REVIEW: OPPENHEIMER

4/5

The Dark Day 

180 Mins. Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Benny Safdie, Jason Clarke, Dane DeHaan, Alden Ehrenreich, David Dastmalchian, David Krumholtz, Scott Grimes, Matthias Schweighöfer, Alex Wolff, Jack Quaid, James D'Arcy, Tony Goldwyn, Matthew Modine, Tom Conti, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh & Robert Downey Jr. Director: Christopher Nolan. In: Theatres.

'Barbenheimer' may have stimulated the summer season of Hollywood blockbusters in theatres. Bringing bums back to those iconic red cinemas seats that were previously tipped up during the pandemic and the age of streaming. But the memes and artwork it inspired led to cruel controversy targeted here in Japan when last year a fan on X (or some other drug) posted a mocked up picture of Cillian Murphy's J. Robert Oppenheimer carrying Margot Robbie's 'Barbie' (made to look happy and celebrating) away from the atomic bomb blast that destroyed and devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Just another twittering troll on what was Twitter. Until the official 'Barbie' Twitter account in the US got involved and replied, "it's going to be a Summer to remember". As if anyone in Japan could forget. Adding insult to more than injury, they already have to put up with cruel and abhorrent memes every time someone mentions a heatwave in Summer, and now they have an official 'Barbie' representative interacting and unbeknownst to them maybe, co-signing. Then came a soft boycott of 'Barbie' due to the controversy and worse retaliating memes from some X users just as callous, putting the same meme up, but changing the background to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and even making the lovely (and I say this about her character) Margot Robbie (who had absolutely nothing to do with this) looking like she was hit by the bomb blast. Truly disgusting behaviour. Both ways. But not from westerns or Japanese people. Just mindless, ignorant individuals. The kinds we don't have to be.

So you can see why this year's Academy Award-winning Best Picture, 'Oppenheimer' took so long to make it here. As it marches to an eight-month late release this week and end of March. Trailer introduced by Japanese 'Batman Begins' and 'Inception' star Ken Watanabe Then again, the previous Oscar winner for Best Picture (the epic 'Everything Everywhere All At Once') only came out after the Oscars, too. Unless it's a Marvel movie, many films feature here in the Far East a little, or much later. You can see 'Past Lives' in the near future. Some for understandable reason. When you watch Paul Thomas Anderson's legacy making 'Licorice Pizza' starring Alana Haim you can also see why offence was caused in a different, but no less ignorant way. Still, like that, THIS is a great movie. One for all-time. No wonder it sealed seven Oscars. And long overdue winner of Best Director, Christopher Nolan has given us his magnum-opus. And here's this generations' filmmaker like the 'Dune' of Denis after him who has even bested his redefining 'Dark Knight' trilogy, not mention his epic exploration one of 'Inception', 'Interstellar' and the terribly underrated, pandemic lifting 'Tenet'. A memento to his prestige in his traditional trademark directing decadence. Beating 'Barbie', and so many other great films, out the box like Scorsese's historical re-telling, in order to learn new lessons 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' with his own epic ensemble like 'Dunkirk'. Exploring similar themes and Geiger counter like scratching score that itch at you. Even if Hans Zimmer isn't collaborating this time like Nolan and fellow knighted filmmaking and life partner Emma Thomas' former Warner Bros home. Victims of the streams (kudos though to 'Tenet's' Ludwig Göransson ('Black Panther', Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' amongst others) who also took home the Oscar for Best Score). World building, a wild west town like Johnny Depp's 'Transcendence' for this doctor of the Manhattan Project, as the atomic age of building a bomb became the race before the space age one. And who would have thought that a three-hour epic that is almost all talk would not only be an Oscar winner, but the highest grossing movie of the year not made out of plastic? If you build it, they will come to your field of dreams.

Japanese cinemagoers are right in saying that more film-time should have been devoted to the suffering Oppenheimer's bomb cause. This is a place that, like they say in 'Shogun', knows death can come at any moment when they feel the earth move. A presentation of both sides maybe like the great Clint Eastwood's dignified directed career-turn in twin war movies, 'Flags Of Our Fathers' and 'Letters From Iwo Jima'. Yet, there's nothing gratuitous about Nolan's nuanced and wonderful work. No glorification, just conflicted guilt from our pure in his methods protagonist. It's always respectful and dignified, and you don't even see the actual bomb blast here. Just in testing. But there are haunting visions of moments that really step on your chest and one that is truly horrific, and in days gone by before this desensitized age would be all you needed to convey the absolute horrors of all this. Nolan has always been one for symbolism, too, like his hidden tribute to Heath Ledger. Here, a massive globe in the White House's Oval Office almost looks like the very bomb itself and the effect it had on the world as we knew it. A reminder in this cautionary tale that prays for peace, that even if we have great power, it doesn't mean we should wield it. Presided over by a President played by a man we won't spoil, but is no stranger to going to great lengths to play these political figures, hidden here. There's a world of wonderful actors here that deserve to be mentioned in this epic ensemble, mind you. David Dastmalchian ('The Dark Knight', 'The Suicide Squad'), David Krumholtz ('Numb3rs'), Scott Grimes ('ER'), Matthias Schweighöfer ('Army Of The Dead' and 'Thieves'), Alex Wolff ('Hereditary'), Jack Quaid ('The Boys'), James D'Arcy ('Agent Carter'), Tony Goldwyn ('Friday The 13th's' Jason), Matthew Modine ('Stranger Things', 'The Dark Knight Rises') and Tom Conti all show up in small, but significant roles. As do friends of the Nolan's like the great Kenneth Branagh and an Academy underrated Matt Damon, with his friends of the family Casey Affleck showing up like Matt did in 'Interstellar'...it's been enough time now, right.

Although she had strong competition from the 'Barbie' speech of America Ferrera, 'Nyad's' support of 'True Detective' great Jodie Foster, 'The Color Purple' of Danielle Brooks, and well deserved winner of 'The Holdovers' Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Emily Blunt deserved her nod. Bringing some of that sobering 'The Girl On The Train' acting, also whilst stealing the scene in a table flipped moment that is akin to the ace in the hole that is Best Actor winner Rami Malek's character. 'Dune: Part Two' star Florence Pugh should have also garnered a nomination for the explicit soul and pain of her heartbreaking lover. The future is hers. Alongside the likes of 'Uncut Gem' Benny Safdie, Alden Ehrenreich (back after some unfair 'Solo' railroading from 'Star Wars' fans) and the young, great Dane DeHaan in real prominent and powerhouse parts. There's not enough nominations to go around the table, that hides some behind flowers they should be given. The ever consistent Jason Clarke. The return of the poster boy Josh Hartnett, still so fresh to this. There's more to 'Oppenheimer' than just Oppy. Take Robert Downey Jr. for example. An acting ironman in more ways than one. Don't discredit his time locked up in the M.C.U. Nor what he spearheaded with Marvel in career redemption avengance. But this is the man who played Chaplin perfectly. A real bona fide actor with the 'Best Supporting Actor' statue to add gold weight to that claim in compelling courtroom drama in bold and beautiful black and white. To peace. And the 'Peaky Blinder' (movie to come) eyes of Cillian Murphy that has been a mainstay in many a Nolan movie already. But now, more than '28 Days Later' this actor is getting his overdue respect. Reuniting with Blunt after 'A Quiet Place II', haunted by visions even his Batman Scarecrow couldn't conjure up, Cillian's craftsmanship of character confirms this as a classic. Making the Stetson and pipe iconic, as he tells more behind those bookended stares into the void than he does in the stirring science of this incredibly interesting take on THE turning point in world history. Like Alan Turing, J. Robert Oppenheimer finally got his long-awaited due. But who was it for? And right now, we need his story more than anything. But can you tell me, for what reason? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Barbie', 'Dunkirk', 'Interstellar'.

REVIEW: SHIRLEY

3.5/5

She Had A Dream

107 Mins. Starring: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland & Terrence Howard. Director: John Ridley. On: Netflix.

Surely you can't be serious? And ladies and gentlemen, hold your 'Airplane' gags, with all due respect and love to the late, great Leslie Nielsen. But why is this movie buried on the more midweek, nuanced side of Netflix like an Academy afterthought, this March? Madness! 'Shirley', not to be confused with the fellow biographical drama of literally the same name starring Elizabeth Moss, gathering some of her best work as novelist Shirley Jackson just four years ago, she deserves better. Why was this not a marquee movie, dangling in the November rain waters as Oscar bait like Annette Benning and Jodie Foster's 'Nyad' team? Could it be due to the Civil Rights of Barry Jenkins' James Baldwin adaptation 'If Beale Street Could Talk' Best Supporting Actress winner Regina King's co-star Colman Domingo? That's a lot of names to get through, but as 'Rustin', Domingo deserved the Oscar, just like Bradley Cooper's 'Maestro' (also on Netflix). Although we are yet to see the great Cillian Murphy is the board sweeping 'Oppenheimer' as it finally gets released in Japan this very weekend. Still, why can't we have the rights of two similar, historical and groundbreaking movies passing at the same time? If justice could really talk in this day and age, 'Shirley' would sing. 

A hidden figure like Taraji P. no longer in the age of stories like 'The Color Purple' being retold to new eyes and ears. Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. Barrier breaking like Thurgood Marshall, played beautifully by the late, great 'Black Panther' and James Brown and Jackie Robinson star Chadwick Boseman (rest peacefully) in the film of the same last name. She would have been President too. Mounting a monumental and moving campaign that charmed and compelled many until it was unfairly and unjustly derailed. Remaining in the margins as a footnote thanks to the same kind of ignorant disregard from those in power who should be clutching at straws, not holding the very lives and livelihoods of our children and future generations in their cruel, choking grip. Remind you of anyone? Even in the face of all this racist dismissal, Chisholm responded to her loss with grace, and saw it as the gift real winners and pioneers see a so-called defeat as. A moving of the needle. A push in the right direction. That will spur the next one on to bigger and better things. Reach one, teach one. As Jay-Z said on the beautiful election night, "Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked, so Obama could run. Obama's running so we can all fly." Well, Shirley ran too...and flew as close as she could to the sun. 

Take wing and spread the historical news of how it happened once you see her incredible and inspired journey of influence yourselves. Moved by the integrity. Maddened by the injustice. '12 Years A Slave' Best Adapted Screenplay winner and writer John Ridley (the man who gave us Andre 3000 as Hendrix in 'Jimi: All Is By My Side') directs his definitive movie with due diligence and dignity. Feeling like its seventies soul setting all the way down to the script and soul-baring soundtrack. This biographical blaring of a powerful, yet profound political statement is the best march to justice since 'Selma' and the 'Rustin' behind the scenes that orchestrated it all as Mr. Domingo goes to Washington...twice. Produced by the eponymous King, Regina, already one of TIME magazine's '100 Most Influential People In The World' proves she is queen with a classic, crowning role. A spectacle all the way down to the frames of her powerful prescription. The soaring speeches she makes to her public, the wise words she counsels to her closest in private. It all means so much. Just like the team behind this game changing 'Watchmen' and 'The Harder They Fall' star. Showing like Stallone, it's not how many times you fall, but...you know the rest.

Poetic justice comes for the 'Ray' star with that co-star and the 'Empire' of an always terrific Terrence Howard. Armed with his own intense and moving speeches, without so much as a stage to set them on (see the heartbreaking 'Hart's War'). Not to mention the bar exam legal counsel of a Dahmer looking, but just delightful Lucas Hedges who already has quite the career with 'Manchester By The Sea', 'Lady Bird', 'Three Billboards', 'Boy Erased', 'Ben Is Back' and the West End 'Brokeback Mountain' adaptation. Add a brilliant Brian Stokes Mitchell, classic Christina Jackson, mesmerizing Michael Cherrie and 'Moonlight's' own André Holland on the dark side, amongst other classic cameos, and this film is formidable. But it's the late, great star of 'The Wire' and 'John Wick' Lance Reddick who will really stay with you in one of his best and last roles. A pivotal one at that, with stirring second-billing. Revelatory in its defiant and dynamic delivery of definition. An actor like no other with a voice the same. Poitier poignant. Let's hear it for him. Long live in our movies and memories. Even with a pre-Netflix, limited theatrical release, nothing is failed here. Just like Chisholm's courageous and beautiful bid to be the first female, and at that time Black President in US history. Something we might see again with names like Kamala or Michelle. Call on this Shirley. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Rustin', 'If Beale Street Could Talk', 'Hidden Figures'.

REVIEW: ROAD HOUSE

3.5/5

Road Trippin'

121 Mins. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, Joaquim de Almeida, Austin Post & Introducing: Conor McGregor. Director: Doug Liman. On: Amazon Prime.

The house always wins. To begin the madness of March on streaming, great Brit, 'Lock Stock' directing legend Guy Ritchie released 'The Gentlemen' spin-off series on Netflix, that has a tied-in covenant with his 2019 crime caper of the same name starring Matthew McConaughey. This came mere weeks after his actual Amazon Prime movie, 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' finally saw the light of day of a release in the land of the rising sun. To end the prime time of this month, that film's star has his own arrangement with Amazon. Remaking the 1989 classic 'Road House' (the late, great Patrick Swayze's 'Footloose') to bring more air to Prime TV's streaming war with Netflix and Disney +. Just like the time Matt Damon and Ben Affleck tried to bring Michael Jordan to Nike. But the bond may already be broken. 'Swingers', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Mr and Mrs. Smith' (his film with its own Amazon TV remake right now) director Doug Liman is looking to boycott the film's release because it's not theatrical. Although Gyllenhaal maintains, Amazon always made it clear that this would be a home movie affair. Even if it is a roaring, untamed lion like its MGM production.

Your eyes may be left streaming at what a shame this is, because this fun, original besting, bar bust-up should be taken outside. It belongs on the big-screen in all its big bravado and fight night spectacle with an actual UFC legend. Building the great Jake up to look like one and actually film scenes during actual sporting events like fellow Hollywood heartthrob Brad's latest pit stop. Or the time a stronger Gyllenhaal hit you 'Southpaw'. The best ultimate fighting championed movie since Tom Hardy's MVP of 2011 'Warrior' is also a bloody cocktail napkin love letter to the Swayze original, switching it up to key in Florida. Wipe yourself off, because it's getting hotter out here, in a Hawaiian shirt Tom Selleck would be proud of. Remember when Steve Carell told a neighbourly Mark Wahlberg to put a shirt on for his 'Date Night' with Tina Fey?! Well, he forgot to tell Jake to button his up. As the great actor ('Donnie Dark', 'Brokeback', 'Prisoners', 'Nightcrawler' and so much more) convinces us of his cool, but cruel hard-man, muscled up demeanour. Never once treating any of his projects like they are second rate to the Academy Awards he should garner, or the Batmans he should have played by now. See the ultimate Hollywood like character in the 'Spider-Man' sequel, or his 'Ambulance' joyride with Michael Bay. Something we all sorely needed the weekend after the Oscars, where Will Smith did a bad boy thing. Ring the alarm for this one and one of the legacy making Liman's diverse and best. The man who brought out some of Tom Cruise's modern day best has every right to be pissed. This maverick movie, that brings that 'Top Gun' like retro 80s nostalgia for the classics back, deserves to take off.

It's like the perfect Spring Break movie before the Summer blockbuster circuit that passes the bar that it hits. Miami muscles, lavish locations and more cocktails than Cruise are served up, but there's more to slide across the bar like a goon in an old western. Jake sells the hard stuff, and the Hollywood acting in this B-movie affair, like the time his Broadway 'Othello' co-star Denzel Washington (how good does this sound?) was 'Out Of Time', also in Florida...ALSO in a Hawaiian shirt with punch. Meanwhile, some other big names tout his legend. Austin Post, AKA Post Malone, becomes a movie, as well as a rock star in the opening octagon that gets real close and personal with the one-two punch handheld directing. He refuses to fight a kindly, charming Jake...and a troubling tragedy in his backstory, is why. One man who will fight him, or at least sick his dog on him like 'Stand By Me' is devilishly good 'No Time To Die' turncoat Billy Magnussen, all Jason Clarke in McConaughey's beachside 'Serenity'. And what a dog it is in UFC superstar Conor McGregor's acting debut. The "introducing" tag like Anna Chlumsky in 'My Girl' is hilarious, but yet what an introduction. The literal bare cheek of it all when the Irishman takes down everybody in burning sight with his naked ambition. Akin to Jason Statham's 'Fast and the Furious' opening, transportation that put everyone in the hospital exactly where they needed to be. The cinematic, charming and compelling Conor is also exactly where you never thought you'd be convinced he could be. But you know, the man whose suit pinstripes once read "f### you" has always craved a stage. Add 'Suicide Squad' star Daniela Melchior, 'Fantastic Beast' and 'Daily Show' senior correspondent Jessica Williams, and Joaquim de Almeida staying in sunnier and shadier climates after 'Fast Five', and this Hollywood heavyweight brings the big guns to the burnt down house. Like Frankie said, this is one for the road. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Road House (1989)', 'Southpaw', 'Warrior'.

TV REVIEW: THE GENTLEMEN - Season 1

3.5/5

The Covenant

8 Episodes. Starring: Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito & Ray Winstone. Created By: Guy Ritchie. On: Netflix.

Lock, stock, and one smoking pot farm. A month after the Japanese release of great Brit director Guy Ritchie's modern warfare with Jake Gyllenhaal, who also has a home for his 'Road House' remake vehicle on Amazon Prime this week, Ritchie strikes up a covenant with his 2019 movie 'The Gentlemen' in this Guy's eight-part wonder of a spin-off series on Netflix. And even though it's a little less than Jake, a major player from 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' pops up from the pill box in a gangster glam and grime series that is chock-full of classic cameos. But alas, there are no cameos from the 2019 caper of the same name. No Hugh Grant. No Colin Farrell pronouncing names wrong as he tells you to calm the "f", or something to that effect, down. Or Matthew McConaughey. But it's alright, times three. Even if 'The Gentlemen' season one on Netflix doesn't hit the heights of Charlie Hunnam shooting into the air like a Jonah Hill 'War Dog' in 'The Gentlemen' after telling some C U Next Tuesday that he couldn't back up a phone. He tried to be nice. And this series really is. Bringing out the stocked big guns with 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Mandalorian's' big bad Giancarlo Esposito like you hope the new X-Men does as Professor Charles Xavier. Not to mention the big smoke of the acting legend of London gangsterism, the Ray Winstone. As iconic and legendary as his palms out reaction to the interviewer who asked him if he'd rather win the Oscar for Best Actor or have West Ham win the Premier League.

You know the rest. Whilst we still hope to snatch a 'Sherlock' sequel to complete the trilogy of the classic sleuth incarnation we prefer to that other Avenger on the brilliant BBC series, Ritchie returns to the rich world he knows best. And to the manor born his royal appointment to the IP of his most original sequel of sorts makes him the lordship of the gold rings and brass knuckles. Downton Abbey this is not, even if the lines are blurred with this little old house in the country that serves as an Oasis to all those popular Brits who wish they were made for more than Chelsea or 'The Riot Club'. Scoff at these toffs all you like, but this affair is more like the jewels of 'The Crown' meeting the housing estate chav beginnings of 'Kingsman', before Giancarlo brings the American 'Statesmen' class. Better get your Argyle and crushed leather ready like Henry Cavill, because this show serves as 'The Divergent Series', 'The Witcher' and 'London Fields' star Theo James' Bond audition. Even though our new 007 may have already been cast quicksilver faster than you can say, "I thought it was gonna be Idris". Theo's terrific take on the classic British gentleman with more hiding behind the crawl space of his closet of brogues is one of such restrained dignity, you feel like you've seen him before, even if, like me, you haven't watched 'The Divergent' films yet. He has so much presence. Subtle in its power. A star of the future that you feel like has been in bigger roles. But this is it. He actually started his career in an abbey more Downton than this downtown character too.

Next to this James that would be King like a Cavalier, not to mention all the big names and familiar faces showing up in this Ritchie legend, you need someone who can hold their own. And stealing the series, 'Skins' star Kaya Scodelario has plenty of that in this game, working Theo like the godmother that this queenpin could be. Scodelario has shown up in prominent parts of the 'Maze Runner', 'Resident Evil' and 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' franchises, but now, like James, this is where she will make her name. This power, will they be a couple, or just business partners, will soon make you forget about all the big names from the 2019 picture that are missing like the bottom of the Thames. But what a sequel movie smash-up they would all make in this legacy. Especially with royal f### up, but comic relief of Daniel Ings ('The English Game', 'Black Mirror') dancing like a subservient chicken whilst a classic character actor looks on with a perfect Scouse accent like you didn't think he had another level like a 90s British R&B group straight outta London. Not to mention 'The Tudors' and 'Maybe Baby' joy of Joely Richardson and one big Guy name that does make it back to Ritchie's canon holding a smoking shotgun as this country mansion's groundsmen with the best name for a pet hedgehog. When 'Lock Stock' first came out, with two shotguns held up like swords, former Wimbledon FC footballer Vinnie Jones became a movie star like the time of London's crime syndicate became cinematic like De Niro and Pacino. Thanks to Ritchie. Vinnie had Hollywood by the balls like Peter Beardsley. He was even the Juggernaut, b####! But how good it is to see him back where he belongs with these gangsters and gents. This gentleman's agreement, with all that came, before is a firm handshake that looks forward to the next time we meet. Your Grace. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Gentlemen (2019)', 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels', 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant'.

MOVIE REVIEW: TAYLOR SWIFT - THE ERAS TOUR (TAYLOR'S VERSION)

  

4/5

The Americana Dream.

211 Mins. Starring: Taylor Swift. Director: Sam Wrench. On: Disney +.

Tokyo, Japan. The middle of February means Valentine's Day (fun fact, in Japan, February the 14th is the day when women attempt to woo men like a leap year. Whereas, one month later on 'White Day', the men reply with a gift. Talk about getting left on read). Football fans know different, though. On any given Sunday in February, it's Super Bowl time. And as Taylor Swift played almost a week's worth of shows in the Rising Sun's capital, many 'Lovers' wondered whether she would make it back in time for the Sunday showcase featuring her partner, Kansas City Chief tight-end Travis Kelce. Especially with the last show on Saturday night. But the superstar, hero and biggest star on the planet did like only she could...and of course time zones would allow. But I wouldn't put it past Swift being able to go back in time as she brings all her eras back, like re-recording her albums so she could own it all in a master move. The same way the "Swiftenomics" of the biggest tour of all-time has stimulated the American economy (we need that here in Japan too). Prior to all this, the Japanese government had even issued a Taylor made official deceleration on paper that the Super Bowl would not get in the way of the singer performing the entirety of her Tokyo leg, day-by-day. An album announcement as big as best baseball player Shohei Ohtani (check out his Disney doc 'Beyond A Dream') revealing his wife to be Fujitsu Red Wave basketball star Mamiko Tanaka (expect a Kelce wave of fame now) also came in Japan for 'The Tortured Poets Department' (best Wes Anderson movie name ever). This is just how big Miss Americana is. She's an international incident. You could just tell from the legions of fans queueing up like only the Japanese could in a merch line that would equate to most major groups gig lines for the first day of sales of the actual tickets. And for those who couldn't cop a last minute one (hands up), for reasons we won't get into, they congregated and sang together outside, making new friends and memories in beautiful moments that showed how much Swift really does break down barriers, even in a socially shy land like Japan.

The Swifties were out in full force in the Far East like only a BTS Army could match for the biggest act in pop, whose still a little bit country, like a diamond Shania Twain, and one of the best folks in the biz. If you missed out on 'The Eras Tour' in any arena (it's just wrapped up a spot in Singapore), and even the cinemas that became concert halls for the sold out shows of the movie, you can now catch it with Mickey Mouse in the comfort of your own home and laptop speakers that can still bring the full force of all the power she had to bear on the jumbotrons of football stadiums she touched down in all around the world before she embraced her beau after his big win. Disney + is now the home for the three and a half hour epic 'Eras' show, making sure no one will miss this one of a kind event. To watch crimson and clover until your heart's content. Following 'Folklore' behind the scenes tales on Disney, and the Netflix 'Americana' standing next to Beyoncé's and a 'Five Foot Two' Gaga, this is the best concert film available to stream since BTS gave you 'Permission To Dance'. Directed by Sam Wrench, this AMC and Cinemark Theatres landmark hit is as cinematic as the biggest blockbuster of last year ('Barbenheimer' we're looking in your direction). And when Taylor makes her epic 'Eras' entrance underneath some Las Vegas like showwomanship, it's like a superhero entered the picture as she really sticks the landing. Mining heartbreak into gold.

And this Elvis will never leave the building, as she makes planet earth her residency like a Hollywood star in the 90s when we were more concerned about what was on the big screen than what was reflected on our "smart" ones. Those major film studios that passed on this distribution might want to order a plate of humble pie the next time they book a table at Planet Hollywood. They needn't have had reservations. Outside of 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie's' world, this has done the popcorn business. It would have been the biggest Marvel movie of the year from the star who is rumoured to play Lady Deadpool in the forthcoming 'Deadpool and Wolverine' film starring her friend Blake Lively's husband. Another friend joked with Swift about all the albums she didn't tour, making some of her best, folky work during our socially isolated pandemic. "What are you going to do, tour them all and do three-hour shows?" Responding like Nashville's Man In Black Johnny Cash when told it looks like he was going to a funeral, "exactly". Swift got her Springsteen at sixty on and brought each and every house down, night after night, after night. And you can see the California love of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood here for your inspiration. I mean, this is a major player who even has a banner in the Lakers arena, presented to her by the late, great Kobe Bryant, even before one of his two jerseys made it up to those rafters he raised 'chips in. This cinematic rendering like a Beyoncé 'Renaissance' is a revelation that even impressed Oscar winning director Christopher Nolan who had the best film of the year. And now, like 'Oppenheimer' showing in Japan this month after the controversy and sensitivity, you can finally see what we missed. Classic choreography of all the Taylor made hits and star power of pop and perhaps now movie's biggest star. The trend these days may be to call everything an era (even your fashion choices and life decisions), but none is quite like Taylor's version. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Taylor Swift-Miss Americana', 'Taylor Swift: Folklore (The Long Pond Studio Sessions)', 'BTS: Permission To Dance- On Stage LA'.

REVIEW: DUNE - PART TWO

4/5

Dunesday.

165 Mins. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling & Javier Bardem. Director: Denis Villeneuve. In: Theatres.

It's sands of time, you jumped on the 'Dune' buggy bandwagon. Coming out of the pandemic, 'Arrival', 'Sicario' and 'Blade Runner 2049' director Denis Villeneuve refused to take HBO to the Max and let his big-screen (now we know it as) 'Dune: Part One' to be a victim of the home cinema, small-screen streaming surge during our social isolation. It's the same reluctance that led 'Interstellar', 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight's director Christopher Nolan to take his ball and go to Universal after a long relationship, from 'Memento' to 'Tenet', with Warner Bros. Now Nolan may finally receive his overdue Oscar for 'Oppenheimer', you can see vivid shades of him in Villeneuve, all the way down to the former Legendary Pictures production company and stirring scores from the great Hans Zimmer. The John Williams of our time, like Nolan, is Spielberg. The redefining, Denis has turned brilliant blockbusters into an art form, with a poet's eye behind the camera for science-fiction epics that border on the Biblical. Such is the nature of our futures, prophesied from our collective pasts and paths. Philip K. Dick's electric dreams would be proud, like they would have been of the French-Canadian's beautiful 'Blade Runner' sequel. But this is Frank Herbert's ancient tome, first took on by David Lynch in 1984 of all years, and now brought to searing screens with boundless beauty of compelling cinematics.

IMAX. Dolby Atmos. Experience it everywhere, except for your smartphone screens. Because 'Dune: Part Two' is a superb sequel worthy of its predecessing, outstanding original. Deeper and darker as it sets up the messiah, even if your protagonist is denying it like Monty Python. Turns out he really is a very naughty boy. Timothée's terrific take on Paul Atreides is worthy of all (with much respect to the Twin Peaks' of Kyle MacLachlan, damn good acting), even if the charming Chalamet's compelling descent, walking the fine line between darkness and light, may leave some adrift in the desert. Not 'No Country For Old Men' and 007 villain legend Javier Bardem, mind. His belief to the word is his bond. He's obviously never seen Python, but as he rides snakes in the sand (I need that therapeutic thumper to help me sleep) that redefine cinematic creature features, he doesn't waste a word like he urges everyone to hold their water. Just like you should in this almost longform three-hour runtime. But what of the Beyoncé famous Zendaya in this renaissance? After her teased appearance in the first part that was akin to the awakening force of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker up on the hill, she's here, clear and present in the danger of the war to come and what it will do to the men, women and children waging it. The 'Euphoria' and 'Spider-Man' star has always been a bigger name than her projects, but now she's here in the best of her biggest movies.

Bene Gesserit, scary, but sometimes hilarious, tones (I wish I had that voice when teaching) I can also speak that truth into existence for the power of the great Rebecca Ferguson. A star who was dubbed as the next up after stealing the show in 'Mission: Impossible' and Hugh Jackman movies made her 'The Greatest Showman'. Now, alongside the 'Dead Reckoning' of last year's 'M:I', she holds the keys to many a major franchise. And here with an inked face and Gesserit regalia, she looks like royalty, like the legendary Charlotte Rampling. Add the returning villains of Dave Bautista and Stellan Skarsgård, and the Thanos turned hero of Josh Brolin (a surprise spoilt by the trailers, but still a sweet payoff when you see it emotionally play out on film) to the mix (and check out his enchanting 'Exposures' behind the scenes photo album with Greig Fraser) and all is forgiven for the thanks given to the three barrelled names of 'Beau Is Afraid's' Stephen McKinley Henderson and newbie Tim Blake Nelson hitting the cutting room floor. But just you wait for an undeniable, uncredited cameo. Newcomers include a Zendaya more to come, chain-mailed Florence Pugh, an incredible Léa Seydoux, a pivotal Souheila Yacoub, and the legendary Christopher Walken. But it's the shaved head and 'brows of Austin Butler's knife licking villain that really steals the show and seals the deal. Especially when 'Elvis' leaves the building and enters a noir 'Gladiator' arena in artistic black and white. As deadly as a scorpion with a Sting in his tale. 'Part Two' of Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' saga promises us to be the Godfather of cult classic trilogy adaptations like 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'Planet Of The Apes', or Nolan 'Knight'. But if we are really to believe in the rumoured 'Messiah' to come, it's time to put two hands together and bow down on our knees. For 'Dune' to be definitive in blockbuster and movie making lore, it has to reach the most high. The tree and water of life. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Dune: Part One', 'Dune (1984)', 'Blade Runner 2049'.

REVIEW: SPACEMAN

4/5

Skinny Love.

107 Mins. Starring: Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, Isabella Rossellini & Paul Dano. Screenplay: Colby Day. Director: Johan Renck. On: Netflix.

Intergalactic Christ. By the end of the Babylon zoo that is 'Chernobyl' and 'Downloading Nancy' Swedish director Johan Renck's 'Spaceman' on Netflix, 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Dumb Money' star Paul Dano sweetly and hauntingly addressing you as a "skinny human" will be part of your love language. And just wait until that tentacle like leg reaches out for a heartbreaking embrace. Tentacle? That's right, riddle me that! This is the man whose character once wrote love into his life for 'Ruby Sparks'. The Riddler of 'The Batman' who even penned a graphic novel on the iconic villain he redefined like Ledger. Now, he plays a creature in this feature that looks too good to spoil, but is in fact a spidery octopus that shares similarities with the real 'Enemy' of Jake Gyllenhaal at the end of that 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve film. This frightening at first, but then fond arachnid even looks like him in the same vein that Josh Brolin sort of looks like Thanos. Vivid voice acting like 'Dogman' Caleb Landry Jones as the titular robot in Tom Hanks' 'Finch', Paul somewhat steals the show in what is essentially an Adam Sandler movie, lost in space and love with who Dano directed alongside Gyllenhaal for 2018's best 'Wildlife' look of the sort of human nature that even had MJ asking "why"?

If you believe they put a man on the stage that could moonwalk, then this is the movie for you. Based on the 'Spaceman Of Bohemia' book by Jaroslav Kalfař, this is one of Netflix's more nuanced and nicer movies in a glut of Oscar bait and big budget crowd (dis)pleasers. At the edge of our solar system, there are plenty of cerebral astronaut dramas as lonely as Matt Damon's 'Martian'. Specifically, the 'Solaris' and 'Ad Astra' of Damon's respective 'Oceans' co-stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Yet this is the only one that can hit the 'Interstellar' levels of Nolan's genius, with even more heart and Max Richter music off he scale like Zimmer. Just like there are plenty of 'Punch, Drunk Love' serious Sandler films playing straight for 'The Wedding Singer', 'Waterboy' and 'Happy Gilmore' (let's have a hand for the late, great Carl Weathers. Rest peacefully) comic legend. From the first film to really deal with the trauma of 9/11 in 'Reign On Me'. To the undeniable anxiety attack that was 'Uncut Gems' from the Safdie siblings. Even Netflix's basketball 'Hustle' last year balled with all of Sandler's 'Murder Mystery' and 'Ridiculous' movies as part of his deal with the streaming service. But here, the best of our 'Funny People' gets to show how serious he can be as he stirs us in the compelling craft of what seems to be a solo mission. Yearningly lonely with sallow skin, sunken eyes and dreams, Adam amazes in what a lesser actor would leave us yawning at. Adam Sandler belongs with the greats. Especially as he has shown us another note in how he can balance the two sides of life's divine comedy and great tragedy like no other. This spaceman that says, "it's all in your mind", kills it like Brandon Flowers.

Down back to earth and reflected in the black mirror of this science fiction, Carey Mulligan again show promise like no other young woman in this industry. Dealing with a loss of love and limited script and screen time with ample acting. A true, 'Maestro' following her Oscar nominated Bradley Cooper movie (also on N) with another award worthy performance that inspires the same isolation as Dano's 'Wildlife' amongst the raging fires of a hell hath scorched earth and a scorned marriage in all its restrained fury. Conducting herself with conviction in the face of the uncertainty of both love and life itself. With an adapted screenplay from Colby Day, 'The Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar explodes in this science. Whilst Swedish 'Chocolat' star Lena Olin adds even more gravity to this ground control. But it's the iconic Isabella Rossellini (who still has the greatest sitcom cameo ever, friends) who gives legend to this space genre legacy making movie. Out of this world, but brought right back down to earth with that familiar this of the life you thought you knew's disappointment, 'Spaceman' is a sobering solar system of stars, memories and multiverses. Showing us in this day and age where we untether ourselves from everything except our tech, it's high time we began to reach out again. Because, after all, you know what happens when you shoot for the moon. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ad Astra', 'Interstellar', 'The Martian'.

REVIEW: ARGYLLE

3.5/5

Argyles Or Brogues?

139 Mins. Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Matthew Vaughn. In: Theatres.

"I know it's true. It's all because of you," sounds hauntingly reminiscent as it comes into play over 'Argylle', double-L, no sweater. The kind of record you feel you've heard before. As familiar as time. Surely this is a classic? Yep! From a long time ago? Nope! From the vaults, this is the recently unearthed John Lennon vocals from 'Now and Then'. And now The Beatles have officially licensed their music for movies, this is a testament to just how iconic this simple and sweet melody truly is. Even if it is almost used to overkill like a 'Titanic' tribute in 'Kick Ass' (speaking of a 'Nowhere Boy') and 'First Class' X-Men director Matthew Vaughn's new graphic novel ultraviolent movie following in the blade running steps of his big-three 'Kingsman' movies. Sofia Boutella's even here, too. Amongst classic cameos from everybody from Rob Delaney, to Jing Lusi over the fireworks of a Hong Kong skyline, and more we shouldn't say. Comic set-pieces that follows the vintage and vibrant patterns of Vaughn, that also takes hues and cues from everything from Melissa McCarthy's unlikely but undeniable 'Spy', to the Austin Powers franchise, shagging 007 for more shaken and stirring references to this game of raised glass goodbyes. Time to propose a toast for the man who would be Bond. Word is.

Superman may not be returning for James Gunn's 'Legacy', but in this witching hour, Henry Cavill is crushing it in a velvet suit and a haircut Biff from 'Back To The Future' would be proud of. Just like he did in Guy Ritchie's 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' that needs a sequel and partner recast. A second Sherlock is a super sleuth here, much like fellow great Brit Jude Law's American playing 'Spy', that also served as his James Bond audition. You can't deny the cavalier Cavill's charm and compelling charisma, even though he isn't really here, despite the fact that he's front and centre on his character's namesake's poster and promotional photos. He's a figment of your imagination. Or more, Bryce Dallas Howard's. The real star of this picture alongside the scene stealing, and all Fallon like dancing, real spy Sam Rockwell. Rocking it with the set chemistry and the one-two punch, perfect interplay with Cavill as fantasy and reality blends together like the truest lie from the bigger bridge that divides greater spies and their real lives for good. We all know Howard can direct like her father Ron, she's given us the best episodes of 'The Mandalorian', like she did playing the protagonist in the most liked 'Black Mirror' one. But can she get her J.K. Rowling one on and write a bestseller? You bet! So much so, this fan fiction walks the line of real and fake so finely. Armed with a cool cat, 'The Lady In The Water' reaches new depths. Flushing any previous doubt, BD Howard takes those heels off and throws them away, sticking it to those 'Jurassic World' haters who said you couldn't get a woman who does both.

This epic espionage ensemble action comedy also features small but significant roles from the amazing Ariana DeBose and singer Dua Lipa in a dance with Supes straight out of the 'Pulp Fiction' play book. At times, you wish their inspired intro was the real movie itself (spin-off prequel of sorts anyone?). Especially when the always welcome John Cena comes in with a Magnum P.I. shirt to make the peace with the former cape flying moustached man, minus the CGI. But it's the legend's that get it done. 'Home Alone's' very own Catherine O'Hara continuing her classic legacy now she's no longer up 'Schitt's Creek', dear. Best wishes to one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time in this era of modern families. Kind regards to the great Bryan Cranston too. Playing the 'Malcolm in the Middle', 'Breaking Bad' angles perfectly with a shotgun. And in this blunderbuss that packs everything but rock salt, you can't forget Vaughn favourite Samuel L. Jackson with a man cave any Laker fan would be proud of amongst all the vino. You know that jersey of his friend Magic Johnson is real. This marvellous Marv movie, with music from the fab four and a side deal with Apple movies, makes a statement by rolling the dice on some major world building. Stick around after the last orders of credits. There are more books to come from the spy who read me. Don't sweat it. It all comes together like a pair of socks under some slacks and your Sunday best pair of shined shoes. Don't like it? 'Argylle', f### yourself! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'The King's Man', 'Spy'.