DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BEATLES '64

4/5

Come Together, America 

106 Mins. Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr: Director: David Tedeschi. Produced By: Martin Scorsese & Margaret Bodde. On: Disney +.

JFK's immortal words in black and white begin this Beatles documentary after the iconic, green Apple Corps logo. All as legendary director Martin Scorsese (producing alongside Margaret Bodde), and the direction of David Tedeschi, step off the plane and into the lane of journeying through found footage to make movie like documentaries on the Fab Four. 'Beatles '64' finds Scorsese joining the likes of Peter Jackson ('Get Back') and Ron Howard ('Eight Days A Week-The Touring Year'), although this is Tedeschi's terrific testament. Even though it's a joy to see Marty joking around with Ringo Starr who describes arriving at New York's JFK perfectly, like an octopus. In the garden of the Big Apple, ''64' focusses on the time Beatlemania came to America. Right after President Kennedy was shot and the United States needed to find that sense of hope again, as everybody was screaming. The Beatles brought that back. Although in a very sobering and sad moment when it sets in, John Lennon was worried about the random violence there, that could happen at any moment.

Disney Plus stream their latest Beatle addition to the archive, this week, after the recently unearthed 'Let It Be' documentary this summer gone. Catching John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr's dynamite debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, this is a cultural moment to see just how epic entertainment can get when it moves people to dance, faint, and lose their minds as fans try to find their way through more hotel rooms than Booking.com. Yeah! Just when Macca's poppa wanted him and John to say, "she loves you, yes, yes, yes", instead of all that "American slang" making for one of the most lovely little titbits in this doc of personal stories and insights from not only fans around the world, but Paul and Ringo, too. Telling us exactly how it was and is, and revealing what they'd say to dear John and George if they were still here now. I know this much is true, this is as moving and as profound as their first track in decades, 'Now and Then' released last year because of a found Lennon vocal.

Three-weeks of history in a sixties February was made for a real era. This cultural document featuring archival footage captures the boys at their playful and carefree best, all whilst their wonderful work about love and wanting to hold your hand was crucified as devil's music by the press, priest and purveyors of the original cancel culture. Where all you had was newsprint, not 280 characters of social media to play with. And the hair, forget about it. It was so ungodly (even though the locks of Jesus (who The Beatles claimed to be bigger than, were longer), even though one fan still has wig memorabilia from back in the day, along with the side of his seat from the original Dodgers home of Queens' Shea Stadium. He didn't wear it then, and it's still in its plastic packaging, even though he, and me, could probably use it now. There are so many great tales here from American fans who describe The Beatles coming to America in the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination as, like, "a light coming on." You'll be moved to tears, too.

One fan and bandsman was so moved by it all he had to take a trip to Liverpool, to see where all of this came from, like a Cavern Club. He was denied entry when he hit the shores, and had to remain aboard a ferry that seemed like it would never cross the Mersey. He kicked up so much of a fuss that his story was put on the front page of the Liverpool Echo as he escaped to fulfil his Fab Four fate...and just wait until this 1964 documentary shows where all that led to. Scorsese and Tedeschi first bonded after David edited Martin's George Harrison documentary 'Living In The Material World', forming a friendship with George's wife Olivia Harrison. She produces this alongside Paul, Ringo, Marty, Margaret, Jonathan Clyde, Mikaela Beardsley and Sean Ono Lennon. Based off of Albert and David Maysles' original documentary 'What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.', and featuring terrific testimonials from the miracle Motown likes of Smokey Robinson and Ron Isley, just you wait until you hear the soundtrack, too. Not to be confused with the 'Beatles '65' album, this documentary is its own look at yesterday, that really has a hold on you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Beatles: Get Back', 'The Beatles: Let It Be', 'George Harrison: Living In The Material World'.

REVIEW: INSIDE OUT 2

4/5

Upside Down

96 Mins. Starring: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan & Paul Walter Hauser. Screenplay: Meg LeFauve & Dave Holstein. Director: Kelsey Mann. On: Disney +.

Marvel's 'Deadpool and Wolverine', streaming just a few weeks ago on Disney Plus, may be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and one of the most successful sequels of all-time, but Pixar's franchise pick, 'Inside Out 2' has the best joke. One that even the merc with the mouth couldn't talk his way out of. That's how much you'll fall for the sar-casm in this super sequel and summer sensation that is now streaming on Disney Plus too, just in time for Christmas. Amy Poehler, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black and Phyllis Smith are back as Riley's (Kensington Tallman) go-to emotions of joy, disgust, fear, anger and sadness. It's crazy, it has been almost a decade since the outstanding original 'Inside Out' movie and sensational short 'Riley's First Date?' Since then, these epic emotions have turned Disney Pixar upside down, as the lamplight has been shone on life and death (the stirring 'Soul'), not to mention puberty (the terrific 'Turning Red') and all the other 'Elemental' emotions we have inside of us. Ones we don't dare show to the outside world without some conversation over the console as our buttons are pushed.

So, it's been ten years and the ice hockey mad Riley has been going through some changes of her own, even if this franchise ages like 'The Simpsons' (Maggie is STILL in diapers after thirtysomething seasons?). So the first five emotions have some company coming off the bench. 'Stranger Things' are happening when anxiety makes a home like it does in all of this in this day and age. Stealing the show in voicing what looks like a McDonald's mascot left in the fryer (hey, that's what anxiety does to us), Maya Hawke is hallmark as the new front and centre with feeling emotion. After her amazing album ('Chaos Angel') came out just a month before, this was definitely her summer, before the new Hawkins favourite heads back to the Upside Down one more time, next year. But that's not all the Joy luck club have to bear with. Emmy sensation Ayo Edebiri will make you green with Envy at how much talent she has in her recipe book (let her cook). Whilst the great Paul Walter Hauser is just one big Embarrassment. It's Adèle Exarchopoulos ('Blue Is The Warmest Colour'), however, as the French accented Ennui who gets all the best lines...if only she could be nail-file bothered to deliver them.

Elsewhere, we have even more emotion for the life of Riley. She looks up to popular hockey player Lilimar, but that alienates her besties (Grace Lu, Sumayyah and Nuriddin-Green). Never mind her parents as the legendary Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan make for more iconic (like the San Fran postcards) post-credit dinner table conversations with all that's not being said, going on inside their heads. Scripted by the first film and 'The Good Dinosaur's' Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, 'Inside Out 2' marks the feature-length directorial debut of Kelsey Mann after he spiked the punch of the 'Monster's University' short 'Party Central'. Earning his keep as a Cartoon Network storyboard artist before moving 'Onward' with Pixar as a story supervisor. So, this sequel truly is a coming of age tale. One that validates all our emotions and devotions (wait until you see Mount Crushmore), not to mention our safe locked away deepest, darkest secrets and the cute cartoons of our childhood nostalgia, who may be the real new additions that shine like a Disney Cinderella castle firework coming up the falls. And with over a billion served, take that 'Deadpool 3', clawing at Wolverine's biggest fan, 'Inside Out 2' is in fact the highest-grossing film of 2024. Not to mention the all-time highest in animation (and eight wonder in all movies). You just can't get it out of your head. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Inside Out', 'Turning Red', 'Elemental'. 

REVIEW: THE PIANO LESSON

4/5

Plays In The Key Of Life

125 Mins. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler & Corey Hawkins. Screenplay: Virgil Williams & Malcolm Washington. Director: Malcolm Washington. On: Netflix.

Many heirlooms are passed down between family members, generation to generation. On the branches of the Washington family tree, nepotism is not one of them. Descendants of George Washington, Denzel and Pauletta's kids make their own luck. August Wilson was a prolific playwright. His ten plays and 'Pittsburgh Cycle' made real Tony actors out of the likes of Denzel Washington, Sam Jackson and an Oscar winning Viola Davis. Think of August as Tennessee Williams meets James Baldwin. Giving us the poetry of life's rich and most extraordinary moments, for better or worse, altar to hearse. After Wilson's far too soon passing in 2005, Washington was tasked with producing his plays and bringing them to movie theatres. Now, the Academy Award-winning actor ('Training Day', 'Glory'), who has a few films left in him before retirement (you might have heard of the one out now, plus the next 'Black Panther' and a couple more great 'Equalizers') is dedicating the rest of his life to August and everything after.

He already built 'Fences', acting and directing, like 'Antwone Fisher', one of the best pictures of his career (and this is a man who has done everything from 'Philadelphia' to 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth'), and then he produced 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' for Netflix, also starring Viola Davis, an incredible Colman Domingo and the Oscar nominated, late, great Chadwick Boseman. Now, Denzel, alongside friend Todd Black, produces 'The Piano Lesson' for the streaming service, which you should all recite your song sheets for. But that's where it ends for the G.O.A.T. You can see from his humility at the Toronto International Film Festival, or how he reacts to his introduction on the Netflix behind the scenes special 'The Piano Lesson: Legacy and a Vision', that this is not about him, but his kin and the incredible artists they have raised. The 'Malcolm X' stars son Malcolm Washington (producer of 'North Hollywood') makes his directorial debut (also produced by sister Katia Washington in this family affair), and one that confirms his as one of the best new and rising talents behind the camera. Cutting into this story concerning a piano decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. 

The directing child of Spike Lee and Terrence Malick, with this psalm in the tree of life, is a wonder. Co-writing this film with a script from the vivid Virgil Williams ('24', 'ER' and a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for Dee Rees and 'Netflix's' magnificent 'Mudbound'), adapted of course from August's wonderful work (Wilson's play has already been made into a 1995 T.V. movie starring Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard and Courtney B. Vance). From Broadway to a blockbuster Oscar, Washington reflects Wilson in a haunting heirloom as grand as the piano itself. Getting behind the notes and past the fringes of a stage setting, like fenced in other works on house arrest with some breaktime in the yard. Malcolm also knows how to bring the hereditary scares to this ghost of families past story. Although it's not done with hack Hollywood horror tropes. It's real. It's spiritual. Like the song they sing (or the ones the great Erykah Badu does here) knocking on wood, with a cross to bear. It's biblical. A lesson we could all do with learning in the aftermath of this great depression.

Read all about the GQ feature to get even more bonded with this family story. As Malcolm directs his own brother, John David Washington. Star of Spike Lee's incendiary 'BlacKkKlansman' (and also a brief role in 'X'), Christopher Nolan's terrific, but COVID quarantined 'Tenet', Netflix's 'Malcolm & Marie' in black and white with Zendaya, and most recently, one of the most original science-fiction future fables in 'The Creator'. Now, stepping out of his father's shadow, all whilst having epic echoes of his acting eternity and fraternity, not to mention his 'Ballers' status as the football star that almost made the NFL, John David could go toe-to-toe with his pop's scene-stealing turn in 'Gladiator II' for the acting Academy Award ace. His character's passion so palpable it gets under everybody in this movie's skin. All as he wants more in the game than just selling watermelons. The thousand yards of land in his stare out the window of his truck, looking all the way back to the past, showing just how better future focussed he is, and how worse off that could make him with those who are there through thick and thin.

Give him the glory. Unless his co-star Samuel L. Jackson (who dad has known since 1981's 'A Soldier's Play'), spinning yarn like 'The Hateful Eight', has anything to say about that. Denying him like he does the lifting of the titular piano. John David and Samuel L have been doing this for years on stage. But they even have their work cut for them when it comes to a scene owning Danielle Deadwyler ('For Colored Girls', 'A Cross To Bear'), or star of the future, Skylar Aleece Smith. Deadwyler with the power of her ancestors behind her, with a hand on her shoulder, won't give up the ghost. Then there is an unrecognizable Cyborg, in Ray Fisher's (an off-off Broadway veteran of the likes of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'King Lear') 'Of Mice and Men' like turn with dignity and respect. And Corey Hawkins ('The Color Purple', 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' and Will Smith's 'Six Degrees Of Separation' role on stage) going from Dr. Dre ('Straight Outta Compton') to the power of a preacher with a HELL YEAH! Yet, it's Netflix 'Rustin' actor Michael Potts, who brings this all together, like he does with Wilson's other work, or Glynn Turman does for 'Ma Rainey'. Everyone involved honours the work like ancestry does every member of the family. May the cycle continue to turn as this world and our lives do so too. Ashes to ashes. From the roots, to the bloom TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom', 'Fences', 'The Piano Lesson (1995)'.

REVIEW: BACK TO BLACK

3.5/5 

Always In Love With Amy

122 Mins. Starring: Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan & Lesley Manville. Screenplay: Matt Greenhalgh. Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson. In: Theatres.

Yes, yes, yes. Going 'Back To Black', one of the better biopics of recent memory, does justice to 'Amy, Amy, Amy'. The 'Rehab' ("no, no, no") sensational singer/songwriter we lost an unlucky and unbelievable thirteen years ago. To be 'Frank', 2023 Screen International 'Star Of Tomorrow' Marisa Abela (BBC Two and HBO's Industry' and Sky One's 'COBRA'), really is one and the amazing Amy in this movie that sits next to 'Judy' and the Aretha Franklin biopic with real 'Respect'. All before anything but 'A Complete Unknown', Timothée Chalamet, goes electric and eclectic for his forthcoming Dylan film. The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art alumni ('She Is Love') may not be a household name yet, but the Teen Talk 'Barbie' will be. Neither was Amy. Until the cover of her dynamic debut 'Frank' was plastered all over the sides of red London double-decker buses, much to the pride of her passing cabbie driving father. Lovingly played by the becoming legendary character actor Eddie Marsan. The bridge between the likes of Timothy Spall and Stephen Graham.

Sharing a voice, heritage and beautiful beehive with Amy, Abela is more than able to play the throwback talent of Winehouse, whose style aged like a fine wine in the cellars of real smoky soul from bars and concert halls of the past. Marisa manages to pay homage and respect to her muse, all whilst showing her own style and grace. This is no impersonation. It's impressive impressionism in this artful take on a young star, faded too soon, who knew the real writers and artists lay in the hard-worn margins and canvases of the past. Expect Marisa Abela to be a name you see in big budget blockbusters of the future like Cailee Spaeny ('Alien: Romulus', 'Civil War') after Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla'. Although Abela won't sell out for the industry money, just like Amy who only wanted to sing for those who could forget their troubles for a few minutes. Her impact on the world was just that profound, as 'Back To Black' and the classics like the title-track, 'Rehab', 'Love Is A Losing Game', 'Tears Dry On Their Own' (all performed with power here) and 'You Know I'm No Good' (and that classic Ghostface remix that killed it), not to mention Mark Ronson's 'Valerie', made sure this modern's icon's legend never would. Or will for that matter.

Hounded by the same paparazzi that drove Princess Diana to an early grave, Amy managed to overcome it all on her own. Drugs and drink. Depression, divorce and death. All before a tragic relapse after some truly terrible life turns took her young life after a long period of sobriety. The papers would print it different, but Winehouse was winning after playing the whole 'Love Is A Losing Game' hand that life cruelly deals to some of us. The kind of fickle fate those enamoured in bliss could never quite understand, and we would never wish it on. Burning from misery. Yearning for family. Above her heart, Amy had Blake's name inked in her skin and stitched into a pocket. And credit this controversial and complicated movie about an even more conflicted love story for not painting Winehouse's love like a villain for Hollywood storytelling. Amy wouldn't have wanted that. And great Brit actor Jack O'Connell ('Starred Up', 'Unbroken') gives us one of his most powerful performances since he took Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' to the West End with Sienna Miller. After his charming jukebox and pool pub introduction, you'll go through every level of emotion with him. And that's when you'll begin to realize all about what Amy went through.

Some say this biopic from the John Lennon 'Nowhere Boy' before he was famous, biopic director Sam Taylor-Johnson ('Fifty Shades Of Grey') is too safely sanitized. Yet they say that about all biopics of this brutal and beautiful nature, just like the wonderful 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody'. But this film only ever holds back out of respect, like most biographs of its type, something the newspapers could learn from. But right now they're taking it to Sam for her love with Aaron Taylor-Johnson. There are a lot of complications in this life, that we can't fully understand unless we're the people involved, but serious scriptwriter Matt Greenhalgh ('Control', 'Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool') tries to make sense of a stirring and sometimes sensationalized life story. Amy was a queen like Abela can become, and it takes one to know one like a sister act. As 'The Crown's' Princess Margaret, Lesley Manville steals the show, like she did in channelling fellow greats Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter for the hit Netflix Royal Family show for all you couch potatoes. As beautiful as scoring Nick Cave's 'Song For Amy', this outstanding ode ends on the high of a Grammy win, where the pure and innocent disbelief in Amy's eyes are captured perfectly. A moment, as she falls into her band member's embrace, that will live forever.  Just like those songs that will always help us forget all our troubles. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'A Complete Unknown', 'Judy', 'Priscilla'.

REVIEW: GLADIATOR II

4/5

Thumbs Up

148 Mins. Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Alexander Karim, Yuval Gonen, Peter Mensah, Tim McInnerny, Matt Lucas, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen & Denzel Washington. Screenplay: David Scarpa. Director: Ridley Scott. In: Theatres.

Gladiators ready! When it comes to these men in the arena, here's a sequel that's really worthy of the Roman numerals. One 24 years in the making...and well...worth...the wait. The new millennium 'Gladiator' epic, starring Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, remains a classic. Its legendary legacy you can see everywhere. Because what we do in life is even quoted on the arms of LeBron James like Biblical scripture. But which soldier of Rome will be The King in this Colosseum? One that's flooded with sharks and the jaws of monkey business. 'Gladiator II' really is a worthy successor to the Oscar gold leaf that was crowned before it. Of course, you're entertained. Achieving strokes of art from the canvas of its outstanding oil paint title sequence (if this was back in the day, it would be heralded like the 'Catch Me If You Can' iconic titles), to the grass of the last, lasting moment that will stay with you like dust brushed across your fingers and into the palms of your hands.

86-years-young, Ridley Scott is back in the director's chair like he is rarely for the sequels to his science fiction signatures ('Alien', 'Blade Runner'), despite their besting recent efforts. Although, the ageless auteur likes to go back in time to the historical epics ('The Last Duel') after reuniting with the thumb of Joaquin Phoenix for their brilliant 'Napoleon' biography last fall. Enlisting the screenwriting of that film in the form of David Scarpa ('All The Money In The World') and his wonderful way of words, speeches still stir that could reach the father of a murdered son, even if Crowe's character and Phoenix's remain in the ashes and archival footage. There's still vengeance to be had, mind you, and stepping in to battle for Spencer Treat Clarke's ('Unbreakable', 'Glass', 'Much Ado About Nothing') child acting is the next acting gladiatorial great Paul Mescal. 

Normal people like Mescal have already moved and burnt us with movies like 'After Sun' (the same for 'The Lost Daughter' and 'All Of Us Strangers'), and he's about to show all the lonely people that all you need is love once more as the one and only Paul McCartney in a forthcoming Beatles biopic set to rival Timothée Chalamet's Dylan ('A Complete Unknown') and Jeremy Allen White's Springsteen ('Deliver Me From Nowhere'). But here one of 'God's Creatures' (who has already channelled Brando like Billy Zane (uncanny) and a Laurence Olivier Award for playing Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire'), is brutal, beautiful, boundless and brilliant. Looking like one of the Roman coins placed on the side of his bath after victory. To reveal more about his character would be saying far too much like the second trailer, if you haven't seen that, just you wait, as Scott paints free and flowing characters of complex. Even bringing 'Wonder Woman' Connie Nielson back (like the legendary Derek Jacobi) a quarter of the century later to reveal even more depth.

Mescal might be one of the most popular (all women want him, all men want hi...ah hem, to be like him) actors of the moment this side of 'The Mandalorian', but Pedro Pascal's performance behind Scarpa's strong script and Ridley's riddling direction really hits the bullseye for these archers outside the arena. Remember, the great gladiatorial battles happen outside the Colosseum too. Pascal is perfect and the pastel of even more character confliction and moral grey areas as the two Roman statuesque looking actors Mescal and Pescal duke it out. Straight out of a Shakespearean tragedy as the Phoenix like brothers of 'Stranger Things', 'A Quiet Place: Day One' star and forthcoming 'Fantastic Four' Human Torch Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger (and his own Marcel like monkey friend) have their own campy, sibling rivalry duel in the safety of the seating area around the arena. There's strong support all around. Lior Raz putting everyone through their paces. The trademark gravitas of Peter Mensah. 'Notting Hill's' Tim McInnerny being taken for everything he's worth and Matt Lucas bringing the 'Shooting Stars' drum-rolls back as the master of ceremonies. 

Yet even the hawkeye of Yuval Gonen's wonderful wife has the threat of the show stole by former gladiator, and now opium prescribing doctor Alexander Karim. Not to mention the compelling chemistry he has with Mescal. Will they, won't they? They don't. But these friends getting along famously say something in the eyes. A kiss of death from Denzel Washington (reuniting with Ridley after 'American Gangster' with Russell) was cut from this movie, but the legendary actor actually is the one to steal the show here. Instrumental in pulling all the strings like The Godfather in one of the G.O.AT.'s best performances yet. And he's far from done, with Ryan Coogler writing a role in 'Black Panther 3' for the man who was rumoured to be T'Challa back in the day. Say what you want about the accent (did you forget his Shakespearean work?), my man owns this. Making his own rules, like when someone told him the Royal Highness would see him now at the premiere. King Charles ain't got s### on him. This movie was meant for greatness, he need only give it a push. Legends like this echo in eternity. In this life or the next. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Gladiator', 'Robin Hood', 'Napoleon'.

TV REVIEW: FRASIER - Revival Season 2

4/5

Boston Psychiatric. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Kelsey Grammar, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Anders Keith, Jess Salgueiro, Toks Olagundoye, Peri Gilpin & Nicholas Lyndhurst. Developed By: Chris Harris & Joe Cristalli. On: Paramount +.

Go ahead, caller. We're still listening. No, no, your eggs aren't scrambled, Beantown brethren. It may feel like the 80s again, right now, but in actual fact, the good times are back. The Celtics are champions once more, and 'Frasier' is back in Boston. Cheers to two storied franchises adding another chapter and round at the bar. Just when you thought they couldn't call again, after the passing of the legendary John Mahoney and the beloved Eddie, his radio psychiatrist of a son refused to shrink from the spotlight, moving back to the coast he used to toast with Ted Danson. With no David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves, it looked better left. But then the perfect Anders Keith showed he could play their son to a tee. All whilst 'Only Fools And Horses' and 'Goodnight Sweetheart' great Nicholas Lyndhurst show stole, stepping in as the Robin to Dr. Crane's Batman, or the Cecil to his Sideshow Bob. And you loved watching those two trying to slip the twelve days of Christmas into the conversation, last fall.

Kelsey Grammar is well and truly back and coming correct like "you're" not "your" welcome. It's his rodeo again, with his iconic characters continuing legend. Not to mention his classic character returning to the treehouse this Halloween for 'The Simpsons' trick or treat sweet short, 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' on Disney +. Or his Beast of a reunion with the academy of X-Men multiverses for you to Marvel at. But this, like a 'Cheers' bar, is his beautiful home, like walking along the cobbled old Irish streets of Beacon Hill. Even if he sleeplessly refuses to truly say goodnight to Seattle, returning, like we only wish the Supersonics would, for an epic episode of fond nostalgia in the radio city halls. You can expect even more cameos, like you can the fact that we won't spoil them, even if they're doing the rounds on the same feeds you read this review off. Because 'Frasier' and his friends exist in that sweet 'Seinfeld' sitcom time on syndicated television, where the TV Guide was your only guess to what was coming as you tuned into primetime.

This streaming plus from Paramount, and showrunners Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli does bring back the great Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and a recurring regular, this series, after her compelling cameo in the first season's finale. And she's as welcome as the time she randomly followed me on Instagram some time ago (this 'Frasier' fanatic didn't even post anything about the show, but you best believe I was trying to work the gym selfies afterwards, even if my frame is Niles Crane). Rumour has it that one episode in Cape Cod and classic Frasier Crane misunderstanding will have you hearing more on the grapevine than Marvin Gaye or Martha's Vineyard. Gilpin, and a legendary 'Everybody Loves Raymond' actress, give this show the prestige of star power. All whilst Anders, Jack Cutmore-Scott's firefighter Freddie, an all about Eve, Jess Salgueiro and Toks Olagundoye's perfect professor with the most sensational shindigs, all become fond, firm favourites. Welcomed back as warmly as they now feel familiar.

Green lit for a second season, and deserving the charm of a third, 'Frasier' finds itself firmly a fall favourite on your television screens like 'Only Murders In The Building'. The grey generation, still finding a home in this podcast age. Even if all we have to bear with this coming winter is the dark designs of spin-off shows and grown up cult classics. The 'Game Of Thrones' breathing fire into the 'House of Dragon' series. 'The Lord Of The Rings' circling back to 'The Rings Of Power'. 'The Penguin' from 'The Batman' waddling past Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' nightmare before Christmas as the strongest show on the schedule. Not to mention 'The Old Man' of Jeff Bridges getting another go round with sitcom icon John Lithgow ('3rd Rock From The Sun'). And this old dog has tricks too in a new Boston bar that doubles for your caffeine fix, now you'll be nervous about how Nervosa has tuned out in this Gen Z age. Hamming it up and playing Cyrano, or three men and a baby (albeit missing a Ted). Hiding behind a therapists couch, or squashing rumours that really could be an agent of change. Fake boyfriends. Reclusive authors. Lovers triangles. KACL tributes. Murder most funny in a room you won't want to escape from. And a classic Christmas episode to put under your tree. What more could you want from this festive season? You know how it goes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cheers', 'Only Fools And Horses', 'The Simpsons: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'.

TV REVIEW: THE PENGUIN - Season 1

4/5

The Emperor's New Clothes

8 Episodes. Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly & Mark Strong. Showrunner: Lauren LeFranc. On: HBO.

Top billing on this fall T.V schedule, goes to the gloomy streets of Gotham, with something darker than winter coming. Beating all the 'Game Of Thrones' ('House Of The Dragon') and 'Lord Of The Rings' ('Rings Of Power') spin-off shows is Lauren LeFranc's 'The Penguin', showcasing the side-streets of Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' with Robert Pattinson (no, he doesn't show up...and he doesn't need to). Besting 'The Old Man' and even the witches road of the Marvel and DC war with 'Agatha All Along' this Halloween gone, the real drama about Oz waddles to victory, just waiting for its monocle and cane. Donning the Penguin suit again is an unrecognizable, but undeniable Colin Farrell, who has been the don ever since the first time he met The Bat ("woah, take it easy, sweetheart"). Devoted like the great Danny DeVito and Robin Lord Taylor. Just don't say his name, because his vengeance spits venom. Not to mention fire and brimstone with some gruesome, graphic moments where there will be hell to pay.

Disney movies. Watching them was the only that could save the Irish, 'Banshees Of Inisherin', 'In Bruges', 'The Lobster' and 'Daredevil' Bullseye actor from the darkness of delving into the murky waters of Oswald Cobb, as HBO took this miniseries to the max. Getting himself more than a gun and his Tony Soprano on. An outstanding origin story that pays attention to the street corners of Gotham's underworld, a long way away from Wayne manor. Depths that go deeper than even the Batcave, this Home Box Office maker would even make for the best video game story as the lunatics are running the fringes of Arkham Asylum. As you see through the eyes and the coming of age of Rheny Feliz (a Marvel 'Runaway'), you really feel it, and what could be this good fella's make or break in a cold world with strings pulled by godfather's. His performance is powerful, just like the claw clutches of the ones he can't escape. This city, that will worm its way through you like a rotten apple if you don't make your way out.

Farrell is formidable, with the darkest offers that you can't refuse since 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. And if you thought those were stakes, just wait until Barry Keoghan is holding all the cards. Although James Gunn has nixed the rumours that a Joker series is next on deck. 'The Penguin' has been drawing rave reviews, whilst the misunderstood 'Folie à Deux' has facing rotten cabbages and tomatoes. What people thought Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn (still quintessential) would be, we get in a new born star and queen-pin in Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone. A true show stealer, if there ever was one, in a series where she should share top bill. Falcone is a force of nature and nurtured evil. As cruel as the calloused hands of the goons that work their fingers down to the bone, so the crime families can live in the lap of a luxurious life. The 'Fargo' actress shows Leonardo DiCaprio (got to raise that age limit, bro, you gone 50, and that's where the gold is) really fumbled in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. And that's how villains are made, as the magnificent Milioti restores order.

Gotham (that was a great show too, by the way), has never looked so cinematic, even on the small screen. And all the players deserve their ball for this top hat production. Props to the costume department too, not only for turning Colin Farrell into Richard Kind, but whoever made the wig for the bald identity of Mark Strong. Best hairpiece since Corey Stoll in 'West Side Story' (face it, that was almost as bad as how his (still great) M.O.D.O.K. looked). I need their number. Strong arms up as Carmine Falcone after the great John Turturro stepped down due to the violence. We were going to say did you see what he did in 'The Batman', but after seeing how one point goes way too far, he has a point, and we respect that. Strong makes his mark amongst an even stronger cast that includes Carmen Ejogo, 'Highlander's' Clancy Brown, 'Daredevil's' Theo Rossi, 'House Of Cards' and 'Jack Ryan' star Michael Kelly, and 'The Promises's' Shohreh Aghdashloo (all amazing). But it's the mothering of Deirdre O’Connell who really gives 'The Penguin' its wings. Showing us just how deep the cruelty of crime touches us all, as it leaves its mark. 'The Penguin' is more than a superhero spin-off. It's a dark drama about those roads in the heart of men, that lead to places you can't turn back from. Don't end up sleeping with the fishes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Batman', 'The Sopranos', 'Gotham'. 

REVIEW: RED ONE

3/5

Red Notice

123 Mins. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll & J. K. Simmons. Screenplay: Chris Morgan. Director: Jake Kasdan. In: Theatres.

Christmas has come early here in the Far East, with the game 'Red One' from 'Jumanji' reboot director Jake Kasdan. And what more could you expect, here in Japan, with a land that changes its Halloween decorations to Christmas ones, the minute we stop asking, "trick or treat", in time for the next rising sun? All whilst pumpkins lay rotting on porches across the United States, through fall. Tested in other territories before its North American release, 'Red One' is not to be confused with the 'Red Notice' Netflix blockbuster Dwayne Johnson starred in alongside 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot (although, she does get a hilarious mention here) and 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds. Although Chris Evans, blazing after that fantastic cameo, does a good job of bringing that type of heat to these festive proceedings by the fireplace. Roasting everybody's chestnuts.

The naughty and nice pair of Captain America and Black Adam must save Santa before it's too late this Christmas Eve. Just as 'Fast & The Furious' franchise star and 'Hobbs and Shaw' spin-off wheel man Dwayne Johnson got everyone to stop using "The Rock" in the middle of his name, the all action hero in a Schwarzenegger mould seems to be wrestling with the problem that his films aren't making bank any more. If that wasn't enough, it seems his character is losing the festive spirit in a naughty age that refuses to play nice. Let's hope this all changes with his 'Jingle All The Way', as the ever likeable eyebrow raiser has always known that real action men know how to poke fun at themselves, doing so with the wand of 2010's 'Tooth Fairy'. And as self-serious as this Yuletide hit to the frosty jugular is, Johnson is still rocking and rolling around the Christmas tree. Having as much fun as Macaulay with cardboard cut-outs of Michael Jordan and more mannequins than a Kim Cattrall movie. In a few Christmases time, this will be a festive favourite when you're home alone, and you want to leave your brain at the door with the blow torch.

Armed in green and red, hell for leather, turning Hot Wheels into anything but Micro Machines with some tech straight out of Hank Pym's 'Ant-Man' toy collection, this former DC hero is a marvel in what looks like a 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' ensemble, assemble. Be it, with its giant talking polar bears, reindeers, minus the real red one, and a mythological agency looking to take control of its own multiverse of headless horseman madness. Just when you think nothing could get you in the festive spirit, Steve Rogers in a Star-Lord jacket is here to save the day. We all know the inspired integrity Chris Evans had as Cap (he has a Bucky Barnes looking kid here), but he was Johnny Storm before all that. A comic-book 'Loser' with so many hilarious overgrown frat-bro credits to his name. Whether it be 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'Not Another Teen Movie', or a Marylin Manson video...although we now know who the real douche is. I'm too old to be talking about "eras", but if this was back in time, like these movies, we'd be in his Human Torch one. With this, 'The Gray Man' saving villain, and so much more in store. Like Avenger action figures this Christmas.

Filling your stockings with wish upon a star power, an angel of Charlie, part Bosley, part Black Widow, is also on the case, as it's great to see Lucy Liu back and killing it on this bill. She's seriously good, as is 'Rain Man', 'Beethoven', 'Jerry Maguire' and original 'Jumanji' legend Bonnie Hunt as Santa's better half. Although she is almost as underused as Goldie Hawn in the first 'Christmas Chronicle'. Speaking of the angel in a red dress, aside from many festive treats and Xmas cameos, not to mention a delightfully deranged and daft Nick Kroll, it's the big fella himself who gets all the cookies for this film that's milking 'tis the season for all it's worth. Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, David Harbour, Bryan Cranston, Paul Giamatti, Richard Attenborough, the late, great James Earl Jones. The list of actors that have played Father Christmas is longer than Santa's one. But Academy Award-winning, 'Whiplash' actor J.K. Simmons is whip smart as a protein shake Nick (what else could you expect when you have The Rock to spot?). Placed under your tree for the eve of a Christmas franchise from screenwriter Chris Morgan ('Fast & Furious', 'Wanted') Amazon MGM, Seven Bucks and The Detective Agency, will we see a 'Red Two' like the great Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren? Let's keep notice to which list this makes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Fred Claus', 'Violent Night', 'Tooth Fairy'