REVIEW: BORG vs. McENROE

3.5/5

You CAN Be Serious.

100 Mins. Starring: Sverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Tuva Novotny & Stellan Skarsgard. Director: Janus Metz Pedersen.

More than the ball is on the line here as Center Court plays center stage in this cinematic recap of one of the greatest games to ever be played on grass at Great Britain's hallowed turf of Wimbledon, the cathedral of tennis. Let for this Swedish films service, as Danish director Janus Metz Pederson (who brought dark depth to the Colin Farrell, buckshot death defying dream of his father in his evoking episode of the cruelly, critically overlooked season 2 of 'True Detective') takes us right between the evergreen blades of grass. So much so you can almost taste the squash, smell the rubber in the volley and hear every taught twang and thwack of the racket for racket, ratchet tension as heads go back and forth, to and fro like next typewriter lines changing ends. In 1980 before Lady Diana married Prince Charles, or the Berlin Wall fell, a simple, but decade setting and making, historical game of tennis took place. Where Bjorn Borg looked to awe-inspiring amazingly win his fifth straight Wimbledon title before shockingly retiring at the tennis tender age of just 26 years old. But the brash rebel of the United States superstar in the making, John McEnroe's cause stood threateningly in the sweet Swede gentelman's icy demeanoured way. As did the wonder of eight match points, more breaks than Ross and Rachel and sets too. But this deuce battle of love was a game of will and endurance for these two polarizing figures and pillar pioneers of their sport who turned out to be much closer in spirit than we or they first thought. From the emotion of the trademark tantrums thrown like balls and racquets of McEnroe. To the devotion of Borg, so highly strung he spent countless, restless routine hours before matches walking over the very baseball bat like, before its time, backhanded instruments of ace weaponry he was set to wield the very next day. But when it comes down to the baseline to baseline face/off of the Federer and Nadal of their time who had the ball in their court?

FAULT! There has been less films holding court in this game then matches played on a foggy London Summers day. Of course there's 'Wimbledon' with Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst falling in love in a movie that was 'Notting Hill' on grass. And soon we still the 'Crazy. Stupid. Love' of Steve Carell and 'La La Land' Academy Award, Oscar winner Emma Stone do the 'Battle Of The Sexes'. But for every 'Rocky' there's an 'Ali'. Every 'He Got Game' a 'Coach Carter'. And every 'Any Given Sunday' a 'Blind Side'. But we're yet to see a solo Sampras or Agassi film, although the U.S. 'Open' stars legendary quote on tennis terms begins this pictures piece. And you can bet sooner rather than later, or mens singles they'll do a Williams sisters movie that will be out of this world like Venus. This game for the audiences of the movieworld just works better as doubles mixing it up. Advantage 'Borg/McEnroe', otherwise known as 'Outlander' star Sverir Gudnason and the man who says "just do it" so many times Nike should actually sponser him for this event, Shia LaBeouf. And together chalked up in the texture of Pedersen's 'Atomic Blonde' 80's cartridge and cassette powered movie, they give us the best edge of your seat, slow burning tense, thrill ride from the personal life to the press conference and all the games between since marvels Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl changed lanes of pole position as James Hunt and Niki Lauda in Ron Howard's Formula 1 race, 'Rush'. And with adrenaline pumping hard and fast like quick blood to the head, this intense contest on grass and off court is more than the fitting, old school as Fila look of headbands and the hair underneath that like the perplexing personalities behind can't quite be tamed. The recreated tennis scenes, game set and match like an ESPN Classic rewind are aces especially the final rallies and cries. But it's the mortal men behind the God like status, captured by private and personal scenes by Sverrir and Shia that are the makings of sheer brilliance. Advantage...us.

"You can't be serious" we hear you cry! Yet down the line no one is more serious than Sverrir Gudnason's gargantuanly great performance of the guarded Bjorn. Gudnason bringing genuine grit and gravitas to show the struggling humanity of a public persona dubbed "robotic" so much by the press that Borg may aswell have been a alien villain upgrade on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. But behind this amazing athlete was more a man of privacy invaded by worldwide, household name and familiar face fame. And a perfectionist of his courted craft, so much so he majorly won all his young life until he called it quits after a loss affected his ability to maintain his own lofty standards of unbelievable excellence. I mean here's a guy whose morning routine includes performing push-ups on the rails of the balcony of his penthouse, rooftop Monaco apartment like he was running suicides, with only floors of stories and a swimming pool below to break his fall. What more could you expect from a man whose bag, room and car rental must all be packed the same? The naked truth of a former wild child who only shows any evoking emotion the moment he hits the showers and his eyes pour like the faucets. Sverrir severely not only catches this all in all its complexity, but he also looks exactly like Bjorn. Besting his international opponent and mastering his own like Daniel Bruhl as his lauded Lauda. So much so in his and this movies native Sweden, this movie is just called 'Borg' like a trekkie's dream movie. You can tell from the development of on-screen love in the form of singer/songwriter Tuva Novotny's narcissistic negligent, loyal suffering girlfriend. In a sportsworld of egos she won't even let her husbands socks clash. Or 'Avenger' and 'Pirate' Swedish legend Stellen Skarsgard's father/son like terrific trainer relationship, fresh off the clown shoe heels of son Bill as 'IT's' Pennywise carrying on the family legacy proudly 27 years later. Still, even if a young John's background is sidelined for the native Swede, a shimmering Shia LaBeouf makes up for all that as a mirror reflection to the manner of McEnroe. This former Disney rebel knows all about tempered troubles and beyond his famous youtube video and what would be John's if that smartphone enabled medium was available back around the, he sounds exactly like the man he's screaming to play here in every shout. But behind the marrow embedded rage and raves is a caged heart of matters and a bruised soul that LaBeouf delves deep down with both hands to clutch at. Looking at the reason behind the maddening rhyme, Shia shows that behind every flame of anger is the match that lit it and whose hand it belongs to. And this is why in one hell of a transformation from his toy robot Bay age, the 'Lawless' and 'Fury' standout is an animal of an actor. Shia who gave Sia his everything in a music video is seriously good in this dual biopic character study as McEnroe. And who has as much character as Mac? Perhaps this kid. Because behind every heart of a champion is a soul of a contender and just like John back then Shia is more than a worthy one scrapping away at this mental boxing match until the knockout. Even bottling all the post-adolescent, angst aggravation in the final frames to the calm of a quiet storm tornadoing beneath his torpedo serve. Sounds epic? Well that's just how 'Borg vs. McEnroe' was. And if the 'Battle Of The Sexes' set game between Billie Jean-King and Bobby Riggs can match this...ACE! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Wimbledon', 'Battle Of The Sexes', 'Rush'.

REVIEW: KINGSMAN-THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

4/5

Manners Maketh Statesman.

141 Mins. Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Pedro Pascal, Bruce Greenwood, Elton John & Jeff Bridges. Director: Matthew Vaughn.

Stirring what was once shaken, 'Kingsman-The Golden Circle', the superb sequel to 'The Secret Service' takes that 'Goldfinger' laser aimed between Sean Connery's legs and splits 007 in two. And you expected him to just talk?! Forget Bourne, this is the new super-spy identity that could ultimately kill off Bond like Daniel Craig changing his mind yet again. Idris Elba may aswell trade in his 'Luther' blazer tacket for a whole new shirt and tie tux. Because after this everyone will want to suit up at Saville Row to be a Kingsman. It's Oxfords not brouges now for these knights. You know what that means. Why be a secret agent, when you can be a King? And after 'Kingsman-The Secret Service' came out of nowhere like hooded youths and showed you could turn an 'Attack The Block' chav into a world saving 'My Fair Gentleman', this new generation gadgets and girls grand royale was always going to grab at a sequel. And who would have thought that against the odds of all the turned up noses that snoot it would be another success story too? As the vintage British Avengers throwback for the Marvel age busts blocks and chops in the post-summer, pre-Star Wars fall season of big candy cinema to snack on that refuses to stop popping. And with a shot of bourbon from their American cousins, these 'Kingsman' don't only pass the bar they raise it like all your glasses. On par with the hearty original thanks to some up ante, at 'em action, 'The Golden Circle' brings it all back round as 'Kick Ass' superpower Matthew Vaughn does exactly that and more. Dynamite to a grenade gunfight upgrade, the 'X-Men' director gives us another 'First Class' original. As his new 'Statesmen' make a statement behind all the kings men that still have the makings of more than manners.

Tailor made for the hash-tag youth, this hi-tech app, spy game can take all those millennial eyes out the smartphones with their heads tilted to the right screen. The bigger picture is caught as soon as this movie and it's new leading man whistles for a cab. And all hail this Hackney that may aswell be the Wayne Manor Batmobile, as you see just how well it fares as he catches a ride with an old friend with a Terminator arm upgrade. A robotic prosthetic that looks that's straight out the futuristic like 2049 blueprint playbook of the blade running first film. And as these two old friends show there's no love lost between black eyes and bruised egos as they duke it out and go crazy to these kings paying tribute to the purple reign of the late, great Prince, the explosive, epic action here could hit and run for 21 straight nights too. And from a barrel roll call, shotgun introduction to some wild cats from Kentucky, riding ally like a gang of Felix's to this Bond of brothers. To a ski-lifting, snowscaped, amazing avalanche of action that is classic 007 like Roger Moore (Rest Peacefully sir). This movie has all the meat grinding, popcorn and shakes action, all the way down to the diner table order of an American dream theme park, candy coated villain lair in the middle of the cornfields of a nowhere Cambodia. And from the tie-pin to the tobacco spit, there's a lot of set-pieces at play under this umbrella. Even a classic pub lock-in scene call-back like so many other refreshing references done in heartfelt homage. This time taken to an all-American bar fight that is whip and skipping rope smart. You will want to bolt the door on this one. As even though it's no suprise (thanks to a parosel poster, teaser trailer and then all out reveal), it's an "emotional" (as those layer cakes would say in Vaughn's 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrel's'...it's not like I actually cried...honest) experience to see the former Mr. Darcy gone rogue, Colin Firth back in shaded bespectacled action. This 'Kingsman' franchise can kill off anybody. The 'Atomic Blonde' 'Star Trek-Beyond' and 'Mummy' star this series made Sofia Boutella. Samuel L. Jackson, who is in every damn movie and even here in flashback replay form. Even Sir Michael Caine. But not the king of kings, he's not to be stuffed and mantlepiece mounted like his dog, Mr. Pickles just yet. It must have been a blank as apparantly if Sam Jackson shoots Colin Firth's Harry right between the eyes after a Kentucky derby church massacre that silences everything expect the organs, then all Firth needs to go forth, keep calm and carry on is a Nick Fury eyepatch. But there's more raw reality to this Agent Caulson like resurrection even for this fetching far franchise. You have to believe it to see it, but boy will you love this butterfly effect.

Legendary as the knighted Firth is however. This is the students film now, not just the master mentor. And these Kingsmen are lead by former young prince, turned throne sitting matured Taron Egerton with the crown on his bounce. Decked out and attired in a cut cigar hot blazer, burnt orange smoking jacket. Ever since his Adidas stripes to pinstripes, chavs to riches breakout Taron has proved to be the next one. From flying next to the soaring charisma of Hugh Jackman in last years 'Eddie The Eagle' personal best biopic, to being shortlisted in the young star war for the Han Solo solo movie he should have been afforded for like Ford. But Egerton egging on Eggsy even further is cracking with cocky Cockney charm, as this young man completes his signature role with a mirror check tie straighten. Again he makes his name proud in an all-star assembling ensemble of bright light ones that even goes to Hollywood. Just like the ever versatile and reliable, hard-working Mark Strong who is "f###### spectacular" here holding all the behind the scenes cards with the magic of Merlin. But these Kingsmen are going to need more tricks up their sleeve as Oscar winning Julianne Moore's devilishly, wickedly good villain ('Still Alice' she is not) looks to get into the worlds populations nervous system more than a lisping Jackson's Valentine's implanted SIM cards. Especially with no love from a former 'Star Trek' admiral, turned Trumped up President (you remember what happened to Obama) in the form of a great Bruce Greenwood. That's when the statesmen come into this on the rocks mix with a twist. As their Champ kind, Champagne elder Jeff Bridges may have put a cork in his true grit, hell or high water action, but still knows how to wield a stetson and that trademark drawl draw delivery. These cowboys with Halle Berry's Ginger Ale, behind the screens action beside them (and so much more) really bring the spirit of YEE-HAH to this royal affair. Following his redneck 'Logan Lucky' heist this summer, Channing Tatum continues down this country road yet again in boot, buckle and denim. Killing it as Tequila and making us happy with a southern hospitality, all-action introduction that is a comfort greeting to the fact that inbetween some magic dancing from this Mike, he spends most of this movie on ice. Lying in wait for possibly the next sequel or series from this franchisee of a franchise. Instead amongst all the big stars it's the phone screen one in 'Narcos'' Pedro Pascal that steals the show with his maverick moustache and bolo tie. In a southern charm, charismatic performance that is as electric as the lasso he splits the bad guys with. But between all the metal K-9's and briefcase bazookas it's 'Rocket Man' himself Elton John as Reginald Dwight who really is the dogs wotsits. As your tiny dancer goes all Captain Fantastic, taking his name back from Viggo Mortensen with the single most gif worthy moment of the entire film. If this film has the man who wrote a song for the king of lions then it really does have it all bar a yellow brick road. And down the line only an unnecessary and gratutious Glastonbury staged scene can soil this festival of fun for your Friday night film. As this lights, camera and action bring two former allies together for one united state of Great British intelligence. Now we know about our boys but how about the Yankees? By this 'Kingsman' gentlemanly manner born, do these Statesmen have the makings of a spin-off series even if it is "very American"?! F### yeah! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Kingsman-The Secret Service', 'Spectre', 'Kick Ass'.

REVIEW: MOTHER!

3/5

Mother's The Word.

121 Mins. Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Domhnall Gleeson, Brian Gleeson, Jovan Adepo, Kristen Wiig & Michelle Pfeiffer. Director: Darren Aronofsky.

Mother f#@#$&! What the hell is this?! That's what half the movie-goers leaving the cinema half-way through 'Mother!' this weekend will scream. As the remaining film-fanatic half lean around them to not miss a thing in what will be the most divisive movie of this year. If not easily the most controversial one in recent decade making memory. To be loved and to be loathed this festival film received as many sneered mouth, hand-cupped boos in chorus to the auditorium heavens as it did hell for leather rounds of applause in upstanding ovations at Venice. Halloweenheads here it is. Prepare to be haunted as this is the season your hallowed harrowing genre comes from what lies beneath the monsters in your bed, rushing from your slammed bedrooms doors. The spine tingling and shattering freak show to end the Summer blockbuster season and pre-curse the Oscar fall one began with the return of Stephen King's 'IT' after 27 years in the form of your deepest, darkest fear, Pennywise. A clown scarier than the Big Mac one that asks if you'd like fries with that. And before the Goonie gang tikes on trikes of 'Stranger Things' stand by this to end a thriller of a Halloween binge night streaming and screaming like Michael Jackson, we have one truly terrifying tale that is anything but an 'It' following run up the stairs and pocket full of posies, all fall down sterotypical genre churning cliche. In a horrifying year that has seen the envelope of the scarlet letter feverishly, letter opener pushed so much this scare/shy film fan has started showing his face at more hide behind your date movies. From the "Shudder Island' Swiss-Alps, scare scenic retreat of Dane DeHaan's 'A Cure For Wellness', to the 'Get Out' of Jordan Peele's race relations ravaged, scathing metaphor of white privilege in the face of black power. And in this scary Trumped up time we all need a little bit of entertainment that says something, no matter how horrific it all is. And this movie metaphors all that is wrong with a man made world of ignorant discrimination and the abuse of power in love needs and wants. 'Requiem For A Dream' and 'Black Swan' director Darren Aronofsky and his new beau leading A-listed actress Jennifer Lawrence give us the maddening 'Mother' of all hard-hitting, shock factor movies right now with this requiem for a nightmare.

Shredding your every nerve to its very ending, this freak-show is as tearingly tense as the 'Swan' skin pulling from the tip of your nail to the end of your torn cuticle as skin crawlingly painfuly puncuated as that very stinging feeling. But just like fellow visionary gothic director Guillermo Del Toro's haunted manor born, blood-soaked, dressed up 'Crimson Peak' with Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, this is no horror movie. No matter how hauntingly harrowing. Not really. This is more like a psychological terror that will scare the wits out of what you can't see, but will tirelessly and torturingly think about in every waking hour until you're over the edge. Can't have nightmare if you can't even get to sleep. Your wits end will meet the disgust you thought was already too desensitised to boot as the pulse of this house is haunted with more than what's hiding in your closet or what goes bump in the night. As 'The Wrestler' director grapples with bone bruising surrealism, as subtle as a "here's Johnny" axe ground through the bedroom door. Forget skeletons the bones of this film are wooden floorboard and dust rooted in the trappings of marred married life victim to inattention, stunted creativity and passion in both the workplace and the charred heart of where home really lies and that most feared and misery company hated mistress of love, loneliness. No stay at home DIY will paper over the cracks in this paint thin foundation of bruised heart and lost souls in a relationship as micro-managed manipulated as it is room with a view lost adrift at sea with no memory bliss. As Jennifer Lawrence's stay at home, do-good wife, caters to the needs of her tortured writer husband to the point of suffocating subservience that smothers every hope of a home life more than the furnished feel of meticulous, put together decoration as everything else falls apart. Whilst Javier Bardem's beta-bloked alpha-male who treats his so he says "muse" with passive dissmissiveness that hurts as much as outright abuse, albeit in different, darker shadowed smile hidden ways. As Aronofsky's anxious age simmering slow burner, to aggravated explosion of emotions and the senses is an evocation of existential dread in the forlorn form of another haunting on the outside 'Ghost Story' that carries so much more moral meaning inside to the burning heart of matters and the nature of the whole world and its wider waking implications invoked and implied here. The beating heart in the walls of this blood cracked and creaking floor-boarded house may seem soot black-rot and ash haunted, but in reality it's the love lost note message in bottled up emotion that is more telling than what the walls talk. The sound of silence more piercing than what you think you heard.

Lawrence breaking even more ground boxed into four walls simply shows just how amazing an actress she really is. The next Meryl Streep going from 'The Hunger Games' to the 'American Hustle' /'Silver Linings Playbook' of back-to-back, multiple Academy Award Oscar nods. Hey Jude! Jennifer is the new J-Law. And after the mystique of this actresses 'Joy', this heartbreaking homegown depression of personal purgatory may be her best and most powerful performance yet. Puncuating the poor excuse hidden abusive male figure themes of the perplexing 'Passengers' alongside Pratt, Chris to recharge almost a year later with this much more morality and questionable humanity driven exercise in examination of the human condition in a social mass media world of wall scaling and backbone crumbling desires to peer-group fit in for fear of sticking out like an individual one claims to believe they are. Lawrence's lovesick newlywed, loyal to the fault of others is victim to just how horrible people can be. Especially when they are party to effortless selfishness and superiority perceived favoritism. Yet still she stands as strong as the a-star act from the a-lister. Even in the face of one of the most expressive and shudder evoking actors of today, no matter how nice he really is or acts here. After playing a barnacle blistered, scaly scary undead villain in Johnny Depp's 'Pirates Of The Carribean-Salzar's Revenge' this Summer, this halloween Javier Bardem is a scary as the time he cattle gunned people to death with a Rolling Stone comb over in the Cohen's 'No Country For Old Men'. Or when he bleached Bond as the ultimate Daniel Craig era 007 villain in 'Skyfall'. But just more subtely so. It's a monster performance of manipulatingly convincing charm like when he looks to bolt back up Universal's 'Dark Universe' as Frankenstein's monster, but here alongside his beautiful bride, he's a different sort of beast. This disturbed home life is further invaded from privacy to decency by Ed Harris' stranger in the night. The legend and 'Westworld' man in black going deeper and darker into the phlem and bowels of his chain-smoking and spluttering character. The effects it has even touching his sibling warrings sons inheriting the sins in the form of real life brothers in arms Brian and Domhnall Gleeson, on realer than raw form as Brendan's boys batter each other into subplot submission. But no matter which famous face shows up at J-Law's door ('Fences' climbing and breakout star Jovan Adepo making his name under the roof of another residence. Whilst funnywoman gone serious Kristen Wiig being particularly and satirically, seriously good as a literary agent who is literally something else altogether), the only one who can come close to threatening the body of Jennifer's work here is the 'Dangerous Mind' of Law back in the 'Scarface' signature sealed day of a scene stealing Michelle Pfeiffer. The original Catwoman herself halfway there, purring with a sinister sexiness that claws at her younger, impressionable host at a blood drawing striking distance. The feline big eyes of this femme fatale offsetting an otherwise expressionless look that could kill of much more bitter, embedded emotion that lies beneath truth. There's so much going on here in Aronofsky's bleak look of bricks and mortar, home is where heartbreak is hallucinogenic. One that spellbinding and compellingly creaks and treads carefully until it runs through a house of strangers inading that stack up and then fall like playing cards of all sorts of faces and dealt hands as their greedingly grabbing mitts claw for a piece of everything. There are themes of God and Mother Earth, Adam and Eve and even Cain and Able here. But this forbidden fruit is also worm infested laced with licks at a Trump time of smartphone dumbed down social status. Not to mention mob-menatlity riots, mere-mortal whore worshiping individuals in our life like Christ like figures and celebrities wrote by our own hype like a game of Gods. Teaching us that these day after day numbing notions against the ideal of family and loyalty are in comparison pathetic, ignorant, outwardly ultimatly destructive. So much so that it's killing us and the future we thought we held so tight. Aswell as putting an exclamation point on the awareness of abusive relationships, malingned marriages, the evil men do and the callous oppression of women. These are just a few of the book club like theorised themes that turn throughout this taught twisting narrative that begins nuanced and then blights our senses with noose-strangling, nauseating imagery that turns a house party of uninvited guests into cults of religious fanatics, soldiers, terrorists and one in the all too familiar same. All to a climatic point following a perfect moment of eyes and expression made peace, to the other end of the spectrum opposite that no mother should suffer ever and in turn shows us just how harrowingly horrible masses of people and this movie we set out to see really can brutually and honestly unforgivably be. Aside from this intolerable cruelty the awe-inspiring Aronofsky milks 'Mother' for all our "seen it all before" eyes can take. But as we scream "GET OUT" like the message of the greatest meaning hidden horror of the year, this 'Mother' in J-Law will keep knocking at our door longer than this day. Goodnight...try to sleep tight. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Black Swan', 'Rosemary's Baby', 'Winters Bone'.

REVIEW: IT

4/5

Penny For Your Wise.

135 Mins. Starring: Finn Wolfhard, Sofia Lillis, Jaeden Lieberher, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Owen Teague, Nicholas Hamilton & Bill Skarsgard. Director: Andy Muschietti.

'It' follows the chillingly cruel chapter of Stephen King's 1986 classic and is the first time this crazy clown has been sent in since the 1990 Tim Curry mini-series turned double disc movie. For those in the know that was 27 years ago. "It" being the tale as old as terror of Pennywise the clown. The horror harlequin more maddening than a pack of playing cards full of nothing but Jokers. Haunting the children of a sun sleepy small town of Derry, Maine's worst phobias and feeding off their fears and maybe even their limbs as food for their terrified thoughts. And that's just for starters. Just wait until the main course of parents in chapter 2. As 'It' has already been red nose lit for a sequel as this red balloon refuses to pop like how the weasel goes. As this is one legendary Stephen King crowning story this year that is worthy of the classic catalogue bookshelf just like Stanley Kubrick's version of 'The Shining' with "Heeeere's JOHNNY" himself, Jack Nicholson. Especially after Matthew McConaughey's Man In Black and Idris Elba's Gunslinger following adaptation of 'The Dark Tower' fell to critical decline and the fact they tried to cram seven books of material into one movie no longer than your average game of soccer. But this game of two halves that runs at a door stop, cinder block weight of one thousand and a hundred pages plus could be considered Stephen King's actual magnum opus complete with 'Carrie' blood showers and their own Easter Eggs...literally. And was that a Buick 8 in the neighbourhood driveway? Normally horror movies leave me at home. If there was another couch this writer could hide behind, behind the couch he was already cowering under he would. Scaredy-cat isn't even the word...maybe something that sounds like that. The last scary film this writer went to see was the Ethan Hawke finger trembling 'Sinister' (I'm the opposite of a sucker for old fashioned, shutter stuttering, haunting slide show projections in scary movies...so I'm in for a bloody treat) when he was trying to impress an old girlfriends parents. And judging on how he almost ran out of the cinema like cartoon characters off the edge of a cliff...hell of an impression. But right before Halloween we are talking about 'It' here (even if I left my souvenir Pennywise poster in the cinema because I was so creeped out. It'll probably end up on my bedroom wall following me as I wake up tonight I'm sure). The nightmare inducing bedtime story from the King of King's. So fear not it's only right I float too.

Stranger things have happened than this wuss of a writer making his way to the multiplex to see something that goes bump in the night like pop, pop, popping popcorn in foil left on the stovetop. And as a matter of fact this group of 'Goonies' couldn't be more 'Stranger Things' if they had a kid from 'Stranger Things' leading them on their trikes. Step forward Finn Wolfhard in Moranis bifocals. Looking the part but showing that as an actor he can change gears too. As his 'Stranger', more sensitive hero shifts to a cocky, mum joke a minute, "that's what she said" funny bone of this Losers Club. One you'll all want to join and stand by like Lost Boy vamps. There's Jaeden Lieberher's stutteringly brave and shy, sincere soul. Leading with heart, not humour. And Jack Dylan Grazer's best friend type, unsung hero. Always there even if his mum tries to pull him back by the clipped ear. Wyatt Oleff's anxiously afraid character is anything but the meek manner that comes bursting out too. Whilst Chosen Jacobs is the one overcoming it all without a family to call his own from his peers to bolt through the head racism. Jeremy Ray Taylor's strength of character too outweighs the physical appearance that has bullies giving him the truffle shuffle everytime they outrun him after school. His huge heart trying to catch that of our Molly Ringwald of this 'Breakfast Club' (complete with the best, in-joke easter egg of this movie) piece, the flame bob cropped Sofia Lillis. The girl with every boys eyes on her...even the ones she wouldn't want. As this young woman forced to grow up so fast has much more to deal with than some mean girls smearing a slut shaming reputation on her that isn't even remotely warranted. But sadly and more tragically comes from an abusive relationship with her father that somehow has been sickeningly twisted by her so-called friends. Sofia is superb in bringing out the bravery in the face of brutality in a real world much scarier than the monsters hiding below your bed. There's bullies in this school. From most likely to suck, Owen Teague and Nicholas Hamilton's aggressor acting, accented with angst aggravation. But the real brutes and bane of these kids lives look to be the parents who are in line for their own clowning soon. And you won't be able to wait until Pennywise gives these bullies a taste of their own medicine without a spoonful of sugar as the Loser Club is finally winning.

Insane clown posses don't get much more devilishly red hot than the one 'Rocky Horror' legend Tim Curry started with his two-part, T.V. movie picture show. Yet Stellan's son, Bill Skarsgard (last seen peroxiding the roots of Charlize Theron's 'Atomic Blonde') is perfect and the wise choice for this Penny from hell. From the bell in his bonnet to the rattle in his basketball player sneaker sized clown shoes. This jester is as purely psychotic as Heath Ledger's Joker. Bringing 'Dark Knights' to the lazy May Summer days of Derry, Maine as this killing joke who will give you more than just a penny for your thoughts if they are wise to your fears. The flower on his chest doesn't turn into a water pistol but he does morph into your deepest, darkest thoughts of your worse nightmare. Not that devil claws and demonic rows of teeth all the better to eat you with aren't Red Riding Hood versus the wolf scary enough (although this time our soul lost at paper boat roadside gutter sea wears a yellow raincoat hood). And if they don't get you his crumbling war-paint Joker make-up and pitch-fork blood smile contour will. Offset by his vintage Victorian, hallmark haunting clown costume get-up, 'Thriller' laughing final frame yellow eyes and the hair of the one clown responsibile for clogging over a billion arteries served. And just you wait until he talks, moves, or acts like the creppiest, crustiest bozo you've seen this side of the 80's since 'Uncle Buck' porch decked that drunk one that showed up after an all night bachelorette out the back of a mouse with Jack Daniels to entertain some kids. But from turning into portraits bleaker than Dorian Gray and showing young girls everywhere why they shouldn't wash all their hair down the sink, Bill's clowning around is brutally brilliant. Skarsgard sealing his puncuated Pennywise clown character that really is 'It' like a scar. I bet you want a red balloon now in the craziest, most creative marketing campaign that has seen these balloons pop up in the real world of late everywhere to everyones freaked out and fond dismay. This clown killer will scare the seven shades out of you as the winding Jack in the box tension cranks up. Nevermind the bejeebus. And 'Mama' director Andy Muschietti (who brought the American gothic out of the flame-haired Jessica Chastain in her black Bob, pale rocker riding riff) brings us the mother of all horror movies (a week before Jennifer Lawrence's same named, pre-Winter's bone, Darren Aronofsky haunted house and married life) from the forefather of this gruesome genre. And from running up the stairs and behind the back of the door horror reveals, to real world implications from the metaphors of standing up to who the real bullies are and what's really the scariest of them all (abusive parents and peers that make Pennywise the clown look like entertainment in comparison), this is more than what just bedroom door creakingly sneaks up behind you. There is method to all the madness here as this film chills your spine, tickles your rib-cage and even warms your heart as your hairs stand on end. Looking for a horror movie that holds more meaning than just what scary thing lies beneath? Then this is 'It'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'IT (1980)', 'Stranger Things', 'The Dark Tower'.

REVIEW: WIND RIVER

4/5

Hell Or High River.

111 Mins. Starring: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Gil Birmingham, Graham Greene & Jon Bernthal. Director: Taylor Sheridan.

Come 'Hell Or High Water', 'Sicario' writer Taylor Sheridan in completing his noirish crime trilogy has gone from the script desk to the directors chair for 'Wind River'. And after arguably penning the best two pictures of the last two years ('Hell Or High Water' actually attaining an Academy Award nomination in said category), Sheridan with the same first initial and last name as the next great young actor ('Ready Player One'?) gets behind the lens for one of this calenders greatest. As with this unofficial trilogy this writer/director double threat here shows he is heading to a land where he is to modern movie storytelling what Cormac McCarthy is to classic noir novels. Much akin to what future sci-fi fable director Neil Blomkamp is to cinemas, what original science fiction forefather Phillip K. Dick was to the chapters of every bookshelf and countless blockbuster his cult stories have inspired. In some ways the former 'Sons Of Anarchy' actor Taylor was made to write books, but what he's bringing from page to screen right now is worth putting a bookmark in whatever you're reading for the next couple of hours...and the ones you'll reflect on after. Because this film takes the wind out of you and sends you up the river. 'Moon River' this is not. There's bitter brutality below the snowscaped bountiful beauty. A white noise where no one can here you scream in avalanches of the tallest trees and magnificent mountains. A land of wolves and prey were not all the predators stalk on four legs as Sheridan sets both a stunning and sickening scene in the nature of life and the unnnatural disorder of man. This terrific but terrifying tale from Taylor is no story either. But based on actual events as he brings to your porch the raw reality and racism that is happening to Native American's today as we speak in a Trump tide and time where discrimination is far more than the not so United States worst kept secret right now. Yet those Americans who discovered this great land are still getting so ignorantly dismissed and ignored. But in Wind River, Wyoming these Americans are given a voice as Sheridan's movie screams justice from the hills with no reservation.

Whitewash may be called by some critics looking for a cheap buck to comment or crucify everything that's coming out right now. But the only example of that here is on the snow that covers these lands. As the two leads here Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are both integral to the plot and the race relations that stir in the about to boil over pot below. Showing that just like in the United States as a whole regardless of your colour of skin or creed if you live here, you're from here. Hawkeye has bow and arrow sniper like precision too here as Renner is a hunter of all sorts of predators who are animal in nature no matter what tracks they leave. Whilst the Olsen twins sister Elizabeth and the Avenging Scarlet Witch strikes out with her own magic here. Spellbinding as a Florida FBI agent sent from a Vegas detail to the out of her depths nature of here, as she trades 'Hell Or High Water' like casinos for a place where the chips are well and truly down. And as Clint Barton and Wanda Maximoff reunite there's even room in this ensemble assemble for a Frank Castle too like we only wish the 'Infinity War' next year would. As these Marvel 'Avengers' who first came together thoughtfuly with precision and power in the 'Age Of Ultron', only to work so well together in the rescue, escape and fight moments of Captain America's 'Civil War' (the first knife blade reunion scene that throws everything including the kitchen sink at Vision is cutting edge superhero and their powers re-introduction) are marvellous together again on screen for the third time. Albeit showing that under blockbuster cloak and dagger they are much more than the cape and cowl of the mega Marvel Cinematic Universe's enterprise. Sheridan's scripts are known to bring the best words and wisdom out of some of the greatest actors around from Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt to Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges. But here the ever real Renner with true grit under all that camouflaged ice gives us his best and brightest since definitive right now 'Detroit' director Kathryn Bigelow's 'The Hurt Locker'. The film which broke out him and fellow flying Falcon Anthony Mackie. Whilst Olsen showing ownness and a real and raw, surviving and striving strength in the face of ravaging discrimintion, racism and sexism has more power than a Furiosa 'Atomic Blonde' and furious 'Wonder Woman'. This being the benchmark of the next great actresses already impressive career catalogue that features standouts in 'Godzilla' (with her Quicksilver on-screen brother), 'Oldboy' (with Thanos) and 'I Saw A Light' (with Loki). This Olsen sister is so good she is the one in this double act, second wind.

But this revenge tale is more than these two Avengers even if it is too late to dub them 'The Revengers' (thanks Thor!). 'Twilight' franchise father Gil Birmingham is breaking even more new ground by dawn here following his heartfelt and heartbreaking moment in 'Hell Or High Water'. Partnering up to Jeff Bridges cop bantering grit with back and forth gravitas. Here he plays a wounded father. Hurt by an insurmountable loss, spilling over in snow storm stunted eye for an eye trained desires. Even in sparing scenes Gil is great. Even if his erupting emotion is shown behind quickly shut doors, Birmingham is brilliant in showing the love and loss that comes with outliving your young and not knowing where the hell their choices lead them when they became old enough to make their own decisions. Whilst 'The Green Mile' and 'Dances With Wolves' standout Graham Green equals and then one ups his best as a Wyoming officer with the badge and gun that can take Olsen's FBI agent and Renner's hunter tracker in to his jurisdiction and warrant all the bullets and blood that is shed. Making for some amazing action and gunfights that are lightning like the 'Collateral' damage and 'Heat' of Michael Mann's made ones caught in a beer bottle with the top opened cautiously to an everything spraying fizz. Pepper sprayed with visionary realism. As once Sheridan's snow silent slow burner turns into a Mexican standoff flanked like something you've never seen starring down the barrel, what comes rolling out the chamber is a set-piece artillery that clips you, reloads and shoots from the hip again and again. And with all these shells leaving you shocked then there's no wonder The Punisher comes into play, even if he only wields fists and not real weapons. After following his 'Sicario' strangling surprise cameo, Sheridan pulls Jon Bernthal out the hat yet again for the same amount of screen time, but one layered in so much more emotion. As 'The Walking Dead', 'The Wolf Of Wall Street', 'Fury' and of course 'Daredevil' actor gives us a fall 'Punisher' preview to tide us over. Yet again showing us the evoking power in his perfecting, scene setting storytelling and the necessary violence of his protection. Further rhyme to his reason that even in a few choice scenes he shows just how multi-dimensional and incredible an actor he really and truly is. But the real storyteller here is Sheridan who successfully takes his words here and makes them his vision for the first time behind the seed of yet another compelling Nick Cave score. And in turn the wonder of Hollywood's writer of the moment becomes the next great director for our generation. But there's much more to Taylor Sheridan's show and tell here in this thrilling action/drama and its real world unflinching warnings in a wrong world of rape and racism. Sheridan's statement is really saying something here. And if it remains unheeded down by the river there will be hell to pay for all of us come the high winds rise. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Hell Or High Water', 'Sicario', 'Captain America-Civil War'.

IMAX REVIEW: INHUMANS

3/5

Inhuman League.

IMAX Premiere. 76 Mins. Starring: Anson Mount, Serinda Swan, Ken Leung, Eme Ikwuakor, Isabelle Cornish & Iwan Rheon. Creator: Scott Buck.

Don't judge a series by its pilot...or by its budget. Because maybe it's time to give the show that can't catch one a break. Marvel's 'Inhumans' haven't seen earth for a long time now. Originally slated to highlight a phase 3 movie in 2019, Marvel's other family after The Avengers, the Fantastic Four, X-Men and those Guardians Of The Galaxy a-holes have been through more changes than terragenesis crystals. When all they really needed was a chance to shine and reveal who they really are. Orginally the subwoofer bark of "I Am Groot" himself Vin Diesel was rumoured to join the bite of Marvel's in house canine and do a duo Josh Brolin (or make that three as the voice of 'Infinity War' titan Thanos and 'Deadpool 2' Cable provider once provided the spurs of the wild Wild West's 'Jonah Hex'), or not in this universe Human Torch and Captain America himself Chris Evans in playing two MCU leads. Lending his gravelly baritone to a man of even fewer words in the illuminating and chord lightning striking Black Bolt. But the feature length movie found itself on the scrap heap cutting room floor and an ABC series as easy as 1, 2, 3 found itself furiously fast tracked to right now. Following the small screen success of the Caulson cinematic 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' series and the nature of their influential Inhuman subplots featuring their most successful character, Chloe Bennett's Daisy/Sky/Quake aftershock. And now between summoning the firey chains of Ghost Rider and the devil of Hells Kitchen for the Daredevil leading Netflix 'Defender' shows, Marvel are making major moves on televisions and tablets everywhere aswell as theatres. Even bringing a 'Legion' of 'Gifted' X-Men shows shrouded in 'Cloak and Dagger' secrecy. And now with this league of enhanced individuals with special abilities, Marvel is in the end bringing the Inhuman touch to the big screen after all for a one off IMAX event spectacle. Debuting episodes one and two of their brand new show in back to back parts before the whole series comes into season this fall.

Iconic IMAX cameras really take you deep into this vivid world of meta-humans on the dark side of the moon as they zoom into the big spectacle under budgetary constraints kingdom of the city of Attilan and it's vastly impressive, if not wholly immersive world. It still inspires with moon grey concrete structures of power and promise with the workers for this royal family crumbling below. And the ignited bolt throne sits subtely but proudly at the forefront like its mild-mannered if not soft spoken king. 'Dexter' and 'Six Feet Under' show writer Scott Buck has created a scene setting prologue that isn't sending these ascended humans to their graves just yet, no matter what inhumane critics would have you believe. This is Marvel for the 'Stargate SG1' generation. Sure world to world it's got nothing on the ravishing realms of 'Thor's dark world, especially in the year of 'Ragnarok'. But they be Gods we are talking about. These may not be mere mortals, but there is still something very human about them. It may not have the cosmic volumes of an awesome mix of 'Guardians', but this solar system is a little closer to home than you think. Still complete with a family pet that you may want to stroke more than Rocket Racoon...and at least this one would like it. And anytime the dense crater population of this other world feels too boulder and granite heavy then you are leash lead whisked to the sun, shirt and sombrero of beautiful Hawaii. The real paradise here on earth with the up and up downtown Honolulu serving as a great stand in and even step up for central Los Angeles. The oceans and beaches offset by sky scraping palm trees look just as 'next trip booked' inspired on IMAX as its out of this world cinematic counterpart. Looking the part and with fight scene set-pieces that kick the comic art this thing works even if it is a few levels off the mega money, blockbuster stakes of teaming up The Avengers and the Guardians of the frickin Galaxy for an all out war that make the last one between Captain America and Iron Man look...well for want of a better word, "civil". The hulu flower meandering plot too doesn't plod, more prods and coaxingly compells into something that just like the lastest 'Defender' binge-watch stream will have you over eight episodes in a state of wonder.

Royal affairs of brotherhood in this family echo the frosty foreshadowing of Thor and Loki being born into one throne for whom shall be able to lift the hammer. As jealousy follows in the shadowy, sneaky footsteps of those proved unworthy. But the one, true king like James is knighted by Anson Mount's place up-top his lands throne as the silent Bolt. And with a subjected but simmering performance of perplexed power but man of the moment manner, Mount can get no higher than this. Anson ascends following his Wild West turn in 'Hell On Wheels' takes over Diesel to find his true place and calling he answers in sign. And it's a language if learned right that communicates just as much...if not more. The slight Schwarzenegger lookalike with a voice that could terminate everything in sight like two Hulk fists smashed to the concrete can flip cop cars as good as he looks in a suit. Even if the iconic garb of Black Bolt over his crown would be more fitting for this king. His leather look isn't bad to the bone, but he still makes for a sharp dressed man who is more than the robes he wears or the speeches he can't make. What he does without words deserves being talked about more. At the start his child-like look of innocence and adolescent pouting may not lend anyones ears. But when it really catches you it makes for some real indifferent and ingenious looks of a man who would act like that seens as though he rules the thing we can only land on no matter if we've planted a flag or not. It's actually hilarious and the handsome hulking Anson's mounting charisma comes out of his facial expression and gestures like no one else was worthy. And hold these Inhumans bracelet communicators (which really snap on and fold out to some Apple crunching tech like the next Fitbit upgrade) close to your chest and you will feel a beating heart there too. The only thing that could turn him to stone is his queen Medusa. Played with grace by 'Breakout Kings' and 'Graceland' star Serinda Swan, with her red snake like hair hidden below making for some great twisting and knotting action and some hairbrain methods of making sure phones are left on the bedside table when the kingdom can wait. The royal family is complete too with next in line star Isabelle Cornish's mutant like girl on fire. Not to mention former 'X-Men' Omega Man Marvel alumni and 'Lost' and 'Star Wars-The Force Awakens' star Ken Leung as a footsoldier with less need to respawn then a 'Call Of Duty' camper. Seeing the future and the hoof footed Eme Ikwuakor, bringing heavy toes but light hearts to this band of brothers. But it's 'Game Of Thrones' star and vile villian Iwan Rheon who really steals the 'Game Of Avengers' like power struggle show as a Loki like, jealous brother whose only a human with a hell of a lot of the devil in him. Betraying everyone he can, rolling heads until he places the crown on his own one. More than willing to cut the head off the snake to get his way. He has a seat at the table, but he wants the head. The throne. The whole feast. He's got some competiton though in the form of a slobbering Beethoven with a tuning fork on its dome. As despite some suspect C.G. off of Marvel's spare change the loveable Lockjaw is the cutest creature and best genetic modification we've seen since 'Okja' should have turned us all too vegans. Truly mans best friend and another reason why this character and Marvel's cast of one in this universe and beyond has so much more to it than your average assemble of capes and hoods. Once this bolt of 'Inhumans' finds its voice, you'll really hear it shout. So for all you Stan Lee cameo lookouts, before you leave the cinema before the final credits make sure you set your DVR's to record. Because this dog deserves more than a bone. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.', 'Game Of Thrones'.

REVIEW: AMERICAN MADE

4/5

Cruising Altitude.

114 Mins. Starring: Tom Cruise, Sarah Wright, Caleb Landry Jones & Domhnall Gleeson. Director: Doug Liman.

Sometimes the American dream takes flight on crooked wings. And Hollywood's main made man Tom Cruise, the Maverick 'Top Gun' superstar actor of superstar actors is in cruise control here. Tom gunning for greeds glory plays the real life late Barry Seal. An airplane pilot for TWA who also moonlighted for the CIA U.S. secret service during the commie wary Reagan era. If you thought working two jobs, one being for the government (and that's after hours. It aint even the full time one) was more than enough to navigate, then Cruise's Seal has the Medellin Cartel in his back-pocket too (Imagine having the President, General Noriega and even Pablo Escobar as your character references). That's like trying to binge watch seasons of 'Narcos' and 'Designated Survivor' all at the same time as trying to catch Denzel Washington's 'Flight' movie on Netflix. Lucky for the dream seeming, based on true events biopic 'American Made', it's star is the same man whose scaled the worlds largest tower in Dubai by the palm of his hands all whilst a sandstorm was approaching. Not to mention the same guy who fingernail claw gripped on to the side of a hellicarrier whilst it was taking off. No mission is too impossible for Cruise. Planes are like trains and automobiles to Tom. Now doesn't that leave you feeling grounded? And if you thought it was risky business for the all American, Hollywood grin of the 'Jerry Maguire' blockbuster boy to play a s### eating character, then remember this most marketable movieman more known for the sci-fi blockbusters of today (Recent 'Minority Report's' include 'Oblivion' and 'Edge Of Tomorrow') is as versatile as interviewing vamipres and being 'Born On The Fourth Of July'. And as this 'Collateral' killer talent continues his reign, 'Jack' reaches for more a year after his 'Never Go Back' sequel, reuniting with Japanese military book, movie adapter Doug Liman before they 'Live Die And Repeat' again for the 'Edge Of Tomorrow' sequel. As 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Mr & Mrs Smith' director who knows how to bring the seriously funny out of Tom gives us the closest thing right now to a rebooted 'Top Gun' sequel following the tragic death of director Tony Scott as Cruise takes wing.

In the same week Steven Soderbergh's return to directing with Channing Tatum, Adam Driver and James Bond himself Daniel Craig's 'Logan Lucky' tries to pull off a bank job at the NASCAR races, this Tom Cruise vehicle up high heists everybody. And after the fun but sometimes stiff 'The Mummy' movie this Summer saw Univeral's Dark Universe of Javier Bardem's 'Frankenstein', Johnny Depp's 'The Invisible Man' and Russell Crowe's 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde', based on the Mary Shelly, H.G. Wells and Robert Louis Stevenson's 1800 classics unravel, T.C. brings us a new end of Summer movie that rises before the fall season. In this eighties soaked and soundtracked, piece of believe it or not nostalgic history from 'Jumper' Liman. That is as small-budget big picture inspiring as it is storytelling compelling inspiring from the moment the Universal and fellow production company logo idents v-tape rewind into their vintage, legendary, legacy making looks. And with all due respect to the mother of monster movies, this is the one globe company picture that puts Tom Cruise's big name around the planets watching world again. In fresh as vanilla skies this man propells his movies back to the days of thunder in a beautiful private jet he slides his pilot hand across like it was a new supercar tarpaulin revealed. But why drive when you can fly the Mercedes of the sky? And Tom's need for speed again sees his charm and charisma, cruising attitude takeoff on a cock and ballsy flightplan, until he comes crashing down through the white pickets of an otherwise safe suburbia. Parking his tree wing-clipped plane in someones drive like John Travolta and handing out wads as he pedals off comically like Matt Damon in 'Suburbicon' on some kids push bike, saying "you didn't see me" as he rings the bell covered in cocaine powder like a clumsy baker doused in flour. That's the kind of way everything comes tumbling down when your illlegal drug running masked by the shades of governments central intelligence sees you drowing in duffels of multiple homes and car buying cash, running the same guns you may one day see yourself on the business end of. All until so much Benjamin Franklin's are blowing around your yard you promise your wife whilst you're reading Al Capone's autobiography that you will rake them up like Autumn leaves come morning. And boy is this new day Cruise raking it in with his perfect performance in a film doing the numbers when most box offices on days like this, green with envy will want to be woken up when September ends.

Making America greedy again requires more in reserve than Hollywood's most bankable star however. And T.V.'s 'Marry Me' wife Sarah Wright is the right choice to play Cruise's airborne road Seal's long suffering under diamond and pearls partner in counting the money crime. Standing by her man in altitude sickness and wealth, even when the mob and the White House come knocking. The only baggage she brings to this suitcases of money home life is a little vest-less, trucker hat, trailer trash brother who Kevin Federline's himself his share of the winnings (played with lazy angst puncuation by 'Get Out' and 'X-Men: First Class'' Banshee, Caleb Landry Jones). Just when Barry Seal had enough to deal with, with the cartel boys and the U.S. gov (let alone every major law enforcement agency with a badge and gun wanting to slap the cuffs on him. No matter how many caddies he offers them like a walk around the back nine), then the sibling in law from hell comes knocking. Cruise has too much trouble from red heads already with Domhnall Gleeson's CIA agent greasing his wings with his burn after buying, money offering and blind eye turning agent of cash flow someone else to do his dirty work charm. Brendon's son and the all too serious new 'Star Wars' trilogy villain giving us his winning over best since his turn in 'The Revenant' and the excellent 'Ex Machina'. All this character and charm makes for Cruise's best in years. Despite Liman already bringing that out in 2014's 'Edge Of Tomorrow'. And as the all-action hero goes anti-Hollywood with sleaze breeze and reckless flying abandonment, we still never thankfully see this clean crew cut actor getting high off his own supply, 'Training Day' knowing his narcotics. Even if he lets his hair down for his funnest movie since his 'Knight and Day' hitman didn't take itself or Cameron Diaz so "don't move or I'll kill myself and then her" seriously. Because this actor and director partnership in crime might make this rogue trader loveable, but they still slap a parental advisory sticker classification on the cream of this debauched dream slice of American pie that never gets too full on 'Wolf Of Wall Street' like 80's throwback, Gekko, "greed is good" moral murk above the Louisiana swaps they dump cane in from up high. Crime always has its consequences and this films knows it in the time it does. Made man or just plain and simple, living the American dream comes with a hefty price to pay. And that's just the American way. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Top Gun', 'Jack Reacher', 'Flight'.