Bride Wars is fun and heartwarming

The newest chick flick on the big screen, Bride Wars, sees Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway explore the intricacies of friendship, in a playful way.

Liv and Emma, played by Kate and Anne respectively, begin a friendship at a wedding reception of one of both their mothers' friends. As their friendship grows stronger, they become unseparable despite their observably contrasting personalities. When they find love and ultimately get engaged to their respective boyfriends, their hidden true feelings about each other are revealed. It all begins with their wedding planner mistakenly scheduling their weddings on the same day.

As they compete to see which wedding will succeed with less mayhem, their friendship goes through tumultous trials. With the realisation that their relationship as best friends is more important than any other factors of their lives, they ultimately reconcile.

Bride Wars is a feel-good movie with lots of fun and lessons to be learnt about friendships and other relationships in life. It's heart-warming and provides a catalyst for the viewer to look back at their relationships and try to mend whatever may have been wrecked in theirs. To that end, the story was relatable, with a sense of cohesion that makes it a real and believable one. Kate and Anne displayed an amazing level of chemistry and played their parts awfully well. The humour they brought on screen also added to the credibility of their characters.

Overall, it was a fun movie. It will definitely sit well with the women audience. Not to say the male species will not enjoy it though, as it was a hilarious and also provided a lot of male perspectives to subjects tackled in the movie through the male characters. The end also hinted a possibility of a sequel. Without giving too much away, there is also another milestone in their progressive lives happening in their near future on the same day.

Bride Wars opens at Nu Metro cinemas nationwide on the 23rd of January 2009. Be sure to check it out.

Jason Statham continues to entertain on Transporter 3

Before I go on with my first post for 2009, Happy New Year to all the blog and YEAHBO.DOT.NET readers throughout the world. I hope your festive season and holidays were enjoyable and peaceful. I had a stupendous time down in Durban, frequenting the beaches in Ballito a few times because of the scorching hot weather.

Back to the task at hand, I had a pleasure of watching my first movie for 2009 yesterday afternoon, Transporter 3. Jason Statham returns in the third instalment of the hit blockbuster as the transporter or delivery man who delivers anything, anywhere, with no rules. When I viewed the trailer towards the end of last year, I was very mesmerized and anticipated to be entertained. Suffice to say, Jason Statham delivers the goods in that regard.

The story was an ordinary one with no unique elements. The stunts were sometimes totally unrealistic, defying all logic. However, this is thrown out of the window once you realise that it's just for the entertainment value. It is for this reason that Transporter 3 thrills you with the racy action. Being a fan of spycraft and espionage, it's always fascinating seeing such subjects tackled with such precision and eye-opening stances. The martial arts skills displayed on the fighting sequences just adds more energy and oomph to the movie. Perhaps it's the impeccable editing that plays a hand on that course.

The acting also makes Transporter 3 enjoyable, with Robert Knepper, known for his outstanding role as T-Bag on the hit series Prison Break, stealing the show as the villain. In addition, the fact that Jason Statham did his own stunts is very fascinating and adds some credibility. The only female on the cast, Natalya Rudakova, is not too bad in her role, also lightening the testesterone level as well as proving eye-candy for us guys. Whilst on the fairer-sex subject, Frank Martin falls in love this time, resulting in a love story roped in to the latest instalment of the blockbuster.

Although I enjoyed the previous instalment more, Trasporter 3 will certainly entertain you, whether you revel in stories about spycraft, or enjoy car-chases featuring hot rides, or even if you are a romantic at heart. Statham is once again in his element with his smart and sharp nature in his secret agent-like character. Come to think of it, I've never been disapponted with the British's performances, his role in The Bank Job taking the cake. Oh, and for the hop hop fans, I heard a dope Busta Rhymes track which I think is in the soundtrack, along with female rapper Eve also doing her thing.

Don't miss out on the action-packed thriller when it his cinemas on 16th of January 2009.

Music Reviews: DJ Mobi and Jazzanova

Mzansi music talent growth is really undisputable. Just yesterday I got a chance to listen to a young DJ's original and new house music brewed right here at home. Below is the review of his debut album, as well as a band called Jazzanova whose music I was introduced to just recently.

DJ Mobi - Club Kulcha

A freshman to the house music scene, DJ Mobi's effort on his debut album doesn't reflect this at all. Perhaps it's because the young DJ, producer, songwriter and sound engineer hailing from East London has been honing his skills for a while. Aptly titled Club Kulcha, the album showcases his sterling composition, writing and mixing skills.

I've always gleefully revelled in house music with vocals, so tunes like the piano-laced Shake Dance, featuring Pearl Shongwe on vocals; the easy-flowing and beautifully crafted This Feeling, with Mthwawelanga Nkonzo and Zikhona Miso alternating on the charming vocals (this one is set to rock clubs because of it's very catchy nature); and the bouncy Never Let Me Go, with Sthembiso Khoza lending his haunting vocals; all became my instant favourites. Coincidentally, all these tunes feature Thulani Lekhuleni on keys, who strums the black and white buttons so effortlessly.

Othr noteworthy tracks include album opener Back To The Future with that consistent and precise rhythm, as well as Call For Freedom, which sees DJ Mobi assist Tinyiko Mathebula in the chanting-like vocals. DJ Mobi cruises from one track to another seamlessly, making his mixing top notch. This is evident from song to song in the 13-track project.

DJ Mobi also needs to be commended for the fact that he composed and created his own music and style. It's easy for house music DJ's to put out a compilation of some other people's work and call it a day. I appreciate his vision and the showcase of his passion in elevating our Mzansi music heritage. More DJ's need to learn from this young man. Club Kulcha is sure to warm up dance floors this festive season and beyond.

Jazzanova - Of All the Things

Looking at the name of the band and the album cover, I had no idea what to expect from Jazzanova's album titled Of All The Things. The German-based DJ/producer collective's latest project sees them explore the fusion of jazz, house and even hip hop sounds more freely, creating an enjoyable chillout jazzy house feel. The live instruments add more substance to the body of work the 6-member outfit has crafted this time around.

The vocals from different vocalists around the world, coupled with exceptional song-writing is another strong point of the album. Vocalists Phonte (who also raps on one of the tracks), Paul Randolph, Jose James, Joe Duke, Bembe Segue and Dwele (whose music I fell in love with since his introduction to the music scene with the commercially un-released Rize project), just to name a few, all provide an impeccable backdrop against which the music thrives. It's really difficult to select the best songs because each has an unique element that will gnaw on my mind long after listening to the song.

However, because I'm biased towards Dwele since I'm more familiar with his music, I would have to say he took my breath away with his smooth background vocals on Rockin' You Eternally, which also features an equally brilliant vocalist named Leon Ware. Another outstanding track is Morning Scapes, a very mellow and jazzy tune showcasing a poignant flute piece accompanying Bembe Segue's raspy vocals.

Of All the Things is a feast of great quality music. From vocals to the writimg, to actual production of the music, to the harmonies, it's all blended so well that you can't help its infectious nature. Jazzanova truly have a winner in this album. I'm just a bit mad that only now I get to listen to such refreshing music from this band. But, I'll definitely be on the look out for their previous and future stuff. This is no exaggeration, you'll be bowled over by the level of overall substance in the music on Of All The Things.

Initial artist line-up announced for Cape Town International Festival

Jazz and overall music lovers, you'll be excited to learn that the first part of the 2009 Cape Town International Jazz Festival line-up has been announced and boasts an impressive assortment of artists from aroung the globe already. To this end, this is your cue to start preparing for this jazz music spectacular that lights up Cape Town annually in the first quater of the year. And what with the festival celebrating 10 years of success in the staging of the world-renowned production.

Aleardy confirmed on the bill for what is dubbed as Africa's Grandest Gathering are artists such as Zap Mama, Dianne Reeves, Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Peter White, Ringo Madlingozi, The Loading Zone and Incognito, to mention just a few. From looking at this short list I can already see who I'll definitely be flying to Cape Town for. I've been a great fan of Incognito, Dianne Reeves, The Stylistics and of course Hugh Masekela and Freshlyground. Please go to www.capetownjazzfest.com to see the full list of the first part of the line-up, the festival dates, as well as ticket pricing details.

The buzz will be in the air soon, so I can't wait for the excitement that comes along with that buzz. And not to forget seeing the Mother City coming alive during the festivities. Keep it locked right here and on YEAHBO.DOT.NET as the time approaches. You know YEAHBO.DOT.NET will hook you up with the exclusive interviews and reviews of the different shows that we will cover. This is promising to be the best Cape Town International Jazz Festival yet already, so you know you can't miss it.

Darkie clothing arrives in Jozi.

Over the years I have become a huge fan of the clothing line Darkie. Back when I started writing for YEAHBO.DOT.NET, the label head designer and creater Themba Mngomezulu was one of the first people I interviewed (check the interview HERE). This was way back when he was still based in Durban. The clothing label has gradually grown from strength to strength, rejuvenating itself with fresh and original ideas.

Fast forwarding to 2008. Earlier this year when I was in Cape Town for the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival I got to hang out with one of my friends TK (see first picture with guy in brown pants above), who works very closely with Themba, at a Darkie shop on Long Street (read about the the encounter HERE). The shop has since moved to Kloof Street in a form of a new refurbished Darkie Concept shop. Whilst launching this shop, Themba reached out to me to help with his plans in branching out to Jozi as well. Being a great fan of his work, as well as a friend I took to the challenge which has seen an opening of a new Darkie shop this past Friday. The Jozi shop is located on 7th Street in Mellville. The opening of the shop last Friday was really dope. Of course I was there with a few other people that came through to celebrate one of Themba's milestones.

On our way from the airport last Friday, Themba told me that there are plans for Durban to get their own exclusive Darkie shop as well. So Durbanites, your own shop will be opening soon. Check out www.darkieclothing.co.za for details on that front. In the meantime, Jozi and Cape Town are basking in the enjoyment of shopping for exclusive pieces of clothing from the Darkie summer collections. You'll be bowled over by the quality of design and craftmanship that goes into each and every item.

Please also note that Themba is bringing back the Darkie Recycled clothing (example on the first photo) that made him popular when he began working on his passion for fashion design. Watch the space for this development and more details.