REVIEW: BABYGIRL

4/5

New Sensation

115 Mins. Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde & Antonio Banderas. Screenplay: Halina Reijn. Director: Halina Reijin. In: Theatres.  

Live, baby, live. Amazing Aussie Nicole Kidman should have at least breathed steam on a polished Oscar nomination (like Demi Moore in 'The Substance') for her performance as 'Babygirl' in Halina Reijn's raging A24 movie that submits to lust. The erotic thriller penned and filmed by Dutch actor and director of 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' was named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the National Board Of Review. The same board that named Kidman the 'Best Actress' for this performance, like Venice's Volpi Cup. But still no love from The Academy? Ah well, no use crying over spilt milk. Instead, just drink in one of the world's most amazing actresses at the peak of her powers. And this comes after 'Bombshell' and the 'Destroyer' for the 'Big Little Lies' chameleonic star, not afraid to bare it all like 'The Paperboy' or those Kubrick 'Eyes Wide Shut' with former husband Tom Cruise. But this time it's not even the 'Desperado' on-screen lovely husband of Antonio Banderas who is her muse. But the John Lennon, Beatle to be, Harris Dickinson.

The star of 'Trust' and the heartbreaking 'The Iron Claw' and 'The King's Man' is ready for his big moment as the working class hero becomes a young intern with more than a cigarette to burn. He's so hot right now. Just ask Baby Alana Haim of Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Licorice Pizza' fame when asked in the street by a Tik Toker to compare Harrison to the likes of Michael B. Jordan. Her band of sisters also capturing Kidman leaving divorce court perfectly for the artwork of their 'Relationships'. Good girls. When it comes to the combustible chemistry between Dickinson and Kidman, the May/December pair will never be torn apart like the words of the late, great Michael Hutchence for Kidman's fellow country stars INXS (Kidman personally secured the rights after the movie had difficulty doing so). Sensual sax brooding over their body-on-body beauty for the most sexual movie that makes the toys of 'Fifty Shades' feel pathetic. Getting exactly what you want with this Christmas movie, like 'Carol'. Ding, dong! Your merrily will really be on high under this mistletoe, that leaves a bruising bite.

John Cena's safe word in 'Sisters' is "keep going", and this one really does, as it comes to you as a full force of nature that won't let up. This girl...no woman boss shows you all sorts of power dynamics like the French classic 'Elle' that courted even more controversy. There's 'Disobedience' to be had here with career and family lives on the line that even makes the deserved Oscar wins of 'Anora' seem tame for all you shrews. And just wait until the assistance of Trophée Chopard actress Sophie Wilde ('Everything Now', 'You Don't Know Me', 'Tom Jones') gets involved. Although in this movie's climax (no pun intended) it may be Banderas who gives us some of the bold and best acting, which shouldn't have been ignored by The Academy either. But in this critical and box-office success of another New York and A24 classic from Man Up films (pun, probably intended), it's Kidman's moment...and Dickinson's too. With one hell (to pay) of a fatal attraction, that's as good as Moore, full 'Disclosure'. Word to Michael Douglas. Kidman's robotic process automation company that puts Amazon to shame is nothing compared to her lust for anything but a mechanical sex life. Baby, the basic instinct of this indecent proposal dominates. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Substance', 'Elle', 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

REVIEW: MICKEY 17

4/5

17 Again

137 Mins. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette & Mark Ruffalo. Screenplay: Bong Joon Ho. Director: Bong Joon Ho. In: Theatres.

Hey, Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, they blow your mind. Hey, Mickey! BANG! BANG! SPLAT! Hey, Mickey! BANG! BANG! SPLAT! Snowpiercing a satirical cinematic classic, that's the same animal as Netflix's 'Okja', great South Korean director Bong Joon Ho serves as 'The Host' of his first film since his Oscar winning 'Parasite' bit both the Best International Feature and the Best Picture gold at the 92nd Academy Awards. Regardless of all that, this Warner Brothers and Brad Pitt Plan B production explosive epic was a box-office bomb. Despite garnering critical acclaim since Cannes for one of the Tarantino and Lee best today who cites Scorsese as his absolute inspiration to cinema. Never matter, this science-fiction black comedy has so much more to say and will stay with you long after the final credits have rolled, like the newspapers reading reviews those tilting up theatre seats should have heeded.

Based on Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey7', 'Mickey 17' comes just a few years later for your antimatter blues (I smell a sequel). Like a Tom Cruise 'Edge Of Tomorrow' with 'Multiplicity' like Michael Keaton shaving his own tongue, 'Mickey 17' stars Robert Pattinson, Robert Pattinson, Robert Pattinson, and...well, you get the idea. It's 'Dumb and Dumber', too, for all you Beavis and Butthead jackasses. But this is 'The Batman's' best role since the darkest of nights, and one hell of a good time for the 'Twilight' superstar turned world's finest actor. 'The Lighthouse', 'Tenet', 'Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire'. This is one of Pattinson's most perfect performances ever. Like you've never seen...or heard him before. You want to talk about people playing conflicted characters to the hilt? How about someone who literally displays all parts of a person's personality for all to see, right there in front of you? The id, the superego, it's all there for you to unpack in your next cinematic session, which is amongst the best dark room therapy tickets can buy these days.

Bong lowers the boom too. Joon jabs at America, as the Korean returns to English language movies like the two this shares DNA with. Not to mention the social society of an applied age where we treat people like they are replaceable. The post-apocalyptic dystopian days broken promises of 'Snowpiercer', whose train even tunnelled its way to a Netflix series. The streaming service's outstanding 'Okja' creature feature that shows us how we really treat all creatures great and small. Seventeen, like a J-Pop group, also brings us the K drama of a colony that renders people as expendables like Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Unless those people are self-appointed "lords" of all these flies. With red caps, covering ignorance as well as they do bald patches, tipped to trumped-up politicians who crave attention and power, without giving any to the people they should ask themselves what they can do for. With an almost Harrison Ford, Red Hulk rage, Avenger and outspoken campaigning actor Mark Ruffalo (even gaudier than his 'Poor Things' character meets Stanley Tucci in 'The Hunger Games') and the great Toni Collette are basically playing The Donald and Melania.

Add the 'Beef' of the great Steven Yeun playing a total prick to absolute perfection. in this cut, and it's a good job a screaming and dying Pattinson has himself...or is it?! He's not alone, though. Whitney Houston biopic star Naomi Ackie ('Star Wars: The Rise Of The Skywalker', 'Blink Twice') wants to dance with somebody, and those somebodies love her...and her fully-charged scene stealing. Live. Die. Copy and paste. Clone and reprint, repeat, there is nothing disposable about this film's recycled message, like theatre waste. Even if it does feel a little long-winded in the end. It's still one of the best blockbuster's and a thinking man's one too. It may not gobble up any awards, but it will garner a cult following of movie nerds who will geek out on this for generations, like a Starship Trooper they lost their hearts too. This frozen-over piercer of a snow planet full of Creepers and more creeps and males with problems than a Radiohead song really plugs in. It's an epic experiment that works over and over again. No matter what it throws at you. Messy, but meaningful, this Mickey is no mouse in a world of men that act like rats. Eliminate that! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Snowpiercer', 'Okja', 'Multiplicity'.

REVIEW: MOANA 2

3.5/5

With A Paddle

100 Mins. Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger & Alan Tudyk. Screenplay: Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller. Directors: Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller & David Derrick Jr. On: Disney +.

Setting sail on Disney Plus finally, after last fall's fond reception at the box office, 'Moana 2' makes its way to your streaming shores. Originally, you might have found the super sequel to the 2016 smash hit here. As the follow-up to the original movie, that is so good it will already have its own live-action feature film version next year, was originally conceived as a Disney + miniseries, like the 'Gone Fishing' short. But alas and aloha, 'Moana' is just too massive a franchise for Walt Disney's Animated Studios, without the Pixar lamplight shone upon it. You only have to watch the shorts (and we're talking like less than a minute short) on Disney Plus of 'A Fan Celebration Of Moana'. Serving as everything from better looks at pets than YouTube videos and make-up tutorials. Look at us, like Paul Rudd. Or should I say, "look at them!" Because look at this writer who waits for Disney films (aside from Marvel and Star Wars ones) to hit a Plus before he writes his reviews. But, hey, I live in Japan, we get all the films late.

I watched 'Moana' the day before yesterday to get ready for the March 26th streaming release of 'Moana 2'...shamefully, for the first time. WHAT?! It's been almost a decade. I know, I know. Ditto for the 'Fan Celebration Of Moana' (it's not hard to binge a series like that), the morning of. Setting everything up for the perfect mid-week Disney day, sorry 'Daredevil'...two episodes this week is just too much these days for someone heading to the bay of 40. 'Moana 2' directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller and David Derrick Jr., with a screenplay from Jared Bush and Miller brings all your favourites back on song, dancing for this wicked musical. The absolutely amazing Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson (with The Rock reprising his role in the live-action...hey, he's demi-God big enough), Boba Fett himself Temuera Morrison, the grandmother spirit of Rachel House, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and the great, screaming Alan Tudyk as your favourite boat snack.

Grossing a billi after one hundred and fifty milli (who am I? Lil' Wayne? I didn't even buy a ticket), this refreshing reunion is anything but waterlogged. This boat rocks too, with a new wayfinding crew that reconnects all sorts of people, for all of those looking out to sea for the ones they've lost along the way. And if you miss the cuteness of the head-tilting, like the ocean, baby 'Moana', then rest assured, she has a little sister who is just as kawaii to the button. The songwriting of 'Hamilton's' very own Lin-Manuel Miranda may be missed, but Abigial Barlow and Emily Bear still hit the high-notes with earworms that will make your "keep the kids happy" car playlists. No need to let it go. The third-highest cinematic journey of last calendar also received a Golden Globe animation nomination, despite the critical water being mixed. But where was the Oscar love? No matter. The coconut pirates knocking together are still a hit, and a vivid post credits scene promises more. 'Moana 2' is a lovely movie that fits with the first one perfectly. A beautiful story about family and coming of age. The very definition of "aloha". TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Moana', 'Encanto', 'Raya And The Last Dragon'.

REVIEW: CONCLAVE

4/5

The One Pope

120 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, Brian F. O'Byrne, John Lithgow & Isabella Rossellini. Screenplay: Peter Straughan. Director: Edward Berger. In: Theatres.

Original cardinal sin. Here are some popes that even Ricky Gervais can't mess with. Even though Gervais' Golden Globe gag was as great as THE roast of Hollywood in his final show as host, Jonathan Pryce's face was right. Keep 'The Two Popes' names out of your f#####g mouth! That Anthony Hopkins co-starring Netflix hit is a straight classic. Yet it's concave in relation to 'Conclave'. The Edward Berger (the amazing, new (Netflix) 'All Quiet On The Western Front') political thriller, scripted by Peter Straughan ('Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'), based on the book by 'The Ghost Writer's' Robert Harris. A 'Spotlight' on the Catholic Church so good kit even bests the two popes of Jude Law's 'The Young Pope' and 'The New Pope', second series, being John Malkovich. The best religious drama since Paul Scharder's 'First Reformed', armed with an explosive twist in its end, 'Conclave' just might be the best picture of the year. Even if the SAG Award-winning shoo-in (see: Moore, Demi) was pipped to the post at the Oscars by Mickey Madison and the workers of the amazing 'Anora' (see also: more Demi).

The Pope is dead. Long live. And this time, Highlander, there can only be one, unlike the two previous pope productions we just mentioned. This epic ensemble piece features big names doing big things in the form of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and a scene stealing Isabella Rossellini (laminate THAT, Ross!), but it gets even deeper the further you go down the call-sheet. Sex (not that kind, thankfully, as my parents were concerned going into that movie back home, when a couple of old dears coming out of the cinema complained about all the hanky-panky, and words to that effect (they were talking about 'Anora', of course)), scandal and other sordid details, 'Conclave' is a classic in its attention to detail. Finally released in Japan's indie cinemas (like it's still showing in the U.K. Everyman ones), the film is a cinematographer (Stéphane Fontaine) and sound engineer's dream. Thanks to my father's eloquent explanation (seeing it at the same time, albeit across the globe). There is a long speech early on where Ralph Fiennes speaks to a hundred plus cardinals in an old room with a lot of reverberation. Then dialling back the sound, the movie's production filters Fiennes voice so it sounds like he's talking to just you.

Which is very important...because that's exactly what he's doing in a first-person, fourth wall breaking speech that is really a sign of our times and the best since that blockbuster 'Barbie' one boxed up an Oscar nomination for America. You need to hear this, and that, and not read it here. Either way, Fiennes is formidable, 'The English Patient' showing patience and grace under pressure as everything is going up in smoke around him as the world is waiting and looking for the signal of a new pope. Kudos are in order for the people's choice, Stanley Tucci, too. My balding inspo and quite possibly one of the most versatile and vivid acting talents around. I mean, have you seen 'The Lovely Bones', or 'The Hunger Games' (the latter giving me hope for the future)? Pair these two with the inspired Isabella Rossellini, making the most of her moment, like all women in her place, and the always amazing (see the formidable first episode of 'The Old Man', where his back and forth with Jeff Bridges is even better than the geriatric John Wick shtick and tricks) John Lithgow, and you'll have no need for his sad face courtesy of Conan, urging you to wrap it up like Adrien Brody should have, chewing the scenery, like the gum he tossed. This ain't his first rodeo, like his beautiful moment with Colin Farrell, during 'The Penguin's' SAG Award speech.

This church in the wild has grossed over 100 million dollars at the box-office on a budget set barely at 20. This conclave election of secrets and lies is out for the world to see now after its premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival. Praised performances. Critics choices. One of the National Board of Review and American Film Institute's top ten films of the last calendar cycle of cinema. "Absolute", as Scorsese would put it in a meme. Tying 'The Brutalist' for BAFTA's (four) and winning a Golden Globe (hey, Rickey") for screenplay, it may have come up short with The Academy, but it was still a major candidate. Just like the supporting character actor performances of aid Brian F. O'Byrne, a heartbreakingly good Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, ready for an Elvis Costello movie, and a revelatory Carlos Diehz. The final moments are worthy of all our applause, as you won't know the real truth like 'The Da Vinci Code' until the final chapter of this sermon, served with spirit from the Holy Ghost. And like the subtle symbolism of a tortoise in the final frame, this is the slow progress of a new world we can walk to together. One thing in 'Conclave' that needn't be up for debate. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Two Popes', 'The New Pope', 'First Reformed'.

TV REVIEW: WIN OR LOSE - Miniseries

3.5/5

Bases Are Loaded

8 Episodes. Starring: Will Forte, Izaac Wang, Ian Chen, Jo Firestone, Winston Vengapally, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson, Erin Keif, Rosie Foss, Rosa Salazar, Chanel Stewart, Dorien Watson, Lil Rel Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Flula Borg, Kyliegh Curran & Rhea Seehorn. Showrunners: Carrie Hobson & Michael Yates. On: Disney +.

PLAY BALL! If Disney Plus doesn't have enough 'Daredevils', 'And/or' 'Star Wars' shows for you to stream through their shared universe, then wait until Pixar productions come back under the lamplight. Right after Mickey Mouse's house gave us an animated multiverse of 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man', and then Hulu's 'Paradise' showed you a whole new world under a Stephen King like dome came 'Win Or Lose'. Yet, unlike the 'Monsters Inc' ('Monsters At Work') and 'Inside Out ('Dream Productions') offshoots, this sports dramedy from showrunners Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates serves as Pixar studio's first original scripted series. And what a great one at that. Especially when it comes to the cute sweat soaked character (if you can believe it) and the applied dating (I also like pizza), two-episode premiere like most Plus shows, for this eight episode wonder of a series whose episodes come at you like animals in the ark.

Will Forte and Lil Rel Howery (just wait until you hear him sing K-Ci and JoJo's 'All My Life') highlight a crack cast of voices, including Izaac Wang, Ian Chen, Jo Firestone, Winston Vengapally, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson, Erin Keif, Rosie Foss, Rosa Salazar, Chanel Stewart, Dorien Watson, Melissa Villaseñor, Flula Borg, Kyliegh Curran and Rhea Seehorn. Yet for all those from the dugout at bat, it's the co-ed narrative of this final championship game, from the perspective of all the Pickles players, coaches, family and fans, that really rounds for home and the good time feeling that only Disney could provide in a time when we really need it. Even Tarantino would have to tip his cap to the nuanced narrative of the most beautiful baseball pitch since a Costner 'Field Of Dreams'. It's right on the 'Moneyball' with a Jonah Hill clenched fist. All the epic events are pitched at you with as many different unique visual styles as Shoehi Ohtani has curveballs to his already better than Babe, homer of a G.O.A.T. game.

Sweating the big stuff. Treating dating apps like a video game (I mean, they're not wrong). The influence of emojis. Shopping your skills online. The power of our imagination. An animated love. That sinking feeling. And even some little lips. They're all on display to act as a metaphor for our anxieties, yearning, passion, drive to survive, wonder, insecurities, fear and all the other things we're hiding behind the reflection of a black mirror. Although some have criticized Disney for pulling a storyline involving a transgender character. Perhaps they are just responding to all the backlash they have received by trying to tell stories with every colour from the rainbow under their umbrella. Maybe they don't want to appear like they're loading the bases, like they're box ticking. But it's like the great Jane Fonda said for her lifetime achievement speech at the SAG Awards, "being woke just means you give a damn about other people." Despite that loss, this cool concept conceived by Hobson and Yates over experiencing the same event over 'Toy Story 4' differently, still wins. You're out of here! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Dream Productions', 'Monsters At Work', 'Meet The Pickles: The Making Of 'Win Or Lose'.

REVIEW: ANORA

4/5

What Happened In Vegas.

139 Mins. Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan & Aleksei Serebryakov. Screenplay: Sean Baker. Director: Sean Baker. In: Theatres.

For your consideration, the one Oscar winner you won't soon forget. Even though, like the Grammys, Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Weekend, motion picture's major event in February is soon as forlorn as those lost lovers whose Valentines never wrote back. This love story hurts like hell too. A new 'Pretty Woman' for our 'American Honey' age of 'Hustlers', feeling like the anxiety attack of the Safdie Brother's very own 'Uncut Gems' (some call it a 'Good Time'). This raw and ready, polished indie is a little rough around the edges, too. Giving sex workers the love they deserve and not the kind that goes below the belt. Thinking another dollar bill put there will erase all the pain caused by men who think women can be bought and discarded as quickly as the divorce courts that look more like a sham than the Las Vegas chapels that birthed all this risky business. Cue the Cruise-esque sock slide from the rich kid hiding behind those Ray Charles shades.

Mickey Madison, name alone, just sounds like a Hollywood star. She is. Yet she's much more than that. She's a Best Actress award winner for the Best Picture that beat out ("out" people...not off) more popes than Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. Make that two now. Once upon a time...in Hollywood, she made her name, like Margaret Qualley, in a Quentin Tarantino movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and half of Hollywood, like Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, and the late, great Luke Perry and Burt Reynolds. Making her mark as a Manson murderer in all black, like 'Elvis' to be, and win, Austin Butler (even the one that ran away was the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and 'Stranger Things' star in her own right, Maya Hawke). Glass tables, dog bites and knife fights. All manner of things happened to her before she met her end by the flame throwing hands of DiCaprio by the pool. But this is Mickey Madison, the actress, like the SAG card and award show intro speech said.

With even more substance than the great Demi Moore, this amazing Academy actress shocked the world when she took home the goldest gleam a fortnight ago. An upset after Demi won more awards that practically had the envelope in her hands. Yet Madison was beyond happy as she confirmed herself as the next big star in town like Jennifer Lawrence and the 'Poor Thing' who handed the award, Emma Stone, before her. There's a new Mickey in the Tinseltown that Walt's mouse made famous, and hey, she's more than fine. Yes, this movie features more F bombs than...hey, we can't top that Conan joke, and there's so much sex here they needed a team of intimacy coordinators (let alone one), but this isn't the selling point on this bold, beautiful and brutal drama. Even though, Madison wows with a dance (how does she do that thing with her legs so effortlessly, gracefully AND sexily?) that could even top Zoe Saldaña's supporting sweep in 'Emilia Perez'. She's much more than that naked ambition and truth, The real acting and artistry comes later in dramatic strokes, all the way to the truly heartbreaking end that will stay with you. Just like the message needs to. A modern love metaphor that money can't buy, or time can't rush. Because look what happens when we "like" someone and dismiss them just as quickly with a swipe of the hand.

'Anora' in big, red, Neon neon letters (not to be confused with Star War's 'Andor', no matter how much you're looking forward to the forthcoming second season) is so much more, too. Winning director and screenplay Oscars for Sean Baker ('Four Letter Words') who also produced and edited this picture. This New York stripper meets Russian oligarch son also shows us the classic sides of the city, like Coney Island, amongst all the sleazy sides of Sin City across the coast. This 77th Cannes Film Festival favourite and Palme d'Or winner also features stars of the future across the board. Namely, Golden Eagle Award Winner ('AK-47') Yura Borisov, who deserves his Best Supporting Actor for his heartfelt, hilarious and haunted performance that would have stolen the show if it wasn't for Mickey Madison's moment. Mark Eydelshteyn is cutely charming. Whilst Karren Karagulian will do anything to get the job done. Especially when he has the fumbling Vache Tovmasyan and fierce Aleksei Serebryakov to deal with. And just wait until you meet mother Russia. This indecent proposal of a movie is a motherf####r. Enough to make Mickey 'Scream' like said movie that helped her get the gig. Inspired by everything from 'The Talking Of Pelham One Two Three' to 'The French Connection' (rest peacefully, Gene and your wonderful wife Betsy), this is another uncut New York gem. As real as it gets, nothing hits harder than this Hollywood divorce. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pretty Woman', 'Uncut Gems', 'Hustlers'.

REVIEW: WICKED

4/5 

We're Off To See The Wicked

160 Mins. Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh & Jeff Goldblum. Screenplay: Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox. Director: Jon M. Chu. In: Theatres...and on Broadway, of course.

Something 'Wicked' this way finally comes to the Land of the Rising Sun, as the Oscar nomination laden movie finds a Japanese release date between Best Picture 'Anora', and the original favourite to scoop that envelope after the SAG success, 'Conclave'. This 'Part I' surprise, like 'Dune', is the brilliant Broadway blockbuster adaptation that Disney just wishes it had on its servers. The stage is set for an almost three-hour epic loosely based on the lips that read Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel of the same name, the Oz series of books, and of course the 1939 classic 'The Wizard Of Oz', that, almost a century later, there's no place like. Following the yellow brick road like 'The Wiz', 'Oz The Great And Powerful', and an Elton John classic, 'Wicked' is wonderful, with more wisdom than Jada Pinkett heavy-metal. Directed by the award ignored (why?) 'Crazy Rich Asians' director Jon M. Chu from a script from Dana Fox's 'Wedding Date' with playwright Winnie Holzman, 'The Untold Story Of The Witches Of Oz', or the college days Conan quips is finally brought from stage to screen.

Yet, it's the two showstoppers who steal it all in this candy coloured cinematic classic. There are some green jellybeans spilled on this canary pavement, and Cynthia Erivo sings her heart out like this epic was her destiny. It really is for the 'Harriet' and 'Widows' actress, who already brought Celine and 'The Color Purple' back to Broadway. You could really see her name in Times Square lights, hitting the stage, no promotional poster shade, of Lower Manhattan with her co-star. Making a perfect point about an acceptable colour. Because her bestie or frenemy here is pop superstar Ariana Grande-Butera who is an absolute joy in this movie. Not only as Sakura sweet as they come, sitting much more than pretty in pink, but also cute, charming and compelling comic, with as much wonder and wit, as she has warmth and wisdom. The grandest thing Ariana has ever done was what she did for the people of Manchester, but in terms of her classic career, this might even be more than the music. Even though both legacy and new legend making leads duet dynamically for a massive mainstream musical that means so much more.

Classic cameos. Nods to courage and cowards alike. 'Wicked' has it all. A dashing would be prince, charming you like Chris Pine in 'Into The Woods'. The love Grande found with Ethan Slater. SNL's Bowen Yang doing his best Dan Levy impression with real levity. There's even the voice of 'GOT' G.O.A.T Peter Dinklage. There are even two legends here to match the magic of our leads. 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' actress Michelle Yeoh slays once again, even if she at the Golden Globes, and I, have no idea what all that means. Add the massive head (literally...I actually think he's quite quaintly humble) of the one and only Jeff Goldblum, and the proceedings become perfect. Like his cast. I mean, I know we all know who he's playing (apart from me), but if you don't, I simply won't spoil, because you couldn't conjure up anyone better. And we work that fly green suit like the buzzed big-name he once was...and will always be. Good like Glinda, this how the Wicked Witch of the West was become story is a super origin one most Marvel movies would love to be. No water can rain on this parade at the moment. We're not in Kansas...yet. This 'Wicked' will last for good. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Oz The Great And Powerful', 'The Wiz'.

REVIEW: MEMORY

4/5

Memory Serves

99 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Merritt Wever, Brooke Timber, Elsie Fisher, Josh Charles & Jessica Harper. Screenplay: Michel Franco. Director: Michel Franco. In: Theatres.

Academy season may almost be an afterthought now. Moving on in this day and age as quickly as the red carpet is rolled up. But let's spare a thought for the winners of 2022. I'm not trying to, and I won't use a slapping pun, take shots at the winner of 'Best Actor', and one of my favourites who clearly made a mistake he has mostly been forgiven for. But the moment that was heard around the world sure did take the spotlight off of other actors and their shine. Namely, 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' 'Best Actress', Jessica Chastain, who finally got a well deserved Oscar after amazing work in 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'The Help', 'The Tree Of Life', 'A Most Violent Year', 'Miss Sloane', 'Molly's Game', and much, much more, including 'Scenes From A Marriage' on television, with reuniting co-star and fellow Juilliard grad, Oscar Isaac. It could also be COVID's fault. Since the overshadowed Oscar, she's starred in 'The 355' team-up, Netflix's 'The Good Nurse' and 'Mother's Instinct' with Anne Hathaway, which completely passed me by. Are these things on Peacock?

'Memory' serves as a reminder to all this. It's been out in Japan for a few weeks now, but this Michel Franco movie debuted in 2023. That's usually the order of non-big blockbuster and Marvel movies here, but with that being said, it's been so long, the new cinematic collaborative coupling of Chastain and Franco (not related to Dave or James) have a new movie out called 'Dreams', where Jessica plays Jennifer McCarthy (no...not that one...I think). This one, on the other hand, doesn't deal with what we think about in our R.E.M., but what we regard in our past lives. The Franco ('After Lucia') film concerns a single mother and sober social worker unpacking her past, as she locks up her house with her electronic alarm. All whilst caring for a man with early onset dementia she met after he followed her home from a high-school reunion. Stalking. Sexual assault. There's a lot to deal with in this movie that sees their troubled pasts twist and turn to an even more perplexing present that threatens to fracture the forlorn foundations that they have worked so hard to build. Nothing is easy in this movie that earns every emotion. Chastain is compelling, as always, but this might just be one of her finest, albeit sadly forgotten, films.

A moment of misunderstanding makes this movie even harder to take, when a conversation in a peaceful and beautiful park turns brutal and then cruel. Yet, like life, through all its love and hate, and patience and pain, finds another path home. The great Peter Sarsgaard (who acts his pants off in everything from his Academy Award nominated 'Shattered Glass', to his brief, explosive turn in 'The Batman') plays the man in question in 'Memory'. And you won't soon forget his powerful performance, layered with likeable qualities and quirks, even if Oscar did. The Golden Lion of the 80th Venice International Film Festival certainly didn't. And Sarsaard took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. And he should hold it high, like his character's head. Elsewhere, 'Birdman' and 'Marriage Story' star Merritt Wever could have taken home another award, while Brooke Timber plants roots as a face to watch in the future. 'Eighth Grade's' Elsie Fisher and Josh Charles of 'Dead Poets Society' come up aces with concerned and conflicted performances, and it gets even more legendary with Jessica Harper. All this should make this movie committed to memory. However, the dark themes of drink, drugs, depression and dementia may make people want to think about something else. Yet, 'Memory' is still something you can't take your mind's eye off of. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Still Alice', 'Love & Other Drugs', 'Mother's Instinct'. 

TV REVIEW: PARADISE - Season 1

3.5/5

Trouble In Paradise

8 Episodes. Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Glynn Turman & James Marsden. Created By: Dan Fogelman. On: Hulu & Disney +.

This is not just, 'Another Day In Paradise', like a cover of a Phil Collins song (with love to Brandy and cousin Ray-J's beautiful version) that is sung throughout this show's first season (a second has just been given the green light). Much like the soaring score from Emmy winning composer Siddhartha Khosla, in perfect piano, that strikes a chord in your chambers. Resonating and resembling the emotional and epic music from the American landmark drama series 'This Is Us'. Funny we should say that, 'Paradise' (now streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus) comes from 'This Is Us' creator and showrunner Dan Fogelman (who cut his teeth with screenplays for 'Crazy, Stupid Love', as well as various Pixar productions for Disney). Reuniting with the star of that show, and this one, 'The People Vs. OJ Simpson', 'Black Panther' and 'American Fiction' scene-stealer Sterling K. Brown. But the less said about 'Paradise', the better.

Trouble? You could say that again. As it's more desperate than American dream, white-picket fence housewives and families here. We should leave this eight episode wonder as a surprise, but it has shades of 'Wayward Pines' and 'Designated Survivor', at the same time Netflix is giving us its own 'Zero Day' with Robert De Niro's first television role, and Presidential campaign. This post-apocalyptic political thriller with a dash of science fiction (we've already said too much, but the doomsday clock is ticking) will already find its fans thanks to Brown, who gives a sterling and stirring performance, like he did in movies like 'Marshall' and 'Waves'. That's just what one TIME's 'Most Influential People' will do to you. In this show, that's like 'WandaVision' reading a Stephen King novel between a book of spells, Brown's at his best when co-piloting scenes with his character's ailing father (played fondly by the great Glynn Turman). Or the President of this Hulu campaign, not in competition with De Niro, but in alliance against the man that really should take his leave of office.

Remember when Martin Sheen was so good in 'The West Wing' that American viewers would have rather had him as POTUS? Well, even though right now, a Cheeto would probably better than what's sitting at the desk of the Oval Office (but I digress, because believe me, I hate speaking like this. I still believe in the grace of redemption, like 'Daredevil'), James Marsden makes his mark. Charismatic and charming like he was in 'Enchanted' and 'Hairspray', the 'X-Men' Cyclops, 'Superman Returns' and 'Westworld' star is a JFK-esque President, ready to do the right thing, like in 'The Notebook', no matter what it means for him. I mean, the 51-year-old (WHAT?!) already portrayed Kennedy in 'The Butler', so this was not too much of a stretch. But consider that the blueprint to his inspired inauguration here. Being asked to do for his country, something no man should be asked to decide himself. There's grit underneath that grace. And in the powerful penultimate episode, when he and his closest aid (Sterling K. Brown) get into detail, The Emmys get to polishing.

To be frank, it's not just them. Elsewhere, she may not have blue eyes, but 'August: Osage County' star Julianne Nicholson (check out the TV credits, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' (well, after the Oscars, who hasn't been on 'Law & Order'), 'Masters Of Sex', 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Mare Of Easttown') is sensational as Sinatra in so many suits you thought Washington D.C. had turned into Las Vegas (oh, it's something MUCH worse) in this Rat Pack big-three. Still keeping this secret like the service, we also have fine performances from Sarah Shai's ('Person Of Interest') psychotherapist and grief counsel, the agent of Nicole Brydon Bloom and Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV as Brown's kids. Amongst many more when it comes to regular and recurring guest stars who make themselves welcome to future projects and the seasons to come under this one's umbrella. This seemingly perfect 'Paradise' has been a mystery of intrigue ever since its three-episode premiere that seemed to come out of nowhere in the New Year. Sure, the finale felt a little flat, but enough of all that. There's clearly more to come. And this show is a reflection on the world as we see it right now. One we can't make heads or tails of ourselves. This is us, or this is the US? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'This Is Us', 'Wayward Pines', 'Designated Survivor'.

REVIEW: A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

4/5

Like A Rolling Stone

141 Minutes. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Dan Fogler, P.J. Byrne, Eriko Hatsune, Charlie Tahan, Boyd Holbrook & Scoot McNairy. Screenplay: James Mangold & Jay Cocks. Director: James Mangold. In: Theatres.

Unknown is hardly the word you would use to describe Timothée Chalamet. The 'Beautiful Boy' and your girlfriend's favourite actor has been making a name for himself since Luca Guadagnino's 'Call Me By Your Name'. And now with the successful Denis Villeneuve 'Dune' blockbuster series under his belt, heading for a holy trinity of a big-three, the American and French actor of Greta Gerwig's 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Woman' and Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch', is about to hit the big time. The young man, who has played everyone from 'Wonka' to Lil' Timmy Tim, is giving us the chronicles of Bob Dylan in what could be volume one of another epic trilogy, akin to his 'Boyhood' like series of GQ interviews with Daniel Riley. Going electric as Dylan in James Mangold's magnificent 'A Complete Unknown', Timothée could even take the 'Best Actor' Oscar away from 'The Brutalist' Adrien Brody, like he did at the SAG Awards. Wanting to be one of the greats like Daniel Day-Lewis or Viola Davis. 

Don't believe him? Just watch this Fox Searchlight Picture that shines one on the sixties of Dylan's life and times. Based on the book 'Dylan Goes Electric' by Elijah Wald. This adapted screenplay by Mangold and TIME and Rolling Stone writer Jay Cocks really is gold, as it mines storytelling beauty from a brutally cantankerous and reclusive man who had a hand in all this too. Courting controversy at a time the folk singer looked to plug in his protest sound and soul, you should see how a festival of fans and critics reacted to this, ready to bury an axe, and no hatchet, into his jukebox. In all this chaos, Chalamet is a spectacle as Dylan. Especially when he dons those shades and amazes. He looks the part in unkempt, curly hair and Howard Hughes fingernails. Walking the walk, down the Greenwich Village streets Dylan helped make famous, like other beat poets. And talking the talk in the cadence of his consonants, holding on to those vooowels. Not to mention, actually singing the songs, unlike the lion's share of biography movies. Sounding just like him in Dolby Atmos, where these greatest hits and bootlegs alike rip roar through the theatres and auditoriums like the arena of a live concert. Give Chalamet a Grammy, too.

The best Dylan, since an unrecognizable Cate Blanchett's undeniable performance, is here. You read that right, in a movie (Todd Haynes' 'I'm Not There') where everyone from Christian Bale to Heath Ledger played Bob. Not to be confused with Rachel Weisz's 'Complete Unknown', this James Mangold movie features other Oscar worthy performances for this eight Academy Award nominated picture. Namely, the great Edward Norton (too many formidable films to mention) as the icon Pete Seeger (with 'Norwegian Wood's Eriko Hatsune lovingly and loyally by his side), kindly like Mr. Rogers, but wanting to keep Dylan as his neighbourhood folk. And a maverick 'Top Gun' sequel star Monica Barabaro as Joan Baez, the soul of this protest story. Just like the bruised one of Elle Fanning, who deserves her own award as the woman behind the classic cover of 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan'. When it comes to the one that got away, it really is her, babe. Add 'Fantastic Beasts' star Dan Fogler managing this all, like friendly face P.J. Byrne, and 'Ozark' one Charlie Tahan playing it again, like Sam, and you have fine performances across the sound board. But with nary a word, it's Scoot McNairy as an ailing Woody Guthrie that really hits harder. Then again, here comes the Man in Black. Stealing every scene he's in, walking the line.

Mangold already directed Joaquin Phoenix to the Oscar as Johnny Cash in 'Walk The Line', referencing a Bobby Dylan letter along the way. But now, in this spiritual sequel of sorts, the 'Girl, Interrupted', '3:10 To Yuma', 'Ford V Ferrari' and 'Indiana Jones and the Dial Of Destiny' versatile and underrated director brings John back. All whilst reuniting with the Reaver of his 'Logan' (sequel to his Logan's run of 'The Wolverine' lost in translation, in Tokyo, Japan) villain Boyd ("y'all f####d now, Mutie") Holbrook (after dialling in last year's vastly underrated 'Indiana Jones' movie). Shooting his guitar like a shotgun and giving B.D. that look over his sunglasses, as a cigarette hangs from his lip, 'The Predator' and 'The Bikeriders' actor whispers into Bobby's ear, telling him to tread dirt on the carpet as he clicks. One man by his side in those electric times of divisiveness. After the epic and terrific first trailer of 'A Complete Unknown' on YouTube, one top commenter asked, "why is Johnny Cash introduced like a superhero?" Well, because he is one! Just like this Nobel Peace Prize winning writer (who didn't attend the ceremony) with the 'Highway 61 Revisited' kid's whistle is a true poet. Worthy of his own trilogy, as his story is still being written. Jimmy and Timmy could keep telling it. Then Chalamet's Dylan biograph will be truly complete. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Walk The Line', 'I'm Not There', 'Inside Llewyn Davis'.