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Movie Review: The Flash

The Flash is a great super-hero movie and easily one of the best in the last twelve months from either DC or Marvel. An easily accessible movie that kids will particularly like. Great comedic timing from lead actor Ezra Miller playing multiple characters and Michael Keaton returning as an older but still kick-arse Batman.

Image: ©Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Entertainment

Even if you don't enjoy DC movies in general The Flash easily surpasses recent Marvel efforts such as Thor Love and Thunder and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. What's so great about the Flash is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It dials in enough humour to entertain without turning it's hero into a joke (case in point Thor: Love and Thunder ruining Thor). Happily the bleakness found in a number of other DC movies is absent so it's kind of like a Marvel movie in its lightness but still has a story to tell.

This is all thanks to a superb performance by lead actor who plays multiple roles. His performance is key to grounding the movie and letting the story unfold during the first two thirds of the movie. His roles contain humour but also sadness, redemption and learning as The Flash speeds to its conclusion. The last third of the movie isn't as great as its beginning due to the inevitable battle of the good guys vs the bad guys (it's a super-hero movie afterall) but it's ultimate conclusion has great pathos as the Flash learns to let go and kind off gets to eat his cake too.

The premise of the movie is that The Flash discovers he has the power to travel back in time and thus goes back in time to save his mother from being killed by an intruder and prevent his father from going to prison after being blamed for the murder of his mum. As per standard time travel movies going back in time sets off a sequence of unforeseen chain reactions that The Flash attempts to remedy while learning an important life lesson along the way.

For a super-hero movie The Flash takes it's time to develop the back story of the Flash and then set him on his way. For a DC movie much of the movie is actually set in the daytime and this tonal shift suits a relatively happy go lucky character such as The Flash. The Flash has been used for comedic in his previous outings but here we get to see a slightly older and mildly wiser Barry Allen kind of mentor a younger version of himself. This is used to great comic effect without getting too cheesy while also not getting in the way of the drama of The Flash losing his parents and seeking to get them back.

You will note that this review doesn't provide much in the way of plot points, other characters in the movie and really what happens for much of it. Why? Your enjoyment and surprise will be lost if more information is provided.

So overall the great things about the movie are a superlative performance by Ezra Miller as The Flash, a returning Michael Keaton as The Batman who threatens to steal the movie but thankfully doesn't (and doesn't feel shoehorned into the movie just because they can), a kick-ass appearance of Supergirl who while not integral makes her presence felt, the great dynamic duo of Barry Allen 1 and 2, a compelling time-travel story that's pretty easy to understand and a great mix of humour, drama and action. And thankfully most scenes in the movie are not superfluous and actually belong there. Credit to director Andrés Muschietti who manages to make a semi-personal movie out of a comic book character and super-hero movie.

The poorest aspects of the movie are some underwhelming CGI in parts (similar to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) where some CGI isn't the greatest and parts of the last third of the movie where the obligatory action ending is kind of a neccesity (and predictable) in all super-hero movies. Thankfully, the action component is only one aspect of the movies conclusion as the real life drama of the Flash's personal life is the ultimate drama of the movie. This personal story arc of the movie is what elevates The Flash above much of the current super-hero movies. The movie actually has more to tell than just the good guys vs the bad guys and the movie is much better for it.

Rating: 8/10

In a nutshell: The Flash is a great feel good super-hero movie for the masses.

The Deck Out West is a fantastic family friendly live music, food, picnic event held at the Footscray City Rowing Club. On during February and March 2023 on Sundays from 2PM-7PM.

The Deck Out West is such a great event. As long as you choose the right day for weather you can't go wrong coming here. It's perfect on sitting on the bank of the Maribyrnong with Melbourne city skyline in view and great summer vibes. Bring your picnic blanket, sunblock and hat, enjoy the food stalls and bar or bring your own food. It's up to you.

It's cool seeing the kids enjoying the music and enjoying the summer atmosphere. Enjoy the great bands and chat with your friends. It's just so cool and relaxed. I really enjoyed the positive atmosphere here. Depending on your music tastes you may be in for a treat and for others it's a bit of background noise while you chill out.

The Deck Out West really is one of the best events going. I loved the family friendly atmosphere and fantastic vibes. I maybe coming again as I enjoyed it so much. Catch it before it's gone and I guess wrap up just a bit more if you go during March.

Photo Slideshow of The Deck Out West

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Live Performance by Suzi

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Support Suzi at https://www.instagram.com/suzisangthis/

The Wyndham Multicultural Festival was held on Sunday 29 May 2022 in Point Cook and is definitely one of the best community events or festivals I have been to. Running from 12PM through to 8:30PM at night it provided all day entertainment for lots of happy locals.

It was great to see lots of people out and about celebrating the event and enjoying the entertainment, stalls and the fantastic autumn weather. Apparently the festival was to celebrate 2022 lunar new year which is great albeit several months late. I understand a possible delay due to covid-19 issues earlier this year but the tie-in does seem a bit odd when the festival is happening in late May.

Wyndham Multicultural Festival entertainment

For the people and kids not so into the cultural entertainment there was plenty of activities to keep them entertained.

Wyndham Multicultural Festival food stall

It was great to have a wide variety of food to choose from and of course is one of the main reasons to go along to the Wyndham Multicultural Festival.

Of course people always enjoy wandering past the shops. I can't say I am a big shopper and really it wasn't about the shops from what I could tell but it's still nice to peruse them as you walk by.

Wyndham Multicultural Festival food truck

But what really set the Wyndham Multicultural Festival apart from most other festivals was it's organisation and entertainment. There was no let up in the entertainment. Each act was interesting, covered different age groups, was short and sharp, quickly moved from one artist to the next, there was a great variety and there were no technical issues. All od this meant there was no time to get bored. this is a real credit to the organisers. Definitely a job well done.

Wyndham Multicultural Festival performer

About the only criticism would be the multicultural aspect of the Wyndham Multicultural Festival. it was predominantly Chinese which I definitely enjoyed but perhaps expanding on a few more cultures would have done the name 'Multicultural' greater justice. Only a small note on the Wyndham Multicultural Festival as overall this is definitely one of the most enjoyable festivals I have been to.

I noticed the children really enjoyed the live dance performers by other children while the older adults enjoyed the singing from the older performers. There was something for everyone and that is what made this festival special.

The organisers have a lot to live up to now!

More photo's from the Wyndham Multicultural Festival 2022

The Seaworks Twilight Market is a great market held in the evenings multiple times throughout Autumn and early winter. As both an indoor and outdoor market this is fantastic as if the weather isn't so great you can still go.

There is a selection of craft and artisan stores as well as a few food outlets including fried jam donuts. Yum!

As a twilight market it is pretty and it's nice to be able to something different and at night during the cooler months. It's all family friendly and if you like your pub venue you can go to the local Pirates Tavern.

It's on at Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place Williamstown on the following nights from 5-9PM:

Friday 27th May
Friday 10th June
Friday 24th June

There is a bit of local entertainment including friendly aliens to keep the kids happy!

65w Fast Charger 3-Port $29.99 usually $59.90 (Amazon Australia). 2 days left!!!

It's well worth making a visit to Seaworks Twilight Market as it's a pleasant walk around, you might find something you like to purchase and it's just nice getting out and about during the cooler months somewhere local.

Check out our review of DiCaprio's Italian restaurant in Hoppers Crossing. Great old school restaurant with family charm.

Review of DiCaprio's Italian restaurant from our sister site Howie's Melbourne Food Blog.

Pelican's Landing Restaurant review, Williamstown, Melbourne

Check out our review of Pelican's Landing restaurant in Williamstown here.

A great pub styled restaurant with kind of waterfront reviews, great atmosphere and good priced quality food.

I recommend the small shared platter that is fantastic value.

Read our review of Cafe Polo in North Melbourne here.

A budget eatery that is good for what it is.

Check out our review of French restaurant Bon 'Ap on Brunswick St (193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) in the city here.

Escargot

Bon 'Ap is a cute, stylish and overall great French restaurant worth checking out.

Check out our review of Niku Niku Japanese restaurant in the Melbourne CBD (338 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000) here.

Lobster

Niku Niku is a nice looking reasonably priced restaurant with a bit of quirkiness thrown in as well. For a Japanese restaurant that is a bit different they are worth a try.

Check out our review of New Taipei restaurant on Swanston Street in the Melbourne CBD here.

New Taipei is a Taiwanese restaurant specialising in dumplings and noodles for the budget eater.

Check out our review of 'Dinner By Heston' here on Southbank, Crown Casino Complex.

It lives up to your expectations which is saying something.

This is the first time I have been to the Malmsbury Village Fayre. Malmsbury certainly isn't on the front line of places to visit for most people. However, if you are in anyway interested in folk music you may have heard of Malmsbury as this part of Victoria really supports folk music in a big way.

According to the 2016 Census, Malmsbury has a population of 831. You could be thinking how can a place of 831 possibly hold a festival. Good question. Anyway, I am happy to report that the Malmsbury Village Fayre is definitely one of the best festivals going around.

I put this down to community spirit. It is so well supported, amazingly organised and it would seem the entire community gets behind it.

This year the Victorian weather was perfectly obliging which made it perfect for everybody. Not to hot but warm enough to picnic, square dance and enjoy all the entertainment. This is a real family friendly event. What I noticed was a seeming joy at the festival. Not something you notice everywhere.

There is lots of entertainment for the kids, stalls and shops, plenty of food establishments, picnic areas, live music (predominantly folk music and a bit of Cuban). It just is so relaxing. Is it about being in the country? Maybe.

The community feel is really shown by how the rubbish is managed. No paper plates and plastic. Food is plated up on regular plates and washed by hand. Seeing volunteers going around collecting plates demonstrates how society is improving for the better. How's is that for eco credentials and community spirit!

If you love folk music then the Malmsbury Village Fayre should definitely be added to your list of weekend activities throughout the year. It's not a folk festival though so keep your expectations in check.

This is one of the best festivals I have been to. Of course most festivals are similar in some ones, food stalls, live entertainment, usually musical in nature and a reason for being (be it culture, music, ethnicity, country, etc).

What sets the Malmsbury Village Fayre apart is the community spirit. It really was such a nice visit coming to this festival. I will be coming back again.

Getting there

Check out our review of Pabu Grill & Sake in Collingwood here.

Well, I am happy to report that the Macedonian Cultural Festival in Williamstown is a great event.

The sun was out, there was a great turn-out by both young and old, fantastic Macedonian cultural entertainment, lots of food and a wonderful atmosphere.

A plentiful and well behaved crowd

It really is a wonderful family friendly event and if Williamstown turns on the weather like today you must check it out next year.

Traditional Macedonian singing

I like that this festival is a cultural one and that there is more than just Macedonian food on offer.

Moving into the crowd and getting punters to participate as well

What's also great is that the Macedonian community seem to really support this event and well as Australians of all cultures so it really is a nice multicultural atmosphere with plenty of people milling about. And people do help create atmosphere!

Traditional Macedonian dancing

Of course, with the festival being in Williamstown and the weather being amazingly great you also get to enjoy the local restaurants, ice cream and gelateria's, the waterfront and views towards the city.