Packed venues and the sweaty band rooms of Melbourne’s thriving live music scene mask a quieter reality for many of its performers. 

Everything old is new again, or so it seems. In Retro Review, our resident film buffs take a dive into a movie classic -- and tell us why it worked then, and whether it still works now. In light of its long-awaited sequel, Anna Solome takes on the grungy, kooky Beetlejuice, by Tim Burton. The Movie Beetlejuice (1988) is Tim Burton’s sophomore feature film exploring the land of the living and the dead. The spooky film has earned critical acclaim over the years becoming a cult

Everything old is new again, or so it seems. In Retro Review, our resident film buffs take a dive into a movie classic -- and tell us why it worked then, and whether it still works now. This week, Meg McPake takes us back to simpler, more absurd times with What's Up, Doc? Whatever happened to screwball comedy? Once a staple of Hollywood's Golden Age, this genre has largely faded into obscurity. Yet, Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 gem What's Up, Doc? stands as a brilliant tribute t

In a world of regurgitated runaway sequels, Alien: Romulus comes as a breath of fresh air to a franchise otherwise suffering from repetitive and uninspired ideas.  Alex De Paulis Reviews Alien: Romulus , the newest addition to the renowned Alien franchise by Uruguayan horror and thriller director Fede Alvarez is another great entry into both Alvarez’s filmography and the Alien franchise. Alvarez is most known for the sleeper hit Don’t Breathe   (2016),  a horror movie that is

A 2000s nostalgia romp with a party edge, this Aussie band is making musical magic with the memories of a generation, Louie Cina writes. Playlunch is far from the average new arrival on the Australian music scene.  Born out of a chaotic sharehouse in lockdown and gaining virality from songs about the infamous ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy at primary schools, ABC3 shows, and Kath & Kim , they’re on a loud, funky mission to show young people the joys of the live music scene. “[I] s

Left Write Hook, winner of the MIFF 2024 Audience Award, is a knockout documentary that leaves you in awe of its strength; The woman at the centre of it every bit more so, Writes Matthew Parkhill. Content Warning: References to Incest and Child Sexual Abuse Donna Lyon is a doer.  An activist; senior lecturer; filmmaker; author; CEO and founder of a not-for-profit recovery program for adult child sexual abuse survivors, Lyon radiates strength.  Her program combines the physica

Wicked: The Untold True Stories of the Witches of Oz has had its run of Melbourne and for some, is a nostalgic ode to theatre past, By Genevieve Spiteri. In 2014, I saw my first ever professional musical, Wicked . Ten years later, the witches landed again in Melbourne, so I just had to see it. Genevieve and her father ten years ago at Wicked (left); "Watching it live for a second time brought me so much nostalgia..." photo: Genevieve Spiteri. Watching it live for the second t

A new documentary suggests the future of the climate change debate -- and the planet -- is in good hands. Sarah Rose looks at a film that dares to dream of a better world. Next week often seems impossible in these ever-trying times -- let alone the next millennia. Still, in the latest documentary feature by eminent Australian filmmaker,Damon Gameau ( That Sugar Film and 2040 ), we are shown that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not so far away. Futu

The 17th to the 23rd of August marks International Children's Book Week, a global initiative to promote reading in primary school students and donate to less fortunate readers across the globe. The Burne's avid readers took a moment to reflect on their favourites. Schools across Australia celebrate Book Week this week, a special time of year where primary school students compete to read the most books, dress up as their favorite characters, and raise funds for other children

Everything old is new again, or so it seems. In Retro Review, our resident film buffs take a dive into a movie classic -- and tell us why it worked then, and whether it still works now. This week, Max Hutson gives a second chance to a long-ignored Australian thriller, Wake In Fright . The Movie: Wake In Fright (also known as Outback to international audiences) is Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 thriller set in an Australian outback filled with mateship and beer. Although it was nominat

Everything old is new again, or so it seems. In Retro Review, our resident film buffs take a dive into a movie classic -- and tell us why it worked then, and whether it still works now. This week, Genevieve Nardella lo oks back at a classic from 1993. THE MOVIE: The Nightmare Before Christmas , 1993. One Oscar nomination (Best Visual Effects), 2 Saturn Awards (Best Fantasy Film and Best Music) WHO’S IN IT? Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Reubens. DO I K

Melbourne cinemas are revelling in alternative cinema experiences that invite audiences to become a part of the action. Spencer Gilder-Smith reports on the unique experiences being embraced by cinemas and audiences alike. The space is filled with wizards, ghosts haunt the bathrooms, letters are flying everywhere, and butter beer is being poured. No, this is not Hogwarts (well, not technically). Rather, Lido Cinemas have transformed their eight-screen boutique cinema in Glenf