War may still be hell, but it’s changed remarkably as illustrated by Gavin Hood’s tense drama, Eye in the Sky. If your idea of warfare comes from Saving Private Ryan, Platoon or even Three Kings, this film will open your mind to some new – and quite frightening – ways in which nations project military…
The main event which steers the story in The Lovely Bones is horrific and spine-chilling. And yet, it is not a tale of fear. Quite the opposite. Hope, peace and solace are recurring themes. While not uplifting, the play provides an understanding of human failings and frailties. The Lovely Bones centres around 14-year-old Susie Salmon…
A man haunted by his past is forced to face his demons in the slow-moving horror film, The Vigil. Yakov Ronen (Dave Davis) is a shadow of a man in the aftermath of a tragedy that befell his younger brother. He was present; but he didn’t intervene and before he knew it, it was too…
Sitting there watching Fifty Shades Freed, the final instalment in the Shades of Grey trilogy, I could only think, “Lame, tame and who to blame?” So very little happens … for so much of the film. Yes, the characters have sex – most of it conventional and a few turns in the red room – but that,…
Those familiar with Batman will know that he had a good working relationship with Commissioner Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department. A fictional character aiding a law enforcement agency. In the 1890’s, the fictional superhero is Sherlock Holmes, a private detective with uncanny investigative skills. And the law enforcement agency is the London Metropolitan…
An array of cocktails, mocktails and sleight of hand at close quarters, with some hijinks and a party atmosphere to boot. That is what in store for you when you step into the Japanese Magic Bar experience. As you order your drinks, seated at five “stations” – a table and four bars – five magicians…
The Belair Lip Bombs are an indie band from Naarm/Melbourne, led by frontwoman Maisie Everett (vocals, guitar, keys) alongside Mike Bradvica (guitar), Liam De Bruin (drums), and Jimmy Droughton (bass). Over the past few years, they’ve steadily built their presence, performing live across Australia and making appearances at SXSW and BBC 6 Music. These efforts…
Swinging Safari reunites writer and director Stephan Elliott with key personnel from his The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994). They include producer Al Clark, production designer Colin Gibson, costume designer Lizzy Gardiner, editor Sue Blainey and composer Guy Gross. New to the team are hair and makeup designer Rick Findlater and cinematographer Brad Shield. It’s…
Fun, funny, light hearted, colourful and energetic, Shrek The Musical surprised me with its warmth, relatability and good natured banter. Of course, the 2001 Dreamworks Animation film starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow – upon which it is based, along with the 1990 book by William Steig – was a huge box office…
A little late for Halloween maybe, but Freaky will definitely scratch that comedy-horror itch. Co-writer and director Christopher Landon builds on the success of his Happy Death Day films with this enjoyable romp – even if he doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. While the Happy Death Day series riffed on Groundhog Day,…
