Movies today, South Africa!

Four new movies open locally today and my Top 2 picks for the weekend are as follows:

1) Surrogates - I've blogged before about this intriguing-looking sci-fi thriller. Starring Bruce Willis as an FBI agent, Surrogates is set in the near future, when people rarely leave the comfort and safety of their own homes. Instead, they control surrogate robotic bodies, which they send out into the world to realise their greatest fantasies without fear of consequence. Thing is, someone has learned how to kill people by destroying their surrogates, and the authorities are called in to find and stop whoever is responsible.

Apparently Surrogates is far stronger in concept than actual execution, scoring a mediocre 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. I can't say I'm especially surprised about comments that the film doesn't explore it's fascinating premise in enough detail, or that it's riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies. Still though, my enthusiasm levels for Surrogates are quite high.


2) Julie & Julia - Earlier this week I profiled this comedy drama as part of my blog's Trailer Tuesday feature. The first proper chick flick to hit the cinema in ages, Julie & Julia intertwines the 2 inspiring true stories of Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a lowly cubicle dweller turned ultra-successful blogger, and celebrated 1960s TV chef Julia Childs (Meryl Streep), who both discovered a passion for life, and a powerful sense of self, through the art of cooking.

Julie & Julia is 75% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It's apparently light, fluffy, largely inconsequential fare but is carried by the charming performances of its stars, and the heartwarming nature of the tales depicted.


Also opening this weekend:

1) BBC Electric Proms: Robbie Williams - For one night, and one show only, you can see British pop superstar Robbie Williams performing his first live show in 3 years. Williams opened this year's BBC Electric Proms on 20 October, accompanied by a string section, horn section and full band, and this special recorded show will be broadcast at Ster Kinekor cinemas throughout South Africa. For more information on the screenings, head here.

2) Twilight - In preparation for the release (in 2 weeks' time) of highly anticipated sequel New Moon, Nu Metro is re-releasing the 2008 fantasy romance that kicked off the popular film franchise, at cinemas across the country. Based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling novel, Twilight tells the tale of teenager Bella Swan, who falls madly in love with dreamboat vampire Edward Cullen.

This may destroy my street cred but I'm seriously considering going to watch the film. In the past year I've read the book, and now I want to see exactly what sent teenager girls worldwide into a hormonal frenzy. And there ain't no better screen than the big screen! Twilight is 49% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Comments

MJenks said…
As my wife's friend likes to say about the Twilight movie: "Don't judge a book by it's big screen adaptation."

Prepare to be underwhelmed.
Pfangirl said…
You know what, I think I actually preferred the film to the book, even if the book's crappy climax felt even more mediocre when translated to the big screen.

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Movies today, SA!