Hail the Kings of Leon

The single Sex on Fire from Only by the Night is making waves for Grammy-nominated US rock group Kings of Leon.

As young boys Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill travelled across America with their preacher dad, Leon. When they went to churches without choirs the brothers would bang on a few drums in the background when hymns were sung. This is how their love of music started.

After school the brothers did various jobs, then in 2000 they formed a band with their cousin, Matthew Followill, and started singing country music at rodeos in Nashville, where they stayed. They later developed a taste for rock ’n roll.

Nashville-based singer and songwriter Angelo Petraglia introduced them to the rock industry and after nine auditions they were signed to their current label, RCA, and began working on their first album, Youth and Young Manhood, which was released in 2003. The album was dubbed a “new rock revolution” by the media and set them on the road to stardom.

“When we’re on the road the loneliness is gone. There’s not that deep longing for something new. When we’re writing songs it’s almost as if we’re buying ourselves happiness,” Caleb says.

ALBUMS
Youth and Young Manhood (2003)
The success of this album provided the platform for popular rock bands The Strokes and U2 to invite them on tour with them in the US. “The title of the album was taken from our dad’s Bible,” Jared says.

Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
This album spawned the popular hits The Bucket, Four Kicks and King of the Rodeo.

Because of the Times (2007)
This album earned them most accolades in the media, with one magazine referring to them as “one of the great American bands of our time”. It was popular in SA and debuted at No 1 in the UK.

Only by the Night (2008)
The album was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards with Sex on Fire receiving two nominations. “We’ve broadened our musical tastes in the past couple of years,” Jared says.

WIN!
Tell us what you think of our teen pages and you could win one of 10 copies of the album Only by the Night. For a chance to win, SMS the keyword KINGS, followed by your name, age and postal address to 34923 before 12 February. Each SMS costs R2.

Music Reviews

VIDEOCONTROLLEDROBOT by The Parlotones
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
VideoControlledRobot could easily be a greatest hits album for the wildly popular SA band. The first disc has all their hits (Colourful, Funny Face, Giant Mistake, I’ll Be There, Here Comes a Man and Lisa se Klavier) and three bonus songs. The other disc has music videos, live recordings and a slide show of the band on tour. Pure rock gold.

CHINESE DEMOCRACY by Guns N’ Roses
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl
The band has the same name but legendary Axl Rose is the only original member of Guns N’ Roses who plays on their new album, Chinese Democracy. After the band broke up it took Axl 17 years to write the songs for this CD. It was worth the wait though! Axl can still hit the high notes and with his familiar, abrasive voice around fans won’t miss the original band members too much.

OUR BRIGHT FUTURE by Tracy Chapman
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: ER Lombard
It has been 20 years since the release of her first self-titled album and singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman has yet to stray from the characteristic style that has made her stand out from the pack. With the recent release of her new album she will again entice dedicated fans with her sophisticated lyrics, sultry voice and playful use of the guitar.

MOST DOWNLOADED SONG
Just Dance by Lady Gaga with Colby O’Donis
Website: BILLBOARD.COM
This infectious tune on The Fame, her debut album, has soared up local charts and is setting dancefloors alight. It’s no surprise that Just Dance is a hit because edgy Lady GaGa’s striking voice and songwriting skills combined with the sounds of Akon and protégé Colby O’Donis are a sure-fire recipe for success. Check out the video for this track - it’s hot!

WIN!
Ten readers will each win a copy of The Parlotones’ VideoControlledRobot. To enter SMS the word PARLOTONES followed by your name, surname and address to 34923 before 12 February. Each SMS costs R2.

Debby Ryan on our radar

She plays Bailey Pickett in The Suite Life on Deck, a spin-off of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and will also star in the family drama The Longshots, set for release later this month.

- She was born on 13 May 1993 in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.

- Debby (15) kicked off her career in the kiddie movie Barney: Let’s Go to the Firehouse and vowed to follow her dream of becoming an actress.

- She spent time at her local theatre everyday after school. “That meant I had to stay up late to finish my homework or I would study between rehearsing my scenes. That’s when I realised how much I loved acting.”

- Debby lived in Germany from age seven to 10 and speaks German fluently.

- In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, making short films with her friends and rollerblade street hockey.

- The Suite Life on Deck airs on the Disney channel every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am.

DVDs: Death Defying Acts and Flawless

DEATH DEFYING ACTS
Drama. 2008. 93 min. With Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta Jones and Saoirse Ronan. Director: Gillian Armstong. 10.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Claire Reddie

It has been a while since we’ve seen Catherine Zeta Jones and Guy Pearce in anything, let alone something this good. And if these names aren’t big enough to impress you the performance by talented young Saoirse Ronan will blow you away.

In the 1920s one of the world’s greatest escapologists, Harry Houdini (Pearce), is setting stages around the world alight with his incredible stunts. In Edinburgh his path crosses that of a beautiful psychic and con artist, Mary (Zeta Jones), and her enchanting daughter, Benji (Ronan).

Houdini may be able to escape from just about anything but he fails to evade Mary’s grasp and a highly publicised challenge is set for her to contact his deceased mother.

Although a passionate romance blazes between Houdini and Mary it’s the story of his obsession with his mother that really fascinates.

The acting is superb and at some points the chemistry between the stars outshines the intricate plot. A magical movie.

FLAWLESS
Crime drama. 2008. 108 min. With Demi Moore, Michael Caine and Joss Ackland. Director: Michael Radford. PG13.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone

In London in the early 1960s a janitor (Caine) at the world’s biggest diamond company is about to retire but doesn’t want to leave empty-handed. He asks a disgruntled executive (Moore), who’s a victim of the glass ceiling syndrome, to help him pull off a heist.

She’s reluctant at first but when a younger man is yet again promoted over her head she decides to join forces with the janitor. They intend stealing a small, unnoticeable number of diamonds but the janitor cleans out the entire vault - hiding them in a most unlikely place.

If you liked The Bank Job you’ll love this film - and watch out for the wonderful twist in the tail.

Gaming news

GAME REVIEW: TNA iMPACT
PS3. 2008. 16
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Muneeb Adams

There’s one brand synonymous with professional wrestling - and TNA isn’t it. This is the alternative sport franchise with a growing fan-base.

The game is the first foray of the developers into the world of wrestling and they’ve put together a pretty decent game. It focuses more on in-ring action than the over-the-top storyline of its better-known counterpart. An online component extends its playability. I’m sure future instalments will be much better but for now I’d rather look at other titles.

MUST-HAVE: LIPS
Want to be a star at every party? Get Lips, a new Xbox 360 game. It’s loaded with more than 40 hit songs by artists such as Beyoncé, Coldplay and Leona Lewis. It costs R699 and has two wireless motion-sensitive microphones so you can party up a storm without tripping over cables. Double the fun by plugging in your MP3 player and singing along to your music collection.

A week with Jamali

All-girl group Jamali have been hard at work promoting 3rd Base, their third album. We caught up with the R&B sensations to see what their week looks like. Plus scroll down for details of our album giveaway.

MONDAY
After a Joburg gig we spend the day doing interviews to promote 3rd Base.

TUESDAY
We touch base with our record label, EMI, do a few interviews and attend dance rehearsal for our evening stage performance.

WEDNESDAY
We shop for clothes and have our hair and make-up done for scheduled functions and gigs.

THURSDAY
We fly to Cape Town where we have a performance at 11.30 am. The flight is delayed and we arrive at 1.30 pm! The performance goes ahead though and afterwards we can’t wait to get to the hotel and put our heads on the pillow.

FRIDAY
We wake up early for a band rehearsal and later perform three new songs at the Paarl Festival of Lights.

SATURDAY
We perform to a large crowd at the V&A Waterfront who love our new single, Knowing Me Knowing You, then relax in Camps Bay.

SUNDAY
We cool off at the beach, have our last gig in Cape Town and fly home to Joburg. What a week!

WIN
YOU and EMI Music SA are giving away 10 copies of Jamali’s latest album, 3rd Base. Tell us what you think of YOU’s music page Pressplay and one of them could be yours. SMS MUSIC PANEL, your name, age, postal address and comments to 34923 before 5 February (SA only). Each SMS costs R2.

Music news

It’s going to be a big year for rap fans as stars such as EMINEM and 50 Cent release new albums. Some can’t wait for their official release - Crack a Bottle, a hit from Eminem’s album Relapse, has been leaked on the internet. “It wasn’t even close to finished!” an angry Eminem says.

Meanwhile British singer Leona Lewis has signed a deal to write her autobiography, which will be released later this year in conjunction with her as yet untitled second album.

The book will include titbits about her waitressing job at Pizza Hut, her X-Factor win and the phenomenal success of her debut album, Spirit, which reached the top of the UK Billboard chart.

MUSIC REVIEWS
Freedom by Akon
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

The Senegalese rapper has a gift for creating hits and his third album is no exception. His new Euro-pop sound has a slight house influence. I’m So Paid with Young Jeezy and Lil’ Wayne, Troublemaker and the danceable single Right Now (Na Na Na) are the most infectious tunes on the album which ends on a liberating note with the title track, Freedom.

Leyland by Josie Field
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Paul Jacobson

Josie Field’s new album kicks off with Beating Heart and that’s what yours will do when you listen to her 12 rich, powerful songs. Think Alanis meets KT Tunstall and you have an idea of what this SA artist sounds like. Listen to Law of Attraction and The Next Best Thing if you want to get the feel of her sound. This is one must-have album.

Bleed to Bloom by Stealing Love Jones
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

It’s the Durban-based band’s second album and although they’ve chosen the rocking 99 as the first single there’s also the exciting Don’t Blame Britney and Bi Curious to look forward to. The lyrics are deep, clever and memorable but it’s lead singer Esjay’s quirky, multidimensional and polished voice that sells the music. Pity they over-rely on guitar in some songs - we’d rather hear more of Esjay singing.

DVDs: Tropic Thunder and Righteous Kill

TROPIC THUNDER
Action comedy. 2008. 116 min. With Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jnr, Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise. Director: Ben Stiller. 16VL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

When pampered actors’ egos get in the way of their work in a new war movie the director sends them to a real war zone at the instruction of the crazed producer (Cruise).

He sets up hidden cameras to capture the raw emotion of the unlikely group which includes Tugg Speedman (Stiller), Jeff Portnoy (Black) and Kirk Lazarus (Downey).

Unbeknown to them the jungle where they are dropped is home to a heroin-producing gang. When Tugg is captured by the gang the rest set out to rescue him while also dealing with their own problems. Meanwhile Tugg’s agent (McConaughey) is oblivious of his client’s troubles and travels into the jungle to find him.

Each actor holds his own in this hilarious film and if you don’t mind too much action their interactions are too good to miss.

RIGHTEOUS KILL
Suspense thriller. 2008. 96 min. With Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Curtis Jackson. Director: Jon Avnet. 16 LVS.
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

A vigilante serial killer is on the loose and targeting sociopathic criminals. Veteran NYPD cops Turk Cowen (De Niro) and Rooster Fisk (Pacino) should retire but they still want to solve their last big case. All hell breaks loose when they come to the shocking conclusion the killer might be a rogue cop.

It’s always great seeing these screen icons in action but their third movie together misses the mark. There’s a strong spark between them but no genuine character development and you’ll realise what the twist is long before the end of the movie.

The only reason to hire the movie is to see De Niro and Pacino together on screen.

Movie of the week: Rocknrolla

Black crime comedy. With Gerard Butler, Toby Kebbell, Mark Strong and Tom Wilkinson. Director: Guy Ritchie. 16LVS. Opens 23 January.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A gang war breaks out as criminals face off and London property brokers start breaking the law.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Anyone who couldn’t care less that Guy Ritchie was married to Madonna and who doesn’t pay any attention to all the gossip about him. This flick is nowhere near as good as his previous hits (see similar films) but it’s an improvement on the disastrous Swept Away.

Guy’s pitch-black, mischievous approach to comedy infects every funny/cruel scene like a delicious poison. It’s another celebration of gangsters’ steroid-addicted, macho blood brotherhood, although this time there’s a gay subtext.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No. You should see it now so you can passionately discuss it with fellow Ritchie fans, using spicy language instead of fisticuffs to make your point.

Gerard Butler is comfortably macho yet in touch with his sensitive side when he has to fight to survive in brutal, crime-ridden London - though Ritchie manages to make it look cool, hip and attractive.

This entertaining comedy-drama makes you want to give your best buddy a high-five as you celebrate the director getting back on track - he should return to form in his next film. Women may not enjoy it as much though as guys will.

SIMILAR FILMS
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Revolver.

Game of the Week: Too Human

Xbox 360. 2008. 16+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Clayton Clarke

If you’re interested in Norse mythology you’re likely to love this one. Too Human has an amazing storyline with a fresh twist for sci-fi fans. It pits you against robots bent on destroying what remains of the human race in a futuristic ice age.

You take on the role of cybernetic-enhanced soldier Buldar who is part of a group of Norse gods known as the Aesir but you’re still a bit human, unlike the rest of them. Too Human becomes more interesting as you progress and deal with nastier robots and cooler equipment.

One on one with OneRepublic

They shopped at Pick n Pay, went shark diving within days of arriving in SA and think they should return just to visit the beach. And fans of the Apologize hitmakers ONEREPUBLIC would love it if they did.

The US rock group recently performed at The Virgin Festival and we caught up with Zach Filkins (guitar and vocals), Drew Brown (guitar and bass) and Brent Kutzle (bass guitar, keyboards, cello and vocals) before they went on stage in Cape Town.

Q: You arrived in Cape Town three days before performing. What were you up to?
A: We went shark cage diving and up Table Mountain and have been drinking way too much fine Cape Town wine. We haven’t been to the beach though which is a bit weird. Means we’ll have to come back to South Africa, doesn’t it?

Q: What is the first thing you’ll tell people back home about SA?
A: Cape Town is the coolest; the people and places are gorgeous. We’re used to being in Los Angeles where people are stuck up but people here aren’t like that. Everyone’s friendly - even those who don’t know us.

Q: Everyone wants to be a rock star. Is it all that glamorous?
A:We worked out the other day that we spent a month and a half on planes this past year. It’s the price we pay. The payoff is huge though - being able to visit a place such as South Africa and perform for fans we never knew we had. The first day here we were walking through Pick n Pay and heard our song playing. We were so excited.

Q: What are your plans?
A: We plan to work on our second album in February. We’ve been playing the same songs at concerts so we’re ready to make new music. One SA fan said she loved one of our singles but grew sick of it because they played it all the time.

Music news and reviews

ALBUM OF THE MONTH
OMFGG No 1 The Sound of Gossip by various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No 1, the soundtrack for season one of the teen drama, is an indie-rock-lover’s delight. The album is a perfect intro to the kind of rock that’s catchy without being heavy. The 13 tracks are great especially The Kills’ Sour Cherry, Junkie XL’s Cities in Dust, The Ting Tings’ We Started Nothing, Phantom Planet’s Do the Panic and The Teenagers’ Feeling Better.

TOP WEBSITE
With Katy Perry fever showing no sign of cooling down fans may be looking for an extra Katy fix. Her website, www.katyperry.com, offers exactly what you’d expect from an artist’s personal online space (wallpaper, biographical info and snippets of her hit songs) but what makes it worth visiting is “Dear Diary”, Katy’s blog which is regularly updated with cool photos, videos and diary entries.

MORE CD REVIEWS
TWILIGHT (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

If you like your music dark and bloody you’ll love the vampire flick’s soundtrack. Expect plenty of rock (alternative and punk). Paramore has two songs, Decode and I Caught Myself, and I loved Mute Math’s Spotlight and the falsetto stylings of Perry Farrell’s Go All the Way into the Twilight.

PAPERCUTS by Karma
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl

This sixth album once again showcases Karma’s songwriting skills - she wrote all 15 tracks. The lyrics are witty, intelligent and full of soul and the tunes mesmerising. As always the combination of voice and lyrics is addictive; perfect for a Sunday afternoon or to ease in the morning after a big party. It’s Karma’s most mature work and she’ll win new fans.

808s & HEARTBREAK by Kanye West
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Gilda van Schalkwyk

Kanye produces a distinct new sound on this album. It’s dark and, on some tracks, depressing and focuses on the negatives of love and life. A few standout tracks will climb the hip-hop charts. Love Lockdown has received loads of airplay and Heartless will follow suit. Die-hard fans may be disappointed with this change but give it a listen because it grows on you.

Meet the Cheetah Girls

The pop trio are back with the third Cheetah Girls movie, One World. Find out more about the film and its three stars (pictured from left), SABRINA, KIELY and ADRIENNE.

THE MOVIE
After an embarrassing rejection in New York the girls find themselves halfway across the world in India where they’re set to take part in a glitzy Bollywood movie. There’s just one problem: there’s space for only one female lead and they must compete for it. The film is filled with colourful costumes, gorgeous new faces and great dance moves.

ADRIENNE BAILON
Born 24 October 1983 in New York

- Her interest in music started early when she and older sister Claudette put on concerts for family and friends at home.

- Her break came in 1999 when she was chosen to sing back-up at a Ricky Martin concert in Madison Square Garden.

- She has appeared in the movies Coach Carter and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.

- She dates Kim Kardashian’s brother, Rob.

- She’s the most glamorous of the Cheetah Girls. “Adrienne is definitely the most girly. She loves dressing up and being fabulous,” Kiely says.

KIELY WILLIAMS
Born 9 July 1986 in Virginia

- Kiely stars in Adam Sandler’s upcoming movie I Know What Boys Like.

- She spent most of her childhood learning about music from her mother, who’s a manager for musicians, in the family’s home recording studio.

- Kiely enjoys playing the violin in her spare time.

- Her handbag-must is concealer. “Concealer is my best friend. Apply a little under your eyes when you’re looking a little sleepy - it works wonders!” she says.

SABRINA BRYAN
Born 16 September 1984 in California

- Sabrina produced and starred in the fitness DVD called BYOU: The Hot New Dance Workout. It’s a dance fitness programme about healthy living combining pop and hip-hop dance movement with strength and cardio training. She’s now working on BYOU 2.

- She’s recording a solo album and co-writing a novel, Princess of Gossip.

- She has starred in several TV shows including a few episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful.

- She’s not interested in being glam. “I don’t even enjoy putting on make-up or having my hair done for red-carpet events!”

WIN
Five One World soundtracks are up for grabs. SMS CHEETAH, your name, age and postal address to 34923 before 29 January. Each SMS costs R2.

You Don’t Mess with the Zohan

Comedy. 2008. 109 min. With Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Rob Schneider and Emmanuelle Chriqui. Directed by Dennis Dugan. 13LSV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

The legendary fighting skills of Zohan Dvir, Israel’s top counter-terrorist, have made him a hero and a sex symbol in his country. But all he really wants is to pursue his secret passion - to style hair. After faking his death he makes his way to New York where he finds a job giving women great haircuts - and sex. But his past soon catches up with him.

Zohan the hairstylist with his ’80s ’do, cut-off jeans and macho swagger is an old-fashioned ladies’ man. Sandler is a genuinely funny guy and his fine comedy timing salvages even the most slapstick of jokes. He’s not a bad action hero either.

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR
Adventure. 2008. 107 min. With Brendan Fraser, Jet Li and Maria Bello. Director: Rob Cohen. 13V.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

The evil Emperor Han reigned in China until a witch turned him into a mummy. The son of explorers Rick and Evelyn O’Connell finds Han’s cast and stores it as an artefact in a Chinese museum. But a group of no-gooders are intent on resurrecting Han, and Rick and Evelyn, along with their son, have the mighty task of stopping him when he comes back to life, more powerful than before.

Fraser and Bello have an easy, pleasant chemistry and while the film is filled with corny lines the action and entertaining story are worth watching.

CAMP ROCK
Family/musical. 2008. 94 min. With Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas and Nick Jonas. Director: Matthew Diamond. A.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Spoilt brat popstar Shane Gray (Joe Jonas) is in trouble with his record label for being too much of a diva so he’s sent to his uncle’s music camp, Camp Rock, for the holidays to get perspective. There he overhears Mitchie Torres (Lovato) singing.

This hit flick is heavy on moral lessons (always be yourself; don’t lie to impress others) and surprisingly light on music for a live-action musical. Think Fame meets High School Musical and you’ll know what to expect. The songs are cute but only if you’re a teen. It’s harmless fun most youngsters will love. Special features include cool, fun singalong and karaoke options.

Game of the week: Facebreaker

Wii. 2008. 12+.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jeremy Petersen

Feeling the stress of being back from holiday? Want to hit something without ending up in jail? Then Facebreaker is for you. Just hit start and bash whoever gets in your way. Try each character’s super combos and enjoy an amazing workout while you’re at it.

When you’re tired of rearranging your foes’ faces try the mini games for a breather. They’re not difficult but who wants difficult after a long day? You need a dummy who can take a punch and Facebreaker has more than enough of those.

Beyoncé lyrics – plus win her CD

IF I WERE A BOY
By Beyoncé
Album: I Am . . . Sasha Fierce

If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I’d roll out of bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted and go
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls
I’d kick it with who I wanted
And I’d never get confronted for it
Cause they’d stick up for me

CHORUS
If I were a boy
I think I could understand
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I’d be a better man
I’d listen to her
Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted
Cause he’s taken you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
[Chorus ends]

If I were a boy
I would turn off my phone
Tell everyone it’s broken
So they think that I was sleeping alone
I’d put myself first
And make the rules as I go
Cause I know that she’d be faithful
Waiting for me to come home (to come home)

[Repeat chorus]

It’s a little too late for you to come back
Say it’s just a mistake
Think I forgive you like that
If you thought I would wait for you
You thought wrong

But you’re just a boy
You don’t understand (yeah you don’t understand)
How it feels to love a girl
Someday you’ll wish you were a better man
You don’t listen to her
You don’t care how it hurts
Until you lose the one you wanted
Cause you’ve taken her for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
But you’re just a boy

WIN
Tell us what you think of YOU’s Pressplay page and you could win one of five copies of Beyoncé’s new album, I Am . . . Sasha Fierce, courtesy of Sony BMG and YOU. SMS the word BEYONCE with your name, age, address and comments to 34923 before 22 January. Each SMS costs R2.

CD reviews

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS: GREATEST HITS
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Latin meets pop in Enrique Iglesias’ collection of most popular songs. All his hot hits are included, from newer chart-toppers Do You Know? and Somebody’s Me to earlier hits Bailamos, Hero and Rhythm Divine. He sizzles in the three duets with Whitney Houston, Kelis and Nadiya. There are also two new songs featuring Ciara.

BRITNEY SPEARS: CIRCUS
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
There’s no faulting Britney on the album’s first single, the catchy Womanizer, which would have marked her return to form were it not for the rest of the album. Brit tries to blend hip-hop with pop and fails. She’s embarrassingly cheesy on Mmm Papi. So-called bonus track Radar has hit potential, although it too suffers from repetitiveness. A disappointing effort.

SOL-ANGEL & THE HADLEY ST DREAMS: SOLANGE KNOWLES
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sieraaj Ahmed
Solange’s second solo album follows her poor 2003 debut which sold fewer than 200 000 copies. This new effort has already outperformed her first because she went for a more retro, Motown-inspired sound like Amy Winehouse and Duffy. The results are delightful, her rich voice playing with fresh, fun beats supplied by the likes of Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo and Mark Ronson.

DVD reviews

MAMMA MIA!
Edna Isaacs’ rating: 4/5
Musical comedy. 2008. With Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried. Director: Phyllida Lloyd. PG.

Based on the hit stage musical this is the feel-good flick of 2008. If you’re a fan (even a closet one) of ’70s Swedish pop sensation Abba you’ll love this feast of song, dance and romance.

Sophie (Seyfried) lives with her mother, Donna (Streep), on a Greek island and is about to get married. After reading her mom’s diary she decides to invite three men from Donna’s past – one of whom could be her father.

Streep is on top form and veterans Julie Walters and Christine Baranski will have you in stitches. Another must-see is former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, who even sings – it’s not a Grammy-winning performance but it’s good, clean fun.

Abba fans will love the DVD’s singalong option where the words to the tunes appear on the screen whenever the characters break into song.

THE DARK KNIGHT
Jeremy Petersen’s rating: 5/5
Action. 2008. With Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart. Director: Christopher Nolan. 16VL.

Bad things are happening in Gotham City and the troublemaker is a clown in a blue suit. Bale returns as Bruce Wayne/Batman, the billionaire playboy who beats up bad guys for fun – but it seems he has met his match in mad psycho The Joker.

Harvey Dent, the new DA, doesn’t want Bruce to give in to The Joker’s threats and tries to come up with a plan to catch him – but Batman knows he’ll have to embrace his dark side and risk his soul to take down the disciple of chaos.

The late Ledger’s performance as The Joker – more terrifying and deranged than Amy Winehouse after a night on the town – may be the best of his career and deserves its Golden Globe nomination. This is one of 2008’s best movies.

NEWS MOVIE
Willem Möller’s rating: 4/5
Satire. 2008. With Ahmed Ahmed, Len Cariou and Steven Seagal. Director: Tom Kuntz. 16LS.

In 2003 fans of US online spoof newspaper The Onion (theonion.com) were excited to hear The Onion Movie was on its way. A few months ago it finally showed up unannounced in our DVD shops titled News Movie.

It’s every bit as good as Onion lovers hoped it would be. The newspaper format has been changed to a TV news channel but the satirical style – turning news stories on their head to reveal the comical absurdity underneath – is intact. The stories are presented as comedy sketches: imagine Not the Nine O’Clock News meets Monty Python. As for Steven Seagal spoofing himself – respect!

A must-see if you love comedy that pushes the envelope.

Movie review: The Spirit

Reviewer: Leon van Nierop
Action adventure. With Gabriel Macht, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson. Director: Frank Miller. Opens 16 January. 13MLV.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
This film noir tribute to crime thrillers based on a popular American comic strip is about a masked detective with supersonic powers who saves people – and the planet – and even has the support of the police.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Even those who were knocked out by lesser heroes such as The Shadow and Daredevil probably won’t get too excited about this masked wonder who seems to move in slow motion. He may be brave and Frank Miller’s noir style gives him a sensually underlit look, but his adventures lack zip. Samuel L Jackson, as greedy villain The Octopus, is far more exciting. An average flick aimed at film fans who haven’t yet found a hero (such as the more successful Batman) to display on their bedroom walls.

WAIT FOR DVD?
Yes. The movie really isn’t worth spending R45 on, unless you see it in one of the cheaper cinemas at a reduced price. What counts in its favour though is the vibrant colours – including The Spirit’s red tie – which contrast beautifully with the dark shadows and psychedelic lighting of the grim noir scenes. Visually it’s a feast yet your brain tends to go into neutral while you wait for the next bit of eye candy. Scarlett Johansson’s red lips are yummy though.

Game review: Saints Row 2

Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Anwar Karbary
PS3. 2008. 18+
Saints Row 2 may not be as realistic as Grand Theft Auto IV but it’s a lot more enjoyable to play. The Saints have lost their hold on the city and three rival gangs have taken control so it’s up to you to revive the Saints, build your gang and retake the city of Stilwater.

The game is action-packed with gang rivalry and crazy characters; all about causing chaos and destruction. If you enjoyed the first Saints Row then this is a must-have.