TV REVIEW: STAR WARS - SKELETON CREW Season 1

4/5

The Skeleton Key

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.5/5

Succession Of Power

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

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

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

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

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

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

REVIEW: BLITZ

4/5

London's Burning 

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV REVIEW: THE SIMPSONS - FUNDAY FOOTBALL

3.5/5

First and DOH! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME 2

4/5

Challengers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV REVIEW: WHAT IF...? Season 3

4/5

Avenger Fiction 

8 Episodes. Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Anthony Mackie, Mark Ruffalo, Teyonah Parris, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Simu Liu, Oscar Isaac, Kathryn Hahn, Kumail Nanjiani, Dominic Cooper, James D'Arcy, Laurence Fishburne, America Ferrera, Kat Dennings, Seth Green, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth, Michael Rooker, Josh Brolin, Dominique Thorne, Emily VanCamp, Tessa Thompson, Hailee Steinfeld, Wyatt Russell, Walton Goggins, Hayley Atwell, Devery Jacobs, Alison Sealy-Smith, Natasha Lyonne, Karen Gillian, Taika Waititi, Fred Tatasciore & Jason Isaacs. Created By: A.C. Bradley. On: Disney +.

'What If...?' This was it? Broken glass...everywhere. Phasing through four and five like Vision does walls. Marvel's best animation since 'X-Men' (and it's ''97' return, this year), and next before the comic accurate 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man', is coming to an end in this multiverse of madness that even the TVA of 'Deadpool and Wolverine' prunes with puns. One last watch for the third and final season of A.C. Bradley's 'What If...?', narrated by 'American Fiction' star Jeffrey Wright, who needs his own live-action look at The Watcher. And that's the truth, like the fact that his bald identity, now joined by the "Time. Space. Reality" of his Eminence, Jason Isaacs in this non-linear path, could play the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' "ooga chaka" 'Ally McBeal' like "dancing baby", in a robe that just stands around and looks. Thanos (Josh Brolin is here, too) could have at least lent him his throne.

Gundam may be gunning for the Mech Avengers in the epic episode one that goes to war with a kaiju like Hulk, not to mention, some Godzilla griping cribbing, like this was a 'Pacific Rim' uprising in 'The Black' of this amazing animation. Again, make a mech movie, STAT, Kevin Feige. This is born for the big blockbuster. Just like the wartime 'Agent Carter' (she shows up with a shield again...later) era of Old Hollywoodland, complete with Dominic Cooper and James D'Arcy, is perfect for 'Agatha All Along' star Kathryn Hahn, who also voiced a different Doc Oc 'Into The Spider-Verse'. Fresh off her Halloween show with the 'Eternal' Bollywood beauty of Kumail Nanjiani in the power of an episode that pops like flashbulbs. After episode one, David Harbour and Sebastian Stan also reunite in Vegas for the sphere of the perfect precursor to the 'Thunderbolts' movie. Featuring more of Laurence Fishburne's 'Ant-Man' legend and Academy Award nominated 'Barbie' star America Ferrera. 

The next 'What If' will really leave you saying "what the", as early 2000s generational stars Kat Dennings and Seth Green get character married. Which, top billing, would be anything but quackery, if one of them wasn't a damn duck like Donald (happy 90th). Still, it's a match made in heaven, and what it births next, you'll never forget. This episode even gives us a great second strand of Tom Hiddleston's frosty Loki (best Norse God of Mischief since Jim Carrey put on 'The Mask'). When he's not holding timelines together, he's got a nice time-share for you. This Avenger anthology of Marvel mutants and capes that crusade, like the other guys, even takes it to the wild west, as the rings of Simu Liu, meet the deadeye shot of Hawkeye's Hailee Steinfeld. Ringing the bell and a quick draw with a hood that will reveal even more in Marvel lore.

Yet, from 1872, to the Emergence, and voices from everyone from Walton Goggins to Fred Tatasciore, it's the assemble of Hayley Atwell, last season stealer Devery Jacobs and 'X-Men' Storm star Alsion Sealy-Smith that's the real treat. Especially when they're joined by the bird of 'Russian Doll' and 'His Three Daughters' star Natasha Lyonne making her Marvel debut with a truly animated character we'll surely see live on the big-screen. In these days of alternate timelines like a future's past, what if we could watch more? Dropped over Christmas, one episode at a time, this is Disney's Christmas card up their sleeve that could play with the brilliant Boxing Day box-office of Netflix's 'Squid Game 2'. If you're a fan of collecting comics, then these marvellous Marvel moments are compelling ones to corral for your collection, no question. What a run! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

More Multiverse: 'Agatha All Along', 'Thunderbolts', 'X-Men '97', 

REVIEW: NUTCRACKERS

3.5/5

Meet The Jansons

104 Mins. Starring: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson, Arlo Janson, Toby Huss, Edi Patterson & Tim Heidecker. Screenplay: Leland Douglas. Director: David Gordon Green. On: Hulu & Disney +.

'Drive' with Ben Stiller this weekend, and we'll finally hear the long-awaited 'Lana' 'SOS' deluxe from SZA, with the 'Dodgeball' and 'Night At The Museum' actor starring in the lead single's lip-syncing music video, tuning his radio in to some real carpool karaoke. Drive with the 'Meet The Parents' actor and New York Knicks superfan (who really needs to direct a documentary on the comeback trail of the NBA team with some of his Madison Square Garden courtside iPhone filmed shots), in a yellow Porsche to the farmland, and you'll find 'Nutcrackers' under the tree. A perfect 'Greenberg' meets 'Uncle Buck' movie that's more in line with the 'Zoolander' actor and 'Tropic Thunder' director's work on the likes of 'The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty', 'While We're Young' and 'The Meyerowitz Stories' on Netflix. An offbeat and outstanding ode to family, just in time for Christmas. Yet this nutcracker and the four busting his balls, is not just the Ben Stiller show. No matter how fondly he brings the family feeling, off the beaten track and with no Hollywood fluff. 

This is all about the Jansons...and the kids are more than alright. Despite their characters losing their mother, as uncle Ben steps in. Introducing the inspired, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson and Arlo Janson. Four fantastic boys, two terrific twins, who are all stars of the future. Especially when it comes to Homer's odyssey. One part, 'Billy Elliott', all dancing in honour for the ladies in his life. The first crush, who he wants as his first kiss. His late mother, who he still knows, is watching every step. "The holidays can drive you nuts", the classic Christmas poster of 'Nutcrackers' say, but these children are cracking good fun as they tie Stiller up in fairy light knots. Chasing chickens and busted baubles from a fallen tree as the always amazing Linda Cardellini's ('Dead To Me', 'ER') social worker looks on with a Christmas cap, clutching documents she hopes Ben adopts. But is there more there with the 'Daddy's Home' and 'Hawkeye', Christmas special star? After all, that's what the holidays are all about.

Premiering on Hulu and Disney Plus, November 29th (yeah, we're a little late wrapping this gift of a film up, thank SZA for the reminder to get it done like 'The Cable Guy'), after opening the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, this David Gordon Green ('Pineapple Express', 'The Sitter') directed delight (with a script by Leland Douglas) also features nice turns from Toby Huss, Edi Patterson and Tim Heidecker. Especially when it comes to the fuss at the Huss house, away in a manger, no ice cream cone crib for a bed. Gordon Green is one of the most versatile directors in the game. Nic Cage in 'Joe'. Al Pacino in 'Manglehorn'. A 'Stronger' Jake Gyllenhaal. The horrors of a 'Halloween' trilogy, co-wrote with frequent collaborator and 'Your Highness' (now, that's truly terrifying) star Danny McBride, but he hits the sweet spot here. From the Windy City of Chicago, to rural Ohio, you'll want to foster this one, people. This comedy drama dance really is the better nutcracker. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Nutcracking: 'Meet The Parents', 'Uncle Buck', 'Greenberg'.