What Does This Career Move Mean For Hugo Weaving?

Star of The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings Trilogies, V for Vendetta and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Hugo Weaving, has announced that he will play six roles in the upcoming Science Fiction epic, Cloud Atlas.

Blogsite, Slashfilm reports that the film will feature Weaving in as many as six roles in the movie, which is an adaptation of a novel by author, David Mitchell.

Run Lola Run director, Tom Tykwer and The Matrix movie-maker, Andy Wachowski are directing the film. All the major actors, including Tom Cruise and Halle Berry are set to play multiple roles.

The book has multiple plots and characters, which are interconnected. This excites me as now I can see if certain actors can perform multiple roles and use their acting chops.

Hugo Weaving has played wise characters like Elrond in The Lord of the Rings series and V in V for Vendetta. Do you think he will upstage the other stars in Cloud Atlas?

Alistair Anderson

Director Of The Month Film Review: Wes Anderson - The Darjeeling Limited

Rating: 5.2/10 - Average

Welcome to the final review of a film by our Director Of The Month for May 2011, Wes Anderson. See what my thoughts are on The Darjeeling Limited after the jump.

Debbie Reynolds To Sell Hollywood History

Living legend Debbie Reynolds (Singing in the Rain) is selling her vast collection of Hollywood memorabilia to raise money for the planned Hollywood Motion Picture Museum. Her collection started in the 1960s, effectively spanning thirty years of Hollywood history.

According to reports, the public sale will be conducted live in Beverly Hills and on eBay by Julien Entertainment of Hollywood in association with Odyssey Auctions of Corona, California on December 6 2011.

Items to go on sale include costumes word by Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Julie Andrews and Vivien Leigh.

Some of the iconic items that fervent bidders will be eyeing include Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway dress from The Seven Year Itch, Audrey Hepburn's 'Ascot' dress from My Fair Lady as well as Barbara Streisand’s show-stopper from Hello Dolly.


Well, Hello Dolly


You too can own this dress...


The rain in spain

Anyone got a few million handy?

Supporting Superstars

Reilly

Ribisi

Some actors move from extra, to one-liner, to character, to supporting actor, to lead and some don't. There are few actors who excel at propping-up the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Tom Cruise. Let's meet a couple:

Giovanni Ribisi

Ribisi was in Gone in 60 Seconds, Saving Private Ryan, The Gift and Lost in Translation. He did play a lead role in Boiler Room but Ribisi does well in supporting roles. Of course, if he is such a good actor, should he not be offered for leading parts? I have not cast for any blockbuster or major art films so I cannot change his acting career in that sense. However, I will say that he could have taken the lead in Avatar and opposed to Sam Worthington. He may not be quite as built as Worthington but Worthington was in a wheelchair in that film, so I am not convinced that would have mattered.

John C Reilly

He is an incredible actor. He can do comedy and drama seamlessly. I have written a previous post on this blog, in which I detailed his brilliance. He stars in so many films and cannot seem to do a poor performance. With this in mind, here's my hit and miss record with respect to most of Mr Reilly's films:

2011 Cedar Rapids - Playing Dean Ziegler. It's what happens when people go on a work conference. It sounds as if it is full of humorous debauchery.

2011 Terri - Playing Mr. Fitzgerald. It's from the producers of Half Nelson and Blue Valentine, two excellent films. Ryan Gosling is not in it like he was in those but, surely, the producers won't want to tarnish their record.

2010 The Extra Man- Playing Gershon Gruen - I'm not sure either.

2010 Cyrus - Playing John - A well-received mix of drama and comedy from Reilly

2009 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - Playing Larten Crepsley - Good performance in a messy film

2009 Zombieland - Playing Bathroomzombie (uncredited) - Excellent cameo in a fun, fresh zombie film

2008 Step Brothers - Playing Dale Doback - Brilliant chemistry with Will Ferrell

2008 The Promotion - Playing Richard Wehlner - Not his best work

2007 Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - Playing Dewey Cox - Comedic tour de force

2007 Year of the Dog - Playing Al - average

2006 Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny - Playing Sasquatch (uncredited) - Decent cameo

2006 Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - Playing Cal Naughton Jr. - Great with Ferrell

2006 A Prairie Home Companion - Playing Lefty - Solid work

2005 Dark Water - Playing Mr. Murray - Boring film but at least he creeped me out

2004 The Aviator - Playing Noah Dietrich - Matches Di Caprio and Blanchett

2004 Criminal - Playing Richard Gaddis - Flat

2003 Anger Management - Older Arnie Shankman (uncredited) - Funny

2002 The Hours - Playing Dan Brown - Excellent

2002 Chicago - Playing Amos Hart - Superb, he can sing too

2002 Gangs of New York - Playing Happy Jack Mulraney - Does what he needs to, great ensemble film

2002 The Good Girl - Playing Phil Last - Sweet performance

2001 The Anniversary Party - Playing Mac Forsyth - Poor film he could not save

2000 The Perfect Storm - Playing Dale 'Murph' Murphy - Solid job

1999 Magnolia - Playing Officer Jim Kurring - Moving

1999 For Love of the Game - Playing Gus Sinski - Decent

1999 The Settlement - Playing Pat - Not seen yet

1999 Never Been Kissed - Playing Gus - Not that memorable

1998 The Thin Red Line - Playing Sgt. Storm - Good performance

1997 Boogie Nights - Playing Reed Rothchild - Brilliant, one of his best roles

1996 Hard Eight - Playing John - Very good

1995 Georgia - Playing Herman - Moving

1994 The River Wild - Playing Terry - Does the job

1993 What's Eating Gilbert Grape - Playing Tucker Van Dyke - Excellent

1990 Days of Thunder - Playing Buck Bretherton - Good

Alistair Anderson

Kiddies Film Trailer Roundup

Below I've collected some new and not so new trailers from some of this year's most anticipated children's films. As is usually the case with most of these films, you don't have to be a 5 year old to enjoy them and indeed some of them have jokes that are predominantly aimed at adults. Enjoy!

Kung Fu Panda 2



Happy Feet 2



The Smurfs



The Muppets



Cars 2



Puss In Boots



Which one of these kiddies films are you planning to watch?

Director Of The Month Film Review: Wes Anderson - Fantastic Mr. Fox

Rating: 6/10 - Good

Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox was one of the first children’s books I ever got for Christmas. I loved the story of the wily fox who stole from the odious farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean, to feed his family and as it turns out, quite a number of other animals starving to death from the farmers’ meanness. Dahl’s stories are dark, the villains ooze nastiness, and the protagonist frequently ends up having to give up something in his or her quest.

DVD Review: Tangled

Rating: 8/10 - Excellent

This is the best Disney film in years. It is not on the same level as Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast but it is still a very good family film.

Film Review: The Hangover Part II

Rating: 7.2/10 - Very Good

The crazy was definitely dialed up a notch in The Hangover Part II; with the trio’s many intoxicated mishaps, a drug dealing monkey and an ass whipping from a Buddhist monk, there was more than enough to go around.

DVD Review: Love And Other Drugs

Rating: 5.9/10 - Average

This is a romantic comedy, or ‘rom-com’ as it has been nicknamed. The reason I highlight the genre under which this film falls is exactly to point out that it is indeed just another product of one of the Hollywood formulas. This formula however does try to incorporate more ‘real’ elements into the lives of the characters, in this case some failure and a low self esteem and last but not least Anne Hathaway’s character Maggie Murdock’s first stage Parkinson’s disease.

DVD Review: Paradise Stop

Rating: 4.8/10 - Forgettable


Paradise Stop is a South African film set in a small town in Limpopo. It is based on the story of a policeman trying to do his best to fight crime and his friend, who is on the opposite side of the law.

DVD Review: Hereafter

Rating: 7.5/10 - Very Good

What if there was life after death? Hereafter touches on the lives of three seemingly unrelated people, who all, in some way, believe that there is more to death than just dying, as they come to grips with the reality of death.

DVD Review: Splice

Rating: 5.4/10

I warn you now, this film is not one for the faint-hearted. Although it won't leave you diving for the covers everytime the music reaches an eerie pitch, you may find yourself yelling in your sleep trying to escape a creature of unknown genetics...Trust me, I know... However if this is the custard to your peaches, then do read on...

Weekend TV Top 10: 27-05-2011

Hello and welcome to our weekly Friday afternoon series where we highlight the best films to watch on TV during the weekend from Friday evening till Sunday night. See what those films are after the jump.

Friday's Cheese

We know the Queen song, or at least we should. Flash, ah, ah, saviour of the universe. Queen soundtracks make all B-grade movies something more. It elevates them to cult status. Think Highlander. But I digress.

Flash Gordon, made in 1980, is undoubtedly a cult classic. This sci-fi romp of a movie features some of the best Shakespearean actors romping around in ridiculous costumes. It’s camp, it’s amusing (listen carefully to some of the dialogue) and the sets look like they were created with polystyrene and poster paint. But it’s fabulous entertainment.



Directed by the late Dino De Laurentiis, Flash Gordon is the story a football hero ‘Flash’ Gordon and travel writer Dale Arden whose plane crashes into the laboratory of mad scientist Dr. Zarkov as a result of freak weather conditions. Dr Zarkov is pretty certain that he knows where the climatic changes are coming from, and by accident, launches the three of them into space and into the court of Emperor Ming the Merciless.

Mayhem ensues as Flash is sentenced to death, only to be rescued by the Emperor’s manipulative daughter Aura, Dale is caught in the King’s chambers in preparation for her marriage to the evil Emperor and Dr Zarkov is taken to have his memory removed by the sadistic General Kala. Will they be able to save Earth from impending doom? Will they be able to unite the kingdoms in the fight against Ming? Will Dale remember how to do her eye make-up if she ever gets back to New York City?

Timothy Dalton is dashing as Prince Barin, Brian Blessed is booming as Prince Vultan, and Max Von Sydow is suitably regal and chilling as Ming. Sadly Sam J Jones as Flash was nominated for the coveted Golden Raspberry award.

The movie is so bad it’s fabulous. Worth watching on a Friday night when it’s cold, and hot hail is raining down from an evil inter-galactic Emperor.

What would be your cheese recommendations?

Titan Or Turkey: Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

The latest instalment of Johnny Depp's (and Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer too, but there's no doubting who's the king of this castle) Pirates franchise hits theatres today and we want you tell us what you thought of it. Is it better than the last two or should they just not have bothered. Also do you miss Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley or the new additions to the cast good enough replacements? Feel free to vent in the comments section after the jump.

Five Reasons To Film In South Africa

Hi everyone

Today I thought we should take a look at just what makes Mzansi such a fantastic place to shoot in. If you have any reasons to add, feel free!

1. We have ELEVEN official languages-talk about diverse!

2. Beautiful time lapses! Be it of sunsets, the Big 5, foliage...

3.We have Cape Town Film Studios!

4. Cost effective. According to Time Magazine, by filming Dredd in South Africa, one can have the makings of "something that will look like $100 million" for less as cast and crew is cheaper than Europe and The U.S. and the government rebates up to 25% of production costs.

5.Skill! District 9, Tsotsi, Roepman...need I say more?

Box Office Preview: 26-05-2011

Welcome to our weekly preview of all the latest films that will be opening in local cinemas this weekend. Our duty is to inform you on what to see and what to avoid so that you don't spend your hard earned money on duds that should never have been given the production green-light in the first place. Check out the full list of new releases after the jump.

We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

Just when you thought it was safe to get back into the water, director David Ellis (The Final Destination, Snakes on a Plane) brings us Shark Night 3D.

The plot is the basic lots-of-good-looking-young-people-get-chowed-by-flesh-eating-sharks. This time in a lake rather than the deep blue sea. Jaws gave me nightmares for weeks. I still hesitate to get in the sea. The subsequent Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D and the ludicrous Jaws: The Revenge did nothing to quell my fear of sharks. Just looking at this poster sends shivers down my spine.

Check out the trailer here:



The young cast features Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan and American Idols finalist Katharine McPhee.

Which is your favourite of the shark films?

The Classic-Novel-Film-Adaptation

Still on the topic of the classic-novel-film-adaptation, I considered the American writer J.D Salinger's epic The Catcher In The Rye. In June 2010, just after Salinger's death, it was reported that Salinger's beloved masterpiece wasn't as untouchable as he had hoped it to be.

According to an article from 2010 in The Telegraph, JD Salinger has always insisted The Catcher in the Rye was "unactable" and refused to let Hollywood anywhere near his masterpiece. Salinger rejected various attempts from filmmakers such as Sam Goldwyn, Jerry Lewis and Billy Wilder to film the novel, along with Elia Kazan's effort to put it on Broadway. The irony is that Salinger himself was a film lover yet he undoubtedly vowed never to allow others to interpret his work for the big screen.

Salinger supposedly wrote a letter in 1957 indicating that the rights to this 'unfilmable holy grail' of scripts could be sold after his death. Unfathomed, he later explained that he wrote for his own pleasure and wanted to be left alone at his 90-acre home in Cornish, New Hampshire. Ultimately no official adaptation of Salinger's The Catcher in The Rye has been made so far and the rights remains untouchable to this day.

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Trailer

The third Transformers film has released its trailer, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The film is in 3D, which you will not see in this trailer. However, the 3D effects are supposedly quite brilliant, if you care about that sort of thing.



The cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson. The director is Michael Bay.

Plot synopsis (from IMDB):

The Autobots Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide and Sideswipe led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009s Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space race between the U.S. and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There's new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime "Transformers" character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is to be released 29 June in USA.

Are you a Transformers fan?

Film Review: Dark City

Rating: 8.2/10 -Excellent

Before the brilliant piece of art that is The Matrix was released in 1999, another exceptional science fiction film was released in 1998. Dark City showed us that the world we lived in was a false one. We were dreaming. Humankind was under the control of aliens. But we could liberate ourselves. This sounds familiar to all the Matrix junkies doesn't it?

Don't You Forget The Breakfast Club

Simple Minds on the radio is what did it. One song, and I was rooting through my DVD collection for my copy of The Breakfast Club. Am I ever glad I did.

It’s easy to forget that movies are about stories. The Breakfast Club is a story about a princess, an athlete, a brain, a basket case and a criminal all forced to do Saturday detention. Supposedly they have nothing in common. They have to sit quietly and write an essay while they’re kept an eye on by the school principal. But Bender (Judd Nelson in his defining role), the criminal, has other plans. Deliberately provocative he breaks the rules, pushes buttons, teases Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) harasses Claire (Molly Ringwald) and gets up in Andy’s (Emilio Estevez) face. The odd Allison (Ally Sheedy) just makes strange noises.

Over the course of the morning, they find ways to pass the time, slowly but surely getting to know each other. Each one tells the story of how they ended up in detention, discovering that in each other, they can see themselves.

The dialogue is as crisp today as it was back in 1985 when it was released. The teenage angst is universal. Parents, peer pressure, the need to conform, the fear of failing to meet expectations are all dealt with. There’s even a make-over.

John Hughes was the undisputed king of the teen comedy, penning and directing hits such as Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles and Some Kind of Wonderful, most of which have become an indelible part of modern culture, for example the character Bender in Futurama is named after Judd Nelson’s role.

As with most of his films, the soundtrack proved as reflective of the day as the film itself. Don’t you (forget about me) by Simple Minds is synonymous with the shot of a triumphant Bender as he punches his fist into the air out by the bleachers in the closing shot of the movie.

What songs remind you of movies?

Johnny Depp For Beatles Film

Liam Gallagher, former Oasis star, is hoping to grab Johnny Depp to star in the Beatles film he is making. The film will be about on the Liverpool band's company, Apple Corps., based on Richard DiLello's book The Longest Cocktail Party, says Channel24.

Gallagher is hoping Depp will play the bands long time publicist, Derek Taylor. Apparently Depp is the perfect person to play Taylor as they are so alike. Gallagher says the role has Johnny Depp all over it.

AFP reports that the script is finished and is going to "blow peoples minds". They are just deciding on where to find the actors.

It should be an interesting film if it ever does get made, you never know with these 'rockstar' types. However, if they get Johnny Depp it will bring a great deal of publicity to the film and has the potential to make it a hit.

Gallagher is quite friendly with Depp. They became friends in the 1990s when Depp was dating British model, Kate Moss. This may allow Gallagher to pull the 'friendship card' and get Depp in his film.

Do you think this film will ever get made?

Does one actor have the ability to turn an average film into a hit?

Director Of The Month Film Review: Wes Anderson - The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Rating: 6.5/10 - Good

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou does not quite reach the lofty standards set by Wes Anderson's previous works but it is nonetheless a fairly entertaining film. It has all the hallmarks of a Wes Anderson film such as offbeat characters, quirky music and, of course, Bill Murray.

Choked?

Most films are adaptations from popular and sometimes low-key novels. In this regard it's interesting to consider how successful a film managed to recreate the tone of the novel.

Considering the varied success of film adaptations, I will resort to the film Choke (2008) which was made as an adaptation from the Fight Club author, Chuck Palahniuk's book with the same title; Choke. The mixed reviews from critics regarding this film is rather interesting considering that the novel was incredibly convincing in the way that the story was given through to the reader.

Taking into account what was said about the film Choke in a Rotten Tomatoes consensus; "While bolstered by strong performances from Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston, Choke struggles to capture the tone of Chuck Palahniuk's novel.", it is clear how a film can break a novel and how important it is to separate the differing 'mediums' from each other.

Hangover Part II Already A Winner

You would swear The Hangover Part II had Don King in its corner on Tuesday.

Entertainment Weekly's Inside Movies reported that Warner Brothers had one a lawsuit in which S. Victor Whitmill, the tattooist who gave Mike Tyson his Maori-inspired facial tattoo and believed it was illegally reproduced on the face of Ed Helms in The Hangover Part II, was dismissed this morning.

”We are very gratified by the Court’s decision which will allow the highly anticipated film, The Hangover II , to be released on schttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhedule this week around the world,” the studio said in a statement.

“Plaintiff’s failed attempt to enjoin H2 in order to try and extract a massive settlement payment from Warner Brothers was highly inappropriate and unwarranted.

Read the full article at http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/05/24/hangover-2-tattoo-lawsuit-victory/

Mike Tyson had a cameo in the first Hangover movie.

Do you think there was a need for a Hangover sequel?

Alistair Anderson

The Hangover part II releases in SA on May 27.

Fresh From 1976 - Richard Linklater's Dazed And Confused

An awesome film I recently rediscovered and figured I should probably mention as a film that is worth the watch is the film Dazed and Confused (1993) by director Richard Linklater.

Linklater is quite an interesting director, some of his works include Before Sunset (2004) and Before Sunrise (1995) as Well as the crime drama, A Scanner Darkly (2006). Linklater's Filmography varies considerably. whereas The Before Sunrise and Before Sunset sequel is more idealistic and romantic, Dazed and Confused is the more rebellious film which obviously displays Linklater's journey into the youth culture of a bygone era. Linklater jumps to the bicentennial year of 1976 to celebrate the joys of beer blasts and pot smoking American youth. Set on the last day of the academic year, the film follows the random activities of a sprawling group of Texas high schoolers as they celebrate the arrival of summer, their paths variously intersecting.

This film inspires an experimental and intensely non-serious look at films, yet it does not fail to entertain and is definitely not done in bad style (whatever that is).

African Talent Hits Box Office Top Ten

South Africa has once again showcased its talent and shown the world who's boss with Afrikaans film Roepman climbing to number four in the box office top ten in its first weekend of opening. According to SCREENAFRICA it made R477,211 during the weekend of 20-22 May, narrowly being beaten by three Hollywood flicks namely, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 (in pole position with a whopping R6.1m rolling in including 3D) Fast And The Furious 5 with R1.6m in the pot and Thor (also including 3D) with R550,290.

Roepman is another successful product from the Film Factory and is based on the novel by Jan Van Tonder of the same name. It centers on a 1966 railway village and the complexities experienced as seen through the eyes of eleven-year-old boy, Timus (Paul Loots)

Jan Van Tonder shared his views on the success of the film with Writing studio stating that Roepman was a story that had to be told, though not by him at present, as he felt he was not age-appropriate to go dabbling in the archives of 60’s South Africa, even so secretly wishing for the story to come to life.

Paul Eilers helped bring the characters out the book with his insightful directing and Executive Producer Piet de Jager saw to it that Jan’s wish came true. And come true it did to great degrees for the South African film industry and all involved in the film itself from pitch to party!

The South African Box Office Report

Welcome to our weekly box office report where we reveal the Top 10 films in South Africa over the last weekend. See the full chart after the jump.

Mermaid: A Twist On The Classic Tale

Dark fairy tales are on the rise and now The Little Mermaid will also get a sinister twist. The classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Little Mermaid will be retold as Mermaid: A Twist On The Classic Tale, written by Carolyn Turgeon.

According to variety.com the movie will be directed by “Country Strong” filmmaker Shana Feste and Tobey Maguire and Jenno Topping will produce. Feste will be an interesting choice has she has not yet directed any movies with a fantasy element.

Women 24 characterises the book, which the movie will be based on, as a love triangle containing sacrifices, the threat of war, and the uneasy friendship of two women drawn together in spite of themselves. Amazon.com gives us an overview of what the plot will entail: The story is about two women from two decidedly different worlds falling for the same prince. After rescuing Prince Christopher from the seas, mermaid Princess Lenia immediately falls in love with him. Lenia sacrifices the seas, her voice and her health to be with him, not knowing Princess Margrethe also has plans to marry the Prince, so as to unite their two warring kingdoms. Margrethe then sets a plan in motion to send the ailing mermaid back to the seas and save her own ravaged kingdom.

In an interview with women24.com Carolyn Turgeon was asked why mermaids, to which she answered: “they’re such a strange, hybrid kind of symbol. On one hand they’re totally sexually female, and on the other hand they’re this completely inaccessible fish creature from the bottom of the sea, that’s linked to all kinds of mystery and weirdness”.

I’m quite looking forward to a mermaid movie, having been a fan of Ariel since I was a little girl and pretending to grow a tail every time I went swimming. No castings have been made yet, but I would like to nominate Deborah Ann Wall (True Blood) to play Lenia. Who would you cast as mermaid and apposing princess?

New Oscars Voting System

The voting of the Oscar winners has always had a sort of ritual, the voters would mail their ballots to the ‘head office’ and they would then be reviewed. This is now going to be a thing of the past.

Inside Movies has announced that the members of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences have received a letter announcing that AMPAS will soon replace its paper ballots with an online voting system.

The New York Times reports that the letter stated, “The change may be implemented as early as this year, and will certainly be in effect by next year. At some point, once the system is up and working, mailed ballots will be eliminated.”

This new system has been in discussion for a while. Some people are happy about it and some are not too keen on the idea as yet. With this new system the Oscar season will be much shorter and the date of the Oscars could possibly be moved up. This will not happen next year as the date for the next Oscars is set for 26 February 2012. 2013 could possibly see an earlier Oscar date.

Personally I feel that it is about time this happened. They are dealing with and judging films that are using technology and they need to keep up with the new age of technology. As long as it is well monitored and cannot be breached it will make the voting system much quicker and efficient.

What do you feel about this new voting system?

Bloedsuiers - Interview

Suig dit!



A new South African vampire film is on its way.

Screenforum's Alistair Anderson met with Benjamin Cowley, the producer of Bloedsuiers, a horror-comedy about two vampire hunters who go in search of a vampire prince in the Karoo. The film stars comedian and actor, Rob van Vuuren, Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Cartel linchpin, Francois van Coke, Lark singer, Inge Beckmann and actor Andre Roothman, known for Known gods, Charlie Jade and Home Alone 4.

AA - Why a vampire film?

BC - Two years ago, my team and I looked at the SA film market and decided it fit in with the Afrikaans music scene. Bakgat and Poena is koening were both box office successes and we saw potential in this market. But we wanted to do something different. We wanted to do a popular genre and decided to make a horror movie combined with comedy.

AA - How did you get rock stars to join the cast?

BC - Well, we got to know Francois through Inge. He was originally doing just music for the film but then he decided he wanted to have more involvement within the film. This led to him becoming a star of it. We knew who Inge was. She was still cast from a group of 40 to 50 people.

AA - Francois is not renowned for his acting ability but more so his musicianship and collaborations. Was his transition into a character of the film smooth?

BC - He is a natural performer and a good actor. He fitted in well.

AA - What are you trying to say or achieve with this film?

BC - We want to create entertainment. We have hot guys and sexy girls. We want to take people on a fun journey. This film is purely about entertainment. We have a very strong script and very strong content, which made it attractive to investors. We are excited about this film.

AA - When is it due to open and how wide will the release be?

BC - We are looking at getting it on 150 screens. We have two release dates; October this year or January next year. The next Twilight film appears to be out in October and we do not want to release our film too close to its opening.

Much of the film was funded using public crowd funding. Many fresh film makers pool their families and friends' financial help to fund their early films. Cowley worked on films in the US before Bloedsuiers, his first local feature.

The general South African public was invited to support the film through pledges.
When a person pledged on the Bloedsuiers website, they automatically became a member of the project. They received a user name that let them enter competitions. The prizes included music concert tickets and meeting the cast. They could even win an appearance in the movie. Bonus features about the movie were also available.

Let's hope Bloedsuiers is better than last year's critical failure, Eternity.

Alistair Anderson

Sitting In The Dark

When I first watched Batman, the one directed by Tim Burton, with Jack Nicholson as The Joker, I thought there might have been something wrong with my eyes. The theatre was dark. The movie was dark. In all, my experience of that movie was that although I could hear everything pretty darn well, I couldn’t see a thing. It was just too, well, dark.

The problem surfaces from time to time. Parts of Wolf I couldn’t make out. The Dark Knight had some moments of me hoping I didn’t need glasses. Turns out I’m not the only one though.

According to The Globe, what might be to blame are lazy projectionists.

That and a Sony digital movie projector, and the lens needed for 3D films. In order to be dashed off your chair by the illusion of flying arrows or chucking daggers, a special lens is required for the ‘two rapidly alternating, polarized images that make the 3D effect work’. Theatres across the States are getting progressively dimmer for 2D shows, as the lenses are not being switched.

Some of the reasons for the lack of switching are blamed on intricate processes, and delicate machinery, not to mention plain old laziness.

So the next time you’re watching what looks like a dark screen, it might just be the projector lens that’s at fault. On the other hand it could be Tim Burton.

Which were some of the ‘darkest’ movies you’ve seen?

Anticipate Another Thompson Trip

An interesting character Hunter S. Thompson is. On reading his book, Songs of The Doomed; More Notes on the death of the American Dream, I discovered a renewed interest in films based on his life and works.

Films such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and some documentaries such as the film Breakfast With Hunter directed by Wayne Ewing. The list continues as Hunter charms and appalls. With this renewed interest I came across a film that is currently in production and scheduled for release in 2011. THis latest remake by director Bruce Robinson, is based on a Hunter S. Thompson novel, The Rum Diary. The novel's premise was presumably inspired by Thompson's own experiences in Puerto Rico. The fact that the film is casting Johnny Depp as the main character, Paul Kemp, does not come as a surprise as Depp has almost been established as Hunter in the eyes of many viewers who followed the dazed and spaces out Depp in Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas. IMDB confirms that the release date is indeed scheduled for 28 October 2011 in the USA. And the plot summary according to IMDB is included as such: “Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himself at a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaper in the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on many levels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a group of lost souls all bent on self-destruction”.

IMDB confirms that the release date is indeed scheduled for 28 October 2011 in the USA. Immediately a certain kind of anticipation manifests within me at the thought of yet another ‘Thompson trip’ that is bound to leave me obliviously cynical. Yet in some sick sense I look forward to re-realizing that I am yet but in an inevitably doomed void, just as my recurrently renewed interests in Thompson never fails to deliver me to such a state (If that makes sense).

Romeo And Juliet

The greatest love story ever written is to be set on the silver screen, again. I’m of course talking about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The last movie version was released 1996 and had Leonardo DiCaprio playing the suave Romeo and Claire Danes as the innocent Juliet.

According to wortspreviews.com the film will be directed by Carlo Carlei from a script by Julian Fellows (The Tourist, Gosford Park and The Young Victorian ). Fellows will produce with Gabriele Muccino, Ileen Maisel and Mark Ordesky.

Young, up and coming star Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) will portray Juliet. Hailee only turns 15 on December of this year, a truer reflection of Shakespeare’s Juliet, who was only a mere 13 going on 14. Romeo has not been cast yet, but I hope they will stay true to Shakespeare’s work and cast someone in his late teens, early twenties.

Deadline.com reports Holly Hunter (Saving Grace) to be in negotiations to star alongside Hailee. Holly has also signed on to play the head of a teachers union in Still I Rise; a drama about the campaign by a teacher and mother to transform the quality of education in a Pittsburgh inner-city public school.

Romeo and Juliet is planned to start filming end of this year and the budget is set at around $15 million. What do you think of another Romeo and Juliet movie?

A Touch Of Melancholia

Saturday was supposed to be the end of the world. A quick look outside my window confirms that we’re still here. In movie terms though the world has ended numerous times, mostly starting in North America, and involving anything from natural disasters to alien invasions (Independence Day, 2012, The Day after Tomorrow).

Lars von Trier’s latest film, showcased at Cannes, tells the story of two sisters (Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg) whose relationship is challenged as a nearby planet threatens to collide into earth. Melancholia is both written and directed by the controversial von Trier.

You can have a look at the trailer here.



Von Trier (Dogville, Anti-Christ, Dancer in the Dark) developed the story whilst undergoing therapy for depression. The therapist mentioned that depressed people act more calmly in response to heavy pressure. In his take of the apocalypse, the world will end (as he’s publicly stated), so he explores the relationship between the two sisters, one of whom (Dunst) suffers from depression, and how they respond to their imminent death.

Reception at Cannes was mixed. However, Dunst received the Best Actress award at the event’s closing ceremony.

Melancholia is expected to be released locally in September 2011.

What would you do if the world was about to end?

SAMA's Tap To Winning Beats

Good day fellow readers!

This past weekend saw many a dazzling smile as the 17th annual South African Music awards rolled round once again. The prestigious event took place over two nights in Monte Casino in Johannesburg as well as via live streaming audio to ensure as much publicity as possible.

Artists were nominated and won in a range of categories including

• Best Reggae Album (Winner: Jah Seed)
• Best Engineer (Winner: Freshly Ground) and
• Best Global Dance Album (Winner: Goldfish)

Nominees included Singer/songwriter Loyiso Bala with 3 nominations for Male Artist Of The Year and Best Adult Contemporary Album in English with his latest album "Full Circle" as well as "Wrong For You" nominated for Record Of The Year. Zebra and Giraffe saw their strumming and drumming tunes on the album "The Inside" for Best Rock Album in the English category.

Mixing guru Dj Kent saw his nomination for Best Urban Dance Album with "I Can't Survive" take fruition as winner of the category against the likes of Liquideep with "Fabrics Of The Heart" and Giggs Superstar with his mixes in Deep House Chronicles 4.

The Parlotones proved once again that they can have their proverbial cake and eat it too as they were nominated in 3 different categories with two nominations in the category Best Music Video Of The Year for their tracks "Life Design" and "The Stars fall down", the latter of which took the curtain call.

It's wonderful to see so much talent in the South African arts industry. With 11 official languages and so much individual talent to sift through, I only wish I could have been there myself!

DVD Review: The King's Speech

Rating: 7.8/10 - Very Good

This year's big winner at the Oscars has finally arrived on DVD and Blu-ray for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. While film's about monarchies tend to be stiff, boring and way too long, The King's Speech has a freshness to it that will keep you thoroughly entertained throughout.

Brad Chasing Oscar

Terrence Malick's The tree of life won the Palm d'Or yesterday. Brad Pitt was commended for his performance. Will it win him an Oscar or will one of his other films coming out this year?

An official synopsis was later released at the 2010 American Film Market:

We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, Jack, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world’s way of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth.

From this story is that of adult Jack, a lost soul in a modern world, seeking to discover amid the changing scenes of time that which does not change: the eternal scheme of which we are a part. When he sees all that has gone into our world’s preparation, each thing appears a miracle—precious, incomparable. Jack, with his new understanding, is able to forgive his father and take his first steps on the path of life.

The story ends in hope, acknowledging the beauty and joy in all things, in the everyday and above all in the family—our first school—the only place that most of us learn the truth about the world and ourselves, or discover life’s single most important lesson, of unselfish love.

Pitt's first nomination for an Academy Award was for his supporting role in 1995's Twelve Monkeys. He then garnered a second nomination for his leading role in 2008's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For much of his career in the 1990s, he was seen as a bad boy and perhaps limited actor. Yet, he is starring in films that are at least interesting critics and I would not be surprised if he did not win an Academy Award within the next five years.

Pitt is set to star as Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane in the drama Moneyball out this year. This coming-of-age story smells like an Oscar. Next year, he will feature in Cogan's Trade as Jackie Cogan, a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game. Then, in 2014, he will play Max Brooks.

"Ten years after the human victory over the world wide Zombie epidemic, referred to as World War Z, Max Brooks scours the world collecting the stories and experiences of those who have survived the conflict that almost eradicated humanity," the imdb.com synopsis on the film reads.

Alistair Anderson

Comedy Film Trailer Roundup

This year looks like as good a year as any for comedy on the big screen with some cool looking new films set for release in the coming months. We've got a roundup of the best comedy films below so take a look and see which ones, if not all, tickle your funny bone.

The Hangover Part 2



Bridesmaids



30 Minutes Or Less



Friends With Benefits



Crazy Stupid Love



Bad Teacher



The Change Up



Horrible Bosses



Which one of these comedies are you most looking forward to?

Titanic In 3D

The extremely well known drama of Titanic is now going to be re-released in 3D. It will not be a remake of the film, only taking the original and converting it to 3D.

Hollywood Studios and director James Cameron have announced that the new 3D version will be released on 6 April 2012, says Chanel24. This will coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the actual cruise liner sinking after setting sail on 10 April 1912.

The reason Cameron gives for this re-release is that there is a whole generation that has not seen Titanic on the big screen, as it was meant to be. He is therefore going to take the original and digitally remaster it at 4K (resolution) and convert it into 3D. This is quite a time consuming and tedious task.

This version is said to still contain all the emotion and drama that won it 11 Oscars, with the images more powerful than ever. It is a sort of cleaning up and enhancing the original film, for the fans to enjoy.

I still don’t really understand this new obsession with 3D films. The only film that I felt worth watching in 3D was Avatar, which was also directed by James Cameron, so hopefully Cameron will bring the same quality. Other than that, I don’t feel that 3D effects really add much to the film, especially since if it is not in animation. The best parts of a 3D film are the opening credits, as those usually have quite cool effects. During the rest of the film I often forget that it is supposed to be in 3D.

Are you excited to see Titanic in 3D? Do you feel it is worth all the trouble?

DVD Review: The Concert

Rating: 4/10 - Bad



You need to be into the schmaltz of As it is in heaven (2004) to enjoy this film. However, that may still not be enough. As it is in heaven, is a much better art film than this drivel. The music is its only redeeming feature so rather buy the soundtrack CD.

DVD Review: Easy A

Rating: 5.3/10 - Average

Saying I was excited to see this film would be quite the understatement. I had heard only good things about it and I've been a an Emma Stone groupie-fanboy since Zombieland came out so this film was destined to be one of my favourite comedies of all time.

DVD Review: The Fighter

Rating: 7.8/10 - Very Good

An inspiring story and a great adaptation. This film does not bore those who would imagine it a typical sporty-boxing-film type, if there is such a thing. However it might be that the overwhelming and sometimes frustratingly irritating 'Jerry Springer type' community might become a bit too much. It is the context of the story and one cannot pervade it, yet if you really detest and not even find it remotely amusing, then I would advise you to watch the trailer and at least reconsider a new look to perceive the film in terms of the allegory presented in this grippingly real and intensely hopeful story.

Film Review: Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

Rating: 7/ 10 - Very Good

‘Ai Mate’, ‘Nay’, ‘Man over board’....all the pirate language, rum, dirty pirates, dirty ships, rough seas, sword fighting, and general pirate lives all in 137 minutes to make a brilliant pirate film. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth in this series, is a typical pirate film and extremely enjoyable.

Film Review: Season Of The Witch

Rating: 4.3/10 - Bad

From the first witches hanging I couldn’t wait for the Season to change. How could the same director that brought us Gone In Sixty Seconds and Swordfish contribute to creating such nonsense? I walked into the movie, ready to give it the benefit of the doubt; it had one of my favourite actors as leading man, Nicholas Cage, and a director known for coming up with stellar plots and endings. This only made the disappointment even more prominent and upsetting.

DVD Review: The Next Three Days

Rating: 6.5/10 - Good

I’m always worried about movies that are written, directed and produced by the same person. Sometimes collaborators can’t save what is essentially one person’s ambition. The Next 3 Days is Paul Haggis’s remake of the 2008 French film Pour Elle, directed by Fred Cavayé, who shares the writing credits with Haggis. Hey, if it worked in French, it’s bound to be even better with Hollywood backing and English. Right?