REVIEW: THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY

4/5

Holiday Blues. 

130 Mins. Starring: Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund, Leslie Jordan, Miss Lawrence, Adriane Lenox, Natasha Lyonne, Rob Morgan, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Evan Ross & Tyler James Williams. Director: Lee Daniels. 

"Southern trees bearing a strange fruit

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root

Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze

Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees."

1937. This movie begins with a black and white photo of a gang of white men crowded together. The text tells us back then an anti-lynching bill was considered in the Senate...but it did not pass. The camera then pans down to one of the most horrific photos of a lynched black man that you will ever see. But if you think that's the worst of it...you've got another thing coming. During this time the Lady that sang the blues, Billie Holiday rose to infamy. In part due to her stirring protest song 'Strange Fruit'. The roots of the Civil Rights era. This incendiary, influential call for change detailed harrowing, haunting lyrics in its description, defiant in watering anything down like a chaser in these barrooms, or mollycoddling anyone. Cigarette ash would collect and simply drop into the ashtrays of banquets of bow-tie suited and booted, distinguished guests, illuminated by the lamplights of their white clothed tables as one journalist once so poignantly put it. I'm just still so mad Kanye sampled it for a song about sex, drugs, money and Instagram. This led to an FBI witch hunt as J. Edgar Hoover sicked his dogs on Billie. Trying to silence the voice of this freedom writer and exploit this heroine's drug problem. Now director Lee Daniels who gave us the best of the great Forest Whitaker in 'The Butler' gives us this account in 'The United States Vs. Billie Holiday' based on and going by the 'Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs' by Jonhann Hari. But fact or fiction, even though this Daniels dubbed "authoritative text" is no biopic, it still feels like a bruising real and raw one as compelling as they come. You can't look away...even when you don't want your eyes to see the brutality of this history. It's ours until we make that change. Together, as one. 

"Pastoral scene of the gallant South

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth

Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh

Then the sudden smell of burning flesh."

Academy. Why not take all of this to the Academy? Because singer on singer, Andra Day gives all of herself as Billie Holiday. This deserves its 'Respect' like Oscar 'Dreamgirl' Jennifer Hudson as Aretha does too, to be frank. Day as Holiday is all-time. After all these years we've finally found someone worthy of the Lady. In all her jazzy blue notes. The 'Rise Up', 'Cheers To The Fall' Grammy nominated singer who we first saw on screen, on stage for the late, great Chadwick Boseman's 'Marshall' biopic is more than just an amazing artist, nuanced in filling in the notes. She really gets into the skin of Billie with naked truth in her ambition. So much so you forget it's not her like Jamie in the as raw 'Ray'. From the tracks on her arms to the tears that barely escape the eyes of a clenched face that will not turn the other cheek to a raised fist. Giving as good as she got, Holiday fought through all the work. From trying to bear fruit on stage to trying to bear with boyfriend after husband, and liar after cheat of many men who didn't wish death on her, but were practically killing her with their hands. Whether balled up, or sleight of in deception. The kind of betrayal doesn't come just with sleeping with another, but making your bed with the feds. So many men were under the influence of either government officials, or America versus them marginalizing them so much they took it out on the one person they should have stood behind. But Billie doesn't give a f###! If you can't stand behind me, don't stand in front of me. To think the only one in the end who was really loyal to her was the federal agent who was originally working her. By 'Moonlight', it's that breakout star Trevante Rhodes who really makes his mark next to Holiday over her calendars, in this biopic that circles their romance with a heart this valentines. Making love the right way. Rhodes may look like he could bench press a God, but one third of Barry Jenkins' moon-far from a crescent-is a scholar of thespians. Present in the soul of heart he brings to this brutally brooding jazz riff.

"Here is a fruit for the crow to pluck

For the rain to wither, for the wind to suck

For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop

Here is a strange and bitter crop."

We still live in a world were burning crosses are left on peoples lawns and even Kings like James have the 'n' word spray painted on the walls of their castle whilst they're out literally building schools for our collective future. All I can ask is why? Nothing comes as a surprise these days now. But it's never any easier. It only gets harder. Just like how we'll fight until there's justice for all like the constitution that failed so many people promised. And a pivotal scene of a shocking discovery in a backyard that leads through doors of memories and pain is truly heartbreaking and something that will blindside you more than anything nominated this season. So much so you wish you couldn't see. As you understand why this light often took it to the candle after all this darkness led her to a silver spoon that had nothing to do with privilege, but the devil's work. Still amongst this war on drugs is the real poison running through the veins of America, racism. You can even see it in Spielberg's 'West Side Story', tonight, tonight. Even if that film feels pretty. So kind as an ally, getting into the ground of Dee Rees' 'Mudbound' (those bonding moments with Jason Mitchell are amongst the most beautiful), a dirty Garrett Hedlund as Hoover's mutt is so good at being abhorrent you'll hate this heartthrob. Whilst on the flip side, whilst on the ropes, anyone would be lucky to have Miss Lawrence and Da'Vine Joy Randolph of 'Dolemite Is My Name' in their corner between the bulbs of the half before going on stage like entering a ring. Or the circus like a lions den. But these are no smokey tears of a clown. It's a miracle Billie Holiday made it this far. But thanks to friends she did. Some tween between what's best for her and not. Like the still complex, even with less time to be fleshed out, 'American Pie' famous face of Netflix's 'Orange Is The New Black' and 'Russian Doll' (what a concept) Natasha Lyonne, exploring Billie's bisexuality briefly. Small in role, but significant in its stature like Evan Ross of the 'Mockingjay' parts of 'The Hunger Games' and the 'Crazy, Sexy, Cool' TLC story's copped role behind the desk. And some are down for her even when she messes up and puts them in the same hole. Like the grown and matured Tyler James Williams (it really is the "feel old yet" end of the world when the young Chris Rock from 'Everybody Hates Chris' is now 30. But anyone would love him now). Legends like Adriane Lenox give even more gravitas to this cinematic canvas too. Like she did a 'Bruised' Halle Berry for Netflix. Just like Netflix's veteran role player Rob Morgan who we wouldn't be surprised if he was in that film too (he wasn't, it was Sandra Bullock's 'Unforgivable' drama that you have to give another chance), is also here, but not welcome...at least in character. No one brings more hard worked roles than this 'Mudbound' actor with grit, steeped in burgeoning greatness (DO look up!). And all this is all storytold in crackling frame to the tapes of journalistic interview by 'Will and Grace's' Leslie Jordan. Daniels dynamic cast and direction makes this movie on Holiday's complex and compelling story no vacation. But why should it be? Her hard but inspirational life is one that needs to be told in all it's truth and the kind of hidden horrors that probably followed behind all the closed doors as Billie kicked so many in, notoriously. Movies about jazz icons are always this offbeat. See a 'Born To Be Blue', best in show Ethan Hawke. Or Don Cheadle's Miles Davis passion project that is all about him stealing back some records with Ewan McGregor, that like this is 'Miles Ahead' the usual paint by numbers biographys. With its own autonomy behind the notes, this goes off on its own tangent like the nature of the genre. But it's still so tangible and vital to the terrible world we one day want to leave behind like fading cigarette smoke into the dust of a curbside window as the light shines from above. In that year that we will never forget, 2020, just two years ago. In a world were we took to the streets in the name of Black Lives that will always Matter. Risking our own during the pandemic to fight an even greater disease in racism. A revised version of the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act in name of Emmett Till and countless that came after him was once again presented to the Senate like it was in '37. It did not pass. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Respect', 'Ray', 'The Butler'. 

REVIEW: WEST SIDE STORY

4/5

Maria, Maria.

156 Mins. Starring: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Corey Stoll & Rita Moreno. Director: Steven Spielberg. 

Tonight, tonight like a Smashing Pumpkin, Steven Spielberg reminds us of a 1961 'West Side Story'. Just like when the Project G&B sang about 'Maria, Maria' from Spanish Harlem with Wyclef Jean and the guitar played by Carlos Santana. "Living her life just like a movie star." This Broadway theatrical adaptation of Shakespeare's great lovers tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet' climbs up the fire escape like "where art thou" for a modern twist on the vine, straight out of the gun chamber of Baz Luhrmann drawing swords with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. And this is a great one too. The legendary Steven Spielberg changed the American Dream of Hollywood with creature features like 'Jaws', 'E.T.' and 'Jurassic Park'. Of late he's entered more seasoned dramatic territory with 'Lincoln', 'Bridge Of Spies' and his 'War Horse' adaptation. But this one straight from the stage into his war chest is a different direction like 'Ready Player One' for the 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindlers List' director. One that even though looking straight out of the swinging sixties, feeling pretty, still gives us the real feel of liking to live in America, to this day. Everything is NOT free. Regrettably that is a notion that is all too true as of right now and for the foreseeable future. Sadly, this musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music from Leonard Bernstein (cue the R.E.M. song for this end of the world as we know it) and the book by Arthur Laurents (this screenplay is playwritten by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner of 'Angels In America' fame and acclaim) comes also at another timely moment with the recent passing of the late great, lyrical genius to all this, Stephen Sondheim. The classic Broadway composer who was recently portrayed by 'The West Wing's' Bradley Whitford in the Academy of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Netflix biopic on another late, great composer (in 'Rent' maker Jonathan Larson), 'Tick, Tick...BOOM!' Starring an explosive for the Best Actor Oscar, also 'Angels In America's' Andrew Garfield (of 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' supporting deserving double). Sondheim appeared via voicemail cameo in this movie aswell, just weeks before he passed. So this like this West Side connection is for him. For Stephen. 

'Hamilton' composer Miranda had a boat load of musicals trying to take center stage. From 'Tick, Tick', to the criminally underrated 'In The Heights'. But nothing can take this story's spotlight. Race relations in the movies need a lot more right now than kids sticking it to each other with dance moves and flick knives out. But this coming of age, tragic cautionary take really does step out on its own, moving to a beat in kind. Spiking the prom punch with a stare down dance off that challenges the cell structure of an 'Avengers vs X-Men' comic. All before all take to the floor under the backboards similar to basketball teams. Cutting more rugs than furniture stores. With the wallflowers shyly stone staring at this music as if they were chairs. But taking each others hands behind the back of the bleachers 'Baby Driver' Ansel Elgort dancing away from grade school controversy and live-action 'Snow White' to be (not to mention the super 'Shazam' sequel) Rachel Zegler, outrun and dwarf that all. The skinny tie and tweed in harmony with a white dress and red bow combination moving together in perfect time. Holding their arms out on the billboard of this poster from Times Square to all around the world, looking like their holding the American flag up. Just like the fire escape one of Ansel's arms and legs wrapped around the railings of Ariana's apartment, like they wish they could her. Hanging on to that line like the washing, as the pair are already entwined in heart. A subtle, but profound gesture for the flag as these Polish-American and Puerto Rican gangs vye the top of San Juan Hill. All as the buildings and tenements of Manhattan's West Side come crumbling down around them. Just like our real life borders and divides in a movie that seeks to bring people together with a welcoming embrace, like the inclusion of an LGBT character that doesn't tiptoe or box tick around the issue. Making these NFL sounding Jets vs Sharks a cinematic touchdown set to move more millions than a Superbowl commercial. Even with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige performing together at halftime. 

1957 musicals have never sounded like this. This is gold, no sap for Amblin Entertainment. From it's New York world premier at the Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre (the same place the characters neighbourhood turf was fictionally demolished for in the movie), just three days after Sondheim's death, to it's seven nominations for the 94th Academy Awards before it makes its way to every household with a Disney +, this March 2nd (can't wait to watch it with you back home in England to Japan, my 'rents). To love one another may just be the fight of our lives. And this is it. Like two star-crossed as we lay our scene a little west of fair Verona with more than one perfect shot amongst all the classic choreography. Like the look of love above taking hand. A slick as his hair Elgort evokes every engrossing emotion. Whilst an amazing Zegler with a gentle grace no cruelty could corrupt is the new face of movies. The pair are fireworks, from the lovers escape to the tragic canon like Romeo and Juliet wine. But it's the combination and passion of this movies power couple that really wins out and has your heart. Tony Award winner and 'Billy Elliott' theatre star David Alvarez makes the small screen (nine episodes under his belt with 'American Rust') to big one transition. Off the stage and into the rose throws of our heart like '...BOOM!' scene stealer and 'In The Heights' Broadway star Robin de Jesús. But it's the amazing Ariana DeBose ('Motown: The Musical', 'A Bronx Tale' (the musical) and 'Hamilton') in all her power that lifts up the whole Academy in production here with her 'Best Supporting Actress' deserved turn. And wait until she takes it to the floor...or the middle of a street in need of a burst fire hydrant as New York turns into the Summer hot melting pot it proudly is. What her character goes through and what she does is on another level. Like the aggravated anxiety of the original 'Dear Evan Hansen's' Mike Faist and his incredible pistol duel of dance with Ansel, as they both handle the six-shooter like they were handcuffed to it. Pow. Pow. But for a class cast that feature an always great Corey Stoll (but this time with a full head of hair like this writer can only dream) as a cop, by the script, the real revival of 'West Side Story' is bringing Rita Moreno back. From 1961 to 2021, the 'Singin' In The Rain' and 'The King and I' star is an icon and gives this film more than its authenticity, but the bruised soul of its beating heart. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to this next generation, showing us that like the themes of this theatrical remake, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Sometimes, like the classics that's a good thing, but in other cases it's part of the epidemic social disease spreading before corona in this planet pandemic. Until we carry each other above our heads, instead of trying to leave each other dead in the street, we won't leave the gutter. Skyscrapers bloom in America. Cadillacs zoom in America. Industry boom in America. Life can be bright in America. If you can fight FOR America. Hand-in-hand. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'West Side Story (1961)', 'Tick, Tick...BOOM!', 'In The Heights'. 

TV REVIEW: THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT - Season 1

4/5

This Is His Way.

7 Episodes. Starring: Temuera Morrison & Ming-Na Wen. Created By: Jon Favreau. 

He's no good to me with a Dad bod! Yeah, right! Ever since Boba Fett made his surprise appearance in 'The Mandalorian'. Blasting everything out of the sarlacc pit midway through Season 2. Something we've wanted to talk about for so long like another classic cameo here (even if you already know, you know our drill). This has been the way. Rocking for all those Fett's who feel a little soggy around the midsection (*holds his hand that holds a donut, all the way up*). May the paunch be with you! Shame on those who body shame. Now sitting his ass on the throne longer than Thanos (when he's not taking one of his multiple Lazarus Pit like scuba baths). Whilst also at first not doing s### in this sublime slow burner. 'The Book Of Boba Fett' opens up more chapters to Jon Favreau's Mando-verse with Robert Rodriguez taking it to a Mexican stand-off in this western shogun space opera. One that has recently explored its Samurai origins with the Japanese 'Visions' anime series. Even the theme tune rides out in a call to the wild west like some of the episode titles (Chapter 6: 'From The Desert Comes A Stranger' Yee Haw!). All as his right-hand soldier Ming-Na Wen makes history as the first person to complete the Mickey Mouse trifecta. Disney's 'Mulan' animation. Agent May for Marvel's 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D'. And now for her best role yet (and that's no walk in the park, she always swings for the fence) in a galaxy, far, far away with 'Star Wars'. Plus she was great in my favourite TV show 'ER' too, just saying. This is the prescription. Add a holy trinity of chapters in story closing conclusion amongst the most epic episodes 'Star Wars' has ever done (and we're counting all those cinematic, episodic parts), and may the 4 out of 5 be with you. Especially with another classic directed from the new Ron and one, 'Jurassic World', 'The Help' and the best episode of 'Black Mirror's' Bryce Dallas Howard. Everything she touches in this galaxy far, far away turns to gold like C-3PO. Refreshing like the former falling down 'House Of Cards' of Robin Wright dealing a double direction to conclude Part 1 of the fourth and final season of Netflix's 'Ozark'. What would be the best thing on TV if it wasn't on your money laundering laptop with band stickers like guitar cases. But when it comes to not showing his face much (and he doesn't follow the Mando, wear a helmet like a mask creed. This is not his way), can we really call this 'The Book Of Boba Fett' if a few pages are torn out like 'Blade Runner 2049'?

Back in college they used to call me "two minute Tim." No, this was not related to a certain prowess...honest. I didn't leave the AC Green life until my late twenties...well, because love. It was in relation to how long I spent in conversation with people as I roamed the halls. In retrospect it wasn't a good look ("social whore" was another one. Which is kind of ironic now you think about it, taking in what I just said. Don't you think?). Neither is it a good one that after this former bounty hunter was a wanted poster on the sort of origin story of the BDH episode, Mr. Bob A. Feet logs less than two minutes in the penultimate episodes of 'THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT'! Cue the Jeff Goldblum 'Jurassic Park' camera tap. Why? We told you we can't tell you. If you know, you know. Guess who's coming to dinner? It's great for the series, but not for the show. If you know what we're getting at. Even if you love who crashed the party and how that culminates in one formidable f###### force of a fantastic finale that world building assembles like an avenging epic ensemble straight out the Marvel Universe, giving Disney its plus. Besides we're sure strong, silent type Temuera Morriston doesn't or pays it no mind. The kiwi cool NZ star of 'Once Were Warriors', 'Moana' and a trilogy of new millennium 'Star Wars' that flew like a falcon with clipped wings has had skin in the game of of these 'Clone Wars' before. Django duelling with Obi Wan in the shooting rain before Ewan McGregor's solo series will be with you this May like the fourth. But what this stoic soul loses in slow burning screen-time we do too. Between posturing for the throne and pondering his hunter life in this war without a bounty on anyone's head (except maybe his own) with subtle punctuation under the stars. Or making nice with desert rats like a filet-o-fish sandwich, before a 'Lawrence Of Arabia' like great train heist. Piercing the sand like snow in the same desert he dug himself out of. Not to mention more classic creatures he throws galaxy kill to, fresh off the barbie. He's a compelling character finally circling his arc like a crest. Right as this series seriously spices up its life, dealing with that rack of plot like the Oscar nominated 'Dune' adaptation that expands Denis Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet's universe, like having the worms too. All for more quick draws and good, bad and ugly under the stetson than Eastwood spaghetti. Cue the camera work that flies by the seat of its pants for more TMI crotch shots than the time Ron Howard rode 'Solo'. 

CGI makeovers that are so convincing they could stop lookalike soldiers of winter earning a fortune. A bar owner we thought was Oscar nominated actress Jessica Chastain, but was actually a 'Flashdance' legend (and that's not John Turturro with her either). Forget 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye', we need to take our helmet off and get our eyes tested. Gangster wookies like those black furry dogs that always barked up a storm of fear. Armed with electric brass knuckles that could give chewie a run for his money. A gang with colourful choppers straight out of 'Biker Mice From Mars' in 'Power Rangers' pastels. And two paunchy, Grinch green henchmen who look like the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' thugs Bebop and Rocksteady, Cowboy. Not to mention 'Terminator' like destroyers on this seasons judgement day. A 'Justified' sheriff showdown. And bass God, Thundercat emerging from the 'Apocalypse Now' depths of 'Drunk' waters with the tools of an upgrade like a Haim '3AM' bass remix for your 'Licorice Pizza'. All amongst the cool cameos we will let you see for yourselves and a scene stealing Ming like May's Marvel in Disney's new dynasty. Speaking of which, when did (redacted) learn how to walk like a pimp?! The book of Bob' may not be Star Wars scripture to those trained in the way of the force, but it's still very, very entertaining. All cooked up from the 'Chef' who literally started the M.C.U. Jon Favreau with Robert Downey Jr. and 'Iron Man' in 2008. Now Happy go lucky, racking up the Disney dollars and fan service, doing the same for this Plus streaming revolution and wider 'Star Wars' world with his 'Mandalorian' series. Which by "the way" was the best Lucasfilm production since the original, iconic trilogy told you it was your father. Still, now the Daddy of iconic enemies and cult favourites is back it sometimes feels a little off. Especially as the seemingly feared and invincible Fett is older and weathered here. But all in all that vulnerability just adds more character and truth to his grit. Plus after two seasons of Mando we couldn't just have another series about a bounty hunter could we? Could we? One of this shows greatest undoing might be telling the story of one of the most mysterious characters in George Lucas' universe, taking the lid off this silent assassins compelling intrigue. But brimming with backstory, once you get over this, a former tin can hitman becomes a fleshed out, blood, sweat and tears, fully developed part of this whole new Disney world. And Jon Bernthal's brilliantly bruising 'Punisher' fear not. Mickey Mouse does let him shoot first too. Now if we get to turn to a second book of Boba in this fantasia fantasy kingdom. Especially with Temuera's desires to hunt down Samuel L. Jackson's Django decapitating, Mace Windu ("I owe him big time!"). Let's not keep Fett on the shelf like carbonite. Bring him back warm. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Mandalorian', 'Star Wars-The Empire Strikes Back', 'Star Wars-Visions'. 

REVIEW: GHOSTBUSTERS - AFTERLIFE

4/5

There's Something Stranger In The Neighbourhood

124 Mins. Starring: Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Logan Kim, Celeste O'Connor, Bokeem Woodbine & Paul Rudd. Director: Jason Reitman. 

I ain't afraid of no female reboot! Before we cross the streams and get into this, yeah, I said it. Who ya gonna call up on social media to cancel me? And now I've got the two biggest puns out of the way for the fellow Dad joke crowd, let's not make a mockery of the Saturday Night Live crew that were more than a skit. They were actually the s###! They deserve better than, "there hasn't been a ghost sighting in almost 30 years." Ouch! Paul Feig's 2026 proton pack reboot answered the call in a different way like the God of Thunder, Thor, Chris Hemsworth's scene slime stealing receptionist. Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and the electric licking Kate McKinnon were a band of boiler jumpsuit heroes that led the way for all 'Wonder Women' and 'Captain Marvel's' you see today in female fronted franchises like 'Oceans 8' and even 'The 355', spying, it's way to Japanese big screens this week too. The first one through the wall is always bloody. Especially when toxic masculinity like Trump has access to a smartphone and the Presidency. But for all the critical lasering this 'Ghostbusters' franchise got, there is an 'Afterlife' that will have you, hook and ladder. Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel limo-style endloader combination in an Ambulance conversion (or, simply put, the Ectomobile) driving back home like you in 'Planes Trains and Automobiles' this Christmas gone for a thanksgiving film (yeah, we know we're late, but this is Japan. If someone told me I'd be lost in translation in my dream home and the only problem was I'd be late for movie reviews and face social media scorn from those who write in emojis, I'd say "giddy up" like Kramer) that thankfully wasn't a turkey as it gobbled up the gross on its own Macy's Day Parade. Even if the infamous, 80's iconic, blown-up, 'Godzilla' sized Marshmallow Man has been 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' reduced to the Minion size of the latest Baby Groot or Grogu (it's still Baby Yoda to us), too cute to not market as this seasons must have toy. Stay puft!

Call 555-2368 (it's always "555" as Dave Chappelle once said, "hello is Indiana Jones there? No motherf#####! He's fake. This isn't his number). This is busting with nostalgia to the expanding, microwavable marshmallow packet's plastic bursting seams. All for those who danced at many an 80's birthday party to Ray Parker's iconic catchphrased theme tune like Peter Griffin, 'Beverly Hills Cop' for this thriller. That's what you get when you have son of Ivan like Drago, Jason Reitman (a dab 'Thank You For Smoking', 'Juno' and 'Up In The Air' directing hand himself) to right the ship. Writing alongside original SNL and Ghostbuster and concept creator Dan Aykroyd, whilst he trades places with his dad who remains on proton production detail? So does this mean that in tribute to the late, great Harold Ramis we'll get some classic cameos (unlike the awkward, out of character 2016 ones) like everyone good times craves for in this movie multi-verse as some of your favourite ghosts are getting old? Coming out the shell of this ghost trap and back onto the big screen as Paul Rudd tentatively taps it in the trailer. Well just like the latest 'Spider-Man'. There's no way we'll tell like spoiling 'No Way Home'. Besides that's what a Google search is for. Even if everybody knows one way or another in this cat out of the bag time and trend of social media. Here's an alert for you, we won't tell. I didn't know...and it had been months. One person reading this review (it usually is one person) may have no idea...and until they take it to the classic cinema, we want to keep it that way. Let it just be a tease like the trailers Superman like closet of suits and the glimpse of that iconic logo on the car door as the tarp gets pulled and the flashlight on cue goes out. Feel the shiver down your spine yet? This kills it like ghostface. It's a scream, buster!  

Stranger things in the neighbourhood go full circle in this supernatural horror comedy classic. After donning the classic Ghostbuster outfit with his gang of goonies for Halloween in Season 2 of Netflix's 'Stranger Things', Finn Wolfhard brings those strange days back out the doors like he did with Chapter 2 of Stephen King's 'IT'. And this like Mike fellow suit-up is on a meta O'Shea Jackson Jr. holding his newborn self as he played pops as Ice Cube in the N.W.A. biopic 'Straight Outta Compton' level. This young wolf, going hard, driving the car like a Murakami Japanese adaptation is the face of this franchise. Although the mothership of TV's 'The Leftovers', 'Fargo' and movies from 'Gone Girl', to Proxima Midnight in 'Avengers: Infinity War', Carrie Coon, one of the hardest working in the industry gets top, deserved billing here as the heart of this family picture in a broken frame, dusted off the floor of this farmhouse. Still, the soul of this story from the soil is 'Gifted' young actress Mckenna Grace with exactly her last name. Gunning and riding sidecar to this Ectomobile, popping out like a Millennium Falcon. She's already solved math and family problems with Captain America ad nausea, climbing up his legs for a wonderful movie. And now going full Ramis in this frizzy spectacle she's the true north star of this show. Even providing some boom bap to the soundtrack, as this singer gifts us with a 'Haunted House' set to rock it like DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, doing her best Will Smith 'Man In Black' music and movies inspired impression. Those who thought they were rid of a 'Ghostbusters' led by girl proton power, back off man...she's a scientist too. Add podcast kid Logan Kim scene stealing with the cuteness and Celeste O'Connor making her own lane after 'Freaky' and 'Selah and the Spades' and we are really on to something. Not to mention her sheriff Dad played by character actor great Bokeem Woodbine (who really had that and more with his safe house cameo in the movie that you just have to see, 'Queen and Slim') and everybody's favourite actor and lovable Hollywood legend like Jeff Goldblum, Keanu Reeves and Bill Murray, 'Ant-Man' himself Paul Rudd (forget if Bill's here, how about Murray in a Marvel movie for 'Quantumania'?). All crossed together this shoots straight for the heart of matters and a beautiful tribute to Ramis that will have you taking off your glasses to wipe your eyes. And as for this franchise back and rendering the last one unlicensed with nuclear acceleration, why worry? There's still life in this old ghost yet. For Harold. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ghostbusters (1984)', 'Ghostbusters (2016)', 'Stranger Things'. 

REVIEW: THE 355

3.5/5

Who Runs The World (Women).

124 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o, Édgar Ramírez & Sebastian Stan. Director: Simon Kinberg. 

International intel for you. If you live in a foreign country and are a native speaker of English who knows no other language, no matter how hard you try (I'm learning). Maybe wait until 'The 355' spy action movie comes out on DVD or streaming services before you watch it. It's only a matter of time too, as sadly the multiplexes are dying on the vine corona quarantined them too. But the '355' is so international you'll be lost in translation like this writer on its Japanese release this week. The same time star Jessica Chastain's Oscar worthy performance as 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' is made available on Disney + over here in the Far East. As like watching the sign-language of the game-changing 'Coda', or this years 'Parasite' that could do the international/best picture double in the Haruki Murakami 'Burning' like 'Men Without Women' short-story Beatles inspired, 'Drive My Car' (which this writer wanted to turn into a movie years ago with Hiroyuki Sanada set in the Park Hyatt like Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, just saying), we don't have a problem with the one-inch tall barrier at the bottom of the screen like Trump. However, living just outside of Tokyo in Yokohama, these amazing films don't come with English subtitles, obviously. But we shall overcome. I literally brought Boston Celtic and Minnesota Timberwolves basketball icon Kevin Garnett's 'A to Z' autobiography in kanji that is just the big ticket and targeted goal to work towards in my language learning. Still, I missed a lot in this movie, like Milwaukee and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (now a wonderful writers) Substack swipe at the Chinese favouritism in this film by a financing company from that country in the same week the Beijing, 2021 Winter Olympics are causing a different controversy than the pandemic one of Tokyo, 2020. That's not the only problem this movie has. Pre-corona, Cannes. Way back in 2018 or the B.C. (before corona) days that seem like lifetimes ago. Huddled up together before social distance in elegant black dresses that subtly scream "Milan' like Gaga in 'House Of Gucci' for the perfect photo of the next great female fronted franchise with action avengence was the best actress in the world right now Jessica Chastain. The undeniably iconic and indie movie legend Penélope Cruz. '12 Years A Slave' Oscar winner and 'Black Panther' and 'Star Wars' franchise star Lupita Nyong'o, whose allure was still so present after all those years since her '12' breakout. Chinese megastar Fan Bingbing, whose scene-stealing 'X Men: Days Of Future Past' Blink opened up a portal to a whole new world in Hollywood. And the world actress of best actresses in the world, who you see on billboards from cinemas to airports like Chanel as often as we used to globe-trott. 

Marion Cotillard is now missing on a milk carton. But only from this movie. Not in real life like Fan Bingbing scarily once was M.I.A. The French actress gone like that explosive Eiffell Tower scene we're sure we saw in a teaser trailer (or as that another movie? So much blends in to one blockbuster these groundhog days). No matter, these are tense times. It's the end of the world as we know it...and we're fine without another disaster movie disturbing our R.E.M. And Cotillard's compelling replacement is more than that. Just like what she brought to the poker table for her iconic 'Inglorious Basterds' cameo that also made some Macbeth and Magneto called Michael famous in a Fassbender moment too, going out, speaking the King's. All as 'Mr and Mrs. Smith' writer and 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix' (also with Chastain (she pitched this 355 movie on set) and Michael Fassbender. As amazing as Sophie Turner is in these game of mutant superhero thrones. Someone missed a trick not casting Jessica as Jean back in the day) director Simon Kinberg brings them all together. Gunning as the camera pans 'round in their own 'Avengers' like comic-book look assemble in a third act that emotionally and epically in lights, camera and action lifts the first half of this movie that is victim to the fact that spy genres are no longer Milk Tray sexy (despite these actresses appeal, that is way more than A-list aesthetic) like they were. Despite Bond, Bourne and even Ethan Hunt revivals before all the 'Kingsmen' played it for graphic novel keeps. It's to this end that we have another series on our hands. Even if for every 'Black Widow' there is a 'Red Sparrow'. And every price of 'Salt' there is an underrated 'Rhythm Section' with a live wire Blake Lively as this movie crosses those same streams. All to become the new 'Oceans 8' looking for afterlife in the same weekend in Japan that the new 'Ghostbusters' movie comes out the ghost in the shell trap. Side note, that 2016 proton pack reboot was so much better than critics chided. Those men mumbling because it was an all women team and causing the cancer of a social media crucifixion was led by no other than the man no one wants to be compared to. The Donald. Grab at something else, you pussies. 

Because anything guys can do, girls can do better like Beyoncé sang when she 'Ran The World' for the new empowering anthem. Just like sports leagues like the WNBA levelling the playing field, or even Japan's own Naomi Osaka giving those who dream about more than male manipulated manner an ace in the hole. So what if some of this movie loses you with it's language?! Translating to more territories, it could be a world and game changer in a time were the one as we know it is shut down, if only we let it. Besides the plot of these actions could always be scrawled on the back of a serviette in a French restaurant if you want to get romantic. You get the picture. Yet the frame of this one has more within its sniper scope. Reading more like a fine wine list than a number folded in a cocktail napkin, or set fire to on the back of a book of matches. Just like the sensational set-pieces that chase you around cities as perfect as postcards between the explanation exposition that bogs you down like layering on more twists than moped street turns. In a year where she could do the Academy/Emmy duo for 'Tammy' and some 'Most Violent' 'Scenes From A Marriage' reuniting with Oscar Isaac before his 'Moon Knight', Chastain's CIA character is classic in lead like she was amazing in her solo spy action 'Ava', another victim of the pandemic in 2020. Whilst Penélope Cruz's DNI psychologist is the heart and soul of this crew like Lupita Nyong'o is the MI6 brains of this outstanding operation. Still no stranger to brawling and that single tear acting out of a Washington playbook that could floor you as it hits the ground in all its epic emotion. Whilst 'In The Fade' of Marion, 'Troy' and 'Unknown' actress Diane Kruger makes you forget the critics like she does who dropped out. As her bruising and beautifully brutal BND performance is the substance to this spy's style that does see them hit the catwalk for a gala that could show curtains to the Met. But in a cast that features 'Pam and Tommy's' Sebastian Stan at his 'Winter Soldier' best for a great part, even if you think that him talking to his own penis ("Bucky?!") as Tommy Lee right now is something else altogether (it really is), and an underused but always undeniable Édgar Ramírez getting in on the action. It's the Ministry of Fan Bingbing that really steals the show, from her kick ass introduction to the third act set in neon stunning Shanghai, were she shines. It reminds us of the days when Michelle Yeoh kicked ass in Hong Kong cinema like Chan and what the world would be like these days if so much wasn't concealed due to corona and more threats to the world. This crew doing the numbers in this gunpowder milkshake has potential. Even if sometimes they skip a trick like a moment were an iPhone revealing the time just after four could have easily read 15.44 in Easter Egg for all those people who think it means something when they see the same time on their screen. The title of this movie comes from the codename for female spies for the Patriots during the American revolution. But this is a world one. Even if sometimes shooting for the new star led stratosphere it misfires like the gun jam of a missed opportunity. 3.5 stars for 'The 355', but will there be a 356? Or is this franchise starter simply a spy's goodbye? Either way, it's time you raised your glass. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ava', 'The Rhythm Section', 'Black Widow'. 

REVIEW: THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

4/5

The Eyes Have It. 

126 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, Cherry Jones & Vincent D'Onofrio. Director: Michael Showalter. 

Behind the layers of make-up and iconic eyelashes that could huff, puff and blow your whole house down in the blink of an eye. Live from your living room you really see 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' for what they really are and hold thanks to Jessica Chastain at her most compelling. All in for the foundation of a perfect performance that needs no touch up or eye-liner. No matter how many times this actor amazingly transforms herself physically on screen. There's a shared spirit like kin within. Right now whilst the best actress in our opinion working today isn't ass kicking as an assassin (2020's pandemic problematic 'Ava'), or an agent ('The 355' international, female spy-ring, big movie, which again has been controlled by closed borders, out in Japan this week like this movie on Disney +), she's heading for the trophy cabinet. Just like she should have when she gave us 'The Zookeepers Wife', 'Miss Sloane' and 'Molly's Game' IN THE SAME YEAR (2017)! Let's hope Oscar has woken up. Because this is her award season calendar again. One were she deserves an Emmy for 'A Most Violent' reunion with an Oscar of the Isaac variety, for the Julliard alumnis real and raw at your front door redecorating of the Swedish miniseries 'Scenes From A Marriage' for HBO. So let's get these two in a Springsteen and Patti biopic ASAP. They were born to run with this. After Jess gave Lady Gaga in 'House Of Gucci', Laura Linney in part one of the last season of the 'Ozark' Netflix series and of course Frances McDormand in 'The Tragedy' the original Lady Macbeth that 'Year' in 2014. Around a year before former '355' dropped out co-star Marion Cotillard did the Shakespearean one like Frances and Denzel with Chastain's 'Dark Phoenix' co-star Michael Fassbender. But now in an Academy of her own, you have never seen 'The Help' and 'Zero Dark Thirty' star quite like this before. 

Don't let the lipstick fool you like the name of the autobiography of Los Angeles Sparks WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, changing the game. Or any of the other exfoliating trimmings. Because beyond a bronzer, the way Jessica makes-up Tammy for this movie like a Melissa McCarthy one is worthy of the gold like 'Can You Forgive Me'? All before she moves into another miniseries as Tammy again, reuniting with Michael Shannon for 'George and Tammy' (Wynette). 'Take Shelter' indeed. This is it like floating too, no clownface. Critics, press and late night talk and sketch shows crucified this infamous televangelist before this age of cancel culture for the sins of her husband. But this beautiful, misunderstood icon that our leading lady clearly connects with just loved everybody. No matter who they were, or what the church said. Before we had letters like LGBT, this pioneer of social justice and acceptance had L.O.V.E like Hudson for Aretha R.E.S.P.E.C.T. And a lot of fun to boot as she brought cooking and even penile pumps to homes across America like Martha Stewart (the cooking...not the pumps. But it's a fitting legal comparison in this case). All here for some Michael Douglas in 'Behind The Candelabra', curtain pulled, behind the scenes look into the paint chipped off the block of this white picket fence. As 'The Big Sick' landmark director and classic comedian Michael Showalter gets this show on the road in Steven Soderbergh like scene setting that is so convincing it could deliver us a documentary for the record (he even pointedly nails the ABC news interview) like all those 'American Crime Stories' from Ryan Murphy. From OJ to Versace and Clinton and Lewinsky in this golden era of entertainment in the 90's, all in the same week we get 'Pam and Tommy' back on videotape. 

Finding religion, W magazine recently ran an Oscar preview special on literally everybody (Chastain has some compelling competition in 'Gucci's' Gaga, Olivia Colman's 'Lost Daughter', Jennifer Hudson's 'Respect', Alana Haim's slice of acting life in 'Liquorice Pizza' and the 'Passing' interest of both Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga amongst more). And in referencing her earliest work, Jessica called her mother character in Terrence Malick's 'The Tree Of Life', "the epitomie of grace." Fitting as this favourite film of mine and it's "the only way to be happy is to love" message delivered from its mother moved me and I've only seen it on a smartphone YouTube video at twice the speed (yeah, I know. Desperate times, called for desperate measures. I was broke and I had to see it). Coincidentally my life's mission is to name my first daughter Grace (if I should be so lucky to have one and with my future wife's blessing). Grace and God are as close as family and this epitomie of Grace could just as easily described the late Tammy. Fate would have it a different way for Faye. But all she wanted to so was love. Even as her husband shamefully played out telethon charging numbers across the screen like Kramer trying to squeeze the purse strings of 'Seinfeld's' Nana. And next to Chastain giving her best since she played poker tycoon Molly Bloom (Jessica is to biopics what she is to space operas like Matt Damon's 'Martian' and 'Interstellar'). The husband Jim Bakker, played equally big chinned and award worthy by Andrew Garfield, who is having the year of his career too with this, another biopic about theatrical 'Rent' composer Jonathan Larson on Netflix and nothing else...the guy is in absolutely nothing else at the moment. But if it does garner gold, the Oscar should go to him for his explosive New York minute performance on Broadway for Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Tick, Tick...Boom!' Although he is truly amazing here at playing someone who should have learnt from another Michael Douglas movie that greed isn't as good as it looks with the state pen pending. Especially when Vincent D'Onofrio's religious kingpin gets his cane into Spider-Man's Web of deceit. Vincent who is so good, albeit briefly in Sandra Bullock's 'The Unforgivable' and nothing else...this actor is also in absolutely nothing else right now. But for all the movie stars on TV here, it's small screen standout Cherry Jones ('The Handmaid's Tale', 'Succession') who steals the show like Allison Janney in similar 'I, Tonya' aesthetic who really moves as Tammy's mother. Praise be, showing us what real religion is like and why her daughter is like she is. Blessed be this love. Tammy may have played with puppets, quite lovingly, but she was never going to be made by any man's manipulation and in our mic drop moment, that's what truly sings. They say the eyes are the soul and despite modern practitioners of religion trying to pass the collection plate for all its congregations worth, the ones that belong to Tammy are as pure as they come. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Scenes From A Marriage', 'Tick, Tick...Boom!', 'Molly's Game'. 

REVIEW: THE FRENCH DISPATCH OF THE LIBERTY, KANSAS EVENING SUN

4/5

The French Connection.

108 Mins. Starring: Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna Khoudri, Jeffrey Wright, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Christoph Waltz, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Stephen Park, Tony Revolori, Bob Balaban, Henry Winkler, Liev Schreiber, Willem Dafoe, Saorise Ronan, Elisabeth Moss & Anjelica Huston. Director: Wes Anderson. 

Wes, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. 'The French Dispatch', or 'The French Dispatch Of The Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun' for you 'Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)' theatrical fans is a four part anthology with animation like the alternative artwork to its Beatles inspired 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album cover poster, or a Tadanori Yokoo artistic cartoon creation. A love letter pecked on a typewriter to journalism, The New Yorker magazine covers, Charlie Hebdo and like Japan in 'Isle Of Dogs', the most romantic country in the world, France. Its iconic architecture stacked up like 'The Grand Budapest'. Making accommodations for an all star cast that could cancel that reservation between a 'Rushmore' rush of stylised legends like a red Adidas 'Royal Tenenbaum' and 'Darjeeling Limited' reunions that are just your cup of tea. 'Fantastic' like Fox, Mr. with 'Life Aquatic' depth and 'Moonrise Kingdom' signature sweetness. Wes Anderson is one of those weirdly wonderful directors that could even make the PTA PSA of Paul Thomas Anderson, Haim reuniting with Alana and a Seymour Hoffman for his best slice of 'Licorice Pizza', seem normal. Thank God, neither of them are. All as this French bureau of a story compiled and conceived by a Copolla, a Guinness, frequent like all the classic collaborators Jason Schwartzman (also on acting hand here) in all these epic ensembles features the last issue of a fictional press and quite possibly one of Mr. Anderson most impressive, cinematic pieces of artwork yet. One that takes is back to the delightful joy of life. All the way to the closing credit covers that will have you sticking around like a Marvel spider on the wall. 

Lost in transcription, what do you expect when Bill Murray is your editor in chief? And the legend with 'Afterlife' here like a 'Ghostbusters' reunion (no spoiler, I haven't seen it yet. We get it in Japan this week. At this point this is merely movie educated guesswork). And as an aside, he's got a lot to proofread. Well, thankfully he has Anjelica Huston for some nuanced narration to read and talk all about it. Now what better way to spoke set us off on this tour de France as we get to pedalling, than having a beret wearing Owen Wilson take us on the back of his bicycle though the rue and ruins of a down, but not out like Orwell wrote Paris for 'The Cycling Reporter'? Especially after his favourite turn on the Marvel and Disney + 'Loki' series minus the blonde curls that still make us, "WOW!" From giving us a sidecar like a mellow and petrol-less 'Motorcycle Diaries', to disappearing down the Metro like the morning commute. But from past to present, that's just the butter to your morning baguette. The real art comes in 'The Concrete Masterpiece' in the black and white walls of prison than can't cage Benicio del Toro's animalistic art (with a fantastic flash of 'Spider-Man' star Tony Revolori in his youth, that's truly spectacular), or the beautiful body of work of Bond star Léa Seydoux, more than a muse in this cinematic classic. No matter how much a best in years Adrien Brody, Bob Balaban and Henry Winker (yes, that Henry Winkler) try to turn it for moustache twitching profit. All to Tilda Swinton's staged storytelling in the 'guise of an academic lecture to this piece of fictional artistic history. Benicio, Brody and Léa make for one beautiful love for art triangle. This act alone, makes this move mesmerising and as a short story serves as a Wes signature like no other sealed. Delivered by the paperboy with a wrapped newspaper from a sandwich board. 

Dispatching more liberty under the evening sun, that's just the first move in this queen's gambit like a 'Last Night In Soho' with Edgar Wright. The 'Chessboard Revolution' of Frances McDormand's 'Revisons To A Manifesto' turns a pamphlet into powerful prose as the 'Nomadland' and 'Three Billboards Outside Of Ebbing, Missouri' double Oscar winner gives us another mouthful, the same fall this Lady is in Denzel Washington's ear like Cohen Shakespeare for 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' on Apple TV. But 'Call Me By Your Name' in the month of 'Dune', this is a tweed suit and Dylan biograph ready, Einstein frazzled wool hair, Timothée Chalamet playing the fourth wall at chess and French actress and 74th Venice International Film Festival standout star Lyna Khoudri ('Most Promising' in 'Papicha') shoes off, motorbike helmet on's moment either side of the jukebox. Where's the Fonz when you need him? As her moped takes off like something out of a Bowie video for your life on Mars. Journalistic neutrality, my left foot. This is pirate like radio...the best kind of revolutions are the ones not televised. Word to like Kanye said what the late Gil Scott was hearing. In this movie dedicated to Harold Ross, William Shawn, Rosamond Bernier, Mavis Gallant, James Baldwin, A. J. Liebling, S. N. Behrman, Lillian Ross, Janet Flanner, Lucy Sante, James Thurber, Joseph Mitchell, Wolcott Gibbs, St. Clair McKelway, Ved Mehta, Brendan Gill, E. B. White, and Katharine White, the final part 'The Private Dining Room Of The Police Commissioner' has a never better, walking across sets and screens Jeffrey Wright (months before he actually becomes police commissioner for 'The Batman') and that unmistakable drawl telling us his story in fine print to 'Ray Donovan' himself Liev Schreiber, like the narration of his animated Marvel 'Watcher'. Adding a cartoon Citroën to these ooh la, la, wrestling stand offs between a Korean chef (Stephen Park) whose name sounds like coffee and Edward Norton (always at his best with Wes, alongside 'Motherless Brooklyn' of course) and a brief, but beautiful in cinematic colour, Saorise Ronan. Send the cook to this Mexican standoff in France and to an Abacus behind bars in Willem Dafoe green gobbling up omelettes in a single Van Gogh gesture. Because this is the food of life and this print, the recipe. Add the 'Inglorious' likes of Christoph Waltz and 'Handmaid' Elisabeth Moss in the margins of this tale in small, but significant, fabulous footnotes and you really have some great copy here. One that's pitch ready to print until the ink dries. In postscript, lets just hope and put our hands together as we close the morning paper and pray that this doesn't read as an obituary to journalism itself. Don't stop the press! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', 'The Darjeeling Limited', 'Isle Of Dogs'.