MUSIC
Hissmas 2020, Saturday 11am-4pm & Sunday 2-3pm, at Hiss & Crackle Records Wallsend What's better than Christmas shopping for records whilst listening to live music? Catch Elestial, Yev Kassem, The Howlin' Rats, Lili Crane, Huckleberry & The Conadilly Street Band and Lachlan X. Morris on Saturday, before Not Bad Not Good and The Boatmen complete the weekend on Sunday.
Nick Raschke, Saturday, Wickham Park Hotel Raschke spent a large chunk of COVID lockdown posting a song a day to his Facebook page. But he's very much back in living colour on the stage.
Puka Panther, Saturday, at Hamilton Station Hotel Puka Panther is the new project from members of Newcastle emo and post-rock bands Suburban Haze, Safe Hands, Tired Minds and Imperfectionist.
The Re-Mains, Saturday, at the Stag & Hunter Hotel Stanley Records are known for producing some the best alt-country in Australia. Tonight they've teed up Mick Daley's The Re-Mains and they're joined by Dave Favours & The Roadside Ashes and Newcastle's Emily A Smith & The Huntress.
The Shadow Cast, Sunday, Hamilton Station Hotel Boots Porter and Lachlan X. Morris are two of the most talented songwriters in Newcastle and their duo performances are always a treat.
MOVIES
Christmas Jars (PG) A young writer would give anything to make it as a journalist. So when she finds a jar filled with money at her door, she is determined to find the person responsible for handing out money.
Dreamland (MA) Eugene Evans dreams of escaping his small Texas town when he discovers a wounded, fugitive bank robber. Torn between claiming the bounty for her capture and his growing attraction to the seductive criminal, Eugene must make a life-changing decision.
Happiest Season (M) Meeting your girlfriend's family can be tough. Planning to propose at her family's Christmas dinner - until you realise that they don't even know she's gay - is even harder.
Rams (PG) In remote WA, two estranged brothers are at war. Raising separate flocks of sheep descended from their family's prized bloodline, the two men work side by side yet are worlds apart.
Superintelligence (PG) Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters, so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she's being punked. Or losing her mind.
The Croods: A New Age (PG) The Croods have survived fanged prehistoric beasts and the end of the world, but now they will face their biggest challenge of all: another family.
The Dry (MA) Federal agent Aaron Falk returns to his home town after 20 years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life - a victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after a decade of drought.
The War With Grandpa (PG) Peter is thrilled that Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves into Peter's room, forcing him into the attic.
The Witches (M) The re-imagining Roald Dahl's beloved story for a modern audience about a young boy and his grandmother who have an encounter with a coven of witches and their diabolical leader.
Words On Bathroom Walls (M) Diagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition.
STREAMING
Four Weddings and a Funeral (Stan) This TV spinoff of the iconic film follows Maya, who receives a wedding invitation from her college schoolmate in London. She leaves her life behind, in favour of travelling to England and reconnecting with old friends and ends up in the midst of their personal crises.
It Will Be Chaos (Binge) A personal look at the human consequences of the refugee crisis spanning the Mediterranean, as told through the stories of asylum seekers, as well as Italians.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Netflix) Tensions and temperatures rise over the course of an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago as a band of musicians await trailblazing performer, the legendary "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey.
On Pointe (Disney+) A six-part documentary series that captures a season in the School of American Ballet in New York.
