REVIEW: SEND HELP

4/5

Colleague's Retreat

115 Mins. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang & Dennis Haysbert. Screenplay: Damian Shannon & Mark Swift. Director: Sam Raimi. In: Theaters. 

Help is on the way this weekend, even if it's not coming. Confused? You will be! 'The Help'. 'HELP!' by The Beatles. Nothing cries out quite like 'Send Help'. The new unconventional and uncensored, big black-comedy, horror hit, with severance satire, from deliciously dark director Sam Raimi. You may know the 'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness' director for the early 2000's, Tobey Maguire 'Spider-Man' trilogy, like he doesn't know how to find Japan on the globe (peep the promotional video for this help's Japanese release), but we all know that 'Evil Dead' is Raimi territory. And in this survival of the fittest, off a cunningly sly and slick script from Damian Shannon and Mark Swift ('Freddy Vs. Jason', 'Friday The 13th'), if you thought spending a working week with a horrible boss was bad, imagine being stranded on a desert island with them. 

Dragging you to a different sort of hell, this Raimi movie, that will be the talk at the water-coolers come Monday morning, is one of this year's freshest and best. And we've barely left January, let alone the first quarter projections. Being passed up for a promised promotion, 'Spotlight', 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Game Night' actress Rachel McAdams ('The Notebook', 'Disobedience', 'True Detective') needs to be more 'Mean Girl' than sensible shoes, when a new boss, that makes a 'Horrible' Colin Farrell look nice, comes into the office. 'The Maze Runner' lead Dylan O'Brien ('The Internship', 'Deepwater Horizon', 'Bumblebee') would rather perfect his golf swing than be the perfect manager. And that's just the best of his character flaws. Still, a work trip to Bangkok looks to turn the tide and reveal who really is a team player, one way or another. Or a 'Survivor' contestant, as an audition tape for that show goes office cubicle viral. And you thought sharing a toast point with your pet bird was bad...it is.

This movie will get you, get you, get you as the firing line stakes are raised in a plane crash straight out of Tom Hanks' 'Cast Away'. But washed ashore, with no Wilson in sight, these two conflicting co-workers need to get along and make nice, especially when Dylan won't be doing any maze running for a while. The odd couple must play island house on a film that has palm tree shades of everything from 'Misery' to 'The Cabin In The Woods'. O'Brien, ignorantly hilarious, like he was as a great guest star on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', won't be mocking McAdams' survival skills, when he can barely carry water, let alone stand. And forget about chopping wood. Rachel is in her element, bringing home the bacon, and us, back to the star power we know her best for. On fire like the torch she carries as she lets her character's boorish and frumpy hair down. She has the balls. Dylan being the perfect foil for all this, as he fails to do anything apart from make our eyes roll. That is, until, he reveals more of his catalyst backstory as both characters reveal their dark depths and sides of themselves we didn't expect or see coming.

We've already said too much. We don't want to spoil the tide of violence and destruction coming in like an amazing monsoon of blood, guts and wild boar and gore. Popped eyes, scalped domes, tuna fish on the cheek, you'll be grossed out in shock and awe by it all, as Sam works his dark, disgusting magic. But that's nothing on the human horrors on dark display here. Straight out a Stephen King play novel. Edgar Wright, who directed his (or Richard Bachman's) book 'The Running Man', which finally crosses the line in Japanese cinemas, this weekend, has a message for 'Send Help', too. He loves it, calling Sam Raimi the "master of mischief." Other people are involved, too. Even though this 'Help' could work as a thrilling psychological play, minus the physical violence. Australian actress Edyll Ismail is the beautiful and kind fiancée, O'Brien's boss doesn't deserve, and 'Frankenstein's' Xavier Samuel, with braces, and 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Chris Pang are the kind of friends from work that would be fake to your face, all whilst having a gossip dagger behind their backs. Yet, higher up, the 'Major League' great Dennis Haysbert ('24', 'The Dark Tower', 'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For') deserves more than to just be here to smell a finger. Still, 'Send Help' is the end of the shift respite you've been screaming for. Hit send on making this your next movie destination for the perfect weekend getaway. Happy to help. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cast Away', 'Misery', 'The Cabin In The Woods'.

REVIEW: THE RUNNING MAN

3.5/5

Running With The Night

133 Mins. Starring: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Katy O'Brian, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo & Josh Brolin. Screenplay: Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright. Director: Edgar Wright. In: Theatres.

RUN! After watching 'The Running Man', the Netflix hit 'Hit Man', and the American football, 'Mrs. Doubtfire' like, comedy 'Chad Powers' on Hulu and Disney Plus, it's clear to see (although you can't really see him), that Glen Powell is Hollywood's new master of disguise. Playing priests, business men, and any other hick the Hollywood heartthrob can get his hands on. But it's not like this handsome Dan needs to hide his face, or the 'Twisters', 'Anyone But You' and 'Top Gun: Maverick' star's body of work. Even here, in Japan, when he went shirtless, someone in the audience gave the thumbs up to his partner...it was the husband's thumb. Powell would even be the next face of Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible' franchise...if his Mum would only let him do the stunts. C'mon, Mom, the man was made to wear masks. There's enough on hand, here though, in his new star vehicle 'The Running Man'. Based on the faster than a speeding bullet novel by Richard Bachman (you might know him better as Stephen King) and the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, that with an Easter Egg here, is right on the money.

Glen gives this movie, and his latest Hollywood run, all he's got. A blue-collar Carhartt, assembly line worker who just wants to provide for his wife (a wonderful Jayme Lawson of 'The Batman' and 'Sinners' fame) and sick daughter. There's a whole host (with 'Will & Grace's' Sean Hayes, quiff bouffant) of game shows Glen Powell's Ben Richards could try his humiliated hand at, but the one that pays out the most is, 'The Running Man'. And it has nothing to do with the famous Bobby Brown dance. That's not its prerogative. Ben could win a billion dollars, be set for life, and he only has to work for a month. Sounds like a lay-up line milk run, right?! Well, not when there's a price on his head and a bounty of hired goon hunter killers on his tail. And you thought, like Quentin Tarantino, that 'The Hunger Games' was bad. Running up more hills than a kid from 'Stranger Things' in a coma, listening to Kate Bush, everyone with a smartphone in sight can cash in on turning Richards in, to boot. Will he live? Tune in and find out. But what really makes a killing is the hits to reality TV and smartphones (not to mention this day and age of deepfakes), in this science fiction satirical action given to us by 'The Cornetto Trilogy's' own, Edgar Wright ('Last Night In Soho').

Executive produced by human horror maestro, Stephen King himself, who better than the 'Baby Driver' energy of Edgar to deliver this epic? Especially now he has a real action man to pose and play with. Wright even takes a shade swipe at Netflix for giving the game away when it came to 'The World's End'. Speaking of spoilers, one of the coolest characters is the "back at ya", grenade kicking, masked leader of the hunters. We shouldn't reveal who he is, just in case, but it's a nice surprise. Even though this cult favourite elicits more "okays", than "oooh's", he still scene steals. And that's pretty hard when you have the poster boy power of Powell lighting everyone up, from apartment breaks ("Y") to running through the night more than Lionel Richie, in a commanding performance. This movie isn't the biggest hit, man, but that doesn't matter. And like that aforementioned Richard Linklater film, it's different to what you expected it would be. And that's what makes it Rotten Tomato fresh. Despite the mixed reviews and the fact that it was a box office bomb. But who really makes a billion dollars these days?

This man. No, not me, Powell. Amongst a whole host of famous faces and ones making their own name. Wright reunites with 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' screenwriter Michael Bacall ('21' and '22 Jump Street') and another Michael, in 'Scott Pilgrim' himself, Michael Cera (a surprise that really shouldn't have been spoilt in the opening credits), having a whole host of 'Home Alone' fun in his super soaked, with tears of laughter, booby trapped house. There's also a brief, but brilliant, and somewhat beautiful, turn from the great William H. Macy who has been ace acting with aplomb recently (see the 'Train Dreams' he should have been nominated for on Netflix...sorry, Edgar). 'CODA's' Emilia Jones, 'All American' British actor Daniel Ezra and 'Love Lies Bleeding' talent Katy O'Brian ('Twisters', 'Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning'), also make their mark, but it's the greats that have the most glorious time. Especially the forever flamboyant Colman Domingo's ('Rustin', 'Sing Sing', 'The Color Purple') gaudy and great host of proceedings. And the Thanos villainous Josh Brolin, continuing his latest mean streak after 'Weapons' and the 'Knives Out' mystery 'Wake Up Dead Man'. We hope this one doesn't die out in this film's wake, because Glen Powell has what it takes to run this Hollywood game all the way to the bank. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Running Man (1987)', 'Hit Man', 'The Hunger Games'

ANIME REVIEW: CAT'S EYE

4/5

Catwomen

12 Episodes. Starring: Alexis Tipton, Masato Kamiya, Mitsuko Asatani & Toshiro Fuji. Screenplay: Hayashi Moribaith. Director: Yoshifumi Sueda. On: Hulu & Disney +.

The cats are out the bag again. From 1981 to 1985, when this writer was born (feel old yet? Because I sure do), manga writer and illustrator Tsukasa Hojo's 'CAT'S♥EYE' was serialized in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The manga concerned three sisters, Hitomi, Rui and Ai (here voiced by Alexis Tipton, Masato Kamiya and Mitsuko Asatani), who worked in a local coffee shop, but moonlighted as a trio of catsuit wearing thieves who stole all the art back, 'Monuments Men' meets 'Robin Hood' style, from the corrupt men who took it from the original artist, without so much as an Instagram credit, their dearly departed father. Smartphones and other modern gadgets bring these three French inspired Hepburn's up to date, but this is still as 80s (hello, Tim Burton era 'Batman' grappling hooks) as all the 'Akira's' and 'Ghost In The Shell's' it shared shelves with. And now, after years of science-fiction anime movies, this crime caper finally gets the amazing adaptation it deserves on Hulu and Disney Plus.

Investigated at the same time as those super sleuthing members of the 'SpyXFamily', 'Cat's Eye' looks more to the mature crowd with a dozen delightfully engrossing episodes. But subscriber, beware no more. There is not a trace of misogyny in this throwback animation that feels as fresh as an 80s redux, maintaining its vintage aesthetic. These feminist fashionistas are back in style and showing you more substance to their life and crimes. But their backstory is about as self-explanatory as the fact that Anya likes peanuts. Even if the kinetic plot takes you all over the place and Tokyo (and my new Yokohama home) via fast and furious cool car chases and amazing action heading to an island in the sun. The only one out of sorts, might be Hitomi's detective boyfriend (voiced by Toshiro Fuji). But we'll just blame being a star-crossed lover, with manga hearts in his eyes, for an otherwise outstanding and compelling, just like the real relationship he partners up with, character.

You see, this city hunter (who could just as easily find himself in that anime of the same name), hasn't got a clue to being wise to these sister's act. Even though the big-three cat burglars, with a calling card Paul Allen would be proud of, use the same logo and colour scheme for the coffee shop they work in...also called 'Cat's Eye'. Only the same shop this detective inhabits daily, as part of the furniture, for that damn, good coffee. I mean there's three of them for crying out loud. And this week may be setsubun in Japan, but I don't see many masks, like everywhere outside of the land of the rising sun, post-COVID. Pretty, but dumb, this pretty dumb detective has other street smarts and as my Dad always says, without this plot point it W.M.A.S (wouldn't make a story). And what a great one this is, directed by Yoshifumi Sueda and scripted by Hayashi Moribaith with original due diligence. All the way down to the meows of the terrific theme from My Hero Academia' composer Yuki Hayashi. Especially with the GoPro like eye's perspective of the classy closing credits. Catnip for fans of felines and old school Japanese anime art. When it comes to 80s nuanced nostalgia, these cats have the cream. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Thieving: 'Arsene Lupin The Third', 'Holmes In Kyoto', 'City Hunter'.

REVIEW: WAKE UP DEAD MAN - A 'KNIVES OUT' MYSTERY

4/5

Dead Men Tell No Tales

114 Mins. Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church & Jeffrey Wright. Written & Directed By: Rian Johnson. On: Netflix.

Hallelujah! Awoken like HIM risen, we've finally got 'round to waking up the dead man. Apologies for the lateness. 'Wake Up Dead Man', the latest in the revelatory Rian Johnson's detective Benoit Blanc mystery (now a trilogy), had its world premiere, September 6th, at the Toronto International Film Festival, before screening at select theatres November 26th. Then, it made its streaming debut, on its Netflix home, on the twelfth of December. Saving it for coming home for Christmas to see my family, I waited a couple of weeks, but you know how the hoildays, and the New Year, gets. So finally, we got into it this weekend, albeit with screen sharing difficulty now that Skype is gone ('Past Lives' really was a love letter to all we lost). And a minor emergency across the sea. It involved a spillage. We'll pick up the rest next week. Come on up to the house, like Tom Waits singing the closing credits. A good film for Friday for your sins.

A week before that I wasn't late for the latest big-budget Netflix release. 'The Rip', starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and a whole host of Hollywood stars in an epic ensemble (much like this all-star cast). In promoting that movie, the 'Good Will Hunting' pair revealed that one of Netflix's provisos is that they reiterate the plot every fifteen minutes all for those glued to their not so smart phones. Perhaps that blank space and stare of audience attention is why every one of these Blanc sequels, like the great 'Glass Onion', are dubbed 'A 'Knives Out' Mystery'. It hasn't been about the blades, minus the murder weapon that goes in, since the original movie that saw Ana de Armas throw up all over the iconic cable-knit sweater of Captain America himself, Chris Evans. Perhaps if we really want to identify these movies, like Bond...James Bond, we should call them 'A Benoit Blanc Mystery'. Because just like Daniel Craig ('Queer', 'Cowboys & Aliens', 'Logan Lucky') is getting as well known for this agent like he was 007, the character of Blanc is finding his magnified way next to all the Sherlock's and Poirot's of the genre.

Staining the glass and ringing the church bells. Whether it's a 'Thursday Murder Club', or 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' (both also on Netflix), sleuthing is back in fashion. Especially when it comes to the dashing Daniel. The accent and rich tan certainly helped him shake off the stirring Her Majesty's secret service suit, but in this one, the GQ tailored Dick Tracy garb is joined by some floppy and fancy hair, flowing free. A character in itself, like the many mannerisms and engrossing expressions Craig's Benoit pulls when trying to solve who pulled all this off. This time, you're drawing a blank with Monsieur Blanc until he appears at the church steps about an hour in to the movie. But what an entrance. Never mind, though. The rest of the ample cast more than measures up to set the scene. So much so, you almost forget about Daniel Craig, until he reminds you how could you. Especially our narrator, in the form of young King Charles himself, Josh O'Connor's ('The Crown', 'Challengers', 'La chimera') bare-knuckle priest. Perfect in his performance.

He'll tell it like this. There's been a murder and there's some missing inheritance to boot. The rest, we'll leave it up to your own discovery as this mystery peels back even more layers than an onion that shatters. It's a great yearn though, highlighted by some stellar performances across the pews. At the pulpit, Josh Brolin ('No Country For Old Men', 'Sicario', 'Weapons') delivers divisive sermons, more controversial than Thanos, all whilst looking like Kris Kristofferson (thanks, Mum). But it's the great Glenn Close who owns all of this, by his side, reuniting with Netflix after their 'Hillbilly Elegy'. Mila Kunis also cops a role alongside Hawkeye Jeremey Renner. There are so many stars in this, even the legacy making likes of Kerry Washington are further down on the call-sheet than they deserve. The great Jeffrey Wright also bookends this story with his gravelly gravity. Still, whether it's rising star Cailee Spaeny ('Priscilla', 'Civil War'), or 'Ripley' and 'Fleabag's' Andrew Scott not playing a sexy priest here (believe it or not). It's veteran Thomas Haden Church ('Sideways', 'We Bought A Zoo' and Spider-Man's Sandman) and newcomer Daryl McCormack ('Peaky Blinders') who steal the show. There is great grace in this film. The mystery of this dead man's wake goes all out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Knives Out', 'Glass Onion - A 'Knives Out' Mystery', 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials'.

TV REVIEW: ARE YOU SURE?! - Season 2

3.5/5

Sure Thing

8 Episodes. Starring: Jimin & Jung Kook. On: Disney +.

Are you ready, ARMY? It's time to call it a comeback. Now all members of South Korean pop phenomenon BTS have completed their mandatory military service, the group will return with their first full-length studio album in six years, 'ARIRANG', marching forward in two months time. Not to mention, the sure to be sold out in seconds world tour to follow. RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, V, Jung Kook and Jimin. The last two, most recently giving their final salute as RM's sax played in spirit. But before coming home, after being discharged from the other army, Jimin and Jung Kook went on another trip to film the second season of their 'Are You Sure?!' travel show on Disney Plus, just a fortnight later.

New York, USA and Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan set the scene for season one of this offbeat, irreverent travelogue of sorts, right before they enlisted. Season two sees the pair take a plane to Zermatt, Switzerland, bringing back memories of a sweet sixteen trip there with my parents. Not to mention, some of the most moving moments on the iconic K-Drama, 'Crash Landing On You'. Even the mountainous peaks of the Matterhorn could give Japan's Mount Fuji a run for its altitude. After a brief break in Zurich, the boys then send postcards and lanterns from their Asia neighbouring Vietnam, Da Nag to be exact, for an eighth wonder of a final adventure. But what they do in these lavish locations is even more impressive than the views at night. If they're not jumping off mountains and boats, they're having ships drag them into the sky as they scream and laugh with the pure euphoria and delight of youth.

Classic camaraderie. It's hard for this not to all be contagious, even for the most hardened cynic. Sure, watching these guys eat will wear on you worse than if you were actually left with the bill. And these hour or so long episodes from season one now come in at a movie runtime length here. Some fat could be trimmed, like these guys on the treadmill before they get ready for the big Bangtan comeback. Hardcore ARMY fans will love it but miss last season's special guest V, too, but Jung and Jim still call up RM, Jin and J-Hope on the phone. All whilst constantly dancing to Hope's 'Killin' It Girl'. It's clear the love has always been there. Never to be lost. And there's just something endearing about this designer TikTok/YouTuber show, complete with cute video game sound effects and hilarious edits. You'll cry too, with laughter, as you watch how these guys play games with their staff. CHAM! CHAM! CHAM! Forget singing for your supper. These squad members compete in charades and neologisms all to have more time on their phones. Because digital minimalism is the trend this season. And once these guys have their phones locked away on a timer, they, and we, may just realize life is better off lived without them. Now, that's for sure. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Jung Kook: I Am Still (The Original)', 'Travelling With SnowMan', 'Friendcation: In The Soop'

REVIEW: THE RIP

3.5/5

Good Rip Hunting

113 Mins. Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins & Kyle Chandler. Screenplay: Joe Carnahan. Director: Joe Carnahan. On: Netflix.

A.W.T.G.G. Are we the good guys? That's what's tattooed to Matt Damon's hands on his new movie 'The Rip', streaming now on Netflix, for all those who don't fancy making a pilgrimage to 'The Bone Temple', '28 Years Later' (do so). And when it comes to Artists Equity, like his company with constant collaborating co-star and frequent flying friend, Ben Affleck, it appears they are always and always will be. The dynamic duo's (even though one never got to play Robin) revolutionary company promises fair pay across the board for cast and crew. And now, with their new deal with the world's most successful streaming service, everyone on board will receive a bonus if this big picture is a hit. That's worth hitting the "continue watching" tab for. And we promise you, this all-action affair with tense and thrilling twists you'll never see coming is no rip. It's the real deal, Holyfield.

Hollywood heavy hitter movies usually end up fair to middling on Netflix. See, 'The Gray Man' with Ryan Gosling and a charismatic cap villain in Chris Evans. More 'Red Notice' picture perfect postcard locations than movie quotations. Yet 'The Rip' tears apart all of that. Sure, it doesn't raise any cerebral questions, like the life and death, biblical proportions of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple', disguised as a zombie movie, but it does the stakes. Right there with some of its better TV shows, like Jude Law and Jason Bateman's 'Black Rabbits'. Or the new 'His & Hers' of Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. And that is thanks, in part, to the classic combination and perfect partnership of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in this hit flick about cops and those crooked ones that may as well be robbers. Affleck plays gruff, disgruntled police to perfection (after all, he was 'The World's Greatest Detective') and Damon, again on another rich form, is like you've never seen him before. All before 'The Odyssey' of what could be his best year yet. Stepping it up, like he always does with Nolan.

Affleck was one of the only outsiders able to visit Christopher's set. That's how tight he and Damon are. They've appeared together in more movies recently. Their 'Rashomon' inspired 'The Last Duel' with Ridley Scott. Or how Nike wooed Michael Jordan with Amazon's 'Air' (amazing). But this is 'Dogma' nostalgia for the kids who came up writing their career path and are now legends in the game. A nice nod to 'Good Will Hunting' is so beautiful you may actually just tear-up with the subtle symbolism, as it's clear these men have made no mistakes in the movies. Matt also tells us, in this perfect plot, that Netflix movies actually demand that the plot points be reiterated several times over the movie for those stuck on their phones (at least they don't watch the movie on those). But in this artillery of action, even the most ardent and aggressive scrollers will have their attention attached back. Affleck has been known to direct great gun play like Michael Mann (see, 'The Town' and 'Live By Night'). But this ain't him. Instead, 'The Rip' is written and directed with dynamite by Joe Carnahan ('Bad Boys For Life', 'The A-Team', 'Smokin' Aces'), running carnage. Not to mention, blood, guts, bullets and high octane, in this pride and glory.

It's also not just Affleck riding shotgun (and deft with one in the driving seat) with Damon in this cop car. An all-star cast with that Netflix money makes for an epic ensemble. There's beef with the good two service issue shoes of Steven Yeun, whose stock continues to rise thanks to going by the script or recent successes. Speaking of which, newly minted Golden Globe Winner Teyana Taylor ('One Battle After Another', last year's best) is here too. Undeniable as always, but a little underused, as never again she will be. These bad boys, in Miami, Dade, have further South Beach heat brought out by 'The Flash' of 'The Young and The Restless'' very own Sasha Calle. Batman has his work cut out for him with this Supergirl, although they've never actually met before (that was Keaton). Her late grandmother's house has much more inheritance to it than meets the eye and the corrupt cops and cartel that will come out of the woodwork, like mice, to play, like warriors when glass bottles shatter on silent sidewalks. Come out, rising star Catalina Sandino Moreno ('Maria Full Of Grace', 'A Most Violent Year', 'Ballerina'), martial artist Scott Adkins on delightful desk duty and legend Kyle Chandler. You won't know what's what. Or what or who hit you. And that's precisely what 'The Rip' wants. Right on the money. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Triple Frontier', 'The Town', 'Training Day'. 

REVIEW: 28 YEARS LATER - THE BONE TEMPLE

4/5

The Bone Collector

109 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman & Chi Lewis-Parry. Screenplay: Alex Garland. Director: Nia DaCosta. In: Theatres.

Seemingly 28 minutes later comes '28 Year Later: The Bone Temple'. Not to be confused with the '28 Years Later' predecessor that came just over a half year ago. Although these two, streaming service search confusions of the future, were shot back-to-back for the '28 Days Later' post-apocalyptic horror franchise from director Danny Boyle ('Trainspotting', 'Slumdog Millionaire', '127 Hours') and writer Alex Garland ('Ex Machina', 'Annihilation', 'Civil War') that never gave us any months. Garland's been here for the last few weeks, but Boyle sits out of this one. He'll be back for the next and final chapter, mind you, which will also see the return of fellow executive producer and the first film and franchise's original face, Cillian Murphy ('Sunshine', 'Peaky Blinders', 'Oppenheimer'). As if you didn't know who that guy was. Breaking through to the other side the first time we saw him alone in hospital scrubs, walking a cleared Big Smoke. 

'Top Boy' director Nia DaCosta ('Candyman', 'The Marvels') handles directing duties here, and her vision is a vivid one. Danny has a champion with this one, much better than when he gave the game up for '28 Weeks Later', which is still a decent horror flick. This franchise has given us all sorts of stars. Naomie Harris. Idris Elba. Jeremy Renner. Most recently, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer. But lately, among the blood and guts of zombie-land movies and shows like 'World War Z' and 'The Walking Dead' (to bite at just a few), the twin '28 Years' films have been much deeper and darker fare. As cerebral as they are compelling. Not to mention as twisted as they are terrifying. Mining this sort of metaphorical storytelling substance from a genre that was in style maybe, say 28 years ago (sorry, I couldn't resist). Who would have thought it? Yet, it's all thanks to the great Ralph Fiennes ('Conclave', 'The Menu', 'The King's Man'). M's 'English Patient' has been on a tear lately. And as an iodine saturated medicine man, some will see as a quack, he gives us and this double-act its beating heart and human touch. And just wait until he takes the needle off Depeche Mode and drops it on Iron Maiden.

Brutal, but beautiful, welcome to 'The Bone Temple'. Equal measures disturbing and touching. Sometimes you'll be moved to genuine tears and won't be able to hold back your sobs. Others, you'll barely be able to look at the screen or hold your lunch. Be warned, whichever one you're not comfortable with. If not both. Personified perfectly by '28 Years Later' breakout star Alfie Williams ('His Dark Materials'). Doing for fear itself what multiple award-winner and next one up, Owen Cooper did for the anger of 'Adolescence'. During the post credits ("...") of the last film, we saw him rescued by a gang of blonde wig wearers led by Jack O'Connell ('This Is England', 'Unbroken', 'Back To Black'). But was he really? And did you hear right? Yes, for the second one. The 'Starred Up' star, with shades of his 'Sinners' demon, plays a satanist called Sir Jimmy, who leads a gang of members who all also call themselves Jimmy (including a standout Erin Kellyman ('The Green Knight', 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier')). Hmm!

Now then, having a trackie and gold chain wearing gang is too close for comfort, even without the cigar. A curious choice at best, this gang who grew up watching the Teletubbies also seemingly, albeit not stated, take their look from Jimmy Saville. The disgraced TV presenter whose abusive acts and callous crimes are too dark and disturbing to report here. No amount of O'Connell charm (so honest and good in the West End adaptation of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' with Sienna Miller, almost a decade back now) can get past that and one truly horrific scene that more than shows that the real horror comes from humanity, like a Stephen King novel. Yet, the actor himself has remarked that this is Garland's social commentary on the dangers of idolizing a figure that may be hiding who they truly are, as this Sir Jimmy and his disciple like Fingers (yep) show us what happens to a revolting youth with no parental, or guardian guidance. And remember, they were just kids watching Tinky Winky and Dipsy when the virus hit. Perhaps coloured costumes and aerials on their head would have been better. Now, how's that?

Contrasting that elsewhere in this legendary, guerilla franchise with the iconic theme, and even deeper ones to match, is the bromance bond between alpha Samson and new franchise favourite, Fiennes. If you thought Chi Lewis-Parry bared all in the last film (he really did, Karl-Anthony Towns voice), then just wait until you see this one. His zombie head won't be the only thing that's talked about this time 'round, as the mind moves more towards hope after the last inspired instalment made for a truly moving movie, shrouded in sorrow and that dark ache of despair. To say more would be to spoil, but it's time to start mocking up those IMDB and Wikipedia pages for Lewis-Parry because he really can act. Not just some big guy with a big, ahem. He really finds the beating heart below the beast that rages inside (steady) influencing even more insight into this Z genre, and its viral message. One that looks to continue via the big-three of Boyle, Garland and Murphy's lore. Back to basics, the franchise fans will love it. But these films are nothing now, especially when it comes to feeling, without the temple of the dog. Bones and all. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: '28 Years Later', '28 Weeks Later', '28 Days Later'