SPOTLIGHT | Comedy and anti-heroes on the big screen, and Helen Zille in the roast seat

Spotlight is our bite-sized entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

Spotlight’s episode this week features a new comedy thriller and Marvel Universe release at cinemas, and what promises to be the biggest African comedy festival in 2025.

When crime runs in the family and the cast includes Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray, you know it will also involve comedy. In Riff Raff, a former criminal is enjoying a normal life with his wife and son when his past catches up with him. He learns notorious gangsters are coming to get him. Satirical and absurd at times, Riff Raff co-stars Gabrielle Union, Ed Harris and Dustin Hoffman, and is on at cinemas.

Critics are hailing Thunderbolts as the best Marvel Cinematic Universe film in years. It is receiving praise for not shying away from themes of loneliness and depression. The movie — on at cinemas, IMAX and 3D — has a ragtag team of anti-heroes and is packed with loads of action, and centres on a group of reformed supervillains ensnared in a deadly mission forcing them to confront their dark past. Starring Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell and David Harbour.

Good times are rolling with the arrival of the annual Laugh Africa Comedy Festival presented by Showmax. Anticipate a bolder line-up and expanded showcase featuring top comedic talent from across Africa and abroad at the Sandton Convention Centre from May 2 to 4. DA federal chair Helen Zille accepted the roast seat, and you can look forward to Felix Hlophe, Celeste Ntuli, Rob van Vuuren making sure there will be a laugh a minute.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.

Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.

Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.

Competition giveaways

Spotlight has two giveaways this week. Answer a question to win double tickets to Showmax’s Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. Entries close at 11pm on May 2.

Win a Thunderbolts movie merchandise hamper by answering a question. Competition close on May 7.

For full competition details and the questions, go to the Spotlight SA Facebook page and DM your answers and contact details.

Terms and conditions apply.

Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driving licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering, participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight SA on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.