DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: AMERICAN SYMPHONY

4/5

Great Orchestration. 

103 Mins. Starring: Jon Batiste & Suleika Jaouad. Director: Matthew Heineman. On: Netflix.

We are, as individuals and collectively as people, a collection of both our best and worst moments. American artist and spirited musician Jon Batiste, whose name evokes both John the Baptist and the art of New York's very own Basquiat, had one of the greatest moments of his career on stage at the Late Night Stephen Colbert show, all whilst going through truly tragic times back home. Garnering more Grammy nominations than any other American artist or otherwise that year, as he and his wife were fighting for her life with her ongoing battle with cancer. The wonderful writer Suleika Jaouad turned her leukaemia diagnosis into a New York Times bestselling book, but both successes for this power couple couldn't compare to just their absolute and resolute will and endurance in the face of it all to just get through this together. 

A new Netflix documentary 'American Symphony', which you can stream next to this year's best, takes us behind the scenes of what that really means, for the 'World Music', 'Soul' singer and the love of his life that is more than his muse, but an accomplished artist in her own right (notice the name and the billing of this film, it's not just Jon). You think you've seen your fair share of inspiring TED talks? Then wait until you witness her stirring speech in the fight of her life. Beginning with the aftermath of fireworks, car horns punctuate a New York New Year's night. But all that outside white noise doesn't mean much to the couple sitting on their sofa, together through life like Dylan in their apartment uptown. All they have and all they need is curled up in each other's hands. The perfect way to ring in the new calendar after a resolute twelve months of sweet success and bitter struggles. Right by each other's side.

Taylor Swift's concert film may be taking over cinemas this year like she has done all the world's stages, but this is also the Batiste era. Jon's version. And yes, of course anyone trying to promote, not provoke, or preach, positivity is going to be met with outlandish opposition on the too critical and negative front. But he and Suleika have faced far worse. Critics called for his classic nomination to be revoked because he was a pop artist. That sounds like something else, doesn't it? Like when golf tried to oust Tiger. Well, just like that, Jon replied in not so subtle, but beautiful kind without needing to clap back. Although you can see and feel his frustration, palpable, like for so many other Americans who and just trying to make their own way and money in the so-called opportune land of the free. Even though they don't see their faces on the same money that was made off of their backbreaking work.

Batiste doesn't brood, but instead brews up some of the best music you've ever heard in this mainstream of malaise, hitting the spot like a fresh cup of coffee, or the feeling of a new romance. Singing and dancing in the streets with kids instruments to the stages of Hollywood with the like of Gagas and Biebers looking on in admiration. Because after all it's like NBA legend Kevin Garnett said to begin KG's game-changing 'A to Z' autobiography encyclopedia, "he who angers you, owns you." If Jon Batiste fell into the same negativity critics try to drown him in, he'd sink. But instead he positively and powerfully rises above all the tides, to emerge as epic and great as you've never seen him before. The first person to congratulate him after his Grammy performance collecting the gold like Adele, or when Norah Jones told you to come away with her, Billie Eilish...who he just beat for record of the year. 

Intimate and inspired, this Netflix 'Symphony' on an unfinished career and life is major. Directed delicately and brilliantly by Matthew Heineman, there are some mesmerizing moments between all the hard work it has taken for Batiste to perfect his craft, and the even tougher struggle that is gone into Jaouad's health battles. One moment of them on a snow sled for Jon's first time is absolutely lovely and will remind that even though this time of the year is the coldest, you couldn't feel any warmer than with the one who beats closest to your heart. Remixing Beethoven and reaching for Higher Ground like Stevie, this is the second co-Netflix production from the Obama's on black power in as much as a month, after their revelatory 'Rustin', starring surely the Best Actor Oscar winner come next February, Colman Domingo. 

This marching band leader has a dream too. Culminating in a classic concert in the legendary, as he's about to be, Carnegie Hall. One of the most terrific and telling moments in this doc however, is when we see Jon getting his shoes shined at an airport with the kindly business owner. Intrigued by the camera, he doesn't know quite what he's seeing yet, the morning after the Grammys. Then, terminal to terminal, many a passer-by begins to recognize Batiste, even masked up during the pandemic, and rushing to make a connection. Following that, the man looks at the front page of the day's paper. The shy joy when he reveals to Jon who it is simply beautiful like an Al Green song. As is their brief but warmth filled communication. Right on. Batiste is best. This is America's greatest modern symphony. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Beyoncé: Homecoming', 'Gaga: Five Foot Two', 'Soul'.

REVIEW: RUSTIN

4/5

He Had A Dream. 

106 Mins. Starring: Colman Domingo, Aml Ameen, Glynn Turman, Audra McDonald, Michael Potts, CCH Pounder, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Chris Rock & Jeffrey Wright. Screenplay: Julian Breece & Dustin Lance Black. Director: George C. Wolfe. On: Netflix.

A one, a two, you know what to do. Give Colman Domingo the Best Actor Academy Award for 'Rustin', streaming now on Netflix. The 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom', 'Selma' and 'Lincoln' actor needs more than an Oscar nomination like his Tony and Olivier nods. The Emmy is lonely in the cabinet of trophies. The 'Euphoria' of this actor, writer and director of stage and screen is trending towards this being his big moment, after building on so many monumental ones in his own career. It's the little things that's got him to where he is now, starring in a recurring 'Fear The Walking Dead' spin-off role, or voicing the caped crusader himself, Batman on a Spotify podcast, 'The Riddler: Secrets In The Dark'. Little things like his wonderful reaction to his daughter's pregnancy in 'Moonlight' Oscar winning director Barry Jenkins' seriously overlooked adaptation of James Baldwin's 'If Beale Street Could Talk'. Or the Civil Rights activist he portrays picking up trash after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's 'I Have A Dream' speech like Japanese fans from the stands after the World Cup. The goal and dream to always do the right thing, for everybody, regardless of their colour, creed, or background, always in sight. Rocking along to Lenny Kravitz's soundtrack anthem 'Road To Freedom' riding.

Bayard Rustin was and remains in history as an all-American hero. Even if it took until 2013 and President Barack Obama for this African-American leader of social movements for civil rights, socialism, non-violence and gay rights to be awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom. Reminding us from the United Kingdom about Alan Turing. The man that helped crack the Enigma machine and win the war. Who, also in 2013, was finally granted a pardon from the Queen. A pardon for what exactly? Like Rustin, Turing was born homosexual. How far we've come, but how long it took, and yet, there's still work to be done. Bayard Rustin spearheaded the campaign to organize the March On Washington where Martin shared his dream to millions from The Mall of DC, flanked by a statue of Abraham Lincoln, the President who freed the slaves. Despite those trying to defer his dream like J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, who these days would probably be perfect for a job at TMZ. And what was J. Edgar hiding in his closet (see the great Eastwood and DiCaprio movie) when he was claiming that Martin Luther's Queen was not Coretta Scott King? Rustin also faced opposition from his own people. The people he was trying to bring equality too. Even the King. And in Domingo's second MLK movie after the glory of the stirring 'Selma', Colman compels us with powerful speeches of his own, using Dr. King's words, not against him, but to remind him of exactly the creed he believes, and what that really means. Together. 

Colman's candid charisma captures his character and us in all it's cool. Like the above picture, that actually reveals something much deeper in the lens. The first promotional picture, instead of in-movie shot we've used for the header of a review since the cool of Don Cheadle channelling Miles Davis for 'Miles Ahead'. The brave, bold and beautiful Domingo gives us a definitive performance of defiance that's a true powerhouse to the lick of an award show envelope, and the history lessons this film will document for generations to come. Reuniting with wonderful 'Ma Rainey' director George C. Wolfe and actor Glynn Turman who carries power in his voice like all the microphones trained on a soaring speech. David Oyelowo was fit for a King in 'Selma', but 'Kidulthood', 'Yardie' and 'The Butler' actor Aml Ameen (fun fact: at 11 he performed on stage with Michael Jackson at the 1996 Brit Awards performance that was invaded by Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, now making movie moments with Wes Anderson) dreams just as big and deeper. The always great Audra McDonald ('Porgy and Bess'), CCH Pounder ('The X-Files' and 'ER') and Michael Potts ('The Wire') step it up even more. Whilst the divine Da'Vine Joy Randoph ('Dolemite Is My Name', 'The United States Vs. Billie Holiday') is electrifying as Mahalia Jackson, and you can take that as gospel. Scripted by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black ('Milk' and coincidentally 'J. Edgar'), marching towards the words from the podium.

'Oppenheimer's' very own Christopher Nolan recently warned that streaming services like this very Netflix (that even take it back to their pre-blockbuster days of being a movie mail rental service in their amazing 'Scott Pilgrim' anime adaptation this week) could mean movies get lost in the shuffle without their physical art form taking its place. Yet, you shouldn't pass this one over. Nor should you 'Nyad', the great swimming achievement channelled by Annette Benning and Jodie Foster. Even if there seems to be pushback against more LGBT films coming out these days from ignorant viewers who think enough is enough. Not knowing that these two films without ticking any boxes just present the life of their subjects as it is. Just normal and loving like everyone else in the background of what they're trying to achieve, until hate stands in their way and makes it an issue that shouldn't have to be bigger than the one they're trying to make. Back to the story of the movie and not so-called scandal, a salt and pepper Chris Rock continues that 'New Jack City' to 'Amsterdam' acting journey for the classic comedian. And it's always great to hear from The Watcher voice of character chameleon Jeffrey Wright. Even if Wolfe's 'Angel In America' who has played everyone from Basquiat to Batman's Gordon, not to mention Bond's Felix, is the one character here you just can't see eye-to-eye with. But it all just makes for a nuanced narrative in this beautiful biographical account of an amazing feat. From 1963 to 2023 for the sixtieth anniversary, this Barack and Michelle Obama picture reaches Higher Ground. It's a wonder. People keep on learning. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom', 'Selma', 'Nyad'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: SHOHEI OHTANI - BEYOND THE DREAM

4/5

Angel In The Outfield. 

99 Mins. Starring: Shohei Ohtani, Pedro Martinez, Hideki Matsui, C.C. Sabathia, Yu Darvish, Mike Scioscia, Joe Maddon, Hideki Kuriyama & Nez Balelo. Writers: Min Hye Kim, Tao Tokikawa & Toru Tokikawa. Director: Toru Tokikawa. On: Disney +.

Babe Ruth once said, "you swing big, you miss big" (a creed that was gospel for the late, great NBA and Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant), and now the diamond has a man on the mound, going both ways, that may just be better than The Bambino. Like King LeBron James in basketball to Michael Jordan's GOAT, we may have a modern day icon as good as it gets, if not better than the best in the same city as fellow countryman Rui Hachimura in Lakerland. The Major League Los Angeles Angel baseball player, in the city of, Shohei Ohtani is a two-way wonder, the likes the game has never seen before. He can hit a homer, all whilst striking out your man like 'The Simpsons' psyching out Darryl Strawberry. The all American apple pie sport and life metaphor has never rounded the bases with anyone quite like him...and he's Japanese, like the land of the rising sun that has adopted this great American pastime like it was their own. Living here, it kind of feels like that it is theirs these days.

Can you believe it? Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, Hideki Kuriyama and Pedro Martinez (providing narration for the American version), C.C. Sabathia, Mike Scioscia, Joe Maddon and his agent Nez Balelo in Japan and America respectively certainly can. Compellingly, contributing to this documentary on Disney + that's available now to stream after a week of banner teasing. Directed by Toru Tokikawa, who co-writes this ESPN film with Tao Tokikawa and Min Hye Kim. Going beyond the dream, to this world encompassing reality that knocks every other notion of what baseball is about, out the park. Speaking of penmanship, when Shohei was just a teenager he wrote down all his detailed dreams, step-by-step, and base to base, you can bet he struck them all off the list. No walking, but a home run. Who else is that driven? Tunnel vision down the line of sight of that fastball he either pitches or plays into the outfield. Baseball's God's sent us an angel that could spread the wings of this game from coast-to-coast, and we aren't just talking about east and west...but the Far East too. From young ball players, of any sport, in any county, to all the dreamers like Jungkook of the juggernaut BTS, this documentary and Shohei's dedication can serve as inspiration and influence to many a mind looking to find their way in a world of equal parts wonder and woe in today's time and game of life. The original working title of this doc was 'Chasing The American Dream', until feats like winning the WBC this year helped the direction of this film to come to terms with the very real and present fact that this, of course, is much bigger than all of that. Snapping off the bat.

Going with his gut, Ohtani decided to take his Nippon fighting talents to Los Angeles, California. And it's this mesmerizing mentality that has served him well ever since. Defying all the odds, many folks wonder how serious his injury that will take one half of his two-way game away for a year is, but would you really bet against this sure thing with a bat or ball and glove in his hands? He's still the most prized free agent this off-season, with every team from Los Angeles (Angels and Dodgers) to up in the Blue Jay north of Toronto making their case to get him on base. The dream board is getting even bigger, like the pressure, but you know that makes diamonds and the men that walk the hallowed earth of all that dirt. The resilience and self-belief honed into Shohei's pride and passion makes him one of the greats before he's even left his 20s. The Hall will call, but until then the fame doesn't seem like it will fall anytime soon. No matter the curveball. That testimonial needs no translation with the subtitles here. What remains in the next innings of Ohtani's career is yet to be written, but you can draw a play up for it. Rewriting the very history books he's already made his own, with records broken and milestones breached. This won't be the only documentary. It's merely one of the beginning chapters of his biography that's about to preface even more. This is how you go beyond a dream and hit out of a whole new arena. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your caps. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Pitching: 'Long Gone Summer', 'Moneyball', 'Field Of Dreams'.

REVIEW: DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

3/5

Ludacrismas. 

90 Mins. Starring: Lil Rel Howery, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nunez, Madison Skye Validum, Mary Lynn Rajskub. Screenplay: Scott Rosenberg. Director: Tim Story. On: Disney +.

In a one-horse open sleigh with a turboboost, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is back. The rap punchline king from the Dirty South, who changed career lanes to become a 'Fast and Furious' franchise car star, comes early this Christmas to give his good tidings. The former 'Fred Claus' elf who even made the greatest Christmas rap for that soundtrack in 'Ludacrismas' (think of his 'Austin Powers' Quincy Jones sampling 'Number One Spot' on candy) is here in his native Atlanta, Georgia, looking absolutely beautiful as always, to show there really are ho, ho, ho's in different 'Area Codes' (rest peacefully, Nate Dogg), just a few weeks after 'HOcus Pocus' season too. Kind tidings are also on the hallmark cards from this nice Disney holiday season movie from a guy that could once kill you with a rhyme, but now does it with kindness. A moving opening scene atop a structure with a lonely man who just wants to be up there for a while this Christmas is truly beautiful and healing, like mother's home cooked Christmas dinner. Cry now and laugh later with a line that pokes fun with an in-joke at his name and one-time beef with self-proclaimed king of the south T.I. staying on the tip of his own. But what a time to be alive, that was in rap with the 'Rubberband Man' and the 'Word Of Mouf' from a rap star who released an amazing album every year on Def Jam and even had the name and release date of the next one on deck in the album credits....and this is Def Jam we're talking about.

Back under the tree from the chimney, this new 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' like journey features a new Santa for our generation with a naughty and nice list on a tablet and a 'Just For Men' beard, because Santa's been around longer than that milk you left out, so why shouldn't he spoil himself? 'Dashing Through The Snow', it's the favourite Lil Rel Howrey who pulls on the fake-beard and bites the head off a gingerbread, maaaan. After his "T.S. Motherf#####g A" coming out party on Jordan Peele's revolutionary horror, 'Get Out', Howrey balled out in movies like NBA stars Kyrie Irving's 'Uncle Drew' and LeBron James and Bugs Bunny's 'Space Jam: A New Legacy'. Now, the guy that knows when you've been naughty, feels like everyone's best friend like Ryan Reynolds in 'Free Guy'. Lil Rel makes a great big Santa is a comedy that keeps the spirit alive, like Will Ferrell's 'Elf' that we still believe in after all these advent calendars. What else could you expect when this man sweats glitter? He probably flosses with tinsel. Yet nothing is hilarious as when he bails out of any ride like this was GTA...and if you don't get that reference, it's "wasted" on you. Just kidding, but it's serious business when this Santa is on the run from a gang of Grinches who are green with envy at what this guy's holding in his sack (erm). This Saint Nick is the s### , and you best believe he can deliver. Even if it’s only once a year. Check the cynicism with the wreath at the door, like Luda's character. Come on, it's Christmas. 

There's a lot worse you could unwrap this December 25th, like socks, even if I could sure use a pair at this holy part of the year. You know what Christmas is all about, and this year the whole family are invited to the table like the second season of Tim Allen's 'The Santa Clauses' spin-off series from his hit holiday movie (also streaming through the snow on Disney +). Madison Skye Validum is a star on the top of the tree of a future as Bridges' daughter Charlotte, who could never be a non-believer like pops. Having faith in him, even when he finds it hard to look to the future because he is too snow-blinded by the past and all those fairy lights. 'The Office's' Oscar Nunez also clocks in as a corrupt congressman, with comedian and Gail the Snail from 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' Mary Lynn Rajskub running interference with a gang of goons on the chase for Claus. But in this tale from Tim Story ('Barbershop', 'Ride Along' and the 'Fantastic Four'), penned to Santa by Scott Rosenberg, we don't get enough time with Teyonah Parris, home for the holidays after going intergalactic with Brie Larson and Iman Vellani last week. Yet she's still a real marvel in a fun, family, festive film you shouldn't dismiss like those who seem happier to see the M.C.U. Mickey Mouse property fail, than they are simply enjoying a move, which is supposed to be the reason we head to theatres or subscribe to these services in the first place. So as you lift your laptop lids like a pizza box, don't let this treat go cold in the scary hours after Halloween before Christmas. You know, Yuletide films are meant to deck the halls like this. Just wait until you see Rudolph and the 'Rocky' loving gang roll-up from the jump. You can't stop the reign, dear. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Christmas Chronicles', 'The Santa Clauses', 'Fred Claus'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: MATT RIFE - NATURAL SELECTION

4/5

Rife With Talent. 

64 Mins. Starring: Matt Rife. Director: Erik Griffin. On: Netflix.

Self-producing his own comedy specials for years, you may know 'Matthew Steven Rife' from such stand-up specials as 'Walking Red Flag', or his 'Only Fans', by all accounts. Yet the former 'Wild 'n Out' star is doing exactly that with the 'Natural Selection' of his first Netflix special directed by Erik Griffin. The streaming service really is a joke. And even if the majority of their movies mostly are (save their Oscar season contenders where they make a killing like Fincher and Fassbender last week), the world's leading small screen machine still has countless swipes of amazing anime, South Korean dramas (not to mention, a real-life 'Squid Game' show, there will be "red light" blood), and of course hilarious comics making moves like Marvel. Now, if you thought this handsome Dan (his name is actually Matt) was just a brief TikTok few second flash in the pan, then just wait for the mic drop. Taking on the trolls of those who would rather focus on negativity and dunking on your dream than working on their own. Influencing a whole generation, even more than those who call themselves that word, with an impassioned speech to believe in yourself. Even when haters would call it anything but their own ignorant insecurities being projected on to those focusing on a life those trying to bring them down will never see, nor reach like the stars. 

Chappelle co-signed, fun and cancel free (right now, at least), there's no Frat Pack bulls### here. Don't be a douche and call him the next Dane Cook, but in 'Retaliation', like that great he's 'Harmful When Swallowed', with a look to tease every lady above a half-century in the audience. Screaming like Dane's cooked up show at Madison Square Garden that sounded like everyone in the Mecca waited on a line and not in a line. Yep, that's right. Rifling through his Tinder, Matt is most likely going to set his sliders to the sixties, and why not? The older, the better. He loves the ladies who would do lunch if only they woke up in time. Which strangely makes for our second waddling Greg Germann's Fish in 'Ally McBeal' reference in a week. And guess what? So do I! But hey, I am older...so it doesn't really count. Age ain't nothing but a number...unless your name's Robert, then we're talking prison time buddy, you went the wrong way, Jose. May to December, Rife walks the fine line of cancellation, from January to the stroke of midnight of some jokes about the D. Cue the eye-rolls like the ones he gives when he talks about the complaints and hate that will come through on the social media he engages him because it helped give him his name. But look, they made me laugh and if that makes me a d###, so be it. The new king of improv has some inspired moments and still knows how to work a crowd and make them all feel good in the process. Welcome with the bantering warmth of the fact that we're all in this b.s. together. Matt could make a heckler his friend with heart, but he'd still have the last laugh if the joke's on you.

At 28, Rife could be the next great. He's already made his career what it is from relative obscurity. And scored roles 'Fresh Off The Boat' on shows like 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and even dated Kate Beckinsale. But don't call him Pete Davidson. The black comedy of this Ricky Gervais inspired comic who has been through enough is at times beautiful, and he brings it all back to earth perfectly on the traditional long story stand-up end of an aeroplane scenario that really sticks the landing. Right before you stick around after the end credits to see what he does best...make friends with the faces in the crowd. Insult comedy may cut to the bone sometimes, but don't take it so seriously with that thin skin. Like Eddie Murphy once said, driving the point home, "they're just jokes, baby!" Matt may have a comic rifle for jokes about the fairer sex...and of course sex. Not to mention something a little closer to home for the Washington, D.C. (his favourite city) crowd. Yet he pokes (literally) fun at himself too, and like 'The Closer' never punches down. Everybody feels like his people, and he'll give as good as he's willing to take in reply. Isn't that the true nature of comedy? To have some good-natured fun and a damn good time in the process? Just like with the dating game, and someone a little older in the tooth they keep with the rest in a glass on top of the bedside table, you may just wake up to one morning with no regrets. Just try it sometime. Oh, and the stand-up special too. It's only 'Natural' (I promise, I'm definitely, 99.999% talking about the comedy now, this review is not an extended take on how I now prefer an older woman...I promise...99.999...9%). Make this your next selection. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Bill Burr-Paper Tiger', 'Sebastian Maniscalo-Is It Me?', 'Dane Cook-Harmful If Swallowed'. 

ANIME REVIEW: MY HAPPY MARRIAGE

4/5

Her Joyful Matrimony.

12 Episodes. Starring: Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona & Kenta Miyake. Screenplay By: Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi & Momoka Toyoda. Directed By: Takehiro Kubota. On: Netflix.

They call the fall, "cuffing season", but this Christmas, if the one you gave your heart to gave it away like the very next day, then why not start a union with 'My Happy Marriage'? Nope, I'm not asking and nah, I'm not betrothed. Instead, I'm talking about the anime summer smash out of Japan, now streaming on Netflix. The delightful and decadent dozen episodes, based on a moving manga that also has an alive live action picture out, is beautiful by the book. All the way to the falling blossoms that surround you in pastel pink like the careful and delicate ties of a precious kimono. The light novel series by Akumi Agitogi (writer) and Tsukiho Tsukioka (illustrator) bonds us with the inspired idea of finding love in times of family ties that feel like gilded cage constraints, or the superpowers that be that could even strike the Marvel move machine with a lightning bolt, 3000 times over in power. What started as an online sensation has combed through all areas of manga related properties. There's even a stage show taking to theatres. Expect to see some cosplays come next Halloween like the ones scrambling through Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan, this pumpkin season that has just patched itself up.

Wedded by the distinctive direction of Takehiro Kubota ('Gloomy The Naughty Grizzly', 'Concrete Revolution') and the wonderful writing of big-three, Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi and Momoka Toyoda, these happy days are not concerned with a marriage of convenience. Featuring the formidable vocal talents of Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona and Kenta Miyake. This collection of characters will compel you with all their bold backgrounds and backstories. Just like the texture of the traditional Japan in this accomplished anime, that will remind you of the Edo area you know from history books and woodblock prints. Or the real world preservation of places like Kyoto (the most beautiful city in this wide world) and the wooden wonder that is the samurai district of Kanazawa, especially when it romantically scene-setting rains.

Produced by Kinema Citrus, there's also a potent and powers superhero element to this show that's epic. Featuring some great ghoulish Grotesqueries that will make those Dementors of Hogwarts look...well...demented. Whether the force is a fire, or a forcefield in itself, the super-charged abilities of this marriage are set to stun. Especially when it comes down to a devastatingly good duel that going forth sword swipes and shoots smarter than the consequences of the latest 'John Wick' chapter. By far the best anime set-piece in years for a genre that prides itself on besting Hollywood's live-action in this department. And as for the earned emotion that derives from not one note of a scripted cliché, the tears on your kimono will tell you how much it hurts in all its feeling. Slide open the screen door, please remove your shoes and take a knee on the tatami and watch this wonder of a story steeped in as much timeless tradition as it is boundless beauty. From Riria's outstanding opening theme 'Anata no Soba ni.' (貴方の側に。, 'By Your Side.' )', to the classic closing credits of Kashitarō Itō's 'Vita Philosophica' (ヰタ・フィロソフィカ)' as the marbles touch and click. As you slowly open your heart to this endearing and exciting show, the spirit will show you that you really can believe in magic. It's a perfect marriage. One that will see another year and second season. Happy? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers', 'Romeo x Juliet', 'Emma-A Victorian Romance'. 

REVIEW: THE KILLER

4/5

The Killer Inside Me.

118 Mins. Starring: Michael Fassbender, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, Kerry O'Malley, Sala Baker, Sophie Charlotte & Tilda Swinton. Screenplay: Andrew Kevin Walker. Director: David Fincher. On: Netflix. 

Tundra cold and as calculated as the alarm clock digits on a plastic abacus, Michael Fassbender is a formidable hit in 'The Killer'. The new Netflix film streaming during the Oscar calendar from 'Se7en' and 'Fight Club' director David Fincher. And you really should talk about it as a general rule of thumb on the trigger. Doing the fingering again like he tongue-in-cheek did as a dual-android on Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' for all the flutes. And just like that great's forthcoming 'Gladiator' reunion with Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix for 'Napoleon', this is another story concerning the fall of man, who may be gone for some time. It's been a minute since Fassbender was the hot actor with his magnetic turn as 'X-Men' Malcolm X, Magneto. After that a botched 'Assassin's Creed' adaptation left him out in the cold like the 'Snowman'...and we ain't talking about Raymond Briggs. Now, walking in the air again, Fassbender is focused back in the scope of a real hitman who finds himself truly in the cross-hairs after missing his target like he or MJ in the fourth is never supposed to do. How about some overtime for this killer for hire before he clocks out with the glock? 

Michael mesmerizes, WeWorking an opening act of nuanced narration that he follows like an assassin's creed (I'm sorry, I couldn't resist) for the round-by-round rest of the movie and chapter-by-chapter, city-by-city take down of all those who want to take this piece off the board. Whether nailing people like 'The Equalizer' (no 'Shame'), or jonesing off The Smiths like this was '500 Days Of Summer', there is a darkness that never goes out for the boy with a thorn in his side who is still somewhat a charming man. Fassbender and Fincher form a force of a perfect partnership as David's dynamic and decadent direction strikes you in the heart as you X this movie in blood-red as one of the best of the month and top ten of the year that's yet to be out. Adapted by Andrew Kevin Walker from the French graphic novel of the same name by Alexis "Matz" Nolent, with illustrations by Luc Jacamon, 'The Killer' is as classic as the buzz it's received, and as sought after as those iconic oil paint movie posters that let the colours run. This outstanding one-two punch truly gets away with a murder not even committed it in a time the movie world is begging for signs of life. Mirroring everything from the paranoid Parker of 'Rear Window', to the French feeling of 'Leon: The Professional', this star shine subtly shimmers in monochrome over a searing score by who else but Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross putting those nine-inch nails into this compelling coffin collector.

The manhunt is on from the rooftops of a Parisian hotel room to the high-rises of Chicago up there with the wind. Not to mention the Dominican, New Orleans, Florida and New York Beacon in-between. Collecting Netflix budget postcards like he does recycling bodies...with one hilarious joke we all made, but never actually saw coming. Top of the list is the ever versatile, 'Full Metal Jacket', 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park', 'Moneyball' and 'Mank' actor Arliss Howard whose such a chameleon, you barely recognize him. We swear he's never played the same role twice like a typecast. Also, the maverick recent turn of 'Top Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible' franchise friend of Cruise, Charles Parnell continues crafting his career CV behind the desk with one of the most tense scenes in this taught and tight thriller. Yet by his side, it's his assistant Kerry O'Malley's coming out party as a Hollywood actress that steals the show...and breaks your heart. New Zealand stuntman and Sauron in Peter Jackson's 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy Sala Baker gives Fassbender what for in the grittiest and greatest fight scene since his old friend and LOTR for Viggo Mortensen went balls out with 'Eastern Promises'. Whilst it's the 'Passport To Freedom' of Sophie Charlotte who our unnamed protagonist is doing this all for. Between pit-bulls and stirring scenes that really are thee dogs bollocks (is that too many references to male genitalia in one paragraph?), the great Tilda Swinton is on hand like a q-tip in your bathroom cabinet (they said it, not me) to fill your ears with whiskey conversation and the bear necessities of the best joke since Benicio del Toro's John Dillinger highway robbery one on Netflix's own 'Reptile'. As Fassbender sheds enemies like snakes do skin he builds his illustrious and inspired career all the way back up to a new knife point peak. Making his mark, now THAT'S how you kill it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Fight Club', 'In Bruges', 'The American'. 

REVIEW: THE MARVELS

3.5/5

The Marvellous.

105 Mins. Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Nia DaCosta. In: Theatres.

In the same double-heading weekend that we see the season and maybe series as a whole finale of the great 'Loki' on Disney +, Marvel also give us 'The Marvels' in theatres. Marvellous right? A three-way sequel to 'Captain Marvel' and the 'Ms. Marvel' and 'WandaVision' shows across the streams. Tell that to the haters, who are somewhere between Scorsese when it comes to superhero movies, and all those 'The Little Mermaid' haters who would rather see a fella with fins than another female-fronted movie of girl power in all its spice. Hey, Marvel, Disney and even Studio Ghibli have been doing it for decades, it's only recently that the studios have played catch-up like a box-tick. We love this women in Marvel part III like the sisterhood of Haim. As for the superhero stuff, it's crazy to think that some say the M.C.U. has lost its way in the same weekend they conclude a classic. Sure, this movie like 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania' is more fair to middling, than it is fantastic and mesmerizing, but that's no slight. It's neither no better nor worse than most Marvel movies. Marvel still know how to make a movie, even if there is a lot of them like Sinatra songs for the great American comic-book. Like the Hollywood story of King James for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, it just seems these days that trolls on the internet want to change the history book narrative for greatness that's still not peaking in their respective 30s.  

Higher. Further. Faster...together. Make 'Room' for Brie Larson, as the electric and eclectic Oscar winner is back with a bang at the same time she's cooking up an Emmy nomination for her 'Lessons In Chemistry', but save those stay in the kitchen gross gags. Her 2019 (WHAT?!) 'Marvel' movie of 90s nostalgia changed the game, albeit a little late after DC got their first with their 'Wonder Woman'. Yet, it seems Larson is lassoing the hate these days like Gal Gadot. But just like that modern-day icon, Brie ain't for all that cheese, repelling it with a formidable forcefield as the strongest Avenger not called Renner. The unofficial fourth Haim sister brings it here like she does with her vocal talents on social-media. Even getting to sing and dance with 'Itaewon Class' South Korean superstar Park Seo-joon (we want to see more of his world) on the studio that shares a home in the same castle as 'Beauty and the Beast'. She's got the perfect sidekick in the maverick cat of a top gunning Goose (word to the Anthony Edwards that helps patients in the 'ER', not the one who cripples people in the NBA...although we love his 'Hustle' too), who on her shoulder, steals the show again and even assembles his own team of felines. You've seen that promotion coughed-up under the dome right? Best snow globe ever! This Batman and Robin at your front-door through the cat-flap are then Jolie interrupted by a new big-three to form like Voltron. After her inspired 'WandaVision' origin story nobody could hex, 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'They Cloned Tyrone' star Teyonah Parris with an Eiffel of towering emotion enthrals us. The new "Rambo" (spelt, "Rambeau") in this first blood in need of a name. One given to her-copyright permitting-by 'Ms. Marvel' herself, an inspired Iman Vellani stealing the show again like she did with her own young Avenging one to the tune of that mutant academy guitar.

This Marvel means we'll still keep it in the family, and it's great to welcome Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur and Saagar Shaikh back to your front-door with helpings of humour and heart. But in 'Candyman' remake Nia DaCosta's cross-comic team-up, the dynamic director has a lot of toys to play with out of her candy box as the old switcheroo leads to some amazing action set-pieces that are set to stun from space, directly to your living room that you shouldn't Disney + wait for...even if that's what I admit to doing with most Disney movies even in this 100-year anniversary. This is one entanglement you can get with after August. More than holding her hammer own in the wake of Ronan the Accuser, and in the same weekend her husband to be Tom Hiddleston gives us 'Loki', 'Fresh Meat's' Zawe Ashton gives us a formidable foe for just another manic Monday with these bangles. And if that wasn't enough for your Kree creed of Marvel Cinematic Universe families, 'Billy Elliott' and 'Gangs Of New York' actor Gary Lewis continues the crown of the Skrulls after the criminally underrated 'Secret Invasion' summer series. Speaking of which, of course we have another Marvel movie and of course from S.H.I.E.L.D. to S.A.B.E.R., Samuel L. Jackson is in it, you family guy (just watch Denzel Washington list off the even more countless charities Samuel contributes to). But seeing through his good-eye all action Jackson shooting from the hip is still having the time of his life, whilst those dealing in hate think that's the way they can be happy. "Strong theory!" A beast without the boys as this cinematic universe goes intergalactic, this is funny and forthright. What's not to like as this group gets together in new suits like 'Anchorman'? And just wait until you see what they've got coming next in cameos as classic as the post-credits. These really are marvels. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Captain Marvel', 'Ms. Marvel', 'WandaVision'. 

REVIEW: LOKI - Season 2

4/5

Glorious Repurpose.

6 Episodes. Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Eugene Cordero, Tara Strong, Jonathan Majors, Ke Huy Quan & Owen Wilson. Creator: Michael Waldron. On: Disney +. 

The show which remains. Even when mainstream Marvel malaise means the once hottest superhero property is getting it in the cape like...well...DC. Now, on the same day that 'The Marvels' try to fight back against all that, not to mention the 'Velvet Buzzsaw' of Zawe Ashton's Kree villain, her fiancée Tom Hiddleston brings the formidable finale of 'Loki' Season 2 on Disney + for the burdens of all our glorious purpose. And in mirroring not only the pilot of the first season perfectly, but the first 'Thor' too, this God is a monster of a hit. Blurring the divides between hero and villain like the spaghetti timelines, that similar to strands of spiderwebs are truly fantastic like a Strange day's 'Multiverse Of Madness'. Loki just looks the part like the perfect hair that Hiddleston should always keep along with that devilish smile. As the shadows of his horns play out in Shakespeare on the West End like parlour tricks, when his eyes see envy for another green day. You may miss when he suits up, looking like a British GQ man of the year, but he acts his pants off in this chapter and thread of mischievous story. Especially in a hilarious race and rage against the machine of time. He even makes a standard FedEx like jacket uniform look like the bee's knees, all the way from his rolled up sleeves, down to the creases in his pants. The MCU needs the TVA and its orange handbook. Just like its Disney like mascot of Tara Strong's Miss Minutes, who clocks in some back to the future retro fit and one scaling chime in this best Marvel TV show and cinematic product. Complete with classic cinematography and a throwback testament travelling. For all time. Always.

Loki isn't just Hiddleston's hallmark calling card now though. We still can't get over a glorious Richard E. Grant. And after season one, we fell in love with Sophia Di Martino too like the ego of this God. Any Marvel fanboy on the hero side wanting to tell Loki to go f### himself now realizes the jokes on him and he gladly would. In this season Martino mostly plays the background. Trying to get her life back and enjoying a job at a classic McDonald's which reminds us of the time the billion served like Marvel fast food joint was all that (still is, sue me. Or see Fassbender in Fincher's 'The Killer') and a bag of French fries. Martino is mesmerizing though when she comes in to play. Whether it be the counsel of a compelling and crucial conversation at a bar. Or in a stellar set-piece on a big-wheel that keeps turning in all its power for your anarchy arcade of amusement. If it isn't herself that Loki is in love with, then the romance between him and Owen Wilson's Mobius is as strong as the waves that run through your hair on a jet-ski. Sure, the 'Haunted Mansion' stars wowzer, trademark blonde locks may be gone for grey and daudry brown suits, but Wilson makes it work wonders. He's still our favourite, and in a final frame of classic close-up, that feels like something from one of the cinematic greats...it really is. Tell THAT to the cape fear of Scorsese as this show that stops everything else that's happened in this universe in its tracks kills it like the flower moon. And if that's too much to handle, how about a piece of pie that you can always trust like Thanos as Tommy Lee in 'Men In Black III'?

Key Lime in Loki green like an Easter Egg? Or how about Ke Huy Quan? As the Oscar winner brings even more out of his fanny pack to super-charge this second season that really is 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'. A true team effort with Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Wunmi Mosaku developing their characters even more in these connected stories and timelines, and Eugene Cordero getting a much deserved top-billing upgrade in screen-time, especially when he locks it down like Alcatraz. Yet in Michael Waldron's wonderful creation and collection, we all know who everyone will be talking about. He Who Remains despite the controversy surrounding 'Creed III' and 'The Harder They Fall' actor Jonathan Majors, who really did seem like the next big thing until his descent from grace under allegations of abuse. His legendary Kang villain really did conquer the underrated 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania' sequel, even in a world you could just flick off your shoulder like dirt. Setting up the 'Secret Wars' and all the variants of his to come that even have fans casting 'Star Wars' star John Boyega as a speak it into existence rumoured replacement. But this is Majors' moment. Innocent until proven guilty, which we hope he isn't because we don't want anymore victims of abusive behaviour hurting out there. Like Thanos on his a## of his throne, this game of God's and conquered features another back-and-forth across the desk that doesn't need to trade hands to grab you. But it's Jonathan's sweet and stuttering mad scientist soul throwback of Victor Timely that keeps in time with the idea that this actor is so versatile and our hopeful thoughts that surely someone who plays it this sincere, couldn't be so cruel off-screen. That's for the the courts before God to decide. Back to this epic episode of a fictional superhero one derived from ancient texts, there's no trick here. Tom Hiddleston is no longer the low-key best thing that happened to Marvel movies (think about it as you assemble your greatest Avengers). He's the very purpose of this whole new and ever expanding world across time. For all of us. Always. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Thor', 'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse Of Madness', 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania'. 

REVIEW: NYAD

4/5

Sea Change. 

120 Mins. Starring: Annette Benning, Jodie Foster & Rhys Ifans. Screenplay: Julia Cox. Directors: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin. On: Netflix. 

If at first you don't succeed, show 'em you can still dance at 60. Swimmer Diana Nyad, born with the perfect surname across the stream, defied the odds when she swam from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. That's 110 miles of open water and calendar, as the days mark the month. Nyad achieving her dream at 64 (2013) after numerous tries (5 to be exact) since she was 28 (1978). The lion's, or should we say shark's share came in her 60s and now 65-year-old legend Annette Benning (with another one by her side in the great Jodie Foster) has gone all out like Robert Redford when 'All Was Lost' for the old man and the sea. Portraying this Diana, queen of the seas in a new Netflix movie bound for Oscar glory too. Bound to make an award season splash. Directed by married couple Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin for their first feature and based on how Nyad's memoir helped 'Find A Way', this is the feel-good film of the year, regardless of age. One that shows like Emma Stone's 'Battle Of The Sexes' as Billie Jean King that nothing can stand in the way of your dream, if you don't give up. Not sexism, nor sexual abuse, and certainly not age-discrimination as most of the youth dismissing this with a swipe of their phone only get up off their a## to plug in their charger. I'd say that that's me, but let's face it, I'm closer to the shores of Benning and Foster than I am today's in-crowd.

'Witness the incredible' on Netflix again, as the streaming service shows us that even if their big blockbusters sink without a trace, bobbing above the service, their Oscar season standards are always poised for the podium. You'll laugh, cry and feel oh so f'n frustrated at this biographical sports drama that serves like 'King Richard' and goes deep into the recesses of a competitors heart and soul like Ben Foster in 'The Program', without the Lance Armstrong slap in the face to professional sports. This last dance or waltz in the waves has the pay-off of an epic and emotional end back on land that feels like a birth between mother and child, in such a poignant and powerful play on a metaphor, that was nothing but the actual real thing we witnessed on the rise. And wait behind after the credits like these wonder women were 'The Marvels' for some real-world footage that will become fond favourite moments in this movie as you will believe that Diana Nyad and her close friend and coach Bonnie Stoll could have played themselves, they have so much character and charisma. But who better than Annette and Jodie, as the greats with oceans of movies under their board short's drawstring belt, belt out two of their most powerful performances on screen yet? Not to mention the scruffy Spike of Rhys Ifans playing the late John Bartlett to form a big-three like Voltron under the sea. His best since he tried to turn everyone in New York into a lizard.

Chin and Vasarhelyi have documented many movies before their big-screen feature by way of Netflix debut. You saw them 'Free Solo' in 2018 with an Academy Award for the unassisted Yosemite climb up the El Capitan. The matrimony directors are married to the idea of against the odds, real life adventurers who don't need any protection to harness their dreams. Benning's bracing Nyad is the definition of that defiance. The will of this unbending, never broken woman will stay with you, even if you think those closest to her will bolt, like the lightning likelihood that this swimmer will make it through this surf unscathed, let alone alive. Some may find Nyad and Annette's amazing accented depiction a tad too much. But that's how you achieve accomplishments and awards. But this free spirit is anything but a solo project just like its direction. Fostering her best role since 'The Brave One' vigilante alongside Terence Howard, 'The Silence Of The Lambs' very own Jodie is showing she has another great turn in her back pocket, backing up the best like when she directed Julia Roberts for George Clooney's 'Money Monster'. Babe, she's the best. She's never been any less. The striving scenes where they fight and reunite will stir the emotional echoes of your fondest friendships. Reaching new depths like their underwater muses up s###'s creek they don't need a paddle. Not when they can look each other in the eye and say, I got you babe. Share the love. And the legacy of legend that lasts longer than any great lengths. See it for yourselves and the ones you keep as close as water on skin. This tide and time comes in and touches you. Lap it up. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'All Is Lost', 'Battle Of The Sexes', 'Free Solo'. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: SLY

4/5

Sly & The Family Stallone.

95 Mins. Starring: Sylvester Stallone. Director: Thom Zimny. On: Netflix. 

Rocky Balboa punch-drunk with a plug in his nose. John Rambo looking off into the middle-distance. The leader of 'The Expendables' staring at you like you were the barrel of a gun. Some may say the acting of golden era, action-heroes like Stallone and Schwarzenegger is somewhat wooden, but these wax-figures wrapped in plastic tell another story. As Sylvester scrunches up his old life like a piece of basketball paper and shoots it into the wastepaper basket. Leaving it all behind like the same train window views that are never coming back, as he poignantly puts it in the opening of his outstanding new documentary on Netflix. If you like the 'Arnold' series that went FUBAR on your ass, then you'll love this one from his friend and former foe (with many an Arnie sound bite, amongst others like Quentin Tarantino and ADRIANNNNNNN herself, Talia Shrie). Anything that Arnold Schwarzenegger does (or pretends to), Sylvester Stallone has to do better ('Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot') and vice versa. Like the 'Rambo' like 'Commando' in a 'Predator' jungleland (or a hilarious 'Last Action Hero', 'Terminator' gag), which always felt like a Springsteen song for the action hero that could write the 'Kindergarten Cop' under the table. And directed by the 'Western Stars' of Thom Ziminy, this dramatic documentary of depth feels exactly like that too. A darkness delved until the Tom Waits closing number extends a hand to 'Come On Up To The House'.

Before 40 life is all about addition. After, everything is subtraction, Stallone tells us during many moving moments of an action actor who still hasn't made his last stand. We all know him as the endearing pugilist, or the warrior who caused goon deforestation out in the woods, but how about the man behind all that muscle? In their 'Sly' caption, Netflix makes a pun or not intended remark about Sylvester having a rocky childhood. He sure did, and the details of his relationship with his father are brought to light here, shedding some on the star we see shining today. He took a lot of leather jacket Joe bit-parts back in the day, because Hollywood wouldn't give him the leading man time of day, until he took control and re-wrote his life path and career plan for himself. One moment driving all his balled up stuff to Hollywood he broke down on the highway, stranded with man's best friend. He made the one call he knew he could, and within the hour, Henry Winkler came and picked up Sly and his dog. It was 'Happy Days' from there on out as Stallone bounced a rubber ball off an idea of a young fighter who just wanted one shot. Losing himself in the creed of that role for decades. He's run through the city of Philly like the late, great Moses Malone ("'fo, 'fo' fo'"), and reached the top of the jumping victory steps like Osaka's Glico Man. All the way Oscars for screenplays and nominations for acting, and even a statue in the city on those same steps like he really was a famous athlete.

What other actor can say that? Or say they hold the keys to not one, not two, but three huge action franchises over father time to grandfather time years? When Stallone read the 'First Blood' of the original Rambo book, he changed it in this 'Born On The Fourth Of July' time, so the hero wouldn't die in the end, all the real, physically and mentally wounded vets out there would have a different ending they could stand with in solidarity salute. Stallone has always written from the heart of what he devotes. But people underestimate just how much is "other" franchise means in the grand scheme of things. Just like those who wrote him off and typecast him again and again. This 'Cobra' constructed action movies like 'Demolition Man' for years, but there was more tango to his cash. He gave us a more dramatic turn in the critically underrated 'Cop Land', even baiting De Niro in ad-lib to give him even more of that Bobby magic. But it wasn't until Sylvester watched an old rock reunion in concert with his wife that he struck an idea based on golden era, action hero gold. Assembling all the real heroes of the genre, including the guy "who wishes he was President" for 'The Expendables', playing in the jungle again. It was an idea cooked up in where else, but Planet Hollywood that you could put straight on a t-shirt. And it's even come to a fourth film this fall. But for all the victory laps this 'Driven' actor has taken. All the 'Get Carter' remakes and 'Escape Plan' franchise breaks, there's been more pain with the gain. Sylvester gets into his divorce and also breaks his right to privacy silence on the tragic death of his young son and 'Rocky' actor Sage Stallone. The real-world worked and felt line of seeing life through his son's eyes drawing even more tears here when you see what it all actually means. When it comes to getting back up from all that life paints on your canvas, you know that famous 'Balboa' line about getting hit. But no matter how hard it gets, Sly refuses to be kept on his knees permanently. It doesn't have to all be sunshine and rainbows when you have a spirit like that. One that is truly undefeated. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Arnold', 'Rocky', 'Rambo'. 

REVIEW: OLD DADS

3/5

Dad Day Afternoon. 

104 Mins. Starring: Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Katie Aselton, Reign Edwards, Jackie Tohn, Paul Walter Hauser & Bruce Dern. Director: Bill Burr. On: Netflix. 

Who says, you can't teach an old dad new tricks? Tell that to Bill Burr. The classic comedian with many a Netflix special ('Live At Red Rocks', 'Paper Tiger', 'Walk Your Way Out' and the 'Friends Who Kill' festival special comparing his friends), is making his directorial debut in 'Old Dads', which he also stars in for the streaming service. Think of it as 'The Hangover' that lasts a couple more years, meets the 'Daddy Day Care' franchise he had a dance-off cameo in. 'The King Of Staten Island' and 'Chappelle's Show' (with hair...I'm right there with you, buddy) star has already shown us how versatile he is when he made us cry in season 2 of the 'Star Wars' Disney + show 'The Mandalorian' after his welcome team-up in the first go round. Now the 'Breaking Bad' star may do it again (*hand with a Kleenex up*) when this dad must put a stop to his old ways with a new kid on the block. And if you get that reference, maybe you should too.

'Is This Anything?', asked Jerry Seinfeld last year in an autobiography of sorts that showcased all the jokes that didn't make his final set...and believe me, they're better than most comedians most stand-up work. Burr's brilliantly bruising style is also put on display here as he works out bits, new and old, like the Tom Sawyer bottle flip for you millennial C U Next Tuesday's. A man whose classic comedy was introduced to me by an Instagram algorithm of all things back when I was happy (yeah, I said it) and spending my nights laughing at his s### until gone 3 AM. When he's given a mic for an auction, he's not flogging jokes, he's just holding the whole room with his incorrigible irritability which is actually inspiring, especially in this day and age. As the snowflakes will feel right at home with Christmas coming like a 'Game Of Thrones' finale they still can't get over...even though they haven't seen it. Pricks! Yet, we've already said, Bill has more in his back-pocket and this isn't just a laugh a minute joke-a-thon. He also knows how to tell a story, like all great stand-ups, and put it on screen, off the stage, like only a good director can. He doesn't need his resume doctored by Captain America, like Emily Blunt's character in last week's Netflix movie 'Pain Hustlers'. He's just added another feather in his cap of rib-tickling career left turns.

This might be Bill's movie by all rights, but it's actually all about a big-three that makes 'The Hangover' wolf pack look like mutts. Burr also knows how to direct two modern greats of versatility whose formidable filmographies need no introduction, because their names do exactly that. Bobby Cannavale is just classic as always. And here he plays a man who wants to be so down with the kids he has no idea (like me) that that line is as tired and old as he is. With a neck that an 'Ally McBeal' lawyer would go for, still living off the one time he was confused with a certain singer who like 'Uncle Buck' needed to go downtown and have a rat gnaw that thing off his face, by the singer's own father. Bokeem Woodbine, who those in the know, know, how he is as criminally underrated as he is completely versatile is wonderful as the third king in this pack of Dad's. Especially at the strip-club ("oh, Barbara") and the dressing down he gets later like all those friends you simply can't text anything these days too, because they think they're getting tracked. Nobody gives a s### that I like basketball, and I'm going bald. 'Legion's' Katie Aselton, 'The Bold and Beautiful's' Reign Edwards, and the great 'Glow' of Jackie Tohn all put in work as the long-suffering significant others of these overgrown man-children. Whilst there's a cool and classic cameo from today great Paul Walter Hauser and legend Bruce Dern respectively. This movie might not be gender, or carbon-neutral, but it's not out of step, just out of touch. And guess what, it doesn't give a f###! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Hangover', 'Daddy Day Care', 'Bill Burr: Live At Red Rocks'. 

SHORT REVIEW: DUG DAYS - Carl's Date

4/5

Date Day. 

8 Mins. Starring: Ed Asner & Bob Peterson. Screenplay: Bob Peterson. Director: Bob Peterson. On: Disney +.

Get 'Up' on this! With the fire of the Summer scorching smash 'Elemental', now literally streaming on Disney + this week (along with the Halloween hallmarks of the 'Haunted Mansion' reboot and Poirot's 'A Haunting In Venice'), comes the traditional Pixar short classic that preceded it. 'Carl's Date', a special episode of the successful 'Dug Days' short spin-off series from the undeniable 'Up' classic. One of Disney's best movies in the century their celebrating this calendar. 

Mark this date with Carl in the little black book that is your diary, but don't colour your hair that way...because you'll be about as impressed as people are with my comb-over. Still, 'Carl's Date's' is as iconic as the 'Up' intro, which back in 2009, left not a dry eye in the theatre behind those, back then, relatively new Roy Orbison 3D glasses. Yet, more healing, than heartbreaking, even though we know who will always be Carl's girl. You see, Mr. Fredrickson has a date with a lady down the street after receiving a phone call from her regarding some lovesick puppies she has...SQUIRREL...in a box, ready to giveaway like her heart to this sweet old man in Chicago Cub announcer glasses.

The late, great Ed Asner's voice stirs us again like signing off with this show of shorts as inspired as the 'Monsters At Work', or all that's in 'Toy Story's' chest. Just like the amazing Asner did as a miniseries Emmy winner in both 'Rich Man, Poor Man' and 'Roots'. Here's a guy who voiced both J. Jonah Jameson and Uncle Ben in 'Spider-Man' shows (we told you he was amazing). Not to mention playing Santa Claus in many a Christmas movie. Spectacular. Scripted, directed and voiced by 'Finding Nemo', 'Cars 3' and 'Forky Asks A Question' (I have one, why are you so forkin' amazing? Pardon my plastic silverware) writer Bob Peterson, digging deep as everyone's favourite pooch, these 'Dug Days' everybody has our perfect for the afternoon viewing before your nap. Slip into these comfortable shoes and experience this eight-minute wonder you'll keep circling back too...and not because you keep forgetting your glasses. This is a date with more than destiny...but a love kept alive, even in the dog days of our lost love and broken hearts. This Autumn, after Halloween, what a treat to end the week. Set the date. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Up', 'Elemental', 'Monsters At Work'.

REVIEW: PAIN HUSTLERS

3.5/5

The Pain From The Game.

123 Mins. Starring: Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Chloe Coleman, Jay Duplass, Brian d'Arcy James, Catherine O'Hara & Andy Garcia. Screenplay: Wells Tower. Director: David Yates. On: Netflix.

The new dramatic turn obsession that has taken a hold of the world seems to be the pharmaceutical wars and the criminal conspiracies that run through their bloodstreams. Like all those mind-hunting documentaries that show the makings of a murderer, this fellow true crime syndicate seems to be itching at our screen swiping streaming. And of course Netflix are cashing in. After Michael Keaton and co's 'Dopesick' became a cautionary hit on Disney +, Netflix bought fellow 80s legend Matthew Broderick along for their own 'Painkiller' miniseries...and now they're not taking a single day off (sorry, Ferris). This week, the home movie giant is giving us Keaton lookalike David Yates' (the last half of 'Harry Potter' and the  'Fantastic Beasts' franchise) 'Pain Hustlers' ambition. Based on the book of the same name by Evan Hughes with an adapted screenplay by Wells Tower. Netflix are bringing out the big guns this fall, before the new year Oscar season, but is this one a good hustle, or just a pain?

Julia Roberts' 'Erin Brokovich' would be proud (somewhat) of 'Hustlers'' central character who went from a high-school dropout, straight to the pole, and then danced her way to the top of a pharmaceutical company pushing meds and medicated lies. This was not a legal hustle like the 'Molly's Game' of Jessica Chastain. Yet, the star of 'Sicario', 'A Quiet Place' and 'Oppenheimer' Emily Blunt, gives an explosive performance of power, refusing to be corrupted absolutely. It's 'Mary Poppins' darkest and best, since her sobering drunk look at 'The Woman On The Train'. The pressure is on in this 'Boiler Room' with 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' like repercussions for those living the high-life whilst they take the livelihoods, not to mention lives of others. No character in black and white captures this better than Chris Evans. Sure, he's Captain America, but on this sinking ship he torches, Evans brings back that smarmy, slick and sick acting that he ace'd in movies you Troy McClure saw him in like 'Scott Pilgrim', 'What's Your Number', 'Push' and 'The Iceman'. Sure, this might not be as good as his Netflix lead of the inspirational 'Red Sea Diving Resort' story with the late, great Michael K. Williams. But alongside 'Red One' and 'Ghosted' on Apple TV +, the post Cap career of the 'Gifted' actor is shielded from criticism or cynicism. 

Blunt faces more trauma with her daughter's ('Gunpowder Milkshake's' sweet, straight-shooter Chloe Coleman) epileptic seizures, performed here with respect and a raw look at how truly terrifying this is for helpless sufferers and parents. If that wasn't enough, 'Cyrus' actor Jay Duplass is hanging around the thread this is all dangling off with scissors like a virus. And 'West Side Story' Officer Krupke ("Krup you!") and 'Spotlight' star Brian d'Arcy James' (reuniting with Emily after going 'Into The Woods') Doc turning up into his surgery parking spot pushing something above his pay-grade. Add a couple of legends to this mixed-bag of a movie, and everything becomes much more potent. 'Beetlejuice', 'Home Alone' and of course, 'Schitt's Creek' icon Catherine O'Hara is in her element with this and Pixar's 'Elemental' making its way to Disney + this week. 

Whilst 'Godfather' Andy Garcia is incredible here like he is in all the glitz and gold glam of some of his great grey season roles (from 'Kill The Messenger' to 'The Mule'). Untouchable...even when he loses it. Sure, the sobering Soderbergh 'Side Effects' of this are that it's no 'Dopesick'. It lies more in Evans' 'The Gray Man' territory of more big name, but forgotten next week movies on N. But any true story that brings the pain behind the game of peddling pharmaceuticals to patients who wind up getting the hooks in them like morphine is enough to take us from that real world, sinking feeling, and into a more aware place, no longer kept quiet like those monsters in the dark. Hollywood holding up a mirror to this corrupt project in Central Florida, is just the right prescription to take us out of this state of affairs and save those who need a far better bedside manner than the malpractice of those just pushing pills. Time to kill all that pain. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Dopesick', 'Painkiller', 'Side Effects'. 

REVIEW: ELEMENTAL

3.5/5

Elementary, My Dear Water. 

109 Mins. Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey & Catherine O'Hara. Director: Peter Sohn. On: Disney +. 

Like oil and water, we're almost all against each other these days, like the elements. When we need to be together like the fire and ice of Laker legends, the NBA logo Jerry West and the late, great Elgin Baylor. Disney have been trying in their 100-year anniversary of a century of classics from the fairytale storybook. They even gave us a whole new 'Little Mermaid' for our coming together world under the sea. Now, in the same week they table two haunting Halloween horrors (their 'Haunted Mansion' ride reboot and their detective deal with Poirot's 'A Haunting In Venice') for their streaming service Disney Plus, they conclude their big-three blockbusters with the 'Force Of Nature' that is Pixar's epic 'Elemental'. Enough for you to keep the powerful, penultimate episode of 'Loki' Season 2 on hold for all this glorious purpose. The 'Toy Story' and 'Monsters Inc' crowd, putting in work like the 'Up' side of 'Carl's Date' for their 'Dug Days' shorts. Giving us a modern metaphor for our love and life that doesn't box-tick a form they slide across our desk, waiting for us to sign, like they've done with other properties, when our word was already stronger in solidarity than 'Jerry Maguire' oak. Show me the funny, because 'Elemental' makes more than money. But change and a few hearts break like your merchandise ready piggy bank in the process.

Engrossing our every emotion like 'Inside Out' literally did and stirring the soul of our very lives like the return of a jazzy Jamie Foxx, 'Elemental' feels like a part of a Pixar trilogy like when Quentin Tarantino made 'Django', 'Basterds' and 'Once Upon A Time' to rewrite history, outside of just Hollywood. This romantic and dramatic Walt Disney Picture was a summer scorcher that now streams like the tears of those ones you bottle up instead of set alight. Some of us have a fireside. Others be water like Bruce Lee. At times, especially in this day and age, we're both. Ready to burst or blaze at any matter. But why steam, when you can come together and stream, without getting cross? This world inhabited by anthropomorphic elements of nature is conceived by 'The Good Dinosaur' of Peter Sohn, a man who not only directed the sweet short 'Partly Cloudy' (without a chance of meatballs), but also voiced Emile in 'Ratatouille' and most recently the super cute Sox cat in the Buzz 'Lightyear' movie. This cinematic journey centres around the budding love between the fire of Leah Lewis' Ember Lumen and Mamoudou Athie's water boy, Wade Ripple. And if you thought those names were classic, wait until you get a load of the Bernice's, Brooks and Gales that hail from these incredible cityscapes in a movie that also features the voices of Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O'Hara. Not to mention more puns than 'Monsters At Work' before their "shocking off". 

With the soulful sound of Lauv's 'Steal The Show' at the heart, taking centre stage this elementary look at love and life is all something we can sing-a-long to and learn from. All without hammering home the burning message in a water-logged world of negativity like the Pixar lamp does the "I". Instead, 'Elemental' shines a light on all that we need to see for ourselves. Whether that's with the light of day, or in reflection of all we see beneath us. Inspired by 'Guess Whose Coming To Dinner', 'Moonstruck' and 'Amelie', 'Elemental' is also one of the most engrossing looks at immigration and the American dream that Sohn's parents sought after in 1970s New York (wait to you see what Times Square looks like in this underwater Gotham by the fire of Metropolis). The cultural and ethnic diversity is beautiful, beyond the digital enhancements here, but in the very elements you see all around you. From the subway to the convenience store where you buy the food that you bring home and feed your family, who on their way the next day, head to all walks of life. 

Point of view YouTube tours (which might be on permanent repeat in my home, even though I'm extremely lucky to live in the best-of-the-best, in Tokyo, Japan) from Venice and Amsterdam helped inspire these twins forged in fire and watered everyday like a Lennon love for the one and Ono. Production itched along for seven years, but sealing the deal. This sleeper hit is waking up everybody this year, back in cinemas. Rubbing your eyes to the sun and drinking a fresh glass. Coming together like a rainbow, as love reigns supreme over all. Just like our differences...which at least give us something to talk about. Like this proud and powerful Pixar picture. Prejudice has no place in our hearts. Only other people do. And you know what that is. Elementary. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Inside Out', 'Soul', 'Luca'. 

REVIEW: A HAUNTING IN VENICE

3/5

Death In Venice.

103 Mins. Starring: Kyle Allen, Kenneth Branagh, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio & Michelle Yeoh. Director: Kenneth Branagh. On: Disney +.

It's a Halloween party on Disney + this week as the streaming service gives us three summer smashes for scary season. Sure, the entertaining 'Elemental' Pixar production is more of a love story, but the first 'Haunted Mansion' reboot since Eddie Murphy's 2003 ride-adaptation is certainly one to carve into your pumpkin schedule, even if Satan has been replaced by Santa. As is Mickey Mouse's Marvel, Star Wars and 'The Simpsons' like side hustle with 20th Century Studios. One that sees the likes of Wes Anderson and Fox Searchlight classics like 'The Banshees Of Inisherin' debut on your home cinema small screens the minute they leave theatres. If you're a Poirot purist in this 'Knives Out' day and age of murder mysteries unravelling like a glass onion, then twirl your magnum Mario moustache this Movember at 'A Haunting In Venice'. The third part of Kenneth Branagh's Herculean trilogy making a killing with the classic 'Murder On The Orient Express' and the pandemic plunged 'Death On The Nile'.

Based on the amazing Agatha Christie's lesser known novel 'Hallowe'en Party' (but still straight scary for these haunting hours), this Venice tale from the Queen has a supernatural seance element to it, much like Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' plus. But one that you can still believe in like 'The Hounds Of The Baskervilles' or that Sherlock Holmes case of vampirism for your Strand. Call him by the name, Hercule, because Kenneth Branagh (who has done everything from playing Shakespeare in the park to directing 'Thor') has made Poirot his proud own like the great Sir David Suchet CBE. And in the beginning of this beautiful movie of brutality set in an inspired Italy, Branagh brings Venice to vivid life in stills that make perfect postcards look like wastepaper discards. Such is the new oiled and primed style from the black and white beauty of the brilliant 'Belfast' director, bringing it on home to you like Sam Cooke. By candlelight in your peeping rear window, it's no mystery this is all so mesmerizing in page-turning thrill and spill romanticism to one of the oldest and most outstanding genres in the theatrical book. 

Tom Bateman, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daisy Ridley boarded the 'Orient Express'. Whilst, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer (which sunk the movie in controversy, but look at a few names back), Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright boarded the boat bound for the Nile. This time out on a gondola to Venice, the cast isn't as star-studded, but it still shines in the sea that twists and turns through the town. In alphabetical order like the compelling closing credits that circle around the city with a classic, standard swan song for the birds. 'West Side Story' star Kyle Allen feels like a budding one, and 'The Parisian Bitch' comedian Camille Cottin ('Stillwater', 'House Of Gucci') steals every scene she's in. 

The shades of 'Belfast's' Jamie Dornan reunite with Branagh, whilst the fabulous Tina Fey right by Poirot's side has never been better (and she gives the greatest quote about writers. Just saying). Speaking of 'Belfast', if you didn't think Jude Hill was a star of the future (like Chase W. Dillon in 'Haunted Mansion'), you will now. Ali Khan and Variety 'Brit to Watch' Emma Laird offer amazing assistance. But not like 'John Wick' villain Riccardo Scamarcio bodyguarding our sleuth like Costner did Houston. Kelly Reilly highlights this cast in this throwback like she did as Watson's Mary in Guy Ritchie's 'Sherlock Holmes' series. But it's 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh in a glorious grey that must rival the 'tache, who will have you believing in ghosts even though Halloween is now just with us in spirit. Bobbing for apples, the trick of this party doesn't stop. It haunts. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Murder On The Orient Express', 'Death On The Nile', 'Glass Onion: A 'Knives Out' Mystery'. 

REVIEW: HAUNTED MANSION

3/5

Mansion On The Hill. 

123 Mins. Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis & Jared Leto. Director: Justin Simien. On: Disney +. 

Disney + have debuted a big-three of summer movies on their streaming service this week, for all those who wait for the home cinema experience after the curtain call of big-screen blockbusters like 'The Little Mermaid' (*fins up*). Just in time for Halloween, even though that season has passed, and pumpkin lattes have given way to gingerbread ones, as tis the season for Christmastime tidings in shopfronts and decorations all around town. Scary season giving way to the romantic couple one like it never ever happened. Like it was cancelled similar to cosplay in Shibuya this year. Even so, we can still enjoy scary hours this weekend like the Carpenter who isn't Jesus for these hell sent classics. Along with the fiery 'Elemental' Pixar latest, Disney Plus bring us 'A Haunting In Venice' for their Poirot deal and their latest 'Haunted Mansion' ride-along like a 'Jungle Cruise', and of course the sea-changing 'Pirates Of The Caribbean', captained by Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow, for all you Disneyland park-goers from California to Tokyo (Chiba).

Eddie Murphy's 'Haunted Mansion' was 20 years ago (2003). Feel like it's old yet. Now, 'Atlanta's' very own LaKeith Stanfield leads an all-star cast featuring Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto through this haunted house on the hill. Not to mention some classic cameos to cackle at and some ghost-busting special effects bound to give you goosebumps like when you saw another big-three in those 'Hocus Pocus' witches return for their highly-anticipated, long-awaited sequel last year. This supernatural horror is helmed by Justin Simien with fond family comedy classic tropes to trick your treat. Knocking on the door, the 'Dear White People' and 'Bad Hair' director of our time gives us a good costume that really fits. This marvellous mansion in all its dark decadence also serves as an instrumental love letter to the classic city of New Orleans, Louisiana like an R.E.M. number that is 'Automatic For The People'. NOLA, after Katrina, was used a lot by movie studios for filming locations, as Hollywood pumped money back into the swamp. But this 'Mansion' on the hill is one of the first movies that displays this decadent city in all its glory, front and centre on the big-screen. Exorcizing the dark matters and the previous development hell following the great Guillermo del Toro's departure. Although, like his 'Pinocchio' variant from Disney, we're curious to see what he had in his creature cabinet.

Guiding you on the tour of this ride, astrophysicist LaKeith Stanfield focuses perfectly on a candid role for the 'Judas' of the 'Black Messiah' Oscar nominated actor. The 'Sorry To Bother You', 'Get Out' and 'Dope', 'Uncut Gem' is New Orleans to the bone here and the tip-top tater tot. Especially when he talks about the good times with a lost love as grief haunts his heart and bruised soul. It's a deeply felt and nuanced performance, that we'd previously say, "especially for a Disney movie". But let's actually take a moment to think of all that Disney has done for the movie industry in its century anniversary. Especially the family cinema-going one. Helping children deal with complex problems like 'Bambi's' grief, this too is a 'Haunted' moving meditation on love and loss with an acting boss taking the lead. But he gets by with a little help from stellar support like the comedy gold of Tiffany Haddish looking into a crystal globe. Or Owen Wilson's GQ wild west priest, on a tear recently with 'Loki' and his Wes Anderson fare. The blonde locks are back to "WOW" you again. 

Want more heroes? Then how about the legendary Danny DeVito fresh off the size of 'Dumbo's' live action ears? Or the real lead of this piece, despite the billing, 'Ahsoka' herself, Rosario Dawson on the summer of her career. Mothering scene-stealer and future of acting, Chase W. Dillon. Acing the assignment amongst the halls of star-studded fame in this mansion. Not to mention a rogue's gallery that even freaks dressed like clowns would not squirt water at. Speaking of which, an almost unrecognizable, Jared Leto is here with a classic character that makes 'Morbius' look like he's had a decent meal. Not to mention Oscar winner and 'Halloween' legend Jamie Lee Curtis giving us everything, everywhere, all at once. But just wait until Dan Levy's character arrives up 'Schitt's Creek'. Best wishes and warm regards to the horror season. Because this night at the mansion is a thriller. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Haunted Mansion (2003)', 'Hocus Pocus 2', 'A Haunting In Venice'.