REVIEW: ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE

4/5

Crazy Rich Maybe.

102 Mins. Starring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim & Keanu Reeves. Director: Nahnatchka Khan.

'Crazy Rich Asians' will always be my baby. But now Ali Wong and Randall Park's 'Always Be My Maybe' is a part of me. We could carry on like Carey, but that would go on indefinitely. You know what is indefinite? True love. No matter how it comes. From friends or strangers. The one that got away. Or the one who comes back around like a high school reunion meant to be. There are your always. And then there are your maybes. Forget what could have been. Between Facebook and fate we all have a Cupid shot these days right? Check yes. Check no...maybe? What is more than a definitely maybe here is that the new will they, won't they, Ali Wong and Randall Park rom com 'Always Be My Maybe' from Park's 'Fresh Off The Boat' producer Nahnatchka Khan is a fresh off the Rotten Tomatoes, romantic comedy classic. And probably Netflix's best film since the Oscar winning, black and white Academy art of 'Roma'. Or at least 'Captain Marvel' Brie Larson's 'Unicorn Store'. Now that's heavy praise. Or is it? Sorry Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Velvet Buzzsaw', Kevin Costner's 'The Highwaymen' and Ben Affleck's 'Triple Frontier'. One things for sure, this all feels Cusack and Beckinsale in New York for Christmas 'Serendipity' meant to be. Like the compelling and charming star crossed friends become lovers of the chemistry charismatic Wong and Park. Showing that 'The Interview' of Kim Jong-un can find love in the Netflix form of the 'Hard Knock Wife' funniest comedian in the United States, 'Baby Cobra' Ali Wong. These crazy rich idols celebrating culture and not playing up to stereotype show us you don't need a big, rich wedding to show real love in a refreshed, representative Hollywood. Always.

San Francisco's Golden Gate bridges the love gap between these two childhood sweethearts going the distance like Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. From their flowers in your hair, neighbouring salad days. Riding the San Fran iconic cable cars and photo bombing booths with pulled faces and heart finger gestures thrown up like K Pop acts BTS (showing it wasn't those idols who invented that part of the culture...just inspired it to the mainstream). To the modern day in downtown L.A. that sees one of them cutting it up as a celebrity chef, whilst the other slums it with Seth Rogen stoner status as a hip hop head playing to dive bar, cult hero status like Zooey Deschanel's movie Munchausen By Proxy serving up silence on court tennis balls along with a hilarious and sick, nostalgic soundtrack. 'Yes Man'! But together...they're so much better. Aside from the Crystal, golden years of Meg Ryan 'When Harry Met Sally' name a more iconic romantic comedy duo? We'll wait. Yep...couldn't could you?! I'll have what she's streaming. After getting it on to D'Angelo's 'Untitled' in a Toyota Corolla following Wong's wonderful, word for word lip sync. How does it feel? As the 'Fresh Off The Boat' writer couple collaborates with one of its stars, this is Wong's big moment. With a performance as animated as her Netflix 'Tuca and Bertie' BoJack with fellow comedy queen Tiffany Haddish, Ali is a knockout. And no longer known for just sending up a world leader as despicable as Trump, Randall Park is off those recreational days as one of the hardest working and versatile actors in Hollywood. This is a man who has done movies for both Marvel ('Ant-Man and The Wasp'...and scene stealing) and DC (a bubbly 'Aquaman') like Dave Chappelle has done commercials for Coke and Pepsi. And now the 'Veep' star gets our vote as the next best Hollywood comedy leading man. Thought it was a 'Long Shot', like Seth Rogen delivering words of love to Charlize Theron? Well looks like 'The Interview' co-star with the questions turned around should roll up the red carpet and pass it, pass it. As Randall's about to hit it too.

Blazingly funny and sweetly so. Put this endearing rib-tickler next to Theron's 'Long' run for President and a Superbad Olivia Wilde joining the breakfast club, hitting with 'Booksmart' as not only the big-three funniest comedies of the moment, but the year so far. 'Maybe' will have you crying for sure. You just don't know whether it will be due to laughter or real, earned tears. As this moving at times movie pulls neither no cheap shot or forced sentiment sap. Khan is no longer the 'B#### In Apartment 23' not to be trusted, but a hit making director like she was creator and producer of said successful show. And she pulls out all the stops here. Like T.V. and character acting legend, not to mention Diana Ross fan, James Saito. As a fond and funny father complete with Dad dab dancing. Or 'Isn't It Romantic' comedian and podcast host Michelle Buteau bold as love. And speaking of 'Yes Man', how about it's star Vivian Bang too? Knocking on your comedy door like a dreadlocked Janice from 'Friends'. OH.MY.GOD. There's so many famous faces here. Like 'Deadpool' cabbie and 'Unicorn Store' friend Karan Soni on the scene stealing, ever expanding filmography form of his life. Even 'Lost' and new 'Hellboy' reboot star Daniel Dae Kim is here to round out the Hollywood heartthrob competition threatening to friend zone forever keep Park parked in the maybe column. Oh yeah...and there's one more too. Prepare for 'Parabellum'. Because 'John Wick's' here too. And yes, him, Keanu Reeves rules in a classic from the second he appears cameo that is more than scene swiping. It's every second, inch perfect hilarious. All script sent up to what we're sure is inspired improv of comedy gold genius too. 'The Matrix' star really is the one too when it comes to comedy cameos. As this bogus journey and what looks to be an excellent adventure in animation as a Canadian Evil Kenevil like motorbike stunt rider through circles of flames in the new 'Toy Story 4' this Summer he's smashing like books in shushed mouth libraries shows. And you thought this guy was dangerous with a pencil. Wait until there's more wrote for him here than one man and the dog he lost. Hollywood's best friend has just shown you why he really is a hero. But the 'Speed' stars fabulously funny turn is just the icing on the comedy cake. Hitting all the classic rom com notes, all whilst refreshing the genre, 'Always Be My' is the perfect Friday night Netflix film even if you don't have a date to take you out. Just watch it and chill. Don't say maybe. Represent. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Fresh Off The Boat', 'Serendipity'.

REVIEW: GODZILLA-KING OF THE MONSTERS

4/5

Monster Mash.

132 Mins. Starring: Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Kyle Chandler, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O'Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, Zhang Ziyi & Ken Watanabe. Director: Michael Dougherty.

Tokyo, 2020. Japan is set to host the XXXII Olympic Games, whilst this writer looks to make the Far East his home. But the calender for the biggest showdown of next year plays for 'Godzilla vs Kong' and who will truly take the gold podium as 'King Of The Monsters' in the crowning beast of monster movies. But until then this 'Godzilla' movie will light up a neon trail to its destruction. Ever since making his rubber suit debut in Ishirō Honda's 1954 classic, this Kaiju has reigned king for over a half century and a pack a wallop, whopping 32 movies. Not to mention comic-books, graphic novels and most recently a three part Netflix amazing anime that concluded this year. Perhaps the truest to recent Tokyo type remains 2016's Japanese resurgence of the ultimate 'Shin Godzilla'. Although those in Hollywood lay claim to the 2014 'Godzilla' epic that had the lizard hide to break bad and pull a sheet over superstar actor Bryan Cranston in the film's first act. Leaving Quicksilver spoiler Aaron Taylor-Johnson along with his Scarlet Witch sister love interest (eugh like Thanos Josh Brolin messing with her in Spike Lee's 'Oldboy') Elizabeth Olsen to run around and pick up the shed skin pieces. And although those golden era 90's babies will point to the ultimate Hollywood cheese and corn blockbuster of the 'Jurassic Park' era we finally have the sequel to this cynical, CGI, clusterf### carnage. Right after this beautiful beasts iconic roar was teased at the post-credits end of the titan, king of the jungle, 'Kong: Skull Island' two Summers back for those who didn't walk out thinking "this isn't a Marvel movie" before they rolled like this idiot. Teasing the movie main, epic event we are all waiting for next year as the amazing anticipation for a cinematic classic sends shivers down our collective monster horror spines. Even if the neon up his, holding his fiery breath suspense is now an out of the bag reveal like the cat. Get ready as this one lights up the electric blue scales as the needle goes right off the Richter.

BOOM! Put your hands over your ears like "turn the light off, turn the light off" because this is going to be loud. IMAX immersive LOUD! This is 'Godzilla' people getting stomped on. Hear this 'King Of Monsters' roar as he huffs, puffs and blows your skyscrapers down. He likes to get the landmarks...and this is the Goliath giants resurgence. He can lay waste to skylines in a single bound like smog. And there's not a damn thing a bird or plane can do about it. Maybe a wrath of titans though. From the "Monster Zero" Antarctica awakenings like a super soldier defrosting, to a Fenway finale in Boston that knocks it out of the park (aswell as dunking a donuts sign...not happy) past the Golden Gate Bridge of the last movies San Francisco showdown. Batter up! Even if this movie is more an 'Uprising' blockbuster high than a 'Pacific Rim' slow and somber outstanding original origin movie. There's the larvae of Mothra that cocoons itself under a waterfall like the damned Harrison Ford in 'The Fugitive'. The bird of people prey Rodan unleashing dragon fire on cities of civilians beneath him like Daenerys. And a whole host of rock strong rampaging like beasts between the skyscrapers ready to cause earthquakes like San Andreas everytime they tip toe around due to no fault of their own. When me and my pops caught the 'King Of Monsters' trailer before the latest John Wick chapter he remarked at how fat Godzilla was looking in his old age. Body shaming this King like Elvis in Vegas? C'mon Dad. He is almost 70 years old. But he is about to take down a real King like a swarm of Biplanes. No matter what pterodactyl or mothman prophecy swoops in here. Especially the Smaug 'Hobbit' fire of a 'Lord Of The Rings' mythical like beast that looks like it's been torn taken straight from the pages of the tales of Tolkien. A three headed monster who just keeps growing them back like "cut off one head"...you know the rest. But no matter what monster in this mash wants the crown, we all know who the real God is. Say your prayers. Amen.

An A-List cast of Hollywood humans make up what would be the casualty menu if this was just another meat and potatoes blockbuster washed in CGI thick gravy that didn't look into the deeper meaning behind monster horrors and the timeless tales of movie legends. And there's a fair few on offer here. Like 'Super 8' sci-fi pop cop Kyle Chandler delivering big-lines with complicated leading man gusto and gravitas. But it's 'The Conjuring' star Vera Farmiga who conjures up the real star power along with 'Stranger Things' pop cult icon and 80's throwback Millie Bobby Brown who really does dial it up to eleven before her 4th of July fireworks. They have an Orca machine like a sonar that they think can Dr. Dolittle with the titans. So much so that Great British legend Charles Dance like the devil in the pale moonlight wants a hand in this planet of thrones. 'The West Wing's' Bradley Whitford gone 'Get Out' grey on the second wind of his career is also here on wisecracking pun-ishing form. As is 'Silicon Valley' star Thomas Middleditch as the action moves from San Fran. Lead by 'The Shield' and 'True Blood's' Aisha Hinds military mind and Ice Cube son and him himself, 'Straight Outta Compton' N.W.A. O'Shea Jackson Jr. in Aaron Taylor-Johnson form with so much more in his glass after his 'Long Shot' scene steal Seth Rogen toast. But it's the legends of the last movie that really give this monster movie it's human heart like David Strathairn in 'Last Jedi' and 'Looper' director Rian Johnson's Phillip K. Dick like sci-fi parable music video to LCD Soundsystem's 'Oh Baby' with Sissy Spacek. 'The Shape Of Water' Oscar winner Sally Hawkins makes a big splash as we are reintroduced to this Kaiju from submarine submerged depths like an underwater monster 'Meg'. Still it's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' icon Zhang Ziyi and 'The Last Samurai' legend Ken Watanabe that truly belong with the spirit and soul of this movie. As former 'X-Men 2' and 'Superman Returns' screenwriter Michael Dougherty flips it as a director with all the toys to play with like Andy's name on the bottom of your foot. And that's one hell of a footprint with the puddles in it reverberating like 'Jurassic Park' glasses of water. Dedicated to the late legends of producer Yoshimitsu Banno and original Godzilla suit performer Haruo Nakajima this Japanese monster adaptation is king. But in this blockbuster game busting the Summer smash likes of the 'Parabellum' of John Wick and the Avengers 'Endgame' the real throne awaits. So when Godzilla and Kong face off like Travolta and Cage next year, hopefully between the blue flame laser neons of Tokyo and the Empire State of New York, let them fight. Long live the kings in this clash of titans. My God. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Shin Godzilla', 'Kong: Skull Island', 'Pacific Rim: Uprising'.

T.V. REVIEW: EMPIRE-Season 5

3.5/5

Fallen Empire?

18 Episodes. Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta'Rhonda Jones, Andre Royo, Serayah McNeill, Nicole Ari Parker, Chet Hanks, A.Z. Kelsey, Vivica A. Fox, Mario, Joss Stone, Wood Harris & Forest Whitaker. Created By: Lee Daniels & Danny Strong.

Let's get this out the way now and address the Smollett in the room. Let me Denzel Washington in 'Philadelphia' explain it like I'm a two year old okay? Because there's an element of this thing I just can't get through my thick head. If what Jussie Smollett claimed happened to him in Chicago was actually true then it's one of the most f##### up things in the world. But if it's not. If he's lying. And it did not happen. Then this is also one of the most fucked up things in the world. With the only saving grace being a horrendous homophobic, racist attack never occurred. Yet something that exploited all of that did. Forgive my cursing, I swear. And meant apologies to the man if I am way off base with this. Jussie Smollett is still an amazing actor and a serious part of this series. He was even forging himself quite a quintessential, mainstream music career as his own artist with timeless tracks like 'Freedom' and 'Hurt People' before all these tears. He could have had it all. But on the surface it looks like he got greedy with money in the court of public opinion. But no matter what happened, or what he did or didn't do. The show must go on. It just all feels different now. Spoiled by scandal. And this is a fictional family fabled by it. Unlike the hard to watch fallen 'House Of Cards' with Kevin Spacey in the lead, which still had plenty of people in office behind him, this fallen 'Empire' shouldn't have every performer who wrote and worked on it suffering because of one bum note though. This isn't like making a stand to stop listening to R. Kelly or Michael Jackson's music. Or separating the art from the artist. Besides Jussie could still be innocent, as Smollett wasn't proven guilty. Make of it what you will. During the first half of the season before all the drama, 'Empire' teased titan Terrence Howard's Lucious Lyon in tears with his hand over a coffin identified only by a bouquet of flowers and no portrait or name next to it. But at that point with everything going on this pine box may as well have contained the show itself. If ratings drop like flies because of the Smollett situation and the show dies, then if he really was trying to create some controversy and sympathy to drum up his pay, then what's going to happen if he and his whole cast and crew have no T.V. show left to work for if everyone turns off?

Five seasons deep and this 'Empire' of the sons has always had that 'Godfather Part III', Al Pacino keeling over in the kitchen, "everytime I think I'm out" pull. And somehow it still survives this showbiz and real world implicating controversy, even if one of its scene stealing stars ends up on a milk carton in the penultimate and season finale episodes and may remain in the ice box indefinitely after that cold night in Chicago. Smollett is still something in this series. No matter what we make of everything. But everyone else here is really what makes this Empire the king of the Lyon family. That's just the way Cookie crumbles. As Tarji P. Henson is a star for our time. So much so she can remake a Mel Gibson 90's rom com into a whole new classic comedy concept in 'What Men Want'. And hustling and flowing with her big to small screen co-star of love, Terrence Dashon Howard they give this Empire family what it truly needs. The ultimate Jay and Bey, power couple, queen and king on the throne. Haters can drink a tall, warm glass of lemonade. Terrence's trademark intensity is inspired. Any other actor would be hamming, but Howard's end goes H.A.M. And to think Iron Man replaced this War Machine with Don Cheadle (with all due salute respect to the Don, can you imagine what it would have been like to have Terrence in all those Marvel movies?). Well in 'Empire's' endgame this is this anti-heroes avengance. But it's Terrence's terrific acting with Trai his onscreen firstborn that foremost is the most affecting. Trai Byers is truly the testimony to this show. This series and seasons passionate and powerful soul. Even after pushing his real life wife's character off a balcony to cliffhanger end the last one. He is still all albeit confused and conflicted heart until the last beat.

Yazz is still the greatest too, like his rap punchline king. Even if Bryshere Y. Gray plays the background for some of the bigger goings on this season. He still gets his licks and lyrics in. He returns with the rest of the in house staff, despite many characters and some of the biggest names in rap and acting getting knocked off by the head Lyon like Scar clawing away at the cliff edge top of a stampede. Gabourey Sidibe gets more than precious time unlike the previous season. Whilst someone needs to get Cookie's cutting assistant Ta'Rhonda Jones in the booth already like that time we saw how well Trai could really take the mic too. It's not all business, or that as usual here. And you know Thirsty lawyer Andre Royo (who recently showed even more support in Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet's 'Beautiful Boy') is more than a glass half full too. The star power of 'Empire's' roster always shines through. Like soaring singer Serayah McNeill and 'Boogie Nights' boss in charge Nicole Ari Parker taking the reigns from franchise famous face Forest Whitaker. A legend in this game like Vivica A. Fox. Even Tom Hanks' rapping son Chet steps it up even more. A branch off that acting family tree like Colin. Walking the hotel lobby with a bottle of Hennessy as his own company showing just how lonely the life on tour is behind all the money and music is. The pain behind the chain. But it's A.Z. Kelsey's Kingsley who may be the real pride ready to take the Lyon family down and reveal so much of his own hallmark heritage as he does so. Getting greater with every episode. And even with big name exhibits like Xzibit no longer pimping this series, the recurring guest stars still get their spotlight. From an underused and almost unrecognisable as it's been so long, but still so strong Joss Stone. To the marvel that is Mario as the 'Let Me Love You' singer proves a perfect edition to this family like a pair of Nike's fresh out the box. But despite all this through the wire, down the line it's 'The Wire' and 'Creed' star Wood Harris who cuts the real imposing figure in this studio ring as 'Empire' expands its reign in the Empire State of New York City. All in all Lee Daniels and Danny Strong showstopper is still a heavy hitter despite a grave robbed, coffin climax building from the very first climb that is a little more anti than Rhi Rhi. But still evokes painful tears. Work, work, work. Somehow this show still does with everything and even everyone against it. Empire' is so, so deft at showing the conflicted nature's of ourselves at such a heightened level. Because after all with epic emotion and stirred heart strings what's an Empire without a family? And what's 'Empire' without all its Kings? If you come at them...you best not miss. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Billions', 'Hustle & Flow', 'Game Of Thrones'.

BOOK REVIEW: COMMON-LET LOVE HAVE THE LAST WORD

4/5

Common People.

468. That's how many times the word "love" is used in rapper slash actor Common's new memoir and second scribe, 'Let Love Have The Last Word'. Believe me I counted. Why? Because this language truly is a labour of love. Almost 500. Half of a thousand. Even though love doesn't appear at first until the seal of the seventh page. That's more than twice as many times than there is pages to this books body of text. But never overused. Always heaven sent meant. "I never knew a love, love, love like this". You truly are seeing the light here. Love is all around and all you need. It's something we all have in common, hurt or heartfelt. It has the power to lift you up...and put you right back down. It can break your heart. And it can heal all world war wounds. It can come from mother, daughter, father's and sons. Lovers and friends. And everyone all around us. To what could become of strangers on the street street to those we will never meet. There's love for the physical. The spiritual. Animals. The earth we live on and the wildest dreams we fall asleep with every night, looking towards the future. It can even happen as the author of this book tells us in simply holding the door open for another person. "Love is a verb" as Common says. A doing word. A call to action. "The first emotion I ever experienced was love", Lonnie Lynn wrote in his autobiography almost a decade back. His first New York Times bestselling book, 'One Day It'll All Make Sense', named after one of his hallmark hip-hop classics like 'Can I Borrow A Dollar', 'Resurrection' and the double-header of definitive healing in 'Be' and 'Finding Forever'. Not to forget the beautiful and experimental 'Electric Circus'. And this four letter word runs through his follow up and most personal and profound prose yet like blood through your veins and hope to your heart. The 'Glory' Oscar winning singer who has also appeared in 'Selma', 'The Hate U Give', 'Terminator' and 'John Wick' movie chapters, fighting with Batman, Christian Bale and kicking Keanu Reeves ass like their was a bounty on the boogeyman and used to love H.E.R. fist to desk, taps in and lets us feel how his heart really beats with the click, clack of his typewriter. Like we all will in unison time.

Love is...this. The corner of your bookshelf really is about to give you this feeling. The dreamer and the believer will give you the desire and faith of this with his vision that is more than just the words you see on the page. The genre icon who once sang with John Legend that he's "from the land where money talks and love stutters," gives it it's voice here for all those who can't find the words. "God is Love. Forgiveness is Love. Self-Care is Love. Art is Love. Compassion is Love". The Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder soul of hip-hop and the greatest and most inspirational conscious rapper of all-time gives us the perfect Spring read for the park or early evenings as the light from the sun comes in. Giving us a memoir manual as inspirational as the king Muhammed Ali's 'Soul Of A Butterfly' or the late sportscaster Stuart Scott's 'Every Day I Fight' cancer battle, the man who fell in love with her, Erykah Badu and tennis ace legend Serena Williams as well as his beautiful mother and daughter details his loves life and times, whilst relating to ours and offering a mirror through his words of wisdom for us to reflect. Like his chapter bookmark beginnings with love quotes from the legendary likes of Martin Luther King Jnr, Maya Angelou and Socrates, all with intention not pretention. Like the closing quote of 'If Beale Street Could Talk' author James Baldwin tells us, "Great art can only be created out of love". And you can see where the 'Come Close' and 'Retrospect For Love' artist got his inspiration from like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill. Preaching gospel, compelling and eloquent, Common shows us what love means to him in relation to God, family, his passion projects like this one and his desires and dreams for another partner and to one day be a husband as well as a father. Vulnerable in his commitment he reveals his flaws when it comes to wanting to make this house a home and his mistakes as a man. All so we can pay attention and heed. All so we like he can learn from his mistakes in our own love for self and what in turn that can do for us opening our hearts to others. Love in action over love addiction sure sounds like a plan...straight from the heart.

Honest and genuine, the philanthropist, Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn gets real and raw when he gets to the real heart of matters like watching his pops pass or his stepfather never leaving his mother's side when she was sick. Yet for all the times it's used-even in its unaccounted for past tenses-the word "love" is missing from many pages detailing prison visits from the rapper in concert like country late legend Johnny Cash performing at San Quentin. All until the end of these passages. This could be because Common's love in action with this reaching out to the bonds of the incarcerated speaks for itself without puffing it's chest out. Or it may be symbolism to show what is truly missing from our prison system today. Common also opens up the conversation further on mental health matters, especially in relation to the immeasurable amount of men not speaking up, out, or being spoken for. Especially those hiding behind the shame of abuse. And Lonnie Lynn too after decades in the spotlight and even more in coming to terms with this all in this moving memoir reveals he was molested. And in making this stand against toxic masculinity and sexual violence towards people in more ways than one, he bravely gives more than himself a voice. Showing he, we, you, I, him and her are never alone in this. His story like his life is really something. Prologue to the closing chapter. And in an epic epilogue of powerful portraits and personal playlists Rashid gives us something for our Spotify to show us what he was jamming to whilst putting all this lasting 'Love' down. Classics like 'A Love Supreme' by John Coltrane, 'The Makings Of You' ("children laughing all around you"...truly) by Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye's 'God Is Love', the Commodores 'Zoom' and 'The Way Young Lovers Do' by Van Morrison. Get in sync now to this headphone rhythm. But if that isn't enough for your lent ears, like it all making sense one day, it seems like love just won't have the last word in these here pages. Like naming his first book after one of his albums, Common will names his next album after this book. A summer album set to smash feature J Dilla, Kendrick Lamar and soul man Leon Bridges. And songs like the tear inducing, Marvin Gaye inspired 'God Is Love' with the aforementioned, the bicep curl strong 'Hercules' and 'Her Love', a spiritual sequel to his signature classic 'I Used To Love H.E.R.' like this album is to this book. Showing that when it comes to rappers writing with a pad and pen, their true love will have the last word on wax. Because after all like Rashid Lynn's Common Sense tells us 'Let Love Have The Last Word' "is not just a declaration. It's a statement of purpose." And what a one to make with so much of that. Love to some may just be a word. But it's one to the rest that will last forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: ALADDIN

4/5

The Fresh Prince Of Ali.

128 Mins. Starring: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Billy Magnussen & Will Smith. Director: Guy Ritchie.

Rubbed the right way. You have never seen a Fresh like this with Will Smith's Genie in a bottle. Locked, stocked with two smoking barrels, 'Sherlock Holmes', 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' and 'King Arthur' director Guy Ritchie's prince pulls the magic carpet out from under us and offers a whole new world as Disney goes against Hollywood stereotype and makes sure these Arabian Nights are anything but whitewashed. Now that's your first wish granted. How about the other two? Whoever they would have picked, Robin Williams will always be the Genie of 'Aladdin's' cave. It's a given from the late, great, gregarious gentle giant of epic entertainment. Like Sean Connery will always be Bond, or Christian Bale Batman. But that doesn't mean there isn't a place in this twilight for new blood. And there's more than enough room in that gravy jug portion sized lamp for the magic potion of possibly the only all singing, dancing and rapping, charming comedic talent to come close to your Robin wish in the "WOO" and "HAHA" of the freshest prince of them all, Will Smith. You've never had a friend like him. Leave the petitions to the trolls who think retweets really mean celebrity. As Will has his way back into the Summer he used to 'Independence Day' and 'Men In Black' scorch even in a 'Wild, Wild West'. After a few misfires and less than top billings. Like his Deadshot 'Suicide Squad' (now rumoured to be replaced by the bond of Idris Elba for guardian James Gunn's clap back sequel) or 'Collateral Beauty' Christmas crapper (which he was still the Tinseltown toast of) and the not so 'Bright' in reception (although we loved these Bad Orcs on Netflix. What you gonna do?). Smith has gone social, media remaking himself as an inspired internet and YouTube sensation star. But this year with Ali looks to be his royal rumble return to the ring he knocks them out the box in with this, 2020's long awaited 'Bad Boys For Life' franchise reunion with Martin Lawrence and 'Hulk' and 'Life Of Pi' director Ang Lee's latest vision, 'Gemini Man', starring alongside himself...in younger CGI 'Fresh' fade form. And you thought him joining the Blue Man Group here was impressive. Well adopting both the signature and stage look, complete with some Thanos gold bracelets able to make your wildest wish come true at the click of his fingers (don't worry...not like that), Smith sets his own one like Elton in the same week that the 'Rocketman' biopic takes off from its own lamp. Showing what really happens when in the middle of a 'Parabellum' walked desert you wish upon a star as bright as this.

Live action through the sands of time is Disney's forte right now. Still spending all those Scrooge McDuck 'Frozen' funds on this Pixar redefining C.G.I. like the bank rolls just want to let it go. 'The Jungle Book' really opened this new chapter from Disney like 'Cinderella' truly going to the ball and the real life take of how Mary Poppins was umbrella born in Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as the one and only Walt Disney in the world of 'Saving Mr. Banks' which medicine go down turned into a spoonful of sugar in last year's live action remake of the animated classic with a perfect fit Emily Blunt taking parasol flight like the beauty of Emma Watson next to their hallmark beast. But this before next calenders 'Mulan' and sequel to Angelina Jolie's magnificent 'Maleficent' villain movie that in all actuality toil and trouble, cauldron catalyst set this all off is the year. With this carpet laid out, setting the stage of the epic 'Lion King' live action remake across the Savannah plains of all the light touches without a single human soul in sight, just in Childish Gambino and 'Homecoming' queen Beyonce sound. And we haven't even got round to 'Toy Story 4' yet. Now how about a live action remake with the real Hanks as his favourite to Woody? Even though that would just be weird, we want to see it like Saturday Night Live's 'Fast and Furious' revenge remake of 'Bambi' starring Dwyane 'The Rock' Johnson Doe. Disney have the monopoly on mainstream movies and their blockbuster spin-offs again like their Marvel superheroes with 'Endgame' avengance. It's really Mickey who will be diving in all those pools of gold coins you can Easter egg find here if you come in this cave. Even if like the weird and wonderful Tim Burton's classic circus animal of 'Dumbo' (also released in this live act big-three last teenage year of this century) the 'Snatch' or Ritchie's style is somewhat hidden under layers of family friendly entertainment, the street hustle soul of the man who remade Holmes, UNCLE and Arthur so well is still spit and polished here in his rags to crown jewel riches Aladdin.

Diamond director Ritchie isn't the only guy that's a jewel in the rough here, as Disney give voice to the land and people Hollywood forgot. But our 'Aladdin', Mena Massoud can show you the world too. The Amazon 'Jack Ryan' star in Arabia is as charismatic as his street thief character is cunning and crafty, parkour free running through this beautiful city. And his chemistry set with Smith playing 'Hitch' date doctor from his brass pot is the perfect charming, casting prescription. But it's the bond forged between this street rat and princess pink 'Power Ranger' and 'Charlie's Angel' Naomi Scott that really tugs the carpet heart strings. And how about that magic rug for a character? Rivalling the hems of 'Doctor Strange's' cloak with character (only Disney's costume department could have that many characteristics), which in itself is as endearing as the Marcel from 'Friends' cute slapping Abu monkey. Along with that pesky parrot giving us a furry friends preview of Disney's next animal adaptation and it's Hakuna Matata. The Rashida Jones lookalike Scott however is her own outstanding actress and Princess Jasmine. Her characters iconic line, "I'm not a prize to be won" back in the '92 animation was one of the first things that taught this then seven year old about true love. And with her whole new song 'Speechless' she shows this princess is fit for the throne of Queen. No matter who stands in her way like 'The Mummy' and 'Murder On The Orient Express' actor Marwan Kenzari as animated, cartoonist caricature of the serpent staff hypnotic wielding Jafar. This snakes serpentine staff trick makes him hilariously look like Austin Powers making you bring orange sherbet. So devilishly good we can't wait to see him in the Aladdin sequel 'Jafar Needs Glasses'. He wants 'Legion' legend Navid Negahban's throne. As this recognisable character actor of so many credits deserves all the bows as The Sultan. Just like the Handmaiden hiding in the shadows of 'SNL' actress Nasim Pedrad ready for her own saturday night live tale of love. Even 'Into The Woods' star Billy Magnussen scene steals as he shows up and sends up as a Nordic prince suitor with suited accent. But we all know the real show stopper is the charisma machine of Smith's fond and funny Genie, who will even move you to "how come he don't want me man" tears. All in all 'Aladdin' reaches for the highest throne and rubbed lamp as it ascends into a spectacle of lavish land and great graphics of the most special effects. Making it one of the mouse's most believable and real world live actions to date. Just like the tiger walking by Princess Jasmine's regal side of this is how good this one growls than 'The Lion King' is going to roar! But how's this for a lasting impression? There's a triumph in today with the two biggest films going head to head this week being magnificent musicals and famous biopics and adaptations featuring an openly gay icon lead and an epic ensemble that isn't whitewashed in today's day and Hollywood age. That's your final wish granted. Freedom. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Aladdin (1992)', 'Mary Poppins (2018)', 'The Lion King (2019)'.

REVIEW: ROCKETMAN

4/5

Follow The Yellow Brick Road.

121 Mins. Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Stephen Graham & Bryce Dallas Howard. Director: Dexter Fletcher.

DUM! Before the avenging 'Iron Man', a sober Robert Downey Jnr, staring at the aftermath of what critics thought was the endgame of his career walks barefoot around an empty mansion in one shot, singing 'I Want Love' like Elton John and we all do sometimes (and just you wait for the all in the family rendition walking around another lonely, haunted house here). As vulnerable and incredible as the cocksure charismatic and compellingly charming Hollywood leading man of 'Chaplin' who can carry a note himself has ever been on screen. DUM! Pop idol Justin Timberlake (who thanks to this was originally considered for this movie like Tom Hardy and we hope in some multiverse playing career Russian Roulette, Eminem), Bennie and the Jets suit and tie dressed like Elton John in royal regalia as classic as Elvis in white sequined diamonds, reveals more depth to himself and his music video muse seen through those iconic glasses in this spectacle. Lip sync singing along to 'This Train Doesn't Stop Anymore', wearily walking forlornly around a backstage party in every room that he just wants to get away from and escape to his own solo artist solidarity of his own stage. Dum, dum, dum, dum. Wednesday night seems to be alright for fighting too, as Elton John reminds this "bitch" what day it really is back in the 'Kingsman-Golden Circle' lair villain Julianne Moore has him locked in, with 'Eddie The Eagle' Taron Egerton trying to fly in and save him and set a whole new born star soaring. But kicking ass to his signature Saturday set like you with your tiny dancers on for a night out, like he still had that glittering L.A. Dodger get up baseball bat, Sir Elton runs, jumps and kung-fu kicks in full bloom peacock feathers. All whilst breaking the fourth wall and giving us a knowing look to screen watching at the cinema with "find that GIF right now" hilarious, open mouth excitement. DUM! The one and only Elton John from Marvel heroes to N*Sync leaders has already had famous faces channel his own one in iconic music videos from his 2001 'Songs From The West Coast' classic album. And 'Kingsman' Taron Egerton has also already sung his songs on screen before when he performed 'I'm Still Standing' as a teenage gorilla in a leather jacket in 2016's animated 'Sing' (how's that for a meta moment here like O'Shea Jackson Jr hiding himself as a baby playing his pops Ice Cube in another music biopic 'Straight Outta Compton'?). The same year he started his beautiful biopic arc, high-jumping as great British Winter Olympics legend 'Eddie The Eagle'. And now Mercury hot, he 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' duets like that heartful, aesthetic homage with the Oscar for 'Best Actor' winning 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Queen movie director Dexter Fletcher to play the king of Queens in the greatest British national treasure of Sir Elton John. Even duetting with the man himself on the soundtrack on the heartfelt and healing '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again'. Because yes, just like 'Sing', Taron takes on all these legendary numbers by himself. Singing for more than his supper. Take that Rami's Freddie. This will crocodile rock you (and that scene really snaps). This isn't a mere biopic. It's a magnificent musical for the man who made 'The Lion King' roar going up against the Guy Ritchie wishes of Will Smith's Fresh Genie of 'Aladdin' today and this week. Can you feel the love tonight for the real greatest showman set for the West End to Broadway theatrical stages?

Still standing on top of his piano in L.A. Dodger diamond, swinging a bat over his shoulder, before letting it swagger swing by his knees like he's chopping wood and tipping the peak of his baseball cap so he can look out far into the Hollywood hills reaching crowd and see just how big he hit, Taron Egerton knocks it out the park as John. These are the iconic moments that make 'Rocketman' soar into a fantasy fever dream of a bohemian and beautiful biopic of its own one of a kind making like it's music muse. Anyone who pushes the envelope with their work, art or passion deserves our respect, not neglect. You see it in the entertainment industry all the time and on social media. People love to kick people when they're down without knowing how far they got up in the first place without so much as a helping hand. And oh how this mighty entertainer has fallen and picked himself back up time and time again. Don't just notice now his name is back up in cinematic and theatrical lights with the stage set, as his swan song tour says farewell to the yellow brick road Dorothy. And what more can you say in that regard to this man, his music and now his movie? Egerton is Elton like the child prodigy playing the young Reg Dwight to a perfect cast tee. So much so the real thing forgot he wasn't watching himself up there on a standing ovation, candid Cannes cinema screen. And one under a wicker hat moment man, looks like CGI trickery it's so dopple close. Taron is terrific in this exhilarating epic. This is his song. Good job he didn't take work being a sculptor. But then again no...look what he crafts here. It's a little bit funny the feeling he gives you inside. But I hope you don't mind that I put down in words. The look, the talk, the cock of the walk. All the way down to the vivid vulnerability of carrying these tunes on his own as he sings for himself and for Elton for real. An offbeat and outstanding opera, this is different and definitive. And powerfully poetic in its epic emotion. Euston rocket...we have a problem man. Watford junctions finest meets a new juncture like his punch drunk, pub crawl, manners maketh man opening number for this Marv reunion.. And as this young man becomes king he does it so perfectly peculiar, holding all the crown jewels of Sir John. Telling an alcoholic anonymous circle chair meeting in orange and devil red horns and what looks like angel wings, looking back on his life, "maybe I should have been more ordinary".

"You were never ordinary," 'Billy Elliott' himself Jamie Bell in the trailer replies warmly with a matching smile of the same emotive signature. Bell's career ringing ballet boy stage show adaptation moved the real Elton to tears back in the day and now Jamie plays the man who co-penned John's biggest and best show stoppers, Bernie Taupin. Think the Brad Pitt stuntman to Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' DiCaprio A-List actor. And long seventies hair, post free love don't care he does it showing us a side of the 'Snowpiercer' and rocky Thing 'Fantastic Four' actor that we have never seen before. "This will never last", Taron tells him. "Let's enjoy it while we can", Bell's Taupin replies with that same warmth that shows he's only really half agreeing with him, knowing something he doesn't then, but we all do now. He's got Elton John's back way more than the anti-Costner of 'The Bodyguard' actor Richard Madden, mirthing with menace that he will still be collecting his 20 percent long after our star has killed himself. You sure about that? A maddening Madden and Bell are brilliant in this biopic as is an almost unrecognisable Bryce Dallas Howard. The red-head, American 'Jurassic World' actor playing the Brit boys raven haired mum perfectly, calling him by his name in authentic thick accent. Just like 'Line Of Duty' and 'The Virtues' actor of the moment Stephen Graham chomping on a Churchill cigar, playing a real Dick without that Scouse swag. This biopic is one that really does reveal all in more ways than one. As Fletcher flexes his own directing dynamics after he saved 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from the cutting room floor. This time not being studio sanitised in a story of another seventies flamboyant gay icon coming out to his own spotlight stage. From gravity defying legs and crowds at the Troubadour that will have you all singing alone like you'll float too, to all the trouble drowning in his oceans of past deep swimming pool, Dexter like Egerton literally 'Rocketman' taking off now has two beautiful biopics under his diamond encrusted belt making him this genres king. And with this outstanding odyssey breaking barriers he has the stardust to even make a Starman out of a Bowie one. Or at least Mick Jagger...someone get Harry Styles on the blower. Or maybe even one by George. The late, great George Michael once paid tribute to Freddie Mercury who had just died of AIDS in concert with Queen performing 'Somebody To Love'. Little did anyone know at the time but George Michael who still kept his sexuality a secret had lost his own love to this dreadful disease. But still he powerfully performed with great gusto like he wasn't hiding a hurt and burden to bear. In the self-made Channel 4 documentary 'Freedom' released after his death though you see it in rehearsal behind the frames of those iconic sepia sunglasses. Slowed down his eyes look broken and hurt in a few seconds that seem like an eternity of grief before he collects his thoughts, composes himself and unleashes that star power like it was the night of the show from the first note of this practice run like a true professional and passionate artist in concert with his consoling craft. Singing about finding somebody to love when he had just lost the only one he thought he ever would. There are similar man in the mirror reflective, behind the stage scenes  here where Egerton's Elton looks gone as his stage hands are dressing him in that same Dodger blue cap to sneaker toe. But then when he has handed the bat the weight of the world looks to be lifted as he takes it slugs it over his shoulder and struts his stuff in what looks like the whole one in the biggest Los Angeles ballpark. And rounding bases we've never seen the distance between fathers and sons swung so heartbreakingly since the stage of Denzel Washington's 'Fences'. It doesn't get more dedicated than that for star, stage and show. This rocket swings big and soars and hits man. Top of the pops for a real British idol with talent. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Kingsman-The Golden Circle', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Eddie The Eagle'.

REVIEW: JOHN WICK-CHAPTER 3: PARABELLUM

4/5

Dogs...Lots Of Dogs.

131 Mins. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Asia Kate Dillon, Mark Dacascos, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, Angelica Huston & Laurence Fishburne. Director: Chad Stahelski.

Dead wife. Dead dog. Broken pencil. Taking it to the 'Godfather' mattresses with army guns? Lots of guns! 'John Wick' is basically a country song in this Wild West. Are you ready for one last dance with the devil in the pale moonlight? Is this it? The final chapter? Although Keanu Reeves admitted to GQ that as well as the T.V. spin-off that will hopefully have more in Common like a professional courtesy on the Subway or an as much missed mechanic John Leguizamo, he's more than willing to do this for as long as people will have him. Classic, down to earth, nice guy Keanu. 'Parabellum'. Latin for, "John Wick is about to f### your s### up whilst riding on horseback!" Woah...woah! O.K. it's actually Latin for "prepare for war" and is also a type of 9mm semi-automatic pistol or machine gun so go figure. Kung-fu. Gun-fu. Car-fu and now dog-fu. He knows it all. And how about horse-fu? Anything but bird flu. Keanu Reeves is cold. He's taken the Liam Neeson all action revenge genre as his own. And he didn't have to shamefully walk around with a cosh to do so. He will find you. And he will kill it as the action hero we all need. The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra plays along with a symphony of violins over the streets of New York. From the rain soaked sleazy neon sidewalk puddles of Chinatown, to the Empire State for this King Kong franchise in an endgame Summer of Godzilla blockbusters, Keanu does it his way. One more for his dog and one for the road. He's such a legend to us that horror redefining, revolutionary director Jordan Peele even named a film about a feline after him. Get out?! The cats out the bag now like Goose. Just wait for the claws. 'John Wick' may be Keanu Reeves' biggest and most famous franchise yet. And this guy along with Alex Winter is bringing the bogus journeys of 'Bill and Ted' back over 30 years later. You know what we're going to say...excellent. And it's fitting that it's his former 'Matrix' stunt double Chad Stahelski helping him dodge bullets as director. It's poetic like Wick himself. The soulful, boogeyman angel of death with a heart. All in honour and the name of his beloved, lost wife and what she means to him in passing. As old blue eyes in the trailer says on his Broadway version, "to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause." "If you want peace...prepare for war." Sure he body counts more souls than the devil, but they killed his dog...HIS DOG. The dog that his wife left for him after she passed away. Giving him some semblance of joy until they took that all away along with his car and made him sledgehammer the concrete that contained his "retired" armoury, bullet to cli...O.K. I'll admit it all the guys who put down his pooch are probably bones now. But I'll use any excuse to justify more fire from his arm before Wick's candle set off fuse goes out. Everyone justifies it to a classic cult following. Maybe in this pondering, meandering age of insecurity we pedestal look to an assured for his cause hero who tick, tock doesn't dilly dally and just gets the job done like a bullet to the head. Originally I never saw the first film at the cinema, but then rushed to it for 'Chapter 2' after my good friend put me on. And then after doing the same thing with the DVD to my dad here we are on opening night bonding. And a week before, I never usually book tickets this far in advance. Even when 'Endgame' came out I just walked in on opening night, clicking my fingers and hoping for the inevitable. But Mr. Wick with Dad is different. It's something special. It means more. So you can either hand me your son...or you know the plastic bag over the head for Keanu finally losing his trademark, Hawaiian first name meaning cool rest. At this point in the trilogy I'll settle for him taking care of business because of a noise complaint. Noise complaint? Noise complaint.

Working again? Excommunicado? Afraid so! But everyone is sharpening their pencils for 'John Wick' and the loveable lone wolf of Hollywood who plays him, Keanu Reeves. 'Point Break' the best as we scream cheers at him firing his gun in the air point blank. Now getting his 'Speed' on-but above 50 miles per hour-he goes all Duke Kaboom (like his Canadian version of Evil Kenevil in 'Toy Story 4' with an almost unrecognisable voice...we told you this John who does most of his own stunts had range) and tries to be 'Gone In 60 Seconds' without his beloved 1969 Ford Mustang. As tick tock against the clock Wick tries to 'Escape From New York' like Kurt Russell before L.A. You see picking right off from the end of the last film where everyone and their dog got a text alert like an assassin app, there's a bounty on this hunters head. And every dog wants their bone too. Perhaps Keanu could cat crawl his way out from under the New York Subway like roaming through Italian catacombs. We all loved that viral video of him in real life gentlemanly giving up his seat for a lady. Like the one of him trying to arrange ground transportation for all his fellow passengers on a grounded flight. But do you remember that sad Keanu meme? The one of him sitting on a park bench alone, head bowed down eating his lunch with the birds as his only company? Of course you do! Well if you were to look at his character do you blame him? This John lost everything. They took his car. They took his dog. They took his wife. So in return he took their life. I told you...poetic. And then like 'The Godfather' just when he thought he was out, they pulled him right back in. So much so that even on continental grounds like Switzerland he had to break the rules even with a gold coin marker that these killers really shouldn't scratch slide across all those exquisite marble and mahogany table tops. Just hand them the change like servers at bars...put it in their damn hands. And now the high table wants his head. And everyone with a sidearm and a smartphone is willing to serve it up on a platter like a fair fight. But boy does Keanu make a literal fist of it. He's knockout as the vulnerable killer again in this operatic orgy of shotgun popcorn, video game violence that firework pounds your chest. Yet for all the violence in 'Parabellum' the ballerina pulling her own toenail off (oh don't give it all away) is what made me squirm and look away...hard as nails. Boogeyman haunting me like I'm about to wake up in the middle of the night like, "woah"!

Riding on horseback like a western legend (he just told Stephen Colbert on the 'Late Show' that he's never done one but would love to. Are you seeing this Cohen's?) in this fight for N.Y., this old dog learns new Wick's in this chapter that even throws the 'Bourne' book at 7 foot 6 Philadelphia 76er, NBA player and paint henchman Boban Marjanovic in full Bond versus Jaws mode (also looking like-according to Twitter-he's about to be moonlighting in South Philly's Will Smith's 'Bad Boys For Life' like fellow big man John Salley in the first two with Martin Lawrence and teammate Tobias Harris now the Sixers have gone fishing early these playoffs), I guess he won't be playing next season. Now process that. Trust. And how about motor crossing some samurai sword fight across motorbikes? Reeves getting his 'Man Of Tai Chi' on for a different slice like the Avenging Hawkeye having Ronin in his sights in Tokyo, Japan. Now if you think that's sharp, he knows knife-fu too. And when he shows you, you're really going to feel it in your gut. Again and again with an axe to grind too. All traded hands on deck for fist fights to gun-cuffs set to an action art Met Gala, Guggenheim gallery of high-rise fashioning, neon, New York backdrops. Carrying on tradition in this ultraviolet ballet with Morticia icon Angelica Huston legendary in watching over this problem like a Russian mortician of death as she tells it like it is saying, "art is pain and life is suffering" in a self-aware movie that is still not afraid to take itself seriously in its respect to the beauty of the B movie. All the way to a truly terminal, UV goggle, lights out scene stop to one at Grand Central that's off the rails like the quiet please, check out of another iconic landmark in the New York Library. Reeves like Cruise post 50 (they're both a mere couple of years off staring down dancing at sixty), giving 100 shows it's still not a mission impossible too late to be an all action hero like the 80's and Schwarzenegger and Stallone 90's greats. This new millennium sees the beef and brawn being traded for fine wine, father time aging. And who better to direct Keanu than former stunt double Chad Stahelski? The man doesn't just know his every move...he is his every move. It's no mirage. All the way to his suit and tie stepping in the Sahara sands of Hollywoodland's favourite Casablanca. Where he meets a 'Swordfish' in the razor sharp with canine teeth at her ball busting command assassin in Halle Berry. An Mixed Martial Arts obsessed, 'Parabellum' rapid-fire perfect cast this side of a 'Blind Side', 'Bird Box' Sandra Bullock reunion that would have kept 'Cruise Control' afloat like 'The Lake House'. And one who like the luck of 'Lucy', an 'Atomic Blonde', South Korean 'Villainess', or 'La Femme Nikita' like 'Anna' deserves her own spin off franchise for her middleweight heavy hitting scene. But for all the new guests in this battle royale hotel-like non-binary 'Billions' in the making star Asia Kate Dillon affording so much more and straight to home video legend Mark Dacascos' sushi chef serving up a knife cutting treat after introducing us to the Japanese fish that almost killed Homer Simpson-the familiar faces are back for your stay like the tattooed operators lead by that old dear and now Gotham's own Penguin, Robin Lord Taylor. Like 'Hellboy' star and 'American God' Ian McShane back in gold standard power charge as Churchill with Winston cigar and top hat authority serving as the manager. Or his classic concierge, Lance Reddick, scene stealing even more this time riding blunderbuss shotgun. All the way to the pigeon friend rooftops of Keanu Reeves' 'Matrix' Morpheus reunion revolution with Laurence Fishburne. Reloaded again and this time in rain soaked, stark symbolic contrast in this downpour of death as Wick reigns killer king. Long live the dog day afternoon of the maverick mustang on the back or a horse's hind legs to the sky. After this going fourth people will keep asking if John Wick's coming back. And I don't really have an answer. But yeah...I'm thinking he's coming back. Be seeing you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Siberia', 'Atomic Blonde', 'The Villainess'

REVIEW: TOLKIEN

4/5

Lord Of The Reads.

111 Mins. Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, Anthony Boyle, Patrick Gibson, Tom Glynn-Carney, Craig Roberts, Pam Ferris, Colm Meaney & Derek Jacobi. Director: Dome Karukoski.

"Peter Stringfellow's 'Lord Of The Rings'". That's what a British comedian called 'Game Of Thrones' in a roast as hilarious as that Starbucks takeout coffee cup in the Stark dark. But George R.R. Martin can take his time tapping at his typewriter. As this writer is in no hurry to read his next book. But that's only because I'm staring at seven seals on a shelf as I write (not actual seals. That would be cruel. I'd throw them a beach ball or something) I need to read right now. All chicken and egg before I even get round to watching any of the series'. And we're on the eighth right? Yep...I'm that one guy who hasn't seen the HBO fire show. But believe me I want Winter to come. Still if you think these dragons are better than 'Hobbit' journeys over one ring to rule them all, then you my friend must be Tolkien the piss. That shall not pass. One doesn't simply just...well, you get the idea (shout-out to franchise walking spoiler Sean Bean. Heads will roll). With you since going on an adventure there and back again. From the leaflet in comparison 'Hobbit' child's Bible, to the epic 'Rings' trilogy like a castle door throne stop akin to George R.R. Martin's ever expanding works, J.R.R. Tolkien (it's all about the double 'R's' in your middle name having it. I should really drop the David) created and crafted a fantastic, fantasy fellowship decades before J.K. Rowling (O.K. it's all about the initials) waved her wizard wand towards as young boy named Harry. And in this beautiful biopic sharing storytelling strands with the one of another Great British revolutionary with words, the late, great, forever alive mind of Stephen Hawking, 'Tolkien' gives you the theory behind everything J.R.R. shot. Fighting and surviving the war and dealing with the haunting, harrowing, aftermath shell shocks of trench warfare. Tolkien turned trenches into shires. His band of brothers into hobbits and warrior elves. And the fear of incoming gunfire, raining desolation from Smaug soldiers spitting fire, flapping their wings above to mustard gas dragons breath. Damn Daenerys! Now that's hot like your latt...pardon me, herbal tea. And after going to battle with all these armies here is your return of the king.

Shire brilliance. And if you're talking about a boy, look no further than Nicholas Hoult as the man with the golden pen. He was 'Fury Road' mad in 'Max' (and this week he's going up against Furiosa in Charlize Theron's Presidential 'Long Shot'), a Beast in the 'X-Men' films franchise (about to go dark this month with 'Phoenix') and even an Oscar 'Favourite' in fancy frills this eccentric Academy January. But this is a movie about two towers. And we can't talk about the genesis and genius of 'Tolkien' without Lily Collins. Also making this month her own next to Zac Efron's Ted Bundy in Netflix's 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile'. And speaking of Netflix the 'Okja' and 'Mortal Instruments' star has made her name with acclaim in as much hard hitting to the extremes movies like 'To The Bone' as she has in mainstream rom coms like 'Love Rosie'. Like her first namesake, fellow Brit, Lily James (currently taking the West End, 'All About Eve' stage), Collins may be one of the best youngest, albeit most underrated working actresses today. The eagerly earnest and gentle spirit of Hoult is the perfect take for Tolkien. There's a sheer vulnerability of bravery to the 'A Single Man' haunting actor that you just can't measure. At times you can see the gentleman influence of his first screen partner in the British treasure of Hugh Grant. But most of time he just unleashes his own beast of a talent, even with the bitter blues of war forcing his sliding spirit into the mud and blood. Behind all that pain in the eyes of his soul is the visions of a writer who really can and did change the world like his schoolfriend running down the cobbled streets like there's no tomorrow dreamed of. This is a man that has finally found his lead. And the real muse between all those hobbits, elves and wizards almost as smart as him of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. The poet and philologist and the man whose heart belongs to Edith Bratt. Who in turned also inspired his most famous, fictional heroes of his folklore like Cate Blanchett's glorious Goddess Galadriel. The man who invented his own language was lost for his natural rhythm of words when it came to Edith. As they speak in the language of love under elm and sycamore. Singing to the trees like a beautiful scene were they aren't allowed in to the Opera, but 'Pretty Woman' style take their revenge by making the most of it in a far more meaningful way backstage listening in and acting out all they don't see with masquerade props. And Lily Collins evokes that same beautiful soul in a role that just like Hoult will now be her own torchbearer for her already captivated career thanks to her own making. And if you want to see how this story will go, just follow that light.

Dragons. Fire. War. They can't scorch what this film really is about. Love and friendship. Even with legends like 'Matilda' and 'Harry Potter's' Pam Ferris, 'Star Trek' ('Next Generation' to 'Deep Space Nine') actor Colm Meaney (so good on the West End two years back as the Big Daddy of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof') and the CBE of the 'Hamlet' stage presence of 'I, Claudius' actor and 'Gladiator' great Derek Jacobi on heartwarming and helping hand. But the heart and soul of this picture from the muddy warfare of Rugby, to clinking their cups at high tea is in the gentlemen riot club of the talented trio of Anthony Boyle, Patrick Gibson and Tom Glynn-Carney (it's Chris Nolan's 'Dunkirk' you recognise him from). This friendship fellowship like school days are your best days remind you of what this life is all about like this film. But it also brings all too painfully back and clear how fleeting it's impermanence is too. As does an always amazing Craig Roberts. The 'Submarine' star popping up on the battlefield. They all like a moving mothering curtain call remind us like a folded flag of what we've lost, behind fighting for that very thing we raise again like clenched fists of defiance. War since your grandfather and mother's age has lost many a marvellous mind, man and woman. Poets. Scientists. Father's. But those who are left like Tolkien wrote to their testament true. And there's no tribute in salute more greater or genuine than that. This is how you truly fight back. In a time were everyone is leaving 'Endgame' screenings carrying as many buckets of tears as Marvel are money in the most successful box office opening ever, in the 'Avenger' finale that even sank 'Titanic' and the deep blue of James Cameron's 'Avatar', the sincere tears you cry will subtley stream down your cheeks in single blinked back file. There is just a precious soul and graceful beauty to this utterly moving and subtley powerful picture from the mind of Finnish filmmaker Dome Karukoski of 'Forbidden Fruit' fame with the 'Heart Of A Lion'. One that will be a slow Sunday matinee favourite for idols of that type of movie. One that will only fine wine over the decades from people discovering 'Tolkien' on television (like the new shared series of those movies mythology by Amazon) like his pages in their parents bookshelves with that same iconic red dragon on the front guarding all that gold they're about to treasure discover as they dare crack the spine. And just like our generation from the ones before us we could be talking about your kids next too. You've read his work, now put your Hobbit feet up and watch his life. With all the epic fantasies Tolkien wonderfully wrote, who would have thought the most engrossing and compelling story would be his own one? His own legend. A young writers dream. Now that's an unexpected journey. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'The Hobbit', 'The Theory Of Everything'.

REVIEW: LONG SHOT

3.5/5

Atomic Bong.

125 Mins. Starring: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, O'Shea Jackson Jr, Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, Ravi Patel, Randall Park, Lisa Kudrow Alexander Skarsgård, Bob Odenkirk & Boyz II Men. Director: Jonathan Levine.

Berlin, Germany. Sometime in the 1980's, one way or another thanks to that beautiful Blondie music. Charlize Theron is going 'Atomic'! Taking out bad guy after bad goon, 'John Wick' style. And all without a f##### pencil. But it's not over a dog, but the falling of a wall as she fights tooth and nail and even loses a canine proving she's hard as one. And stairway to car chase she does this all in one continuous take. Now that's a 'Long Shot'. Not the chances of a guy like Seth Rogen dating her. He's f###### funny and as warm as we're sure that beard is for him in a coming Winter. So what if he went to the Tom Hanks school of voice modulation. That worked pretty big for Woody. Stop dipping your toes in shallow social media smartphone water people. Besides Charlize wants someone to "grown a pair and step up" after being in single-dom for around a decade. Admitting she is "shockingly available" (uh..hai! Although I am shockingly missing a set!). The only long shot here in this stupid, still sexist world seems to be the chances of us having a first female President of The United States. Especially when a former First Lady is beaten to the Oval Office by a fart of a last name joke with even worse hair than mine. But just you wait until Michelle Obama brings real change. This won't be America anymore Donald. You'll be fired! But for now in the fictional world when breaking bad you 'Better Call Saul' to a President as clueless as Alicia Silverstone with one of those old 'Wall Street' cord pulled up "mobile" phones (I'd still rest easier with his finger on the button though). As Madame Secretary Charlize Theron's Charlotte Field is the woman we all need to 'Veep' lead as 'Long Shot's' POTUS looks to do a reverse Ronald Reagan from running the country to movies in this film. But to make this long shot like Sue Bird in the Storm of the clutch in a world where she has to navigate sexist jokes, male manipulation, blatant blackmail and literally sleeping with both eyes open, still standing like 'Rocketman' could do with a little clinking of the glasses when it comes to raising her speeches. And that's where an old friend she used to babysit and and a little bit of Boyz II Men come into play until the end of this road to the White House.

Theron to run in 2020? We can only hope...and vote. Theron is thorough in everything shes does. Whether hitting blockbusters (from the 'Atomic Blonde' franchise, to showing she was the real Furiosa road like she was as a villain in 'Fast and Furious 8' in the 'Mad Max' refuelled reboot) to going for Oscars like her 'Monster' Best Actress Academy win or indie 'Tully' acclaim. But now she shows she has the chops for comedy like she did in 'A Million Ways To Die In The West'. As well as what it takes for this Hollywood humanitarian to run for political office. Charlize matches her comedy writing partner, line for line and gag for gag just like she does in the physical...comedy that is. As any sexist innuendo is matched with a satirical punch, seconds out, times up. She handles herself with the Tea Leoni (from President Freeman's first 'Deep Impact' question, to 'Madam Secretary' herself for her own show) political demeanour of someone in her own class that you'd just love to see run more...and we aren't talking about a sequel. But when this grace under pressure decides to let loose that's when the real fun comes out. Like the Molly's chambers situation of negotiating for a hostages release whilst in that room. High-ding under a table with an Eminem t-shirt peeking under her suit jacket, behind some shades that look like they were swiped from a Miami beach LMFAO pool party a half decade ago. LOL indeed. She gets my vote. And she certainly has Seth Rogen's heart, who brings that chamber charm amongst all the humour here for probably the 'This Is The End', 'Superbad' stars most sincerest role to date (and we already told you he was nice) as in Brooklyn, New York he makes the splash into rom-com territory like Hanks putting a rain coat over Daryl Hannah's mermaid legs. But in this entertaining and endearing one line to the White House, Theron's Secretary of State has a job proposal like a Canadian Sandra Bullock in need of a green card off of Ryan Reynolds (not such a bad thing...until you find out he's actually Canadian too) for the man with a classic laugh that has made the Star Wars 'Rise Of The Skywalker' Palpatine palpitating trailer that much more iconic (although we think Toronto Raptor NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard's awkward press conference chuckle takes the top trolling). And Seth nails it like he does the best physical comedy since Del Boy from 'Only Fools And Horses' told his Trigger wingman to play it "nice and cool" as he "lent" against the bar (Google it our American friends). One trip down the stairs (like when I was a child putting red underpants over my head (yes head) and thinking I was Superman) should be your new go to meme for "how's your 2019 been so far"? Although we can't get enough of the hillside legendary Chris Farrelly one like we just can't Adam Sandler's acoustic testament tribute on SNL.

Best friends don't come much better than 'Staight Outta Compton's' own Ice Cube and N.W.A. Ice Cube's own son (we can't get over that moment in that 5 mic rap classic when he literally holds himself. Mind...blown) O'Shea Jackson Jr. What a dream it must be for Rogen to hang out with one of his childhood hip hop heroes own child. Feel old yet? We sure do. But as O'Shea steals the show like only a man who could go to army gun war with Godzilla and a 'King Of Monsters' in the same month could, nothing looks older than Andy Serkis. And that's not a diss on Gollum in the same week that the biopic of 'Lord Of The Rings' writer 'Tolkien' comes out trying to breath fire in this 'Game Of Thrones' age (hilariously roasted here like the 'Endgame' of Marvel madness, leaving a Starbucks take out cup on this medieval set or HBO's actual hilarious response) on this 'Long Shot'. Playing a Murdoch conglomerate tycoon type called Wembly like the stadium, the mo-cap actor who showed his real face in last year's 'Black Panther' gets his full Doug Jones on in prosthetics that make him unrecognisable until the credits like Jon Voight as legendary commentator Howard Cossell for 'Ali', or Tilda Swinton's made up gossip editor in Amy Schumer's 'Trainwreck'. But from the latest Serkis act back in town, to Bob Odenkirk's better call for impeachment President there is so much credit on record for '50/50' and 'The Night Before' Christmas classic, cracking director Johnathan Levine's laughter track. Just like 'True Blood's' Alexander Skarsgård who will also appear in the 'Godzilla Vs Kong's fight as the Prime Minister of Canada...exactly as hilarious as it sounds aboot. Or a classic cameo from Kim Jong himself, 'The Interview's' Randall Park done running after Paul Rudd's 'Ant-Man' running all around him like ants on picnic snacks after the snap. Or our 'Friend' Phoebe in this all-list cast service buffet, in the same film that playfully pulls Jennifer Aniston's leg, Lisa Kudrow. Who was even in this writers small seaside town of Southport this weekend to film a new Netflix show. "Oh no"?! Oh yes! But it's the show stealing staffers of classic comedian June Diane Raphael and 'Meet The Patel's' Ravi Patel (with the best line about Samuel L. Jackson) who will split your sides as may times at they our by their secretaries one. All in all 'Long Shot' scores many a laugh but plays the long game when it comes to satirical political commentary in a classic romantic comedy, feel good finale that pulls it off on all counts without selling out like politics as usual. "If I'm angry, I'm hysterical" Charlize's Madame Secretary running for President of the United States says in a pointed remark and this film is both. Vote or die laughing. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Interview', 'The Night Before', 'The Proposal'

T.V. REVIEW: PERSONA-Collection 1

4/5

Map Of The Seoul.

4 Episodes. Starring: Lee Ji-eun. Creator: Yoon Jong-shin.

Sweltering, scorching, scolding sun scored by cicadian rhythms sets off the first of four chapters to the new 'Persona' shorty story collection on Netflix. One that has nothing to do with global K-Pop supergroup juggernaut BTS, but is still a map of the soul, Seoul and ever chamber of the heart of South Korea. And just like those ideal, idol role models who spoke at the United Nations, this piece of entertainment takes one out of you with restorative, meditative power. As it looks straight in the face of the bereavement that comes with the social and national problem of suicide that over there, let alone the rest of the world has reached epidemic levels that need to be addressed. And from the sunbeam service of a net clipping tennis court in pre-Wimbledon season. To the game, set and match of a black and white, deep and dark fever dream in the mourning after death. The profoundly personal 'Persona's' by the quarter dynamic and diverse storytelling from four separate, definitive directors (Lee Kyoung-mi, Yim Pil-sung, Jeon Go-woon and Kim Jong-kwan respectively) has one thing in common. The same single actress playing each protagonist part. Yet so defiantly different in each of her episodic segments that you would be forgiven for thinking you were dealing with four individual actresses on the surface. Until under the skin you scratch deeper to what lies beneath in this amazing actors deep well of vast, still so untapped talent. And if you thought the pop power of V, J-Hope, RM, Jin, Jimin, Jungkook and Suga were sweet, then wait until Lee Ji-eun gets her licks in. Better known as IU, this South Korean singer/songwriter is the Maggie Rogers or Lana Del Rey of Korea. Behind huge albums like 'Real+' and 'Last Fantasy' (both released in 2011) IU began her career at age 15 with her debut album 'Lost and Found', whilst the Bangtan Boys were still in school. And her biggest hit 'Good Day' spent five week uptop the South Korean charts alongside another song. You may have heard it once or twice...it's called 'Gangnam Style'. But after starring in T.V shows and films like 'Dream High' and 'The Producers' the multi-talented, double-up star known as South Korea's "little sister" shows you growth like her captivated country and watching world have never seen the likes of before.

Anthology series' don't come more star studded or stellar than this one from Mystic Entertaininment CEO, Yoon Jong-Shin. Or respectful as this powerhouse was postponed out of respect for the victims of the Gangwon Province Fire. And you can see how fitting and important that was to do when you watch this and the chickens leave home instead to roost. Deuce drama of mixed double proportions break this series collection into play as Ji-eun decked out in a Wilson with the W upside down, preppy American throwback sweater her date would normally tie around his shoulders serves up one well of a match point with her rival downcourt. It's her father's partner and the stakes in this grass game played out as psychologically tense as chess? Yep you guessed it. The issue of whose the daddy. If she wins her pops lover has to leave him. But if Lee loses? She has to leave him too. It makes for one ace match of duelling drama like watching the Williams sisters sibling rivalry in their prime that could rival the movie 'Borg/McEnroe' with no let for service. We're going to need a bigger bottle of Evian. But if you thought that was a matchup nightmare than just wait until you get to the 'Collector' like Benicio Del Toro in Marvel's 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'. The longest of these 20 minute to half hour episodes and also the most out there in terms of its offbeat, head slicing nature that really goes for the gut. Lee Ji-eun plays a young woman as emotionally distant as swiping through your smartphone for your next lover or point of social media distracting interest. Arms reached across burnt bridges are closer. Her jealous boyfriend characterised in every way apart from the monster of green eyes, wants to know what the hell is going on like hiding behind joking emojis, memes and GIFs. But lost in this white noise emoticon over real emotion age of the social, the real devil is in the details here like who really are the angels and/or demons at the end of a relationship as toxic as the waste they lay to. It's a caustic cautionary tale on the love disconnect on our personal relationships illuminated by our desire for a connection to an impersonal "social" one. And Lee ji-Yeun's vampire-ish character really is out for blood and the heart of matters. At what point sitting on the iconography of what looks like a throne in this game of love. In something that shows grand gestures mean nothing if the demand for them is just for show like the face you put on Facebook, like the charm of trinkets on a chain that is delicate as the wrists they break. It's an all for nothing look at today and how we demand and take so much whilst offering little except a defensive response in return to a justified request. If love really is dead in the age of Tinder than the 'Collector' is the coroner's report. But if you thought this was what death really looked like...then just wait.

'Kiss, Burn' gets really close enough to sting however. As this 80's theme tune and Ghibli like mystery, not to mention the most tied up in a bow story and strongest strand of this books collection. Wrapped in mystery and shrouded in secrecy. Lee in a throwback sports jacket cycles up to her friends house after not hearing anything for days, leaving more unanwered messages than jilted lovers and broken hearts. Things get even more suspect when the grouchy, defensive father of her friend won't let her in and locks her out like, well...jilted hearts and broken lovers. Is there something sinister going on here? Or is shes really out? What really reveals is something you won't have thought or expected with the strong, sobering but laced with light storytelling so symbolic of South Korean cinema. In probably one of the slickest and smartest jewels of this collection. But with each element of these episodes being special and stronger in their own unique way, 'Persona' definitely saves the most personal, best and darkest for last with the black and white, 'Walking At Night'. Knocking you for six, seven and eight out of nowhere like BTS leader RM's inspired and introspective 'mono.' playlist collection closer and it's black and white music video artwork, 'Forever Rain' for all its depth of darkness and influence of introspection in a lost world of loneliness. Yet solitude doesn't yearn for the company that misery loves more than this black and white closing chapter. As this night walk between two lost lovers gets to the soul of what really made their hearts stop beating as one. As hand in hand they walk the blood red wine soaked cobbled streets of a romantic meal of an evening straight out of a Parisian square in this Korean town, bordered by the traditional temples that surround these chairs outside for smokers on a summers evening. Haunting like the one that got away. The shadows that collide with people in this one are your world shattering and the end result and final an-yong is as absolutely heartbreaking as not knowing that the last time may never bring a next time. Were "see you again" becomes "so long". And all that's left is the bitter sweetness of a perfect memory now lost to a perplexed pain. Of all of 'Persona's' personal journeys this is the most powerful and profound. If this Netflix drama scoops up awards like the Oscar winning 'Roma' then it will be because of this black and white piece of artwork. South Korea and Asian cinema as a whole have always had the edge over Hollywood in more emotively nuanced and subtle yet powerful storytelling over the medium of movies. Whether it be the 'Brotherhood' bond over the Korean war. The most powerful war film ever and yes I've seen the classic 'Saving Private Ryan'. Or even the depth and cinematic dynamics to genres like the zombie horror of 'Train To Busan' with all its humanity (like the 'Seoul Station's' animated prequel) and the 'John Wick' meets ''Atomic Blonde', 'Villainess' with a strong story only bordered by violence that takes both those Hollywood heroes rumoured for a collaborative movie round for round, clip for clip. But in this binge era of T.V. over movies in this 'Game Of Thrones' battle for seasoned storytelling where your phones become your new televisions, you've seen nothing quite like this collection which is not quite a series, more a season of change. And it's all thanks to the songwriter who makes these read scripts of acted accented stories sing. We owe I.U. more than an I owe you. Her acclaim deserves all the awards for all her parts, chapter and verse. Now that's personal. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Something In The Rain', 'Burning', 'Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories',