Moonlight Cinema is the perfect way to catch all of Hollywood’s biggest films this summer. Located in some of Australia’s most stunning parklands and gardens, it promises a special night out under the stars.
For our visit, we arrived early and took a stroll through the beautiful Roma Street Parklands as the sun set. This was a relaxing way to start the night and it was fun to observe the water dragons lying on the walkways soaking up the day’s warmth. We even witnessed one jump into the water at the Spectacle Garden after being frightened by a bin chicken.
The staff at Moonlight were friendly and accommodating and we enjoyed a few of the premium offerings. These included the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass seating, which included bean beds with great screen views, Connoisseur ice creams, and waiter service. Brisbane’s Moonlight Cinema is the only location that isn’t BYO, but we were able to enjoy a bottle of Pertaringa Scarecrow Savignon Blanc, available at the fully stocked bar.
It wouldn’t be a true movie experience without popcorn, and Parlour Lane had us covered with a box of classic salted popcorn. Mount Franklin’s range of flavoured slightly sparkling water was a great inclusion to ensure all our food and beverage needs were covered.
Brisbane’s balmy temperatures meant we didn’t need to bring blankets and were able to enjoy the film without worry about the weather. A light shower prior to our arrival was quickly forgotten. We brought some insect repellent just in case, but the mosquitoes largely left us alone.
As well as Brisbane, Moonlight Cinema is running in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with locations and dates below. If you want to go to the movies in style, Moonlight Cinema is the best way to do it this summer.
About the film:
A Real Pain stars Jesse Eisenberg (who is also the writer/director) and Kieran Culkin. The film takes viewers on a journey through Poland via two young American Jews, cousins Benji and David. The men have signed up for a Holocaust tour, and this stirs up an understandable range of emotions. A Real Pain touched on some intriguing aspects of Polish culture and history but ultimately left us craving a deeper exploration.
Eisenberg and Culkin showcased their talent, even if their performances didn’t necessarily push the boundaries of their previous roles. Fans of Culkin’s work in Succession will find familiarity in his portrayal of Benji, which offered moments of humour, charm and vulnerability.
While the film didn’t fully capture Poland’s rich cultural tapestry, it did hint at the country’s unique traditions and strong sense of community. Brief mentions of traditional cuisine, like pierogi, provided a glimpse into the depth and vibrancy that a more comprehensive depiction could have offered.
British actor Will Sharpe gave a memorable performance as tour guide James, adding depth and engagement to the story. Jennifer Grey appeared in a supporting role, and fans of Dirty Dancing will get a thrill seeing her back on the big screen after such a long time.
Cinematography by Michael Dimek presented some interesting visuals but left us longing for a more immersive experience of Poland’s breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and architectural marvels. The run time was short by today’s standards (90 minutes), but the film is already making waves on the award circuit with Culkin winning the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
A Real Pain may not fully live up to its potential as a cinematic experience, but it does spark curiosity about the beauty and complexity of Poland that could be further explored.
A Real Pain screened at Moonlight Cinemas in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on 19 January. It will be screening in Sydney and Melbourne on 24 January.
Tickets are on sale now at: http://moonlight.com.au
Moonlight Cinema locations and dates:
Adelaide: Botanic Park, 28 November – 16 February
Brisbane: Roma Street Parklands, 21 November – 16 February
Melbourne: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, 29 November – 30 March
Perth: Kings Park & Botanic Gardens, 5 December – 30 March
Sydney: Centennial Parklands, 22 November – 30 March
Photo credit: Moonlight Cinema, Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands. Image supplied
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