Category Archives: Just for fun

Sep 30 2015
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Aussie actors in Hollywood

By | Just for fun, World Stage | No Comments

You might have seen these talented actors in your favourite US TV shows without realising that they are in fact, home-grown. We’re taking a look at some of the Aussies popping up in US drama all over the place.

Yael Stone

Sydney-born Yael graduated from NIDA and starred in a number of Australian TV shows like All Saints and Spirited, before taking on the role of perennially red-lipped, hopeless romantic Lorna Morello in the cult Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Much like Margot Robbie did in The Wolf of Wall Street, Yael nailed the Brooklyn/Boston hybrid accent so convincingly, many are surprised to find out that she is in fact Australian. Stone has been a series regular on the first three seasons, with the fourth set for release in 2016.

Watch Orange is the New Black on Netflix, Quickflix or iTunes. Watch Spirited on iTunes or Google Play.

Bojana Novakovic

Serbia-born Bojana moved to Australia as a child and also graduated from NIDA. You might have seen her in local films Burning Man, Not Suitable For Children, Charlie’s Country and The Little Death, or ABC series Rake. Novakovic has also been working the US and recently starred on the hit Showtime drama Shameless, a remake of the original UK show, where she played the main character Will Gallagher’s love interest, Bianca in season 5.

Watch Not Suitable for Children on Quickflix or iTunes. Watch Charlie’s Country on Quickflix or Google Play. See The Little Death on Quickflix or Google Play.

Josh Lawson

Speaking of The Little Death, its writer and director, Queensland-born Josh Lawson is himself a well-known actor who has starred in all four seasons of the Showtime drama House of Lies as Doug Guggenheim. You would already know Lawson from his prolific acting career in Aussie TV shows like Home and Away, Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol and The Librarians, as well as films Any Questions for Ben?, The Campaign and Anchorman 2: the Legend Continues.

The Little Death is on Quickflix and Google Play. Catch Sea Patrol on iTunes. Watch Any Questions for Ben? on iTunes. The Campaign is on Stan, iTunes ad Google Play. Anchorman 2 is on iTunes and Google Play.

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Clare Bowen

Clare Bowen grew up in and around the Sydney and Wollongong region, making a foray into the acting world with small roles in local productions like Home and Away, All Saints and Not Suitable For Children before scoring one of the lead roles in ABC country drama Nashville as the talented but shy singer/songwriter Scarlett O’Connor.

Catch Nashville on iTunes. Not Suitable for Children is on Quickflix and iTunes.

Aisha Dee

Aisha Dee’s breakout role on The Saddle Club paved the way for the young Gold Coast-born actress to secure roles in the US sitcom I Hate My Teenage Daughter as MacKenzie, and in the ABC drama Chasing Life as Beth Kingston, the Australian-born best friend of cancer-stricken April Carve

Matt Passmore

Queensland-born Matthew Passmore started out in Aussie TV shows like Blue Heelers, McLeod’s Daughters and Underbelly before finding success in the US TV industry.  He played the lead role of Jim Longworth in all four season of crime drama The Glades and is currently gracing US TV screens in the title role of Neil Truman in Satisfaction.

McLeod’s Daughters is on Stan and iTunes. Underbelly is available at Stan and iTunes. The Glades is on Google Play.

Maia Mitchell

Talented singer and actress Maia Mitchell was born in Lismore, NSW and made her TV debut in Australian TV series Mortified where she played lead Brittany Flune and even won an AFI award for Best Children’s TV Series. She followed this up with roles in local teen series Trapped and Castaway and Disney comedy Jessie, before taking on the role of Callie Jacob in ABC family drama The Fosters.

Mortified can be found on Netflix.

Sep 15 2015
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15 of our furriest film and TV friends

By | Just for fun, The latest | No Comments

With the release of Blinky Bill: The Movie and Oddball fast approaching, we’re celebrating four-legged, winged and finned legends.

1

Blinky Bill in Blinky Bill: The Movie

This cheeky koala has been capturing hearts and minds since 1933. And this year, Blinky’s back! Blinky Bill: The Movie is in Australian cinemas from 17 September.

2

Oddball in Oddball

Based on the true story of a sheepdog in Warrnambool, Victoria trained to protect penguins from foxes, Oddball is in Australian cinemas from 17 September.

3

Maya in Maya the Bee Movie

Maya is a little bee with a big personality. But in a hive where fitting in is the most important thing, being different isn’t easy. Watch it on Google Play.

4

Mumble and Erik in Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two

In the land of the Emperor penguins where each needs a heartsong to attract a soul mate, a penguin is born who cannot sing. Watch Happy Feet on Stan or Netflix. You can see Happy Feet Two on Stan and Netflix too.

5

Red Dog in Red Dog

Based on the true story of a nomadic red kelpie that won the hearts of hundreds of Western Australians, you can watch Red Dog on Stan, iTunes or Google Play.

6

Soren the barn owl in Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

Soren, a young barn owl, is kidnapped by owls at St. Aggie’s, where owlets are brainwashed into becoming soldiers. Soren and his new friends escape to the island of Ga’Hoole. See it on Stan, Netflix and Google Play.

7

Hildegarde the duck in Hildegarde, A Duck Down Under

When their beloved duck Hildegarde is abducted by smugglers, it’s up to Christopher, Isabel and Jeremy to save the day. Catch it on DVD.

8

PC in Paws

A computer-literate dog called PC flees into the arms of a lonely 13-year-old boy, Zac, after witnessing his master’s murder. Watch it on Google Play.

9

Flipper in Flipper and Flipper: The New Adventures

Marine researchers Keith Ricks and Pam Blondell continue their work with dolphins. Get Flipper on DVD.

10

Napoleon in Napoleon

A puppy with a loving family dreams of being a wild dog. During a birthday party, a balloon-lined basket accidentally carries him away.

11

Babe in Babe

A pig learns how to herd sheep and becomes the national sheep dog champion. See it on Google Play.

12

Phar Lap in Phar Lap

Based on the true story of champion racehorse, Phar Lap. Get the movie on DVD.

13

The kangaroo in Dot and the Kangaroo

Dot becomes lost in the bush and befriends a big kangaroo who helps her find her way home. Find it on DVD.

14

Mr Percival in Storm Boy

Based on the book by Colin Thiele, a boy is forced to choose between two beloved companions. Watch it on DVD.

15

Skippy in Skippy the Bush Kangaroo

The adventures of a young boy and his intelligent pet kangaroo. See it on DVD.

Aug 25 2015
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The popular puppets of Aussie TV

By | Just for fun, The latest | No Comments

To celebrate the release of Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane on Tuesday 1 September on ABC iview, we’re looking back at some other well-known Australian puppets who have made it big on the small screen.

Randy from Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane

Half of popular Australian comedic duo, Sammy J and Randy, Randy makes his TV sitcom debut on 1 September, when Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane is released on ABC iview. The series will air on ABC TV too.

Mr Squiggle from Mr Squiggle

Australia’s longest-running kids TV series, Mr Squiggle was created by Norman Hetherington and first went to air 1 July 1959 on ABC TV. The last episode aired more than 40 years later, on 9 July 1999.

B1 and B2 from Bananas in Pyjamas

Bananas in Pyjamas first aired on 20 July 1992 on ABC TV. It was inspired by a popular Play School song of the same name. Today, Bananas in Pyjamas is an animated kids TV series.

Johnson, McDuff, Diesel, Alfred, Squeaky and Victoria from Johnson and Friends

Johnson and Friends aired from 3 September 1990 to 30 October 1995. It followed Michael’s toys, who unbeknownst to Michael, got up to hijinks while he was asleep or out of his room.

Agro from Agro’s Cartoon Connection

Agro was the host of popular kids cartoon show, Agro’s Cartoon Connection, which aired for almost ten years – from 1989 to 1997 – on Channel 7.

Rattus, Modigliana, Mixy and Derryn from The Ferals

The Ferals ran for two seasons on ABC TV from 1994 to 1995. After the show, Mixy the rabbit went on to host ABC kids shows, Rattus the rat and Modigliana the cat were featured in Numbers Count, and Modigliana also co-hosted Creature Features.

Humphrey from Humphrey B. Bear

Humphrey B. Bear was first broadcast on 24 May 1965 on Channel 9. In 1994, Humphrey was named Citizen of the Year. The show finished up on Channel 9 in 2009. An animated reboot is in the works.

Jul 29 2015
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Quintessential Aussie road trip movies

By | Just for fun | No Comments

As we eagerly await Jeremy Sims’ Last Cab to Darwin, we take a look back at some of the road trip stories that we’ve all come to know and love.

Last Cab to Darwin (2015)

This stage-to-screen adaptation starring Aussie legends Michal Caton, Jacki Weaver and Ningali Lawford-Wolf plus up-and-comers Mark Cole Smith and Emma Hamilton, tells the story of private man Rex, who, having found out he doesn’t have long to live, decides to drive from Broken Hill to Darwin to die on his own terms.

In cinemas nationally from 6 August 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Our beleaguered hero Max (Tom Hardy) takes the backseat in this high-octane cross-country car chase, now the top grossing Australian film internationally, that sees Furiosa (Charlize Theron) risk it all to return to her homeland in the bleak dystopian future.

Available for DVD pre order.

These Final Hours (2013)

With just a few hours until the world ends, James (Nathan Phillips) gets held up en route to a wild party outside of Perth when he decides help a young girl Rose (Angourie Rice) find her family.

Available on Stan and Play Store.

Tracks (2013)

Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) goes on a 3,200 kilometre trek from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with no one but four camels and her faithful dog. Tracks is based on the real-life experience and book of the same name by Robyn Davidson, who did the nine-month walk in 1977.

Available on Play Store, Quickflix and iTunes.

Charlie & Boots (2009)

Father and son make the journey from Victoria to Cape York to fulfil a long held ambition to fish off Australia’s northern tip. Starring Paul Hogan and Shane Jacobson.

Available on DVD.

Wolf Creek (2005)

Widely regarded as one of the scariest movies of its time, Wolf Creek sees crazed pig hunter Mick Taylor (John Jarratt) take two stranded backpackers captive under the guise of fixing their car, which breaks down in remote Australia.

Available on Stan, iTunes and Play Store.

Japanese Story (2003)

Toni Collette and Gotaro Tsunashima star in this story of personal discovery set against the backdrop of Australia’s red centre.

Available on Stan.

Beneath Clouds (2002)

Teenagers Lena (Dannielle Hall) and Vaughn (Damian Pitt) hitchhike to Sydney together to escape the isolated town they’ve come from.

Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)

Two sisters Molly (Everlyn Sampi) and Daisy (Tianna Sansbury), and their cousin Gracie (Laura Monaghan), escape their lives of servitude in 1930s Australia, and walk for days and days alongside the landscape’s only marker: a fence.

Available on Netflix.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Arguably one of the most fabulous Australian films of all time, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert follows Mitzi (Huge Weaving), Felicia (Guy Pearce) and Bernadette (Terence Stamp) on a cross-country cabaret tour in their lavender bus across the harsh Australian outback.

Available on Stan and Play Store.

Jul 08 2015
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Famous faces, not-so-famous names

By | Just for fun | No Comments

You’ll recognise their faces, but did you know these stars of sci-fi, supernatural and action TV shows are Aussies?

Here we pay tribute to just a few. Stay tuned for more.

Matt Nable in Arrow

Matt Nable stars as Ra’s Al Ghul in CW’s Arrow. Available on Netflix, iTunes and Play Store.

Dominic Purcell in The Flash

Dominic Purcell stars as Heat Wave in CW’s The Flash and its upcoming spin off Legends of Tomorrow. The Flash is available on DVD.

Toby Leonard Moore in Daredevil

Toby Leonard Moore stars as James Wesley in Netflix’s Daredevil. Available on Netflix.

Luke Mitchell in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Luke Mitchell stars as Lincoln Campbell in ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Available on Quickflix  and iTunes.

Emilie De Raven and Georgina Haig in Once Upon a Time

Emilie De Raven stars as Belle and Georgina Haig stars as Elsa in ABC’s Once Upon a Time. Available on Quickflix, iTunes and Play Store.

Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley in The 100

Eliza Taylor stars as Clarke Griffin and Bob Morley stars as Bellamy Blake in CW’s The 100. Available on DVD.

Phoebe Tonkin in The Originals

Phoebe Tonkin stars as Hayley Marshall in CW’s The Originals and its predecessor The Vampire Diaries. The Originals is available on Netflix and iTunes. The Vampire Diaries is available on Netflix, iTunes and Play Store.

Sophie Lowe in The Returned

Sophie Lowe stars as Lena Winship in A&E’s American remake of The Returned.

Luke Arnold in Black Sails

Luke Arnold stars as John Silver in Starz’ Black Sails. Available on Quickflix and iTunes.

Remy Hii in Marco Polo

Remy Hii stars as Prince Jingim in Netflix’s Marco Polo. Available on Netflix.

Caitlin Stasey and Adelaide Kane in Reign

Caitlin Stasey stars as Lady Kenna and Adelaide Kane stars as Mary, Queen of Scots in CW’s Reign. Available on iTunes.

Travis Fimmell and Alyssa Sutherland in Vikings

Travis Fimmell stars as Ragnar Lothbrok and Alyssa Sutherland is Princess Aslaug in History’s Vikings. Available on Netflix.

John Kim in The Librarians

John Kim stars as Ezekiel Jones in TNT’s The Librarians. Available on iTunes.

May 29 2015
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Nicole’s back!

By | Just for fun | No Comments

To celebrate Nicole Kidman’s return to Australian independent cinema in Strangerland, we’re looking back at some of Nicole’s performances both here and abroad, from the start of her long and lucrative career to now.

1

BMX Bandits (1983)

2

Dead Calm (1989)

3

The Portrait of a Lady (1996)

4

Practical Magic (1998)

5

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

6

Moulin Rouge (2001)

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The Hours (2002)

8

Dogville (2003)

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Cold Mountain (2003)

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The Stepford Wives (2004)

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Bewitched (2005)

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Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)

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Australia (2008)

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The Railway Man (2013)

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Strangerland (2015)

Strangerland is screening at the Sydney Film Festival on 5 and 6 June, and will be shown in Palace Cinemas across Australia from 11 June. The feature debut from director Kim Farrant, Strangerland also stars Joseph Fiennes, Hugo Weaving and Maddison Brown.

May 13 2015
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Babe

20 years ago George Miller was revelling in the success of sweet family film, Babe

By | Just for fun | No Comments

While we’re all having a George Miller moment with the release of Fury Road, let’s take a look back at one of his earlier films. A far cry from the toxic storm… it’s Babe from 1995.

Who could forget the adorable talking pig?

Earnest and curious piglet Babe is adopted by Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) who takes him to the farm where he meets a host of other furry friends including Rex the border collie (voiced by Hugo Weaving) and his mate Fly (voiced by Miriam Margolyes), who takes Babe under her motherly wing. Babe quickly endears himself to the whole farm when he develops a novel sheepherding tactic. Comedienne Magda Szubanski also stars as Mrs Hoggett in this utterly irresistible family film with enough whip smart humour and subtle dark undertones to appeal to the adults too.

Produced by Mad Max legend George Miller, Babe was a huge box office and critical success – it took $36.8m at the Australian box office and $254m worldwide. It was also nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay and won for Best Visual Effects, as well as Best Motion Picture Comedy/Musical at the Golden Globes.

Filmed in Robertson in the Southern Highlands, the lush rolling hills served as a gorgeous backdrop for the whole farmyard cast brought to life by iconic character voice actors, animatronics from the Jim Henson Creature’s Shop, and special effects that were, at the time anyway, ground-breaking.

You can rent or buy Babe on iTunes, Google Play or at JB Hi-Fi

May 13 2015
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Wilfred

10 unlikely heroes of the past three decades

By | Just for fun | No Comments

To celebrate the much anticipated return of Australia’s ultimate anti-hero, Max Rockatansky a.k.a Mad Max, we’re looking back chronologically at some of the most memorable characters who have shocked, stumbled and surprised their way to some semblance of heroism over the past 30 years.

1

Max Rockatansky in Mad Max (2015 – 1985)

2

Simon Chan in Maximum Choppage (2015)

3

Jonah in Not Suitable for Children (2012)

4

Wilfred in Wilfred (2010 – 2007)

5

Ned Kelly in Ned Kelly (2003)

6

Placid Lake in The Rage in Placid Lake (2003)

7

Chopper Read in Chopper (2000)

8

Babe in Babe (1995)

9

Rhonda Epinstalk & Muriel Heslop in Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

10

Mick Dundee in Crocodile Dundee (1986)