REVIEW: GLADIATOR II

4/5

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148 Mins. Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Alexander Karim, Yuval Gonen, Peter Mensah, Tim McInnerny, Matt Lucas, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen & Denzel Washington. Screenplay: David Scarpa. Director: Ridley Scott. In: Theatres.

Gladiators ready! When it comes to these men in the arena, here's a sequel that's really worthy of the Roman numerals. One 24 years in the making...and well...worth...the wait. The new millennium 'Gladiator' epic, starring Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, remains a classic. Its legendary legacy you can see everywhere. Because what we do in life is even quoted on the arms of LeBron James like Biblical scripture. But which soldier of Rome will be The King in this Colosseum? One that's flooded with sharks and the jaws of monkey business. 'Gladiator II' really is a worthy successor to the Oscar gold leaf that was crowned before it. Of course, you're entertained. Achieving strokes of art from the canvas of its outstanding oil paint title sequence (if this was back in the day, it would be heralded like the 'Catch Me If You Can' iconic titles), to the grass of the last, lasting moment that will stay with you like dust brushed across your fingers and into the palms of your hands.

86-years-young, Ridley Scott is back in the director's chair like he is rarely for the sequels to his science fiction signatures ('Alien', 'Blade Runner'), despite their besting recent efforts. Although, the ageless auteur likes to go back in time to the historical epics ('The Last Duel') after reuniting with the thumb of Joaquin Phoenix for their brilliant 'Napoleon' biography last fall. Enlisting the screenwriting of that film in the form of David Scarpa ('All The Money In The World') and his wonderful way of words, speeches still stir that could reach the father of a murdered son, even if Crowe's character and Phoenix's remain in the ashes and archival footage. There's still vengeance to be had, mind you, and stepping in to battle for Spencer Treat Clarke's ('Unbreakable', 'Glass', 'Much Ado About Nothing') child acting is the next acting gladiatorial great Paul Mescal. 

Normal people like Mescal have already moved and burnt us with movies like 'After Sun' (the same for 'The Lost Daughter' and 'All Of Us Strangers'), and he's about to show all the lonely people that all you need is love once more as the one and only Paul McCartney in a forthcoming Beatles biopic set to rival Timothée Chalamet's Dylan ('A Complete Unknown') and Jeremy Allen White's Springsteen ('Deliver Me From Nowhere'). But here one of 'God's Creatures' (who has already channelled Brando like Billy Zane (uncanny) and a Laurence Olivier Award for playing Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire'), is brutal, beautiful, boundless and brilliant. Looking like one of the Roman coins placed on the side of his bath after victory. To reveal more about his character would be saying far too much like the second trailer, if you haven't seen that, just you wait, as Scott paints free and flowing characters of complex. Even bringing 'Wonder Woman' Connie Nielson back (like the legendary Derek Jacobi) a quarter of the century later to reveal even more depth.

Mescal might be one of the most popular (all women want him, all men want hi...ah hem, to be like him) actors of the moment this side of 'The Mandalorian', but Pedro Pascal's performance behind Scarpa's strong script and Ridley's riddling direction really hits the bullseye for these archers outside the arena. Remember, the great gladiatorial battles happen outside the Colosseum too. Pascal is perfect and the pastel of even more character confliction and moral grey areas as the two Roman statuesque looking actors Mescal and Pescal duke it out. Straight out of a Shakespearean tragedy as the Phoenix like brothers of 'Stranger Things', 'A Quiet Place: Day One' star and forthcoming 'Fantastic Four' Human Torch Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger (and his own Marcel like monkey friend) have their own campy, sibling rivalry duel in the safety of the seating area around the arena. There's strong support all around. Lior Raz putting everyone through their paces. The trademark gravitas of Peter Mensah. 'Notting Hill's' Tim McInnerny being taken for everything he's worth and Matt Lucas bringing the 'Shooting Stars' drum-rolls back as the master of ceremonies. 

Yet even the hawkeye of Yuval Gonen's wonderful wife has the threat of the show stole by former gladiator, and now opium prescribing doctor Alexander Karim. Not to mention the compelling chemistry he has with Mescal. Will they, won't they? They don't. But these friends getting along famously say something in the eyes. A kiss of death from Denzel Washington was cut from this movie, but the legendary actor actually is the one to steal the show here. Instrumental in pulling all the strings like The Godfather in one of the G.O.AT.'s best performances yet. And he's far from done, with Ryan Coogler writing a role in 'Black Panther 3' for the man who was rumoured to be T'Challa back in the day. Say what you want about the accent (did you forget his Shakespearean work?), my man owns this. Making his own rules, like when someone told him the Royal Highness would see him now at the premiere. King Charles ain't got s### on him. This movie was meant for greatness, he need only give it a push. Legends like this echo in eternity. In this life or the next. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Gladiator', 'Robin Hood', 'Napoleon'.

TV REVIEW: FRASIER - Revival Season 2

4/5

Boston Psychiatric. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Kelsey Grammar, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Anders Keith, Jess Salgueiro, Toks Olagundoye, Peri Gilpin & Nicholas Lyndhurst. Developed By: Chris Harris & Joe Cristalli. On: Paramount +.

Go ahead, caller. We're still listening. No, no, your eggs aren't scrambled, Beantown brethren. It may feel like the 80s again, right now, but in actual fact, the good times are back. The Celtics are champions once more, and 'Frasier' is back in Boston. Cheers to two storied franchises adding another chapter and round at the bar. Just when you thought they couldn't call again, after the passing of the legendary John Mahoney and the beloved Eddie, his radio psychiatrist of a son refused to shrink from the spotlight, moving back to the coast he used to toast with Ted Danson. With no David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves, it looked better left. But then the perfect Anders Keith showed he could play their son to a tee. All whilst 'Only Fools And Horses' and 'Goodnight Sweetheart' great Nicholas Lyndhurst show stole, stepping in as the Robin to Dr. Crane's Batman, or the Cecil to his Sideshow Bob. And you loved watching those two trying to slip the twelve days of Christmas into the conversation, last fall.

Kelsey Grammar is well and truly back and coming correct like "you're" not "your" welcome. It's his rodeo again, with his iconic characters continuing legend. Not to mention his classic character returning to the treehouse this Halloween for 'The Simpsons' trick or treat sweet short, 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' on Disney +. Or his Beast of a reunion with the academy of X-Men multiverses for you to Marvel at. But this, like a 'Cheers' bar, is his beautiful home, like walking along the cobbled old Irish streets of Beacon Hill. Even if he sleeplessly refuses to truly say goodnight to Seattle, returning, like we only wish the Supersonics would, for an epic episode of fond nostalgia in the radio city halls. You can expect even more cameos, like you can the fact that we won't spoil them, even if they're doing the rounds on the same feeds you read this review off. Because 'Frasier' and his friends exist in that sweet 'Seinfeld' sitcom time on syndicated television, where the TV Guide was your only guess to what was coming as you tuned into primetime.

This streaming plus from Paramount, and showrunners Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli does bring back the great Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and a recurring regular, this series, after her compelling cameo in the first season's finale. And she's as welcome as the time she randomly followed me on Instagram some time ago (this 'Frasier' fanatic didn't even post anything about the show, but you best believe I was trying to work the gym selfies afterwards, even if my frame is Niles Crane). Rumour has it that one episode in Cape Cod and classic Frasier Crane misunderstanding will have you hearing more on the grapevine than Marvin Gaye or Martha's Vineyard. Gilpin, and a legendary 'Everybody Loves Raymond' actress, give this show the prestige of star power. All whilst Anders, Jack Cutmore-Scott's firefighter Freddie, an all about Eve, Jess Salgueiro and Toks Olagundoye's perfect professor with the most sensational shindigs, all become fond, firm favourites. Welcomed back as warmly as they now feel familiar.

Green lit for a second season, and deserving the charm of a third, 'Frasier' finds itself firmly a fall favourite on your television screens like 'Only Murders In The Building'. The grey generation, still finding a home in this podcast age. Even if all we have to bear with this coming winter is the dark designs of spin-off shows and grown up cult classics. The 'Game Of Thrones' breathing fire into the 'House of Dragon' series. 'The Lord Of The Rings' circling back to 'The Rings Of Power'. 'The Penguin' from 'The Batman' waddling past Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' nightmare before Christmas as the strongest show on the schedule. Not to mention 'The Old Man' of Jeff Bridges getting another go round with sitcom icon John Lithgow ('3rd Rock From The Sun'). And this old dog has tricks too in a new Boston bar that doubles for your caffeine fix, now you'll be nervous about how Nervosa has tuned out in this Gen Z age. Hamming it up and playing Cyrano, or three men and a baby (albeit missing a Ted). Hiding behind a therapists couch, or squashing rumours that really could be an agent of change. Fake boyfriends. Reclusive authors. Lovers triangles. KACL tributes. Murder most funny in a room you won't want to escape from. And a classic Christmas episode to put under your tree. What more could you want from this festive season? You know how it goes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cheers', 'Only Fools And Horses', 'The Simpsons: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'.

TV REVIEW: THE PENGUIN - Season 1

4/5

The Emperor's New Clothes

8 Episodes. Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly & Mark Strong. Showrunner: Lauren LeFranc. On: HBO.

Top billing on this fall T.V schedule, goes to the gloomy streets of Gotham, with something darker than winter coming. Beating all the 'Game Of Thrones' ('House Of The Dragon') and 'Lord Of The Rings' ('Rings Of Power') spin-off shows is Lauren LeFranc's 'The Penguin', showcasing the side-streets of Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' with Robert Pattinson (no, he doesn't show up...and he doesn't need to). Besting 'The Old Man' and even the witches road of the Marvel and DC war with 'Agatha All Along' this Halloween gone, the real drama about Oz waddles to victory, just waiting for its monocle and cane. Donning the Penguin suit again is an unrecognizable, but undeniable Colin Farrell, who has been the don ever since the first time he met The Bat ("woah, take it easy, sweetheart"). Devoted like the great Danny DeVito and Robin Lord Taylor. Just don't say his name, because his vengeance spits venom. Not to mention fire and brimstone with some gruesome, graphic moments where there will be hell to pay.

Disney movies. Watching them was the only that could save the Irish, 'Banshees Of Inisherin', 'In Bruges', 'The Lobster' and 'Daredevil' Bullseye actor from the darkness of delving into the murky waters of Oswald Cobb, as HBO took this miniseries to the max. Getting himself more than a gun and his Tony Soprano on. An outstanding origin story that pays attention to the street corners of Gotham's underworld, a long way away from Wayne manor. Depths that go deeper than even the Batcave, this Home Box Office maker would even make for the best video game story as the lunatics are running the fringes of Arkham Asylum. As you see through the eyes and the coming of age of Rheny Feliz (a Marvel 'Runaway'), you really feel it, and what could be this good fella's make or break in a cold world with strings pulled by godfather's. His performance is powerful, just like the claw clutches of the ones he can't escape. This city, that will worm its way through you like a rotten apple if you don't make your way out.

Farrell is formidable, with the darkest offers that you can't refuse since 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. And if you thought those were stakes, just wait until Barry Keoghan is holding all the cards. Although James Gunn has nixed the rumours that a Joker series is next on deck. 'The Penguin' has been drawing rave reviews, whilst the misunderstood 'Folie à Deux' has facing rotten cabbages and tomatoes. What people thought Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn (still quintessential) would be, we get in a new born star and queen-pin in Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone. A true show stealer, if there ever was one, in a series where she should share top bill. Falcone is a force of nature and nurtured evil. As cruel as the calloused hands of the goons that work their fingers down to the bone, so the crime families can live in the lap of a luxurious life. The 'Fargo' actress shows Leonardo DiCaprio (got to raise that age limit, bro, you gone 50, and that's where the gold is) really fumbled in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. And that's how villains are made, as the magnificent Milioti restores order.

Gotham (that was a great show too, by the way), has never looked so cinematic, even on the small screen. And all the players deserve their ball for this top hat production. Props to the costume department too, not only for turning Colin Farrell into Richard Kind, but whoever made the wig for the bald identity of Mark Strong. Best hairpiece since Corey Stoll in 'West Side Story' (face it, that was almost as bad as how his (still great) M.O.D.O.K. looked). I need their number. Strong arms up as Carmine Falcone after the great John Turturro stepped down due to the violence. We were going to say did you see what he did in 'The Batman', but after seeing how one point goes way too far, he has a point, and we respect that. Strong makes his mark amongst an even stronger cast that includes Carmen Ejogo, 'Highlander's' Clancy Brown, 'Daredevil's' Theo Rossi, 'House Of Cards' and 'Jack Ryan' star Michael Kelly, and 'The Promises's' Shohreh Aghdashloo (all amazing). But it's the mothering of Deirdre O’Connell who really gives 'The Penguin' its wings. Showing us just how deep the cruelty of crime touches us all, as it leaves its mark. 'The Penguin' is more than a superhero spin-off. It's a dark drama about those roads in the heart of men, that lead to places you can't turn back from. Don't end up sleeping with the fishes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Batman', 'The Sopranos', 'Gotham'. 

REVIEW: RED ONE

3/5

Red Notice

123 Mins. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll & J. K. Simmons. Screenplay: Chris Morgan. Director: Jake Kasdan. In: Theatres.

Christmas has come early here in the Far East, with the game 'Red One' from 'Jumanji' reboot director Jake Kasdan. And what more could you expect, here in Japan, with a land that changes its Halloween decorations to Christmas ones, the minute we stop asking, "trick or treat", in time for the next rising sun? All whilst pumpkins lay rotting on porches across the United States, through fall. Tested in other territories before its North American release, 'Red One' is not to be confused with the 'Red Notice' Netflix blockbuster Dwayne Johnson starred in alongside 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot (although, she does get a hilarious mention here) and 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds. Although Chris Evans, blazing after that fantastic cameo, does a good job of bringing that type of heat to these festive proceedings by the fireplace. Roasting everybody's chestnuts.

The naughty and nice pair of Captain America and Black Adam must save Santa before it's too late this Christmas Eve. Just as 'Fast & The Furious' franchise star and 'Hobbs and Shaw' spin-off wheel man Dwayne Johnson got everyone to stop using "The Rock" in the middle of his name, the all action hero in a Schwarzenegger mould seems to be wrestling with the problem that his films aren't making bank any more. If that wasn't enough, it seems his character is losing the festive spirit in a naughty age that refuses to play nice. Let's hope this all changes with his 'Jingle All The Way', as the ever likeable eyebrow raiser has always known that real action men know how to poke fun at themselves, doing so with the wand of 2010's 'Tooth Fairy'. And as self-serious as this Yuletide hit to the frosty jugular is, Johnson is still rocking and rolling around the Christmas tree. Having as much fun as Macaulay with cardboard cut-outs of Michael Jordan and more mannequins than a Kim Cattrall movie. In a few Christmases time, this will be a festive favourite when you're home alone, and you want to leave your brain at the door with the blow torch.

Armed in green and red, hell for leather, turning Hot Wheels into anything but Micro Machines with some tech straight out of Hank Pym's 'Ant-Man' toy collection, this former DC hero is a marvel in what looks like a 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' ensemble, assemble. Be it, with its giant talking polar bears, reindeers, minus the real red one, and a mythological agency looking to take control of its own multiverse of headless horseman madness. Just when you think nothing could get you in the festive spirit, Steve Rogers in a Star-Lord jacket is here to save the day. We all know the inspired integrity Chris Evans had as Cap (he has a Bucky Barnes looking kid here), but he was Johnny Storm before all that. A comic-book 'Loser' with so many hilarious overgrown frat-bro credits to his name. Whether it be 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'Not Another Teen Movie', or a Marylin Manson video...although we now know who the real douche is. I'm too old to be talking about "eras", but if this was back in time, like these movies, we'd be in his Human Torch one. With this, 'The Gray Man' saving villain, and so much more in store. Like Avenger action figures this Christmas.

Filling your stockings with wish upon a star power, an angel of Charlie, part Bosley, part Black Widow, is also on the case, as it's great to see Lucy Liu back and killing it on this bill. She's seriously good, as is 'Rain Man', 'Beethoven', 'Jerry Maguire' and original 'Jumanji' legend Bonnie Hunt as Santa's better half. Although she is almost as underused as Goldie Hawn in the first 'Christmas Chronicle'. Speaking of the angel in a red dress, aside from many festive treats and Xmas cameos, not to mention a delightfully deranged and daft Nick Kroll, it's the big fella himself who gets all the cookies for this film that's milking 'tis the season for all it's worth. Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, David Harbour, Bryan Cranston, Paul Giamatti, Richard Attenborough, the late, great James Earl Jones. The list of actors that have played Father Christmas is longer than Santa's one. But Academy Award-winning, 'Whiplash' actor J.K. Simmons is whip smart as a protein shake Nick (what else could you expect when you have The Rock to spot?). Placed under your tree for the eve of a Christmas franchise from screenwriter Chris Morgan ('Fast & Furious', 'Wanted') Amazon MGM, Seven Bucks and The Detective Agency, will we see a 'Red Two' like the great Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren? Let's keep notice to which list this makes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Fred Claus', 'Violent Night', 'Tooth Fairy'

TV REVIEW: AGATHA ALL ALONG - Season 1

4/5

Harkness On The Edge Of Town

9 Episodes. Starring: Kathryn Hahn, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Debra Jo Rupp, Patti LuPone & Aubery Plaza. Created By: Jac Schaeffer. On: Disney +

Happy Halloween! It's the season of the witch and a cosplayer's dream in Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' on Disney Plus. The nine-episode spin-off to 'WandaVision', showing you in Westview, it was all about Kathryn Hahn all along. All as this new Marvel Television syndicate looks to carve its name into Halloween like a jack-o-lantern, after giving us 'Werewolf By Night' in black and white, and then live in living color, over the last two seasons. Down, down, down, the road, down the witches road, it's all a bunch of hocus-pocus, as Jac Schaeffer's ('TiMER', 'Black Widow') seasonal show, gives us, not only a two-episode premiere, but a two-episode finale twofer for your witching hour. Not to mention the sacred chant of a ballad that might just be the best original anti-hero song yet...and we've just had 'Joke: Folie à Deux' to deal with.

Cackle all you like, but this witches brew is brilliant. From getting a gang, that could give Bette Midler and her old crones a run for their warts, together, to paying tribute to the 'Wicked' greats that came before them, all the way to the horns of the magnificent 'Maleficent', as these bad witches go through more classic costume changes than a catwalk, door-by-door (how about the 'Bo Selecta' moment?). Eating the apple, all the way to the compelling credits of witch sightings, stories, 'The Simpsons', and even a Disney one for your princesses. But it's 'Bad Moms' and 'Glass Onion: A 'Knives Out' Mystery' star Kathryn Hahn who will really put a spell on you in this perfect cast. After literally stealing and hijacking the show from Wanda and Vision, she excels here. From the role copped in the perfect pilot, sharing strands with the sitcome 'WandaVision' throwback premiere, to the origin story finale that feels like the longest, and best, post-credits scene Marvel have ever done (although there are actually none). The charismatic Hahn happens to be the best thing on television right now, in a fall season fit for T.V. 

Closing up shop like 'The Old Man' last week and the 'Lord Of The Rings' 'Game Of Thrones' like 'Rings Of Power', it's all 'Agatha' versus 'The Penguin' now to go along with this Marvel and DC war. Our money may be on the waddle, but this witch still knows how to wave a wand. Especially with legends by her side. 'That 70s Show' and 'Friends' star Debra Jo Rupp reprising her 'WandaVision' role. 'Saturday Night Live' star Sasheer Zamata paving her own way on this witches road. 'Orange Is The New Black' star Ali Ahn setting herself free. And the great Patti LuPone of Broadway, the West End and musical theatre giving us perhaps the most showstopping moment of the season. But amongst classic cameos (no, not her) and other big names, it's Joe Locke (the Netflix 'Heartstopper') who locks it down with his crucial character and coming of age and stage performance that confirms him as a young hero for the new generation with avengance.

Legions of fans will be under this spell like they lived in a white picket fence American dream, as safe as suburbia, if your mind stone doesn't have vision. But there is always someone who comes along to spoil the broth and stir up the cauldron. Now Wanda is lost to a 'Multiverse Of Madness', the only one that could possibly match Hahn, charisma for charisma is the great Aubrey Plaza. Sure, she's been a Marvel before, in the legendary 'Legion', X-Men spin-off, but just wait until you see how many familiar faces make it into 'The Last Dance' of Venom, speaking of it being a mad multiverse. Besides, Kathryn Hahn already voiced an all new Doc Oc when she went animated, 'Into The Spider-Verse' with Miles Morales. There's so much Marvel, they have to double-up. And the amazing Aubrey really comes into her own, making a plaza of the powerhouse of a penultimate, epic episode that feels like a finale. No wonder they went two-by-two like Noah for this story arc. Like a 'Simpsons' short sideshow tells us, it really is the most wonderful time of the year, this spooky season. And Marvel Thrursday's are the new 'Wednesday'. This dark comedy fantasy is just the trick. A real treat. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'WandaVision', 'Werewolf By Night In Color', 'Hocus Pocus'.

REVIEW: VENOM - THE LAST DANCE

3.5/5

They Are Venom

109 Mins. Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach & Andy Serkis. Screenplay: Kelly Marcel. Director: Kelly Marcel. In: Theatres. 

They saved the best dance for last. When 'Venom's' lashing tongue, licked and launched its way on to the scene in 2018, a fan favourite finally had his film. Although the screenplay and CGI weren't as oil-slick as the symbiotes skin, it certainly stuck. Thanks to the charisma between 'Legend' Tom Hardy and...well...himself. Yep! You best believe that demonic voice is him, too, as Eddie Brock deals with one parasite that won't leave the body with a round of antibiotics and a good night's rest. It's like your neighbour may as well not turn his music down. Sounding like a chopper barrelling down the hilly streets of San Francisco. Cheers were drawn for the ride of the 'Let There Be Carnage' super sequel, with Woody Harrelson as a villain almost as iconic as our anti-hero. But now it's time for 'The Last Dance' and we're not talking about a Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls documentary. Although, 'The City' of the Golden State Warriors iconic t-shirt is back.

Dance, dance, dance like Murakami for the previews big in Japan this week. Mixed reviews and fanboys and girls have been met with big returns at the box office already. The kind that the 'Joker' can't even sing for, alongside Lady Gaga. "In Association With Marvel" seems to be the new curse for all Sony superhero movies in the Spider-Man universe that don't want to be the next 'Madame Web', or 'Morbius', disappearing in the same flash as that hilarious photo turned meme of the only other guy in the cinema for the films release. Neither of those movies, like 'Folie à Deux', were as truly terrible as they say. But this symbiote is on a whole other strand of storytelling. Making those other spidey senses on the way look as convincing as...well...my Halloween costume this year. Check Instagram if you really want to see your paunchy neighbourhood Spider-Man.

We all know that Venom is more than that terrific Eminem track, or some of the promotional product placement, rapping with Busta Rhymes, or spitting hot fire on Hot Ones (he needs some milk). Hardy (also on story duty) and his boy just make that much of a classic and compelling superpowered couple. For some reason it just works and what could have been the bane of 'The Dark Knight Rises' actor's life is actually the serious 'Bronson' and 'Lawless' actor just having good, dirty mouth (hearing Venom blaspheme is hilarious) fun. Even if a classic cameo in 'Deadpool 3' is looking like those Wolverine rumours have left the body like a former Topher Grace host. But whether it be Venom frogs, fish, or lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), Hardy and Eddie have made this third act of the trilogy like that horse drawing meme. And just wait until they take a ride on one that is anything but pale.

How fast can they make this franchise go without killing it? Well, there's only one way to find out as you witness the epic conclusion. It's all love over here, with a heart-filled and warming buddy comedy of the superhero genre that just may leave you with more than tears of laughter. Especially in the last epic assemble. This may be Eddie's last dance to a sweet soundtrack. And that's a real shame. We really wish we could have seen the two Tom H's get it on ("never say never"). Being comic teased after that 'No Way Home' post-credits scene that is called back to here with madness for the multiverse. The sequels have already shown there are more spider symbiotes than Iron Man has suits. And this movies own post-credits teases more with a legendary villain motion-captured by the director of the last film, Caesar ('Planet Of The Apes') and Gollum ('Lord Of The Rings') himself, Andy Serkis.

Yet in this circus act, scripted and directed (a dynamic debut) by Kelly Marcel (the first film and 'Fifty Shades' film writer) offers even more symbiotes for the devil and a class cast behind the bullish M.J. of this last dance. An electric and always great Juno Temple is joined by the early Christmas of Clark Backo in the lab coats. And it's great to see 'Peaky Blinders' co-star Stephen Graham back, and doing his best, "no peace" 'Independence Day' impression. Like it is the corner store to Las Vegas of Peggy Lu's Mrs. Chen having the real fond last dance (are they gonna get it on?). But if you thought it was just fellow Bond favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Quicksilver (don't get us started with 'Agatha All Along') making the multiverse a maddening crowd with 'Kraven The Hunter', then a wizarding villain in 'Doctor Strange's' Chiwetel Ejiofor and the lizard of 'The Amazing Spider-Man's' Rhys Ifans (betrothed beautifully to Alanna Ubach and Area 51) are here too. Although, that's it for creepy-crawlies. But with amazing action and spectacular special effects, who need a spider in this verse? This may be Hardy's last dance (thanks for the memories), but Venom is hardly "knull" and void. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage', 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', 'Kraven The Hunter'.

REVIEW: TRAP

4/5

Trap Music

105 Mins. Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills & Alison Pill. Screenwriter M. Night Shyamalan. Director: M. Night Shyamalan. In: Theatres and concert venues.

Imagine like Lennon. Your daughter's in her "tour era", and a Taylor Swift like artist is in town. You promised her tickets if she got her grades up. And she aced them all like Serena. This is the hottest ticket right now, and everybody and their social media account is going. What's more, your daughter's frenemies (apparently that's a term like "crispy" for all your dad jokes) are in attendance...and you better not show her up in front of them. If that wasn't enough, so is every cop in town...and the FEDS. Because they're looking for you, punk! You're "The Butcher" right? Just kidding. But seriously...if you are. You should probably stop reading this article and go turn yourself in. The trap is set.

"30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape." That's the premise for 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Signs' for twisting and turning, legendary, hit-and-miss (from 'Split' and 'Unbreakable', to the 'Glass' trilogy) director M Night. Shyamalan's latest, and one of his greatest hits. Right now, the 'Old' director is in one of his better eras, following the horsemen of his 'Knock At The Cabin' epic of Biblical proportions. The thrilling, psychological horror auteur knows how to twist and taut your stomach in knots as he swings away. Rarely really scary, but when he is (the uninvited guest at the 'Sings' party (why do I picture that creepy alien in a party hat?)), he'll fry you...literally here. All in the red room of a perfect poster and 'Green Room' like musical escape, no 'Folie à Deux' soundtrack, that will well and truly rock you to the roots of your terrified tension.

Classic cameo? Check! But what's more than this is the show stealing by M. Night's daughter Saleka Night Shymalan in this GirlDad movie like Kobe. Not only providing the music as the Saleka real life singer that she is, but also the punch of some powerhouse acting that confirms her as the new double-act showstopper on this daddy/daughter day, no nepotism. Playing a fictional Swift like Lady Raven, this young woman will never fade to black as she commands stage and screen with a pure presence that feels familiar. Not only making this movie her own, off the big names on the set-list, but also showing the power of social media and a fan following for good across the streams, when the comment section isn't just a big bait for clicks. How can you not like, no love, that? The other daughter making her name is the fan in question, Ariel Donoghue, the 'Blueback' and 'Wolf Like Me' star more than making the grade, wondering why her dad is acting so weird...not to mention, embarrassing.

The father of hers? Hollywood heartthrob turned amazing actor (see 'Lucky Number Slevin'), Josh Hartnett. 'The Faculty' and 'Pearl Harbour' superstar has had quite the resurgence of late (see 'Oppenheimer') after he quit Tinseltown. More profound in his acting nuance as his new calling card seems to be playing freaks (his out of this world performance in the last series of 'Black Mirror'), or those who frustrate us (the niceness of his new husband for 'The Bear'), Hartnett is a hallmark talent who once again is coming into his own. Going from devoted dad, to cringeworthy and creepy in some of the best acting you'll see. Seriously good as a serial killer whose butcher is a cut above the rest. There may be no sympathy for this devil, rolling through the stadium sounds like a stone, but sometimes when you root for him (maybe it's a fellow OCD thing...man, I should turn myself in), you forget that this is not 'The Fugitive'. DAM!

You want to trap a parent on the double? Then who better than the literal twins of 'The Parent Trap' (no, not Lindsay Lohan) in 'Whistle Down The Wind' (a movie based on her mother's book as the family affairs just continue on) legend Hayley Mills on her own career redefining arc for the best movie Easter Egg and in-joke? Making this a mothering movie, just as much as father time, as the third act prescription of a coming of age and her own show stealing Alison Pill is literally what the doctor (or cop) ordered for the film's final furlongs that have more ending than Shyamalan classics have twists. Shot in Toronto (it looks like Philly) and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, how this Blinding Edge movie, that finally sees the light of day in the land of the rising sun, received mixed reviews is beyond me. Nothing is butchered here in this Shyamalan dubbed "'The Silence Of The Lambs' at a Taylor Swift concert" film. It's a masterclass of an escape room plan, that turns a poster boy into a wanted one and almost gives the talents that his daughter deserves its own movie album like a 'Purple Rain'. Those Prince dreams may not have been quite realized with the young queen Saleka, but the throne is watching and waiting. You can't trap talent like this. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Split', 'Green Room', 'Taylor Swift: The Era's Tour (Taylor's Version)'.