REVIEW: BLOODSHOT

3/5

Bloodsport.

109 Mins. Starring: Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell, Talulah Riley, Lamorne Morris & Guy Pearce. Director: David S.F. Wilson.

Blood in. In a cinematic pit stop, the fate of the Furious 'F9' movie has it back in the garage, as the latest 'Fast and Furious' movie will remain in the shop for another year like hiring a cowboy mechanic to fix the "tiny unicorn s#####g in your filters" (get it Dane Cook!). This stalled installment is now quarantined like all the James Bond's with 'No Time To Die' and 'Black Widow' and 'Mulan' wonder women before it. But one Vin Diesel movie that did hit cinemas before corona and the subsequent quarantine in theatres was 'Bloodshot' now blood streaming. The Vin Diesel comic book adapted superhero (who was originally in talks with another anti-hero in the 'Morbius' vampire blood of Jared Leto) with a rising sun of blood on his 'Punisher' like chest. Making it just in buzzer beating time like Ben Affleck's 'The Way Back' basketball coach and Elisabeth Moss' disappearing, 'The Invisible Man'. The cult action throwback in the same vein of a 'XXX', 'Last Witch Hunter' from 'Babylon A.D.' cult B-movie beauty like the 'Pitch Black' 'Chronicles' of 'Riddick'. The kind of underrated pulp sci-fi from David S.F. Wilson like Will Smith and Will Smith's 'Gemini Man' from Ang Lee and the fall that would have done numbers 20 years ago if released then like it was originally intended. Still, there's nothing wrong with nostalgia. But after being shot in the face right out the gate with closure-literal and critical-how is this bloodsport hero for hire, universal soldier (like a Jay Electronica and Jay-Z 'Written Testimony') of fortune going to resurrect itself now?

"And initiate sequence" like Johnny Cash classically covering Dean Martin's, 'Memories Are Made Of This'. "Gina I'm home", Diesel purrs with that love Letty genuine warmth that makes revenge thrillers like this, his best ever 'A Man Apart' and the fourth 'Fast and Furious' movie so humanly compelling, despite all the bloodshed as Vin takes villains to the woodshed. His stirring scenes with inspired 'Inception' and 'Westworld' actress Talulah Riley playing house are like 'Apart' and the laments of Letty in their charmed romantic nature lifted from the greatest love songs, or the most simple, but beautiful, little things of life. But a digital display backdrop  set in the same underrated Summer of McConaughey's 'Serenity', in a Denzel 'Out Of Time' sleepy, palm paradise of a local fishing town makes for anything but peace with Guy Pearce's cardigan and librarian glasses, nerdy, megalomaniac iron war monger with a bionic Bucky arm, featuring more apps than the latest smartphone. This is clearly below the 'Memento', 'The Time Machine', 'Prometheus' and 'Iron Man 3' Academy actors paygrade. But the legend who recently was 'Peaky Blinders' Scrooged for 'A Christmas Carol' last festive season is clearly having a riot. With bloodshot eyes a fast and furious Diesel is scope focused. "You know nothing about men like me" his military mind barks at Guy with self and rank conviction. As this war dog tagged is sick of being kept on a general leash, in a movie that has so much to say about how America treats its bravest, patching them up to fight again with all the tools, no matter what it does to a man's mind, over and over again. That's the core message of this marine movie. More soldiers die off the battlefield than on it these days. Do you understand? It shouldn't be either way. And in sharing strands of DNA on the Jake Gyllenhaal 'Source Code' intel of a Tom Cruise 'Live.Die.Repeat', 'Groundhog Day', 'All You Need Is Kill' mission impossible for this dark comic book adaption and novel graphic incarnation of a Valiant idea. "I feel like I just heard this! Are they playing this on repeat?" Mind. PEEEEW. Blown. With 'Edge Of Tomorrow' tech strapped on like an 'Elysium', Borg mainframed exoskeleton drilled in, this industry looks to turn Winter Soldiers into Terminator's like Bucky Barnes. But this time there's no cap to save him like 'Fast Five' onwards co-star Tyrese's TGT bandmate Tank and his new quarantine E.P. to save out souls, 'While We Wait'. Although there is an epic elevator scene right down the shaft (easy) with outstanding 'Outlander' actor Sam Heughan that could even make Captain America want to get off (easy now) before we get started.

"And initiate sequence" like Johnny Cash classically covering Dean Martin's, 'Memories Are Made Of This' all over again. Diesel powers this picture. His blood the petroleum. And just wait until it ignites like a million drones with batteries not included working underneath, or Nanites in this Marvel mask nano-tech, iron filings age like the insects of 'Minority Report' or 'The Matrix' spaceships. This shaved dome doesn't need bullet time. He's the resurrection this Easter. Dodge this! "I'm telling you one day when you're ready...you won't have to". Vin is still as 'Boiler Room' hot as when he came into this acting game. Now going 'Wheelman' to 'Faster', axle to grind with 'Fast and Furious' and 'Hobbs and Shaw' (and how about the star of that movie Eiza Gonzalez on the breakout of her career here like riding shotgun in 'Baby Driver', linking the two too?) tyre spin-off star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as this generations Schwarzenegger and Stallone, expendable, last action hero rivals. Diesel being the sci-fi, soulful Stallone ('Judge Dredd' and 'Demolition Man') with more heart and smarts to his storytelling. Whilst The Rock's journey from a hard place to Hollywood is one hidden behind raised eyebrows and the light heart of 'Jumanji' family fun (although there was some Diesel in the formula for 'The Pacifier'). Both have franchises you forget ('Riddick' and the 'Scorpion King'), both have ones that will never let (the dual lane of the 'Fast and Furious' bicep bound, bald star vehicle). And both work even harder than the other one even bench presses. So before you ask me which one I Pepsi/Cola prefer...both are good. I can't choose like a proud parent. This isn't a "can't tell the difference" Dave Chappelle case of, "Pepsi paid me last (or Vin was in a movie last), so (shrugs)...tastes better". But wait...there's more from the blood red room of developing action that 'Tenet' rewinds against the Guy from 'Memento' to give you another second chance at this movie when the quarantine lifts. All for what might develop into more spin-off, shared movies like this Groot voiced M.C.U. and hopefully not a Universal 'Dark Universe', despite the iconic 'Invisible Man' making sure none of this truly disappears. This Valiant effort with red eyes looks to have a better shot however as 'New Girl' star Lamorne Morris does a better job (like he does at hacking a great Brit character over the 'Oceans' of Don Cheadle) than co-star Jake Johnson did as the loosely wrapped comic relief in 'The Mummy' with Tom Cruise. So if you're bandaged up and stuck at home with nothing better to do, now theatres and their releases have been pulled like Vin Diesel back into action as Sony make this available on demand in your living room for this old school action Jackson, there's nothing wrong with some tried and tested meat and potatoes for supper. We need leave your brain at the door (or in this case is that the floor?) movies like this sometime that will leave you dancing like 'Planet Of The Apes', 'Fantastic Four' and 'Black Mirror' actor Toby Kebbell between the meat locker steaks in a big winter coat like a shadowboxing 'Rocky'. Time to stick this one until the good fight is done. Blood out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Gemini Man', 'A Man Apart', 'Live.Die.Repeat.'

REVIEW: THE WAY BACK

4/5

Ben Is Back.

108 Mins. Starring: Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins & Glynn Turman. Director: Gavin O'Connor. 

Under construction. Straight pouring vodka into his thermos like a hip flask under his hard hat disguise. Ben Affleck's character not only feels too close for comfort to home, but also like a bearded version of his young, Flinstone rock hitting worker from 'Good Will Hunting'. The same one who told fellow Oscar winning young writer Matt Damon that the best part of his day was the few minutes on his porch were he knocks on the door and he thinks his friend won't show because he's off taking his talents elsewhere, or even "seeing about a girl" (son of a bitch did we just steal his line?). An alone version with his friend re-Bourne and long gone, that didn't make it out himself, like he always said he wouldn't anyway. A version crossed over with the hockey hero of Charlestown that never made it pro, as this Boston boy keeps this Californian small setting in the aesthetic of 'The Town'. The hometown hero Celtics would be proud of this parquet courtship. As Ben plays a high school Basketball legend who never made it to the big leagues of the NBA, called back to coach his alma mater who haven't had success like that since he was in the gym for 'The Way Back'. Looking like something he directed himself, but actually from the 'Warrior' (the best sports film and best movie of 2011) mind of his 'Accountant' director Gavin O'Connor reunited. The big-three of 'Gone Baby Gone', 'The Town' and 'Argo' was supposed to be this 'Daredevil' actor, long from the days of taking movies just for a 'Paycheck', after the success of 'Chasing Amy's' big comeback from career 'Armageddon'. Just like his battered and broken version of Batman and his haunted and lonely best Bruce Wayne yet in the 'Dawn Of Justice' in 'Batman vs Superman' was. And despite this being criminally and critically underrated like his 'Live By Night' direction, 'Justice League' (aside from what we're sure is the deserving Snyder cut that deserves to be released, especially now) wasn't as it grappling hook misfired from the high-rises. Then after 'The Batman' solo movie Ben was set to do everything on, except the craft services (and we still wish to see one day...the direction, not the catering) went in a new direction with the 'Twilight' of Robert Pattinson (which you'll love to see), Affleck whose alcoholism was no longer anonymous thanks (but actually no thanks) to the press needed another return and his restrained and clearly lived in, down and out on his luck character on Netflix's 'Triple Frontier', albeit an epic ensemble, all too telling wasn't it. But now with Affleck almost on the back of a retired jersey for the rafters, he's found his banner return, personally fitting to him in the comeback of 'The Way Back'. His certification for the Academy Hall of Fame. Rising like the sun from the ashes of the phoenix tattoo he carries on his back with the weight of a watching world, don't call it a comeback...you can do that more than once.

King James of the Los Angeles Lakers is about to star in a 'Space Jam' sequel next season. And we all know the "secret stuff" of Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny's 90's original too...Bill Murray. But much more than this or the legend of Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson's 'White Men Can't Jump', many more Basketball movies have taken to the floor like a 'Groundhog Day' script cliché. And like Kyrie Irving's 'Uncle Drew' commercial success they're actually all good like 'Love and Basketball'. We all know the 'Blue Chip' classics like Knick superfan Spike Lee's, 'He Got Game' with Denzel Washington and Ray Allen as the Jesus Shuttlesworth originally meant for the late, great Kobe Bryant before Spike filmed, 'Kobe Doin' Work'. Running the picket fence with 'Hoosiers'. All the way to a 'Glory Road' with Samuel L. Jackson's classic 'Coach Carter'. We have the serious (2Pac's 'Above The Rim' and Leo DiCaprio's 'Basketball Diaries') and the silly (Will Ferrell's 'Semi-Pro' and Bow Wow's 'Like Mike'). Cult heroes, like 80's icon Michael J. Fox's 'Teen Wolf'. And underrated gems like Sean Connery's 'Finding Forrester'. Queen Latifah and Common's New Jersey Net 'Just Wright'. The Wayans brother 'Celtic Pride' kidnap. The Shakespearean 'O' with Mekhi Phifer and Josh Hartnett high-school stars. Don Cheadle's streetball legend of 'The Earl Manigault Story'. Whoopi's 'Eddie'. Billy Crystal forgetting Paris with some awesome real player comedy interactions, tripping as a referee. And who could forget the Shaq sized 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' episode, or 'The Office' party pick-up game of legend for the T.V. instant replay comedy Canon? Or...erm...Kevin Durant's 'Thunderstruck'. Even Netflix have made the team with their game changing 'High Flying Bird' and the amazing 'Amateur' that is anything but that name. But nothing is more professional than this powerhouse picture, sharing pages of the gym playbook with the action got in 'Carter', or the sober truth behind the history of 'Hoosiers'. Not to mention the young, against the odds spirit of 'Glory Road' in this squads goals, as Affleck looks to lead his team to the promised land and keys in the ignition drive and take himself away from temptation for this Bishop high-school, where he has to watch that swear jar mouth like he does the opposing teams Point Guard.

Bon Iver's beautiful 'Heavenly Father' like the howling wind (check the choral choir response somewhere in Paris for a L'Blogtheque 'Takeaway' show stopping performance personally for one of the most inspired Iver) plays on the perfect trailer for a man with the plastic coil of two tapped cans away from calling that his home. And "oh my goodness" you just know this is going to be good. Ben brings his best yet, deconstructing his character and its muse like personal life influence before our glazed eyes with humbling honest and bruised heart that still beats as he breaths heavily through a weary and substance soaked soul. He's in control now, even when it looks like he's relapsing away from recovery and remission here in character. From staying dry like January, to trying to keep his marker on the dry erase permanently. From intervention like concern that gets cans thrown across the room. And tins in a rusting shower that are drained along with the sins of this character circling in a steady spiral. As he staggeres to the sofa like he's dancing, sways, punch drunk in heartbreak. But just wait until you see the truly harrowing and haunting reason this character drinks to dull the pain to an ebbing ache. That's just too much to take and Affleck is just too good at this. Forget the Scorsese scorched caped crusades. How can the Academy ignore the 'Argo' acclaimed actor/director now? Ar-go f### yourself! Comedian, 'Night School' and forthcoming Marvel 'Morbius' actor Al Madrigal makes for the assistant coach everyone wants for a classic, coming of age team of talent in acting and playing we will remember for years like Coach, "wait is that Channing Tatum" Carter. Whilst 'Saturday Night Live's' fellow funny Michaela Watkins plays sisters keeper with hearts and smarts. And how about 'Cooley High' legend Glynn Turman as a guardian angel with one drink at the end of the bar, waiting to pick-up and carry coach home, always making sure he gets back safe? Beautiful. But nothing beats 'Blindspotting' star Janina Gavankar on her big-screen breakout as Ben's ex-wife, still in the picture like true lovers still bonded by the intamacy of friendship will always be. Like the love he's garnered from Jennifer Garner. Affleck may be the back of the jersey, big name and franchise face, but this play is all about the whole team, 1 through 15. Role players to who steps up for the last shot. With this warrior, no one does sports drama like O'Connor. Whilst a sobering ending to the drunk and dark drama as such, rather than one drenched in sentimental sap, seems like the right play to make. Especially as Affleck's Coach can't seem to get off the ropes like an Oscar winning Mickey Rourke's 'The Wrestler' like it was all scripted. The only thing missing is a Springsteen song on the soundtrack. Sometimes real winning doesn't show on the score sheet. The heart of a true champion is not measured in the gold weight of the trophy cabinet. Basketball may serve as a backdrop to the boozed and broken man trying to put the pieces like a play all together, but this isn't only quite possibly the best Basketball movie of all time (and as you can see there's plenty on the roster to make the cut). It's also maybe one of the best sports movies or dramas ever between the Holy Trinity of a 'Field Of Dreams' and 'Friday Night Lights' on any given Sunday. And not just that, it's finally perhaps in performance, Ben Affleck's greatest of all time too. Hey now, that's an all star. What a way back Coach Affleck. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Coach Carter', 'Glory Road', 'Hoosiers'. 

REVIEW: THE INVISIBLE MAN

4/5

Now You See Him. 

124 Mins. Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman & Oliver Jackson-Cohen. Director: Leigh Whannell. 

Johnny Depp in a 'Dark Universe' of golden era, classic Hollywoodland, supernatural storybook characters from the 1920's (that started with Tom Cruise's 'The Mummy', featuring Russell Crowe's Dr. Jekyll and Hyde and was set to be continued with Javier Bardem's Frankenstein) was originally meant to be 'The Invisible Man' (although how would you have been able to tell if it was him?). But then the universe flopped and the Depp/Amber Heard controversy came out, which has recently come to a head of video admitting that Amber abused Johnny. Proving that just like there's two sides to every story, if there was abuse on his part, there also admittedly was on hers. We'll never quite know what went on between the four walls behind those closed doors, that's between them and the business of the courts. But in the Times Up of the Me Too movement it's important that this movies actors and characters changed, especially in regards to the aggravated sides of antagonist and protagonist in this picture portrait of modern day domestic abuse. Now in a script flip on the classic 'The Invisible Man' book by 'War Of The Worlds' writer H.G. Wells, 'The Handmaid's Tale' star Elisabeth Moss has a mad man on her back with shadows of Kevin Bacon's sinister 'Hollow Man' and she doesn't even know he's behind her. But she can feel something and it will make for the most oppressive, unsettling thing this amazing actress has been in...and she's been a part of 'Us', let alone lived in Gilead. We only need to look at the planets pandemic panic currently with Coronavirus to see the most insidious and frightening things are those that are invisible to us. The threat we can't see, whether it's right in front of us or not. And with COVID-19 shutting everything down from sports stadiums, to concert stages. Even a trip to your local cinema with a date and some picked popcorn is like watching the most scariest film of all our real time, Steven Soderbergh's sobering 'Contagion' (he did a similar thing with 'The Crown's' Claire Foy on his iPhone with 'Unsane'). Now Universal are making their latest movies available to stream on demand from the truly now comfort and safety of your own home like Netflix. I couldn't see 'The Invisible Man' in cinemas (I promise that's the last Dad joke...but hats off with dismembered sunglasses to the official 'Invisible Man' Twitter emoji that had me backspacing a few times before I Homer slapped my head, realized and got the genius gag), but now it's time for the reveal. The Mummy like bandages are coming off.

Surprise. Forget a hilarious 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Drax the Destroyer poster photoshop (and who knows, perhaps he really is in this movie), this is serious in a hoods up time were people going out wearing shades and face masks look like the classic incarnation of 'The Invisible Man' themselves. One's in Wells' cautionary tale that heartbreakingly ended with a man who felt truly invisible disappearing altogether. But this film is about a man who doesn't want to be seen, for a whole other horrific reason in this horror that is just as psychological as it is out of nowhere jump scare for the true nature of what you can't see being what you are truly terrified of. Your mind is not playing tricks on you for this modern metaphor of how abusers hide in plain sight today. Or how the most scarring abuse isn't even the kind that shows up with cruel bruises. From the torrential virus of the Internet, to the maddening manipulations that will have you believe you're the crazy one. It's no longer a mad world...it's a toxic one. Literally with our current situation. As if our paranoia needed anymore punctuation. So it's our duties these days, like staying indoors-men and women-to reduce even the appearance of behaviour that looks anything in the vicinity like causing anxiety or abuse to others. Trust me. We've all been close to the bone there like the thin line between love and hate. But it's not too late. I myself have even regrettably had a misunderstood situation that has marked my life so heartbreakingly. And for what it's worth I'm so, so sorry. But it is better to protect the ones we care about from a distance, leaving them to and minding our own business, than make things worse whilst trying to preserve our reputation. Don't wait until you make that mistake. Like this current Corona situation it will only make you long for the life you had before that will never be the same again. A nightmare we can never truly wake up from. Now that is something that's clear to see.

Moss gathers her greatest role yet in this science fiction, psychological horror to the tune of a sinister score for 'Saw', 'Dead Silence' and 'Insidious' James Wan writer Leigh Whannell's latest horror show and director 'Upgrade'...and she's been a part of 'Us' and lived in Gilead again. As she walks out to a white picket cold, but safe as suburbia seeming drive like Ben Affleck in 'Gone Girl', she can't seem to make it to the mail. 'Top Of The Lake', this 'China Girl' in a movie filmed in the New South Wales of Australia masquerading as San Francisco, California hasn't got this deep and dark since she walked the bitter Canadian cold earth streets of Toronto with the strings of Max Richter for the moving 'On The Nature Of Daylight' after receiving some bad, bad news. But much more haunts her here in a harrowing nature when he see her wake up in the middle of the night 3.02AM with a cold hand around her waist. She tries to carefully move it, so not to wake it like a considerate lover. Until we realize the last thing she wants to do is wake up her husband...that would be the worst thing in the world for her to do. We see that as soon as we see the surveillance cameras that surround this Stark like mansion in the start-up coast of Silicon Valley. It turns out her husband is no other than Oliver Jackson-Cohen of Netflix's fright binge, 'The Haunting Of Hill House'. Playing none other but an updated version of H.G. Wells' Adrian Griffin, who goes by the other alter ego persona of 'The Invisible Man'. Sure Depp would have fleshed out this character a whole lot better, but it may have been perceived as too close to the bone like Affleck's alcoholic in the best Basketball diagramed picture, 'The Way Back'. And Cohen still captures the creepy, harassing and stalking abuser, moved to murder almost crassly convincingly. And the less you see of him, the better this all works. One psych-ward security guard takedown is straight 'Terminator' with the added second skin of a 'Days Of Future Past' like modern Sentinel, stealth suit for this master of optics. But if you miss the classic, iconic look of the man you can't see then some mannequins and hospital medical dressing will Easter Egg take care of that. Still, between all the heavy rain horrors, 'Paranormal Activity' bedsheet pulling and house paint reveals in the same attic where 'Sinister' tapes of home movies are kept, it's the kitchen knife fight you see from one side that is truly moviemaking mastering at the highest level that is nothing short of excruciating to watch. With every smashed plate, bumped cabinet and bruised soul, as the real domestic horrors, hidden behind closed doors and fearful excuses are exposed for us all to see. It's a lot to cop, so thankfully 'Straight Outta Compton's MC Ren of N.W.A., Aldis Hodge's beat leads the best cast of actors with his rolled up Sipowicz shirt and tie, whose talents are far bigger than their names, or the ones that 'Dark Universe' came before them. 'A Wrinkle In Time' and 'When They See Us' star Storm Reid is probably the biggest one here as she shows her coming of age, shooting for the sky power. Whilst 'Down Under' actress Harriet Dyer on fine form and 'Daybreakers' and 'Pirates' (at least someone made this tide turn from the 'Caribbean') star Michael Dorman sinisterly stealing every scene he's in subtly, insidiously so, help shape up the rest of the support. But from the handprints of a psycho on the steamed shower windows, to the fog of a disembodied breath on the back of your neck which will send the creepiest chill down your spine, the real effects are the visual ones, affected even more by the ones that get under your skin and in your mind. When the suit stutters in harsh glitched frames and sharp, cutting soundtrack jarring jolts you'll feel every ounce of tension in this taught film that all too real is even more anxiety inducing than the 'Uncut Gem' ride of Adam Sandler's Jewish New York shylock jewel. Never has a movie moved you to madness, both physical and literal, crazy and enraged. Put this in a time machine with Steven Speilberg's 'War Of The Worlds' with Tom Cruise and H.G. Wells would be proud that like Stephen King, people reading get the human horrors that exist between the blank white spaces at the edges of print of his timeless science fiction storytelling. Just ask Astwood. No one like Moss moves page to screen quite like this, as the real monster in this dark universe is man. And now with movies and movements like this we can call time on all abusers too. Isolating them until they actually become invisible to us like, now you see me, now you don't. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Mummy', 'Hollow Man', 'Unsane'. 

T. V. REVIEW: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM Season 10

4/5

Spite Your Enthusiasm. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, J.B Smoove, Susie Essman, Richard Lewis, Cheryl Hines & Ted Danson. Creator: Larry David.

Snapping a selfie stick over his knee like Kevin Costner's caddied golf clubs in 'Tin Cup'. Knocking over a row of electric powered scooters like Johnny Knoxville's 'Bad Grandpa' did all those Hell's Angels' Harleys as he walks down the street. And this is just one block of the first few minutes of the first episode to start Season 10 of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. Heeeere's Larry. Back like he doesn't want a house tour. Prettyyyyyyyy, Prettyyyyyyyy good. The theatre of improv has never been this inspired for our age of ignorance. This man wasn't a shaker before Corona. And how about wearing a MAGA hat just so people would just leave him alone? And Trump in turn tweeting (who would of thought it?!) thanks for the support. Jokes on you Donald. Only a quack would think the SNL 'Bern Your Enthusiasm' Sanders lookalike would support you. No one is safe now the Hollywood star of David is back. Even his best friend and unfortunate with a five o'clock shadow slapped, grubby face Harvey Weinstein lookalike, Jeff Garlin. We're not in the safe, sofa sitcom setting of the 'Goldberg's' now as Larry David makes your enthusiasm curbed again. Let's 'Frolic' to televisions most iconic theme (which I actually purchased on iTunes back on the day. Best 79 cents I ever spent for playing on my phone to soundtrack people's real life gaffs in real time), especially like a meme in its use to perfectly send up real life social situations for your own "produced by Larry Charles" awkward moment. And at this bum, bum, bum point (now THAT'S an awkward sentence. Cue the music) if you haven't already please YouTube the alternative ending for the Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman movie 'Se7en'...oh, you didn't know?

'Curb' is perfectly adept at finding the absurbity in the underlining, simmering aggression of our inept social constructs. Making it the best commentary since you bothered to watch the same movie again on DVD with your favourite star talking all over it like an in 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy character, Will Ferrell. Remember between likes and streams when you had the time to do that s###? Well now you do in quarantine...and we can't wait for what we're sure will be that episode in season 11...there's a life on the line Purell hand sanitizer moment in the finale that is pure timing...like the nature of true comedy. One that everyone's getting in on the act. With some classic celebrity cameos added to the canon of Bryan Cranston's, Mel Brooks', Xena Warrior Princesses and even a Thor. All for and in spite of a season setting even bigger than the Broadway production of Mel Brooks 'The Producers' with Ben Stiller/David Schwimmer and the Fatwa out on L.D. last season that brought together everyone and all of his greatest hits like the clomping of Michael J. Fox. Now who could forget those violins like a recurring tickling of the ribs, Vince Vaughn, his always perfect, 'Wedding Crashers' co-star Isla Fisher, a hilarious sending up Timothy Olyphant like Coldplay's Chris Martin and probably the best of the best in 'Mad Men's' Jon Hamm...or is that Larry David?! But no one tops the principal cast like best friend and Netflix's 'Our Man In Chicago', Jeff Garlin. Just hilarious. Or the "Moana" Lisa perfect portrait of his explicit wife Susie Essman. Just incredible...to the 'Sweet Sounds Of Susie' soundtrack of soundbites you can now Spotify stream too for your own disturbing the peace displeasure. But it's the oh snap (your selfie stick) of J.B. Smoove who is one scene stealing mother###### that brings the ruckus, with everything he says being as quotable as the fact that even his movements and mannerisms are as funny and happy as Larry's. Even with David's classic back and forth with fellow Brookyn boy turned comedic legend, Richard Lewis, arguing over who gets to a restaurant first more than if their sweaters are 100% cashmere, trust me...what is my word not good enough for you? And if you thought that was bad, imagine having to deal with your ex-wife (an always amazing Cheryl Hines) dating 'The Good Place' of Ted Danson of all people...you know 'Becker'?! Yeah Cheers for that. But if only we could get the dearly, departed, late legend Bob Einstein back. There was no one like him. Although improv king Vince Vaughn on this king of improvisation comedy that's so sharp we keep forgetting the script may as well be on the back of a napkin incident and Sonny and Cher's son Chaz Bono knocking things over after the shower like a great sport with "you know what" filling in as members of the Funkhouser family.

PSA. Here's your public service announcement. Larry David gargling is one of the funniest things on the planet. Now make sure you gargle some water when you get home too. It's a pretty, pretty good idea. Larry has always known best, whether calling you out for not going in with an ace high, or seeing your dearly departed, beloved aunt next Tuesday. The list goes on like his "meet me by sundown, who are you Gary Cooper" comebacks from the first season to now ten and twenty years later, 100 episodes, century in celebration and social commiseration running. Just like this longtime Laker fan hitting the ground and the road like Jack after stretching out at STAPLES and injuring Shaq like the 'Empire State Of Mind' next to Spike Lee (until the Knicks messed that up), Jay-Z ("I could trip a referee"), or proving faux rapper Krazy Eyez Killa with the realest raps, snap crackle and pop. He's your caucasian and here the 'Seinfeld' creator and GQ, Pottery Barn fashion icon of the year is on the form of his life like finding a hill of beans just to open "one of those vanilla bull### things" coffee store out of spite for classic character actor Saverio Guerra's ('Buffy', 'Blue Streak', 'Bad Boys') Mocha Joe that really is the beans. And just you wait until you see who follows this new trend for the sanitising ahead of his time setter. We couldn't possibly tell you like those people who still think it's alright to go out...me and Larry who I've been told is me in 50 years (more like 5...you seen this hairline and frame?), never liked socializing that much anyway. "Social distancing"? Forget coining it. This man invented it. Who would have thought in this Gen Z going to social media and Instagram war with millennials the real influencer would be a bald a##hole. You're not going to get me to say anything bad about Larry. Okay...okay. And if you don't like it, why don't you write a spite review?! I'll put it up right next to this. Now try and curb THAT enthusiasm. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Seinfeld', 'Comedians In Cars Getting (Spite Store) Coffee', 'Becker'. 

REVIEW: BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN)

4/5

The Emancipation Of Margot. 

109 Mins. Starring: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Chris Messina & Ewan McGregor. Director: Cathy Yan. 

Fantabulous fun. Fantastic news. Marvel, Marvel, Mar...ahhh who gives a f###?! I may love the M.C.U., but like Heath Ledger's 'Dark Knight' Joker wanting to be locked in there, there's more to it than all that. We may love all the Avengers have assembled since then with 2008's 'Iron Man' 3000, but the marvelling fun has always been offset perfectly by the dark designs of DC. They've always needed each other like Schwarznegger and Stallone, the Lakers and the Celtics, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Batman and the Joker. The Joker and Harley Quinn. Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey. And now DC have two Oscar winning Joker's out the pack in the late, legendary Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix's Best Actor. And that's before we get chance to get to the former Jack Nicholson standard set and even the 'Partyman' Prince ladies and gentlemen. But for all the Caesars and Skywalker deals that have played the Clown Prince of Crime, there seems to be only one that can play the jezabel jester by his side, Miss Harley "Freaking" Quinn. And that's the 'Bombshell' of the Australian Academy Award winning actress of 'The Wolf Of Wall Street', 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' and of course 'Suicide Squad' (sorry Jared), Margot Robbie, who right now rules with this and the blonde 'Bombshell' scandal of the Fox News scandal. Rolling around an amusement arcade of candy colour with her hammer and the blades of fury as she goes all 'I Tonya' on people's legs again. No one could play Harley quite like Robbie. It feels like she was Robert Downey as Tony Stark, or Hugh Jackman as Logan born to do it. And with everything changing on the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' director James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' sequel (sorry again Jared) like Idris Elba and Will Smith going shot for shot, its great that Quinn (rounding up the "we're stuck with each other" troops like Star Lord) and her suicide girls survive the fallout of David Ayer's fun film, that in his production has a fury of dirty and dark ultraviolence like McQueen 'Widows' still held over here like fingers on the trigger. Especially with Robert Pattinson stepping into Batman's cowl and cave following the twilight of Ben Affleck's brilliant Bruce Wayne turn and time. But just like Bat's needing a killing joke. Or this man's world being nothing without a woman or a girl, as the Black Canary of Jurnee Smollett-Bell siren sings and spreads her wings as strong as when the 'Empire' of her brother Jussie sang for 'Freedom' and 'Hurt People', the Joker and DC would be nothing without the wonder of its real leading lady in this 'Deadpool' (stick around in your bathrobe for the "patience" of her "what are you still doing here" post credit sting too) anti-hero like fourth wall breaking year of '1984' (you wish...right now that Orwell time even seems more welcome than this 2020 we're just three months into...oh brother). Time to eat ice cream and watch this year's number one break up movie pudding.

BOP it! It's hammer time. She's the one you should be scared of...BOO! Not you. Not Mr. J. Harley F###### Quinn! As Daddy's Little Monster ditches the sentimental value of that fan girling t-shirt for a canary candy feathery look and gold dungarees, before returning to the classic costume for Gunn's squad sequel sometime this Summer. But there's more symbolism to this costume change from Quinzel for this harlequin that we really give two s###s about beyond this. Her role is no longer to serve. And no longer to be the symbol of the toxic relationship and victim manipulation between the cruel playing hands of The Joker who really is a complex character (that's why the jokes on two Oscars already), but not a "cool" one (no laughing matter really), as the first 'Suicide' got it wrong, almost glamourising an abusive relationship that fans in Joker and Harley cosplay idolized like "this could be us" (NO! I guess you really are playing). Margot though knows better. Now THAT'S emancipation. The only crying she does over here with a baseball bat in iconic slow motion is over trying to save a sandwich like your 'Friend' Joey...and just wait until all 'John Wick' hungry for revenge she goes all "Red Ross" over it ("myyyy saaaandwiiich"). Just like M.R. knows the pale complexion of this H.Q. characters skin ashes to dust, fighting for it to the death. Robbie with her own classic cackle for that Joker like iconic laugh is dynamite as Quinn as soon as she lights the fuse for a film that feels like the spark of one throughout. As cropping her bombshell with shearing scissors, Harley focuses like Margot's scene stealing power crime couple movie with Will Smith. Scarf screen starlet walking into a police station behind the shades of a 'Once Upon A Time' Hollywood icon that she really is, before bean bag putting the cop behind the desk back in his chair. Unleashing a shotgun shot full of purple smoke and candy glitter that takes out the whole precient like if 'The Terminator' promised not to kill anyone in the first movie with sensational set-piece powerful puncuation. No one said anything about breaking any legs however and just you wait until the sprinkler systems comes on and Quinn batter up gets her Louisville slugger back like Lucille. There's going to be a lot of walking dread. Swing away Margot! As knocked out and singing in a diamonds and pearls, pink cashmere fever dream, dancing with henchman, Margot has a ball as Harley. Lip-syncing and jazz hands waving like a Cyndi Lauper, 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun', blonde Marylin Monroe like Hollywood icon she really is. Margot Robbie is the quintessential Dr. Quinn like medicine woman. Now tell me you don't want to ride with this Harley my sons and daughters of anarchy?

Anarchic chaos from the agent of action chereography in heel ass kicking form from formidable 'Dead Pigs' director Cathy Yan, all to a 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' sick soundtrack covering Dean Martin's 'Sway'. With the terrific Édith Piaf 'Hymne à l'amour' screen sirens trailer that with the 'It's Oh So Quiet' Bjork second blows a fuse like the rhapsody of that Queen 'Suicide Squad' one. Forget sticking a superhero landing. I haven't seen fights this good in a DC OR Marvel movie and Captain America and Iron Man went to 'Civil War' blows with everyone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thor went for round two with Banner on a Planet Hulk, all like Batman vs Superman. But in this dawn of injustice for the antihero anti-cape crusading movie how's this for an assemble? This picture perfect is a pleasant surprise like good morning new 'Charlie's Angels', as this goes full throttle. Now how are these for agents? There's 'Gemini Man' actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Hawkeye arrow sharp Huntress in these hunger games, table kicking and blocking goons like you should that old, good for nothing ex-boyfriend on Facebook. Shooting from the hip on the back of a chopper and finally showing the action hero she was always meant to be after 'Die Hard 4.0', before the fifth in the franchise ended up living free and flopping with 'Suicide Squad's' Jai Courtney (see the Easter Egg) in mother Russia. She steals the show when Smollett-Bell isn't breaking through her own one. This canary doesn't have to go down in a cage to check if everything's OK. This smoky, smouldering one kicks in the door, unlocks and unloads from her classic car and cigarette behind her shaved braids ear. The 'Friday Night Lights' and 'True Blood' star is illuminating new life in this no time to die squad for a movie that hits for more reasons than the love of cinema and the ghost town we are walking into inbetween all the James Bond, Black Widow and Mulan postponed billboards. 'Do The Right Thing' and 'White Men Can't Jump' legend Rosie Perez cops her biggest and best role in years with a badge, gun and hilarious change of clothes that still doesn't compromise her character. Even if the underuse of the stand-up, 'Always Be My Maybe' star Ali Wong is beyond criminal. We still have 'Veep's' own Ella Jay Basco about to make her 'Deadpool 2' Julian Dennison like breakout as the next child to become a legitimate star talent, pickpocketing every scene she's sleight of handed. And then there's 'Star Wars' Obi and 'Fargo' actor Ewan McGregor, fresh off the Stephen King Overlook, 'Doctor Sleep' horrors of a 'Shining' sequel. Having what looks like the fun of his life in sepia slick style, crushed velvet pocket square as the classic mob boss, Black Mask. With an unrecognisable, but vocally undeniable like Margot's Quinn, Shady bleached blonde 'Live By Night' right hand Chris Messina by his sneering side. "WOO! Whose having a good time"? And if that wasn't enough, how about red rope liquorice lady and the tramping with 'The Lion King' of an hilarious hyena mutley, named after the billionaire playboy pet? As put this DC movie with any Joker, 'Wonder Woman', the surprise of this time last year 'Shazam' and the underwater love and ravishing realms of the refreshing 'Aquaman' amongst the best of the comic coral. A movie as legitimately good as the fellow underrated franchise of sorts. Going mallet against any Marvel. Your apology needs to be as loud as your disrespect was. Now how does that sound for emancipation and the original title that like a super Bat/Vulture hero hybrid Michael Keaton's 'Birdman (Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)' deserves its own billboard on Broadway? Despite all the critics that prey on this one like the acid they throw on the toxic males who blow up in this Ace Chemical love and warfare factory like the ACME fireworks that set this explosive, entertaining, energy force at a full blunderbuss of paint and glitter, party popping blast off. Cool girls don't look at explosions either. Who are you guys? Leave all that other stuff for the birds. This R-rated, Gotham girl gang agency rocks. Get ready ladies! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

 Further Filming: 'Suicide Squad', 'Charlie's Angels', 'Bombshell'. 

REVIEW: SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL

3/5

MA Confidential. 

111 Mins. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Ilizer Shlesinger, Marc Maron, Austin Post, Bokeem Woodbine & Alan Arkin. Director: Peter Berg. 

Corona coming to cinemas near you soon has stopped many of your favourite film franchises from seeing the darkened room (who's that coughing?) light of day...not to make light of the very serious subject (wash those hands). James Bond's license to kill for 'No Time To Die' has been revoked in what seems like no time at all. The latest 'Fast and Furious' has stalled and will remain in the shop for a year (who thought some Corona wouldn't be welcome at Dominic Toretto's salut table?). And even John Krasinski and Emily Blunt's 'A Quiet Place' sequel has been silenced too like the disguised 'Mulan'. What's next? 'Wonder Woman' being pushed back in time all the way to 1984? I went to see 'Judy' in Japan the other day and could barely find a seat to book. But when I got there only four other people showed up. It was raining heavy outside but still. I guess we should have paid more clean bill of health attention to Steven Soderbergh's 'Contagion' 9 years ago. Quite possibly the most scariest film I've ever seen and I only just watched 'The Shining' for the first time last year (heeeeeere's Diphtheria). Add that I'm a wuss when it comes to even the tamest of horror movies too. Like hiding behind a sofa that's already hiding behind another previous sofa sort of thing. Forget 20 seconds. I'm going to wash my hands to the entirety of this movie. Okaaaaay (Trump "and we're clear" voice) I guess we are all quarantining and chilling with Netflix now. Which means we have a wealth of films to stream ('Uncut Gems') and some to scroll through (almost every other Adam Sandler movie on there). And now the budget best boy's DiCaprio and Scorsese, Boston actor/director pairing of Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg reunite for the fifth time for your smartphones on your people-less commutes to the one thing that hasn't shut down and closed...your job. Following their brilliant big-three of real life people prevailing over disasters ('Lone Survivor', 'Deepwater Horizon', 'Patriots Day'), they have now moved to the big action entertaining stakes with 'Mile-22' and the rabbit hole characters of the former Tampa Tribune crime reporter (so you know he knows his s###) Ace Atkins' novel 'Wonderland' adaptation of this by the book 'Spenser Confidential'. All in a rush 48 hours for these bad boys for life as Marky Mark screams, "now that's how you throw a f###### punch" like Will Smith, "from now on THAT'S how you punch!"

Flaring nostrils, that zoomed in heavy breathing thing and asking how your mothers doing, 'The Departed' actor Mark Wahlberg is like the Boston boy who grew up off the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' of Sly Stallone and made it. If his 'Pain and Gain' co-star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is the new Arnold Schwarzenegger last action hero like Anthony Mackie the star spangled new Captain America, then 'Broken City' star Wahlberg is the local, working class hero, old fashioned meat and potatoes action actor. As 'Ted' Boston as 'Sweet Caroline' ("a ba, ba, baa"), looking for his next franchise like 'Transformers', Wahlberg in a truck that Optimus Prime would be jealous of Fenway's it out the park. When he's not hitting everyone else in the restaurant like todays special, taking out tables like "whose picking up THIS cheque". This is classic Wahlberg for a man who has more ('The Other Guys') movies ('Daddy's Home') than ('Shooter') you ('The Gambler') give ('We Own The Night') him ('The Italian Job') due ('Boogie Nights') credit ('Contraband') for ('Three Kings'). We could do this all day like we can't wait for his 'Tuff Juice' Caron Butler biopic based on the NBA legends autobiography that he wants a name like Michael B. Jordan for. The blurb at the back of this guys DVDs will make for a paragraph that's getting even longer, even in a paraphrase...if those things still exist with this Netflix movie today. There's not many harder working. Even in the Affleck and Damon Beantown hunting for good will. This feels like Mark's 'Jack Reacher' series or a lighter version of the kind of 'Blood Work' former cop characters come P.I.'s like Magnum that Clint Eastwood would go after, getting to the bones of. It's almost like the easy hit fun of the' 2 Guns' sequel we wish we got with Denzel Washington for Wahlberg's 'Equalizer' in Mass like 'Black'. And the classic car rolling through the city beginnings to Ben E. King's 'Supernatural Thing' stands by the Detroit piston Motown motoring one of his 'Four Brothers', Marvin Gaye 'Trouble Man' iconic opening. One that sees him drive home from prison to the town all over again in a skyline landscape best described in Boston, Aerosmith bad boy, rock God Steven Tyler's 'Does The Noise In My Head Bother You' loud autobiography ("And just then the highway opened up-right at the junction, right at that spot on the highway where you see the skyline of Boston and you go, "What!?" Because it suddenly goes from trees, woods, and crickets to cars flashing by and skyscrapers and apartment buildings"). All the way to the 'Sweet Emotion' of a Beantown soundtrack that sings like Red's cigar when the Celtics owned the parquet. Now tell me this Boston boy ain't the beans. "Don't do it Spense. Don't do it Spense," Al Arkin warns Wahlberg as he watches the injustice of the news as he knows he's about to take the case. Whereas we're like the 'Starsky and Hutch' of Ben Stiller. As you will be when you spend some time with Spenser.

'Black Panther' scene stealer and Jordan Peele 'Us' favorite Winston Duke-going crazy and yellow jacket and dread locked looking like he's about to star in the next T-Pain biopic-runs this show too. As the new buddy cop dynamic, perfect partnership get behind the big wheels of a trucks Black Betty flaps like "bam-a-lam" for a blam, blam, "whoa, whoa" finale with all that horsepower. Duking it out, Winston is the perfect big partner here like Anthony Davis to LeBron James (sorry Boston, I love you, but I am a Laker after all). 'Panther' panting hilarious as this odd couple tries to room together and a formidable force when it's comes to the fisticuffs following 'The Fighter' training of Mark Wahlberg for this warrior who wants to be the MMA's King James (sorry Boston). But when it comes to hawking a shotgun and sawing off cat doodles into gangsters sports car doors, this guy could take you out with a single nod and turn the biggest hitman into a vegetarian. It's his one/two punch with Wahlberg that really hits like its about to deliver a sequel for a great cast like the one he leaves the bad guys in when he slings. There's the hilarious 'Last Comic Standing' Ilizer Shlesinger-actually the real scene stealer here-cracking wise with the best jokes. Hash-tag: Best Comedian. Asking Al Arkin if he's engaged in some "ass play" will play in the greatest hits of your laugh box for weeks. That legend is here too like 'Argo' "go f### yourself" and he has some of the best one liners to boot. Even if another stand up guy in the marvellous Marc Maron who had a bit in 'The Joker' is on microphone hand. Just like the rock and rap star of Post Malone himself Austin Post, in a great double cameo for the latest rapper to ink his reputation as an actor like the statements on his face behind the perspex of this penetentiary. But it's the always awesome 'Fargo' show star Bokeem Woodbine (remember his distinct voice as the Shocker in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'? DAMN!) who really sets the scene and the catalyst of these classic cop character arcs and themes. Which aren't tired tropes when lulled awake by the hands of an actor as acclaimed as this. Some Netflix movies get lost in the 'Velvet Buzzsaw' of this swipe left age, but not everything can be 'The Irishman', 'Marriage Story', or even 'Roma'. Sometimes you need some 'Shaft' sequels, '6 Underground' or 'Triple Frontier's' for your, "there's nothing on and the cinema has coronavirus" nights. And even if Wahl/Berg's latest collabo doesn't reach the emotional, heroic heights of the soldiering 'Lone Survivor', the oil spill struggle of the slick 'Deepwater Horizon' and the city over terrorism testament of the race against time to hunt for the Boston Marathon bombers in 'Patriots Day' (perhaps Wahlberg's best mark yet), it's still a fun and funny flick to pass the time just fine (that face it we all need right now like we don't extra toilet roll you selfish, panic, bulk buying s###s) from the 'Battleship' and 'Hancock' director, even if it doesn't mean more like 'The Kingdom'. And looking worthy of a trilogy, or next to the kinetic 'Mile 22', down the road, pulling the horn of Black Betty we can't wait to see what they have next for their new big three. Let's not keep this Spenser confidential. Don't do it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Mile 22', '2 Guns', 'Bad Boys For Life'. 

REVIEW: JUDY

4/5

A Star Is Reborn. 

118 Mins. Starring: Renée Zellweger, Darci Shaw, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell & Michael Gambon. Director: Rupert Goold.

Completing us in 'Jerry Maguire', Renée Zellweger has never been afraid to take a classic career left turn. No matter who showed her the money like the gender role reversal of the indecent proposal of Netflix's 'What/If'. Just look at the black hackney 'Edge Of Reason' she took to foggy and frumpy knickers, London town and check 'Bridget Jones Diary'. Still she's never transformed and transcended quite like the punch of this 'Judy', following the Garland yellow brick road all the way back to Hollywood La La Land. Your Academy Award winning 'Best Actress' of 2020 Judy. Oscar glory like Dench, Renée is flawless as Judy in all her grandiose garlands. But scratch 'Cats', this is her big Broadway number. And that's the 'Chicago' way for this gold statue untouchable showstopper. Not even a 'Cinderella Man' could take her down as she dances across a 'City Of Stars' like the before Gaga, before Streisand, original 'A Star Is Born' she really is. Bobbing and weaving through all the trouble and turmoil like a champion pugilist performer. All the way to the classic pencil microphone drop. The stand is hers. Give her a hand. Let's hear it. We're just sorry our round of applause is received so 6 months late...that's what happens to movie release schedules when you take a gap year in Japan. Zellweger was meant to be here too this week. But the Coronavirus kept her away. But still like in the spirit of Judy her presence is still felt. Somewhere over the rainbow.

You're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy! And we're a long way from the London sessions she finished her career on with a concert series in the Big Smoke six months before she passed through the mist, like smoke from the last cigarette, so delicately beautiful. Elvis had Vegas. Garland had the more refined West End. From a humiliating 'Crazy Rich Asians' hotel snub (none of these concierges ever seen 'What's Love Got To Do With It'?), to the friendliest fans and loveliest couple taking her in for some, "how do you like your eggs in the morning". As a matter of fact on one of those rainy Tokyo nights were the heavens open up all day like cats and dogs, as soon as we left the cinema after the storm and into the dark, the neon was reflecting in the puddles like something off Broadway. It felt like a breath of fresh atmospheric air. It felt like her. And in theatre director Rupert Goold's show based on the Olivier and Tony award winning Broadway and West End play 'End Of The Rainbow'. In this blue, battered and bruised, brutal, broken biopic. Renée repairs it all. No wonder she took home the gold whilst walking a yellow brick one like child star stacking bullion that turned into a path of broken glass, dreams and pills to numb the pain. A conivingly cruel, manipulative, lecherous, Weinstein like producer, looking like a John Lithgow 'Bomshell' fat suits with those club, cupping hands from an era that told now is so terrible yet timely in this Times Up one, fed a young Judy (played perfectly and like a star born for the future in 'The Bay's' Darci Shaw) pills like candy to perform, sleep and eat instead of hamburgers like any other kid could, would and should if they so pleased. Whilst older woman who should have known better, probably in her position before weren't just complicit, but explicit in their bullying, coercive behaviour. Imagine what this does to a child. Being told she looks like she's got a funny face. Being pitted against Shirley Temple like a designated driver. Being told she's not thin enough. Being told what to eat. Imagine what that does to a young mind. That's not the only dark tale from Oz we've heard of. And we all clap out hands against our faces when we talk about Macaulay Culkin. But imagine the weight you carry with all these burdens before adolescence. No wonder this icon didn't make it to middle age despite the legendary legacy left, but still ended up older than her years before the 21st birthday they promised she'd make a million by. But look what was made of her before then. Was it really worth the cost at the half?

Flashbulbs surround a moment in the mirror as such were this star shine becomes a glimmer. Zellweger's Garland has just taken to the redemption spotlight stage of a classic comeback performance in the capital, as she creates opportunities for custody of her youngest children whilst her oldest Liza Minnelli becomes her own star. The exhilaration in her eyes flying like saucers of someone switching between sobriety and the abuse of substance that all started because those with power showed no responsibility for someone who was just a kid and never really got to grow up and enjoy the rainbow she sang about for millions, before she found it somewhere in London for her most heartfelt and breaking, honest and human performance. Before the red phone box of emotion that is anything but phoned in, calling home with the same sobering sincerity of Jamie Foxx's 'Soloist' biopic. Moving you to shed more than tears, but the second social skin we use in life like a performance to protect ourselves. As mascara runs away from the emotions of her eyes, Renée tries to put her make-up back on and pull herself together as she sits head down and downcast in mental and physical exhaustion after the song of her life. Looking as depressed and downcast as the late, Laker great Kobe Bryant in the plughole drained visitor showers with the 2001 NBA championship trophy following his Philadelphia homecoming Finals win (yeah we almost made it through an article without another Mamba Mentality reference...but we're talking about Oscar winners here). That's just the celebratory conflicts of struggle and success only a true artist who gives their everything to their craft, body, mind and soul knows from the heart. This is why Renée Zellweger amongst all the 'Ray', Cash biopic powerhouse performances going Gaga (like the production company that fittingly and symbolically starts this movie), stirs so compellingly from the actual singing to the stage left performances that leave it all out there as she breaks and reshape herself under that same glaring spotlight and fickle fan, audience participation and dedication. From cheering to jeering, throwing bread rolls at her like the Romans did stones. The Best Actress out of one of the Oscar best Academy categories in years. Featuring the Netflix 'Marriage Story' of Scarlett Johansson who deserved to do the double like her dual 'Jojo Rabbit' supporting, history making nomination. The only woman that could redefine 'Little Women' like Greta Gerwig in 'Lady Bird' star Saoirse Ronan. The only woman that could play Harriet Tubman in Cynthia Erivo. And the atomic 'Bombshell' of monster talent Charlize Theron. But even amongst a class cast of 'Taboo' and West End 'I'd Do Anything' BBC talent show and genuine talent Jessie Buckley, Julliard and Broadway and 'La La Land' grad Finn Wittrock, 'Hamlet' and 'The Man In The High Castle' actor Rufus Sewell and the legend of legends 'Gosford Park', 'The King's Speech' and 'Harry Potter' icon Michael Gambon, Zellweger is a star unto herself. A supernova. A remarkable talent in a revelatory movie. She just clicks in red ruby like two heels together, taking you back where you belong. In this role she finds a home...and there's no place like it. Bravo! She had us at hello. She had us at hello. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'A Star Is Born', 'Rocketman', 'The Wizard Of Oz'.