Movie: Race to Witch Mountain

Teen drama. With Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig. Director: Andy Fickman. PG. Opens 27 March.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A confused taxi driver’s life is further complicated when two children suddenly appear on the back seat of his taxi - and he realises they’re aliens from outer space. Now he must rush them to their spacecraft’s launch site.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
It’s not often one can genuinely say a film is ideal for the whole family but there’s no other way to describe this family-friendly, super-slick, exciting teen drama. It may be loaded with improbabilities but it’s a lot more fun than political speeches. And with stars who are better looking and more agile than Ryk Neethling on a good day this film will make your toes curl from pure enjoyment. It’s family fun for everyone and is being released just in time for Easter.

WAIT FOR DVD?
Nah, there are enough DVDs and videogames. Round up the dudes and get down to a cinema - it’s what Easter weekend is for. This flick roars like James Bond’s car. Dwayne Johnson is supercool and the space beings are the best playmates since Nintendo arrived on the scene. And with a fresh twist to the action every few seconds you won’t be bored for a moment. Truly ideal entertainment for everyone.

SIMILAR FILMS
The Game Plan; Freaky Friday; City of Ember.

Alexander Ludwig on our radar

There’s a cute alien in our midst - and we love him! Say hello to ALEXANDER LUDWIG (16) who plays a teen with paranormal powers in the upcoming flick Race to Witch Mountain (see movie review).

*He was born on 7 May 1992 in Vancouver, Canada.

*He’s best known for his role as Will Stanton in the 2007 fantasy film The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted superpowers and in this movie I could do almost anything except fly,” he says.

*He lives with his parents and three siblings (two sisters and a brother) in Vancouver.

*He begged his parents to allow him to pursue acting. “My mom and dad were kind of iffy about the whole thing. The kid actor thing can get a bit warped.”

*His parents eventually relented and he started his acting career at nine in a Harry Potter toy commercial.

*He’s amped about his new role opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Race to Witch Mountain. “I had no idea what was going to come next. This has been such a roller-coaster ride, the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Music news

REVIEWS
IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU by Lily Allen
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
You’ll want to listen to this one over and over, each time finding something new and intriguing. Yes, she’s controversial and rude and a bit trashy but Lily sizzles. Every track is worth a listen, especially The Fear and Everyone’s At It. There’s crude language so watch out if you don’t want to offend others (or yourself).

WIN
Five readers will each win a copy of Lily Allen’s It’s Not Me, It’s You. SMS the word LILY with your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 9 April. Each SMS costs R2.

SCREAM AIM FIRE: DELUXE EDITION by Bullet for My Valentine
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl
The Welsh metalcore band’s latest album is pure fury, with occasional hardcore rock ballads. They jump right in with the title track and maintain the pace and volume - Waking the Demon is loud but woven with melodic guitar sounds. Even those who avoid metal will enjoy the slower tracks such as Say Goodnight.

THE LAST DEFINITION by DJ Fresh
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Mduduzi Ndzingi
The final volume in the Definition of House series offers good house music but longstanding fans might think Fresh has changed from his pre-5FM days. Thankfully tracks such as AM PM, by DJ Clock and Euphonic, show he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Fans will want to complete the collection, especially since it’s a triple-disc album with a selection of commercial, deep and laid-back house tunes.

WATCH THIS
SONG: One More Drink
ARTIST: Ludacris with T-Pain
Who would have thought Ludacris has problems in the dating department. In this hilarious video he warns fans about the dangers of drinking and dating. And he should know - in the video he loses his arm after a one-night stand with a nasty-looking woman who becomes sexier after each drink. He teams up with T-Pain for the catchy single from his latest album, Theater of the Mind. This one is a must-see!

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT . . .
*SA group CrashCarBurn is preparing to head for the 14th annual Vans Warped Tour in the US. The power-pop outfit from Joburg is doing 18 shows in July in cities across America and Canada. Other acts include Paramore and Gym Class Heroes.

*The Nokia Music Store will be available in SA from 24 April which means you’ll be able to use it to download millions of digital tracks from international and local stars such as The Parlotones, Goldfish and Arno Carstens. And you don’t have to own a Nokia cellphone - you download songs via your PC. It costs R10 a track and R100 an album – and all music down-loaded is yours to keep.

DVDs of the week

SON OF RAMBOW
Comedy/drama. 2008. 92 min. With Bill Milner, Will Poulter and Jules Sitruk. Director: Garth Jennings. PGV.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

Shy Will’s (Milner) dad died when he was young and his strictly religious mother doesn’t allow him to watch TV. But when Will sees Rambo: First Blood he falls in love with movies and creates a fantasy world in which he’s Son of Rambow, a young hero on a mission to free his dad from a prisoner-of-war camp. Will’s only friend is the school delinquent and bully, Lee (Poulter). When Lee “borrows” his older brother’s video camera they start filming Will’s story, complete with daring stunts and special effects.

If you’ve had enough of dumbed-down Hollywood teen comedies and sentimental Disney stories crudely upholding “family values” this wonderful British film will be a breath of fresh air. Milner and Poulter, both first-time actors, are excellent and completely believable and the intelligent script and lack of sentiment make this gripping viewing for all ages. It’s about friendship, family bonds and a love of adventure - and above all it’s about the magical allure of movies. See it!

THE HAPPENING
Horror. 2008. 85 min. With Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel and John Leguizamo. Director: M Night Shyamalan. 16V.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone

People start committing mass suicide in New York’s Central Park for no apparent reason and the weird compulsion spreads through the city and beyond. A biochemical terrorist attack is suspected and there’s a frantic rush to evacuate the city.

Elliot Moore (Wahlberg) and his wife Alma (Deschanel) board a train into the countryside where they believe they’ll be safe. They’re not - the epidemic turns out to be an airborne neurotoxin discharged by grass and plants. Then the train stops and they must continue on foot.

Be warned: there are some violent suicide scenes, such as a guy who’s chopped up by a huge industrial lawn-mower and another who’s eaten alive by lions in a zoo.

Horror writer Stephen King liked the movie - maybe you will too.

Game of the week

COMMAND AND CONQUER RED ALERT 3
2008. A
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jason Arendse

This war strategy game is for those who want an intelligent gaming experience instead of the usual shoot-’em-up ones. The aim is to effectively manage your resources - such as armies, oil and money - in an attempt to conquer your enemies. The tutorial that guides you to every nook and cranny is helpful, especially those new to strategy gaming. Once you’re accustomed to this type of game Red Alert 3 will offer hours of enjoyment as you apply what you’ve learnt to overcome your opposition and conquer the world.

Starting a band, baby

Do you dream about audiences going wild for you, dishing out autographs and having hordes of fans? It doesn’t have to stop at dreaming! We asked some of the hottest names in the music industry for advice on starting a band.

GET YOUR TOOLS
Taxi Violence lead singer George van der Spuy says, “You don’t need the most expensive instrument when you start out. Buy something less expensive and save for something better once you get the hang of it.”

CHOOSING BAND MEMBERS 101
Dirty Skirts lead singer Jeremy de Tolly says, “One of the things I enjoy most about being in a band is spending time with the (Dirty Skirts) guys.”

PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE
Lead singer of Van Coke Kartel and Fokofpolisiekar Francois van Coke says, “When you start out you need to practise every single day.”

WRITE YOUR OWN MUSIC
George says, “The creative process of writing a song and seeing people respond to your song are among the things I enjoy most about being in a band.”

DON’T GIVE UP
Idols host Liezel van der Westhuizen says, “Don’t be discouraged if you’re not successful at first.”

Stealing Love Jones lead singer Esjay Jones says, “You’re going to have many people saying you aren’t good enough and if you can look at yourself objectively and say you have the “it” factor to go far then stand your ground.”

MISTAKES ARE PART OF THE DEAL
Jeremy says, “We’ve made a lot of mistakes (writing and recording bad songs and playing bad gigs) but that’s one of the main reasons we’re successful today. It’s better to try your best and make mistakes than not try. As long as you make it work.”

BE PASSIONATE
Esjay says, “Passion will set you apart from the others. Don’t take no for an answer; if I had, there would be no Stealing Love Jones!

GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
Jeremy says, “Make it happen! Don’t sit around and make excuses about why you are not doing gigs.”

Francois adds, “Make contact with a more established band and nag them to let your band play with them.”

CD reviews

ALBUM OF THE MONTH
DANGER by Flash Republic
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Fans of dance music will be delighted to hear Ryan Dent, Tamara Dey and Craig Massiv are back with their second album. The SA trio have a hit on their hands with the spunky Twister, featuring Tamara on vocals. Other songs you’ll want to listen to are Star and Shut It. A bonus - but only on the deluxe edition - is a second disc with six smoking hot remixes. Big names such as StoneBridge (who has worked with Ne-Yo, Usher and Britney Spears) plus masterful remixes from Fonzerelli and Henry John Morgan will ensure these songs aren’t just a flash in the pan.

WIN!
Tell us what you think of YOU’s music page, Pressplay, and you could win one of 10 copies of the deluxe edition of Flash Republic’s Danger. To enter SMS the word FLASH and your comments, name and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 2 April 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

ONE WORLD by The Cheetah Girls
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kulsum Enus (14)

The album, based on the third instalment of The Cheetah Girls films, is mainly for teenagers. Youngsters will relate to the lyrics - especially if they have close friends and are in a situation where they have to leave them behind. The songs are a mix of Indian-style beats, rap, pop and R&B. It will have you singing in front of the mirror in no time.

MINISTRY OF SOUND SUMMER ANNUAL by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

Arguably the best dance compilations in the business come from the folk at Ministry of Sound. Their new release, Summer Annual, is chock-full of songs to boogie to. Highlights on the three-disc album are Twister, a hit by local dance outfit Flash Republic, and a remix of Feel It by Tamperer and Maya.

PUTUMAYO PRESENTS INDIA by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Natalie Payne

Ten diverse easy-listening tracks are on the album and we particularly like Uma Mohan’s restful and spiritually uplifting Shiva Panchakshara Stotram/Shiva Shadakshara Stotram and Rajeshwari Sachdev’s rhythmic, vibey Maavan Te Tiyan. A highlight is recent Oscar winner AR Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire fame teamed with Chinmayee on Tere Bina. Wonderful mellow listening.

U2, we love you!

Legendary Irish rockers Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jnr are back with their 12th studio album, their first in five years. Here are 10 facts about their latest offering, No Line on the Horizon:

1. U2 started working on it in 2006 with producer Rick Rubin, who has worked with Justin Timberlake and Red Hot Chili Peppers among others. But they butted heads and none of those early songs made the final cut.

2. They then turned to producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois and together they penned more than 60 songs, 11 of which are on the album.

3. So many songs were left over they will release a companion album, Songs of Ascent, later this year.

4. Many of the songs were recorded in Fez, Morocco, over two weeks. They rented the courtyard of a hotel, turning it into a recording studio.

5. Recording outdoors had its downside. “Birds flying in used to come and s**t on Larry Mullen’s drum kit,” Bono says. “He wasn’t happy with that.”

6. The album is dedicated to Rob Partridge who secured the band’s first record deal 30 years ago. He died of cancer in 2008.

7. Record label Universal Music was so nervous about the album leaking before its release date that instead of sending out review copies they opted to host pre-release listening sessions.

8. Their efforts were all for naught though. Universal Music Australia’s online music store accidentally released the album two weeks before it was scheduled to debut. Oops!

9. Some tracks changed names along the way. French Disco, Chromium Chords and For Your Love became Magnificent, Fez - Being Born and Stand Up respectively.

10. The album cover - a black-and-white photo of an ocean horizon - was shot by famed Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Movie of the week: Gran Torino

Drama. With Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley and Geraldine Hughes. Director: Clint Eastwood. 16LV. Opens 27 March.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A coldhearted old man is intolerant of the Hmong people moving into his neighbourhood. But when thugs attack innocent citizens this pensioned-off Dirty Harry grabs his gun.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Was the last time you went to a cinema in the days when Jamie Uys and John Ford still ruled? Then drop everything and get to your nearest big screen right away. This ancient neighbour with slits for eyes and broad, macho shoulders will remind you what a pleasure it was going to the movies in the old days. Even if you’re a youngster (but older than 16) you’ll get a kick out of this film with attitude that celebrates good old-fashioned values. The story may inspire you and put a grin on your face - and perhaps give you a better understanding of your parents as you react in shock to the young troublemakers who have no respect for their elders. And you’ll want to get a second box of popcorn to celebrate seeing Eastwood on top form.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No, because even though this compelling story wasn’t nominated for any Oscars people will talk about it. It’s about adapting to a changing world where people who’ve become intolerant make peace with the past and make the right life-changing decisions. It’s one of Eastwood’s best movies both as a director and actor and for two wonderful hours it will make you forget your problems. Recommended particularly for older readers who seldom go to the movies.

Game of the week: Need for Speed

Need for Speed Undercover
PS3. 2008. A.
Rating 4/5
Reviewer: Anwar Karbary

Another exhilarating racing game from EA’s Need for Speed series - in NFS Undercover you’re an undercover cop who joins an illegal street gang and your objective is to put an end to their activities. With more than 50 cars to choose from you can expect to find sexy wheels such as Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 GT2, BMW M3 and Audi R8. The car handling is great which makes for awesome racing action. Race, earn cash and upgrade your cars - a simple recipe for a great racing game.

Music reviews and news

GRAMMY NOMINEES 2009 by various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
This year’s nominees collection is one of the best in recent history and has something for everyone. There’s rock in the form of Coldplay, pop hits by Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers and easy listening by Adele. Best tracks? Pink’s So What and American Boy by Estelle and Kanye West.

THE FAME by Lady GaGa
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Comparisons between Lady GaGa and Gwen Stefani are inevitable. Both are fashion icons who have embraced a style of pop that occasionally delves into dance, hip-hop and electro. Lady GaGa’s new single, Poker Face, is flying up the charts. We like LoveGame and Beautiful, Dirty, Rich. A fun, funky album that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

WIN!
Five readers will each win a copy of Grammy Nominees 2009. To enter SMS the word GRAMMY and your name, surname and address to 34923 before 26 March 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

MUSIC MUST-HAVE
With a gorgeous touch-screen and a slide-out keyboard the LG KS360 Chatterbox is one of the funkiest phones on the market. It comes with an FM radio and can play MP3s. The sound quality is impressive for a cellphone and you can crank up the volume quite high without losing quality. Transferring tracks from your PC to your phone is easy - simply use a USB cable or Bluetooth. It costs about R1 800 - money well spent if you’re a music-lover.

WIN!
Tell us what you think of our music page and you could win one of three LG KS360 phones courtesy of LG Electronics. SMS KS360, your name, age, comments and postal address to 34923 before 5 pm on 26 March. Each SMS costs R2.

We chat to Miley

It’s what fans have been waiting for - the third series of Hannah Montana has hit SA screens. Check out our Q&A with the star of the show, MILEY CYRUS.

HOW HAS THE SHOW CHANGED?
I think age has changed our show. We’ve kind of let our characters grow up as we grow up. So we’re just giving more detail and more intense life lessons.

TELL US ABOUT HANNAH’S NEW LOOK
We’ve cut the wig shorter and made it a little blonder.

HOW DO YOU DRESS WHEN YOU’RE NOT ON CAMERA?
My character wears a lot more bright colours, which is really fun. But I’m not like this. All my clothes are big sweaters and comfy stuff. I just like being comfortable. And I’m always cold so I like having warm things.

WHAT’S YOUR DRESSING ROOM LIKE?
My dressing room is a lot like my room at home because that makes it easy and it makes it feel like I’m still at my house.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO HANG OUT WHEN YOU’RE AT WORK?
Definitely my dressing room because that’s the one place that is your own space.

WHAT DON’T WE KNOW ABOUT THE CAST?
I think the most surprising thing is we’re all such good friends. No one really expects you’re as close as friends in real life as you are on the TV show. I think it’s really cool we all have such a bond.

WIN!
Tell us what you think of YOU’s teen pages (good or bad) and you could win one of five Hannah Montana hampers. Each contains a Hannah Montana: Living the Dream DVD and Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds CD. SMS the word HANNAH along with your comments, name and address to 34923 before 5 pm on 26 March. Each SMS costs R2.

Movie of the week: Marley & Me

Comedy. With JENNIFER ANISTON and OWEN WILSON. Director: David Frankel. A. Opens 20 March.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A couple who are soulmates but can’t have children decide to get a puppy instead - but what happens to the dog when a baby does arrive?

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
This movie may seem sentimental and cute in a forced way but it’s an exciting, invigorating experience if you’ve been looking for a family film everyone can enjoy. The dog is a metaphor for marriage because he struggles with his owners through their human problems. But he can also be difficult and hard to handle and like life he subjects his humans to all kinds of pain and suffering, especially when he’s a puppy. At one point he almost destroys the house! But the heart of the film is the bond a family forms with their four-legged child/teen.

WAIT FOR DVD?
It’s the ideal movie to see on DVD - Fido can also watch and even add to the fun by catching the popcorn you throw for him. Human comedy is seldom portrayed so truthfully and with such a deft touch.

You never feel as if your emotions are being manipulated and anyone who loves dogs and whose family life has the odd hiccup will lovingly welcome this pooch and his clan to their DVD player. Highly recommended as an excellent family film.

DVD of the week: HSM 3

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
Musical. 2008. 111 min. With ZAC EFRON, VANESSA HUDGENS and Ashley Tisdale. Director: Kenny Ortega. All.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Edna Isaacs

In the third instalment of the hugely popular High School Musical series Troy (Efron), Gabriella (Hudgens) and their friends at East High are seniors and have to deal in their own way with the prospect of saying goodbye to one another after graduation. There are tears, laughter - and an elaborate spring musical, of course. Troy is torn between his love of basketball and the stage, while Gabriella fears her plans to study law will separate her from Troy.

This is the last movie in the franchise starring the original cast - HSM4 will introduce new characters. This time the actors do a much better job than before, eye-popping choreography and catchy tunes will appeal to younger viewers and parents can rest easy that it’s all good, clean fun. But if you need a little more depth to your storyline steer clear.

Special features: Deleted scenes, bloopers, cast goodbyes.

Dean Collins on our radar

Dean plays Mike, the youngest of the Gold kids, in the hilarious sitcom The War at Home and it looks as if his career on the big screen is blossoming too.

FOR FACTS’ SAKE
Dean Richard Collins (18) was born on 30 May 1990 in Los Angeles.

- He lives in Los Angeles with his parents, two older brothers and younger sister.

- He had parts in big-screen films such as Yours, Mine and Ours (2005) opposite Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo and Hoot (2006) opposite Luke Wilson.

- His next big-screen movie is the thriller The Least of These.

- In his spare time he likes to create comic skits; view them on YouTube under the name “monkeynuts1069”.

- The War at Home airs on SABC3 every Monday at 8.30 pm.

There’s something about Rob

We can’t get enough of gorgeous British actor ROBERT PATTINSON who plays vampire Edward Cullen in Twilight. So we set out to find out more about him.

Full name: Robert Thomas Pattinson
Born: 13 May 1986, London
Star sign: Taurus
Debut role: Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

- Robert started modelling when he was 12. “When I started I was quite tall and looked like a girl. I got lots of jobs because it was during that period where the androgynous look was cool. Then I guess I became too much of a guy so I never got any more jobs. I had the most unsuccessful modelling career.”

- He once took a female stalker out for dinner. “I had a stalker who stood outside my apartment every day for weeks,” Robert says. “One night I asked her out and we had dinner. I just complained about everything in my life and she never came back!”

- He didn’t think he’d make a great Edward in Twilight. He was 10 kg heavier and stuttered throughout the audition. “When I heard Edward should be impossibly handsome I didn’t think I had a chance.”

- Despite his new-found fame and fortune Robert isn’t a big spender and still drives the rusty car he bought when he arrived in LA. “It’s a death trap and has nearly killed me five times. I’m going to squeeze every dollar I can out of that car.”

- He refuses to let fame change him and credits his mom for keeping him grounded. “My mom still thinks I’m an idiot so that helps.”

- He believes girls are attracted to him because of his quiet demeanour. “I think that always makes you more attractive, if you don’t say anything. Oh no, I’m revealing all my tricks!”

- “Music is my back-up plan if acting fails,” he says. He plays the guitar and piano, and two of his songs, Never Think and Let Me Sign, were used in the Twilight soundtrack.

- He has a few movies in the pipeline - he’ll play Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali in Little Ashes and star in British art flick How To Be and the short film The Summer House. And he’ll again play Edward Cullen in the Twilight sequel, New Moon.

Kelly keeps rocking

There’s just no stopping former American Idol and Grammy winner KELLY CLARKSON whose fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, is on its way. Here’s how she does it . . .

DESTINED FOR STARDOM
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born 24 April 1982 into a poor Texas family. Her childhood dream was to become a marine biologist but her life changed when her Grade 7 teacher overheard her singing in the passage and told her to audition for the school choir. After she’d performed at a high school event an audience member told her, “God has given you this gift. You’re destined to sing.”

THE LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS
Kelly had several jobs while in high school, such as mowing lawns, working in movie theatres, waitressing and selling vacuum cleaners door to door to help out her family financially. After high school she went to Los Angeles with stars in her eyes.

“But I had really bad experiences when I first came out here. Many doors slammed in my face.” Except for the Idols door in 2002, that is. She went on to record three albums: Thankful (2003), Breakaway (2004) and My December (2007).

ALL I EVER WANTED
Kelly worked with Ryan Tedder and Katy Perry on her latest album, which broke a music industry record when the hit single My Life Would Suck without You jumped more than 90 positions on the US Billboard singles chart. This was the largest leap to No 1 in the chart’s 50-year history.

SHE’S NEVER BEEN IN LOVE
So what does she look for in a guy? “I’m looking for someone who has his own life because this is a very hard industry. It’s not normal. He might have to read stuff that maybe isn’t so pleasant about me.”

THE KELLY LOW-DOWN
- She owns seven horses, four miniature horses and eight dogs.

- Each room in her house is a different colour. “My orange room is my favourite,” she says.

- She’s fanatical about keeping clean. “I’m a hygiene freak, especially when it comes to washing my hands.”

WIN!
Five readers will each win a copy of Kelly’s new album, All I Ever Wanted. Tell us what you think of YOU’s teen pages (good or bad). SMS the keyword KELLY along with your comments, name, age and street address to 34923 before 19 March. Each SMS costs R2.

CD reviews and news

RAISING SAND by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

The unlikely collaboration between former Led Zeppelin rocker Robert Plant and bluegrass/country singer Alison Krauss has caused a stir especially after they won three awards for the album at the recent Grammys. The 13 tracks flit between slow, melodic country music and occasionally more upbeat folk rock. It’s mellow stuff that’s easy on the ear.

UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL by Common
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Mduduzi Ndzingi

Fans of the popular rap star will know there’s nothing common about Common. He’s on top form on his eighth studio album, Universal Mind Control. Featuring guest vocals by two of the world’s greatest hip-hop artists/producers, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, the album is definitely worth the attention it’s receiving. It’s more commercial than fans are used to but it’s great hip-hop.

DARK HORSE by Nickelback
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

The Canadian rockers are back and they’re dirtier and rawer then ever. The album features plenty of great hooks and melodies, the ballads are more emotional and there are lots of radio-friendly cuts such as the hit Gotta Be Somebody. Be warned: some of the lyrics are so explicit they’ll leave you blushing. Fans might have hoped for heavier rock riffs but the album is still a winner.

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT . . .
The Coca-Cola Zero Fest which starts on 10 April in Joburg and will be in Cape Town on the 13th, providing 12 hours of nonstop music from your favourite local and international rock bands. Artists who will take to the stage include Snow Patrol, Panic at the Disco, Bullet for My Valentine, The Dirty Skirts and many more. This is an event you shouldn’t miss!

Movie - Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Comedy. With Kevin James, Keir O’Donnell and Bobby Cannavale. Director: Steve Carr. PGV. Opens 5 March.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
When thugs take his girlfriend and daughter hostage a chubby yet sporty mall security guard pretends to be a cop and tries to outwit them.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Anyone who has had enough of bad news, election promises, politics and movies that require brain cells. This cool, unpretentious, laugh-till-your-tummy-hurts film will make your corn pop with joy: it’s clumsy, slapstick, thigh-slapping fun. It’s not the kind of comedy you’d admit to enjoying; critics are bound to hate it - but forget them. If you’re in the mood for earthy, satirical humour that says it’s okay to be fat and naive, make awkward declarations of love and trip over your own feet, this flick hits the jackpot. Definitely not for the Cinema Nouveau crowd!

WAIT FOR DVD?
Yes - it’s the ideal movie for inviting your mates around to watch. Chuck a few chops on the braai, crack open a few beers, plonk down in your favourite armchair and watch Kevin James’ eccentric antics over your paunch. To think such a regular-looking guy can be so funny and common without being offensive!

Game of the week: Fable II

XBOX 360. 2008. 16+
Rating 5/5
Reviewer: Pieter Vermaak

Life is about choices - and so is Fable II. Are you a caring mother or an evil tyrant? In this fantasy adventure you decide and this affects how the story unfolds. The main quest is a bit short but there are so many other things to do - become a blacksmith, landlord, bounty hunter and more - that you’ll spend hours exploring Fable II’s beautiful, vibrant world. Throughout the game your decisions can have far-reaching consequences so choose wisely.