The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - December 14

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - December 14

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities... A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Gravity - November 21 - Staring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney

Gravity - November 21

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone--tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth...and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

The Gangster Squad - October 19 - Staring Sean Penn

The Gangster Squad - October 19

Los Angeles, 1949. Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and--if he has his way--every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It's enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop...except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), who come together to try to tear Cohen's world apart. The Gangster Squad is a colorful retelling of events surrounding the LAPD's efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time.

Argo - September 14 - Staring (Ben Affleck)

Argo - September 14

Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis--the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

The Apparition - August 24 - Staring Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan and Tom Felton

The Apparition - August 24

When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force...

Untitled Jay Roach Comedy (aka Dog Fight) - August 10 - Staring Will Ferrell

Untitled Jay Roach Comedy (aka Dog Fight) - August 10

Two rival South Carolina politicians (Will Ferrell; Zach Galifianakis) with presidential aspirations tangle with one another.

The Dark Knight Rises - July 20 - The epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan 's Batman trilogy.

The Dark Knight Rises - July 20

The epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan 's Batman trilogy.

Magic Mike - June 29 - stars Channing Tatum

Magic Mike - June 29

Set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Channing Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money.

Jack the Giant Killer - June 15

Jack the Giant Killer - June 15

Jack the Giant Killer tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend--and gets the chance to become a legend himself.

Rock of Ages - June 1 - Hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Poison, Pat Benatar

Rock of Ages - June 1

Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and more.

Dark Shadows - May 11 - Johnny Depp and Eva Green

Dark Shadows - May 11

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet...Or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...Until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: Turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins. The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.

The Lucky One - April 20 - Staring Zac Efron

U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive--a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Bullet to the Head- April 13 - Staring Sylvester Stallone

Bullet to the Head- April 13

Based on a graphic novel, "Bullet to the Head" also tells the story of a New Orleans hitman (Sylvester Stallone) and a New York City cop who form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners.

Wrath of the Titans - March 30

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus (Sam Worthington), the demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and Poseidon (Danny Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus' godly son, Ares (Édgar Ramírez), switch loyalties and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus' remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon's demigod son, Argenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen god Hephaestus, Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

Project X - March 2

Project X follows three seemingly anonymous high school seniors as they attempt to finally make a name for themselves. Their idea is innocent enough: Let's throw a party that no one will forget...But nothing could prepare them for this party. Word spreads quickly as dreams are ruined, records are blemished and legends are born. Project X is a warning to parents and police everywhere.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - February 10

The new 3D family adventure Journey 2: The Mysterious Island begins when 17-year-old Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. It's a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean's new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzmán) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - January 20

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a story that unfolds from inside the young mind of Oskar Schell, an inventive eleven year-old New Yorker whose discovery of a key in his deceased father's belongings sets him off on an urgent search across the city for the lock it will open. A year after his father died in the World Trade Center on what Oskar calls "The Worst Day," he is determined to keep his vital connection to the man who playfully cajoled him into confronting his wildest fears. Now, as Oskar crosses the five New York boroughs in quest of the missing lock - encountering an eclectic assortment of people who are each survivors in their own way - he begins to uncover unseen links to the father he misses, to the mother who seems so far away from him and to the whole noisy, dangerous, discombobulating world around him.

Joyful Noise - January 13 - Staring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton and Keke Palmer

Joyful Noise is a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal. The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old. Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.'s rebellious grandson, Randy. Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose's beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose. If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they--and their choir--may make the most joyful noise of all.

Shore Thing 2011

Since 2005, Shore Thing has been Sydney’s favourite New Year’s Eve party, taking over the most famous stretch of sand in the world, Bondi Beach, with the biggest names in music. From Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Armand Van Helden to David Guetta last year, it’s an event making sure New Year’s Eve keeps its reputation as the ‘Party of the Year’. 

But this year’s line-up ensures it will be remembered as the ‘Party of the Decade’, with the one and only ‘Doggfather of Rap’ – Snoop Dogg guaranteeing we end 2011 on a high note. Calvin Harris, arguably the world’s biggest DJ kickstarting 2012 in total party style, the always epic Pendulum live and a heap of fireworks lighting up the ocean, welcome to your most dazzling New Year’s yet.

See you at Shore Thing 2011.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg wants to spend New Year's Eve with us. When one of rap’s biggest icons wants to throw a party for you on the most famous beach in the world the only response is 'I'm there'.

He could've just stayed home throwing down beats with Dre, baking cookies with Martha Stewart, starring in the next Ben Stiller flick, or eating candy with California Gurl, Katy Perry, but he chose not to. With a hit new album Doggumentary to show off, the kingpin from Longbeach is ready to do what he does best. 

"I spent New Year's Eve with Snoop". 

Think about it. Say it. Do it.

Calvin Harris

New Year's Eve is the party of the year. It should involve copious amounts of dancing. It should involve big party anthems everyone knows the words to. So it absolutely, positively needs to involve Calvin Harris, Master of Parties and craftsman of some of the finest sing-a-longs in recent years. 

It was proven long ago to be physically impossible to not shuffle your feet (trust us, we’ve tried) while listening to ‘Acceptable in the 80s’ or ‘Bounce’ and New Years Eve isn't the time to try. Involve yourself.

Pendulum

Pendulum, the DJs rock fans love dancing to and the band dance fans love moshing to. With a huge sound and a live show known to buckle brains, even U2 and Beyonce found themselves upstaged by the local lads after their Glastonbury appearance. 

Collecting fans worldwide with their latest album Immersion, we're flattered the Perth boys chose Bondi beach to kick us into 2012. With their metal-infected drum'n'bass sounds, and a killer remix of the ABC news theme it's gonna be a helluva welcome home party.

When and where?

December 31, New Years Eve

Bondi Park, Bondi Beach

8:30pm – 3am

How much is all this gonna cost? 

Standard $138+bf SOLD OUT

Final Release: $175 + bf SOLD OUT

'More Expensive Ticket' *$225+bf SOLD OUT

The aptly named 'More Expensive' ticket includes a dedicated express entry lane to the event plus access to the very exclusive Beach Bar, which includes:

• Fully stocked Cocktail Bar

• Entry to the exclusive and exotic Beach Bar featuring a raised platform with direct views of the stage and the whole of Bondi Beach

• S**t load of toilets

• Dedicated concierge with phone charging, cloak room and information services

• Canapes, massages and more

• 2 x complimentary drink vouchers*

• Dedicated luxury coach transfer to and from Bondi Junction*

Websites

Fuzzy

http://www.fuzzy.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Bondi Beach Directory

http://www.bondibeachdirectory.com/

Media Man News

www.mediamannews.com

Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia

Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia

by Music News Australia

Welcome to Boxing Day at the movies. We review blockbusters War Horse, The Iron Lady, Albert Nobbs and more.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Action/adventure; rated PG; opening December 26
Iconic filmmakers / producer / directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson bring Herge's beloved books to life in this 3D animated film. Made using performance capture, it follows Tintin (Jamie Bell), his dog Snowy, and Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) on an adventure to uncover the mystery surrounding a model ship - the Unicorn. Also starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Daniel Craig (from James Bond and Casino Royale fame).
 
HAPPY FEET TWO
Animated; rated PG; opening December 26
Tap-dancing penguin Mumble (Elijah Wood), has a problem - his tiny son Erik is choreo-phobic. Even worse, the world is shaken by powerful forces and Mumble has has to bring all creatures in the Antarctic together to put things right. Also featuring the voices of stars such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Robin Williams and Pink.
 
THE IRON LADY
Drama; rated M; opening December 26
Meryl Streep gives a brilliant performance as Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister, who overcame gender and class barriers to be heard in a male-dominated world. When in her 80s, she decides to clear out the clothes of her late husband (Jim Broadbent), triggering memories of the key moments in her life and looking at the price she paid for power.
 
WAR HORSE
War/drama; rated M; opening December 26
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this follows the story of a young man in England named Albert and his horse, Joey, who are separated when Joey is sold to the British army and sent to the trenches of World War I. This follows the horse's journey through the war as he changes the lives of all those he meets, from the British cavalry, to a French farmer, to a German soldier.
 
WE BOUGHT A ZOO
Comedy/drama; rated PG; opening December 26
Writer/director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) makes a return to feature films after six years with this true story of a widowed father (Matt Damon) who moves to a home in the middle of a zoo with his two children. With the help of its devoted head zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson) and the local community, they try to return it to its once-glorious state.
 
TOWER HEIST
Action/comedy/crime; rated M; opening December 26
Ben Stiller stars as Josh Kovaks, the manager of a luxurious New York City condominium, who along with his co-workers had their retirement fund stolen by one of the billionaire residents (Alan Alda). To get revenge, they team up with petty crook Slide (Eddie Murphy) and plot the ultimate heist to reclaim what was taken from them.
 
ALBERT NOBBS
Drama; rated M; opening December 26
A period drama about the staff working at Dublin's most luxurious hotel, one of whom is Albert (Glenn Close), a butler with a secret - he is actually a woman, who has been acting as a man 'his' entire life to make money and survive. When a handsome painter arrives at the hotel, he inspires Albert to escape this false life. Also starring Aussie Mia Wasikowska.
 
THE SKIN I LIVE IN
Thriller; rated MA15+; opening December 26
In the latest film from renowned director Pedro Almodovar, Antonio Banderas stars as Dr Robert Ledgard, a plastic surgeon interested in creating a new skin that could have saved his wife, who burned in a car crash. On top of years of study, he needed: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. The first two requirements were easy, but as for the third...
 
THE SALT OF LIFE
Comedy; rated PG; opening December 22
Gianni di Gregorio wrote, directed and stars in this melancholy comedy as Gianni, a man pushing 60 who lives with his busy wife, student daughter and eccentric mother, and spends his days walking the streets of Rome alone. An old friend suggests he find a lover to spice up his life and he begins dreaming of potential affairs.
 
DON 2
Action; rating to be classified; opening December 23
This sequel to the 2006 blockbuster Don: The Chase Begins Again, is directed by Farhan Akhtar and stars Shahrukh Khan as Don, who having conquered the Asian underworld, now has his sights set on European domination. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.
 
Websites
Event Cinemas http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/
Hoyts Australia http://www.hoyts.com.au/
Eva Rinaldi Photography http://www.evarinaldi.com/
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Music News Australia http://www.musicnewsaustralia.com/
Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com/