Kardinal Offishall on our radar

Canadian-born singer KARDINAL OFFISHALL, famous for the infectious track Dangerous, is being hailed as his birth country’s hip-hop ambassador and he has just released his fourth album, entitled Not 4 Sale.

- He was born Jason Harrow on 11 May 1976 in Ontario, Canada.

- He has been making up rap rhymes since he was eight years old.

- At 12 he performed live on stage for the first time during former SA president Nelson Mandela’s first visit to Toronto.

- The name Kardinal Offishall comes from 17th-century French politician Cardinal Richelieu, whose name Jason thought sounded cool. He used to be called KoolAid.

- You can catch a glimpse of him in these music videos: Rihanna’s Pon De Replay, Sean Paul’s Get Busy and Estelle’s American Boy.

- People consider him a newcomer but he has been around for a while. “I signed a record deal in 2000 and from there the ride has just been amazing. I got to work with some of the best artists in the world, everybody from Akon to Timbaland.”

Just gonna be Jody

Idols winner JODY WILLIAMS’ first single, Kiss of Life, off her debut album, Just Gonna Be Me, has been a favourite on local radio this year. The Hey YOU! teen panel had the chance to ask her any question they liked - here are some of her answers.

Q: What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning?
A: Food! Every morning I wake up hungry so it’s always food I think about first!

Q: Has singing always been a dream of yours? At what age did you realise you wanted to become a singer?
A: It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. When I was 10 I joined a music school and trained for four years. I entered Idols in 2007 and winning the competition was more than I could ask for. I have really hectic days but I cope because I’m living my dream.

Q: How did you manage to juggle your singing career and a stressful matric year?
A: It was very challenging. On my days off I just made sure I got enough rest. Even though singing is my dream my education comes first because without that you can’t really do much.

Q: What is the most exciting place you’ve ever visited?
A: It has to be Kimberley (in the Northern Cape). Seeing the Big Hole and the diamonds was awesome!

Q: What do you like to wear?
A: I like funky items. The clothes I wear on stage are totally different to what I wear every day. I’m more of a sporty girl. My favourite items have to be shoes, especially my takkies.

Q: If you were stranded on an island with no food for three days what meal would you be happiest to see?
A: Definitely Alfredo pasta from Panarottis!

WIN!
Hey YOU! and Sony BMG are giving away 10 copies of Jody’s album, Just Gonna Be Me. To enter SMS the word JODY, your name and street address to 34923 before 11 December. Each SMS costs R2.

Hot music picks

SONGS FOR YOU, TRUTHS FOR ME by James Morrison
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

James is on fire in his second album. His unique, slightly gravelly voice and intelligent lyrics make for a great pop/rock effort. There are plenty of potential hits on the album, including the peppy Nothing Ever Hurt Like You and the soulful ballad You Make It Real. Another highlight is the collaboration with Nelly Furtado on Broken Strings.

RAW FOOTAGE by Ice Cube
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Gilda van Schalkwyk

Ice Cube is one of hip-hop’s pioneers and with his eighth studio album in the bag he cements his status as one of the kings of rap. The first single, Gangster Rap Made Me Do It, is lyrically one of the best. Another song we predict will do well on the charts is I Got My Locs On, with Young Jeezy. Undoubtedly one of the best rap albums of the year.

Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Action adventure. 2008. 117 min. With Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen and Shia LaBeouf. Director: Steven Spielberg. 13PGV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lindy-Joy Dennis

In this fourth instalment in the Indie saga it’s the 1950s and archaeologist Dr Henry “Indiana” Jones (Ford) and his sidekick, Mutt Williams (LaBeouf), must hunt for a crystal skull in Peru and return it to the ancient city of Alkator. Whoever does so will gain the power to control minds, a power that’s embedded in the crystal artefact by interdimensional species. Their clues to the location of the skull came from an ex-colleague who, along with Indie’s old flame Marion (Allen), have been captured by KGB agents led by Colonel Spalko (Blanchett). Now it’s a race between the Russians and Indie.

The plot is a bit far-fetched, Indie’s a bit long in the tooth for all the action and the recreation of ’50s America isn’t convincing yet the film is saved by the comic banter between Marion and Indie, a life-changing revelation for our hero and Blanchett’s classy acting. A fun formula of betrayal, mystery and romance.

EICHMANN
Drama. 2008. 96 min. With Troy Garity, Thomas Kretschmann, Franka Potente and Stephen Fry. Director: Robert Young. 16VN.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Ronel Scheffer

In 1962 Adolf Eichmann (Kretschmann), the SS officer who during World War 2 coordinated the transportation of Jews to Nazi death camps and developed the gas for their extermination, was captured in Argentina and brought to justice in Israel. Police interrogator Avner Less (Garity) has to get a confession from Eichmann but he’s urbane, seedily normal and impossible to pin down.

Less is under pressure: the Israeli public want Eichmann executed, his minister (Fry) is impatient for results, his wife (Potente) is terminally ill and his family are in danger. But he perseveres to prove Eichmann often followed his own hateful impulses rather than orders from above. A watchable, stimulating film with fine acting.

LEATHERHEADS
Comedy. 2008. 109 min. With George Clooney, John Krasinski and Renée Zellweger. Director: George Clooney. 13PG.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Ruth Mwakanandi

It’s 1925 and a US football team made up of misfits has gone bankrupt. The players are forced to quit and return to their long-abandoned hard-labour jobs. Dodge Connolly (Clooney), an ageing member of the team, comes up with the idea of legalising professional football. He recruits ace college player Carter “The Bullet” Rutherford (Krasinski) and recalls his teammates.

Overnight the once incompetent team becomes a crowd-puller and fans can’t get enough of Carter - but he has a secret.

This screwball comedy might not be to everyone’s taste but if you enjoyed O Brother Where Art Thou? you’ll love it. The casting is spot-on and Zellweger, who plays a reporter sent to expose Carter, delivers as usual. Even if it isn’t your type of movie watch it for the unexpected moments of hilarity.

Game: Viva Piñata - Trouble in Paradise

Xbox 360. 2008. 3+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: LJ Moller

For those familiar with the first Viva Piñata the new version feels more of a fleshed-out experience. Trouble in Paradise improves in most departments. It has better graphics and more game modes and options to keep you playing for hours.

Added to the roster are more than 30 additional Piñatas to capture, breed and send to parties around the Piñata world, all while tending to your ever-evolving garden. The game will appeal to casual and dedicated gamers of all ages.

SMS taboos

Ever break up with someone via SMS or had a serious cyber-argument with a friend? Using an SMS service to deal with the big things in life can lead to even bigger problems. There are certain things you should just not do with your thumbs. Here’s a list of what to avoid, no matter how tempting.

- Send a birthday message to a close friend. Why not call? The casual manner of sending a message, no matter how sweet you intend to be, can diminish the strength and meaning of the message.

- Break up with someone via SMS. Ever. Have the decency to end things in person. Sending a message is just cowardly.

- Send an angry message without thinking about it. Remember the person you’re sending the message to is going to have a chance to read it over and over again so saying something hurtful which you’ll probably regret later is going to be hard to fix.

- Ignore a good SMS. If someone says, “Have a good day,” simply respond with a, “You too” - if you have airtime, of course. It’s courteous to acknowledge receipt of messages and you’ll keep ties with people you want in your life.

- Forward SMS chain letters. You know those messages that promise to bring good luck if you send them to 10 friends? They’re just not cool and don’t work. They’ll more than likely just annoy your friends and waste your time and money.

- Give out your personal information. You may get SMSes from institutions asking for things such as your ID number or address. Don’t ever respond.

- Send personal messages or pictures. It may seem fine to send a naughty SMS to your boyfriend/girlfriend or funny (but embarrassing) picture of yourself to a friend but remember if that relationship ever turns sour theirs may not be the only eyes to see it.

- Text and send before reading the message. Always double-check your recipient’s name before sending an SMS. Just think: it will not go down well for your dad to get an SMS meant for your guy!

Music reviews and wins

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The HSM3 soundtrack will appeal to devotees but if you haven’t seen the movie it’s not worth buying the CD. Many of the songs are pretty cheesy but therein lies their appeal. Zac Efron reminds you of a young Bon Jovi on the powerful Scream and his love ballads with Vanessa Hudgens are genuinely sweet.

BLACK ROSES by The Rasmus
Rating 4/5
Reviewer: Adan Bracher

Despite the dark title of the album the Rasmus return with a pop-infused, commercial sounding CD. The tracks are vibey and powerful and you can’t help but sing along to the catchy vocals. Fans will be more than satisfied with opening track and new single Livin’ in a World without You, which sets a high standard for the album.

THE RECESSION by Young Jeezy
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Gilda van Schalkwyk

The much-anticipated third album from the Atlanta rapper can best be described in one word: amazing. The track Welcome Back serves as an introduction to what the rest of the album is about. Jeezy is back and serious about taking over the rap world. One of the album’s biggest tracks is Put On, featuring Kanye West. A wonderful album!

WIN!
10 readers will each win a High School Musical 3 hamper including the soundtrack, a water bottle, wristband, photo frame, sticky memo block and sunglasses. To enter SMS MUSICAL with your name, surname and address to 34922 before 4 December. Each SMS costs R2.

Virgin Festival update

The Virgin Festival has been postponed to 2009 but there is good news: Maroon 5, OneRepublic, Goldfish and The Parlotones are still performing here in December as a curtain-raiser to the festival. “The changes have been made to ensure an even hotter line-up. Some of the bands South Africans kept asking for were simply not available at that time of the year,” Virgin Mobile CEO Peter Boyd says.

Current ticket-holders have three options:
- Hold onto tickets for the Virgin Festival in 2009 as they’ll be valid.

- Receive a full refund from Computicket.

- Attend the curtain-raiser. You’ll be entitled to a partial refund of the original ticket price. For more info visit www.thevirginfest.co.za.

MOST DOWNLOADED TUNE
You’re Not Sorry by Taylor Swift
Site: www.apple.com/itunes
American country pop singer Taylor Swift’s new single off her second album, Fearless, has hit the No 1 spot on iTunes less than a month after its release. This girl has a great voice and like Carrie Underwood she proves country music is about more than old men in cowboy hats.

WIN!
Tell us what you think of YOU’s music page, Pressplay, and you could win one of five copies of Britney Spears’ new album, Circus. SMS MUSIC PANEL, your name, age, street address and comments to 34923. Each SMS costs R2.

DVD of the week: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Romantic comedy. 2008. 106 min. With Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Director: Nicholas Stoller. 16LS.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

After five years together TV actress Sarah Marshall (Bell) dumps her soundtrack composer boyfriend Peter Bretter (Segel) for vain British rocker Aldous Snow (Brand). Heartbroken, Peter goes to Hawaii to get over her - only to find Sarah and Aldous are staying in the same hotel. But then cute receptionist Rachel (Kunis) develops a soft spot for him.

This comedy from the makers of The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad is an absolute hoot - it’s irreverent, sexy, romantic and hysterically funny but also feels real on an emotional level. Brand, Bell and Kunis are excellent and provide plenty of eye candy but the supporting cast is brilliant too: Jonah Hill as the waiter, Paul Rudd as the surfer dude and Jack McBrayer as the sexually inept Christian on honeymoon are unforgettable. Segel, who also wrote the screenplay, steals the show though: this guy is a major talent.

The sex and nudity may offend some but this is a laugh-out-loud must-see. Special features: lots, including a commentary, deleted scenes and gag reel.

FALL OUT BOY: LIVE IN PHOENIX
Music concert. 2007. 156 min. Patrick Stump (vocals), Pete Wentz (bass, backing vocals), Joe Trohman (guitar, backing vocals) and Andy Hurley (drums). PG.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Nici de Wet

The charm of rockers Fall Out Boy lies in their irresistible blend of zany humour, their extraordinary energy and Patrick Stump’s unforgettable voice.

On this DVD the guys prove they fall into that category of bands that sound as good live as they do on radio. Patrick’s voice is awesome, soaring and falling as he belts out 15 of their songs, including the mega-hits Sugar, We’re Going Down and This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.

Pete Wentz is a natural showman, chatting to the crowd (strangely Patrick doesn’t) and doing those crazy guitar jumps he’s known for.

They also do some tongue-in-cheek stuff, covering Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Beat It. If you can’t see them live this is the next best thing. A cool Christmas gift for a fan.

Special features: five-track bonus CD, music videos, behind-the-scenes doccie where you see the guys goofing around and playing silly pranks

DINNER FOR ONE
Cult classic. 1963. 11 min. With Freddie Frinton and May Warden. Director: Heinz Dunkhase. PG.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

In this very brief black-and-white comedy sketch Miss Sophie has invited her friends - Mr Pommeroy, Mr Winterbottom, Sir Toby and Admiral Von Schneider – to celebrate her birthday. Only problem is that, as she’s 90, all her friends have long since passed on and Miss Sophie’s bumbling butler, James, is forced to move around the table impersonating each of the guests for the sake of appearances.

During each course they drink a toast and poor James becomes more and more inebriated as the dinner wears on. Famous for its classic line, “The same procedure as every year,” this cult classic was broadcast on New Year’s Eve in SA for many years.

A must-see for cult comedy and classic movie fans.

Movie of the week: Mr Bones 2

Comedy. With Leon Schuster and Leeanda Reddy. Director: Gray Hofmeyr. PGLV. Opens 28 November.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
The grandfather of Mr Bones - the man who turned farting into an art form - and the king of the Kavuki tribe time-travel from 1879 to 2008 and encounter a South Africa so different it makes their bones rattle. Then Mr Bones falls in love.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
If the first Mr Bones tickled your, erm, funnybone and you’re a Leon Schuster fan you’ll want to watch this more than once - and the second time you’ll want to take all your buddies so you can share the laughs. It totally hits the spot with broad-ranging humour that should appeal to many South Africans. Schuster’s genius lies in the style of comedy he created which cuts across cultural boundaries. If you’re not a fan you’ll know not to go but if you were rolling in the aisles at Mr Bones’ clumsy, slapstick antics in the first film take some lollipops to ease the fits of laughter.

WAIT FOR DVD?
What a silly question! How can you miss out on the movie the whole country will be laughing about? You’ll be the only one who doesn’t know what the fuss is about. Buy a ticket immediately before the “sold out” signs destroy the last traces of your sense of humour.

Schuster borrows from Jamie Uys: an earthy, innocent character who’s scared of his own shadow lands up, like Rip van Winkle, in another time and makes us giggle with his ironic, funny jokes. This has been a dark, difficult year; it’s time to laugh all your cares away as SA’s king of slapstick kicks your funnybone into orbit.

SIMILAR FILMS
Mr Bones, Mama Jack, You Must Be Joking.

POPCORN FACTS
Mr Bones was SA’s highest-earning film after Titanic.

Music reviews and news

PICK OF THE WEEK
ROUND 3 by GANG OF INSTRUMENTALS
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The trio who brought us megahit My Number One is back with a third album. It’s arguably better than their previous efforts. Tracks to look out for are Woza December, the upbeat Oh Yeah and if you’re looking for a dancefloor hit check out Sghubu Ne Bass. There are memorable remixes of My Number One and Louise Carver’s Home.

MORE REVIEWS
THE QUILT by GYM CLASS HEROES
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson
The quartet’s latest offering is the best to date with tracks from light rock to hip-hop. Frontman Travis McCoy and British R&B crooner Estelle give a great vocal performance on Guilty as Charged. Highlights on this radio-friendly album include Blinded by the Sun featuring Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and the lead single, Cookie Jar. Fans will love it.

SORRY FOR THE DELAY by 340ML
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Emma Liwela
It’s three years since their last release and the wait has been worth it. The reggae sound is fresh and progressive. Fairy Tales is an upbeat, funky song but the coolest collaboration is Make It Happen with Thandiswa Mazwai. If you’re a faithful fan of this local band you’ll love this album but hopefully they won’t take as long with their next offering.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT . . .
Durban’s Baz Cordon. His song There’s a Right Time for Everything has been selected by European cellphone company T-Mobile for use in its current TV campaign. T-Mobile has the world’s sixth largest mobile phone service subscriber base so this is a big deal! Nice to see a local lad doing us proud in the international music arena.

Baz, who used to play guitar for alternative Durban band Ketamine and now lives in the UK, is fast establishing himself as a songwriter and vocalist thanks to his recently released debut album, You Are Here. View the ad online at www.laswho.com/placements.htm.

EVERYONE’S WATCHING . . .
Womanizer by Britney Spears
Britney’s latest music video has been viewed more than 6,5 million times on YouTube and it’s easy to see why. It starts with her writhing naked in a steam room then jumps between a naked Britney, Brit as an office seductress (with Pulp Fiction-style black bob wig) and as a slutty waitress in a red wig. Hot stuff!

Movie review: Quarantine

Thriller. With Jennifer Carpenter and Jay Hernandez. Director: John Erik Dowdle. 16LV. Opens 21 November.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A carefree journalist is making a TV doccie about a day in the life of a firefighter when she finds herself in a building with a terrible secret - and her life becomes hell.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Many young dudes complain movies these days all look the same. Some, such as Speed Racer, are hijacked by their special effects while the overload of violence in others leaves you punch-drunk - with the result films don’t really entertain or move us any more. So if you think movies are becoming boring and you need a break from exam stress you’ll love this surprising twist on the horror formula. It’s filmed with a handheld camera to make it look like a documentary and the shocks and horrors hit you out of the blue, like a bad cold, and leave you reeling.

WAIT FOR DVD?
This movie is best seen alone. I know many film fans would be horrified at the idea of going to see a movie solo but this one is such an intensely personal experience you’re likely to forget you’re there with a buddy or sweetheart.

It sucks you in so you feel like a cat’s hairball in a vacuum cleaner, helplessly tossed about by your nerve endings until you beg for mercy. The strong violence and restless camera angles may even make you feel seasick.

SIMILAR FILMS
The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, Vantage Point.

POPCORN FACTS
- This American film is an exact, shot-by-shot remake of Spanish cult flick [REC].

- Jennifer Carpenter’s boyfriend is Michael C Hall, star of the TV series Dexter. She plays his sister in the show.

- The US distributors doubted the film would work and didn’t show it to American critics.

Meet the guy behind The Reaper

His TV character collects baddies for the devil. Can you imagine the work stress? Hey YOU! gets to know Bret Harrison, the guy behind the Reaper.

I AM SAM
Bret Harrison’s character in Reaper, Sam Oliver, has always enjoyed his normal, mundane life. He lives with his parents and brother and everything is easygoing. He dropped out of college to work at a DIY store and his parents allow him to get away with anything. The shock comes when his parents tell him on his 21st birthday they promised his adult life to the devil. He reluctantly accepts the task and works with the devil tracking down souls that have escaped from hell and sending them back using his new powers.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
At 17 Bret packed his bags and drove to Los Angeles to hunt for acting jobs. “I went after what I wanted. Ignorance is bliss. I didn’t think of all the variables. I just hopped in my car and drove,” he says.

He managed to land roles in shows such as That ’70s Show and The OC (as Seth’s rival). In real life Adam Brody (who plays Seth) and Bret have been good friends since they met on the set of the show.

Bret also appeared alongside Jack Black and Colin Hanks (Tom Hanks’ son) in the 2002 comedy Orange County and recently completed filming the comedy Deal with Burt Reynolds.

BRET THE MUSO
When his acting career allows, Bret plays guitar with his four-piece indie rock band called Big Japan, which includes Adam Brody on drums. Their first release was in 2005, originally called Music for Dummies but later changed to Untitled.

- Catch Reaper on M-Net every Tuesday at 8 pm.

On our radar: Nicholas D’Agosto

He plays Claire Bennett’s flying (and we mean literally) love interest in the second season of Heroes (Thursdays at 8.31 pm on SABC3). And Nicholas is soaring to new heights in the movie world as well, with upcoming roles in comedies Mardi Gras and Fired Up.

- Nicholas (28) was born on 17 April 1980 in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed degrees in history and theatre before moving to Los Angeles in 2002 to take up acting full time.

- He turned down the role of Denny in the 2000 comedy Meet the Parents, opposite Ben Stiller, to complete his studies.

- He had guest roles in ER, Cold Case, Six Feet Under and House but was first recognised for his role in the 1999 movie Election.

- Working with Hayden Panettiere in Heroes was enjoyable. “She’s an extremely talented young woman and she’s been loads of fun. I think our scenes turned out really well.”

- He says he would choose a different superpower if he could in real life. “I would love to be able to read people’s thoughts and playing with time would be an awesome power!”

Must-do

LISTEN TO: The Skinny
This funky compilation album includes hits by top indie rock and pop bands such as Paramore, Death Cab for Cutie, Panic at the Disco, Hard-Fi and Primal Scream. It also introduces new bands such as The Cab, Cute Is What We Aim For and Cobra Starship. So put on your favourite skinnies and rock on!

WIN!
Five readers will each win a copy of The Skinny and a R200 Jay Jays gift voucher courtesy of Hey YOU!, Gallo Music and Jay Jays clothing stores. SMS the word SKINNY, your name and street address to 34923 before 27 November. Each SMS costs R2.

READ: The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (R120, Chicken House)
Rating: 4½/5
Reviewer: Khaya Adams (16), Cape Town
The story follows friends Prosper and Bo who run away from their aunt and end up in Venice. They meet a gang of children, led by a thief lord, hiding in an abandoned cinema. Their lives soon become entangled in dangerous chases through Venice and all isn’t what it seems in the city. I really enjoyed this book - it’s fast-paced and has loads of surprises.

WATCH/RENT: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
If you didn’t catch it on the big screen fear not - the latest Indy offering has hit video stores so there’s no excuse. The combo of Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf makes this a must-see.

WIN!
Hey YOU! and Ster-Kinekor are giving away five hampers, each including an Indiana Jones canvas bag, fedora, mug and leather wallet. To enter SMS the word INDIANA, your name and street address to 34923 before 27 November. Each SMS costs R2.

PLAY: Tiger Woods PGA09
XBOX360. 2008. 3+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jeremy Petersen

If you’ve always wanted to play alongside the best golfers in the world but your grandma has a better swing than yours this is the game that will set things right.

Create a player and buy him/her all the accessories you can think of in one of the multitude of shops available. Then set off on a tour of the most stunning courses in international golf.

Tiger Woods PGA09 is a great game all around and should keep you busy while the real Tiger is still away.

Caution: Wild Child ahead!

What do you get when you place a spoilt Malibu brat in a British boarding school? Wild Child. Read all about the stars of one of the year’s coolest chick flicks.

THE MALIBU PRINCESS
Emma Roberts plays 16-year-old Poppy Moore who leads a pampered life as an LA rich kid. When her rebellious nature gets too much for her dad he ships her off to a boarding school in England. There everything is different and she soon learns British girls can match her mean ways.

“I loved the character when I read the script!” Emma says. “I’ve never played a character like Poppy before so it’s really cool to be able to play someone different”

Poppy eventually makes friends and learns a few life lessons along the way. On the other hand Emma (17) made plenty of friends on set. “I hope we keep in touch. I loved hanging out with everyone. I hope Wild Child becomes one of those movies that people quote lines from because there are a lot of funny lines!”

THE REST OF THE CAST
*Alex Pettyfer (18) is Freddie Kingsley, the guy who makes Poppy’s heart beat faster. But he’s also the headmaster’s son!

The young British actor’s claim to fame was starring opposite Ewan McGregor in Stormbreaker. He seems to have a soft spot for Emma. “She’s really, really great. I’d sometimes walk on set with a bit of a downer, having a bad day, you know - we woke up at five in the morning to shoot - and Emma lifts you up straight away!”

*Kimberley Nixon (22) plays Kate, one of Poppy’s new best friends. The British actress can also be seen in the upcoming teen comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

*Linzey Cocker (21) plays Jozie, another of Poppy’s new friends. The rising English star has been in a few TV shows and will also appear in an upcoming drama called Is There Anybody There?

*Juno Temple (19) is Drippy, another of Poppy’s new BFFs. Juno’s movie credits include Notes on a Scandal, The Other Boleyn Girl and Atonement.

FAST FACT: Lucy Dahl, daughter of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author Roald Dahl, wrote the script for Wild Child based on her experiences at boarding school.

- Wild Child opens in cinemas on 14 November.

Jesse Clegg Wakes Up

He’s the voice behind the hit single Today which topped 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Homebrew chart and Jesse Clegg’s debut album, When I Wake Up, reached SA stores recently.

The 20-year-old was taken aback by the response to Today. “I thought it was a mistake. I was in my car when I first heard it on the radio. I pulled over and said, ‘Wow’. It was unbelievable.”

It took him three years to write all the songs on the album. “It took another year to record. The songs I write are a personal, meaningful and honest account of my life.”

The second single off the album will probably be the ballad Heartbreak Street. “The song is about dealing with the end of a relationship and we’ve all been there.”

Jesse is the son of local musician Johnny Clegg and he has gone on tour with his dad since he was six months old. “My dad was at the height of his career when I was born so I’ve been exposed to music my whole life.

“But my music is different. My album is more rock/pop. It has everything from country and blues to rock.”

Jesse was influenced by folk and West African music and artists such as Coldplay and Radiohead. He’s a first-year law student at Wits University but says music is his main passion. “I’m writing songs all the time. I’ve written about seven for my next album.”

Hot music reviews and news

ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Paper Trail by T.I.
Rating: 4/5 by Lara Atson

This is one of the best albums of the year. The Atlanta rapper went all-out collaborating with the industry’s hottest talents - Usher, Justin Timberlake and Ludacris - and it has paid off.

The album is strong throughout but the crude language will make some cringe. T.I. recorded it while under house arrest and many of the songs deal with the issues he has faced in the past year.

There are several standout moments. Live Your Life with Rihanna and Swagga Like Us with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne are sure to be summer anthems. His best offering to date.

MORE REVIEWS
*Doll Domination by Pussycat Dolls
Rating: 5/5 by Jared Orlin

The Pussycat Dolls are one of those acts you either love or hate. This is their second album and fans won’t be disappointed. The girls deliver an energetic and funky follow-up with loads of pop tracks and R&B-style ballads. The catchy first single, When I Grow Up, is complemented by the foot-tapping fun of collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott and R Kelly.

*Something Else by Robin Thicke
Rating: 4/5 by Kim van Reizig

He’s being called the current King of Soul and he boldly lives up to this title on his new album, Something Else. The not-so-soppy, strong lyrics and almost flawless production result in magical hits such as Sweetest Love and Dreamworld. Even if you aren’t already a fan the Grammy Award-winner’s third solo album with sultry soulful beats is sure to turn you into one.

*South of Nowhere by Emmanuel Castis
Rating: 4/5 by Jared Orlin

Emmanuel boasts a surprisingly impressive voice that beautifully belts out his soulful tracks on his debut album. The songs remind you of Counting Crows and flit between light pop, cabaret and easy listening. Emmanuel excels in the catchy My Home Town, the jazzy-sounding sleeper hit Aerodynamically and Like You, all of which are radio-friendly. Proof the local star can sing as well as act.

WONDERFUL WEBSITE
- Want to make it in the music industry? Check out Jacaranda 94.2’s website www.jacarandafm.com. You’ll find a link to Demo Station, a free online platform designed to provide unsigned musicians the opportunity to showcase their music.

GAME FOR BUDDING MUSOS
Guitar Hero: On Tour
Nintendo DS. 2008. 3+
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Pieter Vermaak

How do you transform the teensy console into a howling rock ’n roll guitar? It’s possible with Guitar Hero: On Tour. A special grip slots into the console and notes are played by strumming on the touch screen with a plectrum - a functional if slightly uncomfortable arrangement.

There are 27 songs to master as you strive to become a guitar god with the more advanced tracks giving your fingers a real white-knuckle workout. Rock on - but try to give your hand regular breaks.

DVD: Ben 10: Race against Time

Kids/action. 2008. 76 min. With Graham Phillips, Lee Majors and Christien Anholt. Director: Alex Winter. PG13.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Benjamin Tennyson seems like an ordinary kid with ordinary kid problems - his parents don’t understand him, he’s not fitting in at school and he’s being bullied. But Ben has a secret so cool it takes all his willpower not to tell everyone: he’s a crimefighting superhero who can transform into a variety of cool-looking aliens as he, with the help of grandpa Max and cousin Gwen, battle to keep the world safe from the evil Eon and an impending alien invasion.

This live-action film, based on the popular Cartoon Network animated series, may be a bit amateurish when it comes to special effects and acting but the average six- to 12-year-old won’t mind at all.

The age restriction seems unnecessary - while the film serves up plenty of action to delight youngsters there’s nothing too scary and there’s even a moral lesson or two thrown in for good measure.

Fun for the whole family but preteen boys especially will love it.

SLEEPWALKING
Drama. 2008. 97 min. With Charlize Theron, Nick Stahl and AnnaSophia Robb. Director: William Maher. 16LV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

Joleen (Charlize Theron) is evicted from her house after her boyfriend’s arrest. She begs her brother, James (Nick Stahl), to let her and her 11-year-old daughter, Tara (AnnaSophia Robb), stay at his dingy apartment - but just days later she vanishes without a trace, leaving a note vowing she’ll return soon.

James isn’t equipped to take care of Tara and it’s not long before child services take her away. During his first visit his wise-beyond-her-years niece persuades him to break her out of the home and they set off on a journey to a place James and his sister had vowed never to visit again.

It’s a touching story but if you’re not into gloomy films, stay clear. The cast includes acclaimed actors such as Theron, Dennis Hopper and Woody Harrelson but they’re not given enough screen time to warrant their fans’ interest.

Movie: Son of Rambow

Teen comedy. With Will Poulter, Bill Milner and Neil Dudgeon. Director: Garth Jennings. 10MLV. Opens 14 November.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A lonely, innocent little boy befriends the school bully who introduces him to the Rambo movies. Armed with tons of talent, courage, audacity and absolutely no budget they decide to make their own version of their hero’s adventures. In the process their friendship blossoms.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Anyone who has ever owned a video camera and tried to make their own movies. If you’ve been bitten by the bug and plan to go to film school this cool, funny tribute to innocence and talent will push your love of film into overdrive. It’s cute without being silly, the characters are naive but not ridiculous and filmmaking-with-attitude has never been this much fun. The explosions with colourful bangs upset the neighbourhood but they make for a memorable scene. And the friendship the boys develop while filming the adventures of “Rambow” will make you fall in love with movies all over again.

WAIT FOR DVD?
This teen caper will go down a storm in the TV room when you and your buddies get bored during the long December holiday - but see it now so you can tell them later why you should rent the DVD. The film is set in the ’80s but you may just recognise yourself as one of the cool dudes with a hungry camera, a lens that captures everything and the audacity to dream up his own special effects. Believe me, it’s a supercool flick that will take adults back to their childhood when Rambo and his bandanna ruled the planet.

SIMILAR FILMS
Stand By Me, First Blood and the other Rambo films.

POPCORN FACT
The story is based on director Garth Jennings’ life - he saw First Blood as a child and it inspired him to become a film director.