One Friday, I had a really difficult day (you know, one of those days where everything goes wrong
). I really needed some relaxation. Then, I remembered the place where I can switch off more than just my cellphone, the cinema. Arriving at the cinema, I saw the Spud poster. Now, I've seen the book in the bookshops, saw the good reviews everywhere and decided to check it out for myself. People, what can I say- I was stunned from the moment that the movie started. NEVER before, in my 22 years alive, have I seen such an amazing movie produced in South Africa.
The movie is about a young boy (John Milton, played by the amazingly talented actor Troye Sivan) whose parents are far beyond crazy and his Gran (Wombat) who lost her marbles completely. It's his first year at an elite boys- only private school. He's just an ordinary, skinny boy and is suddenly surrounded by boys with nicknames like Boggo (a porn addict), Gecko (a boy as white as a ghost) , Rambo (the dormitory leader), Rain Man (who is completely demented) and Mad Dog (who loves hunting) John later gets the nickname (Spud) when he has to shower with the boys See for yourself why he gets that nickname...
As sensitive and innocent as he is, the 13 year old Spud finds it difficult to adapt and also to share a dormitory with them. The movie is also about Spud's first steps to manhood and how he experiences it. He discovers alcohol, girls and literature!
Later Spud, the innocent and sensitive boy, becomes more relaxed and starts to join the others in their 'naughty adventures', like sneaking out at night for a 'highly illegal night swim' outside the school. Spud's best friend Gecko (who isn't a very health boy) will also have you laughing and crying a lot in the movie. John (Spud) possesses a wonderful talent- singing- that will amaze the entire school and the girls and obviously you, the viewer! (The actor Troye Sivan did all the singing in the movie himself).
This movie is filled with a wonderful blend of colorful characters that provide entertainment beyond your wildest imagination. There is The Guv (played by the amazing International actor John Cleese) who teaches Spud more about literature and women The Guv is known for his hilarious quotes like: 'Women, can't live with them, can't ship them off to Zimbabwe' (John Cleese was an excellent choice for the role!)
The movie was shot entirely on location where the the best- selling book of John van De Ruit is also based- at the Michaelhouse School in the beautiful Natal Midlands. The writer also completed his high school career here. The Beautiful scenery of the Midlands and old school building, and 80's and early 90's soundtrack also adds pizazz to the movie, making it unforgettable!
The movie was edited beautifully and contains all the important story lines as read in the book, which means you won't be disappointed if you read the book first! Unfortunately, some story lines (like the Namibia Wombat storyline) had to be left out as the movie only allows 90 minutes of material. The screenplay was magnificent.
The movie also features never-seen-before beauties from our own country, such as 'Mermaid' (played by Genna Blair) that will be Spud's first kiss, the gorgeous Amanda (played by Charlbi Dean Kriek), Tanit Phoenix as the flirty'Eve' and more talented actors, all from South Africa!
The movie is about a young boy (John Milton, played by the amazingly talented actor Troye Sivan) whose parents are far beyond crazy and his Gran (Wombat) who lost her marbles completely. It's his first year at an elite boys- only private school. He's just an ordinary, skinny boy and is suddenly surrounded by boys with nicknames like Boggo (a porn addict), Gecko (a boy as white as a ghost) , Rambo (the dormitory leader), Rain Man (who is completely demented) and Mad Dog (who loves hunting) John later gets the nickname (Spud) when he has to shower with the boys See for yourself why he gets that nickname...
As sensitive and innocent as he is, the 13 year old Spud finds it difficult to adapt and also to share a dormitory with them. The movie is also about Spud's first steps to manhood and how he experiences it. He discovers alcohol, girls and literature!
Later Spud, the innocent and sensitive boy, becomes more relaxed and starts to join the others in their 'naughty adventures', like sneaking out at night for a 'highly illegal night swim' outside the school. Spud's best friend Gecko (who isn't a very health boy) will also have you laughing and crying a lot in the movie. John (Spud) possesses a wonderful talent- singing- that will amaze the entire school and the girls and obviously you, the viewer! (The actor Troye Sivan did all the singing in the movie himself).
This movie is filled with a wonderful blend of colorful characters that provide entertainment beyond your wildest imagination. There is The Guv (played by the amazing International actor John Cleese) who teaches Spud more about literature and women The Guv is known for his hilarious quotes like: 'Women, can't live with them, can't ship them off to Zimbabwe' (John Cleese was an excellent choice for the role!)
The movie was shot entirely on location where the the best- selling book of John van De Ruit is also based- at the Michaelhouse School in the beautiful Natal Midlands. The writer also completed his high school career here. The Beautiful scenery of the Midlands and old school building, and 80's and early 90's soundtrack also adds pizazz to the movie, making it unforgettable!
The movie was edited beautifully and contains all the important story lines as read in the book, which means you won't be disappointed if you read the book first! Unfortunately, some story lines (like the Namibia Wombat storyline) had to be left out as the movie only allows 90 minutes of material. The screenplay was magnificent.
The movie also features never-seen-before beauties from our own country, such as 'Mermaid' (played by Genna Blair) that will be Spud's first kiss, the gorgeous Amanda (played by Charlbi Dean Kriek), Tanit Phoenix as the flirty'Eve' and more talented actors, all from South Africa!