SPOTLIGHT | 'Licorice Pizza' releases; news on disaster epic 'Moonfall'; win prizes

Spotlight is our entertainment bite-sized snapshot featuring new entertainment releases in SA, exclusive film trailers and much more. New episodes are out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and on YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

This week’s Spotlight episode takes a closer look at the cinema release of Licorice Pizza, under the direction of Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, Punch Drunk Love). As has been the case with his body of work, this coming-of-age film about young love is another masterpiece by the revered director. 

Set in 1973, the comedy-drama’s cast includes Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman in his acting debut) and follows the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley. Reviews are unanimous in their praise and Licorice Pizza is appearing on various international awards lists. It will be available at selected cinemas from January 28.

Spotlight also features the Denzel Washington-directed film A Journal for Jordan, with Michael B Jordan in the lead role. A film that will pull at cinemagoers’ heartstrings, it tells the true story of 1st Sgt Charles Monroe King’s journal for his infant son, full of love and advice, when anticipating the real possibility of him not surviving a tour of duty to Baghdad. Look out for interviews with Jordan, as well as Chante Adams, in the lead roles.

We also have a closer look at the reality series, The Real Housewives of Durban, as season 2 on Showmax heats up television screens. Londie London is one of the new faces this season, which features other new wives, more opulence, more extravagance and more drama.

Make sure you don’t miss the inside scoop and breaking news on 2012 director Roland Emmerich’s epic disaster offering, Moonfall, coming to cinemas and IMAX in early February.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers, clips and competition details, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies!

Presenter Collette Prince is dressed by Kalea Collective.

Stand a chance to win — twice!

To celebrate the release of Licorice Pizza, you could win one of two Del Forno Date Night Pizza Vouchers valued at R329, plus there is also a set of two IMAX movie tickets, courtesy of Ster-Kinekor Theatres, up for grabs.

To enter, visit Spotlight SA on Facebook for all the details. 

Terms and conditions apply.

Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed.  Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driver’s licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight SA on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.