T.V. REVIEW: LUKE CAGE Season 2

4/5

Cage Rematch.

13 Episodes. Starring: Mike Colter, Simone Missick, Theo Rossi, Mustafa Shakir, Reg E. Cathey, Ron Cephas Jones, Finn Jones, Rosario Dawson & Alfre Woodard. Creator: Cheo Hodari Coker.

Sweet Christmas has come early. 'Luke Cage' is back. But don't call it a comeback Cool J. He's been Marvel's notorious crowned, first B.I.G. black, revolution televised superhero for years. Before the Wakanda forever of this years 'Black Panther' blockbuster game changer on a 'Wonder Woman' woke level. Even before T'Challa's 'Civil War' debut pre-'Infinity' with the conclusion of 'Captain America's' trilogy arc. This was back in the Purple Man, Killgrave haze of 2015. Roasting coffee with P.I. and Marvel's own first female superhero alias with her own show going on, 'Jessica Jones'. Oh and did he and Mrs, Mrs Jones have a thing "goooing on"! The pair of them doing to her headboard, what seemingly a circular saw couldn't do to Luke's bare midriff. And now following his crossover debut, his own solo show and then the superteam assemble, with 'Luke Cage' Series 2 this Defender has logged more Netflix run than any of New York's finest. Let alone from Cap to Iron Man, anyone in the M.C.U. as a whole, aside from Agent Caulson and his S.H.I.E.L.D. As Harlem's Hero for Hire, Power Man brings the black power back like a raised, indestructible fist of pride that refuses to be unclenched. The bulletproof monk adds more ammunition to Marvel and Netflix's bulletproof wallets, following the power SLAM from former XXL magazine journalist Cheo Hodari Coker's expertly executive produced, formidable force of a first season in boom. Followed by the eighth wonder of 'The Defenders' team-up last calender and this years still as compelling second season of the jazz and scotch and love on the rocks with a twist infused 'Jessica Jones'. Bringing power for women like this black power in a world sick of being washed white by men who think they run it all. Just think of this years Netflix run of Jones and Cage as the screens smaller than 'Ant-Man & The Wasp' equivalent of Wonder Woman and Black Panther in a year when Thanos is making war just by clicking his fingers (I bet he couldn't crush Cage to dust) when he's not providing Cable for Deadpool too. Or fire and ice. Because Jessica Jones may put you down, but when Luke Cage brings his knockout blow you stay down like The Punisher telling Daredevil how it is in a second season so good to be Frank it built Castle his own show. And now this right to left hook from Luke is the Gang Starr earned follow up that's titles pay tribute to Pete Rock and CL Smooth for the records. All whilst set off by that iconic Mobb Deep snare and 'Shook Ones' street-beat as Cage wreaks warehouse havoc and machine gun funk in African American College Alliance sweats. Yep the hooded hero is a role-model star now. So much so he has his own Run-DMC logo t-shirt. Because it's like that...and that's the way it is.

Hook! Check this out even 'Charlies Angel' Lucy Liu directs an episode here (the outstanding opener)...'Elementary' my dear. And the 'Kill Bill' assassin kills it in super slow motion sidewalks and an inspired introduction to a venomous villain (no Tom Hardy) called Bushmaster (*stifles snigger and looks for the appropriate Gif*). One so Cage match matching you'll almost forget how much you miss marvelous 'Moonlight' Oscar winner and 'True Detectice' to be Marhershala Ali's knockout Cottonmouth, who ended up getting stomped out and microphone dropped before he even had his chance to sing bud. A lion out of, or for 'Cage' looking to be king, 'Brawl In Cell Block 99' brawler Mustafa Shakir plays a Jamaican who wants to take the queen down for New York. And Mustafa's performance is as accented as the Marley from his mouth like son Stephen singing. As compelling as the first time you see him in the club on the second Fugees trailer looking to set the score. Ready or not. Here he comes. You can't hide. He's gonna find Luke Cage like everyone else with that superhero finder app...yeah and you thought you could catch 'em all with Pokemon Go! Yep, Luke Cage is a Twitter trending, selfie social superstar now in this millennial age. But is the fame going to his head like an attention seeking Snapchat filter? Because the strong, silent type is ready to go violent when means necessary, as Marvel's Martin channels his inner Malcolm X. This trouble man like Marvin going deeper and darker in Season 2. From Harlem's protector, to a man ready to fight for N.Y. But the former 'Good Wife' hustler still has that good fight ambition. As Mike Colter collects more than nickels and dimes for his swear jar, cleaning up the streets like he used to brush up hair in the Switzerland continental grounds, otherwise known as Pops Barbershop. The actor that broke your heart in 'Men In Black 3' has so much more here, behind a bruised soul from all the gut punches and cheap shots he's took. But the man whose about to take racism to task in 'Skin' with a tougher than leather coat on his arms still knows how to stand up for his people here as deep rooted as flesh and blood. Across 110th street there's still an angel in Harlem, no matter what devil tries to clip his wings.

Lucky for Luke he still has some sidekicks standing in his corner after his gloves off Frazier to Ali K.O. by the master of bush. Like a simmering Simone Missick's Misty Knight copping her place at the roundtable. In defence of 'The Defenders' she may have lost her right arm like everyone else in Marvel's Phase 2. But now with a Winter Soldier one she's ready to Yoyo with anyone willing to leave her hanging or drop another tired "need a hand" joke. Peep the way on the mist of a murder riddled night, Mercedes rides through the memories of a crime scene with directed inspiration. And of course how about the night nursing, double-shift working defender of the Defenders Rosario Dawson? The 'Unstoppable' actress whose the only one to appear in every Marvel Netflix show here pulling double-duty as Luke's love and her own enhanced individual with abilities. But Dawson is more than just the one who always makes the coffee now, or nurses Cage's wounds. And this Netflix shows season may be Rosario's realest yet. And with Pops cutting hair in heaven, Luke's barbershop chatter and counsel comes from 'He Got Game' playground legend Ron Cephas Jones. The former player in a Superfly Groovey Lou suit has a handle on everything like the knights and queens on his Central Park chessboard. Checkmate. Now spoiler alert how about some crossover cameos in this game of boroughs? As Finn Jones, the kid with the glowing punch literally lends a hand. And if you think the real Iron Fist spoiler alert is the fact that he is in it...don't! As the barefoot billionaire steps it up here like his own underrated season. Not spoiling anything and not the Defenders weak link for anyone on the offence. Rand is his own enterprise...and it's a booming one like the one from his palm. Forming a team-up bond straight out the Power Man and Iron Fist crossover comics. And late, great 'House Of Cards' street-chef Reg E. Cathey (Rest Peacefully) is cooking up more than searing sermons as a pastor with a past. The 'Fantastic Four' father figure who had a baritone to match Freeman is more than his iconic voice here in one of his last and lasting roles. May we remember him always. Cage is going to need all the brothers in arms he can get going up against Bushmaster (sorry...we couldn't resist saying it again), 'Sons Of Anarchy' rider Theo Rossi's shady Shades character, who is seeing more light and insight this season and the real villain who silenced Cottonmouth, Alfre Woodard. Alfre who alter-ego appeared in the M.C.U. as the mother of a lost son that set off the accords of the 'Civil War' and has also recently played Taraji P. Henson's Cookie's mother in 'Empire', is building one of her own here in the Harlem club circuits. But she got her own estranged daughter issues here too. Yet in Marvel's ever expanding family franchise that means most actors get to play in this sandbox twice (see; Brolin, Josh), some of the best guest stars here that are too good to spoil have their spotlight on the stage. As from hip-hop legends (one whose already provided a theme and cut scene for 'Iron Man'), to underground soul, this show that's all about music like the heart of Harlem itself plays perfectly from the underscoring soundtrack to all the background noise. What more to beat the street under Cage's concrete pounding feet? Season 1 stood proudly with the Black Lives Matter movement and defiantly against racial profiling and police brutality. Whereas the stronger skin of the second series is a beautiful exploration of Harlem and Jamaican culture. 'Luke Cage' has grown and evolved. He may not wear yellow and chains, but the man who makes a stand and keeps marching under a hoodie finds his own way to the promised land like justice served, whether street or beat. Now if that aint power man I don't know what is! So how about that coffee? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Defenders', 'Jessica Jones (Season 1)', 'Black Lightning'.

REVIEW: OCEANS 8

4/5

The Eighth Wonder Of The Girl.

110 Mins. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Awkwafina, Richard Armitage, James Corden & Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Gary Ross.

Luck is more than a lady today. And with the men gone, the con is back on in a big way. Here's eight reasons to watch the most stylishly compelling, smart blockbuster of the year, 'Oceans 8' in cinemas now.

1...Sandra Bullock. As soon as the Soderbergh spilt-screens come into play and the 'Orange Is The New Black' bracelets come off, as she strolls out the clink in the same dress she came in with to the winding strumming of Old Blue Eyes' daughter Nancy Sinatra's 'These Boots Were Made For Walking'. To be Frank you know Sandra Bullock is going to walk all over and away with this. Oozing charisma and charm and with a lollipop 'Proposal' even Ryan Reynolds couldn't refuse, 'The Heat' is on for the 'Speed', world famous actress who shows she has the 'Gravity' and the gravitas not to step into astronaut co-star George Clooney's dress shoes, but stand next to him, heel to toe as Danny Ocean's long lost sister, Debbie. Running the show and olive toasting a shaken Martini to his stirring legacy that she's about to drink to with her own twist.

2...Cate Blanchett. Everyone needs a Pitt like partner in crime, leading the show. But who needs a Brad cameo when his vanishing one in 'Deadpool 2' is so hilariously good and you have the greatest, hardest working actress in Hollywood right now, not called Jessica Chastain in the game? Smouldering with smoky, rock star chic and band t-shirts under Aerosmith Tyler leopard print or suit jackets, the 'Blue Jasmine' Oscar winner and 'Carol' herself goes all 'Atomic Blonde' bob with peroxide power. The ever versatile as a character blank slate, Blanchett who played a Godess of a best Marvel villain in the down under 'Thor-Ragnarok' and more personalities than 'Split' in last years 'Manifesto' adds another front page to her catalogue collection. What more could you expect from a woman in 'I'm Not There' who alongside the likes of Richard Gere, best Batman, Christian Bale and Joker icon, Heath Ledger played the best and most lifelike version of Bob Dylan himself? Blonde on blonde she does it just like a wonder woman.

3...Mindy Kaling. Stepping out 'The Office', Mindy joins this project with an eye for the jewels as these queens take more than knight. They own the New York night. Or the marvellous Met in a Gala of gorgeous, graceful gowns. And Kaling is king at telling the difference between what's a girls best friend...and what's merely zirconia. To the cubic inch under any spotlight or 'Wrinkle In Time' this is a diamond of a performance for Mindy's best year at the movies.

4...Sarah Paulson. 'Marcia. Marcia. Marcia'. 'The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story' and 'American Horror Story' star standout refuses to be a stay at home, watch herself on the T.V. mom. She's aholic for more than shopping too, even if her garage looks like prime real estate for an Amazon warehouse. Paulson is the pulse of this picture and outfit. Puncuating any moment she's in like the top Twitter trending Met Gala dress like hashtag, blessed.

5. Rihanna. Speaking of which, usually the best dressed at the Met, Rihanna shall go to the ball, but via a van in the back alley. As the 'Diamonds' singer shines bright behind the keys on this jewel heist, as a laptop and tech-wiz who hacks into everything like she was a sidekick to Sandra in 'The Net'. After a crazy, constant costume change cameo in last years 'Valerian-And The City Of A Thousand Planets', a sinking 'Battleship' boom and a down to earth lead in the Dreamworks 'Home', Bad Girl RiRi finds her place here amongst this band of sisters. Pocketing her 9-Ball character from the break with the coolest mouse in New Rat City. Dread locked in and as N.Y. as yellow cabs running over steaming grids.

6...Awkwafina. Hip-Hop and 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Awkwafina (who you may remember from being one of Chloe Grace-Moretz's girls next door in 'Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising') is about to blow up. No! Correction, before what should be one of the biggest, cult hits of the year in 'Crazy Rich', Awkwafina has already brought the boom off the board here. Stealing the show and your watch...awkward.

7...Helena Bonham Carter. You couldn't hold this deck of cards without the real queen of hearts however. And legends don't come much bigger, better or with more cinematic credentials than Great Brit Helena Bonham Carter. She's played Queen Elizabeth, Elizabeth Taylor and the greatest character in every Burton picture. And now tailor-made as a fashion designer somewhere between Vivienne Westwood and Kate Spade (Rest Peacefully), she stitches up one of her best and most personal roles yet. Wearing this one like and with the confidence of her own one of a sublime kind style.

8...Anne Hathaway. But with all the confidence tricks here, Catwoman Anne Hathaway in diamonds and furs may just be the steal here. 'The Princess Bride' and 'Devil Wears Prada' 'Intern' fashions her own Streep streak here with a 'Colossal' performance. The white queen to 'Alice In Wonderland' co-star Carter's red one is Cartier dressed up by Helena herself. But she owns everything she dons from the pearls to the heels as she acts like she walks a permanent red carpet and model celebrity, parody plays everything up perfectly. One scene where she reacts to a three, six-figure necklace like an infamous, iconic scene from 'When Harry Met Sally' ("I'll have what she's wearing") is priceless. But rolling out more than casino red, 'Hunger Games' director Gary Ross feasts on Steven Soderbergh's signature style with the best 'Oceans' film since the dialled to 'Eleven' remake classic ('Thirteen' was a lucky dip tribute. 'Twelve' was an extended perfume ad). All the chips are down as even 'Hobbit' dwarf Richard Armitage grows up to a pathetic playboy, man-child but perfect villain and 'Late, Late Show' adopted American James Corden comes in with his best Ricky Gervais impression. Not to mention a crazy, who's who roll call of classy cameos in this funny and fun film. Even if one teased one in this tense affair never comes to the light of day like a cut Matt Damon appearance (to be fair from 'Ragnarok' to maybe even 'Deadpool 2' too, he's done enough), in this twist a minute caper for the cape and tights generation. And of course the city that never sleeps New York, New York from the bridge of Brooklyn to Freedom is a character itself so much so we have to say it twice. And of course the city that never sleeps New York, New York from the bridge of Brooklyn to Freedom is a character itself so much so we have to say it twice...you get the idea. We could do this all day. And 'Oceans 8' is a job you'll love so much you won't be able to wait to go back to work. Whether to tell, or to sell. Those wondering whether '8' would be great need to not be afraid of the worth of a woman's work reboot. Like the proton powered, unjustly underrated 'Ghostbuster' of this time two years ago. Or the buzz of a Marvel headlining Wasp flying with Ant-Man's latest heist this scorching summer with a sting.

Need a ninth reason? Or a tenth? Expect this sequel/reboot hybrid dressed up as a prequel to trilogy add up to the new millennium original 11 like the Rat Pack. Just grab a Metro card and hang with their N.Y.C. subway car success trip, victory lap ensemble assemble, reminiscent of the Bellagio fountain victory stream of Clooney and company. This slick hit is no lake by the ocean. It's a whole new current. Here come the girls. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Oceans 11', 'Ghostbusters (2016)', 'The Italian Job (2003)'.

T.V. REVIEW: EMPIRE Season 4

3.5/5

The Empire Strikes Back.

18 Episodes. Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta'Rhonda Jones, Andre Royo, Serayah, Xzibit, Phylicia Rashad, Taye Diggs, Alfre Woodard, Vivica A. Fox, Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, & Forest Whitaker. Created By: Lee Daniels & Danny Strong.

Cookie cutter T.V. series' seem to leave fans with their fill these days. The Batman origin show 'Gotham' is heading to the dawn of its final season. Whilst the next, perhaps last series of Marvel's 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D' will be snapped in half like Thanos clicking his fingers to dust. But who gives a f### as we enter the Lyon's den for more in Season 4? Because this 'Empire' breaks the mold...and mould. Keeping it fresh like these young princes who would be king. No wonder these three boys and their two parents have a fifth season on order from Fox. Twenty for 20, this family franchise knows how to make up the numbers as 'Empire' goes extreme. They know how to move units too, from their gold records to their platinum chains. And we aren't just talking about the stellar soundtracks that underscore every series. We are talking about real life beyond this fantasy too. We all know Bryshere Y. Gray A.K.A. Yazz the Greatest has flow for days. Just like Terrence Howard released one of the most unsung, actor come singer jazz albums with the signature 'Shine Through It' back in 2008. But how about Jussie? Smollett who has been making the rounds (last year he starred in sci-fi's 'Alien: Covenant' sequel and this year he's even directing some episodes of 'Empire'), has just recently released his own, outstanding album 'Sum Of My Music' that has equalled to significant streaming success. Featuring the formidable, take the lead, first hit single 'Hurt People' with it's iconic video set in Johannesburg, South Africa and inspired by the long walk to freedom of Nelson Mandela. The video literally starts in the cramped cell Madiba was imprisoned in for 27 years and ends with Jussie just running to a group of beautiful children and falling down as they play with him in pure happiness. But check out the moment when an all red suited and booted Smollett approaches a nightclub with a "Whites Only" sign above the door. He hammers it down, destroying it all before two-stepping into the spot in the name of love with a cane. It's not just a statement against hate but a show of solidarity for co-star Taraji P. Henson. Who had Kevin Costner do the same for her in a whites only bathroom in the Oscar nominated film 'Hidden Figures'. Which was about how the moon landing was propelled by the genius minds of until recently unsung African-American women. Smollett showing us here that even beyond the show this family has got each other. All the way to the Marvin and Tammi, 'Aint No Mountain High Enough' finale swan-song.

Vegas would have odds on this family sticking together, no matter what tries to blow them apart. Even if they are Lions fur draped in more sin than this Nevada desert city itself. Every family almost kills each other right? No! This family actually almost kills each other. BOOM! The last season ended explosively in the casino town as a car bomb almost reduced Lucious and Cookie to crumbs. Didn't they learn from Biggie's 'What's Beef'? "Beef is when you make your enemies start your jeep". Now the only thing crazier than seeing Lucious Lyon hobbling around on a peg leg like something out of 'Pirates Of The Carribean' is him finger painting with Bruce Willis' ex-wife. Yep, he sees music in colour now. Time to start calling him Dwight again. But nurse Demi Moore, full disclosure is a standout guest star bringing Lucio...we're sorry Dwight to a cabin in the woods, 'Misery' barnstorm. And her and John McClane's daughter Rumer Willis is back to for even more acting of substance behind her addiction suffering character. Lucious is on lavishing form however. Even if he kind of works out that limp halfway through the season like 'The Simpsons' Krusty the Klown walking out of his wheelchair mid-theatre performance (*rushing back*, "oh that's right. I'm crippled"). Only an Academy actor like Terrence Howard could pull this or Lucious innate, animalistic ability to utterly repel you, only to compellingly draw you back in so convincingly off. His smouldering intensity is laced with brimstone and the bravado of a man who sold his soul to the devil...and then stole it right back. But to Howard's end there's genuine moments too like that single tear drop for a character that even purs and growls like a lion at times. Or like a Lyon. Terrence is just terrific in this New York Empire state of mind mayne. Taken to task only by Taraji as Henson's 'Hustle' to 'Howards' flow is always the hard engineered work behind the polished wax. Especially behind the bars (check the prison break flashbacks). But Cookie refuses to be boxed in. Whether poundcake or locked down. Looking to set her family and her company free. 'Will they or won't they' isn't even the question. It's whether this Lyon will be the man this womans worth has always deserved and needed him to be? A kings empire is nothing without the one who really wears the crown.

And that brings us to the three kings. No not TGT. We aren't talking about Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank. But this showstoppers big three. Smollett plays a smouldering pot of strength and sensitivity, dealing with his darkest demons yet. Yet pushing the envelope and his energy into some of his most experimental and inspirational music yet. All whilst making fingerless gloves, long winter coats and cardigans over white tees look fresher than the opposite of death himself. Whilst dripping in jewels, Bryshere Y. Grazy drops even more. Showing he truly is the greatest when it comes to young, "can't tell me nothing", cocky Kanye energy. This brother, son and father also comes of age too in what's arguably his and this shows greatest season yet. But yet again it's the tremendous, trailblazing Trai Byers who bypasses all of this with his amazing acting of aggravated anxiety and aggression. The stand and solidarity he shows for those dealing with mental health issues is as strong and sincere as Smollett's support for those coming out. Yet in this season Trai faces even more tragedy as someone is messing with his meds to devastating mid-season, cliffhanger effect. And wait until everyone finds out what he did to end last season...or even this one. He still has time to clink champagne glasses in celebration with co-star and now wife Grace Byers, who plays the outside threat to this families future (and you thought enough was happening from within). Still there's plenty of help from the returning supporting cast. Although it seems like Leslie Uggams is rooming more with 'Deadpool' these days...you can't have that many people around calling Lucious Dwight. 'Precious' Gabourey Sidibe is getting more of the cherished screen time and stories her Oscar worthy legend deserves. Whilst Ta'Rhonda Jones assists even more too with more humour than she has outfits. Also when it comes to 'The Wire' legend Andre Royo you have to love a lawyer called "Thirsty". Now if these Lyons like to get their hands dirty, than just imagine how many times their legal aid has to wash his hands. And then of course there's the real music stars, young and old. From the swift moving Serayah becoming a star of stage and screen in her own right. Not to mention hip-hop legend Xzibit who knows how to step back into the booth and bring back that heat from the streets like he was still braided up with Dre. Don't believe it? Just you wait. And 'Creed's' Phylicia Rashad and 'Best Man' Taye Diggs return for even more formidable family feuds in the money makes the law bend round courtroom. A cast of big names in recurring roles like Vivica A. Fox is one-upped by the addition of Alfre Woodard who appeared to be the real villain in 'Luke Cage' season one. But for all the A-list guest stars this show has had on its guest list over the years. Cuba Gooding Jr., Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell to name just a mere few. The Empire isn't big enough for much more come season four. Except for one, huge guest star with an even bigger part. The less we say about 'Black Panther' and 'Roots' legend Forest Whitaker the better. Not because of how great this ever underrated acting great and his body of work actually is. But because of what the star of 'The Butler' serves up here as he joins the pride of the Lyon's. And they all come together for a 'Purple Reign' cosplay party and tribute fit for a Prince. Especially after the symbol has just turned sixty. Nothing compares 2 this. Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have done it again. Strong armed steady. This 'Nashville' meets 'Dallas', 'Dynasty' has it all in guilty pleasure, expectation exceeding escapism on your changed channel. All the way to an epic, emotional and entertaining ending, THIS is how you build an 'Empire'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Nashville', 'Atlanta', 'Dynasty'.

REVIEW: JURASSIC PARK-FALLEN KINGDOM

3.5/5

Jeff Finds A Way.

128 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Justice Smith, Rafe Spall, Daniella Pineda, Geraldine Chaplin, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Ted Levine, B.D. Wong & Jeff Goldblum. Director: J.A. Bayona.

Slap this on your plastic lunch boxes! Uhh...the one and only...Jeff Goldblum is back for the next phase of his...uhh 'Jurassic' era. Hahaha-rawrr-ahaha! And you thought being able to get a Pop Vinyl of his iconic, idolized, shirt-open, laid-back pose was good news. Alas though, like knocking on a security camera and fog breathing on it and wiping it to make sure it's on...now eventually they do plan to have some Dr. Ian Malcolm in their 'Jurassic Park' movie right? Hello? Because in bookmarking this latest adaptation of Michael Crichton's critical idea that Spielberg turned into pure, golden era, Hollywood cinema, the gold of Goldblum is only in this movie for a grand total of two, whole minutes. You've had coitus that has lasted longer than that...I sincerely hope. Now THAT is one big pile of s###! The tinted spectacle of the chaos maddening Malcolm is back, in a wiser and worn wearier doctor appearing in front of congress compellingly. And with the Dapper Don of his hair gone, replaced with a salt and pepper beard, the leather jacket is left back in a park he appears to never be going back to. So like when he appeared in the fly like regurgitation of 'Independence Day: Resurgence' (albeit though with some trademark classic lines like, "they like to get the landmarks" in reaction to the aliens clocking Big Ben), but not in the original 'Jurassic World' reboot, God giveth and God taketh away. Who would have thought that after having the Grandmaster and grand-standing fun of going off script in Taika Waititi's gloriously colourful Zeppelin, 'Thor-Ragnarok' sequel to end last year, Jeff would be reduced to a few notes here behind the microphone? Stuck mouthing off on Capitol Hill, in a courtroom for his entire cameo/seen it in the trailers screen-time, I guess life...uhh...sort of finds a way. It's great to have him back...but we wanted him BACK! Now we just can't wait to hear from the iconic, cult legends next move, shaking out a jazz album (you need to Youtube this dude backing up soul legend Gregory Porter on the ivory) like fellow offbeat oddball favourite and 'Isle Of Dogs' vocal co-star Bill Murray. Goldblum still plays his part here, line for line. But a man like this has to be allowed to improvise off-key. Ahh well. Who better to say it however (apart from SNL, Bill Hader's Al Pacino)? "Welcome to 'Jurassic World'"!

'Fallen Kingdom's' the sequel. And more than heads and pod racing Gyrosphere orbs will roll in a sequel to this franchise trilogy sequel that ups the ante with an eruption of action after three summers lying dormant. With a rumbling that will leave your popcorn popping stomachs asking, "what have they got in there? King Kong?", a volcano literally spits all it and this island has got out at you. Triceratops, Velociraptors and T-Rex's oh my! Even one of those Friar Tuck looking ones that literally bursts through a brick-wall like the Kool-Aid guy. OH YEAH! In a stampede of set-pieces that run through nostalgia and new ways of trying to make green screen look as good as those old, tried and tested amazing animatronics, there's enough emotional call-backs, reaching back to '93 like the tallest tree that will leave you out of tears aswell as breath. As a matter of fact in a dual magma hot scene of I can't feel my legs...or face hilarity (which my friend rightfully so said moved like a lude Leo in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'...credit where credits due Tayla!), there's more Easter Eggs here than you could fit in an overturned jeep. As a matter of fact an opening, outstanding T-Rex helicopter ropey ladder chase, as thrilling as being stuck under a slumbering one is a "must go faster" call-back for the king of this jungle whose vision is based on movement. This kong of the dinosaurs even has a barking match with the lion ruler of our animal kingdom in a scene reminscent of the Jaws swallowing 'Jurassic "Sea" World' snap of the last film. The Mosasaurs is after surfers now herself...it's O.K. she's being doing a lot of swimming lately. There's even a night at the mansion museum terror that brings the haunted house and classic, straight out the kitchen, hide under your sheets, Spielberg scares back to this franchise by the sinister claw tap-tap. If you're old enough to be a child of the 'Jurassic' period in this millennial era reboot than you'll get the reference as a hybrid, bedroom color scheme sounding Indoraptor (enough with the sock-drawer, 'Weird Science' like cross-breeds already. We know nothing beats when raptors and a T-Rex ruled the earth...but not literally together), runs down a creepily cramped corridor that looks like it was wallpapered by the same concierge that designed the hotel in 'The Shining'. As 'A Monster Calls' director J.A. Bayona rain-soaked, rip-roaringly takes over from yesterday and tomorrows Trevorrow (more from producer Colin to conclude this trilogy that looks to be heading towards a 'Lost World') for some pure dumb as f### blockbuster fun. Like the legendary 'Jurassic World' moment of that man trying to save his two margaritas when those birds of prey came swooping down. Hold on to your butts!

Stilleto point fingers no more as the heels are off now for Bryce Dallas Howard. And bootstrapped ready, Howard is a solo force in herself to make her pops latest 'Star Wars' story see even more opposites of happy days, no matter how good the movie actually is. 'The Help' actress enlisting the help of on/off, 'will they won't they', partner in prehistoric conservation, Chris Pratt. Harrison Ford take note. Fresh off right face, wrong time kicking Thanos' butt in 'Avengers: Infinity War' (but understandably so in one of the Marvel mash-ups greatest, most climatic moments), this galaxy guardian is back as a park and raptors one. Playing the camo Indiana Jones (minus the Alan Grant stetson) to his Han Solo like Star-Lord across the universe. And he's on scorching, "the weathers hot, why not build a barn from the foundations up" form as Shaw in a summer that would be his if it wasn't for that Cable guy, whose nutsack chin he tried to shoot off, Josh Brolin. And of course what would a J.P. or J.W. film be without trying to babysit some Goonies? They're older than Lex and Tim. Or that 'Love Simon' fellow on his own big brother detail. But 'The Get Down's' Justice Smith and truly an 'Originals' Daniella Pineda scene steal like cans of unfound shaving cream. Meanwhile 'Life Of Pi' and 'Prometheus' actor Rafe Spall plays a stock villain looking to up the numbers and the amount of prehistorics he has in his wallet. Whilst old Hammond friend and legend of 'The Green Mile' and 'L.A Confidential', James Cromwell is determined to take a coughed up secret all the way to his characters grave. Assisted by Charlie's daughter Geraldine Chaplin who was so good in Philip K. Dick's 'Electric Dreams' series, there's more that haunts the halls of this house than the things that make the glass of water on your bedside table go bump in the night. And there's even more bad guys for your buck here too. Cha-ching! Hungry for Trump Tower dollars and follicle replacements, 'Captain America's' own German bad brain Toby Jones accents another performance and the door opening, shock horror, wind in the face roar reaction of your next gif (see: "When that member of the squad that never comes out rolls up!"). Whilst Buffalo Bill himself, Ted Levine trys to silence more than lambs with a dental obsessed charm link-collection that he always puts his neck out for. Here the legendary character actor plays like Bob Peck's pack hunter took a tour of acting duty with 'Apocalypse Now'. And what would a new 'Jurassic World' film be without 'Jurassic Park' star B.D. Wong, who is so good here like he was in Will Smith's 'Focus'? Well a lot more if we had more camera time from the one whose name is Jeff. But how much chaos do you want in a movie that throws everything at you, including the kitchen scene? Besides Jeff may find a way by this trilogy conclusion which will surely be better and more convincing than a Raptor that can say "Alan"! Then again with how close Pratt is communicating with his girl Blue, you never know. But as 'Jurassic World' is set to motorcycle ride off into the sunset like one man and a gang of girls with scales, 'Fallen' despite some boneheaded, J.R. ball dropping moments is still king of this 'World'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Jurassic Park', 'Jurassic World', 'The Lost World'.