BLENDED - MOVIE REVIEW

"Feel good" romantic movies are the ones I enjoy watching, as I like to come away feeling all warm and fuzzy. I am not into the violent,futuristic or scary offerings that are generally out there. Blended starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore on the circuit at the moment, is my kinda movie and I highly recommend. However I must make mention that the opinions of the Movie Buffs differ to mine, yet those leaving the cinema on Thursday all had good things to say and had a few tears of happiness just like me....

This is the third romantic movie collaboration between Sandler and Barrymore and having not seen the previous two movies The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates I cannot comment, but what I can comment on, is the obvious on screen chemistry that these two actors have. This connection only enhances the overall movie enjoyment.

Lauren Reynolds (Drew Barrymore), a divorcee, who has two sons and meets Jim Friedman (Adam Sandler), a widower with three daughters on a blind date, which doesn't go too well. Not to divulge too much of the plot the movie takes us to South Africa where both families are unaware that the other is there on the same holiday. Filmed in Sun City at the Palace of the Lost City, this movie has a definite connection with any South African or those knowing South Africa well. I found this movie to be somewhat corny at times , but it just added to the humour of this family movie, so I can understand how some reviewers would think the acting is bad, but I enjoyed it even though it won't be up for any Oscars.

I don't normally do movie reviews, but this one does have a connection to beauty, as home grown Durban actress Josette Eales from the South African soapie "The Wild" makes an appearance as the Afrikaans massage tutor and Josettes' mother Jennifer Eales is a doyenne on the South African Beauty scene.

To read my review on Jennifer Eales Skin Care Clinic

The beautiful South African Josette Eales

STER-KINEKOR - CINE PRESTIGE

I did something this morning that I have never done in my entire "50" something years, now don't laugh, as its most probably no biggie for anyone else but me... I was offered two complimentary tickets 

(Thanks to Fay from thesparklinglabyrinth) to view the premiere of the movie "Chef" at

 Cine Prestige at Ster-Kinekor Gateway....and the problem being you may well ask? 

As a workaholic, 10am on a Thursday would normally have been a "no no", but I threw caution to the wind and abandoned my work and accepted the tickets.

 I took along the youngest "Kiddiewink" (15yrs old) and surprise, surprise he didn't mind coming along with his mum (perhaps the offer of a Wimpy breakfast before this early movie swung it).

I think at this point I need to mention to you, that I am not a regular movie goer and never have been, as I prefer to wait for a movie to come out on DVD and watch in the comfort of my own home, usually in my PJ's and laid out on the couch or in my bed with snacks and drinks at hand. However I had heard that Cine Prestige was a different and luxurious kind of movie experience and I was curious.

The Cine Prestige has its own "Prestige" private lounge where you can sit very comfortably away from the normal foyer madness and meet up with friends before or after a movie. All the usual chocolates, cool drinks and popcorn are available to buy along with muffins and coffees etc. 

Exclusive Cine Prestige Lounge

The calm of the lounge

Ster-Kinekor flagship site at Gateway has two Cine Prestige cinemas and are 3D-enabled, the screens can accommodate any new title that is released in this format.The cinemas are equipped with the latest digital projector technology and quality surround-sound speaker systems, providing viewers with the latest in cinema technology. 

Moi relaxing and ready to recline

Comprising of 39 seats each and you are seated in very comfortable, large, reclining red leather seats, with a personal snack side table...very handy. Another unique "Prestige" experience is that you can pre order platters of food and drinks and they will be served to you in your seat.

A selection of foods and platters to suit all tastes

For the "Love Birds" there are several seats that don't have the middle arm rest, so if you are looking to do something romantic and different for your loved one, book the Love Nest seat,wine and some platters.

Unfortunately the movie was changed at the last minute from the Chef to the movie Blended, due to the coding not being received for the Chef movie. (More about the Blended movie in a future post)

What I can say..is the Cine Prestige experience was luxurious and enjoyable, even though it comes at a premium price R110 per ticket (discounts apply with cards) it will make going out to the movies more enticing especially for the likes of Moi, as it really was like being in the comfort of your own home,but with the large screen movie experience.It seems like more visits to the Cine Prestige will be on the cards in the future with hubby and I think I will book the love nest seat and the chocolate dipping platter, just a pity I can't wear my PJ's.

Check the Ster-Kinekor website for more details