REVIEW: ON THE ROCKS

 

5/5

Lost In New York. 

96 Mins. Starring: Bill Murray, Rashida Jones, Marlon Wayans, Jessica Henwick & Jenny Slate. Director: Sofia Coppola. 

Fairytales in New York are reunited like very Murray, snowy 'Scrooged' Christmas nights or Tokyo in translation, as Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray get back together again like a hotel reservation. It's love 'On The Rocks' with a twist however, as this time Bill isn't falling in a May to December love with a pre-Avenging Scarlett Johansson. Instead he has a far deeper one for the amazing actress who has been stepping out of her musical father Quincy's shadow since the very year 'Lost In Translation' came out, Rashida Jones. And like the man who produced 'Thriller' for the record, Bill is playing pops here too. "He thinks your my girlfriend" he says to Rashida about a waiter,  also later correcting cops who think she's his "lady friend". This old playboy is very flattered but plays with it for a laugh like Coppola who knows she'll be copping all kinds of prejudging critics remarks...can't you see we just corrected ourselves too? In a wedding dress with Jason Schwartzmen, Miss Jones made a classic cameo in 'A Very Murray Christmas' when Bill again gave her almost jilted bride marriage AND love advice...because you best believe they are two very different sides of the same coin. But now the two are in matrimony with the storytelling streets of NYC themselves that haven't looked this Parisian romantic since we hitched a ride with Will Smith's date doctor. And some medical assistance for the heart of matters is needed in prescription here too. Hightailing in a Hepburn automobile from the back of a yellow cab to the cobbled streets of the hip Meatpacking District, with still enough time for Breakfast at Tiffany's. Neon nights illuminated the Scarlett love in Tokyo for this writers all-time favourite movie in 'Translation' and the very catalyst at 21 years of age to why I am now living in Japan a decade later. But before that it was all big city, Big Apple dreams like Sinatra and the lights of Times Square. Times change like people. Playboys become parents. However, when it comes to oddball amazing actors mind-aside from maybe Jeff Goldblum-nobody does it like Bill's way. Nobody else like the 'Groundhog Day' actor could come back to that role for a Jeep Superbowl commercial this year and actually make it sweet and fun and not sold out and crass (OK...they did a great job with ET too. So much so and with so much class tact I can't even remember the commercial product...I think it was a phone, obviously). This is why the third times the charm for the real cinematic love between him and Sofia. There's a little more grey in the hair, but that just means the heart is still there. Planting a real loving kiss on your forehead again like he's about to whisper something sweetly inaudible in your ear that people are still talking about to this day. Clasping to the very "what did he say" nostalgic notion of this nuance. Checking in and out, between Tokyo's Park Hyatt (that yes I made it Suntory times with, back in the day with an old girlfriend that shared the same name as Scarlett's character) and New York's classic Carlyle Hotel. Snowed in like we all have been this year frozen in time during this lockdown of COVID-19 quarantine. So with that in mind and you never far off ours, here's to you as we raise a glass with two ice cubes to a year that's truly been on the rocks. 

Sofia's cinematic choices compel some of her trademark traditions with this five star classic like 'Lost In Translation' for a remade 'Beguiling' and legendary director that's just getting better and better. A Terrence Malik, Paul Thomas or other Murray muse Wes Anderson director that some may dislike, but others just love in art form, off-Hollywood canvas. Especially in concert with the jazzy Bill, who even has his own orchestrated album. You didn't just think it was the Rat Pack  (you know, "Rat Pack"?) like variety show with Clooney at Christmas now did you? This is a man who can make monumental, mesmerizing moments out of music move you by the way he just plays it. Just like the fond time he heard his kids surprise sing on a yuletide vinyl during the war of a by George 'Catch-22' like 'Oceans' military ensemble assemble. Take a bite out of this Apple TV core choice which will have you signing and streaming up like it was Netflix or a Disney Plus in its prime like Amazon. As this one shows us more in conjuction with A24 that that indie studio really has in just a few years become the best one in the industry. From under the sheet classics like 'A Ghost Story', to out of the envelope Academy (finally) acclaimed classics like 'Moonlight' in what's now their rising kingdom. And that's just two of too many to count right now. They may end up having their own A-list streaming service before long that you could still watch 24 hours at a time. This movie has all the heartfelt, hallmark moments. Visionary, shimmering late night moments in hotel pools. Married couples on the edge of trying to flint create a spark out of the empty spaces between a rock and a hard place. Endearing airheads that still just get in the way as they don't even know it. Waiting adventure that tries to crash through writers block as waiting cars with the best driver are set to whisk you away with the dial tuned radio playing pop that punctuates this engaging enthusiasm. And isn't that the same disinterested person on the phone offering at least a little bit more advice to Rashida than she did a 'Lost' Scarlett longing and looking out at the Shinjuku skyline from her culture aftershocked penthouse prison? Is this a vocal cameo from Sofia, messing with us? Of course no Murray movie with Coppola is complete without the song and tao of the charismatic Bill who if its possible is even more charming here as soon as the "hello kiddo" car window rolls down with another story to add to his book before he rides off into the sky scraping sunset. Now just wait until he breaks into multiple...MULTIPLE songs (which we won't hymn sheet spoil) like his yearning Tokyo karaoke bar take with friends on Roxy Music's 'More Than This' for Scarlett's Charlotte, or the time he headphone sang along to Bob Dylan's 'Shelter From The Storm' in the garden whilst spraying some flags in 'St. Vincent'. All atmospherically playing and dancing like 'Aloha' over subtly sonic soundtrack selections that are indie music Spotify cool, just like honey. 

Murray is magnificent the moment his adolescent father first backseat window pops into frame, 18 minutes into the movie after some vocal teasing. From incorrigibly becoming an encyclopedia on the history of love (because he's been through 'em like been through' em) like the "human head weighs eight pounds" kid from Jerry Maguire went through adolescence. To charming cops ("the trying's the best part") pulled over like Al Pacino's 'Scent Of A Woman'...that's one way to get out of a ticket like Coppola's fellow 'Godfather' trois co-star. Reminding us in this year of distrust that we all need a mild madcap mannered man like Murray to diffuse all our coiled tensions. All whilst flirting with everyone and everything inbetween from the restaurant to the ballet class. Even the forks...as this man tunes up his charming, but never creepy game. Sniffing flowers like I do a box of tea. Still scene stealing at seventy. We just hope his Felix character name is a rascals nod to 'Garfield' like his classic post-credit cameo in last years 'Zombieland: Double Tap' sequel.Yet doing the heavy lifting, this is Rashida's movie. Showing out in hip-hop pyjamas from the Beastie Boys to Run DMC as cool as the time Rene Russo rocked a Lakers one in the rude awakening, first scene of Elmore Leonard's 'Get Shorty' with Gene Hackman and John Travolta. Easter Egg enough for this actress as New York as manhole covers to start a drinking game if we ever see some De La Soul threads three feet high and rising. And when this mystery, Sherlock detects it's way to a game afoot in Mexico, the cocktail dress morning after camera captures with the sun waking up should soon do the rounds on the Twitter account turned Netflix show in production, 'One Perfect Shot'. But it's more than just the aesthetic in this stars amazing direction. Just like the look on it face says it all for this actors award turning moment that crescendos in a stirring drop of a Martini glass as this shaken soul gets her 007 on with no time to die for all those whose James Bond was Roger Moore. Still it's more than just the love between Murray and Jones even if this movie shows that sometimes there is no greater love in a woman's life than the one with the man who will give her hand away. Even if he is the type to tap your boyfriends phone or give him the old Dad talk on your doorstep in grand grimacing gesture using as few words as he can. Marlon Wayans knows all about that. And the 'Scary Movie' and 'White Chicks' star who has been maturing since 'GI Joe' of all things gives a career best turn here that could flip his life script into so many ways. He captures his characters sobered charm completly, whilst separating his work and his home life like he does our opinions on if he's up to no good or not. He plays it all perfectly, letting us form our opinion of him, all whilst giving nada away. Sub-characters in Sofia scripts always get their light licks (think Anna Faris and Giovanni Ribisi in 'Translation') and 'Iron Fist' star Jessica Henwick pulls no punches for this gold glow. But it's 'Gifted', 'Big Mouth' comedian Jenny Slate who makes the most of her "alright, that's my time folks" moment in the spotlight here. Her day after day, school run personal gossip dishing characters costume getting even ludicrous as he breaking up a marriage story (hope it's not Johansson and Adam Driver) does. Everyone is on here (even another comedian cameo in the form of 'Murray Christmas' ("do you see what I see") star Chris Rock with his classic 'Never Scared' special on the tube), making this movie rock as one of the best of the year. Sure in 2020 that's not exactly hard, as outside of the cinemas of Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' there's little else to choose from...even on most streaming services. But even in a full calendar of no corona I'd still take this one on over going out. Maybe that's just the offbeat Murray mischief mannerism and Sofia style tonic mixed in me for this spiritual sequel trilogy in all it's whistling beauty. Hey...I'll drink to that. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Lost In Translation', 'A Very Murray Christmas', 'Hitch'. 

REVIEW: THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7

 

4/5

The Chicago Way. 

130 Mins. Starring: Yahya Abdul-Matten II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eddie Redmayne, John Carroll Lynch, Michael Keaton, Mark Rylance & Frank Langella. Director: Aaron Sorkin. 

Chicagoland. The war in Viet...f######...nam era. 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7' passes the bar from the studio that was assigned to the case of Ava DuVernay's masterpiece of a miniseries, critical to this time in 'When The See Us', concerning the trial of the wrongfully imprisoned, innocent, Central Park 5. This Netflix flick takes to task the case against the Chicago countercultural protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention charged with conspiracy but met with violence that beat them guilty before proven innocent senseless. All with the same aesthetic as Kathryn Bigelow's definitive 'Detroit', currently streaming on said service too depending on your region. Right now like new music, Netflix owns Friday's like multiplexes kind of used to before COVID-19's lockdown in 2020. Untouchable like Capone. 'The Irishman' with Scorsese's, De Niro, Pacino and Pesci reunion. Scarlett Johansson's 'Marriage Story' with Adam Driver and some dry wall. And those Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce 'Two Popes' that Rickey Gervais loved making jokes about-amongst others-at the Golden Globes. The streaming service that is chilling on everyone's 'Continue Watching' laptops and phones quicksand buried in popcorn from sleeping hands right now have even muscled their way to the Oscars...and finally come away with the Academy like 'Roma'. And how about this year with cinemas closed 'Wonder Woman' pushed back to 1984, 'Black Widow's' to maybe a 'Mulan' Disney + and James Bond to...well when there's 'No Time To Die'? The only big blockbuster that hit cinemas this year was Christopher Nolan's tentative 'Tenet'...and they were all wearing masks. So with the cinema in need of some capes to save the day again in this coronavirus Endgame, Netflix gave us some more down to earth, "human" heroes in Charlize Theron's 'Old Guard' and the 'Project Power' popping of Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (more on and from him this month in a minute). A new franchise for Mark Wahlberg in 'Spenser Confidential'. And arguably one of the best and most underrated movies of the year (ahem...Academy) in the terrific 'Tigertail'. Chris Hemsworth's action 'Extraction'. Will Ferrell's 'Eurovision Song Contest' with Rachel McAdams 'Story Of Fire Saga'. Spider-Man Tom Holland's 'The Devil All The Time' with Dark Knight preacher Robert Pattinson. 'Stranger Things' star Millie Bobby Brown taking it all the way to Eleven with Sherlock for 'Enola Holmes'. Whatever the hell, 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things Was'. Spike Lee's latest, greatest 'Da 5 Bloods' with a heartbreakingly poignant moment with the Lords light shining on the late, great Chadwick Boseman (the man who revitalised the historical courtroom drama like this 'Trial' with his 'Marshall'). What will be the dearly departed actors last film (how heartbreaking is it in the trailer to hear him emotionally say, "my time is coming?") for 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' with Viola Davis. And now this seventh seal from the city of wind. 

Books are merely titles until you take them off the shelf. Just wait until you dust them off and open them up. Like scrolling through the endless selections of films and original content from Netflix (let alone everything else they have on offer) like this was Tinder in this social media age spoilt for choice confliction and conviction. Netflix has libraries of these...and we're actually talking about their own original content. Outstanding ones some ignore like the Academy did Idris Elba's 'Beasts Of No Nation'. But how about you get Deep South, down and dirty with the muck of Dee Rees' 'Mudbound' ensemble? Or the 80's hair metal pay 'Dirt'. Underrated gems like 'Uncut Gems', part of that 'Hubie Halloween' Adam Sandler deal. Will Smith's 'Bright' spot. Or Boyd Holbrook's 'In The Shadow Of The Moon', or 'The Red Sea Diving Resort' real life rescue starring Captain America himself, Chris Evans and Michael K. Williams. Affleck 'Triple Frontier' crews. 'Point Blank' Civil War reenactments and that's just 'The Half Of It'. Crazy, Rich Asian rom-com revolutions in 'Always Be My Maybe' with that Keanu cameo and Jared Leto Osaka 'Outsider's' that are anything but cultural appropriation. So many great (not you '6 Underground') movies. And then the ones we know like Sandra Bullock's 'Bird Box' that no one was blindfolded for and the 'Annihilation' of Natalie Portman. And we haven't even got to the series yet like 'Stranger Things' and 'The Umbrella Academy' for you to binge. But chill. You want to talk about big names? I said, YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT BIG NAMES. How about their latest ensemble. How about the 'Chicago 7'? How magnificent a cast. Showing that Netflix has more checks going out than the treasury with this testimony. Yahya Abdul-Matten II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eddie Redmayne, Michael Keaton, Mark Rylance & Frank Langella. All rise! 

Sorkin sorts through all these screenplay big names in the same week he reunites the cast of 'The West Wing' and Sterling K. Brown for a beautifully poignant, theatre table read play of the classic 'Hartfield Landing' to raise ballot box awareness for First Lady Michelle Obama's 'When We All Vote' campaign. What a critical time to be alive this week and next month. Aaron's amazing signature screenplay dialogue dynamics have given way to a dynamite new way of direction after replacing Spielberg here, which has such a way with words it helps all the A-listers swot this one without any in this engrossing ensemble needing to do much of the heavy lifting. But oh how they bicep curl. Like an inspired Idris Elba's epic opening and closing statements in the case of the people versus Jessica Chastain's 'Molly's Game' for all the chips and Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut. Hitting it out the park like how he turned this generations game changer Michael Lewis' words into action that popped off the bat for Brad Pitt's 'Moneyball' strike. How about 'Candyman' Yahya Abdul-Matten II as original Black Panther Bobby Seale raising a fist like truth to power on a podium like the leather glove Olympics in 2020. All until he has his day in court. Expect Oscars to go with Emmy's and horror game changers like Jordan Peele for this new king of the 'US' . He went from Manta 'Aquaman' villains to being the most important character and catalyst to DC's 'Watchmen' series on HBO we still won't spoil, but has so much to say. Showing his life like the life of his people matters. Represented on screen and off on the streets of America to a country that still hasn't paid real reperations to those it put in chains when it didn't even have a right...or a warrant. We can't remain silent. And the most critical actor of our time doesn't and won't ever. With the integrity over the lack of that and of humanity as they try to take his maintained dignity as bad as that shown in photographic evidence picture of a cop smiling as he wheels Fred Hampton's dead body out his raided apartment. Yahya enters 'The Matrix' next. To be fair, we'd all want to pop that pill right now. But how about the network of the rest of the co-stars? Ali G himself and Netflix's 'Spy' Sacha Baron Cohen gives one of his best yet with returning Sorkin collaborator and fellow acting chameleon Jeremy Strong by his charismatic, chemistry set side. There's also a sense of urgency to 'The Theory Of Everything' and 'The Danish Girl' Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne's trailer call to arms press conference announcement to all those microphones that although they're protesting peacefully the Chicago P.D. can do what they want, but they're "coming anyway" until the streets run red. Welcome back to this fantastic beast of a thespian. American accented in Chi-town is where you can find him. Then ladies and gentlemen of the jury there's 'Looper' and 'Inception' actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt's legal offence. Stealing the show again like he did as Robin in 'The Dark Knight Rises' (its almost been a decade we can spoil that Don Jon one). After an extended hiatus, holding court in a big-three comeback with this, '7500' miles on high as a pilot and his Netflix 'Project Power'. Indeed. All the legacy makers extending there's. Yet make way for the legends. Like character acting one of 'Shutter Island', 'The Handmaids Tale' and everything in between, John Carroll Lynch. Or the return of 'The Founder' Michael Keaton on 'Spotlight' legal duty like the avian Vulture 'Birdman' superhero and Oscar winner meta returning as the Batman in a 'Flashpoint'. Oscar winning 'Bridge Of Spies' and 'Dunkirk' great Mark Rylance quietly having a giant year like the BFG with this and the underrated 'Waiting For The Barbarians' brutally relegated to home cinemas with Johnny Depp and new Batman, Robert Pattinson showing his skill set before the utility belt yet again like 'Tenet' or 'The Devil' of a good time. And of course undeniable acting great Frank Langella as the judge of this jury and third act executioner. He thinks he'll have the final word like a hammer of the gavel. Court dismissed, no recess. But all these characters have their day in, like Sorkin firmly in the directors chair for the most pivotal week of his career and America's consciousness as this legal counsel consoles you. Leading the charge of this powerful protest and the cracked mirror reflecting the bared teeth dog vicious, Billy Club police violence in response that couldn't be more timely this terrible year. In an America that is still the beautiful amongst all this brutality when it comes to the humanity of those preaching peace. But also how we shall overcome until a change gon' come. This film and historical document is critical viewing. The whole world is watching. This is the Chicago fire. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'When They See Us', 'Detroit', 'The Spy'. 

T.V. REVIEW: A WEST WING SPECIAL TO BENEFIT 'WHEN WE ALL VOTE'

 5/5

Stage West. 

63 Mins. Starring: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney & Sterling K. Brown. Creator: Aaron Sorkin.

Zoom read reunions for television alumni have dominated quarantine during this COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 like the smart suits and no pants, 'Anchorman' dance to working from home. 'Frasier', 'How I Met Your Mother' and a 'Community' of classics. As Hollywood found new ways to entertain us during all this social isolation like rappers going head-to-head in online 'Verzuz' with Twitter trolls unable to get a word in...let alone a tweet. But now one of America's most prolific primetime dramas is taking it a step further on stage, creating its own Bubble like the Basketball leagues of the NBA and the WNBA in Disney World Florida for social justice because Black Lives Matter like arresting the cops who killed Breonna Taylor. And its all for 'When We All Vote', the benefit becoming from First Lady Michelle Obama hoping we can bring change by getting out there for the ballot...no matter where the box is. Plastic shields over their faces, shot from a social distance of six feet or more. You'd think this was 'Star Wars' or something. But when you see everything sanitised and wiped down more than Niles Crane's chair in Café Nervosa, you'll see its just pandemic protocol. And when you see who's behind those masks, you'll realise fond nostalgia like it was all the yesterday you wish you could see again. The most epic ensemble drama on the small screen since George Clooney et al's 'ER', 'The West Wing' reunion revival reminds us again of when America really was great...and can still be again one day under another man's campaign in all its inspired idealism. Back when 'The West Wing' first aired in the early 2000's we were in a worldwide crisis like we are now twenty years later with this virus and the hate mongering other one that looks orange. 9/11 had just happened and many thought George Bush had his finger on the nuclear button as even shiny suit man and mogul P. Diddy, no longer dancing, rocked a t-shirt that said, "VOTE OR DIE!" Even more said they would vote for the fictional Jed Bartlet who carried more influence than the inept, real commander in chief. One played by 'Apocalypse Now' and "I LOVED YOU IN" 'Wall Street' legend Martin Sheen who really made his name here after POTUS plays on 'JFK' and Sorkin's 'American President' blueprint. You know they'd do the same this November. So long as they get out and vote. 

Checkmate! The pieces are in order for this one that sees the whole board and really is a chess move. As creator, 'Moneyball' writer and 'Molly's Game' director Aaron Sorkin really hits big this week with this and his screenplay and direction for this Friday's released 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7' historical, needle moving drama on Netflix. Taking the 'Hartsfield's Landing' of his favourite episode from his show and bringing it back to the max for HBO, on stage in the Los Angeles spectator-less brooding beauty of the Orpheum theatre that offers both a sense of haunting foreboding and also the peace and purity of the acting art form in all its pregnant pauses and empty spaces of emotion. Amazingly atmospheric with not a soul in sight off stage. Orchestrated mahogany desk beautifully like the stirring sting rendition opening of the traditional theme. It's amazing like Tennessee how well this episode works and acts as a play. Reminding us of when Netflix turned Kerry Washington's actual foreboding, 'American Son' Broadway play into an actual live filmed movie that everyone needs to take their seats for. From hollowed out prop car backseats, to White House situation room entrances standing proud like Roman columns carved out of marble, this set-piece fits the bill, as authentic as it gets right now. But it's when the slick script of Sorkin trademark dynamic dialogue comes into play that it all comes back to you like this administration never left office. The "old bands back together", even if there is a little salt and pepper in their beard, 'Get Out', 'Philadelphia' and 'Scent Of A Woman' star Bradley Whitford says in a beautifully candid and compelling, eloquent introduction that can't be given justice here, unless we quoted it all word, for word. Let's just put it this way, it holds you. Not in a vice grip of current administration intimidation, but rather the hand of an old friend that doesn't leave your side for the next hour it spends with you. Picking up where you left off like coffee with someone you haven't seen in years. They haven't lost a step either. Like Whitford's Josh characters "Okay" trademark disinterestingly masquerading quips that hide a more vulnerable, caring side just a thin skin distance below the surface. Also reminding us that whoever cancelled his Sorkin reunion on 'Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip' with new friend Matthew Perry probably voted for Trump. At least we have his charming chemistry with assistant Janel Moloney reunited like taking his coat again. We could watch these two go back and forth all day, even if the signature walk-and-talk corridors of the set they walk through have got significantly smaller. All whilst we wish they would just Ross and Rachel already before the break. 

Powerful and poignant Mr. President, no one settles back into their old role more than the Sheen of Martin. All the way to how he holds his glasses or takes off his blazer like he is lassoing a cowboy...a Texan...or a reality TV apprentice. The moment he steps off his faux Air Force One that at this point may as well have been made out of cardboard...because even Leonardo DiCaprio's Frank Abagnale couldn't con. Catch this one of you can, but vote if your life depended on it...because it really does. You don't need commercial break testaments from Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton, Samuel L. Jackson (without a single swear, but the words have never been stronger I swear) or former cast members Marlee Matlin (also continuing her chemistry with Bradley) and 'The Handmaid's Tale's' own Elisabeth Moss to know that. Yet their wonderful words are more than wise. Just like all the presidents men that return here. Like the forever young, but maturing before our very eyes Dulé Hill who now appeals to the generation his age when the show started to get out and vote and realise that politics effects everyone and is everything you care about. This is one of Charlie (or should we say Chaz's) best episodes too. Going back and forth, like the question and answer exchange of the only White House Press Secretary worth her salt, Allison Janney. What more can we say about this absolute icon who has been serving more than looks in 'Mom', 'Bad Education', 'I, Tonya' in chameleon classic career turns since "one final question folks"? But how about the compelling, catalyst chess game between President Sheen and the only one who can match him for his polished return to a role that fits him like an old suit in Richard Schiff's Toby Ziegler in all his shy strength? Character conflictions have never had such conviction. That episode were he tracks down a deceased homeless man he gave his coat to in order to help others still warms our heart like an oil drum fire in Winter. As only he can humbly with shame convince others of his genuine ability to care and do something about it saying, "I'm a very powerful person", whilst scratching his eye like he's actually trying to push that very idea out his socket. It's no wonder Samuel L. Jackson uses another actual quote from this character like it was one from an important figure in history (it kind of is in the fictional one of Hollywood). This screenplay curated dedication is worth far more than the speeches currently coming out of the White House...or should we say Twitter? And you don't need to be a fly on the wall (or scalp) to see that. And what a joy it is to have Mr. Hollywood, Rob Lowe back in this best wing like stories he only tells his friends now this V.P has finished leading the Lakers to the NBA Championship like LeBron (what do you mean it's not him? Bartlet always told him that he'd be President one day. Rob Pelinka? Who's that?!). However, sadly not everyone can be brought back. Like the dearly, departed, late, great legend John Spencer. Still, 'This Is Us', 'The People Vs OJ Simpson' and 'Black Panther' and 'Marshall' megastar Sterling K. Brown steps in admirably as a fine choice for Leo McGarry with real courtesy professionalism and respect. Honouring the character whilst still bringing himself and a new take to the fore. He feels like someone who would have been perfect for the series back in the day. He is now. He really is one of our generations greatest. This is him. A truly sterling job from a stellar actor as genuine as they come. Whilst he puts his hand over his heart with an address to screen with Hill you know it's as real and heartfelt as it gets. Like him. Like this. And just wait until you realize who's reading the act introductions. Scene. 'The West Wing's' revival and sweet sobering story return is a joy and reminder of how lovely life was when we tried to help instead of hurt each other now the house of cards has fallen down. Or a time where I fondly used to watch this every week with my father and mother, making memories that will last like just being in the sitting rooms with the ones you really care about. Just living. Far from home, isolated in the Far East of Japan I was genuinely moved to happy tears by the character reconciliations. But it's also much more than that. It's a critical reminder of how far we've come away from that now and that if we ever want to go back (if we even can), or if we want to get to the the promised land of an even better place, we only have to do one thing. It's simple. Vote! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The West Wing', 'American Son', 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7'.

T.V. REVIEW: THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY - Season 2

4/5

Parasol School. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, Dan Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min, Kate Walsh & Colm Feore. Creator: Steve Blackman. 

Under the umbrella, the Academy invites you to come into Season 2 like Rihanna. And Dallas, Texas 1963 what a way to start JFK. Just like a rolling stone or a 'Times They Are A-Changin'' Dylan 'Watchmen' like opening that sees war break out and Ellen Page's Vanya break battalions of artillery like Dr. Manhattan or someone shot Superman in the eye. Right after crash landing in this time in a white suit like the Ziggy Stardust of David Bowie. Seasons after moving worlds as she did like an artist with Leonardo in the Parisian streets of Nolan's 'Inception' like Da Vinci. Or when she was another superhero as a former X-Men like 'Days Of Future Past'. But this time she's got the whole family behind her, no spinning thimble. Right after striking the world down with a meteor for the final note of her violin, opera epic, orchestral, swan song. So now here's the encore. It's the end of the world as we know it in real life in 2020 with COVID-19 and the San Francisco skies burning up like 'Blade Runner 2049'. And I don't feel fine. We even lost the Black Mamba and the Black Panther in the same year. Everybody is hurting and I'll be lucky if I get a decent nights R.E.M. again. But the reign of 'The Umbrella Academy' could shelter us from the storm. Like the Frankenstein big arms of the Hyde like Thing. Or the Klaus, 'Misfit' best thing about this show. The type of character Marvel and DC only wish they had. Looking more and more like the lovechild of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Incubus' Brandon Boyd with Snoop Dogg delivering the milk (I just thought you should know like Antonio Banderas), as the show goes on...and he could be a twin to that acid. But nothing has burnt us quite like the time he crawled across the dance floor for pills and found something else that you fiend and hurt for like nothing more.

'I Think We're Alone Now'. So let's talk about the soundtrack more high scoring than a 'Watchmen' one. Like Season One's synchronised dance to Tiffany which revealed to us the jewels of which character was who they said they were and who was someone completely costume change different behind the scenes or bedroom doors. This 80's bop was even more revealing than Giovanni Ribisi's creepy but weirdly hypnotic hip grind with a slurpee in 'Ted 2'. Music matters and this one brings out all the classic hits that will make you react with the same open mouth as when Johnny Knoxville welcomed you to 'Jackass'. What more can you expect after you get beat down to the Backstreet Boys after someone pretended to quote something as holy as scripture but ended up going right back to 'Backstreet's Back'. Is that original? YEEAAAAH! Even if Season One's scene stealing music and Netflix 'Mudbound' star Mary J. Blige assassin is dust, not returning for the sophomore set like no more drama. This one with fond nostalgia really goes 'Beyond The Sea' like Bobby Darin. Doing it their way like the Chairman of the Board, Ole Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. From Kiss to 'Major Tom' like Ground Control we don't want to spoil this surprise shuffle like a Spotify playlist but it will have you changing your listening one as you watch. So hold on like Sam and Dave, it's coming. Nothing beats Sam Cooke though for a big-three sibling soirée in a salon (we won't say who...but one of them loves getting his hair permed) that could almost take on Tiffany in a dance off as they twist the night away. All for that sixties sound that is atmospheric as the amazing aesthetic of a show that takes you back to a critical age in American history during a time where Sam Cooke wondered when a change was going to come, whilst Uncle Sam didn't ask you to join his war. He just pointed at you. Not Ali though. This amazing comic canvas is so accurate and nostalgic you can smell the blades of grass behind the knoll. 

So much so once the closing credit frantic violins come into play you'll be strumming for the next time you see the creative way they open the umbrella icon for each episode. Scratching for it like the chimpanzee return in this 'Planet Of The Apes' that is all monkey business around this academy...we're just glad the simian from the old PG Tips commercials found work again, and that's the tea. But how about the rest of the roll call character and actors in a show with so many inspired incarnations you can forget Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio, 'Far From Home'. How about an actual character with a real fishbowl for a head? Smoke that kipper and be back for breakfast. This one is bubbling like living in a glass quarantine. But "is it me, or did we just get sexier?" Klaus is right...at least about his long haired self. We all know the 'Mortal Instruments' of Robert Sheehan is the best thing about this show. Even with 'Juno' big star Ellen Page turning a new one and the big lug and 'Iron Giant' heart of 'Merlin', 'Black Sails' and 'Game Of Thrones' star Tom Hooper who looks and acts like Captain America got in that juicing machine over and over again. His arms looking like Will Smith's face in 'Hitch' after fish. But there's more. Like 'End Of Watch' and 'Sicario: Day Of The Soldado' star Dan Castañeda as on point as the knives out that he throws with Hawkeye precision. But what about the round table of  'A Light Supper' that sees him stutteringly lost for words when bullied by his own maker. Acting acclaim hasn't been this amazing like all the other snapshots of seriousness in this superhero genre that could ever shield the reign of Marvel and DC (although Amazon's 'The Boys' may have something to say about that). Even the Nicky of the Nickelodeon quadruplets now as this umbrella families Number 5 (hey, when you run out of names) kid Aidan Gallagher is more than alright. Going beyond his actual years with wisdom of the experience of the actual character embodying him. But when it comes to this family I heard a rumor that the deepest and one of the best character portrayals goes to 'Hamilton' and 'Wicked' Broadway star Emmy Raver-Lampman with a first name born for that award, who really finds her stage. In this second season stirring with civil rights protests from lunch counters to marches worthy of a million men and women right now, we really need this seasons subplot this year. Black Lives Mattered then as they still do now and always and forever more will. And Raver-Lampman shows us exactly how with a performance you'll rave about, no need for hypnosis. All this and the spirit of 'Rebirth' star, Justin H. Min, the Cruella villainess of '13 Reasons Why' (we could give you more to just how good she is) star Kate Walsh and the instantly recognisable character actor Colm Feore as the father (looking completely different and older than his character in his other superhero segue 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'), if you could believe he put a man on the moon. All this and 'Fargo's' Steve Blackman has done the chemical romance of former MCR front man Gerard Way's source comics (still can't believe he's the real lead creator?) justice. This is an academy of its own. Even Mary Poppins' umbrella couldn't f### with this y'all! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Watchmen', 'DC Titans', 'The Boys'.