REVIEW: AVENGERS-ENDGAME

5/5

Avengers Disassemble.

181 Mins. Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bradley Cooper & Josh Brolin. Directors: Anthony & Joe Russo.

(Everything in this review is in the trailers too. There are no spoilers here.)

Game over! This is the end. The final punch to the same heavy bag Captain America pummeled into 'Avengers Assemble', chain-breaking submission after the whole defrosting thing in the fight of their lives. Ashes to ashes. Dust to, "I don't feel so good!" Six of the original Avengers left going for the six infinity stones with one 'Captain Marvel' to lead them all after her massive movie by the breaking billion. We're in the 'Endgame' now Steven Strange. But wait! Disney have just given us a plus. 'Falcon and The Winter Soldier'. 'Loki?' 'WandaVision?!?' Could you have not waited a couple of weeks to squeak Mickey? I guess there's no need for a spoiler alert (although aside from what's already in the trailers, there's no back of the 'Fast and Furious' matchbox cars here), like Ant-Man out the quantum realm. Or Hawkeye's mortal kombat of Ronin being brought back to bow from Japan by 'Ghost In The Shell' Major Scarlett Johansson after being lost in Tokyo. Still what an outstanding, one shot, rain soaked, symbolic scene in Japanese with 'John Wick' subtitles, by the light of illuminating neon. Highlighted by Japanese legend Hiroyuki Sanada. A Far East icon who was so stellar with the samurai sword in Hugh Jackman's 'The Wolverine' movie in the land of the rising sun and hasn't missed a stroke. The Hawk has his own show taking wing too like Widow's forthcoming movie. But how about a spin-off called 'Budapest'? We even see Iron Man back on earth shaking Cap's hand to end their 'Civil War' in the tear inducing trailers (get this man his shield back). Not to mention this Summer 'Spider-Man' is 'Far From Home' too. Still Thanos demands all our silence. Including when we leave the theatre, unlike Homer Simpson walking past the line telling everyone who Luke Skywalker's father is thanks. Hash-tag, "don't spoil the 'Endgame'." I guess they're all coming back (or are they?) in a franchise that just won't, or let it's characters die. Wakanda Forever. Oh Hai Quicksilver...no don't worry he doesn't make a speedy (a tee hee hee) recovery here. But admit it you wouldn't have seen that coming. At least unlike the 'Age Of Ultron' which lasted for around two and a half hours, this three hour epic caps off the Mad Titan's purple reign of terror that began in the Loki assembled attack on New York and after several films of sitting on his ass ended with a snap. And we're not talking about what he did to the God of Mischief's neck which would have been the most emotional and epic death of the whole war of infinity if it wasn't for a Twitter trend spoil. Sort your feeds out social media...better yet, like seeing the real world this time of year (albeit in a darkened cinema) stay off them screens. But I assure you, "the sun will shine on us again."

$500 that's how much opening night tickets have been going for on eBay like it was a sold out concert for the Rolling Stones. Well these sixties legends have almost been swinging for as long from the late, legendary, let's hope there's one more cameo like all the comic-book turning and busting Hollywood ones here, Stan Lee's New York bullpen office. Where and when he sketch cell created characters whilst watching real spiders climb walls like King Kong up the Empire State. Half a grand for what will piano play like the biggest excuse of a sick day ever. Just tell your boss you don't feel so good. Because you don't want to miss this band getting back together on the New York rooftops after they broke up like The Beatles. This band of brothers going for the stones really are like the Stones. Or something akin to Beatlemania. There's the guy with the shield again. You're original Cap, red, white and blue, suped up super soldier leader calling the shots. With superhuman strength and Superman honour, this kid from Brooklyn has done this all day for the little guys. And he could do this all decade. Following this 'First Avenger's' romanticism of Liverpool's Albert Dock doubling as ye olde Brooklyn brownstone debut and his battle with childhood pal and best friend Bucky in the best in show 'The Winter Soldier' M.C.U. movie, we were introduced to the matrix of the revolutionary, dynamic directing duo of the Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe. Who before 'Infinity' and this 'Endgame' gave us 'Civil War' as these directing Godfather's know how to pull all he strings. A war between the star spangled Cap (this time outfitted in an American Eagle feathery touch tribute to his iconic garb) played with Steve Rogers heart and Chris Evans soul and the Bruce Wayne like billionaire, playboy philanthropist, bad boy behaviour by Hollywood's real rebel heart Robert Downey Jr. The arc reactor charismatic catalyst to all of these 21 movies that have even surpassed 'Star Wars' storytelling arcs a decade ago (even though it seems like a thousand years back in 2008. Although these three hours feel like 3 minutes), who was born to play Tony Stark's Iron Man like Hugh Jackman's Wolverine or Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool. Or of course the Cap he finally fits to shake hands with like we hope he puts a ring on Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts' finger in the end. That is now she hasn't already been turned into that same pepper similar, finger clicking like annoying customers at waiters to pass the salt, dust. But instead the sliding doors of something you've never seen before. And Panthers, Spiders and trees oh my, don't worry. We won't dust pan and brush sweep spoil if any of the other fallen heroes return from the other side, or Aunt Mary's vacuum bag. Now that Farm-os has hung up his armour like a scarecrow and retreated to the fields after all that killing. Or maybe to his living room T.V. to watch some Cable...get it? Cable! Ugh! I bet you wish he clicked his fingers at me don't you? But if you really want to know what he's up to Google his name and give his fist a little bump. Looks like dad jokes survived the snap. But either way even though the earth's mightiest heroes couldn't save the world. You'll be damn sure with 'Endgame' that they're going to avenge it.

OH SNAP! Now do we have a Hulk again in this epic, emotional end to this big, beautiful blockbuster franchise that kids now with kids of their own have grown up with like 'Harry Potter'? One that's seen Bruce Banner himself Mark Ruffalo receive several different scripts with 'Endgame's' ending for the walking Tom Holland like spoiler that he is. Now how's that for anger management? But you wouldn't like him when he streams the first ten minutes of 'Ragnarok'. But off that Planet Hulk and green with envy for the Hyde to his Dr. Jekyll, this Mark is out of this world as the not so jolly green giant who has had more incarnations (Edward Norton...huh! Whaaaat?!) than Spider-Man's Uncle Ben has had burglary botched deaths. From Lou Ferrigno's sweet, soulful seventies show, to visionary 'Gemini Man' director Ang Lee's inventive 'Hulk' movie, most like a comic-book in its cell structure. He's smashing! But what of his 'Ragnarok' friend from work who should of gone for the head in his own Star-Lord blunder blooper? The last time he trusted someone he lost an eye. Word to Goose (somebody please let the cat out of the bag here). But now this maverick hammer time Thor has an axe to grind (I like this one) now he's stormbroken watched all these people die like the fall of Asgard and the dusting of his realms lifeboat. But before this 'International', amazing Australian joins the 'Men In Black' with his Valkyrie ally (did she and that fan favourite, lovable pile of rocks from New Zealand like Tessa Thompson's tweet suggested really have a drink whilst the Children of Thanos were left dusting up what remained of Asgard?) to save the world again, he gives us a force of lightning we'll never be able to neuralyze. But when this fantastic four (we hope to see that family soon too Emily and John?! Silver surfing with the eater of planets, Galactus and all sorts of X Men in the Disney deal) are met by two elite assassin's, Josh Brolin's bracingly brilliant Thanos (still not as big bad scary as his 'Sicario' soldier ordering air strikes in crocs. But way more personable. Even in CGI that makes him look like the purple reign of Shaquille O'Neal had a love child with the dude from 'Pawn Stars', like that hilarious, "best I can do is 5 bucks" Infinity Gauntlet meme) faces off with a sinister six even with the late registration of an M.I.A. A.W.O.L Peter Parker. And how about the friendship goals reunion team-up of Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson? They're still friends right? You have no idea how hard they hit as Hawkeye and Black Widow are just as integral a part as these Avengers as the bow and arrow, bullseye skills of their most influential leaders that hellicarrier depend on them. Just like Paul Rudd's giant gregarious 'Ant-Man' with a plan. Back like he never left any of these movies, but was just shrunken down to size. Which have most fan theories looking at where the sun doesn't shine on Thanos or a grateful universe. Or the war weary but still standing to attention Don Cheadle's Rhodey warrior, War Machine. Now joined by Brie Larson's brilliant, cosmic Captain Marvel who might just be mighty enough to take on the Mad Titan who will never be a God with her own two hands. The legendary Larson really has room to come into her own lead here, glittering like the horn of her 'Unicorn Store', even without the big Sam I am, L. Jackson. But how about the wonder women of Marvel standing together HIGHER. FURTHER. FASTER baby for a comic cell cinematic moment instead? Not to mention Karen Gillian's daughter of daddy issues, Nebula android, plugged in to the good fight with the rest of her galaxy guardians far, far away. Or the Rocket man racoon that talks a lot like Bradley Cooper's 'A Star Is Born' Jackson Maine rock God let that hair and facial fuzz grow a little too long. Growling through real emotion too as everyone here knows it's not time to let the old ways die. And let's not forget about 'Black Panther' scene stealer and wig throwing warrior queen, Danai Gurira who has all the best lines again like, "why was she up there this whole time" for the last 21 or so M.C.U. movies. Well deserving of her place amongst those avenging the fallen and her name on the billboards (why wasn't her name up there this whole time) as she surveys her Wakanda kingdom practically alone (where's Lupita?). Perfectly balanced as all things should be. Just like this closing chapter of the cinematic universe in its whole, own galaxy of stars by the six degree of superhero separation coming together. 'Titanic' long, but without a water logged moment in the whole perfect swan song set sail. Set to hook, line and sink every other movie ever with what it will gross, 'Endgame' is exactly what big, blockbuster cinematic spectacles should be. There are so many incredible moments. This thing is flawless like apartment blocks without elevators. After almost all the movies in the M.C.U. being strong fours, Marvel finally get their five star classic. The kind of event epic you want to see right again as soon as the curtain calls. 3000 time over. This movie had almost everyone in the theatre who weren't waiting around for the traditional two post credit scenes like real Marvel fans (this is the end. There are actually none. That is one thing we can spoil for your convenience) clapping...and this isn't America Miles Morales' uncle. This Easter all the eggs are hatching in classic callbacks that play like more than just a greatest hits clip show. Culminating with the stones to take on even the epic 'Lord Of The Rings' when it comes to formidable finale fights of a battle royale scale, straight out of a 'Game Of Thrones' playbook. Right after a big-three prelude reminiscent of Shakespeare in the park, minus your mother's drapes. With everyone wanting their 'Murder On The Orient Express' train turn to end Thanos' game. And you thought 'Infinity' was war?! But this still hits you where it hurts...the heart. And you could have found this writer in the exits after that. Because I was gone. And for you as much tears will be shed as blood. From the very first arrow through the heart opening, to the end of the line we're with you 'till. This is it! The reason we go to the movies with our dates and popcorn in hand. This is the end. But that is part of the beginning. Never fear like fear itself. Back like Bond (whose 25 films in over a half century doesn't even compare to 22 over 10 (and that's not counting those outside the MCU), apart from how long it's lasted), The Avengers will return. Whatever it takes. Excelsior. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Avengers: Infinity War', 'Avengers Assemble', 'Captain Marvel'.

REVIEW: STAR TREK-DISCOVERY Season 2

4/5

Let's Do The Space Warp Again.

14 Episodes. Starring: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Mary Wiseman, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Cruz, Jayne Brook, Hannah Cheesman, James Frain, Ethan Peck, Michelle Yeoh & Anson Mount. Created By: Brian Fuller & Alex Kurtzman.

Make it so. That's what I say to the idea of a Picard spin-off series helmed by number one himself, Will Riker. Although there is only one man who could take the captain's chair in a series like this. There is only one Jean Luc. And besides Sir Patrick Stewart still looks the same as he did back in 'The Next Generation' days anyway. Make it so number one. You have the conn. But still there is no one more perfect to boldly go with this than Jonathan Frakes, who following his first season order makes every episode he directs in 'Discovery' S2 definitively epic. As a matter of fact with all due respect to this talented team created and curated by Brian Fuller and Alex Kurtzman for this 'Star Trek', as classic now to this franchises multi-strand of the same stars storied history as it's own subtley triumphant take of the iconic theme. Can he just direct every episode in this canon? Case in point, the utterly emotional episode arc of Airiam played by Hannah Cheesman that played like a mid-season finale. No longer looking like parts of a Marvel Nebula rip-off in this 'Endgame', this paranoid android dreaming of more than electric sheep became a true guardian of the galaxy. That's just the kind of season this 'Star Trek' enterprise has been having in deep space, on its 'Discovery' of new life and new civilisations. Boldly going where no Spock has gone before (Riker beard territory). And is that Christ like Red Angel saviour, iconic heroic figure heaven sent, or a little closer to home? Still, spreading its wings the real warp core like glow here on red alert is their familiar, fond friend reuniting with family this season. And we aren't talking about the pointy ears of Hollywood classic legend Gregory Peck's grandson Ethan, nuanced like his grandfather and Nimoy Spock forefather. The third Spock from the sun after those original rumors and petitions for hero Zachary Quinto. No not this Peck, but Pike. As the former 'Inhuman' Anson Mount is a real marvel of captain charm and commanding charisma in this universe. The critically underrated Black Bolt character without a voice finally has his say. And boy does he sing at phaser stunning, warp speed as Christopher Pike. So much so you don't want to not tell everyone his name. As with all due salute to the brilliant Bruce Greenwood, Anson Mount redefines this definitive character, making him as legendary sounding as his own name. Sure the captain's chair in 'Discovery' has been a revolving one from day one, episode one (the gravel gritty Jason Isaacs and the Hong Kong to Hollywood movie legend and crazy rich Asian icon Michelle Yeoh (back!? You bet!)), but Mount Pike is so good off the iconic, geek cult Enterprise-with all the automatic door opening sound bells and digital whistles-that fans are starting petitions for Anson to captain his own Pike place spin-off series. Make it so.

2009 was an odyssey. 10 fitting years ago to this next month for this space opera. But originally a decade gone, screened first just a few weeks ago from today in Sydney's Opera House in Australia. Way before 'Star Wars' was a rebooted thing from the outstanding, original trilogy, beyond the embarrassment of Pod Racing and Jar Jar ("me so sorry"). An awakening force with a winning Oscar Isaac inspired intro of cool charisma, the galaxy, far, far away's biggest threat in the expanded universe-the no man, boldly going space pirate explorers to their wild solar system Western-'Star Trek' had their own redemptive, revelatory reboot with their own cocky, influenced introduction of refreshing spirit in an electric Chris Pine on a socket fuelled moped. And it was all from J.J.'s world yet again like the return and 'Rise Of Skywalker' this fall after 'The Last Jedi'. And all these circling calenders later coming back around like a warp spore to the system, 'Discovery' continues this redefining new trend where the nerds of geek culture are now the cool kids and their cult heroes suited up in the fanciest of dress, tunic to beam me up badge are as honoured as the old fashioned stars and stripes of avenging Captain America's spangled shield with no endgame in sight. Abrams lasting vision that now rules both sides of the solar system is so deep here in the ships hull it almost looks like he's directed it himself, with more lens flares than the first day of May on your aviators. But we are 'Beyond' Pine time now (and sadly Chris or that of his fictional father and now God of Thunder Hemsworth appearing in another movie due to some monetary concerns. Shut up and take my money! I still want to see this fourth film. I still have new hope) and with J.J. Abrams moving from set phasers to stunning 'sabers its another new generation for this enterprises voyages in deep space. And it's still the half-Vulcan Sonequa Martin-Green's show, even if she is now officially joined by her more famous older brother. Sibling rivalry aside, a stunning Sonequa makes 'Star Trek' series' like the movies cool again in a quantum leap. And Green having her day in a show that's always been inclusive and diversive since the swinging Sixties day one is the perfect role model for young people everywhere. Evoking even more epic emotion and worn but weary-less will in a time and timeline were with blurred lines of the dichotomy, dual sides of good versus evil everyone's is tested to the brink of breaking point in this boiling pot of a spoon stirring looking ship. 'The Walking Dead' star has never been more alive on a screen, even lost in space.

Photon torpedoes blast through the rest of this energized cast like shields all the way up. Hail them. Like the latest creature creation from original 'Hellboy' favourite Doug Jones. The lizard from the Oscar winning 'Shape Of Water' movie and the best actor whose face you never see, but is in every other thing in this CG age you do, this side of the white dot, mo-cap of Gollum and Caesar ape Andy Serkis. Bringing even more humanity behind the prosthetics here. And how sassy is that walk? Or how about the creator behind Tyler, Shazad Latif? Just when you thought his Klingon was done and dust, Ash is welcome back aboard. Not exactly with open arms but oh how he spreads his character and acting wings this season like a Klingon Bird of Prey. TlhIngan maH! Then there's the two set phasers to stun love of hero Anthony Rapp and medic Wilson Cruz (wait...what?! He's back too? Flashbacks surely? Well I won't spoil and tell). The heart and humour of Mary Wiseman's Tilly. The veteran presence of Spock pops James Frain and the ship to ship commanding presence of amazing Admiral, Jayne Brook (salute). And a whole host of guest stars being beamed aboard we won't spoil. Among the perfect cast and crew (like the Carlton Banks lookalike on the conn), behind another return of another different form of a fond favourite character in Michelle Yeoh. Unleashing the dragon and the same tongue that lashed as the disapproving mother in last year's mega movie, game and industry changer, 'Crazy Rich Asians'. There are so many epic episodes here that make this season of change the furthest thing from a sophomore slump but instead more formidable than the first. Like the church of 'New Eden'. The homeworld of 'The Sound Of Thunder'. The 60's throwback down to the opening credits of 'If Memory Serves'. And the reveal of 'The Red Angel' amongst more holy rollers. But in the end there's still so much space out there for more to come. Kirk? Tribbles? Scotty? We canny tell Captain. But this one has the power to live long and you know what, two fingers held together and apart. This is the prime directive. And there's so many more new lives and civilisations for 'Discovery' to discover. Punch it! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Star Trek (2009)', 'Star Trek (1968)', 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'.

REVIEW: HELLBOY

3/5

Stranger Horns.

121 Mins. Starring: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, Stephen Graham, Thomas Haden Church & Ian McShane. Director: Neil Marshall.

Hell hath no fury like the scorn of whitewashing in Hollywood. And there was going to be brimstone to pay for this new 'Hellboy' reboot until 'Deadpool' villain Ed Skrein respectfully gave up his role as Major Ben in this third live action movie like admitting his real name was Francis. Now after Skrein's good gesture, this major role in a time were Scarlett Johansson is in 'Ghost In The Shell' and Matt Damon 'The Great Wall' has been found by 'Lost' and Ang Lee's 'Hulk' actor Daniel Dae Kim. And this cat from 'Angel' is heaven sent in all this hell boy. Hollywood making a change for the better in a time were the Oscars are no longer so white, but they're far from glistening in gold too? Especially when we're living in a hypocritical terrible time were not long ago the white privilege of racist trolls would take exception to the casting of Rue in 'The Hunger Games', when the characters ethnicity wasn't even clearly defined. 'Stranger Things' have happened like when Hopper himself, David Harbour has the horns to play the big red after Ron Perlman made this dark comic iconic in gothic visionary Guillermo del Toro's shape of crimson labyrinth. Harbouring a more comic look at the character in this graphic action and despite some hilarious claims that another white American is taking a role off a real demon actor that meme and means well, this David is a son like the boy Damien to Perlman as this devil inside. Muscling up that dad bod like the 'Parks and Recreation' of Chris Pratt was the guardian of his gymnasium, Harbour busts into a role as iconic as his 'Stranger' sheriff's GIF-able dad dancing. And now this Dark Horse dares to be the devil. Although don't fear the reaper, Hellboy is safe with Harbour. He gives his soul. Throwing everything at this including the sink, as this hell's kitchen takes us from the 'Nacho Libre' of Mexican wrestling off the swinging off the clothes lining ropes ring, to the London, England of 'EastEnders' and Excalibur!?

King Arthur would be proud of Mo from Albert Square unloading a machine gun like Helen Mirren in 'RED' locking down her chippy, secret lair like Peggy Mitchell shouting, "get aaaaat my pub!" That's Winston Churchill's sister you're messing with! Or should we say Gary Oldman's? Anything to protect 'Lovejoy' and his collection of antiques. Not least his devil of a son born in sin, with the rock 'em, sock 'em arm and the Eastwood 'Dirty Harry' magnum for any punk who feels lucky with a Judas bullet. 'Sin City' was the last time we saw a novel adaptation so graphic. 'Venom' the last time a hero so anti. And here despite the critic fire bombs and everyone apart from me and the die hards who knew to stay all the way to the very end for two post credit surprises (but let's not get a head here like pouring a proper pint) like this was a Marvel superhero movie (or do we all just do that with every film now?) staying at home to witness Tiger Woods bringing that iron will to win The Masters in Augusta again (when the golf great puts on that iconic Sunday red jersey it's over like those who wear it in 'Star Trek'), this is still hella fun with B movie brilliance. Even if everyone aren't on their A game. And the Big Smoke setting of London-although Big Ben striking in ye olde traditions and futuristic foundations of skylines of tomorrow-makes this look cheaper than the reflecting mirrors of the 'Kingsman' class. If there's to be a 'Golden Army', it's probably best to take them out the 'Golden Circle'. 'Dog Soldiers', 'Centurion' and 'Game Of Thrones' director Neil Marshall knows how to bring the mythical magic like Merlin, even if he'll never belong in the same gothic castle of gargoyles as horror king Guillermo. Although this monster mash is meat and potatoes for Marshall and a special effects team that could make even the most complex CGI looking like and for scraps like vultures picking bones from the sockets of the dark ages. Bleak? You bet! But oh so devil may care fun. Darkness calls Hellboy in Mexico for an R rated standoff of storm and fury. Bathed in blood as red as his filed down antlers (those aren't upturned goggles people). Gore blimey!

"BABA YAGA!" You'll be crying like Scott Lang's comedy crew seeing a Ghost in 'Ant-Man and The Wasp' (don't make us let Michael Pena's Luis explain it to you), as Hellboy makes deals with all sorts of anti-Christ's. And despite all those trying to cut him down. From English royalty, to giants, critics and one eyed ladies who just want a kiss. Harbour is sword in the stone worthy of this hell. Boy is he good. Ever since 'The Equalizer', 'Green Hornet' and 'Suicide Squad' character actor hit cult hero status in Hawkins his career has gone Upside Down. And now inside out from the devil's cellar, give this a trilogy and it could be what what the now leading man is now known for in his most famous flame like 'Stranger Things 3'. He brings heart, humour and even humanity to these horns. David Harbour as 'Hellboy'? Hell yeah! And with a big-three team of scene stealing Sasha Lane and a game changing Daniel Dae Kim (now even Daniel Day Lewis couldn't take this away from Daniel Dae Kim), all that's needed is an inspired Selma Blair, a Doug Jones prosthetic, or Niles Crane for the Frasier broad bodied hero. Seriously back in the day Kelsey Grammar could have played this beast...casting directors of the 90's, you listening? Team Red are going to need all the help they can get for 'The Fifth Element' of this films 'Resident Evil' in the legendary form of Milla Jovovich who really makes this a holy trinity part of her cult classic big three shop of science fiction horrors. Her unmistakable voice and look is never nothing short of iconic. Whilst she has a pig of a servant companion making a sty out of a Bebop and Rocksteady monster mash-up. As 'Pirates Of The Caribbean', Liverpool actor Stephen Graham is on hilarious form with his Scouse accented beast calling the devil every expletive name under the sun. So much so he was one "soft lad" away from having me removed from the cinema and given an ASBO for rolling around and laughing too much. And then there's the one of a kind Thomas Haden Church. 'Spider-Man's' Sandman in a role we won't spoil like forgetting to pour the beach out your shoes before walking in the house. And what blockbuster franchise film would be worth its sold soul these days without the 'American Gods' legend of 'John Wick' Great Brit Ian McShane on these continental grounds? McShane's run is so good of late he could even blow the bloody doors off and give Sir Michael Caine a run for his pounds sterling. All in all this film may be far from fireproof, but it's still hot. With a cast full of so much character and a Saint Paul's Cathedral cathartic finale of action on a depths below the church steps 'End Of Days' level, this one cancels it's own Apocalypse. Looks like someone did a deal with the devil. And now because of that we will still have hell to pay. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army', 'Venom', 'Ghost Rider'.

REVIEW: UNICORN STORE

4/5

Canvas Marvel.

92 Mins. Starring: Brie Larson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford, Mamoudou Athie, Karan Soni, Hamish Linklater & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Brie Larson.

First born Unicorn. Let me ask you a question. Do you believe in those pointy horses? How about superheroes then? Pastel Harajuku colors canvas fashion this picture like neon on nightlife, or a BTS Korean Pop music video visual. But what's in store with Brie Larson's directorial debut, 'Unicorn Store' streaming on Netflix now? Well I tell you what, 'Captain Marvel' is back. And only a week later after flying off to space. All before she returns to a post 'Infinity War' paged earth to save the Avengers from their 'Endgame' in a snap. But just when you thought Samuel L. Jackson was 'Far From Home' and turned to Spider-Man dust (or should we say glitter?), he's back too motherf#####s! In the only film marshmallow fluff enough like his hair for him to not use the M.F. word he does in all those hundreds of other films he's in this year like punctuation. Looks like the 'Long Kiss Goodnight' homaged, Geena Davis like one, two partnership he has with the 'Wonder Woman' lassoing Larson has lasted to the morning after. And I can't even get a text back! Name a more iconic duo. Go on...we don't even need to wait. Chemistry set like you're book bags full of test tubes, this perfect partnership of real super talents never ended in 'Civil Wars' as they assembled Captain. But this unicorn is the real Marvel like MVP Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is the real horse with the horn I'd buy if I had a store of this sprinkled magic fairy dust. Sorry James Harden...I still fear the beard. But as the brilliant Brie neglects the Hollywood cheesy for the whimsy of even young girls beyond Disney dreams, she paints the perfect picture in living colour of what happens to our youth when girls are no longer interrupted like Angelina Jolie, but instead given their own angelic halos and canvas stage to brush stroke the future. Bob Ross would be pleased with this tree as a friend happy little accident. But make no mistake this interest of a talent pursued is no mistake. This Avant Garde art project from Larson taking everyone to school is anything but paint by numbers.

Wishes and dreams do come true boys and girls in this existential coming of age story, that begins beautifully and perfectly personally with some real life home videos of a childhood Brie and all her hope and creativity becoming the young woman she is today. A great of this generation who is the perfect young role model for girls looking up to the twinkling Tinseltown stars like her superhero alias. Brie will make you believe. In all this and all of yourself. Colouring outside the lines and thinking outside the box for an iconic intro and art display. Even is snooty, shaking head faced critics want to draw a line right through it like a 'Velvet Buzzsaw' for this rainbow faced protégée downcast by their minimalist minds. Owning the 'Room' though like an Oscar, this Academy Award 'Best Actress' winner for her defining drama already has the acting smarts down. But now with this personal passion project that is a labour of longing love, she shows in her debut that her directing is as dynamite as it is dynamic. Exploding on a canvas of colour with her palette of parlor tricks. Bringing those real world 'Short Term 12' troubles of coming to terms with ourselves from our past, hiding behind something else to a 'Life Of Pi' like home based, sweet slice of storytelling. Save your rotten red tomatoes. Because in hues of pink, green, yellow and blue I haven't seen anything as fresh as this on a smartphone screen constantly refreshing in a long time. There's no other movie like this around right now. This all inclusive art has all the colours. Not just Kree green, or the red, white and blue of the Captain's stars that spangle like gold. Mar-vel may be what everyone is talking about right now. But this is the real marvel. And it's hard to hear I know but it even has a better alternative soundtrack to Carol Danvers' Discman of 90's nostalgia. As a brilliant Brie brings even more humour and humanity to this role that is probably the closest to the real her that she has had in her career. Nuanced in both comedy and drama as this outstanding offbeat movie sees her Kit character quit her art dream after dropping out of school, like we all shout at the screen wish she wouldn't for the easel of office work. Trading her paints for pens and her framed art for the four wall plastic prison of her own cubicle. Where photo frames of family and friends are her hopes and dreams lie. But she's playing along perfectly like we all do until a mysterious man sends the best party invites you've ever seen in your life (better get back online and template some better ones for your arts and crafts), and offers her the opportunity of a lifetime. No not in art world, but our dream one. This man gives her the chance to adopt her very own unicorn! Sign me the shut up and take my money up!

Wait...what?! Yeah I said it. What did you think the name of this movie was just a play on words people. And guess who this 'Unicorn Store' is owned by? Samuel L. Motherf##### Jackson. Who although going easy on the swears like Will Smith once warned his son Jaden about on 'Just The Two Of Us' still gets a few s###s in like only we can hope we can when doing that 9-5, Dolly Parton office job shift (what a way to make a living) with his trademark octave raise. Tell me at this point why haven't you swiped away from this article and double tapped your Netflix app right now? Because I'm telling you you haven't streamed anything like this warm, heartfelt, forever young story that's also meta aware, funny as f### in a long time. I'm sorry I'm swearing again at a film that young and old can enjoy. But it's all for Samuel. The legend of our time who again adds to his hundreds and billions making formidable filmography with these hundreds and thousands that really serve as a cherry on top. As with more colour in his suits that a Unicorns tail stream (I think that's their farts) and tinsel in this pink punk rockers afro, you've never Jackson like this before as Samuel gives us something different to his definitive catalogue. Although the one thing that is familiar is that warm, charming and disarming chemistry he has with Larson that is simply beautiful and feels as old as they do friends. Although it's only been a couple of weeks (or maybe it was the 90's for this 'Just A (grunge) Girl'. No doubt!) since they first met. And we hope ashes to dust they do again...very soon. But if alas not, fear not. 'Deadpool's' Taxi Driver is here. There's no way Dopinder didn't survive the snap. He'd put Thanos in his trunk for that. As Karan Soni brings the nice and funny once more to the point were all casting directors will be hailing his name soon. But the real breakout star is former Wolverine 'Front Runner' Mamoudou Athie as the saviour of carpentry. Finding this all as perfectly peculiar as his droll humour. Scene stealing alongside 'Fantastic Four' star Hamish Linklater's oddball character we only hope doesn't turn out as perverse as he seems. A class cast with room for a pair of great vets, as the "emotional" support of 'School Of Rock' star Joan Cusack (with a beautiful note) and 'The West Wing's' Bradley Whitford (who won us over again in Jordan Peele's 'Get Out') make for the perfect meddling, but meaning well parents. Still somehow secretly trapped in their own sixties bohemian. And this is the perfect word to describe this Bowie of a movie that even gets its Ziggy Stardust sparkle on. I loved this lovely movie that unlike and against (office) type of most predictable pap today keeps you guessing on the end until the final frame. Or in other words, "IS THERE ACTUALLY A FREAKING UNICORN IN THIS"!? Cue the Jeff Goldblum, "actual dinosaurs in your dinosaur theme park" reference. But hey to all the naysaying in times today non believers out there getting vacuumed up like all the haters, I'll say it like the horned t-shirt I once gave an old girlfriend who was obsessed with unicorns back in the day (and why not?). "Maybe we don't believe in you!" The store is now open. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Captain Marvel', 'Room', 'Short Term 12'.

THEATRE REVIEW: ALL ABOUT EVE (West End, London)

4/5

All You Need Is Eve.

Starring: Gillian Anderson, Lily James, Monica Dolan, Julian Ovenden, Rhashan Stone, Sheila Reid & Stanley Townsend. Director: Ivo van Hove.

673 cinema screens nationwide lift the curtain on 'Eve' last night. Live from the Nöel Coward Theatre in London's West End. Belgium avant-garde director Ivo van Hove's ('A View From The Bridge') revolutionary reimagining of the 1950 multiple Oscar and Bafta winning Joseph L. Mankiewicz 'Best Picture', 'All About Eve' starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter lifts directly from the Cosmopolitan short story source text, 'The Wisdom Of Eve' by Mary Orr, but in its own influential and inspired way. Starring 'The X Files' and 'Sex Education' legend Gillian Anderson, 'Cinderella' 'Baby Driver' shooting star Lily James (good enough to play a young Meryl Streep in 'Mamma Mia's' 'Here We Go' again sequel reprise) and an epic ensemble, this powerful play of dynamic duelling, dual drama, note perfect backed by Mercury prize winner and cult Brit music icon PJ Harvey's hauntingly familiar, sonic score really explores the studio space. Showing that all the world is truly a stage-and we just it's players-as modern techniques of video cameras and epic editing take us backstage and behind the scenes for a story and film set in theatre that has amazingly taken more than a half century to find it's true spotlight calling moment on that very stage. But in oh how a way, as titan Tennessee techniques for a modern day Williams jump off the playbill, script and vanity mirror floor like a 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof'. As a Hollywoodland golden girl meets the Tinseltown ready girl next door like a 'La La Land' city of vintage stars, timely for today redux. Our obsession with celebrity and our own mirror image of that reflected in the passing of time, age and grace is brought to made up, foundation frame here for a no concealer look at our own vulnerable humanities and lurking demons. Right on time decades later for this social media age where everyone is their own celebrity, filtered to the fake façade standards we seem to hold higher in the clouds than we do our morals, truth, or the essence of real, inner beauty that shines out. As the do your little turn demand for catwalk attention has shifted from being in Vogue with the fashion of magazine Cosmo covers, to the cosmos of Instagram feeds that starve perfectly beautiful young women of their striving self worth. A trend that needs to be reversed and may well be helped by this cautionary tale of caustic celebrity and the reality it leaves behind with time on the eve of all your enlightenment.

Surrounded by the flash of an in vain lightbulb portrait prison in reflection, 'The Half' refers to the half hour (35 minutes to be exact) that actors and actresses have in their make-up chair, unassisted before curtain calls performance before cocktails. A moment to savour of truth in front of that iconic mirror that already puts them in the spotlight. To mentally prepare and centre themselves for the moment in front of an audience lending their ears and hearts were they are hit by the real one. A solitary moment of solace, yet still in a contained confinement. Occupying the same make-up cage that Sienna Miller did in 'Hot Tin Roof' in London two years West. This void acts a dimensional gateway to another realm of consciousness. One that is aware of every blemish we try to factor out to the max. Showing how the other half of a plays performance lives. Because the lives that take stage here are never on their fictional stage in our reality, but the two sides that bookend it for these two Hollywood power players moving like chess queens. And just wait until the special effects of this anything but stripped down production for that theatrical medium come into play. And what they do as walls climb and pictures of fading portraits decline down to the faces of these icons young and older switching framed roles. Showing a synchronicity of symmetry in a karmic symphony akin to making all the same mistakes all over again. This technical theatrical wizardry is offset by the bare essentials of a scarf wrapped floor sit together to represent two people stranded in a car at night, taking it down to a more intimate, personal level for the crux of a crucial moment of third act catalyst. But in its video recorded backstage pass to another side of the most personality powered piece of storytelling around-that's only has a tad lost in translation as this stage is screened to cinemas-you get evidence of the real acted and directed smarts that go behind this medium over movies and one that reveals the raw truth of our own lives in reflection behind a cracked mirror that reveals all our bad luck and the scars they have left. Making us face up to this reveals are most intimate struggles that we have sweated and survived through, but still see in the lines of the passage of time. It's the most incendiary and influential slice of theatre we have beared witness too since that scratching like an itch cat made that tin roof too hot for us to stay on. This play is more real than the life we game on social networks, whether outside, or in our home hiding behind a different type of screen door. Filtering out and revealing who we really are and who we idolise to be. Whether in ourselves or vicariously through others, or real or imagined. Something as atmospheric as steam from a shower on our mirrors window pain, the one thing we can't swipe away. No matter how much we try to see through it all. 

Scully sullied by an industry run on image shows the real maturing beauty that will never wither, as the bold and beautiful Gillian Anderson is perfect as Margo Channing. With Bette Davis eyes for style and the substance behind that old starlet, Hollywoodland accent that smoulders like her inner turmoil, curdling with rage as she knows her place on the stage is calming down. Soberingly drunk off the youthful ambition those in charge of her future are all the more hesitant to cash. The more she takes off her made up attire, eyelashes to heel toe. The more she knows this may be the last time as the girdle tightens like a vice grip keeping a choking hold on her future and the range of parts she gets to play. As a star who once had plays wrote and rewrote for her must confront the industry in the mirror that is as shallow as the water that makes up our reflections. Ever beautiful and with even more weary wisdom to boot Channing must channel these notions as tired as an old Hollywood still timely in need of a new tomorrow today into something much deeper, as Margo gets to the heart of what really matters as a young star nips at her heels like the shark critics who smell blood. Just like a sneering and sublime Stanley Townsend ('Florence Foster Jenkins') and his coiled viper of toxicity journalist, striking newsprint like he wish he could the ink of a sold out Broadway bestseller. But despite this old story shimmering to what the world of movies are still really like and what they revolve around behind the scenes today, the 90's breakout star Gillian is far from a gone girl like her most famous shows file new age reboot. The amazing Anderson just keeps getting better and better as the years fine like wine. Playing Eve to her forbidden fruit in the rotten apple of New York's Broadway, Lily James with a name destined for the bright flashbulb lights shall go to the ball. But with glass slippers she could learn a lot from this legend like her characters study. Although she is a legacy making icon in her right and light. Lily leaves everyone asking "whose that girl" as Eve. And here as the play plays on night after night she grows in confidence and poise of place with her character through all the naïve years and wisdom of Eve manipulated schemes. All for the fur and the diamonds and pearls this shining stars idol hides behind. But her demons are still afraid of their own darkness as the lonelier it gets at the top there are only strangers, or those who disingenuously play like best interests. One frock offering moment has Lily stance looking like she's about to jump into the abyss, rather than leap before you look off the pad. And oh what about the loved ones and co-workers caught in this dagger staring cross hairs of these two fencing stars. Some serving as exposition tied up and in narrators. Like the love of Julian Ovenden ('Downton Abbey' and 'Foyle's War'), caught between a diamond encrusted rock and a paranoid place. Or best friend Monica Dolan ('Witness For The Prosecution') the definition of tested loyalty in waters way over her head. Married for better or worse to a playwright Rhashan Stone ('Apple Tree Yard'), skipping between the margins of whoever is going to help his story tell and sell better. And if all that wasn't enough or too much, then we always have the national treasure of 'Benidorm's' Sheila Reid's brilliant Birdie for not only comic, but humbly grounding relief getting in her licks and making her point with style. All in all there is more about this powerful power play than Eve. It's an ensemble that takes on all its characters, traits and flaws to reveal all of that in us on the day before the morning after of our own self reflection. From Oxford Circus to Soho, London's West End has never been this obsessed with a vintage style being brought back as a new trend of celebrating celebrity in this reality show age devoid of the former and all about the latter. And when it comes to the eve of this Hollywood classic shows New York minute run, this is all Broadway will be talking about. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: PET SEMATARY

3/5

Little Pet Shop Of Horrors.

101 Mins. Starring: Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, Jété Laurence & John Lithgow. Directors: Kevin Kölsch & Dennis Widmyer. 

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise. But my furry friends this is no teddy bears picnic. Feed me King. Feed me Seymour. SHAZAM (wait...wrong movie)! And just like that and how the cold turned to a spring in our steps, just when the new season of 'Game Of Thrones' told you Winter was coming back, the calm after the Oscar season storm snapped (get it?) into the supercharged Summer season of blockbusters, months early. With the 'Unicorn Store' of the new Marvel Captain and the real hero all us big kids wish upon a Zoltar that we could turn into (and these two supes even share the same name like Martha, Carol). But if we're making an early start this year, how about some horror before you go to bed for this fall's Halloween? No I'm not talking about 'Us', even though the haunted house throne may now belong to Jordan Peele's new real world rules. I'm talking about the original King of horrors. Back with another Maine event, following 'IT' and before you turn the page to its next chapter. But word is the exalted and career redefined on screen exhumed writer isn't a fan of digging up this 'Pet Sematary' like running a spell-check on it. The man who wrote a book that turned into "all work and no play makes Jack (Nicholson) a dull boy" believes he took it too far with this pet shop. As this book down to the misspelling was practically a memoir of Stephen's life right up to the first shocking twist. So much so he'd probably rather put his Richard Bachman alias on its author credits. "Sometimes dead is better", but if other 80's movies are being brought back maybe a resurrect rewrite is a fair compromising sacrifice. But pet this one if you dare. The cats out the bag now! And they do say these animals have nine lives.

Cult science-fiction comedy classic 'Red Dwarf's' very own Dave Lister in one of the books (yep...that's how much of a neeeeeeeeerd I am), was once comforted after the death of his fictional father by the reassurance that he now has moved on to the same better place his beloved pet goldfish had. Which resulted in the young Lister putting his head down the toilet at night to speak to his dearly departed dad. A bit of crass comedy gold to offset the morbid. Because here's a fatalist question for you. If your favourite pet. Say your goldfish (our family ones were called Superted and Spotty...sniff (you not old enough to remember?) or budgie (Bertie. He used to eat the plans he wasn't supposed to. And upon moving his cage because of this, he still seemed to strangely move it back during the middle of the night. Probably pulling himself back via the one part of the plant he could beak back latch on to. "Gains" and losses) ended up moving on to the other side. I.E. being buried in the back of the garden. Would you hedge all your bets and do everything in your power (or the mystical power) to have them back again? Would you bring Kitty back, like Springsteen doing the wild, the innocent and the E Street shuffle? Quite simply, would you resurrect the dead? Testing the lengths of our love for our animal adopted family members, when it comes to our "there so fluffy I don't want them to die" pets on the surface it all seems too tame. Yeah right! Or an easier solution to going back to the pets store and spray painting your cats tail Mr. Jinx black. Meet those type of parents if you dare. Now that circle of trust is hella scary. It may as well be a pentagram. But it's at the very least far removed from the question we won't even pose. Which is bringing your loved ones back. Human trials and all those Frankenstein nuts and bolts. But this is what 'Sematary' and a novel even King deemed too noir dark idea to read asks of us. Like all great Stephen scribes do in helping us confront our deepest and darkest fears, whether literally under our bed, or in the heart of our own closets. And in the same month that Jordan Peele and 'Us', get out and show us that the haunting horror genres hallmarks are to really address the creepier notions and ask questions about our own demons, the originator of all this takes us back by the book, chapter and verse too. As this is one Sematary you can't just leave flowers and a few words of sentiment at. It's going to get down and dug up dirty with you. Ashes to ashes and all that dust. Just when you thought you could click the channel off of Thanos. Me? I'd bring back my dog...but maybe not my dawg. Just kidding. I'm white and almost middle aged. I don't call anyone 'dawg'. Even if I'm familiar with the pun, "who let the dogs out'? Even though it is wasted on the youth here for this 1989 reboot like the recent and this Summer 'It' chapter adaptations too.

B-movie brilliance with bread and butter jump scares being brought back like the classic Ramones theme. Hey Ho, let's go! Looks like one thing you seemingly can't kill right now is 'Winchester' actor Jason Clarke's career. The great 'Mudbound' Australian actor is in every other film you watch. Just like fellow Aussie Rose Bryne a decade back. Only this year he's began with the 'Aftermath' of a Keira Knightly war affair and the 'Serenity' of a Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway murderous one. And here he plays there fond father who will do anything to keep his family alive...and I do mean anything. As his daughter played by young, singer of the moment Maggie Rogers lookalike Jété Laurence is in need of an Exorcism. That's just how scary this child star of the future is getting her 'Orphan' on. Scratching and clawing at you like the Church cat on your dry wall whose going to purr at you your last rights. Creepier than the stray crawlies that make you really feel that there is something that goes bump in the night with these pet sounds, this really gives new meaning to the idea that cats are pricks. Mogs like this and all the other last straws are the type to make most mom's pack up the kids they have left and leave. But AMC's 'The Killing' and HBO's 'Family Tree' small to big screen actress Amy Seimetz is not most mom's. Even with the trademark old man in the woods foreshadowing from former son of '3rd Rock' and veteran Hollywood big picture, scene stealer John Lithgow (clearly and beard-ly the best thing about this slanted family picture, cabin in the country chewing scenery, subtley but perfectly), as foggy as the atmospheric throwback timeless direction from Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer who like the opposite of most are thinking "prequel"? Armed with what looks like the kids from 'Sinister' were given free reign and their choice of 'The Wicker Man' costume department. There's enough source material in a big screen 'Dark Tower' to smartphone small Netflix 'Gerald's Game' time to work with here. All for a dynamic directing duo who aren't afraid to flip the narrative of even one of the most acclaimed authors of the great American horror book, whose word is Hollywood haunted house, tower of terror gospel. But here harrowed by the hallowed ground of the past and teaching an old smelly cat (what are they feeding you?) new tricks. Sometimes reread is better. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pet Sematary (1989)', 'IT (2017)', 'Us'.

REVIEW: SHAZAM!

4/5

What's The Magic Word?

132 Mins. Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer & Djimon Hounsou. Director: David F. Sandberg.

Ah-ah-ah. Ah-ah-ah. You didn't say the magic word. What's my name? My name is what Slim Shady? Captain Sparklefingers? Nope! Captain Marvel? Yeah! Exclamation point! No joke. That used to be Shazam's original name. Before Brie Larson. Before Carol Danvers. Before the 1940's Cap. Hand on heart, I swear. On Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury. On all the elders. But this alakazam? Best movie about a superhero who helps name that tune you're listening to right now ever. 'Shazam'. Wait...what?! It's not about that. He may be on his phone more than you and he may near be able to do everything despite that...unlike us. But out the phonebooth he's no app. He's just a kid with the "wish I was a little bit taller. I wish I was a baller" big dreams. Skee-Lo to Zoltar. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's someone that flies like Superman. And is as Man of Steel as strong as him too. Just try hitting him with a two by four. That will make for a sick YouTube video whilst you're flossing. And for this selfie generation that has turned the phone back on itself, this is big kid nostalgia for an age were with posters on our bedroom wall we all wished upon a shooting star that we could fly like that and be superheroes in a Shazam, as we say my name, say my name like destiny's children. Hurling a thunderbolt at our huffed and puffed out, neon glowing chests with former boxed in, what's up 'Chuck' actor Zachary Levi (who moonlighted in a whole other Marvel realm with incredible 'Hulk' like replacement for one of Thor's Warriors Three merry men), super jacked up and fitting into this capes crusades like a pair of tried and trusted, American worn Levi's. Back in his marvellous comic-book heydey Shazam was at one time more popular than the red and blue, stars and stripes of DC's version of Captain America, Superman, jacked like both combined. And with a rumoured Henry Cavill cameo here left on the mustachioso cutting room floor, it looks like the dark designs of the 'Man Of Steel' have just been struck by a force of bright lightning. 'Shazam' will leave you saying it's name like Ben Mendelsohn to Ryan Gosling in 'The Place Beyond The Pines'. Shazaaaaam!

Jokes on who? In the same meta movie that takes the piss out of Christian Bale's bathroom Batman suit advice to Ben Affleck, this breaks more walls and balls than Ryan Reynolds' 'Deadpool'. All in a kid friendly dab hand dude. Bubblegum pop culture in this 'Unicorn Store' bright pastel age of Brie Larson teamming up with Samuel L. Jackson again for 'Captain Marvel' that is waiting on the Avengers final 'Endgame' like it's the only movie that matters right now. But Marvel haven't snapped their fingers on all the blockbusters in cinemas right now like Netflix. And in the same weekend that 'It' horror man Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary' is brought back to exhumed theatrical life, if the Summer season of movies didn't start early this Spring with the marvellous Carol Danvers', then it has now. As DC with this fun and fancy entry show they can out punchline duke the Disney titan that is all of Stan Lee's men. But Marvel fans you are allowed to like both. You're not going to be Captain America's B.F.F. just because you hate on DC. And this 'Justice League' flop was no sweat or death of a dynasty that began with the darkest night of the dawn. This writer has already practically gone on for articles about how underrated and great 'Batman v Superman' is until they both became mummy's boys (with good intentions). And 'Wonder Woman' got there first before Marvel's new Captain and even the Wakanda forever land of 'Black Panther'. Add last fall under the sea and in a Thor 'Point Break', below the surf realm of Atlantis, 'Aquaman' trident turning around the tide wet notion of this hero and blowing everything else out the water to this deep and dark end. And now we have this too and the outstanding, operatic 'Gotham' gothic (a week after that terrific T.V. series on the tube that DC rival Marvel small screen with, neck and neck, debuted their own new Jack and Ledger honouring Clown Prince) trailer for Martin Scorsese and Todd Phillips ace in the hole 'Joker' movie. And with De Niro, clown make-up shades of 'Taxi Driver' and his 'You Were Never Really Here' movie, the thumbs up of here's Johnny Cash actor Joaquin Phoenix looks hauntingly scary enough to give late legend Heath Ledger's iconic and classic redefined Joker a run for his playing cards. The look on great actor Shea Whigham's face when he gun in the sky barrels down the train through all those people after Joaquin Phoenix in the trailer is all I need to see how terrifyingly great it will be. Bet he and fellow character actor great Bill Camp are playing Gordon and Harvey too. All this and just like that Shazam, make a wish, DC go from laughing gas stock to piling up massive movies and moments that not only rival Marvel, but show they are even Rotten Tomatoes fresher than that M.C.U. concept now that is one more snap judgment away from being turned to dust for critics brooms. As this glowing kid with the exuberance of youth comes sweeping in. Showing the Detective Comics can now play in the same sandbox of fun as the Coca Cola to their Pepsi with max effect. Don't feel so good?

Redemption? Nah the renaissance has already been here. It's like DC already yelled SHAZAM and became bigger and better. Even if he might not be able to quite leap tall buildings in a single bound...and other Suped up references. He's still the new yellow lighting bolt on red cyclone Flash. Try to keep up! Billy Batson going to bat over lunch and making sure his best friend isn't eating dessert alone like Steven Glansberg could probably take Clark Kent in an arm wrestle too though over cartons of jock crushed milk. With the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus (and your phone charger), the courage (but not heel) of Achilles and the speed of Mercury (not to mention the Freddie, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' soundtrack of Queen) this kid has all the powers...except he can't talk to fish. And the heart of soulful young actor Asher Angel (known for breaking out in Jessica Chastain's 'Jolene' debut) is a wonder beyond his years here and more than worthy of touching a Yoda wise wizard Djimon Hounsou's staff (on double superhero duty this month after making his Marvel 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' reunion with 'Captain Marvel'). All to become the exclamation thunder point of Shazam...or in reality Zachary Levi. Fandral who seems to tangle up all the powers of all the supers across all the comics for your ultimate dream superhero. Faster than a speeding charm offensive, making his own 'Rocky' knockout mark up those Stallone steps on the Springsteen streets of Philadelphia. And broad bicep armed with the Hanks for the memories playing toy shop references in a hunt of all sorts of hidden blockbuster eggs this Easter (and isn't that the guy that played Lex Luthor's dad in 'Smallville'? Small world), Zach shows that superhero movies for 'Big' kids can still have fun too. Suitable to all from almost 15 to mid thirties and to 'Infinity War' and beyond. All for that buzz like the soda that tastes better than that puke ready beer, 'Superbad' fake I.D. brought from the convenience store they just super saved like Peter Parker in this Peter Pan of the dark DCEU. And even now with Batfleck and other Cavill-lier heroes sadly gone, these DC narratives may be all over the place like this writers hairline. But somehow even being locked up in the M.C.U. like Heath Ledger's Joker they make it all work (unlike this haircut) like it was meant to be. Even if the outlook doesn't look good in defeating the pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth, seven deadly sins of 'Kingman' knight, Sherlock foil and a 'Kick Ass' Mark Strong's 8 Ball wielding villain that you won't see coming like when it all came up Millhouse for Bart in 'The Simpsons'. Shaking up the future that will hopefully have all signs pointing to The Rock and a Black Adam place. But it's the best friend and family of 'IT' child star Jack Dylan Grazer who is the crutch (no pun intended) of this heroes journey. Coming out on his own like that shy kid from 'Stranger Things' (Finn Wolfhard) did when he co-starred with him in the Stephen King novel idea that's second chapter of the clown gets sent in this Summer. Displaying chemistry with both parts of Batson, Angel and Levi (!) as they cut class and coming home to a whole host of cast additions in the full house of this foster family, sneaking and creaking up the stairs like a Baymax 'Big Hero 6'. One that coming together, all hands on deck shows that this truly is a family movie, no matter where you or yours comes from. And call it corny, but there's something truly super about that like the foster power bumper sticker on the back of this van pooling this blended family. 'Lights Out' and 'Annabelle' horror director David F. Sandberg gives us anything but a haunted house as the demons are put back under the bed and our greatest fears are confronted like standing up to those who throw you in lockers. Superhero films have been serving so called "freaks and geeks" with that saving solitude of solidarity against even the biggest bully. But in a 'Shazam' this one makes the point that that same kid can be their own actual hero too. For real this time (just don't try this at home by trying to jump out your bedroom window). Just say the word. Now call them names! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Big', 'Aquaman', 'Deadpool'.