Movies today, SA!
Only 2 films open in South Africa today, and no doubt that limited number is to give maximum exposure to this weekend's biggie, District 9.
I profiled District 9 as part of my blog's Trailer Tuesday feature but basically what you need to know is that this action sci-fi film is produced by Lord of the Rings' Peter Jackson, comes from a South African writer-director (Neill Blomkamp), and was filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa with a South African cast and crew. Oh, and the film made back its entire $30 million production budget, and more, when it debuted in the #1 spot at the US box office. So, needless to say, locals are very, very excited about District 9 - success brings interest and adoration after all.
Anyway, in terms of plot, District 9 focuses on the problems caused when a group of insectoid-looking aliens are stranded on earth, and find themselves living in a squatter camp on the outskirts of Joburg while the world's leaders decide what to do with them.
The film is apparently dark and bloody with a streak of black satire running through it. I've heard tonal comparisons to RoboCop, which makes me very happy. This said, District 9 has been dangerously hyped to the point of overkill, so I'm trying to moderate my expectations in case I'm disappointed when the film isn't actually the Second Cinematic Coming. This is a bit difficult to do, however, seeing as District 9 is a fabulous 89% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. I'm off to see it bright and early tomorrow morning. Bring on the prawns!
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For anyone not in the mood for violent sci-fi with a satirical bent, you can soothe your mind and eyeballs with the leisurely French language biopic Coco Avant Chanel (English translation: Coco Before Chanel). The film is centered on the legendary fashion designer and the events in her early life that shaped her groundbreaking creative work, as well as her life outlook.
Coco Avant Chanel was showing as part of the 2009 Durban International Film Festival a month or so ago and honestly I was a bit bummed when I ended up missing it. I really do enjoy Audrey Tautou, and I'm sure she gives a stellar, very un-cutesy, un-Amélie performance here.
Unusually, in the case of Coco Avant Chanel South Africa is receiving the film before the United States. The film only opens in North America on 25 September in limited release, so if you are a South African who likes having "Me First" bragging rights, seize the opportunity to see it now if you can. The film is currently 72% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
I profiled District 9 as part of my blog's Trailer Tuesday feature but basically what you need to know is that this action sci-fi film is produced by Lord of the Rings' Peter Jackson, comes from a South African writer-director (Neill Blomkamp), and was filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa with a South African cast and crew. Oh, and the film made back its entire $30 million production budget, and more, when it debuted in the #1 spot at the US box office. So, needless to say, locals are very, very excited about District 9 - success brings interest and adoration after all.
Anyway, in terms of plot, District 9 focuses on the problems caused when a group of insectoid-looking aliens are stranded on earth, and find themselves living in a squatter camp on the outskirts of Joburg while the world's leaders decide what to do with them.
The film is apparently dark and bloody with a streak of black satire running through it. I've heard tonal comparisons to RoboCop, which makes me very happy. This said, District 9 has been dangerously hyped to the point of overkill, so I'm trying to moderate my expectations in case I'm disappointed when the film isn't actually the Second Cinematic Coming. This is a bit difficult to do, however, seeing as District 9 is a fabulous 89% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. I'm off to see it bright and early tomorrow morning. Bring on the prawns!
---------------
For anyone not in the mood for violent sci-fi with a satirical bent, you can soothe your mind and eyeballs with the leisurely French language biopic Coco Avant Chanel (English translation: Coco Before Chanel). The film is centered on the legendary fashion designer and the events in her early life that shaped her groundbreaking creative work, as well as her life outlook.
Coco Avant Chanel was showing as part of the 2009 Durban International Film Festival a month or so ago and honestly I was a bit bummed when I ended up missing it. I really do enjoy Audrey Tautou, and I'm sure she gives a stellar, very un-cutesy, un-Amélie performance here.
Unusually, in the case of Coco Avant Chanel South Africa is receiving the film before the United States. The film only opens in North America on 25 September in limited release, so if you are a South African who likes having "Me First" bragging rights, seize the opportunity to see it now if you can. The film is currently 72% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
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