NICOLA GARLAND: Science fiction (known in the film industry as “Sci-fi”) is so often classified as a male-orientated film genre, and yet for the modern woman, these films should really be considered essential viewing. This might seem odd considering that for the uninitiated, visions of females in classic Sci-fi films like Star Wars can be summarised by every pubescent boy’s fantasy, i.e. Princess Leia in a bikini. But with women now playing senators, captains of ships and powerful … [Read more...]

ANGELA RANKE: The Triple J’s Hottest 100 winner has divided listeners as the post-mortem analysis of the popular Australia Day poll begins. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ Thrift Shop (feat.Wanz) came in at number one on the hotly anticipated countdown. The result split listeners, with many taking to social media to voice their outrage and approval. “I loathe this song with every fibre of my being,” said one fan, commenting on the station’s Facebook page. “Australia are … [Read more...]

PRANAV HEMMADI: A few days before we celebrated Christmas 2012 a young woman was savagely sexually assaulted with a metal rod on a moving bus in New Delhi. After being thrown out of the bus and spending close to an hour unconscious in the street, a passerby notified police and the victim was rushed to the hospital.  She suffered major internal organ failure, with some reports claiming she only had about 10 per cent of her intestines actually in her system.  She died not long … [Read more...]

BENJAMIN ZAUGG: Much like 3D, many see high frame rates (HDR) as a powerful new storytelling tool, others as a gimmick designed to carve out a new premium tier of ticket. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in middle earth. After seeing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey I knew that one article couldn't adequately address both the film's story and the 48 frames-per-second that brought it to me. Now having conquered the former, I'm setting out on a new quest -  to address the contentious … [Read more...]

NICOLA GARLAND: By far and away the best new find of the Woodford Folk Festival line-up on December 27 was Tim Hart. Hart, better known as the drummer from Boy and Bear, has taken a bold step to break away from the popular sounds of his band and strike out on his own. And the gamble has paid off. With his sound ranging from Ryan Adams (think Answering Bell or The Rescue Blues) and Don McLean, Hart is so much more than the sum of his drum kit. Don’t be fooled by the kitsch-y video clips … [Read more...]

UPDATE: I saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 48 frames-per-second 3D. I felt that this format deserved its own article. Check it out here. BENJAMIN ZAUGG: Right at the beginning of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, there is a wonderful scene depicting Thrór, the Dwarf King of Erebor, surrounded by mountains of gold, going completely mad with greed and power. As I watched the rest of the film I would frequently find myself recalling that scene and substituting that Dwarf King with … [Read more...]