REVIEW: THE LITTLE THINGS

4/5

City Of Devils. 

127 Mins. Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Natalie Morales & Jared Leto. Director: John Lee Hancock. 

Nightcrawling through the City of Angels in snarling angry American muscle, coloured like the same bottleneck green day of when Detective Ray Vecchio in his vehicle headed 'Due South'. Winding through the creepy, sinewy streets that made Maya Hawke want to get out, with Gyllenhaal clawing knuckles on the steering wheel looking for prisoners like a snake. This is the city of angels without wings and 'Fallen' star Washington wants to clip and bring them to their capital punishment. But for your Sunday afternoon crime buff solving this neo-noir that's sin wants to be all 'Se7en' for your six is more like Denzel's 'Devil In A Blue Dress' for your Dick Tracy investigation. Although this isn't the 1940's of Hollywoodland, but instead the mid-90's of the time that movie came out. Set in a Venice Beach skateboard time frame as aesthetic as the Gwen Stefani poster on a lost girl victims wall, no doubt. This is a classic crime thriller for your Los Angeles Times ready to grab the headlines. Even if the movie review section of your newspaper's column is getting shorter and shorter. Director John Lee Hancock knows how to work his as he creates something straight out the pages of a 'Black Dahlia' novel. Hancock has knocked it out of the park ever since he was 'The Rookie'. There was the home run of 'The Blind Side' Oscar touchdown. The historical dramas of Walt Disney and Mary Poppins in 'Saving Mr. Banks' and the nuggets of Michael Keaton's ham-burgled McDonald's empire in 'The Founder'. John Lee who has a name straight out of Hollywood's old wild west even caught Bonnie and Clyde with 'The Highwaymen' of Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson on Netflix. But with this the ever fresh and versatile director truly gives us something else. Something as 'L.A. Confidential' noir as cigarette ash brushed off typewriter keys and "hush, hush" DeVito.

Weaving webs that follow the thread of a spider-diagram all the way to the morgue, this movie that moves as slowly as the stakes of burnt out butts and senses shows mining and mind hunting crime in these thrillers is all about the influence of the investigation and not what is solved or resolved in justice. But with cases as closed as the dry storm drains in the city of Los Angeles, does this mean this drive has a 'Zodiac' sign? There's no winners in this city of champions as Denzel Washington sobering sheriff in a GMC is nursing more than heart pills next to his badge in his glove compartment. Winding through the flat circles of the highways like a 'True Detective', like 'Philadelphia' co-star Tom Hanks' 'News Of The World' on shelves now this California nightmare is Washington's best in years for his glory. And "OK, OK" (Jamie Foxx and Jay Pharoah doing their best impression) we know Denzel has given us his Oscar nominated 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.', 'The Magnificent Seven' and the underrated, great 'Equalizer' series of movies over the past few. And while the 'Fences' actor/director is adapting more of August Wilson's work with the wonderful Viola Davis for his seven play series and Netflix with the late, great Chadwick Boseman's last and best performance (and this is the 'Black Panther' who played Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and "GOOD GOD", James Brown), he's still producing his best like 'Inside Man', 'American Gangster' and 'Training Day' for the side of LA where the sun doesn't shine. This isn't a reliable vet like his cop calling card. This is the GOAT like Jordan in the 90's. And even with shades of blue like the devil of that same dress, this is far then his last dance no matter who thinks he's losing a few steps. 

Partner pair him with the Mercury rising talents of Best Actor Rami Malek and you have a winning combination like a 'Bohemian Rhapsody' in this beatnik composition of a city. Case counselling on the bridge, looking out towards their investigation. This young king who has played a Queen and Prince in 'Night At The Museum' and exhibit and embody anyone (word to Scarlett Johansson). So much so like 'No Time To Die' for a 007 movie that's had more release dates than someone on bond he's about to be the new classic villain for Daniel Craig's last and the franchises 25th James Bond movie, (whenever that comes out like tomorrow never dies). Shaking and stirring us with his "you made this choice" sinister whisper in the 30 second Superbowl spot, you just know that this one is going to be another victory for Rami. Even without the height or breadth of Jaws, this man with Freddie incisors can take your breath away as he can hold any tune. There's just something haunting about those eyes. The type that can go from sinister to sweet in a second like sugar or salt. But here just when you think they are about to be slicked back with cop slime, they actually reveal a deeper truth that is by the book in one of Malek's most masterful character break downs yet. The 'Mr. Robot' star of the digital era, takes us from the underground and underbelly and digs at his most complex character study in his career...and this man played Freddie like EH-OH! But in this big-three show that also features a criminally underused but completely undeniable Natalie Morales of 'Dead To Me', 'Battle Of The Sexes' and 'Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps', it's Jared Leto's suspected serial killer that keeps ups 30 seconds to Mars from a red rage in this city of lost angels that he just may have the trunk space for. From being flash lit illuminated and looking like 'Morbius' Marvel demon that's still put on hold like payphones, this bite sucking suspect that even folds his pizza like a creep really gets his teeth into the blood of this pale skinned demon in angel city. The man who comes out to act only when Oscars are coming down ('Dallas Buyers Club') in drag, or Bale's of axes are like Huey Lewis and the News ('American Psycho' (the got his revenge in his Japanese outstanding 'Outsider' of the Yakuza on Netflix)) is incredible here despite his despicable character. Bringing a creepy charisma you wish wasn't the charm as he cracks clichés like another Joker he played like it was all Suicide. That's just how good the 'Blade Runner 2049' actor really is. That's just Jared Leto's way. Comb through this one like his characters scraggy, greasy hair or a fine tooth and you'll see the roots of his character acting. It makes for one hell of a diverse and definitive class of a cast. Three of a kind. Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington, Academy Award winner, Rami Malek, Academy Award winner, Jared Leto. Three Oscar winners on the table is going to serve you and interrogate some real inspiration whilst we're all cuffed to our chairs on house arrest behind the glass. They just don't make 'em like this anymore, like the vintage I.D. of the Warner Bros water tower. Once upon a time in Hollywood, drive-in to this prime piece of HBO real estate that takes it to the max like an all night stake out that lasts longer than the 'Zodiac' case. Shrouded in bitter loneliness and drenched in the neon night of L.A. noire, 'The Little Things' makes a big splash. Even when those sized screens are as of right now a thing of the past. It's the little things. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Devil In A Blue Dress', 'Nightcrawler', 'Prisoners'. 

REVIEW: NEWS OF THE WORLD

 

4/5

We Will Rock You.

118 Mins. Starring: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Fred Hechinger, Neil Sandilands, Mare Winningham, Ray McKinnon, Elizabeth Marvel, Thomas Francis Murphy & Bill Camp. Director: Paul Greengrass. 

Read all about it. The 'News Of The World' isn't just the name of a terrible tabloid from Great Britain, or an amazing album from Queen (one so Iron Giant big it scared the s### out of Stewie on 'Family Guy'). It's also the name of a terrific Tom Hanks movie, fresh off the spurs of his subtle submarine submerged 'Greyhound' voyage from the middle of last year. Reuniting with 'Captain Phillips' director Paul Greengrass on another journey of struggle and sacrifice after Hanks was stagecoach robbed of even an Oscar nomination for that true story. Now giddying up and hitching new terrian in his first Western, the 'Forrest Gump' and 'Bridge Of Spies' actor who has played everyone from Mr. Rogers to a toy gives us even one of his best yet like the time he went crooked for the first time on his 'Road To Perdition'. There was the golden era 'Big' silly fun of the 80's when a ''Burbs' electric shocked Hanks and hair took on volcanoes and eruptions of slobber called Hooch. The dominant 90's of 'Saving Private Ryan', 'The Green Mile' and 'Apollo 13' were the only actor that was as big as him was his 'Philadelphia' co-star Denzel Washington, holding a bottle of champagne to toast victory together. It was a good year. And then there was the new millennium of older, realer heroes who saved like the 'Miracle On The Hudson' of 'Sully' with Clint Eastwood and of course 'Phillips' with Greengrass. Now in what may be the fine wine years of a more subtle and sombre Tom, following his 'Greyhound' captaincy in the same channel, everyone's favourite cap who doesn't also own a cable knit sweater, but could still do this all day teams up with Paul to deliver the 'News'. Just like a Kevin Costner 'Postman' across country as 'The Post' editor doesn't write the news, but reads it. All with Bridges and Cohen career remaking 'True Grit'. Put this with the modern Western greats like a Fassbender 'Slow West', a Bale-full of 'Hostiles', or everything Tommy Lee Jones and Ethan Hawke do under a fedora...not to mention Kurt Russell and Quentin Tarantino. These are the champions. 

On the horseback of a year were our only reaction is the meme made out of Tom Hanks' expression to Ricky Gervais' hilarious Golden Globes monologue, everyone's favourite American Dad (except those trying to cancel his career with bulls### rumor) gives us a story we've all been waiting for him to read. Just like his character who reads the headlines from all the papers to all the towns (except thankfully the newspaper of this film title). In another amazing, subtle showing you'll see through the message sent of the townsfolk's terrified and concerned reaction to "just", "97 souls" losing their life to meningitis in Houston...now if that's a problem, how can some say there is not one with this virus now? This message wrote doesn't need a mask...but you do. Nothing covers up the Texan take on the freedom of slaves and their right to vote either. Showing again that ignorance may think it can beat inspiration, but Black Lives that matter like they always did can trump Presidents like the twice over impeached one when real leaders set them free. This address from Hanks may not be a Gettysburg one, or a Spielberg 'Lincoln' with Daniel Day-Lewis, but it shows that so many stories deserved to be told. Especially if the one delivering them is worthy of your attention. Based on Paulette Jiles nuanced novel of the same name, who better to book than Hanks and Paul Greengrass (the man who gave 'Bourne' AND Matt Damon new life)? Still in his Springsteen years it seems Hanks was born to ride. With buckshot and rocksalt and pepper in his beard like he's been 'Cast Away' across the territory, this civil war veteran character Captain Jeffersons Kyle Kidd heading back to The Alamo of San Antonio like 'The Admiral', David Robinson is as nuanced as what's hiding behind his mild manners like Greengrass' traditional directing themes. But catch him if you can (or want) in the crosshairs and he'll bring the cavalry with him for your crossfire. Or was that "hell" like Kurt Russell's Wyatt said Huckleberry? One scene between him and a couple of coins, caught between a rock and a bandit place echoes both the boulders of 'True Grit' and the levelling blunderbuss of Vincent D'Onofrio's 'The Kid' starring Dane DeHaan as Billy and Ethan Hawke again as Pat Garrett in one of the most underrated new Western gems of the modern age. Being rewoke like a rooster. "Fill your hands, you son of a bitch!" 

'True Grit (2009)', '3:10 To Yuma' (2007), 'Hostiles', 'Slow West', 'The Homesman', 'The Three Burials Of Melquiadis Estrada', 'The Kid', 'In A Valley Of Violence', 'Django Unchained', 'The Hateful 8', 'Bone Tomahawk', 'Tombstone', 'The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford', 'Dances With Wolves' and of course 'Unforgiven'. Not to mention those fellow Netflix Cohen ballads of 'Buster Scruggs'. Tape the 'News Of The World' with the rest of these classic clippings making headlines for the scrapbook of modern westerns which are also amongst the greatest of all time like Butch Cassidy, sundance kids, good ones, bad ones...and of course, ugly ones. A kindly hero in Fred Hechinger. The handlebar Neil Sandilands, a mild mothering Mare Winningham, a raw Ray McKinnon, a last name Elizabeth Marvel, a whiskey drunk, brutal and brilliant Thomas Francis Murphy and the always reliable and great Bill Camp setting up shop. There's a saloon of character actors here. But nothing tops Tom and the influence of his sobering and grieving restrained passion and the way he reads the news by lamplight with bedtime story comfort. Except that is, the acting talent we're introduced to here. One who comes alive of age and stage like Hailee Steinfeld in 'True Grit', who 12 years later now has swapped buckshot for the bows of shooting arrows as she aims for pops target as the daughter of Marvel and Jeremy Renner's 'Hawkeye' for your Disney + in this closed cinema battle of the crossing of the streams. Helena Zengel looks like she could be the sister of the girl who dances in Sia videos. But the Berlin born Zengel is her own star that shines without so much as a word in introduction. Communicating so much clearer with what the eyes of her already weary soul says, even more so than the screams of trauma in post. Setting compelling chemistry like the psudeo-father/daughter 'GirlDad' relationship in George Clooney's Netflix 'Midnight Sky', or the Jean Reno and Natalie Portman 'Leon' outlaw one on a 'Professional' level. This girls the charm in these melancholy blues. Spreading her wings from the all dead, all dead, fight inside, to a sheer heart attack of a collapsing wagon train like rockslide, or galloping sandstorm similair to the ice one for Clooney under the space of a parallel sky at midnight. Even in a time we're Netflix has become our best friend like the one we used to chill with, Greengrass, Hanks and the the next generation Z of Zengel make 'News' worthy. Thankfully the News Of The World newspaper isn't around anymore. Let's hope though in time stories like this one will still exist in the world's print to the word. Now that would be some good news. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'True Grit', 'The Postman', 'Greyhound'. 

REVIEW: PIECES OF A WOMAN

 

5/5

Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. 

128 Mins. Starring: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Molly Parker, Sarah Snook, Iliza Shlesinger, Benny Safdie, Jimmie Fails & Ellen Burstyn. Director: Kornél Mundruczó.   

Before we begin, let's get straight to the problem at hand here. Shia LaBeouf. Already beginning this article addressing the biggest issue feels like the wrong thing to do for 'Pieces Of A Woman'. As in, giving Shia first exposure on a piece that's far more than him. And that's the point. Something that's far more than him. But we must talk about this. Especially if all the allegations made by FKA Twigs, Sia and more are true. It's best to get it out the way now and it's just something we can't ignore. Sure the very talented actor who we have been now regrettably praising for years before we knew all this that has come to light delivers a brutal but brilliant performance that otherwise would be perfection. Arm in arm from the bathtub to the winter hat on the dashboard. But that's not the point. And the uncomfortable scenes he acts in during this movie are now frankly unbearable in light of recent times. Even that though has nothing to do with real life and what he's been accused of doing. That's much worse. And it doesn't serve this movie or the depth of his characters development in any way. We claim heartless bullshit to anyone who would callously claim that (some would). Just like those who would use his angry acting against him in a court of law. That's not justified either. Remember a real actor acts. And a real man treats women right...always. If the abuse claimed against him is as true as it sadly sounds, conviction or not he deserves no more words of praise. He deserves to be scrubbed from all promotional pieces like Netflix have done. And that's just the beginning. So for disclaimer reasons we will stop that right here as we await his fair trial and day in court. If it gets that far...which it should, so justice can be served. But you best believe woman or give what's being said the time of day, even if you're a fan who supports him or not. We won't talk like we have about him again and we won't speak on his performances any more until we hear the real truth. We'd love for this to be not true, but because we wish this abuse never happened to these women. Still, we don't live in an idealistic world anymore where everything will be alright. We don't listen to Ryan Adams anymore. We stopped watching 'House Of Cards'. For a reason. The same reason you should probably really worry about 'The Godfather'. Or the cover of your favourite Miles Davis record. But I remember an Empire article about 'House Of Cards' that said others shouldn't suffer because of Spacey. Even before Robin Wright took over as President for the Spacey-less final season, her image in Lincoln's marble throne instead of Frank Underwood a striking one on Netflix. It argued that 'House Of Cards' was stacked with the work of so many other members of cast and crew that what they've produced shouldn't be diminished because of one bad man. Unfortunately when looking at the falling cards that became this former hit show, it's just too hard to watch when the main character is the man in question and one so abhorrent in character too. Art this time has imitated life. But here the 'Pieces Of A Woman' belong to the lead, director and rest of the ensemble cast that make this movie a five star affair ready for award season. Shia should be shamed if guilty. The rest of the 'Pieces' here are innocent and don't deserve the same dismissal. They don't have to answer for Shia LaBeouf's alleged crimes. Only he does. What do they have to answer for? Just the wonderful work they've done. So here's to it.

Scorsese scores as executive producer to the American/Canadian production based on a stageplay of the same name by Kornél Mundruczó and Kata Wéber. Montreal made to look like Manhattan. Mundruczó serving as director and Wéber writer here, building bridges that book-end cinematic chapters like seasonal set designs. But please give Vanessa Kirby her flowers. Throw them to the stage with the same urgency you do rocks at the leading man's throne here. Because it was never his throne. It was always Princess Margaret's. And it's time for 'The Crown' stars coronation. Watch her wave to the rave reviews that is a long time coming wait and weight worthy of a jubilee of gold...Oscar gold. Vanessa Kirby gives a powerhouse performance of excruciating pain and gathering resolve. Emotional, physical and incredible. From falling into the tub, to climbing the apple tree, this one slips and sticks with you through all the overflowing pain and branches of the family tree. Vanessa Kirby doesn't grow here, more she was already this amazing an actor. Now her talent is just in bloom. You saw her steal the show from movie men in big blockbusters like Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' or the 'Fast and Furious' spin-off 'Hobbs and Shaw' starring Dwyane 'The Rock' Johnson and Jason Statham...not to mention cameos we can now spoil from Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds. She almost stole 'The Crown' too in a portrait episode with a handsome London photographer on the back of a classic bike, motoring into the Big Smoke night. Here, however she shows you all the 'Pieces Of A Woman'. Channeling the bruised and made up foundation of fellow great Brit, Sienna Miller's loneliness in London's West End mirror asking "who are you". Lost but finding new ways to redefine Elizabeth Taylor's role in Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof'. Fragmenting like shattered glass and all the nuance of Kirby's character built and destroyed through struggle. And all the parts that make us whole, who we are, who we thought we were, who we think we will be and whole once again. If this staged portrait of a woman is a perplexed punctuation of all the emotions we go through in our darkest hours and tragic times, then Kirby underlines and scores it perfectly like its lonely 'Ghost Story' like soundtrack and score by Howard Shore. Grieving in dark rooms hasn't been done this hauntingly well since Rooney Mara sat down on the kitchen floor with a fork. Just done. 

Justice will be found like the real truth here in a film that handles a home pregnancy turned into tragedy with as much respect and dignity as it does real and raw moments that will stay with you like the scenes from a nightmare. Because this is every families worst one. Calling the midwife of amazing 'Road' actress Molly Parker (speaking of other 'House Of Cards' standout talents) shows us just how well the direction of 'Johanna' and Hungary's finest Mundruczó with the hunger for the cinematic can mess with our emotions. The genuinely affecting, but somewhat off-putting character Parker portrays will leave you thinking, "is this her fault"? And that's thanks to the genius level of skill Molly makes as an actor. The real genius cast is that of Netflix hit comedian Iliza Shlesinger though, who was the funniest thing about Mark Wahlberg's Netflix franchise 'Spenser Confidential' last year. As Kirby's sister it's uncanny how much she looks like her and then as you double-take, Vanessa right back to you like her. "And the best Casting Director of the year goes too". Also Iliza's inspired dramatic turn even in passing moments is even more mic drop convincing than Amy Schumer's...and we aren't taking about the terrific 'Trainwreck' comedy with Bill Hader and Lakers basketball star LeBron James. Look it up people. 'Thank You For Your Service'. Now how about the real spanner in the works the legal advice of family attorney Sarah Snook throws...especially when it gets personal? They say never mix family and business, but what about family and law?When it comes to legal matters, people always take it like an M.J. 'Last Dance'. Personally. The 'Steve Jobs' and 'Predestination' actress knows how to steal the show from men like Michael Fassbender and Ethan Hawke. So this boy should be no problem. Add one half of last years best director brotherhood like an 'Uncut Gem' in Benny Safdie and it's always a 'Good Time' like Robert Pattinson. Whereas adding 'The Last Black Man In San Francisco' of Jimmie Fails never does like his second name unless he's criminally underused like he is here. Someone who isn't and should be on the Oscar quest of her own award tour is the triple crown winner of Ellen Burstyn about to take the throne again like the Queen Mother. Emmy. Tony. Now how about another Oscar Ellen? No, not you talk show host! Burstyn is bursting with forever young talent and a repressed rage which shows itself in barely restrained passion, simmering and wrinkling like boiled kettles and creased paper...and wait until you really find out why. You recognise the mothers fear in those eyes? The President of The Actors Equity is about to inherit her own. When it comes to 'The Last Picture Show' actress working on a dream like 'Requiem', the only thing more haunting than 'The Exorcist' Best Actress nominated icon is the one-shot for a half hour (more terrifying than the time McConaughey tried to green light his way out the 'hood on' True Detective') that begins this piece of a woman's heart before the opening credits even start. As the camera turns like the knots in your stomach and their whole world. There's a moment of calm in the whirlpool of a bathtub before the inevitable storm we feel coming in this Winters air. It's a poignant and powerful one, bathed in a young couples compelling beauty before all the brutality. Kirby's arm hangs out the tub from a Hitchcock point of view. Light splashes of water, moans and an atmospheric score coming into play reverberates over the tiles in a numbing haze. Hand on head, running her fingers through her hair as she looks to the heavens. Breathing through her closed lips as she reaches out again and looks away. There he is. Her partner. He pulls himself close. She helps him over with the back of his hair. He holds the back of her head too. "Breathe baby, you're doing good," he reassures. "This is so bad", she tells him before closing her eyes, sinking into her arm and almost the tub as he lifts her back up slightly. Their foreheads and Eskimos meet as they draw each other in and hold each other over the porcelain threshold. They whisper sweet everything's to each other, nod affirmations. He rubs her shoulder blade with his thumb. She looks to the heavens again in a haze. He helps her back into the tub. They kiss slightly. She holds his beard and looks up to him with that longingly, iconic shot on your Netflix tile. She looks past him. The midwife comes back in. Just two unadulterated minutes of peace and love, before all this hurt and pain that has come after. But no matter what in a movie so beautiful, marred by real world brutality. The 'Pieces Of A Woman' will always be put back together by her own strength. No matter what a man does. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Malcolm & Marie', 'A Ghost Story', 'Marriage Story'. 

TV REVIEW: STAR TREK - DISCOVERY Season 3

3/5

Strange New World.

13 Episodes. Starring: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Mary Wiseman, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Cruz, Rachael Ancheril, Emily Coutts, Tig Notaro, Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander, Janet Kidder, Paul Guilfoyle, Jake Weber, Oded Fehr, David Ajala, & Michelle Yeoh. Created By: Brian Fuller & Alex Kurtzman.

Spock "Live Long and Prosper" gesture. 'Star Trek' deserves your salute. Even if in these star wars it's all about Baby Yoda and 'The Mandalorian' with everyone mantra saying and believing, "This Is The Way" (although like the storied Celtics and Lakers, having Star Trek vs Star Wars every Friday this fall gone was the perfect fanboy fantasy for this writer who has always loved each rival 'Star' as much as each other). Way before this 'Discovery, this long way from Kirk Kansas show that boldly went were no one had gone before was always all about diversity. And it had nothing to do with whether your ears were pointy or not. You only have to watch the humanity of the' Star Trek' and 'Wars' director JJ Abrams produced 'Final Flight' of the 'Challenger' documentary series on Netflix to see. There she is. Nichelle Nicholas. The amazing actress who broke through barriers at warp speed for Gene Roddenberry's (wait for the quote for this theme) revolutionary 60's show as the original lieutenant Nyota Uhara. The best thing about 'Star Trek' after the Lennon and McCartney like dynamic duo of William Shatner's Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy's (how about that fitting tribute on-screen?) Spock that made this show number one. There she is turning science fiction into everyday fact. Urging the general public to join NASA. Because there's a chance to seek out new life and new civilisations with this mission. Now here is the post apocalypse of what was 2020 and this 'Discovery' named after in honour the first shuttle that flew back to space after the Challenger disaster. With the 'Strange New Worlds' of Marvel 'Inhuman' Black Bolt, Anson Mount's Captain Pike and Gregory grandson and Young Clooney in 'The Midnight Sky' Ethan Peck's Spock spinning-off from this show that leaves them for the interstellar travel of 900 years into the future and throwing it back in tribute like Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana whose 'Star Trek' trilogy originally helmed by Abrams gave him the awakening force of the 'Star Wars' reboot gig. And look at what all these franchises have created in dimensional shifts. For as many Star Wars shows on Disney + as Marvel (with 'Discovery' being a nice stop-gap between the end of Mando and us tuning into 'WandaVision' next week), to everyone's favourite Professor X (no disrespect James) returning as his real iconic character (no hate Xavier) in 'Picard'. So much is being made so in this next generation like Riker Jonathan Frakes manoeuvring the best episodes in his direction. Think I'm wrong? Then like his 'Beyond and Belief: Fact or Fiction" show being montaged into a meme, "that is not true". 

Black Lives Matter now like they did last year, decades gone and what's yet to come. Forever more. Always. Still. That's why seeing two black leads, male and female, fighting for freedom in the opening of this season in a whole, brave new world is outstanding. Just like seeing the LGBT love of the both just as normal same sex, different race relationship between lieutenant commander and medic that really flying a whole new way is just what the doctor ordered. One that can survive any strain, the virus of bigotry, or even death. As the heart (Anthony Rapp) and the soul (Wilson Cruz) of this show continue to beat as one in the face of a world with corners like a Borg hive mind. Rapp's rapturing last stand in this latest season and speech are truly stirring and among the best work and amazing acting this Broadway talent has done. And how about Star Trek's latest Discovery? Cribbed a little off 'Minority Report' sure like those data droids that look like EVE from 'Wall-E' got a new job, but how about this individual? Blu del Barrio. How about them? Or their real relationship in this series with teen sensation Ian Alexander that is anything but imaginary. Boldly defining that they don't go by he or she pronouns as we should call them exactly what they want. Exactly what they are. It's a subtle, but beautiful moment that quietly permeates the rest of the seasons references in all its grace. Not to box tick, but to be real world realistic...and respectful. Just like the 'Umbrella Academy' of Netflix show star Elliott Page. You are who YOU say you are. No one else. And how about the legend of Hong Kong cinema, Michelle Yeoh? The crazy, most rich thing about this show. The 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' star never hides her roar or flame, ducking from nobody. And her lead episode that turns out to be a twofer guided by the door of 'CSI' guest star Paul Guilfoyle having newspaper, cigar, easy chair and bowler hat fun allows her to be as bad as she wants to be for all kinds of 'Terra Firma' delight. Turning this 'Trek' upside down in tradition with its blue theme that even allows the gold armour of the lovable Mary Wiseman's Tily to have the time of her life breaking bad. This time the needs of SO many are weighed as Brian Fuller and Alex Kurtzman's 'Discovery' channels it all. Even the Kelpien. THIS is the prime directive. 

Now, you may like to think you have sass, but you don't have it like Doug Jones' Commander Saru sashaying around the decks of Discovery. Following a captain crisis in the identity of the changing first two seasons, grizzled vets of grit for the grind like Jason Isaacs and Anson Mount bounced round the hotseat like Yeoh and Green, its time for a new breed. And even if this series lacks the bite of the first or the feeling of the second, its all about family and the lengths we will go to for our people. Which means you really see the Oscar winning 'Shape Of Water' creature actor for who he actually is here. And the moment couldn't be more poignant. From 'Hellboy' to 'Pans Labyrinth' just ask Guillermo, he arrived a long time ago, but our time to truly see Doug Jones is now. Still we all know the star of this show is Sonequa Martin-Green and as she turns her signature acting at a dramatic whisper to a euphoric shout to the stars in the epic episode opener, this fallen Red Angel is back. And this time she really has wings and someone on her six with the awesome addition of David Ajala. The 'Fast and Furious 6' London actor is revved up as the big free agent acquisition AND MVP of this season 3. 'Supergirl's' Manchester Black has another cavalier cool name here as Cleveland Booker. You may recognise those eyes from the stare he gave to Heath Ledger's iconic Joker when the clown in a chep suit broke a pool cue over his knee in order to hold try-outs. But this is the team this fine gentlemen joins. Making it fast and making it so. Book it! And what an undeniable, unsung team he joins headed and driven by Emily Courts compelling character that looks like she has Seven of Nine roots (how about Jeri Ryan stealing the show in last years beginning 'Picard'?) and a bracing Rachael Ancheril who gives Hannah Cheesman's season 2 performance a run for its circuits. There's real emotion here for a real family. Even the notoriously grumpy and great Tig Notaro shows love...in only the way she can. Real heart. Despite all that faces them down or stands in their way in a phaser fire fight finale. Whether that be the vocally recognisable Janet Kidder's Trekkie nostalgic green villain (looks like Kirk's been around) looking for her day with veteran back-up from criminally underused character actor Jake Weber (you'll recognise him) as her wild hog henchman. Or the mental red tape that admiral and star of 'The Mummy' Oded Fehr displays to Discovery as a Starfleet veteran in perhaps even the performance of his video game to big screen role call resume of a filmography. As commanding as they come. Still for all this cast as crew, going forth and fourth, Season 3 of 'Star Trek-Discovery' in all its diversity reminds you like its bookending opening and finale parts that in a world of woe, 'That Hope Is You'. Now fly. Re-energize. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Picard', 'The Mandalorian', 'Star Trek-Strange New Worlds'. 

REVIEW: SOUL

 

4/5

Soul Power. 

101 Mins. Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove & Angela Bassett. Director: Pete Docter. 

Everybody has soul. You, me. Coffee, tea. Every man, every woman. Every boy, every girl. Even that person that won't smile back at you on the street when you pass 'em each day...give it another try. You never know like 'Meet Joe Black's' Brad Pitt bouncing off cars hilariously when it's your last time to cross. It's been a hell of a year. It's felt like that very Pitt GIF. The Pitt's. Heavy. Imagine Ricky Gervais' Golden Globing this. 2020. What was it good for? You know the rest like War, HUH?! We lost the Black Mamba and the Black Mambacita. We even lost the Black Panther and nations of our loved ones. All as we screamed Black Lives Matter until we could all breathe again through our masks as police brutality infected and ruined as many lives as COVID-19...for generations. 2020 even took a few things from me in its last week, like it did all of us. But not our resolve. It's over now. Its a New Year and a new day. 2021. 100 years ago like Fizgerald's Gatsby old sport they called this jazz age the roaring 20's. Now this year we roar back. From cinemas to sport stadiums in concert...when it's safe to. Because masked up, locked down and quarantined at home, if we were looking for some heart these not so happiest of holidays then we have a plus. Disney have given us 'Soul' this Christmas like South Korea. Chief creative executive of Pixar, Pete Docter as director knows how to doctor up the perfect prescription for our seasonal blues, affective all year in this disorder. All at the same time Warner Bros and 'Wonder Woman' took us back to '1984' as Bugs and Mickey went at it for all the carrots. As Pixar's perfect new film this season of giving even had people not breaking 'Toy Story' out the chest this Christmas for your festive filmography that isn't really under the tree like 'Home Alone', (or 'Uncle Buck' for this writer) and 'Die Hard' (YES BRUCE IT IS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE ('Billy On The Street' voice)). That's a relief as I've cried far too many times at that incinerator scene (I mean read those last few words again, it's a kids film people. F##### Disney!) and the toy donation finale from 'Toy Story 3'...and I'll give you a clue, it's not three like streaming subscriptions. Pixar's 'Soul' with all of Walt Disney's and new animators making their mark like those rookies clawing away at 'The Lion King' is worthy of being raised above you head like a Simba trophy, especially in a year that's scarred. Long live the King. 

How about the comedy one? Straight out the Foxxhole (or is that manhole?) and live in living Pixar CG color, multi-talented, Oscar and Grammy winning actor, singer and comedian with my official title of 'funniest man alive', Jamie Foxx may just have starred in his biggest film yet. Especially when it comes to gross for a thing that isn't even in that many theatres right now like it's rival 'Wonder Woman' taking it to the Max like 'Collateral' or HBO is. Coming in at around the same time, this time last year that Jamie should have been taking home the Oscar for his subtle performance of power and grace in the soaring 'Just Mercy' courtroom drama with the 'Creed' and 'Marvel' heavy hitters of Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson. Killing it like Killmonger and no stranger to that Disney extended universe, Jamie Foxx's Amazing 'Spider-Man' Electro villain from Andrew Garfield's world will be getting a multi-verse reboot, recharging jolt as the Netflix 'Project Power' street-level hero project re-Spawn's into all sorts of superhero movies for his next schedule on his work rota this calendar. All this but yet the 'Ray' Oscar player and 'Annie' Broadway movie hit with 'Rio' computer animated experience too is at his best here. Showing just how much the ever 'Unpredictable' and 'Unchained' talent and charismatic character can caricature a new icon for Disney lore. His soulful Joe Gardner is a passionate pianist and beloved school teacher looking for that break whose really going to learn a lesson in a real out of his body experience when he almost had the fingertips on the 9 clouds of his dreams. And knowing the chords and keys like Charles, Foxx plays this all perfectly like he does the ebony and ivory. Steinways haven't sounded like this since Mahershala Ali knocked them out for his in the corner support, Oscar gold of 'Green Book'. 

New York like the Knicks jokes, SLAM basketball magazine tribute clippings in the same barbershop they talk sports shop with like water coolers, or even the way King of New York Nas talked about this cities classic pizza on his 'Life Is Good', 'Loco-Motive' track like a 42nd street terminal ("At night, New York, eat a slice too hot/Use my tongue to tear the skin hangin' from the roof of my mouth"...we've all been there G). In rich mahogany and coffee animation, this is as soulful as Marvin and Tammi. With jazz notes even Hollywoodland's 'La La Land' couldn't touch like 'Chicken On A Stick'. A born star this is the greatest show man. As live as Saturday Night. Or '30 Rock' legend Tina Fey going up against the '1984' Cheetah of her old NBC friend Kristen Wiig. The 'Mean Girls' writer playing such an endearing character. But it's Graham Norton who steals the show as a sign twirling spiritual guru who does a better job than Joaquin Phoenix's Joker. The 'So' talk show and Eurovision Song Contest winning host (who also appeared in Will Ferrell's latest slapstick comedy schtick based on that very show, 'The Story Of Fire Saga'). Norton who is fastly becoming the new Brit to U.S. Richard Ayoade. And Richard Ayoade...who is...well, Richard Ayoade. 'The IT Crowd' comedy gold legend who recently cameoed like a cash for celebrity birthday surprise app in Star Wars' 'The Mandalorian'. Add 'Thor: Ragnarok's' Rachel House, 'I Am Legend' star Alice Braga, 'Creed's' Phylicia Rashad, 'Chappelle Show's' Donnell Rawlings, The Roots and Jimmy Fallon's 'Late Night' drummer Questlove and 'Black Panther' Queen and Tina Turner playing legend Angela Bassett adding to this all-star...no all-time, class cast of cultural excellence. 'What's Love Got To Do With It'? Everything! And what Walt Disney or its Pixar franchise is complete without a moving montage scene that will play like all the times you've ever cried? This year poignantly playing to our emotions like a roll call of all we have lost this year in Hollywood, from 007 to "Who Is Alex Trebek"? Taking us to the great beyond in our year of R. E. M. How can we not feel it? How could you not watch a movie like this when it's the one thing we need right now? Like the warmth of a fireplace this Christmas, a cup of mocha hot chocolate and marshmallows, or the touch of a soul you can't live without. This is for all those we've lost. Still here in spirit this cold Winter, watching over. Just like how this film shares emotional DNA in 'Tron: Legacy' digital blue, with the inspired 'Inside Out', or cultural and spiritual ones with 'Coco' like the two strings of Kubo. Just like how this film shares something with us all, like we do each other. Hope in a time of despair. Love in a time of hate. Heart in a time of hurt. Soul in a time of cold. Now isn't that just music to your ears? There's nothing like this food for the soul. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming : 'Inside Out', 'Coco', 'La La Land'.