S2 51 News, Views and Reviews

Welcome to African Couch Potato, the #1 spot for the latest from the world of film and TV and African excellence. Kickin' off with acclaimed actor Idris Elba, who at a recent event in London noted the lack of cinemas across the African continent. "I want to build the African Odeon. . . the cinema experience that we have all gone through should be experienced by a new generation, I don’t think it should all be on a phone."

Next up, find out how Jo'Burg born 15 year old Bella Alexandras is smashing it in Hollywood.

Back to the subject of cinemas - here's a look at what's happening locally on the Silver Screen:

1. The Life of Chuck - A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella.
2. Ballerina - An assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization sets out to seek revenge after her father's death.
3. Materialists - A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
4. How to Train Your Dragon - As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike.
5. Elio - A space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
6. Bride Hard - When a mercenary group takes a lavish wedding hostage, they have no idea what they are in for as the maid of honor is actually a secret agent ready to rain hellfire upon anyone who would ruin her best friend's wedding.
7. M3GAN 2.0 - Two years after M3GAN's rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation.
8. F1 - A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.

Too much effort? too much cold? Here's a selection that you can grab from the comfort of your own couch:

1. Straw - A single mother navigates a series of unfortunate events, leading her down an unforeseen path where she becomes embroiled in a situation she never envisioned, finding herself at the center of suspicion in an indifferent world.
2. Mountainhead - Four friends reunite during worldwide economic turmoil.
3. A Working Man with Jason Statham (Prime)
4. The Accountant 2 (Prime)
5. Talk To Me (Showmax)
6. Ouija (Prime)
7. Trainwreck Astroworld Tragedy (Netflix)
8. Die Hart 2 (Prime)
9. Shaka ILembe (DStv Now)
10. Breekpunt (Showmax)
11. Monster Hunter (Netflix)

And lastly, for more, check us out at Letterboxd.com, the social network for film lovers.

Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
ted@aten.co.za

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

Chapters

• 0:39 Idris Elba & The African Odeon
• 2:59 SA's Bella Alexandras
• 5:43 At the Movies
• 7:33 On the Couch