Spud (2010)

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

OK, I haven't seen the movie yet - heck, I'm only about 2/3 of the way through the book - but I just want to let the SA reviewers know that if the book is any indication, stop worrying about whether international viewers/readers will get it. All the descriptors and comparisons - coming-of-age, Catch-22, Lord of the Flies - are inadequate. Spud transcends any comparison to become its own unique moment in world history and personal history. It's not only young John Milton's maturing to manhood, but the entire nation's maturing out of apartheid that we see played out here in subtle, powerful parallel.It's a magnificent, universal story that rings with truth, and I am so very happy my friend Sue, in Cape Town, recommended it.

One Friday, I had a really difficult day (you know, one of those days where everything goes wrong…). I really needed some relaxation. Then, I remembered the place where I can switch off more than just my cellphone, the cinema. Arriving at the cinema, I saw the Spud poster. Now, I've seen the book in the bookshops, saw the good reviews everywhere and decided to check it out for myself. People, what can I say- I was stunned from the moment that the movie started. NEVER before, in my 22 years alive, have I seen such an amazing movie produced in South Africa. The movie is about a young boy (John Milton, played by the amazingly talented actor Troye Sivan) whose parents are far beyond crazy and his Gran (Wombat) who lost her marbles completely. It's his first year at an elite boys- only private school. He's just an ordinary, skinny boy and is suddenly surrounded by boys with nicknames like Boggo (a porn addict), Gecko (a boy as white as a ghost) , Rambo (the dormitory leader), Rain Man (who is completely demented) and Mad Dog (who loves hunting)… John later gets the nickname (Spud) when he has to shower with the boys… See for yourself why he gets that nickname...As sensitive and innocent as he is, the 13 year old Spud finds it difficult to adapt and also to share a dormitory with them. The movie is also about Spud's first steps to manhood and how he experiences it. He discovers alcohol, girls and… literature! Later Spud, the innocent and sensitive boy, becomes more relaxed and starts to join the others in their 'naughty adventures', like sneaking out at night for a 'highly illegal night swim' outside the school. Spud's best friend Gecko (who isn't a very health boy) will also have you laughing and crying a lot in the movie. John (Spud) possesses a wonderful talent- singing- that will amaze the entire school and the girls and obviously you, the viewer! (The actor Troye Sivan did all the singing in the movie himself).This movie is filled with a wonderful blend of colorful characters that provide entertainment beyond your wildest imagination. There is The Guv (played by the amazing International actor John Cleese) who teaches Spud more about literature and women… The Guv is known for his hilarious quotes like: 'Women, can't live with them, can't ship them off to Zimbabwe' (John Cleese was an excellent choice for the role!)The movie was shot entirely on location where the the best- selling book of John van De Ruit is also based- at the Michaelhouse School in the beautiful Natal Midlands. The writer also completed his high school career here. The Beautiful scenery of the Midlands and old school building, and 80's and early 90's soundtrack also adds pizazz to the movie, making it unforgettable! The movie was edited beautifully and contains all the important story lines as read in the book, which means you won't be disappointed if you read the book first! Unfortunately, some story lines (like the Namibia Wombat storyline) had to be left out as the movie only allows 90 minutes of material. The screenplay was magnificent. The movie also features never-seen-before beauties from our own country, such as 'Mermaid' (played by Genna Blair) that will be Spud's first kiss, the gorgeous Amanda (played by Charlbi Dean Kriek), Tanit Phoenix as the flirty'Eve' and more talented actors, all from South Africa!

I enjoyed 'Spud' today. I wasn't expecting much, which always helps. It was filmed in my old school, Michaelhouse, and it shows it very well for the beautiful place that it is - in a lovely setting.Mostly the action is quite accurate too, for live in that particular boarding school, as I remember it. It hasn't changed all that much, either, over the past 35 odd years. The old Chemistry Lecture theatre is now the English classroom in the film, which seems slightly odd. The theatre was being built when I was there - a boy called Cook, fell through the skylight onto the floor below, leaving his teethmarks in the floor. He fell in front of the painting of the three witches in Macbeth - which I didn't see in the film, sensible.The acting is good, and the South African accents authentic without being too grating. John Cleese acts very well - an not his usual comic style at all. I'm not sure how you'll find the film if you didn't go to school there - probably better because you'll not be thinking of what all the different places meant to you, over the years!

SPUD with Troye Sivan, John Cleese, Jamie Royal, Jason Cope, Aaron McIlroy, Genna Blair, Tanit Phoenix and Jeremy Crutchley, directed by Donavan Marsh. Rating: 8 out of 10.THE eagerly anticipated screen version of John van De Ruit's beloved bestseller is a delightful, funny and ultimately touching film that provides marvelous entertainment and delivers just about everything the book's many fans could have hoped for.The casting of John Cleese was a major coup for the movie's producers and the Monty Python man - who was unforgettably amusing in "Fawlty Towers", does not disappoint. Cleese is terrific as Mr Edley (aka "The Guv"), the eccentric and alcoholic old teacher who mentors our titular young hero and introduces him to books like "Lord of the Rings" and "Catch 22". Cleese is both hilarious and moving in the role. Also excellent is Troye Sivan - who sings beautifully, as the vulnerable, lovable Spud. Jamie Royal also serves up something special with his performance as Spud's doomed true friend, "Gekko". And there are lively supporting turns from the likes of Aaron McIlroy (Dad), Jason Cope ("Sparerib" Wilson), Sven Ruygrok (Rambo) and Genna Blair, who is perfectly cast as the lovely "Mermaid".The story begins in 1990, shortly before the release of Nelson Mandela. The winds of change are already blowing through South Africa when John Milton (Sivan) - a working class boy with a scholarship - is deposited at the posh Michaelhouse boarding school in his crazed parents' bombed- out car. As he lies in bed that night he thinks out aloud: "Tomorrow school proper begins. Maybe I'll die in my sleep and miss it completely." No such luck, and the worst is still to come. John is a late developer, so when he hits the showers, the other boys, noticing his little willie and lack of pubic hair, nickname him Spud. The name sticks.But the witty, intelligent young Spud is determined to fit in with his dorm mates, like the "Rain Man" Vern, the sickly Gecko, Mad Dog, Rambo, porn-obsessed Boggo and the ever hungry Fatty - who holds the school farting record. Spud also wants to be an actor, hopes to shine at cricket and takes an interest in politics. Things do start to improve when "The Guv" takes Spud under his wing, though. And when - during the school holidays, he meets and falls in love with the girl he dubs "Mermaid". "Spud", which features a fine score by Ed Jordan and splendid cinematography by Lance Gewer, is not a sentimental film. It is funny and exuberant and nostalgic, but it is also surprisingly moving and the relationship between Spud and The Guv has plenty of emotional resonance, as do other aspects of the film.Most faithful to the spirit of Van De Ruit's book, "Spud" is a deliciously human and heartfelt film which tells a wonderful South African story with skill and sensitivity. While this story and its settings are uniquely South African, the themes are universal and there is every chance this charming film will also find a level of success in other parts of the world - such as Britain and Australia. But whether or not it works in the rest of the world is immaterial. "Spud" will be a well deserved smash hit at the local box-office and leave audiences satisfied, happy and ready for the sequel. Do not miss it. GA.