REVIEW: NIGHTBITCH

3.5/5

The Doghouse

98 Mins. Starring: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden, Emmett Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Ella Thomas, Archana Rajan & Jessica Harper. Screenplay: Marielle Heller. Director: Marielle Heller. On: Disney +.

Night's a bitch, and then you bark. Great screenwriter and director Marielle Heller ('A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood' and a standout performance in 'The Queen's Gambit') and amazing actress Amy Adams ('The Fighter', 'The Master' and the DCEU's Lois Lane in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice') may just been snubbed, like Denzel, as this year's Oscar nominations have come out ('Can You Ever Forgive Me?' Maybe), but this is still a powerful picture. Now, ain't that a bitch? But how about this one? It's much more than the best Nikki Glaser Ben Affleck gag at The Globes. 'Nightbitch', based on Rachel Yoder's call to the wild of a novel, is a Fox Searchlight movie, now streaming on Disney Plus, like all those films do, finding a path on streaming services after their cinematic release runs. And running in the night like Richie, with more mutts than an Al Pacino afternoon, Amy Adams literally transforms into one. But before you think this is the juju of some Stephen King kind of 'Cujo', cross-bred with 'An American Werewolf In London', think again. This is more akin to 'Arrival, 'Big Eyes', 'Sharp Objects', and 'The Woman In Window' for the 'Enchanted' actress.

Disenchanted, the 'American Hustle' and 'Vice' star is barking mad with talent here. Adams plays a mother who is going through the dog days of raising a child, seemingly alone, although a great 'BvS' reuniting Scoot McNairy ('Argo', 'Killing Them Softly and Woody Guthrie in the Dylan movie 'A Complete Unknown') is on feeling helpless hand. As are the motherhood gang of the great Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Ella Thomas, Archana Rajan. Not to mention moving monologues like what America (Ferrera) did with 'Barbie'. Whilst the local librarian, played perfectly by 'Bones And All' and 'Minority Report' actress Jessica Harper, offers Adams more to check out. But Amy's artist Mother (like the character named Father) has so much more on her plate (the canvas can wait), with her Son, played by twins Arleigh and Emmett Snowden, suggesting so much more to deal with one set. This beautiful black comedy, with the most amazing asides, has received reviews as mixed as its tone, but it's still a Toronto International Film Festival darling that moves the needle like the CN Tower

God is a woman, especially here, but perhaps 'The Substance' of a Demi Moore award favourite film is taking some bite out of this bitches bark. Still, the Academy does not take anything away from the message that is clear to see as the subtle snarls are to hear in all this repressed rage. Hear this woman's roar, in one of Adams' best performances in a family of a filmography. Staying at home with the same substance in the notion that a woman's worth still lasts longer than society strives to think in its work. By industry ignorant standards, Demi reaffirmed to Hollywood that there was more to a woman than how young she is (the older, the better, I say), and Amy accents the fact that motherhood isn't just the start of one life, even in the times it feels like the end and all hope is lost. This film will get you laughing, crying and thinking I even had some strange ideas about how my own birth by caesarean is like how I never want to hurt anyone, but somehow still manage to leave a scar...I know, crazy, right?! But the real idea you should take home is how influential this film is in looking at mothers and womanhood in a whole new way. The old dog trick is not for Halloween treats, it's a trick to show you what you've been missing. A moving metaphor and mediation on motherhood. Bow WOW! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Substance', 'Colossal', 'The Woman In The Window'.

REVIEW: THE APPRENTICE

4/5

The American Nightmare

122 Mins. Starring: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova & Martin Donovan. Screenplay: Gabriel Sherman. Director: Ali Abbasi. In: Theatres.

If you thought 'Avengers' actor Sebastian Stan was scary when he played 'The Terminator' like Winter Soldier in the 'Captain America' super sequel (he was), then wait until you see this. The Bucky Barnes stops here. Stan is so good at playing 'A Different Man', and he is playing one like no other here, too, that the 'Pam & Tommy' T.V. nominated sensation might be the new biopic go-to star like the man that made him the White Wolf, the late, great 'Black Panther' of Chadwick Boseman, was. As a matter of fact, the only person the man with a metal arm, and plenty of mettle too, has to go against is himself. As 'A Different Man' and 'The Apprentice' here may battle it out for 'Best Actor' Oscar at the forthcoming Academy Awards. Although our money is on 'A Different Man' towering to the top here, like his character leaning against the Empire State Building on this apprentice's poster (check out the gaudy ceramic one full of gold glitz that's missing a few carats, too).

Actually, the only other person the 'I, Tonya' and forthcoming 'Thunderbolts*' star has to go up against is the next President of the United States. 'The Apprentice' finally finding a home here in Japan on the weekend before the orange man's inauguration, with plenty filling the seats for this man that courts controversy every time he unlocks his phone, or purses his lips. This is the movie Donald Trump doesn't want you to see. Wishing he could shout his signature "You're fired" to Stan as much as he wishes he could avoid court, or Monopoly jail. Yet this is Sebastian's trump card. If you thought George 'W'. didn't like Josh Brolin giving the Bush presidency the Thanos fingers, then wait until you see this. Becoming, like Obama, an accomplished actor in a couple of calendar months, although people shouldn't sleep on Sebastian Stan's haunting, lonesome take on The Winter Soldier, lost in violence and raw regret (the type Trump is a stranger too, so who's the real villain here?), Stan morphs into Trump (consuming Coca-Cola and PB&J sandwiches), all the way down to the duck pout and Etch A Sketch hand gestures.

Fixing his "hair" more times than...well, admittedly, me, Stan gets to the roots and paunch of the problem Trump has become with more than just his captured look. Even though the one creeping down the staircase to his future wife was as predatory as they come. Stan shows Trump as the man that he is, without bias, plain and simple, even if I am trying my best to remove mine here (this is a movie review after all, not a hatchet piece). That mark of a great actor, Sebastian captures his character perfectly. Trump's actions speak for themselves. And although the amazing Ali Abbasi's ('Shelley', 'Border' and the last two episodes of 'The Last Of Us') 'Apprentice' (scripted by Vanity Fair writer Gabriel Sherman) is Reganomics era stylish (is that Andy Warhol?! Liberace?!), it's no celebration of this GQ cover bad boy turned troubling tyrant, like Scorsese's incredible, albeit ignorant, 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. This wolf in Wall Street clothing runs Republican red, with the sins of the devil red cap to match. Stealing Regan's slogan and turning it into MAGA. When America was great before and hopefully will be again, with change. 

If Stan deserves to meet Oscar, then the great character actor, turned pro, Jeremy Strong deserves at least an introduction. The 'Succession' star playing the man that made Trump, late attorney Roy Cohn, with note perfect speech and stare. Like a shark, slowly lumbering towards its prey with stunted, but sure thing trajectory and accuracy. Strong arming this road, and lead, much like a 'Limitless' De Niro to Bradley Cooper before the tables turn, Jeremy has been doing this for years. 'The Big Short', 'Molly's Game', 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7', and of course, the HBO show. He even played Lee Harvey Oswald in 'Parkland' for crying out loud. Yet here, he offers even more depth to the darkness, especially when Cohn succumbs to AIDS with terrifying 'Angels In America' (previously played by Pacino) consequences of guilt and too little, but too late stakes at redemption. That's what makes his part, just as important as Sebastian's. Not to mention, a mesmerizing Maria Bakalova ('Women Do Cry', 'Bodies Bodies Bodies') as Ivana Trump, played perfectly with sympathy, and the great Martin Donovan ('Insomnia', 'Tenet') as father Fred Trump. Trump's team tried to block this film, they believed it would harm his Presidential campaign. Neither thing happened, but what's clear to see here is that any harm that's being done is by the man himself. He may put his hand on the Bible to get sworn in with a promise to do better, but like all of us, he still has to answer to God. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'A Different Man', 'Pam & Tommy', 'W.'

REVIEW: BACK IN ACTION

3/5

Parental Advisory

114 Mins. Starring: Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, Kyle Chandler & Glenn Close. Screenplay: Seth Gordon & Brendan O'Brien: Director: Seth Gordon. On: Netflix.

Time for some action again. Ladies and gentlemen, Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx are back in Netflix's new blockbuster for January, 'Back In Action'. Foxx, following his stand-up return from a "mysteeery illlllllness" in Netflix Is A Joke's 'What Had Happened Was...' (turns out, they didn't 'Clone Tyrone'). And Diaz, with her first film in over a decade since 2014's 'Sex Tape', with 'The Other Woman' and 'Annie' (please, no jokes), also with Foxx. This reunion of sorts, before Jamie's 'All-Star Weekend' and Cameron's return to the 'Shrek' franchise, directed by 'Horrible Bosses' (another motherf#####g reunion), 'Identity Thief' and 'Baywatch' director Seth Gordon, matches the classic comedy and amazing action again for a spy film that sleuths hard like the original Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'. Not to mention the Amazon Prime time, award nominated series starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Or the 'Knight and Day' Cam did with J's 'Collateral' co-star, Tom Cruise. Is that mocked-up, motorbike twin gun poster for real?

'Red Notice', 'The Gray Man', 'The Old Guard'. Remember them? I could go on if my mind wasn't almost turning 40. Netflix's big-budget blockbusters at times feel more lacklustre, no matter how man big stars, bucks, or lavish locations they throw at the small smartphone screens and laptop lids. Perhaps something is lost in translation, like the cinematic 'Star Wars' shows on streaming service rival Disney Plus, because these big Netflix hits don't get time on the big-screen like the theatrical releases of their Academy Award bait during Oscar season. Buried in a January drier than James' Martini, 'Back In Action', isn't something to rush back home for, as Foxx and Diaz say a spies goodbye to become stay at home ('Dad Stop Embarrassing Me', also on Netflix) parents. But it is worth your subscription buck. Fun, and not free of fancy, this 'Action' can amaze, it just has the wrong stage. Although Netflix have found the sweet spot for this underrated genre of a 90s throwback postcard, much like Sony did for 'Spider-Man' web spin-off that felt like the early 2000s, before they were bullied like Maguire.

Foxx is on fine form and Diaz still shines bright like a diamond as the respective 'Night Shift' and 'Project Power' and 'Charlie's Angels' and 'The Mask' (she's open to putting it back if Jim carries on) actors seemingly build a new franchise as CIA NOC (huh?!) operatives. Their charisma is combustible, much like their fond family dynamics with new stars of the future McKenna Roberts and Rylan Jackson. In Gordon's script with Brendan O'Brien ('Neighbors'), there's veteran support from the likes of Kyle Chandler and legend Glenn Close (that 'Hillbilly Elegy' transformation) with a cocked and loaded game shooting rifle and British accent. And it's when the proceedings move to the Big Smoke of London that things get really interesting. Not just for the 'Fleabag' reunion of 'Sexy Priest' Andrew Scott (scoring nominations for Netflix's black and white 'Ripley) and hilarious scene stealer Jamie Demetriou, getting closer with Glenn. But for its force of a finale down the Thames and the epic Embankment walk, which you should really keep a London eye on. And now it looks like daddy's home for a sequel, lights, camera, these actors are back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Spying: 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith', 'Knight & Day', 'Annie'.

BOOK REVIEW: AL PACINO - SONNY BOY

4/5 

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Between all the music and sports biographies, there weren't many books by movie stars, once upon a time. Save some fiction from the likes of Academy director Quentin Tarantino and Oscar nominated actor Ethan Hawke. Perhaps movie stars were too busy reading scripts (and maybe penning them) to be bothered writing books about their own lives. Too focused on capturing character. And to think, many call this profession narcissistic (which Pacino makes a point against here). Since COVID, when everyone was forced to sit down and take stock, we've had autobiographies from the likes of Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jamie Foxx and Matthew McConaughey and Perry (rest peacefully). And now, we get one from the horse's mouth, that is the legendary Alfredo James Pacino. AKA 'Sonny Boy'...and not just for his role in 'The Godfather' trilogy. HOO-HA!

Find out why, and how he came up with that iconic 'Scent Of A Woman' call in the perfume of these pages (nothing like breaking open a new book, fresh off the shelf). And just like Meryl Streep said about Viola Davis' 'Finding Me', whilst presenting the no room for 'Doubt' actress a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes, last weekend...you should really hear the audiobook read to you in Al's narrated voice. The personal touch and timbre. Which is what I prefer to do with autobiographies of famous folk (hellooo, Audible yearly free trial). Although my parents also have the beautiful hardback book, and it's perfect pictures inside for the coffee table, back home. Streep and her love and devotion for the late, great John Cazale of 'The Godfather' ("I know it was you, Fredo") and 'Dog Day Afternoon' (my personal favourite movie) fame, are also paid tribute to here. Amongst countless others, from Marlon Brando to Francis Ford (and Sofia) Coppola. Robert De Niro to Martin Scorsese. And Diane Keaton to Beverly D'Angelo. Not to mention the mother who gave this Sonny his name, and the four beautiful children Al Pacino has raised.

Classic, compelling and all over the place...in a good way (told you had to hear it for "himself"), this is a life well lived, presented on the page like an awesomely annotated script. Animated and amazing, Al talks about how his Broadway days and Shakespearean roots helped him turn Richard III into a passion project, as the man with the Triple Crown Of Acting was more than just a 'Serpico' and 'Scarface' star. He also muses about finally saying hello to his little golden friend that he met at the Oscars after salad day years of the likes of 'The Panic In Needle Park' and 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. Some at The Academy may have thought he was acting like a "GREAT A##!" Yet his head wasn't...all the way up it. The ferocious talent of Michael Mann's 'Heat', recounting the time he and 'The Irishman' co-star Bobby De Niro, meet for the first time in a diner after their separate lives on 'The Godfather Part II', was just that passionate. And yes, his cop character on said film was originally meant to be addicted to coke. And how?! Yet, his real life addiction problems are profoundly put here with something that will make you put whatever substance that is holding you back, down.

'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' with Leo and Brad. Going Gaga in 'House Of Gucci'. 'Carlito's Way' and 'Donnie Brasco'. Inventing the superhero movie with Warren Beatty and 'Dick Tracy'. Literally playing 'The Devil's Advocate'. Coaching 'Any Given Sunday' (and Jamie Foxx...what an impression, like Bill Hader), and becoming 'The Insider' on cop characters who looked like they suffered from 'Insomnia' (how have I STILL not seen those last two movies? I'm in for a treat!). Pacino has done it all. The gangster rat pack member has even appeared in Clooney's new one for Sinatra in 'Ocean's Thirteen'. All of this, and more, is put on display like the Hollywood sign in this La La Land of hopes and Tinseltown dreams. He even gives us the low down on starring in Japanese commercials like the BOSS Tommy Lee Jones (bad investments?). Sure, this Sonny boy may have been made famous for a viral moment at the BBC where Pacino revealed that he has a Shrek phone case (get him in the next film), but the legacy of his life and legend is much more than that. And you can't phone that in. As iconic as his voice. Read, or hear, all about it, Sonny. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TV REVIEW: STAR WARS - SKELETON CREW Season 1

4/5

The Skeleton Key

8 Episodes. Starring: Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, Tunde Adebimpe, Kerry Condon, Fred Tatasciore, Alia Shawkat & Nick Frost. Created By: Jon Watts & Christopher Ford. On: Disney +.

Upon first hearing that great, British 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' and 'Alfie' actor, Jude Law was starring in a new 'Star Wars' show on Disney Plus about a band of pirates in a galaxy far, far away from the Caribbean, it sounded like we were heading to the depths of another 'Black Sea' (an underrated turn from 'The Young' and 'New Pope's' conclave). Who would have thought that the key to the eight episode wonder that is the 'Skeleton Crew' would actually be a children's story to rival 'The Goonies', with its 'Indiana Jones' like adventure, and 'E.T. The Extra Terrestrial' finale homage over the moon with hoverbikes racing like pods? The 'Fantastic Beasts' young Dumbledore and 'Sherlock Holmes' Dr. Watson has his hustle cut out for him, as Jude's law and disorder of a lovable rogue has one hell of a time babysitting these young apprentices. Yet, he's still a force, like he always has been in 'The Holiday' season, or playing on the other side of the Disney fence with 'Captain Marvel'.

As the Star Wars galaxy and M.C.U. play hot potato with their streaming service shows (the 'Daredevil: Born Again' trailer dropped after this 'Crew's' season finale, and DAMN!), the bones of this 'Skeleton' made for a festive feeling Christmas to New Year treat. Especially for all those Lucasfilm fans disappointed with the actually good 'Acolyte', that had the biggest and best mid-season episode yet, despite being much-maligned. You'd have been forgiven for thinking that this one would share the same fate. Until the wonderful child actors of Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter and Robert Timothy Smith captured your hearts like another delightful droid, albeit a little decrepit, voiced by an unrecognizable, but undeniable, Nick Frost of 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun Of The Dead' fame. Not to mention Law's full turn as one of the best character creations yet. From his iconic, Daft Punk like chrome dome (the Hollywood heartthrob doesn't keep it on for long), to the long 'Matrix' like trench coat, pirate pistol and neon Excalibur of the 'King Arthur' actor. Not to mention two of the best lines in Star Wars lore. One, he brings back, and another about light in the darkness that matches the iconic blue on black credits.

And that's the cold, hard thing he wants in this galaxy quest that will take you onboard all sorts of ships before finding it's way home to a place that's as safe as suburbia, and also looks like a halfway house between Tokyo and Toronto (is that the Tokyo Skytree or the CN Tower?). No longer grounded at home though, with surveillance droids that look like the characters in those Japanese anti-piracy ads before films (Google it), these young rebels look to revolt in all their youth. Ravi Cabot-Conyers is the leader of this pack, until Stephen King 'Firestarter' remake actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong tells him different. Kyriana Kratter as KB, is a new hope with a visor that 'Star Trek's' LeVar Burton would be jealous of in this next generation. Whilst Robert Timothy Smith's elephant in the ("I got a show tonight") living room is one of the cutest creations this side of Baby Yoda. Meanwhile, veteran actors Tunde Adebimpe, Kerry Condon play concerned parents to the hilt, and Alia Shawkat is a hoot, like Fred Tatisciore's aptly named Brutus. Et tu?

Taking place in the same time frame as 'The Mandalorian' this coming of age tale may be the closest show to that way. Even though 'Obi-Wan Kenobi', 'Ahsoka', 'Andor', and 'Boba Fett's' book may have something to say about all that. Not to be confused with the Emily Deschanel and David Boreanz 'Bones', 'Skeleton Crew' spin-off, this subseries brings 'Star Wars' back up to hyperdrive speed. Created by new 'Spider-Man' trilogy homecoming king Jon Watts and his writing partner Christopher Ford (just call him the, "guy in the chair"), this perfect pair do George Lucas proud. Just like the next generation of galaxy guys and girls. This return of the Jedi and Amblin Entertainment like epic won't use you like the force. You really will recall At Attin after this one, whilst Law's Crimson Jack is a Sparrow rivalling treasure. Hey Jude, the man named after a Beatles number and 'Obscure' Thomas Hardy novel, has still got it. No impersonation like the talents of Matt Damon. Add another epic episode from 'Jurassic World' star Bryce Dallas Howard, a formidable finale and some X-Wing's to this alphabet soup, and THIS may actually be the way forward. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Star Wars: The Acolyte', 'Star Wars: Rogue One', 'The Goonies'. 

REVIEW: THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE WAR OF ROHIRRIM

3.5/5

Succession Of Power

134 Mins. Starring: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino & Miranda Otto. Screenwriters: Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou. Director: Kenji Kamiyama. In: Theatres.

This too shall pass. After the much more successful second season of 'The Rings Of Power' on Amazon Prime, 'The Lord Of The Rings' spin-off series sits right next to 'The Hobbit' trilogy, adding to J.R.R. Tolkien's storybook lore. Now, if you add the new movie 'The Lord Of The Rings-The War Of Rohirrm' to the second breakfast mouthful, then the middle-earth map of a shared universe is really becoming a cinematic one to marvel at. But wait, the LOTR legend holds a whole new legacy in this world as, 'The War Of Rohirrm' is no live-action movie. It's actually an anime fantasy film from dynamite director Kenji Kamiyama. The Saitama Prefecture who exploded onto the scene with 2002's 'Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex', and recently cut more teeth with 'Ultraman', 'Blade Runner: Black Lotus', and 'The Ninth Jedi' of the 'Star Wars-Visions' series. Not to mention another 'Ghost In The Shell', the computer generated 'SAC_2045' for Netflix.

Lovingly rendered, 'Rohirrim' feels like a timeless classic. Blending seamlessly with Tolkien's world, to not just look like a pure anime, but one that translates across earth like its worldwide release. All whilst maintaining its own mannerisms, definition and dignity, making for one of the most powerfully produced anime anyone has ever seen. The misty mountains that begin this almost look real (maybe the effects are digital, like the fire and snow), until eagles dare you to think differently. And just wait until you see the size of their snack from the burlap sack. I've been saying this since 'The Simpsons', why does roast chicken always look so much tastier in animated form? Wonders never cease. From elephants in the forest, to something moving between two ferns that's no tree, Kamiyama's Rohirrim ravishes. Doing for J.R.R. what Netflix's 'Terminator Zero' Japanese anime did for James Cameron's floundering franchise, shrouded in Schwarzenegger drapes that even John Candy's shower curtain salesman character from 'Planes Trains and Automobiles' couldn't shift like a Casio.

Perhaps the plodding plot that walks more than Frodo and Sam did in the entire trilogy would have been better served as a series, although it is beautiful to see animation like this on the big-screen. The big battles, by bow and arrow that strikes like the sword, are well worth the worn journey, though. Add some nice nods to the legend of J.R.R. Tolkien and this one still huffs and puffs like Gandalf's pipe, even if too many screenwriters (Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou) spoil the supper. They're still great, though, and the industry should still pay them what they're worth. New Zealand, Japan and the United States come together on something that is more than just characters created by Tolkien, produced in part by Peter Jackson and set 183 years before his trilogy, this story is based on the appendices of J.R.R's 'The Lord Of The Rings'. And if you can get stories this good out of the footnotes, consider this sacred text. No longer living in the margins.

The cast of characters themselves are voiced with power. What else would you expect when the booming Brian Blessed like baritone of Brian Cox leads the way in this succession story? The man who played 'Churchill' before 'The Darkest Hour' takes the throne here with a defiant delivery that befits his classic character's amazing appearance. But it's the great Gaia Wise as Héra who is the heroine of this story. Joined by the voices of formidable foe Luke Pasqualino and shieldmaiden friend Miranda Otto, who also narrates this and reprises her role from the original 'Rings' trilogy. And there are even more Easter Eggs to crack open than that, my precious. But no, not him, although we can't wait for Gollum's movie like the legend of a YouTube one. This New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Animation, Domain Entertainment, and Sola Entertainment feature in association with WingNut Films is one of the best WB animations (a vastly underrated production company) since 'Batman: The Animated Series', which is its own legend amongst all 'The Dark Knight's' and plastic nipples. With its own power, this 'Lord Of The Rings' is the real return of the king. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power', 'Terminator Zero'

REVIEW: BLITZ

4/5

London's Burning 

120 Mins. Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller & Stephen Graham. Screenwriter: Steve McQueen. Director: Steve McQueen. On: Apple TV+.

Thank you, Mandy. My dear friend, for telling me. Apple TV+ was available for free on the first weekend of the New Year, as a late Christmas treat. There, I think subscribing to streaming services like Netflix and Disney + is enough (and don't get me started on my Amazon Prime service deal), I could finally watch Brad Pitt and George Clooney on fine form together in last year's 'Wolfs'. Not to mention, Denzel Washington's Academy Award nominated turn (if you thought he was 'Training Day' so good at being bad in 'Gladiator II'...wait until you see THIS!) in Joel Cohen's COVID crucified adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth', alongside multiple best Oscar winner, Frances McDormand as the scheming and plotting Lady Macbeth. And you could have (and probably did) too. Binging successful shows, like you did pigs and blankets at Christmas, like 'Ted Lasso' and 'Severance', before it all went down like decorations on twelfth night.

One not to miss was also 'Blitz'. The '12 Years A Slave' director Steve McQueen's ('Hunger', 'Shame', both with Michael Fassbender) historial war drama starring one of the best thespians of today, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan ('Little Women', 'Lady Bird' (both with Greta Gerwig), and 'Brooklyn'). Making its world premiere as the opening film of the BFI London Film Festival back in October, before making its cinematic debut in the United Kingdom and United States on the 1st of November. A couple of weeks of theatrical running, and this drama about escaping the blitz of World War II, made its permanent home on Apple TV, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up and take a bite out of it. Believe 'Blitz' is one of the better films of last year, that deserves at least some nomination love from the Oscars for Academy favourites McQueen (his first feature film since 'Widows' in 2018, see 'Grenfell' in 2023 with this) and Ronan, even if it didn't have a table at the Golden Globes like 'Joker: Folie à Deux'. Sobering and moving to a haunting and scorching score by the one and only maestro, Hans Zimmer.

Written and produced by the man who shares his name with the guy who rode the motorcycle out of 'The Great Escape', this film is about a mother who tries to keep her son safe from the Nazi bombing of London. An opening scene where a fire house whips around frantically like a snake, showering everything and everyone, but the flames that can't be contained, shows how much we were ill-equipped to deal with the blitz. A raging and towering inferno which will make you see what people are going through in California right now with wildfires destroying many people's and Hollywood homes too. It affects everybody, and Saorise's character searches for a way that could take her young son away from all this madness. Whether running and hiding in London's Underground station tube lines, or putting him on a train she can't catch, as she chases after his carriage like the tears running down her cheeks. Ronan's raw and revelatory performance is one of subtle grace notes, like the daisies that form a chain down her dress on the beautiful 'Blitz' billboard poster, that punch you in the gut with an aftertaste that hits you like the kick of drinking ginger.

Introducing Elliott Heffernan, a star for the future in his first role, as Saorise's son on-screen. A profound performance of not only the wonder of youthful innocence, but a coming of age and stage maturity that makes this new kid on the block seem like someone you've seen before. What a first film, for the young British actor who has decades to make his name, like the actress that came out of the gates with the likes of 'The Lovely Bones' and 'Hanna'. Also on hand, no pun intended, if you've seen Nicole Kidman in 'Baby Girl' is 'The King's Man' and 'The Iron Claw' standout Harris Dickinson, who may just be the next John Lennon in the forthcoming biopic of The Beatles. Not to mention an almost unrecognizable, but absolutely fabulous Kathy Burke ('Kevin & Perry Go Large', 'Gimme Gimme Gimme', 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy') in a den of vagrant, corpse robbing thieves led by the chameleonic character acting of the great Stephen Graham. Yet it's the moving, scene staling turn from composer and musician Benjamin Clementine ('Dune') that really provides comfort. Just like legendary rocker Paul Weller giving it some welly as a great grandad in his debut. Don't blitz your way through this one. This slow burner through the Big Smoke is a real history lesson to learn and take from. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Brutalist', 'Little Women', '12 Years A Slave'.

TV REVIEW: THE SIMPSONS - FUNDAY FOOTBALL

3.5/5

First and DOH! 

46 Mins. Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria & Harry Shearer, with special guests from the NFL. Created By: Matt Groening. On: Disney +. 

'Homer3'. It was over thirty years ago, back in 1995, when Disney's Pixar were changing the game with 'Toy Story' from their computer animated chest, that we got to see Homer Simpson in 3D. All for a classic 'Treehouse Of Horror' episode ('VI') that paid homage to 'The Twilight Zone' as Homer entered the real world as we knew it, for something that felt like a halfway Evergreen Terrace House between 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and 'Space Jam'. Bart briefly roped up some three-dimensions too, but now we get to see the whole family like this, not to mention all the cast of characters in 'The Simpsons' for some 'Funday Football', courtesy of the NFL and Sony's Beyond Sports Technology.

Last month, Christmas came early for football fans, all before the NFL went head-to-head with the NBA for some Christmas games, highlighted by a 'Beyoncé Bowl' half-time show that could rival the Super Bowl one to come from Kendrick Lamar in New Orleans. All as Netflix, streaming these games, went head-to-head with Disney Plus that broadcasted the Cincinnati Bengals against the Dallas Cowboys, albeit with a cloud cover in the sky difference. 'The Simpsons'. Chalking up the best play on Bart's board, this real-time animated game that felt like something out of Madden's playbook, streamed live at the same time as the real football took place. Forget the field, the digital one had Bart's Bengals taking on Homer's Cowboys...a team we all know he once owned.

Live from Springfield's Atoms Stadium like the Hollywood sign, this was the best Simpsons movie since the Spider-Pig one...and that pigskin was on hand off too. Ever since Matt Groening made his Walt Disney deal, 'The Simpsons' have given us many shorts in conjunction with Star Wars, Marvel, Mickey and all of them. To close out this year, alongside their own thirty-fifth (WHAT?!) season, the canary family gave us a goldmine of seasonal treasures. Starting with the Halloween special of 'The Most Wonderful Time Of Year', starring none other than 'Frasier' Crane, Kelsey Grammar raking it in as the fantastic Beast's second most beloved (to hate) character. And ending with a mind meld of the Derren Brown manipulated 'O C'mon All Ye Faithful' that was like a miracle on Evergreen Terrace. Homer thought he was Santa there. Here, he and Bart think they're the Manning brothers. They, and more NFL guest stars than diamond ones when Simpson was playing softball, show up too.

Not to mention a crack cliché commentary team, and a scenery chewing show steal from Stephen A. Smith with the interception (this family guy, Homer Simpson, is a close, personal friend of his). 'Funday Football' made for a fun festive game, like the 'Squid' one that had everyone falling over themselves on Boxing Day. Starring the usual suspects of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer, and everyone from Moe to Grandpa Simpson, with better banners than "Bring Back Wagon Train", this slice of National Football and nostalgia is something to be grateful for and Thanksgiving is even more notches on the turkey and trimmings trousers belt (wowzers) than Christmas...and we're already later than the New Year's party to this. But before you get ready for the Mardi Gras that will be this season's Super Bowl with Kendrick, this one with the family that is not like us, is a real touchdown. Meet The Simpsons again on the Gridiron. This is a Hail Marge play. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Simpsons', 'The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful', 'The Simpsons: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'.

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME 2

4/5

Challengers

7 Episodes. Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-shim, Choi Seung-hyun, Lee Seo-hwan, Park Gyu-young & Gong Yoo. Showrunner: Hwang Dong-hyuk. On: Netflix.

Circle. Triangle. Square. Let the games begin again. Trying to avert your eyes from spoilers for 'Squid Game 2' on Facebook, X and Instagram's Threads is like trying to avoid liking the wrong ones on Bumble, Tinder and Hinge. It's all a damn game...and it's time to play again this New Year, just when you resolved not to. If you believe the rumours, like you should the hype, American Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio may join the third and final season of the South Korean super smash like the pop acts of BTS and BLACKPINK! Although our 45.6 billion won is on the numbers on his green tracksuit, not venturing too far out of the twenties. That iconic look, countered by the pink boiler suit and black fencing mask, changing of the guard has become a popular Halloween costume, especially for couples, since 'Squid Game's' 2021 release, taking over the fellow planet pandemic saving K-Drama, 'Crash Landing On You'. The second season of a 'Silenced' Hwang Dong-hyuk's showrun special also plays around with that in a sensational second episode after the epic first.

As divisive as the nature of this battle royale is controversial (really, it's just holding up a mirror to real life's reflections), 'Squid Game 2' has been met with "mehs" by some critics quick to write game players off when they're a little seasoned. Speaking of which, even forever young NBA G.O.A.T. LeBron James said he didn't like the end of the last season. Well, we don't like the way his Los Angeles Lakers trades away perfectly good points called Russell, if we're just saying. But admittedly, we weren't a fan of player 456's red hairdo by the end of season one. Rest assured, two years later, it's gone. None of this has stopped the seven seals of 'Squid's' second season, that came out on Thursday the 26th of December's Boxing Day (we don't binge, we enjoy things), beating 'The Addams Family' value of 'Wednesday's' Netflix first-week streaming record with 68 million views. Not to mention obliterating the streaming service competition of Marvel's 'What If...?' released over the festive period on Disney +. The Halloween thing with a Mona Lisa smile will get the chance to get her own back, although we have no idea when 'Squid Game 3' will come out this year, just a doll faced teaser. Red light!

Green light! The first time the Shaq sized doll turned around, 'Squid Game' turned decorated South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae into a 'Star Wars: Acolyte' actor, who learnt English just for that part. Just like it turned show stealer model, making her amazing acting debut, Jung Ho-yeon into a global megastar like Rosé, who sings karaoke with The Weeknd. Sadly, she's not back, aside from a headshot, but Jung-jae is, weathered and worn, but even better than before as he tries to take the game down from the inside in a show that takes cues from everything from 'Prison Break', season by season, to the red and blue pill choice of 'The Matrix'. Stick that one up your a##! He's also joined by the 'Midnight' of Wi Ha-joon's compelling cop character and the man in the plastic mask reveal of the great Lee Byung-hun's ('Joint Security Area', 'Inside Men' and Hollywood's 'Terminator: Genisys' and 'The Magnificent Sven' remake) frontman, who like a Trojan Horse is so much more with what's in store this season. Although for all the recruitment, it's the opening act of 'Train To Busan' star Gong Yoo that steals this show, playing even more deadly games with you than the ones by the train tracks. Think 'The Deer Hunter' and '187' meets outstanding opera and epic emotion. Played perfectly in palpable fear by Kim Pub-lae and Jeon Seok-ho. 

Not to mention the kind of kindness this world needs right now, in the last place you'd expect to find it. Moments of classic camaraderie come together in a rooting interest across the board. This second show is amazing before you even begin to make it with the man in the arena. But these children's games are anything but a children's story, in this show that takes shots at the ultra-violence we inflict on each other, whether physical or psychological. Not to mention the mental masochism we do to ourselves. Addictions like gambling, whether playing the horses or the crypto coin game (ZE:A's Im Si-wan buys into all of that). Class disparity and capitalism are also at war in this dystopian survival thriller that features even more compelling characters and strands of plot that twist and turn and thrill and (blood) spill. The military marine core minds of best friend Lee Seo-hwan and Kang Ha-neul give more strength to those voting X, circled by sharks. Whilst Lee Jin-wook's reason for being in the games will break your heart. Especially with the complication of Busan's own Park Gyu-young's character reveal in this Seoul story. Offering the most cruelly conflicting turn of this hit series with more nuance than Hollywood could hope for.

Click your fingers like Thanos, before this endgame, and T.O.P. rapper Choi Seung-hyun is one of the top, and most annoying characters this season. Signs of a great rapper/actor. Singer of Korean/Japanese group Iz*One, Jo Yu-ri keeps the K-Pop to K-Drama link alive like the baby her character tries to keep secret in her stomach. Meanwhile, controversy has come from Park Sung-hoon playing a transwoman (not to mention a pornographic post about a blue 'Squid Game' movie). Still, in conservative Korea, this revelation of a role is real progress. From Netflix's 'Squid Game: Unleashed' mobile game, to the Front Man's 'Fireplace' you can watch for an hour, or repeat for the whole night on the streaming service, N is milking this squid for all its ink, like the black blood that runs the same. Yet the second season might be inspired by the diluting real life reality show of 'Squid Game: The Challenge', when it comes to Yang Dong-geun and Kang Ae-shim's moving mother and son. There's even more bankable stars to mingle with and fill up the plastic piggy bank, as this all turns, but Dong-hyuk's wonderful writing does more than scrawl a signature on their cheques. You can't vote against this. Rock, paper, scissors, this hit is a cut above the rest. The best pentathlon in the year of Paris 2024 (terrific track teaser, by the way). The games have changed. And there's so much more to play for. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Playing: 'Squid Game', 'Squid Game: The Challenge', 'Squid Game: Fireplace'.