nrgigaba Reviews

Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story (2022)

Heartwarming

[10/10 · 14 August 2022]

I didn't know Leo Baker before this documentary but after watching the trailer for the documentary I wanted to watch it.

The love and support he got from those around him was just heartwarming. I love seeing how his world opened up when he stopped pretending to be who he is not and started being himself.

We need more stories like this to be told.

Collision (2022)

Social Commentary

[8/10 · 16 June 2022]

A teenager girl (Zoey Sneedon) is kidnapped by a gang lord (Vuyo Dabula) and her parents take to the streets to find her.

I think Collusion had the potential to be brilliant movie but the writing is all over.

The are two storylines running parallel to each other, the story of a kidnapping and xenophobia which don't connect to each other.

The ending of the movie could of been so much better tying the two stories to each other. Overall, it's a fun watch.

Kedibone (2020)

Wright Ngubeni Is The Best Thing About This Movie

[2/10 · 1 June 2022]

Look no further than low-budget films for authentic, well-written, and high-quality storylines. If you can get past the technical components of the picture, you'll find a compelling plot.

No, I'm not implying that this Kedibone is the same film. This film had a lot of flaws, from weak script to subpar acting, and it made me question why they bothered to make it. The plot reads like a collection of Facebook gossip stories that someone thought "we could make a movie out of this."

Wright Ngubeni is the best part of the film. He carries the entire film on his shoulders, and it's a shame he didn't get the credit he deserves for the excellent work he does.

Savage Beauty (2022– )

Savage Beauty Indeed

[8/10 · 1 June 2022]

Zinhle Manzini (Rosemary Zimu), a gorgeous young woman, connives her way into the Bengu family's existence, one of the most powerful in the South African beauty industry, on a quest to ruin the family from within for their previous actions against her and her siblings.

In the South African film industry, Zimu is a breath of fresh air, and I love seeing young people take up the baton and run with it. Even if she lacked the depth and intensity that conveys her deep resentment of the Bhengu family in some scenes, I believe she gave a solid performance in her role as Zinhle.

Mpho Sebeng, who played Zinhle's brother Bonga Selepe, I was not a fan of as much as I expected I'd be, despite the fact that he gave one of the best performances of the series. His pronunciation of Sesotho words could have been better and it's something he could look on improving.

Veteran actors, Dumisani Bhembe (Don Bhengu) and Nthati Moshesh (Grace Bhengu) were also a marvel to watch. Their casting has to be the best thing for this series as they put on one of the most wonderful performances of their careers.

The Cinematography was brilliant, including the locations which gave the series the feel and look it needed.

Dumisani Bhembe (Don Bhengu) and Nthati Moshesh (Grace Bhengu), both veteran actors, were also amazing to witness. Their casting has to be the best thing for this series, as they deliver one of their best performances to date.

The cinematography, particularly the settings, was excellent, giving the series the mood and look it required.

Silverton Siege (2022)

Award Winning Performances

[10/10 · 1 May 2022]

Silverton Siege is, in my opinion, one of the best South African-produced films, and I say this as a supporter of the industry.

Thabo Rametsi gave one of the strongest performances, despite the fact that he had a terrible role in his previous film Amandla. Noxolo Dlamini also delivered an exceptional performance that was a step up from her Netflix series Jiva. I hadn't seen Arnold Vosloo since his role as in The Mummy as Imhotep, so it was nice to see him again. In this job, he demonstrated versatility and experience.

Silverton Siege is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022)

Wheels & Broken Bones

[10/10 · 16 April 2022]

Until The Wheels Fall Off is aptly titled.

Its very inspiring seeing a man curve his entire life through something that was a hobby when he was a kid, rise up to then top, give up on it, then go back to it only to lose everything - but never get off those wheels and becomes an icon.

If you're looking for a documentary about family, broken bones, and feel good moments. You'll love this documentary.

Platinum End (2021–2022)

Noooooo, why?

[5/10 · 16 April 2022]

I watched Platinum End because I heard it was from the same creators behind Death Note but I quickly detached myself from comparing the two.

The first half of the series was promising. Love, hope and self-discovery were standout themes within the first couple of episodes until crucial characters died and the writing went into heavy topics of death, depression and suicide.

Things started going downhill by the fifteenth to the twentieth episode and it was just me trying hard to get through the first season. There were moments I really wanted to quit watching and hoped it would get better than it never did.

I think they could of kept this one season, I am not sure if the are plans to have one and that's because I'm truly not interested in it.

Alice (2022)

Something New

[5/10 · 6 April 2022]

The concept is something I not seen before but the execution is poor plus some things defy logic like how white are Alice's teeth? She got an amazing dental plan for a slave. Some of the writing could of been filled with details to make the story emotive or make Alice a likeable character but I couldn't connect with the character or be empathetic to her experiences.

Euphoria (2019– )

Season 2 is better than Season 1

[8/10 · 15 March 2022]

When I thought they could not do any better than season 1 this series takes it to the next level exploring toxic relationships between the characters and drugs. This series deserves all the accolades coming it's way.

No Exit (I) (2022)

Intense Thriller

[7/10 · 6 March 2022]

No Exit exceeded my expectations. One of the most exciting movies I've watched in a while. It had me up in the early hours of the morning. I highly recommended for thriller lovers.

Fistful of Vengeance (2022)

Assassinated My Soul

[4/10 · 19 February 2022]

I was hesitant to watch this movie because a few hours before I had binged watched Wu Assassins and hated it. Why would I then watch Fistful of Vengeance you ask? It's because it has Pearl Thusi.

Even beautiful star like Thusi failed to brighten this movie. Did it explain any of the mysteries of the series? No it did not.

Stillborn (I) (2017)

Rooted In Culture

[8/10 · 19 February 2022]

Imagine the Matrix but rooted in culture. An amazing performance by Mandisa Nduna and always a well written and directed film by renowned filmmaker Jahmil X. T. Qubeka. I highly recommand this short film which is currently (19 February 21) straming on Netflix.

Amandla (I) (2022)

It Could Of Been A Good Limited Series

[5/10 · 16 February 2022]

The sad thing about this movie is that it has an amazing cast of seasoned actors but whilst watching it, you will not be able to tell because of the over acting. I think they needed time for character development and to establish relationships between the charaters thus I think perhaps if this was a series it would of been good.

The story feels like something you've seen hundreds of times before which I do not mix when it's done well but unfortunately the writing seemed constrained by the budget.

Music Box: Don't Try to Understand: A Year in the Life of Earl 'DMX' Simmons (2021) Season 1, Episode 3

God Had His Back

[9/10 · 10 February 2022]

It's a miracle he lived till the age of 50. His life was a lesson, and I may never have known how much he was going through, how much pain he carried in him, or who he was if it hadn't been for this documentary.

After watching this documentary, I'm a huge fan of DMX. This will help future generations understand what it's like to live with an addict.

I strongly suggest it. Don't Make an Effort to Understand: Earl 'DMX' Simmons: A Year in the Life.

Music Box: Juice WRLD: Into The Abyss (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

He Wanted to Die

[6/10 · 10 February 2022]

I've never heard a Juice WRLD song or seen one of his music videos, but I'm familiar with the young man because he was a superstar with a large following, particularly among young people.

The first hour and twenty-five minutes. Into the Abyss by Juice WRLD is a compilation of videos shot by his official videographer, Instagram lives, and phone videos. I believe they could have had the interviews from the beginning, perhaps with his producers talking about the making of songs, traveling, and watching him grow, but this part dragged and was boring. They have his close friends and family talking about him after 1 hour and 25 minutes, which livens up the documentary.

The first part of the documentary could have been dedicated to the fans as well, but overall, it was informative.

Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art (2020)

"I think I was wrong. I think you were wrong" - Ann Freedman

[9/10 · 25 January 2022]

Who was wrong or right? One of the largest art frauds in American history. Victims of art corn and people trying to morally behave like they have the best interest of others when they are doing things for their own images.

Very good education about fake works of art.

Salt-N-Pepa (2021 TV Movie)

A Beautiful Story About Black Excellence

[8/10 · 25 January 2022]

I grew up hearing songs from this duo on the radio but never knew the story of their origin or how they broke up. I found this both educational and entertaining. This is not only the story of this duo but a piece of Hip Hop history.

Batwoman (2019–2022)

2 Stars for 2 episodes

[2/10 · 17 January 2022]

I watched 2 episodes of this series and a star for each episode seems appropriate enough. This has to be one of the worst series I've ever watched in my entire life.

I am not motivated to watch beyond the two episodes.

Wizard (2017)

The Best Coming Of Age Story

[8/10 · 5 December 2021]

Childhood friends Lefa and Papi navigate the hardships of growing up in Pheliville. Just graduated from high school Lefa has been accepted into Wits and hopes to score big with their cannabis business whilst Papi is just chasing the next score.

I've been putting off watching the movie for years, I regret never watching it earlier because it is just fantastic.

The Last Duel (2021)

Uncomfortable...

[5/10 · 5 December 2021]

This movie made me so uncomfortable and it's scary how well done it was. So you'd ask yourself why would I give it a 5 star if I thought it was good? Well read the synopsis which had the following sentence "When Carrouges' wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker..." maybe I'm the dumbo who should of guessed assaulted means raped in this period but I did not and boy was I in for the most uncomfortable time of my cinematic viewing.

If you're into knights, swords, blood and uncomfortable rape scenes, The Last Duel is for you.

Bruised (2020)

Had Me In Tears

[8/10 · 2 December 2021]

As a Ultimate Fighting Championship fan, the fight scenes and commentary of the fighting is just splendid. You could tell the was research and advisors to ensure the authenticity of the fight scenes.

The was two amazing moment:

• The panic attack scene. Hollywood keeps trying to make films relatable to us. I've experienced panic attacks and it's only a few weeks ago where I've shared this with someone who surprising had a panic attack just an hour ago because of the pressures of exams. Such scenes in films allow us as a community to have an open discussion about mental health.

• The kissing scene. Though women kissing in films do not raise hair on backs as much as men kissing. Such scenes allow us to talk about sexuality and homophobia. I'm glad I have not scene articles which speak about the boring discussion of whether straight people should act as members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Great acting is great acting. Good acting does not require a member of the LGBTIQA+ to act the part so it's truly portrayed correctly.

Overall loved the message of the movie and Halle Barry is an beast for acting such a role effortlessly at 55-years-old.

Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat (2017)

The Truest Potrayal Of Basquiat's Life

[10/10 · 2 December 2021]

Sara Driver did an awesome job on this documentary. I found myself watching documentary after documentary about Jean-Michel Basquiat. This was the second last documentary I watched and perhaps the most impressive. I didn't write the review immediately after watching the documentary because I wanted to see if "Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child" another documentary would perhaps change the idea that this documentary was indeed the best of the bunch.

The first quarter of the documentary lays down the foundation/backdrop of the environmental Basquiat was born and grew up in. In fact, this first quarter would have you believing the documentary isn't about Basquiat.

Now that you know the background Basquiat, you look at his life and the influence his environment has on him.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)

The Bold, Beautiful and Tragic Life of Basquiat

[8/10 · 1 December 2021]

No doubt a genius who was inspired and destroyed by his surroundings.

The Radical Child was the last of seven films I watched about the life and times of Jean-Michel Basquiat and perhaps the most in-depth one of all about his life and art. The documentary has interviews with lovers, acquaintances and art critics. This documentary has more of his art than any other and meaning behind the symbolism of his art including what inspired his art and style.

Hate it or love it, this is just a pure portrayal of a man flawed.

Everybody's Everything (2019)

I wish The Mac Miller Foundation let their documentary be made

[10/10 · 1 December 2021]

My review for this is late. I watched it 2 years ago when it was first released. I was watching a random playlist of documentaries but this one really captivated me. I didn't even know Lil Peep at the time of watching this - well, to be exact, I had not listened to his music.

Often when I speak about how The Mac Miller Foundation stopped efforts of making a documentary about his life, I often reference this wonderful work of art. The documentary left with a peace of my heart.

Moby Doc (2021)

Strong start, weak ending

[5/10 · 1 December 2021]

The first half of this documentary is amazing. You're instantly hooked and wanna see it to the end, but it anticlimax in the end. He failed to carry the vision through. It's as if the second half of it was spent on psychedelics trying to make something which would blow our mind but fails to explode.