REVIEW: MARTY SUPREME

4/5

Supreme Clientele 

150 Mins. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara & Fran Drescher. Screenplay: Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie. Director: Josh Safdie. In: Theatres.

Madness in movies has never been done quite like how the Safdie Brothers do in the anxiety attack classics 'Good Time' and 'Uncut Gems'. The New York brethren, becoming the new Cohens in the process, with their cinematic capsules for the canon. But just like the 'No Country For Old Men' and 'The Big Lebowski' directors, these brothers are taking a brief break from each other to see what they can do all on their own. Still lighting up the best studio in cinema, A24, with inspired instant classics. All for good sport and nerve-shredding entertainment in a tableau of human horrors even King couldn't conjure up. First, in-between making movies with 'Gem' Adam Sandler ('Happy Gilmore 2') and Christopher Nolan ('The Odyssey'), Benny Safdie gave us 'The Smashing Machine' with The Rock, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, whose character refused to shake his hand in 'Oppenheimer's' most outstanding moment. And now, Josh Safdie serves up the instantly iconic 'Marty Supreme'.

Ping-pong. Imagine making a movie out of all that. And that's exactly what Josh does with fellow screenwriter Ronald Bronstein ('Frownland'), who co-wrote the brother's previous pictures. Truly thrilling table tennis scenes set this game and match up, but how will this movie get paddled bums in seats, especially over the holidays? Two words for you, Timothée Chalamet. The 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Dune' franchise face is 'Marty Supreme'. And coming in the same calendar as his Academy Award nominated 'A Complete Unknown', he truly wins as the best actor in the game. And get those envelopes ready, because this may even be better than his turn as Dylan. Timmy told us he wanted to be one of the greats. And now, from a 'Beautiful Boy', to 'Bones And All', he really is, in your best Karl-Anthony Towns voice, watching the New York Knicks from courtside at Madison Square Garden with the great Ben Stiller (and you know they're just cooking something up, like having a bite after the game in NYC's Hell's Kitchen). Supreme, supreme, like Talib Kweli and Mos Def.

Josh Safdie knows how to put Timmy Chalamet through the ringer, like fellow generational great Ari Aster does Joaquin Phoenix ('Eddington', 'Beau Is Afraid'), who Timothée recently dubbed, "the weird GOAT." All for an almost 'Avatar' like runtime of fire and ash. Set to the nostalgic tune of a stunning score from Daniel Lopatin (OPN, Chuck Person). And with 'Marty', very loosely (because a lot of crazy s### happens here) inspired by the life of American table tennis player Marty Reisman and his 1974 autobiography ('The Money Player'), A24 now have their biggest ever four-day opening for a film. Move over, Bill Murray! This 'Wonka' is the new King of Christmas. The bespectacled wonder of Chalamet dreams big this Christmas as one of the National Board of Review and American Film Institute's top ten films of the year. Just being called in to the line of 2025, with a couple of Golden Globe nods to its name. Inspired by Paul Newman in 'The Hustler' and 'The Color Of Money', Chalamet's complete performance, blood, sweat and earned tears, has drawn comparisons to Pacino in 'Dog Day Afternoon' (my favourite movie). And after being reduced to paddling around with a walrus at the halftime show for the Harlem Globetrotters, sees him trying to get to Tokyo for a revenge match against a Japanese player that spanked him in London...HARD!

All through lost dogs, affairs with Hollywood actresses and the best hustles you've seen in cinema. Gwyneth Paltrow gives her best in years, and the intimacy coordinator a hard time, as a fading starlet, the kind this amazing actress is anything but. Bringing boldness to this picture, like rising star Odessa A'zion ('I Love LA', 'Hellraiser') and fellow legend, Fran Drescher. But everyone owns their screen time here, from dog owners to orange ping-pong designing wizards. The kind you see in perfect promotion at the creative Sphere in Las Vegas. Tim standing atop, all before distributing 'Supreme' jackets, as sought after as the clothing brand of the same name, to the best of the best, like Susan Boyle. Canadian Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O'Leary is on business and provocative filmmaker Abel Ferrara ('The Driller Killer', 'King Of New York') will leave you not knowing what hit you, like a bathtub out the ceiling. But standing next to Timothée, it's Tyler Okonma, AKA top hip-hop star, Tyler, The Creator, who really taps the glass, acing his acting assignment in his own amazing year. This smashing gem really is a supreme, uncut classic. The flyest Marty yet. TIMOTHEE DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Uncut Gems', 'The Smashing Machine', 'A Complete Unknown'

STAND-UP REVIEW: DAVE CHAPPELLE - THE UNSTOPPABLE...

3.5/5

The Closers

75 Mins. Starring: Dave Chappelle. Director: Rikki Hughes. On: Netflix.

Controversial comments, like cigarettes, come thick and fast in Chappelle shows. I remember seeing him on Broadway in New York, on the 4th of July weekend in 2019. Far from 'The Closer', but close to the edge of the time when we were coming to put in check our, and the world's own, casual cruelties. He opened with a great gag that elicited as many groans and gripes as it did cackles and cheers. He promptly told us all in attendance at NYC's Lunte-Fontnane Theatre to "man the f### up", because it was going to get much worse from then on out. He wasn't lying. He was thriving. It really did. But it was oh so good. No wonder he had our phones locked up like Styles P and Akon.

Now, unwrapping a surprise stand-up special for Netflix right in time for the holidays, he's at it again like Timbaland and the late, great Magoo. It's been some time since 'The Closer' caused uproar in the LGBT community, but he doubled-down on his last special, 2023's 'The Dreamer'. Now, like a Denzel Washington runaway train, he gives us 'The Unstoppable...', directed by Rikki Hughes, with more in its name ('The Unstoppable N##### Act'), similar to an untitled Nas album channelling the one and only Gil Scott-Heron. You can expect Dave to more than ruffle feathers as much as he rifles through his black and white photo black book of celebrity connects for his closing credit gallery. Featuring everyone from Bruce Springsteen to a Wayans brother ("there's more of them"). In this one, he defends Diddy (sort of...he's obviously kidding around, but there's something deeper to be said) and his Bill Burr like tour of taking that Saudi Arabia money. And of course, he goes by the J.K. Rowling book when he talks about a certain community.

Most, and certainly Bill Maher, won't like it, but once we get past all of that jazz, in self-defence instead of deference (the kind that ruined Ricky Gervais' last special a little, let's hope the same can't be said for the one he has primed for the New Year), we get to some real comedy gold, that's truly saying something about the society we live in at this very maddening moment. The kind of lions and lambs talk he was getting at in his Mark Twain prize acceptance speech, with his mother mouthing along what she always told him, in a bold and beautiful opening here. Sure, taking it to Trump, Musk et al, right there in the US nation's capital of DC, Dave Chappelle is not afraid in his Kaepernick jacket. Even if he is scared of his own attack and what happened to Charlie Kirk. Chappelle says he was no MLK, and makes some good points, in-between the jabs. Social media and search engines, on the other hand, will just run off the fumes of these controversial quotes without the context, or the nuance, that is king.

I, myself, should have even looked at 'The Closer' closer. But when it comes to this one, we should really sit up and take notice, as he gives us a knockout story about Jack Johnson (the boxer, not the 'Sitting, Waiting, Wishing' singer) which really hits at the racial divide in America that's sadly canvas imbedded in the history of that great countries skin, like orange is in the White House. Not only that, he links it all together with a story about Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' (because you know what that song is all about, right?) and Senator John McCain. Two great men in history and humility. And the karma of the date we got Obama. But before you get at the late McCain, like an ignorant Trump saying he doesn't like his war hero's captured, check why John McCain really remained a POW. The iconic Nipsey Hussle and legendary Aretha Franklin also get their respects, as does Chappelle's comedy muse and mentor, the late Charlie Barnett. One of his jokes he references we've actually heard before in a Chris Rock special. The jokes about transgender people and Cassie need to stop, like Diddy and blood money, but this is one act that still has some right in it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: Dave Chappelle: 'The Closer', Dave Chappelle: 'Equanimty', Dave Chappelle: '8.46'.

REVIEW: AVATAR - FIRE AND ASH

3.5/5

Ashes To Ashes

197 Mins. Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Jack Champion, Britain Dalton, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, Jemaine Clement, David Thewlis, Cliff Curtis & Kate Winslet. Screenplay: James Cameron, Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. Director: James Cameron. In: Theatres.

Endurance comes in many forms. Acting underwater. Fighting for your fortress of a family. Sitting in the middle of the back row of a packed theatre, watching an 'Avatar' movie, and needing to go to the bathroom after the first act. Perfect preparation for the window seat of my 12-hour flight tonight. These water logged sequels, a decade later, make the original 'Avatar's' three-hour runtime a thing of the past. And you can never really get that time back. A whopping 197 minutes of crossed legs and finished popcorn greets us with the great James Cameron's ('Titanic', 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day', 'The Abyss') 'Avatar: Fire And Ash'. The follow-up to 2022's wonderful 'The Way Of Water'. World building towards two more movies, released in the December's of 2029 and 2031 respectively. And you just know these movies will be just as massive and monumental. No romcom runtimes for something that should have been a series if it wasn't for that IMAX inspired big-screen dream. All this time, and it's still papyrus, Ryan Gosling.

Sure, the 'Avatar' franchise is not as iconic as say, 'Star Wars', epic as 'The Lord Of The Rings', or as classic as the 'Planet Of The Apes', but it's still a great of our generation. Even if most moviegoers will be more highly anticipating the new 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer rumour that broke Threads. And yes, it's no A.I. He's back! Back to the titanic franchise assembling that was out grossed by 'Endgame', Cameron, with screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, has given us another hair-twisting tail, that might just be the best braid yet. And that's all thanks to the live wire talent of 'Game Of Thrones' and 'Taboo' star Oona Chaplin, as a delicious new villain who snarls menace as she says "your Goddess has no dominion here" in the terrifically teasing trailer. The daughter of Geraldine Chaplin and granddaughter of Charlie, looking iconic in blue and red. Making naughty and nice with merc turned smurf Stephen Lang, who is always game. Wanting those weapons that sound like thunder.

Top of the call sheet, Sam Worthington is still the man, like he was in those early 2000s, as Jake Sully, the Avatar with human blood...and those pink palms. But it's 'Emilia Perez' Oscar winner and 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'/'Star Trek' star Zoe Saldaña whose star really shines the most. Expressively acting out of her motion capture as a mother in mourning, trying to work her bow and arrow again, all to find the heart. That's in a movie that sees Cameron reunite with both Kate Winslet and 'Aliens' star Sigourney Weaver, who's about to add even more to her sci-fi cannon with 'The Mandalorian & Grogu'. Along with the great Cliff Curtis and CCH Pounder, the behind the console scenes likes of Joel David Moore, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Giovanni Ribisi all return. Whilst the legendary David Thewlis make a new mark, promising more. Yet it's the coming of age 'Boyhood' development of Jack Champion and Britain Dalton that really makes this fire of a franchise find new fans. In the ashes of brimstone battles and the vivid visuals, 'Avatar' has its humanity and heart. Cinematic art for the digital age we crave. A beautiful blue. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Avatar', 'Avatar: The Way Of Water', 'Titanic'.

REVIEW: EDDINGTON

3.5/5

No Country For COVID

149 Mins. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., Austin Butler & Emma Stone. Screenplay: Ari Aster. Director: Ari Aster. In: Theatres. 

2020 in hindsight, like the words of the bull free-falling promotional poster in black and white, is given to us, no mask, in Ari Aster's neo-western thriller set in 'Eddington'. Written and directed by the crazy genius, and one of the directors of the moment, who has so far given us two horror classics ('Hereditary' and 'Midsommar') and two bloated blockbuster think-pieces with Oscar winning 'Joker' Joaquin Phoenix (the other being the madness of 'Beau is Afraid'). One that on the surface looks like a misfire, but has and hides more substance in its subterfuge, as we just point fingers at each other. Maybe Joaquin Phoenix is Ari Aster's new muse, like the dynamic director/actor amazing pairing of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, or those Scorsese and De Niro or DiCaprio duos. Aster, and 'Get Out' and 'Us' director Jordan Poole, are to the human horror genre what Wes Anderson and Paul Thomas Anderson are to the weird and wonderful one of the great American movie. And this one, set in New Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaches the whole planet.

Ari sure knows how to put Phoenix through the ringer. Ashes and all. 2023's 'Beau Is Afraid' was like an anxiety attack of Adam Sandler in the Safdie Brothers' 'Uncut Gems' proportions, with 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things', 'Tree Of Life' surrealism. And this one is no stranger to all that, not keeping to six-feet, as this stabbing satire pokes all sort of fun and games at the people we were and have become since that beginning of the 20s that roared in a completely different direction than those who thought it was the beginning of another Gatsby dance. One scene with Joaquin's solitary sheriff, all by his lonesome in a staked out cruiser, has him being told to wear a mask by a cop whose own one is barely flirting with his nose. Phoenix gets it from all comers, here. From those trying to do the right thing, to others with "I saved you", in your face virtue signalling, filming on their phones. Which these days are shoved in your face more than promotional fliers.

Equal parts funny and frustrating, this film, like the time, is all over the place. There's a sheriff in town who wants to be the new mayor, and Phoenix is perfect in his painstaking portrayal of the epic extremes of a man as villainous as the hero he wishes he was. Does that sound like something, or someone, familiar? Like 'Beau', this will be studied by film scholars years after when we do a victory lap of the formidable filmography of a fantastic actor that 'Marty Supreme' himself, Timothée Chalamet dubs, "the weird G.O.A.T.' To run this town, he must get past everyone's vote for mayor. The one and only Mr. Fantastic. Everybody's favourite, until a typical social media, this summer, Pedro Pascal. Underused, but undeniable, we wish Pascal's part touched on more. But his campaign commercials are cackle coaxing classic. Also missing in most of the action, is rising poster actor of the moment, your every own 'Elvis', Austin Butler. Playing a radical cult leader with that holier than thou look of someone who will call you "brother" (after knowing you for five minutes) just after taking your life away.

Emma Stone, who has this Phoenix pairing with fellow outstanding offbeat director of our generation, Yorgos Lanthimos, is also desperately on a milk carton here, but anything but sour when she does have time to find in this film. Instead, an inspired turn from her mother, played by legend Deirdre O'Connell, has more influence. Perfect, like when she was the mother to Colin Farrell's 'Penguin'. Elsewhere, Phoenix's partners in questionable law enforcement see fantastic flanking from 'American Sniper' and 'Yellowstone' star Luke Grimes (the football body armour will have you in more tears than gas) and 'Empire Of Light's' brilliant star Michael Ward (who might be the one true north in this perplexing picture). Even an unrecognizable Clifton Collins Jr. shows us as a symbol of this all, like he did in his brief, but brutally telling turn in one of this year's best, 'Train Dreams'. And just before you think this film is preaching too much about those it's taking to practice, a signature Aster third act showdown with a minigun, terminates all that, as the sheriff loses more than his Stetson. Ari and A24 give us another gilded gem in 'Eddington'. As divisive and as uncomfortable as the time it captures, and with a sequel on the way, nothing is as wild as this west. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Hereditary', 'Midsommar', 'Beau Is Afraid'.

TV REVIEW: A MAN ON THE INSIDE - Season 2

4/5

Inside Man

8 Epsiodes. Starring: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephanie Beatriz & Mary Steenburgen. Created By: Michael Schur. On: Netflix.

Cheers to Ted Danson, who really is in a good place, right now. The former Boston bartender and 'Becker' doctor has been curbing our enthusiasm for years, like Larry. But now, with the second of his last two landmark shows, he might just be television's most golden star. After the heaven sent 'The Good Place', Netflix have given us 'A Man On The Inside' across the streams of the Golden Gate Pacific. This sleuthing series, which could give the grey and Gomez of 'Only Murders In The Building' a rent run for its downtown tenement, is not only the perfect prescription, reminding you to take your medicine, it's also a love investigation to the cable cars and hilly streets of the great city of San Francisco. Still wearing flowers in its hair. 

If this critically acclaimed show from Fremulon (which sounds like a retirement corporation in itself) wasn't enough to rejuvenate the bespectacled brilliance of a game Ted Danson in season two, a calendar cycle later, then this sequel's new addition will. Not only does Danson not get cancelled, like the 'Glow' of everything else on Netflix (even the 'Starting 5' of that NBA team of stars couldn't last the offseason), he also gets to act alongside the love of his life, his wife. The amazing actress and forever young Mary Steenburgen, with chemistry set. Who offers even more of that sixties San Fran feel for all you gran mamas and papas, still dreaming of California. And with daughter Mary Elizabeth Ellis, the detective work of Lilah Richcreek Estrada, and the directing of Stephanie Beatriz. It's the women that run Ted's world on the sweetest show of your streaming syndicate.

Showrunner Michael Schur ('Parks and Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine') really is on to something with his inside man, like Denzel and Spike Lee. Based on the brilliant 'The Mole Agent' documentary movie by Maite Alberdi, Danson really is the man as his retiree-turned-amateur private investigator, Charles Nieuwendyk. Even his name is as legendary as the search for a spellchecker after the first season was met with critical acclaim. And the second doesn't disappoint, either. Thanks to Steenburgen's fresh injection and some fond, familiar faces making it back, like the great Stephen McKinley Henderson, who is gold in everything he touches. After going undercover in a nursing home in the first season of this sleepy and classy comedy, Charles must now go back to college. Welcoming all sorts of professors ('Good Night and Good Luck's' David Stratharin) and presidents ('New Girl's' Max Greenfield). Not to mention, literal gold dust and the silliest scooter scene you'll ever see, with glee. Now that's enough inside information. Wake up, dead man, in this 'Knives Out' time. Time to investigate the man. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Sleuthing: 'Only Murders In The Building', 'The Thursday Murder Club', 'The Good Place'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE NEW YORKER AT 100

4/5

New York State Of Print

97 Mins. Narrated By: Julianne Moore. Director: Marshall Curry. On: Netflix.

Knickerbockers. Spike Lee. Hot Dogs on the corner. Steam rising from the grids. Yellow cabs. The same colour falling from the trees of Central Park. The Empire State Building. Firefighters. The heart of New York. The biggest of apples. Nothing is more New York than these things about the city. Oh, and The New Yorker. The bi-weekly magazine of journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, poetry, satire and those classic cartoons. Not to mention the iconic monocle of Eustace Tilley and all those classic covers that fit into frames like the artwork that they are (you should see my 'New York, New York' Pinterest board). As NYC as newsstands popping up all over the sidewalks, the most famous New Yorker may just be in print.

One-hundred years is nothing to sniff at. It actually seems like more. But in celebrating their centennial, 'The New Yorker At 100' is given a definitive documentary on Netflix. Directed by the Academy-Award winning Marshall Curry ('The Neighbors' Window', 'A Night At The Garden'), and narrated with nuance by another Oscar winner and true New Yorker, in the amazing actress Julianne Moore ('Still Alice', 'May December', 'The Room Next Door'). Backstage, like an SNL movie, this iconic institution of the Big Apple is given the shine it deserves after a century of being as commonplace as car horns and the smell of giant pretzels. Premiering at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival, after The New Yorker's own celebration exhibition that felt like a Warhol or Haring art gallery (give it to the Guggenheim).

Editor David Remnick tells it like it is. The New Yorker has never needed a photo on the cover. And you should see the beautiful one they had prepared if Kamala Harris had won. There are testimonials about the newspaper like columns, and iconic fonts from the likes of 'Mad Men's' Jon Hamm, 'Sex & The City' star Sarah Jessica Parker, Jesse Eisenberg and Ronny Chieng of 'The Daily Show', who says something profound about the magazine always being there. You only have to watch hilarious clips from 'Seinfeld', 'The Good Place', and 'Family Guy' to see how much of a cultural touchstone it is. But delving deeper and looking back at the decades upon decades of history, and you'll see how definitive it is. From dedicating a whole issue to John Hersey's landmark Hiroshima article that shocked the world and changed the way we looked at nuclear war. To James Baldwin's breakout essays on race and his place in America. Legends were born and brought here. From Molly Ringwald to Haruki Murakami. A quarter-century ago, they said magazines would be gone by now. But what do you still see piling up in the corner of your room? Happy Birthday, New Yorker! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pretend It's A City', 'Sunday Best', 'The Andy Warhol Diaries'.

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME - THE CHALLENGE (Season 2)

3/5

Challengers

9 Episodes. Based On: 'Squid Game' by Hwang Dong-hyuk.  Produced By: Studio Lambert & The Garden. On: Netflix.

"Mu-gung-hwa kko-chi pi-oet-sum-ni-da!" The hibiscus flowers have bloomed once again. The South Korean phenomena that is 'Squid Game' ended this Summer with the second part of its second season...or did it?! A certain cameo, which we won't spoil, even though we saw it before we even began to stream, confirmed that there were still games to be played. And now 'Se7en's' very own David Fincher will develop a US version of the series featuring those players with deadly sins not knowing what's in the box. Maybe that DiCaprio rumour will come true after all. Now, if you think that dilutes one of the best things to come out of Korea, next to 'Parasite', 'Train To Busan' and BTS (yeah, I said it), like a 'Snowpiercer' return trip, then you might not have heard about 'Squid Game: The Challenge'.

A reality show that makes 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' look like an easy *COUGH* pop quiz, complete with video diaries that are more confessionals than 'Big Brother', this show is addictive as 'The Challenge' contestants are annoying. These guys can't even catch a ball! The first season was fun, and stick with the second, because there's more to come. Even if it's more of the same players, about as humble as the love children of Kanye West and Elon Musk (uh, God!). Telling each other that they love each other, after knowing each other two minutes. Albeit with a knife behind their back, as metaphorical as the squib executions done for 'Squid' ink effect. Telling us that Jesus walks with them. He's probably watching, like the rest of us. But I bet he's laughing at the hilarious slide free fall of the ups and downs of the exclusive snakes and ladders game we hope to see in 'Squid Game US'.

Still, there are sweet souls in this matrix, like Trinity. And we're not giving the game away, keeping that tuxedo tight to our chest, but we couldn't be happier with the winner. Even the villainous characters are enjoyable, to a comeuppance point. At least they're more refreshing than the middle-aged bros (holds up hand) that say things like "this is fire!" No, we're forty years old. Our back pain is fire. Plus, what one generous heart does will move you to undeniable tears. Is this thing scripted? Probably, but that's still more forgivable than the "I'VE PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFORE" English dub of the second season's opening episode. With new games from there, some of their own ones, and the classic 'Red Light, Green Light', this is pure pleasure and nostalgia for fans of the series. Sure it's oversaturated, but so is all the merch, video games, and the lovely by the Frontman fireplace you can watch for hours on Netflix. There's still ink in this squid. And Netflix is milking the game for all it's worth. Stacking up their piggy bank. Clickity-clank! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Playing: 'Squid Game', 'Squid Game In Conversation', 'Squid Game Fireplace'. 

REVIEW: JAY KELLY

4/5

Leading Man

132 Mins. Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Patrick Wilson, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer & Jim Broadbent. Screenplay: Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer. Director: Noah Baumbach. On: Netflix.

Ocean's suit on, no tie. Glass of scotch in hand, held over the balcony of a beautiful house with the Hollywood Hills in the background. His classic pose, looking down into his chest, just a little more forlorn. No smile. It was all there in black and white. In my 20s (that's almost 20 years ago...damn) I was coming up with script ideas, left, right and off-center. Albeit with the Bradley Cooper in 'Limitless', "not one word" output. My favourite one was called 'Leading Man' (yeah, yeah, I know, I made it the tag-line here) about an ageing Hollywood actor, much darker in tone, who was lonely and looking for love. At this point, I should probably say that my favourite film is 'Lost In Translation', the reason I now live in Japan. Perhaps some osmosis was going on. I can tell you the end of mine now, too, because it's never going to happen. The actor would drink away his pain and frequent a coffee shop on his morning's after, where he would get talking to a sweet barista. On his career comeback, and the night of his Oscars win, he would forgo the after-party to go to the coffee shop, still in his tux, and help the barista put up the chairs. And that's where it would have ended. The late, great Syd Field told us we should never do this, but I always pictured one man in the role. George Clooney. And not just because I'm a huge 'E.R.' fan.

Fast-forward to this summer and Netflix are releasing their fall film schedule and what do I see? A picture of George Clooney in a beautiful suit with that trademark looking down pose. And wait...a picture that looks like a movie poster behind him, with him in it! It can't be. Of course, it can be. It is. Now, before you think I'm complaining, or this is the first line of a different kind of suit. No! That's not where I'm going with this. I'm not making stealing accusations, like the award worthy turn from Billy Crudup (also called Tim. Come on, man!) here. I'm just a lowly review writer, the kind that loves movies so much, he wants to be in them. But at this point, talking about them is pretty nice, too. Besides, I never stood a chance. And this is 'Marriage Story' director Noah Baumbach's ('The Meyerowitz Stories', 'Greenberg', 'The Squid And The Whale') baby. I'm just glad I at least had an idea that might have been on to something. It's reignited the passion. And this may just be Baumbach, who is right there with Paul Thomas Anderson and the Wes Anderson he works with, at his best. George Clooney is perfect as 'Jay Kelly'. With the 'Punch Drunk Love' of Adam Sandler being to George what Seth Rogen was to him in 'Funny People'. There's even a reunited marriage story with the great Laura Dern, who is in Clooney's other corner. These PA's aren't devils on the shoulder. More angels in the outfield.

Baumbach co-wrote the brilliant blockbuster 'Barbie' with the great Greta Gerwig, and his wife shows up here as Adam's. The co-writing in this perfect slice of cheesecake, mind you, is done with great Brit Emily Mortimer, who also acts as one of George's team. Although the man handing him the glass, steals the show. It's a glorious day for the English, too. The legendary Jim Broadbent appears in fond flashbacks as a marvellous mentor. All before the usual Comic Relief of Lenny Henry ('The Rings Of Power') that makes the biggest impression as a sage advice giving drama school teacher. Henry, yet again, showing his range, like when he sang backing vocals on Kate Bush's 'Why Should I Love You'. Elsewhere in this epic ensemble, there are choice cameos from the likes of Patrick Wilson and Isla Fisher. But it's home, where the heart of matters is, and from his father Stacy Keach, to his two daughters (Riley Keough and Grace (that's the name I'd like if I ever have a daughter, it just keeps going) Edwards), you really feel his family. Although Dern already gave a stern warning that Kelly shouldn't touch people (it's Jay, not R). Yet a scene with strangers on the train, showcasing Clooney's charm and charisma, enters the cinematic capsule. "Cary Grant. Clark Gable. Jay Kelly." Cary Grant. Clark Gable. George Clooney. Can we go again? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Marriage Story', 'Lost In Translation', 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: George Clooney'.

SHORT REVIEW: BEST CHRISTMAS EVER

4/5

Good Scribblings

3 Mins. Starring: John Goodman, Molly Cartwright, Emily Eaton-Plowright, Gregan Aherin, Harrison Peters & Aaron Juritz. Director: Taika Waititi. On: Disney Plus.

Disney continue their John Lewis commercial like shorts (with plenty of product and IP placement) with their 'Best Christmas Ever' holiday short on Disney Plus. Much like the beautiful 'The Boy & The Octopus' last Christmas, 'Thor' director and 'The Mandalorian' star Taika Waititi ('Hunt For The Wilderpeople', 'Jojo Rabbit', 'Next Goal Wins') gives us a sweet short that is as outstanding as it is offbeat. Starring Molly Cartwright, Emily Eaton-Plowright, Gregan Aherin, Harrison Peters, Aaron Juritz and the great John Goodman, this is three minutes of bliss that will take you away from the stress of shopping for Christmas presents, between work and after the Black Friday you didn't have time to save for.

The 'Best Christmas Ever' has young Molly writing a letter to Santa, complete with a cute doodle, using all the colours in her pencil case. This fantasy comedy, with a twist, has St. Nick seeing more with those carrots. He thinks the penned picture is actually a request (perhaps he should have checked twice). And ends up conjuring up this cool looking creature. So, there's a lot more under the tree, come Christmas morning, with these rustling presents. And you thought an octopus under the winter hat was strange. And whilst we're there, dear Disney, why did you remove that short? I was planning to show my family when I come home for Christmas. And to think, we're still "crestfallen" off of the removal of 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'.

Perhaps, I should stop talking, because that's the problem here. Our cuddly new, unwrapped companion, may have all the trimmings, but he's missing a mouth. Let alone a moustache. So, which Disney and Pixar favourite do you think will come in to save the day and help him. Crossing off all the seasons of the calendar. From a Spring in his step, to Summer swimming, and Autumn's trick or treat of Halloween in haunted mansions. All before the winter of next Christmas looks upon a star for another wish. Waititi's wonderful joy with John Goodman may just be scribbles, but it's bound to put a smile on the face of everyone, even those sucking on humbugs. It's going to be a great Christmas, like this. And for you and yours, we hope it's the best ever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Boy & The Octopus', 'An Almost Christmas Story', 'Inside Out'.

REVIEW: WEAPONS

4/5

RUN!

128 Mins. Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Justin Long, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong & Amy Madigan. Screenplay: Zach Cregger. Director: Zach Cregger. In: Theatres.

Finally watched 'Weapons' last night, and now I'll never ever be able to watch 'Naruto'. The Summer smash from the States that, like fellow scary 'Sinners', they're calling one of the best blockbusters of the calendar, finally rises with the sun in Japan, this fall. A land no stranger to being hallowed when it comes to horrors that haunt. But this truly terrifying and twisted picture is so scary it may even send that girl back into the well. Ringing up the receipts on the first of the month, where movies are discounted to half-price, mere weeks after Ethan Hawke dialled us in for the 'Black Phone 2' sequel that also supernaturally scared and scarred the s### out of us. Weaponizing our greatest fear, and a seemingly safe as suburbia, white-picket fenced America, writer and director Zach Cregger ('Barbarian') has just turned himself into the mainstream Ari Aster. All of a film inspired by Denis Villeneuve's 'Prisoners' and Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Magnolia' for this one battle after another.

There's more to this pre- and post-Halloween hit than meets the averted eye though for your jovial jump scares (I mean what genre can still truly affect us to the core, in this desensitized age, like this one?). Because this is no murder mystery, Agatha Christie. It's a horror mystery, with knives out. Redefining the genre, whilst also giving something to the 'Only Murders In The Building' tenants with this haunted house. The tense twists and cackling coils will really keep you guessing at this marvel, and it's going to take Thanos and a Silver Surfer to solve it (not to mention Wong). Originally though, it was meant to be Mr. Fantastic himself, Pedro Pascal, but filming was pushed back, due to the Hollywood labour disputes, and then schedules got conflicted (perhaps it was Aster's 'Eddington', here in Japan, later this month). At 2:17 AM, every kid, bar one, from a teacher's class woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs, opened their front door, and ran out into the dark, arms wide, never to come back. Now, imagine trying to explain that one.

'Ozark' star Julia Garner tries to do her level best, in a film which she pilots from her first act perspective. With this, and the aforementioned 'Fantastic Four' redefining, in the same Summer, the former Netflix favourite's stock is soaring, like this gross film that's grossed $268.3 mill off of a 38 million dollar budget. She gives this crowd pleaser more nuance and depth, just like the underlying themes in the underbelly of this, and America. Whereas Brolin seems born for this position, as the 'Sicario' star is so good, his helpless father's anger could take the claws out of Hugh Jackman's in 'Prisoners'. Elsewhere, Benedict Wong is brilliant in principle, as a head trying to keep everything together and not lose his. Whilst 'Solo' and 'Ironheart's' Alden Ehrenreich cops a great character alongside Austin Abrams' ('Chemical Hearts', 'Wolfs') stoner looking like the walking dead. Yet in this epic ensemble, featuring the likes of Justin Long and Toby Huss, it's legend Amy Madigan (OH MY GOD, THAT'S HER FROM 'UNCLE BUCK'!) that will scare you senseless. And child actor Cary Christopher, who will show you his nerve. Bewitching a spell on you. 'Weapons' more than makes the grade. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Black Phone 2', 'Prisoners', 'Barbarian'.