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This Week’s Issue

Local film-maker and his movie come to Twin Cinemas

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July 22, 2025

The Tavern, coming to Mercury Twin Cinemas on Friday, 25 July.

BY ANNE-MAREE MCDOUGALL

We are delighted to welcome local filmmaker Matt Hicks and his crowd-pleasing new comedy, The Tavern, to Mercury Twin Cinemas on Friday, 25 July at 7:00pm for a special fundraising screening in support of the Marlins netball club.

A small-town comedy with a big heart, The Tavern is the story of friendship, loyalty, and the outrageous lengths people will go to save the things they love – like a pint and a place to call home. Think scheming, silliness, and that classic Kiwi charm. “The film’s pretty offensive and enjoyable nonsense. If you’re looking for The Piano or Power of the Dog, this is not for you. It’s more a hark back to silly Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell stuff – but in a Kiwi pub,” says Hicks.

This film has been enjoying sell out sessions at the Tivoli in Cambridge since the premiere in May and Hicks is about to take it on the road down south. Somewhere it’s not going, is Auckland. “This is on the basis that it is hard to find a car park in Auckland, the coffee in Auckland is over-priced, and it happens to be filled with a whole bunch of Aucklanders.” This makes our Whitianga screening a rare and exclusive opportunity and one not to be missed! We’ll leave the last word to Matt – “Leave your morals and maturity at home and come out for a great night laughing at stuff you shouldn’t.” Personally, I can’t wait!

Watch ‘The Tavern’ trailer, R16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtxtUALzusc – Warning, some content may offend some people.