Twilight’s Nikki Reed

She plays Twlight’s Rosalie, Edward Cullen’s beautiful adopted sister. The hit movies have been a helluva ride for the 21-year-old. Read on to find out more about this bright young talent

- Her full name is NICOLE HOUSTON REED and she was born and raised in California. Explains that glowing tan!

- She co-wrote and starred in the 2003 film Thirteen, which is based on Nikki’s life when she was 13 .The movie was co-written and directed by Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke.

- She had a rocky childhood and become emancipated from her mom when she was 14. (Emancipation is a legal mechanism in America whereby a teen can be freed from the control of their parents or guardians.) Her parents divorced when she was very young.

- Nikki is known for playing controversial roles, one of which was the troubled teen in the film Lords of Dogtown, also directed by Catherine - these two go way back. She also had a small role in The OC as Sadie, character Ryan Atwood’s love interest.

- She has 15 piercings: six in each ear and in her tongue, nose and bellybutton.

- She went through a huge physical transformation for her portrayal of Twilight’s Rosalie. “I bleached my hair at the expense of it falling out. I had all these layers done that didn’t exist before. I bleached my skin. I was in the bathtub scrubbing for three months before I even started shooting. My eyebrows, 36 hours in a hair chair, contacts, everything I possibly could,” she says. “It was bizarre to look at myself as a different person for all that time. I was like, ‘Who are you?’ for ages.”

- She admits being a star isn’t always easy to deal with. “Sometimes I just want to be taken care of and not have to be an adult and deal with articles written about whether you can be the most beautiful person in the world and scrutinised by 20 million people and worry about your weight or your this or all of the superficial things. I still want to be a kid.”

- She despises Bella in the film but they’re best buds in real life. She says having Kristen Stewart who plays Bella take most of the limelight for the Twilight film has helped keep her out of the fan mania a bit. “If it weren’t for Kristen this would have been a lot more overwhelming. But she and I are best friends so to have her along makes a huge difference.”

- Nikki dreams of one day producing and directing films. “If you asked me if I wanted to be an actor forever the answer would be no.”

- She reprises her role in the Twilight sequel, New Moon.

Music reviews

NOW 52 by various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin

The Now series usually delivers highlights of the hottest music around and this latest edition is no exception. Idols fans will be delighted that Jason’s Break the Silence and Sasha-Lee’s True Believer made the cut. So too do Seether’s cover of Careless Whisper, Boom Boom Pow of the Black Eyed Peas, Britney’s If U Seek Amy, Lovegame by Lady Gaga, Not Fair by Lily Allen and Bob Sinclar’s latest hit, LaLa Song.

LEAVE THIS TOWN by Daughtry
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Danel Blaauw

With his first CD he smashed records, selling the most CDs ever for a debut rock album. Now, two years later, American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry and his group are back with Leave This Town. The album doesn’t disappoint but can’t be compared to their first. You’ll play You Don’t Belong and No Surprise repeatedly.

70s GOLD by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip

Three CDs with 61 songs covering everything from the froth of Rockin’ Robin by Michael Jackson, the rock of Status Quo’s Down Down and the heartache of Puppy Love by Donny Osmond. There are even a few obscure selections such as Part of the Union by Strawbs. The record label has done a good job of combining rock, funk and disco, making this a worthwhile listen.

MOST DOWNLOADED
I GOTTA FEELING by Black Eyed Peas
Site: www.billboard.com

This feel-good track is the second single off the Black Eyed Peas’ hit album The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) and was produced by acclaimed French house DJ David Guetta. He also has a cameo appearance in the music video. I Gotta Feeling debuted at No 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 - the group’s highest debut on the chart - behind their first single, Boom Boom Pow, and quickly knocked it off the top spot. It’s also racing up local charts. Hot, hot, hot!

Movie of the week: Public Enemies

True-life drama. With Johnny Depp, Channing Tatum and Christian Bale. Director: Michael Mann. 16V. Opens 4 September.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
In the ’30s police killed infamous American gangster John Dillinger in cold blood. What really happened? And was FBI boss J Edgar Hoover able to stamp out crime in the process?

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
To anyone who’s punch-drunk from South Africa’s sky-high crime statistics the theme of this movie will be all too familiar. Michael Mann, the peacock of directors, glamorises the gangster culture with bloodstained glitter, although this is no Bonnie and Clyde. As in his other films the style is cool and calculated as he presents lies as the truth - but with a charming smile. For example the way “Pretty Boy” Floyd bites the dust in this film is far from what happened - the truth is much less romantic.

Mann clearly enjoyed himself recreating an era and giving the movie a glitzy look but South Africans who have been on the receiving end of crime may have far less sympathy with Dillinger and his cohorts.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No. To appreciate every detail and get an insight into Dillinger’s final moments you have to see this on a big screen. Johnny Depp brings a new dimension to the Dillinger character - he’s more attractive, cool and dynamic than other actors who have played the part - and, wrongly, wins the audience’s sympathy. You actually hope the crook isn’t caught! Not one of Mann’s best flicks but as a visual feast it’s a respectable addition to his long list of impressive films.

POPCORN FACT
When Dillinger was shot bystanders dipped their handkerchiefs in his blood as a souvenir.

DVD reviews

DEFIANCE
War drama. 2009. 131 min. With Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell. Director: Edward Zwick. 16VL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

This true story set during World War 2 follows brothers Tuvia (Craig) and Zus Bielski (Schreiber) who set up a camp in Eastern Europe to feed and provide shelter for Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. Because of their vastly different personalities they frequently clash and Zus leaves to join the fight against the Nazis instead of simply trying to survive.

Tuvia remains with the camp but the numbers of sick and hungry continue to grow. When they have to face the Nazis brotherly love makes them join forces. It’s a fascinating story, even if it goes on a bit, and at the end you’ll see pictures and the life stories of the real brothers who ended up leading more than 1 000 Jews to safety.

17 AGAIN
Comedy. 2009. 98 min. With Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann and Thomas Lennon. Director: Burr Steers. PG13.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson

Mike O’Donnell (Perry) is his high school’s star basketball player and has a bright future but his life falls apart when his girlfriend, Scarlett (Mann), becomes pregnant. He gives up his dream to play the doting father and husband.

Almost 20 years later Mike is stuck in a dead-end job, his kids hate him and his wife wants a divorce. His luck seems to change when he’s magically transformed back into his 17-year-old self (Efron). He enrols in his kids’ school and pretends he’s the son of their uncle Ned, a geeky internet billionaire (Lennon). Mike again sets out to get a basketball scholarship but will he choose a different path this time?

Efron finally shows he’s more than just a High School Musical poster boy. Although the plot is nothing new there are enough funny moments - mostly provided by the hilarious Ned - and depth to keep the older folks entertained.

Game of the week: Wario Land

WARIO LAND THE SHAKE DIMENSION
Wii. 2009. 7+
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: LJ Moller

Wario Land is tailor-made for old-school gamers or anyone into 2-D platforms. It looks and plays like a dream. There’s only one minor weak point: if you race through each stage the game is pretty short. But if you try to complete every goal by revisiting stages you’ll find it challenging.

Wario Land remembers its roots yet invites new players to join in the fun with one of Nintendo’s favourite characters, greedy old Wario.

Q&A with Vanessa Williams

American singer-actress VANESSA WILLIAMS talks exclusively to us about her latest album, The Real Thing, and what it’s like to play campy villain Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG ON THE ALBUM?
The Real Thing. It’s the first one I knew I wanted to record. It’s also the song that kicks off the album’s flavour, a Latin-Brazilian type of sound. It’s a cover version and I remember the song from 1977. It was so part of the fabric of my life growing up.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ALBUM’S SOUND?
It’s relaxed and mature. That sense of maturity has progressed along with my age - I’m 46 and the mother of four children. That said, I’m enjoying the dance mix of The Real Thing which was made especially for clubs.

DO YOU COME ACROSS MANY PEOPLE SAYING, “I DIDN’T KNOW WILHELMINA SLATER COULD SING?”
Most people who know my music are grown-ups. Young girls, 12 years old and up, are huge Ugly Betty fans and don’t know about the music. They’re surprised; their parents aren’t. But I have the luxury of not having to worry about trying to sell music to 12-year-olds. With jazz the music is more timeless. You can make great music and not worry about the ages of the people buying it.

ACCOMPLISHED SINGER AND ACTRESS: YOUR PREFERENCE?
I prefer Broadway - then I can do both! I love playing a character that breaks into song and dance. I haven’t sung in Ugly Betty but there’s a musical episode in season four in which the whole cast will sing.

ANY PLANS FOR ANOTHER ALBUM?
Not yet. I’m working on promoting this one. I don’t have much time off because we’re filming season four of Betty. I’m trying to bridge both aspects of my career.

WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO RECORD A DUET WITH?
Sting. I’m a huge fan. I had the chance to sing on the same night as him at a jazz festival. That was wonderful!

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE?
I’m all over the place. In my car it’s a mixture of ’70s, jazz, pop, retro, hip-hop and even salsa. It depends on my mood. The weather dictates what I’m listening to.

Music news

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Hands by Little Boots
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
UK pop artist Victoria Christina Hesketh, or Little Boots as she’s known to fans, auditioned for Idols at the tender age of 16. She didn’t make the cut but her debut album, Hands, has now launched her into the global spotlight. The buzz is about the catchy first single, New in Town, and the equally noteworthy Remedy but there’s plenty for pop fans to enjoy.

Little Boots (25) cites Britney Spears, Pink Floyd, The Human League and Miley Cyrus as musical influences and you’ll hear a definite blend of ’80s pop and disco. A great new discovery.

BIG WHISKEY AND THE GROOGRUX KING by Dave Matthews Band
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Franco Ferrarese
The band’s seventh album is a fitting tribute to their saxophonist, LeRoi Moore aka GrooGrux King, who died last year. The 13 songs offer a dazzling mix of commercial fare as well as a few slower songs such as You and Me. Matthews proves his writing mettle with Funny the Way It Is which is more pop-like. Another favourite is Why I Am. Definitely worth a listen.

PUTUMAYO PRESENTS BRAZILIAN CAFÉ by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The sensual sounds of South America come together on this 12-track album. Featuring samba, bossa nova and jazz, it’s relaxing mood music at its best and you won’t even care if you don’t understand the lyrics. There are a few great tracks to choose from, including Djavan’s Embola a Bola and the Teresa Cristina and Grupo Semente duet Para Não Contrariar Você.

THE BEST OF OM RECORDS by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Annelene Moses
Now here’s a classy blend of music mixed by Brett Jackson, regarded as one of the country’s best house DJs. This compilation makes you feel every day is Friday and you have nothing but the weekend ahead of you. All 14 tracks are great but Kaskade’s Gonna Make It and Rithma’s Just Before Dawn are favourites. Pure bliss for house fans.

WIN!
Ten readers will each win a copy of the new Dave Matthews Band album. To enter SMS the word DAVE, your name, surname and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 3 September. Each SMS costs R2.

Movie of the week: District 9

Sci-fi. With Sharlto Copley, Vanessa Haywood and Kenneth Nkosi. Director: Neill Blomkamp. 16LV. Opens 28 August.
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Twenty years ago creatures from another planet arrived in Johannesburg and now live in a secret part of the city. Meanwhile earthlings try to find the secret behind their terrifying weapons.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Words can’t describe this astonishing surprise. Director Neill Blomkamp brazenly reinvents sci-fi, giving the genre an entirely fresh twist. It’s a brilliant parody of xenophobia, the tragedy that befell District 6 and racism (of all kinds) while telling the story of a well-mannered Afrikaans dude who won’t let the horrors of war strip him of his humanity. With a great local cast giving natural performances with true local accents this jolly funride is the biggest surprise of the year.

It’s madcap, eccentric, cheeky, over-the-top and as South African as biltong. Blomkamp could become the next George Lucas but better! If you love movies you have to see this.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No, don’t wait. With hilariously cheeky special effects (created with the help of The Lord of the Rings’ Peter Jackson) this outstanding flick shows South Africans are capable of sending up our high-voltage lifestyle, our obsession with race, Jozi’s enduring mining-town mentality and the weird joy of living in this mad country. It celebrates a kooky bunch of people trying to survive in a crazy place where the wheels frequently come off but somehow, magically, get screwed on again. Cool! It’s what Transformers should have been - machines with charm.

POPCORN FACT
- Neill Blomkamp was born and grew up in Joburg until his family moved to Canada.

Totally into Taylor

Gossip Girl’s Little Jenny Humphrey sure is a fascinating creature and it’s all thanks to up-and-coming actress TAYLOR MOMSEN. From her quirky fashion sense to her carefree attitude Taylor oozes cool.

THE DATING GAME
Taylor (16) is single but definitely knows what she wants in a partner - or at least what she doesn’t want. “I’m not going to date someone who’s 16. Boys are so much less mature than girls as it is. I would eat a boy my age alive,” she says.

SHE’S PRETTY RECKLESS
Apart from acting she’s the lead singer in her own band, Pretty Reckless. “A lot of people in music are manufactured faces. I don’t want to be that,” she says. In March she revealed her band was working on a debut album.

SHE COULD HAVE BEEN HANNAH MONTANA
Taylor auditioned for the lead in Hannah Montana, which went to Miley Cyrus, of course. “I’m relieved I didn’t get it. It would be a very different show. It just wouldn’t have worked for me,” she says. True, we can’t seem to picture her as HM either.

WHAT’S UP WITH HER ZANY STYLE?
“I decided to start being myself. Now I do my own make-up, my own hair and dress myself,” she says. “I try not to leave the house without thinking of how I’m going to present myself. But I’m not a little kid playing dress-up.”

ABOUT GOSSIP WEBSITES
I read somewhere there was this whole blog about how I shoot heroin. I was like, ‘Guys, I don’t shoot heroin. Sorry to burst your bubble but that’s really obscene. I like Kurt Cobain but I’m not trying to emulate everything about him’.”

TAYLOR’S FILM ROLES
She began acting professionally at three with a national commercial for Shake ‘N’ Bake. She went on to star in several films before landing Gossip Girl.
2000: Cindy Lou Who in 2000’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2002: Julie Moore as a child in We Were Soldiers
2002: Alexandra in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams
2002: Gretel in Hansel & Gretel
2006: Samantha Wallace in Saving Shiloh
2007: Jennifer in Paranoid Park
2007: Molly in Underdog

DVD reviews

THE WRESTLER
Drama. 2009. 105 min. With Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei. Director: Darren Aronofsky. 16LSNV.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: John Phillips

Mickey Rourke is brilliant in his portrayal of washed-up pro wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson whose age and failing health force him to re-examine his life. He tries to patch things up with his estranged daughter (Wood) and develops a meaningful relationship with a stripper friend (Tomei) but his life outside the ring seems as doomed to failure as his career in it.

Don’t expect the comforting pantomime of WWE here; this is a bleak, no-holds barred movie that looks at the tragedy and pain of the actors behind the theatre. And, as Bruce Springsteen sings in the excellent theme song, they’re a bunch of “one-trick ponies” - as ineffectual in real life as one-armed men punching at the breeze.

Tomei turns in a reasonable performance but the rest of the cast are totally eclipsed by Rourke, who won a Golden Globe best actor award and was nominated for an Oscar for this role. Not for those who enjoy Hollywood endings. Special features: featurette, blooper reel, music video.

FAST & FURIOUS
Action. 2009. 102 min. With Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster. Director: Justin Lin. 13VL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer Lara Atson

The stars of the original The Fast and the Furious are back! In the fourth film in the series fugitive Dominic Toretto (Diesel) - who went on the run after hijacking fuel tankers - returns to Los Angeles after his girlfriend (Rodriguez) is murdered. Dom is on to the killer and seeks revenge but when he finds out ex-pal Brian O’Conner (Walker), who now works for the FBI, is tracking the same man - a druglord who uses speed racers to ship narcotics across the Mexican border - they bury the hatchet and compete for a spot as one of the druglord’s drivers. This makes for entertaining scenes featuring pimped-up cars and tunnel races in the desert.

If fast cars and hot women are your thing you’ll enjoy what’s arguably the best movie in the series. Special features: lots including commentary, a featurette on muscle cars and a gag reel.

Globetrotting Danny K

He’s hard at work on his fifth album and planning a wedding with the woman of his dreams. Seems R&B singer DANNY K has plenty to be excited about these days. He has been recording in a London studio for the past month with stars such as Jon Bon Jovi in the next room. Pressplay caught up with the Unfrozen hitmaker to find out more.

He’s excited about his new album, Danny tells us from the UK. “The challenge with recording album after album is delivering something new and different and I feel I’ve cracked a totally new sound on this one.”

The recording studios, owned by his music partner Pete “Boxsta” Martin, are out of this world, the singer adds. “It’s an amazing building filled with superstars. Bon Jovi is currently in studio next door and I believe Whitney (Houston) is coming in next week. It’s insane and inspiring to make music in a place like this.”

He hasn’t had much rest while recording but is enjoying every minute of it. “I love the excitement of recording new songs. It has always excited me most about being a musician. In the studio you can be totally free, no one can judge you and the allure of a blank sheet of paper that can house any lyric makes for exciting times.”

It’s not the first time the proudly South African singer has recorded on foreign soil. Before London he was in the USA recording with bigshot producer Danja, who has worked with stars such as Britney, Ciara, Missy Elliott and Justin Timberlake.

Of course he was bound to bump into a few A-listers. “I met Matt Damon in Las Vegas. We both play poker so we chatted about that. He’s an amazing dude.”

Despite doing so well abroad Danny will return to SA once recording is done. “I really miss home,” he says.

Obsession of the week: Michael Cera

- In his new comedy, Year One - which hits our cinemas on 21 August - MICHAEL CERA teams up with laugh-a-minute Jack Black.

- He co-wrote the independent film Paper Heart with his co-star and real-life girlfriend, Charlyne Yi. It’s a documentary about whether love exists and it’s set for release this year.

- You can also check out 21-year-old Michael in this year’s Youth in Revolt, a teen comedy in which he plays a 14-year-old desperate to lose his virginity.

- Michael knew he wanted to be in front of the cameras when he was four. “I really liked Ghostbusters and wanted to act from an early age because of that.”

- As a kid he auditioned for the role of Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense but lost out to Haley Joel Osment. “When I auditioned I didn’t know the movie was about seeing dead people so I did the very emotional scenes upbeat!”

- He says his fan base grew after he starred in Superbad. “Suddenly I had drunk guys coming up to me, high-fiving me, grabbing me,” he says.

Music news

Grammy Award-winner JOHN LEGEND is coming to SA! What’s more, he’ll be supported by Knock You Down singer Keri Hilson. The R&B superstar’s tour kicks off on 15 October at the Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World in Cape Town. He’ll also perform at the Indoor Arena at the International Convention Centre in Durban on the 17 October and at Joburg’s Coca-Cola Dome on the 18th. Tickets from R218 to R321.

CD REVIEWS
FAR by Regina Spektor
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
There’s simply nothing wrong with Regina’s latest album. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief she hasn’t deviated from her quirky folk-pop formula. The album is peppered with up-tempo songs such as The Calculation and slower-paced tracks such as Human of the Year. You need to listen to the songs a few times to really “get” them.

LINES, VINES AND TRYING TIMES by Jonas Brothers
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
You can’t help wondering if Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas have run out of steam on their fourth album. The songs aren’t awful but they’re not brilliant either. A few such as Poison Ivy are downright childish and will probably be enjoyed only by teenagers. Their fans will love the album though, especially Fly with Me, Paranoid and Keep It Real.

WILD YOUNG HEARTS by Noisettes
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Emma Liwela
British indie band Noisette’s second album offers soulful pop with a tinge of rock. Frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa’s voice has been compared to that of fellow Brit Adele. She seems to have the endless energy of Lady Gaga and in-your-face attitude of Lily Allen - there’s no doubt she’s becoming a global star. The best songs are Don’t Upset the Rhythm and Wild Young Hearts.

DVD of the week: Rachel Getting Married

Drama. 2009. 115 min. With ANNE HATHAWAY, Rosemarie DeWitt and Bill Irwin. Director: Jonathan Demme. 13L.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig

Kym (Hathaway) is released from drug rehab the weekend her sister, Rachel (DeWitt), is getting married. She arrives to find the family home packed with friends and relatives bustling about in preparation for the big event. Not quite knowing where she fits in, troubled Kym struggles to adapt to the family she hasn’t seen in a while. As we see the strong, dynamic relationship between the sisters and their father (Irwin), the reason for Kym’s rehab comes to light.

Her past actions seem almost unforgiveable to her and her family but one thing is certain - they’re not the kind to sweep problems under the rug. The dramatic outbursts that follow will jar moviegoers as the actors dig deep to bring raw emotion to the screen.

If you’re into action and a fast plot you may not enjoy this simple, dark and candid film from the director of The Silence of the Lambs.

Movie of the week GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Action. With CHANNING TATUM, Christopher Eccleston and Sienna Miller. Director: Stephen Sommers. 13M. Opens 14 August.
Rating: 2/5
Reviewer:


WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
The GI Joe team has special powers and uses modern technology to rescue Earth from horrible electrical insects that want to eat the planet. But will it be in time?

WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Young dudes who can’t get enough of over-the-top funpark rides will love it. This devil-may-care windbag of a movie is just special effects, chase scenes and earth-shaking action held together with a comic book story. At least it’s better than the wretched Transformers sequel - it has some humanity and Channing Tatum, who made such an impression in Fighting, gives a sympathetic, believable portrayal of the main character. He’s more sensitive than the average action hero and this saves the flick. But it’s still arrogant, noisy, predictable and without a decent plot.

WAIT FOR DVD?
No. In fact after you’ve seen it on the big screen you need to see it in an Imax theatre with a giant screen and an overwhelming sound system to fully appreciate the sight of the Eiffel Tower collapsing and horrifying electrical insects gobbling up a city. Not even your plasma screen could do justice to the devastating action scenes. Definitely not for people who prefer sophisticated movies but action junkies will get their money’s worth. And the girls with their glossy red lips are supersexy.

POPCORN FACTS
- South African-born actor Arnold Vosloo makes a cameo appearance.

- Tatum Channing was chosen to play Duke over Mark Wahlberg and Sam Worthington.

Jordin sparkles on her second album

Judging by the way the first single off Battlefield is soaring up local and international charts it’s safe to say Jordin Sparks has created another must-have CD.

The album is about strength in life, love and staying true to yourself, the award-winning singer says. “There’s a lot more growth so my voice sounds a little bit more mature. I wanted to pick songs that I relate to and that I wouldn’t mind singing for the rest of my life. There are four songs I wrote and I’m really, really excited about.”

The 19-year-old songbird recorded the album between January and June and was backed by heavyweight producers T-Pain and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, who penned Leona Lewis’ hit single Bleeding Love and Beyoncé’s Halo.

The 12-track album features two bonus tracks - Tattoo and One Step at a Time - from her 2007 self-titled first album.

On the track S.O.S. (Let the Music Play) Jordin tries an upbeat sound but says she’s “still just the ballad-singer girl from American Idol.

“I don’t talk about things I don’t know. Sex, drugs, rock ’n roll - I don’t know about any of those things. I just talk about things that are kind of universal - love, friendship, things like that. I think the world needs to hear some of that.”

We’re sure the Sparkplugs (her official fanbase) will agree!

Sizzling Ciara

She’s one of the hottest R&B singers around and is wooing fans with her latest chart-topper, Love Sex Magic, featuring Justin Timberlake. If you haven’t heard her latest album, Fantasy Ride, what are you waiting for? Here’s more on divine Ciara.

- Her father was in the US army so Ciara grew up on army bases around the world. Her family eventually settled in New York when she was eight.

- Her music career was inspired by seeing Destiny’s Child perform on TV. “My ultimate goal is to be one of the best female entertainers ever, like those I watched growing up,” she says.

- She won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video with Missy Elliott for Lose Control in 2006.

- Ciara took the part of a high school volleyball star in 2005’s All You’ve Got. Next she appears in Mama, I Want to Sing, playing a preacher’s daughter who becomes a pop star. “I want to be an amazing actress,” Ciara says. “I’m looking forward to many more film experiences.”

- Fantasy Ride is a personal story. “I’m taking my fans on a virtual fantasy ride through music and my life. Look at the first two singles. They’re both extensions of who I am and yet so different. Never Ever is warm and Love Sex Magic is aggressive. Both are sides of me and there’s so much more to share. It’s all a part of the Fantasy Ride.”

- The busy singer/actress owns a talent agency called Universal Dance Talent, which establishes careers for up-and-coming dancers. “The ultimate goal is to have a dance school with a studio,” she says. Plus rumour has it she’s set to release a clothing line soon. We can’t wait!

- She thinks guys are intimidated by her height! At 1,9 m tall this isn’t a gal who has to look up to dates. “Some guys are nervous speaking to me. Maybe it’s because I’m so tall! Since I’ve been doing music I don’t really get asked out much,” she says.

WIN!
Tell us who your fave artist is and you could win one of 10 Fantasy Ride albums, courtesy of Sony BMG SA. SMS Ciara along with your comments, name and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 20 August. Each SMS costs R2.

CD of the month: Fierce!

FIERCE! by various artists
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson
An album for all the rockers out there! This new compilation from Sony Music is sure to get any party going. The CD features radio-friendly rock/pop hits from bands such as Good Charlotte, Metro Station and The Ting Tings. Highlights include Pink’s Sober and Breakeven from The Script. And you can look good while jamming to your favourite tune. They’ve thrown in a 20 per cent Rage discount clothing voucher in every copy and a free NKD Step Right Up ringtone.

CRADLESONG by Rob Thomas
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Rob, lead singer of rock band Matchbox 20, has another winner with his second solo album, the follow-up to Something To Be (2005). His voice is flawless as are his melodies and deep, thought-provoking lyrics, particularly on the first single, Her Diamonds. Gasoline and Give Me the Meltdown are radio-friendly, proving Rob is no one-hit wonder.

TENDER MOMENTS by Tender
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Mma-Tshepo Mokgoko
Tender Mavundla, a finalist in the fourth season of South African Idols, delivers pure enjoyment on her debut album. It’s an eclectic mix of songs with R&B and Afro-soul undertones. There are few English songs but it doesn’t matter. Most tracks are catchy and easy on the ear with Ithemba Lami, Amathatha and Nomthandazo the hottest tracks.

SOME PEOPLE HAVE REAL PROBLEMS by Sia
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Although this Aussie singer isn’t well known in SA she’s one to watch. She sounds like a cross between Tori Amos, Björk and Nelly Furtado - and her pop styling has intelligent, meaningful lyrics. Best songs on this, her third, album? Too many to choose from but we recommend Academia, Buttons and I Go to Sleep.

WIN!
Five readers will each win a copy of Rob Thomas’ Cradlesong. SMS the word CRADLE, your name and address to 34923 by 5 pm on 20 August 2009. Each SMS costs R2.

DVD of the week: Milk

Real-life drama. 2009. 122 min. With Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin. Director: Gus van Sant. 13 LSV.
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone

Seldom has an Oscar been as richly deserved as Sean Penn’s for his portrayal of gay-rights activist Harvey Milk whose quest to give hope and dignity to one of the most victimised communities in America cost him his life.

The movie opens with the announcement of Milk’s assassination in 1978. A tape recording, made nine days before his death, weaves an eerie thread through the story.

In flashback Milk moves from New York to what he hopes is a more open society in San Francisco. It is but not for gays who are routinely victimised. Intending to be an instrument of change he runs for political office and at first is defeated by prejudice. He finally wins and uses his position to fight anti-gay legislation; he also attracts his fair share of enemies.

This superbly crafted movie, which captures the turbulent fight for gay rights and the mood of San Francisco at the time, is highly recommended. Special features: three doccies on the struggle for gay rights in the 1970s.

PAUL BLART: MALL COP
Comedy. 2008. 87 min. With Kevin James, Keir O’Donnell and Jayma Mays. Director: Steve Carr. PGV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Willem Moller

Overweight Paul Blart (James) would love to be a real cop but with his dodgy blood sugar levels the only job he can get is as a mall security guard. He takes his job seriously though and loves zipping around on his stand-up scooter, pulling over reckless motorised-wheelchair drivers. When the mall is taken over by ruthless gangsters Paul gets a chance to prove himself and find his inner hero.

Despite some funny moments this is a pretty average comedy. What makes it worth seeing is the spectacular stunts, performed by extreme sportsmen. Check out the bonus featurettes of them filming their gravity-defying skateboard and BMX tricks.

A handy guide to rent the best DVDs

If you find it hard to decide which DVDs to take out Pick of the Movies is just the thing for you. This pocket-size quarterly publication lists the best recently released films, giving information such as genre, cast, plot overview, critics’ and viewers’ comments, awards and nominations, reasons to see it, age restriction, time and more. It costs R24,95 and is available at selected DVD rental outlets and book stores, or go to pickofthemovies.com.

WIN
To be in line to win one of 15 copies of Pick of the Movies’ winter 2009 issue, SMS the keyword MOVIES, your name and street address to 34923 by 5 pm on 20 August 2009. Each SMS costs R2.