Movies out today, SA

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Five new movies hit South African cinemas today, and these are my top 2 picks for the weekend:

Up - We've been waiting almost 4 months(!) to see the latest CGI-animated film from Disney and Pixar, and now it's finally here. Screening in traditional 2D, as well as 3D in selected theatres, Up is a heartfelt adventure about an elderly widower who decides it's never too late to live out his dream of traveling to South America - in a house suspended from helium balloons. His patience is tested though by an over-enthusiastic wilderness scout who accidentally comes along for the ride.

Following WALL-E, Up has a LOT to live up to, but apparently it does, coming in at a spectacular 97% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from Pixar! Although it's debatable whether Up is as enjoyable as WALL-E, apparently the film is the most emotionally moving and mature themed Pixar has ever made. I expect it's going to have me blubbing big time. Out of interest you can read my earlier thoughts on Up here.


Crank: High Voltage - We've also had a very long wait (5 months!) for the sequel to off-the-wall action-comedy Crank. I thoroughly enjoyed the first film - well, at least until the very end. The first Crank was a guilty pleasure, a politically incorrect, ultra-violent thrillfest that allowed Jason Statham to reveal his hidden comedic talents while he kicked ass.

If it's possible, Crank: High Voltage is apparently even more insane and absurd than the first. Anything goes as hero Chev Chelios pursues a Chinese mobster who has stolen his indestructible heart and left him with a faulty battery pack to keep his body alive. Crank: High Voltage is 62% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Think of it as the ultimate anti-chick flick, perfect for anyone who enjoys deliberately tasteless and trashy filmmaking splattered with gore. You can read my earlier comments on the film, and watch its trailer, here.


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Other movies opening this weekend:

The Time Traveler's Wife - On a normal weekend this romantic drama with sci-fi flavour would have appeared as one of my top 2 movie picks. Eric Bana plays a librarian with a disorder that causes him to time travel at random. This makes romancing Rachel McAdams rather complicated. Based on the bestselling novel by Audrey Niffenegger. 36% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Dance Flick - The latest spoof movie from the Wayans brothers, this time taking the mickey out of all those wretched inner city dance movies, like Step Up, Save the Last Dance and How She Move. 19% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rodo Y Cursi - Spanish language comedy-drama about 2 brothers in Mexico who become professional football players... for rival teams. Starring the Y Tu Mamá También duo of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, with writer-turned director Carlos Cuaron (the brother of Alfonso) at the helm. 73% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

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