REVIEW: ENOLA HOLMES

4/5

Eleven, My Dear Watson. 

123 Mins. Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Louis Partridge, Burn Gorman, Fiona Shaw & Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Harry Bradbeer. 

Stranger Holmes. A new game is afoot on Netflix as Millie Bobby Brown-the star of the streaming services 'Stranger Things'-goes under the Baker Street magnify glass for a new take on the Sherlock sleuths sister that dials it all the way to Eleven, forget knocking on 221b. Ever since paper boys like Brian Tyree Henry in sandwich boards were telling you to read all about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character creation in the column of London's Strand Magazine back in 1887 for 'A Study In Scarlett', everyone from cabbies to cowboys have been hunting these adventures in deerstaker. From all of the short stories to 'The Hounds Of The Baskervilles' that howl into the night lit by lamplight. All the way to the digital era of more than 100 years later, were these stories still exist like newsprint. Even though many are now swiping away at their Kindle's to rekindle this love for the detective and his good doctor companion. The Robin to his Batman for something even more classic than those comic books. As of late too there has been almost as many incarnations than there has been shaken and stirred agents for Ian Fleming (Britain's other great writer and character study subject of iconic paper to moviemaking legend. You may have heard of him? He's got a new film, 'No Time To Die' out this year. Bond...James Bond). Guy Ritchie's traditional take with Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr. as a Stark contrast to the 'Strange' Sherlock reunion he has in The Avengers (more on that in a minute), with 'The Young Pope' and 'Alfie' star Jude Law by his side as Dr. John Watson (we're still waiting on the third film in the terrific trilogy after 'A Game Of Shadows' had us chasing waterfalls like Switzerland). The BBC series with Benedict Cumberbatch as 'Sherlock', 'Hobbit' Martin Freeman as Watson and even the Hot Priest from 'Fleabag' as Holmes' arch nemesis Moriarty with its 'Study In Pink' modern take and even a traditional throwback Christmas special episode. And if that wasn't enough, there's also an American show with Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as a wonderful Watson that is 'Elementary', a Japanese anime inspiration called 'Holmes In Kyoto' aswell as a 'Miss Sherlock' live action show (rest peacefully Yuko Takeuchi. Suicide in Japan must not be disregarded) and even a series of 'Mycroft Holmes' novels from Los Angeles Lakers, NBA basketball legend turned Time and The Guardian writer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (expect Stephen Fry to replace Damian Lewis one day for the audiobook readings). That are as legit in type as this leading scorer in his other game afoot was in the paint. So it's only right this Sherlock family tree was extended to his family and our little sister in 'Enola Holmes' for Netflix's new age and the movie worlds marvel of wonder women. And who better to come of age than 'Stranger Things' star Millie Bobby Brown looking for the next franchise to put her big name to like a stare and tilt of her head, no nose blood?

Puff your pipe all you like but it was only the next logical step. Surely your powers of deduction can see that. Friends don't lie. Don't make me dump your ass. Now breaking more four walls than Ryan Reynolds' 'Deadpool', Millie Bobby Brown is as charismatic as her career is compelling, talking to us directly here with Phoebe Waller-Bridge tongue-in-cheek and side-by-side solidarity, knowing look. All for and at a quarantined time were heading into another lockdown we really need it in the worst year like we need a new film each week like Spider-Man, Tom Holland's 'The Devil All The Time' last. Wanting to ride her bicycle like a Bohemian Rhapsody of Mercury, this queen brings to life Nancy Springer's young adult fiction spin-off in an adventure movie of the same time and role model inspo for the Instagram generation in need of a fictional history lesson. Riding with the spoke and scope of Harry Bradebeer's new take on this tale. He of course being the director of Waller-Bridge's written works, 'Fleabag' and 'Killing Eve' with that sweet signature style (M.B.B. nails the same comic timing too) and a familiar face or two (yep that's Fiona Shaw like rewatching 'Three Men and a Little Lady' and boy does she take the cake as a character trying to make insufferable women out of girls yet to see the Suffragette movement). But alas, I'm sorry, no "Hot Moriarty". Millie is magnificent as Enola which 'redrum' Scrabbled backwards is called, "alone", but as if this independent women and child of destiny needs a nincompoop (can we please bring this insult and twit like a Roald Dahl couple back for some comic relief this year before the red nose end?) of a man to help, or more like hold her back. Although the young 'Medici' actor and character catalyst Louis Partridge already looks like a star and will be one by the one in the pear tree, as this boy and girl jump from a train like the cracking on action of Guy's 'Game Of Shadows' honeymoon runaway one. Arching her Hawkeye way like the Iron Man, Downey, Kate Bishop or a 'Hunger Games' lord of the bows, Bobby Brown shoots straight with her girl power perogative. And the result is a cupid bullseye that will have everyone's 'continue watching' falling for her latest character in need of a new series, or at least a franchise sequel this week. Just like her 'Godzilla: King of Monsters' movie which is ready for the battle royale of 'Godzilla vs Kong' next year that's going to turn Tokyo, Japan upside down like the Olympics. That's just three big roles and she's already one of the worlds biggest starts and most famous faces. And to think it all started with a shaved head and a trickle of blood. Now hear her roar!

Enola is not alone however making her living and home with the Holmes name. Because that surname is nothing without a Sherlock too (actually only in a consulting detective role this time)? No s###! And after 'Doctor Strange' and an 'Iron Man' played London's gentleman hero in a tweed cape and deerstalking cowl, why not a Superman? I mean he is British. As the great Henry Cavill who has already played the classic Napoleon Solo for 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' (coincidentally for Ritchie), not to mention 'The Witcher' for Netflix's tossed coin, adds another classic, cult character to his Justice League, like the only 'Mission: Impossible' for this fist cocking and clocking, formidable 'Fallout' actor is getting rid of a moustache (although the eagerly anticipated and petitioned 'Snyder Cut' may just do it). But Clark Kent hiding those S on his chest muscles under some traditional gentleman garb like a spectacle, the charming Cavill with forthright to his first name game shows us just how much range he has, flying around the sun again to change his career trajectory. With shy charisma for days, Henry may have just magnified his best solo work yet...and he didn't have to drink eye medicine to do it. Now how about Fleming's Bond too after Craig? Because right now this Witcher has the magic to play all the classic characters. Still we want to see more from this study. And maybe a Watson spin-off by his side to as surely the petions will call for. As sadly the doctor is on a missing poster like an absent Moriarty is on a wanted one. Never fear however, 'Me Before You', as it's all about 'The Hunger Game' and 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' star Sam Claflin increasing his stock and keeping that moustache (not to mess with Henry) from his villainous, stirring turn in the BBC Birmingham boss of gangsters in Cillian Murphy's 'Peaky Blinders' to play someone else cast in that same opposing light, complete with a Lincoln look, top hat. Sherlock's brother Moriarty. Bringing that Stephen Fry and Watson and Holmes bantering back and forth until the doctor is in again. Surely taking some inspiration from cap, Kareem's beautiful books that brought as much out of the brotherhood of this character as this seven footer did Bruce Lee in 'Enter The Dragon'. Now if that wasn't enough, how about another legend between all the Shaw things and 'Pacific Rim' and 'Dark Knight Rises' recognisable character actor Burn Gorman, burning his way through another ravishing role, hot on the tail with the buckshot from a shotgun? Because 'The Crown' belongs to Helena Bonham Carter like her latest season alongside Olivia Colman as Netflix's Princess Margaret as the soul of this movie in fourth wall reprocity and the beautiful love and friendship between mother and daughter. These Enola Holmes Mysteries are a sister act that flips The Strand on the worlds most famous detective and demands your keen observation. The best fun you've not had at the cinema in years. With Millie Bobby Brown you are witnessing one of the next gen greats ahead of her time and prime, showing just how big a star she can be and the classic character that's going to help her do it. Elementary indeed. My dear you're going to love this deduction. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Sherlock Holmes', 'Sherlock', 'Stranger Things'. 

REVIEW: TENET

4/5

∞

150 Mins. Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Martin Donovan, Clemence Poesy, Himesh Patel, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Caine & Kenneth Branagh. Director: Christopher Nolan.

Time. Where has it gone in this tragic 2020? Like a snake coiled around the infinite number 8. Like losing the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant and his Mambacita Gianna and then the Black Panther and one of Hollywood's greatest biopic Kings in just four short years whilst strongly and silently fighting cancer, from Jackie Robinson to James Brown and every Thurgood Marshall in between, Chadwick Boseman. All whilst we shout in protest, 'Black Lives Matter' through masks protecting us from coronavirus, as we may stay safe, but we won't stay silent. COVID-19 in these roaring 20's has closed everything from cinemas to live sports and performances in concert. Always seemingly ahead of the time he's making his generation, Christopher Nolan's latest starts with a masked siege on an auditorium for an operatic epic with the packed house full of lifeless bodies with yet another grand sense of scale for your IMAX cameras and no CGI explosive effects (you hear that Michael Bay?). Time. That's something Nolan has been playing with for years like Matthew McConaughey hammering away at Jessica Chastain's bookshelf (that is NOT an euphemism, alright, alright?) in 2014's '2001: A Space Odyssey' inspired 'Interstellar' (a personal favourite of the Christopher cinematic canon). Just look what he did with the war documentary like 'Dunkirk' epic, his last movie and one with Hans Zimmer experimenting with ticking signatures on his soundtrack. The directors go to orchestra scoring maestro like a Caine cameo (he's here again for lunch. Don't talk whilst you're bloody eating Michael!) absent this time for his scheduling conflict work on Denis Villeneuve's (possibly the next Nolan. 'Enemy', 'Prisoners', 'Sicario', 'Arrival' and 'Blade Runner 2049' prove us wrong) all-star 'Dune' remake that from its trailer looks terrific (but no Sting? Call the police like LCD Soundsystem). Although Ryan Coogler's go to music man (from 'Fruitvale Station' to the 'Creed' fighting franchise and of course 'Black Panther') and 'The Mandalorian' and 'Venom' composer Ludwig Göransson handles things gamely-especially in the orchestrated beginning-if at times colouring inside Zimmer's lines. But if you want to talk about time folding in on itself like the name of this movie reading the same front and back, interlock your hands and put them together in a gesture for 'Tenet'. Because after a tentative release schedule for a film that spelled backward is called 'Tenet', this dream 'Inception' (that classic movie still needs to cut the Japanese anime 'Paprika' a check, or at least some spice before we cut it some slack. The thimble is still spinning) in reverse 'Memento' hybrid almost folded completely. But 'The Prestige' of this 'Dark Knight' trilogy dynamic director belongs on the big screen, like his camera capturing signature style. Rejoice from a seated distance with your popcorn too, because we are back in theatres before the curtain calls. No more Netflix or watching blockbusters on your phone...at least for tonight. What a delight. And what better way to spend it than with some awesomely engineered action sequences that moonwalk like Michael Jackson. So much so that a Hollywood icon no stranger to ankle breaking and doing the most stunning stunts for real, Mr. Ethan Hunt himself Tom Cruise, snuck into the Waterloo, London premiere in a mask (but not for the born in the U.S.A. 'American Made' man who almost played Captain America in the 90's' identity. But like the rest of us regular folk his safety). With this movie now opening the big screen floodgates (or the latest rise in cases) expect Cruise's even longer than expected, anticipated, 30 years in the making 'Maverick', 'Top Gun' sequel to come roaring in for a landing soon too. "Mission Accomplished." 

Or Bond, James Bond. Because this is 'No Time To Die' in 2020, 007. Because if this really is Daniel Craig's last shaken and stirred shot through the scope (oh hai Idris. Awks), then who would be up for a Christopher Nolan directed Bond? It only rumor has it seems as natural as an Adele theme. Reinventing the franchise for his next progression matching storied scale for scale. Get Nolan regulars like Cillian Murphy, Zimmer back reworking the classic theme of course you're only supposed to get Michael Caine too. Maybe even Bale and another international Bond girl (with all due respect) Marion Cotillard. And then of course there's that Tom Hardy rumor. Or even now Robert Pattinson. Because if the 'Twilight' star can play Batman than surely he could Bond too. And to think we hated the Kurt Cobain rumour (but remember what they said about Heath Ledger's Joker?). R Patz is the truth. This is his month. You only have to witness and watch his puerile, anything but purifying preacher on the Tom Holland lead 'The Devil All The Time' streaming now on Netflix to see just how far the range of this 'Lighthouse' actors North star is. It's all a 'Good Time' for the 'Harry Potter' star whose about to have more franchises than Starbucks. He steals the show here with what slick suited looks like his Bruce Wayne audition or on the job training as the 'Batman Begins' director was delighted to learn the man he was working with was about to be 'The Batman' like Pattinson was that unlike Bale and Ben he was able to piss in the suit. But as much as this Great Brit accents this performance with dramatics all the way to a Western standoff and emotional walk into the sunset for a kid who looks as dedicated to the cinematic craft and hidden Easter homage egg as his director, this is not his movie. The movie doesn't even belong to the reverse bullet time and spinning out of control car chases that like some classic chereographed hand-to-hand, Joseph Gordon-Levitt dancing on the ceiling like Fred Astaire in 'Inception' combat that hasn't happened yet like a Penrose paradox. Or "CRASHING THIS PLANE" like Bane in reverse as gold bars fall out the arse like this blockbusters big budget. It belongs to Washington. And we aren't talking about D.C. or daddy Denzel. But John David like the Bible for this spiritual and soulful blockbuster, mainstream movie that mediates on time and our own posterity. My man. 

'BlackKklansman' game changer John David Washington has now worked with two of the most iconic, epic envelope pushing directors who are the biggest in this industry no matter what the Academy one says Oscar. Spike Lee and now Nolan. Becoming a leading man overnight as quickly as his promising NFL career was taken away by injury. But what a way to rebound, even if that is the wrong sport. What a way for the 'Ballers' star to touchdown. And if you don't think he's a star walking from London's Saville Row (or is that Brooks Brothers) like a 'Kings Man' (coming soon Fiennes), to the international locations this director postcards then you better check a Esquire cover or something. He may be his father's son in emotion, expression and charisma as we are compellingly charmed and evoked as tears are shed in singles, leaving us all with a lump that reminds us of something. But from the moment this former running back who first appeared as a baby in dads 'Malcolm X' with Spike (like something meta out of O'Shea Jackson playing pops Ice Cube in the N.W.A. 'Straight Outta Compton' biopic and holding his newborn self. Talk about time), now quarterbacking his own movie asks for his lunch at a fancy restaurant to be boxed, you know he's his own man. One who is now made. And this time it's already happened yet. Going back in like bodies being pulled back in reverse like they were on Spider-Man strings for movie art as amazing as the portraits that surround it. His Protagonist perfect even under the pressure of having the same Russian Rooney looking mobster who squeezed Bradley Cooper to his edge on 'Limitless' pulling teeth. Washington owns this holding an espresso and that's the tea...sort of. Elizabeth Debicki also takes her biggest dive like the ones she's about too in playing Princess Diana like Pattinson's Kristen Stewart co-star in Season 4 of 'The Crown'. And with reflections of her breakout role in 'The Night Manager' off the Mediterranean, this 'Great Gatsby', 'Widows' and 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2.' star already feels like one of the biggest. A "we'll take mine" moment in a speedboat straight out of Nolan's Michael Mann 'Miami Vice' fandom may aswell play as Catwoman in the back of a Batboat. She has more to deal with in 'Dunkirk', 'Murder On The Orient Express' and his Poirot forthcoming 'Death On The Nile' sequel stand and ravishing 'Thor' director Kenneth Branagh's cookie cutter villain that seems to have hit copy and paste from Chris Pine's 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'. A little like character actor great Martin Donovan on exposition hand to offer that 'Tenet' gesture. Whilst Hindi films legend Dimple Kapadia offers more depth. Like a couple of Beatles banded together from the 'Yesterday' of Himesh Patel's high note and the 'Nowhere Boy' of a young Lennon in the nice surprise of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 'Godzilla' jacked after his faster than lightning Quicksilver age in the Avengers 'Ultron'. But in epic entropy this movie that demands a multiple rewatch-just so you know what the f### is going on-is so much more as it bungees between scintillating set-pieces and rope twisting and tightening perplexing plot points that takes everything you know about time and beats the clock like number 8 in the fourth. Forever 24. Can't un-fire this one and it's amazing algorithm as we are back in the turnstile. "Don't try to understand. Feel it", 'In Bruges' star Clemence Poesy tells John David in a Q (*coughs* and it's not corona) like training session. It sounds like a plot cop out. It's not this is complex as the dimensions of 'Interstellar' explained with "here's the science bit" concentrate. But now we live in a twilight world it's been a long time since we've been back here. Time to bask in the big screen and spectacle and really just feel it. Besides you believe in capes, so what's to fear here? Time finally waits for this one. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Inception', 'Interstellar', 'Memento'. 

REVIEW: THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME

3/5

Devil Inside. 

138 Mins. Starring: Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgård, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, Sebastian Stan, Haley Bennett, Eliza Scanlen, Mia Wasikowska & Robert Pattinson. Director: Antonio Campos. 

Darkness dwells so much so in Netflix's new nostalgic noir, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's all too much right now. Especially in a year like this. Continue watching? Brimstone braces this American gothic like a fire began by a dirty rag lit in moonshine. You'll have a hell of a time with 'The Devil All The Time' based on the Donald Ray Pollock 'scribe of the same name. As the director of 'Christine' and several episodes of Netflix's 'The Sinner' series and the 'Cold Steel' rancid aluminum episode of Marvel's 'The Punisher' doesn't let us off lightly for our own transgressions. Reflecting a broken mirror of wretched humanity in all its gothic haunted horrors. One no Bible, pulpit or bullet could atone for. No matter how many times you get on your knees. As noir as mined oil, even an all star cast of Hollywood's who's who can't put a spit shine polish on this scuffed bootcut story of traditional America that still leaves footprints on today's land masquerading as hallowed ground. Even the marvelled and eagerly anticipated, airport avenging, reunion fight between Spider-Man and The Winter Soldier from their old 'Civil War' in Germany with a Luger, with a "now there's a Batman" thrown in for good, caped measure can't save this grey day. Even 'Far From Home' with a lead Peter Parker's good friend and 'Nightcrawler' and 'Prisoners' star Jake Gyllenhaal serving as lead executive producer like the orb of his Mysterio made-up, cinematic storytelling. Still, despite the darkness, the streaming service Netflix is still shining a light on original content like 'The Irishman' with hit after hit. Most recently adding Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's 'Project Power' to their new roster of superheroes with a more real world, grounded twist like Charlize Theron's 'The Old Guard' assemble that really stuck the landing. Still after their last confusing, experimental piece of existentialism in 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things', the sobering nature of this whiskey and woe may just make you want to.

Mudbound like Kevin Costner and Woody Harrleson's 'Highwaymen' on the Tommy tail of the untouchable, Bonnie and Clyde, we have our own outlaw pair quick on the draw (but this time when it comes to the photograph), picking up hitchhikers and leaving them without so much as a thumb. 'American Honey', 'Logan Lucky' and Netflix's Japanese 'Earthquake Bird' star Riley Keough's character conflict will shake you to your core. Whilst Jerry West to 'Showtime' Laker be Jason Clarke shows us he's even madder than he was in the whiskey business of 'Lawless' with Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Diane DeHaan, Guy Pearce and Jessica Chastain (but at least in that movie, the modern day Gary Sinise who is in everything characters crazy was kindly). Speaking of that law unto itself, bootleg classic Mia Wasikowska who rode off into the sunset with Shia like an Emmylou Harris 'Cosmonaut' is here too. Although it might be something on the other side of the setting sun that she's taking off to in tow here. As one of the most underrated, greatest actresses of our generation is criminally underused in an all star roster that gives more garbage time to its bench warmers than it does its franchise players. Case in (or IT) point, Pennywise himself Bill Skarsgård is an opening act here. But what an outstanding one, as this fraught and forlorn father teaches his son how to never back down, but back someone up against the wall in a fight that leads to the best bit of revenge you've seen scripted with a pencil since they put down John Wick's dog. But you'll hate what the clown does to his own man's best friend here as Skarsgård scars the rest of this picture with his family influence. It's his beautiful bond with 'The Girl On The Train' and 'The Magnificent Seven' star of that moment Haley Bennett's (who was so good alongside Miles Teller in the war, family torn, 'Thank You For Your Service' pinned dedication) waitress, come wife and her moving mothering that stirs the soul of this mix of stories and stages (she really deserves her due) though. It's all about what they bring into this world.

Friendly neighbourhood, that's because one of those things is Tom Holland himself. Coming of age and stage as the leading man in this epic ensemble. Our Spidey senses know that the 'In The Heart Of The Sea', 'The Lost City Of Z' and 'The Current War' actor is much more than Marvel, like 'The Impossible' beginnings of his career. Just look at his 'Spies In Disguise' and 'Onward' with Starlord himself Chris Pratt, animated double-act. But here he shows exactly how in a white-tee and denim slicked back with a Coca Cola comb look, the Brit born star is as Hollywood hallmark as his American accent but its the depth of his understanding for character that brings so much more gravity to his roles like Spider-Man swinging from the Empire State Building to the sidewalks of Manhattan, New York. Here he gets to face off with two other comic book legends too in a graphic movie by the novel. One being the copped role of Bucky Barnes himself, Sebastian Stan (himself making great ground with films like Nicole Kidman's dark 'Destroyer' and his absolutely abhorrent but amazingly acted character in Margot Robbie's 'I, Tonya'), who may not have his best friend Captain America's shield (but he does get his own Winter Soldier Disney show as a plus with the "I'm the Captain now" Falcon of Anthony Mackie coming soon), but does have a badge. Albeit one with some crooked edges to it, wrapping guns in towels like De Niro's 'Godfather' before pulling over to the side of the road with a broad and a milkshake cup. The other being the new Batman introduced with a handing what's for to someone trailer "vengeance" in Robert Pattinson far from the 'Twilight' of his career, with this and his charisma compelling in the biggest blockbuster of the year in Christopher Nolan's latest game changer 'Tenet' in a time and calendar when movies shouldn't even be coming out right now. Still, Pattinson's puerile preacher will actually have you asking "what the hell are you supposed to be" like his moment under the cowl as he plays pew, pew between the church pews. A far cry to the Lord from Elle Fanning's pure, 'Live By Night' God fearing character. He needs to repent...repent...repent. He without sin cast the first stone, but no man of God would ever thrown the good book just to shield himself. That's a bad apple Adam. But what a great actor. Just like Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women' and Gillian Flynn's adapted 'Sharp Objects' star Eliza Scanlen who scene steals as Tom's troubled sister. If this gets any award, let her name be in the envelope by moonlight for this moonshine movie. Even a stunning standoff shootout in this chapters conclusion can't blast away the buckshot broken hearts she leaves in her wake like falling through the ice. All the time the devil tempts this movie with evil, but when the good souls shine in all this darkness...that's when there will be hell to pay. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Lawless', 'Live By Night', 'Mudbound'. 

T.V. REVIEW: HOOPS Season 1

3.5/5

Hoops Nightmares. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Jake Johnson, Ron Funches, Cleo King, Natasha Leggero, A.D. Miles & Rob Riggle. Created By: Ben Hoffman. 

Boosting college kids with duffel bags full of cash or down payments on new cars, there's always been some corruption whipped up off court to get hoopers playing for the right team on the floor...and don't even get us started on the right academics. But in Netflix's new animated bball comedy in the style of 'American Dad' this big mouth, Basketball guy uses his high school team of misfits and cheese slid off the cracker dropouts to whip around and raise money to pay for a prostitute. Just so they can lure an emo looking seven footer who has about as much interest in hoops as Darko Milcic to sign up. Yep, that's about the size of 'Hoops' starring the gruffed up voice of 'New Girl', 'Into The Spider-Verse' (with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller on executive producing duty), 'Jurassic World' geek AND what they f### was he doing in 'The Mummy' star Jake Johnson. And that's just the opening tip, coaching a roster of vocal talent in Ron Funches (the 'Mulaney and Kroll' show star as this one's most likable character, Ron), Cleo King (outstanding as Opal), Natasha Leggero (reuniting with Johnson after they said, 'Let's Be Cops') and Jimmy Fallon writer A.D. Miles, bigger than Davis. How about how he tries to get even with his Dad (a hilarious Larry Bird meets Gene Hackman's Hoosier coach in 'The Daily Show's' Rob Riggle) like Culkin and Danson after his basketball legend pedigree pops still hangs out with his ex-wife and will bank roll the team, so long as he can plaster his gold necklace wearing mug all over the hardwood. Which leads to a hilarious dad hating, 'Waterboy' picturing playbook game plan that wants to win the game because there's more at "steak" than free tacos for everyone. "And it's not even Tuesday", Johnson's Coach Hopkins says. Yep, this show knows where it's at like animatedly hiding in Easter Egg references to the numbers 24 and 2 from cell phones to clocks for Kobe and GiGi. And how about its genius positioning as Netflix slide the naked, bar a ball coach, preview picture right next to the 'Lucifer' pose in the same suit? Well played 'flix. Put me in coach.

Ethics are out the window in a series of events that make offers even 'The Godfather' would refuse with the horses ass of a mascot head. But hey, they'll do anything to pass...an-y-thang. Just ask the Mr. Feeny looking teacher as these boys meet the world of a coach who is about as motivating as wearing pants after you've worked from home for the last few quarantined months, shirt tie and boxers looking like Ron Burgundy behind his 'Anchorman' scotch soaked desk. The only thing fouler than Hopkins is the lengths he will go to make sure his star player...sorry I mean his tall player isn't distracted by anything...not even a girlfriend. Cue the 'Family Guy' Stewie like rendition of Bryan Adams' 'Everything I Do'. What the hell is this ("SHUT UP!"). Now save this last dance on your list in a year for hoops entertainment from Disney World Bubbles to Ben Affleck going 'The Way Back'. And how about the moment of Phil Jackson like Zen for Hopkins? Swallowing frog piss and going on 'Simpsons' spicy like 'Yellow Submarine' acid trips, before making an anger stand for his bullied players who just got hit like 'West Side Story' for not being "gay enough". Click those fingers. All the way to running a strike like a white picket fence here in Hopkins' home of Kentucky and an Everley Brothers credit because a new rival is in town. Looking like the Lakers and Celtics' Magic and Bird, if Larry and Earv made 'Jackass' like bets with each other. Then there's a Frank Grimes episode that gives actual grief to a grief counsellor in the form of some, 'All The Right Moves', 'Semi-Pro', 'Da 5 Bloods', 'Coyote Ugly' and 'Sully' like flashback stories....just watch were you order your Uber Eats too. And whilst we're at it Hopkins, what's coaches obsession with 'Little Man Tate'? In fact...don't tell us.

Or how about a 'Road Game' for this crew that leaves them partying like 'Coach Carter' with cheerleaders and more foam bubbles than you could scratch your eyes at like championship champagne for a team that's got more chance scoring than it does winning. All whilst Coach is about to live his dream at a crowning award ceremony with some "Knight". Dressed up in a literal Colonel Sanders suit, straight out of Kentucky for this chicken. All until he gets out of bounds on the highway for something we all saw coming like a no look pass from Magic. The only thing we pass on here is the tasteless jokes about INXS' Michael Hutchence and Jordan. There are some baselines you shouldn't cross. They will be lucky if the GOAT doesn't bust their a## and give 'em 60. But this gross out show will probably react with an M.J. shrug like the biggest player on this team...and believe me, that's saying a lot. As scouting the last episode that hits the road like Jack, or someone fouling out of STAPLES to Ray Charles, this final buzzer and last dance into the sunset is going to need a few more steps to prevent it from travelling. Travelling any further than this postseason. Sure its funny, but too many foul shots like the actual most hilarious moment of this series, winding down the basket like this coach needs to wind his neck in (even though it looks like he doesn't have one) could leave this one on the charity stripe if it's hoping for another season like the NBA. Otherwise it might have to go fish in Florida with all the other losers for an early retirement as their bubble bursts. This show is never "BOOOORING" like its coaches classic catchphrase. But they'll be shouting something else as setting it in Kentucky (by country comedian creator Ben Hoffman) and having one almost South Park esque "token" player was always going to cause problems like trying to tell them down there that that red cap doesn't go quite so well with that UK Wildcat blue jersey. Maybe this one should keep its jacket in the rafters, because it seems to have forgotten its keys, or spent too long in that area. 'Hoops' is no airball, but without better form next season it may just rim out when we want it to score. The right way. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Family Guy', 'Big Mouth', 'The Last Dance'. 

REVIEW: I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS

3.5/5

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Time.

134 Mins. Starring: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, David Thewlis, Toni Collette & Guy Boyd. Director: Charlie Kaufman. 

Erm...huh?! Netflix's latest film really is something else as quarantined in lockdown we're all climbing the walls like our houses are playing tricks on us, just a little west of being haunting. "I'm thinking of ending things," our lead Jessie Buckley says. But what is she talking about? Her love? Her life? Because like the 'Mother' of all Darren Aronofsky mindf### movies with Jennifer Lawrence, this indie epic (filmed in 'A Ghost Story' Polaroid portrait frame form) leaves us with no idea to what the hell is going on. But oh how it's as compelling as it is cinematic in three play like, perfectly staged acts with a twist. A guess whose coming to dinner, meet the parents stationary situation blowing through the wind like a Bob Dylan song were you wish you knew the answers. This Iain Reid adapted novel of the same name, bookended by the drive there and all the way back. Through the sleet and the snow of the cold cinematography that evokes as much beauty as it does loneliness...such is life. What more would you expect from the eternal sunshine of director Charlie Kaufman's spotless mind? The 'Synecdoche, New York' and 'Anomalisa' director who wrote a movie with more John Malkovich's than 90's thrillers in need of a villain. Malkovich. Malkovich. Malkovich. As weird as it is wonderful, expect this cult hit to be as divisive as some of the most outstanding, offbeat classics and divide people like the Mars and Venus of modern love.

'Wild Rose', 'War and Peace' and BBC's 'Taboo' with Tom Hardy actress Jessie Buckley is absolutely amazing in this existential, experimental movie that is quite possibly anything that you make of it. Because she makes the most of a journey and a meeting through this 'Tree Of Life' that you really have to stay with, if you want it and you to grow. It takes a special type of talent to keep someone invested in this labour of love and Buckley's influence buckles you in. From the iced in windows of a snow painted car, bringing back images of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet lying like angels from on high. To the wine and wallpaper, as there's so much to unpack here without going into spoiler territory or having an actual clue. Like why she changes clothes more times than Jay-Z and Pharrell. Whilst one of the most underrated and amazing actors of his time Jesse Plemons is on his trademark fine form. This man has been in everything. Let's reel some off. 'All The Pretty Horses', 'The Master', 'Black Mass', 'The Program', 'Bridge Of Spies', 'American Made', 'The Post', 'Vice' and most recently 'The Irishman'. But here he takes a backseat as this is really Buckley's movie. Still he brings an inner turmoil to this role behind the wheel that hides its anger behind poetry and random outbursts at the dinner table that set the plates rattling like our nerves or an American beauty. Together Jessie and Jesse share something aside from a similar spelt and sounding first name. It's not quite complete chemistry (and that's the distant lover point), but instead a set-piece that shows just how much of a distance we are from each other in this Tulsa tundra, even before corona. It could be six feet or more. Or it could be riding shotgun with the only one close to shoot you down. But there's still a disconnect like swiping right past this love and life that will flash before your eyes like memories at the dinner table that now become photo frames above the fireplace that try to keep you warm on these cold nights.

It all seems 'Hereditary' like sins of the family, as a terrific Toni Collette's compelling mothering role is as moving as it is maddening. She stirs with haunting horrors that act like repressed quirks that refuse to be quiet. The white from the window outside appearing in her hair right before our glazed eyes. Then there's the unmistakable voice of stop-motion 'Anomalisa' star David Thewlis. Who at his best here brings something we try to make sense of like why he has that band-aid on his forehead. Or why is he looking that way? Turning uncomfortable silences into even more unsettling stares. But just wait until he offers you the guest room. And then there's the janitor character played perfectly by 'Miami Vice' and 'The Young Pope' character actor Guy Boyd. Buffing the hall of a local high school calling back to Matt Damon's math genius in 'Good Will Hunting'. All as a locker clapping to basketball court dance floor ballet brings boundless beauty to the end of this last waltz and last act like Oklahoma. You still may have little clue to what's going on, but outside of the corona closed cinema you'll never have a cinematic experience quite like this. Especially on the Netflix you scroll through so much like a dating app, searching for a match that the streaming service billboards here in Tokyo just features the red line of their continue watching runtime over a black background. The only thing that comes close for your list is Radiohead lead Thom Yorke's artistic 'Anima' extended music video with 'There Will Be Blood', 'Magnolia' and Haim music video director Paul Thomas Anderson, who has a new movie coming out with the Valley Girls Baby sister Alana. There will be many that would leave this on permanent halfway through if it wasn't for the new remove feature. Still stick with it from the iconic logo to the international credit screens and you may just have something apart from an exploded brain. If you're thinking of ending things, please don't. If you're thinking of watching this, please do. Mind...blown. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind', 'A Ghost Story', 'Mother!'

REVIEW: TRAIN TO BUSAN 2-PENINSULA

4/5

Last Train To Busan. 

116 Mins. Starring: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun & Lee Re. Director: Yeon Sang-ho. 

All aboard with the horde! Like a Netflix remake of Bong Joon-ho's 'Snowpiercer', you may think a sequel to 'Train To Busan' is about as necessary as going out for anything other than milk right now. But following the amazing animated 'Seoul Station' prequel and in the year of 'Parasite', the peak of 'Peninsula' locked down at home may just be the movie of our quarantined times. "Is he infected" someone says in Seoul, keeping his distance in fear. There's a virus taking over the world...and I could be writing about this films plot or what's going on all around us right now. This s### is straight scary. Sure there's no trains this time like after midnight, but this cinematic classic franchise still gives you everything it's got, carriage by carriage. Just like when from 'World War Z' to the 'Kingdom' of a South Korean Netflix series they changed the genre of the zombie movie game. Outbreak confining it to the claustrophobic chills of cabs on a train (and you thought 'Snakes On A Plane' was bad). So much so this fanboy in Korea this time last year even got a 'Train To Busan' from 'Seoul Station' of all geeked out places on vacation. Neeeeeeerd! But now 'Train To Busan Presents...' 'I Am Legend', 'Mad Max', 'Escape From New York' and any other genre blend this eyes bulging and horde screaming series can get its stretched out veiny hands on. But from Hong Kong to a South Korean capital that's lost its soul, no movie as mad as this one carries a strain of metaphor that isn't as palpably real and on the pulse quite like what this taps into.

Running with your youngest in your arms like a homage to the outstanding original that broke ground, this one boots on the concrete pays all due respect and offers a different take on another epidemic that actually has a haunting hold on South Korea and many of its young actors and K-Pop stars. Making of an iconic, inspired moment of heroism as the curtain calls like chopper blades. We haven't seen a stand this final and this formidable since Thor, Chris Hemsworth's Netflix 'Extraction' with those Avenging Russo's. After the brilliant 'Busan' and the sobering 'Station', we saw no need for a punctuated 'Peninsula' with its kitchen sink trailer. We weren't convinced. Turns out we were wrong again in this age of negativity as the trailer couldn't do this superb sequel that's just trying to tell and continue this story in a post-apocalyptic different way justice. The machine gunning action clip for clip is amazing. Whilst the as usual, on point social commentary is utterly compelling and critical to the ignorant, mask debate times we live in now that are no longer bliss. As a matter of fact the millions of zombies serve as a plot device backdrop to the subversive subplots of our own human sickness in society. As painted in blood red, cattle numbered prisoners take turns in a 'Gladiator' like death match, caged arena. Locked inside were an abhorrent amalgamation of zombies looking like something out of 'The Thing' look to bite turn them like what we do in the shadows into their next feast. Whether for sport or profit, this game megaphone plays into our combative bloodlust and corrupt blood money as cruelty is made to rain like won where the rich wins and the poor strains to survive in this dank, damp lair of puddles turning red. All in a world where we're all trying to make it like a levelled up verison of the video game, 'The Last Of Us', but can't continue like 9...8...

Emotion always marks Korean cinema far more potent and powerfully in its subtlety than Hollywood's hallmark tropes. And this 'Peninsula' movie moves you in such a way you always knew was going to be more than blood and guts, but body and soul. Heart too. From the brutal beginnings that still show the beautiful maternal instincts of a mother's love, to the epic ending in all its evoking emotions. This thanks to returning from 'Busan', 'Psychokinesis' director Yeon Sang-ho and a cast that knows smart blockbusters are more than big bluster, but sensibilities too. As the 'Temptation Of Wolves' lead Gang Dong-won let's loose like his hair when promised a $20 million dollar payday at the 'Peninsula'. But even that many Benjamin's couldn't convince him out of his guilt after what he leaves behind twice over in this movies first act with his as a soldier. Now a merc for hire this man will really face his own demons aswell as the ones that walk with the dead before he makes port at Incheon. And if he doesn't, tossing him a machine gun, the "queen of transformation" and Korean music star Lee Jung-hyun will have something to say about that. As the South Korean 'Split' (not the James McAvoy 'Unbreakable' sequel before the 'Glass' smash) actress sings with one of her highest notes of performance. And then there's the 'Hope' of rising child star Lee Re who in tears that will tempt yours is quite possibly one of the youngest and best actors we have in the world. If you don't begin to well up when she does then this year really has taken it out of you. Because in this movie with a landscape like a heart of stone there's still a soul that stirs between the echos of those who roar like a car alarm when they smell blood or fear. This one senses our deepest and darkest ones and instead of offering us a straight forward horror (or another shot taking look at the world as we now know it), this one holds out a hand. One we should take even if we can't shake in a year that has rocked us to the core. Time to heal and catch a train back to the station. Off the rails there's more that surrounds this peninsula we call home. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Train To Busan', 'Seoul Station', 'Snowpiercer (2013)'. 

REVIEW: MULAN

4/5

Mulan Rouge.

115 Mins. Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, Gong Li & Jet Li. Director: Niki Caro. 

Tigers crouch and dragons hide in Disney's live action adaptation of their amazing 1998 animation, 'Mulan'. All for members only with the plus price of $29.99 (WHAT?!) and a small screen downgrade. After parting with these Disney dollars no one is going to want to see the new Marvel 'Black Widow', whether Robert Downey Jr's 'Iron Man' is bolted up in it or his three word response not, now. Following the big-three of the big ears of 'Dumbo', mane of 'The Lion King' and the magic carpet that really ties those three wishes of 'Aladdin' together last year, 'Mulan' wasn't just meant to be the latest and greatest of the magic kingdoms live action remake, rebooted age. It was supposed to be the biggest film of the year for them or anybody. It even survived a Hong Kong controversy with its lead worse than Los Angeles Laker LeBron James' response. Both still however need to be accounted for. Even if we are fans, we stand with Hong Kong too. But now with Florida's Disney World playing host to the quarantined NBA Bubble, corona closed cinemas leave a mop cleaning mouse looking to pull 'Fantasia' tricks to fulfil all their franchise fantasies. Even with 'Batman Begins' big-screen blockbuster with smarts director, Christopher Nolan beginning the Summer season again in theatres with 'Tenet' (as a masked Tom Cruise watching the premiere will also lead to all the top guns returning to take off dates like James Bond with 'No Time To Die' now in November), his star Robert Pattinson still got infected after a movie were they wore masks ahead of their time in Nolan's old crusades. Batman has coronavirus. What the hell kind of year is this? One we will never forget as we were meant to roar into the 20's like a Gatsby, but ended up heading back to the dark ages old sport.

Big screen or not, 'Mulan' is still a plus and a spectacle, but we really think that 29.99 would be better spent on seeing it between the red curtains than the halfway house of somewhere between your phone and your laptop. Tapping into more this is one of the most amazing and atmospheric Disney updates on their traditional animations. Right there with 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Jungle Book' and 'The Lion King'. Although we're still waiting for the deer crossing of that 'Bambi' remake starring The Rock that SNL promised. Sure this ravaging red room may be missing some songs and Eddie Murphy, but it still looks as iconic and incredible as any stroke of the artists brush. From spices in the street, to porcelain powder making up this cinematography, adaptations have not looked this awe-inspiring since the Arabian nights of last years 'Aladdin' made all your wishes come true like Will Smith honouring the late, great, one and only Robin Williams. The Twitter highlight come Ava DuVernay backed one hour documentary, 'One Perfect Shot' would have their work cut out choosing just one single clip here. This 'Mulan' is full of mesmerizing moments for your filmography frame. One empowering one in particular through the mist and air of atmosphere is as epic as they come on horseback. Shedding the armour and disguise of a life once hidden in fear. Now coming out and of age to all the worlds stage. But floating above all this foundation are the beautiful battles and classic cinematic chereography that demands a bigger spotlight than the thing we normally use to swipe left. The amazing action should see bigger lights than a camera phone. Focusing on something that shouldn't be crouched OR hidden in the year of the dragon.

Rising phoenix's still have order though and this one flames on in all its glory like the traditional temples and the aura of being at one with your chi. The energy is strong. Floating and fighting. Taking a knee and offering a sacrifice, Yifei Liu gives us her absolute all in a moment that deserves a bigger stage in spotlight. Going all 'If I Were A Boy' like 'Black Is King' star Beyonce as she fights for her family and fathers place and life. Gifting us with the sweetest father and daughter story since 'The Farewell' star Tzi Ma finally getting his flowers, picked us one in one of this years best movies in Disney's streaming service rival Netflix's 'Tigertail'. But it's when we see that the commander of the Imperial Army is none other but the 'Ip Man' himself and 'Star Wars: Rogue One' actor Donnie Yen that we are left with the biggest smile on our faces. Almost akin to seeing a bearded and grey, 'Fearless' Jet Li play the Emperor of China in what really is a celebration of the greats of Chinese cinema. The only ones missing being Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh as even 'Memoirs Of Geisha' and 'Miami Vice' actress Gong Li sprinkles some magic and witchcraft. But we won't spoil the classic cameo that in cinemas would have drawn as many cheers as it does a "SERIOUSLY" reaction on the socials. Giving 'Whale Rider' director Nika Caro's most expensive female fronted movie made with the biggest budget plenty to work with in a scope that demands better from its streamed showcase. Like the warrior King of 'Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story' and Mowgli 'Jungle Book' star Jason Scott Lee. Or Netflix's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny' sequel star Yonson An's love interest reuniting with Yen like Donnie's loyal right hand man Ron Yuan of 'Prison Break' and 'Mortal Kombat' video game voiced fame. Loyal, brave and true, this vivid version of 'Mulan' is magnificent and brings honour to us all. Running up the walls like we all did in quarantine and having the biggest fun in temples since Suga of BTS became Agust D against himself for 'Daechwita' in South Korea. In a crazy, rich amazing year for Asian cinema that saw 'Parasite' take best picture at the Academy Awards and not just the renamed best international Oscar and even has another 'Train To Busan' leaving this month for the 'Peninsula', nothing celebrates the culture in all its textures and traditions quite like this. Even with a more subtle sense of scale. This ballad of Mulan still sings. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Mulan (1998)', 'Tigertail', 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. 

T.V. REVIEW: GHOST IN THE SHELL: SAC_2045 Season 1

4/5

Ghost In The Machine.

12 Episodes. Starring: Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka & Kōichi Yamadera. Created By: Masamuns Shirow.

Millennium Parade's 'Fly With Me' takes us away like money making the world go 'round, as the opening credits milk mechanic, 3D printer assemble and fall in an explosive crescendo reminiscent of the original 1995 'Ghost In The Shell'-an anime movie as major as 'Akira'-and the neon dive of Scarlett Johansson's live action 2017 'Ghost In The Shell' movie that was cultural appropriating accused, but actually amazing. As this 'Lucy' lost in translation even blade ran better skyline skyscraper shots and artistic advertising in this new Tokyo than '2049'. With all due respect to the dune of Denis Villleneuve's vibrant and redefining 'Blade Runner' sequel arrival starring Ryan Gosling and of course the one and only, Harrison Ford. But it's '2045' here. 'SAC_2045' to be exact for Netflix's new 'Ghost In The Shell' series which 'Arise' stands next to all the 'Stand Alone Complex's' like 'The New Movie' for another adaptation of the manga to anime Japanese classic that has more iterations than Warner Bros and DC has Batman's (BTW FYI I'm as excited for Paul Dano's Riddler rolling out duct tape as I am Robert Pattinson's Batman rolling up on some villains and calling himself vengeance). This punk Parade as classic as the closing credits of Mili's epic and beautiful 'sustain++' proving once again like 'Tokyo Ghoul' and all those 're's' anime can make contemplative compelling, soothing sounds to end their shows just as well as they can make big booming ones to set it off and get us in the mood like live Saturday nights. Yet the amazing artwork of this curtain call in credits reminds us of what we're missing in the great genre of anime and its manga matching art. 'Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045' uses CGI to paint its pictures. So much so it made this writer and 'Shell' shocked fan ghost this season longer (apologies for the late review) than that person you were messaging on Bumble. With the hallmark art that is the 'Studio Ghibli' production company turning to computers too I was livid. What is this 'Toy Story'?! That works wonders for that, but not this. Anime is as pure an art form and Japanese tradition as neon and temples. Still I was wrong. I was ignorant. The CG animation is just different and in it's own way definitive. Once you get past that, this new 'Ghost In The Shell' like Static is major.

United States, 2045. We find ourselves between the palm trees of a deserted American military city with Yokosuka feels and our Japanese heroes rolling 'round in those endearing Tachikoma's, complete with a voice box and more character development than those cultural appropriating 'Transformer' mini 'bots. In this 'Sustainable War' complete with desert island like buggies and chugged beer bottles (Fudweiser instead of Budweiser like a Duff beer off 'The Simpsons') are scene is set whilst Togusa's agent-who ends up rolling round in a car straight out the 'Fast and Furious: Spy Racers' (another Netflix CG movie adaptation) cereal box when he's not running round shadowed shipping containers, escaping henchmen-takes a call back in Tokyo that looks terrific in this computer generated and enhanced animation. Some drone strikes and a Mr. Smith who suits, shades and shadowy character tie cribs some off 'The Matrix' of Agent Smith follow. But in this post-human world battling 'bots halfway between crash test dummies and Ultron, the big, free-ballin' Patrick Huge episode really is a 'Gift From God', delving into the amazing animated mainframe of the mind for this cyber link after he unleashes his Demidog like hounds. Still, one of the best installments belong to the 'Pie In The Sky' of iconic sidekick Batou's bank job solo episode that really checks into more, affording this show the sort of storytelling that takes it higher than the graphics that mark this animations special effects. Sure it looks like a video game at times, but one that consoles you with amazing action. Like the 'Elysium' like enhanced soldier boxing people's heads off like Bane from the shadows. And if you thought that was scary, just wait until you stroll the moving walkway of an airport and see the hoard of wax like, featureless 'Net People' that hybrid theory represent the mob mentality of toxic trolling wired in online. Just when you thought there was more terminal things that could infect you when trying to catch a flight right now in this age of punctuated paranoia. But what's with that frog king with a Burger King like cardboard crown? Have it your way.

Epic, emotional stakes punctuate the penultimate episode of 'SAC_2045' as a mother's love for her lost boy takes you back to the sobering subplot of the Scarlett Johansson 'Ghost In The Shell' movie. As some schools out lessons taught by the gun and gangs of kids really show you the dark side of what lurks behind lockers and creeps down corridor, showing those who are supposed to serve us really aren't protecting us. All the way to a classic cliffhanger alone in traditional Kyoto for this neon that will synth stir you into streaming for more, as another outstanding origin story concerns the heartbreaking hurt we often find behind those "villains" that do the same to our heroes. As this epic, episode mixes everything from family matters to the "freedom is slavery" notion from George Orwell's '1984'. The Japanese version a perfect prop for this plot like when Haruki Murakami called back to it in his massive 1500 plus page plus magnum opus, '1Q84', because of the bad omens that come with that number in Japan. War seems to be the only peace here for Major and her men and with Atsuko Tanaka reprising her Motoko Kusanagi voice like Akio Ōtsuka's bold Batou, or Kōichi Yamadera's scene stealing Togusa, all hands are back on deck. Sure with a 17% attack on the killer Rotten Tomatoes, this show by Masamuns Shirow may seem like a shell of its former self, but this ghost still haunts. The soul still stirs, even if the heart doesn't always net human beat for a story that's still not lost in CGI translation. It still stands alone, even if it's not as complex. This new movie still cyberpunk rocks like a breathtaking Keanu Reeves in C.G.I. Its just time for the second season to become a solid state in this society. The age of innocence is over. Arise. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ghost In The Shell (1995)', 'Ghost In The Shell (2017)', 'Ghost In The Shell: The New Movie'. 

REVIEW: AVA

3/5

Atomic Red. 

96 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell, Common, Diana Silvers, Jess Weixler, Ioan Gruffudd, Joan Chen, Geena Davis & John Malkovich. Director: Tate Taylor. 

2017. Jessica Chastain could have won the Best Actress Oscar three-times over for her big-three that calendar. 'The Zookeepers Wife', 'Miss Sloane' and 'Molly's Game'. Yet one of the greatest actors of our generation didn't even get an Academy Award nomination making her the most underrated like her 'A Most Violent Year' leading man co-star Oscar Isaac. Despite her output going 'Zero Dark Thirty' (an actual nominated performance) like Laker LeBron James in the NBA Playoffs. From the 'Take Shelter' and 'The Tree Of Life' (quite possibly the most atmospheric and beautiful movie with real meaning of all-time) beginnings, to the 'Crimson Peak', 'Interstellar' and 'The Martian' breakout (Chastain chased down so much-especially in the science fiction world-she had to drop out of both Tom Cruise's 'Oblivion' and Marvel's 'Iron Man 3') and the cult 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix' and 'It Chapter 2' latest last year. This Summer we were supposed to see her play in 'The Doll's House' on London's West End like her 'The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby' co-star who she reunited with for 'Phoenix' James McAvoy, but then corona quarantined all that like cinemas. Still with 'Interstellar' director Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' making a tentative return to the big screen where it belongs, the Summer blockbuster season may just be saved this September were we want to be woke up when the year ends. In 'Ava' the Gardner like actress returns to this popcorn movie game too. Despite Chastain being unfairly chastised more than when she worked on the critically and criminally underrated 'Woman Walks Ahead' (her devoted and dedicated performance-one of her most nuanced yet-is anything but white saviour). You see 'Ava's' original director Matthew Newton has been accused of assault and domestic violence and many have called out Chastain for hypocrisy (NO!) as she is a leading advocate for the 'Me Too' movement. But how dare they try to take away all she's done for another man's guilt in a toxic age of Twitter trolls taking making people guilty by association? Besides the fact that Newton was replaced says more. As Chastain reunites with Tate Taylor, as the director of 'The Help' (the other movie she was Oscar nominated for, for her support) steps in to lend a hand to this clocked and reloaded combat.

Red soaked revenge like a Lawrence 'Sparrow' with her eye in the scope is sweet for the 'Lawless' actress as she goes all 'Atomic Blonde' in the first scene with 'Old Guard' Charlize Theron short hair in disguise. Mere moments after declaring "no masks" in this of all years, albeit figuratively speaking not in the literal way. As she lift whistelblows and shows 'Hornblower' himself Ioan Gruffudd that he's no Mr. Fantastic (oh hi John Krasinski) in the actors best cameo since he told those 'Horrible Bosses' that he specialises in "wet work". All before red revealing who she really is between 'Molly' dresses and Boston shoot-outs like Ben Affleck's 'Town' of mad men with the blunderbuss. Taking off the wig and pulling up a crimson hood to hide the blood coloured the same, as she chases down her targets with sniper precision on foot. Following Blake Lively's postcard perfect assassin creed in the pre-lockdown 'Rhythm Section', Chastain continues this note showing she's at home with the action. Hand to hand with 'John Wick' chapters of parabellum...and she doesn't need no pencil to make sure those writing her off better find an eraser like Schwarzenegger. If that wasn't enough Chastain brings her compelling acting to the action too, offering a deeper humanity to her blood and alcohol soaked character. Punch drunk from all the love and lives lost. One moment by the foot of a hotel bed, just inches away from an itching mini-bar is truly moving. Especially in a movie whose director change and plot problems sometimes leads to some dull edges to this knife and gun metal drama. Jessica is so good-forget a John and Blonde crossover-we want to see a team-up movie with Theron, Lively and even Jodie Foster's 'Brave One', Zoe Saldana's 'Colombiana' and a South Korean 'Villainess' (someone get Kim on-Vik on Zoom) for this lady vengeance kill bill. Just like the oceans crossing spy thriller '355' in the next 365 that promises one Cannes like espionage ensemble Jessica has coming with Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Lupita Nyong'o and Fan Bingbing. Let's make it all happen.

All stars are no stranger to 'Ava' however like Chicago this February for the James Brown biopic 'Get On Up' (starring the late, great, we still can't believe he's gone, Black Panther, black biopic and black icon, Chadwick Boseman) Tate's taylor made direction. Ava's mentor in the line of fire is none other than 'Red' star John Malkovich, kicking ass and taking names for his best role in years, during all his time moonlighting in Pete Berg and Mark Wahlberg movies (like the kinetic 'Mile-22') and stupidly mansplaining how to use a shotgun to Sandra Bullock for an iconic, meme worthy discharging moment for an actress who is anything but, "that lady from 'Bird Box'". There's even the 'Long Kiss Goodnight' of 'Thelma and Louise' icon Geena Davis here, passing the action torch down as a meddling mother. Whilst hot on her tail is the unrecognisable Penguin of the new Batman movie, Colin Farrell (was that him in the trailer). The Irishman who is still as beguilingly underrated as an actor (have you seen him and Yorgos Lanthimos play in 'The Lobster' and 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer') as he is hard working returns to his 'Dead Man Down' action days here for a showstopping fight scene that joins the club of all the great protagonist vs antagonist showdowns. As the 'In Bruges' legends somehow pulls of a Hitler moustache which clearly shows he's up to no good. Still it's the eclectic circus of rapper Common (no stranger to assassin movies, from giving it to Keanu Reeves in 'John Wick: Chapter 2' to running all night with Liam Neeson like a professional courtesy) that gives this movie its humanity of not the worst love triangle in the history of Bermuda like hearts adrift ("what am I looking at right now? Wonder Woman?" he asks in one scene like he's starring at Gal Gadot). As this one gets into the teeth of 'The Big Bad Swim' star and Dakota Johnson lookalike Jess Weixler who makes her own name here as Jessica's sister. Still for all the big names here-including an absolutely iconic Joan Chen of 'Twin Peak' slaying-it's 'Booksmart' young star Diana Silvers who comes of age, swotting up on Hollywood hallmarks with her sidearm performance that looks to lead to more in the chamber if a sequel births a franchise here. And it could as so it should. Ava the character is amazing. Now give the movie more in plot development from the set up here and we may just have a hit with this woman. Ava adore. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Atomic Blonde', 'The Rhythm Section', 'Miss Sloane'. 

REVIEW: BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC

3.5/5

Excellent. 

92 Mins. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Kristen Schaal, Samara Weaving, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Anthony Carrigan, Erinn Hayes, Jayma Mays, Holland Taylor, Kid Cudi, William Sadler & Jillian Bell. Director: Dean Parisot. 

Let's face the music and play air guitar. Excellent! In a most heinous year, straight outta San Dimas, the Wyld Stallyns are back...and this time they really are saving the world as we now know it in 2020. Party on dudes...oh wait, wrong movie. Dude where's my researcher? Because this nostalgic classic as 80's as Axel Foley and Slash's Guns N Roses influenced all the dazed and confused Mike Myers and Dana Carvey 'Wayne's World's' and Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott 'Dude Where's My Car's' that "AND THEEEEN" came next. And stepping back into the iconic phone booth, with no tie needed to loosen up, these super man-children are here to save the day and reality as we know it yet again with one last swan song. Tune up! It's been almost 30 years since Bill & Ted's 'Bogus Journey', that came just two years after the 'Excellent Adventure' of Bill S. Preston Esq and Ted 'Theodore' Logan that taps into offbeat science fiction rock operatics like spinal. Three decades? A lot has changed since that last inspired installment. iPods had replaced Walkmen, streaming has replaced all that. But hopefully Beethoven's favourite compositions still include Bon Jovi's 'Slippery When Wet'. One thing that hasn't changed though is that these boys to men have refused to grow up too. Keanu Reeves (at his trademark best here with Wick shaved scruff) has even had a "Keanuassiance" over the last few years like a fellow easy going Hollywood stoning McConassiance. Now a cult industry icon like heroes Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum, Reeves is bringing it all back at 50 like his vampire, forever young good looks. Before the COVID-19 pandemic Reeves even has the fourth chapters of both his new action hero 'John Wick' and his futuristic classic 'The Matrix' on deck for the same release date next year. If that wasn't enough the man who can dodge bullets like you can't pencils gave us classic cameos in his year last year with his Canadian daredevil Duke Caboom in 'Toy Story 4' and a meta version of playing himself up in the Netflix comedy, 'Always Be My Maybe'. He even played a bit of tumbleweed (who else?) in the 'Spongebob' movie sequel. And did you see how breathtaking he was in the 'Cyberpunk' video game? Whoa!

Dude, but what of Winter's tale? One most intriguing. Well, the actor has been away directing. Documentaries mostly that deal with the dark side of messing with the future, from downloading to Bitcoin. But how about this work freaks co-write and Co-directed, 'Freaked' starring movie? This 'Lost Boys' actor is far from Peter Pan. Here his chemistry with Reeves remains as compelling and beautiful, no bogus as the first time they hand over heart saw each other and extended their arms in introduction. They both get the best lines, jokes and quotes as one doesn't work without the other. And just wait until their tatt and jacked prison break before they get old and make-up grey, their hairlines looking like mine. The Carvey to his Myers, its no Robin sidekick, but a Kareem and Magic partnership that is exactly that for this Californian rolling dynamic duo. We love them, just like they love their princesses, played perfectly by 'Glee's' Jayma Mays and 'The Watch' star Erinn Hayes wanting an upgrade from those plastic engagement rings. Because Bill and Ted need to face not only the music, but the fact that they are fathers too in this trilogy conclusion generations in the making. 'Ready Or Not' and 'Three Billboards' star Samara Weaving playing Theadora "Thea" Preston, Bill's daughter. Even though the Margot Robbie lookalike from 'Home and Away' actually in what would be a meta moment if she was Teddy's daughter is Hugo Weaving's niece (NOW you see it). Whilst thee honour of Logan's daughter like an X-23 actually goes to a scene stealing Brigette Lundy-Paine of 'Atypical' fame as Wilhelmina 'Billie' Logan with the best Keanu impression since you looked up that one on YouTube and tried to do the same in the mirror. These two named their daughters after each other and their excellent selves. Of course they did. And we wouldn't have it any other way.  Even if their theremin and throat wedding singing crashing leaves more to be desired than Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn's 'Internship' movie. Google it.

Pyramids plonked down in the middle of the suburbs. SWAT vans falling through hell itself. Jesus himself appearing on stage...CHRIST! What is happening to the world in the apocalypse of 2020 as this roaring world and time bends and folds in on itself. And is that saturn above the interstate? This really is a highway to hell. Looks like we're going to need one hell of a band for this run. How's Hendrix jamming with Mozart sound (EXCELLENT) after Louis Armstrong lures him away from London with his horn like a Chinese flute or native drums. And how about Kid Cudi. Sure he's not a piece of musical history...yet. Did you not believe in 'Man On The Moon' like 'Kids See Ghosts'? His cameo is a classic (to hear Keanu say, "I mean this with no disrespect Kidi, but we only have four and a half minutes" may be the line of the movie) even if the other big names aren't played by the real people, but some inspired impressionists. I hear Mozart was busy with some symphony. But it's the return of the grudge and nuts nursing Death reprised by 'The Shawshank Redmeption's' William Sadler warmed up that really makes a killing like half an hour bass solos. It's just a shame the late, comic great George Carlin isn't back as Rufus...although a hallmark hologram in a touching tribute that is not overdone is. As is his daughter played by 'Bobs Burger', 'BoJack Horseman' and 'The Daily Show's' own Kristen Schaal with honour. But for all the big names here like the hilarious Jillian Bell of '22 Jump Street' having a rough night as a marriage counsellor doing couples therapy by the double and 'Two and a Half Men' mother Holland Taylor so good as The Great Leader herself. It's 'Gotham's' own 'Barry' star assassin Anthony Cardigan who steals the show as another hit man. This time in android form as a robot with a conscience, as this bullet with butterfly wings, bald and baby powdered up looks like the Smashing Pumpkin of Billy Corgan, despite all his rage. This all rocks like 1979...or make that 1989 for something from 'Galaxy Quest' director Dean Parisot that is really out this world. And in the closing credits of real footage of real people rocking around the world we wish was free again, in the locked down worst year of our lives at a socially isolated distance. Bill and Ted show us that music like movies can bring us all back together at troubling times like these. And 'Face the Music' dudes, nothing about that is bogus. Yes Bill. Yes Ted. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure', 'Wayne's World', 'Dude Where's My Car'.