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DIFF – Wonder Boy for President – Review

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As a Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) goer, you’re often enticed by the possibility that your movie ticket will bring you a film that’s truly special. Something different. Something insightful. Something worth writing about…

As I read the synopsis of Wonder Boy for President in the 37th DIFF catalogue, I got the inkling that this was the film I just couldn’t miss. And boy, was my intuition spot on. With a catchy name that hints at its themes, this movie showcased South African society and its complex political playground. The film’s credits describe it as trying to “interpret SA’s political realm” and I do believe that it met its objective.

Let’s start with the basics – a summary. As mentioned, the film explores SA’s political realm in mockumentary style, through the eyes of an up-and-coming political leader named Wonder Boy (Kagiso Lediga, played with exceptional naivety and humour). He is a township hero from the Eastern Cape who is recruited by the ANC Youth League (yes, you read correctly – the ANC Youth League). Before I lose some of you, fear not – this is not a propaganda piece or political campaigning. It’s just brilliant satire. The film is an exceptionally funny insight into our political system and what I’d like to think of as a snow globe of Jozi life. Wonder Boy is flanked by two corrupt Youth League comrades, Shakes and the aptly named Brutus (Ntosh Madlingozi and Tony Miyambo). The film is as much a success from the likability of Lediga as it is from the brilliant performances of Madlingozi and Miyambo, who are both convincing and hilarious in their own right. The clever banter between the two highlights the ambitious scriptwriting that might have been lacking from a few other local productions this year. John Barker’s directing was also noteworthy. It was calculated, clever and filled with clear direction. The humour varied from overt to so subtle that you might miss it if it weren’t for the film’s cohesive editing, scriptwriting and acting all coming together to give you a film that’s truly relevant to the current political climate. The film also has an undercurrent of romance in the form of a girl from the proverbial ‘other side of the tracks’, played by the talented Thishiwe Ziqubu (leader of the DA Youth League). The romantic detour completes this almost coming-of age story of a grown man (not exposed to the betrayals and complications of city life), who learns to navigate his personal beliefs in a landscape that goes against it.

It plays on the delicate balance between power and corruption and the even finer balance of doing what’s right and doing what’s best. It’s hard to pick up on that at times as its filled with so many funny punches that you’re simply waiting for the next joke or … cameo. Believe me, the cameos just get bigger and better. From beloved local comedians (Loyiso Gala, David Kau, David Kibuuka and John Vlismas) to snippets of political heavyweights (Jacob Zuma, Helen Zille, Julius Malema, Floyd Shivambu and Mmusi Maimane). I challenge you not to enjoy this gem. Sadly, DIFF has just recently ended but this film is sure to arrive on local cinemas soon so don’t miss out on your chance to see it.

For those who missed out on the closing night’s award show, here are DIFF’s top picks:

Best Feature FilmThe Violin Player directed by Bauddhayan Mukherji.
Best South African Feature FilmTess (a 2013 Durban FilmMart project), directed by Meg Rickards
Best Documentary awardMartha and Niki directed by Tora Mkandawire Martens
Best SA Documentary  – The Journeymen, directed by Sean Metelerkamp.
Best Short FilmGrandma’s Day (Dzie’n Babci) directed by Milosz Sakowski.
Best African Short Film AwardNew Eyes directed by Hiwot Admasu.
Best South African Short Film awardeKhaya (Home), directed by Shubham Mehta
Best Actor Award – Mohsen Namjoo for his performance in Radio Dream, directed by Babak Jalali.
Best Actress – Christia Visser for her role as Tess in Tess directed by Meg Rickards.
Best Direction – Ciro Guerra for Embrace Of The Serpent
Best Cinematography  – Chris Lotz for The Endless River
Best Screenplay – Ciro Guerra and Thoedor Koch-Grunberg for Embrace of The Serpent
Best EditingTess which was edited by Linda Man
Artistic BraveryNeon Bull directed by Gabriel Mascaro
Amnesty International Durban Human Rights AwardNoma, directed by Pablo Pineda.

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Movies

Review: Movies @ Suncoast – Deadpool 2

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If you are a lover of Durban and you hear of the word ‘Suncoast’, you would automatically be thinking: Casino and Entertainment World – well, if it was only ‘Casino’… then good job!

BUT it’s not all about the casino or the restaurants… it’s also about the movies, which brings us to the point of this post where we review Deadpool 2 at Suncoast’s Cinecentre.

FUN FACT: Cinecentre is part of the Avalon Group which is South Africa’s largest and oldest independent Cinema Exhibition and Entertainment Company – they have been a pioneer of importing Bollywood movies to South Africa for over 70 years.

DEADPOOL 2: REVIEW

DP 2’s elaborate anti-marketing campaign has been simply brilliant by bashing popular pop-culture while also making fun of itself.  Ryan Reynolds, who plays both DP and Juggernaut, has once again pulled out all the stops to
deliver an entertaining and hysterically funny anti-hero flick that will appeal to all DP 1 fans.

Storyline: This blockbuster brings together X-Force, Bill Skarsgard, Terry Crews and Brad Pitt (who’s out of sight), a team of misfit hero’s on a mission to save a troubled mutant boy (Russell “Rusty” Collins) from a time traveling cyborg (Cable), played by Josh Brolin, who lugs around a beast of a gun and other advanced weaponry. But it doesn’t end as you may think.

The movies ability to break down the fourth wall without skipping a beat is what makes this film special. This brilliant idea that DP knows he is a fictional character living in a comic book universe could even be expanded upon in future installments, and hopefully it will be. All DP’s literal back breaking and head splitting weirdness mixed with a kind of super consciousness of his own reality should keep all die hard comic book movie fans coming back time and again.

Expect some rib-tickling one-liners, plenty of trash talking and loads of action. DP 2 scores and solid 8 out of 10, so book your tickets now at CINECENTRE!

Suncost Casino and Entertainment World

Centrally located at the northern end of Durban‘s Golden Mile, Suncoast is always a hub of activity. Not only a great spot to visit if you are a local but for tourists to our beautiful city as well. Currently under construction, we found that parking was a mission and running across the lot in the rain not very pleasant, but this is our only negative about our Suncoast experience. On a good note, a little birdie says that part of the new building will be undercover parking – which we think is fantastic!

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Entertainment

Granada Square outdoor movie night this April 30th

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Looking for some fun family bonding time, or a romantic couple’s night out? Then a night under the stars with popcorn in hand and a popular family movie is just the event for you!

Granada Square will be hosting its very first outdoor movie night on Monday, 30th April, 2018 at 18h30 – the day before the public holiday!

Take your blankets and cushions along, unwind and enjoy the comedy drama, We Bought a Zoo (2011).

This American family comedy-drama follows the story of a widowed father (Matt Damon) who decides to start a new life with his two children. He buys a house that is home to a struggling zoo in need of renovation and together with the current staff, they take on the challenge of restoring the zoo to its former glory and reopening to the public

Book now through web tickets at a cost of R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12. Under 3’s are free.
Popcorn will be included in the ticket price.
Tickets are limited, so book now!

Movie goers to please note that this event is weather dependent. In the case of rain, a new date will be scheduled.

For more information visit www.granadasquare.co.za

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REVIEW: Tomb Raider at Suncoast’s Cine Centre

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There’s just something so electric about going to the movies at Suncoast Casino. With all the lights and vibrant shops & restaurants, you’re immediately transported to a magical place that can only be felt in reality!

We were recently invited to experience the new Tomb Raider movie at Suncoast Casino, and boy were we in for a treat!

Arriving at Suncoast, we made our way to the food court to grab a bite before the movie. Even though there were renovations taking place, it didn’t dampen the atmosphere as Suncoast was still jam-packed full of families and couples alike.

After our quick dinner for two, we headed towards the CincCentre to finally watch the movie I had been dying to watch, Tomb Raider! As a little girl, I grew up playing the Tomb Raider games, and of course, was beyond excited to watch the all new take on the movie franchise.

We queued for our popcorn & drinks which was a breeze.
I loved how Suncoast’s CineCentre give you extra packets of popcorn spice in case you needed it later on in the movie!

After making our way to our seats, we were ready and excited for the movie to begin. Our movie was in 3D and we came prepared, with pre-purchased 3D glasses from a previous movie. So if you’re buying a pair, be sure to keep it somewhere safe for the next time!

My take on the Tomb Raider movie?

I thought it was an incredible, fresh new take on the franchise and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Check out the trailer:

Book your next Suncoast movie here

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