MAXXXINE is coming to Aussie cinemas August 1.
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Set in the world of the theatre, both big and small we get to know the crazy menagerie of animated animals that make up the cast of a work put on by Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey). A talent scout Suki (Chelsea Peretti) who works for super promotor Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale) sees the production and is unimpressed. This sets Buster on a path to eventually putting the musical on in the big smoke. A thinly disguised Las Vegas-like town called Redshore City.

With an insane set design set in outer space and uninhibited by an actual budget limitation and with colours that almost sear the retinas it is visually impressive. The character animations and actions remain in the PG world and present no problems for younger minds to fully grasp. It does teach a few worthy lessons involving friendship and dedication to one’s dreams along the way.

Who would have thought that one of 2021’s most entertaining musicals would be comprised of animated animals voiced by some of Hollywood’s best-known actors and ready to break into song and dance at any moment? It’s difficult to not get involved

Rob Hudson
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Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) and his cast have turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.

But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother pig Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy elephant Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, porcine provocateur extraordinaire Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by a ruthless mogul wolf named Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).

In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife and hasn’t been seen since.

As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage. What begins as Buster’s dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.

Sing 2 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings and features, in addition to Bono’s and Cannavale’s roles, new characters played by music superstars Pharrell Williams and Halsey, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright, and comedians Eric Andre and Chelsea Peretti.

The film is produced by visionary Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Janet Healy. Sing 2 combines dozens of classic rock and pop hit songs, electrifying performances, breathtaking artistry, and Illumination’s signature humor and heart into the definitive feel-good cinematic event of the year.
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As far as debut albums go, 2015’s Badlands couldn’t really have fared any better. Certified Platinum in the US and Gold in Australia, the UK and Canada, it was truly a worldwide phenomenon. Followed up by the international hit Closer with The Chainsmokers, which is now 12X Platinum in Australia.

Immediately after launching itself into the top 10 in 40+ countries worldwide & being the first number 1 album from by female in the US in 2017, hopeless fountain kingdom held a special significance for Halsey’s fans. Singles like Bad At Love and Now Or Never showcase a connection between artist and audience that is increasingly rare in today’s musical landscape. The record’s wild ambition and musical abandon has seen it garner breathless reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone and NME and recently saw Halsey grace the cover of Billboard, Paper & Playboy Magazine.

And if that wasn’t enough, Halsey just released Him & I – a modern tale of rebellion and reckless love with rapper G-Eazy (who is also her boyfriend). Check out the new vid for it here.

Last in Australia earlier this year on a promotional visit, Halsey sent the internet into meltdown when she hinted at a full national run. That day has finally come as huge shows in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane are announced, returning hopeless fountain kingdom to the fans it was lovingly written for, and ensuring Halsey maintains her permanent place in Australian hearts.

Joining Halsey in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will be special guest acclaimed R&B songstress, Grammy nominated Kehlani – bringing her huge SweetSexySavage album back to Australia. Likened to Frank Ocean, Kehlani, along with right-hand-man producer Jahaan Sweet, shares Ocean’s auteuristic vision and plainspoken eloquence. A distinctive performer owning her own style, that seemingly everyone is attempting.

Halsey 2018 Australian Tour
21 APRIL – MARGARET COURT ARENA, MELBOURNE
24 APRIL – HBF STADIUM, PERTH
26 APRIL – HORDERN PAVILION, SYDNEY
28 APRIL – RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE
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