Latest news with #Jaci
Metro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Hit Netflix movie watched 33 million times to top global chart
Steve Charnock Published July 3, 2025 2:06pm Updated July 3, 2025 2:06pm Link is copied Comments From action-packed thrillers to offbeat comedies and post-apocalyptic horror, Netflix's most-watched movies from the past week reflect, as ever, a wild mix of genres. Whether it's a high-stakes military rescue, a stinky cruise disaster, or demon-slaying pop stars, the world's biggest streaming platform's top flicks at the moment are nothing if not varied. There's also room for sequels, daft comedies starring screen legends and even a couple of surprise breakout hits. Without further ado, here are the 10 most-streamed movies across the world over the past week… (Picture: Getty) In this breezy South African rom-com, marketing power couple Jaci and JP are forced to fake being doting parents to land a lucrative pitch for a baby product brand. As they dive into the hectic world of nappies, bottle warmers and picture-perfect parenting roles, their polished lives start to unravel. With strong chemistry between the two leads (Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio), Semi-Soeter pokes fun at influencer culture and modern work-life facades (Picture: Netflix) This high-concept and mildly confusing sci-fi action flick stars Mark Wahlberg as Evan McCauley, a man haunted by visions that turn out to be memories from past lives. He's soon recruited by a secret group of 'Infinites' - souls who reincarnate with full memory of their pasts - to help stop a doomsday weapon. Directed by Training Day's Antoine Fuqua, Infinite matches up slick visuals with a premise that (sort of) mixes The Matrix and Highlander. Although the plot and performances don't always keep up with the movie's ambition (Picture: AP) This adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious chapter throws Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto headfirst into yet more chaos when cyberterrorist Cipher (played with icy menace by Charlize Theron) coerces him by holding his family hostage. The result? Full-throttle betrayals, globe-trotting set‑pieces from Havana to the Arctic, and all the epic races - complete with explosive consequences - that we've come to expect from the franchise. It's not the best Fast and Furious movie, but it's watchable and fun to see Theron channelling classic Bond villain vibes (Picture: AP) A chilling sequel to 28 Days Later, this 2007 horror shows post‑apocalypse UK a few months after the initial Rage virus outbreak. Under US military protection, survivors - including Don (Robert Carlyle) and medical officer Scarlet (Rose Byrne) - seek sanctuary in London. Only to have their safety shattered when their children breach quarantine with horrific consequences. With Jeremy Renner, Imogen Poots and Idris Elba rounding out the cast, this gritty, emotionally driven horror‑action hybrid still packs a punch. And it's worth a quick watch before you go see the incredible third film in the series - 28 Years Later - in the theater (Picture: 20th Century Fox) Tense and tactical, Land of Bad follows a downed Special Forces team that get stranded in the dense jungles of the Philippines. The team are forced to rely on a drone-controlled extraction plan, led by Russell Crowe's gruff pilot, Captain Eddie 'Reaper' Grimm (geddit?), guiding rookie Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) Sergeant JJ Kinney (Liam Hemsworth) out. Director William Eubank does an above average job mixing explosive firefights with character-driven storylines, smartly drawing inspiration from real-life JTAC protocols (Picture: Netflix) This is a lively sequel to the 2018 hit Raid starring Ajay Devgn, who reprises his role as IRS officer Amay Patnaik. In Raid 2, set years after the events of the first movie, and in the fictional town of Bhoj, Patnaik investigates an influential politician played by Riteish Deshmukh. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this smash hit Hindi crime thriller co-stars Vaani Kappor, Saurabh Shukla, Rajat Kapoor and Amit Sial (Picture: Netflix) Robert De Niro, the screen legend known for his gritty, intense roles, delivers a surprising turn in this light-hearted Nancy Meyers comedy. Playing a 70 year-old widower who becomes a senior intern at a bustling e-commerce start-up, De Niro brings a calm, steady presence to an otherwise fast-paced, youthful workplace. Opposite Anne Hathaway's driven CEO, De Niro's casting occasionally feels a little like a gentle mismatch. But that is kind of the point. It's charming, but ever-so-slightly out of sync. Still, it's a feel-good movie that struck a chord with audiences on its release, grossing an impressive $196 million worldwide on a $35 million budget (Picture: Warner Bros./Francois Duhamel) Tyler Perry's psychological drama explores a harrowing day in the life of single mom Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson), who spirals into a violent hostage situation amid mounting pressures - caring for her ill daughter, facing eviction and job loss. Alongside Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor, Henson delivers a powerful performance that some critics are saying carries the whole thing. Despite mixed reviews, the movie surged to number one globally on release and has been a seriously giant success for the streamer (Picture: Chip Bergmann/Perry Well Films 2) This mildly shocking, slightly disgusting yet strangely entertaining Netflix documentary revisits the 2013 Carnival Triumph cruise disaster - infamously dubbed 'The Poop Cruise'. An engine-room fire disabled the ship's systems, leaving 4,000 passengers adrift, all without plumbing, air-conditioning, or power for five tense - and increasingly quite horrible - days. Featuring passenger footage, re-enactments, and dark humor, Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is part of Netflix's rather popular Trainwreck anthology. It's a fun watch. Just not while you're eating, eh? (Picture: Netflix) Fusing K-pop stylings with supernatural action, the animated musical-fantasy KPop Demon Hunters follows HUNTR/X - a fierce girl group who moonlight as demon slayers (using their voices as weapons, of course). Led by Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho), they face off against the rival Saja Boys, who are fronted by the sinister Jinu (Ahn Hyo‑seop). It's all vibrant animation and earworm songs that appeal to a younger demographic who have been only too pleased to help the movie ascend to the top of Netflix's global charts (Picture: Netflix)
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Laugh out loud with Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio's parenting antics in 'Semi-Soeter'
Jaci and JP, played by Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio, in the romcom 'Semi-Soeter'. Directed by Joshua Rous, this Netflix romcom is bolstered by Mzansi's crème de la crème of Anel Alexander, Nico Panagio, Sandra Vaughn, Louw Venter, Diaan Lawrenson, Neels van Jaarsveld and Hélène Truter bringing the script to life. And a rib-tickling one at that. If you are looking for a delightful movie to enjoy this weekend, look no further than 'Semi-Soeter' . Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Firstly, picturesque Cape Town shines in several of the frames. It evokes a European atmosphere. This sequel to the 2012 'Semi-Soet' kicks off with Jaci van Jaarsveld (Alexander) and JP Basson (Panagio) having their hands full babysitting the rambunctious brood of Hertjie Greyling (Louw Venter) and Karla (Vaughn). While they love their best friends' little ones, they are grateful to be able to give them back to their parents. The career-driven couple decided a long time ago that children were not on the cards. And Jaci's inability to conceive, combined with JP's low sperm count, meant they were able to flourish in their careers. Despite fleeting moments of second-guessing their decision, they are confident they made the right call. However, their world is upended by a major pitch for an international baby brand that could turn the fortunes of their company around. At first, it appears to be a smooth-sailing pitch until they learn that Joubert (Van Jaarsveld), a college rival of JP's, is also in the running. The competitive streak between the two overshadows the pitch, with a well-meaning Hertjie and Karla deciding to loan their baby boy, Henry, to their best friends to help them land the deal. Meanwhile, Jaci learns that she's going to be a mum before their busy weekend and struggles to find the right moment to tell JP.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Semi-Soeter OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio's romantic comedy film
Semi-Soeter OTT Release Date: If you're someone who enjoyed the sweet and silly love story of Jaci and JP in Semi-Soet, then you're in for a treat. After more than a decade, the charming South African rom-com is getting a sequel, and yes, Anel Alexander and Nico Panagio are back! But this time, the story takes a new turn as it dives into what happens after the fairytale romance. Think: careers, marriage, baby plans, and the everyday madness that comes with 'adulting.' Semi-Soeter is all set to drop on Netflix on June 20, 2025. What's the story this time? In Semi-Soeter, we meet Jaci and JP again, this time as a married couple juggling their personal life and running an advertising business together. Life is pretty good, but things get a little hectic when a big opportunity lands on their table: a pitch for a major parenting brand. The catch? They need to convince the clients that they're the perfect soon-to-be parents, something they haven't quite figured out yet in real life. As they prepare for the pitch, the couple starts facing cracks in their seemingly perfect life. Enter Joubert, JP's old school rival, who's also in the race to bag the same deal. And just like that, work, marriage, and a baby-sized lie collide in classic rom-com chaos. The film mixes humour, emotional moments, and just the right amount of awkwardness to keep things grounded and relatable. Who's in the film? Anel Alexander returns as Jaci, now a married businesswoman trying to hold it all together. Nico Panagio plays JP, her husband, business partner, and occasional pain-in-the-neck. Neels van Jaarsveld as Joubert, the overconfident rival who brings in competition and tension. Supporting cast includes Louw Venter, Sandra Vaughn, and Diaan Lawrenson, who bring extra flavour and fun to the story. Semi-Soeter is directed by Joshua Rous, who also directed the original. The screenplay comes from Sandra Vaughn, and it's produced under Scramble Productions. It's shot entirely in South Africa, and you can expect stunning visuals, witty dialogues, and a strong local flavour.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I've given my dated house an ‘Architectural Digest' level renovation – but people are baffled by the sellers' request
Scroll down to discover the house renovations to add value to your property HOUSE THAT I've given my dated house an 'Architectural Digest' level renovation – but people are baffled by the sellers' request Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has left the internet baffled after buying a dated house. Jaci Smith, from the US, had purchased the home, but the previous owners begged her not to change a thing. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jaci gave her new house an update despite the previous owners begging her not to Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith 2 People were baffled when they saw what the house looked like when she moved in Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith The young woman took to social media after she was told not to transform the property she had just bought. Some might assume the house must be of historical relevance or decorated lavishly to make the previous owners not want it to be changed. But Jaci showed that wasn't the case when she shared a picture of the bathroom. She said: "I post about the fact that the previous owners of the house we bought were begging us not to renovate the house, not to make any changes to it. "Number one, I think people assume it's rage bait. I wish it was number two, I think people also assume that the house that we bought is like a mid-century gem a house with so much historical character and that we are just these heartless people like ripping away this house." But Jaci showed that was definitely not the case. An image of the bathroom when they first moved in showed just how outdated and messy it looked. The loo and sink were covered in white, chunky wooden storage units that made the room outdated. The large storage units only cluttered the space, while a cheap mirror was hung above the sink. The bathtub was a chunky plastic white bath, with a showerhead hanging above. Shoppers urged 'not to blink' and get their hands on Home Bargains garden essential that sold out fast last time and it makes your garden extra cute - TikTok homebargainsofficialuk But now, Jaci showed how they had renovated the space. She ripped out the entire bathroom, swapping the once pink painted walls for an incredible blue tile with a marble effect. The chunky white bathtub had been gutted out and swapped for a luxury pink marble bathtub with gold finishing. She also made a built-in shelf into the wall by the bathtub to add extra storage. Jaci's transformation video went viral on TikTok @jacimariesmith with over 2 million views. People were stunned the previous owners were against the house being renovated, and were in awe of Jaci's new bathroom. One person wrote: "The new bathroom belongs in Architectural Digest." Another commented: 'My immediate assumption: There's something hidden in the walls/floors." "As someone who does real estate settlements for a living. So many people are like this. And it is in fact, wild.," penned a third. Home upgrades that add the most value to a house The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers. Zoopla shared a list of upgrades that will instantly add value to your home. Loft conversion - increase of 15% Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price New kitchen - increase of 15% Garage conversion - increase of 15% Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15% Open plan living space - increase of 3-5% New bathroom - increase of 3-5% Meanwhile a fourth said: "That's crazy! Those are like 90's style rental bathrooms lol." "My brain went straight to... ooh well it's haunted. They were looking out for you,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'That new bathroom reveal! I thought that was from a magazine GORGEOUS." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I've given my dated house an ‘Architectural Digest' level renovation – but people are baffled by the sellers' request
A WOMAN has left the internet baffled after buying a dated house. Jaci Smith, from the US, had purchased the home, but the previous owners begged her not to change a thing. Advertisement 2 Jaci gave her new house an update despite the previous owners begging her not to Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith 2 People were baffled when they saw what the house looked like when she moved in Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith The young woman took to social media after she was told not to transform the property she had just bought. Some might assume the house must be of historical relevance or decorated lavishly to make the previous owners not want it to be changed. But Jaci showed that wasn't the case when she shared a picture of the She said: "I post about the fact that the previous owners of the house we bought were begging us not to renovate the house, not to make any changes to it. Advertisement READ MORE ON HOMES "Number one, I think people assume it's rage bait. I wish it was number two, I think people also assume that the house that we bought is like a mid-century gem a house with so much historical character and that we are just these heartless people like ripping away this house." But Jaci showed that was definitely not the case. An image of the bathroom when they first moved in showed just how outdated and messy it looked. The loo and sink were covered in white, chunky wooden storage units that made the room outdated. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous The large storage units only cluttered the space, while a cheap mirror was hung above the sink. The bathtub was a chunky plastic white bath, with a showerhead hanging above. Shoppers urged 'not to blink' and get their hands on Home Bargains garden essential that sold out fast last time and it makes your garden extra cute - TikTok homebargainsofficialuk But now, Jaci showed how they had renovated the space. She ripped out the entire bathroom, swapping the once pink painted walls for an incredible blue tile with a marble effect. Advertisement The chunky white bathtub had been gutted out and swapped for a luxury pink marble bathtub with gold finishing. She also made a built-in shelf into the wall by the bathtub to add extra storage. Jaci's transformation video went viral on TikTok @ People were stunned the previous owners were against the house being renovated, and were in awe of Jaci's new bathroom. Advertisement One person wrote: "The new bathroom belongs in Architectural Digest." Another commented: 'My immediate assumption: There's something hidden in the walls/floors." "As someone who does real estate settlements for a living. So many people are like this. And it is in fact, wild.," penned a third. Home upgrades that add the most value to a house The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers. Loft conversion - increase of 15% Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price New kitchen - increase of 15% Garage conversion - increase of 15% Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15% Open plan living space - increase of 3-5% New bathroom - increase of 3-5% Meanwhile a fourth said: "That's crazy! Those are like 90's style rental bathrooms lol." Advertisement "My brain went straight to... ooh well it's haunted. They were looking out for you,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'That new bathroom reveal! I thought that was from a magazine GORGEOUS." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .
