FilmCentral Magazine

Walt Disney Studios Makes Splash At CinemaCon In Las Vegas

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Walt Disney Studios’ presentation at CinemaCon 2022 took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas earlier today. Disney’s head of theatrical distribution, Tony Chambers, along with Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige and “Avatar” producer Jon Landau, unveiled the 2022 theatrical release slate, dazzling convention attendees with an exclusive preview of titles from Marvel Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and 20th Century Studios.

From 20th Century Studios:

The preview included a look at three upcoming releases from 20th Century Studios: “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” the newest film from David O. Russell (“American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”), and James Cameron’s first follow-up to his sci-fi action-adventure “Avatar,” the highest-grossing movie of all time. The title of Russell’s film, which will open in cinemas on November 3, is “Amsterdam.” CinemaCon attendees were treated to a sizzle reel of footage from the film, which is an original romantic crime epic about three close friends who find themselves at the centre of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history. Based on facts that meet fiction, “Amsterdam” stars Academy Award® winner Christian Bale, two-time Oscar® nominee Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Alessandro Nivola, Andrea Riseborough, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Taylor Swift, Timothy Olyphant, Zoe Saldana, with Oscar-winner Rami Malek and two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro. Written and directed by five-time Oscar® nominee David O. Russell, the film is produced by Arnon Milchan, Matthew Budman, Anthony Katagas, David O. Russell and Christian Bale, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer and Sam Hanson serving as executive producers.

The title of the “Avatar” sequel, which will open in Australian cinemas December 15, is “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kate Winslet. To whet audiences’ appetites, the studio will re-release “Avatar” in Australian cinemas on September 22.

The teaser trailer, which was screened in 3D for the very first time today and drew highly enthusiastic responses from the CinemaCon audience, will debut exclusively in cinemas with Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” on May 5. In addition, Zoe Saldana, who stars in both “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Amsterdam,” will be receiving the CinemaCon “Star of the Year” award at the “Big Screen Achievement Award” Ceremony on Thursday evening, April 28.

The studio also screened the first six minutes of “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” which opens in Australian cinemas on May 26, for convention attendees. The animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running Emmy®-winning series showcases voice talent, which includes H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, with Zach Galifianakis, and Kevin Kline. The film is directed by Loren Bouchard & Bernard Derriman. The screenplay is by Loren Bouchard & Nora Smith. The producers are Loren Bouchard, Nora Smith, and Janelle Momary-Neely.

From Marvel Studios:

Marvel Studios took the CinemaCon audience on a thrill ride through the Multiverse with footage from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which opens in Australian cinemas on May 5. With the film, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Fans will journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron.

From Pixar Animation Studios:

CinemaCon attendees were treated to footage from Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film “Lightyear,” which opens in Australian cinemas on June 16. A sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.

The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne, and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”), and features a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”)

Director Spotlight: Find Out More About Julie Kalceff

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FIRST DAY SEASON 2_Director Julie Kalceff_photo credit Matt Byrne

Julie Kalceff is an Emmy award-winning Australian writer, director, and producer best known for writing, directing, and co-producing the television series First Day. This ground-breaking story of a 12-year-old transgender girl starting high school was the first Australian series to star a transgender actor in the lead role. It sold to multiple territories worldwide including Hulu (US) and CBBC (UK). In 2021, the series won the International Emmy Award for Best Kids Live-Action Series. That same year, First Day won the Rose d’Or, and a GLAAD Media Award (Children and Youth) which honour media for their fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBTQIA+ community and the issues that affect their lives. The second season of First Day was released in March 2022 and is available on Hulu in the US and ABC iView in Australia.

In 2020, Julie was part of a “powerhouse female directing team” that spearheaded the feature film anthology drama Here Out West.

Julie first gained international attention when she created, wrote, directed, and produced the global hit digital drama series Starting From Now. Attracting critical and popular acclaim, it is one of the most-watched web series in the world – amassing over 190 million views in 230 countries. The series was also sold to and played on broadcast television in Australia.

FilmCentral magazine recently caught up with Julie to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started in the industry?

I started in the industry as a screenwriter. I used to read a lot as a child. My mum worked in the library at my primary school. Every day after school I’d go to the library and read while I waited for her to finish work. I got my love of books and stories from her and always wanted to be a writer. When I was nearing the end of high school I was encouraged by the teachers at my school and the adults in my life to find a “real” job. They saw writing as a hobby at best and not something that should be pursued as a career. It was considered wise to have “something to fall back on”. Lacking the confidence in myself as a writer and not having the courage to stand up to them, I did what they said and trained as a high school English teacher. It was only after I’d been teaching for 5 years that I realised I had to make a change or I’d regret it for the rest of my life. I resigned from my job and started teaching myself screenwriting. I was accepted into the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in 2001 and completed a two-year Masters of Film and Television (Scriptwriting). While there I had my first taste of directing when I co-directed a short film I’d written called ex.

FIRST DAY SEASON 2_Evie Macdonald, Jackson Evans, Director Julie Kalceff_photo credit Matt Byrne

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

For me, the most difficult part of the artistic process is sustaining self-belief. You have to be incredibly persistent in this industry in order to make inroads. I spent ten years post-film school struggling to find my place in the industry. It was another three before I had my first TV credit. Those first ten years were especially difficult. I had no idea if I would ever have a breakthrough in my career. The one thing I knew was that if I gave up, that breakthrough would never happen.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to viewers what they want?

I don’t think these are an either/or proposition. I believe viewers want to watch screen content that is original. The breakthrough in my career that came ten years post-film school only came about because I decided to make a short-form online drama series called Starting From Now. At the time, people argued that drama wouldn’t work online, that only stand-alone comedic episodes that can be shared amongst friends stood any chance of attracting an audience. We made five seasons of Starting From Now over three years. I wrote and directed all thirty episodes, which quickly became my film school as a director. The series sold to SBS and has accumulated 190 million views to date. In short, there are a lot of viewers who want to watch content they haven’t seen before.

FIRST_DAY_S2_Elena Liu as Olivia and Evie Macdonald as Hannah_photo credit Matt Byrne

Where do you draw your inspiration for your stories?

When I graduated from the AFTRS I thought I had to write films and television series similar to those that already existed. I thought this was the only way to get something made, to land that first credit. The problem with that approach is you’re not writing from the heart. You’re trying to imitate, rather than create. A major turning point for me was when I realised I had to write the types of stories I wanted to see. I had to write from the heart and put myself on the page.

If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

You will find your place in the world. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

What was an early experience where you learned that screen content had power?

The audience response to Starting From Now took me by surprise. We received countless messages from viewers saying how much it meant to them to see a show about four women who happened to be lesbians but their sexuality wasn’t the focus of the series. The simple act of seeing complicated and complex characters who weren’t tortured by their sexuality or ostracised by society meant a great deal to our audience who had been historically underrepresented on screen. You can’t underestimate the power of seeing yourself and people like you on screen. As long as these depictions are multi-dimensional characters who aren’t mined for cheap laughs or trauma, they can lead to a greater sense of self-worth, inclusion, and acceptance.

Screen content is incredibly powerful. It not only has the potential to do a great deal of good but it also has the potential to cause harm. As a filmmaker, I’m responsible for the work I put out into the world. I have to be mindful of the impact of my work and, as such, am very particular about the types of projects I choose to work on.

Can you tell us more about your latest film/television project?

My latest project is First Day (Season 2). First Day is a 4 x half-hour family television series about Hannah Bradford, a transgender girl in her second year of high school. It stars Evie Macdonald as Hannah and is produced by Kirsty Stark (Epic Films) and Kate Butler (Kojo). Kirsty produced the first season, as well as the stand-alone 20 minute episode on which the series was based. Both Seasons 1 and 2 of First Day are available on ABC iView in Australia and Hulu in the US (with more territories to follow).

Has it won any awards or had any big achievements yet?

Season 1 of First Day won an International Emmy Award, a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming, the Rose d’Or for Best Children and Youth Series, a BANFF World Media Festival Rockie Award for Best Live-Action Series (Children 0-10), a Kidscreen Award for Best Live-Action Series, First Prize in the Live-Action Television Category at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and the ATOM Award for Best Children’s Television Program. It was nominated for two AACTA Awards – Best Children’s Program and Best Screenplay in Television, the SDIN (Screen Diversity Inclusion Network) Award and was a finalist in the Screen Producers Australia Awards.

It has sold to multiple territories around the world including the US, UK, Canada, France, Japan, Israel, Brazil, Taiwan, and South Africa.

FIRST DAY SEASON 2_Director Julie Kalceff, Elena Liu, Max Vasquez_photo credit Matt Byrne

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Find people you trust and work with them whenever possible.

What advice would you give to a newbie writer/director who wants to make it in the industry?

There isn’t just one pathway into the industry. Work hard, never stop learning, treat everyone equally, and, I know it’s difficult, but try not to compare yourself to others. If you keep doing those things, you might just find your own path.

What are your future plans?

I’m currently in the development of a couple of longer-form TV series and a feature film. I’m also attached to co-direct a feature documentary that’s slated to shoot later this year. The majority of my work has been as a creator/writer/director and while I’d like to continue doing that, I’m also interested in directing more projects I haven’t created or written. I have US management and hope to work in both the US and Australia in the future.

Disney+ Just Released A Brand-New Teaser Trailer For “Obi-Wan Kenobi”

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Fifth Brother (Sung Kang) and Stormtroopers in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Disney+ just released the teaser trailer for “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” giving fans an exciting first look at the highly-anticipated limited series, which launches exclusively on the streaming service on May 25.

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

The series stars Ewan McGregor, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Master, and also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is directed by Deborah Chow and executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and Joby Harold.

Check it out below:

Walt Disney Australia Release Schedule As Of May 2022…The Countdown Begins NOW

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2021 has been a tough year for the movie industry. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to drastically affect the world, the year’s biggest films were caught in the crossfire which resulted in a number of setbacks and cancellations brought upon by the pandemic. However, Walt Disney Australia has decided to put some of these skepticisms to rest, with the company revealing their Australian release schedule for all their films until 2023. Without further ado, check out Walt Disney Australia’s release schedule as of May 2022.

An Indie Romantic-Drama Led By Women Is Coming Soon To Australian Cinemas

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The first diverse indie romantic drama, Get a Life, Alright, led by women, will be released through Dendy & Wallis Cinemas Australia-wide starting 19^th MAY 2022.

Helmed by award-winning director/producer Joy Hopwood who co-wrote the film with Shamini Singhal, Get a Life, Alright had its world premiere, theatrical opening at The Australian High Commission International Film Festival (Singapore) & won Hong Kong’s International Indie Film Festival’s best drama feature.

“Co-writing and producing Get a Life, Alright with Joy, allowed me to relay my experiences within a creative screen space. Joy has very pure motivations to depict diverse realities and does her best to authentically create story realms and characters. She has managed to do so by rounding up a talented cast and crew who are motivated by the same ideals. I’m happy to have collaborated with Joy as she understands that authentic representations are central to meaningful on-screen diversity,” says Singhal.

Get a Life, Alright is a film about a struggling Indian – Australian actor, Nick Singh (Satish Kala) who falls for the leading actress, Tessa Wise (Abril Tolnay) of a music T.V. show after delivering flowers on set. Her best friend, also on the show, Sarah Chen (Aileen Huynh) sets them up for a first date at his father’s Indian restaurant, Ballu’s Bollyfood, played by Here out West’s Sukhraj Deepak. Little do they know that Nick’s jealous brother, Adarsh (Dilshan Rain) tips off journalist, Patrick Pappas (Danny Barton) to run a story about the celebrities in order to gain more publicity for their struggling restaurant. A story about jealousy all thanks to fame and the film highlights the importance of female relationships.

Leading actress, Abril Tonay says, “People should see Get a Life, Alright because it has everything people want in a romantic drama. It has the added bonus of a few musical numbers that will stay in your head for days. It’s the first Australian Indie film of its kind, led by an incredible team of talented women.”

Leading actor, Satish Kala agrees and says, “Get a life Alight is a movie, which has all the flavour of a Rom-Com/ Family Drama. The film brings together families, friends, and lost romance. It is definitely one of a kind for Australian cinema, which champions diversity and inclusiveness.”

“Get A Life Alright is a quirky, fun time that has everything from song, dance, and some delicious lamb chops! But most importantly it celebrates love, family, and strength in the face of adversity. It’s a film that brings joy and warms the heart,” says actress Aileen Huynh.

Starring Abril Tolnay, Satish Kala & Aileen Huynh, Dilshan Rain & Here Out West’s Sukhraj Deepak as the main cast. The film’s creative team behind the film includes cinematographer & editor Linda Ung, sound recordist & mixer Lara Cross, set designer Valentina Iastrebova and four female associate producers; Shamini Singhal, Meret Hassanen, Kat Dibley & Katrina Olsen. This modern love story is a celebration of love, and the importance of female friendships and dreams – themes that everyone can relate to. It has a touch of Bollywood in the mix of pop-music culture, as the film is set around a popular music video show.

“Get a Life, Alright is different from all my other films due to the pop-music video sequences and is probably my best work to date. It was made with the support and collaboration of passionate, creative women in a positive, fun spirit and in celebration of independent filmmaking. Being the first diverse romantic drama, musicial – due to the music videos, it’s led by a team of women who were all positive, on the same page, and who were intuitively in sync with one another which was a very special experience to have all these elements combined. It’s a film for everyone, especially those who love chick flicks, romance, pop music & who appreciate indie filmmakers. I’m proud of what my team has achieved with 1% of the budget that you normally see of Hollywood blockbusters.” says Hopwood. The music was produced by Paul Wiltshire whose credits include: Back Street Boys, Human Nature, Delta Goodrem & Vanessa Amorosi, and co-written by Roy Nicolson & Joy Hopwood herself.

Joy was a former Play School presenter who continues to make waves in the film industry as a champion for independent cinema and diversity. Her past films include the first Asian Australian Rom-Com, Rhapsody of Love, The Script of Life as Writer/ Director/ Producer.

For further information, press kit, and interviews please contact:

Joy Hopwood | 0408 1969 50 | joyhouseproductions@gmail.com

Reviews

“A great story with a lot of heart!” 4 out of 5 – Andy Trieu (SBS)

“This is a cute and easy to watch rom-com, with the added important elements of representation, diversity, and visibility. In a time when the world is getting sick and tired of white beachgoers and surfies, “Get a Life, Alright”, ticks all the boxes of being well balanced on the social issue side with a love of emotion and lovey-dovey meet-cute moments.

The premise of the film is also easy to understand, it’s simple and adds to the depth of the film. The lead is an Indian Australian man – Nick Singh, whose ultimate goal is to be a successful actor, and works odd jobs at a florist and his father’s restaurants to make ends meet. He later falls in love with the lead Tessa Wise, of a TV series he passed an audition for in a guest role, and it’s entertaining to see the character development, but also the romance, which is simple, cute, and pure.

The film was well written and the scenes flowed fluidly without any plot holes. Back to the issues of representation, diversity, and visibility for the on-screen – we are able to witness a darker-skinned South Asian man (which we rarely see in Australian film and TV) trying to pursue a career that is traditionally not seen as lucrative in Asian families. THIS is probably one of the most significant milestones for the film.

Great film, easy romance and meet cute situations and enjoyable to watch!”

4.5 out of 5 – Erin Chew, Freelance Writer (HuffPost / AsAmNews / FlixAsia and Being Asian Australian)

“If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted rom-com that is set in Australia but doesn’t star any beaches or blondes, you’re in luck. ‘Get a Life, Alright’ is that rare breed of Australian independent film that is culturally diverse without being dark. And the diversity here isn’t just about having a token non-white character who is the funny or nerdy sidekick to the gorgeous male/female protagonists. Diversity is at the very heart of the story as it centres on Nick Singh, a young Indian-Australian man who works part-time as a florist and at his dad’s restaurants while harbouring aspirations for an acting career. He falls for Tessa Wise, one of the female leads in a hit TV series where he also later lands a guest role. Their love story is marred by classic obstacles like envious siblings and miscommunication, but there is a lot of fun and some fabulous musicals on the way to happily ever after.

When exploring non-white cultures in Australian cinema, it is easy to fall into the trap of going for the easily identifiable stereotypes instead of representing diverse characters as full-fledged individuals. The script-writers of ‘Get a Life…’ negotiate this by including some features associated with India, such as Bollywood and curry, but by also being playful with these inclusions. Nick’s dad’s restaurant, for instance, is called ‘Bolly-food’ and Nick’s stint in India sees him starring in a beer commercial.

Overall it’s a great effort at representation and good humour!”

4 out of 5 – Sukhmani Khorana, Writer / Author / Academic

“Joy Hopwood has a penchant for making diverse romantic comedies. Unlike Crazy Rich Asians, where the notch is cranked up to full technicolour decadence, Joy’s films are quiet, charming bubblers filled with rather recognisable, relatable (and Australian) characters. However, this is Joy’s most glamour-set film – a musical drama featuring striking Bollywood numbers. Her main leads Nick (Satish Kala) and Tessa (Abril Tolnay) have a lovely chemistry, and to see the diverse cast was a delight. Without giving too much away, this film highlights the importance of female friendships and of course, the power of love in all its forms. Shamini Singhal and Hopwood paired up as a team to write this comedy, and the viewer can see what a lovely working relationship they had through the sheer joy infused in this production.”

Five stars – Alice Pung, Writer / Author / Screenwriter / Academic

Red Carpet Rundown: ‘The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson’ Cast In Ritz Cinemas

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Last Thursday, 28th April 2022 was the official premiere and gala screening of The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson. The red carpet attendees at the Ritz Cinemas, Randwick included Leah Purcell (Writer/Director/Producer/Molly Johnson) and cast members Rob Collins, Malachi Dower-Roberts, and Tammy McIntosh as well as producers Bain Stewart, David Jowsey, and Greer Simpkin.

The red carpet attendees also included VIP guests Narelda Jacobs (Moderator; 10 News, NITV); Miranda Tapsell (Top End Wedding, The Dry, The Sapphires); Susie Porter (Gold, Wentworth, The Monkeys Mask); and Rahel Romahn (Australian Gangster, Here Out West, Mr. Inbetween).

Check out the photos below courtesy of Dave Choo.

About The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson

Molly Johnson’s husband is away droving sheep, leaving her alone to care for their four children in the remote Snowy Mountains. Despite being heavily pregnant, Molly keeps various threats, from nature and other people, at bay. But when Yadaka, an Aboriginal man on the run from white law enforcement, intrudes on the sanctuary she has carved out, the brutal hardships and secrets that have followed them both throughout their lives must be confronted.

Maslow Entertainment announces the release date for “TUESDAY CLUB”

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Written and Directed by: Annika Appelin

Produced by: Asa Karlsson, Jessica Ask (Only God Forgives, Filth, Force Majeure)

Maslow Entertainment has just announced the release date for, TUESDAY CLUB. Written and directed by Annika Appelin and starring Marie Richardson (Daybreak, Evil, Eyes Wide Shut), Peter Stormare (Fargo, Minority Report) and Ida Engvoll (A Man Called Ove), the delightfully charming feel-good story of love, food, friendships and second chances is set to arrive in Australian cinemas nationally on June 9, 2022. The film will be distributed by Maslow Entertainment in partnership with Umbrella Entertainment.

Food is the way to the heart in this entertaining and heart-warming Swedish romantic comedy. When a sudden change forces Karin (Richardson) to re-evaluate her life, an old school friend Monika persuades her and their mutual friend Pia to join a cooking class led by renowned chef Henrik (Fargo’s Stormare) – and so begins the Tuesday Club. In the hot kitchen among exotic spices, amazing food, old and new friends, more than one of Karin’s long-lost passions are reborn as she refuses to accept that life has an expiration date and realises it’s never too late to chase your dream.

TUESDAY CLUB releases in cinemas from June 9, 2022.

ABOUT MASLOW ENTERTAINMENT

Maslow Entertainment is a film distribution and production development company based in Sydney. We aim to contribute to a varied and vibrant film industry across all screens in Australia and New Zealand, by being forward thinking, audience orientated, results driven and a trusted partner for compelling content and creative talent.

ABOUT UMBRELLA ENTERTAINMENT

Umbrella is a 100% Australian owned and operated distributor of filmed entertainment that specialises in a wide range of content for theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, TV broadcasting and online download platforms.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Nixco

New Ten-Day Festival Invites Visitors To “Play Manly”

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PLAY MANLY, a new ten-day festival attracting visitors back to Manly, will reactivate the beachside CBD day and night from 21 April to 30 April 2022.

The free event, which invites visitors from across Sydney and regional NSW to come ‘PLAY MANLY’, will showcase the diversity of experiences on offer for people of all ages through six themes:

Light
Art
Music
Food
Games
Stories

The event will bring the Manly CBD to life as a joyful playground of sensory and interactive experiences.

Among the activations planned are:

Light installations, projections and illuminations to surprise and delight
Laneways with hidden gardens, interactive projections and unexpected sound activations
A free, beachside, outdoor cinema showing short films
Interactive history and storytelling displays
Murals and interactive displays
Street games for kids of all ages to play – from life size Scrabble to mazes
Live music
Local food and beverage experiences

Local businesses are being invited to join the program and extend the fun into their premises and operations.

Northern Beaches Council in collaboration with Experience Manly has secured $850k funding from the NSW Government, as part of Investment NSW’s CBD Revitalisation Program. Council is working with the newly formed tourism organisation, business and the community to deliver the event.

Manly has been hit hard over the past two years of COVID restrictions, with visitation down by 77% (ref).

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said PLAY MANLY is a key part of the plan to bring life, and visitors, back to town.

“Manly has always been a playground for kids and grown-ups alike – seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care, as they used to say,” said Mayor Regan.

“This new festival aims to boost economic recovery and social connection by bringing visitors back for day trips and extended stays. We’re encouraging local businesses to join the event program.

“The event aims to reconnect Manly with its community, its local businesses, and visitors, after such a long and challenging period these past few years.

“PLAY MANLY will put the area firmly back on the map, with ten days of entertainment and interactive activities, running day and night.

“Street art, light projections, live music, free family street games and all the best of Manly’s vibrant food and drinks scene will come together in an exciting and fun experience between the wharf and the surf. We’re inviting all of Sydney and NSW to come play, and stay, here at Manly.”

Matt Clifton from Experience Manly is equally excited about the program.

“PLAY MANLY is a great opportunity to reignite Manly and its economy, showcasing family-friendly experiential activations right across the CBD,” said Mr Clifton.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said he welcomes events like PLAY MANLY as part of efforts to make local CBDs tick again.

“PLAY MANLY is exactly the type of activity we want to support through the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program, which is bringing light back to various urban centres across Greater Sydney and beyond,” Mr Ayres said.

“Diverse city experiences, colourful and free activities will help generate more job opportunities and stronger economic activity across the state.”

More details on PLAY MANLY will be announced in coming weeks.

“The Batman” Movie Review: Tried to bring something different to the table but brought too much

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When I was younger, I always loved it when someone would ask me what my favorite superhero; (actually, I kind of wish people still asked me that today as an adult) and my answer would always be the same: Batman. Ever since I first saw Tim Burton’s original “Batman” film and then subsequently “Batman: the animated series,” he had easily become my most idolized superhero for many, many years. Flash forward to the future after the birth of the MCU and the release of one too many different Batman incarnations and now Ion Man fills my number one hero slot and Batman has become a literal revolving wall of jokes, memes, and random actors with no signs of consistency showing up anytime soon. This latest incarnation from “Apes” director Matt Reeves is known as “The Batman;” hoping that 6^th time is the Batman charm.

Taking us back to early in Batman’s crime-fighting career, Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) is devoting every waking hour and minute of his dual life to striking down the forces of evil corrupting Gotham inside and out. Things become messy and mysterious when the serial killer, the Riddler (Paul Dano) starts murdering high political figures; leaving cryptic riddles connecting to the inner workings of the Mafia as well as Wayne’s own deceased parents. Investigating the likes of Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), Penguin (Colin Farrell), and Carmine Falcone (John Tuturro), Batman must uncover the truth connecting all these faces and events together and save the city before the Riddler brings it to its knees.

Despite this being the 6^th cinematic crack at the caped crusader, one thing I cannot deny is that it’s clear that Reeves and Pattison were really trying to deliver something truly different compared to previous Batman films. “The Batman” removes much of the fantastical and science fiction-related elements of the past in place for a darker, far grizzlier, and grittier take that pushes the boundaries of how edgy and violent the Dark Knight can become. Gone are the bat sonic emitters and colorful costumes; grinding this character into an even more reality-based environment than even Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. This is a Batman who is still struggling to make a name for himself and is so busy burying himself deep into the shadows, he doesn’t even care about existing as Bruce Wayne or holding back when putting criminals in their place.

Any reservations I had about “Twilight” star Pattinson donning the cape and cowl went out the window the first moment I saw him step out of the shadow to take down a gang of painted face thugs. He brings a cold, broken sense of detached intensity that truly separates him from his cinematic predecessors; hardly ever relying on a lame joke or a witty smirk to tarnish his frightful façade. Reeves’ take on Gotham makes the city ugly and grimier in ways we’ve never seen before and it creates an atmosphere that feels like it’s a character in and of itself. Jeffery Wright and Andy Serkis serve their roles as James Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth respectively. Nothing to surpass previous incarnations but hardly a blemish on their marks either.

Sadly, while the film boasts an impressive assortment of quality actors playing their villains, all 3 of them suffer from one flaw or another that prevents them from stealing the show as most past villains have. Our signature villain Riddler is unfortunately by far the worst offender. His iconic costume and intellectual presence are heavily marred by his laughably bad “garbage man” costume and Dano’s odd decision to deliver every line with heavy breathing and ear-piercing whimpering. Reeves said his look was inspired by the Zodiac Killer (why that excuses such piss poor costume making is beyond me), at least his riddles and motivation are interesting. Catwoman and Penguin are played well but both are executed too poorly to even be recognized as supporting villains. Kravitz is top-notch as Selena Kyle but her Catwoman mask looks like something a drunk coed would wear to a Halloween party. And for all the numerous hours of high-end makeup transforming Colin Farrell into the Penguin, it feels almost insulting that he is barely around for more than 10 minutes…in a 3 HOUR film that is already TOO LONG.

Overall, “The Batman” tried, it really, really did try very hard to bring something different to the table. The problem is they brought too much. There are multiple conflicting storylines that never succeed in feeling cohesive no matter how hard the characters try to make sense of it. Its two movies crammed into one, overstuffed 3-hour movie which utilizes its hero and thematic vision beautifully, but then bungles its villains so completely it almost feels like Batman would have been better off just fighting the mob instead of such disappointing representations of villains (all handled better in previous films I might add).

We give “The Batman” 2 ½ stars out of 4 stars.

Disney and Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ finally unveils out-of-this-world trailer

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Check out a new trailer for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” revealing new details about the upcoming sci-fi action-adventure. The definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda. New images are also available.

The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), “Lightyear” opens only in Australian cinemas on June 16, 2022.

Check out the trailer below: