GIG GUIDE

Friday 3rd March

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Marcus Meier (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Saturday 4th March

• The Pub: The Australian Creedence Show

- Ramble Tamble (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Mikey Duff (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 5th March

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• KC’s: Young Buskers (1-4pm)

• The Pub: The Australian Creedence Show

- Ramble Tamble (2-5.30pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 6th March

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 7th March

• KC’s: Kaeden McCarthy (8pm-late)

Wednesday 8th March

• KC’s: Peta Richards (8pm-late)

Thursday 9th March

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-10pm)

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Paul Berger (from 8pm)

M3gan

Technology running amok, creation turning against its creator, and TikTok dancing – there’s nothing new in M3gan to surprise audiences. Perhaps that is its great strength. In this world of comfort-watching, Gerard Johnstone’s film is a perfect child of the times. What you see is what you get: expect a murderous android to murder and it will murder, oh boy, will it murder.

Not to disparage M3gan in any way, no: It’s Chucky reborn for a new generation, an uncanny valley version of Frankenstein’s monster. A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own – I’ve read this one before, or, better yet, I’ve seen this one before.

The difference, though, is instead of a creepy dolly being played for straight horror, M3gan is a dark comedy and a successful one at that. It’s absurdly cheeky, it knows what it’s doing at every step. The cynic would chalk much of its clueing into trends up as a sort of advertising ploy – and undoubtedly there is a degree

WHAT'S ON

of correctness to that sentiment. What we see in M3gan is a film that capitalises on a new audience for horror with an old affection. Johnstone’s film is the ridiculous, funny horror of films like Freddy Vs Jason mashed with a TikTok twist. Give the kids a four-foot-tall Barbie seemingly possessed by Satan, and they’ll eat it up. The cynic says: “This is why the film is rated a shy PG in America (though it’s stamped with a mature in our more sensitive country).” But the pessimist misses the point.

M3gan is exquisitely fun - by design - and its writer, James Wan, knows how to craft a creepy moment or two, so the horror is horrific, the humour humorous. For what it is, it is what it is. Temper your expectations for anything transcendental, and arrive to M3gan with this in mind: a manic murder toy of the moment who will have you laughing from between your fingers. M3gan (M) is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema this weekend.

Review by Declan Durrant

Want to be included in our weekly event guide? Email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to find out more.

March

4 Race Day at Ben Bolt Park, Bowen

4 Disney Sing-Along: Encanto at PEC Cinema

5 Bowen Netball Gala Day 2pm, Woodlands Rd

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6-12 Virtual International Women’s Day Fun Run

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

MOVIES: ALL SCREENINGS ARE IN 2D UNLESS SPECIFIED. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF 7.1 SURROUND SOUND ON SELECTED MOVIES.

8 Bowen Zonta Club’s International Women’s Day at the Grand View Hotel from 5pm

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

10 Airlie open air movie night: Sing at 6pm

11 Get Active Collinsville: 9am – 12pm at Lions Park

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

12 Disney Sing-Along: Moana showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Antman & The Wasp showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Magic Mike’s Last Dance showing at PEC Cinema

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Aussie Pub Komedy Tour at Original North Australian (ticketed event)

18 Disney Sing-Along: The Lion King showing at PEC Cinema

18 Cut Out Party, Proserpine Showgrounds (ticketed event)

“ANT-MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA” (M) 125 mins Action/Adventure/Comedy Super-Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne and Hank Pym, and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Stars: Paul Rudd, vangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton

“CREED III” (M) 100mins Drama/Sport

Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight. Stars: Jonathan Majors, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson

“M3GAN” (M) 102mins Sci-Fi/Thriller

A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.

Stars: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng

“THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN”

(MA) 114 mins Comedy/Drama

Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them. Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon

Ladies. Fellas. It’s getting hot at The Airlie Beach Hotel – so hot – as a cabaret show like no other arrives in the Whitsundays for one night only, promising top-tier entertainment from the “biggest and baddest” crew around.

The Magic Men are ready – are you? One of the country’s best male revue shows is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23, serving up some eye candy on stage.

Chuck on the heels and round up the girls for this one, it’s going to be “the ultimate night out in Airlie Beach.” They’ve got the blood-pumping, hip-thrusting gyrations audiences won’t help but fawn over – and daydream about for weeks to come.

Grab your gang and enjoy an epic girl’s night out, be treated like a queen, and experience fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for ogling.

Expect a spellbinding performance from the Magic Men’s all-star cast of expert dancers, hunks decked out in uniforms for every fancy. Each outfit highlights the performers’ best assets, leaving little to the imagination.

The Airlie Beach Hotel will be home to the best hunks this show has lined up – all with gorgeous faces and chiselled bodies ready to bring the house down in a one-of-itskind performance. It’s not often the Airlie Beach Hotel brings in a private show, and certainly not like this one.

Magic Men features a cast of talented performers, each a specialist in a range of dis- ciplines: dance and acrobatics, fire-eating and burlesque. The Men are singular in their stylish, unique in both personality and perfection – there’s something for everyone in the audience.

And best of all, TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform.

He’ll be heating up the Whitsundays, serving up a heart-stopping live performance, alongside some of the most talented male dancers, they’ll tear up the stage.

What can you expect? Hunky men, dropdead gorgeous waiters and eye-catching costumes. With a one-of-a-kind show that is guaranteed to make you Feel the Magic, it’s set to be a night out to remember. Fully choreographed, the Magic Men have perfected their bodies and their routines, and it shows. From the moment they step onto the stage, they command attention –the kind that leaves you breathless. Grab a cocktail at The Airlie Beach Hotel for this hot, sizzling, adults-only event where the doors open at 7.00 PM. Get your tickets now and see for yourself what makes these guys the talk of the town. WHAT: The Magic Men Take Over Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday, March 23, from 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM.

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

6PM | SUNDAY 19 MARCH

Proserpine Entertainment Centre

‘Every word and note is woven into one character, one story, and seemingly one instrument' Sydney Morning Herald

Animal In Hiding, reminiscent of iconic folk duos of the 60s, features songs that are rooted in intimate storytelling, underpinned by intricate guitar and close vocal harmonies.

Featuring Aria award winning artist Lior alongside fellow singer-songwriter Domini Forster.

An intimate and heartfelt concert for all audiences.