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?
