The 1995 world cup was a glorious time in South Africa’s history. When all eyes were on our country, we stood up to the challenge. Not only did we host the world cup, we came through as underdogs and won it. It united people of all races and cultures, and proved the power sport holds to connect and heal. None of this would have been possible if it hadn’t been for the man leading our great new democracy, Mr. Nelson Mandela. Finally, Madiba gets his wish as Morgan Freeman portrays our beloved icon.
Invictus follows the 95 world cup story but takes things further. It depicts Madiba’s struggles and strategies for bringing together a nation of forty two million bitter, hating people. It shows the human struggle and highlights the fact that greatness can be achieved when people work together.
Madiba anointed Freeman as the actor he wanted to portray him. After a long journey and countless hours spent with the icon Freeman hits the nail on the head, looking and moving just as the former president did. One thing that may get South African’s on edge is his accent, but Freeman has wisely paid more attention to the way Madiba speaks instead of just the tone. So, although he does not have the exact same accent as Madiba, he still sounds like him. Freeman’s performance is breathtaking, and worthy of its Oscar buzz. Matt Damon should not be forgotten either. His near perfect Afrikaans accent is something to behold.
The rugby in the movie is probably the biggest disappointment. For such a fierce contact sport, it is made to look like choreographed dancing. The other annoyance in the film is a reporter who keeps popping up throughout the story. The actor is terrible, and distracts from the powerful storyline.
Overall the movie does a great job of focussing on the human story, rather than being overly political. This is a real breath of fresh air in a country that is hammered with political agenda constantly. Clint Eastwood’s beautiful cinematography and a stirring score make for the feel good movie of the year. You will not leave the cinema without Goosebumps.
Tom meets summer for the first time in an office meeting. He knows immediately that they were meant to be together. After a few awkward days they are finally going out, but love is never that simple.
500 days of Summer tells a love story in a unique but honest way, jumping between different memorable events in the relationship. It’s a glimpse into the world of love, both falling in and out of it. And most importantly it’s very real.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are brilliant together. Their chemistry is electrifying, making their performances alone worth the admission price. The cast complement each other with great comedic timing and a napoleon dynamite esque humour.
Despite the moving forward and backward in the relationship, the storyline is easy to follow. In fact, the moving around in time creates an additional interest in the subjects. This can only be attributed to a brilliant script and excellent execution by the director. What many movies have tried to do with time jumping, 500 days of Summer pulls off flawlessly.
Hands down, this is the best boy meets girl movie I’ve seen this year. It has the comedy, romance, quirkiness and spunk to reach all age groups and whisk them away. This is the perfect date movie.
I’ve never been a fan of fantasy, for whatever reason, wizards and magic don’t do anything for me. However, when these stories are mixed with adventure, suspense, action and even a bit of comedy, I’m instantly glued to the pages – hungry for more.
Daniel Fox and the Jester’s Legacy is the story of a boy who dies and goes to the underworld. A world which is surprisingly like the one we live in today, but with fantastic creatures and a sinister undertone. As Daniel spends more time in the underworld, know as Arison, he begins to feel a great sense of purpose to his arrival. He must find what he is destined to do, and he must find it fast.
The book was written by sixteen year old Andy Peterson who was born in Chicago but now lives in Johannesburg. Peterson is Penguin – South Africa’s youngest author ever published. And why should he wait? His brilliant imagination and great sense of timing has this young author ready to compete with experienced authors across the country.
Not only is his first work easy reading, it’s a very original look at the afterlife and beyond. Peterson has managed to incorporate many themes into the story, giving this fantasy adventure a unique texture. From the pressures of having everything to the harsh world of thieves the story throws Daniel about the underworld. He’s left with just his wits to overcome great challenges far beyond his years.
Forgetting the amazing age of the author, this book is a must read for young fantasy lovers and even those who are looking to be engulfed by a world of adventure.
It’s finally arrived. A South African movie that is not only good, but one that can hold it’s own at the US box office. The numbers speak for themselves, but let’s take a look at why District 9 has been so well received.
For the first time ever Aliens forgot about their usual landing pad in the US and stopped over Johannesburg, South Africa. These aliens aren’t here to take over the world or kill every human but are refugees from another planet. When humans don’t know what to do with them and their strange behaviour they separate them by putting them in a place they call District 9. But when plans to move the Aliens further away from the city begin to go forward things take a turn for the worse.
The movie switches from a documentary style to the usual 3rd party observer effortlessly and constantly throughout the film, creating a very interesting and unique feel. The cast is, for the most part, excellent and unknown. Special mention of Sharlto Copley as the endearing Wikus must be made. He balances the character beautifully with a charm and intelligence below the surface of idiocy.
The effects, created by Peter Jackson’s own company are stunningly done, from the gritty aliens to the huge spaceship hovering over the city.
What is most commendable about the movie is that even though it had a low budget in terms of the usual Hollywood Blockbuster, it’s brilliantly pieced together to better any big budget sci-fi film this year.
There has been a lot of talk over the political agenda of the movie. Basing it in South Africa, a country once ravaged by Apartheid and more recently Xenophobia, heightens the sub-plot following equality. The light hearted tone, mixed with extreme violence throws the senses around and makes for enthralling entertainment. This is a must see popcorn extravaganza. Don’t miss it.
I’ve never been a fan of fantasy, for whatever reason, wizards and magic don’t do anything for me. However, when these stories are mixed with adventure, suspense, action and even a bit of comedy, I’m instantly glued to the pages – hungry for more.
The book was written by sixteen year old Andy Peterson who was born in Chicago but now lives in Johannesburg. Peterson is Penguin – South Africa’s youngest author ever published. And why should he wait? His brilliant imagination and great sense of timing has this young author ready to compete with experienced authors across the country.