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I can't really say I remember watching any of the episodes in the X-Men movie series so I went to watch the latest one, X-Men Origins : Wolverine with a new and fresh interest. That very same interest resulted in my utmost enjoyment of the blockbuster.
Many were afraid that Mzansi director Gavin Hood will not measure up in the franchise for some odd and unexplanable reason. Needless to say, he brought the goods and very hard too. Although some may feel that he succumbed to Hollywood standards with the usage of extensive special effects, what other superhero movies hasn't dabbled in such animations. That's exactly where the excitement stems from when watching that type of a movie.
Reprising his role in this prequel to what has become one of the biggest franchises, Australian actor Hugh Jackman displays his knack for an action flick that has seen him garner much adolation from the industry and fans alike. This time he is accompanied by big names such Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds, amongst others, in bringing to life the story of where it all started for his Logan/Wolverine character. Proving more of his talent, he is accredited as one of the producers of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a feat never easy for just any actor.
I've got to mention that I was very impressed with artist/procuder Will.i.am. Seeing his name on the opening credits ignited a feeling of angst because I always take issue with singers/artists branching off into acting and not really cracking it. Of course there are a few exceptions to this, on top of head thinking about Queen Latifah, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Gregory Hines, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Bette Midler, Cher, and Tyrese; who all have been able to transition smoothly and very well from one discipline to the other. But I digress. My point is that Will.i.am was bearable in his role.
Another actor that caught my attention was Hakeem Kae-Kazim, the Nigerian actor (who once lived in South Africa, very popular for his Fresca advert) who has appeared briefly in big blockbusters including Pirates Of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.
Overall, X-Men Origins: Wolverine did what is set out to do, entertain. X-Men fans will certainly enjoy it. And the fact that all these positive facts are attached to a South African director makes for even more excitement. We need to prove to the world that we are just as capable of producing such big blockbusters, so, go out and there watch Gavin Hood's take on the franchise, his latest directoral project, X-Men Origins: Wolverine when it opens at cinemas nationwide on Thursday, 30th April 2009, a day before the rest of the world sees it on Friday, 01st of May 2009.
I believe this is Joaquin Phoenix's last movie as he contemplates embarking on his rap career. I'm not sure if he'll crack it as a rapper, but he certainly has had a great run as an actor, and hope he reconsiders this decision.In this film, he is paired with Gwyneth Paltrow, who I last saw on Proof with Sir Anthonny Hopkins. Although Joaquin hasn't really been in many films with such an artistic feel, Gwyneth is no stranger to such a genre. It provides a few amazing enigma of occurrences that renders it a reasonably satisfying dramatic piece. It would actually be interesting to see the original film, which this time has been remade by director James Grey.
The story centres around a depressed young man (played by Phoenix) who is caught between two women, one a sweet homely girl his parents are fixing him, and another a more mysterious, carefree dancer who has just moved into his residential building. Fighting his inner conflicts, he has to make a decision, but not until the intricancies of such a situation bowl over and test his manhood, and eventually his humanity. Two Lovers comprises of bits and bits of realistic relationship dymanics many people are subjected to but always just keep at the back of their minds, until such a time it can no longer be ignored.
Although not one of the best performances from these two, Two Lovers is good for a film of its nature. The idea is brought across very clearly but in a manner that doesn't leave the audience feeling emotionally drained, at least not for Gwyneth's character. Perhaps it's because the intrinsic qualities of her character was not that intense, in terms of the audience conneting in such a level that they sympathise with her that greatly. In addition to Phoenix, the other actors gave more convincing performances.
Two Lovers will be released at movie theatres around the country on the 30th of April 2009. If you are a fan of the two, check it out.
It's all systems go for this year's TRUE LOVE All A Woman Needs Day, where beauty, fashion, music and much more will be the order of the day as the women's beloved magazine stage their 2009 edition of the successful ladies' extravaganza.
Get to Computicket now and book your tickets for the TRUE LOVE All A Woman Needs Day in Association with OLD MUTUAL, on 2 May 2009, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Following its smashing success of the 2008 All A Woman Needs Day, TRUE LOVE magazine will be hosting yet another vibrant extravaganza of beauty, fashion and pampering! “This event was conceptualised by our TRUE LOVE team as a way to say thank you to our loyal followers and to welcome our new readers to the fold,” says Dorah Sithole, TRUE LOVE editor. “The day is an opportunity for readers to experience the magazine face-to-face, to interact with the lifestyle, the products and the TRUE LOVE team. The magazine will literally come alive for a day,” she adds.
This special day is going to astound, amaze and exhilarate all who attend!For more information on this unique and exclusive experience, head on to YEAHBO.DOT.NET.
