tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20646378589335757662024-03-19T01:48:14.239-07:00FILMS FOR FRIDAYSWhat Films Are Out This Weekend? The Only Ones You Need To Know & See Are Reviewed Right Here! By Tim David Harvey. Contact: tdharvey@hotmail.co.uk. Or Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest @TimDavidHarveyTim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.comBlogger1169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-2792632708540061942024-03-15T17:14:00.000-07:002024-03-16T20:02:03.301-07:00MOVIE REVIEW: TAYLOR SWIFT - THE ERAS TOUR (TAYLOR'S VERSION)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpqZTGtiI5twrcNLyLX4d3DZL2vbVjKa6_Q4mxJzJShgPEY2XfO1RnsLNgUR5Jrnz_bOFDjGCZRushusSdWccXKFfNeqSSKSo46yPQvcwPauTXQOqOOj1lTa8oVzj1eIsoPThyr89lOLDHtmIPS09vNRr3J-ebc05TfawUKwPYNJxXFjGhiUn47NrhvQe/s678/images-1.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpqZTGtiI5twrcNLyLX4d3DZL2vbVjKa6_Q4mxJzJShgPEY2XfO1RnsLNgUR5Jrnz_bOFDjGCZRushusSdWccXKFfNeqSSKSo46yPQvcwPauTXQOqOOj1lTa8oVzj1eIsoPThyr89lOLDHtmIPS09vNRr3J-ebc05TfawUKwPYNJxXFjGhiUn47NrhvQe/w400-h266/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><b><br />4/5</b><p></p><p><i>The Americana Dream.</i></p><p><i><b>211 Mins. Starring: Taylor Swift. Director: Sam Wrench. On: Disney +.</b></i></p><p>Tokyo, Japan. The middle of February means Valentine's Day (fun fact, in Japan, February the 14th is the day when women attempt to woo men like a leap year. Whereas, one month later on 'White Day', the men reply with a gift. Talk about getting left on read). Football fans know different, though. On any given Sunday in February, it's Super Bowl time. And as Taylor Swift played almost a week's worth of shows in the Rising Sun's capital, many 'Lovers' wondered whether she would make it back in time for the Sunday showcase featuring her partner, Kansas City Chief tight-end Travis Kelce. Especially with the last show on Saturday night. But the superstar, hero and biggest star on the planet did like only she could...and of course time zones would allow. But I wouldn't put it past Swift being able to go back in time as she brings all her eras back, like re-recording her albums so she could own it all in a master move. The same way the "Swiftenomics" of the biggest tour of all-time has stimulated the American economy (we need that here in Japan too). Prior to all this, the Japanese government had even issued a Taylor made official deceleration on paper that the Super Bowl would not get in the way of the singer performing the entirety of her Tokyo leg, day-by-day. An album announcement as big as best baseball player Shohei Ohtani (check out his Disney doc 'Beyond A Dream') revealing his wife to be Fujitsu Red Wave basketball star Mamiko Tanaka (expect a Kelce wave of fame now) also came in Japan for 'The Tortured Poets Department' (best Wes Anderson movie name ever). This is just how big Miss Americana is. She's an international incident. You could just tell from the legions of fans queueing up like only the Japanese could in a merch line that would equate to most major groups gig lines for the first day of sales of the actual tickets. And for those who couldn't cop a last minute one (hands up), for reasons we won't get into, they congregated and sang together outside, making new friends and memories in beautiful moments that showed how much Swift really does break down barriers, even in a socially shy land like Japan.</p><p>The Swifties were out in full force in the Far East like only a BTS Army could match for the biggest act in pop, whose still a little bit country, like a diamond Shania Twain, and one of the best folks in the biz. If you missed out on 'The Eras Tour' in any arena (it's just wrapped up a spot in Singapore), and even the cinemas that became concert halls for the sold out shows of the movie, you can now catch it with Mickey Mouse in the comfort of your own home and laptop speakers that can still bring the full force of all the power she had to bear on the jumbotrons of football stadiums she touched down in all around the world before she embraced her beau after his big win. Disney + is now the home for the three and a half hour epic 'Eras' show, making sure no one will miss this one of a kind event. To watch crimson and clover until your heart's content. Following 'Folklore' behind the scenes tales on Disney, and the Netflix 'Americana' standing next to Beyoncé's and a 'Five Foot Two' Gaga, this is the best concert film available to stream since BTS gave you 'Permission To Dance'. Directed by Sam Wrench, this AMC and Cinemark Theatres landmark hit is as cinematic as the biggest blockbuster of last year ('Barbenheimer' we're looking in your direction). And when Taylor makes her epic 'Eras' entrance underneath some Las Vegas like showwomanship, it's like a superhero entered the picture as she really sticks the landing. Mining heartbreak into gold.</p><p>And this Elvis will never leave the building, as she makes planet earth her residency like a Hollywood star in the 90s when we were more concerned about what was on the big screen than what was reflected on our "smart" ones. Those major film studios that passed on this distribution might want to order a plate of humble pie the next time they book a table at Planet Hollywood. They needn't have had reservations. Outside of 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie's' world, this has done the popcorn business. It would have been the biggest Marvel movie of the year from the star who is rumoured to play Lady Deadpool in the forthcoming 'Deadpool and Wolverine' film starring her friend Blake Lively's husband. Another friend joked with Swift about all the albums she didn't tour, making some of her best, folky work during our socially isolated pandemic. "What are you going to do, tour them all and do three-hour shows?" Responding like Nashville's Man In Black Johnny Cash when told it looks like he was going to a funeral, "exactly". Swift got her Springsteen at sixty on and brought each and every house down, night after night, after night. And you can see the California love of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood here for your inspiration. I mean, this is a major player who even has a banner in the Lakers arena, presented to her by the late, great Kobe Bryant, even before one of his two jerseys made it up to those rafters he raised 'chips in. This cinematic rendering like a Beyoncé 'Renaissance' is a revelation that even impressed Oscar winning director Christopher Nolan who had the best film of the year. And now, like 'Oppenheimer' showing in Japan this month after the controversy and sensitivity, you can finally see what we missed. Classic choreography of all the Taylor made hits and star power of pop and perhaps now movie's biggest star. The trend these days may be to call everything an era (even your fashion choices and life decisions), but none is quite like Taylor's version. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></p><p><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Taylor Swift-Miss Americana', 'Taylor Swift: Folklore (The Long Pond Studio Sessions)', 'BTS: Permission To Dance- On Stage LA'.</i></p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-55903878844377504162024-03-09T22:51:00.000-08:002024-03-17T05:00:59.053-07:00REVIEW: DUNE - PART TWO<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpdTbx4V9-8EfeZIG327uKjlfCChXrVA5qgwNwiVzKbN57UtOzPtsQcsLFM1OvzMUVEADnCkna5ytqSSr9FRaJjdVc-QIsrJvgnUXHxOw4J32rcGaX1PXzk7I2Az07D6QXhQ7P0NeD4QrJ2ogIc-1tAIf0xwYWrq9coWp8tMX4_LVdcOcL5VF2FE4mfY/s681/images-3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="681" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpdTbx4V9-8EfeZIG327uKjlfCChXrVA5qgwNwiVzKbN57UtOzPtsQcsLFM1OvzMUVEADnCkna5ytqSSr9FRaJjdVc-QIsrJvgnUXHxOw4J32rcGaX1PXzk7I2Az07D6QXhQ7P0NeD4QrJ2ogIc-1tAIf0xwYWrq9coWp8tMX4_LVdcOcL5VF2FE4mfY/w400-h264/images-3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Dunesday.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>165 Mins. Starring:
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling & Javier Bardem. Director: Denis Villeneuve. In: Theatres.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>It's sands of time, you jumped on the 'Dune' buggy bandwagon. Coming out of the pandemic, 'Arrival', 'Sicario' and 'Blade Runner 2049' director Denis Villeneuve refused to take HBO to the Max and let his big-screen (now we know it as) 'Dune: Part One' to be a victim of the home cinema, small-screen streaming surge during our social isolation. It's the same reluctance that led 'Interstellar', 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight's director Christopher Nolan to take his ball and go to Universal after a long relationship, from 'Memento' to 'Tenet', with Warner Bros. Now Nolan may finally receive his overdue Oscar for 'Oppenheimer', you can see vivid shades of him in Villeneuve, all the way down to the former Legendary Pictures production company and stirring scores from the great Hans Zimmer. The John Williams of our time, like Nolan, is Spielberg. The redefining, Denis has turned brilliant blockbusters into an art form, with a poet's eye behind the camera for science-fiction epics that border on the Biblical. Such is the nature of our futures, prophesied from our collective pasts and paths. Philip K. Dick's electric dreams would be proud, like they would have been of the French-Canadian's beautiful 'Blade Runner' sequel. But this is Frank Herbert's ancient tome, first took on by David Lynch in 1984 of all years, and now brought to searing screens with boundless beauty of compelling cinematics.</div><div><br /></div><div>IMAX. Dolby Atmos. Experience it everywhere, except for your smartphone screens. Because 'Dune: Part Two' is a superb sequel worthy of its predecessing, outstanding original. Deeper and darker as it sets up the messiah, even if your protagonist is denying it like Monty Python. Turns out he really is a very naughty boy. Timothée's terrific take on Paul Atreides is worthy of all (with much respect to the Twin Peaks' of Kyle MacLachlan, damn good acting), even if the charming Chalamet's compelling descent, walking the fine line between darkness and light, may leave some adrift in the desert. Not 'No Country For Old Men' and 007 villain legend Javier Bardem, mind. His belief to the word is his bond. He's obviously never seen Python, but as he rides snakes in the sand (I need that therapeutic thumper to help me sleep) that redefine cinematic creature features, he doesn't waste a word like he urges everyone to hold their water. Just like you should in this almost longform three-hour runtime. But what of the Beyoncé famous Zendaya in this renaissance? After her teased appearance in the first part that was akin to the awakening force of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker up on the hill, she's here, clear and present in the danger of the war to come and what it will do to the men, women and children waging it. The 'Euphoria' and 'Spider-Man' star has always been a bigger name than her projects, but now she's here in the best of her biggest movies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bene Gesserit, scary, but sometimes hilarious, tones (I wish I had that voice when teaching) I can also speak that truth into existence for the power of the great Rebecca Ferguson. A star who was dubbed as the next up after stealing the show in 'Mission: Impossible' and Hugh Jackman movies made her 'The Greatest Showman'. Now, alongside the 'Dead Reckoning' of last year's 'M:I', she holds the keys to many a major franchise. And here with an inked face and Gesserit regalia, she looks like royalty, like the legendary Charlotte Rampling. Add the returning villains of Dave Bautista and Stellan Skarsgård, and the Thanos turned hero of Josh Brolin (a surprise spoilt by the trailers, but still a sweet payoff when you see it emotionally play out on film) to the mix (and check out his enchanting 'Exposures' behind the scenes photo album with Greig Fraser) and all is forgiven for the thanks given to the three barrelled names of 'Beau Is Afraid's' Stephen McKinley Henderson and newbie Tim Blake Nelson hitting the cutting room floor. But just you wait for an undeniable, uncredited cameo. Newcomers include a Zendaya more to come, chain-mailed Florence Pugh, an incredible Léa Seydoux, a pivotal Souheila Yacoub, and the legendary Christopher Walken. But it's the shaved head and 'brows of Austin Butler's knife licking villain that really steals the show and seals the deal. Especially when 'Elvis' leaves the building and enters a noir 'Gladiator' arena in artistic black and white. 'Part Two' of Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' saga promises us to be the Godfather of cult classic trilogy adaptations like 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'Planet Of The Apes', or Nolan 'Knight'. But if we are really to believe in the rumoured 'Messiah' to come, it's time to put two hands together and bow down on our knees. For 'Dune' to be definitive in blockbuster and movie making lore, it has to reach the most high. The tree and water of life. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Dune: Part One', 'Dune (1984)', 'Blade Runner 2049'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-70305521761721727732024-03-08T00:03:00.000-08:002024-03-09T22:12:53.074-08:00REVIEW: SPACEMAN<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1tDf_h6wMcv8JvxNwn_fKcaGnQeCyMpyiFhRXw1R4-Vzdp6pKkJCCpMnVx9-Hj6B7VPcuqZ2Ri4pLwUeDPoYFeFWStuLHWze8_5faTQiKfRgyddAEGUwrWiTztWwTGJNXnZzOfBT8fL8w70Axft8yvzPF2JPGSYt6bZZ6ffkreBGZwELxiyWkcZQYh0/s678/images-1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1tDf_h6wMcv8JvxNwn_fKcaGnQeCyMpyiFhRXw1R4-Vzdp6pKkJCCpMnVx9-Hj6B7VPcuqZ2Ri4pLwUeDPoYFeFWStuLHWze8_5faTQiKfRgyddAEGUwrWiTztWwTGJNXnZzOfBT8fL8w70Axft8yvzPF2JPGSYt6bZZ6ffkreBGZwELxiyWkcZQYh0/w400-h266/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Skinny Love.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>107 Mins. Starring: Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, Isabella Rossellini & Paul Dano. Screenplay: Colby Day. Director: Johan Renck. On: Netflix.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Intergalactic Christ. By the end of the Babylon zoo that is 'Chernobyl' and 'Downloading Nancy' Swedish director Johan Renck's 'Spaceman' on Netflix, 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Dumb Money' star Paul Dano sweetly and hauntingly addressing you as a "skinny human" will be part of your love language. And just wait until that tentacle like leg reaches out for a heartbreaking embrace. Tentacle? That's right, riddle me that! This is the man whose character once wrote love into his life for 'Ruby Sparks'. The Riddler of 'The Batman' who even penned a graphic novel on the iconic villain he redefined like Ledger. Now, he plays a creature in this feature that looks too good to spoil, but is in fact a spidery octopus that shares similarities with the real 'Enemy' of Jake Gyllenhaal at the end of that 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve film. This frightening at first, but then fond arachnid even looks like him in the same vein that Josh Brolin sort of looks like Thanos. Vivid voice acting like 'Dogman' Caleb Landry Jones as the titular robot in Tom Hanks' 'Finch', Paul somewhat steals the show in what is essentially an Adam Sandler movie, lost in space and love with who Dano directed alongside Gyllenhaal for 2018's best 'Wildlife' look of the sort of human nature that even had MJ asking "why"?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you believe they put a man on the stage that could moonwalk, then this is the movie for you. Based on the 'Spaceman Of Bohemia' book by Jaroslav Kalfař, this is one of Netflix's more nuanced and nicer movies in a glut of Oscar bait and big budget crowd (dis)pleasers. At the edge of our solar system, there are plenty of cerebral astronaut dramas as lonely as Matt Damon's 'Martian'. Specifically, the 'Solaris' and 'Ad Astra' of Damon's respective 'Oceans' co-stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Yet this is the only one that can hit the 'Interstellar' levels of Nolan's genius, with even more heart and Max Richter music off he scale like Zimmer. Just like there are plenty of 'Punch, Drunk Love' serious Sandler films playing straight for 'The Wedding Singer', 'Waterboy' and 'Happy Gilmore' (let's have a hand for the late, great Carl Weathers. Rest peacefully) comic legend. From the first film to really deal with the trauma of 9/11 in 'Reign On Me'. To the undeniable anxiety attack that was 'Uncut Gems' from the Safdie siblings. Even Netflix's basketball 'Hustle' last year balled with all of Sandler's 'Murder Mystery' and 'Ridiculous' movies as part of his deal with the streaming service. But here, the best of our 'Funny People' gets to show how serious he can be as he stirs us in the compelling craft of what seems to be a solo mission. Yearningly lonely with sallow skin, sunken eyes and dreams, Adam amazes in what a lesser actor would leave us yawning at. Adam Sandler belongs with the greats. Especially as he has shown us another note in how he can balance the two sides of life's divine comedy and great tragedy like no other. This spaceman that says, "it's all in your mind", kills it like Brandon Flowers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Down back to earth and reflected in the black mirror of this science fiction, Carey Mulligan again show promise like no other young woman in this industry. Dealing with a loss of love and limited script and screen time with ample acting. A true, 'Maestro' following her Oscar nominated Bradley Cooper movie (also on N) with another award worthy performance that inspires the same isolation as Dano's 'Wildlife' amongst the raging fires of a hell hath scorched earth and a scorned marriage in all its restrained fury. Conducting herself with conviction in the face of the uncertainty of both love and life itself. With an adapted screenplay from Colby Day, 'The Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar explodes in this science. Whilst Swedish 'Chocolat' star Lena Olin adds even more gravity to this ground control. But it's the iconic Isabella Rossellini (who still has the greatest sitcom cameo ever, friends) who gives legend to this space genre legacy making movie. Out of this world, but brought right back down to earth with that familiar this of the life you thought you knew's disappointment, 'Spaceman' is a sobering solar system of stars, memories and multiverses. Showing us in this day and age where we untether ourselves from everything except our tech, it's high time we began to reach out again. Because, after all, you know what happens when you shoot for the moon. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Ad Astra', 'Interstellar', 'The Martian'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-41037717070012213562024-03-04T02:25:00.000-08:002024-03-04T14:57:51.770-08:00REVIEW: ARGYLLE<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZMj6Dz9f3iuUgsgf77lbbYi92GlL4x7Yttki522e35POH9eNLdzRYmD80TvU0rZB6tstcOs_uiQV9Ws7T5fQnaB-bT8tybhkJOXPQdng69pP7LFof5_8wH-nYxXYECDwRrxMVbOoCXOJ0DWLT6ee94qMWPWV8ykniHPkFuKK1U8MEftnVImFI5WMgg8/s681/images-2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="681" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZMj6Dz9f3iuUgsgf77lbbYi92GlL4x7Yttki522e35POH9eNLdzRYmD80TvU0rZB6tstcOs_uiQV9Ws7T5fQnaB-bT8tybhkJOXPQdng69pP7LFof5_8wH-nYxXYECDwRrxMVbOoCXOJ0DWLT6ee94qMWPWV8ykniHPkFuKK1U8MEftnVImFI5WMgg8/w400-h264/images-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br />3.5/5</b><p></p><p><i>Argyles Or Brogues?</i></p><p><i><b>139 Mins. Starring:
Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Matthew Vaughn. In: Theatres.</b></i></p><p>"I know it's true. It's all because of you," sounds hauntingly reminiscent as it comes into play over 'Argylle', double-L, no sweater. The kind of record you feel you've heard before. As familiar as time. Surely this is a classic? Yep! From a long time ago? Nope! From the vaults, this is the recently unearthed John Lennon vocals from 'Now and Then'. And now The Beatles have officially licensed their music for movies, this is a testament to just how iconic this simple and sweet melody truly is. Even if it is almost used to overkill like a 'Titanic' tribute in 'Kick Ass' (speaking of a 'Nowhere Boy') and 'First Class' X-Men director Matthew Vaughn's new graphic novel ultraviolent movie following in the blade running steps of his big-three 'Kingsman' movies. Sofia Boutella's even here, too. Amongst classic cameos from everybody from Rob Delaney, to Jing Lusi over the fireworks of a Hong Kong skyline, and more we shouldn't say. Comic set-pieces that follows the vintage and vibrant patterns of Vaughn, that also takes hues and cues from everything from Melissa McCarthy's unlikely but undeniable 'Spy', to the Austin Powers franchise, shagging 007 for more shaken and stirring references to this game of raised glass goodbyes. Time to propose a toast for the man who would be Bond. Word is.</p><p>Superman may not be returning for James Gunn's 'Legacy', but in this witching hour, Henry Cavill is crushing it in a velvet suit and a haircut Biff from 'Back To The Future' would be proud of. Just like he did in Guy Ritchie's 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' that needs a sequel and partner recast. A second Sherlock is a super sleuth here, much like fellow great Brit Jude Law's American playing 'Spy', that also served as <i>his</i> James Bond audition. You can't deny the cavalier Cavill's charm and compelling charisma, even though he isn't really here, despite the fact that he's front and centre on his character's namesake's poster and promotional photos. He's a figment of your imagination. Or more, Bryce Dallas Howard's. The real star of this picture alongside the scene stealing, and all Fallon like dancing, real spy Sam Rockwell. Rocking it with the set chemistry and the one-two punch, perfect interplay with Cavill as fantasy and reality blends together like the truest lie from the bigger bridge that divides greater spies and their real lives for good. We all know Howard can direct like her father Ron, she's given us the best episodes of 'The Mandalorian', like she did playing the protagonist in the most liked 'Black Mirror' one. But can she get her J.K. Rowling one on and write a bestseller? You bet! So much so, this fan fiction walks the line of real and fake so finely. Armed with a cool cat, 'The Lady In The Water' reaches new depths. Flushing any previous doubt, BD Howard takes those heels off and throws them away, sticking it to those 'Jurassic World' haters who said you couldn't get a woman who does both.</p><p dir="ltr">This epic espionage ensemble action comedy also features small but significant roles from the amazing Ariana DeBose and singer Dua Lipa in a dance with Supes straight out of the 'Pulp Fiction' play book. At times, you wish their inspired intro was the real movie itself (spin-off prequel of sorts anyone?). Especially when the always welcome John Cena comes in with a Magnum P.I. shirt to make the peace with the former cape flying moustached man, minus the CGI. But it's the legend's that get it done. 'Home Alone's' very own Catherine O'Hara continuing her classic legacy now she's no longer up 'Schitt's Creek', dear. Best wishes to one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time in this era of modern families. Kind regards to the great Bryan Cranston too. Playing the 'Malcolm in the Middle', 'Breaking Bad' angles perfectly with a shotgun. And in this blunderbuss that packs everything but rock salt, you can't forget Vaughn favourite Samuel L. Jackson with a man cave any Laker fan would be proud of amongst all the vino. You know that jersey of his friend Magic Johnson is real. This marvellous Marv movie, with music from the fab four and a side deal with Apple movies, makes a statement by rolling the dice on some major world building. Stick around after the last orders of credits. There are more books to come from the spy who read me. Don't sweat it. It all comes together like a pair of socks under some slacks and your Sunday best pair of shined shoes. Don't like it? 'Argylle', f### yourself! <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></p><p><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'The King's Man', 'Spy'.</i></p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-30802942855829919102024-02-24T23:51:00.000-08:002024-02-25T07:45:55.754-08:00REVIEW: GUY RITCHIE'S 'THE COVENANT'<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinha1VwSJmiUQFkBLqD2lToCgxQB23wXIdaNtScqlvvSyLBJnRn85OUhF0zgOdKGd4XqV4NvNWEUmCqwkXDJF5V5EJlxE8PUCPGi4YKhgZTtluUNvDvIv1Qw3JEzgY9ulUjW3-GnHck7ry27_3f0Hnlm1g_Ebbk1Lbp9mdv9R3_m-vTW-aZDaozQJjnI0/s1200/covenant1-bfwk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1200" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinha1VwSJmiUQFkBLqD2lToCgxQB23wXIdaNtScqlvvSyLBJnRn85OUhF0zgOdKGd4XqV4NvNWEUmCqwkXDJF5V5EJlxE8PUCPGi4YKhgZTtluUNvDvIv1Qw3JEzgY9ulUjW3-GnHck7ry27_3f0Hnlm1g_Ebbk1Lbp9mdv9R3_m-vTW-aZDaozQJjnI0/w400-h243/covenant1-bfwk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Lone Survivors.</i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>123 Mins. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, Sean Sagar, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham & Jonny Lee Miller. Director: Guy Ritchie. On: Amazon Prime</b>.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Beyond the call of duty of modern warfare movies like 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'American Sniper' and 'Jarhead' (also starring the great Jake Gyllenhaal), 'Lock, Stock' London gangster films and 'Sherlock Holmes' cinematic series director Guy Ritchie holds 'The Covenant' with that very movie itself. The gentleman's agreement with the 2006 supernatural horror starring The Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan himself, that he wouldn't steal their name. Therefore, 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' (originally translated as 'The Interpreter') out this weekend in the land of the rising sun, available on Amazon Prime, if you're a subscriber in other territories is far from pretentious pondering. The title referring to the sacred bond, duty and commitment to your fellow man, especially in times of war. 'The Covenant' also aligns itself with one of the great Guy's best pictures. The great Brit forming a kinship with his Hollywood lead that goes beyond the big names and tabloid news both have been read all about. Ever since 'Donnie Darko' and 'Brokeback Mountain', Gyllenhaal has shot to the star-studded stratosphere like his sister. But since 'Prisoners', and in films such as the nuanced 'Nightcrawler', Netflix's 'The Guilty' remake and even the mysterious Mysterio in 'Spider-Man: Far From Home', Jake has been no less than a master of portraying rage in all its dark and untapped corners (see 'Southpaw', 'Stronger' and so much more).</div><div><br /></div><div>Bearded and brilliant, before reuniting with Ritchie once again (for an untitled action flick), and doubling-up with Amazon for the 'Road House' remake with Connor McGregor, Gyllenhaal tugs at his in an incredible scene where two lone survivors lost at war together after a Wahlberg like descent down the perilous, ambushed mountains of Afghanistan, can't put what they've just faced into words. Backs turned and unspoken gestures unseen, this speaks to man's pain and the perplexing one of veterans of war that we'll never know unless we experience the same frontlines. It's a masterful moment from all involved which takes this picture from just another war one (although there is never, "just another war") to a best one. One of the greatest in either big name's filmography. Or the new one of a definitive Dal Salim who makes this picture his own, forming a deeper and compelling covenant with Jake's sergeant. Clever camera work in the vehicular mirror of their first meeting captures it all perfectly. And from blood to sand after, it never lets up until it finds its home. We just wish this one had its place in award season, at least in nomination, as it lays as forgotten as some of the unheard statistics that return (or cruelly don't) from a war that raged since the tower fell and still hasn't finished causing more pain to everyone involved, foreign or domestic. 'Borgen' star Salim paints this picture profoundly in a face that maps even more than his cold-blooded nature to conflict and his nurturing kindness to the brothers he is banded to in arms. </div><div><br /></div><div>An artillery of accented action brings a battalion of brilliant but bracing scenes in a film that may even best the beginning of Mark Wahlberg's perfect partnership with Peter Berg (one that gave us the fellow public service responsibility power of 'Deepwater Horizon' and 'Patriots' Day'). Setting off a new one between these two guys. The cast in these barracks is bountiful, too. Amazon's own Homelander Antony Starr is in prime position to be one with this and the other 'Boys' he goes to superhero war with. Whilst actual 'Lone Survivor' and 'The Hunger Games' star Alexander Ludwig offers experienced veteran counsel as Gyllenhaal feels like the guilty again. Nursing beers, being put on hold longer than the last time your tech failed and a view from a perfect home with a loyal and loving ('Hail Ceasar's' Emily Beecham, underused, but undeniable) wife that he can't see for his thousand yard stare back to the place he doesn't belong, but left is bruised soul in. Making their mark, Sean Sagar and Bobby Schofield round out the rest of this cast in conflict, before Jake unleashes a roundhouse like Swayze on the world's most famous UFC fighter. But it's an American accented 'Trainspotting' star Jonny Lee Miller that really impresses as a colonel. Almost as unrecognizable as the time he played Prime Minister John Major perfectly for 'The Crown'. But give that to Salim whose chances of going unheralded after this would be slim to none in a just world. But do we live in that? The real life behind this incredible and inspired story paints a different picture in a time when Hollywood would prefer to gloss over what's actually real. Maybe the real covenant should be between doing and what's right. Make that your bond as you band together with your brothers. Then all might begin to be fair in love, life and the very wars we rage for those same sins. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Lone Survivor', 'Jarhead', 'The Guilty'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-16326020117535446862024-02-24T22:00:00.000-08:002024-02-24T22:00:42.880-08:00REVIEW: MADAME WEB<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM5F8EBKc0Ik3yM5CNt71hUBmaNIk4a6ZPMBaspngEjHJg0lvIXo7v23KqzfTE6W6nzMKhyQjsP-_BgOoOtO1bIboAsPkEenb01JqQ8LC5gx6MHG4ZW2OLHfSjVSaZ2lNuZUa_fgF6czRS9P1kfcEtZ2SFCCXZEYsPIKN7ElJDqE7pxztP0ZkszdCIns/s678/images.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM5F8EBKc0Ik3yM5CNt71hUBmaNIk4a6ZPMBaspngEjHJg0lvIXo7v23KqzfTE6W6nzMKhyQjsP-_BgOoOtO1bIboAsPkEenb01JqQ8LC5gx6MHG4ZW2OLHfSjVSaZ2lNuZUa_fgF6czRS9P1kfcEtZ2SFCCXZEYsPIKN7ElJDqE7pxztP0ZkszdCIns/w400-h266/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Into<b> </b>The Spider Web.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>116 Mins. Starring:
Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts & Adam Scott. Director: S.J. Clarkson. In: Theatres. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Into the Spider "worse", if only 'Madame Web' could really see into the future. Then the clairvoyant, precognitive mutant from Marvel Comics could see all the rotten reviews for her new Sony movie and all the tomatoes thrown by trolls. Not to mention the online rumours that many theatres were reporting of refund requests. Whilst the stars of the said film were being duped into believing that they were entering the M.C.U. like The Joker always intended on 'The Dark Knight'. Wrong movie? You bet! Because across this Spider-verse we are truly 'Far From Home' here with no Garfield, or Maguire. Yet, this 'Madame', with more critical fangs out for it than the venom that 'Morbius' received, feels as early 2000s as 'Bully Maguire' dancing to the soundtrack and the setting of this blockbuster that rewinds right past that pre-Netflix video store. And in a day and age where the third 'Fantastic Four' iteration (or is that four, dear John? I should keep quiet and in my place) since way back then will retro it up in the swinging sixties, there's nothing wrong with a throwback.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Beyoncé's 'Dangerous In Love' really was about to come out, and Britney Spears' 'Toxic' had everyone dancing on the tables without knowing who it was really about, then 'Web' alongside Jared Leto's 'Morbius' and Tom Hardy's 'Venom' would Voltron form a big-three that would take pride of place next to those fun, early 21st century, 'Spider-Man', 'Fantastic Four' and 'X-Men' movies. But this is another time and tide. The age of "haterade", where even the fun-filled NBA All-Star Weekend is greeted with folded arms and mean tweets, when those paying it all to be in attendance are too busy looking down at their phones to see what's happening above the rim. Entertainment, again, is meant to be enjoyed, but it seems we can't get enough of hating the things we love. Marvel, in particular, right now is facing the tide turning toxic trend of getting it from all corners, and all studios. Even the mighty M.C.U. is getting it in the neck like an 'Old School' Will Ferrell, to keep the references in line and time. Especially when the films are fronted by what the Jordan Peterson crowd would refer to as "females". Please! What was really so bad about the fresh and fun, 'Attorney At Law', She-Hulk going deeper than 'Deadpool' (in more ways than one). And 'The Marvels' wasn't half-bad, either. And I haven't got a balcony ready, "it was all bad" comment primed like some muppets. Critics are calling it, "'Madame Web' is not as bad as you think", they say. "It's worse!" Sure, it's a long way from being a great movie and the franchise this origin story sets up may already be dead in the water, but you can still enjoy it whilst it lasts.</div><div><br /></div><div>'Fifty Shades Of Gray' star bonds herself to this picture, even if we'll never see 'Madame Web: And She's Back'. But seriously, people quick to ridicule, don't actually see when people are having fun back, just for a laugh. Jokes on them, I guess. 'The Lost Daughter' star knows how to do the heavy lifting when the spider silk strand thin plot requires it. Charging this picture with her paramedic heart paddles. Anyone who believes she's the problem with this picture that belongs in the past like its period will be given the Ellen treatment. You're not getting one over on her. Or dutiful director S.J Clarkson, who makes her big-screen debut after helming everything from episodes of the best show on TV ('Succession'), to Marvel's own street-level Netflix heroes ('The Defenders'). Once upon a time...in new Hollywood, Sydney Sweeney steals the show in the SSU, as the 'Anyone But You' star like a Rolling Stone music video, may not be in the MCU, but should Multiverse jump as a perfect Spider-Woman if there's any justice. Ditto to an inspired Isabela Merced ('Transformers: The Last Knight', 'Sicario: Day Of The Soldado') and 'Selah and the Spades' star Celeste O'Connor forming their own teenage dream big-three of the future we'll sadly never see like Madame. Oh, but no one say's "it's webbin' time", before you believe everything you read online, like when Martin Scorsese called the 'Fast and the Furious' franchise "cinema". Well...it is, but I'm still confused. Does Christopher Nolan actually like it? Don't be so quick to discredit a film which has a fond cameo from comedian Mike Epps and also features 'Napoleon' standout Tahar Rahim as Ezekiel, looking more like Spider-Man 2099 in a nice looking suit. And just you wait until Easter-or the streaming release, it seems-to find out who Emma Roberts and Adam Scott play perfectly. Even then, this franchise knows when to pull it back. If only critics could. Don't get lost in the web. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'The Marvels', 'Morbius', 'Venom'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-19341476869541310482024-02-18T23:32:00.000-08:002024-02-19T18:49:56.796-08:00TV REVIEW: TRUE DETECTIVE - NIGHT COUNTRY <b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs2VjLMwGPJbRmi9tC1zGXZCcWzrztRSLtCISTD83Sgx3Ar_EFomf1oZI3o31acRcA99L-y1n7NTZ9VoyYJHidKqHgWAtPFd7bCEUfUsHCKw6sBaMl1FOIC7V0iDhyphenhyphenWdmWqDS16YzqIfylbri4DjxWiLEud3Pzbhx1c4WrC8Fcquj7lRn5tVqX5YkOw8/s678/images.jpeg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs2VjLMwGPJbRmi9tC1zGXZCcWzrztRSLtCISTD83Sgx3Ar_EFomf1oZI3o31acRcA99L-y1n7NTZ9VoyYJHidKqHgWAtPFd7bCEUfUsHCKw6sBaMl1FOIC7V0iDhyphenhyphenWdmWqDS16YzqIfylbri4DjxWiLEud3Pzbhx1c4WrC8Fcquj7lRn5tVqX5YkOw8/w400-h266/images.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>We Own The Night.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>6 Episodes. Starring: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, Isabella Star LeBlanc, John Hawkes & Christopher Eccelston. Showrunner: Issa López. On: Max.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>30 days of night like a Josh Hartnett vampire horror. The fictional town of Ennis, in an Alaska Maggie Rogers would not want to sing about, is plunged into darkness with a 'Wind River' like isolation that will chill you to your core. Feeling like 'Fargo', all the way down to the fur on Frances McDormand's hat now passed to Jodie Foster, Issa López's show running fourth season of 'True Detective' (dubbed 'Night Country', giving us a 'Far From Home' memory) might not sit well with anthology creator Nic Pizzolato. But stare through the frozen lake's ice with a flashlight, and executive produced by him, and the originals Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, you can see it's the most formidable since the first season. With echoes of all the strange and surreal substance snaking through like the scrawls and scribbles that circle around flat highways and smashed tins of beer. And that's with all due respect to the stunted second season with standout performances from Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Vince Vaughn. Not to mention the big, redemptive third with double Oscar winners Barry Jenkins and Marhershala Ali.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haunting like the Billie Eilish theme and her voice that shivers throughout, 'Night Country' is a modern masterpiece of television. What else for the "regular a##" TV like 'Chappelle's Show' said of HBO? What a time to be alive and couch potato-ed in front of the tube on a couch. With this, their greatest drama ending as the final series of their best comedy 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' beginning. Making your pretty, pretty dreary January good. Carrying a subtitle for the first time, and this occasion, standing at only six episodes, 'True Detective' season four wonders over eight men who went missing from a research station only to turn up naked in the ice for the most horrific amalgamation of body parts you've seen since 'The Thing'. And with no dog in sight to blame as the Billie bad guy, all frozen fingers point to each other until the frostbite sets in. As no one is innocent in this world of truly beat cops who hand their badges and guns in like a confessional and have more hiding in their desk draw than just a nip of a hip flask to chase their damn good coffee with. This show that takes inspiration from everything from 'Twin Peaks', to the very news we see for real, represents more than just its two strong leads, but a whole community forgotten and pushed to the margins. All until hell freezes over, never to return once it all thaws in bitter neglect and the harsh truth of those that forget.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't call this a Jodie Foster comeback. The 'Taxi Driver' and 'Inside Man' legend has still been here for 'Money Monster's and a few hands of 'House Of Cards' directing for years. But with this and the should have been more Oscar nominated 'Nyad' biography on Netflix with Annette Benning as Diane, Foster is on the form of her life. Like when she shot straight on 'The Brave One' vigilante justice before the 'Wick' era, or cropped up on 'Elysium'. With this and the legendary 'Silence Of The Lambs', Jodie cops detective roles like no other. Even Jackie Chan doesn't have this many police stories. And fostering an incredible performance, she also holds the most contentious and compelling, one-two punch partnership since Woody and McConaughey. Bruising boxer Kali Reis knows not to pull a single punch (sometimes literally), and this 'Country' is just as much hers, as it is Jodie's. And guess what? She's about to star in 'Wind River: The Next Chapter'. 'Killing Eve' great Fiona Shaw stirs this series. As does an accented and almost unrecognizable 'Doctor Who' in fellow great Brit, Christopher Eccelston (almost harder to tell than when he was an elf in 'Thor-The Dark World'). But it's veteran actor John Hawkes who continues to show his real, great self, like his billboard moment 'Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Not to mention the kids that are more than alright, like Jodie's character's Foster daughter Isabella Star LeBlanc (no relation, friends). Or a breakout Finn Bennett with easily the most crucial and heartbreaking moment of the season, acted to perfection with no seduction, Mrs. Robinson. As the gritty ice cracks, the cleverly used static of the HBO show refuses to. All for the coldest, boldest series yet. Night. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'True Detective', 'Wind River', 'Fargo'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-77183436471638018942024-02-17T19:47:00.000-08:002024-02-21T05:59:22.155-08:00REVIEW: BEAU IS AFRAID<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjDh4aZ2OD99l58u2E3T0wFlhZV8vwZJJYKuzb5Slt4MiYT0qTVmG2unpdAW_sRLeWLyB9NEhesvMfbotGg_mVopF02pf5zOUFnXER6gzLaqmmLSEUofsTSdtxVUaLAQa7IIDFTrabYlHKyXPJM6p25ksKUNOVQxQ-eyJn73fbjVhiivvQHqoZ8OGAV8/s739/images.jpeg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjDh4aZ2OD99l58u2E3T0wFlhZV8vwZJJYKuzb5Slt4MiYT0qTVmG2unpdAW_sRLeWLyB9NEhesvMfbotGg_mVopF02pf5zOUFnXER6gzLaqmmLSEUofsTSdtxVUaLAQa7IIDFTrabYlHKyXPJM6p25ksKUNOVQxQ-eyJn73fbjVhiivvQHqoZ8OGAV8/w400-h225/images.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>The Disorder Of The Phoenix</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>179 Mins. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Hayley Squires, Denis Ménochet, Kylie Rogers, Zoe Lister-Jones, Parker Posey, Richard Kind & Patti LuPone. Director: Ari Aster. In: Theatres. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Be afraid. Be very afraid. New hallmark horror director Ari Aster knows how to scare you s###less (see the classics 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar' if you dare). Redefining the great genre like Jordan Peele ('Get Out', 'Us'). And now, just like Peele's science fiction horror 'Nope', Aster takes a left turn of sorts with Academy Award-winning great Joaquin Phoenix for 'Beau Is Afraid'. Finally released here in Japan after its divisive one in 2023 (a more controversial-over here at least-'Oppenheimer' finally comes out at the end of March too, like a delayed delivery of 'Licorice Pizza'.), 'Beau' may be afraid of Oscar season, but like the underrated black and white truth of Golden Globe nominated Phoenix's 'C'mon, C'mon', bookended between both 'Joker' movies, this surrealist tragicomedy horror is the deepest dive into one man's mental health falling apart at the seams like his life itself...or so it seems. To say, "what the f###" is going on may be the understatement of the year...and we know it's only February. This arrested development will remind you of when Darren Aronofsky's 'Mother!', with an exclamation, played Russian roulette with his career and relationship with star Jennifer Lawrence. Mommy issues with the two-headed dragon of the great Zoe Lister-Jones and Patti LuPone indeed. 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' on Netflix had us thinking the same mothering way, especially when it was released during the social isolation of the 2020 pandemic. 'Beau' bests both. An A24 film if you ever saw one. Making Mariah Carey's 'Always Be My Baby' as scary as Netflix's 'Leave The World Behind' made the 'Friends' theme.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best, especially when this trial of madness, told in three acts, segues into an animated moment that amazes, similar to 'Things' in Charlie Kaufman's picture of Jessie Buckley. But I'm afraid Beau doesn't quite form a big-three for Ari, alongside the dynamic duo of 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar' that made Toni Collette and Florence Pugh even bigger than they are. Not hitting the haunted heights of the life exploring and existence affirming 'A Ghost Story' by 'Green Knight' David Lowery, and that's OK. And as crazy as this clusterf### of a mess sometimes is. Remember, 'Best Pictures' come in all shapes and hot dog, sausage finger sizes. What a time to be alive and in love! Besides, just like Jordan, do you think Ari Aster is done at a mere three movies? Nope! When his filmography reaches those of the Carpenters and Kubricks, fans and cinephiles will pick this one apart like all great art, under a microscope like the rest of his gallery. Let's just be glad for a time when we don't do this under the guise of derogatory social media negativity. Aster is a pastor for cinema. You can tell from his Japanese introduction to the trailer of this film, where he urges cinemagoers to see this on the big-screen because he "hates streaming". You may get lost in his art, but at least he's not making the previously clichéd horror genre and big-budget cinema a lost art. Or cause, for that effect. Just like best dramatic actor Joaquin Phoenix, who can bring more with a facial gesture than he can with a down turned thumb. Not that he's unwilling to throw his whole body and soul into a picture for the naked truth. Most actors don't have the balls. Holding every card, Joaquin has it all in spades. </div><div><br /></div><div>This contains multitudes...and interludes. As much to unpack as your weekly grocery shop. There's more than flowers in Aster's trademark horror attic, in a moment that will shock you like the final one in the pre-'Dune' and 'Blade Runner' Denis Villeneuve movie where Jake Gyllenhaal met his worst 'Enemy'. Phoenix is phenomenal, even in pyjamas Frasier Crane would be proud of. Or even when his character irritates you like this at times deeply disturbing movie does. But isn't that what true cinematic masterpieces are meant to do...move you? And performance artists, provoke you? But it's not just him. Stealing the show somewhat, are a kindly Nathan Lane and what Amy Ryan is off-screen whispering to Joaquin all that they seem? And how about a standout Kylie Rogers and her K-Pop bedroom as the jealousy of family matters that are a theme in these movies take a deeper and darker turn. Siccing 'Inglourious Basterds' introduction veteran Denis Ménochet on Phoneix. And just wait until you find out who a perfect Parker Posey plays. You'll wonder what tender therapist Stephen McKinley Henderson makes of it all. Let alone Richard Kind's anything but kindly (unlike Hayley Squires in the theatrical forest of plays) lawyer, as this show ends up looking like a Jim Carrey one, like Colin Farrell's Penguin in 'The Batman' did Kind himself. Sure, this just shy of three-hours film will leave you exhausted in more ways than one, but it will also stay with you for much longer than the runtime (the more you pick it apart, the more you'll actually like it). Something which seems hereditary in Ari's work. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Hereditary', 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things', 'Mother!'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-61198847533404808552024-02-11T05:10:00.000-08:002024-02-11T21:26:22.882-08:00REVIEW: THE COLOR PURPLE<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zcOF0RCMU6FEtx_5Hc7A_sV43n7VkToP08NZbrWjGSsFprhtIus6kiaw9ntncU68eeA5djgwhrxRRPfSDQWpZUf70MA76vO_Tr-AElm3EihKrN0u1BpV0jmNH8m2uc515t5z8hrvs179EM6ZW94xOzz424FQOpnqdWA-2IdcnksvDoxxEisYbxSj0vI/s600/images.jpeg-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zcOF0RCMU6FEtx_5Hc7A_sV43n7VkToP08NZbrWjGSsFprhtIus6kiaw9ntncU68eeA5djgwhrxRRPfSDQWpZUf70MA76vO_Tr-AElm3EihKrN0u1BpV0jmNH8m2uc515t5z8hrvs179EM6ZW94xOzz424FQOpnqdWA-2IdcnksvDoxxEisYbxSj0vI/s320/images.jpeg-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Purple Reign.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>141 Mins. Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Gabriella Wilson "H.E.R.", Halle Bailey, Louis Gossett Jr., Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Jon Batiste, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor & Fantasia Barrino. Director: Blitz Bazawule. In: Theatres.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><div>Colour your world impressed with this. It's been almost 40 years since Steven Spielberg's 1985 (me and my schoolmates born in the same year are very, very aware of this) coming-of-age epic 'The Color Purple', based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name from Alice Walker that came three years before. So all these decades later, it's high-time for a more vibrant remake in tune with the times we see today, still soberingly reflected in this powerful and painful period piece of brutality and beauty. Whilst Spielberg is remaking other Hollywoodland classics, like the 'West Side Story' musical, he's executive producing this one, alongside Broadway's Scott Sanders, the great Quincy Jones again and Oprah Winfrey, who made her acting debut in the '85 classic next to legends like a breakthrough Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery and the late, great Adolph Caesar. Based on both Walker's book and 'The Color Purple' musical by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Marsha Norman, this is more of a retake than a remake. As delightful director, Blitz Bazawule ('Black Is King') blitzes us with the bold and the beautiful, to have and to hold, like a dance in a bar by the swamp.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this empire, Lyon's finest Taraji P. Henson, who rarely showed this talent in the show she stole, shows she has another string to her brilliantly beautiful bow with the notes she hits. And boy does she know how to make an entrance in this epic for the new generation where she is queen. That is when the show is not being stolen here by 'Orange Is The New Black' superstar Danielle Brooks with a hell YES. Especially when it comes to her love with Dr. Dre of 'Straight Outta Compton' himself, Corey Hawkins, continuing his unsung heroism in Hollywood. It's his pops, who is played perfectly however, by Oscar favourite Colman Domingo, despite how despicable his cruel character is playing banjo by the rainy porch. Domingo is dominating again. Showing how different he is in this, the 'Selma', 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' amazing actor deserves the Academy Award for Netflix's 'Rustin'. And his callous character still compels you here. As does the 'Roots' of 'A Raisin In The Sun' Louis Gossett Jr., and the perfect Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, introduced to her film debut after becoming a born Broadway star with 'The Lion King'. Singers/actors hit the high notes too. Like Gabriella Wilson AKA, H.E.R., Jon Batiste (whose 'American Symphony' documentary on Netflix is bittersweetly beautiful) and Ciara's critical role that's too sweet to spoil. But in a film that features star turns from Aunjanue Ellis-Tayloy, and 'The Little Mermaid' herself, Halle Bailey, making the first act hers, the best is saved for last. Just like the long slog through the mud and desperation to get to the earned end in the terrific third.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fantastic. In a word, that's Fantasia Barrino with this formidable performance. The Grammy winner frees herself like a dream girl for her movie making career moment. Aretha Franklin biopic big-hitter Jennifer Hudson has some friendly competition now, with all due respect. A towering, terrific tour de force of great grace under profoundly perplexing pressure. At least give her an Oscar nomination nod like Brooks. Although no poor thing is beating Emma Stone this year. Still, we shouldn't put so much stock in award shows, although the names in the envelope will be remembered for generations to come and IMDB. Great performances of power are exactly that, regardless. To be discovered with immediate effect, or decades later (but, the sooner, the better) by masses of young women and men, previously shunned by their own world's stage, finally inspired to see the, and their own light. That's the wonderful work that is done here, from a brilliant Barrino, turning 'The Color Purple' and its novel and cinematic meets Broadway idea into a fabulous fantasy in amazing amalgamation. And when she sings, it's over. Give her her seat at the table in a fond finale, around one in the garden that blooms with beauty and earned forgiveness after all the forlorn and bad almost lost their souls to the evils of the world. You'll simply shed tears, with no strain or swipe at the eyes, as they just fall down your cheek like this end does into perfect place. But we've already said too much. This American South classic with an Alicia Keys, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and many, many more, like H.E.R., soundtrack needs to be seen for itself. Just like 'The Color Purple'. You have to notice it. As God is my witness. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'The Color Purple (1985)', 'The Butler', 'Rustin'.</i></div></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-2720844205930911892024-01-28T02:04:00.000-08:002024-01-28T06:43:41.355-08:00REVIEW: POOR THINGS<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkfB_q7QonKMnwc3NfSLWEpVb6Vo-h3VLX0K_zDP0TtYq6HSH5kEL15F1Der2bUzUOp0vHnUwewinCXTU2SaXTY_Zs0IhMzfXsFYYnt4OfRBfzQEq4Jk3IvvWXEv2Q77-l_dH4KpgnlFhKqgJWrzbZx5EM7hKCFk1Q_lcR-2oms7tu1693kjqAWjnklE/s600/07POOR-THINGS-REVIEW-mhqv-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkfB_q7QonKMnwc3NfSLWEpVb6Vo-h3VLX0K_zDP0TtYq6HSH5kEL15F1Der2bUzUOp0vHnUwewinCXTU2SaXTY_Zs0IhMzfXsFYYnt4OfRBfzQEq4Jk3IvvWXEv2Q77-l_dH4KpgnlFhKqgJWrzbZx5EM7hKCFk1Q_lcR-2oms7tu1693kjqAWjnklE/w400-h266/07POOR-THINGS-REVIEW-mhqv-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>The Living Of A Sacred Dear. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;">142 Mins. Starring:</b> <i><b>Emma Stone, </b></i><i><b>Mark Ruffalo, </b></i><i><b>Willem Dafoe, </b></i><i><b>Ramy Youssef, </b></i><i><b>Christopher Abbott, Margaret Qualley & </b></i><i><b>Jerrod Carmichael. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos. In: Theatres. </b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">Riffing on Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', and things of that nature, Yorgos Lanthimos follows his epic big-three ('The Lobster', 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer' and 'The Favourite') with a monster movie in 'Poor Things', which has the most riches when it comes to Oscar nominations, right now. The bride of Bella, played with pride by 'La La Land's Emma Stone, is also your favourite to take home the Academy Award for Best Actress come the weekend of February that follows valentine's matrimony. The screenplay from Tony McNamara best adapts Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel, 'Poor Things: Episodes from the Early Life of Archibald McCandless M.D., Scottish Public Health Officer'. Now, that's a mouthful like one character who spits out their meals, whilst another belches bubbles...and you thought your friends had bad table manners leaving their phones next to their plates like dessert cutlery. This odyssey of self and sexual discovery liberates the senses. In its resurrection, it makes the cinematography (by the revolutionary Robbie Ryan) of a steampunk-styled Victorian era London feel like a renaissance. Aesthetic art for the celluloid of the highest order that makes this crude and cruel intention complicated, but compelling piece of cinema an absolute classic.</span></div><div>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Feeling like A24, but it's actually the also formidable Film4, is it your favourite from Lanthimos, whose best pictures (aside from the definitive 'Dogtooth') usually star with 'The'? Many cite 'The Lobster' as the first time Yorgos' talents bubbled to the surface. Whilst 'The Favourite' broke the Oscars like these 11 noms, just like at Britain's BAFTA's are set to do. Our best lies with the biblical proportions of 'Killing A Sacred Deer, which was the real coming out party for the most talented actor of the next generation, Barry Keoghan alongside a classic Colin Farrell. Before 'The Banshees Of Inisherin'. Before the Clown Prince holding all the cards. Before the 'Saltburn' of a bathtub. Spoiler alert, Emma Stone's character dies in the first scene. Leaping from Tower Bridge, as we can't see her face in the most haunting moment under the bridge of the Big Smoke since we saw Heath Ledger there in 'The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus'. She is then brought back to shocking life by Willem Dafoe, who looks like Frankenstein's monster himself, in something that even that green mean machine doesn't have to bolts to comprehend. Emma may walk again, albeit with baby steps, but she has the mind of a child, as she must develop again from scratch. Stone's seriously stellar acting in this aged piece is proactive and profound, as not only does she act like a child, she also exhibits all the emotions of someone getting to grips with a brave new world and the ignorance it shows the innocent.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The fast and the furious jumping in this family would even make Vin Diesel blush, as there's more nekked sex in this movie than the down-and-out brothels of Paris it inhabits, via Lisbon, when not in an Orwellian London where motorized carriages carry horse heads on the front like a victory of a Godfather. Speaking of God, Dafoe plays him, at least in Emma's eyes, and does so with confliction and conviction. Although he was beat to the punch of the Supporting Actor nomination by Mark Ruffalo, and the best since, this hulking actor stole the show from Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx's cab conflict as a beat cop in 'Collateral'. We love it when Mark is Marvel angry, but he's even better debauched here. Especially when he trips, or gets slapped with an accent that feels like Jack Sparrow went to grammar school. Through all the twists and shouts of philosophy and hedonism in this age of socialism, we also get a breakthrough performance from the gentle assistance of Ramy Youssef. A twisting and turning one from a third act cataclysmic Christopher Abbott. And Jerrod Carmichael showing us just how much talent he has, on board this jovial and jarring journey. Not to mention 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood's' Margaret Qualley making her </span><span style="font-size: 1em;"><u>mallet</u></span><span style="font-size: 1em;"> mark again in spare, but significant scenes. Classic all the way down to the closing credits and the promotional posters, there are so many themes to unpack here in this epic empowerment and the power of one woman brought back to life, but living on her own terms. There, there, with a patronizing pat on the back, to the poor things that find this hard to deal with. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></span></p></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'The Favourite', 'The Lobster', 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-19199905576720182612024-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:002024-01-27T07:18:21.203-08:00TV REVIEW: THE BROTHERS SUN - Season 1<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv-s8PpnRo9RDzCfxkeNpyDGQImNXcI8FChM7nTWkIMLAtSs-IThTO7hCmkuNA1GH7SAW9x0_MjPjmnVIOYaGCYDcziM5U3w5frKJRv3FWVTtOA9NHcqvOILMI_I-7TnJWAAz0gilAXDT8u_-p2LA0RcYdmnPFfGDt0eXB_21pMqnkpjeXu35-_m6tDg/s678/images%20(2).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv-s8PpnRo9RDzCfxkeNpyDGQImNXcI8FChM7nTWkIMLAtSs-IThTO7hCmkuNA1GH7SAW9x0_MjPjmnVIOYaGCYDcziM5U3w5frKJRv3FWVTtOA9NHcqvOILMI_I-7TnJWAAz0gilAXDT8u_-p2LA0RcYdmnPFfGDt0eXB_21pMqnkpjeXu35-_m6tDg/w400-h266/images%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>American Born Taiwanese. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>8 Episodes. Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, </b></i><i><b>Sam Song Li, </b></i><i><b>Joon Lee & </b></i><i><b>Highdee Kuan. Created By: Brad Falchuk & Byron Wu. On: Netflix. </b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">Ever since icon of Hong Kong cinema Michelle Yeoh won the Oscar for Best Actress, last year, she's been in (you know the score by now), everything, everywhere, (yep, you guessed it), all at once. 'Yes, Madam'. As well, the classic 'Holy Weapon' of 'Magnificent Warriors' and Bond and 'Crazy Rich Asians' legend should be. Log onto your (or your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, family member, neighbours Wi-Fi's) Disney + right now, and you can catch her cameoing on the fun 'American Born Chinese', as well as the latest Poirot picture for her spirit in 'A Haunting In Venice'. But where she really excels is on the "other" mainstream movie and show streaming service.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">A little one called Netflix, where in-between final crownings and new 'Squid Game's' with real people, she finds a home with 'The Brothers Sun'. A brilliant comedy/drama from Ryan Murphy's co-creator Brad Falchuk ('Glee', 'American Horror Story', 'Scream Queens', and 'Pose'), or Mr. Gwyneth Paltrow to you, and emerging talent Byron Wu. One that kicks ass with plenty of kung and gun-fu for you fans of dear John at the end of your wicks. In competition, this slow January, with Marvel's epic 'Echo' and HBO's latest 'True Detective' ('Night Country' on Max), 'The Brothers Sun' keep it in the family like a 'Fast and Furious' Vin Diesel.</span></div><div>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">'Blood runs in the family', and the tablecloths, as you pour your tea for this eight episode wonder of an English and Mandarin language series. This may not be Japan, like this writer's Tokyo home, but this son knows how to rise alongside his brother and mother. From Los Angeles, California, to Taipei City, Taiwan. Bruce Sun thinks he's living the California dream like a Beach Boy. Skating through life like this was Venice Beach with designs on being a comedy improv star, which we all know, to parents, looks like it requires no work at all. But on the contrary (you never seen how an episode of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', that has lasted this long before this quarter's final season, works?). Then, his life is turned upside down, with no plan, when his brother, Charles Sun, comes to town from Taipei. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">With a smart suit, but no tie, slicked back hair, and a gangster goatee, this guy looks like he means mean business. And just wait until he plays a round of golf at the driving range (you know, you're not supposed to hit it that way (that's what she said), right?!). He's not here to fix your broken chair leg, but hand it to you. Then, for the Sun's, Bruce runs into more gang members than South Central as Charles dances with the trials of the triads in this game of thrones. All for some of the most amazing action you've seen since Yeoh was handing it to everyone, all at once and fellow Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan had everything in his fanny pack, no short rounds, Doctor Jones.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Yeoh is an undeniable great, </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">nailing it with a drill, hacksaw and a pair of marigolds,</span><span style="font-size: 1em;"> but her on-screen offspring more than make their mark. Young director and actor Sam Song Li is a star of the future with this 'American Carnage' and that's no improvisation. You could see him as the sidekick in the next superhero movie for Marvel or DC, but he plays no second fiddle here. He's the real star of the show, or at least the protagonist catalyst, as it all comes back to him. Meanwhile, the pure presence of Justin Chien as the older brother watching over his youngest with a stronghold that looks like he doesn't care (but oh, how you know that isn't true) reminds us of actors we've seen before. That's just how great a talent to take with you through this year, he is. 'The Madness Within' this 'Pool Boy' and 'Sun Moon' actor tells us this throwback, if born back in the dawn of HK cinema, would be his own legend like Yeoh or Jackie Chan. Yen, Li, and everyone else, all at (yeah, we said it). </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Elsewhere, Korean Joon Lee plays the best, albeit stoner unreliable, best friend. Whilst Highdee Kuan's (you may have seen her in 'Proximity' of legend Maggie Q's 'Fear The Night') District Attorney who always gets her man, puts her dent in things like Batman's Harvey. Another star of right now, and the future that's upon us, that we feel like has been around for years. Just like the legend that runs through these Taiwanese and triad traditions and these brothers in arms. With great support from recurring stars like a twinning Alice Hewkin, comedian Jenny Yang, the grace of Madison Hu and legend Ron Yuan, these brothers are something you should stream and confide in as you continue watching long after the sun has gone down. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY</i>. </b></span></p></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'American Born Chinese', 'Fubar', 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-2233524683963849232024-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:002024-01-25T05:40:58.713-08:00TV REVIEW: WHAT IF...? - Season 2<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S5-m4PlwjuKjerPmj0teItDD3fzFExkUy-LiCIEoP07-PTyzPy-EEuM2XSwgrMh01FQxd6FKto4blwoWa-fqcb__yaHoOZu5wrjsOJ6O-pE-rzAwj4cwCQGBwPpwt_3RhxTbTswedh4fwG1E-J0vztKBG-dilbYy7RBNlM3nsQJFtNCPtxRMDEMbAmo/s739/images%20(3).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S5-m4PlwjuKjerPmj0teItDD3fzFExkUy-LiCIEoP07-PTyzPy-EEuM2XSwgrMh01FQxd6FKto4blwoWa-fqcb__yaHoOZu5wrjsOJ6O-pE-rzAwj4cwCQGBwPpwt_3RhxTbTswedh4fwG1E-J0vztKBG-dilbYy7RBNlM3nsQJFtNCPtxRMDEMbAmo/w400-h225/images%20(3).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>WTF.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>9 Episodes. Starring: Jeffrey Wright & the Multiverse. Created By: A.C. Bradley. On: Disney +. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Time. Hate. Reality. It's not a linear path. Marvel movies seem to face the same disdain online, as say, fellow industry giant, LeBron James of NBA basketball, these days. It gets worse when algorithms post the comments to our social media accounts when we didn't even ask for them. Poisoning our timeliness and making negative our minds. What if we all just enjoyed entertainment, like we're supposed to? Especially when it comes to those who've not only maintained a high quality and longevity, but also vastly contributed to the revenue of their respective industries. Particularly in a time during the pandemic when both networks were at risk of having their property going out of business at the places they are served. Even many actors and directors are shunning superhero shows and movies, despite the money they made being in them like half of Hollywood already is, like they are here, but more on that later. There's irony being smelt, and hands that do the feeding being bitten. Yet, from fans to those who work to put on capes, the bandwagon is hopped back on when it suits them. They love to hate and celebrate the poor performance of 'The Marvels', and say this is what Mickey Mouse gets for going "woke" and broke. But they don't 'Echo' that sentiment when they virtue signal themselves for saying an inclusive show about a disabled, but more than abled superpower passes their pretentious bar. The same can be said when we get animated over shows like this and the little 'I Am Groot' shorts, but want to pass a guilty verdict on the fun 'She Hulk-Attorney At Law' that now has a "no, thanks" from Disney when it comes to a second season, green with legendary 'Loki' envy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like Sebastian Stan says, as excited about his Winter Soldier 'Thunderbolts' team-up movie as we are, Marvel have, "a great batting average." But even Shohei and the King hits some and misses some from downtown Los Angeles, but on this Hollywood Walk Of Fame, plenty of big stars are joining Commissioner Gordon himself, Jeffrey Wright on this Captain 'America Fiction' of Marvel Multiverse lore that asks 'What If...?' again like Pepper Potts, Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Sliding Doors'. The nice, nuanced narration of Wright is right on the money, and he's joined by the legendary likes of many assembled Avengers. Now, it's no secret and the names are out there like an epic, extended version of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', but again, we don't want to spoil the sauce. So we'll just reference the movies that some of these Marvel actors are in, like an accented 'Chef', and leave the rest up to you. Although we will say that 'Man Up' and 'No Escape's' Lake Bell and 'Kung-Fu Panda's' Mick Wingert do a killer Black Widow and Iron Man respectively, now Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.'s contracts are up. No tribute band B.S. Elsewhere, highlights in A.C. Bradley's comic creation with Jeffrey's baby come from 'Carol' and an absolute legend who likes to slap stickers on 'Jurassic Park' lunch boxes. But tell me, Disney +, what happened to the world according to him?</div><div><br /></div><div>Stranger things are happening though when David Harbour's Red Guardian has gone missing like he was lost in Russia, a stranger is in Moscow like Michael. But never fear, you know he'll be back in the third season. And with a 'Marvel Zombies' cartoon on deck to continue the comic culture in time for Halloween like the Marvel Spotlight of a 'Werewolf By Night', the M.C.U. is really getting animated like the Hugh Jackman like return of the animated 'X-Men' ('97) series that is a close-call with the classics when it comes to the brilliant 90s 'Batman' one for DC. 'What If...? could come between them, crossing over in connected strands of Multiverse plot, like when a certain Captain, not named Steve, but who can still do this all day, became live in living action for Doctor Strange's 'Multiverse Of Madness'. This supreme show has it all, though, continuing to build on its own worlds beautifully. Released by Disney Plus, episode-by-episode over the festive period like the BTS documentary, 'Monuments: Beyond The Star', there's even a Christmas episode to put up on the top of your die hard's trees, and plenty of early Easter Eggs too. New characters of legend, echoing representation, like Kahhori make their mark. And this watchable journey with Jeffrey also throws it back to some classic Earth's Mightiest Heroes we've longed to see suit-up in de-aging CG, but now can in these comic cells. But it's when The Avengers venture to 1602 that things get real beautiful and bawdy. Brilliant. If you don't want to watch this, what are you thinking? <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse Of Madness', 'Star Wars-Visions', 'X-Men' 97'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-7656318084572237202024-01-23T18:42:00.000-08:002024-01-24T05:16:28.506-08:00DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BTS - MONUMENTS: BEYOND THE STAR<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XxdV9FTOXMcU69XKT_NToA3xzK5udIRIoLxV4tHjvzBPzl5_dO7-2_mW1rNVqSiZRJA8Uag5kj_mSH3eQ9i8BG2MPYy57j013Wcpx7zSOLxZMrz09KY9d4hJPwYwJPY1gXOnIYBLEhXQ39LCnJD4K_UMIlMVab-CVpXT4UhyhdArpwFXXKqbmnCZE8qv/s695/images.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="695" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XxdV9FTOXMcU69XKT_NToA3xzK5udIRIoLxV4tHjvzBPzl5_dO7-2_mW1rNVqSiZRJA8Uag5kj_mSH3eQ9i8BG2MPYy57j013Wcpx7zSOLxZMrz09KY9d4hJPwYwJPY1gXOnIYBLEhXQ39LCnJD4K_UMIlMVab-CVpXT4UhyhdArpwFXXKqbmnCZE8qv/w400-h254/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><b><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Monumental. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>8 Episodes. Starring: </b></i><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><i>RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V & Jung Kook. On: Disney +.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">Beyond the stars themselves, RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, BTS are an ARMY. Like the biggest voice of their fans, telling you to 'Love Yourself', in unison with these idols like you don't need permission. Ones that have already been truly monumental. And even in their 'Hiatus', Disney + is following several of their concert films (most recently, 'Permission To Dance-Live In LA') with a new docuseries 'Monuments: Beyond The Star', that they released episode-by-episode over the Christmas and New Year period. Catching up, this intimate and influential last dance is inspired, with hopes that the best is yet to come in the lives of this South Korean K-Pop phenomenon and the most loyal fanbase in perhaps all of entertainment. Movies, sports, the lot. From the ARMY fangirl and boy with love beginnings, to the mandatory military service that many of the members are going to enlist in, it's been a long and winding road for the biggest band since The Beatles. And even now, their one direction's see them on several solo acts, but you know these big hitters will always return home.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">Just like the beginning of a brand new 'Spring Day', a personal favourite that plays out over the closing credits of the final episode in these eight wonders taking fans closer than those clappers that were the only way to communicate in concert during COVID. You can feel the devastation, especially in favourites J-Hope and Jimin, moving in perfect time, like they were still dancing, to this imperfect time when they are given the news that corona has cancelled their concert. They truly love their fans who have been behind them since day one, before the Billboard 100s, American awards and Grammy invites. This Disney doc that maps the path of these souls and their individual personas. The HYBE hype is real, with co-signs to these singers from chairman Bang Si-Hyuk and 'BEYOND THE STORY : 10-YEAR RECORD OF BTS' author Kang Myeongseok. Compelling and captivating, from the 'Danger' debuts, to speaking out at the United Nations. Or attending high-school graduations, or the ceremonial shaving of the head before South Korean military enlistment. This movie show about these showstoppers of music really strikes the deepest chord. Even when quarantined in their lovely, but lonely apartments, or out fishing a million miles away from the world, you'll catch on to the message and its deeper meaning.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;">There's plenty of celebrity co-signs here, but you know who the biggest stars are. And they shine so bright. Still, one 'Mic Drop' from super DJ Steve Aoki shows just how far they came. Before the pandemic, a double dose of 'Idol' and 'Boy With Luv' took their worldwide fame to a whole new stratosphere. But then what came after they reached out after social distance, behind the mask, really made monuments and moments that reached out and touched everybody. Including the top of the charts. The big-three of 'Dynamite', 'Butter' and 'Permission To Dance' sealed this seven as the greatest group on the globe. And then, it all stopped again. Or at least took a break. What comes up, must come down...but it always comes back up again like bubbles to the boil. Even if they all go their separate ways. RM's 'Indigo', J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box', Suga AKA Agust-D's 'D-Day' (and his and Hope's own respective making of Disney documentaries), Jimin's 'Face', V's 'Layover', a 'Golden' Jung Kook with the 'Dreamers' of his official World Cup anthem, and what's to come with Jin when he returns from service, after dropping the first solo single since the break ('The Astronaut'). Proof that these Bangtan boys have still got it. No matter how many Blackpink and Seventeen supergroups come after them. They paved the road like Psy. What's beyond this, we don't know. All we can do is wish upon a star for more monuments. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Further Filming: </i><i>'BTS: Permission To Dance-Live In LA', 'Suga: Road To D-Day', 'J-Hope In The Box'. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-86425985536584342682024-01-17T19:02:00.000-08:002024-01-20T16:25:56.166-08:00TV REVIEW: ECHO - Season 1<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8wZViwjSEvM6qWZQSdKMJ_dEtmvSkXJBmk3qEJpYhOz1pTtg-V-RdT1cNwia9CDJM3uTaoJJPFKsSbeNlMCedm-n6ucq7smK0gXxJoTyB3BHb0Ya_hjkgo1WFHT8MNdnTYIy1tKDD2kzh_Hbf0G3WyCP-2B4X3ZkDrcIf1yxUI_9z0NeZRv8yC149iU/s738/images.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="738" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8wZViwjSEvM6qWZQSdKMJ_dEtmvSkXJBmk3qEJpYhOz1pTtg-V-RdT1cNwia9CDJM3uTaoJJPFKsSbeNlMCedm-n6ucq7smK0gXxJoTyB3BHb0Ya_hjkgo1WFHT8MNdnTYIy1tKDD2kzh_Hbf0G3WyCP-2B4X3ZkDrcIf1yxUI_9z0NeZRv8yC149iU/w400-h225/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br />3.5/5</b><p></p><p><i>Echo Chamber.</i></p><p><b><i>5 Episodes. Starring:
Alaqua Cox, Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Zahn McClarnon, Cody Lightning, Graham Greene & Vincent D'Onofrio. Director: Sydney Freeland. On: Disney +.</i></b></p><p>Loving to hate seems to be the modern world's M.O. these days. Especially "socially". And in particular when it comes to the forms of media that provided them with so much fun and fancy-free entertainment in the past. During dark times too, like the planet's pandemic. It's a Marvel(s) that fans almost relish an M.C.U. movie being bad. Sick of superhero movies that they shouldn't watch if they don't like, and leave to the fans that have been there since the beginning. Blaming it on Disney's diversity or Hulk's being 'She' in this woke age, although the 'Attorney At Law' had being like that for years. All whilst having the 'Selective Outrage' of hating on comedians who make just a joke out of all of this/ But then when a truly groundbreaking, hero for all, show comes along, then people jump back on the bandwagon with a sign that points to virtue signalling. And Marvel's new five-part series on Hulu and Disney + echoes that sentiment. But at least 'Echo' is getting the Marvel Spotlight it deserves, like a 'Werewolf By Night', live in living colour.</p><p>Spinning-off perfectly on a chopper from the 'Hawkeye' series, where she made her debut a few last Christmases ago. And feeling like the Kingpin street-level world of Netflix's former 'Daredevil' in more ways to be taken as red, Alaqua Cox's Maya Lopez keeps shooting-straight, right between the eye. The Native American (Menominee) exploring her character's hometown Oklahoma roots in this 'Logan' like run. Burning motorcycle rubber to the iconic theme tune of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Cox was born deaf and also has a prosthetic leg, but what really reaches you is both her amazing acting talent and the subtle beauty she brings to a more nuanced Marvel movie like show. Showing that anyone can be a hero, regardless of disability, especially when their other abilities and human nature are truly super. Also honouring where she comes from and the roots of a hero (of sorts, and hopefully redemption) that takes place in the real America and all the history that had either been forgotten, or worse still, erased. It's a community effort, led by the likes of the fond and funny Cody Lighting (one drive-by reaction moment is absolutely hilarious), and featuring standout performances from 'Twilight's' Chaske Spencer, 'Reservation Dogs'' Devery Jacobs and 'Westworld' and 'Fargo's' Zahn McClarnon. First appearing on 'Hawkeye' in a cataclysmic moment of cruelty from a hero wandering like a Ronin.</p><p>Yet, Sydney Freeland's lead directed series finds new ground with some absolute legends. Everybody's favourite Graham Greene ('Dances With Wolves', 'Maverick' and 'The Green Mile') plays a kindly shopkeeper from Maya's past who suits up heroes with even better accessories than the man who loves Betsy. Whilst his 'Wind River' co-star Tantoo Cardinal continues her incredible run of late after stealing the show in Scorsese's 'Killers Of The Flower Moon'. The Canadian actress of Cree and Métis heritage already has the Order Of Canada. And now the 'Dances With Wolves' and 'Legends Of The Fall' icon is getting the attention she rightfully should have in Hollywood for this deep and definitively affecting performance of power. Green and Cardinal have been here before...together, but now it's time to see their names in the spotlights they so richly deserve, but have never needed. </p><p>Born again, and springing more superhero surprises you'll want to stick around for, Vincent D'Onofrio is king again for more than a day in a Yakuza white suit soaked in red like the big hit this mobster is since he made his 'Daredevil' debut. In the same week as he plays a "master of disguise" in Kevin Hart's 'Lift' heist ensemble for Netflix, D'Onofrio is having himself a week with this completely different character. More than a "You should never have embarrassed me in front of Vanessa" hilarious mannequin meme, Vincent's deeply felt and nuanced portrayal all the way down to the voice is Jackman as 'Logan', or RDJ as Stark iconic. In any multiverse, nobody could do it as classic as this best big bad. But from great train robberies, to amusement arcade throwdowns that hark back to 'Hawkeye', released in its entirety, nothing translates better than 'Echo' and the ensemble ending. The ripple effect will last for generations to come. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></p><p><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Hawkeye', 'Daredevil', 'Prey'. </i> </p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-46841048111272973172024-01-15T18:47:00.000-08:002024-01-16T06:00:04.095-08:00STAND-UP REVIEW: RICKY GERVAIS - ARMAGEDDON<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzWkJNJO2K_hBUTUaiOOAl6BUmvJh5aeuswvFtoYd3HVzlG6gx_51fXbZ-5UktqEL22UDYW6iOTUMew85rhkyyr_BPRWSYR6Krd8fDqSw8NFCgR-ryVKwsB4iovDNxJXLLovnVEIToPmqivA-8WlHBB5-VHPqDEyRumkoOGT-ykwhoTJQxrEPcb_2ZYY/s739/images%20(2).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzWkJNJO2K_hBUTUaiOOAl6BUmvJh5aeuswvFtoYd3HVzlG6gx_51fXbZ-5UktqEL22UDYW6iOTUMew85rhkyyr_BPRWSYR6Krd8fDqSw8NFCgR-ryVKwsB4iovDNxJXLLovnVEIToPmqivA-8WlHBB5-VHPqDEyRumkoOGT-ykwhoTJQxrEPcb_2ZYY/w400-h225/images%20(2).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Deep Impact. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>62 Mins. Starring: Ricky Gervais. Director: John L. Spencer. On: Netflix. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Best before end like a Tim Vine gag about cheese of the same name, Ricky Gervais' 'Armageddon' on Netflix isn't the end of the cancel culture world, or his career as they know it. In the same fall that see Dave Chappelle close out the year with 'The Dreamer', critics want to put these "controversial" comics to bed in the name of being "woke". But it's time to wake up. Sure, they could play it 'Seinfeld' safe like Trevor Noah's nice 'Where Was I Special' that still pokes at some punctuated points, but then what envelope would they really be pushing in the name of comedy? Gervais has already roasted the entirety of Hollywood in a Golden Globe opening monologue that deserves its own award, and everyone is getting all offended about a Taylor Swift gag that wasn't even funny in the first place to get all worked up about. This 'Armageddon' coming at the same time as Chappelle's show, like when the Bruce Willis movie was joined by Morgan Freeman's 'Deep Impact' reminds us that Netflix is at its best when it's a joke. One that's on you if you can't take it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Petitions to remove certain jokes online. Making a wish with some sick jokes about dying kids. Wait a minute! These are just jokes. And about fictional ones at that. It's OK, Gervais says, if he dies in a few weeks they'll all just claim it was wonderful satire. Sure, some jokes don't land. But not every player's shot scores, and not every singer hits every note. And don't get me started on how many retakes and reshoots your favourite actors and movies need. You can't stop random thoughts from pushing their way on to your daily life's train tracks, and Gervais has enough brain farts here to make everyone screw their faces up. But what are they shouting Ricky's name like this was 'Boyz N The Hood'. They brought the tickets. You have at least two chance to change your mind when you scroll to this on your streaming service. And those trolling him on the wannabe artists home formerly known as Twitter don't have anything to say about the beautiful message he leaves us with in a compelling closing. Although, they do have s### to give him about his stance for animal rights and the environment. I smell the hypocrisy of the 'Selective Outrage' Chris Rock was talking about in a great year of stand-up on Netflix. And we haven't even got to the best in show, Bill Burr yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ever since looking like Michael Jackson (oh, those jokes) on the cover of his own thriller, Ricky Gervais has done more than most give him credit for. Besides from the Brent of giving us an 'Office' party that's not spelling it all out like the Brit rugby players on 'Family Guy' say. Before the brunt, he's dealt with death and dementia in definitive dramas that also know how to make you laugh through these dark days, with humour the same. Oh, and according to his work with the legendary Karl Pilkington (there are mirrors of Karl's attitude here when it comes to save the date wedding invites years in advance), he practically invented the podcast as we see it today. And let's not forget the work his black t-shirt and pants look has done for Primark, too. Sex, death, race, religion, disability, free speech, global warming, the holocaust, Epstein's and Elton John. Nothing is safe or off the table on this special that Gervais unwrapped with Netflix on Christmas Day. But there's still a point to be made. And even when there's not, he still makes you laugh in a turbulent time when the world could just end tomorrow. And just wait until he enters a game of thrones. Sure, this is something you probably shouldn't have watched around the table at Christmas Day. Maybe just stick with 'The Crown', or the King's speech. But in this New Year, two resolutions should be made. For people to stop getting so offended by jokes, and for said comedians to stop going on about that too, now they've made their last stands in the name of stand-up comedy. Then maybe we can all just laugh together. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Dave Chappelle-The Dreamer', 'Trevor Noah-Wher</i><i>e Was I?', 'Ricky Gervais-Supernature'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-59527910568421203842024-01-14T22:09:00.000-08:002024-01-14T22:29:14.638-08:00REVIEW: GOOD GRIEF<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H8wBdKl2-21gPjIuYI8nE4AzZoweqm9dPrYtgK4Q2I03DKX2pS6NAh0MTj9vxLwcd6D1tkv_GCNmNSfim12UXJdR4etTvlYYsw0hq7EsWFdCcBo3mBXz5CqcWgIr71kufl7cLhoKF_TWUhGXeqVqg4aKGdUJt96hjViC4f8Fgr_XAsGywcakAMiEBtQ/s739/images%20(11).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H8wBdKl2-21gPjIuYI8nE4AzZoweqm9dPrYtgK4Q2I03DKX2pS6NAh0MTj9vxLwcd6D1tkv_GCNmNSfim12UXJdR4etTvlYYsw0hq7EsWFdCcBo3mBXz5CqcWgIr71kufl7cLhoKF_TWUhGXeqVqg4aKGdUJt96hjViC4f8Fgr_XAsGywcakAMiEBtQ/w400-h225/images%20(11).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Down and Out in Paris and London. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>100 Mins. Starring:
Daniel Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, Celia Imrie, David Bradley, Arnaud Valois, Medhi Baki, Kaitlyn Dever, Emma Corrin & Luke Evans. Screenplay: Daniel Levy. Director: Daniel Levy. On: Netflix.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Up s###'s creek, without so much as a paddle, or a Eugene for fatherhood leverage, Daniel Levy faces grief head on. Not to mention his definitive directorial debut. The 'Schitt's Creek' star and writer for Netflix follows the best sitcom of today with the most heartbreaking and healing thing you'll see all year...and I'm aware it's barely halfway through January. In 'Grief', Levy writes a love letter to a lost one in the form of a formidable pairing with Luke Evans, which begins as the greatest Christmas party and sing-a-long you've ever attended. The festive feeling brought home by the white marble of those legacy making London homes that could rival New York's Brooklyn brownstones. But then, you know what the late, great George Michael (the fact that we lost him on Christmas too, is all so heartbreakingly cruel) said about 'Last Christmas', and WHAM! Once this hits you, it will split you in two like the twist of the classic Christmas movie of the same name (starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh) in terrific tribute. Good God, 'Good Grief' is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the most outstanding opening to a Netflix movie since 'The Crown's' very own Vanessa Kirby gave birth to 'Pieces Of A Woman' in our collective heartbreak of 2020, Daniel wakes up to a pure white morning like the cold marble outside in sheets that scrunch like snow. But as he rolls over with the perfect bedhead and iconic spectacles, like a white rose, there's no one there by his side. And if you thought that was too much to take, you haven't read anything yet. Navigating through grief, the great, best British way, there are no hints of Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Demolition' man here. But there are shared shades of Colin Firth's 'A Single Man' in Tom Ford style, when other potential lovers come into this grand design (like the sympathy for Medhi Baki<b style="font-style: italic;">)</b>. And one gorgeous gallery scene with the help of Arnaud Valois ('BPM', 'The Girl On The Train') as this Orwellian depression turns to Paris, France and all that chic, truly feels like art. Especially as Levy makes his own under his individual legacy. Moving like Monet in this mediation of grief gone, gorgeous in its remembrance of love. But like The Beatles knew best, you don't get by without a little help from your friends. And 'Yesterday' standout Himesh Patel and the 'Passing' and 'Loving' of Ruth Negga deserve to stand side-by-side and arm-in-arm with Levy for any award that comes this way for the generational great who has left turned into the greatest moment of his career like Eugene did when stopped talking about 'American Pie'. Some may say, like his father's scene -stealing classic cameo in a John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale Christmas love story named after a classic restaurant in New York's Little Italy, that it was all just, 'Serendipity'.</div><div><br /></div><div>Smokey Robinson once asked, "what's so good about goodbye." And apart from this big picture, nothing. Grief is not good, like a play on Michael Douglas' words off 'Wall Street', but at least it makes us appreciate what we had. So let's all do that, right here, right now. Whilst we still have the chance. Especially as a eulogy from a legendary Michael Bradley and Celia Imrie's inspired speech that will go down in darker romcom history as one of the most iconic lines in the great, albeit underrated genre will truly floor you in a twofer. A 'Booksmart' Kaitlyn Dever sending up the fake, entitled generation of modern day celebrity in this 15 second of TikTok fame, and the original Princess Diana of 'The Crown' Emma Corrin, screaming at the superficial art world will really tickle your funny bone as this one tugs at your heartstrings, but Netflix really have made a great find here. Especially riding along in the same week of Kevin Hart's 'Lift', that although good, doesn't really take us any higher than the usual big-name and budget cash cow formula for the small-screen streaming service that's trying to build its own worlds like Zack Snyder's star warring 'Rebel Moon'. This one finds a much better home for your laptop cinema. Between all the shows and comedy ones, not to mention the prestige pictures, May to December like a Bradley Cooper 'Maestro' as we 'Leave The World Behind' with real born stars. There is real substance to this style. This ride from the Musée de l'Orangerie to the Roue de Paris shows us the good in mourning in this big wheel revelation. As the world keeps turning, so does our memory, and Levy turns his dull ache into the best beat of his heart. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Schitt's Creek', 'Demolition', 'A Single Man'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-87482419652108306712024-01-14T21:27:00.000-08:002024-01-14T21:27:33.245-08:00REVIEW: LIFT<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIU6s32_OhQahKFHwlMSgebFX71IAtJ-XWyCreCF-M9AgJvHOye1rjhnZp50c9Z2B7R59tAPH-gV4ffsw4I-8IIN6moive1mA8qDUwsOdCo90dzx3XohucoOZRu9_YXTbUqDY_Ezg4XZEh5FfNQKHzi7agkc8759Wb1UzVYRd-S2nXj-aUwfe_Ejicrw/s800/7VIS3DC4QBBJFCOAENHPAKNYGY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIU6s32_OhQahKFHwlMSgebFX71IAtJ-XWyCreCF-M9AgJvHOye1rjhnZp50c9Z2B7R59tAPH-gV4ffsw4I-8IIN6moive1mA8qDUwsOdCo90dzx3XohucoOZRu9_YXTbUqDY_Ezg4XZEh5FfNQKHzi7agkc8759Wb1UzVYRd-S2nXj-aUwfe_Ejicrw/w400-h225/7VIS3DC4QBBJFCOAENHPAKNYGY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Hart Landing. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>104 Mins. Starring:
Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Vincent D'Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Kim Yoon-ji, Billy Magnussen, Jacob Batalon, Jean Reno & Sam Worthington. Director: F. Gary Gray. On: Netflix. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>When your 'Ride Along' requested Uber, but you got stuck with 'Lift'. Streaming server Netflix knows how to follow a formula. Throw a wad of cash and passports at the biggest names in the biz, and what do you get? 'Red Notice', 'The Gray Man'. 'Heart Of Stone' etc. Remember those movies? Exactly! They only came out over the last few years, too. Sure, they're enjoyable fare, but they can be stamped next to the likes of Angelina's 'Tourist' exhibition with Johnny Depp, which became the 'Armageddon' fuel of stand-up and multiple times Golden Globe host Ricky Gervais...before he took everyone to task in THE definition of a mic-drop. N has one more trick up it's sleeve, with plenty of money in its back pocket. Make it rain for Kevin Hart. Even though, the former almost Oscar host's latest stand-up special is streaming on Peacock. The 'Reality Check' is that the 'Central Intelligence' of the 'Jumanji' Rock's best friend gives the service its feathers. No matter the hard times. So, let's still give him his flowers, like the 'Headliners Only' documentary of Christmas with Chris Rock. With this 'Lift' in an otherwise joyless January, Kevin is talking about starting the year off right.</div><div><br /></div><div>'Don't F### This Up' on a personal journey. His 'Guide To Black History'. Netflix have handed Kevin Hart the keys to a lot of original content, from films to shows. Most recently, the buddy comedies of 'Me Time' with the Tenenbaum tracksuit of 'Spenser Confidential', Mark Wahlberg (on his own deal with the devil of a good blood and black Netflix) and 'The Man From Toronto' remake with Woody Harrelson and the best fart gag ever. The redemptive 'Fatherhood' showed Kevin's heart had another level, though. And now in his Eddie Murphy money days, the comic wants to play it straight, like he did in his riffing 'Life Story' gem with Wesley Snipes. What we have now is an epic ensemble of a heist movie that is all teach and go-go gadgets. Sure, it could never steal away from the likes of the 'Oceans' crew, and it's a little self-serious at times, but Hart still has fun. He has too much natural charm and rizz to be razzed by the standard, lacklustre blockbuster b.s. The budget on this thing screams 'Air Force One' like Harrison Ford did saying, "get off my plane." Without Hart, it's 'Space Force'. Hackers, safecrackers, sort of masters of disguises and more inside men than a promise of a Spike Lee and Denzel sequel, there's many all-stars in this line-up. But in F. Gary Gray's big picture, it's executive producer Hart that brings it all together like a team-up recruit. </div><div><br /></div><div>'Friday', 'The Negotiator', 'Be Cool', 'Law Abiding Citizen', 'Straight Outta Compton', 'The Fate Of The Furious' and 'The Italian Job' remake. One of the most versatile directors in Hollywood, Gary Gray has directed them all. Not to mention some of the best music videos. Ice Cube's 'It Was A Good Day', OutKast's 'Ms. Jackson' and 'Waterfalls' by TLC. Now he's chasing that with a star-studded cast. Keeping their heads ringing, 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'A Wrinkle In Time' star Gugu Mbatha-Raw continues her great run after the latest, and greatest 'Loki' series to marvel at. Speaking of which, Kingpin himself Vincent D'Onofrio echoes a great week in big-hits with this versatile hustle. Yet, here in Tokyo, it's 'Money Heist' standout star Úrsula Corberó who really, and literally pilots this picture. South Korean singer Kim Yoon-ji gives Tokyo a run for that money in this heist. Whilst 'Into The Woods' and 'Aladdin' star Billy Magnussen (who does versatile great work on the likes of 'Bride Of Spies' and Bond's 'No Time To Die') is the Hart-less comic relief (think Chris Evans in 'The Losers' with a crossbow, b#####s). And we even get to see the "man in the chair" himself, 'Spider-Man's' best friend Jacob Batalon. Sam Worthington's real life 'Avatar' and a 'Leon' legend in Jean Reno keep the big names twisting and turning like all good bank jobs. But this one joins the mile high club. You might want to stow your tray tables and carry on luggage for this one. 'Lift' takes to the skies and sticks the landing, even if, like Kevin sitting in coach, it could do with a boost. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Red Notice', 'Heart Of Stone', 'True Story'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-16498455978667108522024-01-14T19:35:00.000-08:002024-01-14T19:35:19.004-08:00ANIME REVIEW: SPY X FAMILY - Season 2<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdmR4_3-lo48_peI5afHK0E2R_fbbBJ7M_yXcrJrL1w964uLKFkCwhIThIqCGZ1plwOOrGt2pX7U-iH0Kt0jfyK_17qQ62ZMVc46L4w5G6yW12G4gjSACks7lzS4Ca7ggyHFW6KbkBOFcTobIkfvfwyaEKBHkqiBNkNPE4ls-m0a-Pm_dcNugzhm5so/s701/images%20(6).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="701" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdmR4_3-lo48_peI5afHK0E2R_fbbBJ7M_yXcrJrL1w964uLKFkCwhIThIqCGZ1plwOOrGt2pX7U-iH0Kt0jfyK_17qQ62ZMVc46L4w5G6yW12G4gjSACks7lzS4Ca7ggyHFW6KbkBOFcTobIkfvfwyaEKBHkqiBNkNPE4ls-m0a-Pm_dcNugzhm5so/w400-h250/images%20(6).jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br />4/5</b><p></p><p><i>I Spy. </i></p><p><i><b>12 Episodes. Starring: Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami & Atsumi Tanezaki. Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi. On: Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll.</b></i></p><p>A gold star for the stellar second season of 'Spy x Family' that still seems to be the most popular anime coming straight out of Japan, even if Bruno Mars, back in the land of the rising sun to sell out more domes, is Instagram holding a copy of the manga everybody is reading right now, Jujutsu Kaisen, next to something as modern day Japanese as that...a vending machine. A crane game prize under his other arm, as fans across the drops of gold in the ocean look to UFO catch an Anya (check, but with an ex) and Bond (check...ruff) fluffy for its biggest and cutest rival. This family of spies and such starring Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami and Atsumi Tanezaki are again streaming on everything right now. Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime, and of course, Crunchyroll outside of Asia. And sure, Kazuhiro Furuhashi's series sequel may only have a dozen episodes next to last season's quarter-century, but how about a movie?</p><p>'Code: White' is dominating Japan cinemas right now, like the Far East's very own latest Studio Ghibli ('The Boy and The Heron') and kaiju ('Godzilla Minus One') are across the globe. And that's the tea, like the classic opening credits and theme song 'KuruKura' from Ado that bumps like chicken. Animated by Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken's Masaaki Yuasa, this march with teacups will have you all singing, walking and drinking along like those addicted to hot plastic bottled brews from vendors and conbinis. Eugene Winter's closing credits, featuring Vaundry's (featuring Cory Wong) Todome no Ichigeki" (トドメの一撃, lit. "Finishing Strike") are a joy too, for a show that stops any enemy in its tracks, even when it just comes to the songs they sing. Add the power of this short but sweet season's epic episodes in twilight, and now you're speaking everybody's language like a telepath. Nothing is lost in translation in this successful second season and massive movie that may as well have been a precognitive-preordained spy hit.</p><p>Anya is still the cutest, and that green suit from Loid Forger still signature to this sleuthing style of European elegance, but it's Yor's amazing assassin who truly kills it. Stealing the show in this second season, especially on-board the several episode arc of a boat that could rock like its own blockbuster movie. Complete with the hanabai of a truly explosive fireworks' festival, masking what's happening above deck. These impossibly inspired, infectious missions are mesmerizing to your good mood. Even if being shot in the buttocks like 'Forrest Gump' or Denzel in 'Training Day' will make an ass out of an opening episode date. Whether we camp with 'Damian's Filed Research' trip, or take a dog's day out or two with Bond, the skinny fur on this series is fun-filled, albeit absolutely moving at times. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll wonder why this sniper shot of a mission is over before it all began. And just wait until you watch the latest Bondman 'Spy Wars', episode within an episode spin-off. Make this one your choice (or else), as this family spies hard again between macaroons and lost cats astray. Unrequited love from all sides, and the feeling that this family is closer than they let on to each other. Even between what is not said in read minds and hidden thoughts. 'Spy x Family' is a multiplying hit by the book that won't fold like origami. If we can see the future, it reads like getting away with murder. As easy as, I spy, with my little eye, something beginning with peanuts to an elephant. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></p><p><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Spy x Family-Code: White', 'Holmes In Kyoto', 'Detective Conan'.</i></p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-66293825225307086582024-01-14T18:56:00.000-08:002024-01-16T06:23:15.579-08:00REVIEW: AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSbO4SotKMlFN_E6gWglXYt5aXxeFNcwkmBjhsnhYcUo-eA6Y8Xysk499uNvFehN2A5dedjDw1yGgbp87GSKYoiYlCUWZOAzAqnwyJgYUa9AoAmhZmrR5U-Egn_SGCPWYLWT7w1CwuE9bAMxoI0qCrndwxro0Df1yFGYziDtx07ZJ0DEMP1nJr7L4n18/s624/p0h0z4r6.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSbO4SotKMlFN_E6gWglXYt5aXxeFNcwkmBjhsnhYcUo-eA6Y8Xysk499uNvFehN2A5dedjDw1yGgbp87GSKYoiYlCUWZOAzAqnwyJgYUa9AoAmhZmrR5U-Egn_SGCPWYLWT7w1CwuE9bAMxoI0qCrndwxro0Df1yFGYziDtx07ZJ0DEMP1nJr7L4n18/w400-h225/p0h0z4r6.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>A Fish Out Of Water. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>124 Mins. Starring:
Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Martin Short & Nicole Kidman. Director: James Wan. In: Theatres.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Lost at sea, there were many anchors making sure the waterlogged 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom' would sink without a trace come Christmastime. Especially after 'The Flash' in the pan year DC had at the box-office, despite representing for new heroes like the 'Blue Beetle'. All these movies have been so much 'Shazam' fun (I mean, how can you not go nuts at the return of Michael Keaton's Batman and even more in all these multiverses?), but as new DC leader James Gunn hit reset in the same year he concluded his great 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' trilogy for Marvel, it seemed like his new team was merely cutting limbs before they went cape fear gangrene, with no hopes of growing back in a year like the claw. Now, with Zack building his own 'Star Wars' galaxies over on Netflix with 'Rebel Moon', the Synderverse is officially over. We don't even get the cut post-credits scene of Ben Affleck's Batman like we did with Aquaman in the fun 'Flash'. However, the last bite of this fish is f#####g funny, and this so-called 'Lost Kingdom' from James Wan finds itself as a fun film to conclude the Justice League's reign from Atlantis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, how do you expect spectators to show up for a sequel where there aren't much in the way of stakes seen as this is it? Especially with Gunn already expressing a desire to recast Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa as another Detective Comics character (Lobo), before this movie even had a questionably long-delayed, trailer come out. You can't just tease the fangirls with a new black suit for this orange man like Syracuse. Momoa was facing his own backlash, baring the brunt of Vin Diesel and a family of fans who blamed him for 'Fast X's' poor performance at the summer box-office. Look, even Tom Cruise jumping off cliffs on choppers, straight on to runaway trains knows nothing was beating the 'Barbenheimer' monster last year. Besides, Jason's fun and fancy-free villain was the best thing about 'X' that needs to be rebranded like Twitter to avoid that blood is thicker than engine oil cliché. Why this Pride of Gypsies has gone from someone fans at conventions take photographs with, literally brushing off their boyfriend, to tabloid fodder for Dad-bod shaming is beyond me. Either way, the ever lovable Jason who knows how to end things amicably and beautifully (just look at his mature situation with both Lisa Bonet, and Lenny Kravitz) is clearly relishing this one last ride. And if this is it, he's at least succeeded in doing something even bigger than uniting the seven. He's turned 'Aquaman' from a punchline in to one of the best superhero hits and redemption arc ever since Robert Downey Jr.'s Stark realism put a reactor in his iron lung.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shakespeare in the sea may be the case here, beyond realms of underwater worlds and a Brick throwing trident that sometimes anchors a hammer of Thor sound. But what cinematic caped crusade doesn't crib off the others that came before it? Momoa's Arthur Curry literally calls his brother Loki, but tongue-in-cheek and nice nod to the rival he once wrote "f### Marvel" on a fan's poster, Jason's jovial jokes with Patrick Wilson (who is clearly having as mush fun as he is) are a joy. Especially when they run with it all. But what's that floating in the water. The elephant in the bedroom that really threatened to make this 'Lost Kingdom' take on too much water and drown was the appearance of Amber Heard. Fans petitioned for her removal after her trial with Johnny Depp went public and social media turned into a slap for all, punching down asylum. We can't tell if she's being shoehorned or sidelined here, but she still brings it in what may be her last role in this unforgiving industry that turncoats takes sides quicker than their memories of all they said and shunned before. There's enough star power here to distract us from all that, though. Names like Nicole Kidman and Dolph Lundgren (currently enjoying dual franchise time with this and 'Expend4bles'), and even Bobba Fett (Temuera Morrison being the lighthouse keeper who will set you right on the path home). Whereas Randall Park and 'Only Murders In The Building' legend Martin Short in mo-cap, bring the comic relief. But after his own Manhattan Project with the 'Watchmen', it's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's new and improved Black Manta that shows us if this is it for these high-seas, maybe we have found Jonathan Majors' conquering Kang replacement. And on a seahorse he rides, this buddy comedy that takes on climate change is one of the most expensive films ever made, and it deserves more than washing up onto a dry January. But time and tide, love. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Aquaman', 'The Flash', 'Blue Beetle'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-32302153510431854012024-01-13T21:11:00.000-08:002024-01-14T14:33:42.177-08:00STAND-UP REVIEW: DAVE CHAPPELLE - THE DREAMER<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkRaaLPxZBJeIMbzyr79EFSCL_eILUV07MHFUUSwK582VwYeObJbTZbzPxyJXBkL3h1qxQTL3JQc6izJUpp7blr2hmwWSasGKnHBAkGx3_ujZYzn9bDLQzXtqpSNjkdvDplpBzxYWsGq2oPhExliqjQvNt2ejUZ5SQSDydXaC8UJYUnyMIdBbFP-mHbg/s640/images%20(9).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkRaaLPxZBJeIMbzyr79EFSCL_eILUV07MHFUUSwK582VwYeObJbTZbzPxyJXBkL3h1qxQTL3JQc6izJUpp7blr2hmwWSasGKnHBAkGx3_ujZYzn9bDLQzXtqpSNjkdvDplpBzxYWsGq2oPhExliqjQvNt2ejUZ5SQSDydXaC8UJYUnyMIdBbFP-mHbg/w400-h300/images%20(9).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>The Dreamer, The Believer. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>56 Mins. Starring: Dave Chappelle. Director: Stan Lathan. On: Netflix.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Still 'Killing Them Softly' with his mic-drop song, like The Fugees reuniting at his 'Block Party', Dave Chappelle returns to the stage of his first San Francisco special an almost Kobe 24 years later, to show just how far he's come (his other San Fran special in 2004 is a classic too, 'For What It's Worth'). Back then, the former 'Def Comedy Jam' star with the pizza delivery sketch had to offer tickets outside to get asses in seats. Nowadays, any of his Morgan Freeman narrated stand-up shows on Netflix drum up enough controversy to make them the biggest drops of the year on a streaming service that in the last few months have boasted new material from both Ricky Gervais ('Armageddon') and another from Trevor Noah ('Where Was I?'). Netflix is a joke, but still, some people still don't get it.</div><div><br /></div><div>'The Closer' still hasn't left the conversation. And that's a shame, when it's '8.45' that we should really still be talking about for what its message means. For some fans, the green and red of the classic 'C' logo on this N service is enough to get us excited at just how much of an icon he is. However, after the 'Closer' fallout we all seem to be living in a reactionary world, where our over-cooked hot takes seem to be more important than what is really trying to be said as we all end up punching down on all sorts of people. We live in a social media prison that is more concerned about being first and offended, than nuanced and true. Yes, 'The Closer' was at times a misguided misfire, but Chappelle was trying to say more. All that seems to be diluted into the white noise of reels and such things we can never scroll past. The algorithm has everybody messed up, Dave included, as we're all making this the hot button issue and not the material itself. After all, IT'S JUST A F#####G JOKE! Until we keep that punchline and back and forth going like a Will Smith slap, that also gets taken to task here...AGAIN. Although at least Chappelle, as a 'Headliners Only' friend of Chris Rock, had his own courtside seat to this 'Selective Outrage'...and his own incident which we get the hilarious 411 on here like Jamie Foxx in a sheriff's hat. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you believe an opening 'Man On The Moon' joke like Andy Kaufman in a wrestling match with Jim Carrey, then Chappelle is leaving the trans community alone. Or is he? Just wait until you see who he's taking shots at this time, as 'The Dreamer' wakes up like R.E.M. But before you go around thinking this is the end of the world as we know it...we already left that all behind on Netflix. And this special feels fine. Even if some 'Titanic' jokes sink and Lil Nas X has been left feeling betrayed, despite a photo of the pair in the closing credits. I'd be more concerned with the one with Elon Musk, but this X still hits the spot it marks, and still has a lot to say for all the dreamers out there. Even if the inspiration could be fine-tuned to tune out all the braggadocios B.S. and back and forth with those taking shots at him. But then again, your favourite rapper does it. So why not a man who wastes more microphones than blown outlets? Dave Chappelle has never just killed them softly. His sticks and stones have always broke bones. But just like a slap that's getting heard a little less around the world, maybe this 'Dreamer' can put to sleep all the snoring of the past and return one of the best stand-up guys to the comedy circuit he is used to, instead of the social media circus. Then, like Rock, a Hart place, or his good friend and 'Chappelle Show' actor Bill Burr, we can go back to just laughing and sometimes trying to stifle a guilty laugh as we spit out our water, but never our dummy. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Dave Chappelle-The Closer', 'Chris Rock-Selective Outrage', 'Headliners Only'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-9543234028632482842024-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:002024-01-13T20:39:47.207-08:00REVIEW: EXPEND4BLES <b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuphP3E16JIDD6NccIlEwFD-BmHPzO9lhfO4xmDOtNt3RZGm_CAqpixL2Anhkihy4WvJc-wJyZUue21RrUS9zXKSTbiIaBDPMyZY5_KqVJFZp77xsqhh_tq5SKfSKVMqjm5S5xA4lPjpZz8YKjWkufrZyJU2p9s-L5Hv9_j1h5Xb-RoBOXMG0d6v2ACo/s738/images%20(10).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="738" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuphP3E16JIDD6NccIlEwFD-BmHPzO9lhfO4xmDOtNt3RZGm_CAqpixL2Anhkihy4WvJc-wJyZUue21RrUS9zXKSTbiIaBDPMyZY5_KqVJFZp77xsqhh_tq5SKfSKVMqjm5S5xA4lPjpZz8YKjWkufrZyJU2p9s-L5Hv9_j1h5Xb-RoBOXMG0d6v2ACo/w400-h225/images%20(10).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3.5/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Old Guard, New Blood. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>104 Mins. Starring:
Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture & Andy García. Director: Scott Waugh. In: Theatres. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>No Schwarzenegger. No Rourke. No Li. No Crews. No Snipes. No Norris. Somewhat of a Banderas. No Ford. No Willis (although we all know why that is, and we all wish the 'Die Hard' legend and his family the best). And not even a Van Damme, Gibson, or 'Frasier' Crane Kelsey Grammar. Following the epic 'Expendables' trilogy classically conceived by action-hero icon, Sylvester Stallone, the fourth film (dubbed, 'Expend4bles' for all those who can turn a font) feels a little off. Old, but not obsolete, it's still a long way from actually being "expendable", as the title of this franchise that began drawing its pension almost a decade and a half ago suggests. This extended retirement tour of Planet Hollywood with a block busting fist looks like some of your favourite big-screen gunners have passed, one way, or another. But things aren't always as they appear. And although there are no cameos from a film series that has tried to bring everyone from Jackie Chan to Clint Eastwood on board, it can still spring a few surprises. </div><div><br /></div><div>'The Expendables' can wait to go to hell like their comic-book series in this world of superheroes that still can't pack a wallop as big as these star and stripe savants. 'Act Of Valor' and 'Need For Speed' director Scott Waugh is having a barney with Sly Stallone, whose Expendables general Ross still knows how to earn his crust. Following his tell all 'Sly' Netflix documentary, the stone rollin' Stallone is far from ready to be put out to pasture like his final 'Rambo' feature, or all the rocky beef with the 'Creed' franchise. Flying his aeroplane like Jefferson, despite a crooked nose, with the best wingman in tow. Jason Statham knows a thing or two about franchise vehicles. He'll ride the 'Fast and Furious' highways and the 'Hobbs and Shaw' spin-off race to death does him part. But right now, with this show steal, and the current 'Beekeeper' sting, one of the best hard men at the top of his game puts his hard hat on and gets back to his honest work of kicking a##. Add another legend in the returning wig and prescription scope of Dolph Lundgren (also on double-duty, right now, with this and the 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' sequel) and MMA hitman Randy Couture and that cauliflower ear backstory, and most of the band are back together. Even if it only is the fab four, playing from the rooftops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from an untouchable, 'Godfather' legend Andy Garcia, pulling all the strings with a cocktail stick in his mouth that Puffy would be proud of, 'The Expendables 4' is all about pumping new blood into an ageing franchise. Much like the third film was looking to do. Although none of those new recruits show up here. Instead, we have the 'Power' of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson with his own theme music and Megan Fox with a machine gun like Kelly, arming up for some awesome performances. Not to mention Jacob Scipio doing his best Antonio Banderas impression (think Josh Brolin as Tommy Lee in 'Men In Black III'), and 'Female Fight Squad' and 'Furious 7' starter Levy Tran ('Gemini', 'The First Purge') absolutely inking every moment she's on-screen. Yet it's 'The Raid' of straight scary villain Iko Uwais, and the help of 'Ong-Bak' legend Tony Jaa that really kick-starts this sequel back into straight-shooting gear. This epic in itself ensemble twists and turns like the favourite ring Stallone wants to put back on...no matter where it's been. But where else could we have gone, with both Hulk Hogan and The Rock cooking up interest in the series? Originally Sly wanted Jack Nicholson as the villain, and even Jean-Claude Van Damme showed interest in playing the brother to his Jean Vilain bad guy, Claude Vilain (this is Sideshow Bob brother genius). Even Pierce Brosnan was in talks. Word may not have been bond, but one thing that shakes us is that if there is this much interest stirred up, there's still life in these old dogs yet. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'The Expendables', 'Escape Plan 2', 'The Beekeeper'.</i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-7947579576586117492023-12-22T23:42:00.000-08:002024-01-08T14:17:22.636-08:00REVIEW: REBEL MOON - PART ONE: A CHILD OF FIRE<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8ckwEaK44e_23Gxc7BQRzurmUWJXPLKdD6N2T5R-Iop0z9iEL_Cd-zHBw14hycWb245dOPDOvmhaj3qImyPV7IMyJeQLY4dJ6LOXQORyLd4fiYcg5LTtLlwjotUdtluQw3W5VyO7BWN0i50iYW881zV8VV65jcdfgC9GVCW5LiYA1bkw796KGkz5Gtk/s1200/rebel%20moon%20review.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8ckwEaK44e_23Gxc7BQRzurmUWJXPLKdD6N2T5R-Iop0z9iEL_Cd-zHBw14hycWb245dOPDOvmhaj3qImyPV7IMyJeQLY4dJ6LOXQORyLd4fiYcg5LTtLlwjotUdtluQw3W5VyO7BWN0i50iYW881zV8VV65jcdfgC9GVCW5LiYA1bkw796KGkz5Gtk/w400-h268/rebel%20moon%20review.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />3/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>'Star Wars: The Snyder Cut'.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>134 Mins. Starring: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Charlie Hunnam & Anthony Hopkins. Director: Zack Snyder. On: Netflix. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Rebels rejoice. You can now see the moon up with the stars. Netflix really is bringing out the big budget cash cows this fall. Jumping over everything with the 'Maestro' of an Oscar favourite, the indie like big budget hit of 'Leave The World Behind', and now this. So much so, this new N movie headliner begins with a new I.D. that rises through the streaming service's colours like a scraping sky. Similar to Disney's epic waterfall under the castle opening to coronate their 100-year anniversary. Yet Netflix may have beaten the blockbuster, but they'll never be Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, or even the DCEU. No matter how hard they try, or throw money and star names at pictures that don't stick longer than your latest scroll. Still, when corona crippled cinema, Internet flicks stepped in. As did fans complaining and campaigning. Taking HBO to the Max with their lobbying of the release of 'The Snyder Cut' of 'Justice League', which turned into a botched job once the keys to the Batmobile were handed to 'The Avengers' director Joss Whedon, who had already checked out of the Marvel movie machine, halfway through the 'Age Of Ultron'. 'Man Of Steel', 'Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice' and '300' director Zack Snyder's 4-hour epic 'Justice League' was pure fan-service redemption. Leading to his 'Army Of The Dead' Netflix zombie smash, and the bank-rolling spin-off prequel 'Army Of Thieves.' Now, with 'Rebel Moon-Part One: A Child Of Fire', before next April's extended cut following sequel 'The Scargiver', Snyder gives us his 'Star Wars' cut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Conceived originally as a 'Star Wars' story, this rogue movie shows that anything can get made these days. Even a rejected Lucasfilm pitch. But that's not fair. This movie actually stands on its own two moon boots. Even if big blasters shooting second and electric swords looking rougher (but still cool as) than Ren's red sabre make this feel a little bit like a poor man's galaxy, far, far away. But what science-fiction space opera hasn't taken cues off of the credits crawl? At least this one has the great Anthony Hopkins as an android (and jot for the first time, see 'Transformers') narrating the exposition. This is hardly a rip-off, although we do see why it fell short of being made into a 'Star Wars' property. Especially with all the spin-offs and Disney + shows connected out there. This is light speed away different. Feeling more like a hybrid between Lucas' creation, the 'Lord Of The Rings' journeys and a 'Resident Evil' video game adaptation. It even has its own console tie-in too as Snyder want to start a world building IP with his own spin-off trilogies streaming their way on to Netflix's very own crowded schedule. There's enough cameos here to show there are plenty of big names ready to take us to their own brave and strange new worlds. Whilst, Zack has the dynamic, dark direction of gothic cinematography and brutally bruising action that served DC so well. Even though he was shot from the canon before the Gunn era cleaned house. This rebellious turn could more than make up for that and the fact that his Star Wars picture never saw the light of Rey.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dark side decedent. The Mother world of this militaristic epic empire is fuelled by conquest and war, and forged by a class cast in avenging ensemble. Ever since she blade ran without an Oscar in 'Kingsman-The Secret Service', Sofia Boutella showed and proved she could be a star, even when she was unrecognizable, but undeniable in 'Star Trek-Beyond'. Here, she goes above and all that. Alongside cult sci-fi favourite Djimon Hounsou, delivering on the promise of his concept photo in perfect black and white. And 'Game Of Thrones' and 'World War Z' star Michiel Huisman, who still has us after that wonderful Lo-Fang 'You're The One That I Want' Grease cover for a Chanel No. 5 commercial starring Gisele Bündchen. More significant support come from 'The Host' and 'Cloud Atlas' star Doona Bae wielding more than just glow sticks, and an unrecognizable Cyborg in the form of 'Justice League' star Ray Fisher reuniting with Snyder and moving past Whedon's abuse of his power. Even more superstar wattage comes from the always scene-stealing 'Son Of Anarchy' and new 'King Arthur', Charlie Hunnam. But it's 'Deadpool' big bad, who still deserves hats off for walking away from 'Hellboy', Ed Skrein who makes the perfect villain. His admiral almost looking like a Nazi in this movie that takes cues from world wars, like 'Star Wars' does samurais and westerns. Farming more than one sci-fi influence, this girl on fire is hungry in these games that are anything but child's play. But this ballad of songbirds and snakes is going to need a little more than a cool shot with a gardening tool if it wants to rake in that George Lucas revenue and regard. These aren't the wars you're looking for. But they're still a decent clone. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Further Filming:</i></b> <i>'Army Of The Dead', 'Justice League: The Snyder Cut', 'Rogue One: A 'Star Wars' Story'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-19530045425440827322023-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:002024-02-03T22:25:27.725-08:00TV REVIEW: THE CROWN - Season 6<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWwB3xaDQfwG1cFmSIV_JwGYVBytw9o_FR1pyK9sPB07R2nzpd8e4w6lF7HPvwgI2zZPR31cpO-WhXRNDDS0FqgCdEtJu9qPuma8EDf43yDjgIMcKWCErfnOP5aHb1TtvOJl90RcmP9xDvgpjtXBbk2ktsu-m8jtgSYogUYrESymRDBTZCnnf5Eg_wLc/s739/images%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWwB3xaDQfwG1cFmSIV_JwGYVBytw9o_FR1pyK9sPB07R2nzpd8e4w6lF7HPvwgI2zZPR31cpO-WhXRNDDS0FqgCdEtJu9qPuma8EDf43yDjgIMcKWCErfnOP5aHb1TtvOJl90RcmP9xDvgpjtXBbk2ktsu-m8jtgSYogUYrESymRDBTZCnnf5Eg_wLc/w400-h225/images%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>4<span style="font-size: 1em;">/5</span></b><p></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><i>Long Live The Queen</i>.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><i>10 Episodes. Starring: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Ed McVey, Meg Bellamy, Luther Ford, Olivia Williams & Elizabeth Debicki. Created By: Peter Morgan. On: Netflix. </i></b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">A Parisian man walking his dog late at night minds his own business whilst waiting for his best friend to do his. Streaming through the streets of an Orwellian 'Down and Out' Paris, his lonesome stroll is surprised by the screeching of tyres. A familiar black car, with blonde hair in a blur, barely visible in the rear window. He sees the car speed down a bend and into a tunnel. He pays little mind. This is Paris, after all. Then he hears the kind of noise that just shakes you to your core. Because you know something just isn't quite right. That's the closest, and even this description is too much, we get to seeing the crash that took the lives of Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed and their driver Henri Paul on that truly tragic night in France that we are still haunted by (I remember waking up my shocked parents to tell them about it after reading it on Ceefax of all places in disbelief). And in terms of not showing the crash, that's a good thing. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">As the respectable forger of 'The Crown' Peter Morgan recently told Variety magazine that that was something they were never going to even consider. </span><span style="font-size: 1em;">Even though, the creator has faced constant criticism for what some (most notably with royal appointment, Judi Dench) think is a hollow crown. Instead of the actual jewel in Morgan's career cap, from royal stage, to knighted big-screen, that it really is. From the sex lives of Charles and Camilla to ghosts that come in the night like a Christmas Carol, many want Peter to rethink his choices like Scrooge on the third visit. That's why the show now comes with a disclaimer like all those Disney stereotypes they refuse to put to bed (to learn, or make money from), all whilst accordingly cancelling gems like Goldblum's world. But what's so wrong with celebrating the love and youthful lust that still exists in couples past a half-century? Even if a May to December man like myself is fine wine biased. Love is love. And as for the ghost? Respectfully done, it'll give you anything but the Dickens.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">What does truly terrify you is the state of affairs we are left in. Not only is the sixth and final series of 'The Crown' on Netflix, told over two parts from November to December, it also hits us in the heart with two losses. One being, of course, the death of Diana. And the other being the fact that as 'The Crown' calls curtain, this not only is it, but this reminds us of what else we've lost. Her Majesty. God save the Queen, and in this final furlong of the big-three told over six seasons, two-by-two, respect is not only paid to the Holy Trinity of great actresses that have played her, the incredible Claire Foy, the great Olivia Colman, and the legendary Imelda Staunton, but of course her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth herself. The one nobody can possibly top, no two sides of the same coin, but just one, stamped in history. Knighted for reigns to come that will never come quite as close. We miss you, ma'am. Just like we still can't believe you're gone. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">It still feels strange saying King Charles. But long live. And 'The Wire' star Dominic West is wonderful as Charles, especially when making peace with Diana, who along with Dodi always steals the show. This series may not touch controversies like the Prince Andrew or Harry ones (after all, you only have to watch 'South Park' to see they want their privacy) in spare scenes. But they do show just how claustrophobic the cameras of the paparazzi made Diana and Dodi. Just how scary these stalkers were. And what those bright lights and tabloids did to the young couple just trying to try out their love in headlines that will forever be etched in our flashbulb memories. The isolation captured perfectly as a forlorn Diana hangs her legs over a board in a perfect blue paradise she should and would have been so happy to have, if it wasn't for the reflections of all that lied below. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">From Emma Corrin, and their first walk out into the public eye, to the redefining, chameleonic Elizabeth Debicki. Many have played Lady Diana, from Naomi Watts to Kristen Stewart as 'Spencer'. And no one has done her dirty like a Michael Jackson song the Princess wish she heard at a concert where the King of Pop left it off his set list out of respect. This series even had two iconic performances. Soon this will be like Hamlet, or Macbeth, when many people will play her with their own inspired interpretations. But unlike Shakespeare's globe reach, this face famous all around the world was real. So respect is of the highest order. Yes, this show knows how to hold up a mirror to the drama with its own nuanced look at the grey area, but what's really to be celebrated, before it is commiserated in a cruel twist of fate's fickle fingers, is the love and fun Diana had with her family. And of course we mean her two boys, who we are still heartbroken for, no matter what has transpired since, for better or worse. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Driving her car like Stewart or Murakami, and listening to 90s nostalgia like Chumbuwumba, or an 'Older' George Michael, this was a different time, and an iconic one, until tabloids and tragedy struck like the Big Ben chimes of the six o'clock news. No matter how many times Diana got knocked down, you know what she did again, never letting anyone keep her down. And yes, that sentiment shared in a song feels fitting. All until everyone else was too much. The great Jonathan Pryce, a heartbreaking Lesley Manville and outstanding Olivia Williams. The brilliant brand-new love of Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy as William and Catherine. Not to mention Luther Ford as Harry, acting above being sometimes branded as a stock villain. They all help 'The Crown' shine with its sixth seal. But none like The Queen herself and the one that would have been if we just let her breathe. Diana should still be here, the people's princess, taking care of her own, as others speculate about her sons. Making peace with the mother-in-law who just wanted her to find hers. Maybe now, watching over us all, they have found both of theirs, together. Forever. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY</i></b>. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'Spencer', 'The Queen', 'Downton Abbey'.</i></span></p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-49504320996270457342023-12-20T22:05:00.000-08:002023-12-21T17:26:46.011-08:00REVIEW: MAESTRO<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWA68_nWs5dJoKBx0jWyHDzrufGGH5j218wWzWilHrKYsy2XVVCMYkde3yrxk0p3e_6yZmuAO8jiMveqgkwUGxaY74C2Kk4Iv2u6qsKD82dbAGpsqLerfJGaaWFXrRdhduB41rkW7Re5dRksXWpkijKdPplb7hVMDbbJFRSgEzaxlsNHwz5q0zMnsW9s/s763/images%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="763" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWA68_nWs5dJoKBx0jWyHDzrufGGH5j218wWzWilHrKYsy2XVVCMYkde3yrxk0p3e_6yZmuAO8jiMveqgkwUGxaY74C2Kk4Iv2u6qsKD82dbAGpsqLerfJGaaWFXrRdhduB41rkW7Re5dRksXWpkijKdPplb7hVMDbbJFRSgEzaxlsNHwz5q0zMnsW9s/w400-h211/images%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />4/5</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>A Star Is Reborn.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>129 Mins. Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke & Sarah Silverman. Screenplay: Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer. Director: Bradley Cooper. In: Theatres. On: Netflix. </b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Taking his glove off to shake my hand in the bitter New York winter cold, after I thanked him for his performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook' helping my anxiety struggles, Bradley Cooper is a true gentleman. Despite some of the sleaze labels some have given him in Hollywood, when they made a scandal out of how good his and the Academy Award-winning Lady Gaga's performances were in the 'A Star Is Born' remake powerhouse. Like David Spade said after their Oscars' performance of their hit (and one of Gaga's biggest), 'Shallow', "are these guys f#####g?!" Turns out they were just f#####g with us, and as a matter of fact were just absolutely amazing actors. Back when I met him, after Russell's 'Playbook' with Lawrence (David O. and Jennifer respectively), we were beginning to see shades of Cooper's true calling on the stage. 'The Hangover' star was on Broadway for his empathetic and all-encompassing portrayal of 'The Elephant Man', which made it to London's West End. Following this and Bradley's directorial debut, we now know what's true with this star reborn. Bradley Cooper isn't just one of the best leading men out there, he's also one of this generation's great directors, in the actor slash mode of a Ben Affleck chasing the legendary likes of 'The Tender Bar' of George Clooney and the great Clint Eastwood (who Cooper collaborated with front and centre in 'American Sniper' and then in support of 'The Mule').</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Composed and conducting himself classically, Cooper is incredible in the magnificent 'Maestro' from the bicycle pedalling Amblin Entertainment, now streaming on Netflix for your Academy consideration service. 'The Place Beyond The Pines' and 'Limitless' star's love letter (co-written with Josh Singer) to the late, great Leonard Bernstein is a thing of boundless beauty. Forget what hacks have said about the prosthetic nose (the aging is amazing), this portrayal of the beloved Lenny, who refused to alter his last name to bridge the gap from behind the scenes, to stage conduction, is one of legend, for a legend, as Cooper continues his legacy. Underrated on his own 'A Star Is Born' movie thanks to the Streisand show stealing power of a singer and actress going Gaga, people forget how Bradley proved he could play guitar, write his own hit songs and let it all rip on the live circuit, actually touring around the world to film the anything but staged concert scenes. Hand him a conductor's wand here, and he'll give you even more magic, Harry. One particular performance, which you can see on the sweaty strands of hair on the Best Picture contender (surely, let the awards come) poster, is so iconic it will go down in movie lore. And that's after the more intimate scenes of inspired beauty (and at some times, relationship brutality) of the muse behind the maestro's madness of talent, that even features Snoopy, as Bradley bowls all us Charlie Brown's over with a fastball. It's a cinematic dream like an R.E.M. reference that feels more than fine.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Hollywood as they come in 'Blonde' first-half black and white like 'The Artist' that he is, Cooper's direction gives us the greatest show, man. Staging it all, one minute he's a young Hollywood heartthrob, like when he first came out, just hanging out over a piano with a cigarette. The next, he's a Broadway showstopping sailor, whose tapping could even make Channing Tatum cry 'Hail Caesar' like there really were, 'No Dames'. Headphones on, the first half of this period piece in the 1940s feels like old Hollywood to the land. Bringing outstanding orchestration and big brass to a character's walk off the bus, that makes us feel like we are on the stardom path to a true great of this generation. We really are with the 'Promising Young Woman' of Carey Mulligan. Of course, 'The Great Gatsby', 'Wildlife' and 'Shame' star has already given us an education in acting. But here, with real 'Drive', the 'Never Let Me Go', 'Inside Llewyn Davis' and 'Mudbound' best actress of our time, continues her reign after 'She Said', playing Felicia Montealegre with absolutely everything she has to bear. Especially when there's an incredible walking moment of juxtaposition in concert, all the way back to the hotel room with the slippers left outside the door. Yet, think of a number, and back-to-back, Cooper gives us the same chemistry with Carey that he did with the one and only Lady. No one else can come close, but even Sam Elliott got an Oscar. And a scene-stealing Matt Bomer makes his case here, alongside 'Stranger Things' star Maya Hawke (whose pops Ethan played with Netflix last week to 'Leave The World Behind') and comedian Sarah Silverman, who is showing she is a serious acting talent. Spielberg and Scrosese have even got behind this project, because Bradley is a true 'Maestro'. Take a bow! <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i><b>Further Filming: </b>'A Star Is Born', 'Tár', 'Blonde'. </i></div>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064637858933575766.post-30517124730047512162023-12-20T19:05:00.000-08:002023-12-21T17:21:58.215-08:00STAND-UP REVIEW: TREVOR NOAH - WHERE WAS I? <p><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv9yU-XH_kHaZMPz4K1qTIcObp1T9oVKyIzOHcIlavsodYcBCdW3yZtFKH6DBASNfo6nVhfCwMtoFxN9-0F75DEY_DpI3e6hjqZUmnsAE78DhYhLED64PQlcL3BQWoI5PHcTrTuIlqcwBJ5OWHwpe89NOCb8bseBgo7PqkVcfBmrqhUptymPeuoBWV3E/s1024/AAAABZj0innbUqDVcw0n3Flkaof8cscsX01Y4XOfT9uuRG-SBcl_LLqH8V7Uk9AzaaCzGEMGndYY6dhA91yQETccCN4QhFhVkKfodHqE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv9yU-XH_kHaZMPz4K1qTIcObp1T9oVKyIzOHcIlavsodYcBCdW3yZtFKH6DBASNfo6nVhfCwMtoFxN9-0F75DEY_DpI3e6hjqZUmnsAE78DhYhLED64PQlcL3BQWoI5PHcTrTuIlqcwBJ5OWHwpe89NOCb8bseBgo7PqkVcfBmrqhUptymPeuoBWV3E/w400-h225/AAAABZj0innbUqDVcw0n3Flkaof8cscsX01Y4XOfT9uuRG-SBcl_LLqH8V7Uk9AzaaCzGEMGndYY6dhA91yQETccCN4QhFhVkKfodHqE.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><br />3.5/5</b></span><p></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><i>The Yearly Show</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><b><i>108 Mins. Starring: Trevor Noah. Director: David Paul Meyer. On: Netflix. </i></b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Two-by-two, comedian Trevor Noah really is living up to his last name with his latest Netflix stand-up special. It doesn't really feel like it's been over one year since the last one. Although 2022's 'I Wish You Would' <u>only </u></span><span style="font-size: 1em;">came out on the first week of December, unlike this next to last week one, if you really want to split hairs. The arc of the former 'Daily Show' Stewart successor, who made his own legendary lane, and 'Born A Crime' bestseller is really setting sail now. Finding his post politics career trajectory with frequent director collaborator David Paul Meyer for his latest comedy show, spinning in the Motor City of Motown, Detroit. If heading back to the Sandman spotlight of the pure art form of one man and a microphone is Noah's new gig, then he'll never be told to get off the stage.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">'Where Was I?' Forget about that! Where was he? As Trevor takes you from Berlin, Germany and how amazing their accountability is, to the America he knows and loves to this day...even if it could end, like the world at any New York minute. Trevor Noah has some pointed, nuanced things to say about the big song and dance everybody is making about which bathrooms we can pee in...and just wait until he gets to the national anthem, right after comparing the abridged German one to Darth Vader's marching music. Wondering why the US sings it at home sporting events, outside the NBA in Canada. Those who don't want to take a knee, don't worry, he's not taking an aim at you. Although, you will double over in creases when he breaks down how American's sing the anthem and turn it into something sexy and fly swatting. This is the sort of water spit inducing bit that will leave your snacks all over your laptop screens, just like when he made an iconic impression of President Barack Obama in his special last year, which we just wish he would do again. It'll have you unable to resist, laughing along like you sing to Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'. Ba-da-ba-ba. Good comedy never seemed so good.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">'Patricia' was proud. 'Afraid Of The Dark' showed you he was fearless. And 'I Wish You Would' granted us what we really wanted. Now 'Where Was I' is the perfect tour-de-force looking back on his calendar and passport stamp page. From bed bugs in Paris (yep, it really is a problem. I've never heard my family say no to a trip to France before), to a classic limo cameo in closing, this show is no stretch, it's a perfectly timed, take of terrific tickles for your ribs. A few good critics have decided that this feels more like a TED Talk than a stand-up set. So how about a TREV Talk? Because I could listen to this man muse all day, and aren't the best TED's the one that make you laugh, and cut Diamond jokes? Mining more, Noah has certainly found his footing on stage. Sure, he's a few steps away from the red rope of a 'Headliners Only' Netflix special featuring Kevin Hart, Chris Rock and a very, special guest. But he's one himself, literally in that Garden of comedy Eden in the Big Apple. And his own direction is rife with warm, welcoming humour, that in this Matt Rife day and age is Seinfeld safe, but just like Jerry, still f#####g funny! Not curbing your enthusiasm, but encouraging it. Across the atlas, there's thoughtful and insightful satirical humour, that his old show was known for, here. And even the top five things white people love the most (I'm so triggered, and where's the mayonnaise?), to break down the final curtain. Trevor Noah has been around the world (and I, I), and it's clear he's still going places. <b><i>TIM DAVID HARVEY.</i></b></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span><i><b>Further Filming: </b>Trevor Noah 'I Wish You Would', Trevor Noah 'Afraid Of The Dark', Trevor Noah 'Son Of Patricia'.</i></span></p>Tim David Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09920775769846725517noreply@blogger.com0