Some really cool documentaries and movies are lined up this weekend. Can you believe that this time last year the world was in mourning? I can’t believe that it has been a year since Michael Jackson passed away - it feels as if it was only the other day.
It’s sometimes scary how quickly time really flies. If you think about it, the World Cup also just started the other day and we’re almost - or are halfway through the tournament.
I’m still sorry that we didn’t make the last round, but I have to give my thumbs up to Bafana-Bafana who really stepped up and made us proud. We showed the world that given the opportunity we could hold our own against the world’s best – you go Bafana-Bafana!
There’s also the Italy Inbound Tour still taking place - the Bokke will face them on Saturday, 26 June, kickoff at 15:00 on M-Net. I’ll be taking a short hiatus for about 2 weeks, but will be back in the middle of July.
As I have already had Stardust as a movie of the week, I’ve decided that my absolutely have-to-see movie of the week should be: Ghosts of Girlfriend’s past.
FRIDAY, 25 JUNE 2010
Ch 101 M-Net 21:30 Michael Jackson: Gone Too Soon
Starring: Michael Jackson, Lou Ferrigno, Mark Lester, Frank DiLeo
Director: Ian Halperin
An in-depth account on the final years of Mickey J’s life before his death and illuminates the real causes of his untimely death.
Ch 103 MM1 21:05 Ghost Town
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Téa Leoni, Jeff Hiller, Kristen Wiig
Director: David Koepp
Bertram Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts.
Ch 104 MM2 21:45 Premonition (***)
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Julian McMahon, Mark Famiglietti, Kate Nelligan, Nia Long
Director: Mennan Yapo
You have to keep your wits with this movie, but having said that I thought it was quite a good suspense movie. It will have the hairs at the back of neck raising, but you will also feel compassion for Sandra’s character. It’s a decent suspense that I’d highly recommend watching.
Synopsis
Depressed housewife learns her husband was killed in a car accident the day previously, awakens the next morning to find him alive and well at home, and then awakens the next day after to a world in which he is still dead.
Ch 105 M-Net Stars 19:30 Bean (***½)
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Peter Egan, John Mills, Peter Capaldi, June Brown
Director: Mel Smith, John Greaves
If you like me and like British comedies especially the Bean series, then you won’t be disappointed. This movie is hilarious – Peter Egan is a great supporting actor to Rowan – they almost complete one another. Scenes that stand out is the drunken scene and the painting scene. Very funny stuff. So if you’re in the mood for some little lightheartedness and sillyness then this movie is defs for you.
Synopsis
Bean works as a caretaker at Britain's formidable Royal National Gallery, and his bosses want to fire him because he sleeps at work all the time, but can't because the chairman of the gallery's board defends him. They send him to USA, to the small Los Angeles art gallery instead, where he'll have to officiate at the opening of the greatest US picture ever (called "Whistler's Mother").
Ch 105 M-Net Stars 21:30 Blank Cheque
Starring: Brian Bonsall, Karen Duffy, James Rebhorn, Jayne Atkinson, Michael Faustino
Director: Rupert Wainwright
By accident, the 12-year-old Preston is given a blank cheque and when he fills in $1,000,000 - he is able cash it...
Ch 106 M-Net Action 20:00 Sudden Death (***)
Starring: Jean-Claude van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry, Whittni Wright, Ross Malinger
Director: Peter Hyams
One thing I can say of Mr JCvD is that he’s consistent. He doesn’t put out Oscar material, but he does make decent actions and this one’s no different. It’s not a fresh storyline, but it is watchable.
Synopsis
A disgraced former fireman takes on a group of terrorists holding the Vice President and others hostage during the seventh game of the NHL Stanley Cup finals.
Ch 108 Universal 21:00 Taken in Broad Daylight
Starring: Sara Canning, James Van Der Beek, LeVar Burton, Diana Reis, Tom Anniko, Brian Edward Roach
Director: Gary Yates
The true and inspiring survival story of kidnapped teen, Anne Sluti, and how she manages to stay alive by manipulating her captor, engineering her own rescue and negotiating her safe release after 6 days of hell.
Ch 109 TCM 21:00 The Hospital
Starring: George C. Scott, Diana Rigg, Stephen Elliott, Donald Harron, Roberts Blossom
Director: Arthur Hiller
Twenty-four hours in the life of Dr. Bock, the Chief of Medicine at a large teaching hospital who is going through a desperate mid-life crisis. While Bock is deciding how to make his imminent suicide look accidental for insurance purposes, his plans are interrupted by a series of deaths among the doctors and staff.
Ch 113 Sony 20:30 Life Without Dick
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Craig Ferguson, Elijah Wood, Johnny Knoxville, Harry Connick Jr.
Director: Bix Skahill (II), Bix Skahill
By accident, Colleen Gibson shoots and kills her gold-digging cheating boyfriend, Dick, a private eye who happens to have a hitman on his tail.
My picks for today: Bean, Premonition, Sudden Death
Movies that might be worth watching: MJ – Gone Too Soon
SATURDAY, 26 JUNE 2010
Ch 101 M-Net 20:00 The Longshots
Starring: Ice Cube , Keke Palmer, Tasha Smith, Jill Marie Jones, Dash Mihok
Director: Fred Durst
The true story of Jasmine Plummer who, at the age of eleven, became the first female to play in Pop Warner football tournament in its 56-year history
Ch 103 MM1 19:15 Twilight (***½)
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Cam Gigandet, and Nikki Reed
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
I love the Twilight saga – I’ve already read all the books in the series. It’s a beautiful, but different kind of love/action story. I was wondering how they are going to go about with the movies as the books are written in the first person. I loved the movie, but I thought it could’ve been better. New Moon was much better. The Director managed to keep the mystery and intriguing storyline. It’s a must see if you haven’t seen it yet.
Synopsis
A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire.
Ch 103 MM1 21:15 Primal Fear (****)
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Frances McDormand, John Mahoney, Edward Norton
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Edward Norton was still and up and coming actor when he made this movie, but even then you could see his immensely acting talent. He is brilliant and his scenes with Mr Gere are amazing. His onscreen chemistry with Mr G is at some places almost unbearable (and I mean this in a good way). The story also has a nice twist towards the end that even I didn’t see coming. It’s defs worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.
Synopsis
An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.
Ch 104 MM2 21:30 Stardust (*****)
Starring: Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox, Peter O'Toole, Kate Magowan,
Director: Matthew Vaughn
I absolutely loved this movie – so much so that I actually bought the DVD. It’s not often that you get a gem of a movie like this that not only has a brilliant story, it boasts of a stellar cast as well. If you’re not into magical/fantasy/adventure movies, then you would probably hate this, but if you are then boy make yourself ready as you are in for a real treat. Michelle Pfeifer is getting more attractive as she ages (which is a rare quality) and really sunk her teeth into this role – looks like she had an absolute ball. It has drama, romance, suspense, adventure, action, humour you name it. It is an absolutely must see in my books. If you go to the special features of the DVD – you would see that the director was absolutely flabbergasted that all their first choice actors/actresses they wanted actually agreed to do this – shame he was really humbled to work with legends like Peter O’Toole and kie.
Synopsis
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.
Ch 105 M-Net Stars 19:30 Hot Shots: Part Deux
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Lloyd Bridges, Valeria Golino, Richard Crenna, Brenda Bakke
Director: Jim Abrahams, Ernie Orsatti (II), Michael O. Sajbel
"Rambo" parody in which Topper Harley leads a rescue team into Iraq to save Iraqi war prisoners and all of their previous rescue teams.
Ch 105 M-Net Stars 21:30 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (***)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino
Director: Tom Shadyac
This movie is actually in the top 15 movies of “movies that the critics got wrong” in other words they slashed it to pieces, but the audiences just loved it. I must agree – it’s a zany movie and I must admit that I wasn’t completely mad about it the first time around, but after watching it the second time round (after a loooooong break) – I thought it was quite funny. I suppose it grows on you. So if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, then this movie is just for you.
Synopsis
Ace Ventura is an unconventional detective who specializes in locating lost pets. When he's hired to find the Miami Dolphins football team's missing mascot, a dolphin named Snowflake, Ace finds himself hot on the trail of kidnappers who have also abducted the team's star quarterback.
Ch 106 M-Net Action 20:00 The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (***)
Starring: Annabella Sciorra, Rebecca De Mornay, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson, Julianne Moore
Director: Curtis Hanson
This movie gave me the creeps the first time I saw it – not that it’s scary or anything, but just how close it is to real life – I mean it could really happen as you do get these people (the ones that lost a marble or two). Rebecca also bring some creepiness to her character. It’s a good movie with a decent plot that I’d highly recommend if you haven’t seen it yet.
Synopsis
Peyton Flanders seemed to be the perfect nanny, but secretly she was out to wreck the lives of the family she was supposed to be helping.
Ch 106 M-Net Action 22:00 187
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John Heard, Kelly Rowan, Clifton Collins Jr., Karina Arroyave
Director: Kevin Reynolds
After surviving a brutal attack by a student, teacher Trevor Garfield moves from New York to Los Angeles.
Ch 108 Universal 20:51 Once Upon a Wedding
Starring: Charlotte Ayanna, Cristian De La Fuente, Valeria (II), Esai Morales, A. Martinez
Director: Matia Karrell (II)
A charming king is forced to run in a democratic election to keep his post on his island nation and is aided by his beautiful daughter.
Ch 109 TCM 19:10 The Glass Bottom Boat
Starring: Doris Day, Rodney Turt Taylor, Arthur Godfrey (II), John McGiver, Paul Lynde
Director: Frank Tashlin
A PR worker in a space laboratory is suspected of being a spy because she calls her dog (Vladimir) on the phone.
Ch 109 TCM 21:00 Bad Boys (***½)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni, Theresa Randle, Tcheky Karyo
Director: Michael Bay, Ken Bates
What do you get when you combine two of Hollywood’s best comedians – a smart, really funny action movie. I still prefer the original to the sequel, especially the ‘car race’ towards the end. To top it all Tea Leoni plays the ‘damsel in distress’. The best scene for me is the chase scene when Will Smith chases the bad guys on foot (after they gotten hold of Ms Leoni). It’s a good action, but I have to caution that it is violent and there is use of language.
Synopsis
Two hip detectives protect a murder witness while investigating a case of stolen heroin.
Ch 113 Sony 20:30 Cruel Intentions (***)
Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Louise Fletcher
Director: Roger Kumble
I thoroughly enjoyed this suspense/drama. It has a good storyline and some top notch actors. I love the song at the end which I think is called “The Symphony”. The on-screen chemistry between SMG, RP and RW are amazing. It’s good movie which should defs not be missed.
Kathryn makes a bet that her step-brother, Sebastian, won't be able to bed Annette (a virgin, who wants to wait until love). If he loses, Kathryn gets his Jaguar, if he wins, he gets Kathryn.
Ch 303 Disney 19:10 Viva High School Musical
Starring: Cristóbal Orellana, Mariana Magaña, Mar Contreras, Fernando Soberanes, Juan Carlos Flores
Director: Eduardo Ripari
A new school year starts at High School Mexico. Chrisobal, captain of the soccer team, discovers that his classmate Mariana has changed and that she is attracted to him.
My picks for today: Twilight, Primal Fear, Stardust, Ace Ventura, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, Bad Boys, Cruel Intentions
Movies that might be worth watching: The Longshots, 187
SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 2010
Ch 101 M-Net 20:00 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (***)
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Breckin Meyer, Lacey Chabert, Robert Forster
Director: Mark Waters
It’s a new spin on Charles Dickenson’s beloved novel ‘A Christmas Carol’. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie as I didn’t have too high expectations of it (the critics slashed it to pieces). It’s still a romantic comedy but with a twist. I thought it was quite funny and it kept its promise to the audience by keeping it light and fun. It’s a movie that should not to be taken seriously, to sit back to, relax and just enjoy.
A bachelor is haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends at his younger brother's wedding.
Ch 103 MM1 20:45 Elegy
Starring: Penelope Cruz, Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Dennis Hopper
Director: Isabel Coixet
Cultural critic David Kepesh finds his life -- which he indicates is a state of "emancipated manhood" -- thrown into tragic disarray by Consuela Castillo, a well-mannered student who awakens a sense of sexual possessiveness in her teacher.
Ch 105 M-Net Stars 19:30 I.Q.
Starring: Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Walter Matthau, Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks
Director: Fred Schepisi
Albert Einstein helps a young man who's in love with Einstein's niece to catch her attention by pretending temporarily to be a great physicist.
Ch 106 M-Net Action 21:40 3000 Miles to Graceland
Starring: Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Bokeem Woodbine, Christian Slater, David Arquette
Director: Demian Lichtenstein
A gang of ex-cons rob a casino during Elvis convention week.
Ch 109 TCM19:20 Elvis: That’s the Way It Is
Starring: Elvis Presley
Director: Denis Sanders
Concert footage and backstage documentary of singer Elvis Presley.
Ch 113 Sony 20:30 The Bone Collector (****)
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Michael McGlone
Director: Phillip Noyce, Jonathan Goldman (II)
This must be one the best suspense/thrillers I have seen in a long time and still the one DVD that I can’t get my hands on (not in SA anyway). It has a stellar cast and some good CGI sequences. I just love DW as an actor – I think he is just amazing. That one person can be in the possession of so much talent is beyond me. This movie will defs keep you on the edge of your seat right until the end. You never really know who the killer is right until the end. It’s gripping stuff and a must see in my books.
Synopsis
Two cops on the trail of a brutal killer. They must see as one, they must act as one, they must think as one, before the next victim falls.
Ch 303 Disney 19:10 The Cheetah Girls 2
Starring: Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan, Kiely Williams, Lori Alter
Director: Kenny Ortega
The sequel is filled with 'Cheetah-style' adventure, drama and humor. The escapade begins when Galleria enters the group in a Barcelona music festival, and the spirited foursome (escorted by Galleria's protective mom Dorothea and Chanel's mother Juanita) embarks on a journey of a lifetime.
My picks for today: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, The Bone Collector
Movies that might be worth watching: I.Q., 3000 Miles to Graceland, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is