It’s time to dust off your rastacap, plait your dreadlocks and practise your Caribbean accent: the second annual Bob Marley Chowdown is coming to town. That’s right, next Wednesday, 12 March, Queenie’s, inner Sydney's favourite Jamaican eatery, will be celebrating all things Bob. There’ll be positive vibrations, mellow moods and a constant stream of Marley tunes. But the centrepiece is undoubtedly the menu. This comes as no surprise: last time Queenie’s presented us with a new dinner concept, its epic combos caused at least one of our intrepid reporters to fear for her life. This time, however, with Bob’s laidback influence, things are looking a little more restrained. Each of the five courses is named after a Marley track. So there’s ‘Chant Down Chicken Cackle’, ‘Movement of Duck People’, ‘I Shot the Snapper’, ‘Turn Your Lamb Down Low’ and ‘Mellow Mood Brownie’. "But hold on!" the real Rastafarians are yelling. "Wasn’t he vegetarian?" Yep, he was indeed. Like he said, "I-man say don't make jah body a graveyard for de dead animals!" In this knowledge, Queenie’s has a parallel vegetarian menu on offer: ‘Get Up Fried Yam Up’, ‘Kinky Pancake Party’, ‘Rastaman Stew Down’ and ‘Positive Vibration Pattie’. Tickets are $50 per head, inclusive of all five courses, and there’ll be two sittings: one at 6.30pm and the other at 8.30pm. Drinks specials will run all night. Bookings are essential — reserve a spot by emailing bookings@queenies.com.au or calling (02) 9212 3035. You’ll find Queenie’s above the Forresters, Level 1, 336 Riley Street, Surry Hills.
Give Netflix the night off and invest generously in your local art scene by rolling down to The Old Fitz Theatre for dinner and a show. With a number of fearless and dynamic performances, Red Line Productions programmes some of the most challenging theatre in Sydney, and in light of recent art funding cuts, these young writers, actors and producers could use all the spare dimes they can get. So why not throw them a money bone and catch them on a Tuesday? You'll score cheap tickets and a hearty bowl of pasta for less than $50, which we think is a pretty sweet deal.
You can forget about cramped seats and other people's heads obscuring your view of the big screen when you next catch a flick, because Sydney has just scored a new next-level movie-going experience. And it's from the same minds behind Gold Class, V-Max and the multi-sensory 4DX cinema. The latest luxe additions to Event Cinemas George Street, the two boutique theatres each boast their own unique design, the 'Paparazzi' auditorium inspired by red carpet glamour and sibling space 'The Library' celebrating the art of storytelling. They're intimate cinemas, with room for just 46 and 28 guests, respectively. Dubbed Event Boutique cinemas, they're decked out with luxurious recliner chairs, state-of-the-art sound technology, in-seat waiter service and a not-boring menu of food and drinks. [caption id="attachment_725804" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Library[/caption] Step inside and you're in for a premium experience, helped along by extra large screens featuring world-class laser projection. What's more, while you're kicking back watching a film, you'll also be tucking into a top-notch lineup of eats and drinks — delivered to your seat by a waiter, of course. Think platters of cheese and charcuterie courtesy of Vic's Meats, smashed avo, croissants and banana loaf from Sonoma Bakery, as well as wagyu beef burgers, braised brisket pies, reuben sandwiches and mini pizzas topped with the likes of mortadella and pumpkin and goat's cheese. For dessert, there are fried-to-order cinnamon doughnuts, pints of Magnum ice cream and popcorn-topped chocolate brownies, as well as all the candy bar classics. As an added bonus, each Event Boutique cinema is customisable, so they're primed for functions, special events and private screenings (if you wanna be that extra). The luxe new experience is expected to be rolled out at Event Cinemas across Australia and NZ, too. We'll let you know when more launch. It's just the latest luxe cinema experience to land in Aus, too, with Palace Cinemas also recently stepping things up a notch with its Palace Platinum offering, now available in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. Event Boutique launches on Friday, June 14 with tickets costing between $39–42.
Have brekkie at Jo and Willys and you'll be able to handle anything — from conquering the Bondi to Bronte walk to lazing about on the beach till dusk. North Bondi locals queue at this corner cafe for some of the heartiest, freshest breakfasts around. They're created by co-owner and head chef Guy Turland, star of YouTube phenomenon Bondi Harvest. And they're served all day long. Tuck into the Hipster Three Grain Breakfast Bowl, starring wild rice, quinoa and pearl barley, or the Green Eggs and Ham, with prosciutto and rocket cigar with hummus, poached eggs, and kale (in both wilted and chips form). Then there are the views. Outside, on a wooden stool, you'll be feasting your eyes of Bondi Beach panoramas. Inside, on a church pew or old-fashioned school desk, you can still see generous swathes of ocean, thanks to the huge windows, which fold away when the sun's shining.
Keeping a beef-slinging diner running, transforming it into an upscale fine-diner, launching that new restaurant to the world: that's The Bear story so far. In the first, second and third seasons of hit series, those challenges awaited Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw), plus his colleagues and his loved ones, including fellow chef Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2) and the Berzatto family's lifelong pal Richie Jerimovich Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Hold Your Breath). Next, in season four, keeping the show's namesake fine-diner in business is the focus. There's even a literal countdown clock ticking down to the eatery's possible demise in its fourth run, as the just-dropped trailer for the series features. "That clock is telling you how much money we have left," Cicero (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), The Bear's key investor, advises in the sneak peek. "When that shows zero, this restaurant needs to cease operations". Accordingly, "chaos and turmoil" are still being plated up in this award-winning favourite, so much so that they're specifically mentioned by Syd. "It's hard and it's brutal, and that's what makes it special," notes Carmy. Also part of the trailer: reviews calling out concerns about the restaurant's consistency, new menus, ample food shots, advice not to hide from things, the return of Carmy's mother (Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl), and everyone from Carmy's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen) to eatery staff Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Shell), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, Cat Person), Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Unprisoned) and Fak (IRL chef Matty Matheson) dealing with the pressure in their own ways. As announced earlier in May, The Bear returns in June 2025 for prime winter binge-viewing. The date for your diary: Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Australia and New Zealand. As in past years, season four will drop its entire season — ten episodes this time — in one hefty helping. The fourth season of the series has been in locked in since before season three even aired and, while throwing new challenges at its characters, is set to continue to raise a perennial question along the way: what should you cling to when you're chasing greatness, and in life in general? If you need more details about The Bear to date, its debut season jumped into the mayhem when Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, The Accountant 2) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two and three, Carmy worked to turn the space into an upmarket addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty crew. Check out the trailer for The Bear season four below: The Bear season four will stream via Disney+ in Australia from Thursday, June 26, 2025. Read our reviews of seasons one, two and three. Images: FX / Disney+.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but want to switch it up from your usual beachside getaway, head to one of Australia's most stunning patches of river country and reconnect with nature — the Murray Region. Boasting picturesque landscapes, serene waterways and abundant wildlife, it's an ideal destination for some rejuvenation. Journey through some of the most beautiful spots in the state — exploring stunning gardens and reserves, cruising along the river, or simply relaxing in some seriously serene surroundings. Together with Destination NSW, we've compiled this guide to ensure you get the absolute most out of your stay. It's time to hit the road and explore our beautiful river country. CIRCA 1928 DAY SPA AND HOTEL Looking for some small-town charm to kickstart your weekend rejuvenation? Albury is the ideal regional hub for you — managing to perfectly balance the old school and trendy. The best example of this is the CIRCA 1928 Art Hotel, sitting pretty in the centre of town. What's more, you and a date (or mate) can enjoy a night here while saving some pennies. At this spot, you'll be greeted with luxe eclectic interiors, considered design features and a night-cap delivered straight to your door — plus in-suite brekkie and 20% off at the renowned onsite spa. Combining Indonesian techniques with Australian-made botanical products, the treatments here will have you blissed out in moments. [caption id="attachment_893890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MURRAY RIVER CANOE TRAILS If you're looking for a bit more adventure, why not cruise down the flowing Murray River on a scenic canoe trail? There are four trails to pick from in the neighbouring Murray Valley National Park and Barmah National Park. All have easy water access and offer something special for every paddler. Go for a quick 30-minute trip from Barmah Lakes to Rices Bridge; or, opt for a lengthier 3.5-hour canoe from Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes, stopping for a picnic on the way at the scenic Swifts Creek campground. [caption id="attachment_893966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy McDonald[/caption] MURRAY DARLING SCENIC FLIGHT Get a new perspective and fly high above the Southern Murray Darling Basin for a truly unforgettable experience. Soar above Yanga National Park and the vibrant Gayini wetlands or gaze in awe over the swirling hues of the desert meeting the water with Murray Darling Scenic Flights. Embrace the stunning vistas of the River Country, including red gum forests and ancient desert lakes. You'll also catch a glimpse of the glowing colours of nearby Lake Tyrrell. Flights depart from Swan Hill, Echuca, Deniliquin and Kerang airports. [caption id="attachment_894063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] STAY ON THE EMMYLOU PADDLESTEAMER Three nights atop the river on a delightful slice of local history — that's what you'll get if you book this all-inclusive trip for two. Immersed in the riverscape, you'll be relaxing as you float on the Emmylou. Check in to your air-conditioned queen suite when you board your vessel and get ready to cruise down the Murray in the charming paddlesteamer. Sip wine and beers and savour regionally inspired meals prepared by your onboard chef. Enjoy all this, plus barbecues under the stars, stop-offs at riverside wineries and late-night campfires while you listen to the local Aussie wildlife. [caption id="attachment_894605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Albury Wodonga[/caption] ALBURY BOTANIC GARDENS If you want a healthy dose of serenity and history, be sure to visit the Albury Botanic Gardens during your Murray explorations. Established in 1877, the gardens have been a highlight of the charming regional town for well over a century. Here, you're free to take a self-guided stroll along the Heritage Walk, picking up some of the local history. Or, simply get lost in the grounds, immersing yourself in more than 1000 plant species — and even an extremely rare rainforest collection. [caption id="attachment_894067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MUNGO WALK THE WALLS OF CHINA TOUR Embrace the natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of Mungo National Park with an expert First Nations guide. Explore the ancient lakebeds and the spot where some of modern humanity's oldest remains were found, before embarking on the Walls of China Tour, which will take you on a journey back in time through the ancient sites that hold over 40,000 years of Aboriginal history. There is much to learn from this immensely significant area's Traditional Owners. Over two hours, you'll hear of the secrets of the expansive Willandra Lakes region, with plenty of time to photograph the Mars-like landscape — which formed naturally with the movement of wind and water. You can only visit the awe-inspiring Walls of China via a guided tour. [caption id="attachment_893892" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] STAY ON THE RIVER OF ISLANDS HOUSEBOAT If you prefer to rejuvenate with absolute alone time, opt for a stay on the River of Islands, a drive-yourself houseboat that'll have you exploring the gorgeous Murray River at your own pace. The boat sleeps seven people across three bedrooms, with a shady deck for lazing around and a rooftop (boat-top?) hammock for enjoying the afternoon sun. Located between Mulwala and Corowa, the simply stunning River of Islands docks at the perfect spot to explore the river's wildlife and sweeping gums. Relax and recharge by soaking in your vista on a sunset swim, kayaking around your floating home, or by dropping a line. Or simply sit back and enjoy the view. [caption id="attachment_894060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] WAGIRRA TRAIL AND YINDYAMARRA SCULPTURE WALK Along the Murray River pathway, in West Albury, you'll find a unique cultural experience. The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is a peaceful and scenic route through soaring red gums and First Nations art pieces. The walk is along the Wagirra Trail, a 15-kilometre return journey with plenty of picturesque spots to take a picnic break and really soak up the scenery. Between Kremur Street and the Wonga Wetlands, the trail tells a series of First Nations stories with 15 sculptures made by contemporary Aboriginal artists. There's plenty of info along the way, so you'll be learning about the artistic processes and fascinating local Indigenous history while you wander. [caption id="attachment_894607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murray River Council[/caption] MOAMA BOTANIC GARDENS Located in the charming riverside sister towns of Moama and Echuca, you will find the beautiful Moama Botanic Gardens. A peaceful stroll through these gardens is the ideal spot for a rejuvenating hit of nature. While you're soaking up our natural world, wander through Indigenous plantings, learning of our beautifully unique arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes. After your explorations, sit back and relax in a shady spot — and don't forget a loaded picnic basket. Check out where to stock up on local supplies using our food guide to the region. For more ways to enjoy the Murray region, check out our food and drink guide or history and culture guide. To start planning your rejuvenating trip to the Murray region with the exclusive packages curated by CP's editors, head to the website. Top images: Destination NSW (first, Lake Mulwala; third, Emmylou Paddlesteamer; fourth, Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk); Visit Albury Wodonga (second and fifth, Albury Botanic Gardens).
In celluloid we might have a chance to fight mortality and stay forever young, but who owns the images of ourselves on film and what happens when people start messing with them? Citing Laura Mulvey's essay Visual Narrative and The Pleasure Principle, the Paramount Pictures logo and independently run amusement parks like The Ned Kelly Museum as their starting points, William Mansfield and Eddie Sharp's interactive sculpture and video installation Scenes from Paramount Mountain explores cinema, immortality and the politics of owning and re-appropriating images. Through live feeds, faithful miniature papier-mâché reproductions and lo-fi video effects they have conjured up a haunted theatrical space of open-ended narratives. Opening on Friday night at Serial Space, the exhibition is a sneak peak of the larger theatre-based installation Some Film Museums I Have Known, which is commissioned by ACMI to coincide with the 2010 NEXTWAVE festival in Melbourne.
The Queen would want you to celebrate her birthday with flair. Here's how. The Jake Stone Breakdance Spectacular Unsurprisingly, the Vic Hotel is promising one of the Queen’s birthday’s biggest, longest and most energetic shindigs: the Jake Stone Breakdance Spectacular. Yes, it’s that Jake Stone, of Bluejuice and assorted fame, and he’s putting together an eight-hour-long affair. You’ll be treated to non-stop dance moves, a revolving program of special guest DJs, a smokehouse barbecue straight out of the United States of America, and beverages from the Batch Brewing Company, served in a beer shack in the car park. Sunday, June 8 at 2pm. Free. Strictly Vinyl In Jack White’s eyes, “Vinyl is the real deal. I’ve always felt like, until you buy the vinyl record, you don’t really own the album. And it’s not just me or a little pet thing or some kind of retro romantic thing from the past. It is still alive.” a href="http://www.undrctrl.com">UNDR ctrl thinks so too. That’s why they’ll be ushering in the Queen’s Birthday in style, with Strictly Vinyl 002, the B-Side to the inaugural event, held at Easter. Crowds at The Cliff Dive, Darlinghurst, will be treated to six hours of vinyl spinning — not a CD, laptop, USB or touch screen in sight. Sunday, June 8 from 9pm. Free. The Norfolk's Puerto Rico Day Party It’s time to brush up on your espanol and start memorising the lyrics to early '00s reggaeton, because The Norfolk are holding their Puerto Rico Day Party on Sunday, June 8. The Norfolk corner of Surry Hills will turn into a mini San Juan, where you can forget about the realities of Sydney’s winter and drink $5 copal tinnies, $10 pina coladas and bloody ricos and $15 gasolinas until your heart is content. Sunday, June 8, from noon. Free entry. No Good: Winter Festival The new Sydney label/collective/party No Good have been killing it so far this year. Off the back of their monthly sessions comes the boutique festival No Good: Winter, the first in a series of quarterly events from the people who promise to bring you sounds you’ve never heard before — and all of them local. Bands, DJs, rappers and producers will come together for the full-day affair, headed up by Rainbow Chan and Maatzi. It's all happening this Queen's Birthday long weekend at the Petersham Bowling Club, and, contrary to the name, it’s a pretty good excuse to get down on a Sunday. Sunday, June 8, from 12.30pm. Colour3 at Vivid We don't mean to alarm you, but Vivid ends this Monday. Make the most of the long weekend and get to all the light works you haven't seen throughout the CBD and Darling Harbour. Your pitstop is Colour 3, a pop-up by Finely Tuned (creators of SOH’s Garden Bar by the Corner House), who have transformed Martin Place into an illuminated culinary maze that’s part fairyland, part sci-fi cityscape. An array of Sydney’s favourite street food providers will be onsite — including Eat Art Truck, Agape Organic, Poklol, Jafe Jaffles, Woofys, Cantina Mobil, Bite Size Delights and Gelato Messina — and, for drinks of the alcoholic variety, Bondi’s Panama House. Ends Monday, June 9. By the Concrete Playground team.
The famous Victorian writer Louisa May Alcott once said, "life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors!" Well Vaucluse House is offering you the chance to earn some by taking a trip back in time to experience life in the Victorian era at Vintage Sundays — Victorian. No 19th century stone is being left unturned, with authentic activities of the time available for enjoyment throughout the day including the slapstick puppet classic Punch and Judy, skittles and croquet on the lawn for Victorian sport aficionados, and waltz classes for anyone wanting to just feel as opulent as Queen Victoria herself. There will also be historical tours and discussions held across the property and live soprano and piano performances will aptly soundtrack the day, so you really can take your pick of what to do. Whatever you do though, make sure to try the hot cider punch being brewed on the day in the kitchens. The event is part of Vintage Sundays, which are held at different historical sites around Sydney on selected Sundays.
At a press conference in Brisbane during his first trip to Australia to see the Down Under production of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda said that the Aussie stars of his hit Tony-, Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning show had been "stacking up against the originals in a very tangible way" ever since casting took place three years back. That isn't the only time the acclaimed theatre talent has been chatting during his Australian visit, however, taking part in a live public Q&A session for fans in the Sunshine State capital. Missed out on being in the room where that happened? Thankfully, you'll have a shot to watch the results in your own room — and soon. Given that Leigh Sales hosted the discussion, which took place on Sunday, March 5, it should hardly come as a surprise that the talk is heading to the ABC and ABC iView. It'll air on TV twice: at 6pm on Saturday, March 18 and 10pm on Tuesday, March 21, as well as joining the iView catalogue. Viewers can watch Miranda step through the smash-hit musical that's had the whole world talking since it first debuted off-Broadway in 2015. His chat with Sales came the day after he saw the Aussie version of Hamilton at the QPAC Lyric Theatre — the same stage he took to discuss it, in fact. Viewers can expect to hear about everything from the process Miranda went through to make the musical to begin with, behind-the-scenes details and the Aussie production's impressive talents. [caption id="attachment_870525" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] The biggest show in musical theatre this century, this game-changing, award-winning, rightly raved-about take on 18th-century American politics is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book for the critically acclaimed hip hop musical. The Broadway hit's Aussie production features a cast that currently includes Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Martha Berhane as Eliza Hamilton, Callan Purcell as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, and Victory Ndukwe as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Sami Afuni plays Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Wern Mak does double duty as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha plays Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, and Brent Hill steps into King George III's robes. [caption id="attachment_870526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] When it finishes its Brisbane season at QPAC's Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 23, the show will leave the country for a New Zealand run. That'll mean that Aussie fans will then need to be content with watching the filmed version of Hamilton's Broadway production, which started streaming via Disney+ in 2020, again. (And yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard). Brisbanites keen to see Hamilton for cheap in-person can also try the $10 ticket lottery, which offers tickets for less than the cost of lunch. Lin-Manuel Miranda's chat with Leigh Sales at QPAC's Lyric Theatre will hit the ABC and ABC iView at 6pm on Saturday, March 18, and air again on the ABC at 10pm on Tuesday, March 21. Hamilton's Brisbane season runs until Sunday, April 23 at QPAC's Lyric Theatre, South Bank, with tickets available via the musical's website. You can also read our rundown of what Lin-Manuel Miranda had to say at his Brisbane press conference. Top image: Joan Marcus.
Located at the very northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough has something for everyone. The region is famously home to the Marlborough Sounds, a winding and picture-perfect network of sea-drowned valleys which encompasses one-fifth of New Zealand's coastline. It also happens to be the oldest winemaking region in the country with more than 35 cellar doors, so there's no question that one of your main objectives should be sampling local varietals. And now, we have it on good authority that locals will be breaking out the good china next time you pay a visit — the region has just been named as one of the ten most welcoming regions on earth for travellers. Known predominantly for its epic sav blanc and stunning walking and hiking trails, Marlborough is also the only spot in the southern hemisphere to make the list from international travel site Booking.com, coming in at number six. It was beaten by fellow friendly spots La Rioja in Spain and Epirus in Greece — but came in front of Ninh Binh in Vietnam and Limon, Costa Rica. The votes were tallied from a pool of over 240 million customer reviews – and yes, only customers that have actually stayed at an accommodation, rented a car or rode in a taxi can leave a review of their experience on the website. This award is coming straight from the road well-travelled. If you're the type of traveller that books holidays based on word of mouth, you'll probably want to start putting together that itinerary ASAP — check out our Weekender's Guide for more inspiration. And while you're travel planning, head to Concrete Playground Trips to snap up some epic international travel deals. Booking.com's Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth for 2023 1. La Rioja, Spain 2. Epirus, Greece 3. Oberosterreich, Austria 4. County Down, UK 5. Mures, Romania 6. Marlborough, New Zealand 7. Ninh Binh, Vietnam 8. Limon, Costa Rica 9. Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada 10. North Dakota, US Marlborough has come in at number six on Booking.com's list of the top ten most welcoming regions in the world — the only destination in the southern hemisphere to do so. For more information on the famous wine region, head to Marlborough NZ.
Prepare to exclaim "yeah, science!" like Jesse Pinkman — and to see a whole lot more of Aaron Paul's Breaking Bad character. The acclaimed series is making a comeback, cooking up a movie that serves as a sequel to the show's finale. In the spotlight: Walter White's former student and protege, who happens to be in a spot of trouble (again). When we last saw Pinkman in Breaking Bad's final episode six years ago, he had just escaped captivity, all thanks to Walt (Bryan Cranston). The latter was injured in the process, but when he asked his former meth cooking partner to kill him, Pinkman couldn't bring himself to do it. So, Pinkman ran, and Walt lost consciousness just a cop arrived. And, that's how the series ended — until now. As happens when every great show comes to a conclusion, we've all wondered what happened next. Come October, fans can find out. First revealed last year, and initially given the working title of Greenbriar, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie will continue Pinkman's tale in a thriller written and directed by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. While details are being kept scarce, the film is set "in the wake of his dramatic escape from captivity", with Jesse being forced to "come to terms with his past in order to forge some kind of future", according to the official synopsis. Although this follow-up will span a single package rather than run across multiple episodes, it is still coming to a small screen near you thanks to Netflix. Dropping the debut teaser over the weekend, the streaming platform also revealed that El Camino will arrive soon — on October 11, so mark your calendars. As Better Call Saul diehards are well aware, Breaking Bad has never completely gone away since the OG show wrapped up in 2013; however fans eager to look forward in the show's chronology, not backwards at the early life of Bob Odenkirk's shady lawyer Saul Goodman, have something to add to their must-watch list. Whether Cranston will show up in El Camino is still the subject of rumour, but the date announcement clip does reveal another familiar face, with Skinny Pete (Charles Barker) being questioned by the cops about Pinkman's whereabouts. Check out the El Camino teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZKqMVPlDg8 El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie hits Netflix on October 11. Image: Courtesy of Netflix.
Don't let the Sydney CBD residents fool you. There are plenty of reasons to head north of the bridge. This autumn, a top entry in that list is a live orchestra performance of The Lion King at the Chatswood Concourse on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. Don't just head there and back solely for the show, though, Chatswood is more than worth spending some time in for a pre (or post) show adventure. As the main attraction in early April, The Lion King will be projected onto the big screen at The Concourse Concert Hall with the score performed live by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. With two shows, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm respectively, we recommend making a day of it and enjoying the lively suburb before or after the show. But what else is worth your time? Explore the Chatswood Mall Markets For a full half day between 10am to 10pm every Thursday to Saturday, the busy thoroughfare of Chatswood Mall transforms into a vibrant outdoor market. The buzzing arcade hosts food stalls from a wide range of cuisines, from Turkish to Indian. You will also find local produce and plenty of shopping — perfect for families heading to the Saturday showing of The Lion King. Enjoy a Pre-Show Meal There's nothing worse than going to a show hungry and sitting with a grumbling stomach through a performance. So, a pre-performance meal is a must. Luckily, Chatswood has heaps of options. If brunch fare is what you and the family are craving, we recommend making a beeline for the Chatswood outpost of Shuk. Chatswood is a thriving hub for Asian food, with authentic offerings in cuisines including but not limited to Malaysian, Taiwanese, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and much more. It would be impossible to cover all the excellent offerings, but these family-friendly spots are a great place to start. For Malaysian flavours, try Amah by Ho Jiak. Haidilao is a Chinese favourite for hotpot and gives you plenty of options to customise your feed, while Choji Yakiniku is a local favourite for a family-friendly Japanese barbecue experience. Take any Kiddos for a Play If your little ones struggle to sit through an entire performance, perhaps some energetic activity beforehand is a good option. Just a short drive away from Chatswood Concourse is Planet Mino. This indoor kids' playground and cafe has a giant ball pit, rope tower, slides and various themed play areas, including a mechanic's workshop and hospital. Or, if you prefer a playground that's a bit closer and outdoors, head to the shady Beauchamp Park. Watch Disney's 'The Lion King' in Concert Now for the main event. Join Simba, Nala and friends on an epic adventure across the savanna in a symphonic performance of the Disney classic. Since this is a live performance of all the beloved songs from the iconic film, you'll get to hear live renditions of the score and favourite tunes like "Circle of Life", "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Indulge in a Post-Show Treat Once the show is over and the pre-show meal is all but a distant memory, why not spoil the kids with something sweet? And frozen yoghurt is the perfect choice. It's healthy(ish), and the kids can get creative with flavours and toppings. Chatswood has numerous options, from Freo to Minus Seven and Yogurberry. Or, for something even sweeter, head to Gram for fluffy souffle pancakes. For more information or to get your tickets today, visit the website. Images: Supplied.
In 2011's The Raid, a squad of 20 elite police officers took on a tower block ruled by a crime lord, making their way up the 30 floors through a mixture of gunplay and extreme martial arts. The film was a thrilling surprise, a fun and visceral action ride that we hadn't seen in some time. In the end of that film, our lead, Rama, limps off, after encountering his estranged brother — one of the criminals! — in a tantalising promise of a story that would continue later. That story does not actually continue in The Raid 2. Though it picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, it tells a whole new story about criminals and corruption. In fact, this film was written before The Raid, and it was only later that writer/director Gareth Evans decided to create a link. It might not have been the wisest idea. Part of the joy of The Raid lies in its almost video game-like simplicity. A bunch of cops making their way up a building, defeating nefarious figures, until they finally reach the big boss. Easily digestible. The appeal of creating a story like Infernal Affairs (or, if you prefer, The Departed) is obvious, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Evans wanting to delve deeper into the world of gangs, corruption, loyalty, double-crosses and general intrigue. The problem is that action films such as these are essentially delivery systems for the action sequences, and so the convolution in this film after the relative simplicity of The Raid is a bit jarring. I'm not one to shy away from a complex plot, but it feels tonally wrong in this film, like someone crowbarred it in, amongst the scenes of actual crowbarring. Whether or not you like The Raid 2: Berandal will depend on which direction you're approaching it from. If you're looking for a crime epic in the vein of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather or Kinji Fukasaku's Battles Without Honour or Humanity, you might find it a fairly unoriginal exercise. But if you're after an action film full of the visceral fight scenes that have been lacking in the recent spate of CGI spectacle, you'll get a lot of out this. Some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring, particularly a martial arts-filled car chase. Some moments of reflective beauty demonstrate that Evans can go quiet when he needs to, and there's certainly no denying his ability to create memorable, distinctive characters. It may be missing the refreshing simplicity of The Raid, but The Raid 2: Berandal is a thrilling film that revives the visceral, tangible hand-on-hand tradition of action cinema. Get past the serpentine plot contortions and you'll have an absolute blast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4
While it wasn't all that long ago that public art involved a lot of extra planning permissions or basic illegality, Art & About has lent an aura of city-loved authority to Sydney street art for some years now. This year's program has yet to be revealed in full, but a good chunk of the upcoming art-on-the-street excitement has just been laid out for our delectation. This year at Art & About? It's all about you. Opening night kicks off with Shaun Tan's The Arrival migrating to Martin Place's big screen, with live soundtrack, and followed by music from the Break (whose roster includes members of Midnight Oil and The Violent Femmes). Snailovation, by Cracking Art Group, sends 24 giant snails across Sydney landmarks, while interactive installation I Think I Can lets you be a train, with some help from Performance Space and friends. A maze of 400 mirrors takes over Hyde Park with FIELD by Fresh Concept architects, while Sydney Lives — the Sydney photo competition — will be ritually upstaged by the junior photographers of Little Sydney Lives. Most intriguing of all is the prospect of a dive into the history and family of the mysterious (and seemingly adrift in time) Elizabeth St caf Oceanic Cafe, in Little Lightning Stories. Art & About takes over Sydney from September 10 to October 10, 2013.
Sydney's laneways, roofs and walls could soon be filled with plants, and hundreds more trees could be added to the streets each year, all under a new strategy announced today, Wednesday, March 17, by the City of Sydney. Set for further council discussion this month, the Greening Sydney 2030 plan outlines a heap of greenery targets to work towards over the next nine years — and others to hit by the time that 2050 rolls around. The big aim: to cover 40 percent of the city with vegetation and greenery by the time this century reaches its halfway point, including 27 percent canopy cover. There's also a target of 23 percent canopy cover by 2030, to be aided by the planting of 700 trees a year over the next ten years. The City of Sydney is proposing to commit $377 million over the next ten years to the strategy, which also spans more shrubbery and plants in general — and it wants to put them in all types of places. More than 38 hectares of narrow laneways have been identified as prime sites for greenery, for instance. Adapting current city planning controls to make it easier for green roofs to be included in new developments and retrofitted to existing buildings is also on the cards. Working with the local Indigenous community on cultural and practical principles that should be considered has been highlighted as a key part of the plan, too. So has encouraging Sydneysiders to take part in greening activities through education programs, citizen science programs, community gardens, the Sydney City Farm, bushcare and landcare groups, and footpath gardening projects. And, to ensure that the entire city benefits, the City of Sydney has been analysing the existing streets, parks and properties to work out the current greenery footprint and canopy distribution. From there, it'll move forward with an aim of spreading the project equitably across town. Announcing the plan, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that it builds upon the previous Greening Sydney 2012 strategy, and the planting of 15,052 street trees over the past 15 years and 816,363 plants since 2009. "In the past ten years alone, we have seen a 23 percent increase in canopy cover, a 13 percent increase in parks and green spaces, a 180 percent increase in expanded and restored native bushland, and 23 community and verge gardens established across the city," said the Lord Mayor. The Greening Sydney 2030 will be put to the council at the Environment Committee meeting on Monday, March 22 and, if endorsed, the draft strategy will go on public exhibition between Monday, April 19–Monday, May 24. The later period is when the community can provide feedback and comments — so if you feel strongly about having more greenery around the city, take note. The City of Sydney's Greening Sydney 2030 strategy will be put to the council at the Environment Committee meeting on Monday, March 22. For more information, head to the meeting's online agenda. Images: Mark Metcalfe, City of Sydney.
Keeping up a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, especially when work gets busy, 4pm cocktails roll around, and your lovely boss just bought a box of choccies to thank you for all that overtime. We've all made goals to lead a healthier life at work, whether it's incorporating more exercise, eating fewer snacks or saying no to midweek drinks once in a while — but sticking to those resolutions is another story. Our daily slip-ups — whether it's ditching your homemade salad for a takeaway slice of pizza, or skipping the gym because you're just too exhausted — can all add up over time. But some of the simplest improvements to your health don't have to come with revolutionary lifestyle changes. Whether you start your day with a walk or swap your morning toast for a fibre-rich crispbread, there are quick ways to kickstart (or restart) your 2020 health resolutions. In partnership with Ryvita, we've come up with six healthy changes that you can adopt into your working day. EAT A HEALTHY TREAT TO AVOID INDULGENT SNACKING LATER We're all guilty of mindless snacking, especially when trying to focus on a task at work. When 3pm hits, it's easy to reach for the nearest sugary hit to give us more energy or to plug the gap our bland salad lunch left behind. By planning ahead — and knowing your trigger times for not-so-great habits — you can master those cravings by preparing a healthier, more satiating snack ahead of time. Health experts say Australians aren't getting enough fibre in their diets, and so packing in a high-fibre snack can help you make a healthier snacking choice in your week. Eating Ryvita crispbreads is an achievable way to contribute to the dietary fibre target of 30 grams per day, and you can get creative with your toppings — think pea and mint hummus, scrambled eggs, wasabi mashed avo and more. Ryvita has high-fibre recipe ideas, here. [caption id="attachment_748260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney[/caption] ENJOY SOME CULTURE AT LUNCH Getting out and about to enjoy the city you live in shouldn't be something restricted to weekends or before and after work. There's plenty of things to do to stimulate your mind, and it's a far more exciting lunchtime break than eating your sandwich in the staffroom. For keen readers (or anyone who needs to escape for a little while), why not head to the local library and find a quiet corner for a short break? Or, if you only have ten minutes, go to your nearest bookshop and browse the new releases to read on your commute. Prefer to keep moving? Take a wander around an art gallery or museum (just for a short while) and you can distract yourself from spreadsheets and see artworks or learn a snippet of history. If you can't escape the office, use your break to flex your creative side — story writing tasks or colouring books are just as engaging when you want to take your mind off work. TAKE YOUR MEETING FOR A WALK Why catch up in a stuffy, fluorescent, lifeless boardroom when you could walk and talk? The walking-talking catch up can transform your personal and professional energy — research by Stanford University has shown that walking leads to an increase in creative thinking, plus it allows for more honest and open exchanges if you feel like you can't speak your mind in front of other colleagues. While not all meetings are suitable for walking (tough negotiations or ones with presentations), they're great for consulting with your team or exploring solutions. You're also increasing that step count while you're at it. [caption id="attachment_762267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jopwell[/caption] TAKE MINI STANDING BREAKS Repeat after us: taking a break at work is not a waste of time. Walking away from your desk once in a while is hugely important to help boost your performance. Taking mini breaks throughout the day improves your energy, relieves stress and drives your productivity. Whether it's setting up a yoga mat in an empty room and doing some meditation or actually listening to your watch when it tells you to stand up every hour, these small breaks help you focus when you return to the work task at hand — and they make you feel better, too. Mini breaks are an easy (and free) positive change you can make to your workday. [caption id="attachment_762289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helena Lopes[/caption] DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE Doing something for your colleagues is another way to get your body moving, with the bonus of supporting your work Significant Others. Go on a coffee run, empty the dishwasher, reach out to a colleague you don't usually interact with. By doing something for someone else — without doing it in exchange for a promotion or other perceived benefit to you — can create wonders for your sense of wellbeing and community. Take a moment to bond with your new friend at work and you'll notice the difference in how you feel. [caption id="attachment_762291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christina Morillo[/caption] LISTEN TO A PRODUCTIVE PODCAST OR PLAYLIST There are thousands of podcasts out there, providing countless episodes on how to become a more productive individual, and there are plenty that focus on health and wellness, too. Slate Magazine's Political Gabfest or The Saturday Paper's 7am will have you brushing up on international and domestic politics that'll help you elevate your kitchen chat; ABC's The Pineapple Project, hosted by journalist Jan Fran, and Ladies We Need to Talk, hosted by Yumi Stynes dive head-on into financial and lifestyle advice and queries that can feed into your work/life balance goals. And, The Tim Ferriss Show interviews successful people at the top of their game, giving you something to aspire towards. For more high-fibre recipe ideas from Ryvita, head here. Top image: Jopwells from Pexels.
Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis, Hit-Monkey), Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, Smurfs), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple, Venom: The Last Dance) and Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift, Snow White) all sit in a diner booth looking adoringly at each other: that's it, that's your first glimpse at Ted Lasso season four. The heartwarming Apple TV+ hit comedy is now officially back in production, after a new season was locked in earlier in 2025. And no,"we're not in Richmond anymore" — at least initially. The streaming platform has unveiled a first image from the series' fourth season, and also dropped a "now in production" video that matches the filming of the moment that the still is from with some behind-the-scenes audio. On YouTube, the clip comes with that Wizard of Oz-paraphrasing note about the setting, too, aptly given that Lasso is famously from Kansas. If you've been believing that more Ted Lasso would be on the way ever since the kindhearted show seemed to wrap up its storyline for good at the end of the third season, that faith has proven well-founded — and here's more proof. Sudeikis is back in his two-time Emmy-winning role, donning the American college football coach-turned-English soccer manager's moustache again. While only Waddingham, Temple and Swift are also in the debut image from season four, they're not the only fellow returning cast members. As The Hollywood Reporter confirms, Brendan Hunt (Bless This Mess), aka Coach Beard, is back both on-screen and among the new season's producers — a behind-the-camera role he also held in the first three seasons — and Brett Goldstein (Shrinking) is also doing double duty, reprising the part of Roy Kent and executive producing. These familiar Ted Lasso faces will have company from a number of new cast members, with Tanya Reynolds (The Decameron), Jude Mack (Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning), Faye Marsay (Andor), Rex Hayes (getting his first screen credit), Aisling Sharkey (Jurassic World Dominion), Abbie Hern (My Lady Jane) and Grant Feely (Chicago PD) all joining the series. The latter is now portraying Ted's son Henry. And no, that "we're not in Richmond anymore" description won't prove true for long, with Ted Lasso season four set to chart its namesake's Richmond comeback to coach a second-division women's team. As Sudeikis noted when the new episodes were announced, "as we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be". There's no trailer yet for Ted Lasso's fourth season, but check out Apple TV+ "now in production" video below: Season four of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ — we'll update you when a release date is announced. Read our full review of season two and season three, our interview with Brendan Hunt and our chat with Bill Lawrence, who co-developed the series.
An inventive and highly extravagant dining experience has emerged in Pyrmont's The Star from two acclaimed local chefs. Named ELE, this $255 guided meal takes you on a journey through three different venues as you enjoy an ever-evolving multi-course menu. The exciting new venue is the latest creation from LuMi and LoDe owner Federico Zanellato and his partner in crime at the award-winning Italian restaurant Leo — Karl Firla. Together, the pair have been concocting boundary-pushing Italian dishes at Leo over the past two years, however, ELE is their most innovative offering yet. "ELE is more than our food, we want to appeal to every sense when you dine with us," Zanellato says. "This is a progressive experience where you move around the whole restaurant while you eat, discovering new dishes, sounds and sights each time you sit down." Your meal at ELE will take place across three distinct spaces — The Bar, The Dining Room and The Chefs Table. The menu is constantly evolving, with the goal to always "highlight Australian premium produce". [caption id="attachment_857568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frederico Zanellato and Karl Firla[/caption] On arrival at The Bar, you'll be treated to a selection of snacks that can range between wagyu tartare, amaebi prawns, sourdough crumpets and smoked cod brandade. These delightful snacks are paired with a welcome cocktail or a glass of champagne. From there, you'll head to the colourfully mood-lit Dining Room. Here the walls are adorned with immersive luminous displays, setting the tone for your luxurious meal. Food-wise you can expect dishes like dry-aged Murray cod, confit potatoes with pearl meat, glazes marron tail and corn soufflé. Your final stop is at The Chefs Table. The transition can be a bit of a shock as you move from the moody dining room to the stark lighting of the kitchen, but the drawcard of this room is you're given a front row seat to watch ELE's chefs do their magic. As you watch the night's dishes crafted in front of you, you'll be treated to your final set of treats. Concluding the meal is a mix of savoury and sweet, shifting from the likes of Mayura Station wagyu with a marsala beef jus through to desserts like frozen parfait of toasted grains or a chardonnay experience that takes you from fresh grapes through to frozen grape sorbet. The experience is entirely unique, however it will set you back a fair chunk of your paycheque. As mentioned, the food will cost you $255pp, however if you opt for the atmospheric wine pairing, you'll need to add an additional $170 to that price tag. The pairing experience includes seven wines hand-picked to go with each dish throughout the night. And, if you're not looking for an ever-flowing selection of top-notch wines, you can take your pick from the cocktail menu as you pass through each room. Each cocktail is indicative of an element, taking inspiration from the ocean with a Manly Spirits gin, Italicus and white coral creation, or the sun, with sunset gin, Imbroglio bitters, Maidenii Nocturne and lime. [caption id="attachment_857570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sunrise to Sunset cocktail[/caption] ELE by Frederico and Karl is located at The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. It's open 5–11pm Wednesday–Saturday.
Cliffhangers aren't a new creation. On the page, abrupt endings and shock revelations that leave you hanging for the next chapter date back centuries, in fact. On the screen, they've been around as long as movies and TV shows have existed, too, and have popped up in everything from The Empire Strikes Back to Twin Peaks. Streaming platforms love them with a particular passion, however. End an episode with a cliffhanger, and viewers will ideally keep watching the next instalment right there and then, and the one after that, until they've just binged the entire program in one go because they simply couldn't wait to find out what happens. We've all been in that situation — and, once you press play on Dr Death, you're likely to find yourself in that same terrain again. Now streaming on Stan, the true-crime series deploys the tactic masterfully. When each episode ends, the audience desperately wants more. That's a product of the show's structure, with jumping around between different years in Christopher Duntsch's life part of its approach, and also a result of the stressful story itself. As played by Joshua Jackson (Little Fires Everywhere), Duntsch is full of charm when he's trying to encourage folks with spinal pain and neck injuries into his operating theatre — or when he's attempting to convince hospitals, particularly in Texas, to hire him. But again and again, those surgeries end horrendously. And if he's not endeavouring to sweet talk someone to get what he wants — and maintain the reputation and lifestyle he demands — the neurosurgeon's charisma melts into pure arrogance, including when he's dealing with his patients post-surgery and/or their loved ones. That's the narrative that Dr Death charts, all based on Duntsch's real-life tale — with the series following The Case Against Adnan Syed and the first and second seasons of Dirty John in jumping to the small screen from podcasts. If you've heard the Wondery release that shares Dr Death's name, you'll know how it all turns out, but that doesn't make the show any less effective. If you're coming to it all anew, prepare to watch a horrific scenario unfold over and over in this eight-episode drama. The longer he's allowed to operate, the bleaker Duntsch's story gets, all while fellow Texas surgeons Randall Kirby (Christian Slater, Dirty John) and Robert Henderson (Alec Baldwin, Pixie) do whatever they can to bring his misdeeds to light. Working in Dallas during the past decade, Duntsch was originally a rising neurosurgery star. Then, as the series charts, his patients started leaving the operating theatre either permanently maimed or dead. And, as Kirby and Henderson begain to realise, these weren't just the kind of mistakes that any highly skilled surgeon might make. If you've ever faced going under the knife, this is pure, unfettered and deeply disturbing nightmare fuel — and Dr Death rightly treats it as such. The plot here is inherently petrifying anyway, given that it all really happened; however, directors Maggie Kiley (another Dirty John alum), Jennifer Morrison (also an actor on House) and So Yong Kim (Lovesong) draw out every ounce of terror and tension, as does series creator Patrick Macmanus (Homecoming) and his writing staff. Playing Duntsch, Jackson is worlds away from his well-known work on Dawson's Creek, The Mighty Ducks and Fringe. When the situation calls for it, he can win over whoever he needs to, but something chilling lingers in every moment. It's a powerful performance in a series that also boasts great work from Slater and Baldwin — the former sliding into his usual talkative on-screen persona, and gifted one particular line that'll make Mr Robot fans laugh; the latter operating in a quieter and more solemn tenor. As the Dallas prosecutor who takes the case, AnnaSophia Robb (Words on Bathroom Walls) plays dogged and determined with aplomb as well. Obviously, this is grim viewing — and gripping, anxiety-riddled, cliffhanger-filled and highly bingeable viewing, too. It's also a damning indictment of America's health system, the push for profits infiltrating medicine, the lack of checks and balances afforded egotistic white men with high-powered jobs, and the rockstar standing that's handed out much too easily and quickly to those same culprits. Check out the trailer below: Dr Death is available to stream now via Stan. Top image: Scott McDermott/Peacock.
There is not enough time to look at everything, so we have to choose. This choice can arrive arbitrarily (a magazine in a waiting room for example) or it can be orchestrated with agency, effort and that wonderfully hominid ability to ‘make time’ for something. So the question that concerns us here becomes apparent: should we make time for this particular arrangement of things? Simply put, in the opinion of this compromised contributor, the answer is yes. Darren Knight Gallery currently houses the work of four artists, Robert Kinmont, Kenzee Patterson, Charlie Sofo and Ronnie Van Hout; all artists whose work works for our attention in subtle, unassuming, clever and considered ways. Intelligently curated to include Kinmont — a textbook-worthy conceptual artist who has been arranging stuff since the 70s — alongside national artists such as Van Hout, Sofo and Patterson, the exhibition finds a happy peculiarity that wriggles out from an understated manipulation of materials. This curiousness is seen in Patterson’s Type 70, a geometric cube that at first appears like any other self-serious minimalist object but then, on closer inspection, surprisingly reveals that its structure is made out of spirit levels. A similar reaction occurs with Sofo’s Wood Ideas, which displays a table of familiar and prosaic objects (Paddle Pop sticks, pencils, a roll of toilet paper) all shaped from wood, presenting a fantastic patience for mimicry and joyful deception. Although there are many things you could look at instead (a kettle, a picture, a tree, a dog, a television), this too may be worthy of your precious time.
If winter has left you unimpressed by the current state of your wardrobe — or if, y'know, you just like some fancy new clothes now and then — you'll be pretty pleased to know that the Big Fashion Sale is back. Usually, it's a physical affair that takes place in Sydney and Melbourne; however like plenty of other events at the moment, the shopping extravaganza has hopped online — and gone national — for its current outing. The name pretty much says it all. This thing is big. You'll find a hefty array of lush items from past collections, samples and one-offs from a huge lineup of cult Australian and international designers, both well-known and emerging — including Romance Was Born, Alexander McQueen, Isabel Marant, Alex Perry, Pucci, Permanent Vacation and more. With discounts of up to 80 percent off, this is one way to up your count of designer threads while leaving your bank balance sitting pretty, too — whether you're keen on clothes, shoes, swimwear or accessories. The Big Fashion Sale's latest online sale runs until Friday, July 31 on the event's website.
When Candace Bushnell first started penning a newspaper column about life, love and sex in New York City back in the early 90s, she couldn't have known what would follow. Those missives sparked a book, plus two prequels on the page. Then came a smash-hit TV series, two movies, a prequel television show and a small-screen sequel. And, there's no signs of all things Sex and the City-related slowing down anytime soon. In fact, follow-up And Just Like That... is guaranteed to hang around for at least one more season, with HBO renewing the show. The series first premiered in 2021, and is currently airing its second season — and now a third has been locked in. "We are delighted to share that since the launch of season two, And Just Like That… ranks as the #1 Max Original overall, and is the most-watched returning Max Original to date," said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content at Max, HBO's streaming service in the US. "As we approach the highly anticipated season finale on Thursday, we raise our cosmos to Michael Patrick King and his magnificent team of writers, producers, cast and crew, who continue to charm us, 25 years later, with dynamic friendships and engaging stories. We cannot wait for audiences to see where season three will take our favourite New Yorkers." "We are thrilled to spend more time in the Sex and the City universe telling new stories about the lives of these relatable and aspirational characters played by these amazing actors. And Just Like That… here comes season three," added King, the series' executive producer, who also worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original show (and on the two terrible 2008 and 2010 Sex and the City movies). Sarah Jessica Parker (Hocus Pocus 2), Kristin Davis (Deadly Illusions) and Cynthia Nixon (The Gilded Age) star in And Just Like That..., but it isn't just called Sex and the City again for one key reason: Kim Cattrall is largely sitting it out. While she does make a brief cameo in season two, however, the program has been focusing on Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York Goldenblatt and Miranda Hobbes, not Samantha Jones, thanks to off-screen dramas. Other familiar faces abound, though, including John Corbett (To All the Boys: Always and Forever) reprising his role as Aidan Shaw in season two. Mario Cantone (Better Things), David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire) and Evan Handler (Power) have all also returned. Among the full cast: Sara Ramírez (Madam Secretary), Sarita Choudhury (Ramy), Nicole Ari Parker (Chicago PD), Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Christopher Jackson (Space Oddity), Niall Cunningham (Poker Face), Cathy Ang (My Best Friend's Exorcism) and Alexa Swinton (Old). Cosmos at the ready — again. Exactly when your next excuse to sip vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice will arrive hasn't been revealed, but expect it on Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. And if you've spent any part of the past two-and-a-half decades dreaming about being a fabulously dressed Big Apple writer who seems to do very little work but can still afford a fantasy wardrobe — or if you've just filled it drinking a lot of pink-coloured cocktails — then you'll already be excited. Also, you'll know that when the first season of And Just Like That... arrived to step into Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte's lives and friendships in their 50s, when things are even more complicated than they were two decades ago, it did so 17 years after Sex and the City wrapped up its 1998–2004 HBO run. There's no sneak peek at And Just Like That... season three yet, but you can check out the season two trailer below: And Just Like That... streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. We'll update you with a season three release date when one is announced. Images: HBO.
Workout smarter, not harder is the ethos of KX Pilates, which is a leading pilates instruction group in Australia. The company employs a fusion of cardio and pilates with most sessions totalling under fifty minutes, tailored perfectly to fit in with your busy schedule. The Crows Nest branch of the company is located conveniently on Willoughby Road and features a number of different classes for different needs — all taught by KX trained professionals. KX takes inspiration from the Kaizen philosophy and applies it to reformer pilates, making it accessible and flexible to accommodate people at all stages of their fitness journey. KX offers private, group and specialist classes and is currently offering five introductory courses over 14 days for $50 for newcomers. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
If you've been following the rise of Tesla in the hope that one day they might make electric cars mainstream and affordable, you'll be glad to hear that the car and energy company has taken a big step in that direction. Today Elon Musk's California-based company will start production on its first mass-market electric car, the highly anticipated Model 3. Model 3 passed all regulatory requirements for production two weeks ahead of schedule. Expecting to complete SN1 on Friday — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 3, 2017 Why is this such a big deal? Because up until now, Tesla's vehicles — the Model X and the Model S — have clocked in at well over $100,000. This new Model 3, however, will be on the market for 35,000 USD (around 46,000 AUD or $48,000 NZD). That's a lot more affordable, and around the same price that other electric cars, like the Chevy Bolt or the Nissan Leaf. A major drawcard of a Tesla vehicle is its driving range — on a single charge, you can expect to travel about 350 kilometres. That's a lot further than pretty much any other electric car at the same price point, except perhaps the Chevy Bolt. The Model 3 comes with room for five people (the driver included), the ability to go from zero to 100 kilometres in 5.6 seconds, autopilot hardware and a five-star safety rating. Tesla will start production of these cars today, and has some ambitious goals. The aim is to be cranking out 5000 cars per week by the end of this year, and double that throughout 2018. And, to cater to the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, Tesla has plans to double the number of charging stations currently available and to operate a bunch of trucks that can service cars in remote areas. Those who've got $1500 to spare can reserve a Model 3 now and expect delivery by mid-2018. Although, perhaps we won't need cars when Musk's high-speed vacuum tube Hyperloop comes into play. Via The New York Times.
The wave of omakase restaurants in Sydney is at full swell, with sophisticated set menu experiences available at the likes of Sokyo, TOKO, Besuto, Bay Nine and Senpai Ramen — to name a few. Following this trend, the team from Chippendale's lively Kensington Street fine diner Jung Sung opened their own omakase restaurant with a 'leave it to the chef' mentality. The restaurant is called Woo Wol and it specialises in one cut of meat: wagyu beef. If you're heading to Woo Wol for lunch, you'll be met with options such as barbecue sets, bento boxes and a selection of snacks ranging from fried dumplings to bibimbap. There's the wagyu or pork shabu shabu for $35pp, alongside the bbq sets ranging from $28pp-55pp. The extensive range of bento boxes on offer include grilled mackerel ($21), soy or spicy chicken rib ($22), spicy squid or spicy baby octopus ($24) or sashimi ($28). And for something sweet, opt for the Korean ice cream in flavours like soft persimmon, five grains or pear. Or, for something more adventurous, opt for the nitrogen fruit ice flake bingsoo ($18). Come dinner, you can keep it simple or go all-out at Woo Wol. For a reliable crowd-pleasing option, go for the barbecue platter featuring wagyu, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables in the main dining room or the al fresco area. The platter size varies depending on the size of your group, with prices ranging from $98 for one to two people to $248 for four or more. There's also a $70 'wagyu cake' on the dinner menu. But if you want the full Woo Wol experience, you'll bypass all of this and head for the omakase kitchen. Here, you'll be treated to a 15-course set menu for $250. The lavish dining experience kicks off with a delicate chawanmushi with spanner crab, sea urchin and salmon roe. From there, highlights include beef tartare with caviar, black truffle eel, an A5 wagyu cube roll and the Moreton Bay bug with apple sauerkraut and minari beure blanc. All that before you're given a palate cleanser and move into the centrepiece of your meal. Your omakase experience builds towards the chef performance barbecue featuring a juicy parade of wagyu cuts. Whether you opt for barbecue or omakase, you can pair your meal with a glass of Suntory premium draft beer ($11), a Korean wine — like the makgeoli fresh rice wine ($11) or the bokbunja raspberry wine ($21), or your choice from the soju and spirits menu which features premium picks like the $55 JinMaek Wheat Soju and Han Chung Korean Cheongju sake ($35). Woo Wol is located at Shop 7/6 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale. It's open for lunch Thursday–Sunday and dinner Monday–Sunday. Top image: Steven Woodburn
Back in July South Dowling Sandwiches — undisputed creators of some of the best sangas in the city — confirmed they'd be opening a second outpost in Alexandria. And today, Wednesday, August 17, they've finally done it: after 15 years in the biz, the eatery has expanded for the very first time. An expansion of the wildly popular family-run sandwich shop had been in the works for a while, but the Labi family were waiting for the perfect location, says PR Manager and family member Jordana Labi. The site they've opened up in is located in the Bourke Centre at 110 Bourke Road, down near The Grounds. A photo posted by South Dowling St Sandwiches (@southdowlingsandwiches) on Aug 16, 2016 at 4:12am PDT South Dowling Sandwiches 2.0 sticks to the culinary concept that's made the original so successful — that is, jumbo sangas packed with fresh ingredients in delicious combinations, sold at affordable prices. For example, the Leg Ham comes with the eponymous protein, plus honey mustard, herb mayo, bocconcini, Roma tomato, lettuce and rocket, and sells for just eight smackaroos. If you've yet to acquaint yourself with the menu, check it out over here. Darlinghurst regulars will be used to wolfing down a sandwich in a hole-in-the-wall, but the new cafe is bigger, with more seating. "Look-wise, it's more modern," says Labi. "We had a design team take care of the interior." One feature is a blown-up photo of the outside of the original store. What's more, you'll be chasing your bread-encased feast with a Little Marionette coffee. South Dowling Sandwiches is now open at Shop 42C, 110 Bourke Road, Alexandria. For more info on the new store and some sandwich porn, visit their Instagram. Image: Ryan Brabazon Photography.
Thank the Gods of urban planning for Surry Hills, without which Sydney’s only claim to a hub of cultural diversity, decent culinary haunts, urban grit and faux-artsy yuppiedom would be … um … Melbourne. It gives credence to our posturing as a sophisticated metropolis, it grants us a filament of pride on an international stage, it supplies us with an adequate rebuttal to “there’s more culture in a tub of yoghurt than Australia". So how can we show our appreciation for one of Sydney’s most valuable patches of credibility? By doing what we do best: throwing a festival. Thanks to Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, the annual Surry Hills festival is on once again. A more compact affair this year due to the renovation of its usual Prince Albert Park home, the event will take place across two smaller venues, Ward Park (Devonshire Street) and Shannon Reserve (Crown Street). The festival will therefore be a more intimate gathering with a "community picnic feel", but will still put on quite the spectacle with live entertainment, DJs, over 60 market and food stalls, rides, free activities for the kiddies and the famous Surry Hills Dog Show. So go ahead, paint a banner (we know you’re dying to), step outside the square (yes I’m talking to you, Bondi) and explore Surry Hills’ neighbourhood delights on Saturday April 10.
What kind of holidaymaker are you? Do you seek sun and sand on your break from the daily grind? Country hopping and sight spotting? Or just comfortable surroundings and a cold brew or two? Those keen on the latter will soon be able to put their feet up at the ultimate accommodation for beer lovers. In fact, The DogHouse is so steeped in yeasty tipples, it's attached to and run by a brewery. Scottish outfit BrewDog has been running a crowdfunding campaign to set up the boozy venture, which it'll build next to its just-launched US facility in Columbus, Ohio. So, what does the world's first craft beer hotel entail? In addition to a sour brewing facility, it includes beverages and lots of them, of course. Visitors will sleep in beer-themed rooms, eat craft beer-infused meals with brews tailored to every course, treat themselves to beer spa treatments (malted barley massages and hop oil pedicures, anyone?) and take brewery tours. In-room beer taps are also on the agenda, plus some suites will feature shower beer fridges and beer-filled jacuzzis. If all of the above sounds like your idea of heaven, here's the even better news: at the time of writing, BrewDog's cash-raising campaign has been funded more than twice over. They're now attempting to rustle up additional support for a rooftop resident's bar that will serve the sour beverages brewed up next door. For those looking to book plane tickets now, the hotel is expected to be operational by the second half of 2018.
After almost a decade in the former Summer Hill Post Office building, One Penny Red is closing its doors before the building is put on the market in early 2024. Since opening in 2014, the hatted restaurant has been a pioneer in the Sydney dining scene, serving modern Australian classics helmed by head chef RJ Lines and a bold wine list curated by David Murphy. "We are excited to go out at the top of our game with an amazing team," says co-founder Nina Alidenes. "The past ten years have been an incredible ride and we have achieved more than we could have imagined. Thank you for supporting us, celebrating your special occasions with us, and allowing us to be part of your memories." The restaurant and upstairs Vernon's Bar will close on Sunday, December 31. Until then, there won't be any changes to bookings and dining vouchers can still be redeemed. Book in before it closes for good at the One Penny Red website.
Sydneysiders are constantly searching for things to do that include more than just sitting around and drinking — we've seen that in the popularity of Newtown's Holey Moley and the growing amount of kidult activities available around town. And now, from the creators of the aforementioned mini-golf bar, comes a new funhouse-slash-cocktail joint: Archie Brothers Electric Circus. The place is crammed with activities. The Alexandria warehouse features everything your inner child could possibly desire. Old-school dodgem cars? Check. Bowling lanes? Check. Arcade games? Check. A 3D interactive theatre ride? We don't even know what that is, but check. The space is anchored around a tricked-out cocktail bar with a 'carnival' aesthetic — you might find yourself sitting in a repurposed saucer seat or on an old carousel horse. That's where punters will find a selection of boozy beverages including an array of extravagant spiked shakes. The diner will also be serving food like burgers, hot dogs and fries. It's all very much a novelty, but with the promise of arcade games and cocktails, is sure to pique the interest of punters. Games are priced pretty affordably — a game of bowling is $10, a go on the dodgem cars is $4 and you can top-up a card to play arcade games for $20, $50 or $70. Archie Brothers Electric Circus is now open for business at 55 Doody Street, Alexandria. For more information, archiebrothers.com.au. Images: Letícia Almeida.
What a difference Mads Mikkelsen can make. What a difference the stellar Danish actor can't, too. The Another Round and Riders of Justice star enjoys his Wizarding World debut in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, taking over the part of evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald's Johnny Depp — who did the same from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them's Colin Farrell first, albeit in a scripted change — and he's impressively sinister and engagingly insidious in the role. He needs to be: his fascist character, aka the 1930s-set movie's magical version of Hitler, wants to eradicate muggles. He's also keen to grab power however he must to do so. But a compelling casting switch can't conjure up the winning wonder needed to power an almost two-and-a-half-hour film in a flailing franchise, even one that's really just accioing already-devoted Harry Potter fans into cinemas. Capitalising upon Pottermania has always been the point of the Fantastic Beasts movies. Famously, this series-within-a-series springs not from a well-plotted novel, where the eight Boy Who Lived flicks originated, but from a guide book on magical creatures. That magizoology text is mentioned in the very first HP tome, then arrived IRL four years later, but it was only after the Harry Potter films ended that it leapt to screens. The reason: showing the Wizarding World's powers-that-be the galleons, because no popular saga can ever conclude when there's more cash to grab (see also: Star Wars and Game of Thrones). For Fantastic Beasts, the result was charming in the initial movie and dismal in its followup. Now, with The Secrets of Dumbledore, it's about as fun as being bitten by a toothy textbook. Nearly four years have passed since The Crimes of Grindelwald hit cinemas, but its successor picks up its wand where that dull sequel left off. That means reuniting with young Albus Dumbledore, who was the best thing about the last feature thanks to Jude Law (The Third Day) following smoothly in Michael Gambon and Richard Harris' footsteps. Actually, it means reuniting Dumbledore with Grindelwald first. And, it involves overtly recognising that the pair were once lovers. The saga that's stemmed from JK Rowling's pen isn't historically known for being inclusive, much like the author's transphobic statements — and it's little wonder that getting candid about such a crucial romantic connection feels cursory and calculating here, rather than genuine. The same applies to The Secrets of Dumbledore's overall message of love and acceptance, which can only echo feebly when stemming from a co-screenwriter (alongside seven-time HP veteran Steve Kloves) who's basically become the series' off-screen Voldemort. Referencing Dumbledore and Grindelwald's amorous past serves the narrative, of course, which is the real reason behind it — far more than taking any meaningful steps towards LGBTQIA+ representation. Years prior, the two pledged not to harm each other, binding that magical promise with blood, which precludes any fray between them now. Enter magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and his pals. Well, most of them. Newt's assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates, Call the Midwife), brother Theseus (Callum Turner, Emma), No-Maj mate Jacob (Dan Fogler, The Walking Dead), Hogwarts professor Lally (Jessica Williams, Love Life) and Leta Lestrange's brother Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam, Stillwater) are accounted for, while former friend Queenie (Alison Sudol, The Last Full Measure) has defected to Grindelwald. As for the latter's sister Tina (Katherine Waterston, The World to Come), she's spirited aside, conspicuously sitting Operation Avoid Muggle Genocide out. Dumbledore's plan as the movie hops from New York and Hogwarts to Berlin and Bhutan: to stop Grindelwald via Newt and company, and also stop him seeing the future to rig an election. To put his new world order into effect, Grindelwald needs to become the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, but a fantastic beast just might foil his chances. The Secrets of Dumbledore is largely a grey-hued, grimly serious political thriller that frequently feels like it just happens to take place amid wand-waving folks (its nods to actual history are that blatant), but it occasionally remembers to include the critters mentioned in its moniker. That said, courtesy of a cute but mostly superfluous scene with Newt, Theseus and a hip-wiggling scorpion dance, it fares better at acknowledging mythical animals than spilling many Dumbledore secrets. A villain swap, a half-hearted queer romance, past protagonists shunted off or playing second exploding tuba to fan favourites, a prequel series that doesn't recall what it was originally about, a title that's barely fulfilled: these aren't the ingredients for a great or even average movie, let alone an entrancing one. While some of the above occurs for sound reasons — Law swiftly outshining Redmayne in the last picture, for instance — The Secrets of Dumbledore is the filmic equivalent of throwing whatever's at hand into a cauldron and expecting a life-changing potion to bubble up. It's stitched together from shards of ideas, glimmers of possible good intentions and heavy sprinklings of nostalgia (quidditch and all), but the most it manages to be is perfunctory. Helming his seventh Wizarding World instalment, director David Yates retains a knack for setpieces at least — but even with plenty of chases and duels, and with his technical team doing much of the feature's heavy lifting, the visual wonders are still few and far between. Two more Fantastic Beasts entries are currently slated; you don't need Grindelwald's sorcery to know HP won't leave screens anytime soon. But as The Secrets of Dumbledore demonstrates over and over, this saga struggles with purpose. That isn't surprising given that keeping the series going by any means necessary, and trying to keep everyone who grew up loving all things Potter in the late 90s/early 00s happy as well, remain its chief aims. Those kids are now adults, which is why the Fantastic Beasts movies focus on fully grown witches and wizards rather than Hogwarts students. Little else here has matured with them, though, or been fleshed out — despite obvious World War II parallels and nods to today's divided times playing key parts. Call it arrested franchise development, call it a floundering spell, call it an exercise in disenchantment: they all fit, and The Secrets of Dumbledore doesn't have the elixir, incantation or even ambition to magic up anything else.
Accustomed to digital deception across all types of visual media, it often takes us more than one look to realise that an effect has been achieved solely by the human hand. The new food-art stylings of Hong Yi, or 'Red' as she is nicknamed, almost look too perfect to be real. An artist/architect, Red set herself the task of creating a new artwork using only comestibles, every day for a month. From a serene cucumber landscape to a dragonfruit dragon in battle rapture, the resulting scenes are highly detailed, innovative and beautiful. Hong Yi loves painting "but not with a paintbrush"; her other works have included a painting made using a basketball, a portrait of Ai Weiwei in sunflower seeds, and another of Adele using melted candles. Check out her Facebook page to see deluxe Louis Vuitton mushrooms and more. Via Colossal.
Get ready to dry your eyes and reminisce over beers and homegrown beats. FBi Social, the physical manifestation of FBi Radio, is calling it quits — but not before hosting a celebratory, last-hoorah bash on November 1. Tucked into a somewhat unlikely Kings Cross setting, this little venue that could has done pretty well for itself. After what was originally meant to be a three-month stint as a pop-up, FBi Social has been playing host to local artists for three-and-a-half years. Notable names include the Jezabels, RUFUS, Dappled Cities and Courtney Barnett, among a whole happy long cast of others. The bound-to-be-killer closing party will be a celebration of all that good stuff. Bassy, synthy venue veterans World's End Press and up-and-comers Mansionair are joining forces for the event — and then FBi DJs will be around to carry you well into the night, post-midnight goodbye feels and all. The break comes at a good time for FBi — with the launch of FBi Click and their quickly approaching jaunt to Iceland with the winners of their Northern Lights competition, it certainly seems like they'll continue to be that awesome-as-always platform for local music, arts and culture you know so well. And if you're already mourning the loss of a much-loved live music hub, don't despair; the venue will continue to function as a space for emerging local and international talent, reopening as the Bandroom under seasoned Sydney management company Solotel, on Saturday, November 8. Did someone say opening party? The Social Farewell Party is on Saturday, November 1. Tickets $15 from here.
No, you're not confused, Triple J's Hottest 100 is on again for the second time in 2025. But this time around, it has an all-Australian twist. With the annual countdown bringing all types of music fans together, this special edition is no different, and the crew at Darlinghurst favourite Taphouse are setting the tone with a stellar day-long party. Kicking off from 12pm on Saturday, July 26, the countdown will boom through the ground floor and rooftop terrace, ensuring you don't miss a track from the inaugural Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. To celebrate, Taphouse is pouring $14 Aperol spritzes and $10 schooners of Mountain Culture Status Quo (with $1 from each donated to Headspace). The venue's Cantonese-inspired menu will also be in full swing. Served across all three levels, the menu is curated by Applejack's Director of Culinary Patrick Friesen (Queen Chow, Ms.G's) and Head Chef Mulianto Mulianto. Expect nostalgic bites like prawn wontons and barbecue pork buns, alongside mains like wok-fried lobster and Mongolian lamb. With Triple J turning 50 in 2025, it feels like an appropriate time to shake up the Hottest 100. However, with voting closed, you'll have to see if your favourite tunes make the list. Will the playlist be full of classic tracks from Midnight Oil, AC/DC and Crowded House, or more recent cuts from Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett and Flume? Get down to Taphouse Darlinghurst to listen in.
If Sad Affleck didn't already exist, Live By Night might've made the meme happen anyway. The actor rarely appears particularly engaged in the prohibition-era gangster flick — and given that he's not just the star, but the writer-director too, that's a little bit of a problem. Sure, the plot throws up plenty of reasons for his sorrowful expression, and yes, brooding over what it means to be a man living a life of crime requires an absence of smiles. Still, Affleck largely just looks lost and glum rather than convincingly conflicted or troubled. To make matters even more trying for audiences, he also can't seem to tear the camera away from his own face. Live By Night isn't the first time Affleck has directed himself, with The Town and Oscar-winner Argo both listed on his resume. Thanks to the former, it's not the first time he has pondered masculinity and violence, or the difficulties of trying to do the right thing by the wrong means. Staying in well-worn territory, his latest flick is also his second adaptation of a novel by Dennis Lehane, with the author penning the book that Affleck's excellent helming debut, Gone Baby Gone, was based on. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, but what it really inspires here is a movie that matches his on-screen look: poised and polished, but bland from top to bottom. When the film first introduces Affleck's character, World War I veteran Joe Coughlin, it's with an anti-authoritarian attitude; "I left a soldier, I came home an outlaw" his voiceover bluntly offers. Discovering just how far down that path the Boston crook will go is one of the aims of the game, along with probing the darker side of the American dream. At first, Coughlin just wants little more than to break the rules and bed a hotshot mobster's mistress (Sienna Miller). But when his romantic bliss ends, he switches to revenge and bootlegging booze in Tampa. An alliance with the local Cuban population, including his new girlfriend Graciela (Zoe Saldana), earns the ire of the Ku Klux Klan, while trying to build a casino draws opposition from a wannabe actress turned born-again preacher (Elle Fanning). There's no shortage of plot driving Live By Night as it meanders through its 129-minute running time. As forces of good and evil clash in a variety of ways, Coughlin wears a number of hats (literally and figuratively), firmly establishing that a well-meaning gangster's existence is painted in shades of grey. Of course, if you've seen The Godfather, Goodfellas or any other American effort in the genre, you've already toyed with these themes more than once. Other than following in their footsteps, there's not much more this movie has to offer. That's not to say that the project is entirely without merit. Though he keeps frowning in front of the camera, Affleck finds some much-needed directorial spark in the film's late shootouts — so much so that you'll wish that he'd done so much earlier. Set in the 1920s, Live By Night also looks the sumptuous part, but sadly that attention to detail doesn't extend to the supporting characters. The less said not only about Saldana's thankless, throwaway role, but Chris Messina's exaggerated performance as a supposedly comic offsider, the better. Although even then, they still seem less miserable than Affleck.
Fancy a Tassie wine tasting extravaganza, but can't find the time (or cash) to make the trip? How about a quick hop over to Darlinghurst instead? If you can get there with $60 to spare on Saturday, August 12, you'll be living the Apple Isle dream. That's because one-day wine festival Vin Diemen is coming back to Sydney for a third year. Your ticket will get you a take-home wine glass and access to the creations of a whole slew of Tasmanian winemakers, who are crossing the strait to show us what their island is made of. Expect to sample some of the best Pinot Noir in the nation, alongside top-shelf Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling — cold climate varieties get a better go in Tassie than nearly anywhere else in Oz. And giving the wines the respect they deserve will be a bunch of tasty Tasmanian morsels, including cheeses noms from Bruny Island Cheese. To top it off, you'll also be able to sample some Tassie spirits and Willie Smith's Organic Cider. Tickets are $50 early bird and $60 general admission, and go on sale on June 13.
If the beginning of 2020 has had you looking forward to the future more than usual, we don't blame you given the current state of affairs. But this week you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on a luminous night sky. Every autumn, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower sets the sky ablaze. This year, the shower will be at its most spectacular early Wednesday, May 6 (very early) — here's how to catch a glimpse from your backyard or balcony. WHAT IS IT The Eta Aquarids might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but they are actually a distant relation — the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 76 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), the Eta Aquarids come around every year, usually between April 19–May 28 every year. The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. Luckily, being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. On average, you can see up to 20–40 meteors per hour. [caption id="attachment_769233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Wednesday, May 6, but will still be able to be seen for a day or two on either side. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. This year, at that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 50 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. HOW TO SEE IT Usually, when a meteor shower lights up the sky, we'd tell city-dwellers to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the best view. That's not advisable given the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, so you'd best take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate them, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also have a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. They've been updating this daily. Generally, the weather is set to be fairly clear along the east coast with some chances or showers and cloud cover — hopefully in the early hours the sky is clear. This year, the meteor shower will also have to compete with an almost-full moon, so you'll catching a glimpse pre-dawn after the moon sets is your best bet.
A new food and caffeine-filled laneway hangout has joined Sydney's CBD as Barrack Place opens to the public. Taking inspiration from the laneways of Melbourne and New York, the space has an industrial fit-out with a touch of art — there's a brick façade, black steel details and cobblestone streets, plus installations by Adelaide artist Amy Joy Watson. Located in between Clarence Street and York Street, the precinct centres around an award-winning 23-storey tower that spans 22,000 square-metres of office space. But the ground level is the real food destination. As far as the retail space goes, there are a lot of coffee options. Currently open is Batch Espresso, with its specialty brews and Parisian pastries; minimalist coffee roaster St Dreux, from Prestons in Sydney's southwest; and Chinese street food newbie Mo'st — which, in addition to slinging rou jia mo (a Chinese-style burger originating from the Shaanxi Province that's said to be the world's oldest sandwich), is offering Five Senses coffees, milkshakes and matcha concoctions. Another coffee house, Billy Blargo, is set to open in April, as is Firegrill — a fiery 300-seat restaurant by Chef George Francisco (Wildfire Circular Quay), sommelier John Clancy (Guillaume at Bennelong, Quay) and bartender Toby Hiscox (Casoni). Apart from all the cuppas, there's poke by Fishbowl, Vietnamese by Bar Pho, and juices and wholefoods by Cali Press. And, it's not all food, either — male hair stylist The Barber Co has taken up residency, too. Barrack Place is now open at 151 Clarence Street, Sydney. Opening hours vary per venue.
"Nic fuckiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing Cage." That's how the man himself utters his name in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and he knows what he's about. Now four decades into his acting career to the year — after making his film debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High under his actual name Nicolas Coppola, playing a bit-part character who didn't even get a moniker — Cage is keenly aware of exactly what he's done on-screen over that time, and in what, and why and how. He also knows how the world has responded, with that recognition baked into every second of his his latest movie. He plays himself, dubbed Nick Cage. He cycles through action-hero Cage, comically OTT Cage, floppy-haired 80s- and 90s-era Cage, besuited Cage, neurotic Cage and more in the process. And, as he winks, nods, and bobs and weaves through a lifetime of all things Cage, he's a Cage-tastic delight to watch. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is Cage uncaged, busting out the jazz that is his acting and adoring it, and it's a self-aware, super-meta love letter to its star and all who stan him. It's also a feature that couldn't exist without the thespian who has everything from Guarding Tess and Captain Corelli's Mandolin to The Croods and Pig on his resume; replacing him simply wouldn't work. Again, it's a Cage gem in letting Cage devotees revel in Cage doing every kind of Cage. That said, this Cage comedy is also so overtly designed to inspire Cage mania that it's easy to feel the buttons being pushed. It's the Cage movie that the internet has willed into existence, or film Twitter at least. Case in point: it has Cage realise that Paddington 2 is one of the best movies ever made. It is, but given how well-accepted that is, and how much online attention has stressed that fact — including its once-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score — weaving it into this Cagefest is one of the film's many exercises in stating the obvious. There is narrative around all that "Nic fuckiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing Cage" and his marmalade bear-loving epiphany. Here, the man who could eat a peach for days in Face/Off would do anything for as long as he needed to if he could lock in a weighty new part. The fictionalised Cage isn't happy with his roles of late, as he complains to his agent (Neil Patrick Harris, The Matrix Resurrections), but directors aren't buying what he's enthusiastically selling. He has debts and other art-parodies-life problems, though, plus an ex-wife (Sharon Horgan, This Way Up) and a teen daughter (Lily Sheen, IRL daughter of Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen). So, he reluctantly takes a $1-million gig he wishes he didn't have to: flying to southern Spain to hang out with billionaire Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal, The Bubble), who is such a Cage diehard that he even has his own mini museum filled with Cage memorabilia, and has also written a screenplay he wants Cage to star in. Yes, writer/director Tom Gormican (Are We Officially Dating?) and co-scribe Kevin Etten (Kevin Can F**K Himself) task the always-likeable Pascal with playing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent's on-screen audience surrogate. If you're watching a movie with Cage as Cage — one that begins with a clip from Con Air at that — then you'd likely jump at the chance to spend time with the inimitable figure. Who wouldn't? But that's just one element of the story, because two CIA agents (The Afterparty's Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz) inform Cage that his new pal is an arms dealer who's keeping a politician's daughter hostage to sway an election. And, they want him to indulge his host — undercover as himself, naturally — until they find the girl. The next key aspect of the tale: during this ruse, Cage and Javi genuinely become CBFFs (Cage best friends forever), including while working on a screenplay about new buddies who bond in chaotic circumstances. If The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent could only be described by referencing a different Nicolas Cage movie — and just one, despite how many references it throws at the screen like it's a Vampire's Kiss-style Cage cavorting in the street — it'd be Honeymoon in Vegas. The 1992 rom-com boasts an ever-watchable Cage performance as most of his work does, but it formulaically flirts with rather than matches his level. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent wants of be plenty of other Cage flicks, though, giddily and entertainingly so; however, the film itself can't meet his most memorable fare. In a Moonstruck-esque move, it's as enamoured with its leading man as he is with Cher in that 35-year-old gem. It plays its core bromance with Wild at Heart-level passion, and covets The Rock-style action mayhem. Cage is unforgettable as Cage here in a dream part for him and viewers alike, but striving for Raising Arizona's madcap antics, Adaptation's multi-Cage movie-industry metaness, Color Out of Space's full out-there Cage and everything in-between is a big ask. How glorious it is that this is the end result, though: a movie that's so unashamedly Cage, more than anything else has every actively tried to be, and yet also isn't quite Cage enough. It's still engaging and amusing enough, but it's noticeably broad and easy with its jokes, and too content to coast by on the nonstop, blatant-as-can-be Cageness of it all. Again and again, that made-for-the-internet feeling twinges, as if Gormican has fashioned a meme of a movie stitched together with gleefully retweeted and reposted Cage clips in mind. While The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent isn't an ego-stroking vanity project — a hefty achievement — or filled with anything but pure Cage dedication, it's the film equivalent of getting a casual line reading from its main man when you know what wild wonders only he's capable of. Indeed, as enjoyable as all this Cage-as-Cage-satirising-Cage is (Cage cubed, basically), the film is also workmanlike beyond the committed Cage and Pascal — both of whom light up the frame with off-kilter portrayals, make their characters' camaraderie feel authentic, and would shine together in a buddy comedy that isn't 100-percent Cage worship. There's fun and oh-so-much nostalgia for the Leaving Las Vegas Oscar-winner's career highs, lows and everything else, but there's also laid-on-thick cheese and little depth. While riffing on its central figure is the aim of the game, it's light when it comes to incisively skewering Hollywood, how it treats talents as distinctive (and massive) as Cage, and why his fame has taken the rollercoaster ride it has. But this sunnily shot, bouncily paced, well-intentioned affair definitely does the two things it needs to above all else: goes all-in on Cage, albeit not to a Mandy-esque degree, and makes everyone only want to watch Cage's work from now on.
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Norton Street, as well as cinemas around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. There's a lot to see, but find our picks of the five must-see films at this year's Greek Film Festival below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE7zzOXR3A CHEVALIER One of our very favourite films of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Chevalier offers of deadpan critique on male insecurity. Directed by Attenberg's Athina Rachel Tsangari, who also co-wrote the screenplay with regular Lanthimos collaborator Efthymis Filippouk, the film is about six men on a yacht as they compete to determine who is "the best in general". How quickly can you solve a Rubik's cube? How good are you at household chores? Everything — and we mean everything — becomes fodder for their ridiculous contest, in a film that is both hilarious and profoundly sad. In addition to sessions at this year's Greek Film Festival, Chevalier is screening in Melbourne at ACMI until October 20. Read our full review here. SUNTAN Where Chevalier offers a cringingly funny look into the middle-aged male psyche, Suntan provides a more sinister view of a similar subject. Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor who takes a job as a GP on a small Greek island, only to fall hard for a beautiful young tourist. But infatuation soon gives way to misanthropic obsession, as director Argyris Papadimitropoulos leads viewers down a path they may not wish to tread. The sun-soaked cinematography belies the darkness at the heart of this picture, which proves an uncomfortably compelling watch. A LIFE OF ITS OWN As the Australian medical community continues to debate the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, Greek-Australian journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos delves into the controversial subject for herself. Inspired by her encounter with cancer sufferer Dan Haslam, who used cannabis to relieve his excruciating pain, A Life Of Its Own: The Truth About Medical Marijuana explores the social and political factors that shape legislation around the drug, while chronicling groundbreaking research that could make a world of difference. Kapalos will be on hand for public Q&As following screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. SMAC Critically acclaimed in its native Greece, Elias Demetriou's SMAC won the audience awards at both the Athens Outview Film Festival and Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, and shapes up as essential viewing at this year's GFF. Evangelia Andreadaki stars as Eleni, a middle-aged lesbian woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis. In order to quell her fears of dying alone, Eleni invites a homeless man to live with her, leading to an unlikely friendship. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a pack of tissues. BENEATH THE OLIVE TREE Inspired by secret journals written by imprisoned female political dissidents during the Greek Civil War between 1946 and 1949, Beneath the Olive Tree is described in the GFF program as "an exposé of courage, ideals, forgiveness, healing, and the important role our past plays in our present and future". Using a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviewers and motion capture animation, young New York-based documentarian Stavroula Toska recounts the remarkable stories of incredible women accused of crimes they didn't commit. The Greek Film Festival will run at Palace Norton Street in Leichhardt from Tuesday, October 11 until Sunday, October 23. For the full program, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au.
Aussies are ditching the overdone, stuffy dinner parties of yesteryear and instead are opting for bougie elevated cocktail nights at home with their besties. We're socialising more than in previous years but, with the rising cost of living, we're looking for more economical ways of hanging out with our friends. One way to do it is to host luxurious cocktail parties at home. Are you part of the trend? Read on to get some tips to elevate your next cocktail party. CONCOCT THE COCKTAIL LIST You can't have a cocktail party without cocktails. To keep things easy for you (and interesting for your guests), stick with a single spirit for your shindig. Bourbon can be a foundation for many cocktails like old fashioneds, manhattans, whisky sours or highballs. Vodka is the basis for numerous cocktail recipes like a classic cosmo, martini, bloody mary or lemon drop. Equally versatile is gin with cocktails like gimlets, Tom Collins, negronis and, of course, gin and tonic on its repertoire. Aim to prebatch your ingredients and garnishes so you can spend more time socialising with your guests. One garnish can work for many cocktails. For instance, bourbon cocktails work exceptionally well with orange peel garnish. CURATE A MENU Tasty cocktails deserve equally tasty food. It doesn't need to be complicated, especially because cocktail parties are better suited to canapes and charcuterie boards. So crack out the cheese knives and small plates and set up grazing stations throughout your party space. You don't need to bust your weekly budget on ingredients. Stock up on cheese, crackers, cured meats, fresh fruits, olives and crusty bread. Don't forget dips and spreads, and you'll be golden. Keep in mind any dietaries your mates may have, and don't mix bread and crackers with the cheese and meat to ensure any coeliacs among you are happy. CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE What's a party without the right vibes? Get onto Spotify and create the playlist to perfect your cocktail party theme. Are you going with minimalist chic? Maybe you should load up on lo-fi beats. Are you thinking more of a luxe old-world vibe? Jazz is your friend. Or perhaps you're pushing a colourful midday sesh. If so, pop music should be on the tracklist. Depending on the vibe you are going for, lighting can make a major impact on the atmosphere. No one wants to chill with overhead lights showing everything. If you don't have dimmers on your lights, you can create a soothing vibe with fairy lights, lamps or candles — just be careful where you set up candles. To let your guests know the party is over, subtly blow out the candles and turn off the music. The vibes will be over, and so will the party mood. Keen to host a luxurious night of your own? We are giving our readers the chance to host a luxury cocktail party for up to 40 guests. Check out the competition here. Images: Susannah Townsend, Woodford Reserve, Getty Images
For most of the past two years, Australians haven't had many chances to attend a music festival or escape the mainland. We all know how the festival landscape has fared during the pandemic, and the travel situation as well. But if you've been longing to hear your favourite tunes while surrounded by your friends and to take a trip to a secluded beachside resort in The Whitsundays, Dream Machine has you covered. The brand-new festival was first announced in 2021, and was meant to take place last year as well — but the past 12 months didn't turn out as anyone planned, either. In great news, however, it's been locked in to go ahead this month, and will now occur between Wednesday, January 26–Sunday, January 30. Handily, that news comes just after Queensland revealed that it's ditching its domestic border restrictions from Saturday, January 15. A new venture from the team behind Wine Machine and Snow Machine, the fest will see music lovers travel to The Whitsundays for a stacked lineup of local electronic talent. On up the party-forward lineup: Hayden James, former Triple J House Party presenter KLP, Touch Sensitive, CC:Disco!, Set Mo and Yolanda Be Cool, as well as The Jungle Giants, and Confidence Man hitting the decks for DJ sets. Yes, the list goes on. If the simple activity of grooving to tunes on a tropical island isn't enough motivation for you, festival-goers will also be treated to an island-hopping adventure between Daydream Island, Paradise Cove and a surprise location. Your itinerary can also include kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and waterside cocktails, and, if you stay at Daydream Island Resort, you'll have four restaurants, three bars, a pool and a spa to enjoy as well. Dream Machine will run for three days within its five-day, four-night period. Unsurprisingly, it isn't cheap, starting at $1999 per person — and also to the astonishment of no one, plenty of packages have already sold out, so you'll need to get in quick if you're keen. The extravagant price tag will get you accommodation, breakfast each morning, ferry transport to and from the airport, and tickets to the festival (of course). DREAM MACHINE 2022 LINEUP: Belta Variant CC:DISCO! Confidence Man (DJ set) Client Liason (DJ set) Dena Amy Generik Happiness Is Wealth Harvey Sutherland (DJ set) Hayden James Jimi the Kween The Jungle Giants (DJ set) Juz KLP Kristina Jaman Late Nite Tuff Guy Made in Paris Mell Hall Mira Mira Owl Eyes Pat Stevenson Poof Doof DJs Robbie Set Mo Squeef Stace Cadet Shouse (DJ set) Sneaky Sound System Touch Sensitive Wax'o Paradiso Yolanda Be Cool Dream Machine takes place from Wednesday, January 26–Sunday, January 30 in The Whitsundays, with final tickets available via the festival's website.
Square burger patties are now on the menu Down Under, with American chain Wendy's launching in Australia. After initially starting making moves to hit our shores in 2022, then confirming in 2023 that a heap of Aussie stores are on the way, the burger-slinging joint has opened its first-ever Australian outpost on the Gold Coast, in Surfers Paradise's Paradise Centre. In terms of big US fast-food franchise making the leap to this part of the world, Taco Bell did it, plus Mark Wahlberg's Wahlburgers and fellow burger joint Five Guys, too — and now Wendy's has officially followed suit. The Australian venues fall under The Wendy's Company's master franchise agreement with Flynn Restaurant Group to set up a huge number of Aussie shops. And we do mean a big figure: at least 200 stores, in fact, as slated to open by 2034. Wendy's already knew there was an Aussie appetite for its burgers thanks to a 2021 Wendy's pop-up in Sydney, where it gave out free burgs and desserts. Indeed, when it confirmed the massive expansion to Australia, the company mentioned the one-day pop-up's success among the reasons for giving Australia a couple of hundred places to nab its burgers within the next decade. Back then, it was expected that the stores would largely start launching from 2025 — and with the Gold Coast flagship, that's exactly what has happened. Exactly where Wendy's will set up shop from here, and when, hasn't been revealed. Open since Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Wendy's Gold Coast store features the brand's signature dishes, such as its Classic Double, Baconmator and Spicy Chicken Sandwich — as well as the Wendy's Frosty in chocolate or vanilla flavours for dessert. The menu also spans double hand-breaded chicken tenders (which are served by themselves, and in burgers and wraps), plus sea-salted fries with loaded options (cheese, chilli and cheese, and bacon and cheese). Flynn Restaurant Group and Wendy's have history, with the former already running nearly 200 of the latter's outposts across five US states. Similarly on Flynn Restaurant Group's plate in America: operating Applebee's, Taco Bell, Panera, Arby's and Pizza Hut restaurants. In Australia, Wendy's isn't the only food joint with that name. Across the country, that moniker also graces a South Australian-born ice cream chain which is now known as Wendy's Milk Bar. With more than 7000 stores worldwide, the American Wendy's is one of the globe's biggest and most-recognisable burger chains. While most of its outposts are scattered across the US, the chain also has over 1000 international locations in countries like New Zealand, Canada and the UK. The first Wendy's was opened by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. It quickly expanded due to the popularity of its burgers and iconic Frostys, growing to over 1000 restaurants in its first nine years of operations. Find Wendy's at Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise — open from 10am–10pm Thursday–Tuesday and 11am–9pm Wednesday. Head to the chain's website for more details.
Often atonal and frequently frightening, the Jandek aesthetic lies somewhere between being a monstrous bastard of the Delta blues tradition, a forlorn, cacophonous No Wave homage (a one-man Birthday Party on libidinal control medication?), and perhaps Tim Buckley’s Lorca album, if it had been recorded in the Catacombs of Odessa with absolutely nothing around for stimulation bar some cheap opiates, a handful of barely legible letters by a long-since departed lover, and some early Swans LPs. His chthonic lyricism and performance approach absent of any poise, self-consciousness or engagement with concurrent musical trends has cultivated a small yet fanatical group of followers and spawned sixty-something albums over the past three decades. But before this article inadvertently illustrates Kurt Cobain’s suspicion that ‘Jandek's not pretentious, but only pretentious people like his music,’ let us discuss the few facts known about Jandek: He had never appeared in public before 2006. Many believe him to be Sterling Smith, a white-collar resident of Houston, though this has been confirmed by neither the artist nor the mysterious Corwood Industries firm that controls his discography. He has only ever given two interviews. His brushes with public light have been slim to say the least, though he did feature alongside the Shaggs, Daniel Johnston and Joe Meek in Irwin Chusid’s Songs in the Key of Z: The Curious World of Outsider Music. This will be Jandek's maiden tour of Australia, and who knows if or when he will come out of hiding again. So if you like the sound of a middle-aged man howling existential poetry over dissonant and minimalist free-jazz — and let’s face it, that’s all of us — this event will be once-in-a-lifetime material.
One of Sydney's best fresh food markets, Paddy's Markets in Flemington, is taking its show into the night, bringing together some of the city's best food trucks for a new weekly night food market. Starting July 1, the massive car park venue will be transformed into a bustling eatery for street food lovers every Saturday night from 6.30–10.30pm. Over 25 of Sydney's veteran and up-and-comers in the food truck scene will converge on the car park, including Chur Burger, Kayter Co., Maverick Wings and Dirty Bird. Sit at one of the converted crate tables and tuck into delights such as gelato brioche, chocolate gözleme and soda served out of lightbulbs. Menus will change regularly to match a monthly theme, so you can constantly change it up — even if you visit the same food vendor. Entry is free — as are the retro arcade games, including Daytona and Pac-Man — and there will be regular live music by resident DJ Mike Hyper and special guests. Free parking is also available on-site.
Is the Avatar franchise set to win its third Academy Award for Best Visual Effects? With its characteristically rich and stunning visuals, the just-dropped first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash makes that case. The latest film in the sci-fi saga is set to arrive three years after Avatar: The Way of Water, and 13 years after all things Avatar initially hit cinemas with what's still the world's biggest box-office blockbuster. Get ready to return to Pandora: come December 2025, James Cameron will usher viewers back to the Na'vi-inhabited moon, and into the middle chapter in the director's planned five-film series. In past entries, forests and reefs have proven home to the franchise's blue-hued residents, but volcanic plains join in this time around. So, meet: the Ash People. Oona Chaplin (Treason) portrays Varang, the new clan's leader. Her message in the sneak peek: "your goddess has no dominion here". When Avatar: Fire and Ash plays in picture palaces Down Under from Thursday, December 18, viewers will also see Michelle Yeoh (Star Trek: Section 31) and David Thewlis (Sherlock & Daughter) among the cast. Leading the ensemble, Sam Worthington (Relay) and Emilia Pérez Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana (Elio) are back as Jake Sully and his warrior wife Neytiri, alongside fellow returnees Sigourney Weaver (The Gorge), Stephen Lang (House of David), Cliff Curtis (Invincible), Britain Dalton (Dark Harvest), Trinity Bliss (The Life of Chuck), Jack Champion (Everything's Going to Be Great), Bailey Bass (Interview with the Vampire) and Kate Winslet (Lee). Cameron once again directs, and co-wrote the screenplay with the also-returning Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Mulan). Since the first Avatar in 2009, the filmmaker behind it has only helmed movies in the franchise. If getting excited about one new Avatar film isn't enough, the two final flicks that are set to follow Avatar: Fire and Ash are slated for release in 2029 and 2031, respectively. Check out the Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer below: Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 18, 2025 Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Castle Mall's Northwest Growers is the local go-to for the freshest fruit and vegetable around town. Owners and brothers Peter and Bud source most of the fruit from their nearby family farm and orchard — including stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums and figs. And the veg is also sourced locally in Windsor and Galston. The offering is brought in fresh from the farm each day and is the best you'll get. Alongside the fresh stuff, there are family made jams and other smallgoods up for grabs, too.
Trust a movie that's all about connection and pluck to boast plenty itself. The second of cinema's recent father-daughter pictures out of Britain that's directed by a first-time feature filmmaker called Charlotte — the first: Charlotte Wells' Aftersun — Charlotte Regan's Scrapper couldn't be better cast or any more fearless about telling its tale. Starring as 12-year-old Georgie, a pre-teen striving to survive on her own with any help from adults or the authorities after her mum Vicky's (Olivia Brady, The Phantom of the Open) death from cancer, debutant Lola Campbell is an electrifying find. Fresh from playing a model in Triangle of Sadness, Harris Dickinson is now an absent rather than ideal dad, a part that he infuses with equal doses of soul, sorrow, charisma and cheek. And, recognising that she's hardly skipping through new narrative territory, writer/director Regan heaps on character and personality. This is a perky, bright and bubbly take on a kitchen-sink story. There's sadness in 2023's Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winner, too, with Scrapper scoring its award in the fest's World Cinema Dramatic Competition. There's anger as well, especially about a society that has Georgie convinced that staying solo in the council flat she lived in with her mother — a space that she's now fastidious about keeping exactly as it was before heartbreak struck — is her top choice. But Regan sees colour amid the grey, plus possibilities alongside struggles. Her view is clear-eyed but never steely. Regan unblinkingly witnesses the realities of working-class existence, yet also spies joy and whimsy, and similarly isn't afraid of getting surreal. This is a flick with talking spiders — cue literal bubbles, of the speech variety — alongside scrapping to get by. Indeed, while Scrapper may owe one of its debts to Sorry We Missed You's Ken Loach, aka England's go-to kitchen-sink filmmaker and one of its all-time directing icons, it also slides in next to Del Kathryn Barton's Blaze. That searing debut had its own 12-year-old protagonist's existence forever altered by witnessing horrific violence, which isn't part of Georgie's plight; however, the Australian feature similarly understood the power of escaping to cope so deeply that unleashing its imagination was always its approach. Both movies pair fantasy with empathy, winningly and resonantly so, knowing that seeking solace from life's worst moments is essential and universal. The two films also want their audiences to take in the world from their lead character's perspectives — which being dreamy and leaning into magical realism couldn't be more crucial to. When she's not maintaining her humble abode as her mum left it — even the couch cushions need to sit in the same place they've always been — Georgie has two key ways of getting by. She makes cash by stealing, repainting and selling bicycles with her friend Ali (fellow newcomer Alin Uzun), with the no-nonsense Zeph (Ambreen Razia, Ted Lasso) her fence. To stop child services from stepping in, she tells them that her uncle Winston Churchill is on guardian duties, using taped snippets of the local convenience store clerk saying pivotal phrases to back her up when anyone official rings. Practical, resourceful, enterprising, resilient: these all fit the resolute adolescent, who is determined to retain as much about her days when her mother was alive as she can. Georgie is well-aware that she's working through the stages of grief, diligently tracking them with Ali, but she's certain that she's found the best way of dealing with her situation. Enter Dickinson's Jason, who drops in with bleached-blonde hair — and by jumping over the back fence — to stay with the daughter that he's never known until now. Georgie is wary and flatout unwelcoming, but she's a kid and he's an adult, which means that he's sticking around regardless of her attitude. From there, of course this is an account of two strangers bonded by only blood initially, then getting to know each other. It's never as formulaic as that setup sounds, though, including by constantly embracing openness and playfulness. When Regan has Georgie and Ali ponder what Jason's real motives might be, for instance, she brings to life their fears that he could be a gangster or a vampire. And, often offering to-camera commentary is the picture's chorus of supporting characters, as shot in Super 16, in another of Scrapper's lively stylistic touches. Strip all of Scrapper's aesthetic flourishes away and it wouldn't be the tender, sincere, charming and creative standout that it is. Its rich and energetic look and feel are that evocative, affecting and indispensable, as aided by talented cinematographer Molly Manning Walker — a director herself, with her own feature debut How to Have Sex also an applauded 2023 release, taking out Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard. But, if Regan had served up a visually and tonally standard movie with the usual grit, Campbell and Dickinson's work would've still been gleamingly exceptional. Their dynamic would've remained unmissable as well. Just like Scrapper's palette and production design, there's nothing black and white about Regan's two main characters, who bound across the screen with their strengths, flaws, joys hopes and disappointments on full display — and also nothing straightforward about their complicated relationship. Not just because this is her first-ever acting credit, Campbell's efforts never read like a performance. Authenticity shines as vividly as the paint adorning the film's central housing estate's outer walls, no matter whether Georgie is clinging to her mum's ways for comfort, mischievously palling around with Ali, pulling off her ploys with confidence or ever-so-slowly warming to Jason. In what's proving a prolific chapter of a burgeoning career that's only going to keep blossoming, The King's Man, The Souvenir: Part II, Where the Crawdads Sing and See How They Run's Dickinson also inhabits the role of a wayward dad returned with lived-in commitment and emotion. There are no scraps in these portrayals, and there's nothing piecemeal about this movie; Scrapper and its upbeat yet unflinching slice-of-life chronicle arrives fully and gloriously formed.
