Five reasons to smile this week! From heartfelt movies to fresh music and hidden gems, The Friday Five is your ultimate guide to all things good. Let’s dive into the moments, stories, and experiences that remind us why life is worth celebrating!
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 November 2024) – Welcome to The Friday Five, a feel-good initiative where we dive into the world of entertainment and lifestyle to highlight five amazing things you absolutely need to know about.
From heartwarming movies to binge-worthy series, soul-stirring music, inspiring books, and hidden gems, this is your go-to guide for finding good things! Let’s dive in.
🎬 Movies for Your Watchlist:
First up, I got to watch “White Bird: A Wonder Story”. Based on the book by the best-selling author of “Wonder”, this movie is an emotional masterpiece about the power of kindness.
If you loved “Wonder” like I did, this story will stay with you for a long time. It follows Julian Beaumier, the bully from “Wonder”, as he struggles to fit in at a new school. His grandmother’s story of escaping Nazi-occupied France during World War II transforms him—and us.
Honestly, I sobbed. It was so beautiful and heartfelt, and everyone needs to experience it. With all my heart, go watch it!
“White Bird: A Wonder Story” is now showing exclusively at Cinema Nouveau (which, yes, frustrates me—this film deserves to be in every cinema!).
Next up is “Deadpool & Wolverine!”. Entertainment on steroids! Deadpool is back, and he’s bringing Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine along for the ride in a film that reshapes the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After years in 20th Century Fox’s Marvel franchise, Deadpool finally joins the MCU, kicking off Phase Five with a bang. This is also Hugh Jackman’s glorious return to the claws, seven years after Logan.
I was lucky enough to catch the South African premiere back in July (and dragged Andrew to see it again the next week). Why am I mentioning this now? Because it’s heading to Disney+!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 12 November—”Deadpool & Wolverine” lands on Disney+ next week.
🎥 Series You Should Be Watching Right Now:
Greek mythology gets a dark, hilarious twist in “KAOS”, a contemporary series exploring themes of power, gender politics, and life in the underworld. It follows six humans tied to an ancient prophecy, all while delivering mythological madness and some seriously sharp humour.
Even though it premiered in late August, it still deserves attention. And that is why I am highlighting it! Yes, it’s rumoured not to have another season, but this first outing is a gift! With Jeff Goldblum leading the charge, it’s witty, visually stunning, and thoroughly entertaining.
Stream “KAOS” now on Netflix.
With Season 2 of “Bad Sisters” dropping on 13 November, now is the perfect time to binge the first season! This dark comedy is all about the five Garvey sisters—Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka—who find themselves in a life insurance investigation after Grace’s abusive husband dies. The series flips between timelines, leaving you questioning the sisters’ involvement while rooting for their survival.
Set in Dublin, “Bad Sisters” offers a rich mix of Irish humour and black comedy. It’s clever, emotional, and downright brilliant.
Season 1 is available on Apple TV+, with Season 2 coming next week.
🎶 Music You Need to Hear:
This week, Griff gifted us with two incredible tracks: “Pure Imagination” and “Last Night’s Mascara”. If you don’t know Griff, it’s time to change that! She’s one of the most exciting voices in pop, blending polished melodies with emotional depth. Her songs are perfect for late-night drives or when you just need to feel all the feels.
Both tracks are now streaming, and because I adore Christmas (and Griff), here’s a throwback to her stunning 2020 Christmas ad. Get the tissues ready!
Linkin Park is back, and it’s not just a revival—it’s a reinvention. It was a tough choice to replace Chester Bennington and many were upset with Emily Armstrong stepping in as lead vocalist, but I believe the band is entering a new era, with deep respect for their previous lead. Band members have spoken openly about this new chapter and how they are trying to honour Chester while moving in a different direction.
Their upcoming album, From Zero, releases on 15 November, and the tracks I’ve heard so far are really good. Over Each Other is a standout—raw, emotional, and beautifully crafted. This isn’t a rewrite of Linkin Park; it’s a bold new chapter. And I think I am kinda here for it.
📚 Book I’m Currently Reading:
“The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down” by Haemin Sunim is pure magic. It’s a reminder that amidst life’s chaos, slowing down can lead to peace and joy. With insights on mindfulness, love, and happiness, Sunim’s words are like a comforting hug for the soul.
Every page feels like a gift. It’s perfect for anyone looking to find calm and clarity. If you’re searching for a book that will make you pause, reflect, and appreciate life, this is it.
🍴 Places to Go:
Looking for a slice of France in Joburg? Liberté in Craighall is a stunning French-inspired gem that celebrates life, connection, and exceptional food. I was invited to brunch here with the KLM | Air France team, and wow—what a treat!
Elegant dishes, incredible local and French wines, and a setting that feels like a little escape to Paris. It’s charming, delicious, and utterly memorable. Do yourself a favour and visit—it’s a celebration of joie de vivre right in the heart of Joburg.
And that’s your Friday Five! Whether you’re diving into a soul-stirring movie, jamming to new music, or savouring an unforgettable meal, there’s so much good to explore this week. These are the little joys that make life richer, and I’m so excited to share them with you.
Let’s keep celebrating the good things, together!
by 