Film
Film reviews, festivals, special screenings and more
Mark your diary: Moonlight Cinema returns December
Great news for fans of summer in Sydney. Your annual opportunity to catch up on all the movies you missed this year in the chilled-out surrounds of Centennial Park returns on Thursday December 1. Yes, it’s nearly Moonlight Cinema time again – one of our favourite things to do in Sydney over summer. The Belvedere Amphitheatre will once again be the stage for that curious inflatable cinema screen, those comfy bean bags (always worth the cost of hire), the food truck and bar, plus a line-up of the latest movies, exclusive previews and a few timeless classics (what’s the bet they play Breakfast at Tiffany’s again? And so they should). As always, you can BYO food and drink and make a picnic of it. The season extends all the way through to April 2, 2017, and the first announcement of movies will be soon – check back here for details and critics’ picks.
Lavazza Italian Film Festival
New Italian movies and must-see classics feature in the 17th celebration of cinema from the Boot
The 10 best dramas on Netflix in September
Netflix Australia has added new seasons, new spin-offs and even more reasons to stay in and veg on the couch. Hey, at least you'll keep up with the water cooler convos, right? Time Out recommends these hot shows for when you just can't be arsed to leave the house...
The 10 best comedies on Netflix in September
Not fussed with Sydney's best events in spring? Time Out recommends these hilarious shows for when you just can't be arsed to leave the house
Guides for Sydney movie lovers
Read reviews of all the latest films
Get expert opinions on the films currently in Australian cinemas
Upcoming film festivals in Sydney
Attention movie buffs: add these film festivals to your diary
The best outdoor cinemas in Sydney
Enjoy a movie alfresco with Time Out's guide to all the outdoor cinema seasons
The top ten Aussie films to scare off tourists
A sweaty handful of movies making Tourism Australia's job that little bit harder
Films in cinemas now in Sydney
Captain Fantastic
Living off the grid has its pros and cons in a domestic drama touched by a wayward spirit
Nerve
A shy student gets drawn into an online reality dare game in this cyberthriller based on the 2012 young-adult novel
Film events in Sydney
Lavazza Italian Film Festival
Ciao, bella... At 17 years old the LIFF is looking better than ever
Art After Hours
Head to AGNSW after work on Wednesdays for free films, live music, art lectures and celebrity talks
Louis Theroux Live on Stage
Everybody's favourite documentary maker will share stories about his fascinating body of work in an Australia-wide speaking tour
Stanley Kubrick Film Festival
My mind is going, Dave... The Orpheum is playing every movie Kubrick ever made
The best cinemas in Sydney
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
Without doubt the grandest cinema in Sydney, Cremorne’s Art Deco picture palace is a stunning step back in time. Built in 1935 by George Kenworthy, the top theatrical architect of the period, today’s version is even glitzier than the original thanks to a $2.5-million restoration some years back by owner and local TV celeb Mike Walsh. Each of the six auditoria has its own colour scheme and decor, but the 744-seat Orpheum is the true star of the show. It even has a genuine Wurlitzer cinema organ, which rises out of a stage pit on weekend evenings complete with flashing lights and a grinning organist. Expect a mix of mainstream US, British and Australian fare, with some art-house, special presentations and the occasional cabaret show.
Ritz Cinema Randwick
With a distinctive Art Deco design restored to its former 1930s glory and an impressive sound system, the six-screen Ritz cinema is both a local landmark and an excellent venue for catching the latest mainstream releases. Signs explain the regulations – no alcohol, bare feet, smoking or skateboards – which make sense if you hit the place in the afternoon after school’s out. In the evening the place attracts a different crowd, including film geeks who seek out the Ritz for its great acoustics and old-fashioned flair. Upstairs the inimitable Bar Ritz boasts a marble bar and balcony – perfect for pre- and post-film drinks. Bus 372, 373, 376, 377.
Palace Norton Street Cinemas
Leichhardt's Palace Cinemas were fully refurbed in 2013 and now have eight auditoria, all licensed, and an impressive foyer with a lounge bar and café on site. Palace Norton Street plays host to some of the best annual film festivals such as the French, Spanish, Greek, German and Italian. It is also in close proximity to the eateries and vibrant culture of Norton Street.
Palace Verona Cinemas
Paddington’s intellectuals, gays and art-house crowds are always seen milling about the Palace Verona with glee. The four screens are on the small side, the seats are snug and the pre-show commercials... well, they tend to go on forever. But we're forgiving film lovers, especially since this oft-buzzing venue screens an expertly curated line-up of arthouse releases from name directors (Woody, the Coens, PT Anderson...), world movies, quirky Australian indies and special one-offs, like screenings of overseas stage productions and concerts. There's a licensed café, wine and espresso bar on the premises – good for a pre-movie drink, a post-movie chat or even just a day date, since you don't have to purchase a ticket to enjoy what they're pouring and brewing. And if you're a frequent moviegoer, you'll want to check out Palace's great-value membership schemes, which are more than worth the investment if you see flicks on the regular.
Chauvel Cinema
Named after the Australian film pioneer Charles Chauvel - of Jedda fame - this much-loved local cinema is part of the Palace cinema chain. Its proscenium arch brings true grandeur to the art of film and the staff really know their stuff. Screenings tend to be seriously arty and the place also holds Cinemateque screenings. Be sure to seek out the lovely upstairs bar. Bus 333, 352, 378, 380. Screens 2. Tickets $16.50; $9-$12.50 reductions; $8 Tue.
Upcoming film releases in Australia
The Magnificent Seven
Is this Western remake a metaphor for the end of the Obama years?
Hacksaw Ridge
Mel Gibson has returned to directing after a ten-year absence with a brutal war film
Julieta
Pedro Almodóvar returns to female-focused filmmaking with a darker than usual drama
Elle
Dutch provocateur Paul Verhoeven has an ace up his sleeve in the form of an Oscar-worthy performance from Isabelle Huppert in this rape-revenge thriller
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Liveworks
Liveworks festival is the main event in Performance Space's annual program, showcasing local, interstate and international artists pushing the frontiers of art and performance. In 2016, artists include dancer/choreographer Kristina Chan, who offers a meditation on impermance in the era of climate change, 'A Faint Existence'. Mish Grigor (of the collective post) will give 'The Talk' – in which she re-enacts awkward conversations about sexuality she had with her family members. Visual artist Ross Manning will transform CarriageWorks' public spaces into a psychedelic landscape with his installation 'Melody Lines'. Meanwhile Indigenous acoustic outfit the Stiff Gins will give a music-based performance about Indigenous artefacts held in museums.Experimental musician and composer Jon Rose will showcase his extraordinary collection of hand-built instruments for 'The Museum Goes Live'. Taiwanese performance artist River Lin will ask visitors to nominate 'unclean' parts of their bodies in a work titled 'Cleansing Service'. And there's more besides: check the website for the complete line-up. For a limited time CarriageWorks is offering an Earlybird discount of 20 per cent off all tickets for Liveworks.
Made in Sydney: Music Makers and Innovators
In this edition of Made In Sydney series General Assembly will be focusing on the city's vibrant music and nightlife scene by hosting a panel of music makers and innovators. Chad Gillard, the co-founder of one of Sydney's most loved record labels Future Classic will be on the panel alongside some other industry buddies. Considering he's played a part in launching the careers of the likes of Flume, Jagwar Ma and Wafia, you know the guy's going to have some pretty excellent insights on the Sydney scene and beyond. After the panel wraps up there will be drinks and tunes right into the evening. The evening is free but RSVP is essential.
A three-course French lunch for just $45
Café Ananas down in Phillip Street is a restaurant inspired by the cuisine of the South of France. In the spirit of the longer days and warmer temperatures that are upon us, they’re now offering a weekday three-course express lunch at the wallet-friendly prix fixe of $45. Your entrée is a beet salad, ricotta ravioli or Niçoise tuna pan-bagnat. For mains, you can have the grilled Wagyu bavette steak, Champagne risotto or fish of the day. Finish it off with a vanilla crème brûlée or selection of ice cream and sorbet. So head to Café Ananas to savour the fresh flavours of French cuisine as well as Sydney Harbour views. Your lunch break can be a real escape – one that doesn’t take all afternoon, or bust the budget.
Win a trip to India with Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is giving one lucky person a spot on their 15-day Classic Rajasthan tour, departing March 19, 2017. The prize includes return airfares from any Australian or New Zealand major city to Delhi and offers an intimate small group experience as you travel through the romantic northern Indian province of Rajasthan. Tour highlights include tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park; camel riding through the desert in Pushkar; and a visit to the Taj Mahal. Accommodation is included and ranges from fortified mansions to camping under the stars. Competition opens September 15 and closes October 27, 2016. To enter, simply fill out your details here. Good luck!