POP CULTURE MAGAZINE
Best Movie of 2023: OPPENHEIMER
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé; Wonka; Rebel Moon; Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; The Iron Claw; Ferrari
MEET VFORTIS FE
DECEMBER 2023
Best Christmas Movies
ISSUE 04
CHRISTMAS EDITION
The Denim Chef Does Christmas
Advertise in The Movie Guyde. First Month is free.
A LOOK AT 2023 EVENTS
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CONTENTS
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ISSUE 04 / themovieguy.nam@gmail.com
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EDITORS NOTES What a year it has been.... I can’t wait to see what comes next.
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TOP 10 LIST OF 2023 2023 gave us some great movies and some that barely pass as movies. But here are my top 10....
10. V-FORTIS FE IS HERE Meet the talented women in front of Namibia and South Africa’s eSport screens.
12. SK NAMIBIA REOPENS Ster-Kinekor Namibia is back and better than ever. You can look forward to some great movies again.
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BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES Christmas movie season is here. And here are 10 must-watch holiday movies.
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LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024 A look at what our most anticipated movies of 2024 are.
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EDITORS NOTES
d n a s a m t s i r h C y r r e M . o o t r a e Y w b l e s s e d N el o n t h e o t h e r See ya’l side!! THE MOVIE GUY - BARRY DE KLERK themovieguy.nam@gmail.com The year is finally over and I have to admit, it has been a tough one. At times I didn’t think I’d make it through. To be honest, I think I kind of gave up halfway through, but thankfully there were a few things that helped me push through. And here we are, issue 4 of The Movie Guyde. Unfortunately I didn’t get to watch as much movies this year as I hoped, but I did catch some of the bigger ones. I got to travel to Comic Con Cape Town and I hung out with some awesome people in Namibia. Next year I hope to go bigger and to publish the magazine at least every second month (fingers cross). I am genuinely grateful for all the support I received this year, at one point my Instagram account reached 700 000 people, I don’t even know 10 people. That was one of the things that kept me going. Next year I want to double that. I want to prove to myself and others that the work I do makes an impact and it is important. Merry Christmas and blessed New Year too. See ya’ll on the other side!!
COMING THIS DECEMBER Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé - 1 December The film documents the creation of Renaissance (2022), Beyoncé's seventh studio album, and the development and performance of its accompanying 2023 concert tour, the Renaissance World Tour.
Wonka - 8 December The story of how Willy Wonka went from a young adult selling chocolate in a small shop to an eccentric genius known all over the world. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire - 15 December/22 December on Netflix In a universe controlled by the corrupt government of the Motherworld, the moon of Veldt is threatened by the forces of the Imperium, the army of the Motherworld controlled by Regent Balisarius. Kora, a former member of the Imperium who seeks redemption for her past in the leadership of the oppressive government.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - 22 December Several years after the events of the first film, Arthur Curry / Aquaman is forced to protect Atlantis and his loved ones from devastation after an ancient power is unleashed by David Kane / Black Manta obtaining the cursed Black Trident. In order to achieve this, he will have to seek help from an unlikely ally, his brother Orm.
The Iron Claw - 22 December The film is centered around the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers from Texas that had enormous success in the 1980s and popularized the iron claw professional wrestling hold. However, they not only had to battle inside the ring, but they also fought the "Von Erich curse,” outside of it: a string of unbearable personal tragedies. Ferrari - 25 December In the summer of 1957, Enzo Ferrari, reeling from the death of his son Dino, the deteriorating marriage with his wife Laura, and his company's impending bankruptcy, enters his racing team to the 1957 Mille Miglia.
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TOP 10 OF 2023 Oppenheimer This movie made me fall in love with cinema again. All the performances were next level amazing. The story was captivating and the direction was near perfect. I can’t stop talking about Oppenheimer.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 The perfect conclusion to what might be the best trilogy in the MCU. James Gunn’s swansong was so beautiful that I can’t get it out of my head. I laughed, I cried, I smiled and I literally felt all kinds of emotions. This is why we tell stories.
Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse What a beautiful story with stunning visuals. The crew and cast outdid themselves and I got to see more of my all-time favourite superhero. Miles Morales is the GOAT Spidey.
Blackberry This year was full of biopics, but none on the level of Blackberry. This film simply stands out because of the performances, direction, writing, cinematography. I guess it’s not that simple, because it’s just that good.
No Hard Feelings It’s been a while since I last watched a straight-up great comedy. And No Hard Feelings is one. It’s one of the funniest movies of the year. Jennifer Lawrence really knows how to make my laugh.
John Wick: Chapter 4 The best action movie of the year and none can content. The John Wick franchise amps up the action with each installment and this is the best one ever. The stunt and fight choreography were awesome.
Sound of Freedom This might be a hot take, but I do believe that Sound of Freedom is the one movie everyone should see. It shines a new light on human trafficking and how dangerous the world really is. Do yourself a favour and go watch it.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is back in what is another amazing installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise. It’s non-stop action with amazing stunts and a story that’s very relevant.
Killers of the Flower Moon It might be little long to sit through, but the story Martin Scorsese tells is one we need to hear. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s a story of real people and the lives that were ended because of human greed.
Barbie Who would’ve thought that Barbie would be one of my favourite movies of the year? I definitely didn’t but I have to be honest, I had a lot of fun watching it. Greta Gerwig is a genius behind the camera.
FEATURED MOVIE: ELF The festive season is here, so that means Christmas movies. I am a sucker for a good wholesome Christmas film and the best of all is, Elf. I re-watch it almost every year, I already added it to my watch list for this year. This Will Ferrell-led holiday classic is one of the few movies that actually makes me love the Christmas season again. As an adult it’s hard to feel the Christmas spirit, because you already have a hectic year behind you and now you have to feel the pressures of the holidays as well. But... Buddy the Elf reminds us that we need to let our inner-child loose again and just enjoy the moment. Enjoy Christmas with family and friends. Enjoy all the major food groups like candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. Maybe add in a little chocolate and you’re set. You can worry about the extra weight next year. It also reminds us on the importance of relationships, especially during these days when we don’t want to be alone. Elf is also one of the funniest movies ever. It’s more than just another Christmas movie. It’s a comedy about hope, love, redemption and a whole lot of syrupy spaghetti. If there’s one movie you want to watch this festive season, then choose Elf. It will remind you of the real meaning of Christmas and how wonderful and amazing this season is. Check out our other Christmas movie recommendations on page 13.
Buddy’s eternal optimism and wholesomeness is something we should all strive towards this Christmas season. Spread a little love and give someone a Christmas they’ll never forget.
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CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH
THE DENIM CHEF
INGREDIENTS 2 cup Cake Flour 1 kg Fruit Cake Mix 250 g Butter 1 cup Brown Sugar 500 ml Water 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda ½ tsp Ginger 1 tsp Cinnamonn 1 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp All Spice 1 tsp Cocoa 1 tsp Coffee 50 g Chocolate Chips 3 Eggs 1 tbsp Brandy Pinch of Salt
DIRECTIONS In a large pot bring water, sugar and butter to a boil. Add in the cake mix and let it boil for minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down. Add in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and all spice. Mix it through Finally add the brandy. In a bowl sift the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda, coffee and cocoa together. Add eggs to the fruit mix and mix through. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour mixture into greased muffin tin pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove and brush with brandy. Let it cool and enjoy with cream, ice cream or custard.
EXMAS
BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!
RATING:
RATING:
ExMas is a fun Christmas romantic comedy. Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell are great leads and the story is pretty funny. In the end the movie still feels like your typical Hallmark movie, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a good watch if your looking for a romcom that isn’t on par with Love Actually. It’s definitely not something for everyone, but romcom lovers might love it.
Another good, but not great Netflix family Christmas movie. It has all the fun, but also all of the clichés of Holiday movies. It’s great if you’re trying to find something to watch with the kids while you scroll through social media or prepare Christmas dinner. It delivers a few laughs and I do think some of the performance are good. It’s a wholesome story, but there are better Christmas movies.
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HERE IS V-FORTIS FE Ready Player One! Gaming is in their blood, so they take it seriously. Meet the allfemale, V-Fortis Fe eSports team. To them gaming isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life something they’re passionate about. The team consists of Nicole "Znix" Cameron, Bruce "lampie" Lee, Elzaan "BestCoffeeTable" van Loggerenberg, Elzanne "DeadSmiley" Jacobs, and Maja "Cyber Ghost" Carstens. The team was formed earlier this year and they’re already making waves. Their main focus is Counter Strike because of how popular the title is. Together the team took part in the GirlGamer eSports Festival a week after the team was founded. According to Cyber Ghost, the the team’s spirit remained unbroken and they are gearing up to come back stronger next year.
e r a e W . n e k o r b n u s n i a m e r t i r i p s r u . “ O u p f o r a n e v e n s t r o n g ear s a i d . gearing nce next year,” Maj performa
The Movie Guyde had a chat with Cyber Ghost to talk about V-Fortis Fe and her journey as an eSports athlete in Namibia. What initially drew you to eSports? Many of my friends competed in the IESF World Esports Championship, and their participation piqued my interest in esports. I joined V-Fortis with the ambition of being part of a female team that can shine just as brightly in the gaming world. How do you and the team prepare for big tournaments? Do you have any ritual? As of now, our only consistent pre-game ritual is choosing a uniform shirt color for our camera appearances. With our team being relatively new, there's a lot to decide, including considering coaching options and setting training schedules. eSports is a rapidly growing industry. How have you seen the eSports scene evolve in Namibia and globally over the years? eSports in Namibia is developing, progress is slow. I've been proactive in encouraging more female participation in CS, but there's still a noticeable gap. Organizations like NESA are making efforts, but community involvement could amplify the growth.
What challenges does the team face in balancing competitive gaming with other aspects of life, such as work or education? Balancing esports with real life has its challenges. Many team members have full-time jobs and pets at home, so we often coordinate to ensure our practice and tournament schedules are manageable for everyone. Are there any initiatives or programs in Namibia to encourage more women to pursue careers in eSports, and how can we support these efforts? I'm aware of NESA and Oryx esports promoting online tournaments and the NamLANS event, where participants can compete physically. These events seem promising for encouraging more female players. In terms of game strategy and communication, what sets V-Fortis Fe apart from other eSports teams? Our team thrives on positive energy. We're known for our lively web-cam sessions, and we occasionally break into song during intense moments. We're in the early stages of formulating strategies, but we're confident about the next year.
Fans can catch our matches streamed by Ghost Buster on Twitch. For added support, individual team members also have personal Twitch streams. We keep our fans updated about upcoming matches on our Twitter/X page. Our Twitter is https://twitter.com/VFortisFe and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VFORTISNAM
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STER-KINEKOR NAMIBIA NAMIBIA / 12 STER-KINEKOR
RELAUNCHES WITH WITH A A BANG BANG RELAUNCHES
Nothing feels better than being back in a cinema seat with the smell of fresh popcorn surrounding you while you wait in anticipation for a movie on the big screen. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the much-awaited grand reopening of Ster-Kinekor Namibia's Grove Mall cinema, and it was an experience beyond expectations. Stepping into the refreshed space, the ambiance felt invigorating, signaling the dawn of a new era for movie lovers like us. The evening commenced with the premiere screening of 'Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' Settling into the renovated theater, the upgraded sound and picture quality instantly elevated the anticipation. As the lights dimmed and the movie started, it was evident that the cinematic upgrades had truly enhanced the viewing pleasure. One of the most impressive changes was the revamped ticket and snack purchasing system. I had pre-booked my tickets and snacks online, and collecting them at the cinema was a breeze. The streamlined process eliminated the hassle of long queues, allowing me to focus solely on the movie experience itself. The film immersed audiences back into the captivating world of Panem. Its intricate storyline and compelling character arcs kept the audience spellbound throughout. The nuanced performances, especially from the lead actors, added depth to the narrative. While honoring the essence of its predecessors, the movie carved its own path, offering an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic journey. Beyond the cinematic marvel, the event itself was a celebration. The atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed, complemented by themed mocktails and snacks inspired by the movie. It created an immersive experience, where movie enthusiasts could enjoy the evening while relishing the essence of the film.
The reopening signifies more than just a return to movie theatres; it marks a rekindling of the joy of communal cinematic experiences. With an array of enticing movies slated for release by year-end, it's an exciting time for cinephiles. I eagerly anticipate diving into a myriad of upcoming cinematic adventures. The reopening of Ster-Kinekor Namibia's Grove and Maerua Mall cinemas isn't just about the movies; it's about the promise of an enhanced cinematic journey, where technology, comfort, and entertainment converge to create unforgettable experiences. As I exited the cinema that night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the revival of the magic of the silver screen.
BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES Elf Along with Home Alone, this is the best Christmas movie ever. Will Ferrell brings a child-like wonder to a movie that is actually meant for adults. Buddy the Elf, his friends and family makes you rediscover how wonderful Christmas can be.
Home Alone Along with Elf, this is the best Christmas movie ever. This is a classic and one that should be watched by everyone, every single year. It is probably one of the movies that all 90s kids will remember.
Spider-Man: No Way Home This is undoubtedly the best superhero Christmas movie. I will never forget the way this movie made me feel when I first watched it. It might not be a typical holiday film, but it’s one of my favourites to rewatch.
Die Hard Die Hard is a Christmas movie! It is one of the best Bruce Willis films to date and nothing says Christmas like an over the top action film. I can’t wait to watch this with my dad again, it’s a classic.
Love Actualy There is nothing like romance during the festive season. You cannot have a Christmas movie marathon without Love Actually. It is one of the most beloved Christmas romantic comedies ever made.
The Santa Clause The story of Santa Claus is quite interesting. It is the story about living up to someone else’s ideals and finally finding you true self. This comedy has been a hit since it first came out and after a few sequels it is still fun to watch.
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The movie is simply hilarious and Jim Carrey being his usual self makes the movie so much more fun. We do not hate Christmas, but we love the Grinch. This is another classic.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Reckoning Part One This a fun, dark, and funny Christmas movie. This might not be enjoyed by children, but it can certainly be entertaining for adults. Some might say it is a Halloween movie, but it is clearly a Christmas movie.
The Nativity Story This is the movie that shows what Christmas is really all about, the birth of Christ. The movie was not well received by critics, but was loved by the Christian community.
Iron Man 3 Just like Die Hard, Iron Man 3 is a Christmas movie. And recently this movie has grown on me. I’m appreciating it for what it is and not what it could’ve been. It’s definitely a good superhero Christmas movie.
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THE MOVIE GUY’S
MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES AND TV SHOWS FOR 2024 Deadpool 3 The only MCU movie coming out next year and I’m really excited to see Deadpool team up with Wolverine. My two favourite mutants finally get to meet and I’m here for it. This might just be the movie that saves the MCU.
Daredevil: Born Again I’m not sure if Daredevil: Born Again is coming out next year, what I do know is I’m excited to watch it. Daredevil is one of those characters I relate to most and the Netflix series is my favourite superhero show.
Inside Out 2 Inside Out was a unique movie and the sequel looks like it will live up to the original. The trailer got me excited, especially after seeing Anxiety. This movie might just be the best animated film coming out next year.
Creature Commandos The first installment in the new DCU. Creature Commandos look great and the future of DCU is based on the success of this show. I trust James Gunn’s vision, but things can still go wrong.
Dune: Part Two Dune 2 was one of most anticipated movies of 2023 and then it got pushed back. This scifi epic looks beautiful and I loved the first one. The cast is also next level awesome.
Star Wars: The Acolyte Not much is known about the Acolyte yet, except that it’s set at the end of the High Republic era before the events of the main Star Wars films. And this opens the door for some awesome stories.
Spider-Man: Beyond The SpiderVerse Across the Spider-Verse was one of the best films of 2023 and I believe all Spider-Man fans are anxiously waiting for this movie. Will it come out next year? We don’t know yet.
The Penguin Colin Farrell as the Penguin again? Sign me up! The Batman is a fantastic movie and as its universe expands I get more excited. This show might just be an all-time great crime thriller.
Joker: Folie à Deux The Joker and Harley Quinn finally get their own movie. I don’t know if this one will top first film, but it’s a musical with Lady Gaga, so obviously I’m excited. Who doesn’t want to hear Harley sing?
Avatar: The Last Airbender I’m a little torn when it comes to this show. The trailer and cast looks promising, but I’m still skeptical when it comes to adaptations of beloved properties, so fingers crossed Netflix won’t mess this up.
The world is changing and Binary City is leading the pack in Namibia. The company recently won two awards for their outstanding products and services. The company has humble roots, but now they are making a huge impact on the tech world. According to Rayno Burger, co-founder and CEO of Binary City, they took the risk and now they’re reaping the awards. “Binary City Time, our flagship product provides solutions to all our clients across Africa,” Burger said. The product changed the game and recently secured Binary City, two prestigious awards in the span of a few weeks. These accolades underscore their unwavering dedication to enhancing both lives and business operations. The "Highest Rated Access Control Solution 2023" award from the PMR Africa Awards showcases Binary City's commitment to delivering high-quality access control solutions. This recognition isn't solely about their technical expertise; it also reflects their outstanding client support. Binary City's crowning achievement is the "Diamond Arrow Award for Best Access Control Solution 2023 - Namibia," specifically honoring their Binary City Time solution. This solution has revolutionized time and attendance management for businesses, embodying their commitment to excellence in this sector. Their awards highlight Binary City's pioneering role in access control and time management. Their solutions, known for their technical superiority and adaptability, are sought after by businesses of all sizes. The "African Excellence Award for the Best Time & Attendance and Access Control Management System Provider in 2023" by MEA Markets further cements Binary City's status as an industry leader, showcasing their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Binary City serves a diverse clientele, from small businesses with five employees to large corporations with up to 5000. Their inclusivity underscores their mission to enhance lives and businesses of all sizes. In an era where efficiency, security, and convenience are paramount, Binary City sets the gold standard for Access Control and Time & Attendance solutions. Their recent accolades reflect their past achievements and signal an innovative future. With unwavering dedication to excellence and a diverse client base, Binary City is poised to continue providing the best possible solutions for years to come.
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