'THE END OF OAK STREET' is Jurassic Park in your backyard

Jurassic World

99 Mins. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella & Christian Convery. Screenplay: David Robert Mitchell. Director: David Robert Mitchell. In: Theatres.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Ross from 'Friends', and all you other fellow dinosaur obsessed millennials, you're going to love driving to 'The End Of Oak Street'. An 80s set time-warp with 'Stranger Things' going on (you'll love the soundtrack, too). Starring 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' star Anne Hathaway (who is really owning the summer, in almost everything right now), Obi-Wan Ewan McGregor, and rising stars of the future Maisy Stella and Christian Convery, not to mention, Starbuck the dog, in a family that's about to go nuclear. Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell ('It Follows', 'Under The Silver Lake'). It's the surprise hit of the summer, between stories of toys and men as spiders you all know and love, that just springs up on you, with a barely explained plot. But isn't that what we always knew and loved about golden era popcorn blockbusters? Leaving your brain at home, and a much-needed escapism respite, for this writer, to conclude a Monday triple-header, following the heaviness of 'The Drama' and 'Obsession'.

Stephen King loved it (check his Threads). Steven Spielberg will be proud. And J.J. Abrams is producing. Netflix may have something to say, though. This source code is a lot like 'The Last House', starring Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, recently streaming (we'll get to that). But still, it's more 80s and fun-filled like the COVID time era, forgotten but fond 'The Adam Project', starring Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldana and Mark Ruffalo, as Deadpool, Gamora and Hulk got into their own mind-bending time travel. You see, these Oak Street residents don't move, but does their house? Because look who just moved in. Guess who's coming to make you dinner. A bunch of prehistoric creatures that are welcomed like 'Jurassic Park', but with more feathers and bird-like accuracy, to this big-screen event you shouldn't wait for on streaming. Scary in the dark? Jeff Goldblum was right. There goes the neighbourhood.

This summer blockbuster season, you'll be getting out your seat and taking off your sunglasses, like the late, great forefather of all this, Sam Neill (rest peacefully, Sir), when you see this. Turning your partner's head to the screen if they're looking at their phone, like Laura Dern, a leaf. Because there's nothing aloof about this. And maybe, like 'The Drama' and the 'Obsession' beforehand, it's not for the faint of heart. Some of the bodies counted for on Oak Street are bloody and brutal, but also, in a blockbuster kind of way, brilliant. This science-fiction survival of the fittest film, from 1982 to the land before time, throws everything at you whilst you throw your popcorn in the air. Jump scares and actually earned suspense are back in the biggest of ways, and you'll be glad you paid to see this in all its grand, gory glory.

But you may, maybe want to leave your kids at home. No matter, how stellar Maisy and Christian Convery are, coming of age. Yet it's Anne Hathaway who owns this, leading with a rifle, like fellow 'Prada' sporter Emily Blunt with a blunderbuss in 'A Quiet Place'. This is also more sobering, richer depths with what Ewan McGregor brings to the table. And we're not just talking about that 80s delivery driver pizza from his side-gig. Mitchell's movie, like many a Spielberg 'War Of The Worlds' inspired tale before, is actually really about the disaster that faces a family in crisis, and the way they roar and rage against the dying of that light. It's thanks to that nature that makes this film, more ludicrous than a 'Fast and Furious' actor (or film), one that you actually take seriously. No matter how much the stakes, or white picket fence home roofs are raised. We're almost at the end of the summertime. Just enjoy 'The End Of Oak Street'. It's roaringly good fun.

Further Filming: 'Jurassic Park', 'Source Code', 'The Last House'.

'THE DRAMA' that we just can't handle

To Have and to Hold.

105 Mins. Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie & Alana Haim. Screenplay: Kristoffer Borgli. Director: Kristoffer Borgli. In: Theatres.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Imagine it's just gone Monday morning and you're about to watch one of the biggest movies of the year, not to mention, the second highest-grossing horror ever, 'Obsession'. In the middle of the day. On your day off. How heavy would you feel afterwards following its necessary viewing and message of consent? Oh, and did I forget to mention, you just watched A24's 'The Drama', that's just come out in Japan after an April American roadshow release, right before? The only thing more brutal than this 'Drama' and 'Obsession' double-feature, back-to-back, bordering on insanity, is making it a big-three. Trying to get some blockbuster, dinosaur eating escapism at 'The End Of Oak Street'. Hey, I'm a film fanatic who writes about movies, who was way behind schedule last week. What do you expect?

Well, I wasn't expecting this and the polarizing plot twist that we simply can't spoil, but you should maybe look up if you're now approaching 'The Drama' with some trepidation. It does feel a little forced and unfair that there is no knowledge of this prior to going in, reviewers instructed not to reveal. As deeply unnerving and unsettling as 'Obsession', this is not for the faint of heart, or those who find these themes triggering. And we're not trying to poorly play on words with a pun here. But maybe you're starting to get it. Kristoffer Borgli ('Sick Of Myself', 'Dream Scenario') gives us one of the most darkest and dangerous dramas of the decade, let alone this compelling calendar. Even if you hate it, you can't help but keep watching...even if this was on Netflix, where you can choose to continue doing so, or not, and not stuck inside a theatre. Isn't this what moviemaking on the brink of actual artwork is supposed to do? Unseat us. Make us think and maybe even act differently. Cinema is supposed to challenge and you know Zendaya is a challenger.

Now she adds another broad brush to her career stroke, with a singular name arguably as famous now, as Beyoncé. For every 'Dune' franchise and 'The Odyssey' is a 'Euphoria' or 'Malcolm & Marie'. Yet she hasn't done anything quite like this...until now. The 'Spider-Man' redefining M.J. knows how to flip between pop and rock, like Jackson and Jordan, and this bold choice with 'The Batman' Robert Pattinson (also in 'Dune' and 'The Odyssey', but so much more in things like 'The Lighthouse' and 'Good Time') is a brilliant, resolute one for the absolute movie megastars. It can't always be the beautiful, but brave, kindness and humility of a Holland Hollywood, no matter how much we love that guy. And he took a darker turn, with Pattinson, too, for Netflix's 'The Devil All The Time', back in 2020.

Before they take the whole nine yards, down the aisle of this dark romantic comedy, Pattinson and Zendaya have entitled wine and dining with two of their best friends. Played perfectly by scene-stealer and Paul Thomas Anderson muse, Alana Haim ('Licorice Pizza', 'One Battle After Another', and so many classic PTA music videos with her sisterhood of 'Women In Music', Haim) and the gentle grace of Mamoudou Athie ('Kinds Of Kindness', 'The Burial', 'Jurassic World: Dominion'). Here, the four, not looking so fantastic, get into a dangerous game of "what's the worst thing you've ever done" (I'm out!). You think you've heard it all and the crux catalyst of this movie and then it gets worse and worse. And I'm sorry, we just can't bring ourselves to say it. But what results, in quite possibly the worst thing you could imagine, especially for a mainstream movie, is a lot of conflicted empathy and an absolute conviction of the fact that real dramas are supposed to bring exactly that to our breaking points.

You can't condone what goes on here. The motives, or the actions after. But in a hurt world looking to heal, this movie tries to find some understanding in the root cause. Because if we don't identify the problem, then we can never solve the issue that is like an epidemic in America (I think you really know what we're getting at now), like depression and suicide in South Korea, and all other wars that are being fought across a world in arms that need to reach out to each other instead. We can barely say any more than what 'The Drama' is trying to tell you, no matter the critical and commercial fallout. That was always the risk. But it actually paid off, in tune to $132.4 million worldwide (off a budget of 28 mill), and sung praises from critics alike. But will this Hollywood couple holding all the throbbing hearts actually make it to the altar, hand-in-hand? Especially with passive-aggression and hypocrisy at the table as invited guests? Well...you'll have to save the date, but also the timely message of something that means more than in sickness and in health. This is no amateur dramatics. It's real-life. Something we should face and consider now, just like those rightfully opposed to this movie. Because if we want to stop the drama, shouldn't we have resolve and peace made between both sides?

Further Filming: 'Die My Love', 'Obsession', 'Malcolm & Marie'.

'OBSESSION' has a message of consent that we all need to take home with us

Love Is Blind

109 Mins. Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless & Andy Richter. Screenplay: Curry Barker. Director: Curry Barker. In: Theatres. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

An indie that just passed $500 million worldwide. The biggest original film of the decade. The highest-grossing original horror film of the century. Right now, it only sees the great M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense', starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette, ahead of it as second-biggest original horror ever.

Curry Barker ('Milk & Serial', the forthcoming 'Anything But Ghosts') might just be the next great YouTuber turned horror director after Kane Parson entered Hollywood through the 'Backrooms' and changed the horror game. The genre has always been about using surface scares to cut at something deeper in the heart and horrors of humanity. From the tomes of Stephen King and all the movies he's inspired and been adapted for (we see some 'Misery' here...but in a whole different way), to all the iconic characters (Freddie, Jason, et al) and what they really symbolize in society. But lately, it's been elevated, like a possessed person, to an even higher art-form, worthy of all the awards. And that's thanks to modern greats, like Jordan Peele ('Get Out', 'Us', 'Nope') and Ari Aster ('Hereditary', 'Midsommar', 'Beau Is Afraid'). The social-commentary is something even the subtle science of superhero movies can't quite fathom in the movie mainstream.

Star Inde Navarrette ('13 Reasons Why', 'Superman & Lois') is about to go Rogue for the new X-Men academy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, alongside the likes of 'Stranger Things' star Sadie Sink and 'Star Wars' icon Adam Driver. And this gifted youngster deserves the awards that will come her way too, Sugar! Alongside the conflicted conscience of a layered and nuanced Michael Johnston ('Teen Wolf', 'Slash'), not just reduced to a tired, toxic male trope, and standout performances from Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless, not to mention, the great Andy Richter. This incredible, inspired and influential indie is one of the biggest films of the year. Even impressing on 'The Odyssey' of Christopher Nolan, who after seeing this, is considering delving into the genre of horror more. Not content at just scaring us with the Gods and monsters of Homer.

Tom Holland loves it, too. Calling it the reasons that we go to movies. And he's right. Just like his 'Brand New Day' is on the money, passing Marvel's 'Endgame'. He and Zendaya are in both this and 'The Odyssey', but in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' they also give us a message about autonomy and possession...albeit in a much friendlier, more neighbourhood round of way. Here in Japan, 'The Drama' of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson has just arrived in theatres, and the catalyst of that plot really needs to be discussed in another review. Because it's another difficult watch and challenges you to the core, like this one. The way some movies, and works of art, ought to do. You best believe watching these two movies back-to-back yesterday was heavy for the heart. Add the surprise, jump-scare hits of 'The End Of Oak Street' (Stephen King loves that, too, just so you know) to the end of the day and it wasn't just my wages that were spent.

Unsettling and deeply unnerving, 'Obsession' is a film that will make you obsessed with keeping the lights on. Even if its scares are more psychological, that's what scars differently and deeper. Darker in its tones. Curry knows how to bark up the right tree of all the tricks and trades of horror movies, but there's something more going on than simple jump scares. Who would have thought that duct tape and Jenga would be so terrifying, now that the cat is well and truly out the bag. Much more than that though, it's the shadowy, soulless look in the eyes (see above), that's no trick of the camera, and the way Navarrette moves in some instances will send more than shivers down your spine as you check the corners of your room. More meaningful, still, when Inde screams, in her real form, your blood won't just be curdled, your heart will be broken. And you just may be left screaming and crying yourself, like Michael, because 'Obsession' is as heart-breaking as it is horrifying.

You see, Johnston's character is more than a little obsessed by Inde's. The close friends, could have been something more, maybe, in another life, if they just talked about it, and that was both their choosing. And that's another thing that makes this all so sad. But instead, in a moment of passive madness, not knowing what he was really doing, Johnston's Bear snaps a novelty, 'One Wish Willow' toy. And I bet you can guess what he wished for. Bear being an appropriate, not so cuddly name, although I could have sworn I heard him being called Caesar at one point, too, that would absolutely be in line with the corrupting themes of power. Now, what comes next shan't be spoilt, but it's what makes Barker's theme so brutal, brilliant and bloody necessary to see. And to think this all came from pitching a different 'Obsession' about an episode of 'The Simpsons'' legendary 'Treehouse Of Terror' series. Now, 'Obsession' is in the top ten of 2026 gross. And it's even more than gross.

Everything from 'Hansel & Gretel', to 'Romeo and Juliet' gets referenced here, and sure, some critics may look at this star-crossed lover and think it reduces woman in love to obsessed maniacs, but that's not what's happening here, or the point. Horror has always been a genre to shock and awe, but the bones beneath reveal more than an X-ray of the soul. All as we need to flesh out some of the deeper themes and talking points that don't get discussed in this day and age of social media manipulation. No to mention, the swipe right shopping that has become of modern dating with no actual application. 'Obsession' has a message about consent that everyone needs to be aware of. And if people can't see that, they will definitely hear that when they receive the real Inde on the other end of the phone. 

This is just something you can't put down. These utterly disturbing sounds, alongside the visuals that will stay with you much longer and harder than the bump in the night, should have everyone questioning their moral ground. Especially men. A more extreme version of the writing of 'Ruby Sparks', 'Obsession' does something that Chris Pratt's science-fiction 'Passengers' failed to do. Hold us all accountable. A man must never make a woman do his biding. This shouldn't even have to be explained. Just expected. Always. This is no 'Weird Science'. And love can only exist if it exists, not if it persists. The leading man knows that, as the one who has his heart turns into a hybrid of 'Carrie' and 'The Exorcist', and something far more terrifying inside. But let's stop learning when it becomes too little and all too late. The love you hold in your heart may be your own, but the will of those you hold a candle for is their own. Absolutely so. If you blow it out...please don't make a wish.

Further Filming: 'Misery', 'The Invisible Man', 'Ruby Sparks'.

It's Apocalypse now for 'X-MEN '97' Season 2

X Marks The Spot

9 Episodes. Starring: Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak, Lenore Zann, George Buza, A. J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, Ross Marquand, Adrian Hough & Gil Birmingham. Created By: Beau DeMayo, On: Disney +.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Oscar Isaac, in my humble opinion, is one of the finest actors we have working today. The 'Inside Llewyn Davis', 'A Most Violent Year' and second serving of 'Beef' star was also somewhat of a Disney and Marvel mainstay of late. Until some comments related to Jimmy Kimmel's then firing by Mickey Mouse maybe hinted his return wasn't such a plus. Poe Dameron of the Star Wars universe is in the M.C.U. as the cult hero 'Moon Knight', who really deserves a second season. Not to mention in the Sony Spider-Verse as the voice of Spider-Man 2099 that we'd love to see him mantle take up in live action. But where it all started for Isaac was in the 'First Class' then new X-Men series starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Sir Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. After a superior sequel, 'Days Of Future Past', taking it back to the comics, 'Apocalypse' looked to complete a terrific trilogy, with the outstanding Oscar as the titular, iconic villain. 

But what we were left with was messy at best. More make-up than mutton dressed as lamb on a Friday night left Isaac looking more like a Power Rangers villain, and unrecognizable to say the least. The film had its moments (Quicksilver), but they were mostly flashes in pans. Oscar's best line in the movie? "I'm inside you, Charles!" Hand out his first name. Still, sometimes it just happens like that in movies. Thankfully, 'X-Men '97' rights that ship in an amazing year for Marvel. One that's already seen a brilliantly bright 'Brand New Day' for 'Spider-Man' out gross 'Endgame'. Alongside his own verses of 'Spider-Noir' on Prime Video and 'Friendly' ones to come. Not to mention, or forget, a cult, but cruelly cancelled, wonderful 'Wonder Man' and a reborn 'Daredevil's' second season. All this and we haven't even got to the dowry on the Downey 'Doomsday' yet. Let alone the intriguing and inspired 'VisionQuest'.

But we all know what's really animated, between 'What If...?' and 'Marvel Zombies', the 'X-Men '97' redux being rebooted for a second series of your favourite, legendary theme tune, with some Easter Egg twists that turn through this season. Back in the day, it was Jordan or Jackson, Schwarzenegger or Stallone, Tupac or Biggie, and 'X-Men', or 'Batman: The Animated Series'. Well, that great debate isn't going to be settled any time soon as they are both back in this nostalgic time for animation that also sees the return of my hero in the 'King Of The Hill'. This 1997 throwback throws down with another Prime Video in 'Batman: Caped Crusader'. The spiritual successor to Bruce Timm's legend. From swimming in adult entertainment with 'Hit Monkey' and 'M.O.D.O.K', to giving us arguably the best web-slinger in 'Into The Spider-Verse', Marvel have always been novel when it comes to the graphics of their comic ideas by the book. This one claws even deeper. . Like more 'Visions' of Star Wars for 'The Ninth Jedi'.

All the way to another comic call-back that beckons you over. The voices of Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak, Lenore Zann, George Buza, A. J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, Ross Marquand, Adrian Hough and the great Gil Birmingham are back to Beau DeMayo's X-Men, fired or not. When a character says they need to return to a time when the X-Men were most vulnerable...the 90s, you can hear the cheers for and to. This is what your lost youth has been waiting for like a 'Simpsons' comic-book guy. Worst nothing ever. This is so much fun. We simply can't call the cast of characters that compellingly come suiting up...because that would spoil it all. And avoiding which, if you thought that major moment in the first season was heart-breaking, wait until you see the apocalypse that comes into the Egyptian desert now. There won't be a dry in the house for an animation as legendary as Japanese anime. Right now, they've just cast the new, new X-Men, featuring everyone from (REDACTED) to Adam Driver as a perfect Mr. Sinister, but nothing has it quite like the original, original X-Men. To me.

Further Filming: 'X-Men (1992)', 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', 'Batman: Caped Crusader'.

Yup, KING OF THE HILL Season 15 takes the throne

Up On The Hill

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

10 Episodes. Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom & Ronny Chieng. Created By: Mike Judge & Greg Daniels. On: Hulu & Disney +.

We'd say we were in the golden age of animated television, but the yellow family of sitcom's 'Simpsons' already took care of that, from the crude drawings of when you millennials were born, until around about now. That's despite that J. Cole lyric about Kendrick Lamar falling off, which we all know isn't true. He retracted all that (DOH!) and didn't want the smoke. Forget albums with no guest features. How about thirty something seasons and counting?

Half that and you get the fellow Fox come Disney + and Hulu show 'King Of The Hill', still created and show ran by Mike Judge & Greg Daniels, no matter how many times Hank Hill throws that lawn sign in the trash can...things like that were hilarious back in my day. I can't believe I'm saying that, but they still are. The Hills took an extended hiatus when Hank and Peggy moved to the middle-east, but propane proved to still be king when they returned last year to rave reviews. And just wait until you watch the last episode of this new set of ten which we hope gets us a sweet sixteenth season. Because 'King Of The Hill' may once again be the best thing on television, if you can still call it that, I tell you what. Animated or not. Couple that with Prime Video's 'Batman: Caped Crusader' spiritual sequel to 'The Animated Series', not to mention Disney's 'X-Men '97' reboot and it's not just a golden age, it's a nostalgic one. What a time to still be alive.

Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom are joined by one of today's funniest men Ronny Chieng in a show that throughout its history have added Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Meryl Streep to its lawn. Yup, it was Streep, Pitt and 'Friends' big back in its day and way. The picket fence stance with a tin of beer being their equivalent of a couch gag from 'The Simpsons', with as little as an "uh-huh." Back in the day it used to be the big-three of those two families and 'The X-Files' on Fox. I want to believe in small screen successes like that again. Now, in the revived blue-collars of Arlen, Texas, there's a few more wrinkles and a little less hair (same). Not to mention an all grown up Bobby Hill, no gout, who fuses Japanese food and loves BTS (OMG SAME!). Just wait until he talks to Hank about his favourite member and whether he'd jump off a bridge with "her", too.

In this season there's a failure to hard launch (alright, alright, alright, Mr. Texas, Matthew McConaughey once guest starred on this show too. We can't wait until Mickey Mouse brings all the seasons back) with Connie, a scruffy but lovely dog that will have you in "the feels" (Hank Hill voice) of your fondest memories. Scams, nerds and actual relation-SHIPS, in some comedic and compelling couple counselling. Not to mention a golden girl, a celebrity chef that makes Ramsey look as lovable as family. So literally cuddle up with someone (because there's an episode about that, too) before the rooster sounds another morning and just remember the good ole times of our lives and the shows that reflected them on the tube. 'K.O.T.H' knows how to keep up with the times (see, I put it in an abbreviation, I do, too), but isn't afraid to stay in its own lane. Because that's the sweet spot. And like the end of its Gracie Films like, quotable I.D.'s, season fifteen knocks it out the park.

Further Filming: 'The Simpsons', 'Family Guy', 'American Dad'.

BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER Season 2 holds all the cards

The Caped Knight

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

10 Episodes. Starring: Hamish Linklater, Jason Watkins, Eric Morgan Stuart, Krystal Joy Brown, John DiMaggio, Gary Anthony Williams & Michelle C. Bonilla. Created By: Bruce Timm. On: Prime Video.

Crusade your way through the golden era of the 90s, when M.J. was the G.O.A.T, in both music and basketball, and they even fed that animal to a T-rex in 'Jurassic Park', and you'll see and feel that entertainment was just different. Even before the real dawn of superhero movies, from Robert Downey Jr's "same mask, different task" Iron Man, to the 'Doomsday' the 'Oppenheimer' Oscar winner is going to bring back to the M.C.U., things got really animated.

There used to be a DC vs. Marvel debate. Which animated series was better. The 'X-Men', or 'Batman'?

Well we all know which one had the better theme tune, as you'll never hit "skip into", but Batman's opening card was art, too. Now the debate has been reignited with a rush of nostalgia to the pimply forehead. Because not only have Disney + brought back the 'X-Men '97' throwback redux for a second season, Amazon's Prime Video have also given us ten new episodes of 'Batman: Caped Crusader' for their own second series. Helping bolster Prime as a third wheel in the big-three battle of Netflix and Disney streaming services. Especially with their fellow film-noir superhero style of Nicolas Cage's madcap live-action version of his 'Spider-Noir' into the verse. An utter delight, live in living colour, or in true hue black and white.

This 1940s period piece doesn't need its live-action affair. From Keaton to Pattinson, we have too many brilliant Batman's for all that. Yet, how about one more in the late, great Kevin Conroy honouring Hamish Linklater (of 'Legion' fame)? He heads a vocal cast of Jason Watkins, Eric Morgan Stuart, Krystal Joy Brown, John DiMaggio, Gary Anthony Williams and Michelle C. Bonilla that are stars in this rogue's gallery war, even without the legendary Mark Hamill's iconic Joker voice and laugh. Because wait until you get a load of the one that will have you dying with a smile on your face here. Like 'Folie a Deux' with a lady going Gaga as Quinzel. What more could you expect from a show so brave, bold and brilliant enough to have Minnie Driver playing the penguin? Waddle aside, Colin!

You see, 'Batman: Caped Crusader' is more than a spiritual successor to the original and outstanding 'Batman: The Animated Series'. It's damn near an actual sequel, making its own legend in its own right. So much so that even the brilliant Bruce Timm is back to help (re)create Bruce Wayne. Not to mention every villain in the frame's origin story. A penguin with different plumage, a more gangster enigma, and a clown with a British accent who calls you brother?  Not to mention a beautiful Batmobile bonnet even bigger than this Dick Tracy's Desperate Dan chin. This J.J. Abrams Bad Robot produced gem with the help of latest Bat director Matt Reeves is the real Gotham knight the city deserves.

This wonderful Warner Bros. animation gets psychological, personal and profoundly powerful in parts. This young Wayne even has help with more Barbara Gordon than a killing joke...and it's not on us. The criminal foreboding continues on this super second season. Spinning its wheels, but not changing the mood of its Arkham ancestors. This season you'll have a rocketeer, zombies and even the devil himself. But it's when the cards are finally dealt that you have to give this crusader a hand. It's one deal you'll just shake on, even if you know in your bones, something in your hand will go buzzzzzz! But have no cape fear, this knight is the darkest and the dawn of more things, like before, to come.

Further Filming: 'Batman: The Animated Series', 'The Batman', 'X-Men '97'

A brand new SPIDER-MAN for a 'BRAND NEW DAY'

The Spider-Web Chronicles.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

145 Mins. Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, Liza Colón-Zayas & Mark Ruffalo. Screenplay: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. Director: Destin Daniel Cretton. In: Theatres.

Climbing up the water spout, back along comes a spider. The last time we caught Tom Holland's Spider-Man in 'No Way Home' (2021), he had a spell with Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor...excuse me, Stephen (still feels weird) Strange. One that reversed all the damage that Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio did to Peter Parker's alter-ego in 'Far From Home' (2019). So much so, now nobody knows his name like fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys. But in the concrete jungle where dreams and superheroes are made, your friendly, neighbourhood web crawler is back like the Knicks in five, baby! Ready to do battle with Prime Video's 'Batman: Caped Crusader' noir spiritual successor to 'The Animated Series'. In revenge for the cruelly cancelled ambition of Marvel's 'Wonder Man'.

The real marvel, helping to save a franchise some see as floundering (not me, I can't wait for the 'Doomsday'), was one the late, great Stan Lee conjured up when he was bored one day in his Manhattan office, staring at an arachnid scaling the walls. There's plenty of Easter Egg nice nods to some classic comic covers here, too, for this amazing fantasy and superior Spider-Man film that's as amazing as one of his old friends. This has been the longest time in-between Holland Spidey films, with good sense, as Tom's trilogy had two years between each film. It's now been four and almost ten years since his 'Homecoming'. It's actually, amazingly been a decade since his debut, shield and scene-stealing in 'Captain America: Civil War'. Yet this anniversary milestone provides Peter with a fresh start.

'Brand New Day' is not to be confused with the 'Desert Rose' of a Sting album. Although Parker is working with the police, and a cucumber cool, cop character chopped and cooked up by 'The Bear's' Liza Colón-Zayas. She's joined by her former head chef Jon Bernthal, who is having quite the year with his own 'Gary' episode of the Chicago town place of gastric worship. And his 'Dog Day Aftenoon' thing on Broadway with another member of the front of house. Not to mention his 'One Last Kill' standalone epic episode of The Punisher in bloody and brutal, disgusting and devastating, undeniable ultraviolence...especially for a Disney property. Mickey Mouse didn't do Frank Castle wrong. Apart from that GTA wasted CG.  And neither has the teenage superhero in redder spandex that gets right under Castle's skin than Daredevil. Although there is a swear jar, with a webbed lid on it.

To be Frank, Parker and The Punisher actually relate to each other in an outstanding odd couple for the cinematic canon. Especially when Castle brings his own shooters to Peter's web of intrigue. Stepping into the Robert Downey Jr. ('Homecoming'), Jake Gyllenhaal ('Far From Home') and Benedict Cumberbatch ('No Way Home') big brother role of mentoring, Bernthal nails what quite possibly might be his greatest turn in the skull spray-painted bulletproof vest yet. Especially when he brings his legendary truck to bear. Not to mention being the only M.C.U. character in the movie mainstream world that can get away with dropping the F bomb, alongside a couple of claymores. "Above his paygrade?" Nah, this is what fans have wanted to see from the street-level Marvel heroes, ever since the days they were defending for Netflix before the Disney deal.

Cool cameos keep this film compelling, but collected, as too many supes don't spoil the broth. And neither will we. But don't expect any Peter twos or threes. And those biggest fan theory dreams are truly the stuff of pipes and hype. Yes, Spider-Man fights The Hand in a prison, as well as on Google maps, but that doesn't mean you're going to see another red. That one catches a brick. We do have a Hulk though, and seeing Frank take on this tank is like another classic comic crossover, as Mark Ruffalo gives us the not so jolly green giant's most considered character conflict in years. Hulk CLAP! Holland, Bernthal, and Zendaya (who alongside Jacob Batalon's best friend gives us even deeper meaning as you are thrown through a gauntlet of emotions) are having quite the summer with this 'Brand New Day' and 'The Odyssey' of the latest and greatest Christopher Nolan epic. 

Yet the real fun lies here. Filmed especially for Screen X's big-three, but like 'Odyssey', inspired when it comes to the IMAX depths scaling skyscrapers. DO look down! Set to a strong, yet sweet script from Chris McKenna ('American Dad', 'Community') and Erik Sommers ('The LEGO Batman Movie', 'Ant-Man & The Wasp'), and directed with redefinition by 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'' very own Destin Daniel Cretton ('Short Term 12', 'The Glass Castle', 'Just Mercy'), who had some fight scene set-piece help from Jackie Chan and his team...and it shows! Delightful, dark. Heart-breaking, healing...and damn hilarious. This all feels brand new, even though Tom now wears his spider suit like a second skin...and that spider might have even more bite with science bit narration from the great Keith David. 

Naomi Watts' vocal assist, 'Mission: Impossible' submarine scene-stealer Tramell Tillman, and Michael Mando's Scorpion sting gives this tale even more teeth. But just you wait, and don't speak (no doubt), until 'Stranger Things' star Sadie Sink gets into her secretive, surprise role that could just be as iconic as her running up the hill with Kate Bush and rising above it all. Is that a hint? Or should you just watch? A fantastic film, like the four, that throws all sorts of red herrings at you, all before the countdown to the end of Marvel's calendar year. You'll see none of that here. But the closing credits of New York just being New York are as refreshing and as beautiful as the city becomes when you really see it for what it's worth in the world. With possession scenes straight out of Denzel Washington's 'Fallen' playbook, amazing action and signature Marvel sauce to spice up the malaise, this is the spider's day, man. Now, with more films than the legendary Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland is Spider-Man. 

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', 'The Odyssey'.