The biggest movies coming your way in 2023 

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3’ is directed by James Gunn. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 January 2023
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The biggest movies coming your way in 2023 

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3’ 

 

 

Director: James Gunn 

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan 

The pop-culture behemoth that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows no signs of slowing its momentum in 2023, with five releases planned throughout the year, including a new outing for Ant Man and the Wasp, as well as another ensemble effort with “Captain Marvel” sequel “The Marvels.” Top of our list, though, is the return of the lovable rogues known as the Guardians of the Galaxy, led by Star Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). Last time out, the Guardians managed to purchase Knowhere, with the intention of turning into their headquarters and a safe haven for alien refugees. Details are sketchy, but the plot will reportedly involved the team having to embark on a risky mission to save one of their members. And probably the universe too. James Gunn directs (as he has the two previous “Guardians” movies). There are rumors that Rocket — the racoon bounty hunter — will have a love interest introduced: Lylla the otter. 

‘The Flash’ 

Director: Andy Muschietti 

Starring: Ezra Miller, Ron Livingston, Michael Keaton, Kiersey Clemons 

Marvel’s superhero rivals DC, meanwhile, are pinning their hopes on a couple of major new releases including Jason Momoa reprising his titular role in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” and this movie about the swiftest superhero alive. Given the controversies currently swirling around lead actor Ezra Miller, DC will be hoping the old cliché about no publicity being bad publicity holds true and that the film isn’t DOA at the box office. Argentinian director Andy Muschietti, who helmed the “It” film series, has been tasked with running the show. Inspired by the comic book storyline “Flashpoint,” the movie sees Barry Allen/The Flash travel through time in an attempt to prevent his mother’s murder. Time travel, as you’d think the allegedly “highly intelligent” Allen would know, turns out to be a tricky affair, with a lot of unforeseen consequences. One of the good ones being that we get to see multiple versions of Batman, with both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton reprising their versions of the Caped Crusader. 

‘Barbie’ 

 

 

Director: Greta Gerwig 

Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu 

Yes, a movie about the iconic Mattel doll — which has, over the years, become a symbol of society’s unrealistic ideals for women’s bodies — sounds like a terrible idea. But. This particular movie that sounds like a terrible idea is co-written by Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”) and Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”), who also directs. And it stars two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Robbie and Gosling, as Barbie and Ken. Expect plenty of ironic humor, then. Suddenly, it starts to sound as though — despite the horribly cynical marketing scheme that undoubtedly got the film funded — this could be a lot of fun.  

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ 

 

 

Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic 

Voice cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black 

It’s taken Nintendo a while to get over the disastrous 1993 film “Super Mario Bros.” Thirty years on, the Japanese video game giant has finally handed another license to Hollywood, this time for an animated adventure comedy with a stellar voice cast, based on its iconic games about two Italian brothers who are plumbers. Horvath and Jelenic’s pedigree as creators of the often-brilliant “Teen Titans Go!” bodes well for the movie. Apparently, not even the actors were privy to the full plot, so the story remains unknown, but it’s reasonable to expect it will involve Mario and Luigi having to rescue Princess Peach from some kind of labyrinth. May be worth seeing just to judge Chris Pratt’s accent for yourself. 

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ 

 

 

Director: Chad Stahelski 

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Laurence Fishburne 

The first three instalments in the “John Wick” film series have all excelled at giving audiences adrenaline-rush fight scenes with minimal (by today’s standards) special effects, so we’re excited to see what new surprises Stahelski has in store in number four. Reeves returns as the less-than-talkative legendary assassin desperately trying to retire and be left in peace. But the shadowy organization that oversees the contract killers our anti-hero was once the best of won’t let him. Now, Wick believes he has found a way to defeat the High Table once and for all. But the path to his escape has many obstacles, including a well-connected new enemy, and old friends now turned foes. 

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ 

 

 

Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson 

Voice cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae 

Anticipation is sky-high for this sequel to 2018’s animated hit “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Its predecessor was a superb, thrilling, funny journey into alternate universes that introduced us to a host of different incarnations of Spider-Man, including, of course, Brooklyn teen Miles Morales. In this follow-up, Morales and his love interest Gwen Stacy (the Spider-Woman of her universe) team up to take on a new foe who threatens the lives of all Spider-People. They are helped by the Spider-Force team, who include a British punk version of Spider-Man, and a pregnant version of Spider-Woman. 

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ 

 

 

Director: James Mangold 

Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas 

Okay, so Steven Spielberg isn’t directing it, and George Lucas didn’t write it, but it’s still Indiana Jones (and the pair are both executive producers). The film is set in 1969 and finds an ageing Dr. Jones searching for the titular object alongside his goddaughter Helena (Waller-Bridge). Jones is also wary of the former Nazis working with the US government to take on the Soviet Union in the space race, particularly the sinister Jurgen Voller (Mikkelsen). 

‘Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One’ 

Director: Christopher McQuarrie 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson 

The COVID-19 pandemic played havoc with its schedule, but the seventh instalment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise is finally with us. Cruise is now 60, but continues to pull off many of his own stunts including the spectacular motorcycle-dismount-into-parachute-jump seen in the trailer. Esai Morales is the as-yet-unnamed main villain of the piece. Details have been kept under wraps, but it’s a fair bet Cruise’s special agent Ethan Hunt and his IMF team will still have members of The Syndicate/The Apostles to deal with, despite defeating their leader, and we know that Vanessa Kirby is returning as arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis.  

‘Dune: Part Two’ 

 

 

Director: Denis Villeneuve 

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Zendaya 

Frank Herbert’s “Dune” novels were long considered ‘un-filmable,’ but Villeneuve disproved that theory with 2021’s “Part One,” marrying Herbert’s vision with his own to create a superb sci-fi epic. Part two will see Chalamet’s Paul Atreides seek revenge against those who wiped out his family, with some help from the Chani and his new allies, the Fremen. Along the way, he must somehow prevent the nightmarish future that he has foreseen. 

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ 

 

 

Director: Francis Lawrence 

Starring: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman 

Just over a decade ago, the first “Hunger Games” film propelled Jennifer Lawrence into mainstream stardom and cemented Suzanne Collins’ novels as bona-fide cultural phenomena. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” takes us back into that dystopian universe, but serves as a prequel to the four films released so far. Blyth stars as a young Coriolanus Snow (the future president of Panem and villain of the previous movies), who is serving as a mentor for the upcoming Hunger Games and forms a bond with the tribute from District 12: Lucy Gray Baird. Expect revelations about what happened to turn Snow into the monster he would become. 


Japan: A bucket-list destination worth the hype 

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Japan: A bucket-list destination worth the hype 

  • Our trip to Tokyo and Kyoto proved family-friendly. We will be back 

DUBAI: A bucket-list destination for many, Japan doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for that hard-to-find mix of bright lights, big cities, fascinating history and glorious nature. As first-time visitors, we opted for the tourist-heavy double whammy of Tokyo and Kyoto on our recent (last-minute) week-long visit during cherry blossom season.  

A wonderful surprise was just how welcoming Japan is for those travelling with young children. With our three- and four-year-old in tow, we visited sites including the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine, the extremely popular Sensoji Temple and the buzzing Shibuya Scramble — the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.  

(A great hack for your must-do timelapse video at the latter? Visit MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 and head to the Dream Capsule store on the 5th floor for a quiet viewing window, which you can follow with a strangely addictive gacha gaming session, fun for all ages.) 

Tokyo's famed Shibuya Scramble at night. (Getty Images)

While it’s easy enough to list the aforementioned sites in a single sentence, it should be stressed that Tokyo is enormous, so organizing your itinerary according to neighborhoods is advisable. My highlights included shopping at LOFT (multiple locations across the city) for beauty products and adorably quirky homeware, and — of course — the ‘TikTok-famous’ 3D cat at the hectic Shinjuku crossing, solely due to the amazement on my kids’ faces. 

Another top tip for travelling in Japan is to ask about the luggage-delivery service before you head to your next destination, which in our case was Kyoto. Your bags will be waiting for you in your next hotel room within 24 hours of dropping them off at the counter. 

With that sorted, we hopped on the bullet train blissfully unencumbered — well, besides the kids — and sped off to Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, the city is an incredible maze of temples, shrines and zen gardens. 

Nuunu Kyoto sells original works by Japanese artists. (Instagram)

Our first stop, though, was rather less storied: The Takashimaya Shopping Center is home to Nuunu Kyoto, an art department store selling original work by Japanese artists. The sketches and posters are laid out in record-store format and you can happily pass hours here picking out the perfect  affordable souvenir. 

When it comes to historical sites, this city is bursting at the seams. The stunning views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s cantilevered viewing platform were a personal favorite. Although we chose not to take a guided tour, I will say that a tad more info on Kyoto’s various sites would be welcome in the form of billboards or QR codes. 

The peaceful Kodai-ji Temple boasts a small bamboo forest for those unwilling to brave the crowds at Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and we wrapped up our afternoon by visiting the Nanzen-ji Temple complex, at the base of the forested Higashiyama mountains. The expansive complex, which dates back to the 13th century, includes Tenjuan sub-temple with its serene gardens, stepping stones and koi pond full of inquisitive fish. 

Although it seems ludicrous to visit Kyoto without exploring the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, braving the uphill slope with two prams was something we couldn’t face — but we will return. That was a familiar phrase while we were in Japan, which goes to show what an enjoyable time we had. 

The only warning I have — for couples traveling with children, at least — is to be mindful that restaurants tend to specialize. While this means most eateries are masters of their chosen fare, it also makes it hard to sample great sushi if your young ones are not of sushi-eating age.  

In our case, this meant our four-year-old developed a worryingly expensive penchant for wagyu steak, while our youngest existed on dry noodles and convenience store snacks (although, I have to say, even high-end restaurants were fantastic with the kids, welcoming them in no matter how late it was). 

Overall, Japan made for an ideal destination for a family vacation. Don’t let those social-media gripes about overcrowding put you off. Even in its busiest cities at one of its busiest times of year, Japan is one of the most welcoming places on Earth. 


FZN and Tresind Studio become first restaurants in Dubai to receive 3 Michelin stars

Updated 22 May 2025
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FZN and Tresind Studio become first restaurants in Dubai to receive 3 Michelin stars

  • They received the coveted classification at the city’s 4th annual Michelin Guide Awards ceremony on Thursday
  • 2 venues achieve their first Michelin star: Thai-inspired Manao and Indian restaurant Jamavar; Dubai-born Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao receives Young Chef Award

DUBAI: In a first for Dubai, the Michelin Guide has awarded its highest rating of three stars to not one but two of the city’s restaurants.

European-inspired FZN by Bjorn Frantzen and Indian-South African venue Tresind Studio received the coveted classification at the fourth annual Michelin Guide Awards ceremony on Thursday at the Address Sky View Hotel.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by FZN Dubai (@restaurantfzn)

Accepting the award, Indian chef Himanshu Saini, who runs Tresind Studio, said: “Thank you everyone. It is a great honor and pleasure. This has been a marathon for many years. Today, I feel honored to be able to receive the distinctive award.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by FZN Dubai (@restaurantfzn)

A representative of FZN said: “Thank you so much … wow. What a moment, what an achievement. I am speechless but, again, we are representing a strong and talented team that relocated here for the purpose of representing FZN in Dubai and going all in.”

Three restaurants retained their two-star status: Il Ristorante — Niko Romito; Row on 45; and Stay by Yannick Alleno.

Two venues received their first Michelin star: the Thai-inspired Manao, which opened only a few months ago, and Indian restaurant Jamavar.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @manao_dubai

They join 12 other establishments that retained their one-star rating: 11 Woodfire; Al-Muntaha; Avatara; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Hakkasan; Hoseki; La Dame de Pic Dubai; Moonrise; Orfali Bros; Ossiano; Smoked Room; and Tasca by Jose Avillez.

Manao’s Mohammed Orfali, who accepted the award alongside his team, said: “It means a lot. We opened five months ago. It is a different age for the food scene in the city. Now, we take on more responsibility.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @manao_dubai

Michelin also added five new restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list: Duo Gastrobar — Creek Harbour; Harummanis; Hawkerboi; Khadak; and Surfret Maryam. The Bib Gourmand section, introduced by Michelin in 1997, shines the spotlight on restaurants offering authentic and memorable culinary experiences at moderate prices, honoring quality and value.

The five new additions join 17 existing venues on the list: 21 Grams; 3Fils; Aamara; Al-Khayma Heritage Restaurant; Bait Maryam’ Berenjak; Duo Gastrobar — Dubai Hills; Goldfish’ Hoe Lee Kow; Indya by Vineet; Kinoya; Konjiki Hototogisu; Reif Japanese Kushiyaki — Dar Wasl; Reif Japanese Kushiyaki — Dubai Hills; Revelry; Shabestan; and Teible.

Three restaurants — Boca, Lowe and Teible — retained their Michelin Green Star awards, in recognition of their commitment to sustainable practices.

In the special awards categories, chef Sin Keun Choi of Ronin was honored with the Opening of the Year Award; chef Shiv Menon of Boca received the Sommelier Award; and the Service Award went to Mohammed Galal of Al-Khayma Heritage Restaurant.

The Young Chef Award went to 30-year-old, Dubai-born Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao, who said: “It does mean a lot. It is not just me, its (an award for) the whole team. Thank you so much for the recognition. We are just new, so its about retaining and sustaining.”


Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

Updated 22 May 2025
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Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

DUBAI: Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who recently made headlines for their support for Palestine at California’s Coachella music festival, have described a terror offence charge against one of their members as “political policing.” 

“14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us,” the group said in a statement on X on Thursday. “This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

On Wednesday, group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on June 18 in London. 

The rapper is accused of displaying the flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on Nov. 21, 2024, “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” London’s Metropolitan police said. 

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

“A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury. What’s the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out,” the band said in a statement this week.


MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

Updated 22 May 2025
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MDLBEAST Brings Guns N’ Roses to Saudi Arabia: A new era for rock music in the Kingdom 

RIYADH: MDLBEAST has made headlines by bringing renowned heavy metal and rock bands to Saudi Arabia, including Metallica, Linkin Park and Muse.

This time, they are hosting a May 23 concert featuring Guns N’ Roses, the iconic American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1985. This collaboration is part of the band’s 2025 global tour, which includes stops in the Middle East.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MDLBEAST (@mdlbeast)

Rayan Al-Rasheed, director of operations and artist booking at MDLBEAST, emphasized the significance of the event: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses, we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi music landscape acknowledges a genre that has long had a strong presence in the country, according to the executive.

“The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here,” Al-Rasheed said.

Local metal brands, such as Heavy Arabia, further validate this influence by showcasing the vibrant regional rock scene.

The anticipation surrounding the Guns N’ Roses concert at Kingdom Arena, which holds about 27,000 people, is immense. “This concert is set to be one of the biggest events we’ve powered to date,” Al-Rasheed said.

Previous events, including concerts at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix featuring artists such as Jennifer Lopez, have drawn large crowds, highlighting the strong fanbase in the Kingdom.

Success for these events is measured not just by ticket sales but by their cultural impact. “Local, regional, and global media coverage reflects the significance of such events,” Al-Rasheed said.

The trend of cultural tourism, with attendees traveling from across Saudi Arabia and beyond, underscores the importance of these concerts.

Live music plays a crucial role in fostering community and cultural exchange. “It brings people together from diverse backgrounds, creating collective experiences that transcend language and borders,” Al-Rasheed said.


Sharp shooting: Highlights from ‘In a New Light,’ the Kingdom Photography Awards exhibit 

Updated 22 May 2025
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Sharp shooting: Highlights from ‘In a New Light,’ the Kingdom Photography Awards exhibit 

DUBAI: The exhibition of work by the 30 winners of the Kingdom Photography Awards runs until May 25 at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah 

Khaled Khazim Sarai Al-Ghaithi Al-Shammari  

‘A Serene Night’  

This year’s Kingdom Photography Awards received more than 1,300 entries from Saudi Arabia-based photographers, and a total of more than 6,000 photographs. “Each image submitted reflects a distinct vision — capturing moments that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the richness of human experience,” Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, writes in the exhibition catalogue. “The remarkable work featured in the exhibition … stands as a testament to what happens when vision meets talent.” 

Al-Shammari’s winning image, the photographer writes in the catalogue, shows “Hasalat, located in the southwest of Qassim near Dharya, captured in a serene night where trees stand still beneath the stars.” 

Khaled Khazim Sarai Al-Ghaithi Al-Shammari's ‘A Serene Night.’ (Supplied)

Huda Ali Al-Neb  

‘Riyadh; Saturated’ 

Al-Neb won for this image from her series that “playfully explores the beauty and significance of Saudi architecture, a theme that has fascinated me since childhood,” she writes. “In first grade, I learned that the traditional buildings I grew up with were made from mud, and I wondered what they would look like if built with colored sand instead. This series … brings to life those childhood fantasies.” Al-Neb adds that she hopes to expand her project to “showcase historic buildings across Saudi Arabia.” 

Huda Ali Al-Neb's 'Riyadh Saturated.' (Supplied)

Marwin Pastores Javier  

‘Coffee and Tea’ 

“Each of the 30 selected photographers reveal the possibilities of the medium, demonstrating its power to inspire, provoke, and inform,” curator Mohamed Somji writes in the exhibition catalogue. “(They) challenge traditional notions of what makes a ‘good’ photograph. (The works are) attentive to the rhythm of places, daily rituals, social habits, and connections between people.” Javier’s winning image shows a roadside vendor of hot beverages in Tabuk.  

Marwin Pastores Javier's 'Coffee and Tea.' (Supplied)

Mohammed Othman M Alshahrani 

‘An Evening of Baloot’ 

Alshahrani’s winning image, shot in the town of Bisha in Asir, shows the photographer’s father, uncles, brothers and cousins playing the popular trick card game Baloot, which, Alshahrani says in his artist’s statement, is “a tradition in many homes and gatherings, sparking lively competition and bonding.” 

Mohammed Othman M. Alshahrani's  'An Evening of Baloot.' (Supplied)

Kawthar Ali Ibrahim Alghasham  

‘A Moment of Waiting’ 

The images in the exhibition, curator Mohamed Somji writes, “reveal character through subtle interactions, glimpsing personal, spiritual, and familial reflections, or showing known scenes from unexpected angles.” Alghasham’s winning image is an example of the latter. “As sunlight floods King Fahd Airport’s lounge, a solitary man’s pause defies the frenetic nature of travel,” Alghasham writes in his artist’s statement. 

Kawthar Ali Ibrahim Alghasham's ‘A Moment of Waiting.’ (Supplied)

Salman Fahad Alanazi  

‘After the Storm, 2030’ 

Alanazi’s dramatic image of a sandstorm hitting Saudi Arabia’s capital was taken before the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. Since then, he says, “with major projects like the Riyadh Green Project, which reduced dust in the city, alongside the creation and planting of nature reserves,” no similar “Hollywood-like dust wave” has been seen in Riyadh. 

Salman Fahad Alanazi's ;After the Storm, 2030.' (Supplied)