I saw aliens, explosions and emotional breakdowns (all before Monday) and now I’m bringing it all to you in this week’s Friday Five (even though it’s Saturday).
South Africa (23 May 2025) – Fridays have a kind of magic to them, don’t they? That feeling of the week winding down, of exhaling just a little deeper, and if you’re lucky, that first sip of something cold or hot as you toast yourself for surviving another five-day rollercoaster.
But around here, Friday means something extra special… it means The Friday Five.
This is your ultimate guide to the things that are bringing joy, spark and flavour into my world… and maybe they’ll do the same for yours. From the big screen to your living room screen, from fresh new tracks to cosy getaways, and of course, a little reminder that kindness costs nothing but means everything… this is the good stuff.
You see, over the years, I’ve been incredibly lucky. I get invited to movie premieres before the general public sees the trailer. I get sent screeners of series not even on local platforms yet. I’ve walked through the doors of restaurants so new they’re still printing the menu. And because of this wild job I get to call my life, I wanted a place to share it all with you.
That place is The Friday Five… my happy little corner to gush, rave, recommend and ramble about all the lekker things worth your time.
So… let’s dive into what’s making me feel all the good things this week:
🎬 Movies you need to see! Friday Five | Friday Five
🕵🏻♂️ Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
I went to watch the new Mission Impossible last week.
But let me be completely honest… I was there for the salt-and-vinegar popcorn. And to hang out with friends. Not for the actual movie.
Mon invited me. And if you know Mon, you know… you don’t say “no” to Mon. She’s a little bit Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. but with Portuguese fire, some Spanish flair and a whole lot of South African spice. We grew up together in the South. That woman would quite literally knife me for missing her call.
And this was serious. She’d lined up a babysitter and made plans (on a Saturday nogal) so when she said “Let’s go,” I just nodded and said “Yes, boss.”
I digress.
I have absolutely no clue how this franchise has managed to drag itself through 8 movies over 3 decades, racking up nearly 20 hours of runtime.
TWENTY HOURS.
Of Tom Cruise doing Tom Cruise.
It’s outrageous. It’s over the top. Implausible. And downright silly.
And yet… I had the best bladdy time.
It’s like adrenaline injected directly into your eyeballs. I found myself literally slapping my thighs and shouting, “Ag no, come on now! There’s no way it gets more hectic…”
But then it does.
And I think it’s exactly what movies are supposed to be. Escapism. A bit of ridiculousness. A visual “feast” that lets you forget about your to-do list for a few hours.
The stunts are insane. The action is relentless.
And South Africa being a main feature was so flipping lekker.
Look, they mashed up Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg and what felt like a sprinkle of Wild Coast in one scene, which is hella confusing for us and makes no sense geographically but it was still a beautiful nod to our gorgeous landscape. And no one will really know it’s not the same place. They’ll just think what I was thinking… that scenery was chef’s kiss.
It was a Saturday. The IMAX was packed. People were clapping, laughing and even squealing out loud. At one point, when they mentioned “Cape of Good Hope, our neighbour shouted out “YES MAN”.
I giggled.
And as the credits rolled, I walked out smiling. Full popcorn heart. Full friendship cup. Not knifed. And one hundred percent fully entertained.
Mission Impossible is a silly franchise. But it is so much fun.
Go watch it (preferably in IMAX).
Now in Cinemas.
🌺 Lilo & Stitch (Live Action Remake)
The reviews for the new live-action Lilo & Stitch are streaming in… and ja, some of them are not so lekker.
The Guardian gave it one star. Vulture tore it apart. The AV Club called it “dreadful.” Even Variety said the magic is gone.
But I disagree.
I went to the South African premiere last week, and from the second I arrived, I could tell this wasn’t your usual red carpet night. The venue was filled with the who’s who… and their little ones.
Tiny tots all in tow.
I sat in the theatre and watched the new remake in the eyes (and loudest sounds) of the kids around me. Every moment hit perfectly. Just like it did for me when I was a kid. The kids were giggling. And screaming at the screen.
The oooohhhhss. The aaaahhhhss. And the tears.
By the end, the kids were all clapping.
It made them feel something.
At its core, Lilo & Stitch is about broken people finding each other and choosing to stay. It’s messy and loud and totally imperfect. But it’s about love anyway. It’s about how family isn’t just who you’re born to, it’s who shows up and sticks around.
“Ohana means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”… and that’s the real heart of the story.
And the heart is definitely there.
Lilo & Stitch was never made to impress critics. Especially grown-up ones.
It was made for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place. A little sad. A little lost. A little too much. It’s for the ones who need reminding that love isn’t always tidy. But when it’s real, it’s everything.
And it was made for a new generation to fall in love with the characters all over again.
So take your kids. Or go with that kid who still lives in your heart. Sit in that cinema, let your guard down and remember what it feels like to believe that no one, not even the strangest little alien, gets left behind…. or forgotten.
Now in Cinemas.
📺 Series to keep your eye on Friday Five | Friday Five
🌊 Sirens (Netflix)
A psychological thriller with all the right ingredients: mystery, a lavish seaside estate, complicated family dynamics, and secrets bubbling just under the surface.
It’s about a scrappy sister digging into her sibling’s unsettling relationship with a billionaire boss. But what unfolds is more than a drama. It’s a tense, layered, slow-burn story that sucks you in and doesn’t let go.
It’s CRAZY but totally addictive. And it’ll keep you guessing till the very last episode. Highly recommend for your next binge.
Now on Netflix.
🥶 Nine Perfect Strangers – Season 2
We’re back. But this time, Masha’s “wellness retreat” has moved to the Bavarian Alps. Sounds peaceful? Think again.
This season throws nine new characters into the deep end… some of them family, which means their baggage didn’t even need to be packed, it came along automatically. It’s moody. Tense. Introspective.
The first episode doesn’t explode with drama but trust me, the slow simmer makes it even juicier.
Nicole Kidman is hauntingly good. The cinematography is breathtaking. And the plot is deliciously twisted.
Now on Hulu and Disney+.
🎧 Music you need to hear Friday Five | Friday Five
🎶 Benson Boone – “Momma Song”
A quiet, powerful love letter to his parents that sneaks up on you with all the feels. It’s tender. Raw. And if you’ve ever had a moment of gratitude for your mom or dad, this one will have you in full snot-and-tears mode.
🎶 Reneé Rapp – “Leave Me Alone”
Bold. Brash. Brilliant. Reneé is unapologetically herself and this track is pure rebellious perfection. If you’re in a mood to scream-sing in the car, this is your anthem.
🎶 Skunk Anansie – “Shame”
YES, millennial me is screaming. The 90s rock gods are back with a new album and their first single? Glorious. It’s like picking up a diary from 2002 but with 2025 wisdom. Heavy guitar, raw emotion, iconic vocals. Go listen.
🌍 Places to go Friday Five | Friday Five
Dullstroom – Mpumalanga’s Hidden Gem
Just a couple of hours from Joburg (depending on how many padstals you stop at), Dullstroom feels like you’ve left the noise behind and stepped into a storybook. Think crackling fires, misty mornings, handmade pies, friendly faces and a main road that’s charming in the way that only small towns can be.
It’s the kind of place where your phone signal weakens, but your connection to everything else strengthens.
Here’s what makes Dullstroom worth the trip… especially in winter:
🐦 Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre
One of the absolute must-visits. This centre is home to owls, eagles, falcons and other majestic creatures who are either being cared for or rehabilitated after injury. It’s more than just a viewing experience, it’s educational and moving. Watching these powerful birds fly again is an emotional reminder of how recovery is possible… even with broken wings.
🥃 The Whisky Bar at Wild About Whisky
Dullstroom is home to the largest whisky collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, you read that right. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or someone who still says “ew” when you smell it, the tastings are well-curated, informative and weirdly fun. Bonus: they do whisky and chocolate pairings!
🍽️ Food, Glorious Food
This little town punches way above its weight when it comes to food. Some local favourites:
Harrie’s Pancakes: You cannot come to Dullstroom and not eat here. It’s a rite of passage. Try the cinnamon sugar classic or go wild with the trout and cream cheese.
The Mayfly: Cosy pub vibes, great atmosphere, and proper winter comfort food.
Art of Food: A small, seasonal menu with big, bold flavours. Perfect for date night.
🎣 Fly Fishing Capital of South Africa
Even if you’re not into fishing, there’s something calming about standing by the water and watching others do it. If you do want to give it a go, there are loads of places offering gear and quick tutorials. You don’t need to be a pro, just bring patience and maybe a flask of something warm.
🪵 Cabin Culture & Cosy Stays
Part of Dullstroom’s charm lies in its cabins, cottages and cosy stays. Many places come with fireplaces, mountain views and deep baths made for wine and long chats. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, or solo explorer, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about waking up to soft mist rolling across the hills.
🛍️ Shops That Still Feel Personal
Walk along the main road and you’ll find bookstores, antique shops, delis and little stores selling everything from handmade crafts to local cheeses. Every shopkeeper has a story. Take time to listen.
🌧️ And the Weather?
Cold. Often rainy. Sometimes frosty. And completely perfect for woolly jerseys, beanies, boardgames and fireside chats. In a world constantly telling us to go faster, Dullstroom whispers: slow down.
❤️ One more thing
People are struggling.
Your neighbour.
That friend you haven’t chatted to lately.
The acquaintance you are connected with on social media.
People are going through the most, fighting massive things (sometimes feeling alone) and just not saying anything.
It’s that first rule of fight club. We’re not supposed to talk about it
Our inbox is a flood of both heartwarming stories and heartbreaking cries for help. And every single one reminds me just how important it is to show up for each other.
I’ve been lucky. This platform has created a beautiful network of helpers. Real-life heroes who are there for each other.
We connect people to support, to stories, to hope.
The truth is donor fatigue is real. Compassion can feel heavy when the need is endless. And it is endless.
But it’s not hopeless.
So this post is just a reminder to please keep being gentle with the world. Be kinder to everyone you meet. Including yourself. Check in on your people. Offer a smile. Share what you can… whether it’s a message, a meal or a moment of your time.
And if you are reading this, and it all feels too heavy, then I want to say that I am sorry. I want to remind you that you are not alone. Have faith that a better tomorrow will come. Hold on. And keep telling yourself that “you’ve got this”.
I am rooting for you.
Okay. Love you. Bye.
by 