Guy Ritchie Rocks 'N Rolls

Just early this week I wrote about British films doing it big ahead of the Oscars. Another British star doing it big on his latest film is Guy Ritchie. The man who was at the helm of such memorable and unique films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as well as Snatch, is back with an impressive cast of fellow men and women in his latest graphic crime thriller RocknRolla.

The British talent featured on RocknRolla is the first thing that stands out from the film. I'm talking about accomplished actors like the ever-ravishing Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Gerald Butler, Idris Elba, Tom Wilkinson and Tom Hardy. There are a few actors who are not from the European countries, like Ludacris and Jemery Piven, but it is the local talent that injects substance and familiarity into film.

The title of the film might be mistaken for a movie about music, but the themes and the storyline are so far from it. RocknRolla is a crime thriller that sees different aspects of crimes intertwined into one explosive mystery. The graphic manner in which the film is shot provides an extra edgyness and creates instant visual attraction into the characters and their surroundings. The humour is also very palatable and witty.

Guy Ricthie has done a sterling job in capturing the essence of the different characters and relaying their interesting stories. All actors give their best, each bringing something unique and amazing into the film, especially the young Toby Kebbell who plays a character that brings the pieces all together. Also noteworthy is Thandie Newton's sassy, sharp and sexy nature as the only lady actor in the film.

I believe you are going to really enjoy this film, especially if you are a Guy Ritchie fan. I know I am and have also always been fascinated with the English accent, so that provided me with more to enjoy.

RocknRolla has been out already at Nu Metro cinemas nationwide since end of January.

Win with Notorious!!!

You may have read and heard a lot about Notorious, a biopic based on the life and death of famous Brooklyn rapper Christopher Wallace, also known as Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smallz, over the past few months. I've just had a pleasure of watching it this afternoon, and surprisingly enjoyed it a lot.

I say surprising because I had reservations about the actors selected to play the respective characters. Although I don't doubt some of their acting abilities at all, I wasn't sure how they would fair knowing or being familiar with the people their characters are based on. I have to give it to the debutante, Jamal Woolard, who gave a reasonable portrayal of Biggie. Veteran actress Angela Basset takes the cake for her role as Biggie's mother Vollata Wallace, and there actually are no surprises there. Biggie's real son with singer Faith Evans, Christopher Jordan Wallace, did a great job playing his father from about age 8 to early teens. A young lady who blew me over was Naturi Naughton (who used to be with the group 3LW) who gave a great performance as Bigg's jump off Lil' Kim. There were a few reports about how Lil' Kim didn't like how she was portrayed in the film, so I have to give it to Naturi under the circumstances.

Two of my favourite actors, Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie, are also on the bill, playing Sean Combs (P. Diddy) and Tupac, respectively. Like I said before, knowing or being familiar with Diddy, I wasn't really sold on Derek's interpretation of his character. The same goes for Anthony Mackie, the resemblance to Tupac came across, but the actual mannerisms and how Tupac carried himself, was not impressive. Even the guy who plays Suge Knight, that ruthless nature of the Death Row leader we came to know didn't come across very well. I have to admit though that the casting of Antoinique Smith as Faith Evans was on point. The ladies look so much alike, only if Antoinique gave more in her performance.

Overall, Notorious was a good film, with lots of information for those who didn't know about how the West Coast versus East Coast rap beef began, as well as the fact that these two fallen stars were actually friends before all went wrong. This actually makes what transpired very sad, an emotion that distinctly comes across as you watch Notorious. Another noteworthy fact, and one that I gleefully applaud, is the use of the actors' real voices during the stints when they were singing or rapping, well the lead vocals anyway.

Notorious opens at Nu Metro cinemas across the country next Friday, 20 Februray 2009.

To make your Notorious viewing experience even more unforgettable, Nu Metro and YEAHBO.DOT.NET are giving away 5 Notorious Soundtrack albums to 5 lucky winners. All you have to do is answer the following simple questions:

1). What is the name of P. Diddy's record label that Notorious B.I.G. was signed under? 2). What is the name of the second album that Notorious B.I.G was about to release when he died in 1997?

Send your answers to yeahbo@yeahbo.net, together with the following details:

Name and surname;
Contact number;
E-mail address;
Your age;
The city where you live; and
Tell us how you learnt about YEAHBO.DOT.NET or yeahbodotnet.blogspot.com.

Good luck. And enjoy Notorious.

British films amongst the top in the world

Apologies for the lack of postings over the past 2 or 3 weeks. I have been extremely busy, mostly with organisation of the premiere events for The Secret Life Of Bees that we hosted in Durban last Tuesday, as well as Jozi last Thursday. Although the film did not do as much as we would have loved it to, it did post at number 6 for its opening weekend, according to the Top 10 Box Office results.

Still remaining on the movies topic, the Oscar buzz is at its ultimate high, just a few weeks before we get to see which titles walk away with the golden statuettes for this year. There is a clear hint as to which films are in the frontrun, by looking at the results from other industry awards like the Golden Globes, the SAG's, Critic's Choice Awards, BAFTA's, etc. Two of such films happen to be British titles. I've had an absolute pleasure of watching them ahead of the Oscars and their Mzansi theatrical releases. Here is what I thought of both Slumdog Millionaire and Happy Go Lucky, after watching them in the past few weeks.

Slumdog Millionare

Set in Mumbai, in India, Slumdog Millionaire is adapted from a novel titled Q&A, written by South African Embassador to India, Swarup Vikas. The film follows a teen's journey through the slums of India as he strives for survival. His participation in India's version of Who Wants To be A Millionaire, which has led to his subsequent victory in the competition, followed by an arrest, is the vehicle in which his story is told. The flashbacks into his progression in life proves to be a very smart concept, in terms of how the plot develops.

Filled with brilliant acting, a cohesive storyline, and riveting suspense, Slumdog Millionaire is captivating and exhilerating. The way director Danny Boyle engages you as an audience is magnetic in itself. Now I understand why the film has become so critically acclaimed, sweeping awards left, right, and centre. We'll wait to see how it fairs at the Oscars, what with an impressive 10 nominations including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Writing.

This is certainly one of the best films to come out this year. Slumdog Millionaire opens at cinemas throughout the country on the 06th of March 2009.

Happy Go Lucky

You may not expect this easy-flowing drama/comedy to blow you away, but it is the finer details that make it a remarkable piece of work. Also set in England, it's about a primary school teacher whose nature is so oblivious to any bad things that happen around her. Despite the exesperation from everybody around her, she doesn't feel there is anything wrong with her permanent cheery state.

It's amazing that actress Sally Hawkins (playing the role of Poppy, the school teacher) managed to pull smiling almost throughout the film off. Even the very few moments when she doesn't, there's still that trace of ease and glow in her face. That takes a great deal of skill to be able to portray somebody with such traits so well. The stages through Poppy's life, no matter how trying and cruel, her positiveness shines through. I have to admit there is a great amount of lessons that Poppy's character teaches you as a person.

Although most of the subject tackled are serious, the comedic relief from seeing such a character creates an air of understanding. Sally Hawkins has already won a Golden Globe as the Best Actress beating other heavyweights, and we'll see if Happy Go Lucky takes the crown for the Best Writing conquest at then Oscars in less than 2 weeks.

Happy Go Lucky opened at Mzansi Cinema Nouveau theatres last Friday, 06 February 2009.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo scoop yet another Grammy

Although somewhat low-profile than before, the Grammy Awards took place this past Sunday and our very own accapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo walked away with yet another Grammy. This is their 3rd Grammy, following their victories in 1987 and 2005. They won in the category Best Traditional World Music Album for their tribute album aptly titled Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu.

Although another South African outfit, Soweto Gospel Choir, was just shy away from also collecting third Grammy in 3 successive years, it's good to know they lost to their own country. Ladysmith Black Mambazo are really a musical force to be reckoned with, globally. Seeing them perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival a few years ago, as well as at a Gallo Music showcase last year, were both memorable experiences.

Congratulations to Mshengu and his boys. Well done Baba, we will always be rooting for you. We are looking forward to more Grammy's in the future, you have proven you can do it again and again.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week Series: A bevy of talent for Audi Collection Finale

Beginning with an awesome gymnastic routine, the Audi Collection closed the Audi Joburg Fashion Week with a bang. With designers like Gavin Rajah, Hilton Weiner, Heni, kluk CGDT and Craig Port joining forces, it was an amazing assortment of backgrounds and talent. The models strutted their stuff to the electric sounds of a live purcussion band. As the guys beat the drums, the models showcased what the above designers have gleefully cooked for this fashion season.

The first designer to show his collection was Gavin Rajah, giving us a glimpse into what he did for Paris Fashion Week not too long ago. Gavin Rajah is always on point with his world-class designs. Reatining his signature colour pallette use, he once again showed us why he is one of the best in the world.

Craig Port's men's collection was awesome, with really smart and explicit designs. I particularly loved one of the ensembles that featured a pants, shirt, waist-coat and a jacket (see second model on the right on the second picture). The use of simple, yet unique and creative designs proved successful for the Cape Town-based designer.

Also doing a great job was Hilton Weiner. Hilton Weiner are anynymous with their vast use of linen. The soft and subtle fabric was once again the main feature in the collection that was fresh and crisp. The use of sandals, even for a full 2 to 3-piece attires gave the collection an extra urge and sense of fashion-forwardness.

As for Heni, he used a lot of reds and blacks in his collection. Some of the garments were a bit weird, but the creativity side of his designs is certainly appreciated by the fashion world. The accessories also gave his clothes an exra oomph.

Last, but certainly not least, is kluk CGDT. Their women's evening were consistet of very feminine and smooth evening wear. With simple cuts and soft fabrics, I believe it's every women's dream to be seen donning one of their creations.

That was it for Audi Joburg Fashion Week for 2009. I'm looking forward to what the other Fashion Week series will bring us later in the year. Gotta go to the after-party and have fun now.