It’s sci-fi blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash, animated Bible story David and twisty thriller The Housemaid, next week. This Friday, though, South African cinemas have three new feature film options for movie lovers – and the cream of the crop, surprisingly, is a seasonal slasher. But more about that in a moment.
Big mood!
The debuting trio is joined by Bollywood romantic comedy Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2; the original 1947 Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street; and, on the music front, IMAX concert experience Rolling Stones – At The Max and Andrea Chénier (Giordano) by The Metropolitan Opera.
A notorious 80s horror film gets a reimagining/reboot in Silent Night, Deadly Night. Following the vicious murder of his parents on Christmas Eve by a man dressed as Santa Claus, young Billy naturally has some issues. As an adult (Rohan Campbell), he delivers his own spree of violence every holiday season, punishing the naughty. Then he finds love with a woman (Ruby Modine) who doesn’t flinch at his twisted sense of justice.
As of this week, Zootropolis 2 isn’t the only animated movie in cinemas to feature cute animals, an alternate title, and a crime-stopping capers. Pets On A Train, AKA Falcon Express, sees a group of animal bandits attempt a heist on a runaway train. However, thieving raccoon Falcon soon realises he has to step into a hero role, aided by the likes of Rex the police dog, when vengeful badger Hans puts all the creatures on board in danger.
For something closer to home, there’s comedy drama My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding. Popular entertainer Theshen Naicker directs and stars in this tale of reality TV star Kieran, whose intentions of helping his beloved cousin Anushka plan her dream wedding are scuppered by culture clashes, and the realisation that the groom is a painful figure from his past. Naicker also appears in the movie as his beloved Aunty Sheila character.