Cloudy with Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy with Chance of Meatballs By

Jozua J. Jonker

Viewing At: Sterkinekor
Release Date: 16 October 2009


Directed By Phil Lord
Screenplay By Phil Lord
Producers: Pam Marsden
Voices:
Flint Lockwood - Bill Hader, Sam Sparks - Anna Faris, Tim Lockwood - James Caan, "Baby" Brent - Andy Samberg, Mayor Shelbourne - Bruce Campbell
Earl Devereaux - Mr. T, Cal Devereaux - Bobb'e J. Thompson, Manny - Benjamin Bratt

Genre: Animation
Classification: PG
Running time: 90 Minutes

After watching the movie I did not feel this movie was for me. Maybe it was an off day for me or that I am not a parent yet. But their where a few things in the movie that caught my attention which I think is worth mentioning.

The story begins with Flint Lockwood as young child having dreams as an inventor. Not sure whether he should pursue his dreams or follow his dad's dreams Flint's mother encourages the boy to follow what is in his heart. As Flint grows up his inventions are prone to have a life of their own which helps set-up the towns disaster that is about to happen as the antagonist, gets a life of its own, creating the food storm of the century . This is motivated by the town itself when it runs into an economic recession. Up to this point the town survived by catching and canning sardines but the world no longer needs it and so the town falls on hard times.

In Flint's impressive make-shift laboratory he works on a solution to the towns problems. An invention that can turn water into food. At the unveiling of the towns new theme park Flint activates his machine, creating a food euphoria for the citizens of Swallow Falls. The sub plots build around Flint's relationship with his father and a newly formed relationship with the Weather Girl Sam Sparks which is told by a big city news broadcaster to report on the weather in Swallow Falls as snippet to the daily news.

The movie is unique in its style, bringing a world of food to everyone's everyday life without it being that “gross”. Kids playing in ice cream show, having a house build out of jello etc. The visual effects created by Sony's new 3d imaging software gives way to stunning weather, food and big crowd sequence effects. Comedy is the drive behind the story which will be appealing to the adult audience and all the color and spectacle will wow the kids. Using animation as a platform to tell the story made the unique events believable, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The creators of this animation used their knowledge of modern day culture to fuse story and character quirks together in a story mould that will be likable to kids and their parents.

The moral of the story is revealed early in the film, being yourself is OK, even if you are a nerd. The fact that the hero is typical outcasts, loner, does not fit in type who saves the day can be overlooked as each character is given distinctive visual and personal characteristics that make them as unique as the story itself. Cloudy with a chance of meatballs gets a hearty 7 out of 10.

See you at the movies.

Not Easily Broken

Not Easily Broken

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Directed By Bill Duke.
Screenplay By Brian Bird
Produced By Mr. Duke, Mr. Jakes and Curtis Wallace.

Cast:
Morris Chestnut (Dave Johnson), Taraji P. Henson (Clarice Johnson), Maeve Quinlan (Julie Sawyer), Kevin Hart (Tree), Wood Harris (Darnell), Albert Hall (Bishop Wilkes), Eddie Cibrian (Brock Houseman), Jenifer Lewis (Mary Clark) and T. D. Jakes (Allen).
Running time: 1 hour 39 minute

The main story is about a couple who's marriage is in trouble. The opening scene is a wedding, where the pastor places three cords around the couple, symbolizing the bonds in a marriage. This is also the part where you know we are going to see a troubled marriage, obviously “losing the three string cord”, we know that God would save the day and they will “live happily ever after.” It is truly one of those movies you have seen before, and just can't come up with its name. Clarice (Taraji P. Henson) is an ambitions real estate manager, Dave (Morris Chestnut) was a aspiring basketball player, due to a knee injury he was called back to the real world, and became a a general contractor.

Dave seems like the perfect husband in this movie, he is loving, kind, generous – he clearly adores and loves his wife. She however, can't stop to humiliate and degrade him, even to the extend of doing so in front of her clients. The movie takes an unexpected turn when the couple gets into a car accident, leaving Clarice cripple and bittter, she would be able to walk again after intensive therapy. Her mother (Jenifer Lewis) blatantly blames Dave for the accident and moves in with them, he gets verbally beaten now from two angles.

Dave finds a way out, he coaches baseball to a little league team for underprivileged kids, with his two buddies Tree (Kevin Hart – the funny one) and Darnell (Wood Harris). The wedge between Dave and his wife grows deeper and deeper. The fire is turned on when Clarice's physical therapist Julie Sawyer (Maeve Quinlan), and Dave become intimately involved. Dave had a interest in her son first – and it is clear that his intentions was pure, but when the movie takes an emotional turn, she seeks comfort; Dave being the all American hero turns her down! I was very sad when this happened, he deserves happiness and his wife's over clichéd ego, self-obsessive attitude drove me insane! A blind woman, with no sense of touch or hearing could tell he was an amazing husband!

I know the African Americans have an over stated vocabulary that is mostly funny. In this movie it was exactly the opposite, it was irritating. Niecy Nash had one part to play – you don't need to actually know what that part is, one can watch Clean House on TSN to find out. The difference is, this is on a movie set and she gets to play her self, with the "Giiiiiirlll", "Don't make me go all Oprah on you" and the "Don't go all Waiting to Exhale on me." Niecy, don't quit your day job yet!

I am also not sure I like the way they portray God in this movie. He seems to be the Guy who fixes everything, with no effort from our part when it comes to character related issues. If something is not working out, go to God – He will fix it! The moment Clarice decided to admit in her life that she might have left God out of their marriage, everything magically began to sort themselves out. No hard work, no therapy secessions - just nothing. What I don't understand is that five minutes ago, she was standing by letting her mother throw all Dave's clothes out, now she wants him back, all issues aside, even willing to give him kids, which he so longed for!

The story line goes missing when it gets to the plot, and they seem to then go and say: Well, don't worry, no work required, all you need is God and your marriage will be saved! This movie is extremely upsetting – I agree that God is a vital part of any marriage but it takes work and devotion from both parties! There is no magic wands when it comes to marriage. I don't even think these two belong together. From this type movie I expected more...

A disappointing 4/10

See you at the movies!

The Informant

The Informant

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Viewing By Nu Metro
Release Date: 16 October 2009

Directed By Steven Soderbergh.
Screenplay By Scott Z. Burns.
Produced By
Gregory Jacobs, Jennifer Fox, Michael Jaffe, Howard Braunstein, Kurt Eichenwald
Cast:
Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Thomas F. Wilson, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale.

Classification: 13ML Running time: 108 minutes

I guess the question is always where to start? This movie is one of those whom just makes everything else seems bearable, and for a change, the bad guys look good. It is based on the true story of the highest ranking corporate whistle blower in U.S. History. Mark Whitacre is a family guy – he seems very naïve and likeable, your typical all-American. Mark works for a company called Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), in the agri-industry. The company is set on price fixing, and Mark decided to not go through with it any longer because of ethical values. He claims to not want part of a lying scandalous operation. Mark starts to work under cover with the FBI to catch the “bad guys”.

Mark hopes of gaining a promotion and hero status for doing the “right thing”. He however, helps himself to millions of dollars which threatens the very core of the investigation. Before the FBI can start arresting people and closing companies they need hard core evidence to comply with their story. Mark starts being wired, and goes into meetings with FBI equipment to uncover the truth.

This role he takes to heart and adapts easily. In a very comical way, and a hint of innocence, he talks to the mini microphone introducing his surroundings and people. A four year old toddler could see that he is wired and operating with the FBI. Yet he was never caught. When watching the movie one seems to have immediate sympathy with Mark because of his childhood. He was adopted by a wealthy man who gave him a chance in life and wants to sincerely do good to someone else to carry on the process. According to Mark this is the main purpose of the whistle blowing, to do good in the world cause good was done to him.

As the story progresses, more lies surface. Mark believes till the very end that he will become the president of ADM. With sharp tones like: “Just call me 0014! Why 0014? Cause I am twice as smart as 007!”; one knows that this story will end hilariously. The FBI never really discussed the way his life will change once they take over ADM, he assumes it will be for the best, being a hero after the bad people are caught is always a up side to things. The very funny FBI agent says to Mark: “Well, the atmosphere in the office might change a bit...”He “acts” with the FBI when everyone is arrested – and one can only laugh for his very plausible techniques. At times it felt like watching a scene out of “Clueless”.

Marks lies start catching up with him unfortunately, he appears to not be the angel he started out to be. In the end, he ended up stealing almost more money than the whole company combined and tragically the case turns on him. He was given very strict instructions to not, under any circumstances tell employees, media, etc. what was happening – needless to say, he did not oblige by it. The whole case comes tumbling down when the truth about Mark is discovered. He was never adopted, he only said so because of sympathy reasons. He kept on changing the millions he stole, never remembering the previous million he spoke about.

This story is just written so innocently – with a clear message of never to lie, cause it will catch up with you. It was a very good story; although Mark paid for his actions, you still have sympathy with him for being so naïve. I believe there must be more people like Mark Whitacre, he did not in any way came out to harm anyone visibly. His intentions was pure, his only crime is being the dumbest whistle blower in the world with no sense of integrity and an imagination that reinvents Peter Pan.The script was written in a typical drama/suspense style. The focus was divided on the story and the telling, which is something I love about Soderbergh, I have always been a great fan of his work – he had me with Oceans 11. Up until the very end you are hooked, although the story takes an unexpected turn. As always, Mr. Damon was very impressive, his acting skills go far beyond a nice face and a tanned body.

I am giving it a satisfying 7/10!

See you at the movies!

The Visitor

By Jozua J.
Viewing: Sterkinekor
Release Date: 16 October 2009

The Visior
Directed By Tom Mcarthy
Screenplay By Tom Mcarthy
Director Of Photography Oliver Bokelberg

By Jozua J.
Viewing: Sterkinekor
Release Date:

The Visior
Directed By Tom Mcarthy
Screenplay By Tom Mcarthy
Director Of Photography Oliver Bokelberg

Cast:
Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira, Hiam Abbass
Running Time: 103min

When it comes to film genre's I must confess that dramas don't feature at the top of my list to watch, but it seems I would love directing a few. Because I now write reviews I am exposed to them more and more and as a director one can learn a lot from good dramas in terms of story telling. This is one of them. As dramas go, this is a character driven story and we find our main character, Walter (Richard Jerkins) seemingly at the end of his life. He is in his late fifties, his wife has passed away and he sits in a job which means nothing to him, the question is: Did it ever? During this time Walter is also a co-author to a student writing her thesis. The student falls ill and the university forces the professor to present the paper on behalf of her at a convention in New York, which he reluctantly agrees to. Arriving in Manhattan, it appears someone is trying to a make quick buck and has placed loggers in his apartment, which catches him of guard. Here we meet Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) an Arab, an aspiring musician along with his girl friend Zainab (Danai Gurira) an African girl, who makes and sells her jewelery at the local flee market. Not only are they now out of house and home, but it seems they are illegal immigrants in the US.



As the story unfolds, Walter is faced with his own empty life as well as getting involved with the lives of his loggers, which seems to be filled with joy, contentment and promise. As Walter's relationship grows with Tarek, he is taken away by the police, whom soon discovers that he has no papers and is an illegal immigrant. Taker's mother (Hiam Abyss) comes to visit her son which she has not heard of in five days, because he phones her everyday. The battle with the US immigration begins to find a way to get Tarek released. Amidst the personal battles, the film stirs one with beautiful moments and reminds me that I need to cherish every moment with people who become special in my life.


The sheer simplicity of the story which evokes so much emotion, really made me sit up and pay attention, not only on screen but the impact of it in real life, as my thoughts wandered back to the movie while I was driving home.

Pauses to responses from one character to another was stirring, the carefully chosen shots which meanings resound character change can be overlooked as the film subtly takes you forward in the journey of this man's life; making the film more than just the rules that govern a society and the people that come in and go out of our lives.

For the deep at heart and realist who wants to take a journey of the soul, I will see you at the movies. The Visitor gets a serious 8 out of 10.

Rudo Y Cursi

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Viewing: Sterkinekor

Release Date: 11 September 2009 (Cinema Nouveau)

Rudo Y Cursi.
Directed By Carlos Cuaron
Screenplay By Carlos Cuaron

Cast:
Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Guillermo Francella, Dolores Heredia, Adriana Paz,
Jessica Mas, Salvador Zerboni, Tania Esmeralda Aguilar, Joaquín Cosio

This is a movie that one would describe as realistic and honest – in some ways brutally so. Carlos shows the true poverty situation in Mexico. The battle to be seen and heard. The hard physical labour of the countrymen, which makes this story very intriguing. Everyone, in some way or another, can relate to their struggle to get to the top. Beto and Tata are brothers, they grew up in a very poor neighbourhood in Mexico. As expected, they are ill educated, ill mannered and lets just say, you wont look at the movie and think they will survive in a prison break scene – definitely not the smartest pencils in the packet. His brother, Luna is even worse off. Luna is married, with kids and he has a nasty gamble habit. Tata is nicknamed “Cursi” because of his adorable innocence and romantic looks, he has a dance when ever he scores a goal – which is exactly what it means: “tacky but kind of cute.” He is a dreamer and a artist. Beto gets the nickname “Rudo” because of his hot tempered behaviour on and of the field. They are discovered by a sport agent “Batuta,” (Guillermo Francella), his car tyre got a flat, in the middle of Mexico, they help him to get it fixed and he watched their game. This is the part where the film becomes predicable – some where in the film there will be a celebrity girlfriend, money, drugs, sex and finally the pressure of fame and power will destroy their life's.

Cursi gets the first opportunity. He climbs the ladder of success very quick. I believe this is where the trouble and the action start – you wait in anticipation to see what is he going to do wrong, like so many before him. He then gets the celebrity girlfriend (Jessica Mas), the house, car, etc. True to what he wants, he pushes for a music career. He records the song: “I want you to want me”; a very bad Spanish version – but the cherry on top is the music video which is as common as pink grass. This becomes the movie's irritating trait. It causes toe curling laughter! When Cursi lost his “mojo”, his love life takes a toll – not that there was any love from the start though. One can not believe how naïve he is. Rudo gambles all his money away, among other possessions. The plot boils down to the last game, when Rudo and Cursi play against each other. Both the brothers reputation is on the line. The director takes the story back to the beginning, which provides the movie with excitement and drama. In this movie, losing is the trophy, and wining, the lost. The difference the director bring is to keep the cameras off the field, but he classically revolves the story around the game. The soccer ball, is the girlfriend, who wins every time a goal is reached and instantly disappears to the next guy. Every guy wants it. The fans are like the brothers relationship with their mother Elvira (Dolores Heredia) . Each fan believes he is soccer's/teams biggest and most valued fan; as each boy believes he is his mothers favourite and most worthy son, and he would do almost anything to prove it. The narrators role is done subtly, as I am not a favourite of this style of filming, it gives the film a philosophical angle and it provides depth.

Both the brothers end up working for their sisters drug lord husband, who build their mothers dream house. They seem to be back where they started with miner improvements. This movie is an amazing preparation for South Africans regarding the FIFA 2010. One walks away with a feeling of excitement mixed with nostalgic emotions. This sport incorporates all cultures; and everyone, on and off the field, feels invited and part of the game. The theme in my opinion is that everyone wants fame and power, but rarely has the knowledge for a lifestyle of meaningless existence created by a world dominated media circle. The movie was a great laugh, you walk away wondering: What if? For my personal taste the language was very foul and the brutality of certain scenes is not at all the kind of movie that I would declare as a must see; In the context of the movie it definitely worked, and it was even funny. A realistically good story, great telling, yet it lacks a depth that is not mentioned. It deserves a lovely 6. See you at the movie's!

Virgin Territory.

By Magdaleen Duvenage

Viewing: Nu Metro

Release Date: Currently Out on Show
Directed by David Leland

Cast:
Hayden Christensen, Mischa Barton, Tim Roth, Matthew Rhys, Christopher Egan, Silvia Collocate.

Okay, I have to be honest, the only reason why I was persistent in seeing this movie, was because of Hayden Christensen – whom I am a huge fan of, not necessarily because of talent, I just love staring at him, there is something mysterious about those eyes ladies...

While standing at the movies, getting a cappuccino, it dawned on me the first time that just maybe the name “Virgin Territory” is self explanatory, and that means I would not enjoy this movie. Well, the optimist inside stood up, and I decided to go in with a fresh sense of awe.
Virgin Territory is a romantic comedy based upon Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron, I have honestly never been a fan of his work. In France it was released as Medieval Pie, in my opinion this would have been a better title choice.

It is a story of 10 Florentines who flee in to the Italian countryside in 1348 as the black plague swept through the city.

Hayden Christensen is Lorenzo di Lamberti, a charming scoundrel, who one would describe as one of William Shakespeare's characters. Lorenzo lost a game to Gerbino (Tim Roth), who wants him dead. On a road, fleeing from Gerbino, Lorenzo decides to hide out in a convent, after enquiry that the convents gardener is dead. He meets a interesting character on his way, carrying the dead gardener, played by David Walliams (British comedian), who seems to be the only comedy in this movie. The only way he can stay there is by pretending to be deaf and dumb, which he does with pleasure, as he gets to sleep with all the nuns, as any good gardener would do, I suppose.
Lorenzo had a love for the young and voluptuous Mischa Barton who is Pampinea. She however is betrothed to Count Dzerzhinsky (Matthew Rhys) from Russia – with love. Her father arranged the marriage before he died, leaving Pampinea orphaned. Gerbino moves in on her almost immediately, she then hides out at the convent, waiting for the Count to arrive away from Gerbino.

She sees Lorenzo and discovers she has feelings for him. One afternoon while taking his food for him, she blindfolds and kissed him, he becomes obsessed with finding her. As the story unfolds, a lot of members of Pampinea’s party get naked and end up in pools for no particular reason, none of these incidents adds to the story and it does not create any value.
Basically Lorenzo finds Pampinea, fights with Gerbino, with some help from the Count, they (Pampinea and Lorenzp) end up together and “live happily ever after.”

This movie, is definitely without a doubt, one of the worst movies of the century. There are countless encounters with sex, nudity, violence and swearing. This movie should not be seen by anyone under the age of 16; parents be strictly cautioned. Its only purpose is for entertainment, no depth and no mystery, not even a moral. It is as predicable as cartoons and routine. David Leland tried to create, like so many before him, a modern touch on medieval history, he has failed miserably though.
It is always nice to see Hayden, but I am giving it a disastrous 2/10.
See you at the movies!

District 9

By Jozua J. Jonker.

District 9
Viewing : Sterkinekor
Release Date : 28 Augusts 2009

Directed by Neil Blomkamp.
Screenplay Neill Blomkamp,Terri Tatchell
Producer Peter Jackson
Director of Photography Trent Opaloch

Cast
Sharlto Copley, Jason Cop, Nathalie Boltt,Sylvaine Strike,Elizabeth Mkandawie, John Summer, William Allen Young,Greg Melvill-Smith, Nick Blake,Morena Busa Sesatsa, Themba Nkosi,Mzwandile Nqoba, Barry Strydom, Jed Brophy
Louis Minnaar

In any industry there are defining moments. Moments that change things as we know it forever. Another moment is on the horizon for South African film. To shape it, form it and change the way we will do it for years to come. District 9 is one of those defining moments. Many film makers dream of that moment and few achieve it. Neill Blomkamp has done just that and I think the industry is going to be better for it.

Twenty years ago an alien species made contact with earth. Not to take them to our leaders, or to rule or enslave us but to come to our planet as refugees. Their ship then came to halt over Johannesburg of all places. So what now?




In this cyclic alternate history of our country, the story unfolds. Wikus van der Merw an employee of MNU (Multi Nation United), a private company interested in the aliens welfare, is at the centre of this story as it unfolds, delving us into the world of district 9, the aliens and MNU, a culminating Sci-Fi adventure with unique twists and turns.

Blomkamp brings in a different flavour to this genre with his shooting style encompassing unique elements to make his vision work. He uses three unique components in his story telling along side Terri Tatchell, screenwriter for District 9. First Wikus van Merwe's own tale makes for a dramatic and compelling story. This mixed in with mocumentary footage to create the reality of the alternate universe we find ourselves in together with that last component using actual broadcasting footage gave the overall story the added benefit of the doubt. A component to me that stood out was the back drop to which this story was told. Johannesburg and district 9 together with other parts of the film formed an indistinct state between what is real and what is fiction.

The special effects was spectacular to watch for South African feature film standards. That today seems only reserved for commercials. This I think was part of the recepy for success and it places South African film in league with the UK and the US in terms of a big budget successful films. What also caught my attention was the quality in sound this film produced, something quickly over looked when the special affects is so good.

Although aliens and Sci-fi is not every ones cup of coffee, it is a great film to see at least once, specially for South Africans. When I was finished watching the movie as young film maker to the industry, I felt inspired and motived.

This movie for me gets a 10 out of 10. See you at the movies