SHORT REVIEW: THE SIMPSONS - THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

4/5

Terwilliger All Along

3 Mins. Starring: Kelsey Grammar, Maurice LaMarche & Nancy Cartwright. Screenwriters: Broti Gupta, J. Stewart Burns, Dan Greaney & Al Jean. Director: David Silverman. On: Disney +.

What a time to be alive. When your Disney home means you can send up Marvel, 'Star Wars' and even 'Bambi', and not get it in the neck. Kelsey Grammar must be raking it in. Not only has this Beast of an actor (with no CGI needed for all that chest fur) made his 'X-Men' cameo appearance in the M.C.U., post-credits for 'The Marvels', he's also rebooted his fond family sitcom spin-off, 'Frasier' to the cheers of a second season (but can we get a Sideshow Cecil?). And now, it's 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' in the Crane household. As the voice and "eugh, er, eugh, er, eugh, er" as iconic as his radio shrink stars in the latest 'Simpsons' short to celebrate their 36th season and the evil tidings of the season of the witch. Riding in on his own worst enemy (no, not the back of, the Bart...the) like it was 'Agatha All Along'.

'Tis the season to be stabby. Ow-a-ow-a-ow-a-ow-ow-ow. We aren't talking about candy canes and mistletoe, but the real end of the year season that has people falling all over themselves, wanting to leave the pumpkin on the porch until it's as rotten as eggs left from Easter. The trick to this latest short from 'The Simpsons' is that it's like an added extra bonus to their latest, iconic, trademark season starting 'Treehouse Of Terror'. And what a treat as Kelsey G-G-Grammar breaks into song, even more than he tries to break Bart (the "I still can't believe she's not a boy", Nancy Cartwright). And that's not the half of it. Just like the legendary Julie Kavner fronted 'May The 4th Be With You' (for that other most wonderful time of the year) featured all the queens of Disney, Marvel and 'Star Wars', this one caters to all the villains. No matter how many times Thanos (Maurice LaMarche filling in nicely for Josh Brolin) clicks his fingers. It's inevitable that this Plus property will give you plenty of cameos that would look like shameful product placement if it wasn't for the sharp screenwriting of Broti Gupta, J. Stewart Burns, Dan Greaney and Al Jean. 

Tossing salads and scrambling brains. All to give us one of the best Disney designed shorts yet, directed by David Silverman. Come for Darth Vader, stay for those classic closing credits that have become as popular and sought after as 'The Mandalorian' concept-art crawl. Grammar's Bob is the bard that will make this comedy a classic again, instead of the Shakespearean tragedy of this lifetime running achievement of an amazing animation, getting it from rapper J.Cole as he dissed Kendrick Lamar...and then walked it all back like Homer in the hedge. Dubbed as, "music, mayhem and madness", all with a little mirth. Trump on an escalator, tiger's going tiger as Chris Rock said, and Osaka flu. 'The Simpsons' have had a way of Nostradamus-ing some of life's events. And right now it's on the money, riding with the Grammar rodeo that is Kelsey's career-resurgence calling again. And Bob's your uncle. Happy Halloween, Springfield, we love you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Scaring: 'The Simpsons: Treehouse Of Terror', 'The Simpsons: May The 12th Be With You', 'Frasier'.

REVIEW: JOKER - FOLIE À DEUX

3.5/5

The Killing Joke

138 Mins. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey & Leigh Gill. Screenwriters: Scott Silver & Todd Phillips. Director: Todd Phillips. In: Theatres.

Madness. Madness? This is 'Joker'. 'Folie à Deux'. A sequel for two. But this time, who's the joke on? And who will get the last laugh in Todd Phillip's madcap musical? If you were never a fan of those episodes of 'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy' that used to break into song (more annoying than a clips show), then you should probably drop this mic, like those who are afraid of karaoke. Otherwise, 'Joker: Folie à Deux' is actually a singing statement piece of a movie musical that is more than just a love ode to cigarettes and those ol' blue eyes of the great American songbook, as it tries to say something to those glorifying violence and not thinking about mental health. Whether this self-aware and serving franchise, or its fans, are guilty of all that. Although more maligned than Marvel's 'Madame Web' (which back in the early 2000s would have been the movie of the year), don't expect to catch it on Broadway soon. Branded as a 'F' you to fans, it's all coming out now. The review embargo. Todd Phillips, keeping DC and James Gunn (he's not the first one) at a distance. His Thanos like seclusion to the country on the weekend of this film's release. And the fact that apparently this all came to Joaquin Phoenix in a dream.

Sounds like a nightmare. Oh darling, it's much more than that. A victim of its own violence. Rising from the ashes of this explosive epic, Phoenix's Arthur Fleck says he wants to burn it all down in a movie that is part Prince 'Partyman' song and dance, part courtroom drama. Lowering the gavel like the boom of a Harley Quinn hammer. The 'Joker' of the pack in 2019 earned Joaquin his first Academy Award after being nominated for an Oscar for playing Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook of 'Logan' fame will take over as the Man in Black in James Mangold's 'A Complete Unknown' Dylan biopic, starring some boy called Timothée). This was the Clown Prince of Crime's second gold statue after the late, great Heath Ledger became the definition of The Joker in 'The Dark Knight'. Word in Gotham is that Christopher Nolan nixed any chance of Phoenix's Fleck putting a smile on his face in the same way as Heath when he still held an executive producer's seat at Warner Bros. Now, fans are crying that Jared Leto is no longer the worst Joker, whilst Phillips is claiming Arthur was never the Clown Prince anyway. Firstly, those deriding Leto need to see his redemption cameo in Zack Snyder's 'Justice League'. He's earned his card.

Secondly, like the classic Cameron Monaghan in 'Gotham', Joaquin Phoenix's 'Joker' was always meant to be an inspiration incarnation. Never the real deal like the legendary Jack Nicholson, Cesar Romero and voice of Mark Hamill. And the same could be said for Stefani Germanotta AKA Lady Gaga's Lee Quinzel, or as we all know her well, Harley Quinn. Her amazing album accompaniment 'Harlequin' offering further rhyme to that reason. Taking over from the emancipation of 'Barbie's' Margot Robbie in the same redefining way Phoenix did when everyone said nobody could touch the legendary Ledger. They still can't. Nevertheless, at least this movie/music mash-up clears a path for the great Barry Keoghan to do his thing in Matt Reeves' sequel after his cameo in 'The Batman'. Yeah, DC is a mess, but at least this crazy in love film tries its best to Bonnie and Cylde ride it 'till the wheels' fall off. Mostly staying on track, despite a derailing third act after Phoenix does his best 'Darrow' impression. Those worrying about the script's song sheet needn't worry. Besides, Gaga's Academy Award-winning 'A Star Is Born' remake (not to mention her 'Maverick' 'Top Gun' sequel song) and Joaquin Phoenix's time walking the line, is fine for all this. Instead, take a look at the amazing animation, that's straight Looney Tunes, that comes before this movie like 'Tom & Jerry'. That's what we need to be talking about.

Phoenix and Gaga stepping up to that iconic staircase, as they dance, are something like a phenomenon like LL Cool J, or John Travolta. Do-do-da-do-do. And a capable cast more than bolster this from the bench. Like the terrific testimony of a returning Zazie Beetz ('Atlanta', 'Deadpool 2') and courtroom scene-stealer Leigh Gill of 'Game Of Thrones' fame (but why did they have to do him dirty with the Yellow Pages?). 'The Banshees Of Inisherin' and 'In Bruges' legend Brendan Gleeson really brings it as an Arkham guard. And Catherine Keener's legal support ('Being John Malkovich', 'Get Out') is as dedicated as they come to this sad clown in a sunken place of drawn out sockets and emaciated skin. Great British comedic actor Steve Coogan also does a seriously good job as a sensationalist TV journalist who could even pierce Piers Morgan. Whilst 'Industry' actor Harry Lawtey is a fresh-faced, will he, won't he, Harvey Dent, trying to bring justice to this circus. Which is exactly what Phillips is trying to do, alongside co-writer Scott Silver ('8 Mile', the new 'Spawn'). Despite no respite from the critical and box office hangover. But it's never as bad as they say in this world of extremes. Just like the perfect 'Penguin', Soprano like series doing the business right now, is no "masterpiece"...yet!

Why do birds suddenly disappear? This jukebox musical and psychological thriller is no horror. It does have its moments. Like when bona fide, 'House Of Gucci' movie star Lady Gaga puts a smile on the reflected face of prison glass, and Joaquin Phoenix (the master of Arthur's uncontrollable laughter through all the tears or rage and pain) moves into it and spreads its blood-red grin with his expression. Or when the (im)perfect pair take each other's hand for a dance that transcends 'La La Land'. Still, fans are furious at this film that takes shots at all those middle-aged men who post those "I'm trustworthy until you cross me" memes with Joaquin's Joker or Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders' in the background like Tom Hardy's twinning Krays. You know that legend will get it in the neck too, if his 'Last Dance' with 'Venom' doesn't bite their Spidey senses. The outstanding original of a first film, that took cues from Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver' and 'King Of Comedy', was a classic, 'A Clockwork Orange' like cautionary tale. But much like that iconic film, many didn't get it (Heath did), and that's why Phillips and Phoenix decided to take their character back. For better or worse. And now they're being cast out like lepers, as we were all warned about. Maybe this is why they actually did a sequel, as they give the people what they want. Maybe, we should be careful of what we wish for. There's a punchline in here somewhere. If only we got it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Joker', 'La La Land', 'A Star Is Born'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: ALI WONG - SINGLE LADY

4/5

Divorce Story

59 Mins. Starring: Ali Wong. On Netflix.

The last time we heard from super-comedian, the 'Don (Ali) Wong', the 'Beef' and 'Always Be My Maybe' Netflix star was talking about how, although she was happily married and won't cheat, single people have it so much better. And there may be some truth in that, or at least some funny stuff, as Ali takes us through her 'Single Lady' life on her new Netflix special. Ali Wong is now divorced (although she and her ex-husband are still best friends) and has found new love in fellow comedian and star of amazing one-word T.V. shows beginning with "B" ('Barry'), Bill Hader. But that doesn't mean she's not going to give us one outrageous hour of her year leading up to all that.

Bumbling through the apps, propositions coming from more Chad's than a 'Jersey Shore' reunion and more men children than a 'Star Trek' convention, Ali shows us the rights and wrongs of dating in this modern world. Especially when you're hitting the home run of 40, as father time is stealing follicles like Ohtani does bases. Triggered? You bet I am! And I love it! Although I may not be sliding into any DMs anytime soon, men of the world know this. Like climate change, ED is here to stay. And if you're accustomed to that type of pre-game jitters when you step up to the plate, you better head for a different type of home. Does she have to stomp around your fancy place and all that pretentious art like a Disney villain? Besides she has her own house, complete with a Godzilla/Hello Kitty toilet.

This hole in one for Wong is quite possibly her best stand-up special since she had the game in a 'Cobra' clutch. Don't get your tea and rice bowls confused. Behind those iconic eyeglasses, she sees the world like we all wish we could tell it. But we don't have the b###s too. P###y?! Nah! Haven't you heard Trevor Noah's take on all that strength? She'll grab her own one, thank you very much, f### Trump! Especially when she sees the handsome likes of the real underwater eye candy in 'The Little Mermaid'. Hoping that's a trident he's packing, and he really does go, "under the seeeeea"! Let's talk about sex with no constraint in this age of gilded freedom and the "D" word. No, no, get your mind out of the gutter. We're talking about divorce. If you like it, then should have taken a ring off it. Oh,oh, oh, oh.

Thankfully, it seems to have been an amicable one with Ali's ex. But that's none of our business, anyway. What Wong will divulge is the dating game that played out afterwards. The graphic content of these anecdotes will really have you cackling. Especially if you're swiping through more apps than you are wedding dress brochures. Crudely collected in classic one-liners, this is a dating montage that would have made the lovely 'Always Be My Maybe' even funnier. Setting the sliders between 25 and 60, like anyone our age can and should (hello, 49), Wong refuses to live a life of woe, post-divorce. Glowing like the time she took to stage with a 'Baby Cobra'. The Bat-signal the media sent out may have found her the best man, but before all that her life experience makes for a great tale, that's more celebratory than cautionary, in a world where we are all too quick to shame people a few steps away from where anyone could be. No reason to have beef with that. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: Ali Wong 'Don Wong', 'Beef', 'Always Be My Maybe'. 

REVIEW: CIVIL WAR

4/5

Divided We Fall 

109 Mins. Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jesse Plemons & Nick Offerman. Screenwriter & Director: Alex Garland. In: Theatres.  

Captive America. In April, A24 released their most expensive and second highest grossing movie to date, 'Civil War'. So those, "where's the shield and metal arm" gags have had their day now this movie sees the rising sun. There's nothing civil about this war between civilians and politicians, as director Alex Garland ('Ex Machina', 'Men') asks audiences in Japan to watch this with respect in a promotional video, as only this nation would. America actually may be on the brink of another civil war with the way things are going right now, and even the forthcoming election feels like a dog fight. Garland cut his teeth writing scripts for Danny Boyle ('28 Days Later', 'Sunshine') after Boyle adapted his book 'The Beach' to worldwide acclaim. Since then, he's been scripting up a storm (the adaptations of Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go' and 'Dredd' graphic novels), and being Academy Award nominated for his 'Machina' screenplay which seriously looked at the rise of machines in our everyday lives. Now, with this script, he shows us another fable that could truly become an Orwellian omen, with the best big brother eye on the future since '1984'. One of the scariest movies ever, on 'Contagion' levels (you remember corona, right?)

Brutal, brilliant and bracing. 'Come And See' the movie inspired by said one (that coincidentally came out in 1985) that refuses to explicitly take a side (although Nick Offerman's President of the United States may just remind you of someone), just like it won't let what's happening right now, in the world as we know it, slide. This caustic, cautionary tale isn't just the biggest picture of Garland's great career. It's also the most important one of this, or recent years. We must heed its message before we can't turn back on this road. 'Civil War' is not what you think. Packed with political punch and crowd pleasing lights, camera and action, yes, but rooted more in the journey and journal of war photographers whose job is to show you, and US, just how bad things can get if war is waged. All of this is captured perfectly on the worn and weathered portrait Dunst gives us of a prolific photographer caged behind the camera, as she has to stay at a shooter's emotional distance from the aggravated action. A battle of blood and bullets that is really taking lives. This is no movie. Cameo captured perfectly by Dunst's real life husband Jesse Plemons in an uncredited role (in the same week he's giving Japan three big acts in 'Kinds Of Kindness' in kind). His racist, ultranationalist militant, in tactical red military issue sunglasses, is truly terrifying.

By Kirsten's side, Wagner Moura is a wonder as a journalist itching to get a quote of POTUS sounding off before he bites. This is the Pablo Escobar of 'Narcos' and 'Elysium' scene-stealer's moment. Just like it is the one of young actress, hot on the heels of Dunst, in more ways than one, Cailee Spaeny. Similar to Mia Kirshner's Laurie in 'Mad City'. Cailee has played 'Priscilla' Presley (in 'Lost In Translation' director Sofia Coppolla's answer to 'Elvis') and a Ripley like heroine in 'Alien: Romulus'. All in this calendar. If Glen Powell is the leading man of the year, then she is the woman. But nothing is quite like this, as she goes from being green with sickness and inexperience, to being as desensitized as sadly we all are these days. So much so, we can barely remember when, or the fact that, we weren't. Elsewhere, Juilliard's own veteran legend Stephen McKinley Henderson continues his late career surge ('Lincoln', 'Fences', 'Manchester By The Sea', 'Lady Bird', 'Dune', 'Beau Is Afraid') with a truly affecting performance. Whilst Tokyo born, British actress and frequent flying collaborator Sonoya Mizuno ('Maniac', 'House Of The Dragon') reunites with Garland after 'Devs' and being part of the best dance ever with Oscar Isaac. 

I love America. Always have, always will. But it's in trouble. From New York City to Washington, DC, engulfed in dystopia, this movie has its hold on everybody. All the way to the blistering blitz of a third act that goes out with the boldest bang. The "Western Forces' of Texas and California. The harrowing and haunting reminder of Charlottesville. And just wait until you see the real price of gas these days. Promotional posters of A24 and Alex Garland's 'Civil War' see the Statue of Liberty surrounded by helicopters, with snipers in her crown, acting as turrets. Garnering criticism, in some states, for the use of artificial intelligence to form these photos. But, just like the title sequence of Marvel's criminally underrated 'Secret Invasion', this film's message, in all ways, is just showing you how the world works these days...unless we change. All for the hope of a better way and day. When, right now, the USA is not in a united state. These are signs of the apocalypse, that we can cancel right now. Let's not make this a documentary. War can be over...before it even begins (if you want it). Imagine. United we stand. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Apocalypse Now', 'Children Of Men', NOT 'Captain America: Civil War'...with all due respect, Cap.

TV REVIEW: THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE RINGS OF POWER: Season 2

3.5/5

The Return Of The Rings

8 Episodes. Starring: Morfydd Clark, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Charles Edwards, Daniel Weyman, Owain Arthur, Charlie Vickers, Sophie Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trystan Gravalle, Maxim Baldry, Ema Horvath, Leon Wadham, Sam Hazeldine, Ciarán Hinds, Rory Kinnear, Tanya Moodie, Jim Broadbent & Olivia Williams. Showrunners: J.D Payne & Patrick McKay. On: Amazon Prime.

Fall forces on the small screen will take you towards this coming winter, now the summer of 'Shōgun' and all the other Emmy ('The Bear') and personal ('Only Murders In The Building') favourites have finished (well, there's still one case left to be solved). DC and Marvel are at it again, battling with their villains 'The Penguin' and 'Agatha All Along' for the anti-hero age. But they've got nothing on 'The Old Man' of Jeff Bridges, a retiring (yeah, right) 'John Wick' type, flanked by John Lithgow. And speaking of the older generation, let's not forget 'Frasier' for all those who see family friendly comedies Paramount. But on this third rock from the sun, it's middle-earth that really wants to make a 'Game Of Thrones' like impression on the tube. That HBO series based on a world of brick building books already has its own 'House Of Dragon' spin-off. Whereas season two of 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power', from showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, on Amazon Prime still have their fire-breather locked deep in a cave of gold.

What lies beneath reveals more though for a pair of eight wonder seasons of 'Power' that have been met with mixed and meh reviews from critics and fans alike. But ones that are actually epic and exciting. J.R.R. Tolkien's tomes will always be the thing of legend, and only Peter Jackson has been able to carry on the legacy with his twin trilogies of 'The Lord Of The Rings' and 'The Hobbit', the latter squeezing more movies out of one book than the 'Harry Potter' finale. Jackson will return to action with 'The Hunt For Gollum' (not based on the YouTube classic) when he's finished resurrecting the Dodo. And breathing life back into this franchise takes some of the shine off 'The Rings' that could, at times, use a polish. But then again, what do you expect from a series that is based on appendices? Especially in this day and age where intellectual property of your favourite franchises is bled dry and milked for all it's worth, without a thought. In the second season of this fantasy set thousands of years before the characters you know and love, we finally get to see the rise of Dark Lord Sauron in all his evil glory. Not to mention the forging of the rings, in this epic of Biblical proportions that really belongs on a much bigger screen than your phone...not smart.

Big battles, lavish landscapes and a capable cast keeps 'The Rings Of Power' circling back, even though viewership levels have receded somewhat. Morfydd Clark, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Tyroe Muhafidin, Charles Edwards, Daniel Weyman, Owain Arthur, Charlie Vickers, Sophie Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trystan Gravalle, Maxim Baldry, Ema Horvath and Leon Wadham all return. Whilst Sam Hazeldine replaces Joseph Mawle. Nazanin Boniadi makes a departure off-screen. Whilst we still miss Lenny Henry's (still one of the most versatile talents for those who have heard 'The Red Shoes' click) delightful dwarf and his lovely last words. Never fear, the likes of Ciarán Hinds, Rory Kinnear, Tanya Moodie, and the legendary voices of Jim Broadbent and Olivia Williams are welcomed to a middle-earth map that has even more houses than games have thrones. Meanwhile, going back and forth, Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards ante up the acting. Stealing the show off of stars Morfydd Clark and Robert Aramayo, like an inspired Ismael Cruz Córdova, every time he brings his bow to bear. All of this, and the stranger things of revealing who Daniel Weyman really is (as if you didn't know). For the history of 'LOTR', from Gandalf to Gollum, this show shall pass. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring', 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers', 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King'.

REVIEW: KINDS OF KINDNESS

3.5/5

Kind Of Good.

164 Mins. Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie & Hunter Schafer. Screenwriters: Yorgos Lanthimos & Efthimis Filippou. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos. In: Theatres.

Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer. All incredible actors playing their part in the absurd anthology and trippy triptych fable 'Kinds Of Kindness', from great artistic director of our times, Yorgos Lanthimos. One that will leave you thinking, "what the"...I don't even think there's a word in the English language that can comprehend quite what's going on here. And this is what makes modern movies like this (see Ari Aster's 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar' follow-up, 'Beau Is Afraid', starring Joaquin Phoenix) so damn compelling...even days after you've left the cinema. Especially when they come from the likes of Yorgos, who after boiling and simmering for years with indie classics like 'The Lobster' and the criminally underrated 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer', hit Oscar gold with 'The Favorite' and most recently, those 'Poor Things'. Now, not even a year later, he reunites with both Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe (also arriving with 'Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice', finally in Japanese cinemas this week) for his most far out film yet.

And this is a guy who broke out with a story about lonely souls looking for love wanting to be turned into an animal of their choice. Well, now Colin Farrell (reunion, please) has seemingly chosen to be a 'Penguin', Lanthimos' new leading man looks to be Jesse Plemons (also about to debut 'Civil War' in Japan this week), who takes hold of the first story in this trilogy also written by Yorgos and long-time collaborator Efthimis Filippou ('Dogtooth', 'Alps' and the rest). Plemons himself, who has emerged from character actor ('Black Mass', 'The Irishman'), to a full-fledged force ('Black Mirror', 'Killers Of The Flower Moon'), is as chameleonic as the director he plays for, rocking the suit, turtleneck and moustache number in the first act. A Matt Damon like star with even more depth, who also reminds you of the cluster mindf### that was his 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' on Netflix. This one can be just as much of a confusing and frustrating slog, especially with its epically jarring score from 'Poor Things' music man Jerskin Fendrix. It's clear this was the part that won Plemons Best Actor at Cannes, willing to do anything for Willem Dafoe's embrace (who wouldn't?).

Not that he doesn't excel in the second of these loosely connected R.M.F. (the original title of this movie also considered as 'And') parts that are all distinct in their own right. The second sees Plemons cop character beat down by the fact that his wife has disappeared, and this is where we see a bubbling Emma Stone begin to rise to the crop of this acting talent, just like 'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' star Margaret Qualley (much like the 'Drive Away Dolls' hitmaker was and is in 'Things' of this nature). Dafoe takes a back seat in this one, but 'The Front Runner' and 'Jurassic World: Dominion' star Mamoudou Athie is as reliable as partners and best friends come. But who really did come back from that island like many a moon, or astronauts wife stories? Does the Cinderella fit, or is the cat out the bag? Meanwhile, the tortured men's club of Joe Alwyn gets it even worse than he has done from the Swifties, before he shows the dark depths of his acting reach in the third and final act of these staged stories of art house cinema.

A cult following of Willem Dafoe in Y-fronts (and you thought the shorts and high-socks in part one were crazy) and a timid flock of seagulls haircut gives you the last and most lasting chapter of all. Especially as one of the world's best actors, Emma Stone gives you a performance of all her power, alongside a perfect Plemons. The crueller these 'Kinds Of Kindness' gets, the more sculpture strong Stone's craftsmanship does. High-tailing it around in an out of control, Prince purple Dodge Charger that parks like a snake on an oil slick street. Emma gives it her all, in a part that has a compelling cameo from the 'Euphoria' of Hunter Schafer. 'Downsizing' delight and 'The Whale' star Hong Chau gets her licks in too, but it's Qualley on double-duty that dives into one of her best (dual) performances yet. Subtly, it's 'The Substance' of her year. Still with us after the 164 insane minutes of these nightmare scenarios dressed-up as 'Sweet Dreams' for those who are "looking for something" (like everybody is), and willing to do all kinds for it? It's all worth it to see Emma Stone break it down in the most iconic dance since 'Ex Machina'. The human nature of this black comedy satire won't nurture you with kindness, but it just may kill you with it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Poor Things', 'Beau Is Afraid', 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: WILL & HARPER

4/5

Will & Grace

114 Mins. Starring: Will Ferrell & Harper Steele. Director: Josh Greenbaum. On: Netflix.

You know what it's like when you haven't seen an old friend in a while. The pandemic sure paid hell to all of that. Times, like people, change. And when you reunite, sometimes, there really is a lot that you must get caught up with. 'Anchorman', 'Talladega Nights' and 'Blades Of Glory' funny man Will Ferrell hadn't seen his good friend, Harper Steele, in quite some time. They had each other's backs in the Saturday Night Live salad days, when Ferrell played everyone from Robert Goulet and Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray, thanks to Steele's razor-sharp writing. Maybe the last time was during the filming of the Netflix comedy they co-wrote, 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga', and they're not afraid to stick it to their misfire. Even if they reunite for the streaming service documentary, 'Will & Harper', a 40th Sundance Film Festival favourite.

In that time, Harper has transitioned to become a trans woman, and to seek understanding and to see the journey Steele has been on, where there is a Will, there is a way. As the 'Road Trip' star travels across America with his dear friend in a Josh Greenbaum ('The Short Game', 'Too Funny To Fail') directed documentary, with plenty of drama to go with those helpings of humour and heart that looks to make a few stops on the awards circuit. DC, Texas and LA, with all the road stops in-between, Harper takes Will to all the old dive bar and favourite haunts that are usually covered with confederate flags instead of multicoloured ones. From magnificent malls where people dreamed of equality, to Indiana Pacer NBA games looking for change, Will and Harper try to find how many places in the States are united in their cause. One heartbreaking moment over a Sherlock steak challenge goes down with more of a struggle than that time late legend John Candy ate his cube by cube in 'The Great Outdoors'. But another moment at a bar and track will just leave you in tears.

Driving through it all, 'Will & Harper' isn't just a document on the current landscape of America and life in this modern day as a member of the LGBTQ community. It's also a story of friendship and a great American road movie, released just after 'Are You Sure' on Disney +, featuring BTS members Jung Kook and Jimin sharing moments on the road again before their mandatory military service for South Korea. "Thelma and Louise, with a little less death" (but just as many breasts), as one friend and SNL alum says in a sweet swansong. We won't spoil which members of the esteemed cast (who have their own 'Saturday Night' movie out this week too) show up, from nail salons to hot air balloons, but we will say, everybody has Harper's back. Stronger than steel. And how about that parting gift by the beach? The grace of Will and Harper on this 17-day trip, shows you that two friends remain as such, no matter how long it's been. Accepting what's come between. No matter what or who. Now, about 'The Story Of Fire Saga'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga', 'Saturday Night', 'Are You Sure?'.