MOVIES & DVD

SALT
Starring Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor
Director Phillip Noyce
As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) has taken an oath to protect and serve her country. However, when she’s suddenly accused of being a Russian spy she must use her skills and years of experience to escape capture by her huntsmen. In an effort to prove her innocence she casts further doubt on her motives and the search for her true identity escalates.

GREENBERG
Starring Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig and Rhys Ifans
Director Noah Baumbach
Roger Greenberg (Stiller) is a forty-something man at a crossroads. He becomes a little depressed when he finds himself house-sitting for his more successful and married-with-children brother. But life begins to look up for him when he forges a connection with Florence, his brother’s personal assistant. Could he find happiness at last?

THE OTHER GUYS
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell and Samuel L Jackson
Director Adam Mckay
Allan Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) are NYPD detectives who rarely get to see any action because they’ve been assigned to the forensic accounting department. Gamble is more than happy with this arrangement but Hoitz is restless. When the opportunity arises for the partners to step it up in what may be New York City’s biggest crime, things don’t quite work out as planned.

IRON MAN 2
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke
Director Jon Favreau
Tony Sparks (Downing Jr) has been revealed as the man behind Iron Man and he’s enjoying his newfound fame. The American government, however, is not happy about the Iron Man suit and orders Sparks to hand over the technology. As if that’s not enough, there’s also a new villain, Ivan Vanko (Rourke) , who is on a deadly mission to avenge his father’s death.

PRINCE OF PERSIA
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley
Director Mike Newell
A prince (Gyllenhaal) and a mysterious princess (Arterton) join forces to protect an ancient dagger in the mystical lands of Persia. The dagger has the ability to reverse time, allowing its possessor to rule the world. But in the wrong hands such power could prove devastating.

MUSIC

DRAKE – THANK ME NOW
****
This Canadian-born rapper is making big waves in the United States and across the globe. Signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money record label, this is Drake’s debut album. Not only does he produce fresh rhymes, but he also has a great voice and jumps between melodies and hard-core hip hop with ease. Listen out for ‘Find Your Love’ and ‘Over’.

EMINEM – RECOVERY
***
He’s one of the greatest rappers alive and an icon in many eyes. His last release, Relapse, was mediocre and many doubted his ability to bounce back. But this album is a testament to his lyrical mastery. ‘Not Afraid’ is already a chart burner and there’s certainly plenty more where it came from.

MARY J BLIGE – STRONGER WITH EACH TEAR
***
The queen of R&B solidifies her status with her ninth studio album. There are songs about love, devotion and inner strength, with lyrics that uplift and comfort. Featured guests include Trey Songz and rapper TI. While perhaps not
a classic, this is still a great Blige album.

ARNO CARSTENS – WONDERFUL WILD
****
The South African rocker
is currently living in London, trying to establish himself as a solo artist, and this album certainly has what it takes to break into the international market. ‘Emer-gency’ is already a favourite and can expect good radio airplay. There are some other mighty fine tracks too.

KATIE MELUA – THE HOUSE
***
This is Katie’s fourth studio album since her 2003 breakthrough debut. Her delicate beats and silky voice are sure to please followers of her music. The artist does not stray from her formula of soothing ballads, but her lyrics are slightly edgier and listeners are alerted to this from the very first track, ‘I’d Love to Kill You’.

EVENTS

NEDBANK WINEMAKERS GUILD AUCTION
JOHANNESBURG
2 SEPTEMBER
Indulge in exceptional wines when members of the Guild present their selection for 2010. Wine lovers can taste rare wines – hand-crafted exclusively for the Guild Auction
by some of South Africa’s leading winemakers – during an informal tasting. While there, you can chat to your favourite winemakers and bid on rare signed bottles from previous auctions.
Visit www.capewinemakersguild.com.

BRAAI4HERITAGE
COUNTRYWIDE
24 SEPTEMBER
Friday 24 September is Heritage Day, a national holiday that honours and celebrates our diversity and traditions. Over this long weekend, South Africans are encouraged to partake in one of the country’s favourite pastimes, a good old braai, or chisa nyama as it’s referred to in the township. For recipes and ideas on what to do with your boerewors or chops.
visit www.braai4heritage.co.za.

GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW
JOHANNESBURG
23–26 SEPTEMBER
Discover new products
and trends from hundreds of exhibitors at this four-day food event. There’s an excellent line-up of BBC celebrity chefs and of course you’ll be spoilt with the finest cheese, wine, whisky, brandy and beer for tasting. Plus you can buy everything you need to stock your kitchen and grow your own herb or vegetable garden.
Visit www.gourmetsa.com.

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
HERMANUS
24–28 SEPTEMBER
This Enviro-Arts festival takes place every year to celebrate the return of the southern right whales to Walker Bay. Other activities include shark cage diving, birdwatching and fynbos hikes. There will be musicians, sports celebrities and crafters to keep the thousands of visitors entertained.
Visit www.whalefestival.co.za.

THE ZULULAND EXPO
RICHARDS BAY
30 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER
KwaZulu-Natal’s second largest entertainment and exhibition expo provides an ideal platform for local and national trade. There’s a fusion of stalls selling decor, crafts, fashion, sports and leisure gear and much, much more. Local artists and performers will ensure a fun-filled event.
Visit www.expo.org.za.

BOOKS

LIVING LA VIDA LOCA
By Belinda Jones
Published by Hodder
Best friends Beth and Carmen both need a break – Carmen from her seedy ex-boyfriend and Beth from her failing dance career. When Beth sees an ad for a reality dance competition she convinces Carmen that they have to audition and before they know it, they are on a whirlwind trip to Argentina, Cuba and Spain. As the girls travel the world meeting new people, sightseeing and having fun, they realise that dancing is much more than just a bunch of steps. It can evoke emotions strong enough to change your life forever. A witty, romantic novel that will delight you from beginning to end.

THE ANGEL’S GAME
By Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Published by Phoenix
David Martin has always used stories as an escape, so when he gets the chance to make a career of it, he gives it everything he has. He locks himself away in an abandoned house writing day and night, but soon begins to notice something chilling about the old house and the mystery that surrounds the death of the previous owner. Then he receives a letter asking him to write a book unlike any other – and he’s offered a fortune to do so. As David begins his work, an unsettling connection between his haunting story and the place he calls home begins to surface. Intrigue, romance, tragedy and a labyrinth of secrets will keep you gasping until the very last twist.