REVIEW: MUFASA - THE LION KING

3.5/5

Kingdom Come

118 Mins. Starring: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Boone, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter & Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson. Director: Barry Jenkins. On: Disney +. 

First thing's first, young Simbas, before we roar into this review and hold this live-action prequel high like a young cub above Pride Rock, we must pay tribute. And just like his words from the original 1994 animation, "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I," we will always look to the stars in remembrance of the late, great James Earl Jones. A fitting tribute to the beautiful, booming baritone of a heaven sent actor (even if he did play the villain in another movie you might have heard of) to begin 'Mufasa: The Lion King', from 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' director Barry Jenkins, with a script from Jeff Nathanson (famous for penning Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can', 'The Terminal' and 'Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull'). The prequel to the 2019 live adaptation of 'The Lion King' that came out last year and plays a lot like the origin story of fellow 2024 movie, 'Transformers One'.

Head in the clouds, you know the Chilli Pepper tissue of who one of these characters becomes (and we ain't talking about Mufasa), just like with 'Transformers One'. Yet, in keeping with that fellow animated prequel, we're saying nothing. Let's take it back to the time moviegoers were thrilled with a twist without the internet (or a 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' trailer), or even knowing there was one to watch for anyway (too late, my bad). Disney has enough to deal with in the flack they are receiving for churning out live-action versions of their animated classics (I refuse to whistle with a 'Steamboat Willie' adaptation, but now Mickey is public property), like their Marvel and Star Wars properties do spin-off T.V. shows. 'Snow White', of course, biting into that very poisoned apple of late. The mane problem with 'Mufasa', on the other paw, is that is it really necessary? No matter, now it's on Disney Plus, like 'Moana 2', a couple of weeks ago (we best wait for 'Snow White' to wake up here), it will play perfectly to the kids, like its CGI does alongside the real-life Disney Nature documentaries.

Now that we say goodbye to James Earl Jones, Aaron Pierre takes over the mantle of the Mufasa who would (will) be king. And whilst nobody walking this earth, even on all fours, could claw grab at the growling gravitas of Jones, Pierre more than holds his own, with some of the light beginning to touch the kingdom of last year's 'Rebel Ridge' breakout star on Netflix. The 'Krypton' and 'Old' actor (he's actually only 30) who also played Malcolm X in a 'Genius' miniseries has a commanding performance. And he's always wanted a best friend, too (or is that the other way around). And Kelvin Harrison Jr. ('Waves', '12 Years A Slave' and 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7') more than fits the bill as Sc...ahem, Taka, the lion prince. Alongside these dual, duelling lead newcomers are fellow pride rookies, Tiffany Boone, Lennie James and Anika Noni Rose. Alongside legends like Mads Mikkelsen and Thandiwe Newton lending their unmistakable voices. Just like the returning cameos of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner (perfect as Timon and Pumbaa), John Kani, Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (ditto as our leading lion and lioness), who introduces her daughter Blue Ivy Carter to the movie world like she did the biggest stage of the 'Beyoncé Bowl'.

With all these stars, this photorealistic production looks perfect...especially at night. When you can really feel the love tonight. James Laxton's cinematography is just that compelling. It scores, just like the sensational soundtrack from 'Hamilton's' own Lin-Manuel Miranda, complete with a collection of foot-tapping, sing-a-long instant earworms. Although, in this circle of life, nothing is touching Elton John's wonderful work with songwriter Bernie Taupin from the outstanding, original animation. That 1994 classic (yeah, we already feel old as it is) was amazingly done by first-time animators. And in its 30th anniversary celebration, highlighted by this prequel, even all the digital effects 'Mufasa' can muster, can't come close to the pride of the 90s. One of the decade's best pictures for the whole family, like 'Jurassic Park', 'Forrest Gump', or Disney and Pixar's own game-changing 'Toy Story'. Yet, you can still play with these lions as they paw each other, making box office bank (the sixth highest of 2024) that could never tank. It really puts its behind in its past. 'Mufasa' is moving, amusing and a majesty. And the last growl to roar, a perfect tribute to the spirit in the sky. For James. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lion King (2019)', 'The Lion King (1994)', 'Transformers One'.

ANIME REVIEW: MY HAPPY MARRIAGE - Season 2

4/5

Marriage Story

12 Episodes. Starring: Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona & Kenta Miyake. Screenplay By: Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi & Momoka Toyoda. Directed By: Masayuki Kojima & Takehiro Kubota. On: Netflix & Disney +.

Love and marriage continues on the second season of 'My Happy Marriage', streaming on Netflix and Disney Plus, amongst other servers. Despite the delays, one of the best animes out of Japan right now, still amazes. Directed by Masayuki Kojima and Takehiro Kubota, with a screenplay by Ami Satō based on the massive manga, 'Marriage' also has a matrimony of a lovely vocal cast, featuring, Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona and Kenta Miyake. Picking up where the love story between Miyo and Kiyoka left off in a world where spirit and magic...and perhaps true love are real. There are also Grotesqueries, Vader villains and even allies dressed so much like Christian Bale in 'American Psycho' that they are about to ask to see Paul Allen's magic power.

Rich, vibrant, decadent and as real as anime almost gets, you should be happy the matrimony sticks after all this time. Book ended by two terrific theme tunes for your wedding song and registry. High society like 'Downton Abbey' engaged with Japanese traditions like another hugely successful, award-winning show, 'Shōgun'. Dipping into vivid dream sequences that feel like something out of the dark rooms of Eleven's mind in 'Stranger Things', matched with special-effect set pieces that the M.C.U. could only marvel at. The dream-sight of this power wakes up a whole new world of Edo era history meets, modern day Japanese innovation like a CASIO wristwatch. It's an animated universe you can believe in, even if these are just cells straight out of comic books. Anime is taken very seriously here in Japan, and to the aficionado watching world who lap it all up with dreams of making a trip out to the Far East, not even thinking about seeing the rising sun. This story and show feels like one to call mine, yours, ours and theirs. To have and to hold close.

The love is real, too, between our two leads. Earned and cherished, despite all those wishing to destroy their marriage, whether family or outside forces. Yet Kiyoka and Miyo's union is too strong for all of that. Like the tip of his blade, or the power of her silent grace. Ordeals, demons and an early Autumn threaten to break them apart, yet their communion is a gifted one. The dreams may be foreboding, but the vision is real. And just wait until you see the commotion of New Year in all its fireworks, like Summer Hanabi festivals in Japan. Traitors, tricks, twists and turns will keep you guessing, all the way until the epic end which 'My Happy Marriage' kept us waiting for, twice over when you figure in the punctuated penultimate episode. It's all good though, like mono no aware of falling cherry blossom this Sakura season about to pass. Perhaps this has something to do with the recent rumours that anime artists are getting underpaid and overworked, like Marvel special effects teams. It's been time to do something about all that. They deserve so much more. As long as we get a third season like flowers in bloom again next year. For now, that's all distant snow like the pure white anime artwork of the final episodes, heading for home like the Hokkaido feel. 'My Happy Marriage' is something we all wish for and would never leave, for the rest of our lives. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers', 'Romeo x Juliet', 'Shōgun'. 

TV REVIEW: DAVID BLAINE - DO NOT ATTEMPT: Season 1

4/5

No Pain, No Blaine

6 Episodes. Starring: David Blaine. On: National Geographic, Hulu & Disney +.

Do not try this at home, or all around the watching world. When I first saw David Blaine, as a young teen, in that Peugeot GTI commercial, I was compelled. Did he really just throw a deck of cards at a car window, and the one chosen was on the other side of the glass (check those glass breaking, robbery skits, like the Cheez-It ones)? I had to try that for myself, when all my friends were drunk at a house party, and I had my boy slap a random card on the window from outside...you could clearly see his arm. Hey, at least it wasn't my awful cup and ball, disappearing trick, where you can obviously see the paper cup crumble as I pick everything up. Yeah, I watched the Masked Magician. This one, won't reveal his secrets, though. Even in a beautiful moment, when the cameras leave, and he shows how to do a signature trick to a group of kids in a South African magic school that's taught all races and faces together since apartheid. Inspirational.

Through countless specials, we've seen American magician David Blaine buried alive, be encased in ice in Times Square, and even in a box above London's epic Embankment for an experiment without food...he obviously hasn't rented in the Big Smoke before. Now, Blaine goes truly out his comfort zone for 'Do Not Attempt'. Streaming now on Hulu, Disney Plus, and National Geographic, like the fellow celebrity Gordon Ramsay ('Uncharted'), Chris Hemsworth ('Limitless') and Will Smith ('Welcome To Earth'...genius name) looks spanning the globe. 11 countries, 5 continents and 3 calendars, this six-part special (we hope has a second season) takes us to Brazil, South East Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa and Japan. Not to mention countless cities, which Blaine embraces like he does the black t-shirt department of your local clothing outlet. This man has done so much himself, wowing the world. Yet, seeing his real and raw reactions to the real life magicians he meets on the streets is a joy to behold. Reacting with more wows than Owen Wilson, bleeped out words than an episode of 'The Bear' and runaways like all those who used to be decked out by his card tricks.

And those old tricks in the finale episode here in Tokyo, Japan, will remind you of why you fell back in love with magic...and his art. At 50, David is still a Goliath in this industry. Wowing the next generations away from their smartphones...yet, his work is perfect for this TikTok time. Whether swallowing samurai swords, or lighting himself on fire (you really just going to walk to that jump, Dave?), Blaine plays through the pain, but shows you it's not a game. Especially when we start cracking bottles over our heads. Again, don't be a Jackass like Johnny Knoxville, this is for your home entertainment, not experiments. Kissing more snakes than your latest Tinder date, a beard of bees bigger than your Bumble hive, more Black Mambas than 24 and number 8 jerseys in Los Angeles, there's so much to be in awe of here. Case in point, when a make-up artist in the Far East makes a mask of David's face fresher than the rising sun. Yet, we're running our mouths too much, like those eating glass. We shouldn't spoil the rest of this, or we'll be a drag like that race. As the thread of this pulled trick brings all the old favourites back as well as a whole new world David shows us on Disney. Each city and country, given a title card that throws back to his 'Mysterious Stranger' ones in tribute to his muse Houdini, by the book. Even greater than 'The Mandalorian' concept art in closing credit. Just attempt to watch something bolder and better. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Welcome To Earth', 'Limitless-With Chris Hemsworth', 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'.

REVIEW: PIECE BY PIECE

3.5/5

One Piece

93 Mins. Starring: Pharrell Williams. Screenplay: Morgan Neville. Director: Morgan Neville. In: Theatres.

Brick by brick, 'Piece By Piece' is the feel-good movie of 'Happy', 'Get Lucky' prolific producer and amazing artist, Pharrell Williams' life. The former music N.E.R.D., who formed The Neptunes with producing partner Chad Hugo, has scored hits from everyone from Jay-Z, to Gwen Stefani. No doubt, or frontin' about it. But the sweet singer and musical mogul in his own right has had quite the life and times. Nothing is regular about the man who blurred lines, made music for millions and minions and also formed a Billionaire Boys Club in Tokyo, Japan for white t-shirts way more expensive than Hanes. Now, 'Piece By Piece' finds seat by seats in cinemas in the Far East land of the rising sun, we can just see how ahead of his time and in his prime Pharrell was. I'm sorry Mr. Carter for stealing your line, like a son of a b#### searching for goodwill, but he IS for real.

LEGO have made movies for everybody. From Star Wars to Marvel. You only have to log in to your Disney Plus to see just how awesome that all is. But now, following the Chris Pratt starring 'LEGO Movie' and 'The LEGO Batman' movie that might actually be the coolest caped crusader since Adam West's camp, films from the Danish construction company may seem as old hat as Pharrell's ones were big (after the trucker hat, Von Dutch like phase), but these brickfilm's are building their own universe like the M.C.U., or master builder K.E.V.I.N. Feige. LEGO blocks may sometimes feel as dated as the former futuristic beats of Pharrell and them, but it's still a trip. And the perfect one for the time capsule. Bringing the early days on Virginia Beach, with dreams of hearts in Atlantis, to life, like those times with Hugo, Shay Haley and Pusha T of The Clipse, grinding. Right in the same neck of the woods that Timbaland and Missy Elliott grew up in, honing their sound. It's no wonder the King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley, put down studio session roots here, giving Mr. Williams his first break in the biz. Them, plus a mountain of legos and big names, feature in this film. Some we won't spoil, but I'm sure you can guess all the rest, like, "he's a friend of mine". And just wait until you hear who his teacher is.

 

Knocking on your door, this 'ish really is bananas. P.H.A.R.R.E.L.L. And this really is his dog mess. Word to the hilarious poop emoji that keeps things PG-13 in this movie. Scripted and directed by Morgan Neville (who made the great Fred Rogers documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'), 'Piece By Piece' makes bricks out of the blockbuster music talent, like 'Better Man' (also out now in Japanese cinemas) made an ape out of cheeky monkey Robbie Williams. So take that, to anyone who thinks these biopics with a creative controlled twist are merely vanity pieces. Pharrell even throws shade at his own ego and arrogance in this film that at the start takes itself way too seriously, but in the end is just a love letter to all those who wanted to see him win. Even if in the end, that would leave him crying on Oprah. No matter, they're 'Happy' tears. There are almost as many Williams hits as there are LEGO bricks, and just as many artists who helped put him on...and this together ("what, what", superstaaar!), and this is what makes this performance piece so powerful and anything but child's play, Chuck. The Synthesia of this biographical documentary comedy is on an 'I Am Other' level. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Better Man', 'The LEGO Movie', 'Despicable Me'.

REVIEW: THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

3.5/5

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

122 Mins. Starring: Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Rory Kinnear, Henry Golding & Cary Elwes. Screenplay: Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel & Guy Ritchie. Director: Guy Ritchie. In: Theatres.

Gentlemen, start your tugboats. As dodgy as that may sound, you really should make an appointment with 'The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare' led by Superman Henry Cavill, now it's here in Japan, almost a year after its American release. The Guy Ritchie movie between shows for Netflix (his spin-off of 'The Gentleman' movie) and Paramount + (right now's 'MobLand' of Tom Hardy and former double-0 Pierce Brosnan), based on 'Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII' by Damien Lewis (no, not that one), is the story of Winston's secret society of soldiers on the sea who helped the British beat Germany, as much as 'The Monuments Men' of America helped preserve all that loss art the führer was going to set aflame. If you like your Guy Ritchie films, like the timeless, throwback 'Sherlock Holmes' series, then this one is for you. As it Tarantino's it's way through the Nazis, dropping more shell casings than those 'Inglourious Basterds' did scalps.

Reuniting with 'The Witcher' of Cavill after their brilliant 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.', which deserves its own series (blame it on the other guy), 'Ungentlemanly Warfare' is all bullets, blood luster and bluster with almost as many screenwriters (Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel and some guy), as it does actors (Henry, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Henry Golding & Cary Elwes), but that doesn't stop it from being a lot of bloody full, old bean. It's all beards and twirling moustaches for your mutton chops too, as after Guy's rich success of 'Aladdin' and 'The Covenant', Ritchie has another note, that feels more like his form, before taking on the forthcoming 'Young Sherlock' series, by the book. A cavalier Cavill is on fine form too, as the 'Mission Impossible: Fallout', 'Argylle' and 'Enola Holmes' star is having so much fun now he is no longer the 'Man Of Steel' and might just keep that beard for the Wolverine (but you were just leaving, if you want to know more). Flirting up a storm with other captains and checking out more coats than Mickey Rourke in 'Sin City'. Henry's army, in this Jerry Bruckheimer produced vessel, is a crack crew on this voyage. Even if this movie was a bomb at the box-office, that could sink the Bismarck. 

The Toff Guys include a big and burly Alan Ritchson, stealing the show with a Hawkeye marksman bow and arrow as he reaches for that 'Jack Reacher' violence. Alex Pettyfer having his nipples played with more than in 'Magic Mike'. A breakout Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Babs Olusanmokun getting his revenge after being bested by Timothée Chalamet in 'Dune'. Henrique Zaga, the 'Basterds' own Til Schweiger, M's Rory Kinnear as Churchill like Brain Cox, John Lithgow and Gary Oldman before him. 'The Gentleman' Henry Golding blowing s### up like he did the scene after 'Crazy Rich Asians'. And even the great Cary Elwes siding with us Brits. But it's 'Baby Driver' star Eiza González that will really run you over like she's shot you down. Especially when the singer, set to star in Ritchie's next escapade ('Fountain Of Youth') gets on stage for a more shocking reveal than Fassbender's fingers. Speaking the kings, this heavily fictionalized version of history also features Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond who was also a part of British Intelligence. Kinnear, Golding's rumours, amongst others. There are plenty of bonded links to James. Yet, it was believed Fleming based 007 on the character played by Cavill. Now, if that isn't an audition, I don't know what is. Jolly good show, old sport. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Inglourious Basterds', 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)', 'The Gentlemen-Season 1'.

REVIEW: HERE

4/5

Peas and Carrots 

104 Mins. Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany & Kelly Reilly. Screenplay: Eric Roth & Robert Zemeckis. Director: Robert Zemeckis. In: Theatres.

'Here' lies one of the most criminally underrated movies of last calendar. And why? Was it because of what some trolls and conspiracy theorists on the internet said about Tom Hanks, trying to sully (no pun intended) his Hollywood good name? Is it because of the fear of an A.I. planet? Or, is it down to the fact that this fixed portrait of a film was too Hallmark, cheesy and corny for most, even at Christmas. Whichever poison you pick, one thing is clear, here is a big-three reunion that we've been waiting decades for. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Robert Zemeckis are like peas and carrots, and great directors again. Although Hanks and Zemeckis reconnected on the 'Back To The Future' and 'Romancing The Stone' director's live-action take of Disney's 'Pinocchio' (as Geppetto no less), after 'Cast Away' and 'The Polar Express'.

You only have to see Hanks in previous CGI form on that train trip, without the cowboy whip, to see that Zemeckis is a bold and beautiful director, willing to take chances. I mean, here's a guy that turned The DeLorean (a famous car amongst drug-dealers) into the positive image of a time machine that even Jules Verne would be proud of. Let's look at the rest of the road, with some Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Emmys along the way. Before 'Space Jam', there was the animated live-action of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'. The horror hi jinks of before it's time black comedy 'Death Becomes Her'. A searching Jodie Foster in 'Contact'. A wounded Denzel Washington in 'Flight'. A high-wire Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 'The Walk' that served as a love letter to the twin towers. 'A Christmas Carol', 'Beowulf' (see, 'The Polar Express'), and Steve Carell's miniature world of 'Welcome To Marwen'. There's a wonder to his work.

And now, 'Here', based on the 1989 6-page comic story by Richard McGuire that became a 300-plus page graphic novel in 2014. Adapted in a screenplay by Zemeckis and Eric Roth. So make that a fantastic four reunion (like this summer) for the 'Forrest Gump' insider who also wrote 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button', 'Dune' and 'A Star Is Born' (which he was all Oscar nominated for), to go along with the Academy nominated movies of 'Ali', 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' and 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close', with Hanks. Now, this nonlinear family drama, simultaneously screen subdivided into separate, multiple panes of stories, tells the story of a single plot of land and the inhabitants that call this place their home.  Echoing 'The Tree Of Life', the great Terrence Malick's most divisive film, which is actually my favourite. Not to mention David Lowery's 'A Ghost Story', and the 'Cycles' episode of Disney's 'Short Circuit' short films that does everything this film does, and more, in mere minutes.

Sure, some may not like this picture put in a frame, but in a Hollywoodland world of one-shots that doesn't even give the cameraman a break for lunch, this fixed one really works. Some may feel it's fake, but it would make for a sensational stage show, but a lot of costume changes for all the players here, like 'Downton Abbey's' Michelle Dockery and all them dinosaurs. As for the Generative Artificial Intelligence. Say what you will, I promise I didn't use it to edit this piece, but the de-aging of Hanks and Wright will make you think Forrest is run, running again. You'll forget you're not watching an old film, or them as they are now...and wait until we get back to the future, too. As a Hummingbird flaps its wings from the Spanish flu to COVID-19, World War II and the Lay-Z-Boy, a hallmark Hanks and Wright work wonders together. As do the parents of 'WandaVision' star Paul Bettany, bottoming and diving deeper (like Colin Farrell in 'Saving Mr. Banks') and 'Yellowstone', 'True Detective' and 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows' star Kelly Reilly (reuniting with Zemeckis after their 'Flight' plan), never better. There's also wise words about worry in this world in a picture-perfect portrait of parents and the family they make in the frames of all our lived in living rooms and homes. 'Here' is something we can all understand. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Forrest Gump', 'The Tree Of Life', 'Short Circuit: Cycles'.