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Machines fighting each other, (well, most of the time) has never been so exhilerating. I wanted to do a screening for my readers for this movie as soon as I knew about the release date. However, it wasn't to be as the print was only sent to the country this week and even the majority of the media only got to watch the movie today.
Anyway, the highly-anticipated blockbuster is upon us and is set to make history at the box offices throughout the world. I have been following singer-turned-actor Tyrese Gibson, who reprises his role as Sgt. Epps on the sequel, on twitter as he counted his travels in promotion of the movie. The excitement his travels built culminated into an amazing experience as I watched Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen this afternoon.
The stirring action makes for thrilling viewing as it transports you into the world of robotics. The underlying themes of loyalty, sympathy and courage, amongst others, add an inspirational twist to the action-packed feast. There is also more comedy this time around (Shia's mother's character was hilarious throughout), with an addendum of a smart and witty dialogue. You will not feel the 2.5 hours as you are glued to the screen and on the edge of your seat throughout the movie.It's no secret that I've been a big fan of Tyrese, on top of his music, since seeing him on Baby Boy back in 2001. Although his part was not big here, he was able to use the screen time he had very well and smartly. I've also been very impressed with leading young man Shia LaBeouf lately, proving a great action hero in his roles. Other noteworthy performances include that of John Turturro and John Benjamin Hickey, who by coincidence, both appear on The Taking Of Pelham 123 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta that I watched at a press screening yesterday. The sexy Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel also reprise their roles, rounding up an amazing ensemble cast that also sees Mark Ryan returning as Bumblebee's voice.
The target audience for Transfomers: Revenge Of The Fallen, including the original Transformers fans, will love it as much as I did .It opens at cinemas nationwide next Wednesday, 24th June 2008. Go out there and show your support.
This is one of those few moments when I comment or write about subjects I don't usually cover. It could be because I'm a new found fan of Barcelona's or the fact that I've always admired both French footballer Thierry Henry and our very own African super-striker Samuel Eto'o, who hails from Cameroon.
On the other hand, maybe it's because Heineken made a huge event out of the screening of the UEFA Champions League final match at INC. last night. I have never been so excited about a soccer game like that in a long time. Barcelona were on fire as they dominated the bulk of the game with excellent, wholesome football. A point that brings me back to my adulation for Henry, ever since his days with Arsenal. He is one of the most revered players in in the world and he showed us just how he garnered that following as he helped his team clinge the most coveted title/championship in European football.
There was also celebrities galore, as supporters from both the teams revelled in a spactacular match that saw Barcelona score a goal in each of the innings. In the house were familiar faces including the likes of Carol Manana, Tebogo Mahlatsi, David Kau, DJ Bongs, Kwela Tebza, Kagiso Lediga, Unathi Nkayi and Bad Boy T, Nhlanhla Nciza, Fistaz and T-Bo Touch and many more. The food was delicious and the drinks flowing smoothly. The company and atmosphere were also grand and jubilant with many familair faces I had brief chats with.
It's a pity I had to rush out just after the game to try and catch Young Nations, Imbube, and F'Eezy perform at the Unrealeased Records showcase, missing the celebrations after the game. Needless to say, the performances were over when I got to the venue. I would have loved to see if what Imbube were saying about their energy and music when I interviewed them earlier this year rings true.
Anyway, INC. rocked last night. Thanks for the invite Raksha, me and my boy Thabiso had an amazing time.
The energy was a positive and amazing one as Africans from this beautiful continent congregated at Mary Fitzgerald Square to celebrate our triumphs and diverse cultures. People from all over Africa braced the cold to be part of a unifying force in the continent, our music. It felt so good to see people having fun and a great experience.
One of the highlights in terms of performances has to be Asa, the Nigerian soul singer based in Paris. As usual, she delivered a soul-stirring performance, in between songs pleading with Africans to come together, not just for a day like this, but all the time. DJ Awadi also got the crowd dancing with his energetic presentation of hip-hop-inspired grooves. Although Gang Of Instrumentals have very catchy songs and really know how to get the crowd grooving, I felt for some reason the sound was not up to standard when they did their set. Still on the local front, The Parlotones gave a steling recital of rock sounds, creating a wave of excitement as the crowd sang along. And I would not be doing justice if I didn't mention the Grammy award-winning outfit Soweto Gospel Choir who sand like angels on the night.
It was a great evening, filled with great music and great food, as well as great conversations with interesting people. I was introduced by a friend to Masilo (model/actress/TV presenter who recently presented the SABC 2 show Artcha), and realised she is actually a nice lady. I spotted Paul Mashatile, the new deputy minister of the Arts And Culture porfolio with who I presumed to be his wife at the VIP marquee. In the crowds, I saw Thandiswa Mazwai having fun, and also saw and had a brief chat with DJ and producer Blackcofee who offered his support with model girlfriend Chwaita, despite his looming flu. I can't wait for next year, when the spotlight shines on Africa again, highlighting our music, art and culture.
His new film is making waves ahead of the Cannes Film Festival already, only a sign that it will become as popular as time goes on, leading to its theatrical release.
More Than Just A Game, the film about the inspirational story of organized football played among prisoners on Robben Island had a screening at House Of Lords in London last week (12 May 2009), hosted by Baroness Jan Royall, the Leader of the House and Chief Whip Lord Bassett, with producer Anant Singh and co-producer Lord Ted Rowlands in attendance. Lord Rowlands who is a Member of the House, facilitated the screening. Also present was Prof Chuck Korr, author of the book, More Than Just A Game: Soccer vs Apartheid. The screening ended with a thunderous spontaneous applause from the assembled audience. More Than Just A Game stars Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi), Wright Ngubeni (Generations, Rythm City), Tshepo Maseko (Isidingo) and is directed by Junaid Ahmed.
The event is significant as Jan Royall is a senior member of the Labour Party which strongly supported the struggle against apartheid and the sports boycott against South Africa. The screening of the film was also a tribute to the anti-apartheid movement and the many activists who made huge personal sacrifices in their fight against apartheid, especially those who were incarcerated on Robben Island. In his address to the audience, Lord Rowlands paid special tribute and thanked Tony Suze, Mark Shinners, Lizo Sitoto, Marcus Solomon and Sedick Isaacs – the five men on whose real life story More Than Just A Game is based – who also sent notes which Lord Rowlands read to the audience.
Among the high profile guests in attendance were anti-apartheid activist, Lord Bob Hughes; sport and human rights activist, Lord Richard Faulkner who was charged with revitalizing football in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s; Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights member and UNICEF Trustee, Baroness Whitaker and North Wales member of the House, Betty Williams; BBC Film’s Carol Sennett who announced that the film will be broadcast on BBC’s main television channel as a lead-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Danny Goldman of Sony Pictures Entertainment which is the worldwide distributor of the film. Also in attendance were a host of people that were involved in the anti-apartheid movement and football in the United Kingdom.
Producer Anant Singh commented, “I am delighted with the fantastic reaction to the film at the House Of Lords, especially that the audience was moved and impressed by our little film about football on Robben Island. It was truly an amazing experience have More Than Just A Game screen in the House of Lords. I am especially pleased that a number of those in attendance were involved in the anti-apartheid movement and football, and made a special effort to be there.”
Singh now heads off to the Cannes Film Festival where the film will be marketed and screened to international buyers. The film will be rolled out internationally in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.In the picture: Co-producer, Lord Ted Rowlands and Producer, Anant Singh at the House of Lords, London.
Finally, I got to see the highly anticipated movie, Obsessed, where Beyonce doesn't sing and attempts to show a different side to her acting career. Although I'm not fully convinced of her as a good actor yet, she did somewhat hold her own on this thriller that she actually executive-produced.
Some of the things that had created the hype was the fight scene between Beyonce's character and that of Ali Larter's. It was worth every high-praise it received as it was the hottest I've ever seen between two hot women in a movie, probably and arguably the hottest part of the movie. British actor Idris Elba (who is very popular with the ladies - each and every woman I have had a discussion with about this movie says they'll see it just for him, lol) was also one of the main attractions for me to see this movie as he has been consistent with each and every project he's done, and I wanted to see how he would fair in this one. Maybe the fact that he gushed all over Beyonce on every interview he did whilst promoting the movie also planted a seed of interest, resulting in me wanting to see their chemistry on screen. It was therefore easy to believe in that aspect of their roles because everything seemed to flow smoothly.
Obsessed has all the trimmings of a great thriller, from the juicy and pacy storyline, to the sterling performances from the likes of Idris Elba (who made his name big with his stint of the crime drama series The Wire) and Ali Larter (mostly known for her role on the supernatural series Heroes), as well as the supporting cast. As I've mentioned before, Beyonce was good on Obsessed, much better than we've seen her before, but still lacks the flair that comes with the art of acting.
Obsessed will be released at Ster Kinekor cinemas nationwide on the 19th of June 2009. Be sure to check it out. It's entertaining, funny, and also informative on a lot of universal issues.
