TV REVIEW: LOVE THROUGH A PRISM

4/5

The Colour Of Love

20 Episodes. Starring: Atsumi Tanezaki, Koki Uchiyama, Megumi Han, Yōhei Azakami, Shogo Sakata, Yuki Kaji, Akari Kitō, Yūko Kaida, Junichi Suwabe, Sumire Uesaka & Hōchū Ōtsuka. Created By: Yoko Kamio. On: Netflix.

Love is the greatest art and early twentieth-century London serves as the compelling canvas for the new Netflix anime 'Love Through A Prism' from 'Boys Over Flowers' author Yoko Kamio (also adapted into a manga in the same month from 'Special A' student Maki Minami). Now, it's brushes over boys, or maybe not one, as a Japanese student from Yokohama heads to the Big Smoke to make her dreams of being the next Van Gogh, Matisse, or Hokusai come true. The voice of Anya Forger from anime megahit 'Spy x Family', Atsumi Tanezaki, plays the plucky lass, Lili, and you'll barely be able to recognize that it's her as she enters a great British school of art on the parental proviso that if she doesn't come top of her class within six months, she's to come back on the next ship heading for the port town that this writer now calls home in the Land of the Rising Sun.

If this all seems a little paint by numbers, then just you wait until you see the sketching pencil thrown into the blue paint works. Lili thought she already had her work cut out for her, from her literal fish pie mornings, to keeping up with a scholar (Hōchū Ōtsuka) who likes to quote Shakespeare more times than the Globe Theatre. But now she's literally met her match in the stoic Kit Church (Koki Uchiyama) who would rather break a pencil than crack a smile. But he'll offer you a piece of bread covered in charcoal, like he was a beggar on the streets running by the Thames he sketches, like the Houses Of Parliament. Now wouldn't it be something if our young Japanese exchange student fell in love with said passion project rival? Wanting Church to call Lili his one and only like The Smashing Pumpkins song for all this melancholy. You'll certainly fall in love with this amazing anime of brushstroke beauty. Big Ben looking bold as such, with some classic Cotswolds countryside takes to deliver you from the big city bluster.

There's even a Marks & Spencer's, like this was Hong Kong, for this Far East hit. Yet, it's when this London creative calling animation heads back home to Japan that things get really traditional for the iconic Japanese art form. Beautiful black and white stroking and serenading you to the pan crackling sizzles of the old film style, sounding like a needle has been dropped on a record. Ending this twenty-episode serial, that never gets old, with a Holy Trinity, heaven sent, big-three. There will be fireworks too, my new city is famous for them, as you'll never know quite where the paint will run in this anything but predictable plot. Voice actor stars Megumi Han, Yōhei Azakami, Shogo Sakata, Yuki Kaji, Akari Kitō, Yūko Kaida, Junichi Suwabe, Sumire Uesaka round out the rest of the cast in the pub that turns this all into one of the modern day's greatest art forms. With the blooming 'Star Flower' of Chilli Beans in closing, following Naoki 'naotyu-' Chiba's terrific theme. Through a prism of love, this has all the colours or rich vibrancy and life itself. Hang it in the grandest of galleries to look through. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Violet Evergarden', 'Kids On  The Slope', 'Miss Hokusai'.

TV REVIEW: WONDER MAN - Season 1

4/5

Wonderful 

8 Episodes. Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sir Ben Kingsley, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Byron Bowers, Joe Pantoliano & Josh Gad. Created By: Destin Daniel Cretton & Andrew Guest. On: Disney +.

Acting right, isn't it a wonder that they always say this about Marvel? The Los Angeles Lakers like hated franchise of entertainment. They drop a few duds, more like misfires, and everyone from newsprint to social media columns says that it's over. Only for them to lament the grand return when we see Robert Downey Jr. at Comic Con with a different iron mask, and Cap back on task for a dominant 'Doomsday' trailer that's bringing all the universes together, even those old X-Men favourite's playing original dress-up, like 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. Marvel Television has already had genre bending hits ('WandaVision') with real depth. Let alone inspired instantly bingeable shows, released differently than their usual week-by-week scheduled programming ('Echo'). Because of that, critics were quick to call this one bad, when little hype and nary a trailer accompanied 'Wonder Man' in his Hollywood one. Until, like any young limelight upstart, this different, all the way to the credits, tough act to follow proved everyone wrong with its name in bright yellow lights.

Marvel Spotlight has already shone its gaze on a wider view of their comic-book world of graphic novels in gorgeous black and white. See the Halloween special 'Werewolf By Night', in colour, too, like the forthcoming 'Spider-Noir', starring 'Ghost Rider' Nicolas Cage on Amazon Prime. And a midseason break for this eight-episode wonder brings an actual comic character called Doorman (a brilliant Byron Bowers) to your front one. Even if it is 'Frozen' star Josh Gad who steals the show. He's not the only real actor getting in on the act of things, playing a fictional version of himself with epic exaggeration. How about 'The Matrix', 'The Fugitive' and 'Bad Boys' star Joe Pantoliano really showing you you shouldn't meet your heroes? Because this superhero story, from 'Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' director Destin Daniel Cretton and 'Hawkeye' producer Andrew Guest ('30 Rock', 'Community', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine') on Disney Plus, is about the making of one. 'Wonder Man', the classic TV show and the Stan Lee, Don Heck and Jack Kirby character with ionic energy. Ionic Man anyone? We already have a Wonder Woman.

Not to be confused with a DC Amazonian princess played by Gal Gadot, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II ('The Get Down', 'The Handmaid's Tale', 'The Adventures Of Cliff Booth') really is superpowered. After cutting his teeth in blockbusters like 'Baywatch' with The Rock and Hugh Jackman's 'The Greatest Showman', Yahya played Black Panther Bobby Seale in 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7', became 'Candyman' (after joining 'Us' with Jordan Peele) and even channelled Laurence Fishburne perfectly as Morpheus for 'The Matrix Resurrections'. Now the 'Ambulance' star is about to continue his terrific television run, taking over Denzel Washington's role as a 'Man On Fire'. But this hero for hire has already tried on capes on the other side of the street. Whether playing the Black Manta villain for the 'Aquaman' franchise, or pulling a Jason Mamoa Lobo and appearing beautifully in the HBO 'Watchman' show which we still shouldn't spoil. He even fought Captain America himself on 'Black Mirror'...and then some.  Yet through all of this, he was born to play Wonder Man, like this movie's director, played by 'Triangle Of Sadness' actor Zlatko Burić. The same man Hawkgirl dropped to his death in 'Superman' with a sexy look.

Marvel makes mistakes, sure, but the K.E.V.I.N. machine really knows how to pivot, and tie everything back together in a bold and beautiful bow. Because it's still all connected. In the worst example of whitewashing turned on its meta head, the M.C.U. made the legendary 'Iron Man' villain The Mandarin, a classically trained British bloke who loves football...I'm not calling it soccer. Pardon me, that English gentleman in different drapes was none other than the legendary Sir Ben Kingsley ('Lucky Number Slevin', 'Shutter Island', 'Hugo'). The Shakespearean actor who was both 'Gandhi', and a 'Sexy Beast'. Those who hated the 'Iron Man 3' twist found solace in the One Shot 'All Hail The King' with Scott McNairy. All before the one and only Trevor Slattery stole the show in Cretton's 'Shang-Chi' as the perfect surprise. Now, in 'Wonder Man', Kingsley gives more depth of heart and humour to Slattery. You'll never see him coming. And the beautiful bond formed with Mateen makes for the bromance of the year. They did that. Ready for another lesson? This show, with great turns from M.C.U. agent Arian Moayed ('No Way Home', 'Ms. Marvel') and comedian and 'The Daily Show' writer X Mayo, is the real marvel. Wonder no more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'WandaVision', 'Watchmen', 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'.

REVIEW: BUGONIA

4/5

Kinds Of Alienness

118 Mins. Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias & Alicia Silverstone. Screenplay: Will Tracy. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos. In: Theatres.

The secret life of the bees in your backyard, whose honey makes up one-third of our food, may just tell you the world as we know it is coming to an end. South Korean director Jang Joon-hwan ('Hwayi: A Monster Boy', '1987: When The Day Comes', 'The Running Actress') already warned us to 'Save The Green Planet!' over twenty years ago, and he serves as executive producer here after almost directing this remake of said film. 'Bugonia', however, an ancient Greek term meaning "ox birth", is now helmed by the great Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos ('The Lobster', 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer', 'Dogtooth'), with a script from Will Tracy ('The Menu', 'Succession', 'Last Week Tonight With John Oliver'), the former editor of The Onion. Tracy, himself, executive produced last year's social scathing 'Eddington', with paranoia running in the same vein here. That epic was directed by the great Ari Aster ('Hereditary', 'Midsommar', 'Beau Is Afraid'), who in turn, also serves this as a producer.

Now, if you thought the 'Sinners', 'Fruitvale Station', 'Black Panther' and 'Creed' combo of director Ryan Coogler and superstar actor Michael B. Jordan was the new Scorsese and De Niro/DiCaprio, then what about Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone? Lanthimos' last four pictures have all starred Stone. This, 'Kinds Of Kindness', 'Poor Things' and 'The Favourite'. And they've been coming out at an alarming clip. The last big-three coming out in successive years. And now, 'Bugonia' brings movies by Yorgos back to 'Best Picture' nominations at the Academy Awards after the criminally underrated 'Kindness' faltered. To be fair, it literally feels like it came out a week after 'Poor Things' which gave Emma Stone ('Birdman', 'The Help', 'Battle Of The Sexes') her second Oscar following 'La La Land'. She can count on another one here, as she bald bears all, dedicating even more of herself than Leonardo eating raw bison for 'The Revenant'. Another muse of Yorgos Lanthimos might just be the great Jesse Plemons ('Killers Of The Flower Moon', 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things', 'Civil War'), after he also took the lead in 'Kinds Of'.

Is Emma Stone an alien? Here, a perplexed Plemons, nursing grief and an online diet of hate (kudos to the review that gave this movie the tag-line 'Alien vs. Redditor'), believes so. Kidnapping this CEO of immense power, believing she's an even more powerful being looking to bring destruction to planet earth. Barely keeping his conspiracy theories together, like his tied-back hair, or 'X-Files' wannabe suit, Jesse masks his fear of a planet fading to black with what he thinks is righteous indignation. His basement jacked kidnapping going to hog-tying lengths of psycho-babble and torture by electrocution and Green Day's most popular album. What sort of dookie is this? As if we have the time to listen to him whine. Stone, on the other hand, rubbing antihistamine cream into her newly shaved dome, shows us who's really in control with another commanding performance to the powerhouse of her rapidly expanding and type-defying repertoire. One "guess who's coming to dinner" scene will really stick a fork in everything you thought was going to happen.

From cellar dwelling to giving thanks for this meal, the brutal and brilliant 'Bugonia' could even play out on the stage of theatre. But there are some other players in this dialogue that Plemons assures us is not 'Death Of A Salesman'. Jesse's tin-hat character, however, should be less concerned with all he's reading and believing on the internet, and more with what he's doing. Manipulating his autistic cousin to the lengths of confusion and chemical castration. Played with sincere soul by Aidan Delbis. Nominated at the Astra Awards as Best Young Performer, there is sensitivity and not a hint of what was going on with Benny Safdie in that Robert Pattinson movie that in that regard wasn't such a 'Good Time'. Plemons thinks he's doing this all for his mother, played by 'Clueless' and 'Batman & Robin' actress Alicia Silverstone (WHAT?!) to sobering effect. Picking up where she left off in Netflix's 'Reptile' (with Benicio del Toro and Justin Timberlake) and Lanthimos' own 'Sacred Deer'. Add stand-up Stavros Halkias' cop character, with a hinted abusive past as a catalyst, and this wild ox births new ideas about class and social media divides and the power of both. Not to mention the greed of human nature and the environment we think is our own. Be more responsible, honey! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Poor Things', 'Kinds Of Kindness', 'Save The Green Planet!'

TV REVIEW: HIS & HERS - Miniseries

3.5/5

Crime and Punisher

6 Episodes. Starring: Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Sunita Mani, Crystal Fox, Marin Ireland, Poppy Liu & Chris Bauer. Developed By: William Oldroyd. Showrunner: Dee Johnson. On: Netflix.

His. He is 'The Punisher'. Jon Bernthal, AKA, Frank Castle. Given a 'Brand New Day' with 'Spider-Man', and a Marvel Spotlight on Disney Plus after being 'Born Again' with 'Daredevil' last year. A superhero show that began on Netflix, like this true detective one. 'His & Hers', a six-episode miniseries on the most successful streaming service. Based on British novelist Alice Feeney's 2020 mystery novel and developed by William Oldroyd (the Florence Pugh 'Lady Macbeth' movie). Show ran by Dee Johnson ('Nashville', 'ER', 'The Good Wife'), the 'His' used to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge carrying a weighted backpack at the crack of dawn on his way to Castle in New York's Hell's Kitchen. After fuelling his 'Fury' acting by the fact that he couldn't see his new-born. All whilst impressing Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese with how he could sell you a pen in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. 'The Walking Dead' star is one of the best in the business ('The Accountant', 'The Bear', 'Wind River'), but here he rolls up his sleeves to cop a character that may be closer to this case than he lets on.

Hers. The only match for Marvel's skull and cross bones is the Queen of New Asgard herself, Valkyrie. Tessa Thompson is a terrific thespian, 'Passing' as a blockbuster actress (see, the 'Creed', 'Rocky' spin-off franchise). 'Dear White People', 'Sorry To Bother You'. 'Annihilation', 'War On Everyone'. Her credits are as vast as she is still underrated. But here, the 'Hers' forms a great one-two punch with Bernthal, himself. Husband and wife, yes. But the only thing this his and hers share now is a linkto the case they're both trying to investigate. One with a badge and gun. The other with a microphone and a slot on the 9 o'clock news. There's no his and hers towels. Just hotel ones and towels covering the back seat of trucks, as the only thing more crooked than this case is the cheating that goes on behind the scenes and between the sheets. 'His & Hers' is equal parts hot and horrifying. You'll be scared straight and terrified of who to trust, let alone your own lust.

'His & Hers' is not just a couple on the brink of divorce and cracking open this case that twist and turns more than extramarital lovers. Just outside of Atlanta, in the small town of Dahlonega, there's been a murder, and there's not enough police tape or newsprint to keep the public from finding out what's really going on. 'The Wire's' Pablo Schreiber captures more than what's on his camera. Whereas Rebecca Rittenhouse reveals even more, as Poppy Liu looks to cause trouble too. There is much darker depth in the heart of family, with Bernthal's sister Marin Ireland, and the moving mothering of Crystal Fox. And it's always good to see veteran actor Chris Bauer, on a 'Thunderbolts*' tear recently. But there's a real 'Glow' to this show that comes from Netflix scene-stealer Sunita Mani ('Mr. Robot', 'The Roses', 'Scenes From A Marriage'), about to solve this case on her own, all the way from Boston. 'His & Hers' woke up a calm January on Netflix with an addictive narrative that kept us guessing until the end. It's a shame that was all there was to it. Never mind. It still made a killing. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lowdown', 'Black Rabbit', 'The Madness'.

REVIEW: TOGETHER

4/5

'Til Death Do Us Part

102 Mins. Starring: Dave Franco, Alison Brie & Damon Herriman. Screenplay: Michael Shanks. Director: Michael Shanks. In: Theatres.

Scared of commitment? Then spending time with 'Together' will make your skin crawl. When Dave Franco ('21 Jump Street', 'Now You See Me', 'Night Shift') and Alison Brie ('GLOW', 'Scream 4', 'Promising Young Woman') wed, they became one of Hollywood's best young talent power couples. Now, for better or worse, they star together in Michael Shanks' (also serving as screenwriter) directorial debut. Joining hands in matrimony with a mysterious force for a body-horror, labour of love that strikes anxiety inducing themes of codependecy right at your nervous system. Now, that's a sticky situation to be in. Like falling through a forest into a cave surrounded by ominous bells with no phone service. Just whistles. So sweaty, you almost might not be able to come apart like held hands after a first date with sparks. But that's not mildew and that odor in your new home ain't mould. Do you smell a rat yet? Because the foreboding signs are everywhere, together.

Wannabe a betting man or woman when I say you'll be haunted by a Spice Girls single off their first album...and not because it's on vinyl? Coming a little closer and setting their spirits free, Brie and Franco have never been better. Not even in their first project together, 'The Rental' of Dave's directorial debut, to be frank. It's Shanks turn to get behind the camera and chair for his opening act, however. The 'Off The Air', 'The Wizard Of Aus', and 'The Slot' small-screen wonder could be the next Ari Aster, after this movie, if he keeps it together like this. Just like the indie film production and distributing company NEON, could be the bright new, electric start-up like A24, in all-caps. Especially if they keep making love stories like this and last year's 'Love Lies Bleeding' (also co-starring Franco). Out in the countryside this supernatural hit should scoop all the indie awards, darlings. Who knew a body horror could be so beautiful? Spiritual, not sensual. You'll more than shudder at the sex scene. This is the best explicit look of love since Japan's 'Romance Doll'. Don't be put off by the packaging.

Straining the skin and getting under it like Scarlett, this film will stay with you, to your core. All the way to a conclusion as satisyfing as the one of a wedded Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as 'The Roses'. Oddly the two movies, both available to watch in Japan to begin this year, sharing similair themes of love and marriage. But no matter what Cumberbatch and Colman throw at each other from the kitchen, instead of roses, you'll be scare absolute straight here by the things that go LOOK in the night. With 'Weapons' grade unnerving disposition. It really is the era for new horrors, and this one will have you choking on the hair you hide behind (I wish) as your skin will feel worse than what you couldn't watch with '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'. Brie's brilliant, but at times blind English teacher (they say love is) and Franco's lovesick, but stunted, wannabe musician without a driving license (um) called Tim (erm), act out all of love's twist and turns on one so bright it could burn you. Where no one, and everyone, is to blame. And what of a great Damon Herriman's ('The Bikeriders') concerned neighbour and teacher? I mean, this is a guy that played Charles Manson twice ('Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood', 'Mindhunter'). Contorting and fusing together like a rat-king, this eros in symposium will make purists and Plato proud. The origin and nature of together, forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Send Help', 'The Substance', 'Club Zero'.

REVIEW: THE ROSES

3.5/5

A Rose By Any Other Name

105 Mins. Starring: Benedict, Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao & Allison Janney. Screenplay: Tony McNamara. Director: Jay Roach. On: Disney +.

Coming up, smelling of roses, despite the thorns of divorce, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are bloomin' marvellous as 'The Roses'. The great Brits' delightfully dark, disarming and charming chemistry, in this black comedy, is combustible from their very first electric moment in the kitchen, unaware that they're holding hands, that won't part, together. Reminding us of the 'Together' body-horror, love story, from real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, released in Japan this weekend, now you can also see 'The Roses' on Disney Plus in the Land of the Rising Sun. Benedict's architect can't stand the heat of an insufferable apartment planning dinner meeting, so he goes into the kitchen of Olivia's head of all chefs. She offers him a bite. He can't get enough of the taste. She tells him she's moving to California tomorrow. He suggest coming along. "We haven't even had sex yet", she protests. "Yes, but that's just minutes away", he replies. DAMN!

Jay Roach ('Trumbo', 'Bombshell', those groovy 'Austin Powers' films, baby!) knows a thing or two about making classic comedies with a terrific twist to the genre's plot. See, 'Meet The Parents', 'Dinner For Schmuks' and 'The Campaign'. But here, he really blends his two-pronged attack of storytelling and joke-making. Sticking a fork in, not one, but two classic kitchen scenes that literally throw everything at you...except the kitchen sink (but give it a half hour and some power tools). Even Ralph Fiennes doesn't have this on 'The Menu'. Remaking 'The War Of The Roses', Warren Adler's 1981 novel, aaand the 1989 movie starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and director Danny DeVito, Roach sets fire to everything in sight at an alarming clip. Two of the best of British, when it comes to thespians and pop culture celebrities, Colman and Cumberbatch seem like a cheeky match made in Hollywood heaven. Especially when you see the name of Olivia's seafood restaurant out in Cali'. But just wait until this couple's retreat turns into 'Send Help' and a therapist couch that takes more hits than Billy Crystal's analysing Robert De Niro.

Colman's cuisine is flying. Meanwhile, Benedict's dream of playing house have done more than hit rocks. And there goes the budget...not to mention, the best YouTube remix video since those 'Fockers' did it with Ben Stiller. Because The Internet never forgets. Olivia couldn't be happier with today's special, Cumberbatch, on the other hand, must be forced to eat humble pie, with a bitter pill. It's also hard for Olivia Colman's character to swallow how Benedict Cumberbatch's stay at home Dad has not only turned their two kids into the next Olympic athletes, but also alienated them from her. 'The Favourite', 'The Crown' and 'The Lost Daughter' actress, and 'The Imitation Game', 'Sherlock' and 'Doctor Strange' actor are amazing on their own, but together...they're dynamite. Trading barbs, physical put downs and more one up man and womanship over contract negotiations (yep...that contract) than the most classic of comedies. A scene with the great Allison Janney channelling Laura Dern in 'Marriage Story' has more bite than its bark, tied up in the corner, when she's let off the leash. The perfect (on paper) pair even have an Alexa like home help called Hal, who would probably even open the pod bay doors for one, if the other one was out of earshot. Who gets him in the divorce?

I give it a year...if they're lucky. In this epic ensemble that plays host to some all-stars at the last supper like dinner table on this picture's promotional poster. All appetizer, main course and dessert served on Tony McNamara's script ('The Favourite', 'Poor Things', 'Cruella') until the satisfying toast in conclusion. Andy Samberg, with some of the best lines, plays best friend to perfection, but it's the wonderful Kate McKinnon who really seduces you, like her offbeat talent always does. SNL misses both members of this husband and wife team. The Roses may need more than a therapist, but there's a doctor in the house. Who? The endearing Ncuti Gatwa ('Sex Education'). But it's Sunita Mani who steals the show, like she does in things like, Netflix's 'GLOW' and 'His & Hers'. Jamie Demetriou is as hilarious as he was in 'Fleabag', and Zoë Chao (Providence, Rhode Island's finest) is as crazy as she was in 'Nightbitch', especially when the pair try their hand at British banter. Winning the bread, this dream home that turns into a nightmare is something you can't separate yourself from. This is one rose that doesn't smell like poo-poo-ooh. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The War Of The Roses', 'The Five-Year Engagement', 'We Live In Time'.

TV REVIEW: THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY

4/5

The Anthology Album

9 Episodes. Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr. Create By: The Beatles. On: Disney +.

Get back to Disney Plus, if you want to spend more time with The Beatles. Mickey Mouse has given the Fab Four from Liverpool a lot of real estate in Disneyland over the last few years. Almost like the Marvel of superheroes, Star Wars and, cue the clouds, 'The Simpsons'. Now, if you thought Taylor had her era here, and from 'The Final Show' of 'The Eras Tour', to 'The End Of An Era' six-episode docuseries coming at the same time, the biggest musician since John, Paul, George and Ringo really does, wait until you see these lads. 'The Lord Of The Rings' director Peter Jackson's almost nine-hour 'Get Back' documentary, taking a look at the making of their landmark last album 'Let It Be', and their final show on the rooftops of downtown London started it all, saving us in our social isolation, coming out of COVID. But over the last few years, Disney Plus have also given us the remastered 'Let It Be' documentary, thanks again to Jackson, and the year that was, the 'Beatles '64' epic. 

Count on more 'Help!' to come from The Beatles original movies before we get the fabulous four ones from Sam Mendes starring Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan. Not to mention Saorise Ronan and 'Shogun's' Anna Sawai as Linda McCartney and Yoko Ono, respectively. A Starz Original on the streaming service even gives you McCartney's '3, 2, 1', with a little help from his legendary producer friend, Rick Rubin (The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash's 'American Recordings'), but this is The Beatles 'Anthology' that you've been waiting for, created by the band itself. Nine episodes in the biographical docuseries like no other, not even Tay, Tay, gives us a backstage pass to the life and times and highs and lows of the greatest group of all-time. From studio creation to commercial success. Bowl cut to bohemian look. This Apple Corps series tells the tale of Beatlemania, from the scream of teens, to behind-the-scenes. All restored with love by Peter Jackson's Park Road Post.

The long and winding road of this eight-year band (that was it?!), that will last forever takes you through plenty of twists and turns through their eight day week. But all you need is to come together over the love. From coming to America, The Ed Sullivan Show and Shea Stadium, to causing uproar in Japan when they became the first band to play Tokyo's 1964 Olympic martial arts venue, the Nippon Budokan. Now a regular concert fixture in the city, this writer seeing Norah Jones and The Smashing Pumpkins there in just one-week, last September. But from The Cavern, to the Budokan, these Liverpool lads faced trouble in The Philippines when they didn't make a royal appointment for lunch. Frenzied fans full of tears are bound to break some hearts, and some thought that would be it for the Fab Four, but then 1967 came. And an outstanding output like nothing before, or since. After reloading the 'Revolver', they visited 'Sgt. Pepper's' on a 'Magical Mystery Tour', all whilst giving us 'The White Album' and taking a real trip on a 'Yellow Submarine', before they crossed 'Abbey Road' to 'Let It Be'. And now, a new ninth episode reunites Paul, Ringo and the late George as they try to make new music with old Lennon recordings. One that you can hear, added to the anthology, now and then. Always to return. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Beatles - Get Back', 'The Beatles - Let It Be', 'Beatles '64'