Mr. Bones 2: Back from the Past (2008) Reviews

• It's just the same crude, slapstick-stained stuff as before

  JeffersonCody2008-11-30

  MR BONES 2: BACK FROM THE PAST with Leon Schuster, Tongayi Chirisa, Leeanda Reddy and Alfred Ntombela, directed by Gray Hofmeyr. Rating: 2 out of 10. THE new Leon Shuster flick doesn't try to reinvent the wheel; it simply serves up the same crude, scatological, slapstick-stained low-brow humour the popular comedian has been depositing on an adoring public for years. This sequel to the most successful South African film ever, "Mr Bones " - which grossed over R33 million in our country, will probably do quite well at the box-office. But that doesn't excuse the fact it's not a very good film - or that it substitutes ring sting, blows to the crotch and flatulence for genuine wit. The story revolves around sangoma, Mr Bones (Schuster), and his king, Hekule of Kuvukiland (Tongayi Chirisa), who must travel into the future and save their world after the king is given a cursed gemstone by a dying Indian man during the long gone days when the British Empire still had it's claws in our continent. Naturally, havoc ensues when the two tribesman - who don't even know how what a flush toilet is - land up in modern day Durban and try to return the cursed stone to its rightful resting place. I've enjoyed some of Mr Shuster's movies (eg "Sweet and Short" and "Zulu on My Stoep") and I have laughed at many of his candid camera gags, but "Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past" didn't have me rolling in the aisles. In fact, I barely chuckled (apart from at Alfred Ntombela, who is always good for a giggle) and found that it dragged. Besides, the plot is ripped off from the far superior, Jean Reno-starring French film, "Le Visiteurs", and the acting is terrible. However, don't let these comments stop you from seeing it. Perhaps my funny-bone was out of order, or maybe my tastes are simply to high-brow. After-all, Leon Schuster is a South African institution. But then again, so are Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema, and they aren't that funny anymore. Perhaps, as a nation, we get the humour, the politicians and the fart-jokes we deserve. Is this film going to be the biggest hit of the holiday season. Or will reason prevail?

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• A truly memorable funny and unforgettable comedy

  mrcibubur2010-10-10

  At last I have watched a comedy movie which made me laugh from start until finish virtually non stop. I don't know this Leon Custer actor guy and I have never heard of Mr Bones 1. In fact, I only bought Mr Bones 2 on DVD this week because I walked into a DVD store and I saw 10 people watching a preview and laughing at the movie. wow, what a wonderful funny and even romantic movie! I am not being sarcastic by saying that if you don't mind this movie, there must be something wrong with you. after all the American and even British comedies lately which aren't remotely lately, this movie is a breath of fresh air, make no mistake. it reminds me vaguely of crocodile Dundee when he visited new York all these years ago (Paul Hogan) but this is even more zany but with a wonderful but not overdone love story. All the scenes fit well into the movie and are very very funny indeed - the parrot in the kitchen, the under-arrest at the near beginning, the dildo scenes, the King and the 'door' scenes, the King and Bones at the hospital and at the fancy dress party, so so much indeed to commend. On top of so much about South Africa this year, this is truly fantastic. It also serves as a blessing to bring black and white together in one story and involving the Indian community as well, I just couldn't stop laughing. Personally, I think its worthy of Oscar nomination, its an outrageous contention but the acting is terrific, the story is progressive and never exaggerated and the film is a comedy, so it should be funny - and it definitely is. The let down is the swearing by the parrot and the dildo innuendos but they are vague in the extreme and any child watching this I don't think will be in any way offended. There is nothing sexual in the movie and if it wasn't for the swearing, I would definitely score this movie a 10 because it sets out to do what most movies fail to do - entertain and make us enjoy watching the movie. I watched that Austrian guy in Bruno and other similar stuff, just garbage. yes, this film is very very silly but this is escapism and adventure and fun and sheer delight and I warmed to this as I did to 'My name is Khan' earlier this year. Thank you South Africa and Mr Director for bringing us such a wonderful heart warming movie. My kids have watched it, my neighbours have, my maids and even my ex-wife and other friends, I don't understand if released in 2008 in South Africa, why just released worldwide. The only 2010 film I can compare with is Jackie Chans 'Spy next Door' but this is a much better made film overall. Few comedies make me laugh but this one touched a nerve. And don't overlook the closing sequences either, all part of the package!

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• Insulting!

  sredsha2012-05-21

  This is the worst piece of rubbish I have ever seen. It is actually cringe worthy. I don't understand how this movie has grossed so much in box office revenue when better movies go unnoticed. A few cheap jokes and toilet humor hardly constitutes as great cinema. The direction,script,cinematography,music and acting were pathetic with Leeanda Reddy leading the pack. How do these people even earn the title of actor in the first place. They can't act to save their life. Do us all a favor and don't act. Movies like this make me ashamed to call myself a South African. It angers me. There so much more out there to make a movie on. So much more subject matter available to us as South Africans but yet we are always portrayed in this light by Leon Schuster. Go and see it if you want your intelligence to be insulted. Otherwise stay at home and do something better with your time.

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