REVIEW: RICHARD JEWELL

4/5

Atlanta Brave.

129 Mins. Starring: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde & Kathy Bates. Director: Clint Eastwood. 

Tokyo, 2020. All eyes will be on the Japanese hosting Olympics this Summer in a year that has started tragically in the sports world. Rest peacefully Kobe and GiGi. But when Bryant number 24 was a rookie number 8 with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, Atlanta hosted the XXVI Olympic Games in the U.S. Monumental moments like the late, great, greatest of all time champ Muhammed Ali carrying the torch and lighting the flame, or the gold boots of a magic Michael Johnson becoming the fastest man alive without bowing his head moved your mesmerized memories. But it was the bomb in Centennial Park that marred the opening ceremony. The domestic terrorist attack took two lives and injured 111 others. It would have taken even more if it wasn't for the cautious thinking and quick acting of security guard Richard Jewell who this movie in tribute is named after based on the Vanity Fair article by Marie Brenner, 'American Nightmare: The Ballad Of Richard Jewell'. 'Richard Jewell' evacuated as many people as he could, saving lives and becoming a hero in the process. But not before the same FBI that didn't see it, say it, sort it, stop and search on a suspicious backpack put him through the ringer. As looking for any excuse after excuse they tried to pin the pipe bomb murder on him. Railroading him whilst his lawyer friend who he used to deliver Snickers too went nuts as he tried to untie the meek and polite Richard from the tracks. Thieving Jewell's life when all Richard did was save as many as he could himself.

Simply subtle and beautifully nuanced as the strokes of piano he plays over the score, classic director-even better than he is a legendary actor-Clint Eastwood is the perfect person to give this hero its due, following this time last years, most underrated 'The Mule' (which he starred in alongside star of another fallen, real hero film 'American Sniper', Bradley Cooper). Besides this is his best in years since 2016's 'Sully' starring Tom Hanks who played the pilot who performed the 'Miracle On The Hudson', crash landing a plane ON the water after two flocks of birds took out both engines after take off. And still the "higher ups" wanted to tooth and nail everything to try and make like him saving everybodies life with no casualties was all his fault. Eastwood-who not only presented both sides in team and country in his Rugby World Cup sports show 'Invictus', but the war ones of his dual release of 'Flags Of Our Fathers' and the Japanese 'Letters From Iwo Jima'-the 'Million Dollar Baby' man has always made movies about justice like 'Dirty Harry' took with a magnum punk. From the groundbreaking 'Mystic River' and 'Changeling', to the westerns classic ('Unforgiven') and neo ('Gran Torino'). And even with his traditional tone of no frills, but all thrills over that silver Warner Bros and Village Roadshow logo, Clint still finds new ways to tell his tried and tested real life tales of real humans and real heroes. Just like when he got the real heroes of the train hijacking to get on board and play themselves on the underrated '15:17 To Paris'. As with these five rings in the ATL, Eastwood, Jewell in the crown takes us to the heart of a man who just wanted to do the right thing in the name of law and order, but in the line of fire was enforced by the law to be portrayed as someone he was the furthest thing from. But not now in this picture portrait.

"There's a bomb in Centennial Park. You have 30 minutes" the Feds force Richard to say again and again in the shadows of the trailer (they should have directly kept in), leaving a message after the recorded beep on an answering machine in a cruel and callously phone cradled moment that will wrap itself round your wrenched fingers like a cord that is anything but dialled in. Clinical coldness in latex surgical gloves. The perfect Paul Walter Hauser (in a role originally intended for producer Jonah Hill, but so much more here with this perfect cast. Let's hope the same can be said for Colin Farrell's Penguin) is a revelation as Richard Jewell, a gem in this movie that has been Oscar ignored like Adam Sandler's 'Uncut Gems' apart from this 'Big Daddy's mother. Hauser normally plays rednecks to the chapped skin in supporting roles of awkward hilarity in Oscar movies like 'Bombshell' actress Margot Robbie's 'I. Tonya' and Spike Lee's 'BlacKkKlansman' with Denzel's son John David Washington. But now with this National Board Of Review breakthrough he deserves at least his Academy nomination notice for the way he nuacedly plays Jewell with the shimmers and shines of the man's shy sweetness and sincerity, despite being stunted socially somewhat. All whilst the 'Mad Men' and 'Baby Driver' bad guy trademark sleaze of Jon Hamm lays it on thick slice after slice crossing the thin blue line with shades of his cocky cop character in 'The Town'. You actually hate the man you love in all those other films and shows here...sign of an incredible actor. As in newsprint does the hitting the best 'Booksmart', award nominated director Olivia Wilde's wild journalist and getting to the bottom of it all clever character. Despite the controversy of a sex for a story exchange that has derailed this movie, even with the outstanding Olivia defending it. And to her credit she disappears into her character (whoever that is, real or not) completely...signs of an incredible actress. It makes a difference however when the real woman she played is said to have never performed this act and has passed away since whilst unable to defend her somewhat sullied name. They're talking about a defamation of character in a movie from a man whose ones are all about justice. But it still seems more like a misguided mistake than a maliciously manhandled thing. Which makes it strange that 'Three Billboard Outside Ebbing Missouri' Oscar winning Supporting Actor doesn't have two like the 12 joining 'Jojo Rabbit' co-star Scarlett Johansson for his more heartfelt and full performances here and in Taika Waititi's Hitler Nazi satire. I am Sam Rockwell rocks here as the defence Walter Bryant (fittingly poignant) who never let's up like the Black Mamba doberman dogging and guarding you in London's 2012 Olympics. Always game for a laugh, but always so much more heart than the humour. But 'Misery' aside there is an Oscar nomination for the great Kathy Bates who really makes this movie what it is whilst Sam steals the show as per. Sledgehammering a stirring speech plea to Clinton. Bates is absoultely brilliant. Keeping her house together, living room to the kitchen tupperware draw, whilst trying to hold it all together with press and the police knocking at her door with microphones and billy clubs. All for her son. Birthright. A mother's love. The real Richard Jewell passed away through complications from heart failure a decade and change later in 2007, but his heart and spirit lives on through not only this movie, but the people who walk through Centennial Park today in peace and safety. That's his legacy and the fact that this movie shows his story too is as such and still needs to be told 24 (poignantly fitting) years later. Keeping his flame lit. If only he was here to see it. Lucky for the world on that fateful day in 1996-even if the FBI failed to-Richard Jewell saw it all. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: '15:17 To Paris', 'Sully', 'I. Tonya'. 

REVIEW: FORD V FERRARI

4/5

24hrs Of Thunder.

152 Mins. Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon & Jon Bernthal. Director: James Mangold.

Ignition roaring on screen as the engined score guns and thumps your chest like a transistor radio, Batman and Bourne were born to run like The Boss on a hog. But this four wheel drive 'Ford v Ferrari' (named after the 'Le Mans '66' race in some European territories. Sorry if the review is late. We're in Japan right now were the movie from the man who took Logan's run to Tokyo has just been green light released in our new automotive tyre home of Yokohama) pits Bruce Wayne vs Jason Bourne against the Italian Stallion...no not Balboa Rocky, but Ferrari. As on the Detroit piston assembly line down 8 Mile road of the all-American Ford, this is Motor City versus Napoli in a winner takes all cars circuit to the checkered flag with a Hemsworth rush of petroleum to the head. 'Cop Land', 'The Wolverine', 'Logan' and Johnny Cash 'Walk The Line' director James Mangold (who is about to try and best Cate Blanchett's 'I'm Not There' uncanny Bob Dylan with new DiCaprio, young 'King' Timothée Chalamet singing for his Oscar) drives the line, reuniting with '3:10 To Yuma's' Christian Bale who 'The Fighter' to 'American Hustle' and the Dick Cheney 'Vice' to this thin wrench grip switches the weight classes again like a performing pugilist. In a figurative and literal accented performance (at one "if this was a beauty pageant...we just lost this top gear even sounds like Jeremy Clarkson) alongside this movies Mark Wahlberg in Boston born and most marketable Matt Damon, tinkering at even more under the hood of his formidable filmography. As these two Hollywood heavyweights go toe-to-toe and wheel-to-wheel, burning rubber in the race of their life. Even duking it out in oil and grease on the front lawn as you pop open a lawn chair and bottle of soda, as this one fizzes and whiz bangs like an old engine of a tried and tested motor that keeps going on like those legendary Le Mans tracks you run to your ride for. Gentlemen...start your engines.

Pole position in the 'Best Picture' Oscar race for The Academy. Mangold's mesmerising motorsports movie is bumper to bumper with some champagne crowning candidates. Leading the pack is of course Joaquin Phoenix's 'Joker' directed by 'The Hangover' of Todd Phillips, that features homages to both Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver' and 'The King Of Comedy'...AND has De Niro in it. Whilst Martin Scorsese himself reunites with a Robert De Niro and Al Pacino gangster reunion of 'The Irishman' with Joe Pesci for this Netflix mob hit looking to become a smart screen classic like 'Roma'. As Netflix's only competition seems to be itself as the divorce of Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's 'Marriage Story' is the best breakout break-up movie we've seen since Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep's 'Kramer vs Kramer'. Whilst 'Best Actress' nomination Scarlett has a history following supportive one too for her terrific turn in Taika Waititi's best yet, 'Jojo Rabbit'. A Springtime Mel Brooks for Hitler that is like Monty Python walking funny on to the set of a Wes Anderson picture that breaks your heart too. But in the year of fighting like a girl the wonder women of 'Lady Bird' director Greta Gerwig's redefining 'Little Women' could be the epic ensemble for your next Oscar selfie. That is unless the one shot of Sam Mendes War epic '1917' takes them all. Or if Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' with these industry heartthrob heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt (where's the 'Ad Astra' dual nomination like Johansson?) really has a happy, La La Land (without the envelope) tinseltown ending. Whilst the wild, wild card of South Korean Bong Joon Ho's 'Parasite' could infect them all as this for sure 'Best Foreign Film' could do the history making double. Even if I was a betting man with a starters pistol to the head I couldn't pick a horse in this race. I could maybe guess a '1917', 'The Irishman' and the 'Joker' movie podium. But photo finish I can't tell you who will win by a hair or head. 'Ford v Ferrari' versus its 'Le Mans '66' looks like it might get lapped by these big star vehicles like a cat with all the cream. But clawing away in the pits it's still a moving movie that puts you more than just in the clichéd drivers seat and buckles you in, as the scores car stereo volume is pedal to the metal in the same lane. The cars chasing each other for the cup cuts are so rubber to the tarmac immersive and close to the bone and chassis you feel like you are being taken round the track for a spin by a stunt driver yourself ("ATTABOY!" What a stellar scene from the surprise 'Interstellar' and 'Martian' actor). This makes me think of my car loving pops who only wishes I get my damn license already. And I finally get it. Because I'm in love with the gear shifts and the clutch control too. It's time I took the test. Because this one aces them all. Putting the va, va voom back in racing movies as it leaves all the others in the rearviews dust.

Man is as much a moving part in this machine however as Damon and Bale's of thunder on the grid give some of their personal best yet. Stetson sporting and veteran reliable as ever, Matt Damon is a fuel injected measure of calm and catalyst as a retired driver trying to take the edge off those saying he's lost his by winning another way. And you've got to love the Boston boy with a Texan twang. But it's Christian who is the most spirited here, even with 'Machinist' hunger in the pains of his acting literal, bodily slights. He could use more than a "CUP OF TEA", but as he shouts, "THAT WILL DO LOVELY" and the like as he drives, that really will pig for his most fun character yet. If only the late, great Ken Miles could see it himself. As you're right there shotgun with him and his blunderbuss behaviour that more than wrenches you, as the suits add a spanner in the works too. Those blazers, shirts and tie with the cufflinks to match belong to son of Henry Ford character Tracy Letts. The Tony and Pulitzer prize winning actor of 'Lady Bird' and 'The Post' (what a year) playing fat cat to a tie-pin tee until an infamous drive 'round the block knocks the litter out of him. There's still plenty of starch is the suit of 'Glory Road' Basketball coach and 'Lincoln Lawyer' shark Josh Lucas so sick at trying to be can of oil slick. The real fuelled injection comes from a scene stealing Jon Bernthal though, as 'The Punisher' gets charismatic in his Dapper Dan don suited and booted luck for the 'Baby Driver' cameo character that made 'Widows'. But even with best in show performances from 'Live By Night' and 'Killing Eve' actor Remo Girone and 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'The Blind Side' coach character one Ray McKinnon, like the real Ford this is all about family. Just like the real heart of matters in the seat of this human look at those under the helmet. No matter how foggy and old the atmospheric misty rain streaked scenes on the tracks get, you see so much more behind the goggles. Like 'Now You See Me', 'Money Monster' and 'Outlander's' outstanding Caitriona Balfe bringing everything to this movie and what that relationship births with the chemistry of Bale's father and son one with 'Suburbicon' (but this time not Damon's kid), 'A Quiet Place' (and 'II') and 'Honey Boy' rising child star of the moment Noah Jupe. One magnificent moment bonded to the hairpin of a turn in the tarmac on a quiet deserted night will track your tears and remind you of your eldest or youngest, depending on how long you've been in this race. Lighter, faster and nastier this mustang versus the prancing horse is for all the power. It's signaling scenes like this that maneuver 'Le Mans '66' into one of the 'Best Picture's' of the year, as in 'Ford v Ferrari', we're all winners. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Le Mans '66', 'Rush', 'Days Of Thunder'. 

REVIEW: BAD BOYS FOR LIFE

3.5/5

Miami Heat. 

124 Mins. Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Paola Núñez, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Kate Del Castillo, Jacob Scipio, Nicky Jam & Joe Pantoliano. Directors: Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah. 

We ride together. S### just got real again! It's official. The saga continues. Ayo you ready? Let's do it! It's almost been 20 years (and you thought the talents of the South Beach bringing the heat energy of 'Bad Boys II' took long enough after the very original, original), but 'Bad Boys' is back like the 80's Detroit Pistons (but this time no NBA legend John 'The Spider' Sally bifocal behind the desk?! With all those vegans in Miami too?!) in the heat of Miami (with a framed and retired Dwayne Wade jersey after the last dance of an Alonzo Mourning 33) 'For Life'. Like a P. Diddy and the Bad Boy Family classic this is 'Bad Boys For Life' with another sick soundtrack to 'Shake Ya Tailfeather' too like the "mercy, mercy, mercy" of Diana King's 'Shy Guy'. As Def Comedy Jam Martin Lawrence and Will Smith welcomed back to Miami become South Beach King's like the 6 of Laker LeBron James. But this time the Michael "Bayhem" direction is gone ("YES!"), but there is still some action buried like '6 Underground' ("NO!") as dynamic 'Black' and 'Image' directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah keep that like Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett super sequel energy in this Jerry Bruckheimer production. Following the Florida neon all the way to another Mexico City finale. And buffing out a knowing wink to this 25 ride or die perfect partnership in a rush 48 hours. A slow mo intro-after a car chase as "pull ourselves over" hilarious and epic as the time that lorry dropped cars all over the port of Miami like Rick Ross does bars-sees Martin Lawrence open the Porsche sports car door on a fire hydrant like he actually did to Michael Bay's ACTUAL car, in said sequels truck drop stunt that didn't leave a scratch before Marty Mar didn't look both ways. It's a meta moment like Lawrence looking to retire from the Law, whilst Smith like a western holds two cowboy guns up and none of these Bad Boys remember the words. Pointing to each other as they rise in slow motion with an expression that looks like these lethal weapons are saying they're Glover "too old for this s###". It's been a long time since Bay made Smith run with an open shirt like a movie star and a 'Transformers' soldier Tyrese 'Waist Deep' homage made Will drop the beach ice cream and pound the pavement again. But still like an underrated 'Gemini Man' this reflection of Big Willie back in style has still got it. Even if there is some kid on a chopper trying to take him out under the helmet. When it comes to these Bad Boys to men in a movie choked full of cameos like D.J. Khaled we've been waiting for another one.

We die together. What are you a cop or a model? Either way Smith suited and police knock, knock, kicking in the door booted is still making players half his age hate the game they can't run in Miami Dolphin yards. Smith's star still shines even if Netflix's 'Bright' didn't quite illuminate as much as Idris Elba replacing him in 'Suicide Squad', like he couldn't replace Robin Williams as the Genie in 'Aladdin', no matter how great he was. And as good as he is in all those movies he's still a dead shot action star like he is a movie one (and now a YouTube one), even if he is in the 50 middle age of a John Wick. But Keanu Reeves with a fourth chapter and 'The Matrix 4' (Will could have Neo found a way to be) in coming back like a Bill and Ted 'Excellent Adventure' on the same day has never been more popular. And we love this scrappy, sweary stage of Smith's career at 50 too. Shooting and rolling out across the floor like he was mechanic under a car with pink smoke in the slowed down background for the perfect South Beach set piece. Just like the actually good 'Gemini Man' that fell last fall gone, if this movie was released 15 years ago a couple after the sequel it would be the biggest and best of the year. But already taking most of the fan service delivering money this 2020 calender, what a way to start January. And they're already planning to go fourth after this 'Bad Boys 3', quicker than ever for this decades in the making sequel that doesn't lose a step in energy even as these Bad Boys are a couple of Friday's from being Bad Old Boys. And just like the 'Rush Hour' of Chris Tucker saying "you got knocked the f###" out like mama, Def Comedy compare legend Martin Lawrence is on forever formidable funny form. Shooting with glasses on in joke book HD...and how about that cranberry baseball jacket? "She knows...she always knows" he hilariously says as his wife blows up his phone the second a perp lands on top of her Nissan he car pool borrowed like Jamie Foxx's 'Collateral' cab for another call back. Remember the morgue drop offs? I tried to forget. But in all Will's popcorn popping action ways, Lawrence's laughs are the perfect comedy counter like the clever hot shot, car seat and Barcalounger, lazy boy back and forth. Before their pit bull motorbike and sidecar Gatling reunion shootout that terminates like a Bay of Transformers in slow motion explosion before the sunset. The chemistry is back like covalent bonds. Penetrating mens souls with his mind as they fist bump over the pink skies of Ocean Drive. Whoosah mother#####!

Remember your pressure points Captain. Guzzling Pepto Bismol like 'Clockers' or Ethan Hawke, what would this movie be without the cop captain of Joe Pantoliano (for the original Miami big three Wade, James and Bosh) shouting at us to "F###" him with the feds right up his ass like some sort of bizarre cop festish fantasy blue movie in his reaction to the violence pornography body count seen on screen here. It's a good job Cypher of 'The Matrix' isn't in Keanu's 'John Wick' franchise like Laurence Fishburne too...he'd have a coronary. The fond, familiar face and voice of Pantoliano told press at the premiere of this picture that's he's been in about 104 movies and thankfully four have been good. If he's talking about these three and 'Matrix' did he forget he was in the 'Goonies', 'Risky Business' and 'The Fugitive' films as a 'U.S. Marshall'? But for all the welcome backs and call backs decade's in the making, there needs to be some new blood and fresh ammunition in this reload before we start calling reboot like shotgun. And that's where A.M.M.O. come in. That's Advanced Miami Metro Operations (hey...they actually got that to work) not "ageing men made obsolete". This S.W.A.T. like team in a mystery machine food truck that 'Chef' Jon Favreau would be proud to show actually works, even if they do look like the cast of 'Saved By The Bell' a couple of reunions away from graduating into their thirties as classic cop car chase tyres screech. Lead by the commanding presence of 'Purge' actress with a Trinity cut, Paola Núñez who deserves a spin off herself, we also have both the mind and muscle of 'Viking' Alexander Ludwig and an almost unrecognisable but undeniable 'High School Musical' and 'Spring Breakers' star Vanessa Hudgens...it's so good to have her back. And the Spalding spinning, mom joke back and forth of 'Riverdale's' Charles Melton completes the team that surprisingly scene steal even the baddest of boys. Add the villainy of 'El Chicano' actress and Google her real life, Kate Del Castillo, 'Bob The Builder' actor (yep...you read right) Jacob Scipio and reggaeton trap star and Will's personal friend Nicky Jam and you have quite the Latin infusion to this third quarter of the Miami Hollywood sign like show taking off like American Airlines. I bet you didn't think you'd have this much f###### fun! This 'Bad Boys' sequel is actually great. What you gonna do? Ready for chapter four? And with the Miami heat of 'Bad Boys II' star Gabrielle Union and 'Sin City' dame to kill for Jessica Alba's 'L.A. Finest' T.V. spin off already bringing it on, the future of these bad boys and girls looks good. What you gonna do? One last time? Nah! They...ain't...go-ing nowhere. They can't be stopped now. Because it's 'Bad Boys' for life. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Bad Boys II', '6 Underground', 'Lethal Weapon 4'.

REVIEW: JUST MERCY

4/5

Mercy Mercy Me.

136 Mins. Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, O'Shea Jackson Jr., C.J. LeBlanc, Rafe Spall, Tim Blake Nelson & Brie Larson. Director: Destin Daniel Cretton. 

Have mercy. The Academy seems to have got most of it right this awards season.  When it comes to movies like 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood', '1917', 'Jojo Rabbit', 'Joker', 'Parasite', 'Little Women' and Netflix's 'The Irishman' and 'Marriage Story' being up for Best Picture, we couldn't pick or predict a winning film with a gun to our head, (no offence 'Ford v Ferrari' you sped right past us (not really, no pun intended this writers been living in Japan were this film has only just ready, set, GO!)) bet. And at first we didn't think there was many Oscar pushing films this year. And let's not get started on the acting nominations with Pacino and Pesci facing off again in the same category and 'Black Widow' and her Florence Pugh co-star going up against each other. But no mercy for 'Just Mercy'? I guess the Oscars are still so white. Or not right, so wrong this time. Because in a year were the actress who can play anyone she wants (this is actually 90% compliment, 10% tongue-in-cheek in joke) Scarlett Johansson is nominated in both Best Actress and Supporting for the first time since Cate Blanchett in 2007 ('Elizabeth: The Golden Age' and 'I'm Not There'...as exciting as it is to see Timothée Chalamet play Dylan-especially in a movie from 'Walk The Line' director James Mangold-no one will play Bob like the chameleonic Cate), why not one for the man who had two in 2004 ('Ray' which he won and 'Collateral' which he should) in the same year he Streisand became one of the only artists to be nominated for an Oscar and become part of the Grammy family? 'Mercy' might just be one of the most monumental movies of not only the year but the century of change its story made as one of its generations greats. So why no Best Actor or Supporting one? The famous name likes of Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx have both played superheroes and villains (Michael the greatest Killmonger in 'Black Panther' and a hot Human Torch in the 'Fantastic Four'. Jamie who played Electro in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is also about to be 'Spawn'...not literally that would be gross), boxers (Jordan is the fictional Apollo 'Creed' son. Whilst Foxx will step in the ring as Tyson), and they have also been in big, powerful pictures based on true stories (M.J. 'Fruitvale Station' and J. Foxx, Bundini in 'Ali', 'Ray', 'Redemption', 'The Soloist'...take your pick). The real conviction in the best courtroom, legal drama since Chadwick Boseman and Sterling K. Brown (talk about 'Panther' power) in 'Marshall' is how compelling this couple of powerhouse actors are when the epic emotions raise and rage with the dramatic and real events stakes. So why isn't Oscar convinced? Is that just?

Pushing against the bars and all his weight against the guards. Refusing to get back in the cell like the Academy have refused to lock down a nomination for this man, for one of the most powerful moments of this picture like the moments of pure emotion, grief-stricken, hiding behind family photos or the whispered words he tries to reassure himself with, Foxx out the box gives so much more. Effort and effortless effervescence, his charm not disarmed despite the criminally charged consequences of his wrongly convicted character. Slapping on the metal meal table with both hands for attention showing this movie based on Michael B. Jordan's real life character's Bryan Stevenson's 'A Story Of Justice and Redemption' moving, movement memoir of the same name directed by Marvel's (as press time, you know what the M.C.U. is like) forthcoming 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' director Destin Daniel Cretton is more than a nomination. Especially for an awards show that is one Ricky Gervais host away from being a monologue aware running joke like the Golden Globe and rest of Hollywood. 'Just Mercy' is more than just an Oscar nomination...even if it is worthy of winning the envelope by moonlight. Because 'Mercy' is more than a movie. Its history and an idea...no more than a notion. One that everyone deserves, regardless of race and creed. No matter the age, as its still relevant today despite the Academy's ignorance. Notice the similarities in a setting for something that looks like it was from centuries ago...but it was merely decades ago in 1987, for a case that went unsolved until those familiar 90's. That's just how backwards Alabama is Trump's America. Despite the fact that the small town of Monroe had the small mind to act like they weren't racist by hiding behind their bragging rights setting of Harper Lee's classic novel 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. But go set a watchmen Rafe Spall's character is a million miles from Atticus Finch (although the BBC's 'War Of The Worlds' actor is on fine form as a perplexing prosecuter). But you know what she says, "Mockingbirds don't do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." Understand?

More men...more black men and women have lost their lives than been tried fairly and just. It's not just history, it's just facts. The numbers that countlessly still don't add up today with no equal are APPALLING. You can't measure the injustice with words...even an eloquent counsel closing statement. So to put this in the right storytelling context you need to find the fine line between melodrama and Oscar bait. You need the even-keel of a nuanced actor of restraint that subtley hides behind the lines and says more with his facial expressions. It was fate that made sure Jamie was unchained as 'Django' and not a 'Men In Black 3' busy Will Smith (with all due respect to the acting superstar). And on the same day the Fresh Prince is a 'Bad Boy' for life its in the gestured ways Jamie's (who before he was majorly famous appeared by Keith B Real interlude on Smith's solo 'Big Willie Style' album) eyes move a million miles a minute. Or the way they look up to the place beyond the pines of this tree surgeon who's spirit could never be felled by the legal system that tried to cut him in two, after his unclenched hands on the steering wheel of his police pulled over pickup matches the falling hope of his eyes for a man whose soul soared again. That is who the real hero Walter McMillian really was. And Jamie Foxx really captures him with real respect and raw emotion. Once again the biopic king whose about to deliver another knockout shows he's not only one of the generations greatest actors, but also unamiously the most underrated as he looks for a happy and just ending after the 'Redemption' of his Tookie Williams gang leader turned Nobel Peace Prize winner didn't translate to justice off screen as the man on death row was tragically executed whilst helping get people off the streets from behind bars. But it's 'Creed' and 'Black Panther' Star Michael B. Jordan who like the G.O.A.T. is like a young Denzel. The 'Fahrenheit 451' novel adaptation actor adding more pages to his acting book as he throws at everyone here in the name of justice and a fair trial for a fair man. Again just like a Foxx a manner of subtle intensity that's anything but Hollywood heavy handed. He's joined by the room made for 'Captain Marvel' herself and frequent Cretton collaborator Brie Larson ('Short Term 12' and 'The Glass Castle'), complete with Alabama accent and 80's frizzy spray perm curls. But there's no white saviour here, more a modern legal aid upgrade to Sandra Bullock's 'A Time To Kill'. She joins all star support in an all star cast that includes a literal courtroom scene stealing C.J. LeBlanc, a terrific and conflicted 'The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs' short-story stealing Tim Blake Nelson, 'Straight Outta Compton', Ice Cube son O'Shea Jackson Jr. (you love to see him here), and frequent flyer Netflix's 'Mudbound', 'Godless' and Marvel Street-level 'Defender' Rosario Dawson like cross-pollinator Rob Morgan. More than moving and maybe the most underrated and hardest working character actor in the business. One day he will have his supporting award. But right now how about this chorus for wrongly convicted innocent black men who should never walk the green mile. It's time to give the truth back with this handshake through the bars. Clink. CLINK. Roll and tap your tin cup against the iron bars until freedom sings. We with you. We all with you. 'Just Mercy' is just magnificent. Let's get to work. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Redemption: The Stanley Tookie Williams Story', 'Fruitvale Station', 'Marshall'. 

REVIEW: JOJO RABBIT

4/5

Glorious Basterds. 

108 Mins. Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Archie Yates, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell & Scarlett Johansson. Director: Taika Waititi. 

Beatlemania begins this rabbit out the hat, as transcending talent Taika Waititi wants to hold your hand in German like 'Jojo's' imaginary friend. Following in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin and Mel Brooks for this 'Springtime for Hitler' that feels like a war, comedy and tragedy battle between a Monty Python and Wes Anderson movie. But still in the Taika traditions of his own technique that there is nothing like in the diverse movie world that is wider than Hollywood, no matter what the Academy thinks. But thankfully Oscar hasn't ignored 'Jojo' or 'Marriage Story's' ScarJo this season like a Jamie Foxx 'Ray' and 'Collateral' (where's the mercy for 'Just Mercy'? ) Best Actor and Supporting dual calender nomination. A lyrical translation of 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' plays over a heroes welcome to screaming and fainting fans with banners and news headlines, wanting to reach out and touch like something from when The Beatles invaded Ed Sullivan and the U.S.A. in the Sixties, like Stephen Colbert did on his Late Show creatively with worldwide between Beatle and One Direction fame, K Pop sensation BTS. But it's actually real footage from Hitler "performing" his speeches and rallies in West Germany. It's a divisive, yet genius move like the juxtaposition of Joaquin's 'Joker' jumping in the puddles and dancing on the rain soaked steps to Gary Glitter (still a bit of a d###, creep move though) from Taika. The dynamic director of the 'What We Did In The Shadows' vampire mockumentary movie and series and the New Zealand comedy and charmed heart of 'The Hunt For The Wilderpeople' and 'Boy', which this boy with an iron hearts movie grows up like. The classic android humour assembly line of the character who directed the last episode of the magnificent 'Mandalorian' Star Wars Disney + series and the man who saved Thor in 'Ragnarok' and lopped off the Gods Jesus locks for the Bohemian Rhapsody of "thunderbolts of lightning, very, very frightening, GALILEO" of 'Love and Thunder' and the new Thor queen. "ANOTHEEEER!"

Run rabbit run. Follow the right one as this marvellous movie based on New Zealand-Belgian novelist Christine Leunens book 'Caging Skies' is one of the best and satirically critical movies of the year and its time. If this isn't Waititi's masterpiece, then his best of the best really will be a magnum opus for the irreverent but never irrelevant director of inspiration and modern offbeat influence. He also WHAT.THE.F### plays Hitler here and is still so Taika typical lovable (W.T.F.!?). That's because his moustache raising version of the knee high boots wearing fuhrer is an imaginary friend one to our 'Jojo Rabbit'. A silly and at times serious take on the Nazi leader that at times provides a weird feeling warmth, before then satrically showing just how stupid and scary Hitler was when the fuhrers fury was unleashed. It's another terrific technique in a hilarious and heartbreaking movie that shows just how ridiculous but ravaging war is. Consider it a warning for what we're on the brink of now. Showing sympathy to Germans and the ones who were really mind controlled by Hitler's pathetically ridiculous ideas that Jewish people were evil monsters that could read yours, Taika's taking on the third reich and its moustache mouthpiece might remind you of another hairpiece today and just how much of a just a mouth and a microphone he really is. And how terrifying that truly is. 'Jojo' rabbits between having you crying with laughter, before blindsiding you with real heart wrenching emotion that tugs like an untied shoelace and won't leave a dry eye in the house. And THAT is the fine line between comedy and tragedy and the tipping point own one we all live by everyday in our happy/sad life and the history that has made it as such. Which is exactly why real, true comedy is one of the purest and most underrated genres to how close to the bone it "laugh, because if I don't I'll cry" all really is. And in regards to that nuanced notion Taika's taking everyone to task movie is at it like rabbits. Or Hitler with blondes.

Introducing Roman Griffin Davis. The young, great British child actor who in his feature film debut is this movie star and one on an international scale now. Bursting onto the scene with a grenade in hand, followed by Waititi's handlebar dancing for joy. Truly exploding with a livewire talent that leaves Taika fainting like Chaplin for a moment of pure silent comedy gold like Taika's traditions of quick cut quips. But Roman rawly evokes real emotions however showing this kid can clearly act like the big names that surround him. When he feels frightened, you genuinely feel it like he does. When his heart tears in two, hugging for dear life again and again yours does too. And if his flowers in the attic friendship with rising 'The King' and 'Leave No Trace' actress Thomasin McKenzie (magnificent...Benicio Del Toro in 'Infinity War' call and clap) is young love beautiful in times of testament to the lost innocence of youth by the crayon handwrote love letter. Now if Griffin Davis looks like a child's play version of the freedom fighter sent back in time to save Sarah Connor from the Terminator, then scene stealing boy Archie Yates on a 'Wilderpeople' beat makes you want to check if he's got a shaving foam can full of stolen embryos. Ah, ah, ahhh. But this Nedry nerd is actually your next 'Home Alone' reboot star. And slap your hands to your face this is the first one post Culkin that could wet bandit steal our hearts. Keep the change you filthy animals. And how about the rest of the angels with filthy souls? The always hilarious rebel heart of Rebel Wilson is on the forever form of her life. Whilst point like Usain Bolt to a scene stealing Stephen Merchant funnier than he is with Gervais or on a Hollywood 'Hall Pass'. As the lanky 'Logan' mutant tracker Caliban has a classic cameo full of "heil Hitler" call and response hilarity and a children's story like you've never read before cracking ribs like the rest of the movie breaks hearts. But it's 'Three Billboards' Oscar winner Sam Rockwell whose stellar support of charmed, charismatic class in dressed up regalia makes for the second most moving moment of the movie with the Reek of 'Game Of Thrones' and the reason we have John Wick movies, Alfie Allen by his show jacking side. Better than ever for their Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin 'Rock Of Ages' Romeo and Romeo like bromance. But all awards to the moving mothering of 'Marriage Story' best actress Scarlett Johansson divorcing herself from all the controversy like Adam Driver's character. The 'Black Widow' star may have said she can play any one she wants in relation to the questions of the great 'Ghost In The Shell' actor playing a transgender character. But the actress whose always been about the art since a teenager in Tokyo 'Lost In Translation' with Bill Murray has always had the best intentions. And now finally in her blockbuster year with resurrected avengance she could do the double with her definitive and most engaging and endearing role yet as the loving mother muse to our 'Jojo' protagonist. Her leaving the house daily routines everyday and sneaking in at night like a dancing robot, coupled with the charcoal of playing father by the fire will evoke the beauty of the most nostalgic memories from childhood of your parentage. She does what she can. And what she could turns out to be everything to this magical movie amongst all that's tragic. From 'Irishman' CGI to 'Bombshell' make-up, Hollywood pulls all sorts of rabbits out of the hat these days. But none have ears lent in as big quotation marks as this dropped rocket launchers to German shepherds. F### heiling Hitler. All hail Taika! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Inglorious Basterds', 'The Hunt For The Wilderpeople', 'Boy'. 

REVIEW: KNIVES OUT

4/5

Game Of Knives. 

130 Mins. Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Noah Segan, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell & Christopher Plummer. Director: Rian Johnson. 

Whodunit? 'All The Money In The World' and 'Inside Man' legend Christopher Plummer's charming character is found dead with his throat slit by a letter opener dagger in the 'Knives Out' study (I blame original 'In The World' actor Kevin Spacey...not for no longer being on the money, just for everything) and everyone's looking for Colonel Mustard and a Candlestick like this is all a game of Cluedo. But as 007 gets his Colombo on, minus the brown coat, but with an added accent and his own Watson to his Sherlock, murder is the case like Snoop Dogg or how Angela Lansbury wrote. But this time in a Boston manor as grand as the Orient Express in this New England home, this one takes the genre conventions off the rails. There's no 'Death On The Nile' here, but the Suchet or Kenneth Branagh magnificent moustache of Poirot would be proud like Agatha Christie of how this afoot game of broken trelaces and bloody, muddy footprints steps in all sort of different ways, red herrings and no spoiler alert. Just when you thought this movie gives the twist away early like the beginning of Al Pacino and "Benny Blanco from The Bronx's" 'Carlito's Way'. Much to the discredit of the action of its emotional, epic, murder before the train tracking end. But sitting on a literal crown of thorns in the circular knife display artwork that feels as prop pivotal a character as this Hollywood who's who, all star, A list and game cast, this Game of Thrombey's has a keep you guessing again end you are eager to put under the magnify glass. Anticipating waiting with bated like for the next George R. R. Martin novel, or who the 'Masked Singer' is after sitting through what seems like hours and hours of build up and pathetic puns...sorry about that. Plenty of players here wear all sorts of masks (warned you) like that Baz Luhrmann ball in 'Romeo + Juliet' however and it's up to James Bond himself Daniel Craig to reveal them like 'Mission: Impossible' before the fuse goes out (told you didn't I?). As Daniel Craig is on the 'Logan Lucky' lane changing form of his life like there is 'No Time To Die' and he was being introduced for the first time alongside 'Looper' trooper and frequent collaborator Noah Segan and 'Get Out', 'Sorry To Bother You' and 'Atlanta' Star Lakeith Stanfield doing the 'Uncut Gems' award tour on the commanding presence form of his life. But whose hands is the blood on?

Knives are out for writer/director Rian Johnson like they were with Star Wars fans for the much maligned 'The Last Jedi' sequel he made...but look whose got the last laugh and blood curdling scream now. The reawakening force of J.J. Abrams to the decades and trilogy making 'The Rise Of Skywalker' conclusion actually made for a movie moment a lot of fans saw as even woefully worse (we loved it...typical hey?) than 'The Last Jedi' (let alone the magnificent 'Mandalorian'). So much so it had critics walking back their previous caustic comments on Johnson's 'Jedi' (it really like 'Rise' wasn't that bad now was it?). Did they forget that 'Brick' director Rian Johnson also helmed the original sci-fi classic 'Looper' and the emotional 'Electric Dreams' like David Strathairn and Sissy Spacek LCD Soundsystem music video? And now he has an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay he should surely win like '1917' cinematography. In a 'Once Upon A Time', 'Marriage Story' with 'The Irishman' and 'The Joker' (let alone 'Jojo Rabbit' and those 'Little Women') Academy were the race in the major best categories is so wide open we couldn't even bet on a horse. How many does 'Skywalker' have? Karma! But whose holding the knife in this like the ones in the back of definitive directors fans troll on Twitter? Well let's look at the family tree of suspects. Surely it can't be Captain America himself, Steve Rogers? I mean the spangled stars and stripes of gifted actor Chris Evans...whatever it takes. Can it? Here in preppy winter coats and fishermen wool sweaters (check his Twitter timeline to see the strands of where this man's best friend iconic prop ended up), back on his comic, cocky by the book, Human Torch, 'Losers' crossbow and 'Scott Pilgrim' skateboarding leather douche s###. Back in his slicked bag eating Lotus biscuits by the pack, unlike the complimentary one you get with your coffee as he recommends everyone else dines on s###. He could do this all day and as he says "we've got to do this again sometime", you really hope he can like this sequel greenlit like his vintage beemer streaming down the leaves of the Autumn, Vermont like highways.

Knock, knock. Is it all nursed by 'Blade Runner 2049' hologram Ana de Armas however? Coming to life and Bond's Sherlock side before joining Daniel Craig for 'No Time To Die' this season. Stamped out of the Golsing android sequel, Armas was armed with real emotion that sold to us the artificial intelligence of her love like 'Her'. But now as real as life itself her talent is as genuine good as it gets. But still is her portrait hiding something behind that frame like the bespectacled legend Jamie Lee Curtis? She's already shotgun resurrected the 'Halloween' franchise more than once back from the dead. So like her Michael Myers (YEAH BABY!) muse she knows all about grave situations. Her hold here is undeniable. Just like 'Miami Vice' legend Don Johnson on the 'Cold In July', 'Django' rejuvenation of his career. But it's 'The Iceman' of the 'Shape Of Water' and 'Nocturnal Animals' Oscar nominated actor Michael Shannon who weird and wonderful remains as 'Midnight Special' and 'The Current War' underrated as ever despite the Academy acclaim. His face has more character than there are All Star actors here. But with so much A List talent running in the family like 'Hereditary' it could be anyone...even Toni Collette. Whose money on the mind, spoilt rotten character has something of worth to say about the current state of Trump's America. Killing it with shots fired that say she has what it takes. Even 'Love Simon' and '13 Reasons Why' actress Katherine Langford could have killed said victim like her deleted 'Endgame' scene with Iron Man could have killed the rest of the Avengers (what was with that creepy "I love you 3000" whisper Tony?). Or how about 'IT' actor Jaeden Martell turning the armer tables on Pennywise out the gutter? He may stutter in Stephen King's novella adaptation, but here he's a man of even less words as he's glued to his phone like PVA or a moth attracted to the bright light of his rectangles screen. No need to flip a coin on this murder mystery that's been playing like one single piano key since Thanksgiving. Rian's last movie may have been a turkey, but this one is still gobbling all the leftovers up a New Year and a couple of weeks after Christmas. This slice is a cut above the rest. You have to witness it to find out. 'Out' really twists the knife in. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Murder On The Orient Express (2017)', 'Sherlock Holmes (2009)', 'Star Wars-The Last Jedi'. 

REVIEW: THE TWO POPES

4/5

The Old Popes.

125 Mins. Starring: Anthony Hopkins & Jonathan Pryce. Director: Fernando Meirelles. 

Crucified by Ricky Gervais in last weeks now infamous, last Golden Globe speech that took a flamethrower to Hollywood, 'The Two Popes' was put in the same genre category as 'Leaving Neverland' and 'Surviving R. Kelly' by 'The Office' and 'After Life' star. As star Jonathan Pryce's crowd reaction was akin to his James Bond villain realizing Pierce Brosnan's 007 just spent the evening with 'Desperate Housewives', Teri Hatcher's character. But in actuality aside from that spotlight 'Popes' exists as one of streaming service Netflix's big-three, big picture run for the Academy of Bafta's and Oscars alongside Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver's 'Marriage Story' and the Scorsese/De Niro/Pacino/Pesci gangster swansong of 'The Irishman'. Being so good they are showing these three in theatres too as the mobile phone movie company looks to triple down like a triple frontier on last year's success of Best Foreign Film, the black and white beauty of 'Roma'. All on the white smoke eve of John Malkovich's 'New Pope' joining Jude Law's 'Young Pope' for the HBO second season. But toe-to-toe, padre-to-padre these old Popes (or "not so young" Popes to be politically correct) reign as acting God's. These days on Netflix however you have to be careful what you will continue watching as you swipe right like a Tinder profile through the choices. You could come across the original content of a Ryan Reynolds movie and think you're in for one of his trademark, dry laughs, but 6 minutes and what seems like 6 years of action later and you realize you've just been caught in the 'Transformers' like clusterf### of another 'Bad Boys' Michael Bayhem movie. As '6 Underground' will make you wish you were six feet under like another HBO show. But alas don't worry these two Popes aren't machine gun totting padres with a beef to score settle against the Vatican by sunset (although that does sound pretty f###### cool). Instead the warfare here is psychological and it's going to test every fibre of your faith. No matter what you believe in.

Controversy shrouds this movies story like the Catholic Church, but 'City Of God' co-director Fernando Meirelles like a maestro takes all that on like an all star journalistic 'Spotlight' ensemble. Instead focusing on two of the most central figures of the Catholic Church as they are smoke chosen by a fool proof, sacred voting system that involves engraved spheres like something out of 'Minority Report'...which I only wish we had here for those damn Tories in Number 10. As the pair vy for the elected throne in a biographical adaptation of Anthony McCarten's (who serves as screenwriter here) 2017 play 'The Pope'. Anthony Hopkins' Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce's Pope Francis are much more than a battle of wills however as they plumb the dark depths of their psyche and past, surrounded by the rich regalia of amazing architecture of the coliseum like cathedral to offset the two tones and contrasting Popes perfectly and outstandingly. As the cinematography of the colourful Vatican City alive in street art could even take the continuous one shot of Sam Mendes magnificent 5 star, '1917' this award season. From piano playing improvised duets, to Eden like garden conversations in bloom as they literally walk through a 'Shining' symbolic hedge maze, these two become fast, fond friends, growing like helicopter gifted plants, that challenge as much as they console each other. Two stepping in a slow dance of this slow burn 'Final Portrait' conversational piece, trading war stories and The Beatles 'Abbey Road' albums as these pure Popes perfect their cool even more than say, hey Jude's law and ordained disorder. And closing credits watching them watch a World Cup football match against their home Germany vs Argentina will have you singing, "OLE, OLE, OLE!"

Scoring like back of the net, 'The Constant Gardener' director Meirelles and 'The Theory Of Everything' and 'Darkest Hour' Oscar winning writer McCarten know how to craft a story as symbolic as it is stirring. As the vast landscape of this perfect picture goes from the wide world wonders to backgrounds of canvas pure white that these two Popes are trying to aspire to, even in the Autumn of their lives. And in the CGI de ageing age of 'The Irishman' this fellow Netlfix movie relies even more on the authentic make-up and casting pilgrimage to find young actors that look exactly like they could be in the family tree of these elder statesmen. They may actually have roots. The Pryce is right for Pope Francis, formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio too. Confessionals over pizza reveal more about each man, slice by slice. And 'The Wife' and 'Taboo' star Pryce cuts to the quick with a guilt that sears below his skin, despite his calm and charismatic, football fan, fun loving demeanour. Whilst 'The Silence Of The Lambs' and 'Remains Of The Day' fellow legend carries a weight that could change the course of everything along with his instantly iconic screen presence he guild guides here. But as great as these two individual icons are-the big name Hopkins and the ever underrated Pryce-the Welshmen (how's that for a movie name?) are nothing without each other in this portrait picture. These 'Two Popes' deserve two awards, but these two Best Actors only support each other in the spirit of this films as they share top billing in this movie. Their wits may have to battle again for the Academy this February, but whoever ends up waving to the Oscar congregation wouldn't have the torch passed by any other brother than their countrymen and co-star confidant here. Gervais jibes about 'Cats' star Corden and 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' star Leo DiCaprio's relationship runtime may be funny. Still these 'Two Popes' deserve more bowing respect. But like the real Pope Francis who had to be slap unhanded by the grasp of that over zealous devout, it's time to let go. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Young Pope', 'The New Pope', 'Final Portrait'. 

REVIEW: 1917

5/5

No Time To Die.

119 Mins. Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, Colin Firth & Benedict Cumberbatch. Director: Sam Mendes. 

Trench warfare captured in cinema has never been this immersive and Bond ('Skyfall' and 'Spectre'), 'American Beauty', 'Revolutionary Road', 'Road To Perdition' and 'Jarhead' director Sam Mendes had one shot in which to do it. The dynamic directorial technique for auteur artists of the film form has made for iconic moviemaking moments in everything from 'London Has Fallen' to HBO shows like 'True Detective' and of course most come to mind recently that Marvel 'Daredevil' prison break. Even whole movies like the Oscar winning 'Birdman: Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance'. But none have technically been as ambitious or awe inspiring as this. Taking you as boots in the mud ground closest to the first World War as you could this side of a Peter Jackson restored 'They Shall Not Grow Old' documentary film in living colour. But it's no filmmaking camera gimmick. More something to make you feel and appreciate almost exactly what these young men literally went through. All the mud and blood, bodies and bullets that this war made and gave. Showing that the price of freedom is far too high when it's measured in the casualty of youth and innocence. Mendes with Cumberbatch, Madden, Strong, Firth. These are the legendary names (especially with war films) in this movie, but it's the young actors who are the star of the show and show us exactly this. Netflix's Chalamet crowning 'The King' and the Bruce Springsteen inspired 'Blinded By The Light' scene stealer Dean-Charles Chapman and 'Captain Fantastic' star George MacKay on the movie moment of their young lives. Although nothing stands out more in this picture than the harrowing nature of war itself. This is the movies message like one sent from this director's short story grandfather Alfred Mendes, signed, sealed and delivered like a traditional telegram. Stop. Remember.

'1917' like 'Dunkirk' or George Clooney's recent run from 'The Monuments Men' old Ocean ensemble assemble, to Joseph Heller's novel 'Catch-22' miniseries adaptation takes it back to the traditional textures of wartime like a green beret. As Hollywood moves away from the 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'Lone Survivor' or 'Jarhead' modern warfare machine right when we may be on the call of duty cusp and brink of another World War from the ridge to the breach all because of the dictator acting, no President of mine, Trump (IMPEACH). 1917 showed the best and worst war brought out of people, from inglorious basterds to a band of brothers. And '1917' just like Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' (check out the 'Rewatchables' Ringer video of 'Basterds' director Quentin Tarantino's calling it one of his personal best of the 10's) may not only be one of the best British war movies in history like 'The Bridge Over The River Kwai', but the greatest war films of all time from Steven Speilberg's 'Saving Private Ryan' to Clint Eastwood's 'Letters From Iwo Jima' and many more beyond the lines. Moving away from the ultraviolence today of Mel Gibson's 'Hacksaw Ridge' and David Ayer's suicide squad of the tank injected 'Fury', this is also a far cry away from the stylistic classics of Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now' or Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket'. More like 'A Bridge Too Far', Mendes Nineteen Seventeen movie is a sincere and subtle yet emotive and engaging picture that will surely comes with a best this Bafta and Oscar season. As epic as it is compelling. Chapman running down the line in the opposite direction of a wave of soldiers rising once more unto the breach, with gunfire and explosions igniting all around them and him will remain one of the most idleible moments in filmmaking history this decade and century beyond once more for the cinematic canon. They say time is the enemy in this movie that moves like the Hans Zimmer sand ticking of 'Dunkirk', but this time with the 'American Beauty' and 'Revolutionary Road' like perfect piano score of Thomas Newman. So you know why MacKay and Chapman are racing against it trying to deliver a folded letter in their uniforms breast pocket as flags are folding all around them for queen and country. This is no time to die from the 007 director with a license to kill.

Fixed bayonets and their wits are all these boys are armed with as they try to deliver a message in a bottleneck of rats, poison, shells, booby-traps, dust and rubble. All with puddles of stagnant water and rotting earth surrounding and bogging them down. As they take a message as their mission to stop an attack that is a trap, they cross no man's land for the first time without the camera blinking and you're right there with them. Immersed and engrossed. Especially if you're on the first night, front row of this continuous take epic. The eerie Alcatraz like fog foreboding as their helmets peek above to all this light mist and jagged barbed wire lying in wait with the still soldiers that remain their like ashes to earth's dust in histories memory. From snipers looking to pick them off, to spitfires like wasps swarming above in a dogfight, this film envelopes its actors and us in all the elements of war with one moment on a 'Saving Private Ryan', "wait...wait" level of heartbreak that evokes every emotion. Chapman and MacKay bring it all and their best, honouring the brightest. Whilst 'Sherlock's' Moriarty and 'Fleabag' Hot Priest, Andrew Scott and 'Bodyguard' and 'Rocketman' star Richard Madden bring bitter hilarity and bittersweet heart respectively. Whereas an always reliable, Great Brit veteran Mark Strong (another 'Sherlock Holmes' villain) and the January Oscar/Bafta national treasure Colin Firth give brief but brilliant turns (think a young Harrison Ford in 'Apocalypse Now'). But it is a scarred 'Sherlock' himself Benedict Cumberbatch with something afoot down in the art of war, command centre bunkering trenches. The best of British bringing more than his famous Baker Street sleuth or Sorcerer Supreme, 'Doctor Strange'. As the 'War Horse' actor is much more than Marvel, showing these type of war movies are his "be brave" bread and butter like 'Hamlet'. The way he utters that war only ends one way, "last man standing" will remain one of the simple but pure, purely simple quotes to draw from the already is and will be vast cinematic career. But it is our two leads, George and Dean that deserve the acting medals that are still just tin in relation to the real heroes and again this movie is more than a name to drop, or style to hone like it was your own. Soon you forget about the one continuous shot technique that pirouettes around cramped and claustrophobic trenches like a last waltz and moves in one moment like the 'War Horse', West End ballet of beauty amongst all the brutality with operatic shadows from the flares and fires that work from dusk 'till dawn. And the beginning to end bordering delicate flowers in bloom like the beautiful blossom that remind you of the moving final frame of the BBC comedy, 'Blackadder Goes Fourth' that we could never forget. More than a century later we already have one of the greatest movies-certainly the most cinematography creative-of the twenty first centuries 20's...and we're not even a full fortnight into the new decade. But '1917' roaring like the twenties that came a holy trinity of calenders after it shows that the real story to remember is the real one that happened over 100 years ago. Lest we forget. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Dunkirk', 'Journeys End', 'Skyfall'. 

REVIEW: THE GENTLEMEN

4/5

The League Of Gentlemen.

113 Mins. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Bugzy Malone, Colin Farrell & Hugh Grant. Director: Guy Ritchie. 

Let me set the scene for you. Its New Year's and its time for the annual family walk. You know big coats, scalfs, appropriate footwear and all that. Looking like the 'Goodfellas' of a Scorsese picture. We're in the middle of a Winter countryside just outside a game pub and probably style traipsing on the private land of someone who 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' may turn us into today's special if we don't say we're local like 'The League Of Gentlemen'. Someone who bluberbuss rocks the tweed and tartan like coming from America, my second favourite Texan, McConaughey's caramel cadence here. Paperweight hands across the pond with a gold prostitute pistol that Waltz used to off DiCaprio to his last dance in Tarantino's 'Django'. Anyway we take a wrong turn or two between the gates and Lucas hedges and those two smoking barrels look mighty appealing right now as we end up knee deep in what I promise you isn't mud. The old joke tells, "what happened when the boy sat under the cow? He got a pat on the head!" Well this one was more like a congratulatory hair tussle. Twisting ankles and embarrassment and sinking quicker than sand I ended up looking like Michael Jackson in the 'Smooth Criminal' video. You didn't know I could get down like that, did you? It was one of those moments were you just wish the ground would open up and swallow you...if it wasn't made of s###! Why am I telling you all this you ask? What's the relevance? What's this got to do with 'Lock, Stock' and 'Snatch' director Guy Ritchie returning to his bread and butter of gangster movies after years of lady Madonna, 'Sherlock Holmes' investigations, 'King Arthur' and 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' remakes and even a rubbing of 'Aladdin's' lamp? Well on this New Year's Day I thought couldn't get more bogged down than that until the plot thickened on Ritchie's rich class of the extraordinary movie, 'The Gentlemen' in the Big Smoke barrels of London boulevard. Like dinner ladies lading more slop on your school dinner tray this slick script could even make Q.T. hush, hush.

Toff guys eat like the snarling on the trigger lion kings here for what was originally going to be called 'Bush' like George or the script that a cocky, Cockney accented, top draw of the four accents and a funeral show and all its parlour tricks, Hugh Grant storytells to the cool, charismatic, compelling charm of Charlie Hunnam. His perfect polar in a lock, stock and two smoking steaks living room to fancy BBQ and bizarre, flirtatious, game sexual tension. One he serves like a nuanced narrator and still part of the story structure 'Usual Suspect' as he's handed the keys (oh and for the record...f### Kevin Spacey and his "Christmastime", 'House Of Cards' message...c### (hey there's more use of that word in this movie than tinsel this time of year, so if the Oxford's not brogues fit)). Forget 'The Irishman' (unless it's Colin Farrell's scene stealer looking halfway house between 'The Royal Tenabaums' and JD Sports) for 'The Gentlemen' in golden circle London Underground typography off Saville Row, looking like the statesmen of a 'Kingsman' sequel before the prequel this month. As an Englishmen, American and Chinaman walk into a pint of snakebit blood and egg soaked bar...and the jokes on everybody. As this movie isn't afraid to call you a C U next Tuesday like you've got plans next week. But stereotype shaking and stirring its all done from a place of affection or one that like from Tarantino 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' couldn't give a f### if you couldn't get the real message. This fun Brit flick is about to snatch your Christmas like 'The Grinch' as you body bag, box up your decorations like Bah Humbug for the 'Peaky Blinders' of a Guy Pearce Scrooged 'A Christmas Carol' that will really give you the Dickens. But this is a different Guy people. The gangster fireworks over the Thames this New Year are a 'Rocknrolla' who's who of Great British and international talent from the man who made Superman suave before you were tossing a coin to 'The Witcher', Sherlock cool, RDJ, Iron Man to Doctor Strange before Cumberbatch, Will Smith a Robin Williams wish worth Genie and also jumpstarted the careers of the likes of 'Hobbs and Shaw' stars Idris Elba and Jason Statham and East End Wimbledon footballer turned Hollywood juggernaut, Vinnie Jones.

Southern comfort and hospitality comes from the drawl of a dry as gin Matthew McConaughey with a cup of Earl Grey tea in this Martini mix tonic of All Star A-Listers. The Longhorn of the 'True Detective', 'Lincoln Lawyer' (how about that for a Harvey Dent, 'Batman' audition) and 'Killer Joe' McConaissance goes on in this show as the 'Dallas Buyers Club' heads to London to sell you a whole other type of shipping container drug, as the "hmm, hmm" cool of McConaughey had never been this British GQ suave. Smartening up next to him is his 'Sons Of Anarchy' right hand man Charlie Hunnam with his own unmistakable voice and a chopper hidden under that raincoat like a Jonah Hill 'War Dog' that could turn the phone screens of a selfie, happy slapping gone extreme, council estate the other way round. This smarter than the rest, comeback quotable mouth, 'Triple Frontier' bespectacled star with the cider beard is as clean and cut as the rest as Richie brings the sword out of his 'King Arthur' stone star again. But for all the big name talent on show here like the 'Godless', 'Downton Abbey' completely curtsy different, dynamic, compelling, but criminally underused Michelle Dockery here, it's Henry Golding in slicked back, leather and fur who steals each scene he's in like his 'Crazy, Rich Asians' did last year. The 'A Simple Favour' charisma machine even bringing some charm out his abhorrently callous character and like the underrated, hallmark Christmas classic 'Last Christmas' he was in this year for George also managing to get in another Bond audition for the man who should be 007 once Daniel Craig hands up the Martini glass. But stirring between character actor greats like Jeremy Strong (can you believe this is the same actor from both 'Selma' and 'Molly's Game' ?) and the hardest working Brit one not named Stephen Graham in Eddie Marsan and shaking it up with 'King Of The North' grime revival rapper Bugzy Malone's amazing acting debut and his viral fight music video with coaches crew it's two legends who steal the show. Our 'In Bruges' favourite Colin Farrell who is on the Yorgos Lanthimos 'The Lobster' and 'Killing Of A Sacred Deer' (the best of that directors work...yep, even better than that Olivia Coleman crowning) form of his life (who is also about to Gotham waddle next to McConaughey's Two Face as the Penguin, although the two down meet on screen here) in a chip shop slapdown and the fellow grandfather frames of an hilarious Hugh Grant. You've never seen the stammering, "ahh...eerm. Terribly sorry. Forgive me for imposing, but I was compelled to come over", rom com legend asking you for scotch and to play a game in these big smoked out war ones pesteringly until you guess again, give in like this before. Even in his blood licking 'Cloud Atlas' villain. The 'U.N.C.L.E' godfather, complete with poster Easter Egg is horse and hounding his way in here to his tabloid journalist masquerading as an investigational one (more like a shylock or s### Sherlock). He's the "s##### brickety" seal that sticks this script together. All in a hotbox of action that explodes on your screen in a puff of smoke this January 1st for the first chime of the year, as we head back to the roaring 20's Gatsby era old sport. Ruling the Kings domain this is one time a 'Gentleman' doesn't say, "after you". Calm the phahuck...down. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels', 'The Irishman', 'Kingsman-The Secret Service'.