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.

They say 3 is a charm, it certainly was with Vicky Christina Barcelona, Bolt: 3D and Australia

The topic of this post has just made me chuckle because I just realised it's very confusing and ambiguous. But, don't worry, you'll know what it's all about right about now.

Yesterday I watched 3 movies and all these movies were brilliant. Well the first and last one, although the second one was great too. Earlier in the day I saw Woody Allen's latest film titled Vicky Christina Barcelona, then later on had a great 3D experience with the animated movie Bolt: 3D. The day finished on a high with the prepiere of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman's new film called Australia. Here is what my thoughts are on all the 3 movies:

Vicky Christina Barcelona

It's an undisputed fact that Woody Allen is somewhat of a genius in his line of work, especially on the helm as a director. He's proven this fact once more on his latest outstanding piece of art that takes you through a memorable journey of his signature conventional and classic filmmaking. Boarsting a notable lineup of huge and well-accomplished names like Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson and Javier Bardem, Vicky Christina Barcelona delivers on aspects of quality filmmaking. The perfect combination of simple directing, great acting, interesting story, breathtaking scenery, engaging dialogue, an awesome wardrobe, and not forgeting to mention how sexy Spanish sounds rolling off their tongues, makes for breathtaking viewing and listening.

Set in Barcelona, in Spain, the story revolves around the lives of 2 American friends, Vicky and Christina (played by Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson, respectively) in search of the meaning of their lives during a vacation in the beautiful city of Barcelona. They have no idea what is in store for them as they meet an attractive, suave and charming recently divorced painter Juan Antonio (played exceptionally well by Javier Bardem). Although Scarlett and Rebecca were wonderful in their respective performances, it is Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem that steal the show with their easy flowing, but flawed characters as a dysfunctional couple. The serious and some taboo topics tackled in the film are also done sensitively, yet in a candid manner. Vicky Christina Barcelona is one of the best films to come out this year and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the film is featured in the Academy Awards nominations for 2009.

Vicky Christina Barcelona opens at cinemas nationwide on the 02nd of January 2009.

Bold: 3D

John Travolta is back on the silver screen, not playing his usual macho-man roles, or as a made-up mother in a musical, but voicing a superdog in the new animated Bolt: 3D, completely done in 3-dimentional technology. Bolt is a dog starring in a successful fictional sci-fi/action television show who has no idea that his superpowers are not real. Completely oblivious to the fact that this is so far from reality, he learns the hard way as he tries to save Penny (played by the young Hannah Montana star Miley Cirus), his "human", from the wrath of the show's literal green-eyed monster. As his journey of discovery and quest to save the only friend he ever knew unfolds, he enlists the help Rhino the hamster and Mittens the bully cat, who both share dissimilar views to life.

This may sound like a broken record, but I'm not really an animated movie kind of person. However, the movie is enjoyable for its story and the 3D technology used in its creation. Moreover, the humour was quite impressive, especially Mark Walton voicing Rhino. I believe this role would have fit Jack Black very perfectly too, but Mark excelled in bringing the character to what it is. His one-line jab and enthusiastic and rather sinister look to life made the charater even more interesting. This animation should be great family viewing over the holidays. Even more so for the kids as they will gleefully revel in wearing the 3D goggles. Oh, and the duet in the end of the movie by John Travolta and Miley Cirus was not bad.

Bolt: 3D hits Ster Kinekor cinemas throughout the country the day after Christmas, 26th of December 2008

Australia

My evening was capped off with a premiere of Australia, an aptly titled movie showcasing country's history and landscape beauty. Leading the cast are Australian born actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, who couldn't have been the more perfectly cast as their on-screen chemistry shone through.

Australia looks at a part of the life of an English aristocrat who inherits a ranch full of cattle. With a plot by locals to take over the cattle station, she rides miles and miles with an edgy stock-man to avoid the takeover, only to face the bombing of Australia's Darwin province by Japanese forces who had bombed Pearl Harbour not long ago. Added with a witness of ugly Australian history where mixed-race children were outcast, she does her best to bring about change in the country that not only basks in their conventional stereotypes, but also their lack of prominent leadership.

Although a bit lengthly, 15 minutes short of 3 hours to be exact, Australia will keep you on the edge of your sit with it's riveting action. It will also keep you in awe because of its beautiful cinematography. In addition, the emotions that it evokes peek a magnetic interest to the story. That's why even though you will feel the length, but you'll not fall asleep or get bored. A lot of people have said that Nicole Kidman is not good at acting, but I feel she is a descent actress. I really enjoyed her range in her role in Australia, shifting from playfulness to being dramatic and everything inbewteen. It should also be notted that the chemistry between her and Hugh Jackman was very intense, thus resulting in a credible performance. Another highlight for me was the sterling performance of Brendan Walters, who played the coloured boy Nullah. He was so natural and believable in his character, telling a very important story in the history of Australia.

Australia is an absolutely lovely piece of work. And in many ways its history is very similar to that of South Africa. Even the landscape, I saw many places that reminded me of the remarkable scenes of beauty I have seen travelling around our very own country. If you have a keen interest in that and drama filled with comedic moments, you'll certainly enjoy Australia. the movie opens at Nu Metro cinemas around the country, also on Day Of Reconciliation, 26 December 2008.