TV REVIEW: A MAN ON THE INSIDE - Season 2

4/5

Inside Man

8 Epsiodes. Starring: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephanie Beatriz & Mary Steenburgen. Created By: Michael Schur. On: Netflix.

Cheers to Ted Danson, who really is in a good place, right now. The former Boston bartender and 'Becker' doctor has been curbing our enthusiasm for years, like Larry. But now, with the second of his last two landmark shows, he might just be television's most golden star. After the heaven sent 'The Good Place', Netflix have given us 'A Man On The Inside' across the streams of the Golden Gate Pacific. This sleuthing series, which could give the grey and Gomez of 'Only Murders In The Building' a rent run for its downtown tenement, is not only the perfect prescription, reminding you to take your medicine, it's also a love investigation to the cable cars and hilly streets of the great city of San Francisco. Still wearing flowers in its hair. 

If this critically acclaimed show from Fremulon (which sounds like a retirement corporation in itself) wasn't enough to rejuvenate the bespectacled brilliance of a game Ted Danson in season two, a calendar cycle later, then this sequel's new addition will. Not only does Danson not get cancelled, like the 'Glow' of everything else on Netflix (even the 'Starting 5' of that NBA team of stars couldn't last the offseason), he also gets to act alongside the love of his life, his wife. The amazing actress and forever young Mary Steenburgen, with chemistry set. Who offers even more of that sixties San Fran feel for all you gran mamas and papas, still dreaming of California. And with daughter Mary Elizabeth Ellis, the detective work of Lilah Richcreek Estrada, and the directing of Stephanie Beatriz. It's the women that run Ted's world on the sweetest show of your streaming syndicate.

Showrunner Michael Schur ('Parks and Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine') really is on to something with his inside man, like Denzel and Spike Lee. Based on the brilliant 'The Mole Agent' documentary movie by Maite Alberdi, Danson really is the man as his retiree-turned-amateur private investigator, Charles Nieuwendyk. Even his name is as legendary as the search for a spellchecker after the first season was met with critical acclaim. And the second doesn't disappoint, either. Thanks to Steenburgen's fresh injection and some fond, familiar faces making it back, like the great Stephen McKinley Henderson, who is gold in everything he touches. After going undercover in a nursing home in the first season of this sleepy and classy comedy, Charles must now go back to college. Welcoming all sorts of professors ('Good Night and Good Luck's' David Stratharin) and presidents ('New Girl's' Max Greenfield). Not to mention, literal gold dust and the silliest scooter scene you'll ever see, with glee. Now that's enough inside information. Wake up, dead man, in this 'Knives Out' time. Time to investigate the man. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Sleuthing: 'Only Murders In The Building', 'The Thursday Murder Club', 'The Good Place'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE NEW YORKER AT 100

4/5

New York State Of Print

97 Mins. Narrated By: Julianne Moore. Director: Marshall Curry. On: Netflix.

Knickerbockers. Spike Lee. Hot Dogs on the corner. Steam rising from the grids. Yellow cabs. The same colour falling from the trees of Central Park. The Empire State Building. Firefighters. The heart of New York. The biggest of apples. Nothing is more New York than these things about the city. Oh, and The New Yorker. The bi-weekly magazine of journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, poetry, satire and those classic cartoons. Not to mention the iconic monocle of Eustace Tilley and all those classic covers that fit into frames like the artwork that they are (you should see my 'New York, New York' Pinterest board). As NYC as newsstands popping up all over the sidewalks, the most famous New Yorker may just be in print.

One-hundred years is nothing to sniff at. It actually seems like more. But in celebrating their centennial, 'The New Yorker At 100' is given a definitive documentary on Netflix. Directed by the Academy-Award winning Marshall Curry ('The Neighbors' Window', 'A Night At The Garden'), and narrated with nuance by another Oscar winner and true New Yorker, in the amazing actress Julianne Moore ('Still Alice', 'May December', 'The Room Next Door'). Backstage, like an SNL movie, this iconic institution of the Big Apple is given the shine it deserves after a century of being as commonplace as car horns and the smell of giant pretzels. Premiering at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival, after The New Yorker's own celebration exhibition that felt like a Warhol or Haring art gallery (give it to the Guggenheim).

Editor David Remnick tells it like it is. The New Yorker has never needed a photo on the cover. And you should see the beautiful one they had prepared if Kamala Harris had won. There are testimonials about the newspaper like columns, and iconic fonts from the likes of 'Mad Men's' Jon Hamm, 'Sex & The City' star Sarah Jessica Parker, Jesse Eisenberg and Ronny Chieng of 'The Daily Show', who says something profound about the magazine always being there. You only have to watch hilarious clips from 'Seinfeld', 'The Good Place', and 'Family Guy' to see how much of a cultural touchstone it is. But delving deeper and looking back at the decades upon decades of history, and you'll see how definitive it is. From dedicating a whole issue to John Hersey's landmark Hiroshima article that shocked the world and changed the way we looked at nuclear war. To James Baldwin's breakout essays on race and his place in America. Legends were born and brought here. From Molly Ringwald to Haruki Murakami. A quarter-century ago, they said magazines would be gone by now. But what do you still see piling up in the corner of your room? Happy Birthday, New Yorker! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pretend It's A City', 'Sunday Best', 'The Andy Warhol Diaries'.

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME - THE CHALLENGE (Season 2)

3/5

Challengers

9 Episodes. Based On: 'Squid Game' by Hwang Dong-hyuk.  Produced By: Studio Lambert & The Garden. On: Netflix.

"Mu-gung-hwa kko-chi pi-oet-sum-ni-da!" The hibiscus flowers have bloomed once again. The South Korean phenomena that is 'Squid Game' ended this Summer with the second part of its second season...or did it?! A certain cameo, which we won't spoil, even though we saw it before we even began to stream, confirmed that there were still games to be played. And now 'Se7en's' very own David Fincher will develop a US version of the series featuring those players with deadly sins not knowing what's in the box. Maybe that DiCaprio rumour will come true after all. Now, if you think that dilutes one of the best things to come out of Korea, next to 'Parasite', 'Train To Busan' and BTS (yeah, I said it), like a 'Snowpiercer' return trip, then you might not have heard about 'Squid Game: The Challenge'.

A reality show that makes 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' look like an easy *COUGH* pop quiz, complete with video diaries that are more confessionals than 'Big Brother', this show is addictive as 'The Challenge' contestants are annoying. These guys can't even catch a ball! The first season was fun, and stick with the second, because there's more to come. Even if it's more of the same players, about as humble as the love children of Kanye West and Elon Musk (uh, God!). Telling each other that they love each other, after knowing each other two minutes. Albeit with a knife behind their back, as metaphorical as the squib executions done for 'Squid' ink effect. Telling us that Jesus walks with them. He's probably watching, like the rest of us. But I bet he's laughing at the hilarious slide free fall of the ups and downs of the exclusive snakes and ladders game we hope to see in 'Squid Game US'.

Still, there are sweet souls in this matrix, like Trinity. And we're not giving the game away, keeping that tuxedo tight to our chest, but we couldn't be happier with the winner. Even the villainous characters are enjoyable, to a comeuppance point. At least they're more refreshing than the middle-aged bros (holds up hand) that say things like "this is fire!" No, we're forty years old. Our back pain is fire. Plus, what one generous heart does will move you to undeniable tears. Is this thing scripted? Probably, but that's still more forgivable than the "I'VE PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFORE" English dub of the second season's opening episode. With new games from there, some of their own ones, and the classic 'Red Light, Green Light', this is pure pleasure and nostalgia for fans of the series. Sure it's oversaturated, but so is all the merch, video games, and the lovely by the Frontman fireplace you can watch for hours on Netflix. There's still ink in this squid. And Netflix is milking the game for all it's worth. Stacking up their piggy bank. Clickity-clank! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Playing: 'Squid Game', 'Squid Game In Conversation', 'Squid Game Fireplace'. 

REVIEW: JAY KELLY

4/5

Leading Man

132 Mins. Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Patrick Wilson, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer & Jim Broadbent. Screenplay: Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer. Director: Noah Baumbach. On: Netflix.

Ocean's suit on, no tie. Glass of scotch in hand, held over the balcony of a beautiful house with the Hollywood Hills in the background. His classic pose, looking down into his chest, just a little more forlorn. No smile. It was all there in black and white. In my 20s (that's almost 20 years ago...damn) I was coming up with script ideas, left, right and off-center. Albeit with the Bradley Cooper in 'Limitless', "not one word" output. My favourite one was called 'Leading Man' (yeah, yeah, I know, I made it the tag-line here) about an ageing Hollywood actor, much darker in tone, who was lonely and looking for love. At this point, I should probably say that my favourite film is 'Lost In Translation', the reason I now live in Japan. Perhaps some osmosis was going on. I can tell you the end of mine now, too, because it's never going to happen. The actor would drink away his pain and frequent a coffee shop on his morning's after, where he would get talking to a sweet barista. On his career comeback, and the night of his Oscars win, he would forgo the after-party to go to the coffee shop, still in his tux, and help the barista put up the chairs. And that's where it would have ended. The late, great Syd Field told us we should never do this, but I always pictured one man in the role. George Clooney. And not just because I'm a huge 'E.R.' fan.

Fast-forward to this summer and Netflix are releasing their fall film schedule and what do I see? A picture of George Clooney in a beautiful suit with that trademark looking down pose. And wait...a picture that looks like a movie poster behind him, with him in it! It can't be. Of course, it can be. It is. Now, before you think I'm complaining, or this is the first line of a different kind of suit. No! That's not where I'm going with this. I'm not making stealing accusations, like the award worthy turn from Billy Crudup (also called Tim. Come on, man!) here. I'm just a lowly review writer, the kind that loves movies so much, he wants to be in them. But at this point, talking about them is pretty nice, too. Besides, I never stood a chance. And this is 'Marriage Story' director Noah Baumbach's ('The Meyerowitz Stories', 'Greenberg', 'The Squid And The Whale') baby. I'm just glad I at least had an idea that might have been on to something. It's reignited the passion. And this may just be Baumbach, who is right there with Paul Thomas Anderson and the Wes Anderson he works with, at his best. George Clooney is perfect as 'Jay Kelly'. With the 'Punch Drunk Love' of Adam Sandler being to George what Seth Rogen was to him in 'Funny People'. There's even a reunited marriage story with the great Laura Dern, who is in Clooney's other corner. These PA's aren't devils on the shoulder. More angels in the outfield.

Baumbach co-wrote the brilliant blockbuster 'Barbie' with the great Greta Gerwig, and his wife shows up here as Adam's. The co-writing in this perfect slice of cheesecake, mind you, is done with great Brit Emily Mortimer, who also acts as one of George's team. Although the man handing him the glass, steals the show. It's a glorious day for the English, too. The legendary Jim Broadbent appears in fond flashbacks as a marvellous mentor. All before the usual Comic Relief of Lenny Henry ('The Rings Of Power') that makes the biggest impression as a sage advice giving drama school teacher. Henry, yet again, showing his range, like when he sang backing vocals on Kate Bush's 'Why Should I Love You'. Elsewhere in this epic ensemble, there are choice cameos from the likes of Patrick Wilson and Isla Fisher. But it's home, where the heart of matters is, and from his father Stacy Keach, to his two daughters (Riley Keough and Grace (that's the name I'd like if I ever have a daughter, it just keeps going) Edwards), you really feel his family. Although Dern already gave a stern warning that Kelly shouldn't touch people (it's Jay, not R). Yet a scene with strangers on the train, showcasing Clooney's charm and charisma, enters the cinematic capsule. "Cary Grant. Clark Gable. Jay Kelly." Cary Grant. Clark Gable. George Clooney. Can we go again? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Marriage Story', 'Lost In Translation', 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: George Clooney'.

SHORT REVIEW: BEST CHRISTMAS EVER

4/5

Good Scribblings

3 Mins. Starring: John Goodman, Molly Cartwright, Emily Eaton-Plowright, Gregan Aherin, Harrison Peters & Aaron Juritz. Director: Taika Waititi. On: Disney Plus.

Disney continue their John Lewis commercial like shorts (with plenty of product and IP placement) with their 'Best Christmas Ever' holiday short on Disney Plus. Much like the beautiful 'The Boy & The Octopus' last Christmas, 'Thor' director and 'The Mandalorian' star Taika Waititi ('Hunt For The Wilderpeople', 'Jojo Rabbit', 'Next Goal Wins') gives us a sweet short that is as outstanding as it is offbeat. Starring Molly Cartwright, Emily Eaton-Plowright, Gregan Aherin, Harrison Peters, Aaron Juritz and the great John Goodman, this is three minutes of bliss that will take you away from the stress of shopping for Christmas presents, between work and after the Black Friday you didn't have time to save for.

The 'Best Christmas Ever' has young Molly writing a letter to Santa, complete with a cute doodle, using all the colours in her pencil case. This fantasy comedy, with a twist, has St. Nick seeing more with those carrots. He thinks the penned picture is actually a request (perhaps he should have checked twice). And ends up conjuring up this cool looking creature. So, there's a lot more under the tree, come Christmas morning, with these rustling presents. And you thought an octopus under the winter hat was strange. And whilst we're there, dear Disney, why did you remove that short? I was planning to show my family when I come home for Christmas. And to think, we're still "crestfallen" off of the removal of 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'.

Perhaps, I should stop talking, because that's the problem here. Our cuddly new, unwrapped companion, may have all the trimmings, but he's missing a mouth. Let alone a moustache. So, which Disney and Pixar favourite do you think will come in to save the day and help him. Crossing off all the seasons of the calendar. From a Spring in his step, to Summer swimming, and Autumn's trick or treat of Halloween in haunted mansions. All before the winter of next Christmas looks upon a star for another wish. Waititi's wonderful joy with John Goodman may just be scribbles, but it's bound to put a smile on the face of everyone, even those sucking on humbugs. It's going to be a great Christmas, like this. And for you and yours, we hope it's the best ever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Boy & The Octopus', 'An Almost Christmas Story', 'Inside Out'.

REVIEW: WEAPONS

4/5

RUN!

128 Mins. Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Justin Long, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong & Amy Madigan. Screenplay: Zach Cregger. Director: Zach Cregger. In: Theatres.

Finally watched 'Weapons' last night, and now I'll never ever be able to watch 'Naruto'. The Summer smash from the States that, like fellow scary 'Sinners', they're calling one of the best blockbusters of the calendar, finally rises with the sun in Japan, this fall. A land no stranger to being hallowed when it comes to horrors that haunt. But this truly terrifying and twisted picture is so scary it may even send that girl back into the well. Ringing up the receipts on the first of the month, where movies are discounted to half-price, mere weeks after Ethan Hawke dialled us in for the 'Black Phone 2' sequel that also supernaturally scared and scarred the s### out of us. Weaponizing our greatest fear, and a seemingly safe as suburbia, white-picket fenced America, writer and director Zach Cregger ('Barbarian') has just turned himself into the mainstream Ari Aster. All of a film inspired by Denis Villeneuve's 'Prisoners' and Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Magnolia' for this one battle after another.

There's more to this pre- and post-Halloween hit than meets the averted eye though for your jovial jump scares (I mean what genre can still truly affect us to the core, in this desensitized age, like this one?). Because this is no murder mystery, Agatha Christie. It's a horror mystery, with knives out. Redefining the genre, whilst also giving something to the 'Only Murders In The Building' tenants with this haunted house. The tense twists and cackling coils will really keep you guessing at this marvel, and it's going to take Thanos and a Silver Surfer to solve it (not to mention Wong). Originally though, it was meant to be Mr. Fantastic himself, Pedro Pascal, but filming was pushed back, due to the Hollywood labour disputes, and then schedules got conflicted (perhaps it was Aster's 'Eddington', here in Japan, later this month). At 2:17 AM, every kid, bar one, from a teacher's class woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs, opened their front door, and ran out into the dark, arms wide, never to come back. Now, imagine trying to explain that one.

'Ozark' star Julia Garner tries to do her level best, in a film which she pilots from her first act perspective. With this, and the aforementioned 'Fantastic Four' redefining, in the same Summer, the former Netflix favourite's stock is soaring, like this gross film that's grossed $268.3 mill off of a 38 million dollar budget. She gives this crowd pleaser more nuance and depth, just like the underlying themes in the underbelly of this, and America. Whereas Brolin seems born for this position, as the 'Sicario' star is so good, his helpless father's anger could take the claws out of Hugh Jackman's in 'Prisoners'. Elsewhere, Benedict Wong is brilliant in principle, as a head trying to keep everything together and not lose his. Whilst 'Solo' and 'Ironheart's' Alden Ehrenreich cops a great character alongside Austin Abrams' ('Chemical Hearts', 'Wolfs') stoner looking like the walking dead. Yet in this epic ensemble, featuring the likes of Justin Long and Toby Huss, it's legend Amy Madigan (OH MY GOD, THAT'S HER FROM 'UNCLE BUCK'!) that will scare you senseless. And child actor Cary Christopher, who will show you his nerve. Bewitching a spell on you. 'Weapons' more than makes the grade. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Black Phone 2', 'Prisoners', 'Barbarian'.

REVIEW: TRAIN DREAMS

4/5

The Man Who Cut Down Trees

102 Mins. Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Alfred Hsing, Nathaniel Arcand, Kerry Condon & William H. Macy. Narrator: Will Patton. Screenplay: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar. Director: Clint Bentley. On: Netflix.

What dreams may come. The darkest horse for February's Academy Awards may just be a cerebral elegy so poetic, it should be one of Netflix's fall prestige pictures, whilst everyone is binging the final season of 'Stranger Things'. Clint Bentley's brutal and beautiful 'Train Dreams', adapting Denis Johnson's ('Jesus' Son', 'Tree Of Smoke') novel with Greg Kwedar ('Sing Sing'), starring ever underrated 'Loving' actor Joel Edgerton ('Black Mass', 'Midnight Special', 'Boy Erased'), will hit you in the home of where it hurts. If only we could still see it in cinemas, where it's nature looks as compelling as 'The Revenant'. A few birthday's back, my best friend brought me the book, 'The Black Fives: The Epic Story Of Basketball's Forgotten Era', by Claude Johnson. A beautiful basketball book, but also a rich and compelling history of industry in America. Just like this story, serving as a love letter to the landscape of the Stars and Stripes of the past. To paraphrase the great Ben Harper, somewhat, "you have to live my life to get boots (nailed to the tree trunk) like these."

More, "the man who cut down trees", than Jean Giono's 'The Man Who Planted Trees' (another story that also had a profound effect on me, this year), there are some poetic and powerful things to be said here about deforestation and the circles of times that ring true in the trunks. Most, delivered by campfire, by the great William H. Macy in one of his greatest roles yet, worthy of an award. Just like the feature and adapted screenplay nominations, these dreams from Sundance got at this calendar's Gotham Awards. Yet it's the engrossing Edgerton who you will stay with all the way through this epic about the life and times of a humble heart. Whether, it's the beautiful love shared with fellow 'Star Wars' actor, the fantastic Felicity Jones ('The Brutalist, 'The Theory Of Everything') in the meadow, literally playing house, and fondly feeling like family, like 'Loving' Ruth Negga. Or what the great Kerry Condon brings ('Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', 'The Banshees of Inisherin'). Briefly, but beautifully. Just like the great Clifton Collins Jr. From '187', to 'Nightmare Alley', who will stir you more in one scene, than the echos of your wildest dreams. Or is that nightmares?

Narrated with nuanced beauty by 'Armageddon' actor Will Patton ('Remember The Titans', 'The Postman', 'Minari'). They don't hand out awards for narration. But if they did, he'd hold the envelope. It's funny, me and my friend, who had a running story (in good heart and humour) about the space shuttle his character leaves on the stoop in 'Armageddon', just got talking again about all that, this week, ten years later, thanks to Facebook memories. And you know what, from 'Blood On Her Name', to an award-winning turn in the late, great Sam Shepard's play 'Fool For Love', Will really is something. As are the haunting stuntman and martial artist Alfred Hsing and Nathaniel Arcand's ('Sinners') kindly shopkeeper. All across the American frontier, this logger longs for meaning in the madness of his life. From what he cuts, to what the fire takes at night, before a morning of ash and dust like fresh snowfall on the grey of his winter. Breaking down his career for Vanity Fair recently, 'Blue Moon' and 'Black Phone 2' accomplished actor Ethan Hawke brought back that famous saying about real movies starting the moment you leave the theatre. And when you put your laptop lid down, these dreams will stay with your waking train of thought until the end of the line. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Loving', 'The Power Of The Dog', 'The Revenant'.