Lalah Hathaway is Daddy's Little Girl all the way through

Last week I heard some rumblings that Lalah Hathaway might be coming through to the country for some type of music festival. It was in the same breath that I was given an opportunity to conduct an interview with her. The plans went full swing in motion, and this morning, I got the chance to speak with the beautiful, sultry and velvet-voiced songstress. Here is some of what we chatted about:

As soon as someone mentions your name, your father springs into mind. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of people too saying you remind them of your great late father. How does that make you feel?

It is a great honour to be mentioned in the breathe as my father. There is nobody else I'd rather be associated with. That actually makes me very happy and gives me a sense of pride.

One of your songs that further cemented your position in the music industry was your rendition of the Luther Vandross classic, Forever, For Always, For Love. Knowing Luther as one of the most prolific and outstanding vocalists to ever brace this world, were you at all nervous about pulling it off?

I was very concerned about making it feel good. I wanted it to be a personal love letter to him, as one of my influences. Of course, I was nervous initially, but I take pride in what I do. So many people ahve covered songs before and most of the time it doesn't work because it's sometimes hard to apporach such great songs. However, if there is enough conviction and passion, it's easier to accomplish what you want to achieve.

I just heard last week that you might be coming to the country and this week your inclusion into the line-up was confirmed. Have you ever been to South Africa before? If not what are your expectations?

Not that I know of. Nobody has approached me yet, but I would love to do it. I have heard many positive stories about South Africa, but have never been there before.

To see the rest of the interview, please go to YEAHBO.DOT.NET.

Seth Rogan is his usual goofy selft on Zack And Miri Make A Porno

It wasn't until Knocked Up that I took notice of Seth Rogan as a fair comedy actor. He has this allure about his jokes that's very refreshing and unique. However, after seeing him on more movies, like Step Brothers and Pineapple Express, there was no more variation, just the same range. Apparently his character was different in Fanboys (which is slated for release a day after my birthday :-), 20 March 2009), but I can't give my insight since I haven't seen it yet.

If that is indeed true, I believe he has a potential to show his versatality more. Yesterday I watched his latest movie, Zack And Miri Make A Porno. Although he was his usual goofy self, there was something more deep and relatable about his character. He pulled off the blending of the seriousness of the story with his comic relief routines. He plays the character of Zack, an unumbitious coffee shop worker who lives in the same apartment with his long-time friend Miri (played by Elizabeth Banks), who they have been friends with since kindergarden. Although he fantasises about hooking up romantically with her, the thought that they are like brother and sister stands in his way. That is until they find themselves in a dire financial situation and face being evicted.

They conjure up this idea of making a porn film after an interesting experience at their high school re-union. The deliberating process of making the film helps them realise and reveal the feelings they have kept bottled up for each other for years. Although things get shaky in their quest for the undertsanding of each other as lovers, the foundation of their friendship helps them overcome those impediments and they ultimately get married. To ensure they never face such financial difficulties again, they go into adult film production permanently, creating porn films spoofing some of the biggest movie blockbusters.

I couldn't help but notice that Seth has used the acting ropes of Chris Robinson, who he also worked with in Pineapple Express alongside James Franco. In the opening credits I was excited to see Tisha Campbell-Martin (of Martin and My Wife And Kids fame), but after realising she only appeared briefly in one scene, I was kinda disappointed. I was also not happy at the steroetypical role of an angry black woman with sagging boobs she played. SMH. Oh, and Justin Long was hilarious as a gay lover to one of Zack's former schoolmates who Miri used to have a crush on. I enjoyed his stint on He's Just Not That Into You.

Anyway, although the film is not that hardcorde in terms of adult entertainment, it does have a great deal nudity, so it's definitely for adult viewing. Zack And Miri Make A Porno is funny and goofy, but also touches you with the emotions it evokes. It opens at cinemas nationwide on the 08th of May 2009.

Watchmen is set to entertain and provoke your thoughts

Yesterday afternoon I watched a movie called Watchmen and am glad I went into it with no preconceptions about it. When I got to the theatre, I was amazed by the turnout from the media and other players in the industry, which really piqued my interest even more. Zack Snyder, the director of 300 sure knows how to direct those graphic novel features. Watchmen was entertaining, thought-provoking and visually appealing.

The plot revolves around a group of former superheros who, when one of them is killed in cold-blood, regroup to solve the mystery surrounding their former friend's death. The quest for the truth reveals even more mystery as they come to a realisation that there is more at play than they could have ever imagined. The story was very interesting, full of twists and turns, yet flowing effortlessly, making for riveting viewing. The fashion in which the history between America and US Soviets was very engaging too.

The actors played their parts very well, although at times I felt some acts were overdone (e.g. the woman superhero's stance whenever she was about to partake on a mission, it was overly dramatic). I enjoyed the choreography very much, which resulted in these very amusing fight sequences. The cinematography also blended very well with the theme and the characters of the movie. Something I also noticed was Patrick Wilson's versatality as an actor. I saw him this past Monday on The Passengers, with Anne Hathaway, and his character was totally different. Even his physical looks on Watchmen were vastly different, you could be fooled into thinking it was not the same person.

I believe Watchmen is going to follow in the same footsteps as 300, in terms of success. It's entertaining and fully packed with action, mystery, reality and some fantasy, as well as great and appeasing visuals. The almost 3 hour length of the movie will not even matter because you are glued to the screen from beginning to end. The energy-packed thriller opens at cinemas nationwide next Friday, 06 March 2009. Be sure to check it out.

In the meantime, please check out the trailer below to get taste of what to expect.

Get your stylish Darkie gear at discounted prices

My boy Ayanda, who looks after the Darkie concept shop in Melville has just informed me that the season-end sale starts this coming Friday. You know we are close to the end of summer and preparing for the colder season, so we gotta clear the stock and make sure we have the winter collections available at the store.

Everything that you will find in the shop, is selling at 25% less. That's a bargain, even more so since the prices are already reasonable and affordable. Don't miss out on this opportunity. It's your chance to be seen donned in the utterly stylish and exclusive Darkie gear that is never, and I repeat, never repeated. Check out the above pic for some of the Darkie menswear that will be on sale.

The 25% Off Sale begins this coming Friday, 27 February 2009, until the stock is all sold. The Darkie concept shop is located on 7th Street in Melville, just next to Nunos restaurant. When you get there, tell them I gave you the tip. Also, for the Capetonians, the same sale started in the Darkie concept shop in Kloof Street in Cape Town this past Monday. Happy shopping!!!

Penelope Cruz puts Spain on the map with an Oscar

In the weeks leading to the Oscars I watched and reviewed some of the movies that were among the favourites for many. I also voiced my opinions on some of the nominees I thought stood a great chance. The results were quite pleasing, although somewhat not suprising. One of those movies that I wrote about was Vicky Christina Barcelona, which won Penelope Cruz her first Oscar ever.

The reason I'm highlighting this, is beacuse Penelope Cruz is the very first Spanish actress to walk away with the golden crown. And with good reason she won too, because she excelled on her role in the latest Woody Allen film. Even though I wanted Teraji P. Henson or Viola Davis to win the Best Supporting Actress gong, I'm content with Penelope Cruz (apparently she is going out with co-star Javier Bardem - second picture above - in real life, an interesting spin on the movie now that I know about that), as she has proved a phenomenal talent, overe and over. I first took notice of her in 2001 when she did Vanilla Sky with Tom Cruise, and have been a fan ever since.

And of course, I have to mention that another of my favourite films this year, Slumdog Millionare, had an impressive run at the Oscars this past Sunday. Walking away with 8 of the 11 trophies the film was nominated for, including Best Motion Picture and Best Directing for Dany Boyle, it was certainly the top 'dog'. Just this past Friday I also reviewed The Reader, which helped Kate Winslet cling the Best Leading Actress statuette, her very first after so many dry runs. There were many other films that did well, including The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, although I was a bit disappointed it only won 3 out of the record 13 nominations for this year.

I didn't get to watch the actual show, but I have read and heard about it. What fascinated me about the stories was that the style was upped a bit this year by having past winners (as presenters) read a short profile on each of the nominees in the big categories. I thought that was very classy and such a sincere and commendable gesture. I hope I'll get to see the show some time to witness that for myself and to see how the performances were (apparently Queen Latifah did a sterling job with hers).

Let's hope next year will be even bigger and better. I'm looking forward to seeing the films that will be made this year to contest for next year's Oscars. And I'm certainly hoping South Africa is counted amongst those films.