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Evil Dead Burn (R) – 110 minutes
This is one for stalwarts of the horror gore genre because it doesn’t hold back – in short, it is tense and traumatising. Demonic carnage is unleashed to terrorise a French woman who has married into an American family. Alice (Souheila Yacoub) is with her husband, restaurateur William (George Pullar), to celebrate Will’s younger brother, Joseph’s (Hunter Doohan) birthday. Also with them is Joseph’s girlfriend, Thya (Luciane Buchanan) when an argument between Will and Ali
Alex First
47 minutes ago2 min read


Moana (PG) – 115 minutes
Fun, colourful and emotionally resonant comes this live action reimaging of the popular Polynesian-based 2016 Disney movie Moana. The story remains the same, but its execution is a whole lot more difficult. Yet, the studio has pushed all the right buttons. This is the tale of young leader in the making, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia). She is the daughter of island chief Tui (John Tui) and his wife, Sina (Frankie Adams) and they live on the glorious, lush island of Motunui.
Alex First
8 hours ago3 min read


TYCHO! Beyond the Baton - 95 minutes
From Hungarian child prodigy to feted Australian musical genius, Tommy Tycho led a stimulating and adventurous life, overcoming a series of setbacks. He is front and centre in a fascinating, illuminating and stimulating documentary, titled TYCHO! Beyond the Baton, written and directed by Stephan Wellink. Tommy was born into an upper middle-class family in Budapest on 11th April, 1928. His father was general manager of what constituted the electricity commission, while his
Alex First
3 days ago3 min read


The Last Resort, at the Nordic Film Festival
The global refugee crisis is brought into sharp focus in a tightly wound, suspenseful drama based around a family holiday. The attention is on Danish school teacher Mikkel (Esben Smed) and his workaholic health ministry official wife, Louise (Danica Curcic). They have taken their two young daughters, 11-year-old Sille (Sif Lucca Gersby) and Ella (Chili Olivia Jensen), six, away to a resort on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria. Heading home one night along a dark road,
Alex First
4 days ago2 min read


Smithsonian Starstruck (Fever), at Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne
With so many stars and planets in the universe, why is Earth the only one we know of so far that can support a preponderance of human life? That is a question answered categorically in the interactive and immersive virtual reality experience Smithsonian Starstruck. Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is an invitation to explore distant galaxies. In fact, there is an abundance of information, coupled w
Alex First
5 days ago2 min read


EONARIUM Enlightenment (Fever), at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne
A cavalcade of colour, movement and sound, EONARIUM Enlightenment is a sensory sensation with huge emotional resonance. Upstairs at the Immigration Museum is the perfect venue to immerse yourself in this spirited showcase that dazzles and delights. Antonio Vivaldi’s Baroque era masterpiece The Four Seasons provides the ultimate sound bed for an extraordinary half hour of moving projections. Vivid colours in a huge variety of shapes and styles, including naturalistic and
Alex First
5 days ago2 min read


The Invite (MA) – 107 minutes
It starts with a pointed quote from Oscar Wilde: “One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.” Then, a whip smart script and some seriously good acting transport us to eye opening conversation between two couples living in the same apartment block. Music teacher Joe (Seth Rogen) and his wife Angela’s (Olivia Wilde) daughter is sleeping out for the night. The couple isn’t exactly on the same page when Angela invites their free-spirited upstai
Alex First
6 days ago2 min read


Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars (Feld Entertainment), at Rod Laver Arena and touring
It is known as the magical world of Disney for a reason, which is immediately evident when you witness the spectacular show Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars. Featuring a surfeit of Disney favourites, this is something special. As technology continues to develop and with creativity in abundance, I venture to suggest this is the best Disney on Ice yet … and I have seen many. Think ice skaters par excellence performing somersaults, lifts, twirls and jumps, not to o
Alex First
7 days ago2 min read


The Coronation of Poppea (Victorian Opera), at Palais Theatre
There is so much to get excited about in Victorian Opera’s new production of The Coronation of Poppea. It is chock-full of skulduggery, subterfuge and intrigue. Think ruthless ambition and illicit passion. Photos by Jeff Busby As director Sam Strong well puts it, Brian De Palma’s classic film Scarface meets 1980s Miami and neo-classical kitsch. Into that mix you should add ancient Rome and the gods. Talk about a heady combination … and I assure you The Coronation of
Alex First
Jul 12 min read
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