TV REVIEW: ERIC - Miniseries

4/5

Looking For Eric.

6 Episodes. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Gaby Hoffmann, Ivan Morris Howe, McKinley Belcher III & Clarke Peters. Screenplay: Abi Morgan. Director: Lucy Forbes. Created By: Abi Morgan. On: Netflix.

If you thought Deadpool rolling around Coney Island with a bunch of imaginary friends was weird (what's in that chimichanga?) for Ryan Reynolds' latest family film. Then just you wait until you see Doctor Strange sleuthing around Manhattan like 'Sherlock' with a seven-foot-tall puppet named 'Eric'. That's the premise for the new Netflix miniseries starring Benedict Cumberbatch, with a Strange accent intact, for this look at the real New York City in the 'Stranger Things' 1980s. 

Strange days indeed, as this British psychological thriller set in a rotting Big Apple pulls all the strings. That's thanks to Abi Morgan's ('The Iron Lady', 'Shame', 'Suffragette') scripted classic creation of a dark drama being directed by the pure poetic lens of Lucy Forbes. But even with his hands up a puppet's backside like a muppet, Benedict is at his best once again as a distraught father named Vincent. Just like the ever versatile actor (we're still screaming for his Khan in 'Star Trek: Into Darkness') was in Netflix and Wes Anderson's adaptation of iconic author Roald Dahl's short-story 'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar'. Or fellow TV serials, for 'The Imitation Game' and 'The Hobbit' star, like 'Patrick Melrose' or that BBC deerstalker. Here, he gets into the grit and grime of NYC and a home life that doesn't match the television career he set alight. Mastering the world of puppetry, but not what goes below and behind the scenes in his own.

Bearded, bespectacled and in a dank coat heavier than the burdens he bears. Not once do you accuse him of taking his missing son (introducing Ivan Morris Howe), even if he bears a resemblance to Stanley Tucci in 'The Lovely Bones'. Some suspicion is thrown the way of the great Clarke Peters, but 'Da 5 Bloods' and 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' scene-stealer excels once again, as he elicits more sympathy than the strained situation in a sleepless city that moving a mile a minute could care less. Thank goodness for the cop on the case in McKinley Belcher III. The 'Mercy Street' actor is already a beat cop veteran thanks to the outstanding 'Ozark' (also on Netflix), but after his police pursuit here, you'll never want him to turn in his badge and gun.

Vincent's volatile behaviour abuses substances and his co-workers for a toxic workplace that doesn't play out on the screens that sing 'Good Morning Sunshine'. The 'Idea Man' of Jim Henson on a Disney Plus documentary, this is not. No more is this felt than at home with a long-suffering wife who has also lost a son, even if the law enforcement even dismisses her two cents when trying to gauge the whereabouts of the boy she birthed. The great Gaby Hoffman, in a role just as real, earned and felt as Benedict's, really evokes all this. She's not standing next to some trippy, tricked-out puppet, but on her own two feet. Even if she's sick to her stomach with all of this as she vomits on the sidewalk. Hoffman began her Hollywood career being taken care of by the likes of the late, great John Candy's 'Uncle Buck'. But recently she's made her own name, more than just one birthed in 'The Andy Warhol Diaries'. Whether it be in the 'Winning Time' with the Los Angeles Lakers in an executive position, or holding her own in black and white with Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. C'mon, C'mon, let's see whose really making this puppet talk. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Sherlock', 'Maniac', 'IF'.

REVIEW: IF

4/5

What If...?

104 Mins. Starring: Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. & Steve Carell. Written & Directed By: John Krasinski. In: Theatres.

If you could meet one of your fondest friends from childhood again, who would it be? The kid that sat next to you who picked their nose? Maybe, the school bully who was mean to you because they actually liked you? Or how about that purple blob that looked like Barney meets McDonald's purple Grimace...wait...what?! That's 'IF' for you. The new movie from director John Krasinski, part passion project for his kids. What else could dear John ('Jack Ryan', 'The Office') make for his and his wife Emily Blunt's kids? It's not like they can show them the 'Quiet Place' saga before bed.

A new 'Day One', produced by the pair, is about to make noise in the Summer blockbuster circuit. Going up against the Marvel machine of 'Deadpool and Wolverine'. Here, an NSFW Ryan Reynolds plays it as safe as PG-13 houses, smarting up with braces and a Krasinski beard. This and an A-list cast, all on their A-game in this epic ensemble, not to mention some classic cameos too real to reveal, is enough to get over the fact that Blunt and Krasinski won't be returning for 'A Quiet Place: Day One', let alone the 'Fantastic Four' film that was teased with a classic cameo in this multiverse of madness. Never mind, they still exist in that world. And besides, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are going to own it. Just like the Human Torch of 'Stranger Things' star Joseph Quinn will in this and the 'A Quiet Place' prequel too.

The charming Canadians Reynolds is all pure star power in a fabulous family film that will remind you of when movies were made to be magical. Bringing it all back like it does the inspired illuminations of New York's Coney Island candy land. You'll feel all warm and fuzzy as hearts soar and tears fall (I was in bits watching 'IF'). The trademark humour from the other Ryan is there, along with some from John, who goes back to his 'Office' days in more ways than one. All as the 'Aloha' and 'Monsters University' star shows he's the best actor to director since Ben Affleck. Let alone the most versatile, as this kid's film, from the guy who previously had you checking for what's under your bed, reminds us of 'Mad Max's' very own George Miller going to the city with a pig called Babe. But that'll do.

The real star of the show is 'Walking Dead' family member Cailey Fleming. After playing younger versions of Disney characters like Star Wars' Rey ('The Force Awakens') and Marvel's Sylvie ('Loki'), Cailey really comes of age here in this heartbreaking and healing film. She's amongst legendary company, too. Whether that be the great Fiona Shaw ('Killing Eve', 'Three Men and a Little Lady') fresh off her descent into the wilderness for 'True Detective: Night Country' (I am impressed, 'Spartacus'). 'Fleabag' favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge after her adventure with Indy. Krasinski's old boss, Steve Carell in his most magical movie since 'Welcome To Marwen', all before 'Despicable Me 4'. And the late, great Louis Gossett Jr. ('A Raisin In The Sun', 'The Color Purple'), who this movie is dedicated to in loving memory.

'IF' in all caps is all about imaginary friends, and what all of them and this stands for. Our collective, lost childhoods, swept away by responsibility and the great power of what love and life does when it disappoints us. But we, like this film, can find that glow again as this one reaches out with the best live-action and CGI animation you've seen since Reynolds' 'Free Guy' video game life, either James or Jordan's 'Space Jam', and the original legacy made when they framed Roger Rabbit. Not to mention, a terrific Tina Turner tribute, rock and rolling like a Blue Brother. A cute and cuddly mascot to deal with your emotions, like Benedict Cumberbatch's much darker 'Eric' on Netflix, or Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'. 

What if, 'IF' was a Disney movie. Because it certainly feels one. And it's got enough star power with a cast of characters ready to become collective classics. "Keith", by the way, is a hilarious running in-joke by Ryan Reynolds, joined in by John. Still, sadly, this is the type of big picture that could get lost in the summer shuffle. Especially with everybody keeping quiet, waiting in place for all the big blockbusters, like the merc with the mouth. But just those who missed out wait. They may find this film on television, or in a streaming swipe around about Christmas, where the magic of this movie belongs. My friends, imagine. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Free Guy', 'Inside Out 2', 'Eric'. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: 'THANK YOU, GOODNIGHT - THE BON JOVI STORY' Miniseries

4/5

Blaze Of Story.

4 Episodes. Starring: Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald & Phil X. Director: Gotham Chopra. On: Hulu & Disney +.

"It's like Babe Ruth said", a young Los Angeles Laker and NBA great Kobe Bryant told an interviewer. "You swing big, and you miss big." Jon Bon Jovi, recovering from vocal surgery, is watching Tiger Woods play. The great golfer is attempting a comeback after his own trip from the brink and back surgery. Trying to master his game before hanging his hat with his clubs and green jackets. He doesn't quite make it to the cup. Like a ballplayer with an Achilles heel, or a rocker without a voice.

It's 40 years to 'Forever' and the 'Legendary' Bon Jovi is staring down the barrel of his career as he stands at the intersection of a black and white New York City street with his band's jacket on his back. Will they tour again, that's the Shakespeare. Living on more than a prayer. Well, we all know now, that hell for leather yes is the answer for Bon Jovi's forthcoming tour. But will it always be the same? Or will this be a farewell tour that goes out in a blaze of glory. Because that's the question in the new Hulu and Disney + four part miniseries documentary that feels like the Chicago Bulls' 'Last Dance' for Bon Jovi. Watching the 'Elvis' movie, wondering whether this is his Las Vegas residency. It's now or never, as they release their latest, and one of their greatest albums in the sweet sixteenth of 'Forever'. Will they be able to keep it together and keep the faith? Or will this be the swansong across the nation and watching world when Bon Jovi finally says, 'Thank You, Goodnight'?

This Bon Jovi documentary stars, of course, Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald and Phil X. Not to mention some special guests we simply won't spoil in testimonial and tribute to this Hall of Fame act. Just like a fellow Jersey boy who came up from the Meadowlands to bloom across stadiums across the world like it was the boardwalk (too much...you got it already, didn't you?). These four...formidable and compelling chapters of 'The Bon Jovi' story are directed by Gotham Chopra, a director more known for movies like 'The Love Guru' and 'Bulletproof Monk'. But before you say, erm, just watch and rock. Besides, the coolest name ever in Gotham, executive produced top doc's like 'The Game That Changed Everything: Yankees vs. Red Sox '04 ALCS', 'Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey', 'Goliath' (a Showtime special about the big basketball great, Wilt Chamberlain), 'Searching For Shohei: An Interview Special', and Tom Brady's 'Man In The Arena'. The sport analogies are sound. And you best believe they translate from the play book to the song one in Jon's back pocket.

From the salad days when every strand of Jon Bon's hair demanded its own curling iron, to going grey, yet wise and weary now, this show documents it all. Behind the scenes personal photos, videos, archive footage and found demos and finished songs from the cutting room floor that will complete the next anthology for the record. Bon Jovi are facing off with their own impermanence, all as they look for the immortality that comes with writing the next great American song. It's their life (BWAH, BWAH), and they're still living it to the full. Without the excess of drink and drugs. Even if divorce came their way as Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora ended their Lennon and McCartney, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid like perfect partnership. The band still rides, dead or alive, on a steel horse. What more could you want? Jon is just glad he's still full of "piss and vinegar" at 60. The type that comes with a trusty old coat as a pillow. Even if that blonde that gave him nightmares is on a lost highway. Life isn't all a bed of roses, but when it gets bad, this is the medicine, band and story to lay your hands on. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Last Dance', 'If These Walls Could Sing', 'McCartney 3,2,1'.

SHORT REVIEW: DONALD DUCK IN 'D.I.Y. DUCK'.

4/5

Duck It Yourself.

2 Mins. Starring: Clarence Nash. Screenplay & Director: Mark Henn. On: Disney +.

Quack, quack, quackery, quack. That's "Happy Birthday" in duck speak, as the Donald we actually like (apart from the Childish Gambino of Glover) reaches a milestone. Turning 90, as all the cards given out from the Disney Store tell us (thanks, Mika). A decade from a letter from the King and he still hasn't managed to put on a pair of pants. And we've asked him more times than Bradley Cooper's Phil did Alan in 'The Hangover'.

Bewildered like the late, lovely Matthew Perry's Chandler in 'Friends', who once wondered why Donald the Duck doesn't wear any pants, yet when he gets out of the shower, he always has a towel around his waist. Wonder's never cease, like why this 'Inferior Decorator', who can't even get the 'Dog Laundry' done (get a load of that) is trying his hand at being a 'D.I.Y. Duck'. Even if it has been almost 60 years since his last short. Appearing in 150 before all that.

Hammering a nail, we all know what it's like when something goes wrong at home, and we all think we're a dab hand at making it right. One things lead to another, and we end up putting the dry wall through as the snowballing ruining of our home, sweet home is like a cabin in the woods facing an avalanche paved by our good intentions. We all tried to save a buck. But really, should we have given a duck?

Fitting the bill in this Mark Henn scripted and directed farce, this is Donald at his disaster dastardly finest, rabbiting on like his luckier friend Oswald who had his own throwback short just two years back. The late, great Clarence Nash's translation is brought back for this testimonial throwback that reminds us of why we love Disney. Because even in a couple of minutes before bed, it still has so much character. 

Like those who live here in Tokyo (*COUGH* Chiba) and count on their luck of living so close to Disney, Land and Sea, those with Disney + know what the real deal is beyond a galaxy, far, far away and all the Simpsons shows and Marvel movies. It's the shorts, like the ones Mickey wears. From a 'Steamboat Willie', to having Donald rain on his parade with more hidden flutes than Ron Burgundy under his hat.

Why do it yourself, when you can get a duck to do it? Even if he is 90, he's still sprightly. Many happy returns and reruns to this Donald. Wish upon this star. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Ducking (and rabbiting): 'Oswald The Lucky Rabbit (2022)', 'Donald's Dog Laundry', 'Donald Duck, Inferior Decorator'.

REVIEW: ALL LIVES

4/5

Present Lives.

109 Mins. Starring: Satoshi Tsumabuki, Ken Watanabe, Tomoyo Harada, Aya Omasa, Hikari Mitsushima & Mitsuko Oka. Screenplay: Eriko Kitagawa. Director: Ryuichi Hiroki. On: Netflix.

TV Tokyo are celebrating their 60th anniversary with the release of 'All Lives' on Netflix. No, this is not a movie to get a trumped-up crowd excited from the title. More, it's one that shows those who are old still have a life, and it matters how we live it to the last. Whether we decide to use modern medicine to help us prolong every moment we have. Or if we decide instead to cherish every second that we have left. That's what Ken Watanabe's 'Old Man' ("Ossan") is facing as he takes a leap of faith, screaming with his arms out wide and hopping on the back of Satoshi Tsumabuki's moped like Julia Roberts does Tom Hanks' in 'Larry Crowne'. All for a lovely Japanese movie with subtle, but beautiful heart that reads the room like "mono no aware." What more could you expect, especially when the doctor's name is Sakura like falling cherry blossom?

Watanabe became worldwide, like 'Shōgun' star Hiroyuki Sanada, following 'The Last Samurai' of Tom Cruise. Since then, the 'Godzilla' star has been a big deal in Hollywood ('Letters From Iwo Jima', 'The Creator'), particularly with Christopher Nolan ('Batman Begins' and 'Inception'). Returning home with the recent likes of 'Fukushima 50', Ken just completed the superior second season of the novel adaptation of 'Tokyo Vice' on MAX. Only for it to be cancelled, which seems crazy. Hopefully, the journalistic and detective investigation into the yakuza will find a new home. Until then, recovering from scandal in Japan, he comes back to give us one of his best and most compelling performances to date. His character's health has become heartbreakingly brutal, yet his manner is still so tenderly beautiful, as his life is not past yet like an amazing A24 Korean-American love story set in New York City. 

Traversing the drops in the ocean in Japan, Watanabe finds gold and a lovely embrace with the star of the show Satoshi Tsumabuki. In a movie that reminds you of the fond French film 'The Intouchabes', 'The Assassin' actor who the West saw setting things off on 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift' deserves every honour, envelope and award for his deep bow to the art and life of what makes human dramas in Asia so much more nuanced and meaningful than they are in the movie world home of Hollywoodland. Scripted with wit and heart by Eriko Kitagawa ('Beautiful Life', 'Orange Days'), Ryuichi Hiroki ('800 Two Lap Runners', 'Ride Or Die') directs this definitive drama with a keen eye for what's to come in all our lives. Something that's captured beautifully by the legendary Mitsuko Oka. 

Even in its end, life is all about love, and that is shown through the 'Bread Of Happiness' of Tomoyo Harada. There's also strong support from Aya Omasa ('Paradise Kiss') and Hikari Mitsushima ('Love Exposure', 'Mary and The Witch's Flower'). The 'First Love' and 'Death Note' star's character will really leave a lump in your throat as she tugs at your heartstrings. Japan may be known for the vices of Tokyo and others like Osaka, but once you road trip through this great country and all the humanity that hides behind the faces you see in polite society, you will learn so much more about what their lives, and yours, mean. It's not just about the two men who ride off into the sunset, but when they do, it's time for us all to see a new day. One in which we all make our lives matter. Right in this moment. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Intouchables', 'Past Lives', 'Tokyo Vice'.

REVIEW: CHALLENGERS

3.5/5

Risque Business.

131 Mins. Starring: Zendaya, Josh O'Connor & Mike Faist. Screenplay: Justin Kuritzkes. Director: Luca Guadagnino. In: Theatres.

New balls please. The euphoria of a steamy, sweaty and sexy scene, that going viral, could even make Spider-Man blush, is matched by the tension on-court. The competitive juices of these 'Challengers' give you a satisfying climax in a three-way love triangle of toxicity that is so much more than a deuce. Let this nonlinear narrative be your cinematic service, this week in Japan, like the liberated 'Drive-Away Dolls' on the road. All as the Zendaya starred and produced 'Challengers', directed by the legendary Luca Guadagino ('Call Me By Your Name', 'Bones and All'), looks to do for the clay and grass courts, what 'The Last Dance' documentary and all the other basketball movies that tipped-off afterward have done for the hardwood. Speaking of which, even the holy tennis trinity of 'Wimbledon', 'Borg Vs. McEnroe' and the 'Battle Of The Sexes' couldn't compare to the lust for life and love of this big-three.

Hey, young world, do you remember what it was like when making the next shot and shooting yours was all that mattered? The anger and the angst and the love and the hate make this melodrama one of epic emotional stakes that's more than just the sport these three obsess over, just as much as they do each other...even if they'd be the last ones to admit it. There are only more racquets broken than hearts, as even John McEnroe himself would say this one goes over the line. The three in question, talking smack to each other, and complaining to a bewildered ref, Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist. Watch them, as your head goes back-and-forth between the shots they play.

That's all you need in this picture that keeps it in-between the lines, for some terrific tennis takes, first-person shooting and a worm's eye view for all you Instagrammers and influencers that like to talk about a POV. Scored by the Nine-Inch Nails of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who changed the game and their own one ever since they were gone, girl, the band reunites for the classic closing credits compelling chart-ready hit 'Compress/Repress'. Directed all perfectly by Guadagino with a slick poets eye for the substance of young love hiding behind the generations of sleazy swiping, hiding what really lies behind bruised egos and black and bloody hearts.

Zendaya is still the star of the moment, from the 'Spider-Man' series to HBO's 'Euphoria', and now she owns another game like MJ. Coaching and holding all the puppet strings, with one hell of a backhand, as she doesn't mince words or manipulated intentions. To say tennis serves her is the half-volley underplayed, underhanded shot of the year. No one has manifested the lights, camera and action on-court like her since Will Smith's Oscar winning 'King Richard'. Keeping hold of these bad boys who used to be ride or die (whatcha gonna do?). Forgot about the grass stains, young stud Josh O'Connor wants 'The Crown' and like his young Prince Charles portrayal on Netflix, he'll do anything to lift the jug-eared trophy. 

His signature serve looks like a king wielding a sword, too, ready to strike. Sleeping in his car instead of the one whose number he won, he's got nothing to lose, but everything to prove...to himself. Meanwhile, the sensitive soul of Mike Faist ('West Side Story's' Riff and Jack Twist in the West End version of 'Brokeback Mountain') will elicit your empathy, but are his intentions well, or just as cruel? With a line toeing screenplay from Justin Kuritzkes, this romantic sports drama is IN. All the way to the classic movie poster that staring down the sunglasses channels the 80s energy of Tom Cruise sliding through the living room in a shirt, underwear and tube socks for some 'Risky Business'. The ace in the hole to make tennis sexy like Fred Perry again? Challenge accepted. Game, set and match. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Battle Of The Sexes', 'Borg Vs. McEnroe', 'Wimbledon'.

REVIEW: DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS

4/5

The Pussycat Dolls.

84 Mins. Starring: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Joey Slotnick, C.J. Wilson, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp & Matt Damon. Screenplay: Ethan Cohen & Tricia Cooke. Director: Ethan Coen. In: Theatres.

Queer ride from the straight guy that will make some of the those drive angry, but...ugh...please. Enough of all that. This doll house from dynamic director Ethan Coen, cooking up a slick script with Tricia Cooke, is one hell of a trip on the road like 'Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas'. A modern day 'Thelma & Louise' with even more liberation for this 'Odd Couple' that pop the trunk and find a mysterious silver case, like 'Pulp Fiction'. But just wait until you see what's inside. The look on your face like the classic one in closing that breaks the fourth wall says it all. 'Drive-Away Dolls' (or its real name in reveal) is one of the tomato freshest and best movies of the year, and we're willing to bet what's in the box on that being so after the rest of the calendar, even though, like Bon Jovi, we're halfway there. With love to Henry James and those 'Europeans', this is the new American dream for the King Princess generation. And this sleigh ride starts this highway journey with a message on a bonnet about love.

Once upon a time in Hollywood, everyone wanted to ask Quentin Tarantino what was in his case from his 'Fiction'. Me and my cinema working buddies even got the chance about twenty years ago in a Virgin Records (feel old yet?) signing of his 'Death Proof' screenplay (which this movie takes throwback poster inspiration from). Although I asked him what Salma Hayek's toes taste like, which in reply he said, "pretty good, pretty good. If you ever get the chance, I recommend it" (Salma?). Barefoot and armpits run wild, one of the best actresses of the next generation, Margaret Qualley, made her mark 'Once Upon A Time' on Brad Pitt. And has been on a 'Maid' (with her mother Andie MacDowell on Netflix) and 'Poor Things' tear since then. This is her time as she takes the wheel in a solo Coen brother film that's still a buddy picture, thanks to the engagement of the great Geraldine Viswanathan. 

These 'Dolls' that show after 2018's 'The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs' stories on Netflix, Ethan can go it alone, just like Joel did for 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Especially with a little help from his friends like Matt Damon. Rounding out the veteran names alongside the likes of 'Rustin' and 'The Color Purple' man of the moment Colman Domingo, ever debonair, the always great Bill Camp, compellingly classic and even 'The Last Of Us' in Pedro Pascal. Rumour had it that Pascal wasn't always under the helmet of 'The Mandalorian' (we call bull### to that, he's committed) for one of a twofer of iconic, cult television show adaptations. And if that is enough to make you lose your head, just wait until you see this. Yet, despite an Academy of blockbuster names, not to mention a classic, uncredited came from one of musics finest in a trippy scene straight out of a Red Hot Chilli Peppers (no, it's not Flea, or one of them), video, it's the double acts that take this third act home. Even if a 'Booksmart' Beanie Feldstein, armed with a badge and a grudge, threatens to steal the show in every scene she goes crazy in love in.

True romance. Just like the star-beating goon squad of Joey Slotnick and C.J. Wilson, the best on your case since those laying in the wake of a 'Lucky Number Slevin'. This movie is quintessential Qualley, and her free, accented spirit is exactly what would have happened if Brad Pitt said yes to her indecent proposal. But it's all in the name of free love and a wild heart that know no bounds, or shame. There's more than one way to express your desires and lusts for life, and there's nothing wrong with what her great character does here. Especially as she tries to encourage that side out of her straight-laced friend, Geraldine Viswanathan, who doesn't play well with others...yet.

If you thought the new balls, please of Zendaya's 'Challengers' was risque business, also released in Japan, this week. Wait until you see the balls on a soccer team that blows the whistle on modern conventions of coupling. From a beautiful sexual awakening on a trampoline, to finding your home in someone else's heart, closer than you think, Viswanathan is a revelation. The amazing Aussie of 'Blockers' and 'Bad Education', who copped a Heath Ledger scholarship, rules. A Marvel 'Thunderbolt' comes next. But just wait until the one that comes here. Some head will roll, and in climax, you'll never look at Tallahassee, Florida the same way again. Drive my car, dolls. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Thelma & Louise', 'The Odd Couple', 'Pulp Fiction'.

REVIEW: FURIOSA - A MAD MAX SAGA

4/5

The Fast and the Furiosa.

148 Mins. Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Lachy Hulme, Elsa Pataky, Charlee Fraser & Alyla Browne. Director: George Miller. In: Theatres. 

Furiously stealing the show in the 'Fury Road' of the last 'Mad Max' saga from the great George Miller ('Babe: Pig In The City'), it was reported that the 'Atomic Blonde' gone bald of Charlize Theron didn't get on with Max himself, Tom Hardy. The bane of each other's lives, it's clear that one of those punches, that gave what for to Hardy's jaw, was not pulled. No love appears to be lost, but it's all heart between the portrayers of the titular character in the prolific prequel 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga'. Just like when Tom had the original 'Mad Max' franchise player Mel Gibson's blessing to go beyond Thunderdome like the late, great Tina Turner.

Spitting out the gas this guzzles in surprise, it's crazy to believe that in this vehicular manslaughter, it's been almost a decade since these warriors last took the road. You can see a highlight package in this film's closing credits, but save your time after, there are no scenes in post. Now, instead of a Hardy boy sequel (which we hope is still in the 'Wasteland' works under the hood), the mastermind Miller's masterpiece that threw Oscars in the trunk now takes it back for an outstanding origin story that crosses the finish line at the same time as its predecessor. Although, 'Fury Road' may take the podium in a photo finish.

It's Miller time again in a film that confirms this is one of Hollywood's greatest cult franchises, similar to how the simians of this summer's 'Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes' did to their own ever underrated, decades in the making series. Going apes### crazy over fists that band the dashboard with fury, this is what Diesel's 'Fast' team wishes they could be, as they're soon to be running out of road. Although this 'Mad Max Saga' does take a tool out of the hijack play book from the original of these fun films, when those government ops team ups used to boost DVD players instead of drive around in circles all the way to the moon. These movies, which were the ruling Aussies' answer to Kurt Russell's  'Escapes' from New York and LA, continue rolling into that rocking guitar god like a flute player in war snaps all his strings.

By George, who, at almost 80 years young, has given us everything from the 'Twilight Zone' movie to 'Happy Feet, they've got it again. Following his fabulous genie in a bottle (Idris Elba), rubbed the right way by Tilda Swinton last year ('Three Thousand Years Of Longing'), Miller gives us another love story, no lite work. But this time it's one in the war for our planet and every starved resource we strip, as this continuing saga holds up a dusty and dirty mirror that's cracked like the very scorched earth itself. Since the original madness took it to the max, there's been many post-apocalyptic films that have played pretend. From 'Death Race' and 'Tank Girl', to Denzel Washington's wonderful 'The Book Of Eli'. But none rewrite and rewire the action set-piece rule book quite like this. This super spin-off really grinds its wheels into the ground of Mother Earth like a motherf#####!

Beyond biblical, bold and beautiful, this almost three-hour epic, told in classic chapter, doesn't introduce us to the star of the show until over an hour into the movie, just like all the Hollywood greats. But once Anya Taylor-Joy ('Split', 'The New Mutants', 'Peaky Blinders') gets behind the wheel, you just know she's pulled up and arrived. After the wonderful work put in by Australian-Estonian actress Alyla Browne ('Three Thousand Years', 'Nine Perfect Strangers' and the daughter of Dr. Robotnik in the forthcoming 'Sonic The Hedgehog 3') as a young Furiosa (with the magnificent mothering of Charlee Fraser), Joy is inspired as the Imperator and lady vengeance herself. 

"I WANT THEM BACK" she demands on this road movie's trailer like she was shouting over a rock song as she puts the charger in drive and goes her own way. The best Anya this side of 'Spy x Family' with a metal arm was even willing to shave her head with a knuckle dusting knife for the role until Miller insisted her barnet was too beautiful. From Princess Peach on 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' and Netflix's massive miniseries 'The Queen's Gambit'. Rubbing oil across her forehead above those eyes, this is the best work to date on 'The Menu' of 'Emma' and the star of 'Last Night In Soho'. Burning with brimstone behind a cross, Taylor-Joy's fury has a lot to bear, though in the Queen's greatest gambit. For sure, you'll remember her.

It's far from a lovely day, or milk run with bottle war boys looking like Nicholas Hoult to boot. He's sadly missing, don't expect any face-to-face cameos, this was a different time to be alive. But the iconic looking Immortan Joe is back with the pre- and post-COVID mask to die for, as the legend of Lachy Hulme takes over from the late, great Toecutter of Hugh Keays-Byrne. The look that is served is so strong, no wonder everyone around him is rubbing their nipples with convenient shirts. Something still as unsettling as some of the graphic and gratuitous violence here. There's also love in times of chaos offered from fellow road warrior Tom Burke ('Mank's' perfectly cast Orson Welles), who has enough track for his own spin-off. 

Yet it's Australia's own God of Thunder Chris Hemsworth, monster truck rolling over his big blockbuster name in the trailer, who threatens to steal the show like Furiosa did from Max. All as his wife, 'Fast and Furious' star Elsa Pataky ('Poker Face') cuts two checks as two characters like the good ole days of movies, or Hugh in a dual role. Now, who do we have here and where is he going, drowning in bullets? Coming with his red cape, realms and chariots of chopper fire like 'Deadpool and Wolverine' are about to send up (LFG), this Summer, Hemsworth looks like Thor again, but this time, before the nose job! With no sign of hope on the road as a truly despicable and demented Dementor, you still ride with him. Ready. Steeady. GOOOOO! In a word: "Magnificent." TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Mad Max: Fury Road', 'Dune: Part Two', 'Deadpool & Wolverine'