“Spud” premiere – Johannesburg

 

Spud (Troye Sivan) with The Guv (John Cleese)

I was lucky enough to attend the first “Spud” premiere at Monte Casino in Johannesburg Saturday night. Wow guys, oh my word, WOW!!! Now, I personally am very fussy when it comes down to being impressed – I expect a lot out of events, movies etc. and am most often disappointed when things don’t pan out as they should. Well, like I said earlier – WOW!!! I was totally blown away by the “Spud” premiere!! It didn’t meet my expectations – it totally surpassed my expectations and then exceeded them even more!! Seriously!!

Troye Sivan (Spud) being interviewed. Image courtesy of Danielle Brock (www.zoopy.com/daniellebrock)

We arrived at the Premiere and were promptly handed paper ties to wear. Absolutely everyone was wearing their “school tie” – it looked awesome!! They deco was also amazing!!! From chalkboards with rules written on them to a tuck shop (with real sweets) to dictionaries and crayons on the tables. Even the waiters (yes, there was also real food) were dressed up as Michaelhouse students with prefect badges. Everyone looked the part. There was no doubt that we were entering the realms of high school again (Michaelhouse, nonetheless) - a real walk down memory lane After mingling around, taking pics at the photo booths, getting hyper on cold drinks and sweets, we gathered around the centre stage where we were introduced to Ross Garland (producer); Donovan Marsh (director); John van de Ruit (author); Troye Sivan (Spud); John Cleese (The Guv) and The Crazy 8 with Mermaid and Amanda.

I expect John Cleese to adopt Troye Sivan when he comes back to SA to film the the second movie – hehe We then huddled off to the 3 allocated cinemas where we were greeted with a choice of cold drinks at the door and popcorn on our seats. No queues – how awesome it that? And the movie began…

John Cleese (The Guv) being interviewed. Image courtesy of Danielle Brock (www.zoopy.com/daniellebrock)

Ok, I really don’t want to give too much away here – even though most of you have read the book and know the story line pretty well – I don’t want to spoil it for those few who haven’t read the book…yet What I can say is that most book to screen adaptions are, well – ugh! Yes, that’s the word for them – ugh… I personally only know a handful of book to screen adaptions that have been satisfactory (not gonna mention any names here – think vampires and wolves as well as a certain school of wizardry). As far as “Spud” is concerned – superb, first-rate adaption!! It takes a lot of hard work to redraft a 380 page novel to a 120 page screenplay. And man, have they pulled it off!! If you enjoyed the book you will absolutely loooove the movie!! And if you haven’t read the book yet, well you gonna loooove the movie too Get ready to laugh and cry (literally) during the film… Awe-inspiring performances by the two stars – John Cleese and Troye Sivan. John Cleese, as you all know, is astounding! Whilst Troye Sivan – remember that name – this little man is going to go far!! The rest of the cast (Crazy 8, girls, family at home, teachers, students and everyone else) wow – you guys were exquisite!

Unfortunately, after the screening, John Cleese made a dash for the door. But not to worry – we then got to mingle with the rest of the cast whilst enjoying some more snacks and cappuccino. Troye and the Crazy 8, girls, students, family – what an amazing and crazy bunch You all rock!! I was then also fortunate enough to have my “Spud” novel (movie tie-in edition) autographed by the cast and of course John van de Ruit – schweeeeet

My autographed copy of "Spud". SCHWEET

Thanx so much to MTN and Nu Metro for hosting the event – you guys are AYOBA!! Thanx also to absolutely everyone involved with the making of the film – this is definitely a South African production you guys can be most proud of!! You guys have set a new standard by which all other South African films will be judged…

Now go out, tell your friends, spread the word, 3 December is the day!! I’m definitely heading back to the cinema to watch “Spud” again on the 3rd – hope to see you all there

The Crazy Eight

 

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Face-Box just posted there photo booth pics up from the evening. Here are some random and funky ones of the cast

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