NewsBite

Weekend Fin

Today

Krypto the superdog adds cuteness to Superman.

Inside the rise of the cute movie sidekick

In hit after hit, adorable companions – from Superman’s pooch Krypto to playful dragon Toothless – have fulfilled moviegoers’ need for escapism.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach (let) and Pedro Pascal.

The new Fantastic Four movie is a shot in the arm for Marvel

It’s fourth time lucky for the superhero family, with a film that is a light, bright and welcome addition to the universe.

Mariah Gonzalez plays Nina in the Melbourne season of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In the Heights.

Immigrants get the job done in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights

The musical written by the creator of Hamilton before his global blockbuster is a more universal story, with struggles that people can feel.

Yesterday

Ryan O’Neal and Marisa Berenson in Barry Lyndon.

Why Gen Z has embraced a Kubrick classic

Stately historical epic Barry Lyndon baffled audiences in 1975, but a new generation is beguiled by the ultimate anti-Netflix movie.

This Month

Veteran barrister Peter Bartlett.

‘Unprecedented’: Behind the email that blew up Minters

Veteran lawyer Peter Bartlett lifts the lid on the saga that led to the exit of MinterEllison chief Annette Kimmitt.

Advertisement
40 Years of Zen offers enlightenment to those without time to waste.

This ‘neurohacking’ retreat promises a zen mindset in record time

Time in darkened pods, brainwave mapping and remembering past hurts – after paying $24,500. Can you really gain 40 years of spiritual enlightenment in a week?

Eric Bana delivers a brooding performance as Kyle Turner in Untamed.

Netflix’s Untamed is an edgy crime thriller

Eric Bana and Sam Neill shine in a story that contrasts the grandeur of Yosemite National Park with humanity’s baser instincts.

Former first lady Michelle Obama speaking during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Rise of the ‘transvestigators’ who think Michelle Obama is a man

The online right is lost inside an “emasculation fetish”, where the children aren’t children, wives aren’t wives and, above all, men aren’t men.

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest blockbuster in the Marvel universe.

How Marvel’s heroes lost their superpowers

The studio has long been the engine that powered global cinema ticket sales. But a crowded and confusing universe has left the comic book characters running out of puff.

If Only If created a dog-sized version of one of the brand’s most popular styles, used in promotional images for Too Much.

A $270 ‘granny’ nightie is the surprise star of Netflix’s new hit show

Styles reminiscent of your nan have been rebranded as on-trend daywear, and Lena Dunham’s rom-com Too Much can’t get enough of them.

AGNSW director Maud Page: “I want to create dwelling spaces where families can come and hang out. I want people from across Sydney to think of us as their second home.”

Meet the woman with NSW’s biggest (and hardest) arts job

Maud Page is the first female to run the Art Gallery Of NSW, but its immediate survival as the costs of a new building bite is what she is dwelling on.

Melanie Grant at Margaret restaurant in Sydney’s Double Bay.

Why A-listers swear by this Aussie skin whisperer’s $750 facials

Melanie Grant has built a loyal following, thanks in part to endorsements by Victoria Beckham and other celebrities who lap up her skincare gospel.

An Apple 1, part of the first batch of the company’s computers, is being auctioned by Sotheby’s New York.

Why the ultra-rich are investing in weird collectables

Forget buying a Picasso. The 1 per cent want nostalgic artefacts such as early computers and dinosaur bones – and auctioneers are struggling to keep up.

David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman.

Superman reboot fails to fly high enough

Writer-director James Gunn is good for eye-popping and colourful action scenes and effects, but there’s nothing innovative here.

Brian Cox as Logan Roy in “Succession”.

Why Succession’s Brian Cox would never play Donald Trump

“You look for characters who have some redeeming qualities,” says the actor who played Logan Roy. Presumably this includes economist Adam Smith, who he is portraying in a new stage play.

Advertisement
Carlos Alcaraz, sporting a Nike branded cardigan, salutes the crowd after his quarter-final win at Wimbledon.

How to rock a cardigan like Carlos Alcaraz

The Spanish champ was channelling Roger Federer with his choice of knitwear at Wimbledon, in a look that can easily be carried off away from the court.

Noel and Liam Gallagher.

3 books to get you in the mood for the Oasis tour

Whether it’s money, nostalgia or the endlessly fascinating double act of Noel and Liam, there is no shortage of reading as the band embarks on its reunion tour.

Socrates is credited with the maxim “Know thyself”, an ancient imperative that still triggers potent questions.

Think you have self-awareness? The truth might surprise you

While about 95 per cent of people think they know how they come across to others, very few actually do. But there are ways to improve your insight.

Sydney Towle posted regular about her cancer treatment.

‘I have cancer,’ the TikTok star said. Then the trolls piled on

Sydney Towle has an enormous and supportive audience on the video platform. But on Reddit, an army of sceptics was determined to paint her as a fraud.

Scarlet Johannson as the mercenary Zora.

Breathtaking action scenes make Jurassic World: Rebirth a winner

After a series of less-than-inspiring sequels, the franchise is back on form with echoes of the shock and awe of the original – but still plays it a bit safe.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/weekend-fin-1mub