caroldiego OK, I haven't seen the movie yet - heck, I'm only about 2/3 of the way through the book - but I just want to let the SA reviewers know that if the book is any indication, stop worrying about whether international viewers/readers will get it. All the descriptors and comparisons - coming-of-age, Catch-22, Lord of the Flies - are inadequate. Spud transcends any comparison to become its own unique moment in world history and personal history. It's not only young John Milton's maturing to manhood, but the entire nation's maturing out of apartheid that we see played out here in subtle, powerful parallel.It's a magnificent, universal story that rings with truth, and I am so very happy my friend Sue, in Cape Town, recommended it.

mosacorp I was very excited to finally get a copy of the movie here in the USA after reading all the books. Unfortunately it was horrible. The wonderful stories that had me laughing for hours and days on end were ruined by terrible acting and lame storytelling (script writing). Jon VD Ruit seemed to have been eager to sell the movie rights and surely must have felt sick at seeing this outcome. The humor was lost, in fact was never added to the movie. Instead it was an odd mix of drama, misery and usage of terrible actors (minus John Cleese). I have a feeling they had some or other popularity contest in South Africa to select the 'Crazy Eight'and the females who Spud has a crush on, because not one of them seemed to be actors- it sincerely felt like a bad group play at a public school, rather than a big movie. The Spud character did OK considering, his father who was hilarious in the books, just came on as odd in the movie and I had to strain to hear what he was saying. Indeed it felt as if the director wanted to do too much in this movie, but instead ended up with snippets of a little bit of humor, a little bit of drama, a little bit of 'High School Musical' a little bit of this and that, and so on. It all came down to being one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I tried to laugh at some moments- that felt forced, I tried to see what others might enjoy in it- I could not. Sorry but this was an utter waste of time. Sadly greed and a rush to capitalize on the success of a hugely popular book, have made a pathetic movie. I highly recommend to anyone who loved the books, do not watch the movie.

Eon Engelbrecht 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!

JeffersonCody SPUD with Troye Sivan, John Cleese, Jamie Royal, Jason Cope, Aaron McIlroy, Genna Blair, Tanit Phoenix and Jeremy Crutchley, directed by Donavan Marsh. Rating: 8 out of 10.THE eagerly anticipated screen version of John van De Ruit's beloved bestseller is a delightful, funny and ultimately touching film that provides marvelous entertainment and delivers just about everything the book's many fans could have hoped for.The casting of John Cleese was a major coup for the movie's producers and the Monty Python man - who was unforgettably amusing in "Fawlty Towers", does not disappoint. Cleese is terrific as Mr Edley (aka "The Guv"), the eccentric and alcoholic old teacher who mentors our titular young hero and introduces him to books like "Lord of the Rings" and "Catch 22". Cleese is both hilarious and moving in the role. Also excellent is Troye Sivan - who sings beautifully, as the vulnerable, lovable Spud. Jamie Royal also serves up something special with his performance as Spud's doomed true friend, "Gekko". And there are lively supporting turns from the likes of Aaron McIlroy (Dad), Jason Cope ("Sparerib" Wilson), Sven Ruygrok (Rambo) and Genna Blair, who is perfectly cast as the lovely "Mermaid".The story begins in 1990, shortly before the release of Nelson Mandela. The winds of change are already blowing through South Africa when John Milton (Sivan) - a working class boy with a scholarship - is deposited at the posh Michaelhouse boarding school in his crazed parents' bombed- out car. As he lies in bed that night he thinks out aloud: "Tomorrow school proper begins. Maybe I'll die in my sleep and miss it completely." No such luck, and the worst is still to come. John is a late developer, so when he hits the showers, the other boys, noticing his little willie and lack of pubic hair, nickname him Spud. The name sticks.But the witty, intelligent young Spud is determined to fit in with his dorm mates, like the "Rain Man" Vern, the sickly Gecko, Mad Dog, Rambo, porn-obsessed Boggo and the ever hungry Fatty - who holds the school farting record. Spud also wants to be an actor, hopes to shine at cricket and takes an interest in politics. Things do start to improve when "The Guv" takes Spud under his wing, though. And when - during the school holidays, he meets and falls in love with the girl he dubs "Mermaid". "Spud", which features a fine score by Ed Jordan and splendid cinematography by Lance Gewer, is not a sentimental film. It is funny and exuberant and nostalgic, but it is also surprisingly moving and the relationship between Spud and The Guv has plenty of emotional resonance, as do other aspects of the film.Most faithful to the spirit of Van De Ruit's book, "Spud" is a deliciously human and heartfelt film which tells a wonderful South African story with skill and sensitivity. While this story and its settings are uniquely South African, the themes are universal and there is every chance this charming film will also find a level of success in other parts of the world - such as Britain and Australia. But whether or not it works in the rest of the world is immaterial. "Spud" will be a well deserved smash hit at the local box-office and leave audiences satisfied, happy and ready for the sequel. Do not miss it. GA.