Top 10 movies to watch this weekend

A Ladysmith Gazette journalist went to various DVD outlets around town to find out what the most popular movies are at the moment. There is a wide variety to choose from, with none of the shops having precisely the same selection. However, some of the releases are doing well at all the stores, and our Top 10 list has been compiled from these titles…

1. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

This action thriller features the fictional Jack Ryan character created by author Tom Clancy. It is directed by and co-stars Kenneth Branagh. Chris Pine, Kevin Costner and Keira Knightley star in the leading roles. It is the fifth film in the Jack Ryan series, which is presented as a reboot that departs from the previous instalments. Unlike its predecessors, it is not an adaptation of a particular Clancy novel, but rather an original story.

2. Fire with Fire

Starring Josh Duhamel, Bruce Willis and Rosario Dawson, ‘Fire with Fire’ is an action film about a fireman who takes an unexpected course of action when a man he has been ordered to testify against (after being held up at a local convenience store) threatens him.

3. Pad Na Jou Hart

This South African adventure romance stars Ivan Botha, Donnalee Roberts and Wim Beukes, and is directred by Jaco Smit. Basson has five days to make it to his father’s funeral in Cape Town, but needs to complete certain tasks on this trip before he can call the family company his own. On the road, he meets free-spirited bohemian girl Amory. As they journey across the breathtaking landscape of South Africa, they meet wonderful characters that allow for hilarious moments and life-changing experiences.

4. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

A horror thriller that stars Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz and Gabrielle Walsh. Teenager Jesse begins experiencing a number of disturbing and unexplainable things after the death of his neighbour. As he investigates, it isn’t long before Jessie finds he’s been marked for possession by a malevolent demonic entity, and it’s only a matter of time before he is completely under its control.

5. Grudge Match

Starring Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone and Kim Basinger, this action romance is about a pair of aging boxing rivals coaxed out of retirement to fight one final bout – 30 years after their last match.

6. Schuks! Your Country Needs You

Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela and Rob van Vuuren, this comedy is based solely on candid camera. Pranks are pulled on unsuspecting ‘victims’ and we get to sit back, laugh and imagine what we would do if it was done to us.

7. Carrie

A re-imagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White, a shy girl (shunned by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother) who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore.

8. The Conjuring

Based on a true story about paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who work to help a family terrorised by a dark presence in their farmhouse. This horror film stars Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga and Ron Livingston, and is directed by James Wan.

9. Frozen

This animated romantic comedy was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Snow Queen. A heartwarming story about friendship and love that will have you laughing out loud at every twist. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff, this film has taken the world by storm and is fun for the whole family.

10. The Book Thief

While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents. This war drama stars Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.

Happy watching!