The Other Guys

Picture this: Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as two bad-ass, overconfident New York cops, and Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as the two desk-bound loser detectives who find themselves in the middle of a massive criminal investigation. Yes, this cop spoof is as funny and ridiculous as it sounds.

Written and directed by the same guy who wrote Step-Brothers and Talladega Nights, this is a genuinely witty and entertaining comedy that is made that much funnier by the always brilliant Ferrell. Throw in Michael Keaton and Damon Wayans as well and you know you’re going to be laughing till you snort your Slush Puppy up your nose.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

The first Wall Street movie was released in 1987 at the beginning of the capitalist boom. Michael Douglas starred as the unscrupulous and super-ambitious investment banker Gordon Gekko and gave filmgoers a glimpse into the ostentatious world of money.

Flash forward to 2010 and Wall Street is still in the doldrums. Economies are collapsing around us and we’ve seen people lose their life savings, jobs, houses and retirement annuities. Interesting times to make a sequel to the glam slam movie of the 80s.

The movie opens with Gekko being released from prison with his gold Rolex and brick-sized mobile phone. He must reinvent himself despite the recession to get back into the money and along the way steps on many toes to achieve this. The sub-plot involves Gekko’s daughter and her fiancé, who’s a hotshot banker in the making. It’s juicy, enthralling and altogether delicious to watch.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Oceans

Less than five percent of the ocean’s creatures have been seen by humankind. Isn’t that incredible? An entire unexplored universe exists right under our noses!

This incredibly beautiful and moving documentary attempts to give us a glimpse of some of these fascinating animals by taking us from the shore right down to the ocean floor. An increase in these types of stunning nature doccies has certainly raised awareness about the impact of man on nature, as well as given us a renewed appreciation of the awesomeness of nature, and I hope this one will do the same.

I urge you to look past your own nose and open yourself up to a beauty that is not manmade.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Susanna van Biljon

This impressive Afrikaans film is the latest project from acclaimed director and producer Franz Marx. At the forefront is a frumpy Karen Zoid, who gives a surprisingly good debut performance as Susanna van Biljon, a middle-aged Karoo woman still living with her mother. Susanna’s dream is to sing, so when a talent-seeking roadshow rolls into town, she works up the courage to audition.

Central to her struggle is a lack of self-confidence and her unhealthy relationship with her mother. Her dreams and frustrations are universal, which is what makes the film so endearing. The cherry on top though is hearing Zoid belt out a couple of heartfelt tunes. This is a movie worth supporting.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Legend of the Guardians

This visually enthralling animated film is based on a series of books, The Owls of Ga’Hoole, by Kathryn Lasky. There’s bad owls and good owls and owls that are kidnapped – and they’re all voiced by a host of famous Aussies (Sam Neill, Abbie Cornish) and a couple of Brits (Helen Mirren, Jim Sturgess).

The adventure is pretty thrilling, especially in 3D, if somewhat scary for younger audience members, but given that it’s from the director of 300 and Watchmen, this is not surprising. It might not be as popular as your Shrek or Toy Story films, but it’s a fresh foray into the genre, which is always worth a thumbs up.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Karate Kid

I have to admit that the thought of Jackie Chan playing the role of Mr Miyagi almost put me completely off watching this remake of the legendary 1984 film. I’m glad curiosity got the better of me.

For one, Chan plays the iconic aging kung-fu master without a hint of his usual slapstick zeal. Whew. Secondly, Will and Jada Smith’s little Jaden, who plays The Kid, is a real joy to watch. Like a mini-me of his dad, Jaden is already set to be a superstar. I think the most effective tool in the movie, however was the decision to shoot the film almost entirely in China. The sweeping shots of mountains and gorgeous architecture give the story of the kung-fu apprentice the magical feel it needs. It simply would not have worked if shot in the States.

As much as it surprises me, I’m giving this remake the big thumbs up.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Greenberg

Take all preconceptions you have of funny guy Ben Stiller and throw them out the window. Here he plays Roger Greenberg, a 40-something failed musician who has lost his way. He’s stuck in that surreptitious state of self-loathing and wants simply to “do nothing”. When he ends up in LA housesitting for his successful brother, however, something in him begins to shift.

I’m not going to say that his life falls into place and he turns into an exemplary human being. No. Although the film is peppered with humour and irony, observing Roger and his journey is actually quite sad and somewhat painful, which is what makes this production so compelling. If you enjoy those movies that take the audience into the centre of an emotional crisis, you’ll find this script and Stiller’s performance totally satisfying.

Rating 4 outta 5.

Going the Distance

Who doesn’t love Drew Barrymore? She always manages to bring a little realism to even the most outrageous movie scripts. Here she attempts – very nobly – to give us a credible and likeable romcom.

Playing her love interest is real-life boyfriend Justin Long, who’s also hard not to like. Sounds like a winning recipe, does it not? That’s exactly the problem. On paper the movie should be a hit, but somewhere along the line it stumbles into many of the clichéd romcom pitfalls. Of course this is not the actors’ fault; sadly the script calls for one too many cringy scenes, which kind of ruins the whole realism idea.

I won’t say it’s a total bust, but I will say that Drew probably could have done it better if she had written and directed the script herself.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Winter in Wartime

Set in German occupied Holland just before the end of WWII, this Dutch film focuses on 14-year-old Michiel and his involvement with an injured British pilot, who his uncle is hiding in the forest.

Desperate to take a stand against the Nazis, Michiel risks his life and that of his family to save the pilot and help him escape. Inevitably he gets himself into a dangerous and dark hole so deep that it seems he will never get out.

This emotionally charged film is an absolute nail-biter that is not only beautifully shot, but beautifully acted and produced too. Definitely worth seeing.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Resident Evil: Afterlife

If you’re reading this you’ve no doubt been following the Resident Evil saga since its inception in 2002. By now you’ll be fully aware that the undead are ravaging what’s left of the earth, and that Alice (Milla Jovovich) is still on a mission to find survivors and take back the planet.

This time she brings along two new, pretty faces for the ride – Prison Break’s Wentworth Miller and Soul Food’s Boris Kodjoe. I guess for some the introduction of new talent is enough to distract them from the feeling that they’ve seen this all before. For others there is the fact that this particular instalment was filmed on the same high-tech 3D camera as Avatar, which apparently means a lot.

If you’re a fan, I’m sure nothing will dampen your excitement for another couple of hours of battle. For the rest of you, I would suggest another film.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Bakgat 2

Wimpie Koekemoer is back with his motley crew of friends and girlfriend Katrien for the follow up to the first successful Bakgat movie. Now at varsity, Wimpie is offered a rugby scholarship in England, but must face the prospect of leaving the love of his life behind. What to do?

In the process we’re entertained with young-adult romps, rugby, cheerleaders and other alcohol-induced shenanigans. Yup, this is a film not meant to be taken seriously.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

Dabangg

Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) is a corrupt and ruthless policeman who considers himself a bad-ass Robin Hood. He’s cocky, fearless and takes life by the proverbial horns, not letting anyone get in his way. So, when his nemesis stepbrother Makhanchan (Arbaaz Khan) is unwittingly pitted against him, all hell breaks loose. Can the brothers put aside their differences to take on their enemy?

Khan’s aviator-wearing cop character will no doubt keep you entertained even if the storyline is somewhat drab and predictable.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

The Living Forest

Here’s the odd thing about this film: It was released nine years ago in its country of origin, Spain, which means it’s old and also in Spanish and subtitled in English. Nothing wrong with that, except that it’s an animated film meant for kids. It’s not in the vein of popular adult animations like The Triplets of Belleville or Coraline – in fact it’s about a blue little forest creature that must protect his habitat from humans. Cute, but why would anyone take their 6-year-old to a subtitled movie? Not quite sure what SA distributers were thinking here.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

The Last Airbender

Here’s an example of an animated cartoon that should never have been turned into a feature film of “real” people. Sadly, some filmmakers just overestimate their capacity.

From what I could gather before nodding off, the story revolves around a battle between wind, fire, air and water nations, and there’s this kid who is the last surviving air creature. Everyone wants him dead. An eternity of boring fight scenes follow. I can’t even say that this movie is redeemed by great effects or cool 3D. In fact, this might be one of the worst 3D films ever made. No, there’s pretty much nothing good I can say at all. Give this one a miss.

Rating: 1 outta 5.

Salt

Up until now, most of Angelina Jolie’s action movies have been frivolous, to say the least. She’s been typecast as the sexy superhero, and it’s worked for her, if not for the discerning filmgoer. Salt is not so much a turnaround on this idea as it is an evolvement.

Angelina is a CIA agent with mad skills, which come in handy when she’s forced to go on the run from the CIA, FBI, Secret Service and the dreaded Russians, who seem to have framed her. Even when writing this I realise how ridiculous it sounds. One woman against an army? Yeah, right. Cleverly, though, veteran director Phillip Noyce makes us forget about the plot holes and suspend belief enough to be drawn in by the gripping action. Instead of wondering how Angelina’s skinny body can sustain one trauma after another you’ll find yourself awed by her wily escapes. This one will get the blood pumping.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1890. Seems incredible that it can still be relevant 120 years later, right? But it is.

The premise is a strange one: A painting of Dorian Gray somehow manages to deflect any signs of aging from the young man onto the painting itself. This means that Dorian can indulge in all sorts of dangerous and reckless behaviour without being physically harmed or aging a day. Instead, the painting begins to deteriorate with every self-indulgent whim. I admit the idea is bizarre, but it raises a very interesting question: What would you do if your physical body bore no consequences of your actions?

The movie is dark, brooding and disturbing. Described as Gothic horror, it will repulse and compel you. This is one that you’ll either love or hate, however; don’t say I didn’t warn you. Rating: 4 outta 5.

Hopeville

If you were a fan of the television series with a positive message, you’ll be glad to hear that a full-length movie is now being released.

Here’s what the producers had to say about the film: Hopeville tells the story of Amos, a reformed alcoholic on a mission to forge a relationship with his estranged son, Themba. When father and son arrive in the dusty town of Hopeville, they discover a mean little community where apathy, fear and suspicion are the order of the day. When Amos decides to restore the public swimming pool so that his son can pursue a swimming career, he is met with scepticism and resistance from the town's authorities and its inhabitants. Through patience, determination and above all courage, Amos' selfless act ripples through Hopeville, inspiring others to take action and to do what they know is right.

Sounds like Hopeville is exactly what we need to get inspired and make a difference. See it!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Vampires Suck

You know exactly what to expect from spoof movies like this where no celebrity is safe from ridicule and mockery. In case you didn’t pick up on the title, this one takes a swipe at the Twilight saga and makes a meal out of the pale-faced vampires and the torso-bearing werewolves, as well as everyone in between from Alice (of Wonderland) and the Black Eyed Peas.

Hopefully Twilight fans will have enough of a sense of humour to enjoy it. Haters, on the other hand, will love every moment. Silly spoofiness at its best.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

We Are Family

Remember the movie Stepmom with Susan Sarandon as the jilted ex-wife who viciously guarded her children from Julia Roberts, the hubby’s new wife? And how the two women eventually found some common ground after Susan discovers she’s terminally ill? Essentially this is the Hindi version of this movie.

Kareena Kapoor plays the new girlfriend to Arjun Rampal, but the real chemistry is between the two leading women as they are forced to forge a relationship for the sake of the three shared kids. As with Stepmom, this film will pull at the heartstrings and make you appreciate the value of family.

Rating: 3 outta 5.