SPOTLIGHT | Catch Sly Stallone in 'Expendables 4' & K-Drama 'Past Lives' out in cinemas; what's hot in Toronto

It's action on steroids as 50 Cent and Megan Fox join Jason Statham and his gang to stop a nuclear war; Korean film about lost love is wowing critics; 'American Fiction' wins big at film awards; we preview local comedy hitting screens soon

22 September 2023 - 10:16 By Sunday Times
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Spotlight is our entertainment bite-sized snapshot featuring new entertainment releases in SA, exclusive film trailers and much more. New episodes are out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and on YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

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If you’re worried about being bored this long weekend, Spotlight’s got your back, from over-the-top action to nostalgic romance out in cinemas, movie festival updates and a preview of a local comedy coming out soon. 

Our favourite hired guns are at it again in the fourth instalment of the action-thriller saga, The Expendables. Armed with every weapon known to mankind, they must stop a dangerous arms dealer, equipped with a huge private army and some nuclear weapons, from starting a war.

Directed by Scott Waugh (Need for Speed, Act of Valor), it features the usual gang of heavy hitters — Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture — and if they’re not enough to entice you, 50 Cent, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa and Andy Garcia have joined the fray. Expendables 4 (or Expend4bles) is now showing in cinemas and is available on DBOX and 4DX. 

The popularity of Korean films, particularly K-Dramas, is on the rise and the new cinema release, Past Lives, promises to satisfy fans of this genre. The directorial debut of Celine Song, the movie stars Greta Lee and Teo Loo, who play childhood sweethearts reunited decades later for one fateful week. Nostalgia challenges their perception of relationships in a beautifully crafted story about love and loss that has been receiving rave reviews. 

Spotlight gives you the lowdown on the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, with Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction claiming the People’s Choice Award and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, the heartbreaking Green Border and Quiz Lady, starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, creating the biggest buzz.

Don’t miss the sneak peek segment about next week’s cinema release of Afrikaans comedy Hans Steek die Rubicon Oor, starring local acting greats like Tobie Cronjé, June van Merch and Sandra Prinsloo. Check your local listings (www.sterkinekor.com) for pre-screenings across the country.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies!

Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.

Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.

Competition giveaway: Expendables 4 merchandise hampers

To celebrate the release of Expendables 4, Spotlight is giving away a Khoi Watch valued at R2,500. 

To stand in line to win these hampers, answer the competition questions via the Spotlight Facebook page, and DM your answers and contact details on or before September 28 2023.

Terms and conditions apply.

Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driver’s licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight South Africa on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.



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