TOP 5                        OTHER NEW RELEASES

TOY STORY 3D *****  An absolute joyride, filled with laughs, suspense and adventure. If you are looking for first rate escapism in 3D, make sure to experience this well crafted film that celebrates the art of animation and the craft of imaginative storytelling.  It's fun, fun, fun! Besides offering a great story that captivates and involves audiences emotionally from start to finish,  it is a meaningful cinematic experience that serves as a reminder of how important it is to never forget about the child within and the power of the imagination. This is storytelling at its best, bringing Toy Story 1 and 2 to a magnificent climax that will definitely be revisited on DVD. Also be sure to catch the hilarious  Pixar short Day and Night that runs before the feature. In this latest chapter, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving Woody, Buzz and the rest of his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future. It takes place in the summer between Andy graduating high school and going off to college. The toys are actually at that place of being outgrown. And that's where the adventure starts.  The comical new adventure that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can't wait to get their sticky little fingers on these "new" toys. It's pandemonium as Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang try to stay together, ensuring "no toy gets left behind." 2 Lucky readers can win a Toy Story 3 hamper that includes a bag, keychain and bottle. Tell us who wrote the screenplay and send the answer with your contact details and 'Toy Story 3' in the subject line to info@writingstudio.co.za before July 31 Read more     Read more about Toy Story 1 and 2

LETTERS TO JULIET ***** A magnificent  love story for hopeless romantics that shows that it is never too late to find love, and that the mystery of true love can be an unbelievable journey of discovery.  Director Gary Winick (Charlotte's Web, 13 Going On 30) directs this heartwarming romantic comedy written by Jose Rivera (Motorcycle Diaries). When aspiring magazine writer (Amanda Seyfried) and a would-be restaurateur fly from New York to Italy for a vacation, the stage seems set for some much-needed romance in their relationship--especially since their destination is the city of Verona, home of the star-crossed lover Juliet Capulet of Romeo and Juliet fame. It stars Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia), Vanessa Redgrave (6-time Academy Award nominee; and winner for Julia), Christopher Egan (Eragon). Read more

THE LIMITS OF CONTROL ***** An unforgettable cinematic experience from Jim Jarmusch, who underlines the art of self expression with this captivating journey where every frame allows the audience to put the pieces of the puzzle together and experience the story from the character's point of view. The mystery revolves around a mysterious loner (played by Mr. De Bankoleacute), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged. His journey, paradoxically both intently focused and dreamlike, takes him not only across Spain but also through his own consciousness. Read more  Read an interview with Jim Jarmusch

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR PARNASSUS ***** When Heath Ledger tragically died before filming was complete on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and it threatened the close down of the production, it was a reminder that actors are merely human. The film's producers reassured Ledger's fans that the actor's work would not be modified or altered through the use of digital technology. Director Terry Gilliam fought to reconfigure the story without losing the fine performance which his star had already committed to film and complete the journey which had begun in his fervid, boundless imagination less than eighteen months before. In the modern-day fantasy adventure Ledger took on the role of a charming and mysterious outsider Tony who seduces Parnassus' precious daughter in Gilliam's fantastical morality tale .If this cinematic tour de force does not blow your mind, nothing ever will!  Read more

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE **** It's all about the passion of love, and loyalty to friends in this consumate coming of age story. As vampires and werewolves try to settle their differences and come to terms with living in harmony, so does Bella battle her own sexuality and mortality.  Visually arresting, with lots of breathtaking visual effects and a sexy cast, director David Slade pulls all the punches to balance the intimacy of romantic liasions with the brutal and spectacular encounter between deadly predators. Add to this a script that equally balances humour, adventure and the conflicts of transformation, a cast that brings Stephanie Meyer's lovable beasts and passionate characters to life, and a music soundtrack that underlines the actions and emotions, and you have first rate entertainment with sizzle and bite.  Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between Edward and Jacob -- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampire and werewolf. The Ultimate guide to the Twilight series and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Read interviews with Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart 3 Lucky Twilight fans can win a fantastic hamper that includes: An  Edward Combo Pack, Jelly Bangle and Key Chain and a Jacob  Combo Pack, Jelly Bangle and Key Chain.

OTHER RELEASES
Listed Alphabetically
BROKEN EMBRACES ***** Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar takes us on an intimate journey into two stories that collide head on.  A man writes, lives and loves in darkness. Fourteen years before, he was in a brutal car crash on the island of Lanzarote. In the accident, he didn't lose only his sight, he also lost Lena, the love of his life. This man uses two names: Harry Caine, a playful pseudonym with which he signs his literary works, stories and scripts, and Mateo Blanco, his real name, with which he lives and signs the film he directs. After the accident, Mateo Blanco reduces himself to his pseudonym, Harry Caine. If he can't direct films he can only survive with the idea that Mateo Blanco died on Lanzarote with his beloved Lena.In the present day, Harry Caine lives thanks to the scripts he writes and to the help he gets from his faithful former production manager, Judit García, and from Diego, her son, his secretary, typist and guide. The story of Mateo, Lena, Judit and Ernesto Martel is a story of "amour fou", dominated by fatality, jealously, the abuse of power, treachery and a guilt complex. A moving and terrible story, the most expressive image of which is the photo of two lovers embracing, torn into a thousand pieces. Read more
CREATION **** An intelligent human drama that probes the psyche of a scientist who challenged the world and found himself in the process. Part ghost story, part psychological thriller, part heart-wrenching love story, Creation is the powerful story of Charles Darwin and the single most explosive idea in history.  Directed by Jon Amiel (The Core, Entrapment, Copycat, Sommersby) from a screenplay by John Collee (Master and the Commander: The Far Side of the World, Happy Feet), CREATION is based upon Randal Keynes' book, 'Annie's Box', about the life of his great great grandfather, the world's pre-eminent scientist, Charles Darwin.   Charles Darwin is played by British actor Paul Bettany. Read more
DEATH AT A FUNERAL Sibling rivalry, family secrets and a mysterious stranger threaten to blow the lid right off a coffin in Death at a Funeral, a hilarious and darkly delicious romp featuring an ensemble cast of comedy superstars and acclaimed dramatic actors. Based on director Frank Oz and writer Dean Craig's 2007 funeral farce and transplanted from the English countryside to sunny Pasadena, California, Death at a Funeral is a disarmingly funny look at life going on in the wake of death.  A hilarious day in the life of an American family come together to put a beloved husband and father to rest. As mourners gather at the family home, shocking revelations, festering resentments, ugly threats, blackmail and a misdirected corpse unleash lethal and riotous mayhem.  Read more
DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM  Two years have passed since elite police officer Damien Tomasso (Cyril Raffaelli) teamed up with reformed vigilante Leito (parkour originator David Belle) to save the notorious District 13, a racially charged ghetto populated by violent drug dealing gangs and vicious killers. Despite government promises to maintain order, the state of the district has deteriorated, and a group of corrupt cops and elected officials are conspiring to cause civil unrest in D13, looking for an excuse to raze the area and cash in on its redevelopment. Now Damian and Leito must join forces again, and use their mastery of martial arts and their unique physical skills to bring peace to the neighborhood by any means necessary… before a proposed nuclear air-strike wipes it off the map. With bone crunching fights and death defying leaps, this adrenaline charged sequel takes the groundbreaking parkour action from District B13 to thrilling new heights.Read More
EGOLI  *** A well-made, proudly South African drama from renowned producer and writer Franz Marx, featuring first rate performances from Darren Kelkens (left) and David Rees (right). The story focuses on the friendship between Niek (Rees) and Joe (Kelkens), and a past that infiltrates their present lives.  It is an emotional human drama about family, friendship and love in the context of the political and economical climate in South Africa. You don't have to be a fan to get involved with the story. Also the film is subtitled in English, which allows it to keep its unique South African flavour. The story continues  several months after  the TV-series ended. The film is about self-analysis and the impact a dark and murky past has on two characters. But it is also about friendship, reconciliation, forgiveness, love and hope. Read more Exclusive Interviews with writer-producer Franz Marx, director Bromley Cawood, writer Christo Compion and actor Darren Kelkens
ENDGAME ** In the climate of the "war on terror" we all now live in, this inspiring film has never had more relevance. A gripping and sophisticated political thriller in which a British businessman initiates secret talks between the outlawed, terrorist-labelled ANC and white intellectuals to try and find a peaceful solution to the brutal conflict in South Africa.  A deadly behind-the-scenes game of cat and mouse ensues. This is an epic political thriller full of unexpected heroes. "Ultimately, this is a film about men jumping off a cliff together into the abyss - trying to make hope work when there seems very little," says directpr Peter Travis (Vantage Point).  "When it looked like South Africa could fall into a kind of bloody conflagration, I think it was extraordinary what was achieved in the talks." Read more
THE FOURTH KIND * If you can believe Milla Jojovich's performance as a psycholgist and distressed mother who was apparently subjected to alien abduction, anything is possible! Also, writer-director Olatunde Osunsanmi intrusion into what could have been an interesting story, tries far too hard to convince, rather than allow the story to speak for itself. Using never-before-seen archival footage integrated into the film, exposes the terrified revelations of multiple witnesses of encounters with non humans.  Read more
GOOD HAIR Chris Rock examines the cost, both financial and sociological, of African-American hair culture in this hilarious, Sundance award-winning film. Travelling from Atlanta to India to Harlem and everywhere in between, Rock tries to figure out how society determines exactly what is "good" hair. An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, it visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community. Read more
MAMADUKE *** Total fun! A 'dogmance' with pooches falling in love and coming of age. Marmaduke, the world's most lovable Great Dane, leaps from comic strip fame (appearing in 600 newspapers in over 20 countries) to big screen stardom. In this family comedy, the super-sized dog who never fit in, finally finds a place where it's okay to stand out.   Now living large in Orange County, California, Marmaduke is helping his family make the big transition from the Midwest to The O.C.  But he's also discovering that fitting in with his new four-legged friends isn't always easy for a 200-pound teenage dog.  Lucky for Marmaduke, he doesn't have to go it alone because he always has his "step-bro" and best pal, Carlos, a Russian Blue Cat, watching his back. Owen Wilson is the voice of Marmaduke and George Lopez voices Carlos.  Marmaduke is reminiscent of the teen angst films of the 1980s. "I grew up with movies like [the Hughes directed or produced] 'Some Kind of Wonderful,' 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,'" says director Tom Dey.  "Making Marmaduke was like revisiting my teenage years." Read more
KILLERS Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher) is just your average, undercover, government-hired super-assassin accustomed to a life of exotic European locales, flashy sports cars and even flashier women. But when he meets Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl), a beautiful, fun-loving computer tech recovering from a bad break-up, he finds true love... and happily trades international intrigue for domestic bliss. Three years later, Spencer and Jen are still enjoying a picture-perfect marriage - that is, until the morning after Spencer's 30th birthday. That's when Spencer and Jen learn he's the target of a multi-million dollar hit. Even worse, the hired killers have been stalking the happy couple for years, and could be anyone: friends, neighbours, the grocery store clerk, even that crabby old guy shuffling across the street. Now Spencer and Jen are on the run for their lives. As their suburban paradise turns into a paranoid game of dodge-the-bullet, they must find out who wants Spencer dead and why, all the while trying to save their marriage, manage his pain-in-the-ass in-laws, keep up neighbourly appearances…and just plain survive. And you thought suburban life was easy.  Read more
KISSES  On the fringes of Dublin two kids, Kylie and Dylan, live in a suburban housing estate devoid of life, colour and the prospect of escape. Kylie lives with five other siblings and her overworked mother. Next door, Dylan lives in the shadow of an alcoholic father and the memory of an elder brother who ran away from home two years earlier. After a violent altercation with his father, Dylan runs away from home and Kylie decides to run away with him. Together they make their way to the magical night time lights of inner city Dublin, to search for Dylan's brother, and in the hope of finding, through him, the possibility of a new life. Lance Daly's vision of Dublin, as seen through the innocent eyes of our protagonists, is a kaleidoscope of magic, wonder and mystery. But as the night wears on, and Dublin takes on a darker character, the two kids have to rely on the kindness of strangers, the advice of Bob Dylan and their trust in each other to survive the night." Read More
LEGION **** In the supernatural action thriller an out-of-the-way diner becomes the unlikely battleground for the survival of the human race. In this startlingly original and terrifying vision of the Apocalypse from director and writer Scott Stewart (Priest). As mankind destroys itself in a savage fury, a small group of people trapped on the edge of nowhere prepare to make a last stand--with the help of a mysterious and powerful stranger.When God loses faith in Mankind, he sends his legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse "If it seems provocative, that's what Stewart intends. "The film pushes buttons and it's meant to push buttons," he says. "I hope it's somewhat controversial. In the end, it's meant to be entertaining, but I hope it's thought provoking as well. That's what takes it out of the realm of the standard thriller."  Read more
THE MUTANT CHRONICLES It's the year 2707. Earth's natural resources have been exhausted by mankind. Battle rages between the soldiers of four leading Corporations: the Capitol, Bauhaus, Mishima and Imperial. Mitch Hunter and Nathan Rooker, battle hardened Capitol soldiers, fight a desperate battle against a Bauhaus advance. When an errant shell destroys an ancient stone seal, they find themselves facing a new enemy: hideous necromutants, with boneblades that grow from their arms. Mitch barely manages to escape. Nathan does not…The mutants multiply by millions and they destroy all before them. The Corporations' leader, Constantine, is about to abandon the planet and leave countless innocents to their desperate fate, when he is approached by Brother Samuel, leader of the Brotherhood, an ancient monastic order. Samuel is the keeper of the Chronicles, a book that prophesies both the rise of the Mutants, and of the 'Deliverer' that will destroy them. Samuel believes he is that Deliverer destined to journey deep into the earth and destroy the source of the mutant scourge.He manages to recruit Mitch, along with a handful of like-minded soldiers: Steiner, honor bound Bauhaus officer; sword wielding Severian; street fighter El Jesus; fearless beauty Duval; and, stoic warrior Juba. The film follows Mitch and Samuel's mission to venture into the very heart of the darkness in an attempt to save the planet from marauding hordes of deathless mutants. Starring Ron Perlman, John Malkovich and Thomas Jane.
PETER GAYA KAAM SE In John Owen's Bollywood film Peter Gaya Kaam Se, action meets romance, with a twist. Peter (Ranjeev Khandelwal), a huge football fan, makes a living by riding a motorcycle taxi in Goa. He is all set to ditch Goa and the life he has known but Bosco, a loan shark persuades him to do one last job befores he quits. Peter agrees to do something for him before he leaves. And that something leads to something more, a lot more than what Peter bargained for.
THE PHAROAH'S DAUGHTER  The ballet tells the story of Lord Wilson, an Englishman, who falls asleep after smoking opium with merchants in a pyramid, where he has taken refuge from a storm. He dreams that he is an ancient Egyptian in love with Aspicia, a Pharaoh's daughter who has been promised to the King of Nubia. She throws herself into the Nile to avoid the marriage, where she is welcomed by the God of the River Nile. All is resolved and Aspicia is finally united with her love.
RAAVAN (Bollywood) Raavan is not a story, it is a world. Beera Munda - Undisputed, Unlawful, Untamed
Dev Pratap Sharma - The Punisher; the Law, the Righteous Ragini - Conscience, Beauty; Music. Dev falls in with Ragini, a spunky classical dancer who is as unconventional as him. They get married and he takes up his new post in Lal Maati, a small town in northern India. A town where the world of law is not the police but Beera, a tribal who has, over the years, shifted the power equation of the place from the ruling to the have-nots of the area.
Dev knows that the key to bringing order to any place is not to vanquish the big fish; in this case - Beera. In one stroke Dev manage to rip open Beera's world, and set in motion a change of event which will claim lives, changes fortune. Beera, injured but enraged hits back starting a battle that draws Dev, Beera and Ragini into the jungle.The jungle which is dense, confusing, scary. And in this journey they must confront their own truth. A journey which will test their beliefs, convictions and emotions. Emotions which are as scary and confusing as the forest. The forest becomes the battleground. The battle between good and evil, between Dev and Beera, between Ram and Raavan.But when the lines dividing good and evil are blurring fast whose side will you take. When hate turns to love and the good starts looking evil. Which side will you battle for? Love is the battle that nobody wins but everyone must fight. Even this Raavan.
TO SAVE A LIFE  Jake Taylor and Roger Dawson were best friends when they were kids. But in high school, Jake becomes a star athlete who has it all: a college scholarship and the perfect girl, an ideal life that comes at the exclusion of his childhood friend as the politics of high school pull them apart. Roger has nothing: no friends, no girls, no hope. Nothing but put-downs and getting pushed aside. Things couldn't get any worse … could they? Feeling angry that he doesn't fit in Jake's--or anyone's--circle, Roger decides he has had enough. He walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart and makes a tragic move. Jake's last-ditch effort can't stop Roger, and the sudden tragedy rocks Jake's world. Something breaks loose inside him, compelling him to question everything. Most of all, he can't shake the question, Could I have saved Roger? In his quest for answers, Jake finds himself looking for the next Roger and reaching out to the geeks, losers and loners. But he quickly finds that crossing class castes threatens everything he's built his world on. And it could cost him his own friends, his girl, his dreams and even his reputation. Is it worth the price to find the answer to his ultimate question: What do I want my life to be about? To Save A Life is a powerful indie movie about the real-life challenges of teens and their choices. The film was written by Jim Britts, a seasoned youth pastor with a film degree from BIOLA University, and brought to the big screen by Outreach Films and NewSong Pictures with a Hollywood director and cast. Read more
SHE'S OUT OF MY LEAGUE *** Romance meets bromance in this comical coming of age story that carries a torch for the underdog and shows that anyone can fulfill their fantasies and conquer their object of affection. Kirk (Jay Baruchel, "Knocked Up," "Tropic Thunder"), an average Joe, can't believe his luck. Though he's stuck in a seemingly dead-end job as an airport security agent, against all odds Molly (Alice Eve), a successful and outrageously gorgeous babe falls for him. The pair couldn't seem less suited to each other, a fact that Kirk's friends and family waste no time pointing out to him.  She, in Stainer's words, is a "hard 10," the top of the dating food chain, while Kirk is struggling to keep his status at five.  Read more
YOUTH IN REVOLT A coming-of-age comedy that puts a fresh and outrageous stamp on a tale of adolescent obsession and rebellion. Starring Michael Cera (Juno, and Superbad) and based on the acclaimed novel by C.D. Payne, it tells the story of Nick Twisp - a unique, but affable teen with a taste for the finer things in life like Sinatra and Fellini - who falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful, free-spirited Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) while on a family vacation. But family, geography and jealous ex-lovers conspire to keep these two apart. With Sheeni's encouragement, Nick abandons his dull, predictable life and develops a rebellious alter ego: Francois. With his ascot, his moustache and his cigarette, Francois will stop at nothing to be with Sheeni, and leads Nick Twisp on a path of destruction with unpredictable and uproarious consequences. Read more
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