Spud 2 rules with its own unique voice

Now, there's no holding back as he takes on the role of Tarzan conquering his adoring mermaid (Genna Blair) and Amanda, the super-hot fantasy girl of his dreams, (Charlbi Dean Kriek), and unshackles his innocence joining the Crazy 8 to rebel against the establishment and South Africa pre the Rainbow Nation (his escapades are colourful enough to sprout a second rainbow!) Spud 2 poignantly shows a teenager's first steps into manhood and time warps back to the early 1990s.

In contrast to other coming-of-age classics like The History Boys, Dead Poets Society and Get Real, Spud has its own unique identity that proudly reflects the culture and history of an evolving South Africa, embracing the difference that separates and the nostalgia of a past that shaped our future. It has its own voice and that in itself is a major plus in our local industry that struggles to find its own feet, and an international arena dominated by remakes and reheated leftovers.

From best-seller to box office favourite

What makes Spud such "cool fun" is that it is honest in its telling and passionate in its journey from best-seller to box office favourite. The characters that lived in our imaginations have now come alive on film and become a part of our social culture. The characters and John van de Ruit's imaginative and humorous story is realised by a great creative team and heartfelt performances by the entire cast.

In particular, Troye Sivan delivers another sensational performance in the title role with his daring bravura as he takes on a world than is bigger than his idealistic existence. There are equally fervent performances by the Crazy 8, with Sven Ruygrok as the studly Rambo, Josh Goddard as Mad Dog, Thomas Burne as Vern, Byron Langley as Simon, Travis Hornsby as Boggo, Blessing Xaba as Fatty, and the eighth member of the gang, an adorable tabby cat.

Spud 2 would not be the same without the endearing and witty John Cleese as The Guv, and the comic duo Aaron McIlroy and Julie Summers as Spud's zany parents. Jeremy Crutchley shines magnificently as the stalwart headmaster, with Jason Cope in top form as the nitwit and vengeful Sparerib, and Daniel Fisher delivers all the muscle and attitude as the bully from hell.

Spud 2 is adapted with heartfelt passion and skilful insight by Donovan Marsh (who also directed the first Spud); Marsh' direction allows the story to surface above the wild antics and delivers emotional impact with scenes that demands intimacy. Spud 2 will definitely not disappoint its ardent fans; it will equally provide meaningful escapism for both teenagers and adults. It wickedly awakens the child within those who have outgrown their Spud status and makes Spud's peers aware of how important it is to make the most of growing up and having youthful aspirations.

You don't have to be well versed on the Spud books or its predecessor to enjoy it (although those who have read the books and seen the films are in agreement that it is a great adaptation). It has its own identity and takes a great step forward for proudly South African filmmaking that confidently be shared with the world. And, yes, be daring, be a rebel at heart without being mean spirited; challenge the world around you with playful zest, build your own tree house and celebrate who you are. That's what Spud is all about and what makes it a film you can wholeheartedly share with friends and family.

Read an interview with the creative team and Troye Sivan.

Behind the scenes

Spud is the most successful and popular book in South African publishing history. Written by John van de Ruit, it was published by Penguin in 2005. Over 200 000 copies have been sold, with an estimated readership of over 600 000 in South Africa alone.

John van de Ruit continued his record-breaking writing with the sequel Spud - The Madness Continues, which was published in 2007 and released in the US at the end of 2008. The second book in the series has sold over 140 000 copies in South Africa to date. The third instalment in the series, Spud - Learning to Fly, was published in 2009, and sold 77 000 copies in SA in the first two weeks from the launch date. The fourth and final book in the series, Spud - Exit Pursued by a Bear, hit the shelves in 2012. Penguin estimates that over 1.5 million people in South Africa have read a Spud title.

The first film topped the South African box office during the 2010 Christmas holidays, beating out Harry Potter and various other Hollywood blockbusters. It went on to become the sixth-biggest performer for a local film at the all-time box office. The movie has also received significant international interest, with launches in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scandinavia, Turkey and the Middle East. The first film will be released in the United States and Canada in 2013. Spud won an audience award at the Seattle International Film Festival. It won the audience award at the Schlingel Youth Film Festival in Germany, beating 100 other films from around the world in the process. It was also a winner of a South African film award, and was nominated for Best Film at the Giffoni Youth Film Festival in Italy.

Read more at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1037.html