davidson.
Ever since the ABC's War on Waste aired in May this year, we've seen a significant shift in the way people think about waste — from the bananas amount of bananas that are thrown away each day to the single-use coffee cups and plastic items we thoughtlessly use whenever we like. But it's that last item — plastic — that's seen some big companies spring to action. Last month grocery chains Coles, Woolworths, and NSW-based Harris Farm announced that they would ban single-use plastic bags by from 2018 — a huge (and influential) example of big business leading change. Now Hobart City Council is planning to take city-wide action by phasing out single-use plastic takeaway containers and cutlery completely. According to the ABC, the council voted 10-1 to amend draft environmental health bylaws which will see the items banned by 2020. They'll be replaced by compostable alternatives, which will be processed at a proposed new facility. If the changes are implemented, Hobart will be the first Australian city to completely ban single-use plastic containers — and it's quite possible others will follow suit. Last year France last year committed to phasing out single-use plastic plates, cups and cutlery across the entire country by 2020. Slowly, it seems the tide is finally changing — and hopefully we'll see a lot less plastic in it. Via ABC.
They helped bands like the Rolling Stones become famous, but no one can remember their names. Funny, insightful and deeply moving, 20 Feet From Stardom is a film about the backing vocalists behind some of the biggest bands in the music industry. Fortune Avenue have 3 double passes to give away. Enter now to win.
For truffle aficionados, the tastiest time of year has arrived. And this truffle season, funghi fans can get extra excited for the long-awaited return of South Melbourne Market's ever-popular celebration, A Truffle Affair. Running twice daily (11am, 2pm) on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 22–31, the festival invites punters on a flavour-packed roving degustation, enjoying truffle-infused creations from a lineup of market vendors. The self-guided food tour will see you sampling bites like Cobb Lane's potato, brie and Australian truffle danish; mushroom gyoza with a truffle black bean sauce from Bambu; Proper & Son's truffled cheese toastie; truffle-topped chips from Marko; and even a truffle and choc chip dessert courtesy of Cannoleria. There are ten tour stops all up, kicking off with an introduction at Georgie's Harvest, where you'll precede your truffle hunt with some education and cooking tips. A Truffle Affair tickets are $100, which gets you a signature truffle dish from each vendor. And if you want to continue the truffle appreciation at home, there are goodie bags available to add onto your ticket for an extra $80. [caption id="attachment_857417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Little Hof's truffle raclette[/caption]
Okay, you've planned a date with your special someone or a potential new flame, but you only have a $50 in your wallet. You can't go over budget — you're trying this new thing called 'being an adult and paying rent on time' — but you do want to foot the bill and seem generous, tasteful and fun. Fear not, Melbourne has many amazing date options that will make you appear to be discerning, cultured and very in-the-know. To show that you don't have to spend big to make a big impression, we've pulled together a list of spring date ideas that'll cost you just a pineapple or less, while our friends at CommBank have rounded up some top tips for living 'money smart' while you're dating or coupled up. That $50 can go a long way if you know how to spend it. So, plan one of the below and stick to your budget — your landlord will thank you for it. Split the bill easily on your next date in under a minute using a PayID (which uses the Osko payment service). Find out more here. CREATE AN EPICUREAN PICNIC Pack a picnic rug and head to Carlton, the land of culinary delights. Just off Lygon Street, you'll find Market Lane — a hole-in-the-wall iteration of the restaurant chain that serves extraordinary coffee. Order two cups of joe, then duck next door to Baker D. Chirico; it's an overwhelming experience — the smells, the treats, the stunning interior design — but keep calm and order some goodies. We recommend the almond croissants, cheese scones, bombolone and prosciutto ficelle. If you're feeling a little cheeky and have some leftover change, head around the corner to Brunetti and grab a few eclairs to complement your spread. Once your arms are laden with treats, head towards Carlton Gardens and find a nice shady patch to lay your blanket, spread out your treats and let the magic happen. [caption id="attachment_622464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James.[/caption] SEE A MOVIE AT THE COBURG DRIVE-IN Nestled out in Coburg, there's a retro relic from times gone by. No, it's not a Blockbuster video shop (RIP), it's a drive-in movie theatre. Load up your car with blankets and head out north for a nice old-fashioned date night. The Coburg Drive-In occasionally shows foreign films, but the main output is blockbuster new releases, shown on a 33-metre screen. In this setting, a slapstick comedy is perfectly acceptable as it gives you a chance to chat and show off your commentary skills. Actually, Johnny English Strikes Again is surprisingly funny and a 33-metre-tall Mr Bean is sure to impress your date —or at least make 'em giggle. Two tickets will set you back $39 — make sure you book ahead of time to avoid looking silly in front of your date — which leaves just enough change for popcorn and ice cream. INDULGE THE KIDULT IN YOU AT SCIENCEWORKS If an afternoon spent at Scienceworks was your idea of heaven as a kid, why not revisit it as an adult and take a nostalgic trip back in time? Scienceworks in Spotswood is the perfect place for an afternoon of child-like anarchy, learning and wonder. Pack a picnic and head there during the week to avoid the hordes of kids, and make a beeline for the lightning sphere where you can feel like Thor for a hot sec. And, when you come to the 'Are you faster than Cathy Freeman' sprint challenge, let your date win — trust us on this one. Tickets cost $15 each, and we recommend throwing in the planetarium addition for something a bit special — but more so you can show off your cheesy space-themed compliments, "Do you live on Mars? 'Cause you look out of this world". There's also a 16-metre-high dome on which you can watch immersive and spectacular projections. HAVE A PIZZA PARTY FOR TWO Look, we know that all anyone wants on a date is a good pizza — right? So, if you're tired of trying to impress, do away with the over-the-top nonsense and just head to Lazerpig in Collingwood. You'll find the best, juiciest, most flavoursome pizza this side of the Yarra, which'll surely melt away any first date jitters (or any iciness leftover from that mini tiff you had over who took out the bins last). We recommend ordering the holy trinity: a large Italian Stallion, a euro salad and a side of house-made pickles. Or if you simply must get more bang for your buck, suggest a lunch date — between 12–3pm from Monday to Friday, you can grab a large pizza and a beer for only $15. LAZE THE DAY AWAY AT THE HEIDE Make sure the weather is favourable, and head out to the Heide Museum in Bulleen for a day of art, sculpture and lazing in the grass. Depending on your predilections, you have a few options for how to spend your time and money. If you're a fan of the art scene, pack some sandwiches and save your moolah for passes to the show. Grab two tickets at $20 a pop and treat your date to a coffee before you stroll through the museum. If you're more of a lie-in-the-grass-and-eat kinda person, save your dosh for a luxurious picnic and spend the day wandering the grounds. Entry is free and you can roam through the sculpture park at your leisure, so you still get to look like an art buff even if you don't step foot into the gallery. What's even better than paying $50 or less on a date? Getting us to pick up the bill. Enter our comp for a chance to win $250 so you can try every idea on the list. Top image: Heide Museum of Art by Jeremy Weihrauch.
Survival is an ongoing process. If the first season of The Last of Us didn't already make that clear, the second season of the HBO series is set to arrive in 2025 to stress that message again. How does humanity endure in the aftermath of the Cordyceps virus, and the global devastation caused by it? What does it mean to persist? Also, who do we become in the process? Audiences will find out again from April. At the end of 2024, the US network confirmed that The Last of Us would return sometime in autumn Down Under. Now, it has locked in a month. An exact date is still to be revealed, but the show's comeback is getting closer. Also revealed: a new teaser trailer for the hit TV show that's based on the hugely popular gaming series, following prior sneak peeks — including as images and in promos for the network's full upcoming slate, plus an earlier season two teaser trailer. Prepare for a time jump. Prepare for a guitar. Prepare for hordes of infected. Prepare for a haunting feeling, too. Also, prepare for sirens, flares and a stern warning: "there are just some things everyone agrees are just wrong". In season two, it's been five years since the events of season one. And while there has been peace, it clearly isn't here to stay. Yes, Joel and Ellie are back — and, in their shoes, so are Pedro Pascal (The Wild Robot) and Bella Ramsey (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget). This time, however, part of the conflict comes from each other. In season two, the show's main duo also have company from both familiar faces and a heap of newcomers. Rutina Wesley (Monster High) and Gabriel Luna (Fubar) return as Maria and Tommy, while Kaitlyn Dever (Good Grief), Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Young Mazino (Beef), Ariela Barer (How to Blow Up a Pipeline), Tati Gabrielle (Kaleidoscope), Spencer Lord (Family Law), Danny Ramirez (Black Mirror) and Catherine O'Hara (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) are the season's additions. The two teasers for the second season so far give fans a glimpse of plenty of the above new cast members, including Dever as Abby and Wright as Isaac. The Last of Us made the leap from video games to TV in 2023, and was swiftly renewed after proving a massive smash instantly. The series gave HBO its most-watched debut season of a show ever — and its first episode was also the network's second-largest debut of all time. Locking in a second season was also hardly surprising because the 2013 game inspired a 2014 expansion pack and 2020 sequel. For first-timers to the franchise on consoles and as a TV series, The Last of Us kicked off 20 years after modern civilisation as we know it has been toppled by a parasitic fungal infection that turns the afflicted into shuffling hordes. Pascal plays Joel, who gets saddled with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie (his Game of Thrones co-star Ramsey) out of a strict quarantine zone to help possibly save humanity's last remnants. There wouldn't be a game, let alone a television version, if that was an easy task, of course — and if the pair didn't need to weather quite the brutal journey. As a television series, The Last of Us hails from co-creator, executive producer, writer and director Craig Mazin, who already brought a hellscape to HBO (and to everyone's must-watch list) thanks to the haunting and horrifying Chernobyl. He teams up here with Neil Druckmann from Naughty Dog, who also penned and directed The Last of Us games. Check out the latest teaser trailer for The Last of Us season two below: The Last of Us season two will arrive sometime in April 2025 — we'll update you when an exact date is announced. Season one is available to stream via Binge in Australia and on Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of the first season. Images: HBO.
Venturing through Melbourne's southeastern suburbs can be a testing experience — especially if you need to pass through the public transport black hole between the Glen Waverley and Pakenham–Cranbourne lines, which has no train or tram services. But that could soon change, with the Victorian Government proposing a new tram that will run all the way from Caulfield to Rowville. The new route would potentially reduce congestion and speed up commutes for many in the area, which is home to a bunch of destinations that really need accessible PT, like the Monash Medical Centre, Monash University's Clayton campus, the Australian Synchrotron and the future Victorian Heart Hospital. At the moment, these institutions are only accessible by bus or bus links. The first stage of the proposed project would link Caulfield Station with Monash University via Chadstone Shopping Centre. Then the government plans to extend the route on to Rowville, running via Waverley Park. "This is the missing transport link for the southeastern suburbs," Premier Daniel Andrews said. "It will connect some of our most important education, employment and shopping precincts and boost the local economy". The government has committed to providing $3 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 for the design and planning works for the new tram line. The budget will be delivered on May 1 and, if all goes to plan, works are set to begin straight away, though there's no word yet on how much the project will cost, how many delays it will cause and when it's expected to be completed.
Next month, you'll have the chance to dig deeper than ever before into the city's architectural past and present, as Open House Melbourne returns with its biggest, broadest July program yet. Headlining the bill is, of course, the annual Open House Melbourne Weekend, which gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the city's most interesting and iconic structures. This year, a huge 224 buildings will be opening their doors to the public on July 28 and 29, including 87 appearing on the program for the first time. You'll be able to explore the likes of City of Casey's new $125 million cultural and entertainment precinct Bunjil Place, fresh off the back of its International Design Awards 2017 win, and Monash Clayton's Learning and Teaching Building, designed by John Wardle Architects. Behind-the-scenes guided tours are also being offered through the site of the Australia 108 tower, which, once complete, is set to become the Southern Hemisphere's 'tallest building by roof height'. The rest of the month also has plenty of Open House goodness in store, including major new exhibition The Australian Ugliness, which sees Aussie artist Eugenia Lim pay homage to acclaimed modernist architect Robin Boyd, through a three-channel video installation. Running at the Melbourne School of Design's Dulux Gallery from July 23 until August 25, the work sets out to explore the diversity of 'The Australian Dream'. It traverses over 30 sites and spaces across the country, with Lin herself swapping between the roles of student, tourist, property investor, client and resident. Another highlight of Open House Melbourne's jam-packed July program sees the 2018 Heritage Council of Victoria's Annual Heritage Address delivered by acclaimed comedian Tim Ross on July 17. He'll be asking the big question, "Why does Modernism matter?", exploring the threats to Melbourne's modernist buildings, and offering insights into how we can all better appreciate this oft-overlooked slice of Aussie architectural history. Meanwhile, ACMI's jumped on board to present the Modernism at the Movies screenings, featuring a trio of critically-acclaimed films devoted to the period, and a lineup of architecture and environment experts will take the stage for the annual speaker series, Design City: Built Melbourne! Catch the full July program over at the Open House Melbourne website.
Perched on Brisbane's inner-city outskirts for the past 141 years, the XXXX Brewery has become a bona fide landmark. It's the source of much of the beer drunk across town, a place to sip plenty of pints after seeing where the brewing magic happens, and — noticeably — the reason that the suburb of Milton often smells like yeast. This November, it'll also become Brissie's newest music venue, with the iconic spot hosting a festival with bands and brews for the first time ever. Knocking back cold ones while you're catching live tunes may be an everyday gig experience; however, usually when you're enjoying this combo, you're not hanging out in a huge brewery. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will change that when it takes over the site from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16. Not only is it the XXXX Brewery's first event of this kind — it's the first time it has opened its gates to the public, other than for tours or to patrons at the onsite Alehouse, for 26 years. While the music lineup won't be revealed until mid-September, Brisbanites can look forward to five local and interstate artists, who'll all perform at the base of the brewery's towering, logo-adorned silos. The folks at Jet Black Cat Music have been charged with picking the bill, building on their past work at the End Of The Line Festival and drawing upon the curatorial skills evident in their West End record store. As well as bands, XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will have food stalls, a post-fest shindig at the Alehouse and plenty of limited-edition merchandise — should you need a souvenir from your day spent drinking and partying at the home of the Milton Mango. And, while the festival is a once-off affair, attendees will get two chances to wander around the XXXX site, with each ticket also including a free return visit before June 30, 2020 for a brewery tour. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery takes place from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16 at the XXXX Brewery, 185 Milton Road, Milton. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 9am on Monday, September 16 — sign up here for further details. We'll let you know when the lineup drops in mid-September.
Victorians, South Australians, Tasmanians and Australian Capital Territory residents will all soon be able to holiday in New Zealand again, with the trans-Tasman bubble set to reopen on a restricted basis. Quarantine-free travel between Australia and NZ was put on pause on Saturday, June 26 due to rising COVID-19 cases in the former, with the NZ Government pledging to review the situation within 72 hours — which it has now done. From 11.59pm NZT/9.59pm AEST on Sunday, July 4, folks who live in the three aforementioned Aussie states and one territory will be permitted into NZ without quarantining — so if you're a Melburnian in need of a holiday after the city's lockdown earlier this month, that's great news. The trans-Tasman bubble will still remain suspended with all other Aussie states and territories, so with New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Those four regions all currently have some form of lockdown either in place or coming into effect — until Friday, July 9 in Greater Sydney and till Friday, July 2 in plenty of Queensland, for instance — so residents there can't travel far anyway. https://twitter.com/covid19nz/status/1409703615296532483 In a statement today, Tuesday, June 29, NZ COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins did note that the plan to resume the bubble could with selected Aussie regions could still change, depending on what the next few days hold. "The health advice today is that at this point, the spread of COVID-19 in those parts of Australia appears to have been contained. There is robust surveillance, testing and contact tracing to detect and manage cases, and adequate border controls are in place to prevent the spread of new cases," the Minister said. "Officials will continue to review the situation between now and Sunday." Victorians, South Australians, Tasmanians and ACT residents keen to head to NZ when the bubble kicks back in will need to provide evidence of a negative pre-departure test before they're able to fly. Also, you can't have been in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia on or after 10.30pm NZT/8.30pm AEST on Saturday, June 26 — or in NSW after 11.59pm NZT/9.59pm AEST on Tuesday, June 22. Regarding the other states, "the pause with Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland will remain in place so that outstanding test results can be returned and to give New Zealand time to assess next steps. This will be reviewed again on Tuesday 6 July," said the Minister. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
A trio of female photographers will tackle issues of migration, xenophobia and privilege, in a new photographic exhibition as part of this year’s Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. Presented by HRAFF in association with Chapter House Lane, and hosted in an unlikely pop-up gallery inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, I Am, You Are, We Are will explore what it means to be an outsider in contemporary Australia. Curator Anna Louise Richardson has tapped a trio of photographers: Olga Cironis, Eva Fernández and Marziya Mohammedali. Each artist will draw on personal experience, using their photography as a way to consider alternative notions of home in the face of Australia’s highly politicised attitudes towards ethnicity and migration. The exhibition runs from May 7 until the end of the month, and will be included as part of the HRAFF Visual Arts Walking Tour on Saturday, May 16. It's open Sunday to Friday 8am– 6pm, and on Saturdays 9am– 4pm (and you won't be able to see the exhibition during cathedral services. For more information about I Am, You Are, We Are as well as the full HRAFF program, visit the festival website.
In today's unpredictable world of infighting, internets and readily available guitar tabs, it's more probable than ever before that the biggest fan of a band will end up actually in the band. Ron Wood joining the Rolling Stones, Robert Trujillo joining Metallica, and now Jon Davison joining English progressive rock legends Yes (that's right, Yes) as their latest vocalist. "I'm still a Yes fan," he says from somewhere in Los Angeles. "I can't help it, these things happen. In instrumental sections where I'm holding back, I get caught up in thinking 'wow, here are these amazing musicians I've always admired just a few feet away from me — and I have a better view that anyone in the audience!'" With the sprightly American as frontman, the 50-million selling princes of prog are heading to Australia to perform their two finest releases, Fragile and Close to the Edge, from start to finish. I've played with bands for which these albums were like holy texts, and Davison doesn't dispute it. "Close to the Edge is, I think, based on the teachings of Siddhartha — a soul's journey through many lifetimes. It's very beautiful but there's a lament in it, about what the soul must endure, the challenges and the hard lessons we face as we go on. That's how I interpret it." There has been a "touch of the metaphysical" in most of Yes' output, and Davison still decodes their evocative and often cryptic lyrics from the stage. "It's not always a clear meaning. I approach the lyrics more emotionally I guess, but there are parts of songs that I very much relate to. 'And You And I' is heart-expanding, and I love 'Starship Trooper'. Those uplifting ones." Dotted throughout Fragile, meanwhile, are tracks focused on individual band members, the vocal showcase being 'We Have Heaven' — a gloriously overdubby affair. "I'm working on my own version of it now actually, in my home studio. I won't do any of [founding member of Yes] Jon Anderson's tracks, but I'll loop my voice a lot, and possibly Steve and Chris will do some other vocals too. We're going to make it as much of a live track as it can be." Anderson was an expectedly huge influence for Davison while he was finding his own voice, though they haven't become acquainted at any Yes parties yet. "I haven't had the privilege of actually meeting him, but a few who know him quite well say we would be good friends. I hope it happens eventually." The upcoming album will be the band's first with Davison, and they're champing at the bit to keep being, well, progressive. "I was very much encouraged by the others not to try to reference anything in the past, because then you compare and end up restricting yourself creatively. We've been aiming to only move forward and break new ground. Even in their heyday the band were making mindblowingly distinct albums, and we're aiming for that now. There's a real freshness to it; it moves in a new direction and accurately reflects this five-member line-up, just as it should." Despite being the lone American in a band comprised of people old enough to be his English dads, Davison is unfazed. "It's surreal but I seemed to fit in right away. They're very accommodating. What we share in common, of course, is the music — we both speak that language, despite our ages." And in a perfect world, would he sing in any other of his favourite bands? "I'd love to be a part of early Genesis. I wouldn't mind being Freddie Mercury for a day either, that would be pretty exciting." https://youtube.com/watch?v=_RJYxDfsvdg
Wrapping up high school with the party to end all parties is a rite of passage. Watching movies about the experience has become one as well. Most of their classmates would've pegged Booksmart's Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) for preferring the latter over the former — but, on the night before graduation, after buckling down, studying hard and getting great grades for their entire lives, these two besties are determined to treat themselves to one stereotypically OTT night out before heading off to college. Making her directorial debut, actor-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde might have chosen a familiar narrative; however, absolutely nothing about this affectionate and engaging instant-classic teen flick ever feels routine. That includes the genuine rapport between its delightful stars as their characters let loose, and learn plenty about each other and themselves across the course of the wild evening.
It seems like we've been talking about the live action remake of Ghost in the Shell for a really long time. Now that it's finally here, we're not going to waste time weighing up the quality of the source material. It's proven itself in the manga iteration, as well as the cult anime film that followed. Instead, the question is this: does the remake add anything to the discourse? And as such, should you bother paying to see it or should you give it a miss? Ghost in the Shell, in case you're not familiar, is based on a 1989 manga by Masamune Shirow. Protagonist Major Mira Killian (played here by Scarlett Johansson) is a member of Section 9, a unit of elite officers tasked with fighting cyber criminals. Major has a human brain and consciousness (a 'ghost') inside a fully cybernetic body. Her previous life is a mystery, even to herself. But when a delinquent hacker known only as Kuze (Michael Pitt) starts to infiltrate the network to which all humans are connected, a series of events are set in motion that lead Major on a classic origin chase, punctuated with shadowy memories ('glitches') from her past. Let's start with the good: the visuals in this new version of Shirow's story are stunning. Director Rupert Sanders has crafted a really good looking film, with many rich scenes and compositions. It's literally a smorgasbord of sci-fi aesthetics. But, like the model children of celebrities, it was always going to look great, because the source material is spectacular. Many of the film's most memorable images are taken almost shot for shot from the original. It's great to look at, sure, but no points for originality here. Moreover, this Americanised take on Ghost in the Shell feels decidedly more commercial (read: dumber) than its Japanese counterpart. Many of the same philosophical ideas are present, but you can't help but feel as though they're being fed to you with a spoon. Likewise, the mood here is less melancholy, less isolating. The eerie, disconcerting quality of the anime has been diluted, and the film feels weaker for it. The filmmakers have woven in extra content from the manga, shed a few of the more ambiguous scenes to resolve the narrative, and maximised Johansson's screen time. On the plus side, the score absolutely holds up, with composer Clint Mansell building on what came before while also bringing something fresh to the table. Finally, let's get to the big white elephant in the room: why was Scarlett Johansson, a Caucasian woman, cast in a role that many have said should have gone to an Asian or Asian-American actor? Sadly, whitewashing is a very real problem in the film industry, where cultural whiteness (and often white actors) is inserted into films where it simply doesn't belong. Did Scarjo bring something that a Japanese actor couldn't? Quite simply, the answer is no. Still, the sad truth is that all the controversy and talk of whitewashing in the lead up to the film may well be the most interesting about it. It may look pretty, but look any deeper and Ghost in the Shell is a bit of a fizzer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4VmJcZR0Yg
The mercury is slowly rising again as summer nudges closer, Daylight Savings has kicked into gear and people's moods are altogether cheerier. Which means it's almost time for Melbourne to get its noodle on once again. Yep, the Night Noodle Markets are gearing up for another season, whipping Birrarung Marr into a frenzy of sounds, smells and street food from November 7 to 24. The markets' 2019 edition is dishing up a jam-packed culinary program that's as big as ever and with that comes with an eye-watering array of choice. If you're feeling a bit daunted by all that decision-making and wondering how best to navigate the smorgasbord of eats, we've got your back. Avoid any bouts of indecisiveness and squeeze the best out of your Night Noodle Markets visit with our lineup of top food picks worth checking out. Get excited for attention-grabbing noodle dishes, cloud-like soufflé pancakes and fried chicken buns that'll require both hands and a whole stack of napkins. THE BIG BOSS FLYING NOODLES, THE FLYING NOODLE Is it magic? Is it a feat of aerodynamics? No, it's simply the show-stopping signature dish from The Flying Noodle. Featuring a serve of chopsticked noodles suspended mysteriously in the air, this menu hit is designed to be devoured with your eyes, as well as your mouth. There are three gravity-defying variations on offer at this year's Night Noodle Markets, including The Big Boss, which teams those cascading egg noodles with seasonal veggies and marinated chicken in a rich red wine sauce. How do they do it? You'll just have to order one and find out. CHEESEBURGER PUFFLE, PUFFLE Everyone loves a quirky, cheesy food creation and this one's as fun to say as it is to eat. A return favourite from last year's markets, and a riff on the egg waffles you'll find at street stalls in Hong Kong, Puffle is a kind of savoury waffle cone crafted from cheese and filled with various flavour combinations. This month, Puffle is out to win you over with two different decadent versions of its dish, including the cheeseburger — an assembly of chopped bulgogi-style beef and extra melted cheese, finished with lashings of sweet and spicy ketchup, mustard and Japanese mayo — and a KFC option with spicy Korean-style fried chicken. But, whichever filling you opt for, just know you're in for a crunchy, oozy and delightfully messy ride. EYE OF THE THAI-GER, GELATO MESSINA Seventeen years on and national sweetheart Gelato Messina continues to throw down inventive frozen treats left right and centre. The purveyors of weird and wonderful dessert concoctions will be showing off their latest designs at this year's Night Noodle Markets and each is a modern reworking of some classic Thai flavours. For a tasty frozen snack you can hold in one hand, try the Eye of the Thai-ger — which looks a bit like a fluffy dessert taco. It's a satisfyingly creamy fusion of Thai milk tea gelato and cheesecake mousse cradled in a layer of tea sponge. The dessert is then dunked in soft meringue and finished with a healthy dusting of coconut. We doubt you'll want to stop at just one. CRÈME BRÛLÉE SOUFFLE PANCAKE, KUMOKUMO Master of airy-light, fluffy, Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, Kumokumo is gearing up to launch its first permanent Aussie stores soon. But Melburnians can score themselves a sneak preview when the brand descends on the Night Noodle Markets, slinging a selection of its decadent dessert creations. For a multi-textural hit, you'll want to get stuck into the crème brûlée soufflé pancake. This one stars those signature cloud-like pancake rounds, crowned with soft custard and a layer of crisp caramelised sugar, and served with a healthy splodge of mixed berry compote. KFC, BAO BROTHERS Food truck crew Bao Brothers has made a name for its clever Asian eats — namely its pillowy bao buns that come loaded with flavour combos like honey prawn and sriracha, and chicken katsu with curried egg mayo. The team's heading to this year's Night Noodle Markets with an equally creative menu in tow, slinging bites to delight vegans, meat-lovers and everyone in between. For a plant-based feed that packs a big flavour punch, see its riff on KFC: Korean-style fried cauliflower. Cauliflower florets are slathered in a Korean chilli glaze, fried till golden and crispy, and finished with a hit of lime and toasted sesame. No meat? Definitely no worries. The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are happening at Birrarung Marr from Thursday, November 7, to Sunday, November 24. Check out the full food lineup here. Top images: Kimberley Moore
The Lost Lands festival comes to Werribee Park this November, taking place over the Melbourne Cup weekend, and boasting a lineup that will make you forget all about horses having to run around a track while everyone wears tiny hats. Founded by the same folks behind the Falls Festival, The Lost Lands has Tim Finn, Baker Boy, Kate Miller-Heidke and You Am I leading the bill. It's a two-day affair across Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4, with plenty more to see than just music. The 'arts and wonder' side of things will incorporate circus, poetry, rides, a cinema and yoga, and even a bed sheet ghost party. As an all-ages festival, kids are catered for to the same degree as adults — so once you've dropped the little ones off at the high voltage rock school for tiny musos, you can head along and catch Clare Bowditch, Didirri, The Jungle Giants or All Our Exes Live in Texas, who are all also on the weekend lineup. One-day passes, one-day camping or two-day camping tickets are available. Head to the festival website for more details.
A book described as "a modern story of sex, erotica and passion. How the sexiest sales girl in business earns her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels," might not be anything to write home about. But what if the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary? Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. Since its premiere in 2015, the podcast about "the best/worst erotica ever written" has racked up over 150 million downloads. And now, off the back of an HBO Original Series featuring a "lost chapter", Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut back to Australia and New Zealand in 2020. As part of a huge world tour, the live show will treat 'Belinkers' across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in January. Team Porno will read unreleased material from the erotic saga while throwing in a few surprises and interactive elements. Now four books deep — with the fifth due to be cracked opened on Monday, September 9, 2019 — the series follows the sexual escapades of Belinda Blumenthal who works in the sales and marketing department of a pots and pans company. There have been leather rooms and nipples as big as Titanic rivets, anti-erotic ridiculousness with sales reps and young-ish men, references to pomegranates and the popping of vaginal lids, and one truly disgusting flaking prosthetic appendage. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. As Belinda says, "When you get what you want, you feel great." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WotAuoFwF0 'MY DAD WROTE A PORNO' WORLD TOUR 2020 Wednesday, January 8, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Saturday, January 11, Crown Theatre, Perth Monday, January 13, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Wednesday, January 15, Palais Theatre, Melbourne Friday, January 17, The Tivoli, Brisbane Monday, January 20, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Tuesday, January 21, Wellington Opera House, Wellington Wednesday, January 22, Issac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Tickets for My Dad Wrote a Porno World Tour go on sale at 1pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Stay tuned for further updates.
What would you bring to a Kurt Cobain-themed exhibition? Maybe you come from a live art background, and think an installation performance piece could go down nicely — one that explores the intersection between this joke Simon Amstell makes about Courtney Love on Buzzcocks and grunge culture's DIY ethos, as embodied in this chiptune cover of Teen Spirit? Thankfully, none of those things will be happening in Don’t Kurt Cobain, an exhibition co-curated by Rosemary Forde and Lisa Fadford that brings together a bunch of Kurt-related artwork into one simmering Cobain-marie to mark the 20th anniversary of his death. The exhibition at Collingwood gallery Slopes takes its name from a piece by Matthew Griffin (pictured above), who's joined by other individual artists and collectives, including Simon Zoric, Lyndal Walker, Blair Trethowan, Masato Takasaka, Kati Rule, Dan Price, Sue Dodd, Colleen Ahern and Greatest Hits. Unfortunately, Don't Kurt Cobain will be the final exhibition hosted by Slopes. But never mind, Nirvana is without a doubt the perfect way to say goodbye.
