T.V. REVIEW: GOTHAM-LEGEND OF THE DARK KNIGHT Season 5

4/5

Last Knight.

12 Episodes. Starring: Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, Camren Bicondova, Cory Michael Smith, Morena Baccarin, Peyton List, Jessica Lucas, Chris Chalk, Cameron Monaghan, Shane West & B.D. Wong.

Previously on 'Gotham'. We're going to miss Ben McKenzie's Detective Gordon saying that each week, every year. Good evening Commissioner. You have a dozen days left in office for your searchlight city before the cowl of a caped crusader takes over. But what a reveal and what a run it has been. Cue the Heath Ledger clap. So much so it's hard to believe it's been a half decade. Even though in some ways it's even more, it's seems like much less. Five years since a rookie cop coat comforted and consoled the shoulders of a young boy who felt so alone in this world. Screaming in the sidewalk to the cowl covered bodies of his devil in the pale moonlight slain parents. Five seasons of the dark since we wrote our first longform article on the 75th anniversary of The Dark Knight to make way for the 'Batman Begins' debut of this spin-off, 'Gotham' origins show. Holy smokes Batman, that sounds back breaking...if only you knew. But unlike a 'Smallville' ending still trapped in Kansas will this DC get to see David Mazouz suit up as The Batman like Robert Pattinson? As he maverick matures over these seasons to a black, 'Matrix' trenchcoat, fingerless gloves and frizzy hair like the twilight of...well...Robert Pattinson. But just like R Patz, Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and even "never leave home without him", George Clooney, this young Bruce Wayne is Batman. Maybe one day in a decade or two David will get to play this comic book Goliath again like Brandon Routh's Superman in this atom Arrowverse as he slings his stone like it was all storybook meant to be. All in a time where young Netflix 'Titans', 'Crisis' crossovers and 'The Joker' of Joaquin Phoenix are taking on the M.C.U. might of Marvel like this has been doing, dueling with the 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' for years (as Caulson and co are about to embark on their final season next year after a halved one like this here last time). After their league of shadows bowed to the fun of Marvel that didn't feel right in the 'Justice League' assemble, many thought DC movies would be the death of this Detective Comic dynasty. Despite the 'Captain Marvel' and 'Black Panther' beating revolution of 'Wonder Woman' before '1984' and the amazing 'Aquaman' and criminally, critically underrated, 'Batman v Superman': Dawn Of Justice'. But just like this, just you wait. The fire will rise again in Gotham tonight.

Let the games begin again...one last time. For one last dance like Wade. And Mazouz may be a real marvel here as a young Batman, but this is Ben McKenzie's show like 'The OC'. Putting every other Gordon out of commission. Whether it be the Churchill, Oscar winning Gary Oldman, 'The Daily Bugle' returning 'Far From Home', Peter Parker boss J.K. Simmons, or even the Colonel from Kentucky Fried Chicken. All the way down to earning his badge and gun as he shows courtesy, professionalism and respect to a city that's anything but. Running this town alongside a partner in both sides of the conflicted coin crime who is at home in his 'Uncle Buck' hat, leather and Sipowicz tie in the form of Donal Logue's Bullock, before the pair become Shea Whigham and Bill Camp. As beat cop as they come, although never beat down. But what about the love triangle that points at Jim? 'Deadpool' muse Morena Baccarin may be his true love, on and off screen in real life betrothed. But the borderline disordered, psycho ex of Erin Richards' Barbara Gordon is still left holding more than a flickering candle for James. But it's not like our Batboy doesn't have his own matters of the heart before becoming a billionaire playboy without the philanthropy too. His 'will they, won't they' with Camren Bicondova's Pfeiffer feline similar Selina Kyle, Catwoman seems to have blossomed at the birth onset of puberty. And their chemistry is more inspired than any other incarnation of this bat and cat influence too. Sorry Anne Hathaway. And even former 'Flash' (this really is the original multi-verse with as many crossovers as the comics, papering over DC's growing pain cracks) actress Peyton List dancing like Uma Thurman too. Because even an in bloom, Poison Ivy potion spell from the smell of this flower won't make this boy fall out with his cat in the hat like 'Thanks For The Memories'. But in the Big Apple of your actual eye heart of a real Instagram worthy New York City here masquerading as it's Gotham nickname there is no truer love than the one between Master Wayne and his father figure and best friend butler, Alfred. And Sean Pertwee's Kings guard, military man could even blow the bloody doors off of Sir Michael Caine. And with more crowning shows like 'The Kings Man' coming in the spin-off 'Pennyworth' prequel vehicle driving Mr. and Mrs. Wayne, it looks like the origins of the mysterious Butler will finally do it for you at your silver service.

But how about the budding bromance bubbling between the iconic Penguin gait and Riddler(?) The actors Robin Lord Taylor ('John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum') and Cory Michael Smith ('First Man') are really making a name for themselves in theatres these days. But their small screen version of their big screen Danny DeVito and Jim Carrey buddies are something to behold and look up to as they do in full regalia to the final frame of what becomes a classic moment for the canon. Even if their character development has come at the expense of not leaving much room for sewer dwellers, those that stone the crows, the Harley and the Ivy and a certain District Attorney in this Rogue Gallery of frozen frames and playing cards. And how we wished upon a movie star for Fish Mooney, Jada Pinkett's husband Will Smith's Deadshot character...even if it is the Bond to be Idris Elba in the scope now for James Gunn's 'Suicide Squad 2'. But in a crew of classic characters like Jessica Lucas' Tabitha and Chris Chalk's Fox (not to mention 'Jurassic Park'/World' star B.D. Wong's recurring prescription of Doctor Hugo Strange), this city at a zero year, no man's land standstill like the military guarded 'Dark Knight Rises' has one big villain back. And we aren't talking about the clown prince of crime. Although even without playing with a full deck and a messy paint job of several different hands, Cameron Monaghan's unofficial "Joker" in the epic end, finale showdown is the perfect Jack Nicholson (hairline) and Heath Ledger (get up) homage (sorry Jared), with Mark Hamill undertones. All whilst being the original madness of Monaghan. We're talking about the bane of Batman's back...erm, BANE! And a standout Shane West may be sending more to the morgue than the 'E.R.' he used to work for with Bane's trademark bone crushing, skull snaps. And with nuanced nods to Tom Hardy's incarnation (like the way he holds his bulletproof vest in his different special forces origin story), Shane takes this military man in the mouth breathing mask west, making it his outstanding own. Scene stealing like he did as a a rifleman in 'The League Of Extraordinary Gentleman'. Just like every gallery portrait does here in this rogue revolution reveal, origin story of origin stories. One we've loved being introduced to part by part and bit by bit we wish we didn't have to say goodbye to from the Gargoyle Gotham rooftops. But we'll see the Bat Signal again and when that day happens The Dark Knight will return once more. And never cape fear, for we have Ruby Rose's 'Batwoman' now. The hero we all need. But as for what begins, this show has always shown that not all heroes wear capes...yet. For 'Gotham'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Dark Knight Rises', 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.', 'Titans'.

REVIEW: THE CURRENT WAR

3.5/5

Current Affairs.

107 Mins. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston, Tuppence Middleton, Stanley Townsend & Nicholas Hoult. Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

Watt is going on here? This movie isn't about scones? Seriously though this illuminating spectacle is a gem. Lighting up the compelling, iconic imagery of this film with eloquent cinematography that's elementary my dear. Like the moment through the fog in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night were are lead is surrounded by more lightbulbs filament filling the screen than the frame of dressing room mirrors before a show. And what a show this is, as a 'Sherlock' leads the way with an inventing instead of investigational magnify glass. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg. Those are the type of names millennials follow these days. But turn a light on to this shining and you'll realize we'd be nothing without revolutionaries like Thomas Edison or George Westinghouse. And in this electric, eclectic cast this is 'The Current War'. Even if big names like Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult and Tom Holland are associated more with their cape alias, made-up names like Doctor Strange, General Zod, Hank McCoy's Beast, or Peter Parker's Spider-Man these days. Or more timely here in this period piece, Mr. Holmes, 'The Iceman', 'Tolkien' and the young son from the 'Lost City Of Z'. Time to flip the switch and charge to the past. Because this is the mother of invention. When people really had lightbulbs above their head when they had an Eureka moment of a bright idea and we didn't just swipe past it like it was just another story. But this one should be told to the smartphone age of appliance. Even if gas to generator, by the strike of a match no one hears bedtime stories under a lamplight anymore. It's still all part of the narrative. As you watch a glistening ball fall in Times Square on December 31st lost in the neons like a Tokyo translation. From skyscrapers that soar to the sky it reaches with thousands of blinking eyes in every room still reading or watching to morning light. One that Edison will have you reading more about what you've just watched once 'The Current' passes.

AC/DC alternating and directing rocking across the United States of America, Edison and Westinghouse electrics thunderstrike their lightbulb and dark room looking red lights across a map of the American dream they both try to chase as they outrun each other. All for power and prestige like Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale's Christopher Nolan magicians. And who other but 'The Imitation Game's' Benedict Cumberbatch to do his best impression of an American accent and go to work? He's played so many legendary names, real and imagined. Alan Turing. Sherlock Holmes. Steven Strange. And now Thomas Edison. Even Julian Assange and 'Star Trek's' Khan. But here refusing to go into darkness he sets alight one of his most legendary performances of merit to date. And this national theatrical treasure has played the hollow crown of Hamlet in London's West End. And here with the stranger things of an Easter Egg assistance from Spider-Man Tom Holland in a scene stealing, maturing maverick performance I guess Peter Parker is actually the sorcerer supreme's Ward here and not Tony Stark as two Sherlock's quip in 'Infinity War'. And what sorcery is this as Edison becomes the father of invention with his right hand man by his aid? But in this contest of creative champions it's Michael Shannon (usually the perfect face of every villain in mainstream movies) that wants to do things the right way, for prosper not profit. Even if unwillingly going to quote on quote "war" he still wants to be an electric king like the time he perfectly played a pre-Vegas residency Presley visiting the White House for his 'Elvis/Nixon' with Kevin Spacey. The mustachio 'Midnight Special' actor is truly something here in a hallmark role. Who himself has the assistant help of the Pope, Stanley Townsend. An actor who has been so accented recently narrating and starring in the Hollywood classic West End theatrical adaptation of 'All About Eve' with Gillian Anderson and Lily James in London. As Shannon, 'The Shape Of Water' and 'Nocturnal Animals' Oscar nominated player has just found his next Academy worthy part. Even if the man he plays only ever received a recognition in recipient certificate of a certain Edison Award. Histories sense of karmic humour can be cruel. Now how's that for a jolt?

Learned and entertaining all the way to their first and final meet, these two light brigades charge between motion pictures and who sent the electric chair buzzing. Giving light and the darkness of death sentence shadow this story too, it's a good job these men at work have two strong women beside and behind them. 'Fantastic Beasts', 'Alien: Covenant' and 'Inherent Vice' star Katherine Waterston is at her best since 'Steve Jobs'. But it's 'Imitation Game' and T.V.'s 'Black Mirror' and 'Phillip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' star Tuppence Middleton who breaks new ground of dark despair, being the tragic turmoil that haunts the Einstein mad genius of Edison. But between a warm light, kindly man and one more like that 'Family Guy' skit of Edison were he fuses his neighbour with fury, leaving all the only lights in the village on all night, it's the middleman of Nicholas Hoult's Nikola Tesla who mesmerizes. And not just for that get up garb even more vintage stylish then his 'Favourite' wardrobe. The 'Tolkien' storyteller breathes fire into this one, even in the face of a smug Smaug. Stepping into the light, it's 'About A Boy' no more. We're talking about one of the greatest British actors of out generation. This boys still a beast even if the 'Dark Phoenix' looked to flame out his X-Men blues. This fine film from 'Me, Earl and the Dying Girl' director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, alive with talent and traditional texture, that even takes sock it shots at Trump's wall, has plenty of inventive in-jokes. Just like the man who tells Tesla he'll never see his name on anything ever again. He obviously went for a bathroom break during the legendary 'La La Land' Griffith Observatory scene. And to those coming into this showing late missing an usher like 8701, where's Edison when you need him? Thank your smartphone torches later it's time to turn those screens into black mirrors and realize where all this eclectic form of illuminating electricity comes from. And therefore it's a good job this dust gathering film has finally seen the light of day and is no longer under the Weinstein spotlight. In this war of revolution and invention, the 'Current' situation is one we can all learn from today. And if you don't want this history lesson that is a motion picture education, then how about you see this light? We wouldn't even be going to the movies we see today without Edison. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Imitation Game', 'Tolkien', 'The Prestige'.

T.V. REVIEW: THE CHEF SHOW Volume 1

4/5

Chef Aid.

Hi! My name's Tim and I'll be your waiter/writer for this evening. Would you guys like some menus?

Appetizers: 

I've been meaning to tell you about this place for awhile. Why only now? Well it has nothing to do with finding a reservation. Because in this everyone's invited time like the couple of extra people you have on your Netflix bill, this is as easy to find as a word of watering mouth recommendation. Rather in this binge age we are in when everyone is racing to the first finish line to watch 'Stranger Things 3' before memes and GIFs spoil the T.V. dinner end for you (thanks Hollywood Reporter), we would rather savour this shows segments, dish by dish. Back in 2014 when 'Iron Man' and 'The Lion King' director Jon Favreau left all the cheeseburgers you want for the food truck of his wrote, directed and acted, culinary classic 'Chef', he enlisted the authentic help of Korean and Mexican food truck chef Roy Choi. A legend of the game who is credited as being one of the founding fathers in the wheels up, gourmet food truck moment. And now the pair complementing each other as well as cheese and a grill reunite for a new Netflix real-life cooking special, 'The Chef Show' which makes for the perfect crossover sequel you'll always have room for like dessert. As how to cook that classic grilled cheese sandwich-which had everyone in theatres salivating like it was 4D IMAX-with gold comedian Bill Burr will whet your appetite for more. Dig in.

Main Courses:

Choi may have started the gourmet food truck movement as the classic 'Chef' truck rumbles like a rodeo from city truck stop to stop animation, as it bounces above the bumps and the easy to read, glossary of terms like ingredients of each dish, separated in front of you as you can really see how this is all put together. And oh how well it is for either your late evening whilst cooking guidebook, or Sunday morning portion of escapism from a long week or heavy night, quiet day of rest. But it was fan favourite Favreau who stared Marvel's Avenging one with Robert Downey Jr. All the way to 3000. 'The Jungle Book' director currently lifting lion cubs to the sun has plenty of tricks up his sleeve and recepies in his back pocket. Hakuna Matata. From scripted film dishes to smoking Franklin Barbecue brisket in the Americana home of culture, Austin, Texas. He's also got plenty of famous friends to cook for too like he did Scarlett Johansson in his movie. From director Robert Rodriguez, to another great chef in David Chang. But it's when some Avengers assemble in Atlanta, Georgia with the 'Endgame' Russo brother directors and head honcho Kevin Feige to cap it all off that things get real interesting and reminiscing. Serving as a homecoming for Spider-Man, Tom Holland and Mr. Stark himself Robert Downey Jr. But don't worry after this course, no one will be telling you they don't feel so good.

Side Dishes:

Can we just say as an aside? How about that lovely episode with Gwyneth Paltrow (whose also making a name for herself at this side of the table) to begin? And how heart-warming, sweet and funny is it that she didn't even realize or remember that she actually dined with Holland and Downey and was in Spider-Man, 'Homecoming'? Such is the nature of their being more Marvel movies right now than there is additional extras on a menu. The Rescue scene stealer of the Avengers last stand against Thanos (now we are out of spoiler alert zone, how good is that assembling moment that culminates with Paltrow's superhero landing and visor reveal? Give her her own movie like Natalie Portman's Mighty Thor) can be forgiven. This relaxed and friendly joy to watch is the perfect side dish to the 'Chef' movie. Don't be afraid to order more as we Netflix and chill in he sofa with satisfying full stomaches, aching for another bite.

Desserts:

Now for dessert how about we sugar powder you with some Beignets from New Orleans? The one and only Cafe Mondé to be exact by the recepie. Because that's the only way to serve these distinct to Crescent City treats. And even if it takes two or three times to come out the kitchen these pair will get it right. It's all part of the science and beautiful process to trust like what's at steak in Philly. And as you settle down for your sweet and some coffee, how about something to read like you should all about this show? As the 'Remembering Jonathan Gold' episode pays tribute so someone as important to culinary celebrity as the dearly departed icon, Anthony Bourdain. This late, great writer who meant so much to so many people and places never wrote about what wasn't for him. Nothing like Oliver Platt's classic 'Chef' character food critic. He went by that creed that, "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Which to be Frank like 'furter we should all go by in this Trumped up Twitter troll timeline. It would be refreshing as a drink to go with this meal. But boy when Jonathan had something nice to say oh how did he. Opening restaurant doors and putting bums on seats. His words were gold and live on in this episode like his legacy dishes. And what more can we say about this Favreau and Choi 'Chef Show' as they even talk over the end credits right until the "next episode starts in five seconds" for your money's worth fill, except we'll be back again like foodies and television connoisseurs alike booking a table? With hopefully some friendly cameos from former 'Chef' kitchen staff like the legendary likes of John Leguizamo or Bobby Cannavale too for we can only guess whose coming for dinner next time. Now that my friend would be a dish best served like old times. Wherever the food truck will stop we're up in the queue with our finger pointing to our order ready to be taken. Check please! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Cooking: 'Chef', 'Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories', 'The Chef's Table'.

#SilverLiningsColumn WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER WOAH!

Boats...Lots Of Boats.

What you doing tonight? Fancy watching a film? No, don't worry. I'm not asking you out...yet. Now as good as it is to have all the film's you want at the swipe of a Tinder finger, it's time to get out the house and chill. Besides neither of these movies are on Netflix right now. The smartphone screen may have replaced the big one, but when it comes to two of the biggest blockbusters of cinema game changing time celebrating their twentieth and 44th anniversary (that's like your parents wedding date) they deserve a bigger projection. Besides face it like face off, unless you find that golden era, 90's John Travolta and Nic Cage classic you're just going to be spending all night scrolling through the list of recommendations and continue watching half-assed give ups (you really should binge finish that show) before you settle into a night following the YouTube white rabbit hole anyway.

Sure in a scorching Summer blockbuster season that's even beaten the blue man group of 'Titanic' big movie terminating director James Cameron's 'Avatar', you have plenty of new releases to choose from like Netflix originals. Even if most of them come from Mickey Mouse's Disney Kingdom. Whether it be the live action pride of 'The Lion King' and amazing 'Aladdin' remakes that are pulling the magic carpets out from under everyone. Or Stan Lee's Marvel of one, from the 'Endgame' of the record breaking Avengers as we know them (should have kept kneeling like Kaepernick in a fitting deleted scene tribute to Tony Stark) and Spider-Man's 'Far From Home' Summer vacation with Jake Gyllenhaal in Rome, Prague, Berlin and London. Not to mention the 'Rocketman' or Beatles 'Yesterday' musicals. Or the mid-90's classic sequels in the new 'Men In Black' and 'Toy Story' out of Disney's Scrooge McDuck chest again. But in a season that is more throwback then an old Basketball jersey on a Thursday, its time to take it back to the original and outstanding best like cinemas showing Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction' to go alongside the release of the bad mother#####s 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' with icons like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Luke Perry, Kurt Russell and Al Pacino and the femme fatale Margot Robbie taking it back to theatrical traditions.

Pulp isn't the only film fiction from classic cinematic history making its return to curtain open theatres this month. Because there's something in the water too. Do you dare tip a toe? Because, we can't resist..."we're going to need a bigger boat!" Just weeks after this writer was too close for comfort to Martha's Vineyard on vacation in the U.S. coastal getaway of Cape Cod, he ventured to Amity Island like he only listened to the mayor who took suited and booted fashion advice off his anchor sinking town. Steven Spielberg's absolute thrilling classic with that Dun, Dun, DUN iconic scored John Williams theme changed the animalistic face of mainstream movies before his 'Jurassic Park' sequel and showed dynamite directors of today how to direct a dynamic mix of thrills, spills, suspense and tense action...all with heart and soul. Sure we remember the first pull under the sea from the beautiful blonde who dared us to skinny dip with her and the first time we really turned around and bolted upright to see the shark in all its fish eating glory, in a lesson even many of Spielberg's directing friends (*insert cough here* Michael Bay) could still learn from today. Show don't tell young pretenders. And although no one in compelling, eloquent memorial could quite tell it like the 'Cinemaps' visual aid book you should all add to your coffee tables shelf, we were so glad to get our proverbial teeth into 'Jaws' again. Seeing families make their way back to the beach with kids in tow like it was still safe to go back into the water, even though there's something in there still like Prince said. Their youngest seeing this legendary shark for the first time we hope on the big screen too...now isn't that something? 'Jaws' doesn't just remain one of Speilberg's best. From heart to heart, anchored down boat brotherhood moments with all the scars, to iconic frames in the cells of cinematic chapters, it remains one of the greatest films of all-time. It changed the world. But what came next changed all reality as we know it. Even if the friend I swam with sharks with took the blue pill on my second date invite for this following film (I told you I had one more dig left Ben).

Now would you please remove any metallic items you are carrying. Keys...loose change. Because here it is. Keanu...lots of Keanu. It really has been Reeves' breathtaking Summer. So much so you'd almost forget there was a new and best yet, 'John Wick' chapter. He stole the show with a classic cameo as a meta, madder version of himself in the Netflix Ali Wong and Randall Park comedy, 'Always Be My Maybe', before jumping through flaming hoops as a classic Canadian stunt man in Evil Kenevil tribute as Duke Caboom in 'Toy Story 4'. And if that wasn't enough maple syrup for your pancakes, from the Ted to your Bill back for another excellent adventure next Summer, no bogus, he also appeared in video game, 'Cyberpunk' form. Even in a world of Jeff Goldblum and Bill Murray, right now in this moment there is no one more legendary then Reeves. Don't at me. So what better way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his neo, sci-fi spectacular classic then taking it back to the time he really was the one? When he prepared for 'Parabellum' with his John Wick director and then stunt double. Knowing Kung-Fu, how to give the finger and also which pill to tell you to shove up your ass. Yep if you were a teenager of the new millennium, listened to Rage on the regular and thought Nokia bricks that flipped open were the phones of the future (looks like Spielberg and Tom Cruise's swiping 'Minority Report' had more foresight), then you'll be experiencing déjà vu right now. No this isn't a glitch in 'The Matrix' like there is more Mr. Smith's in the sequels than there is the phone book. It's truly a modern movie that changed everything. Even the way we look at the world. Even if some things like that 'Crouching Tiger' slow-mo Nokia advert look dated now. Everything else in this beautiful bullet time holds up from the 'Terminator' shades and score homage to the Neo Western like duels (and isn't that the sound off 'Wayne's World' everytime he see the naked Indian in his dreams? Excellent!). Just like that Kung Fu flick invite that saw Reeves and Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus reload reunite for 'John Wick 2'. This revolution needs to be more than televised. It was made for IMAX even if not literally. And those who only know the great Carrie-Anne Moss from her Netflix, Marvel street-level lawyer then you can't dodge this once 'The Matrix' has you. Just remember if you are watching this with a tub of Ben & Jerry's, there is no spoon. What if I told you this movie was more than just the product of a meme or the girl in the red dress? Look again. Ignorance in this case is not bliss. I can't show you 'The Matrix'. You have to see it for yourself. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

T.V. REVIEW: CATCH-22

4/5

Catch Me If You Can.

6 Episodes. Starring: Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie & George Clooney. Director: George Clooney.

What a catch this is! George Clooney's comedic adaptation of Joseph Heller's war torn, satirical novel 'Catch-22'-a classic of last century literature-plays for more than a matter of laughs however. This is 'Monuments Men' or 'Memphis Belle' light in parts like a "it's safe to smoke", Mad Men cigarette commercial trying to bring our boys back home as a danger of death warning goes unheeded. All until emotional ends blindside you like Bullock from your six. This miniseries concerning a soldier who wants to find fortune away from the battlefield has its leading man dodging stereotypical heroism at every turn like he wish he could of done the draft. Only to find himself shooting himself in the foot everytime out. Ouch! This Maverick top gun is sick of dropping bombs on people, whilst his own command are dropping a Tom Cruise impossible amount of missions on his already fulfilled count. He's caught in the painful bureaucracy of the perceptual nightmare that is Catch-22. Not so simply stated that a soldier's willingness to fly dangerous missions is to be deemed insane. Only for said soldiers request to be removed of these airborne duties on the grounds of insanity to be the result of a rational man, sound of mind. Therefore any request such as this will thus be denied by the U.S. Military. Got it? Yep...us neither. Perhaps we should explain this to you like Denzel Washington's two year old in 'Philadelphia' and just say it like Bart Simpson did, "you're damned if you do...and you're damned if you don't!" But you won't be if you catch this monumental miniseries, as one man amongst what seems like a million who couldn't be much older than 22 (if that) in this dark comedy show you just how absurd the nature of war is to the point were even those proudest of their country would want to defect, despite the finger pointing and posters of Uncle Sam. But is the real tragedy here whether our soldier protagonist dies or survives in this war? Living to fight another day after day. Now that's some catch.

Captain America this 'aint. 'Sweet Virginia' and 'First Man' star Christopher Abbott really is the star of Clooney's show. Despite the by George fact this acting legend gives the young buck a literal dressing down as his formation shouting lieutenant gets his 'Full Metal Jacket' on to all these so-called pansy privates. Flapping and waving his arms around like he had the spluttering spitfire wings of a big bird, to literally making his men faint with fear as he asks the stenographer to repeat, read back his last line in a back and forth as Python hilarious as something out of his 'Hail Caesar' with the Cohen Brothers. You'll die laughing. In a love shacked up sea of B 52 bomber planes and big names however it's Abbott who makes his singular with this stand out, leading performance. Fighting the forces of evil on an aviator highway to hell. Whilst the powers that be that should have his back act like it's just another milk run. Not even going as little far to acknowledge it might be at the very least the equivalent of running over hot coals again and again barefoot. Yet these hot coals could kill you and your crew at any given second not just singe your tootsies. Over and over and over and over again. Taking it all under slight comedic stride however, Abbot is great at accentuating how ludicrous this all is as he waddles around in his boxers and receives all kinds of bizarre briefs that would scare you down to your underoos. He's a throwback. But when it comes to him evoking every emotion that comes with the harrowing and heartbreaking horrors of war he nails it with nuance and narrative seismic shifting, signature amazing acting of dignity and duty. That's raw, whilst respectful. All whilst holding nothing back. Never overdone but always understanding in tribute to those who actually gave their lives to the battlefield, showing just how brutal, but beautiful an honour this can be to fight for your country and live forever in heroic memory.

And Abbott's Yossarian is exactly that even if he is trying to go home with all his faculties intact. And who amongst us could blame him? Who wouldn't want to return home to all you are actually fighting for? It's got nothing to do with being a coward. This isn't it. This revelation in this revolution yo-yo-ing like a Marvel, 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' character between General Clooney's classic character who has it out for him (it may have something to do with his wife...no, not Amal) and 'Argo', 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Godzilla: King Of Monsters' star Kyle Chandler's colonel commanding that he stay put even though the last thing he wants to see is his face at his desk every morning, reading him his rights. Clooney and Chandler are at their charismatic under caustic character best. As is 'House', 'Night Manager' Hugh Laurie's major who shows up for some glorious cameo moments going fourth that will even take you back to his 'Blackadder' days darling. But there's just a beautiful bond of brotherhood in this band of young actors lead by Abbott that behind the youthful joy of exuberance show us the real cost and what we truly lost in history that now becomes hallmark, engraved memorials. All until shows like this show us the real heart and humanity behind the many names that now become monuments to these men. In Clooney's canvas of times gone by that cinematically look like retro, Yankee Doodle old glory posters with all the spangled stars and stripes. As authentic as the green in their berets. Capturing the beach life camaraderie of boys that will soon turn into the killing field shores of something out of that searing first scene in 'Saving Private Ryan'. Or the search for coupling and companionship in Italian brothels romanticised to these brothers in the all too familiarity that this may be their one and last chance to make something come as close to love as possible in these times. And just when it all looks like lazy cigarette smoke and the needle repeating at the end of the record of slow jazz songs (George gracefully revived his late aunt Rosemary Clooney's beautiful music for this too) all night long, the mood shifts to the madness of war in these young men's precious souls and lives. Where life hangs in the blink and you'll miss it balance. Horseplay turns to foul play and just when you think someone's going to make it you see the entry wound that tells you there's no exit from this place. As captains try and put planes down in a safe place like Steve Rogers or the water, only to break the ice to the cruel notion that the mistress of war doesn't discriminate. It doesn't matter how much good you've done or how pure of heart your soul is. To her if it's your turn, it's your time. But this firing line isn't just taking shots at the ridiculous and atrocious aspects of war. Amongst all the death and destruction, it's also celebrating the banded together heroism of every individual in this effort. Fighter pilot up in the air to nurse back in the barracks. It's a traditional, testimonial tribute to all those involved. Just like this cast and crew. Which in all its contradictory notions like anything in life reveals that its not all as simple as the fact that we are all good and bad, in our own little ways. Or the fact that those young men going to fight for their lives are heroes, whereas the old men pushing pens and sending them to their folded flag are far from that. There's something to give to war and there's something to take from it. And as we pin a medal on this show and salute, that's the 'Catch-22'. Now catch that if you can. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Monuments Men', 'Memphis Belle', 'Catch-22 (1970)'.

REVIEW: THE LION KING

4/5

The CGI Of Life.

118 Mins. Starring: Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, JD McCrary, Florence Kasumba, Eric Andre, Keegan-Michael Key, John Kani, John Oliver & James Earl Jones. Director: Jon Favreau.

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba. Sithi uhhmm ingonyama. Yep, that's a lion people. And what a proud one it is. As young Simba can't wait to be King like an 'Aladdin' prince in the same live action year of Disney rebooting the Kingdom of their most amazingly animated, signature features. This is the Savannah. Don't let it catch you slipping up, as we all hold our newborns up like this epic, iconic intro (P.S.A. Please don't try this at home on a balcony...you are not Michael Jackson). This rocky cliff face is a slippery throne for he whose heavy head wears the crown. It's a delicate balance. And who bearded better to play the mane event of a full grown Simba himself than, 'This Is America' and 'Feels Like Summer' rapper/singer Childish Gambino and 'Atlanta' star Donald Glover himself? With his now 'Redbone' searing, 'Awaken My Love' soul. And the 'Lemonade', Destiny's Child homecoming of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter playing his Queen like only this royal one who runs the world ("GIRLS!") could. And just wait until she rules and runs her formation. Don't tell Hova! But everything is still love. Can you feel it tonight like the return of 'Rocketman' Elton John's timeless tune and legendary, cinematic composer Hans Zimmer? I remember seeing the German maestro in concert in The Beatle town of Liverpool some two years ago. In-between Christopher Nolan works from 'The Dark Knight' and 'Inception', the Echo Arena was bathed in an orange glow not from these plains and that iconic Zulu chant from the very man himself (who can lay claim to that but Hans?) rained out over the auditorium. A woman with the strongest Scouse accent on her way for some snacks ran back to her seat like, "this is MY song!" That's just the effect the 'Circle Of Life' has on people, generation to generation. Damn the snacks. Save yourself for some antelope. And ever since 1994 when the majority of the legendary, original 'Lion King' was mastered mostly by amateur animators (yeah right), the pride has withstood the enduring and endearing test of time. And now in a stampede of computer cinematics and not one human being-not even a Mowgli like the 'Jungle Book' live action reboot-this is the bare necessities of beastly realism. This is such a different animal. So much so it looks and feels like you are Attenborough watching a nature documentary (albeit one that could use a little more humanity touch nurture) on planet earth before they open their jaws to snap like Disney's Samuel L. Jackson narrated (now how cool is that? Sorry Morgan Freeman) 'African Cats'. Rain or shine, fire or ice, that's just how richly detailed this texture of photo realism is, shadows to shade. After THE epic intro without a word feeling as such as soon as Scar leaves his manipulating mark with his, "life isn't fair" opening remarks, this feels real and raw as it gets when we suspend belief in this true life Disney magic just weeks after Pixar made us believe once again that there was a snake in our boots and told us another 'Toy Story' going fourth.

Stampeding through like claws in paws for your wilderbeast. Following the live action 'Dumbo' spreading his ears and Will Smith's, Robin Williams respecting Genie in a blue rinse bottle showing us that like 'Aladdin' we actually could have three more wishes, Mickey Mouse's castle gives us THE Savannah scorching, Summer smash that may just be their biggest hit yet in what might be their greatest year for a Disney plus. I haven't seen the cinemas this full since the 'Endgame' of Marvel's Avengers...and yes Disney's light touches them too...even Deadpool now as well, in all kinds of places. And taking us on this nostalgia trip that takes us back to our childhoods...growing up on the Savannah is the "I'll buy you all the cheeseburgers you want", fun sized Disney director Jon Favreau, that didn't just catalyst start all these love action beasts up with 'The Jungle Book', but also the whole M.C.U. universe and Avenger initiative with 'Iron Man'. And now between turning his culinary classic 'Chef' into a Netflix cooking show and Happily making sure Spider-Man isn't really 'Far From Home' in his scene stealing Summer, we love him as hard as he's working 3000. Giving us all we want, lion, tricks and C.G.I wardrobe. Evoking every emotion in these life like characters expressions like he really elicits in us. All the way down to the rain soaked or wind blown hairs on their chinny, chin chin. The favourite Favreau really blows the house down with this one. Whether it be catching cubs in their natural, playful state. Or in the conflict of the most primitive position playing. Giving a lions share to all your favourite characters, lions, warthogs and birds oh my. And just wait until you compare the meerkat, or witness a pack of cackling hyena's that are as darkly scary as they are funny. From the child raising, to the cloud cover however it's the most iconic scenes like the laughing, echoing roars or the father awakening circles that are montage transitioning truly the most inspiring here in this more realistic, but still testament take. It's these moments acting as history lessons for the new school that will leave you dreaming of mighty jungles and lions as you sleep tonight. A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh.

Voicing more opinion is the most classic cast of all-star voices Disney has brought together since Favreau favoured Idris Elba, Sir Ben Kingsley, Chris Walken and a 'Lost ain Translation' reunion of Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson for his Rudyard Kipling adaptation. Here the Gambino gambit of Glover as Simba fits like a glove. Especially his entrance after the equally as good singer/actor JD McCrary growls through the cute as a button, growing pain, coming of age like a 'Terrified', but terrific ten year old backing singer. And who else but Beyoncé to play Nala? It's as classic from the moment of its conception like 'Luke Cage's' Alfre Woodard's mothering role. Or '12 Years A Slave' legend Chiwetel Ejiofor getting his villain on like he did as Mordo at the end of 'Doctor Strange'. Bringing classically trained acting to the Shakespeare playing Scar all the way down to the deep tissue. But from 'Daily Show', last week satirical anchor John Oliver delivering the news and a read all about it performance as watchful bird Zazu. To a pack of hyena's portrayed perfectly by Wakanda's own Florence Kasumba, and the show of Eric Andre and plush voiced Keegan-Michael Key getting all the Disney dollars to theme park ride this Summer. It's the Timon and Pumbaa of 'Park and Rec's' Billy Eichner (if you haven't seen his hilarious 'Billy On The Street' segments like I didn't until weeks after I wrote this article to come back and edit (hello), get on it now) and 'Long Shot' comedy great Seth Rogen in a born to play, absolute perfect cast that bring the love, laughs and meta moments with their problem free philosophy. Adding new legend to something that even brings back James Earl Jones' iconic Mufasa baritone down to earth like his Darth Vader in the 'Star Wars' reboots in space (also Disney...damn!). And instead of just recycling old material the icon of icons hasn't missed a note. And hands held high all the way to John Kani's Rafiki neither has a page of this book of the jungle, George. They've still got it. From the cutest cub to the red rub, the Hamlet of this Shakespearian story that transcends tragedy to triumph is one as old as time. With some knowing winks that shows us the beauty and the beast of this life and the pride and fall that we can all learn from, cub to mane. Roaring to the next generation we pass it on to like all that the light shines on. It's just that much part of today's legend. Amazing. Beautiful. Classic. An absolute, wonderful joy to behold. The reason we go to the cinema as families to feel that magic. Movies are meant to be this much wonder. Critics may have clawed pointless, frame-by-frame complaints at this side-by-side computer animated comparison (ironically their apathy may be at how amazingly real this all just looks now today). To those critics I say, "are you havin' a giraffe?" Because let me ask you, can you feel the rendered love tonight? Yaaas! Hakuna Matata! This lion is truly King. Long live! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Aladdin (2019)', 'The Jungle Book (2016)', 'African Cats'.

REVIEW: YESTERDAY

4/5

All You Need Is Them.

116 Mins. Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Joel Fry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Sarah Lancashire, Lamorne Morris, Ed Sheeran & Kate McKinnon. Screenplay: Richard Curtis. Director: Danny Boyle.

Let it be. Yesterday (okay, it was more like two days ago. Sorry I'm late. I've been away), Beatle legend Paul McCartney brought a special guest out on stage as he played Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium like the time 'Rocketman', Elton John came out swinging with a baseball bat and full diamond encrusted uniform with the blue cap to match, for a cock and a walk with that slugger slinging like it was his d###. But we aren't talking about Sir Elton. No, Macca did one better than that. Or the time he did a Carpool Karaoke with James Corden (who cameos with his Late Night show here) in the Liverpool home of rock and roll before surprising the city with a special gig at a small local pub that felt like the nostalgia of playing at The Cavern Club that made him and the rest of his Fab Four friends famous. In Hollywood this weekend McCartney made history as he reunited with his peace and love brother Ringo Starr. Even if he isn't even the best drummer in The Beatles. This was a picture worthy of putting up on your wall, or the rooftops of where it all started. The only way this could have been better is if he took us on a Yellow Submarine fever dream and brought back John and George. And it's fitting now that we pay tribute to the feel good film of the year (let alone the Summer season it's smashing). One we should have watched the day before...let alone 'Yesterday'. After years of the movie industry refreshing the rights of the Apple of the music industries eye like Jesse Eisenberg's Mark Zuckerberg's ex-girlfriends Facebook page for that friend request (C'mon man! Even you can't get that. Even if you probably are able to find a way around it) in 'The Social Network' (that was the first film that was given official license to use songs from The Beatles catalogue in their soundtrack. And pub quiz hotshot which one did they use? Drumroll please! No seriously...tell us. We forgot), this homage hallmark film treats their muse like a jukebox. As we wake up to a refreshing film where 'Yesterday' all The Beatles hits seemed so far away. Suddenly, music isn't half the industry it used to be. In a clever concept brought to you by the best of British intelligence, writing together like the dynamic duo of perfect partnerships Lennon and McCartney, as 'Notting Hill', 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'About Time' romantic, hallmark as a card held up at your front door, genius writer Richard Curtis finally links up with iconic Brit, 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Trainspotting' and 'Little Miss Sunshine' director Danny Boyle for the Great British event movie of the Summer, holding a bigger stage than Glastonbury. All you need is love...actually. Here comes the sun indeed. Watch out for those blisters on your fingers.

Imagine. Last month I was walking across a zebra crossing in London and everyone was taking pictures. Not, not of me...oh hell no! But the not so long and not even winding road that George Harrison, a barefoot Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon walked across to get to Abbey Road. Oh, The Beatles darling. There's just something about them. Because even when we carry a weight heavier than Maxwell's Silver Hammer they make us come together over this in the end. Beatlemania took over the world from the Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields of Liverpool, to the Ed Sullivan show and beyond. Way before just one direction or a K-Pop, BTS army fandom today that could never come close to the real pop music and the sweet songwriting that wants to hold our hand through it all. The Beatles are even big in Japan. From hotels in Kyoto that tells you 'She Loves You', to legendary author Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood' classic novel on your bedside table. But just imagine. Cycling home one night like it was all happy days, only for a bowl cut blackout to hit the world like it did New York this weekend and bowl you over. Running you down and knocking you out. Only for you to wake up wanting more for Christmas than just your two front teeth. As in some sort of reverse Tom Hanks 'Big' magic were you can't even play that foot floor piano anymore (tis sadly true with the closing of New York's FAO Schwafz toy shop), this world just takes away as The Beatles amongst other things, some that are bad for your health (and we're not just talking about smoking) no longer exist. You Google 'Beatles' and you don't even get a Volkswagen. John and Paul, and you get the Pope. And don't even think about diving down the YouTube rabbit hole for a 'Yellow Submarine', or searching for 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'. At least you get Donald Glover when you search Childish Gambino. Imagine all the people. What would they do? What would they know better? What would you do? Laugh? Cry? Pick up a guitar with plucky luck and realize all you need is chords and get your Ricky Gervais with two biblical pizza boxes in 'The Invention Of Lying' on? Picking your favourite songs first. Because that's exactly what are perfect protagonist Himesh Patel in his biggest stage introduction does, once more with beautiful feeling as he channels John, Paul, George and Ringo in a beer garden with more soul than all those singers that have turned these rock and roll classics to R&B hits (Musiq Soulchild's rendition is really something). Performing a perfect 'Yesterday' cover that's far from a glorified pub singer, but an amazing artist in his own right with more than a few of his own songs in his back pocket. "I mean it's not Coldplay. It's not 'Fix You'' one of his dumfounded friends says, tongue in hilarious cheek when he can't believe they haven't heard this song before as of yesterday. Now how's that for trouble? Like trying to perform another iconic number on your living room piano like Elton, as your parents keep interrupting you for a cup of tea, getting it all wrong like you should just leave it be. It's a little bit funny.

'Blinded By The Light' like the Boss Summertime Bruce Springsteen inspired like my heart for him movie. Making this the perfect, Great British duet to follow the Freddie and Reggie icon dual Dexter Fletcher crown of the King and Queen, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Rocketman' collaboration. This man looks to go from the slums to the millions with the songs he sings and just a few strings in this Beatles approved magical mystery tour of music all the way to sharing the same titles. Showing you there's nothing like music or movies in this life. Give it a few more sing alongs and you could damn near turn this musical into a stage show on London's West End heading for Broadway like 'Billy Elliott', 'The Greatest Showman' or live on the Ed Sullivan show the way Curtis and Boyle write this so John and Paul well. And we know the perfect manager for this all to ride 'Baby Driver' shotgun. The 'All About Eve' West End and 'Mamma Mia' star Lily James. Here we go again. The 'Cinderella' star is perfect for this ball. Fitting like a glass slipper, or the rubber gloves they use to make beats like the DIY 'Bohemian Rhapsody' way amongst others, laying tracks next to the 7:45 to Suffolk train tracks recording studio. As this rock and roll dream is always Halloween scared of turning into a pumpkin before the night of its life is over in the 'Hard Days Night' hotel. The perfect duet to help our lead navigate a world without the Fab Four today were people are more concerned with their phones or Cardi B. As Patel powers thorough more misheard lyrics than thinking Lady Gaga "crashed through a Starbucks" (think of all the cracked cups) instead of the surface in the 'Shallow' of 'A Star Is Born'. Or Ed Sheeran playing a hilarious version of himself like the legendary 'Always Be My Maybe' Keanu Reeves cameo, suggesting a new title for 'Hey Jude', like 'New Girl' star Lamorne Morris' music mogul warning that 'The White Album' may have some issues. And how about the funniest person on the planet, SNL Kate McKinnon's impression of the "poison chalice' of the snakepit in the Hollywood Hills sand that is L.A.? Or the 'Pleb' of lovable Spike like stoned roadie Joel Fry? His musical advice in perfect time to Ed Sheeran is actually hilarious. Or the Great Brit parents of Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal who started out on the groundbreaking 'Goodness, Gracious Me' and now rule? Or even national talent Sarah Lancashire's Liverpool lass and what she means that we simply can't spoil? From an iconic, romantic moment in the Mersey Tunnel of lovely Liverpool to 'Back In The USSR', 'Yesterday' shows you just what these Fab Four mean as Himesh gets by with a little help with some of his most famous friends. Reminding us in this world today that all we really need is love and maybe a classic song we all know too like Mother Mary. All the way to a perfect, surprise ending that hits your heart that gently weeps when you get past the confused shock and realize what in this alternate reality it all really means. And on a personal level for me, coming home this week from the Strawberry Fields forever of New York's Central Park back to my small, seaside town less than an hour away from The Beatles home of Liverpool (on Albert Dock's Beatles Story beaming, I felt genuine joy hearing George's 'My Sweet Lord' praise prayer, then shed the realest tears when I saw a certain, single piano in the last room as white as my favourite album. After losing love I left a forever message on the wall of the John and Yoko 'Double Fantasy' exhibition from Liverpool to Tokyo close by...always) on the wrong side of the tracks. Walking the pier after this movie and hearing a pub singer belt out a wonderfully raw rendition of the same 'Life Goes On' song that this movie closed on with drunk people dancing delightfully in the waning Summer sun made for a surreal, but beautiful moment that showed us like love, they are still all around us. And like this movie it proved, The Beatles will never be for sale. Because they belong to all of us. From this neighbouring town to the headphones you plug in, in your home. And if you're not a fan when you get it like this writer didn't until he was 25, you'll feel so alive. Even if you don't think it's Coldplay. And sure even though nothing beats The Beatles, watch this tonight and tomorrow you will believe in 'Yesterday'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Blinded By The Light', 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'The Invention Of Lying'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: DAVE CHAPPELLE LIVE ON BROADWAY (@ Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, New York 10/07/19)

4/5

Chappelle's Broadway Show.

Could you walk away from $50 million? Because that's exactly what Dave Chappelle did. So he can have a couple hundred of my dollars for a night on Broadway, you can bet your bottom one on that. Especially as the last time I was in New York last fall, I picked the one week The Boss took a week off from 'Springsteen On Broadway' (although I would have had to remortgage the Meadowlands of New Jersey just to afford a ticket). Even if Chappelle let's us have it. Roasting us for burning our hole in our life's saving just to see him share the stage with the unstoppable juggernaut Hamilton across the road he waxes laughing lyrical on too. "I did the same show in Atlanta for $60," he pokes with fun at an audience member in the courtside seats of theatre. Despite being a reason this guy forked so much out for, adding he could have flown return to the ATL and got a hotel for the same price...and a dinner thrown in too. "Enjoy that Playbill" he mocked. Referring to the yellow iconic New York Broadway theatre show program which may just fetch you a return on your investment if you managed to get it Dave Hancocked following this sold out, StubHub soaring in price show, that's just had more dates added then Tinder due to the same demand you wish you had on that swipe left site. Tell that to this sun stroked writer who ended up sat waiting on the sidewalk for an hour at the backstage door. Falling into what was either jet lag induced sleep, or a sunburnt, fainting coma (New York is a different animal in Summer man). Losing his place in line for a selfie and kind word before going to the one part of the gate Chappelle didn't get round to before being bundled into the back of a Chevrolet that disappeared into the electric neons of a Times Square night. What's the opposite of "BYAH"?! What a fail! This isn't like the time I met Wolverine and Rocket the Racoon in the same night. From probably pissing off the nicest guy in the world Hugh Jackman with my dodgy camera asking for too many photos. To Bradley Cooper taking his glove off in the middle of December to shake my hand after telling him his performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook' really helped me with my anxiety. But that's got nothing on Chappelle's story of how Jackson Maine got him to duet with him in his Oscar winning Lady Gaga movie remake he directed, 'A Star Is Born'.

Shallow this wasn't. As letting the old ways of stand-up die, Dave Chappelle gave everyone their money's worth as his encore had everyone wishing they didn't leave their seats early to beat the crowds getting their Yondr (nothing to do with Star-Lord's daddy in 'Guardians Of The Galaxy') phone pouches (the most genius form of crowd camera control I've seen since Prince told us that one of his last (of only it wasn't) concerts was for our memories and not our phones) unlocked so they could tweet everyone about it. Instead of giving us another hallmark, hour-long stellar set, he just asked us for our questions and riffed on a relaxed and rib-tickling talk for almost that long TED. As he answered everything from his opinion on "French", 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett (believe me, it's not often Dave stands up for the "crack sprinkling" police), to just how Bradley Cooper got him to be in his movie after seeing him in London's West End as 'The Elephant Man' (the same standout show I met him at). Not to mention the time he asked a certain 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' actor is he could smell his fingers. Or the one where he met the President (not to smell his fingers), Barack, not the orange is the new black Trump (you definitely wouldn't want to smell that bastards crooked fingers). This stool, sit-down part of the night was really the best. Showing just how intimate and vulnerable stand-up comedy as an art form really can be, like his in the chilled out relax of his post T.V. show tour of wherever he lays his hat. Deserving of its place on that very spotlight stage of theatre that brings the most honest best out of Hollywood's elite. Jeff Daniels is currently down the road in rave reviews 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. Whilst the Mysterio mystery of 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' actor Jake Gyllenhaal is about to make that transition from London  bridge's West End. This inspired, improvised Q&A from the 'Half Baked' and 'Con Air' actor meant that every show in this Laker or Bull like double three-peat of nights (more coming in late July due to popular demand) was different from the last in its own unique way. Although just like the show's actual new material set and the reason our phones where locked like we were in airplane mode for this trip, we don't want to spoil a single moment for anyone about to see. Even if we want to talk as you read all about it, like we've said too much already by telling you who and what he jokes about. Laugh and like it, or "relax, you're already here now, you may aswell enjoy it", not.

Controversy has courted Chappelle ever since he walked away from all that money in the millions for the Comedy Central classic, 'Chappelle's Show' over a pixie sketch skit he thought went too far and everyone shouting "I'm Rick James b####" at him in the street (thank God for him it was before the social media age of memes and GIFs). I guess the tourist outside didn't get the memo...and I don't mean me. Hearing, "I'm Rick James' in a foreign accent is as funny as Chappelle impersonating some MAGA supporters from Nigeria. But Dave walked away with good reason. The same good reason that why his Michael Jackson or R. Kelly jokes are so good, despite being so close to the bone. It's satire people. Even when he does tread the line, talking about people like Louis C.K. or the LGBTQ community, he has strong beliefs based in truth to back up his broad slights. Unlike someone like Kevin Hart, this soulful comedian with the best 'Block Party' in town comes away almost unscathed. And he also sticks up for his 'Ride Along' partner in comedy crime too. Even though in talking about Kevin he could have taken this opportunity to go for Hart's neck. Especially as the diminutive dynamo is now head and shoulders above the likes of Chappelle and Netflix co-headliner Chris Rock in modern pop culture popularity ("I'd love to do a show with Chris" he answered an audience member... amazing. Now if only if wasn't sitting in the balcony nosebleeds with a voice that has people siting next to me telling me I need to "speak up" when I'm shouting. I could have asked him why he stole my not being able to finish 'House Of Cards' joke). Chappelle clad in a C logo iconic, Michael Myers jumpsuit at this legendary Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway also gave it up for 'The Daily Show' star comedian Michelle Wolf in standing ovation support with the best period jokes for this period piece theatre. After being M.C. introduced by legendary Toronto, Canada rapper (no not Drake), Kardinal Offishall (if only he dropped some of his own songs on a summer scorching D.J. set), who loved to remind this New York crowd where the new NBA Champions call home...even if Raptor MVP Kawhi Leonard no longer calls it so, clipping in Los Angeles. We hope the playfully dubbed, "most hetrosexual show on Broadway" (nothing wrong with a little camp Chappelle) makes it to Netflix like his four fantastic specials from 'Equanamity' to 'The Bird'. Because we just want to see this and hear all the jokes again, but like that college kid who could afford the front row might not have the money for next semester. The King of Comedy-especially when it comes to his own facial impressions (like his ones of Lil Jon or Prince) reactions-who recently mentored 'Fresh Prince' funnyman rapper/actor Will Smith successfully for his own bucket list, stand up moment owns the biggest stage in the Big Apple arena of the world's most famous city. Chappelle has this great reaction like ours, laughing at his own jokes where his mic can be heard dropping to his knees (we hope that's his mic) as he falls back laughing like a puppet whose has a couple of strings cut. But with nothing left on the floor here, unlike James and Bobby Purify, he's no puppet. The Godfather of jokes and jibes still stands up like on his own, one of a kind two, without losing a single step. No matter how ludicrous he gets like Chris Bridges in his fast and furious formula. Still killing them softly like Ms. Hill, if you are sour, "would you guys like some grapes". He's Dave Chappelle (expletive word that also shares it's name with a female canine). Enjoy yourself! A+. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

T.V. REVIEW: STRANGER THINGS 3

4/5

Independence Day.

8 Episodes. Starring: Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Mattarazo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Maya Hawke, Pria Ferguson, Alec Utgoff, Jake Busey, Cary Elwes, Cara Buono, David Harbour & Winona Ryder. Directors: The Duffer Brothers.

Fireworks explode across a Manhattan skyline like it's New Year as this Englishman in New York writer watches the July 4th celebrations from below the Brooklyn Bridge. There's nothing more I love than celebrating when Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum saved the world from aliens after Bill Pullman's stirring speech...wait, that's not what it's about? Just kidding! Still on the same day of independence for the United States of America another alien invasion is about to happen in the new series of 'Stranger Things'. But way back in the future of 1985. Crazily for this writer set back in the very month he was born...yep I'm older than 11. Crazy synchronicity. I can just picture my young  Mum and Dad (with more hair back then...hey I can talk now I've hit 30) back on the fourth of July in '85 listening to the sounds that make up this 'Stranger' soundtrack and telling my idol, my big sister that she has a little baby brother on the way. And he's just around the corner as she she feels for the kicks in my mother's belly. I was about to enter a brave new world of Live Aid and New Cola (how about the nostalgic product placement also turning some companies commercials upside down today?). And the rookie debuts of both Nintendo and some Basketball player named Michael Jordan. Not to mention the introduction of the Starcourt Mall. The neon shoppers shopper's paradise that's taking all the Mom and Pop store horses from Hawkins old town road. It's a candy land of pink and blue nostalgia from the escalators to the food court. And a slice of Americana pie that stretches as far as a pulled apart mozzarella stick. And the arcades? That's the marinara sauce right there. Get your red baskets and feast on this pure 80's nostalgia trip in all its vintage horror tropes like it's been longer than almost two years since the last seasons series. You can tell just by, "they grow up so fast, don't they?" It must be the hormones. Friends don't lie...and apparently neither does puberty. One Summer can truly change everything.

SCORE! So technically this makes these 'Stranger Things' Goonies actually older than my about to be 34 years old ass. Yeah right! In my dreams. Finn Wolfhard is looking so much older right now that give it a few more years and he could replace Bill Hader playing the older version of his Richie Tozier in 'IT Chapter Two'. Or at least play a young Bob Dylan, if the shades and shaggy hair from the new YSL fashioned promos are telling us anything about how his times are a'changin. The young Finn coming of age is the anchor of this series. But it's the queen of this Summers blockbuster, 'Godzilla: King Of The Monsters', Millie Bobby Brown who is the star of this show like the prerogative of her name. And even up in the nosebleeds (someone give this girl some cotton wool) those terrible Twitter trolls can see that she armed with a new look and attitude is fighting back and the strongest thing about this series. As her new mall sister Sadie Sink's Max, giving maximum effort and showing how much she belongs now and feels right at home after her sophomore season debut, introduces her to a new way of independence day thinking. Making for a photo booth perfect snapshot scene for the classic moments, nostalgic album of this show. But Sadie's Max has her own problems to deal with. Her on and off like Maggie Rogers boyfriend Caleb McLaughlin thinks he's Bart Simpson with the catapult, telling everyone to eat his shorts. And her, big, bad brother Billy. The coolest thing about this spray can, permed up show. Played like a loveable rogue by Dacre Montgomery, getting his Zac Efron in 'Baywatch' on as a lifeguard that needs to watch his six and not the, if he has Bon Jovi hair does he call them "chicks"? As he still tries to make it with the 'Weird Science' romance novel fantasy of Cara Buono. And then there's the pudding bowl catalyst of this all, Noah Schnapp. The kid who like a reverse Bradley Cooper doesn't want to let the old ways die like all of us watching this show. Meanwhile the great Gaten Mattarazo nerd nerf, lightsaber mimed blood and guts reunites with the Ahoy hair of worst boyfriend, best babysitter and thing about this stranger show, Joe Keery on the form of his young life. Who now works trumpeting the malls ice cream parlour in a sailor suit with someone who looks like Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke's daughter. AHOY indeed! But know the name now dingus. Because right from her first scoop debut, Maya Hawke in Hawkins, with the best of both parents and her own God given talents is a star born now! That is when the Erica in America, Pria Ferguson on a dynamite debut isn't stealing the limelight, or all the free samples this fourth that is. Now how about a spin-off for the Scooby like scoop troop?

Hawkins read all about it, from the upside down to Camp Knowhere. Because there's more to this story like a plague of diseased rats and more monsters in this inc. Real life couple, Natalia Dyer's armoury totting Nancy and Charlie Heaton's flashbulb totting Byers brother have taken jobs at the local paper. One that has cult, character acting legend of every cool comic-book, action figure and trading card spawning franchise in-between, Jake Busey also stealing scenes with jokes and a jacked up nod to 'The Shining'. Whilst the will they, won't they of icon Winona Ryder at her very best yet and David Harbour's Hopper are also on this case to be cracked. Harbour showing there's 'Hellboy' to pay for writing off his decent turn as the devil with the demons he unleashing, kicking in and knocking the door down here, all about those three inches (I hear you buddy). But beware, there's some anger and toxic masculinity that needs to be managed here and addressed like stamps on envelopes. Side note, someone in work once told me I looked like Hopper and honestly I was then more honoured than those Bradley Cooper when he's down and out comparisons (second reference to my man crush in an article that isn't even about him). Not to mention the heroes he trades, as he truly gets his detective on with the Magnum P.I. Hawaiian shirt and Tom Selleck 'tache. Here getting brass up his ass from the "prepare yourself for disappointment" crooked mayor of 'Princess Bride' star Cary Elwes. Here hoping to hawk Hawkins the funland of an amusement arcade like his mall that isn't rigged at all. And we haven't even got to the Russians yet. But you will. Because how about the meme ready, cherry slurpy heart stealing Alec Utgoff who has played characters with different versions of his name in 'San Andreas', 'Jack Ryan': Shadow Recruit' and this? Gentle joy, perfectly personified. An endearing, amusement steal. We love 'Stranger Things' going third on the fourth, dialling it up with Eleven and face-hugging the f### out of us. Even when they killed original 'Goonie' Sean Astin, or that Taserface from 'This Is Us', didn't give us our hash-tagged, 'Justice For Barb' and continually reminded us of how old we are. But nothing beats nostalgia, the good old days and Eggos. All to the 80's beat of a classic soundtrack and sonic score...and oh by the way Netflix, there's no need for the 'Skip Into' selection on this shows iconic theme tune over the John Carpenter caption homaging titles. Don't hand us a jump rope to go with those 'Stand By Me' bicycles, because we ain't skipping like we shouldn't leg day...ever! But a word to Will the wise, don't watch 'Stranger Things' in a roadside motel whilst vacationing in Cape Cod, trust me. Just saying. You may aswell be in Maine the way this thing references everything from the dust jackets of an old Stephen King hardback, to 'Alien' (hello ventilation shafts), 'The Thing' and extra terrestrial hosting for your T.V. sets in this 'War Of The Worlds' like the paranoia of collectively scratching the back of your necks. But by the time the fantastic fireworks explode like your tear ducts here come the epic, emotional waterworks and we can only hope a show that goes fourth in a stranger time and tide of Netflix cancellation where even Marvel can't survive the snap (score one for the Duffer Brothers over those Russo's). One that is maybe telling us that the race to 'Continue Watching' binge culture is dead. Because trust us like the nostalgia of actually watching this on home video, you're going to want to savour these blink and you'll miss the buzz like Cola, eight wonders. So get your candy and your condiments, light a sparkler and ride the ferris wheel (but for the love of God not at the same time. JESUS!) and have some Summer lovin' fun. Because after their hallmark Halloween horror show, 'Stranger Things 3' is a carnival, blockbuster showstopper this scorching season. It makes me proud to be an 80's baby. No matter how old that makes me look. Let's party like it's the fourth of July, 1985. C'mon, it's my birthday. God bless you that are stranger. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'IT: Chapter 2', 'The Goonies', 'The Thing'.

REVIEW: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

4/5

London Crawling.

129 Mins. Starring: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, J.B. Smoove, Marisa Tomei, Cobie Smulders & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Jon Watts.

World wide webs weave as we go into the multi-verse along with a Spider to see how Peter Parker spent his Summer vacation. Roaming from the Venice, Italy Gondola watered streets. To English capitals that chime like Big Ben and every beautiful Berlin and Prague cobbled street in-between that hopes to web reach as high as Paris' Eiffel. The 'Homecoming' is over now. Far from it. Even if it has been the emotional 'Endgame' (THOSE LIVING UNDER A ROCK WHO HAVEN'T SEEN IT (WHAT THE HELL?!) LOOK AWAY NOW!!) for half of our super six, original Avengers. From Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow heroically meeting her maker and a very symbolic blood red like hair fall from Vormir. To Captain America's beautiful end, growing old and still slow dancing with his first love, Peggy into passing his shield retirement (*pulls up chair*, "so you gave back the Infinity Stones and decided to get you some of that life Tony told you about"). And of course the one snap that can't be taken back in a click of his fingers after Robert Downey Jnr's Iron Man met a stark end in the one and only seen by Strange way the world and everyone brought back could be saved. Don't feel so good? Well at least your, freindly neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter Parker is back in the Avenging New York City in the Iron Spider suit (and a noir stealth suit classic that has us thinking of Nic Cage) looking to lead now the original metal Marvel that started all this back in 2008 is dust. Looks like it's time for Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury to S.H.I.E.L.D. show up in the corner of a dark room again ominously, no ghosting. But first school is out for Summer. And it's time to Lampoon a vacation as this booksmart teen hero takes us away and back to those 80's John Hughes era movies once again like Olivia Wilde. Where globetrotting like Harlem (although the kids really from Queens) he'll meet a new enhanced super with what looks like one on his head in the form of hair and husband goals (I'd 'Brokeback' turn for you Donnie), Jake Gyllenhaal's mysterious Mysterio from the multi-verse (side note. After the amazing animated, Oscar winning, best Spider-Man movie (sorry 'Homecoming') Tom Holland wants to do a live action 'Spider-Verse' movie with Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire...now how ultimate would that be?). The great Gyllenhaal may have been beaten to Batman by R Patz, but 'Far From Home' he plays one of Marvel's most classic and complex character creations ever perfectly (fun fact fittingly he almost replaced Maguire in 'Spider-Man 2' too). Looking part Thor, Loki and all Strange with the Hollywood effects I've got my cape and fishbowl ready for this Halloween's costume. From rowing the Riviera to crossing Tower Bridge (not London Bridge as Happy and even this born Brit got confused. Come on it looks more like a 'London Bridge') and all the fire and ice (all the elements Mr. Sandman. Bringing a comic-book nerds dream) they battle in-between, this is truly a trip. Far out.

'Ragnarok' Revengers Thor and Valkyrie seem to have taken Asgard 'International' now and suited up for the 'Men In Black', after the Avenging blockbuster Summer season 'Endgame' began. Whilst an agent the M.C.U. want to recruit in the form of Keanu Reeves dog loving hero 'John Wick', like a Winter Soldier, shaggy haired shooting everyone in Bucky Barnes sight is facing his own 'Parabellum'. That is when he isn't helping the other Mickey of Disney's 'Toy Story' and Woody and Buzz save the day as his Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom. "Yes. We. Canada!" Talk about going beyond 'Infinity'. And with the 'Phoenix' of the X-Men going dark it looks like our friendly, neighborhood, "b### you've been to space", Spider-Man is all alone out here. But with Thor slices of pizza off world joining the Asgardian's of the Galaxy (how's that for a Vol. 3?), Hawkeye maybe getting his Ronin back on in Tokyo, Japan for his own Disney+ show and Professor Hulk working out the best of both worlds now his science bro is gone (we're still waiting on that Ruffalo solo movie worthy of the Jekyll and Hyde dichotomy of that lonely, sweet, Lou Ferrigno seventies show), it's on the most popular Marvel hero now firmly home in the M.C.U. to lead like the new Captain Marvel and the Black Panther King of Wakanda and a changing world. And Holland in Europe is just the ticket for your stamped passport. Especially for this Englishman in New York writer taking in 'Far From Home' in Spidey's Big Apple hometown for a midnight showing in the city that never sleeps for the week of the Independence Day, fourth of July fireworks. No spoilers, but in the final scene of this movie Spider-Man actually lands on the corner outside the same AMC theatre this writer watched the film in too. Now how's THAT for synchronicity? Despite the fact that Pete isn't even home this week (or is he?) and off to my side of the pond in a Euro exchange as London boy Tom Holland truly comes home. We're still amazed by this kids lip sync singin' in the rain to Rihanna's 'Umbrella' though (those legs), battling "are they? Aren't they?" Zendaya's Bruno Mars. But how about this reign? Now this amazing acrobat needn't worry about a big-three finish with Maguire and Garfield (although after this movie it's high time for Childish Gambino, Donald Glover's prowling nephew Miles Morales to enter this universe. And while we're here Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin from the Netflix 'Daredevil' series). Because when it comes to this verse, Tom is the one.

Still not to spoil things like Tom (or oh hai Mark Ruffalo), but with great vacations to the Vatican still come great responsibility. And we're talking about more than don't forget your toothbrush and pack an extra suit in case you mess up the first one. Thanks to Aunt May, played as loving as she is lovely by Marisa Tomei. Owning the role and the mothering of someone who knows what's best and all your dirty little secrets. Mum is well and truly the word as she teams ups with Petey's Spidey for a staged event that looks like something straight out the 'Civil War' comics reveal. And even though that fond father figure of RDJ's Iron Man is gone, there's still plenty of his Stark tech to go round (check out his iconic bifocals to see how he sees). Just like the assistance of his right hand man Happy Hogan and the original 'Iron Man' director that started all this off in 2008, Jon Favreau. The man who is currently literally bingeing Netflix with 'The Chef Show' (check out the 'Avengers Atlanta' table or the one where Gwyneth Paltrow doesn't even realize she was in 'Homecoming') based on his culinary, cinematic classic is doing a lot more here than teaching you how to grill a cheese sandwich or get the bags. You could almost say he's like an uncle. And with brilliant best friend Ned, played perfectly by Jacob Batalon, falling for Cupid's arrow and Nick Fury's trank dart. The guy in the chair keeps spinning. But it's the stage set for 'Greatest Showman' actress Zendaya and Holland, swinging through this concrete jungle to show you how real and raw that unspoken thing, teenage love really is in fond New York nostalgia. Who else with the air up there like 'Spider-Verse' Jordan sneakers to play M.J. but this 'Euphoria' superstar and superhero of our time? Perfect in how she plays this all so differently and her way like the mob of Tony Revolori's Flash character running his mouth like his dad's car and allowance. There's plenty of elder supervision however in Jon Watts' electro charged, plucky sophomore sensation. Just like 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', anything he says is funny (and not just because of that lisping voice) teacher J.B. Smoove. Making the leap from a driver's ed Audio commercial promoting 'Homecoming'. Oh snap! And what Marvel film would be the same without Samuel L. Jackson returning to his patch this year in a calendar with even more movies for the guy that's in every other one anyway? From finally getting sequels to his 'Glass' and 'Shaft' franchises. To this bad ("shut your mouth") teaming up here like with his own CGI de-ageing one in 'Captian Marvel' to show that the leather clad Fury is back and here to stay, just in the nick of time. And the 70 year old with no sign of stopping and still the best lines in this movie and his career is flanked by his right hand agent, in S.H.I.E.L.D. star Cobie Smulders. Bringing back that Danvers like buddy cop, spy dynamic that they did so well remembered in 'Assemble' and Cap's 'Winter Soldier' before going dark and 'Infinity War' blipped. And check out some hilarious highlights and explanations to how all of that Thanos finger snapping effects your term time and extra credit. But it's the great Gyllenhaal who steals the Spidey sense show here, making everything else less than Jake. Even if he does spend most of his time with his head in a snow globe like those Ferrell Elf's telling us it's just over twenty weekends to Christmas (wishing the year away is my favourite) now. Gyllenhaal brings a goblin green big smoke like mystery to his Mysterio machine character complete with what looks like Stark technology, Asgardian regalia with a Vision touch and Strange symbols to the electric feel. The 'Donnie Darko' and 'Nightcrawler' actor's (who has been so good of late in dramas like 'Wildlife' and 'Stronger') super has all the powers and to his friend Parker, all the charm. The chemistry and budding bromance (I'm not jealous...honest) between Jake and Tom extends to the red carpet, where they wore matching 'Roxbury' head nodding suits for a night at the premiere. And to all those familiar to the comics just wait until you see what the M.C.U. does with this classic Marvel characters origin story in a hallmark but homaged to modern times twist. How Marvel managed to spike this punchbowl is one of their greatest feats yet. How they could make something ridiculous seem so real. The vivid, hallucinogenic Mysterio musing scenes make for a 'Verse' animated inspired, CGI fever dream that works wonders when other Hollywood powerhouses ('Last...UH HUM...Jedi') dont. It's a better trip then rolling London, Prague and Berlin all in to one. So stamp your passports and suitcases because this wild ride is so much more fun than the epic 'Endgame', just like last summer's picnic refreshing 'Ant-Man and The Wasp' was to the 'Infinity War', I don't feel so dust. Or in the aftermath like 'Homecoming' was dealing with the fallout of 'Civil War'. But just like cheese sandwiches in Philly there's still plenty at stake for two of the best, meaningful and well worth sticking around for post credits scenes (even at half two in the AM after a seven hour flight) that we won't talk about but wish we could. Just believe us, trust. The epic energy and sweet emotion of this scrappy teen superhero flick at times is messy, but that's just the true tone of this madness messing with you. It's high-school! What else do you expect? Hormones are everywhere. And as this 'Homecoming' king graduates to a whole new level, taking others to school, he's far from done. This superior sequel is truly amazing bringing a new chapter to this verse. This Spider-Man can do whatever he can. Now our Spidey senses are Peter tingling to what they web up next. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse', 'Avengers: Endgame'.