Those kind folks at Dendy and Think Tank pulled out all the stops and there were so many of my fellow doggies that turned out on the night, it was pawsome. I might have even fallen in love again but then a true lady doesn’t speak openly of such things in public. Everybody was so nice and all my new four-legged friends smelled great.

Even with all the activities, treats and cuddles, the best part of the night were the moving images up on that big screen. They featured a doggo named Runt, a scruffy fellow who saves the day for the Shearer family and helps thwart the evil doings of the land owner Earl Robert-Barren that ends up bringing life back to their struggling town. Runt was heroic and oh so dreamy and really what lady doesn’t love a bit of the rough?

Once again being outdoors under the stars and watching a film with all my new friends was such a good time. I have to also thank my mum and dad for taking me but especially my mum for packing away so many extra tasty treats. Mum might have even given a few of the treats to my new paramour but that’s all I will say on that subject. Thanks again to all the lovely folk from the Dendy and Think Tank, you know how to put on a party and I can’t wait to do it again!
Nina the Cavoodle
www.facebook.com/STUDIOCANAL.AUS/

Runt has already captured the hearts of readers, sweeping major Australian literary awards including the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year for Young Readers, and Book of the Year for Younger Children at the Australian Book Industry Awards. Now, this heartwarming tale makes its way to the big screen, starring Lily LaTorre, Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman, Matt Day, and Jack Thompson.

Set in the picturesque country town of Upson Downs, Runt follows 11-year-old Annie and her adopted stray dog, Runt, as they embark on an incredible journey to save her family’s farm. Their adventures take them from their small Australian town to the World Dog Championships in London in a story filled with kindness, friendship, and the courage to live your truth.

To celebrate the film’s release, STUDIOCANAL and Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema is hosting a special dog-friendly outdoor screening:

RUNT FAMILY PREVIEW SCREENING: BEST RUNT IN SHOW

• Date: Wednesday, September 11
• Time:
  o 5:00 PM: Arrivals and Doggie Wares
  o 5:30 PM: Best Runt In Show Parade judged by author Craig Silvey
  o 6:30 PM: Preview Screening of Runt
• Location: Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema
• Tickets: $20 Adults & $18.50 Children (includes a drink on arrival)

Event Highlights:

• First 50 Bookings: Receive an exclusive Runt doggie bandana!
• Doggie Market: Browse unique products for your furry friends
• Best Runt In Show Parade: Show off your adorable four legged friend in a parade judged by Runt author Craig Silvey, with a chance to win fabulous prizes.
• Preview Screening of Runt: Enjoy the film with an audience of fellow dog enthusiasts.
• Free Doggie Samples: Treat your pup to some tasty freebies.

This outdoor screening offers a unique opportunity for families and dog lovers to enjoy a film under the stars with their beloved pet pooch.

Don’t miss out on this tail-wagging event – join us for an evening of fur, fun, and film at the Runt Family Preview Screening!

Runt Dog Friendly Screening
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema
www.powerhouse.dendy.com.au

The novel by Colin Thiele was first published in 1966. That was followed by the first filmed version in 1976. Fast forward to 2019 and director Shawn Seet (The Code and Underbelly) presents a new take starring Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Trevor Jamieson and the amazing newcomer, Finn Little as the young boy who helps save the lives of three orphaned pelicans.

It’s a universal story of growing up without the aid of a full family unit and believing in something bigger than yourself and it’s told with great care. Getting a modern day audience to slow down long enough to savour all the nuances in both story and performance is difficult but this film fully realises those lofty ambitions.

While its simple beauty is intoxicating, it is the human element that leaves the deepest memory. Updating to present times is carefully handled and the story loses none of it poignancy. This is a film to see with all the family and to fully enjoy by yourself.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesAUS

The story throws a lot your way and it relies quite a bit on the viewer’s past knowledge of the Terminator film series and its liberal take on time travel. Most of the plot twists originate from that ethos and they are at times hard to follow. It also features a progression of special effects as the early reels show simpler CGI while the later reels try their best to blow your mind with what’s now possible with zeros and ones.

The new cast play better with Arnie than they do with each other as the two new leads, Emilia Clarke (taking time away from her dragons) as Sarah Connor and Jason Clarke as John Connor have very little on-screen chemistry. The big guy gets all the good lines here but they are still a bit hit or miss. Technology both on-screen and implied is still the film’s star.

As a sampler of past points of interest in the Terminator series, Terminator Genisys is a nice way to reminisce as you get to revisit the original Arnie version, the liquid metal version and the later film’s mind tease of past and futures colliding. As a stand-alone experience it’s less successful. It’s still fun but just not a memorable as previous endeavours.

Rob Hudson
www.terminatormovie.com