I know it has been quite a couple of weeks since my last article, but my life (personal and work wise) has just been a tad hectic. Whilst not being able to write my weekly article, I had some time to consider a few changes to this blog. Seeing that someone else is covering the SABC/e-tv movies on weekly basis and doing quite a good job of it, I thought my blog could go entirely in the opposite direction. As from next month I’ll be covering movies showing on DStv, as there isn’t (at the moment) someone doing that. Obviously I won’t be able to cover everything and every channel, so it will be a selective few. I hope the changes won’t affect all my loyal supporters of the past couple of years. I really do enjoy writing these articles as it gives me a sense of belonging and I can give in to my creative writing skills – it also helps with the English language . Your input/comments/feedback is, as always, welcome.
It’s all out action this weekend – so strap on those boots, put on your helmet, stock up on your ration pack (ie chips, popcorn, chocolates, cold drinks etc) and dive onto the couch, because me thinks you’re not going to get up too soon. There is quite a variety (in the action category that is) from suspense/thriller/action to comedy/action – defs something for everyone. The movie I am most looking forward to is Valkyrie and my absolutely have to see movie of the week is: The Sentinel
THURSDAY, 11 MARCH 2010
e-tv 20:00 Spanglish
Starring: Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman, Shelbie Bruce
Director: James L. Brooks
A woman and her daughter emigrate from Mexico for a better life in America, where they start working for a family where the patriarch is a newly celebrated chef with an insecure wife
FRIDAY, 12 MARCH 2010
SABC1 22:00 Murder by Numbers (***)
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Gosling, Michael Pitt, Ben Chaplin, Agnes Bruckner
Director: Barbet Schroeder
I thought that this was quite a good suspense movie, but maybe I might be biased as Ms Bullock is one of my favourite actresses. It has an intriguing storyline and will defs keep you interested. It’s perfect for a Friday night, if you don’t have anything else to do.
Synopsis
Two gifted high school students execute a "perfect" murder - then become engaged in an intellectual contest with a seasoned homicide detective.
SABC3 19:30 Standard Bank Pro 20
e-tv 20:00 Crimson Tide
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen
Director: Tony Scott
On a US nuclear missile sub, a young first officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so.
e-tv 22:40 Connor’s War
Starring: Anthony 'Treach' Criss, Nia Peeples, Blu Mankuma
Director: Nick Castle
A blind CIA agent is injected with experimental serum to regain his eyesight in order to complete a daring mission, only to discover that he has been tricked by his enemies into doing something illegal.
M-Net 21:00 RocknRolla
Starring: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Idris Elba, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges
Director: Guy Ritchie
I’m looking forward to this movie as for some reason I haven’t seen it yet.
A Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, putting millions of dollars up for grabs and attracting all of London's criminal underworld.
My Picks for Today: Murder by Numbers
Movies that Might be Worth Watching: RocknRolla, Crimson Tide
SATURDAY, 13 MARCH 2010
SABC1 20:00 Laduma: Telkom Knockout
SABC1 22:15 The Sentinel (****)
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Kim Basinger, Eva Longoria Parker, Paul Calderon
Director: Clark Johnson
If you’re a fan of 24 then you will defs not be disappointed in this movie. It’s brilliantly executed and the suspense is unbearable at times. It has a top notch cast, good storyline/script, some amazing action sequences and nice twist. This is a must see in my books.
Synopsis
A secret service agent is framed as the mole in an assassination attempt on the president. He must clear his name and foil another assassination attempt while on the run from a relentless FBI agent.
SABC3 19:30 Seabiscuit (***½)
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Gary Stevens, Chris McCarron
Director: Gary Ross
I loved Seabiscuit, but as much as I loved it, I was not blinded by it’s flaws. I’m a huge fan of true stories brought to the big screen, but I felt that they (the directors etc) could’ve made this movie much shorter – there are quite couple of scenes I would have cut out completely or made shorter – to give it a better pacing. It also felt as if it took forever before the two main characters meet (ie Jeff and Tobey) and the actual story begins. But for all its flaws, it still stays a brilliant, moving, uplifting movie (best keep those Kleenex near). Tobey is very subdued in the movie and Jeff gives a brilliant performance. It’s a must see in my books.
Synopsis
True story of the undersized Depression-era racehorse whose victories lifted not only the spirits of the team behind it but also those of their nation.
SABC3 21:30 Assassins (***)
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore, Anatoly Davydov, Muse Watson
Director: Richard Donner
Who would have thought that teaming Sly and Banderas in a movie would result in such an action suspense packed movie. Antonio is yummylicious as always and Sly also still looks good (his face doesn’t look as if it was hit by a truck face on). It’s a good movie and perfect for a Saturday night.
Synopsis
Robert Rath is a seasoned hitman who just wants out of the business with no back talk. But, as things go, it ain't so easy. A younger, peppier assassin named Bain is having a field day trying to kill said older assassin. Rath teams up with a computer hacker named Electra to defeat the obsessed Bain.
e-tv 20:00 Dr Dolittle 3
Starring: Kyla Pratt, Kristen Wilson, Walker Howard, John Amos
Director: Rich Thorne
Lisa Dolittle sends her daughter to 'Durango', a Dude Ranch, to find herself. While there, she uses her talent to talk to the animals in order to save Durango from being taken over by a neighboring Ranch.
e-tv 21:55 Wild Orchid 2: Two Shades of Blue
Starring: Nina Siemaszko, Tom Skerritt, Robert Davi, Brent Fraser, Christopher McDonald
Director: Zalman King
In the mid 50s, a young woman turns to prostitution after her father's death - leading to the demise of a romance she shared with a rich, handsome, young man.
M-Net 21:30 Paul Bart: Mall Cop
Starring: Kevin James, Keir O'Donnell, Raini Rodriguez, Adhir Kalyan, Jayma Mays
Director: Steve Carr
Looking forward to this movie.
Synopsis
When a shopping mall is overtaken by a gang of organized crooks, it's up to the a mild-mannered security guard to save the day.
My Picks for Today: The Sentinel, Seabiscuit, Assassins
Movies that Might be Worth Watching: Paul Bart: Mall Cop
SUNDAY, 14 MARCH 2010
SABC1 20:00 Bad Company (***½)
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Chris Rock, Kerry Washington, Peter Stormare, Garcelle Beauvais
Director: Joel Schumacher
I thoroughly enjoyed this action/comedy. I thought Chris rocked (excuse the pun ;-) ) as the street junkie turned über spy and thought he was hilarious. I don’t think anyone else would’ve been able to pull this role off. Anthony Hopkins brings his own charm and class, as always, to the party. It has a good storyline and action sequences. It’s a must see in my books if you haven’t seen it yet.
Synopsis
Gaylord Oakes, a veteran CIA agent must transform sarcastic, street-wise punk Jake Hayes into a sophisticated and savvy spy to replace his murdered identical twin brother. He only has nine days to accomplish this "mission: improbable" before having to negotiate a sensitive nuclear weapons deal.
SABC3 22:00 Contact (***)
Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, Angela Bassett, John Hurt
Directors: Robert Zemeckis, Steve Starkey
I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi movies, but this one wasn’t half bad. Jodie is brilliant as with all her movies and Mr McConaughey is gorgeoulicious (even back then – I think he’s better looking now). It has a decent storyline even though it might border on boring at times – the pace eventually picks up and builds up to an unusual ending.
Synopsis
Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine.
e-tv 20:00 Chain Reaction (**½)
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Rachel Weisz, Fred Ward, Kevin Dunn
Director: Andrew Davis, Matt Earl Beesley
I must be honest that I haven’t seen this movie since it showed in the cinemas (back when Dinosaurs still ruled) – so can’t remember it that well. From what I remember it was a decent action movie but it could’ve been better especially with such a talented cast.
Synopsis
Two researchers in a green alternative energy project are put on the run when they are framed for murder and treason.
M-Net 20:00 Valkyrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Carice Van Houten, Thomas Kretschmann, Eddie Izzard, Terence Stamp
Director: Bryan Singer
This is one movie I’m sooo looking forward to. I can’t believe that I haven’t seen it yet.
Synopsis
The true story of Col. Claus von Stauffenberg and the daring plot to eliminate one of the most evil tyrants the world has ever known.
My Picks for Today: Bad Company, Chain Reaction, Contact
Movies that Might be Worth Watching: Valkyrie