Disaster Holiday

I realized while going through my yearly recap that I hadn't watched any African films this year, so I decided to check out this one directed by Rethabile Ramaphakela. I noticed that only two of my Letterboxd friends had seen it, and they both rated it just one star! Still, I was curious enough to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did. "Disaster Holiday" is a South African family road trip movie that mixes humor with family drama pretty well. It's set during what's supposed to be a perfect vacation, but things quickly spiral out of control for this family looking for a chill getaway. While Ramaphakela's direction isn't groundbreaking, it's polished enough to keep you engaged. The script could use a bit more sharpness and wit, but honestly, it wasn't too bad!

On the visual side, the film beautifully showcases its South African backdrop, with stunning cinematography that enhances the story. The vibrant scenery really highlights the chaos that unfolds, driving home the film's message about finding happiness even when things go south.

Overall, it's a film that offers some light entertainment while also making you think about life's unpredictability and the value of family connections.

It makes me happy to see movies from other countries not only make movies and have them distributed in a place people like me can find them, but also that they don't just make pertinent social dramas and avant-garde stuff but glossy fluff like this.

I've begin several South African movies lately and sort of forgotten to finish them but this holds the attention well enough.

There is a bombastic, paint by numbers charm in this familiar formula of a father trying to balance to the pressures of capitalism with the pressures of patriarchy i.e., in trying to actually be close to his disenfranchised family.

A lot of it is that predictable humor where someone ignores blatantly good advice and pays the price. I suppose we're supposed to be fine with it because they sort of deserve it but I've seen so much of this anyway.

I like how they switch between English and Zulu diglossically and how his new wife speaks sometimes in Xhosa. Sometimes they use an Afrikaans phrase if the subtitles are to be believed.

This movie will do little to surprise you except in how oddly watchable it is.

DISASTER HOLIDAY is a South African road-trip comedy movie produced by Netflix. When Joseph, a workaholic father, promises to take his children on an exotic vacation, his plans are thrown into chaos. He must attend a mandatory work meeting on the same weekend as his trip or risk getting fired. Meanwhile, Joseph's ex-wife threatens to take custody of their three children if the vacation goes downhill. Joseph tries to keep the meeting a top secret from his family. Moreover, the family hits many literal and metaphorical roadblocks. Will Joseph be able to keep his family together? The movie has several uplifting messages such as forgiveness, healing wounds of broken families, and a father owning up to his mistakes. However, this story is marred with gross-out humor, mild violence, and road rage. As a result, MOVIEGUIDE ® advises viewers to avoid this "disaster" of a movie.

Very well done, acting is top notch. Robin Williams premise is reworked a bit as there is no RV only an SUV, but the rest is the same. It's a nice family show however, and his antagonist is wonderfully annoying. The pit falls, too much luggage, bathroom breaks, aggravating siblings, and road hazards are hilarious and well timed. We've all been there! Will he make it to the meeting with a great pitch or be left without a job? His family is unaware of the real reason their plans have been changed from Zanzibar to Durban and he tries to keep everyone in the dark about it. Will his family finally call him Baba instead of by his first name of Joseph? Will they rally around him in the end to provide the support he needs to make his pitch successful? Watch and find out! Enjoy the journey as much as we did!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable family film. Think National Lampoon, RV or any Adam Sandler film.

Set in South Africa and whilst mostly English it does showcase both Zulu and Xhosa. It's nice to see films produced in different countries featured on a mainstream streaming platform.

Some great one liners and genuinely funny laugh out loud moments following a family on a disastrous road trip instead of a luxury holiday in Zanzibar. The lead actor is brilliant and the supporting cast are great.

Tackles step parent issues and co parenting in a light hearted manner. Definitely give it a go for family movie night!