Get ready for The Friday Five! Your ultimate guide to the best in entertainment and lifestyle, where every week, we dive into five good things you need to know. Whether you’re planning a chilled weekend in, or a wild night out, we’ve got you covered with the good news you need to kickstart your weekend right!
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 October 2024) – Welcome to The Friday Five! A Good Things Guy initiative where we dive into five awesome picks from the world of entertainment and lifestyle.
From must-watch movies to binge-worthy series, thrilling games, and some of the hottest places to eat and play – this is your one-stop shop for all the good things happening right now. Whether you’re into the latest films, music, or fancy a new spot to check out for your next night out, we’ve got you covered.
This week, we’re diving headfirst into the spooky side of things because, hey, it’s the last week of Halloween, so why not keep the “scary” vibe alive? Let’s get into it!
🎬 Movies for Your Watchlist:
We’re sticking with the Halloween theme for this week’s movie picks, and first up is Woman of the Hour – the directorial debut of the incredibly talented Anna Kendrick.
Woman of the Hour is intense, creepy, and downright suspenseful – exactly what you’d want for a Halloween watch. Set in the late 1970s, the film follows Cheryl, a woman living in Los Angeles who’s coaxed into appearing on the dating show The Dating Game to boost her career. Little does she know, she’ll come face to face with Rodney Alcaca – a man who later turns out to be a serial killer. In a chilling real-life story that feels stranger than fiction, Kendrick’s portrayal of Cheryl is a tour de force, while she also shines behind the camera as director. It’s gripping, it’s uncomfortable, and it offers a sharp commentary on society’s attitudes towards women and the world of show business.
Now available on Netflix – grab the popcorn and maybe leave the lights on for this one!
Next, if you’re in the mood for a throwback with a twist, check out Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Yes, you read that right! The sequel to the 1988 classic brings us back to Winter River, where Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) is once again dealing with the chaos that is Beetlejuice. When her teenage daughter accidentally opens a portal to the afterlife, the hijinks begin. Paying homage to the original while crafting a new and quirky story, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits the mark for fans of the first film. If you’re in for a spooky, funny ride, this one’s a must-watch.
Now in cinemas and available to rent on Apple TV+, Google TV, PRIME and other leading streaming services.
🎥 Series You Should Be Watching Right Now:
Still in the Halloween spirit, I’ve got a series for you that you might not have heard of yet – but trust me, you need to.
Hysteria! is set during the infamous Satanic Panic of the 1980s, and it’s easily this Halloween’s best-kept secret. It’s got everything – mystery, horror, and a dose of dark humour. The show kicks off with a missing varsity quarterback, and before you know it, a heavy metal band is getting caught up in a whirlwind of accusations as their new “Satanic” image leads to all sorts of suspicion. As the band becomes the prime suspects in a series of eerie events, the show delves into the power of suggestion, social prejudices, and the fine line between superstition and reality. A murder mystery with a paranormal twist, Hysteria! will keep you on your toes until the very last episode.
Now available on Peacock and coming soon to DSTV and ShowMax.
Of course, I can’t talk about series without mentioning Only Murders in the Building. Already in its 4th season, this show has become a global favourite for a reason. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are fantastic together as three New Yorkers who, after a string of murders in their building, start solving mysteries – and recording a podcast along the way. It’s a mix of humour, drama, and plenty of whodunit twists, all wrapped up in the charm of a beautifully portrayed Manhattan. If you haven’t started this yet, now is the perfect time to catch up.
All seasons are now available on Disney+.
🎶 Music You Need to Hear:
Alright, switching gears to music, because this week has been a treat.
First up, Lady Gaga is back with her new single Disease. And can I just say – it’s the Gaga we’ve been waiting for! After dabbling in jazz, country, and even musicals, Disease feels like a return to her iconic pop roots. It’s powerful, bold, and gives off major Born This Way vibes. Let’s hope the rest of the album follows suit because if this track is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Mother Monster has officially returned, and it’s about time!
On a more mellow note, James Bay has just dropped his fourth studio album, Changes All The Time, and it’s everything we love about him. Soulful, raw, and packed with emotion, this album takes you on a journey of personal growth and reflection. My favourite track? Hope – it’s a beautiful anthem about staying optimistic, even when times are tough. It’s the perfect song to remind us all that no matter how hard life gets, it’s going to be alright.
🎮 Shout Out For the Gamers:
This week’s game pick is for all my fellow gamers out there – Astro Bot.
Let me just say, this game is pure joy. It’s the kind of game that will have you glued to the screen for hours (sorry kids, the PlayStation is mine this weekend). Astro Bot is a playful, child-like platformer that’s packed with inventive levels and loads of fun abilities. IGN described it as “endlessly inventive and fantastically fun,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. It’s one of those rare games that’s simple enough for beginners but challenging enough to keep even seasoned players hooked.
🍴 Places to Go:
If you’re in Sandton and looking for a night out, you have to check out OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.
They’ve just opened in the spot where Taboo used to be – you know, the place where nights turned into mornings? It’s got that same vibe but with a fresh, luxurious twist. It’s perfect for those “Dezemba” nights when all you want to do is dance the night away. Trust me, this is going to be one of the hottest spots in town as summer rolls in.
And if you’re heading there, make sure to stop by Saint first. David Higgs’ Sandton eatery serves up some of the best food in the city, and the atmosphere is just right for setting the tone for an epic night out.
There you have it – The Friday Five! Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling movie, a gripping new series, some soulful tunes, or a night out with friends, there’s something here for everyone. Life is all about finding the good things, and every week, I’m here to help you do just that.
Enjoy the weekend, try something new, and keep the good vibes going!
by 