These are so far the Top 5 Movies released in North America this summer. They showcase talent and reflect some of the issues that are worth our attention.
In no specific order these are the Top 5 so far, though the summer is far from over.

Public Enemies: The Michael Mann flick based on a true story of the Chicago crime spree of the 1930s. Johnny Depp, the versatile actor brings to life the character of John Dillinger the renowned American gangster who is being chased around town by FBI Agent Melvis Purvis (Christian Bale).  Johnny Depp versatility and character involvement is simply amazing. 2009 Universal Pictures
The Stoning of Soraya M. This meaningful drama set in 1986 Iran is centered on a man, Sahebjam (Jim Caviezel), whose car breaks down in a remote village and enters into a conversation with Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo), who relays to him the story about her niece, Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), whose arranged marriage to an abusive tyrant had a tragic ending. This novel adaption featuring Caviezel should draw our attention on problems that affect people in other parts of the world, and forget about our own; like if we want our hamburger all dressed or not. (Limited Release directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh. 2009 Roadside Attractions.)
The Proposal: A publishing executive (Sandra Bullock) forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she can avoid deportation back to Canada. This is in my top 5 simply because it is comedy that is actually funny. It is nothing like Dance Flick or Year One; comedies that do not contain funny elements. Oscar Nuñez (The Office) makes the movie worth watching. The Proposal was directed by Anne Fletcher. 2009 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Departures (Okorubito): The Japanese movie that won an Oscar last year has finally been released in North America. Departures is about a musician (Masahiro Motoki) who is jobless after his orchestra is dissolved and as a result moves back to his hometown with his wife (Tsutomu Yamazaki) for a fresh start. The scenery and the movie itself inspire a sense of peace.  Director: Yôjirô Takita. 2009 Regent Releasing.
Food.Inc: A thought provoking documentary looking into Corporate America's control of food production and distribution in the States. This is one of those documentary that makes you aware of important issues generally overlooked or hidden from the consumers.  Robert Kenner directs. 2009 Magnolia Pictures.

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 Canadian-American funnyman Jim Carrey will become a grandaddy according to People Magazine, while the National Inquirerreports that the once respected actor Morgan Freeman is romantically involved with the daughter of his ex-wife. Freeman is respected by many because of his age and his reserved nature. When I heard that he is romantically involved with a 27 year old, all the respect that I had for him was gone. According to the same report this has been going on for more than 10 years. This can be considered incest or some kind of perversion. Academy Award winner Freeman will play Nelson Mandela in Invictus; an upcoming Clint Eastwood movie co-staring Matt Damon. The romance of the 72 year old actor makes me respect Jim Carrey even more because though he is an on-screen funny man, he is serious in real life, while Freeman is an hypocrite.

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Poster 10 x(at) yahoo.ca

Africa Matata.Com had the priviledge to have an interview with Big Brother 2 WINNER Richard Bezuidenhout. He talks about his current projects, Aids in Africa among other things.

Africa Matata: It is a privilege to have you for this interview

When going into the Big Brother House, did you know that you would end up winning?
Richard: Anything was possible, and I was prepared to win or lose since I knew that there were 11 other strong competitors. However, I knew I had a 1 in 12 chance of winning and I thought that was good enough to take the risk.

Africa Matata: Could you tell us about what you have been up to after winning?

Richard: I have started my own production company called Richard Bezuidenhout Co., I have had the starring role in three movies, I have had the chance to travel to UK, South Africa, Nigeria and Canada. I also produced and directed a documentary and I have done promotions. It has been busy.

Africa Matata:What about any predictions on the upcoming Big Brother Africa 4?
Richard: That’s too difficult to predict! However, for the next game, I think some viewers, the ones who have not experienced a situation like this, should stop being so judgmental and abusive to housemates because they do not know what they are capable of if they were in the same position.  Public figures have the right to live their own lives too, and others can learn from them.

Africa Matata: What do you consider as your greates achievement in life.
I have always said this that it is getting married to my wife. If there was any good decision I made in life, it was getting married to her.

Africa Matata: What advice do you have for the young ones from Africa as a whole?
Richard: Stay away from drugs, stay healthy, enjoy life, work hard for your goals, the sky is the limit and remember that dreams really do come true, but you have to be prepared for a tough road to achievement.

Africa Matata: What or who is your greatest love?
Richard: Family.

Africa Matata: What do you have to say on the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africans in millions.
Richard: I have been touched by AIDS just like most of us here in Africa. I lost someone very close to me, and she did not know the person who gave it to her had it. You never know who could have it out there. Everyone should take responsibility for their life and protect themselves. However, those infected by AIDS need love and support, not rejection. For those who are infected, spreading the disease more does not cure you or make anything better, therefore I urge them to stop. Also, I think it should be up to Africans to determine our own destiny, not people from outside telling us how to solve our problems.

Africa Matata: What are your plans for the future?
Richard: At the moment, my wife is expecting a child and I am excited to be a father. Therefore, I want to take some time off to be close to my child and my wife. As it has always been, my dream has always been in the film making industry, so I will be producing and directing this year.

Africa Matata: Any final remarks?
Richard: Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. Life is short and precious. You should all enjoy it without putting yourselves at risk – this is possible.

Richard Dyle Bezuidenhout
Born August 10, 1982 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Currently living in Dar

Profession: Actor and Movie Director