The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is a rich and exceptional tale

Over the past few weeks I've had a pleasure of seeing films that have won numerous industry awards and ultimately becoming front runners for this year's biggest pictures at the Oscars to take place shortly. Finally, I was able to watch The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button yesterday afternoon. The Gary Finch-directed film happens to lead the 2009 Academy Awards with an impressive 13 nominations (just 1 nod shy of historic Titanic), including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for leading man Brad Pitt, Best Writing for screenwriter Eric Roth, as well as Best Supporting Actress for groudbreaking acting showcase from Teraji P. Henson.

Based on a true story, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is an epic story of a man who ages backwards. Born in a body of an 80 year old man, Benjamin Button (played by Brad Pitt) grows backwards as we see different eras in his life from old age, to middle age, to young adulthood, to teenager, as ultimately to infancy just before he dies. Gary Finch takes us through a captivating journey of Button's experiences, good and bad. Done in an immensely emaculate manner, the richness of the story permeates through the well-synchronised parts to the whole tale.

The acting is exceptional, thanks to Brad Pitt's comfortability in displaying the troubled, yet content character. His ability to fit into each and every period of his life as Button, from the 80 year old man to his teenage years (although there was help from other stand-ins and CGI animation technology), is marvellous. Brad is not the only one who delves into the inner emotions to bring forth a credible and well-developed character. Cate Blanchett, as always, takes her role and plays it with such flair and poise. As much as Cate Blanchett shows her awesome acting chops, Teraji P. Henson steals the show with her sterling and outstanding portrayal of Button's adopted mother. I had heard and read about her performance being dubbed a groundbraking one, and after seeing her dig deeper into her strength as a woman, mother and a nurturer, I've got to say she really deserves the hype and the nomination she garnered for her role in this film.

Speaking of the hype, I'm not show why Tilda Swinton is not getting any for her role here because she was also on a class of her own, reminding me of the great work she has done on movies like Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (which is where I took notice of her great acting ability), Michael Clayton (a film that won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2007), and Burn After Reading (I believe the first time she acted on the same set with Brad Pitt). Mahershalalhashbaz Ali also plays his part very well as Queenie's (played by Teraji P. Henson) husband. He reminded me why I enjoyed his performance on the supernatural series The 4400, making an impression on me as one of the great black actors there is.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is an amazing piece of work. Not just the story, but the manner in which it is told, the people telling it, and the director's simple way of conveying the different characters and their experiences. Although it's almost 3 hours, there is never a dull moment as you get engaged and want to know what happens next. I appluad everybody involved because it's no mean feat holding a viewers attention for such a long time, and do it successfully.

Even though Teraji P. Henson has some really tough competition in the Supporting Actress contest at the Oscars, I'll be rooting for her all the way. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button opens at Mzansi cinemas nationwide on the 27th of February 2009.

Things are looking good for Jerusalema.

Jerusalema, the new local film starring Rapulana Seiphemo is doing well at the cinemas. It was in the top ten at the box office in its opening weekend (29 - 31 August 2008) and the word is that it is sitting at a half-a-million mark right now. I believe it would be over the million mark if it there was a print sent to the Southgate Mall theatre. Come to think of it, the film is set and shot in Soweto and Southgate is in the South, therefore would have made sense to not only open at Maponya Mall, but Southgate Mall as well. Let's blame it on the the planning. Anyway, I'm sure they've realised their mistake and rectifying this will take the film into the success it deserves.

I watched the movie about 4 weeks ago and was very impressed. The story was told and flowed very well, the acting brilliant and the casting impeccable. The Jafta and Rapulana transition (Jafta played the younger Rapulana's character, Lucky Kenene) was very smooth, almost as if it was the same person acting, and I liked that a lot. I actually had a chat with Rapulana about a week before the movie opened and he agreed with my views on the casting. He also told me that because they started shooting Jafta's parts before his, he would go to the set to learn Jafta's mannerisms and character. He also added, "The fact that I almost look like him made things easier too because I didn't have to try too hard".

Jerusalema is now at cinemas nationwide. Don't miss out, it's very real, very raw, very relatable, and thrilling too. With your buzz, we may just clinge another Oscar nomination for this one, even a win.

Tyrese following in Will Smith's shoes

I just came back from watching an action thriller film called Death Race. I wouldn't want to give too much away, but just know that it's entertaining and has one of my favourite singers/actors Tyrese Gibson. The last time I saw him was on Transformers. He stars alongside British action man Jason Statham on Death Race and he did his role justice. Think 2 Fast And 2 Furious meets Transformers, but more gruesome. The movie also has a video game feel and car racing fans will definitely get into it .

Tyrese is well on his way to being an action star himself, what with Will Smith mentoring him (he has just been announced to play black superhero Luke Cage on the movie with the same name due for release some time in 2009). He also has 2 other movies releasing next year, including the Transfomers sequel, Revenge Of The Fallen. He seems to be busy, he did say he was giving music a break to focus on his acting career, afterall. I'm certainly looking forward to what he brings out on his future projects, including his music projects.