Trippin’ on Taylor

He’s part human, part wolf - either way we love Twilight’s Jacob Black and couldn’t wait to hear more about TAYLOR LAUTNER, the cute actor behind the character.

KUNG FU FIGHTER!
Before the acting bug bit Taylor Lautner’s passion was martial arts. From the age of six he practised karate, joining the World Karate Association at eight. He got into acting when his martial arts instructor pushed him to audition for a Burger King TV advert in Los Angeles. He didn’t make the cut but enjoyed the experience so much he persuaded his parents to move to LA, which they did when he was 10.

BEFORE TWILIGHT
As a young teen Taylor landed roles in several TV ads and series such as My Wife and Kids. His big break came at 13 when he was snapped up for the role of Sharkboy in 2005’s The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D. He did all his own martial arts stunts in the film. His next role was as Elliot in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and three years later he landed the part in Twilight.

GOING BUFF FOR NEW MOON
He was a little beefy in Twilight but expect a whole lot more when New Moon is released early next year. Taylor was asked to gain 15 kg for the sequel. “I eat as much as possible and drink protein shakes,” he says.

He seems to know the effect he has on fans. “Most of the time I was shirtless, all I was wearing was shorts in 35 degree weather,” he says.

“The Jacob quote I love most is ‘Does my being half-naked bother you?’ That just cracks me up. Because that’s when he’s shirtless. I’m eager to deliver that line.” We are too!

He’s also had hair extensions since our pics were taken. “It’s so weird looking in the mirror. It’s like, ‘Is that me? Wow!’ I’ve never had my hair longer than it is now so it’s like, ‘Do I look like a girl? I do look like a girl!’ ”

TAYLOR TITBITS
- His full name is Taylor Daniel Lautner and he’s of French, Dutch, German and Native American ancestry.

- He was born on 11 February 1992 in Michigan and is 17.

- While both have denied it rumour has it he’s dating Disney star Selena Gomez.

Five minutes with Tom Kroon of Heroes Wear Red

What would your last meal be if you could choose?
I’m a committed fan of Asian cuisine. Peking duck (with pancakes), a sushi platter with generous amounts of sashimi and salmon skin maki and perhaps a chilli seaweed salad as a starter. Yeah, that’s it.

What’s your favourite quote?
Jim Morrison is about the only guy I ever quote. Here’s a good one: “Some of the worst mistakes of my life have been haircuts.”

What would you save if your house was on fire?
My hard drive. I have half the songs for the next HWR album on it - and it’s career-making stuff. Can’t wait for everyone to hear this material.

Favourite TV shows
South Park and Family Guy. You can’t beat them.

Favourite band or singer
My favourite voices are Chris Cornell and Seal. The bands that have influenced and inspired me most would probably be Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Filter and U2.

What’s your idea of happiness?
There are three important ingredients for happiness. Someone to love, something to desire and something to have faith in.

What’s your cellphone ringtone?
*Vibrate*. Given enough time any ringtone becomes annoying.

Last SMS you received and who was it from?
“Watching Linkin Park and thinking a second singer works so well for them. Magic DVD. Great band” - My dad.

I wish I never . . .
Let my hairdresser cut my hair into a bob before we shot the video for Still Life.

What pets do you have and what are their names?
A Jack Russell named Tigger (because she jumps so high she can climb trees) and Mush who is a mix of a few things, very dopey and loving though.

What’s your favourite snack?
Zoo biscuits. I ate an entire box while watching a video last week - I fear my Zoo biscuit days are numbered.

What’s perfect happiness to you?
Playing back three or four hours of work on a song, getting goosebumps for the fifth time, then getting in the car to meet a beautiful girl for dinner and hearing your song in the No 1 spot on national radio. That, and playing to 5 000 people, hearing them sing louder than the PA!

Three words that sum you up
Amor. Esurio. Fides (Love. Hunger. Faith)

A whole lot of soul

PLUS CD REVIEWS

These days hotshot rappers with egos the size of Mount Everest are everywhere but it seems 19-year-old American rapper-producer SOULJA BOY has a winning formula: catchy lyrics and killer dancing tailor-made for the YouTube generation.

Although he has been criticised for writing songs for the so-called ringtone market the Chicago resident is having the last laugh because he’s making money and dominating charts.

“When they [critics] hear something like a Soulja Boy they’re scared and they’re like, ‘What is this? This is so different!’ They’re automatically on the defence, they attack.”

Soulja Boy - born DeAndre Ramone Way - released his first independent album, aptly titled Unsigned & Still Major: Da Album before da Album, in 2007. It was an internet sensation and landed him a record deal two months later. The single Crank That (Soulja Boy) reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.

His first big label album, Souljaboytellem.com, was released in October 2007 and he struck gold again with his second album, iSouljaBoyTellem, which features his hit single Kiss Me Thru the Phone. And he obviously knows how popular he is: “I’m the next generation of hip-hop.”

IN A PERFECT WORLD by Keri Hilson
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Edna Isaacs
Even though this is her debut album Keri Hilson is an established artist - before taking to the mike she wrote tracks for artists such as Ciara and Britney Spears. Her album has produced radio hits Energy and Knock You Down with Kanye West and Ne-Yo. A highlight is the catchy Turnin’ Me On with Lil Wayne. This woman can sing and dance and writes her own material - talk about being a triple threat. Definitely one to watch.

NOW 51 by Various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
If you’re looking for a comprehensive collection of the best pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop hits from the past few months, look no further. All 20 tracks are mega-hits you’ll want to listen to over and over again. Lady GaGa’s Poker Face, Killer’s Human, Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire and Hilary Duff’s Reach Out stand out.

AGAINST ALL ODDS by aKing
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Yvonne Beyers
The boys from Bellville are suburban poets. Lead singer Laudo Liebenberg and guitarist Hunter Kennedy’s stirring lyrics are powerful, like a punch in the gut, and will take your breath away but the band’s soulful soft rock melodies will ease the ache. Best tracks are The Heart of a Fool, You and I, Against All Odds and Know Your Bones.

DVD of the week: Changeling

Real-life drama. 2009. 136 min. With ANGELINA JOLIE, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan and GATTLIN GRIFFITH. Director: Clint Eastwood. 16LV.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Claire Reddie

Be transported to an era of trundling trams, glamorous clothes and corrupt cops in 1920s Los Angeles - and into any mother’s nightmare.

Angelina Jolie plays a single working-class mom, Christine Collins, whose nine-year-old son, Walter, disappears without trace. After five months of heartache the police tell her they’ve found her son. But her elation soon becomes sorrow when the boy turns out to be an imposter. And so begins one woman’s struggle against sinister forces in the police, with only an outspoken Presbyterian minister (Malkovich) as an ally. She’s harassed, accused of mental illness and thrown into an asylum where she finds other women who’ve been sidelined by incompetent cops whose investigations are farces. But she never gives up hope of finding her son.

What’s most disturbing is this is based on true events. Director Clint Eastwood tells the story with superb intuition and Jolie is outstanding as the unhinged but determined Christine and deserved her Oscar nomination. The award-winning film is a must-see. Special features: featurettes.

MARLEY & ME
Comedy drama. 2009. 110 min. With Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.
Director: David Frankel. PG.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Soon after getting married John and Jenny Grogan (Wilson and Aniston) consider starting a family. A friend suggests they first try raising a dog to see how they cope with responsibility.

The dog they choose, Marley, turns out to be the most disobedient Labrador ever. A professional dog trainer even gives up on him and for the next few years the Grogans’ pup brings them as much chaos as joy. John and Jenny love him to bits though and the dog remains a constant throughout the ups and downs of their relationship. As Marley ages they have to deal with the possibility of losing him and what he means in their lives. Wilson and Aniston surprise with solid chemistry, making their relationship dramas easy to relate to. There are plenty of good laughs to be had but keep the tissues handy. Special features: deleted scenes, gag reel.

Movie of the week: The Proposal

Comedy. With SANDRA BULLOCK, RYAN REYNOLDs and Betty White. Director: Anne Fletcher. PGL. Opens 10 July.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
When a quick-tempered, bossy manager does not renew her visa she’s told to leave America. She forces her sexy assistant to marry her so she can get US citizenship but first they have to survive a weekend with his family in Alaska.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Anyone who can’t get enough of TV series and soaps should feel right at home with this silly, predictable romantic comedy. It follows a safe, time-honoured plot formula: a mismatched couple start a relationship hating each other then go through deep waters where they’re forced to rely on each other and finally find each other - but by then it’s too late for love. Meanwhile the groom’s family give them hell, they frequently lose their tempers and clothes (audiences love to stare at beautiful bodies!) and run after each other in lovely locations. And Sandra Bullock at 43 is as sexy as ever.

WAIT FOR DVD?
Yes, you can - watch it right after your favourite soapie and late-night TV series. The jokes seem to belong in a sitcom (there are at least 10 laughs every five minutes), the situations are improbable yet hysterical and the characters likeable and sexy. Critics usually tear this kind of predictable melodrama apart - probably because they have to see too many - but if you don’t watch movies for a living it might just go down like milk tart and hot chocolate on a cold winter evening in front of the fire. And Ryan Reynolds proves he can carry a movie on his well-developed shoulders.

SIMILAR FILMS
What Happens in Vegas, Bride Wars, Marley & Me.

10 facts about Tori Amos’ new album

PLUS WIN JUKEBOX TRIVIA

Fans rejoice: TORI AMOS’ new album, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, is here.

1 Tori chose the title from a line in the 1955 musical Guys & Dolls.

2 It’s the first with her new record label, Universal Republic Records.

3 She composed and wrote all 17 tracks and produced the album.

4 Many songs were inspired by director Christopher Lamb, who filmed her touring for her 2007 album, American Doll Posse.

5 The resulting short films are available on the DVD that comes with the limited edition of Abnormally Attracted to Sin.

6 Fashion photographer Karen Collins shot the cover and inside sleeve pictures of Tori in various sexy poses in a hotel room.

7 Tori worked with Matt Chamberlain on drums and percussion. Matt’s drumming appears on more than 200 albums.

8 The album opened at No 9 on the Billboard 200, her seventh to open in the top 10.

9 It explores one of Tori’s favourite topics: power. “We used to think power was having a job and money. If that’s our definition of success then very few people have it - the money part anyway.”

10 Another theme is sin. “I’m drawn to questioning what authorities have defined sin to be,” Tori says. “As a minister’s daughter I’ve been exposed to the traditional belief system. If you’re controlled by a religious structure then you’re going to have a different outlook.”

MUST-HAVE: JUKEBOX TRIVIA
Step aside Trivial Pursuit, move over 30 Seconds - there’s a new game in town. Jukebox Trivia, created by Paul Rotherham of 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Rude Awakening, is a music trivia card game that’s fun for the whole family.

The game comes in three versions, Novice, Intermediate and Expert, and puts your music knowledge to the test. For three or more players - or teams - it’s perfect to play at parties and on holiday. There are 110 cards, each with five questions, so there will be many hours spent on this game.

WIN
Ten readers will each win a copy of Jukebox Trivia. To enter SMS the word JUKEBOX, followed by your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 9 July 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

CDs of the week

PLUS WIN CDs AND A POSTER

EUPHONIK PRESENTS FOR THE LOVE OF HOUSE 2 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
If DJ Fresh is the king of local house then his 5FM colleague must surely be the prince. This masterfully remixed collection contains three discs of 47 grooves that include some of the industry’s big names such as DJ Clock and Bricks. We also love Guy Robin’s take on Kanye West’s Love Lockdown.

RELAPSE by Eminem
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig
You get exactly what you’d expect from this controversial rapper. He’s out to shock and does just that on his latest album which features the hits Crack a Bottle, 50 Cent and 3 a.m. The lyrics are crass but truthful and rap-lovers will adore the strong beats that accompany them. It comes with a parental advisory warning so we recommend for adults only.

PUTUMAYO PRESENTS AFRICAN REGGAE by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Mduduzi Ndzingi
Yet another fantastic album from the Putumayo world music experts. Reggae fans will love the mix of songs from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ghana, Cape Verde and South Africa. Our favourite tracks are Magno Mako from Ismael Isaac and local act Zoro singing Jabulani. You don’t need to be a reggae fan to bounce along to these great tunes.

WIN A CD AND POSTER
Ten readers will each win a copy of For the Love of House 2 plus a Euphonik poster. To enter SMS the word HOUSE followed by your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 9 July 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

THE VERONICAS
Twins Jessica and Lisa Origliasso (24) formed The Veronicas in 2005. They chose the name after watching the 1989 movie Heathers. “We wanted it to be a girl’s name,” Jessica says. “But we didn’t want to be called The Lisas or the Jessicas. In the movie Winona Rider’s character is Veronica so we went with that because she was this cool, unique chick with an attitude.”

WIN A CD HAMPER
Who’s your favourite band? Tell us and you could win one of 20 hampers including albums from 30H!3, Alesha Dixon, Ashley Tisdale and The Veronicas! SMS the word GALLO followed by the band, your name and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 9 July 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

Movie of the week: Knowing

Sci-fi. With NICOLAS CAGE, Chandler Canterbury and Rose Byrne. Director: Alex Proyas. 13V. Opens on 3 July.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
In 1959 several schoolkids bury their predictions of what America would be like in 2009. Among them is a little girl who obsessively writes down numbers. Fifty years later their predictions fall into the hands of a professor who starts deciphering their scribblings.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
If your idea of fun is hanging upside down from a roller coaster without a safety belt you’ll love every minute of this larger-than-life sci-fi epic. It’s more outrageous than the hairdos in your grandmother’s wedding pictures and the story is about as convincing as an election promise but it’s one of those guilty pleasures that makes going to the movies such fun. It doesn’t matter how much the critics slag it off; it will tickle your imagination more than a shooting star and as each secret is revealed you’ll remember another reason you fell in love with movies in the first place. Sci-fi hasn’t been this over the top in ages - but it’s such fun it will make your toes curl.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No. Find a theatre with a screen the size of a rugby field so you can appreciate the full glory of the special effects. Believe me, you’ll hide under your seat and cry in terror when the director unleashes predictions that are far too close to reality for comfort. And for a change Nicolas Cage is convincing and doesn’t sleepwalk through his part. This flick will put gel in your hair and a ring in your belly button. Go see it with your buddies and buy enough popcorn to stuff your face. But be careful, you may choke when the action hits full steam. Cool, dude, cool!

DVDs of the week

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Drama. 2008. 159 min. With Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Taraji P Henson. Director: David Fincher. 13PGSV.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

This is the story of Benjamin Button (Pitt), who’s born as an 80-year-old and ages backwards until he dies as a baby. His mother dies during childbirth and his father, who’s horrified by his son’s appearance, leaves the newborn on the steps of a nursing home where he’s taken in by a young woman, Queenie (Henson). The doctors have little hope the baby will make it but to everyone’s surprise Benjamin pulls through. He grows up in the nursing home, constantly aware of how his body changes, and finds true love with Daisy (Blanchett), who ages in the normal direction. But Benjamin soon finds nothing lasts forever.

Pitt and Blanchett shine as soulmates in this one-of-a-kind film based on the short story by F Scott Fitzgerald. Brace yourself though, it’s almost three hours long and you’re bound to start feeling restless halfway through. But it’s worth the watch, especially for the great cinematography and special effects. Special features: commentary.

THE READER
Drama. 2009. 119 min. With Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross. Director: Stephen Daldry. 16SN.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Hanna Schmitz (Winslet) is a lonely woman in her mid-thirties. One day a teenage boy named Michael (Kross) falls ill in front of her apartment building and she helps him. This sparks off a friendship that takes an eerie twist to become a heated love affair. For weeks Michael leaves friends his own age to spend afternoons reading to Hanna, ending up in her bed.

Their lives part when she takes a job far away. When they next see each other she’s on trial for murder and he’s a law student. Despite the years apart and their complicated relationship Hanna and Michael (now played by Fiennes) remain in each other’s lives until the bitter end.

This is a dark and beautiful story of a weird and complicated love between a most unlikely pair. Kross holds his own very well next to Winslet who won an Oscar for her performance.

Q&A with Zebra and Giraffe’s Greg

What would your last meal be if you could choose?
A really good steak and chocolate mousse for dessert.

What’s your favourite quote?
“Rarely is the question asked: is our children learning?” George Bush

What would you save if your house was on fire?
My guitar and computer - and my cat if she hadn’t escaped already.

Favourite TV show?
I love Late Night with Conan O’Brien and this crazy show on MTV called Human Giant.

Favourite band/singer?
A favourite artist at the moment is a guy called Justin Vernon who performs under the name Bon Iver. I also really love Mute Math (they have a track on the Twilight soundtrack).

What’s your idea of happiness?
Being able to do what you love for a living.

What’s your cellphone ringtone?
It’s this creepy alien thingy that comes standard with the phone.

Last SMS you received and who it was from?
I can’t remember because I locked my SIM card and can’t find the code!

I wish I never . . .
have to eat a tomato, ever.

Tell us a random fact about yourself
I hate tomatoes.

Do you have pets?
I have a cat called Pfeiffer (after Michelle Pfeiffer). I didn’t name her but she’s the cutest - and the most demanding.

What type of cellphone do you have?
iPhone 3G

What car do you drive (and what colour)?
A blue Golf 5

Favourite snack?
Definitely biltong or chips . . . anything salty really.

Three words that sum you up
Dreamer, moody, sarcastic

Holiday musts

Movies, reading and watching TV are great ways to fill a lazy day during the winter holiday.

MOVIE MUSTS
TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN. Opens 26 June.
If you’ve seen the trailer you’ll know this action-packed sequel starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel is a must-see.

KNOWING. Opens 3 July.
This interesting sci-fi starring Nicolas Cage is about a man and his daughter who team up to stop destructive events after finding a way to predict them.

ICE AGE 3: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS. Opens 3 July.
If you want to see Scrat fall in love with something other than his precious acorn and the rest of the bunch getting up to their usual crazy stuff don’t miss this one - especially as it’s in 3D!

THE PROPOSAL. Opens 10 July.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds team up in this quirky romantic comedy about a boss who uses her employee to hang onto her US visa. Shameful!

TV MUST
Two of Hollywood’s hottest teen stars join forces in the new Disney movie Princess Protection Program - Demi Levato (Camp Rock, Sonny with a Chance) and Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place). It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a real princess and an ordinary girl. Catch the movie on the Disney Channel at 10.30 am on Saturday 20 June.

BOOK MUSTS
THE PRINCESS DIARIES, VOLUME X: FOREVER PRINCESS by Meg Cabot
Reviewer: Emma Follett-Botha (17), Wellington
This is the final book in the Princess Diaries series. Mia Thermopolis is about to turn 18 and she has a new love. Follow the ups and downs of Mia’s crazy paparazzi-plagued final school year in a hilarious and charming ending to the Princess Diaries series.

EMILY AND THE BATTLE OF THE VEIL by Karen Michelle Brooks
Reviewer: Lariska Jansen van Vuuren (18), Richards Bay
Emily is a 12-year-old girl who lives with her gran in a small village where everyone knows just about everything about one another. But she soon leaves for boarding school in Kingstown and her life soon changes. This book is for anyone who loves an awesome adventure and fantasy.

aKing - breaking new ground

What makes rockers aKing so special is that they appeal to everyone. The musicians from Bellville, Cape Town, have a blend of melodic rock that is being hailed as fresh and innovative, combining international and local influences and putting them in the same league as the country’s finest.

Music experts are calling aKing SA’s next musical export and praise for their debut album, Dutch Courage, was unanimous. The album went gold and their new CD, Against All Odds, has sold 3 500 copies in its first month on the shelves.

The guys in the band are still taken aback by their success and broad fan base. “A 62-year-old guy called 5FM’s afternoon show and said he loved our music because we remind him of one of his favourite bands from the ’70s,” says Hunter Kennedy (26), the group’s talented songwriter.

It started when Fokofpolisiekar announced they would take a break at the end of 2007. Hunter, who wrote songs for the band, joined friends Laudo Liebenberg (25) and Hennie van Halen (25), who’d been making music together for a while, and former Fokofpolisiekar drummer Jaco “Snakehead” Venter.

The guys believe their unique range of sound makes them popular among young and old. Laudo’s rich baritone has been compared to the voice of Brad Roberts of Canadian group Crash Test Dummies. aKing call their sound melodic rock and it ranges from country to hard rock with strong folk sounds in between.

Theo Crous, producer of their latest album, believes great things await them. “They have the potential to be successful in the international market.”

“But first we want to conquer our country so we can tell people overseas how famous we are here,” Laudo quips.

They have nothing but praise for Theo’s input. “He taught us lots of new techniques,” Laudo says. “The recording isn’t so smooth and perfect, which brings out the heart of the songs more.”

aKing have also recorded three songs with the Khayelitsha United Mambazo and Thokozani Brothers male-voice choirs as part of their Into the Twilight project. The songs and the music videos are available only on the internet.

Music expert Annie Klopper, who did a master’s degree on rock music, says aKing’s ability to blend pop-rock with different musical styles, for example traditional African music, makes them one of the frontrunners in the marketplace.

WIN
Ten lucky readers will each win a copy of aKing’s latest album, Against All Odds. SMS the word AKING, your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 2 July 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

Music reviews

BIGGEST VIDEO HITS 2009 VOL 1 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Why limit yourself to listening to your favourite 10 hits when you can watch them too? This compilation has music videos from 30 chart-toppers. There’s pop from Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Bareilles and Westlife, R&B and hip-hop from Usher, Kelly Rowland, Sean Kingston and Jennifer Hudson, rock hits from Oasis, Daughtry and Avril Lavigne and tunes by indie heroes The Ting Tings and Metro Station.

TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE by Bob Dylan
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip
Bob Dylan might be 68 but he’s not slowing down. His latest CD features his signature croaky voice and there’s a distinct bluesy sound throughout that fans will find comforting. I Feel a Change Comin’ On has a strong Spanish/Mexican feel. It’s All Good stands out thanks to its jerky drums and accordion. Another classic Dylan album.

SHONTELLIGENCE by Shontelle
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Tsholofelo Segage-Modise
Many have compared Shontelle Layne to Rihanna - both aimed for global stardom but didn’t forget their Barbadian roots. She has made a name for herself with single T-Shirt and even has her inspirational Battle Cry featured on the Obama record Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement. The lawyer-turned-singer/songwriter proves she’s a thoughtful, intelligent musician.

DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK
Relapse by Eminem (from www.billboard.com).
It seems there’s no stopping Eminem. The American rapper is back with his sixth album, Relapse, which gives us songs such as Crack a Bottle and We Made You. The songs were influenced by his past drug issues, he says. He describes the concept behind Relapse, most of which was produced by Dr Dre, as the end of his drug rehabilitation and he raps as if he was on drugs again. His fictional alter ego Slim Shady also makes a comeback. Check out the music video for We Made You in which he pokes fun at celebs such as Jessica Simpson. Hilarious!

DVD reviews

TRANSPORTER 3
Action. 2009. 100 min. With Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova and Robert Knepper. Director: Oliver Megaton. 13PGV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jeremy Petersen

Retired transporter Frank Martin (Statham) is at it again in this third instalment of the popular Transporter series. There are fast cars (a gorgeous Audi A8 comes to mind), a beautiful girl (Rudakova) and bad guys (think T-Bag from the Prison Break series) who patiently wait their turn to be beaten up - one would swear these guys have never heard of teamwork - and a package to deliver. It’s loads of fun and if you made it through the first two movies chances are you’ll enjoy this one too. The plot is thin and the acting as bad as in the previous films, although this one goes along at a slower pace than those so don’t expect much. Fans of the trilogy will know Frank hardly said a word in the previous instalments so be warned: it speaks! Special features: interviews and trailers.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Drama. 2009. 112 min. With Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal and Anil Kapoor. Directors: Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. 13V.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Jamal (Patel) is a poor, good-natured 18-year-old from the slums of Mumbai. He lands a spot on the TV quiz show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and becomes the frontrunner. But just before he’s able to answer the last question - the one that will earn him 20 million rupees - he’s arrested on suspicion of cheating. The host of the show can’t believe a boy with so little education could have answered all the questions correctly - so Jamal explains how his experiences as a boy led him to the answers. We see how Jamal, his older brother, Salim, and a girl called Latika (Pinto) struggled on the harsh streets of Mumbai as orphans. This Oscar-winning film is a touching tale of human struggle, perseverance and love. Patel and Pinto have strong chemistry while Mittal pulls off a baddie well enough to instil hate - but the children playing the younger versions of the lead characters deserve the most praise in this beautiful film. Special features: commentary by the directors and cast.

Q & A with Jamali

They’ve been nominated three times and finally walked off with a South African Music Award (Sama) for Best Pop Album this year. All-girl group Jamali couldn’t be happier about the prize they scooped for their third album, 3rd Base.

We caught up with Liesl Penniken, Mariechan Luiters and Jacqui Carpede.

How does it feel finally to have a Sama?
We worked really hard on 3rd Base so feel honoured and appreciated.

Where do you keep the award?
We’re still waiting for it to come back from being engraved but it will float between our homes - six months at Jacqui’s and six months at Liesl and Mariechan’s house.

What’s the best thing about being in a group instead of having solo careers?
We have one another’s backs if one of us forgets our lyrics on stage! And we have one another when we have to celebrate or have something to cry about.

What does it take to be successful musicians in SA?
This is more a calling than a career so you have to love it completely to find fulfilment and success. We run Jamali like a business and are hands-on with every aspect of it, whether it’s boring or fun.

What do you do in your spare time?
We invite our dancers and band members for a braai, spend time with our families and we shop, shop, shop!

What’s next for Jamali?
We would like to get into the studio again - we’re feeling very inspired after winning the Sama.

Ashley Tisdale, OTT princess to hot rocker

It’s goodbye to High School Musical’s OTT Sharpay and hello to a hot new rock chick! ASHLEY TISDALE sheds her goody-two-shoes image with her second album, Guilty Pleasure, and its catchy first single, It’s Alright, It’s OK. Here’s the lowdown on the actress-turned-singer.

Ashley’s second album, Guilty Pleasure, follows her debut pop album, 2007’s Headstrong. She co-wrote several of the tracks on Guilty Pleasure. Recording started after she’d completed High School Musical 3.

She says the album signals a change in her image. “I’m not just the cute, bubbly blonde girl you know from Disney. I have a tougher side and I love rock music. This album really reflects who I am at this point in my life.”

The song It’s Alright, It’s OK is about being single instead of in a bad relationship. “It’s about how you need to stand up for yourself and not let someone walk all over you; it’s a message I wanted to get across to other girls,” Ashley says.

She’s also set to star in the adventure fantasy film Aliens in the Attic, due out later this year, and heads her own production company, Blondie Girl Productions. She’s working on two projects including a series on her experience of working in a shopping mall before she became famous.

She wants to take her film career in a more mature direction. “I think if I do another movie it has to be like a Juno or an edgy movie. I’m just more into the music right now. Maybe if something really gets me then I’ll definitely want to do it but right now I love what I’m doing.”

WIN
Who is your favourite TV star? Tell us and you could win one of 10 Guilty Pleasure albums. SMS the word ASHLEY followed by the name of your chosen TV celeb, your name and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 25 June. Each SMS costs R2.

Music news and reviews

ROCK STARS 2009 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
There’s something for everyone here. Listen to local rockers The Parlotones on I’m Only Human, Zebra & Giraffe belting out Oxymoron and What Have I Become? from One Day Remains. We also loved Secondhand Serenade’s Fall for You and Nickelback’s Gotta Be Somebody. Seether kicks off with the catchy Breakdown. A great collection.

TRUE BLOOD SOUNDTRACK by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The soundtrack to the Golden Globe-winning TV series reflects more adult themes than the vampire story Twilight, especially in the darkly disturbing opening credit song Bad Things by Jace Everett. Another good song is Dr John’s I Don’t Wanna Know. The rest of the album has a strong country vibe but listen to it with an open mind.

I’M OK, YOU’RE OK by Gonzo Republic
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl
Gonzo Republic give you solid rock with a good shot of melancholic melody on their first album. Lead singer Clayton Human varies her vocal performance with every song. For once the guitars on a local band’s debut album don’t overpower everything else. Nothing to Fight About has reached the top of the charts and it’s not even the best song on the album.

WEBSITES OF THE WEEK
- If you love old-school music check out www.africanvibes.co.za - it has info on where you can find hot hits from the ’70s to the ’90s of just about any genre. Loads of fun!

- Aspiring artists should visit www.worldmusicservice.com - it’s packed with info to help you write songs, record demos and promote your music. It even features a gospel radio station if you’re short on inspiration.

- If you plan to throw a hot party visit www.maxmusic.co.za for your sound system needs - you can order equipment online 24/7 and delivery is free.

WIN
Five readers will each win a copy of Rock Stars 2009. To enter SMS the word ROCK, your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 25 June 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

DVD reviews

HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
Romantic comedy. 2009. 124 min. With Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, DREW BARRYMORE, Scarlett Johansson, KEVIN CONNOLLY, Jennifer Connelly and Ginnifer Goodwin. Director: Ken Kwapis. 13LS.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Based on the book of the same name this film digresses from the usual unrealistic romcom formula and, for a change, we’re shown what happens in real romances. It follows nine separate stories involving a group of thirtysomethings with troubled love-lives. At the centre is Gigi (Goodwin), a happy-go-lucky woman who’s desperate to be liked by someone - anyone! When her dates end with no follow-up she’s forced to accept that sometimes when you’re in love, “he’s just not that into you”.

Then there’s the philandering married guy, the serial internet dater, the one waiting for a marriage proposal and the arrogant heartbreaker who falls in love for the first time.

It’s a comedy in which you really have to search for the laughs but being able to relate to the awkward situations the characters find themselves in makes the film worth watching. Add to that a stellar cast and you have a good night in.

ROLE MODELS
Comedy. 2008. 96 min. With Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Director: David Wain. 16LN.
Ratting: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott) are losers working at a dead-end job promoting an energy drink. When they trash their company’s truck they’re ordered to do community service mentoring troubled kids.

They’re not the kind of role models you’d wish on anyone though, and their charges - a foul-mouthed little boy and teenage Augie who’s lost in a fantasy world (Mintz-Plasse, Superbad’s McLovin) - aren’t exactly easy fare. And when they’re all sucked into Augie’s medieval play-battles, complete with hysterical fake deaths, things get truly silly.

It’s never quite clear why some comedies simply get it right but this one does. The medieval world threatening to take over proceedings is inspired genius and with some of the nuttiest yet totally believable characters in a long time this is a hoot from start to finish. Special features: lots, all of them very funny.

Game of the week: Lips

XBOX360. 2008. 12+
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jeremy Petersen

Winter is here and the thought of going out to a popular hangout or parties is enough to send chills down your spine. So why not organise a wear-your-PJs karaoke evening in the comfort of your own home?

Toss a few mics around and see how quickly everyone forgets the cold weather outside. You’ll soon be belting out hits such as Alicia Keys’ No One, Irreplaceable by Beyoncé and Duffy’s Mercy. Lips is bound to make staying in worthwhile!

Anton Yelchin: leader of the resistance

He has to be the luckiest guy in Hollywood. Why? Because he has landed starring roles in two of the year’s biggest flicks - Star Trek and Terminator Salvation - and he’s just 20.

Anton Yelchin is super-stoked to be in the two blockbusters - but he has his feet firmly on the ground. “I got really lucky and I’m very happy to do them but I look at it as getting better each time,” he says.

In Terminator Salvation he plays Kyle Reese, an angry teen destined to become the father of John Connor, leader of the resistance. In Star Trek he plays Russian officer Pavel Chekov. “The sets were different but I had a great time working on both.”

Anton was born in Russia. When he was six months old his parents, who were professional ice-skaters, moved to America. His first acting gigs started rolling in when he was 12 and included small roles in TV series such as Huff and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Movie-wise he has racked up impressive credits, among them Charlie Bartlett, Alpha Dog and Hearts in Atlantis - for which he won best performance in a feature film for a leading young actor at the 2002 Young Artist Awards.

Terminator Salvation, which has just opened in SA, is the fourth film in the Terminator series. It stars Christian Bale as John Connor and Sam Worthington as Wright, a cyborg who believes he’s human. Set in 2018 it’s both a prequel and a sequel to the other Terminator movies.

This year’s Star Trek is the 11th film based on the franchise and features the main characters of the original TV series. The movie follows the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they trek across the galaxy at warp speed and fight off evil.

“It would be nice to live off the land and fix cars,” Yelchin says. Yeah, right! After these two films it will be virtually impossible for him to stay out of the limelight.

It seems there’s no stopping him now. He’s due to appear in New York, I Love You, alongside a star-studded cast including Shia LaBeouf and Blake Lively, and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, due out later this year.

WIN
Tell us who your favourite celeb is and you could win one of two hampers, including Terminator action figures courtesy of Prima Toys. SMS the word TERMINATOR followed by your comments, name and address to 34923 before by 5 pm on 18 June. Each SMS costs R2.

3OH!3 on our radar

Picture: The guys of 3OH!3, Sean Foreman - vocals (left) and Nathaniel Motte - programming, vocals

We can’t get enough of hot new hip-hop duo 3OH!3 and their hit single Don’t Trust Me. Find out more about this crazy electronica outfit from the States - and listen out for their next bangin’ tune, Starstrukk.

*Their name is a play on 303, the dialling code of Denver where they grew up. They met at the University of Colorado. “We were heavily into the underground hip-hop scene and bonded over our love for music,” Nathaniel says.

*Their 2007 self-titled debut album was considered a major flop but their second one, Want, released last year, gained them instant stardom.

*They recently opened a Snoop Dogg concert in the USA and their single Don’t Trust Me is climbing local and international radio charts.

*3OH!3 are well known for using skits and wearing costumes at live gigs.

CD reviews and music downloads

21ST CENTURY BREAKDOWN by Green Day
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Alet van Zyl
Green Day’s eighth album is more than 18 songs, one after the other; it’s a rock musical of a young couple in modern-day America. Best tracks: 21st Century Breakdown, Viva la Gloria and 21 Guns. Though their album American Idiot was pretty impressive this work might be their best yet. Worth the four-year wait.

LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD by Laura Izibor
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Gilda van Schalkwyk
The 20-year-old Irish singer’s debut album has attracted attention. The track Shine was released as a digital download and used in a movie and a TV sitcom. It’s an amazing song and her voice is powerfully soulful. Other good songs are the emotionally delivered If Tonight Is My Last, Mmm and The Worst Is Over. A wonderful neo-soul album.

SLIPWAY FIRES by Razorlight
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Franco Ferrarese
The guys have taken a distinctly new direction on their third album, meaning well but falling short of their original indie fervour. There’s a heavy yet melodic overtone throughout the album that will keep you hooked. Although ardent fans might hate the album there are a few brilliant tracks, including 60 Thompson and The House. Listen with an open mind - there’s plenty to enjoy.

DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon (picknplay.co.za)
After their first red-hot single, Sex on Fire, there’s no stopping these US rockers. The track Use Somebody off their latest album, Only by the Night, is one of the best rock songs ever produced. Lead singer Caleb Followill’s powerful voice will have you spellbound from the first note. (See YOU, 11 June, for all the latest news on this fabulous foursome.)

DVD reviews

ROCKnROLLA
Crime thriller. 2008. 109 min. With GERARD BUTLER, Thandie Newton and IDRIS ELBA. Director: Guy Ritchie. 16LV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Willem Möller

When a Russian billionaire calls in a sleazy crime kingpin to help him set up a dodgy London property deal it isn’t long before a whole bunch of no-goods - including a crooked but beautiful female accountant, a gay thug and a drug-addled rock star - get the smell of untold riches. But when a priceless painting goes missing and millions of euros are stolen it’s clear this story with no good guys in it isn’t going to have a happy ending.

Before becoming more famous as Madonna’s ex Guy Ritchie made his name as the British Quentin Tarantino with fast-paced thrillers laced with comedy, sleazy characters, multiple storylines and cool dialogue. But whereas those films offered a fresh twist on the crime caper formula RocknRolla is merely more of the same. It’s entertaining and worth catching for some great performances but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.

VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
Romance/drama. 2008. 92 min. With Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. 16S.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Este Langeveldt

Two friends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Johansson), go on holiday to Barcelona, Spain. They couldn’t be more different - Vicky is engaged and conventional whereas Cristina isn’t sure what she wants from life but knows it includes adventure.

While dining in Barcelona they meet artist Juan (Bardem) who invites them away for a weekend in Oviedo hoping to persuade them to sleep with him.

Vicky is outraged but Cristina is intrigued - and so begins a tale told with lots of witty dialogue and interesting twists.

Juan Antonio’s ex-wife (Cruz) comes into the picture and makes this an unconventional love story - but a beautiful one all the same.

BAKUGAN: BATTLE BRAWLERS
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Anime. 2009. 111 min. PG.

This Japanese animated movie is set in an alternative realm where metallic cards fall from the sky, providing keys to a new dimension where battles take place using the cards’ hidden warriors.

The main character is Dan Kuso, an arrogant teen who dreams of being top in the strategy game Bakugan. The thorn in his side is masked villain Masquerade who tries to send other players to a kind of purgatory from which they can’t return.

This DVD features the first five episodes and is a huge hit. It may be a bit too violent for younger viewers though.

Game of the week: Family Ski

WII. 2009. A.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sandy Cook

Strap on your skis and hit the slopes at the Happy Ski Resort. Beginners learn the basic moves, from freestyle and braking to tricky turns. Mosey around chatting to fellow skiers, enjoy views from the ski-lift and take on the snowy challenges. Advanced players can do nifty air tricks and navigate the meaner courses. The game supports the Wii Balance Board but it’s not essential. Parental supervision for young children is necessary because a lot of on-screen reading is required. Energetic and addictive.