REVIEW: THOR-RAGNAROK

4/5

Revengers Assemble.

130 Mins. Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Karl Urban, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins & Benedict Cumberbatch. Director: Taika Waititi.

SMASH! The god of Thunder tumbles through a helicarrier hangar with a big green blob of a blur bounding down with him and lands thump, flat face-down. He lifts his head up and wipes his nose. Remember what Mickey Rourke said about "if you can make God bleed" in 'Iron Man 2'. Holding his hand out for Mjolnir, Thor cracks a wicked smile. Strike one! 'Ragnarok' rocks and Thor's thunderously charming third time round is lucky for Marvel fans in a gaming mood for fun, frolicing escapism from another case of "Shakespeare in the park". Right before things get real dark as all the Avengers are taken to 'Infinity' next year. So before war and posted after the 'Civil' one that the two most powerful members of the team weren't even invited too (and to think they didn't even send a raven), it's time to dust off mothers drapes again. As the Asgardian God in warrior mode takes on that incredible green giant once again to show Iron Man and Captain America a real "work friends" feud and fight, no Hulk Buster suit required. If only he had a hammer. Following 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' keeping Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark webbed up, this is the ultimate team-up movie that rights be damned may aswell be called 'Thor vs Hulk' like one of those classic crossover comics. But these gods and monsters aren't the only superheroes to spar in this great cape escape as stranger things are happening here like logging on to your Netflix to binge stream the upside down right now. After 'Murder On The Orient Express' conductor and Poirot mustache himself Kenneth Branagh killed it with the first 'Thor' movie that set the God of mischief Loki villainy under Thanos for the first 'Avengers' assemble, 'Thrones' director Aaron Taylor brought a game of realms to 'The Dark World' sequel. But now New Zealand, 'What We Do In The Shadows' and 'The Hunt For The Wilderpeople' director Taika Waititi makes this trilogy conclusion worth the wait as this Kiwi gives the Aussie Chris Hemsworth from down under his best comedy chops since he stole the show in the new female 'Ghostbuster' franchise last summer. And the funniest fun exchange with Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner since they made a stop at New York's Grand Central Station and punched more than a ticket. An Australian dressed like something out or norse mythology and another one twice the size ripping through even big and tall shirts but keeping his purple pants on? You have to laugh as this can't be serious. Besides when it comes to Thor and his new sidekick a little bit bigger than a sidecar you wouldn't like this if he was angry.

Locks chopped and hammers nailed Thor is still worthy of these realms, even if it isn't Mjolnir time anymore. As the head of the Hemsworth house continues to plant his family trees Hollywood roots more than a Skarsgard. Even without Stellan...or Natalie Portman's Jane Foster for that Thor matter (and don't get us started on 'Broke Girl' Kat Dennings or the 'Blindspot' of Jaimie Alexander). The hunk next to the Hulk still bringing that very, very frightening thunderbolt of lightning like Galileo, no matter who wants to dirty his blonde mane. Hesmworth has the strong arms and the comedy ribs like his 'Huntsmen' weapons and proton packs, making this truly a rush. Colouring the most vibrant Thor movie and possibly the most entertaining Marvel cinematic universe one this side of the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' yet like 70's retro Pink Floyd's and Zeppelin's. Adding an even bigger shade of green to this superhero supernova spectrum. And we aren't talking about the coat of his bawdy brother in arms. Even though the terrific Tom Hiddleston is back as the manifest his own luck Loki, after "dying" so emotionally in the last movie which this one delightfully ruins in more ways than one. The devil may care, God of trickery is up to the games his reputation proceeds him for, but the hilarious and heartwarming Hiddleston makes sure it never gets old. Always adoptingly familiar to family as these squabbling siblings make for some great back and forth with the equal heart and hilarity of Hemsworth. And just like in 'The Dark World' when they're not trading blows or banter ones this duo that is more dynamite than dynamic makes for a great one, two punch of action. That is until we meet the ham farm fists of fury of Hulk's real "frenemy" in the man made monster he's fought more times than the Chitauri or an Ultron drone. That's right The Incredible Hulk is back and this time the Gamma rays are on full as he's smashing everything in the Gladiator arena like Waititi was trying to remake and take it all the way to 'Planet Hulk' (and check out his more than a cameo, scene stealing character of comic genius we wont spoil but just rocks). We may never get a Hulk solo movie, but after Eric Bana and Edward Norton made Marvel green in other ways, the envy of them Mark Ruffalo is an incredible mean, green machine. By far the best Bruce Banner since Bill Bigsby truly made Hulk sad in that sweet and sincere seventies show that until now was the only thing that got this goliath giant right. And with more Lou Ferrigno growling dialogue and a new trimmed and beaded look that's all "Hulk Fleek", Ruffalo does more than ruffle a few feathers as Loki isn't the only one he uses like Thor's hammer.

Now no spoiler, this doesn't happen but wouldn't this be the perfect post credits scene to set you up for next years 'Infinity War'? Hulk and Thor are recovering from whatever happens at the end of this movie when out of nowhere Iron Man lands down in trademark fashion. And as they look in surprise his visor flips up and Tony Stark tells them he needs their help. He needs his team back. Looking a little like "didn't you get my e-mail", Thor replies "you and whose army"? To were on que, out of the shadows comes the bearded Nomad of Captain America. OOH! Right? That would be the best fake post credits scene since that kid came up with that Stark Tower Spider-Man window cleaning one for the 'Age Of Ultron'. But you know these days as you wait around twice whilst all the ushers pick up all the rubbish all you see is another Captain Rogers P.S.A. telling you offer them a helping hand. You'll just have to wait for the 'Black Panther', or settle for a classic cameo here even better than the traditional Stan Lee one. Because in this epic ensemble the only things missing here is a 'Team Thor' roommate Darryl cameo. And why wait for war or remain civil when you can watch the Revengers assemble? As 'Creed' fighter straight outta 'Westworld' Tess Thompson, playing the M.C.U.'s first LBGT character as the Valkyrie is valiant and show stealing like her boxing beau Michael B. Jordan looks to be next year with panther power. Besides the God of Thunder, his frosty brother and even the Hulk will need all the help they can get against another green familiar foe in the form of Hela the Goddess of death. Played hellishly perfectly by Academy actress Cate Blanchett. Here mixing her 'Lord Of The Rings' days with some Loki like reindeer games and the bald bones of a machine gun totting destroyer, Karl Urban by her rebellious servant like side. This queen isn't the only evil threatening Thor's kingdom of realms. As an always delightful Jeff Goldblum brings his trademark off-script flash as the Grandmaster and an outfit that looks like it could have been his own (after his recent glitter turtle neck under a suit, chat show look saw him off-topic offer everyone lozenges between regailed stories of nose trimming techniques that only he could make fascinating. Like him backing up soul sensation Gregory Porter on piano (just Youtube "Grahama Norton: Jeff Goldblum"...oh you're so welcome)). The brother of Benicio Del Toro's crafty collector creating this Contest Of Champions like your favourite Marvel mobile game and even having an off-screen 'Jurassic Park' reunion of sorts before the 'Independence Day' resurgent star joins Chris Pratt's Star-Lord for the 'Fallen Kingdom' of a whole new 'Jurassic World' next year. There's even more here on offer in Marvel's most epic and legendary all-star cast yet by the eye of iconic Anthony Hopkins' fatherly fond Odin and of course an inspired Idris Elba's gatekeeper gone dreadlock rogue. Sword fighting back after critics left the two gun slinging barrels of his 'Dark Tower' empty. And what would all these strange days be without an appointment with you're local New York, Greenwich village Doctor off Bleeker Street like 'Sherlock's' Baker Street? As 'Doctor Strange' post-credit and trailer teased Benedict Cumberbatch's uncredited cameo would have worked better as a surprise, but is still one of the funniest things in this film full of fancy fantasy and fun. Taika could have made this tacky, but instead out of the 'Wilderpeople' shadows he remakes this all his own. And what a Marvel it is as nothing is 'Thor-mulaic' in the comics corralled culture that keeps reprinting like the Daily Bugle. If more of the anti-D.C. movies are going to take themselves this seriously than forget about 'Infinity War'. We want 'Thor 4'! ANOTHEEEER!!! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Thor', 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Avengers Assemble'.

T.V. REVIEW: STRANGER THINGS 2

4/5

Strange Days.

9 Episodes. Starring: Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Mattarazo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Natalie Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Cara Buono, David Harbour & Winona Ryder. Directors: The Duffer Brothers.

Happy Halloween! 'Stranger Things' have happened again. And it's time for you to be turned upside down too as The Duffer Brothers go all the way to 11 once more. Opening the doors on these strange days was just what the Doctor ordered. An aesthetically perfect costumed fit to dress up the scariest of holidays this October weekend like Michael Myers or a 'Scream' mask. From the thrilling, comic-con Michael Jackson trailer that was truly off the wall. To an official 8-Bit mobile game release in keeping with the back to the Goonie 80's retro vibe of modern day, instant vintage on a nostalgia trip. All the way to a hidden Easter Egg that's really cracking just shy of November in a feature that truly turns your Netflix app upside down (not recommended if the account doesn't belong to you...sorry Nic!). The giant smartphone to smart T.V. streaming service Netflix is taking over everything in the entertainment world right now from Sky to the Amazon. And it's no gimmick either. Soon the new way to watch T.V. will be the only way too. Say goodbye to your aerials and TiVo's. This no chill takeover is kind of akin to how the fictional Derry, Maine 'IT' like town of Hawkins, Indiana in 'Stranger Things' is being weeded out from under the ground up. As this show finds itself in Netflix's big-three, top pick streaming in a series binge instant next to the sisters locked down 'Orange Is The New Black' and Kevin Spacey's falling 'House Of Cards' President. Not to mention the royal appointment of 'The Crown', all those new 'Narcos' to be found under the floorboards like contraband, a new 'Star Trek-Discovery' boldy going each week and all those Marvel sub-shows of 'Daredevil', 'Jessica Jones', 'Luke Cage' and 'Iron Fist' 'Defenders' that are really going to punish anyone who hasn't caught on or up this fall. And we haven't even got into the exclusive movies yet from the Hollywood names you might know like Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and a 'Bright' Will Smith this Christmas. But despite all this in showcase, device ready to destroy your social life at a finger swipe left and even though it takes cues from everything including 'The Goonies', 'Stand By Me', 'E.T.', 'The Thing', 'Twin Peaks', 'Wayward Pines' (that's a given if you look at the previous lost in the woods inspo), 'Under The Skin' (and in this season 'The Exorcist'), there is nothing quite like 'Stranger Things'. Just look at how these 80's kids on trikes has inspired this years first part of the 1000 page plus adaptation of Stephen King's 'IT' clown monster back. And we aren't just talking because young star Finn Wolfhard is in it (because the comically cocky Derry residence is nothing like Hawkins' most shyest and anxious kid this side the disappearance of Will Byers). And after the five star, eight episode wonder of the famous five's first season, this Halloween a back 9 of 'Stranger 2' is in no danger of your Netflix night turning into something else five minutes in. So get your eggos ready for the iconic Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein theme and it's sonic boom of a score that will have you skipping the "next episode begins in 5.4.3.2.1." bit and watch this until your nose bleeds.

I aint afraid of no Demogorgon! But I might just be scared of what goes bump in the trash can night of a proton pack, after these kids pay the perfect homage to the 'Ghostbusters' in a moment that will have all those who hated that great all-female reboot hailing these boys as their new ones to call. 'Stranger Things 2' starts with an alarming masked heist and epic police cruiser chase straight out of a before it's time, 90's classic action movie script playbook. It doesn't look like the young, small town life we are used to a gust of wind away from downtown Chicago, but boy does it look incredible. As does the rest of the throwback 80's aesthetic from the penny Pacman arcades to the T.V. adverts and dinners all in a 'Uncle Buck'/'Home Alone' decor to match on John Hughes street. And this horror/thriller sci-fi detective show as a genre meshing and mashing whole that is a cult classic now in its own right. To the uninitiated witnessing 'Stranger Things' for the first time from now or years from, this would still look and feel like something lifted from the 80's, not a thing homaged to it. Even the kids here impossibly look like recognisable figures from back in the Bon Jovi 'Runaways' day...and we aren't talking about the actual veteran 'Beetlejuice' or 'Goonies' actors. From pumpkin patches to black holes and labs scarier than Macaulay Culkin's furnace. To rabid rat like monsters that turn into something stalkingly scarier than two "clever girl" raptors this has all the things, foggy atmosphere and big trouble in a small town to make 80's horror forefather legend and Kurt Russell ally John Carpenter take script flipped note. There's even a short short, skin versus vests basketball scene that takes it back to the days of 'Teen Wolf'...and we're talking about the hairy Michael J. Fox days, not the new show of a series. This is the one classic throwback show that everyone wanted this year like justice for Barb and the best directing brotherhood next to those avenging Marvel's the Russo's have delivered like duffel bags. The Duffer bros taking their phone screen in the bedroom dark, heart palpitating first season that scared you right down to your bone marrow and turning this one into a much more personal roller coaster screamer of a private, haunted house hell horror. One that terrifies with even more substance above the retro style on an 'IT' like level of elder bullying influencing rebels and 'Misery' prisoner enclosed, emotional trauma. Sounds fun right? But oh is it!

Leading this party pack of brats too is child star of the moment Finn Wolfhard, who is really making his name swim with this and how he floats too in this years 'IT'. He is the personal and passionate anchor that keeps all this ship straight. Especially with his band of pre-pubescent brothers in their hormonal feelings. The cool and composed Caleb McLaughlin has become a fortunate fool with a Bart Simpson slingshot in love and shows more heart for it. Whilst the soul of this piece Gatten Mattarazon, checking in as Dustin with his trucker hat curls and R rolling pearls was made for this like he was this lost boys decade. And who would of thought he could cry and make you do so too? Expect even realer and rawer emotion though from actual former lost boy Noah Schnapp, who is here as Will Byers but at a harrowingly haunted price that shows just how great an actor this shy and insecure kid at play is. But despite this fantastic four we all know the real star of this show is Millie like Bobby Brown back in the 'My Prerogative' day. And this time with curls instead of the Furiosa inspired shaved dome, Millie Bobby Brown continues to dial it up as Eleven, changing T.V. channels like Phoebe in 'Friends' and fashioning a halloween costume that looks like she's trying to audition for Casey Affleck's part in 'A Ghost Story'. Noseblood, sweat and screaming tears...not to mention words that are now weapons in her expanded arsenal as she moves you in all sorts of Magneto magic ways. And just wait until she punk rebels..."bitchin" indeed! She's got some competition though in the form of out of town road warrior 'Mad Max', or red head Sadie Sink, who has her own problems to deal with in 'Power Rangers' star Dacre Montgomery. The red ranger red with rage and pedal to the floor muscle car 'Metallica' over compensating exhibitionism. He's probably mad because he can't find a shirt to go under all those leather jackets he rocks. His 'Steel Panther' mullett isn't the only thing that kicks old news cool kid Joe Keery's ass though. Last years douche bags up his old ways and actually becomes an all round good dude aware of his flaws, even if he does still swing that slugger bat (you know the one with the nails). His Bermuda like love triangle with the Molly Ringwald iconic making Natalie Dyer and Dane DeHaan lookalike and sensitive soul Charlie Heaton taking a whole new shape. And then there's the real adults. David Harbour again is breakout brilliant in chief position here. Harbouring more than just Hellboy hot aspirations to play, as this former character actor made good remakes himself like Winona Ryder. Who is really making her famous name that much more infamous with arguably her greatest gift to acting. And this time she doesn't have to hold on to a bunch of tangled up Christmas tree lights to show us so as she illuminates. And how about some more new additions that amaze? Like an actual 'Goonie' and 'Lord Of The Rings' star from Mordor in the fun, heartfelt form of Sean Astin? Or fellow eighties 'Diner' legend Paul Reiser filling the lab coat of Matthew Modine and giving us the greatest voice of that era this side of Albert Brooks. And how could we forget Mrs. Mom, Cara Buono for all you teenage boys of 'Weird Science'? These monster mashing cult, cinematic chapters have it all as the upside down turns you inside out. It's a hell of a thing. Like the sky scraping monster we really want to see bring this town to the ground. And for those binging until they can't take anymore Musketeer candy this Halloween you're in for a treat, no trick. With a third trip to Hawkins, Indiana en route in the back of a forest hills, wood weaving station wagon, it's clear to see in the marathon rearview that what doesn't kill this small town, simply makes it...stranger! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'IT (2017)', 'Stand By Me', 'The Goonies'.

REVIEW: BLADE RUNNER 2049

4/5

Do Androids Dream Of Ryan Gosling?

163 Mins. Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista, Barkhad Abdi, Robin Wright & Jared Leto. Director: Denis Villeneuve.

Replicate this franchise all you like. But you'll never break the same rain soaked ground as the original, legendary Ridley Scott directed 'Blade Runner' 1982 movie and the real read of the visionary Phillip K. Dick's iconic 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep' book that gave this film it's novel idea. Even with all the different versions of this blueprint moment movie for you junkies to feast on (five to be exact), with more cuts than a butchers for your eyes. Without the ahead of even most modern movies today times 'Blade Runner' there wouldn't be the paranoid android of 'The Terminator' franchise, or the cyberpunk future of 'The Matrix' revolution for the science fiction genre birthed by Phillip K. Dick's future fables reload. And as for some of your favourite anime 'Akira'? Forget about it. Even the cruelly, critically underrated and whitewash called 'Ghost In The Shell' movie starring everyone's favourite Asian actress Scarlett Johansson (who actually did an amazing job) earlier this year had Tokyo neon like shades of lost in blade translation advertising. Upgraded and video projected taller than their skyscrapers of tomorrow that acted as a commercial advertisement for the Los Angeles smog meets Hong Kong industrial look of this decades later California. Whose former sun cracked streets now soaked with noir drama hallmark settings have no one no longer asking why it doesn't rain in Southern California. And before original runner and 'The Martian' and 'Alien: Covenant' director Ridley handed the Han like replicant blaster to amazing 'Arrival' alien director Denis Villeneuve of 'Sicario' and 'Prisoners' fame (one who already showed that his films like the 'Enemy' Jake Gyllenhaal doppleganger double-act feature more than meets the eye), an awakening anime precursed this new age of '2049'. The beautiful 'Blackout 2020' was something else as was the nice 'Nexus Dawn 2036' short starring 30 Seconds To Mars lead singer and 'Suicide Squad' Joker, Jared Leto and 'Doctor Strange' and 'Avengers: Infinity War' star Benedict Wong (M.I.A. in this movie). Who himself recently as a fortnight back starred in an episode of the 'Electric Dreams' series of short stories from K. Dick. But now after a 35 year wait, almost hinting at a half century and an 'is he or isn't he' cliffhanger for more fingernail gripping decades in the making than the return of 'Twin Peaks', 'Blade Runner 2049' is here like origami in the rain just when you were tired of counting electric sheep.

And judging from how this all looks through the mist of a neon nights rain, it's safe to say with Villeneuve we are in the midst of the most vivid and versatile director working today. The 'Arrival' sci-fi game and narrative changer really has arrived. If the look of the first 'Blade Runner' back in the 80's left your jaw slack, than this new milleniuum one in '2049' will have you picking it up off the floor. Visually and sonically behind the synth scintillating score manned magnificently by the classic composer today Hans Zimmer this thing really is an effervescent masterpiece. A reboot of a groundbreaking 80's cult classic hasn't looked or sounded this sensational since Disney and Daft Punk gave 'Tron' a whole new 'Legacy' bathed in neon mapping chrome reflections. This takes that decent Colin Farrell 'Total Recall' remake of the Phillip K. Dick taken for wholesale Arnold Schwarzenegger movie and snaps its neck like Arnie against the bad guys. This is more out of this world than Mars as the C.G.I. takes the cars, holograms and a time where puncuated product placement (we see you Atari, Sony and of course Coca Cola) is only seen as perfect here and dials it all the way up. All whilst keeping that 80's aesthetic so clean and fresh it almost appears like it hasn't been messed with. At times it looks like you're watching a remaster of the original and that's not to fault the flawless graphics here (even if those iconic clear plastic umbrellas are missing their flourescent light tubing fit for a room handles). More to credit the original classics C.G. or physical set up to make up for the lack of in a futuristic feel of a film still made by technology looking forward to tomorrows world. Still anytime the spinner cars aren't going back to the future and somewhere where you don't need roads through another noir neon night downpour, we are taken to a 'Last Of Us Vegas' like nuclear fallout deserted desert of the future. Burnt in 'Mad Max' apocalypse orange and solitary primed for the vast outlook of an IMAX screen. Chord enchanced by the scene setting, blaring and pounding, futuroscope score amongst sand covered statues that almost looke like giant humans burnt to ash pillar posts. But aside from all these beautiful bells and whistles of ultimate cinematic wonder, Villeneuve's smart story of emotional arcs and soulful heart continues the narrative of the original classic in this compelling, candlewax slow burner of a blockbuster that is still noir-ish. Offset by brief but brutal all out action assaults that amaze as they beat you into submission, drowning your screaming senses. Paying honoured homage all whilst setting its own path for the future and the discussions that will come with the most talked about and meaning debated movie of the year and sequel of all-time. Let alone the four sequels that prouducer Ridley Scott has on the idea pipeline that may be 'Prometheus' like overkill, but may also have promise if Villeneuve is still in the driving seat. His definitive direction making you wonder what it would have been like if Scott had the same freeing trust in Neil Blomkamp (the 'District 9' and Elysium real world futuristic grit director who is the new Phillip K of the film world) and his 'Alien' movie. Instead of the 'Android: Covenant' we got this year in the robotics of 2017.

But even if you think the man in the chair Ridley should retire, nothing it getting rid of these replicants. Even if 'La La Land''s two-stepping Ryan Gosling's K (see the tribute...no we aint talking about those 'Men In Black') is hunting them down like Deckard with 'Drive' like trademark 'Only God Forgives' stoicism. In his second classic of the year that people feel they also dare not give this any less than a full five star, masterpiece review. Even if this just falls short of the original that many claim it supersedes, when really that was always a Tom Cruise mission (or an oblivion like outlook). As this incredible sci-fi movie that stands all on its own still doesn't feel a shade (just a shade) quite right as a 'Blade Runner' movie no matter how much graphics they use to bring all your old nods back (but that's the point this Denis dynamic is a new landmark movie all in it's own right and moment). Look I'm sure Harrison Ford wasn't too happy with 'Rogue One' bringing back Carrie Fisher in C.G.I. after their real loving and knowing reunion. So imagine his joy at some of the additional, unnecessary add ons here that almost made this writers hardcore friend with a 'Blade Runner' tattoo look for a cover up. Gosling is as great as ever here however in a role that swan spreads its wings like the 100 feet ballerinas he dances between as he stalks the streets. But we all know there is no 'Blade Runner', even in '2049' without Harrison Ford. And the still whip smart (especially in the not so taken seriously sarcasm department, for something equally refreshing and genuine in this business) 'Indiana Jones' and 'Star Wars' star is not going through the walk-on, just another day at the office before he breaks his ankle coming out the Millennium Falcon cameo motions. His intro return scene is decades and hours earned classic even if we did see it in the trailer already. And as for the glass of scotch in the trailer legend of punching Ryan Gosling by accident for real in this movie. Judging from the realism we see here it looks like he did it again and again...perhaps he did leave the whole bottle of Jack for Ryan in the end. Even if he did take all the stage hand produced ice for Gosling's almost broken cheek bones for his own bruised knuckles. But these hits have got nothing on the raw emotional impact of the real acting that follows for the first time truly since the 'Witness' and 'Regarding Henry' era. Perhaps it's all the talent this movie has afforded Ford. Like 'Knock, Knock' and 'War Dogs' standout Ana De Armas an anything but hollow hologram vision. Hooking up with Ridley Scott's 'Martian' maverick actress Mackenzie Davis for an akward 'Her' avatar like menage that lies somewhere between touchingly beautiful and cringingly shallow. 'House Of Cards' First Lady Macbeth Robin Wright slicking her Jenny trademark hair back and calling the shots. If she tells you to run, then you make like Forrest. Dutch 'Renegade' actress Sylvie Hoeks as quite the replicant enforcer who can take you out all whilst some man circular mini buzz-saw files her nails. Or Drax the Destroyer and Bond henchman Dave Bautista as 'Guardians Of The Galaxy's' very own muscle man of meat wall, showing you he's one replicant you don't want to wrestle with. Even Barkhad "I'm the Captain now" Abdi gets a cool cameo look in. And then of course there's 'Dallas Buyers Club' Oscar winning supporting actor Jared Leto, right before he dons the legendary smoking jacket of the recently dearly departed Playboy man himself Hugh Hefner, in relatively normal guise minus some contacts. As this monologue in Hauer homage maddening actor amazingly wears prosthetics in his eyes for the whole film to perform in this picture "blind". Impressive? Yes! Inspired? Well take a look at fellow musician/actor Jamie Foxx playing piano and leading the whole 'Ray' Charles biopic all whilst going prosthetic sightless for the movies whole damn performance. Whilst Leto's three sparing scenes that were originally meant for the late, great Starman himself David Bowie (now imagine that. Now this change feels something akin to Michael Shannon doing his best Ziggy Stardust glam rock impression in 'Tron: Legacy'), draw Jesus visions from Villeneuve. Yet despite this almighty misguided comparison this movie that deals with life, death, the rebirth of man and all that creation and replication at the core not once falls to pretention (the only thing to ever ruin 'Blade Runner' was Oscar Pistorius). Even if some of the critics calling this movie stuck between a blockbuster and a noir place better than the original might just be in cult blasphemy. They say its a masterpiece. On a cinematic and sonic scale it inspiringly is under the influence. But behind all that style is a substance that needs merely a little more mastering before its a cut above the rest as your science fiction hallmark front runner. But an android can dream...right?! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Blade Runner', 'Ghost In The Shell', 'Total Recall (2012)'.