issue #15: my favourite prequel films
all this as well as killing eve, all the pregnant stars and more
Hi everyone,
This week’s newsletter is all about the things I’ve been obsessed with lately:
I’m not usually a fan of prequels. I hate knowing how something ends. So I have been slow to watch Furiosa, and I haven’t gotten into House of the Dragon yet. When every other Harry Potter fan was clamboring for a Marauders prequel I was like I’m good, I know they all end up dying young anyhow.
But they have been growing on me, and don’t always feel like cash grabs in order to squeeze more out of an IP. Some of them really do add more to the original story or tell a unique tale that’s still kind of fun.
So without adieu, these are some of my favourite prequels:
Wonka (2023)
I watched this recently and while it didn’t feel very ‘Willy Wonka’-like to me, it still was a very charming film. Tonally it was different, I thought it was much sweeter but it still felt as colourful and fun as a Roald Dahl film. It tells the story of Willy Wonka and how he began his chocolate empire. It’s available to rent on DStv Box Office, Apple TV or Google Movies.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
Now I’m a Hunger Games girlie, there’s something about the way Suzanne Collins writes this world that I just love. I was very skeptical about this prequel about President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland in the original films) but this is done so well. It tells an intriguing and new story while still adding to the lore that enrichs the original trilogy. It’s available to rent on DStv Box Office, Apple TV or Google Movies.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
Is it a perfect movie? No. But it does set up the X-Men characters and world in a fun and entertaining way. I love James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Charles and Erik, and their chemistry is off-the-wall. Even though there is an entire prequel trilogy this is the one I keep returning to. It’s available to stream on Disney+.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A nice OG. For me, what makes The Godfather Part II work so well is because it is part prequel, part sequel. It tells the story of Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando in the first film) while it mirrors the rise of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). It is so well done and even better than the first film imo. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
Rogue One (2016) and Andor (2022)
Okay so I’m cheating with this one and including a series as well. I’m not a biiiiggg fan of the Star Wars prequels but I really enjoyed Rogue One as I felt it added to the story we already knew while still telling something new. In 2022, the first season of Andor was released and it told the story of one of the rebels, Cassian Andor and god what a brilliant show? Honestly, it told the story of the Rebellion better than the original trilogy in my opinion. Both are available to stream on Disney+.
What are some of your favourite prequels?
TV show rec:
Killing Eve
I recently finished season one of Killing Eve, and I am HOOKED. It tells the story of a Eve (Sandra Oh) who is recruited to track down a serial killer called Villanelle (Jodie Comer) and the obsession the two have with each other. It is excellently written, and the acting is superb. It’s available to stream on Netflix
Some other articles I’ve written lately:
I reviewed the new Zac Efron/Nicole Kidman rom-com A Family Affair for News24.
I wrote about 5 LGBTQ+ South African films that you should watch for News24.
I reviewed the second half of Bridgerton season 3 for News24.
xoxo
Caryn
article: why we need film criticism in south africa?
I did a deep delve into the importance of film criticism in South Africa and how it is the key to starting the next film movement in the country. Read it here.
what you missed in the news:
Entertainment
Vanessa Hudgens and her husband Cole Tucker welcomed a new baby.
Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake are opening a bar in Scotland.
Lindsay Hubbard of Summer House is pregnant.
John Cena is returing from WWE after Wrestlemania 2025.
BARBIE GIRL Margot Robbie is pregnant.
Britney Spears says she is done dating men.
Prime Video has released the trailer for it’s first original South African film called The Shakedown.
The streets are saying that Tyga is dating Sabrina Claudio.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in the works and is set to star Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt.
Julia Fox has come out on TikTok as a lesbian.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has announced that she’s pregnant.
Shrek 5 will be released in July 2026.
Madelyn Cline and Pete Davidson have broken up.
Showmax’s prices are going up.
Ellen DeGeneres has said that she’s quitting show business.
John Mulaney and Olivia Munn got married.
Popeye and The Shining actress Shelley Duvall passed away.
Alexandra Daddario is pregnant.
Presumed Innocent has been renewed for season 2.
Fashion & Beauty
Vogue did a great editorial about whether smaller labels can thrive in Paris.
Marta Kostyuk played a Wimbledon match in a tennis version of her wedding dress.
Lewis Hamilton launched his +44 merch line.
Could the ‘business bob’ be the hairstyle of the summer?
Pusha T has been announced as the new Louis Vuitton House Ambassador.
Troye Sivan has been named as the first makeup ambassador for Rabanne.
Wimbedon style is all about the summer suit.
Everything you need to know about the new Dolce & Gabbana beauty line.
‘Paisley’ is the print of the summer.
Lifestyle
Google Translate has added two new South African languages.
Apparently, South Africa ranks amongst the top 10 most relaxing accents in the world.
Do you live on the most expensive street in SA?
Chronobiology workouts is the latest lifestyle trend to go viral.
What does ‘GGG’ mean on Tinder?
Why are TikTokkers asking their partners the ‘strawberry’ question?
Does the TikTok ‘Drunken Monkey’ sleeping hack work?
South Africa will be cracking down on financial influencers.
Social Justice/Politics/News
How Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ was used in the protests in Kenya.
What’s happening with George Clooney and Joe Biden? -
Celeb crush of the week
Just going to leave you with the Gladiator II trailer: