Iconic South African filmmaker and comedian Leon Schuster churns out yet another laugh riot! (Review by Raeesa Abdul-Karrim)June 22 sees the release of Leon Schuster’s latest comedy caper Mad Buddies. Suncoast Cine Centre was host to an almost full house on Monday night at the film’s Durban premier. Fortunate attendees were treated to a meet and greet with a few cast members.
So what can audiences expect from the newest release?
Mad Buddies differs slightly from Ol’ Schucks traditional recipe of “candid camera” style films but stays true to his usual slapstick comedy. He once again joins forces with Gray Hofmeyr, who is at the helm as director and co-writer. The fairly weak plot revolves around two men Boetie (Leon Schuster) and Beast (Kenneth Nkosi) who are thrown together to undertake an unusual road trip from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng. The film begins with their first meeting, after which Beast is left almost knocking on death’s door and Boetie without his big toe; needless to say they were not en route to becoming “buddies”.
Years later they meet again and cause absolute mayhem at Minister Mda’s (Alfred Ntombela) daughter’s wedding. They are then faced with two evils: prison or a road trip on foot. Like kids, being forced to play together, they set off. Their misery is masterminded by Kelsey (Tanit Phoenix), who sees this as the perfect opportunity to create a reality series. The two, however, are completely unaware that they are a part of a scheme and will be secretly filmed. What ensues reminded me of the cartoon Tom and Gerry, with both trying to annoy, outwit and best the other in rather ridiculous ways.
It was pleasing to see the picturesque landscapes as the two men trudge along through towns and villages; invoking the “proudly South African” feeling. I quite enjoyed the scenes involving Alfred Ntombela, who has such good comic timing. Leon Schuster and Kenneth Nkosi deliver energetic performances while the beautiful Tanit Phoenix serves as eye candy for audiences.
Viewers accustomed to Schuster’s style of filmmaking will know what’s to be expected. If not it is recommended that you leave your sensibilities outside the theatre as the crazy humour goes from crass and crude to downright cringe-worthy. Love them or hate them, Schuster’s films have their own unique selling point, evident in his success over the years. His films Mr Bones and Mr Bones 2 are the highest grossing South African films to date.
So - for your dose of local lunacy - catch Mad Buddies at Suncoast Cine Centre from June 22 onwards. - Raeesa Abdul-Karrim
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