Movie of the week: Boy A

Teen drama. With Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan and Anthony Lewis. Director: John Crowley. 16LVS. Opens 26 December 2008.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Two boys commit a horrific crime and are sent to jail, where one kills himself. After 14 years the other one - “Boy A”, now 24 - is released with a new identity so no one can recognise him. But is he still a murderous monster inside?

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Many people avoid going to the movies between Christmas and New Year because they’ve had enough of being bombarded with vulgar comedies and other junk-food entertainment. Which is why this seriously unnerving drama is a breath of fresh air. It’s a profound, intense exploration of the nature of evil yet it’s real and honest. Don’t expect a hormone-filled naughty teen caper made for cool dudes - this grim, horrifying and realistic look at the problems of working-class England is devastating.

WAIT FOR DVD?
It may be easier to watch this intense indictment of parents’ mistakes - resulting in brutal kids who release their pent-up anger through violence - in the comfort of your TV room. But with the blockbuster Australia taking over cinemas and leaving few viable alternatives you could sneak off to a theatre for a devastating but satisfying quickie.

POPCORN FACTS
- The story is similar to that of Jamie Bulger, the two-year-old from Liverpool who was murdered in 1993 by two boys. The killers were recently freed.

- A great future is predicted for Andrew Garfield who also starred in The Other Boleyn Girl.

Calling all musicians and music-lovers

Motorola is on the hunt for hot SA musicians and, get this, Wyclef Jean and Fergie of Black Eyed Peas will judge the finalists! The winners’ great prizes include an all-expenses-paid trip to New York, a recording contract and a chance to work in the studio with Wyclef and Fergie. Submit a video audition at www.motorokrstar.com or log on to vote for the videos there.

MUSIC REVIEWS
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS by Kaiser Chiefs
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl
Indie punk-rockers Kaiser Chiefs will have fans happily singing along to their third album. With hits such as Never Miss a Beat, they continue their jolly pop-rock style and don’t lose themselves or their music in political debates. If you enjoy light-hearted, funky beats this one’s for you.

CATFIGHTS AND SPOTLIGHTS by Sugababes
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson
Sugababes’ sixth album is their most mature. It’s ballad-driven and has a darker sound than previous offerings. There’s also more emphasis on their vocal abilities, with the lead single Girls and No Can Do being the most infectious tunes. The acoustic version of their hit About You Now can be given a miss though. Die-hard fans will love the album.

DIG OUT YOUR SOUL by Oasis
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip
There are no songs here that equal the rock classic Wonderwall but this is one of Oasis’ best albums ever. Noel Gallagher writes most of the songs but there are also three Liam Gallagher tracks, including psychedelic I’m Outta Time, which happens to be the best on the album. We’re also partial to Bag It Up and first single The Shock of Lightning is an upbeat track you can easily get into.

A week in the life of Evolver

The Jozi-based band sum up their recent Cape Town tour and prove rockers really do live life to the full.

MONDAY
No performance today so we’re chilling around a snoek braai with a guitar, sipping a few cold ones.

TUESDAY
We do radio interviews to promote our tour and album. Then off to the V&A Waterfront for draughts.

WEDNESDAY
We manage to sleep late then do phone interviews with the media before we’re off for go-kart racing. Later we perform at Corner Bar in Durbanville which is followed by a good after-party!

THURSDAY
Drive to Stellenbosch for an interview with the campus radio station before another show in the town.

FRIDAY
We perform at Mossel Bay’s Barnyard Theatre then chill around a fire and crash early.

SATURDAY
Play in Knysna and sign CDs, shirts and other parts of the human anatomy. We party hard and get a lift to our accommodation with a cop.

SUNDAY
Drive to Port Elizabeth and go bungee jumping. We now have a few days off before continuing with the tour.

DVDs of the week

WALL•E
Animation. 2008. 94 min. Voices: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight and Jeff Garlin. Director: Andrew Stanton. A.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Moller

Hundreds of years from now Earth is so polluted it can no longer support life. Humans wait aboard giant spaceships while robots are cleaning up the mess; when the plan is abandoned 700 years later micro-gravity has turned people into blobs who can’t even walk.

On Earth one robot - WALL•E - is still at it. But he has taken on human qualities: he collects pretty things he finds in the garbage and learns about feelings such as love and loneliness from old movies.

When he encounters a female robot, EVE, it’s love at first blink and he follows her on an action-filled adventure that will determine the future of the planet.

WALL•E sets a new standard for animated movies. Visually it’s beyond anything you’ve seen and the way the robots communicate is breathtaking. It’s a cutting look at how greed and materialism are destroying our planet but it’s also a moving, funny and hugely entertaining joyride for all ages.

GET SMART
Action comedy. 2008. 105 min. With Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin and Dwayne Johnson. Director: Peter Segal. 13PGVL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Luke Stone

Clumsy geek Maxwell Smart (Carell) is an analyst at top-secret organisation Control but wants to be a proper agent. When Control comes under attack from an evil organisation, Kaos, Smart is promoted to Agent 86 and sent - along with Agent 99 (Hathaway) - to stop the bad guys. The rest is hysteria!

Carell is fantastic in this James Bond spoof based on a 1960s TV series, combining slapstick humour, hilarious dialogue and spot-on timing to make Smart a very funny guy indeed. But it’s also a top-notch action flick with impressive chases, stunts and gadgets (but no blood). Arkin as the hapless chief and Dwayne Johnson as the mysterious Agent 23 are also excellent.

As much fun as you could wish for.

RESERVATION ROAD
Drama. 2008. 102 min. With Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly and Mark Ruffalo. Director: Terry George. 13VL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Ethan Learner (Phoenix) and his wife, Grace (Connelly), are shattered when their 10-year-old son is killed in a hit-and-run accident. The driver, a lawyer named Dwight Arno (Ruffalo), drives away from the scene before anyone can see him.

While Grace tries to deal with the grief Ethan becomes obsessed with finding the killer. He seeks help from a law firm - but the lawyer assigned to the case turns out to be Dwight.

The acting is almost flawless in this intense drama from the director of Hotel Rwanda. Be prepared for serious heartstring-tugging, especially if you’re a parent.

Latest Fifa game

FIFA ’09 (PlayStation 3. 2008. 3+)
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Chris Naude

The Fifa soccer series has improved dramatically over the past few years and the tweaks in the latest edition edge it closer to the top of the genre. The animations are amazingly lifelike, making you feel even more as if you’re competing in the world’s biggest leagues and tournaments. There’s a greater sense of physicality than in Fifa ’08 - you can almost feel your opponent slamming into you with a crunching tackle. Fifa ’09 will show you why soccer is called the beautiful game.

Andrew Garfield on our radar

He has shared the screen with Scarlett Johansson and Tom Cruise, and now this US-born hunk takes the lead in the romantic crime drama Boy A, in cinemas now.

BORN: Andrew Russell Garfield on 20 August 1983 in Los Angeles, California

Andrew (25) moved to England when he was four. He might become Hollywood’s next big thing but he has insecurities like everyone else. “I’m very neurotic and self-conscious,” he says. He doesn’t want to become famous for the wrong reasons. “It can be attractive in a bad way if you’re doing it for money or fame. I hope I won’t ever do that. It’s unhealthy.”

You may recognise him as Francis Weston in the drama The Other Boleyn Girl or as Todd Hayes in the 2007 war movie Lions for Lambs with Tom Cruise. His next role is in the fantasy adventure The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, set for release next year.

James Morrison for you

The 24-year-old British singer/songwriter is back with a new album and his heart on his sleeve . . . just the way we love him.

James Morrison made his debut in 2006 with the hit singles You Give Me Something and Wonderful World from his album Undiscovered.

His uncle taught him to play guitar at 13 and he was in a band at school called Peppermint Slug. After a few years of playing other musicians’ songs he started composing his own music.

Now he’s back with his second offering, Songs for You, Truths for Me. The album’s first single is You Make It Real and there’s also a duet with Nelly Furtado called Broken Strings.

James says his top-selling debut album was inspired by dark times. His father was an alcoholic so he had to do part-time jobs to help pay the rent. “My dad was a painter and decorator but he was addicted to alcohol. My mom’s dream was to be a writer but she’s still chasing it. Unless I worked we never would have had money or food.”

But things are looking up - he’s married to his childhood sweetheart, Gill, and recently became father to their baby daughter Elsie.

“I have enough money now to be comfortable,” he says. “I paid off debts, bought a beach house, did my mom’s up, helped my brother and sisters and cousins. My dad can have one beer now and not have to go on a binge.”

And as odd as it sounds, he’s grateful for the way his parents raised him. “It has taught me much more than if I’d had parents who were together and never argued. Pete Doherty had a privileged upbringing and he’s in a bad way.”

Music reviews

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Let It Go by Will Young
Rating: 4/5

Will Young (29) is back with his fourth album, Let It Go, and he doesn’t disappoint. His latest offering is great to listen to from the first track, Changes, to the hauntingly beautiful Tell Me the Worst, which showcases his great vocal range. He sounds a little like George Michael, especially on the track Disconnected - and we don’t think George would be insulted by the comparison. Will has come a long way since winning Britain’s Pop Idol in 2002. Stand-out tracks are If Love Equals Nothing, Let It Go and Tell Me the Worst.

MORE REVIEWS
I AM . . . SASHA FIERCE by Beyoncé
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sieraaj Ahmed

Her third album is hyped as a double album but as the standard version has only 11 tracks and the deluxe a more respectable 16, some may feel conned. The first disc is slow and introspective, while the second is a party disc presented as being sung by Beyoncé’s dancefloor alter-ego. It’s vintage B and fans should just get it.

A COLLECTION by Josh Groban
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Josh croons his way through 22 of his most popular songs (think You Raise Me Up among others) in English, Spanish, Italian and French. But the real highlight for local listeners is the inspiring live version of Weeping with the Soweto Gospel Choir and Vusi Mahlasela, which was performed at the Madiba birthday concert earlier this year.

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK by Rod Stewart
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip

This two-CD collection spans every facet of Rod Stewart’s career. The hits are all here including Maggie May, Downtown Train and Forever Young. But it’s the older songs such as The Killing of Georgie and Sailing that hold up best, while the lousy Infatuation reminds us even Rod the Mod had his off days. However the voice, one of the most distinctive, makes this collection worthwhile.

*See YOU this week for our nine top music picks of 2008. They make great presents if you’re doing last-minute shopping. We’re also giving away 25 copies of each – click here for your chance to win.

DVD of the week: Kung Fu Panda

Kids’ animation. 2008. 88 min. Voices: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Jackie Chan. Directors: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne. PG.

Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Kung fu-obsessed, overweight panda Po dreams of fighting alongside his heroes, the Furious Five, but ends up butting heads with the revered warriors (Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper and Crane) when he’s accidentally chosen as the Dragon Warrior instead of one of them being given the honour. And when Tai Lung, enemy of the people of China, escapes from his prison, Po and his new trainer, Master Shifu, must figure out whether it’s Po’s destiny to save his nation or work in his dad’s noodle shop.

The producers roped in an all-star cast to voice the Furious Five (Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and David Cross) but they have so few lines it seems a waste. Jack Black brings a huge sense of fun to the bungling Po but Dustin Hoffman’s frustrated Shifu steals the show.

There’s plenty of humour here for adults and kids to enjoy as well as groundbreaking animation (check out the realistic-looking fur!) and explosive action sequences. No wonder a sequel is already in the works. Special features: featurettes, deleted scenes.

DRILLBIT TAYLOR
Comedy. 2008. 102 min. With Owen Wilson, Troy Gentile and Nate Hartley. Director: Steven Brill. 10LV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

It’s the first day of high school for best friends Ryan (Gentile) and Wade (Hartley). When they accidently turn up wearing identical shirts they become an easy target for the school bullies. After days of torture they decide to employ a bodyguard - and find one in the shape of “army veteran” Drillbit Taylor (Wilson). Drillbit fools Ryan and Wade into believing he has tons of expertise in kicking butt but he’s actually a homeless dreamer.

Don’t expect sophisticated wit from Wilson and his co-stars but there’s no way you’ll be able to hold back on a few silly giggles. A feel-good one for family viewing. Special features: lots including commentary and featurettes.

Game of the week: Boogie Superstar

Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Bernice Petersen
Wii. 2008. 3+

If singing and dancing is your thing but you look more like Mr Bean than John Travolta this is the game for you.

With summer favourites such as Take You There by Sean Kingston and Please Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna you’ll be able to sing and dance to your heart’s content in the comfort of your living room. Compete against friends and family in a Pop Idols-type show and have a ball learning new dance moves. One minor hiccup is that the other contestants and the judges speak only Dutch. It’s still great family fun though!

Movie: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Teen comedy. With Michael Cera, Kat Dennings and Aaron Yoo. Director: Peter Sollett. 10LS. Opens 19 December.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Two lovable geeks who have ended their relationships meet by accident and seek comfort in each other - and in the process find true love.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
This could easily be the movie surprise of the year. It should appeal to a wide audience but cool youngsters who’ve had their share of clichéd teen flicks telling the same tired stories about the same boring teens in the same stupid way will just lap it up. There hasn’t been a flick with such natural, unforced and convincing teens in a long time. The romance is entertaining and the soundtrack is super-cool.

Drop everything and beg or borrow the money if you can’t afford a ticket but don’t miss out on this year’s most exuberant romantic surprise! It restores teens’ good name.

WAIT FOR DVD?
You’ll rent or even buy the DVD anyway once it’s released but during the week after it opens - the busiest of the Christmas season - you may as well get acquainted with these cool dudes and girls from New York. Nothing (except perhaps Juno) can prepare you for the unaffected, exciting joy offered by these mischievous, fresh characters. If you’re planning to go away on holiday fit it into your movie schedule before you leave - you won’t regret it. Outstanding!

*See the next item for more about the character in the movie.

It’s love and music, baby!

Hey YOU! tells you all about the characters in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, the romantic comedy about music starring two of Hollywood’s hottest rising stars, plus give you a chance to win movie hampers.

WHO’S NICK?
Adorable Nick is played by Michael Cera, who often takes geeky parts that make him come across as a total sweetheart.

Born Michael Austin Cera on 7 June 1988 in Ontario, Canada.

Where you’ve seen him: TV series Arrested Development, comedies Superbad and Juno.

“I like anything that feels authentic and comes from a real place, comes from someone’s heart,” he says.

When his career kicked off in Arrested Development Michael had no idea he would become a successful big-screen star. “I never expected anything. I still don’t. I just like working and being on sets.”

He reveals that instead of sticking to a script this movie consisted of him and co-star Kat Dennings getting to know each other while the cameras were rolling.

“That’s kind of a driving force of the movie. So with this we could just talk,” he says.

WHO’S NORAH?
Kat Dennings shot to fame after her smooth performance in an episode of Sex and the City as a spoilt brat who’s having her Bar Mitzvah.

Born Katherine Litwack on 13 June on 1986 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Where you’ve seen her: Big Momma’s House 2, Charlie Bartlett, The House Bunny.

Kat says she related to her role of Norah more than any other part she’s played.

“I wanted to make sure she was really fleshed out, you know, a complete person with her weird little tics and insecurities.”

What was it like working with Michael? “The best. The best. We would both just hang out and talk, and we would seamlessly start shooting a scene. Or we’d be singing between takes or something.

DID YOU KNOW?
The movie took 29 days to film and was shot almost entirely at night. The actors worked from 8 pm to 8 am and slept during the day.

WIN!
Hey YOU!, Gallo Music and Ster-Kinekor are giving away five hampers, each including a copy of the movie’s soundtrack and a branded T-shirt. The soundtrack features groups Band of Horses, Vampire Weekend, Bishop Allen and many more. For a chance to win SMS the word NICK, your name and street address to 34923 before 25 December. Each SMS costs R2.

Spotlight on SA’s HSM stars

They were thrilled to be chosen as SA’s Troy and Gabriella and are rehearsing in earnest for the local theatre production of High School Musical. We chatted to David Schlachter and Carmen Pretorius about their Christmas and New Year plans.

What is your ideal Christmas gift?
Carmen: A house in Cape Town overlooking the ocean.
David: An Apple Mac laptop.

But what are you most likely to get?
Carmen: A Garmin Nuvi GPS system, which is also great.
David: Um, I’m not too sure. I’d be happy just spending time with my family.

What is the worst gift you’ve ever received?
Carmen: A packet of tissues from my dear great-grandmother.
David: It’s usually an item of clothing I don’t like.

Have you done all your Christmas shopping already?
Carmen: No way. I haven’t even started
David: No way!

What are your plans for these holidays?
Carmen: I’ll be in Cape Town doing High School Musical (the stage production) and going to the beach if I have time.
David: Performing and rehearsing every day.

Any New Year’s resolutions?
Carmen: I believe personal growth happens daily and it isn’t just a New Year’s thing.
David: I just want to continue to be a light for Christ.

What are your career plans after HSM: Spotlight SA wraps up?
Carmen: Well, I have to finish matric exams, which I’ll be writing in February, and I’m also curious to see what comes next.
David: I’ll see what this industry has to offer me. It’s my passion.

What are your Christmas and New Year’s wishes for everyone in South Africa?
Carmen: I wish for everyone to have a meal on Christmas day and a place to sleep that night and that everyone gets a hug. For 2009 I wish South Africans the best of luck in preparing for the 2010 World Cup and my hope is that Aids will become less prevalent and crime and poverty will decrease.
David: I wish for people to make the most of every day and to love and respect those around them. That way it will be a better year for all of us.

Music news

FUNHOUSE by Pink
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Pink is her raw, intensely emotional best on her fifth album, which features the hit So What about her divorce. Although there are a lot of songs about relationships gone sour there are plenty of fun songs too, such as Bad Influence and the title track, Funhouse. It’s packed with powerful, heartfelt pop/rock songs.

BIG BAD WORLD by Plain White T’s
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

The album has received mixed reviews from critics but we think the guys have another success on their hands. It’s a different sound; they have opted for pop instead of the usual punk and acoustic strains. The songs are upbeat and extremely catchy, particularly That Girl and Serious Mistake, and we love the peppy love songs Big Bad World and Natural Disaster.

INGWENYA by Mandoza
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer: Mduduzi Ndzingi

Fans will find this disappointing. It sounds pretty much identical to his previous albums and you get the impression Mandoza just went into the studio and started recording without thinking. I did enjoy two tracks: Love (something for the ladies) and Myeke Baba. If you’re expecting another Nkalakatha it’s best to look elsewhere.

MOST DOWNLOADED TUNE THIS WEEK
Keeps Gettin’ Better by Christina Aguilera
Site: www.music.download.com

This is the first single off Christina’s greatest hits album, Keeps Gettin’ Better - A Decade of Hits. Critics have mixed feelings about the track and some argue it might have been better to include it as a second single on the untitled album she’s due to release next year. Listen to it and decide if it’s a hit or a miss.

DVD: In Bruges

Black comedy. 2008. 102 min. With Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Director: Martin McDonagh. 16LV.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

After botching a job two London hitmen, Ray (Farrell) and Ken (Gleeson), are in deep trouble. Their sadistic boss, Harry (Fiennes), sends them to the postcard-pretty medieval town of Bruges in Belgium to hide out until the heat is off. But, as all three know, for people who kill other people for money there’s ultimately nowhere to hide and it’s only a matter of time before they’ll pay the price for their actions.

That’s the plot in a nutshell but what makes In Bruges an instant classic is the mesmerising script which puts a fresh, original twist on the hitman theme. As with John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson’s characters in Pulp Fiction these assassins aren’t criminal stereotypes; they’re real people: intelligent, funny, sensitive, emotional, capable of appreciating beauty, life and love - yet quite aware of the consequences of what they do for a living.

With outstanding performances from the entire cast, hilarious dialogue and spot-on direction this is a film you won’t forget.

Special features: featurettes, gag reel, deleted scenes.

MADE OF HONOR
Romantic comedy. 2008. 101 min. With Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan and Kevin McKidd. Director: Paul Weiland. 13L.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone

Tom (Dempsey) and Hannah (Monaghan) meet at university in 1998 when he slips into her bed thinking she’s his lover. In the real world he’d be arrested for attempted rape - but this is Hollywood so they become firm but platonic friends.

Ten years later Tom is wealthy from an invention he’s made and has a new girl every week. Hannah falls for him but he takes her for granted - until she goes to Scotland on a business trip and comes back engaged to a wealthy Scot. Tom agrees to be her “maid” of honour so he can try to stop the wedding and win her back.

To reveal more would ruin the so-called plot of this light but entertaining rom-com. Some may find it hard to stomach but if you liked What Happens in Vegas you’ll love this crowd-pleaser. Special features: deleted scenes.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 picks up three years after the first movie of the same name. The four friends are still close but they’re setting out on separate paths for their first year of college. The young women discover their individual strengths, fears and talents and if you loved the first movie you’ll no doubt be a fan of the latest instalment.

ALEXIS BLEDEL (27)
Known for her role as Rory Gilmore in the popular TV show Gilmore Girls.
She plays shy, sweet Lena Kaligaris. Lena is the introverted artist who avoids conflict and has the annoying habit of excessively contemplating everything. In the movie her relationship with her gorgeous Greek boyfriend, Kostos (Michael Rady), takes strain as she struggles for independence. Meeting another hottie who sets her pulse racing doesn’t help!

AMERICA FERRERA (24)
Known for her role as the lovable lead character in the TV comedy Ugly Betty.
She plays passionate Carmen Lowell. Carmen (Carma) is wonderfully caring and loyal - if you remain in her good books. While trying to cope with her mother’s new love-life she starts dating a guy who gets nothing but the run-around from the distracted beauty. To make matters worse her friends just aren’t as caring as before.

BLAKE LIVELY (21)
Known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl.
She plays free-spirited Bridget Vreeland. Bridget (Bee) is the most daring of the friends but growing up has had a mellowing effect on her. She’s more aware of the consequences of rash actions and has to face her issues at home once and for all to be happy. She starts off thinking a trip will do the trick but then discovers the opposite is true.

AMBER TAMBLYN (25)
Known for her roles in the TV series Joan of Arcadia and movies such as The Ring and The Grudge 2.
She plays feisty Tibby Tomko-Rollins. When we first met Tibby she was oh so emo, constantly draped in black, introspective and rebelling against everything and everyone. Life now takes a new turn when her relationship with the yummy Brian McBrian (Leonardo Nam) goes to the next level - but will the outcome be what she expected?

WIN!
Hey YOU! and Nu Metro are giving away six Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 DVDs. SMS the word SISTERHOOD, your name and street address to 34923 before 18 December. Each SMS costs R2.

A week in the life of Goldfish

Electro-jazz sensation Goldfish are set to share the stage with international bands Maroon 5 and OneRepublic this month. The Cape Town-based duo, David Poole and Dominic Peters, tell YOU about their busy lives.

MONDAY
We return from shows in Moscow and Amsterdam. The Dutch crowd blew us away, singing along to our songs and making all the other DJs jealous! Moscow was amazing, cruising around Red Square, checking out the Kremlin.

TUESDAY
Time to relax with friends and family. Dave and I sneak off for a surfing session at Long Beach in Kommetjie. Cape Town rocks!

WEDNESDAY
It’s up early for an interview about our MTV Africa award nomination. We’re really proud to have been nominated in the best alternative category. The competition is fierce: Coldplay, Seether and The Parlotones are up for the same award.

THURSDAY
We head for Port Elizabeth to support some of the finalists in the Road to V competition for a slot at the V-Fest.

FRIDAY
Back to Cape Town to meet with our manager. We’re planning a regular Sunday gig at Clifton beach this summer and there are all sorts of things to be done beforehand.

SATURDAY
We’re off to Durban to play a great gig with 5FM’s Roger Goode to celebrate the launch of his new album. We have a huge crowd and our set is being broadcast live on 5FM.

SUNDAY
Off to Jozi to perform at Emmarentia Dam. We have an amazing gig. We catch a 9 pm flight back to Cape Town and by midnight are asleep in our own beds. Just another week in the life of the Fishies.

CD reviews

NOW 50 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orline

The NOW folks have produced 41 of the hottest current songs on two discs. From Katy Perry’s I Kissed a Girl to Coldplay’s Viva La Vida it has the best of pop, rock, R&B and local hits. Other artists include Ne-Yo, Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Pussycat Dolls, Keri Hilson, Adele, Goldfish, The Parlotones, Jody Williams, Loyiso, Britney Spears and Jordin Sparks. Wow!

25 by Simply Red
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip

Twenty years ago Simply Red released Holding Back the Years. The band built on that great start and this two-disc CD set showcases the best of two decades. Mick Hucknall’s expressive voice on hits such as Stars and Fairground will remind fans why they love Simply Red. And if you’re a new fan this is a great place to start.

WIN!
We’re giving away five CDs and five DVDs of Simply Red’s greatest hits album, 25. To enter SMS the word SIMPLY CD for the CD and SIMPLY DVD for the DVD with your name, surname and address to 34922 before 18 December. Each SMS costs R2.

YES WE CAN: VOICES OF A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT by Various Artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

With Obama fever in the air an album of Barack-inspired music was inevitable. Most of the songs contain excerpts of speeches by Obama and Martin Luther King. They enhance such hits as Waiting on the World to Change (John Mayer), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder) and Pride, In the Name of Love (Legend).

DVD of the week: Hancock

Action comedy. 2008. 95 min. With Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman. Director: Peter Berg. 13VL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

He’s rude, arrogant and an alcoholic. Oh, and he’s a superhero. Hancock (Smith) uses his super-strength to save lives. Trouble is, no one respects him because whenever he saves a life he also destroys millions of dollars worth of infrastructure.

Then he meets an image consultant, Ray Embrey (Bateman), who helps him work on his people skills so he can earn admiration. Hancock meets Ray’s wife, Mary (Theron), and it’s immediately clear the two have a connection - but it’s not worth spoiling the surprise here.

As part of his image remake - and to give him time to stop drinking - Hancock spends time in prison. He makes a comeback with a new attitude and lease of life and discovers his love could make the difference between life and death.

There’s a strong spark between the three leads and Smith, as always, doesn’t disappoint in this cocky, action-packed and hearty tale.

THE BANK JOB
Thriller. 2008. 105 min. With Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows and Richard Lintern. Director: Roger Donaldson. 16VSNL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Moller

Former petty crook Terry Leather (Statham) is trying to go straight but is so deep in debt that when an old flame, Martine Love (Burrows), asks him to help her rob a London bank of its safety deposit boxes he can’t refuse.

What he doesn’t know is that apart from money the boxes contain items various kinky politicians, protected criminals and corrupt cops would very much like to keep secret - and that Martine’s offer is part of a plot by secret agent Tim Everett (Lintern) to get hold of pornographic pictures of Princess Margaret that were being used to blackmail the police.

This British film about a 1971 robbery is based on true events and one of the best heist movies ever. With an intelligent script, tight direction and excellent performances it will keep you on the edge of your seat and the plot twists will keep you guessing to the end.

Summer hook-up rules

The holidays are here and you have your eye on someone special. Don’t fret. With our help you’ll have no problem flirting your way to romantic bliss.

Suss out your flirting mistakes and fix the damage with these tips from Andrea Lavinthal, co-author of The Hookup Handbook: A Single Girl’s Guide to Living it Up (R185, check availability at your book store).

MISTAKE: Playing hard to get.
QUICK FIX: Think you’re acting cool? She or he probably thinks you’re not interested. When you’re around them don’t play games such as talking to other guys or your friends in an attempt to make your crush jealous. It’s actually just plain rude.

MISTAKE: Not being yourself.
QUICK FIX: Girls, if you’re more of a tomboy than a girly-girl you don’t need to act coy, bat your eyelashes or pretend to be a vixen. Be your own fabulous self. Universal flirting moves are making eye contact, laughing and smiling.

MISTAKE: Talking only about yourself.
QUICK FIX: While you want to impress him or her make sure you take a breath and let them talk about themselves too. Keep in mind that conversation is a two-way street.

You’ve met that special person. You’re pretty sure it’s not just platonic and you’re ready to amp it up a notch to Relationshipville. But how do you do this without coming across as a stalker?

STEP 1
Talk to him/her more. While striking up a conversation may seem intimidating, summer doesn’t last forever and regrets are worse than the occasional awkward silence.

STEP 2
Keep it simple. Basic conversation starters will do the trick. Make a point of asking them questions about themselves.

STEP 3
Invite them along to the next outing with your friends - whether it’s a party or another fun activity that will allow you to interact, such as going to the beach. You’ll have the security of your friends being there but also a chance to talk to your crush one-on-one.

STEP 4
Use your tech know-how to make plans this summer. E-mails, SMSing and social networks such as Facebook will help you stay connected if used sparingly.