SCARY HALLOWEEN
Things go bump in the dark in everything from ‘American Horror Story’ to ‘Halloween Fright Night, Ouija,’ and ‘A Haunted House’
THERE is no way we can ignore the issue of climate change yet the world just carries on regardless. Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth appeared to make an impact when it was released in 2006 but a decade later we’re still not listening. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and UN Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, joined forces to make the film Before the Flood, which was released in the US last week ahead of the upcoming elections in the hope it will sway voters in the direction of policy makers.
Before The Flood, which presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet, will air on National Geographic on Sunday at 8.05pm after which is will be available on Box Office.
The film follows DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue and investigate concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.
Says Variety: “The specter of celebrity activism hangs heavily over Before The Flood, Fisher Stevens’ documentary travelogue of Leonardo DiCaprio’s endeavours to combat global climate change.
Yet at times, that also provides its greatest strength, as the actor uses his clout to coerce such major world figures as Barack Obama and Pope Francis into appearing on camera, and uses his own admitted lack of scientific background to his advantage, acting as a plain spoken everyman guide to some extremely complicated concepts.
Handsomely shot and entertainingly paced, Before The Flood may not tackle too much new ground, but given the sincerity of its message, its ability to assemble such a watchable and comprehensive account gives it an undeniable urgency.”
The film presents an informative and engaging account of how society can prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the globe.
It also explains real, practical solutions to help save the planet. DiCaprio interviewed individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today – and in the future - to transition economic and political systems into environmentally friendly institutions.
Subjects include US President Barack Obama, former US President Bill Clinton, US Secretary of State John Kerry, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Pope Francis, as well as top NASA researchers, forest conservationists, revered scientists, community leaders and activists.
“Time is not a luxury we have,” says DiCaprio. “Our natural world is quickly nearing unprecedented, irreversible and catastrophic change that threatens the very future of humankind. I didn’t want the film to scare people, or present them with statistics and facts that they already know, but to focus on what can and must be done immediately so that we can leave our planet a livable home for future generations. We are quickly running out of time.”
This weekend DStv Compact and Extra customers will have free access to M-Net 101, M-Net Edge 102 and Vuzu AMP from 6pm today until midnight on Sunday.
They will be able to watch Great Halloween Fright Night (7pm) and American Horror Story (10.10pm) on M-Net Edge tonight as well as episodes of series like Shameless, Outlander, High Maintenance and Divorce.
The Masterchef Australia binge is on M-Net tomorrow morning. I love this programme so much. The amateur cooks’ talent is remarkable and there are always amazing celebrity guest chefs.
Last week it was Michelin-star Marco Pierre-White who can be scary and intimidating but also so kind, so generous. How can you not love him? On Vuzu AMP there is bubblegum like Real Housewives Of New Jersey or Love And Hip Hop, and superhero fare with DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and Arrow.
With Halloween on Monday, M-Net movie channels have some suitably creepy and scary titles. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension is o M-Net Movies Premiere at 9.40pm. In the sixth and last instalment of the 3D “found-footage”, a family moves into a new house and discovers an unusual camera. Peering through its lens reveals inhabitants of the spirit world, many of whom have evil intentions.
Ouija (M-Net Movies Showcase, 955pm) raked in more than $100-million at the box office on a $5-million budget. A group of friends gather and to their horror discover their own deepest, darkest selves when they consult a Ouija board with questions perhaps better left unanswered.
On the lighter side there is A Haunted House 2 (M-Net Movies Zone, 10pm), starring Marlon Wayans, Jaime Pressly, and Cedric the Entertainer.
Malcolm’s previous girlfriend was possessed by demons, so he is extremely relieved to find a “normal” partner. Then, to his dismay, a number of decidedly spooky incidents make him question his own sanity and force him to seek the help of a paranormal psychologist.
SUNDAY
THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE BBC Lifestyle, 4pm
Claudia Winkleman hosts a new eight-part season – the fourth under the scrutiny of Savile Row’s Patrick Grant and Central St Martin’s Esme Young. Ten fresh-faced home sewers face three challenges designed to test their skill and understanding of basic garment construction.
IN THE WEEK
ISIDINGO SABC 3, Weekdays at, 7pm
Some new faces will be making their appearance on the soap over the next few weeks. We first encountered Daniella Scott (Shamilla Miller) in prison this week after she was arrested for drug trafficking.
Of course, she claims she is innocent, and it might all have something to do with her uncle Conrad Scott (veteran actor Deon Coetzee), father of Angelique (Shannon Esra).
When Conrad arrives at the Deep later next month, his intention is to rectify all the wrong he has done. However, he always has an agenda.
He is shifty but silver tongued and street smart. He has a big secret and hopes to redeem himself with his daughter.
Award winning actress Katlego Danke plays the calculating, conniving Khothala Mokoena, married to Tyson Mokoena (Shona Ferguson). Khothala is the head of a successful business and although she loves her family she and her husband are driven by business. While visiting Horizon Deep with her husband and setting up a few business deals she has an affair with a Horizon Deep inhabitant.
Barker Haines’s (Robert Whitehead) pampered, spoilt son Jody (Garion Dowds) returns to Horizon Deep in mid-November.
He is naïve yet cocky and has a carefree outlook on life. He doesn’t like being in South Africa in general and Horizon Deep in particular but if he is to continue Barker’s legacy he better adjust his attitude.
Modern Family (M-Net, Wednesday at 7.30pm): The wonderful midweek double bill of comedy returns with this and Big Bang Theory at 8pm. In the season eight premiere of Modern Family, the Dunphy family is in New York with everyone lying to everyone about prolonging their holiday.