Summary Review:
Spud is a charmingly funny coming-of-age movie that does South Africa proud and is on par with the calibre of international films.

Synopsis:
‘Tis the season that all the super expensive blockbuster film franchise series release their latest instalment for the holiday season. Last week was the 7th Harry Potter film and this week we have the 3rd movie in The Chronicles of Narnia series, Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

In support of local film, however, I have a review of Spud here, the film adaptation of South African Johan van de Ruit’s bestselling novel. It is the first in the Spud trilogy and I would recommend it to any boy or man who has gone to boarding school.

John Milton is a “spud”, a boy whose balls have not yet dropped and still sings in a sweet soprano. As the smallest boy in his dorm, he is immediately targeted as the one of the bully favourites in his first year at boarding school.

Throughout the year, however, he proves his worth as he struggles through finding acceptance, discovering girls and making friends with “The Guv” (John Cleese), his English teacher, a dubious mentor if ever there was one.

I personally enjoyed the filmed version of Spud more than the novel, although there are many passionate Spud fans who would disagree.

The young and fresh-faced Troye Sivan, who plays John Milton, does a poignant portrayal of adolescent anguishes and is definitely a name to look out for in the future.

If you want to support our homegrown films and local talent, but are tired of always feeling like South African movies are lame, wannabe versions of much better international films, go and watch Spud. It is impeccably filmed, well-scripted and thoroughly enjoyable.

Director: Donovan Marsh Screenplay: Donovan Marsh, based on the novel by John van de Ruit Cast: Troye Sivan, John Cleese, Tanit Phoenix, Jason Cope Time: 104min Age Restriction: 13SLM

Genre:
Comedy

Summary Review:
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is possibly the funniest movie of the year and will appeal to anyone who’s into gaming and odd humour.

Synopsis:
Michael Cera annoys me, because he always plays the same type of dorky character and is at risk of being typecast. But although Scott Pilgrim is another such loser, the sheer awesomeness of this movie totally won me over.

22-year-old Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) has started dating a 17-year-old high schooler, because he can’t get over the girl who dumped him over a year ago. The fact that she is in a band that just got signed by a major record label, while Scott’s own band is unknown, doesn’t help either.

Enter Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a girl like no other, and Scott becomes obsessed with her. But Ramona has a dark past and dangerous baggage, so in order for Scott to date her, he must battle her 7 evil exes.

A comedic sci-fi/fantasy film based in the real world, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is totally original. The post-modern cinematography and sketched-in commentary throughout the film gives it the feel of a real-life comic book, while the staging of the battles with the exes is a mirror of the classic duelling computer games.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is peppered with sharp one-liners that make up a consistently hilarious dialogue, and the movie gives a very obvious lesson on the importance of self-respect.

Without a doubt, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is one of the funniest films of the year and is a must-see movie for anyone who enjoys LANing, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, Nintendo or any other kind of gaming, as well as anyone with a good sense of humour and an unpretentious taste in films.

Director: Edgar Wright Screenplay: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall, based on the novel Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley Cast: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong Time: 108min Age Restriction: 13SLVM

Genre:
Comedy

Summary Review:
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky is a beautifully filmed work of art, with fine cinematography and design, but a faltering pace that shudders to a disappointing halt.

Synopsis:
This week’s hottest release is Harry Potter 7.1, which I’ve already reviewed, and I haven’t reviewed a nouveau film in ages, so here goes Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky.

In 1913, couturiere Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) attends the first performance of The Rite of Spring, a ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky (Mads Mikkelsen). Today, Stravinsky is credited as one of the most important revolutionaries in modern ballet, but at the time the rhythmic dissonance of his music caused a riot in the theatre.

Despite the public reaction to Stravinsky’s ballet, Chanel is impressed by Igor and when they are introduced 7 years later in 1920, these two forward-thinkers are immediately attracted to each other.

Chanel’s business has become extremely successful over the years, but she is grieving the loss of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, who died in a car crash. Chanel invites Stravinsky and his family to move into her villa outside of Paris, ostensibly to create an inspiring environment for his composing.

Chanel and Stravinsky begin a love affair that stimulates both their creativity – Stravinsky composing with clarity and passion, while Chanel gets breakthrough with the perfume she’s been struggling to create (incidentally the iconic Chanel No.5).

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky begins with a bang as the film opens with the riot at the premiere of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, after the elegantly stirring opening credits are screened over a background of monochromatic kaleidoscopes.

But as it progresses, the film loses its momentum and neither the soundtrack comprised of Stravinsky’s own dramatic music, nor the fine costume and set design can save Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky from stuttering to a flaccid ending.

Director: Jan Kounen Screenplay: Carlo de Boutiny, Jan Kounen, based on the novel Coco & Igor by Chris Greenhalgh Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Anna Mouglalis, Elena Morozova, Natacha Lindinger Time: 118min Age Restriction: 16SN

Genre:
Drama/Romance

Summary Review:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is by far the best Harry Potter film to date and has finally managed to capture the addictive tone of the books.

Synopsis:
I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, but I’ve found all the movies thus far to be boring and disappointing. Until I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, that is.

Lord Voldemort is now out in the open and the whole wizarding world lives in fear, knowing he has returned. Harry, Ron and Hermione are the only ones who know that the only way to defeat him is to destroy all his Horcruxes.

So, instead of packing off to Hogwarts for their 7th and final school year, they embark on an expedition to uncover and kill the Horcruxes.

Although there are a few new characters and scenes in the movie that were not in the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is more faithful to the book than any of the previous movies were. This is testament to the fact that J.K. Rowling worked closely with the film makers and was a producer on this movie.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is not only a great reflection of the book; it is a good movie in and of itself.

Directed by David Yates, who also directed the 5th and 6th films, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is beautifully filmed, with impressive special effects and cinematography.

Truly dark, with several tense moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 creates moments for one to really connect with the characters, as well as incorporating the humour and danger of the book.

Director: David Yates Screenplay: Steve Kloves, based on the novel by J. K. Rowling Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson Time: 146min Age Restriction: 10V

Genre:
Fantasy/Sci-fi/Adventure

Summary Review:
Liefling is a fresh and wacky, but regrettably cheesy Afrikaans musical that is only for the real lovers of Afrikaans music.

Synopsis:
I don’t think I’ve reviewed an Afrikaans film before, much less an Afrikaans musical! So I thought I’d give Liefling a shot, although all my friends (even the Afrikaans ones) couldn’t believe I was going to watch it.

Lika Berning plays “Liefling” Marais, a nickname given to her by her friends for her warm and lovely nature. She meets Jan Ferreira (Bobby van Jaarsveld) at the beginning of the December holidays and they fall madly in love.

But Melanie von Staden has had her jealous eye on Jan for months and is not going to give up on him without a fight. To complicate matters further, the overseas travelling trip that Liefling has been planning all year is drawing near.

Although the storyline is a bit clumsy and at times frustratingly cheesy, Liefling is a well-made movie, with artistic cinematography that showcases the beauty of the South African landscape.

There was hardly any original music created for Liefling, which is built around a myriad Afrikaans treffers, with songs ranging from classics dating as far back as 1910 to contemporary favourites, like Kurt Darren’s recent hit “Kaptein (Span Die Seile)“.

A few of the dance numbers look like the worst over-the-top MTV music videos, but those with a love for Afrikaans music (or who enjoy the occasional weekend langarm) will appreciate Liefling for it’s all-star cast of Afrikaans singers wacky humour that at times reminded me of 7de Laan (not always a compliment in my opinion, but people seem to love that soap).

There are also a few cameo appearances from Afrikaans-culture stalwarts like Carike Keuzenkamp and Riaan Cruywagen that will make you guffaw with laughter.

All-in-all, Liefling could have been shorter and some of the music sequences cut. I would give it 2 out of 5 stars for all but the more mature Afrikaans audience.

Director: Brian Webber Screenplay: Brian Webber Cast: Lika Berning, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Elize Cawood, Rouel Beukes Time: 114min Age Restriction: PG

Genre:
Musical (Afrikaans)

Everyone who is on Facebook (especially those inclined to geekiness) should watch The Social Network, the brilliant story behind the beginnings of Facebook. Click here to read the iGeek review of The Social Network.

I would definitely recommend The Social Network over the rancid revenge “comedy” that is You Again.

Summary Review:
You Again is a mean-spirited movie about bitchy revenge that will leave you bad-tempered and discouraged.

Synopsis:
Marni (Kristen Bell) is a high-flying PR executive who was a nerdy and acne-ridden teen. When she goes home for her brother’s wedding she discovers that his bride is actually Joanna (Odette Yustman), the prissy cheerleader who bullied and belittled her at school.

Unable to let go of her high school humiliation and petty grudges, Marni vows to get revenge on Joanna and show her true colours to the whole family.

This storyline is mimicked by the rivalry between Marni’s mom, Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Joanna’s aunt, Ramona (Sigourney Weaver).

Despite being portrayed by a cast of A-list women, You Again‘s small-minded characters will make you sick to your stomach with their squabbles and unfunny plots of vengeance.

Watching people break each other down has never been as unfunny as in You Again.

Director: Andy Fickman Screenplay: Moe Jelline Cast: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman Time: 103min Age Restriction: PG

Genre:
Comedy/Romance

Summary Review:
Life As We Know It is an awkward romantic comedy that feels like a 2-hour episode of an average television series.

Synopsis:
If you’re looking for something new, there are really no good films to watch this week.

The options are Piranha, a 3D-remake of a 70′s cult horror movie with giant man-eating fish, Takers, a clichéd action movie about a team of bank robbers, or Life As We Know It, which seems the most palatable of the lot.

Katherine Heigl plays Holly, a responsible, hard-working woman. Her friends Peter and Alison set her up on a blind date with Eric “Messer” Messer (Josh Duhamel), who is a bit of a player.

The date is disastrous and Holly and Messer are thankful that they never have to see each other again.

But when Peter and Alison die in a car accident, it is discovered that they named Holly and Messer as legal guardians of their 1-year-old daughter Sophie.

Holly and Messer now have to move in and raise a child together, which is where Life As We Know It really switches over into comedy mode.

Okay, so the plot is totally illogical and if you’re expecting a typical, easy romantic comedy, Life As We Know It is not it. It is bearable, because Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel are equally sweet and they work well together.

Director Greg Berlanti is best known for his award-winning television series, like Everwood, Dawson’s Creek and Brothers and Sisters. and Life As We Know It feels like a 2-hour episode of a less entertaining series.

By the last few minutes of the film, you’ll be reminded of the opening blind date and just like Holly and Messer, you’ll be waiting for Life As We Know It to end.

Director: Greg Berlanti Screenplay: Ian Deitchman, Kristin Rusk Robinson Cast: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks Time: 115min Age Restriction: 13M

Genre:
Romantic Comedy

This exclusive review was made possible by Ster Kinekor cinemas in conjunction with 2oceansvibe.com

Summary Review:
With its acute, barbed humour, swift pace and riveting storyline, The Social Network is an entertaining film of genius, deception and betrayal that should be watched by every one of Facebook’s 500 million users.

Synopsis:
The Social Network surprised me in every way. It was funny, intriguing, gripping and revealing.

When I first heard that they were making a movie about Facebook, I had a hard time believing that anyone could make it interesting enough to watch. Obviously I didn’t know everything there is to the Facebook story – at least not as its depicted in The Social Network.

Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) is a brilliant, geeky undergrad at Harvard University, who becomes an overnight sensation when a site he built after being dumped by his girlfriend got 22 000 hits in a matter of hours.

This brings him to the attention of the Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) twins, who want to start an exclusive dating site for varsity students.

But Mark uses their idea as inspiration for a site that has much greater potential for growth and success.

As Mark’s site becomes more popular, everyone involved along the way feels left out and mistreated.

Facebook has always seemed like a light, positive, friendly place to me and, by association, the people who created it have always had my goodwill. But The Social Network is a window into the dark dealings that have gone on behind it and has robbed me of my naïve ideal.

The Social Network features intuitive acting, an excellent script and taut direction, resulting in a fluid, gripping film that is darkly ironic and subtly sad.

There is a bit of techie jargon that programmers and developers will love, but I recommend that all 500 million Facebook users watch this movie, as you will surely feel connected to the story and will be 100% entertained.

Director: David Fincher Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, based on The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song Time: 121min

Genre:
Comedy/Drama

Summary Review:
Alpha and Omega is a children’s animation that is cute, but disappointing.

Synopsis:
Alpha and Omega is one of those movies where the trailer is way better than the actual film.

Humphrey (Justin Long) the wolf, is an omega in his pack and has a crush on Kate (Hayden Panettiere), an alpha wolf. According to wolf custom, however, alphas and omegas are never allowed to mate.

Kate’s father Winston, the alpha leader of the pack, and Tony, the leader of a rival wolf pack, agree to have Kate marry Tony’s son Garth, in an effort to unite the two packs.

The day before the wedding Kate and Humphrey are captured by humans and relocated to Idaho from their home in Canada’s Jasper National Park. Kate and Humphrey now have to work together to make their way home, which has predictable results.

While a nice outing for very young children, Alpha and Omega is a rather bland film compared to the standard of animations that we’ve come to expect. There a few below-the-belt jokes that will go over the really young kids’ heads, but may get a few awkward chuckles from the adults.

The rest of Alpha and Omega is cute and brief and you’ll leave the cinema wondering why they didn’t do more with the story.

Director: Ben Gluck, Anthony Bell Screenplay: Chris Denk, Steve Moore Cast: Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover Time: 88min Age Restriction: PG

Genre:
Animation

Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck Screenplay: Allan Loeb, based on the story by Jeffrey Eugenides Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson, Juliette Lewis Time: 101min Age Restriction: 10M

Genre:

Romantic Comedy

Summary Review:

The Switch is an unremarkable formulaic rom-com that is saved from being completely boring by a charming child actor and a reasonable running time.

Synopsis:

Wally (Jason Bateman) has been best friends with Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) for many years. Like any good friend, he challenges her on the wisdom of choosing a random sperm donor to impregnate her when her biological clock starts ticking too loudly.

But of course there is more to the story and Wally has actually been deeply in love with Kassie since forever and not been able to voice his emotions.

Despite Wally’s cautions, however, Kassie is determined to go ahead with her plans and she throws a “Get Pregnant” party where Wally gets horribly drunk and things go terribly wrong.

Fast forward seven years, when Kassie returns to New York with her son, Sebastian, to begin a new job and pick up her old friendships where they left off.

The Switch has a few barbed comic moments that will make you smile once in a while, but in general the old situations are rather boring.

Yet again, the predictable Jennifer Aniston plays herself and the same can be said for nerdy nice-guy Jason Bateman. Patrick Wilson is the most interesting headlining actor in this film, but is highly unlikeable as Roland, the smarmy sperm donor.

Thomas Robinson, as Kassie’s neurotic son, Sebastian, is the star of The Switch. His performance as the solemn, fatherless test-tube child will melt your heart and totally steals what little there is of the show.