BOOK REVIEW: QUENTIN TARANTINO - ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

 

4/5

Once Upon A Time...Back In Hollywood.

400 Pages. Writer: Quentin Tarantino.

Liverpool, 2007. Home of The Beatles. Fans waiting in droves like Americans at airports hoping they have the stones. A now as defunct as the neon one in Times Square, Virgin Megastores is packed to the tip like they were giving out free condoms for your cherry popping. Lines circle round to the rails like the bathrooms of 'Pulp Fiction'. So much so you don't even need a needle to the heart for this shot of adrenaline the special guest in attendance is giving you. He's definitively draped in leather to the boots like a rockstar, but this is no Ed Sullivan show. More like a man who always gives you a shot through the heart (and we aren't talking about Bon Jovi) with extra blood splattered for effect. On the Q.T. we're talking about THE director of cult classics. This town may have been made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo, but tonight it's Quentin Tarantino's. This is 2007, so his popularity is at epic heights. Camera phones flipped and turned on and in his direction before social media truly became a thing. MySpace can wait. People were doing this for their own posterity. Here he actually is, signing copies of his screenplay 'Death Proof' for the Grindhouse double-bill with friend and 'From Dusk Till Dawn' director Robert Rodriguez's 'Planet Terror'. Before the battle of the 'Basterds', 'Django', eight that hate and more westerns than you could shake a saloons batwing doors at. This is the guy that gave us 'Resevoir Dogs', 'Jackie Brown'. The man who felt still as much as a myth as he was a legend. Here, in the UK. Straight from the USA. Rewriting the American dream and starting from the end. Everyone in line like me is thinking of the perfect question to ask him. We all work at a local cinema in a small town trains throw away. We're all dreamers hoping to become screenwriters too (one has made it as an actor thanks to that hard work). I figure that's four in one company, imagine one town, one country. The world?! I got to step it up. The questions come thick and fast. "What's in the case?". "What's in the case?" "What's in the"...OK, they come thick. People are asking what's in the box like Brad Pitt wondering why Gwyneth Paltrow didn't make it home for dinner. But people want to know. "Whatever you want it to be" the misunderstood director who is actually Paul Rudd gregarious in real life and not aloof kindly replies. Then it's my turn. I stroll up, nervous as hell. This is an idol. An inspiration. A great. A God. Someone who legend have it would be picked up by a man in a van after stumbling onto the main road after a night on the town that day. Just another classic once upon a time story for his Hollywood history. "Quentin, I've just got one question I've been dying to ask you." He looks up. "What do Salma Hayek's toes taste like?"

Foot fetish fans, I know that to even you that sounds like filth, but like Christoph Waltz putting one in DiCarpio's Candie man with a prostitute gun, "I just couldn't resist." And have you seen 'Dusk Till Dawn?' There's a moment tequila really makes Tarantino happy as the 'Desperado' star Hayek drives her foot into the directors mouth and pours tequila down her knee, all the way down her leg and into the man's mouth. Hey, one half of it is at least sexy. I may not mind feet, but I know a fetish when I see one. 'Death' was proof. As was, well every other film in this man's outstanding 'ography. Even in this book, they are pressed against glass, draped over falling red cinema chairs and laced with the hippie dirt and grime of a smogy, Sixties Los Angeles. Because this is 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood', Quentin Tarantino's first and brand new novel based on his latest, and quite possibly greatest movie. Another love letter to the land of Hollywood and movie masterpieces like Miramax. A sign of the sixties time you can't help read in the narration of 'Proof' vehicle driver Kurt Russell. Who along with fellow cameo star Bruce Dern, the late great Burt Reynolds who was meant to be in the movie that also saw another we lost in the lovely Luke Perry, 'Bill' himself David Carradine, legends like Robert Blake, 'Vol. 2' highlight Michael Parks and the late, great Robert Forster (yeah 'Jackie') is "especially" thanked amongst these "old timers" with their "tremendous" Hollywood stories realer than Charlie Murphy. Holding this book in your hands, they are the reason we get to read this period piece now. Although it's 'The Hateful Eight' hostage Jennifer Jason Leigh in cahoots who moonlight like moonshine as the audiobook versions official storyteller. And what better an accent to punctuate this prose? "Hollywood 1969...You should been there!" The strapline tells us once again. Well, now we get another chance for the new novel based on the film whose dust jacket cutting room floor, behind the scenes photos shows these extra chapters we're based on scenes actually filmed for the movie that directors cut may still find their way to that promised four part TV serial Tarantino still may give us. With blurbs of each player in this script harking back to television of its time and even commercials in the back for fellow "new" novels like 'The Switch' by Elmore Leonard and the novel that was adapted into 'Hollywood' star Al Pacino's 'Serpico', wherever books are sold. This one is the perfect picture that fits the part. Answering more questions than my one about Tinsletown stars toes. Like what really happened with 'The Great Escape'? What's with this Bruce Lee s###? Is there more Manson? And did Cliff really kill his f###### wife? 

Pray, we will never tell, but there's definitely something in the water and you're going to need a bigger break to get through this addictive page turner that shows Tarantino is as nuanced a novelist as he is a compelling, cinematic storyteller. In fact that brutal moment is in some ways beautiful, such is the juxtaposition of Quentin's ever controversy courting cinematic work. Although the Bruce Lee story, true or not, doesn't sit so well with us as much as the much-maligned movie moment here (the film hinted that it thought this guy was all mouth. The book has more than a few foul choice words for the martial arts legend that we know will sit in even worse standing with his family), you can't deny the gun sticking conviction of Quentin, even in the face of criticism. Especially in these times. Rejecting hypotheses of those claiming he's sexist (Margot Robbie's Sharon Tate gets an even more respectful and deeper delve into character here, although her history rewriting end (which is now a Tarantino hallmark is omitted) or racist. Besides with what some of the characters say here about a certain 'Rio Bravo' star, you're going to think the dynamic director hates Dino. And let's not get started on Glen Campbell. All in all with legendary chapter names (from the Kurt Russell Ego as an actual planet, let alone as big, 'Brandy You're A Fine Girl' nod, to literally 'The Last Chapter') to one's actually written in the western first-person real-time of the Hollywood film they're shooting in this movie, to an alternative ending that's so subtle we won't spoil, but still as compelling as this cinematic classic (it features a different type of car pulling up and a phone, but no ones heads getting bashed into it...sadly for some), this nuanced novel is more than a companion piece. It's its own stand-alone classic. Showing this screenwriter can go as by the book well as you thought...and hoped. Whether going against type. How about the different location were DiCaprio and Pitt's characters meet Pacino's Agent Marvin and all that leads to? Or sticking to the script. The description of dinnertime with the dog evokes those traditional Tarantino indulging cherished moments like chow slop that writers have tried to put in descriptive words for years. More than making up for the fact that arguably the greatest long take in Tarantino history of Pitt driving down the Hollywood highway and past the contrasting bright lights of a big-screen, drive-in movie that his trailer...park home hides behind is merely a footnote. Some things are better seen than said...even for this man. Fun fact, Hollywood hearthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt were once up for the Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger roles in Ang Lee's 'Brokeback Mountain'. With all due respect to those two legends of their own, how monumental and game changing would that of been at the time, during their collective prime? Well, almost as big as two of the world's leading men starring in the same classic 'Hollywood' picture that is Oscar winning no longer a once upon a time or wish on a star dream. This book that's full of tidbit stories like that we won't spil just documents this definitive moment in movie lore for the record. This L.A confidential is no longer, hush, hush. This work of fiction pulp from the 'Pulp Fiction' director actually chicken after the egg was written following the filming and due to Q.T.'s love for movie novelizations. It doesn't get more sleepy, quiet backstreets to the all eyes on me, he, or she, whoevers the talk of the town, big city of stars than this in a true behind the scenes cut. Moviegoers and aspiring writers alike will want to take a page out of this book, answering more asks then seeing what lies beneath the clasps of that gold light. Now with the man himself even hinting at a 'Reservoir Dogs' novel that he considered first, we can't wait to leave the local bookstore with more in our little green bags. Oh and to conclude the story. As for Quentin's reply to my question about what lies beneath Hayek's heels, "pretty good, pretty good. If you ever get the chance I recommend it". You're move Salma. Only in Hollywood. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: 'NAOMI OSAKA'

 

4/5

Advantage, Osaka.

Bounce. Tennis ace Naomi Osaka drops the ball to the floor with a grand slam. Bounce. The kind of ball that feels like the grass of Wimbledon and whose smell can spark off that same freshly cut nostalgia like orange cordial. Bounce. The surrounding air shimmers with a clay court like hotness that would even demand games of squash to be played with all their windows open. Bounce. She stares into the camera, focused with a Mamba Mentality. Bounce. Like losing Kobe. Bounce. Like beating Serena. Bounce. Like becoming an overnight celebrity in a twist of fate. Bounce. Like serving to become one of the greatest of all-time. Bounce. Like putting Osaka on the map like cities close to Kyoto. Bounce. By changing the name of tennis-progressively probably the most equal of all sports-from Williams. Bounce. From saying the names of everyone from Breonna Taylor to George Floyd on her masks winning game after winning game. Taking the US Open crown again and giving a throne to the names we will always say until justice comes with peace. Keeping everybody safe whilst still protesting Black Lives Matter in a new kind of tennis shout. Bounce. Like standing up for herself and everyone who suffers from anxiety by withdrawing from the French Open after they put the pressure on her after she graciously opted out of press interviews. United by emotion like the Tokyo Olympic slogan. Bounce. Like the whole tennis community rallying behind here despite the abuse from "journalists" like Piers Morgan and Megyn Kelly who should know (you only have to see the 'Bombshell' movie starring Charlie Theron to be reminded how she defended herself after being harassed and bullied by Trump, a friend of Piers) and "do better". Bounce. Like about to represent her nation of Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this week no matter what people say in the States, or this current state of emergency. Bounce. Like about to carry the flag like Washington Wizards basketball sophomore star Rui Hachimura for her country in more than a moment for her, but one for equality in Japan (Rui knows the pain of daily, ignorant and hateful racist abuse from his fellow countrymen due to his mixed race heritage. Bounce. Osaka in Tokyo. Bounce. And on your Netflix screens courtesy of a new documentary executive produced by Los Angeles Lakers NBA legend LeBron James in the same week he welcomes us back to the 'Space Jam' for this 'New Legacy' and his mogul 'Shop' co-owner, Maverick Carter. Uninterrupted. Bounce. 'Naomi Osaka'. 

Vogue. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. TIME. Naomi Osaka is gracing newsstands worldwide right now from here in Tokyo, to the watching world with all eyes on the Olympic Stadium. Some eyes looks with wonder at talent like this. Others with hate. Sadly it will always be this way. Mouthpieces looking for attention like Piers Morgan and Kelly want to start a backlash at Osaka for now doing press ahead of Tokyo. But the apt word is "ahead". If they had done better and done their research as Naomi said then they would realize that especially during these times, these interviews were corona conducted ahead of time, before she withdrew from the French Open. Maybe at this point it was becoming too much. OR even if these interviews were done yesterday like some "journalists" born then seem to think, it wouldn't matter anyway. Naomi has the right to do whatever she wants, not only to look after herself, all whilst giving back, but in general anyway. She doesn't owe us, nor especially them a damn thing. Just like Kobe said the only thing she owes anything to...is the craft itself. And then we are all the lucky ones, however she serves us. Yet, people want to take a piece out of her, because they can't have a piece of someone who is her own woman and as important as it comes, her own human being. As she reminds us all we are too like a real, down to earth role model to champion. If she wants to use next week's platform in her native Japan to raise issues and voice more concerns bigger than herself or the game, like she did with a mask on last year, standing up for all those who lost their lives to police brutality, then more power to her. Especially when most complaining will be the Americans who believe she should represent them and not the place she was actually born, like this Japanese and worldwide icon doesn't have a say or right in anything. She does and she'll be fighting for hers, every volley let. No matter the backhand. She'll return. Listen to what she says to those pathetic people who say her, "black card is revoked". If anything this three-part miniseries documentary concerning the icon who tells us on the cover of the worlds most famous magazine, "it's O.K. not to be O.K" (even though the world is constantly telling her its not O.K. to be who she wants to be (why not)), reminds us she is still only 23 (a 23 year old with three Grand Slams though). In her shy and retiring to pressures resignation, but never giving up words of wisdom from a sensitive, but strong soul. She's just a kid. But more mature than most will ever be. Grow up! 

One who is about to take the podium and go for gold in a shining moment in Tokyo, 2020 which carrying the flag would just be monumental for her legendary legacy in her Far East home of Japan, under the rising sun. This ascending star has what it takes. No matter what the world tries to take from her. And the most intimate portrayal we'll get of this inspired individual of great influence and power in that responsibility is the closest we'll get. From meeting her mother, to coupling with artist boyfriend musician, Corde. In all her heartfelt humanity that she touches us with. Put your hands down. This is an unquestionable truth. Just like her game. The only racket you need to be concerned with in this world of social media white noise. Sadly we live in a society were we apparently want to drag the names of our generations greats through the mud until are typing hands can't throw dirt at them anymore. A viral virus almost as bad as the one we shield ourselves from daily now in reflection of this black mirror of infection. Compassion is the only cure to this. Ignorant and insulting instead of celebrating these diverse game changers who are breaking as many barriers as they rewrite in the records of history books. LeBron James. The England football team. The entire WNBA. You don't have to look far to see all these stellar names are shrouded with as much online abuse as they are, 'be legendary' like Kobe mantras. Just look at Athens, Greece's own Giannis Antetokounmpo. Two-time MVP. Defensive Player of the Year. Now Finals MVP and NBA champion. Bringing the small market of Milwaukee and the Bucks to their first championship in a half century last night. But look at all the hate he had to wade through first. Making this journey twice as hard...but twice as sweet (although it doesn't have to be this way). Just look how the social media narratives (this shouldn't be how life is dictated) change from stupid hate perpetrated, to the overdue congratulations. Next up is Osaka proving everyone wrong after winning gold in her home of Japan carrying the torch for a flame that will never go out. That's the burn. Sure these days we can't say names like Piers and Megyn won't be remembered when they are given a soapbox, but a podium is stronger. And what is it really worth if you're remembered for the wrong reasons? Naomi will be remembered for all the right ones. And now we have this behind the scenes series to document it. Game, set and match, Osaka. Love. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Battle Of The Sexes', 'Kobe Bryant's Muse', 'WNBA: 144'.

REVIEW: SPACE JAM - A NEW LEGACY

 

4/5

Welcome Back To The Space Jam.

115 Mins. Starring: LeBron James, Bugs Bunny, Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Cedric Joe, Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, Nneka Ogwumike, Diana Taurasi, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis & Zendaya. Director: Malcolm D. Lee. 

Fly like an eagle once again, but this time on the wings of a King. You don't have to believe anymore. 'Space Jam's' 'New Legacy' hits 'em high for your Basketball Jones. Even if critics are calling this like Skip Bayless. Trust me, they hated the first cult classic and when it comes to kid movies and fun for the whole family, you don't have to go off the opinions of old, balding white men. So ladies and gentlemen, here's my review. 'Space Jam-A New Legacy' is a slam dunk of funk and fun. Passing 'Black Widow' in the box office top ten like James does NBA greats in the record books on a weekly basis. Or one better, even like a signature alley from Dwayne with a wink to the way of Wade. Haters will scoff at the meta line about basketball stars playing around with acting. But they really don't get it. And did they forget about Los Angeles Lakers, Hollywood royalty stealing the show from his two A-list teammates, comedy gold greats Amy Schumer and Bill Hader (who couldn't back him down) like Alex Caruso (had to get the GOAT in here somehow)? This sophomore sour pusses want to slump is far from a 'Trainwreck'. Now sure, if you put this 'New Legacy' up against the outstanding original 'Space Jam' then just like the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan (when it comes to a Larry Bird like big God disguised cameo you'll be screaming, "is this your King", or MJ), there really is no contest in this 'Last Dance'. Although one thing 'Bron does beat MJ at is the ace acting (although we can't get over Mike's, "baldy" reaction). This is our jam. No matter who claims it as space junk. They say it's a commercial cash grab flaunting Warner Bros works. I say this 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' franchise updated with a 3D, CG digital 'Ready Player One' upgrade for the livestream age is a celebration of cinema. Just like when from board to video game, the 'Jumanji' reboot took it to the next level. If that aforementioned adaptation was a epic Easter Egg hunt, then why isn't this? The only crime here is that they didn't ask for Bill Murray's assistance (or Wayne Knight...he can take a charge like he can Dilophosaurus spit). Or perhaps he turned them down in order of another 'Garfield'. 

This cat can ball man like the King playing Prince. Word to the late, great Charlie Murphy for this Hollywood story as funny as Chappelle (and how about that "game...blouses" reference?). Flipping the script, this time the basketball star needs Bugs' help to win a high-stakes game against the Al G algorithm of War Machine Avenger Don Cheadle with a digitized voice box (think Jamie Foxx as Electro in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2') who is a real Marvel. The player who once played 'The GOAT', Earl Manigault, having fabulous fun with HBO, taking it to the Max this month after 'No Sudden Move' with Benicio del Toro and Steven Soderbergh for the best 'Traffic' of his thespian and blockbuster career. Side-kicked by the cute Microsoft pop-up paper-clip like assistant (remember how annoying that was my King aged millennials?) that looks like it took a wrong turn down the rabbit hole from Foxx's Pixar 'Soul'. Those hulking Monstars are gone. The powers given back to NBA legends Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Larry 'Grandmama' Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and...erm...Shawn Bradley (I didn't see him touch that ball again). This time the Goon Squad that faces off against the tuned up Tune Squad in a vibrant vibe of a new jersey like the Basquiat Brooklyn Nets down the Subway features some of basketballs best in a fantasy league of their own fits. Sister Spark from Los Angeles Nneka Ogwumike makes the team, even if they want to criminally leave her off the Olympic or All Star one. GOAT Diana Taurasi as the 'White Mamba' like the late, great Kobe dubbed her. The Splash Brother Klay Thompson a literal Human Torch with added fireman buckets. The Dame Time of Damian Lillard as actual clockwork. And even LeBron's Laker champion teammate Anthony Davis flying like an eagle with the seal of his trademark unibrow. Add the motion capture of Harlem Globetrotter Tammy Brawner as Bugs Bunny for all the carrots and this tells you all you need to know. Get her Globies a seat at the NBA table, for this iconic team like the Looney Tunes that has the world on a string like the ball. I thought I even saw a Jared Dudley, but it turned out to be Elmer Fudd in a headband. 

"What in 'The Matrix' hell" is this? LeBron dodging bullets like balls. Donning a Rodman like hairstyle as a 'Mad Max' mohawk. Playing it again Sam like an instant replay in a 'Casablanca' suit. Classic! From the Night King's of 'Game Of Thrones' to the wizarding world of Harry Potter (yes, the King is a Hufflepuff) all of Warners brothers and sisters get to come out to play with the Iron Giant and King Kong watching courtside (put them in, coach). From Flinstones to Gremlins. Mystery Machines and Batmobiles. Even 'The Mandalorian' star Rosario Dawson gets to reprise her vocal 'Wonder Woman' role for the eden of this amazon. One amazing animated moment sees the carrot and the crown, Bugs and 'Bron play Batman and Robin like Dr. Dre and Eminem in a "holy above the rim like NBA Jam, 'Bronman" moment in a DC Universe. We could roll call more, but then we would spoil all this show has in store from all Bugs boys have in their draw in rival relation to Mickey's Disney that used to play like SEGA vs Nintendo. All before the Magic Kingdom left the Roadrunner in their dust like Super Mario did Sonic in a classic hare vs the tortoise fable. No need to clutch your lucky rabbits foot however as the gangs all here, back in action. Many voiced by the legendary Jeff Bergman or Eric Bauza. From Daffy Duck's playing coach with enough lisping sideline saliva to slick back Miami Heat legendary leader Pat Riley's signature styled Brylcreem Barnet, to the plays he calls to shoot the ball for the films funniest moment. To a more real and relevant Lola Bunny stealing the show once again like an errant pass. This time with more meaning played by MJ (Spider-Man's MJ) and 'The Greatest Showman' Zendaya. This is her. And this is how Lola Bunny should be. Add Sylvester spitting out a Tweetie Pie that's with you when you get dunked on and this team is complete like Porky Pig's last line. Or the lyrics to go that he has here. Stuttering and notoriously mic dropping a rap battle that turns this hardwood 8 miles long. Chickens, martians and things hairier than bears (oh my) join the lion King. And let's not forget a speedy mouse running the break, or a Grandma that could even dunk on the legend of Larry Johnson ("Whoa!"), even if she does like a Bond martini at halftime before she shakes things up. You'll have a devil of a time watching this like Taz. Like all the humans joining in on this suitable for all gathering that even makes 'The Wizard Of Oz's' Dorothy feel at home. Tap your red sneakers together. Amongst so many classic cameos from real TNT to 'Uncle Drew' teammates that we won't halftime report we have a star of the future like Bronny James in Cedric Joe giving us a preview of history in the making of parent and son holding court together in a beautiful fathertime moment. I'm not crying, 'Bron's crying. Add a childhood best friend in Khris Davis like a hilarious Maverick Carter for this shop and the 'Discovery' of this next gen 'Star Trek' star Sonequa Martin-Green as Mrs. James offering more motivation courtside than a coach and this family connection calls plays 'Fast and Furious' like Vin Diesel, Dom. All so all in all, hands in, 'The Best Man', 'Girls Trip' and 'Night School' director Malcolm D. Lee can run a picket fence with 'Black Panther' and 'Creed' producer Ryan Coogler that goes old school on everyone's butt for this standalone sequel that stands on its own two Nikes. And what a signature set fit for a King. After all these years and rumoured Tiger Woods or Tony Hawk ('Skate Jam'?) sport 'Space' sequels we know who the throne belongs to. The Chosen One posterizes this stunning sequel. Crowning it in 23 carrot gold. Jordan to James. This 'Space Jam' 'Legacy' is legend. Th-th-th-that's all folks! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Space Jam (1996)', 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?', 'Ready Player One.' 

TV REVIEW: EDEN - Season 1

  

4/5

Eden Of The East.

4 Episodes. Starring: Marika Kouno, Kyōko Hikami, Kentarō Itō & Kōichi Yamadera. Director: Yasuhiro Irie. 

In the garden of 'Eden', Netflix's latest mecha CGI anime and its first original Japanese studio one will take you away. Closer kin to a Studio Ghibli heroine ('Princess Mononoke', 'Arrietty' and of course 'Nausicaa') than a Netflix digitally animated 'Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045', this amazing Sara Grace is heaven sent in an android world devoid of humanity, but still tempted by the apple hanging from the tree on the eve of a nexus level event. Netflix Japan's most recent slice of a life that we may be cutting through trees towards is anything but low hanging fruit for the binge consumption masses. Directed by classic 'Cowboy Bebop' animator Yasuhiro Irie, this inspired indie anime wakes us up like it does its protagonist from a pod. Into a brand new world where man has been replaced by machine and our garden continues to grow...even more fruitfully. Its cleanliness is close to Godliness inside a glass prism some will see as a prison. Is this new world order one that is both environmentally friendly and bountiful? Or is it a new kind of fall in line disorder were we all act like robots? And how exactly does a baby reborn without a real mother or father in human form fare in all of this? Ponder the punctuated questions this miniseries marks and you will find many an epic exclamation inside its subtle but beautiful strokes. The great man made robotics debate enters a new apocalyptic age that questions whether we are the ones our world needs. Or whether nature should be nurtured by hands made of metal, rather than our own flesh and blood. 

CGCG Studio Inc's incredible animated art penned by Kimiko Ueno in writing station is a science fiction classed as Seinen (suitable for young adult males). But this Justin Leach creation now being serialized for the Young Kings Ours GH magazine manga is for everybody. Regardless of race or gender. We can all feel its other worldly themes around the globe during this planetary pandemic that has kept us all at a distance from each other, but not from the notion of what that all means for our collective futures. Thousands of years from now with a countdown ticking by the millions down to zero, these four episodes waiting for the horsemen focus on a quarantined world where there is trouble in paradise. Baby booming and as "Kawhi' as a Los Angeles Leonard basketball superstar, the moment our lead Sara Grace enters the scene as cute as they come, you're with her like a Dylan song of the same first name. No wallflower to this forest habitat, she will have her fun with all these nuts and bolts between the dirt and soil. Riding around on a bike that's halfway between the 'Godzilla Singular Point' jacket colourway matching transportation and something that Rey hovered on in the new 'Star Wars' as she rolls through deserts made for pod racing. Making this awakening force worthy of her own new hope and rise. Voiced by 'Seiyu's Life' star and Earphones singer Marika Kouno (Ruby Rose Turner internationally), she's a hero for our time that this generation deserves. Forthright, but funny. Knowing that all men and machine are equal without the Orwellian 'Animal Farm' doctrine of some being more equal than others. She may be the last human on earth as it seems, but that doesn't mean the world is all hers. This is just her story, but she's sticking to it like the bond of family. Even if that link is wired to a motherboard for mother earth.

Dancing to the light projected shutter stop of an old movie like 'The Green Mile' of Hollywood, Sara teachers her chrome and paint parents how to cut a rug with new drawn on smiles and it all computes in affectionate affirmation as adorable as the robo dogs. Pirouetting with a scene that could leave a tear or a tear on your hard shell that rusts. Kyōko Hikami ('Wedding Peach') and Kentarō Itō ('Bleach'), (or 'The Mandalorian's' Rosario Dawson and 'Doctor Who' himself, David Tennant for those lost in translation) play parents A37 and E92 respectively. Who like C3P0 and R2D2 are anything but serial numbers, about to make their own combinations household names, with so much more humanity right now than those with their finger on the button. Whilst speaking of which, 'How I Met Your Mother' star Neil Patrick Harris subs for Kōichi Yamadera (who subs for the Hollywood who's who of everyone from Will Smith to Ferrell in Japanese cinematic release) in a role that is too complex as it is compelling to spoil. But it's the catalyst of this nature vs nurture/man vs machine dichotomy. From the mainframe of this maze, to the inner sanctum sanctuary of a precious glass jar world wilting like a brittle 'Beauty and the Beast' rose, this shows us two sides of the same coin. We're not all bad and we're not all good in the love and sometimes hate disguised as disregard we show this planet. And from plucking the first apple from the tree, to picking the last fight with these rock em sock em iron giants, this brutal and beautiful battle won't stop until your head pops up. Then surprise, surprise we may just find this garden of Eden in a world chopping down trees and leaving nothing but concrete jungles in its waste and wake. This will be our judgement day when humanity stops acting like a machine. In 'Eden' one girl can change the world, but it's going to take all of us to save the planet. Charge well. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind', 'The Secret World Of Arrietty', 'Last Hope'. 

TV REVIEW: LOKI Season 1

 

4/5 

Mischief Loves Company.

6 Episodes. Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sasha Lane, Wunmi Mosaku, Tara Strong & Richard E. Grant. Creator: Michael Waldron. 

"Absurd." If you use that proclamation to play a drinking game during episode one of Marvel's new 'Loki' series on Disney + then you'll need to be carried out like the late, great creator Stan Lee's favourite of his classic cameos in the Avengers sequel, 'Age Of Ultron', when he had a sip of an Asgardian drink that Thor warned would kill him. "Excelssssior!" Sign here! Can we verify how many times Tom Hiddleston's God of Mischief says that word? Because for want of a better one it's, well...absurd. Just like the 'Mad Men' suited and décor to boot setting of Odin son's solo series that sees him cheat death again...or does it?! After faking his own own in 'The Dark World' so beautifully it led to a wasted classic "NOOOOO" from Chris Hemsworth, Loki in 'Ragnarok' was briefly played by Matt Damon of all people if you can believe it. But then that arms out wicked "what did you expect" smile came back to play pantomime games with you once again. The trickster has us all fooled. All before Thanos turned his neck into a wishbone in his 'Infinity War'...in the first five minutes of the film as we upon a star hoped that wouldn't be it. Thor was gagged from giving one of his trademark death cries as Josh Brolin declared, "no resurrections this time" to his "undying" parlour tricks. But he'll never be a God and fans had their fingers crossed that this wouldn't be it. And then in one epic 'Endgame' flashback that turned into a maddening multiverse path that Marvel fans hopes turns into a few strands of Spider silk and not cobwebs to their fan theories, in a melee of coronaries and people having to take the stairs Loki disappeared with a cube...and we aren't talking about Rubix. Now in altered colours of dimensions reshuffling (this is the Loki fresh off the battle of New York from 'Avengers Assemble' masked up (it goes all the way over the nose people) after impersonating Cap again hilariously) and explained to you by a bygone era animated clock that could give the 'Jurassic Park' dino DNA a run for its strand of exposition we are here in the time of the TVA (Time Variance Authority) that looks like the logo of an old airline (and how about that DB Cooper reference up in the air?) or broadcasting company as this Disney plus exclamation looks to crash Loki's multiplying mischief party with none other than the 'Wedding Crashers' very own Owen Wilson (he's out favourite) armed with his "talky-talk" trademark whisper tone, but without his legendary blonde mullet. WOW!

'WandaVision' was wonderful and 'The Falc...Captain America and The Winter Soldier' was a flag changer, but this is the variant. Forget a Steve Rogers 'Captain America' series following him as he restores the Infinity Stones each episode (even though we hope that's what Chris Evans has signed up for). They're paperweights anyway. How about Loki hunting his doppelganger? Now that's a great body double of work like America's ass. Gender fluid and having their way with everybody, Loki is anything but low-key. You can't cage him. That dog collar just makes him even more of a hound. Looking the business in just a shirt and tie. Didn't we learn from 'The Avengers' that when you put him in prison this is exactly where he wants you to have him? And remember this IS that very same Loki of mere minutes ago Miss. As soon as the iconic Marvel logo intro turns green and gold like Lianne La Havas it's on. But who else is wearing the horns like a classic reindeer games (yes, we know all the world knows in social media reveal, but our reviews avoid spoilers for those prunes doing the same)? As a case of Shakespeare in the park turns into a renaissance fair, before the dial of the time machine takes us back to the future and the 'Ragnarok' apocalypse of Pompeii. Giga what? So much madness and mayhem. But yet so much fun from this fond scamp. You'll be shouting for "ANOTHER" episode like throwing your cup, or Easter Egg on the floor. Now is this a Greek wedding or St. Patrick's Day dying Lake Michigan Loki green? As one point we get to hear Hiddleston sing an Irish folk song and in the words of another comic-book villain, "that's a lovely, lovely voice." When this show starts feeling like Doctor Who meets 'The Book Of Eli' in a place that's like Madripoor (now canon, thanks new Cap) meets Vormir for episode three, even the blind can see its time to hop in the Tardis, Lord. 

Jet-ski's, cattle-prods, multi-verses and something bogus that looks like an 'Excellent Adventure'. The less we say about the next episode like Dr. Dre featuring Snoop and Nate Dogg ("HOLD UP!"), the better (hell yeah). The more we go forth with chapter four, the more we'll spoil. So we won't. Just like the purpose of the perfect, penultimate episode and its massive, mesmerizing Easter Egg hunt. Epic like the end  (which will please those who took their pitchforks out for 'WandaVision' on social media all because of a CGI (she's a witch) finale that still had heart for their most groundbreaking show) and enchanting in its glorious realms. All we will say is in terms of stakes, set-pieces and cliffhanger conclusions that you know aren't the end like waiting around post-credits (NOW it's worth your wait), there has barely been a better episode, series or Marvel moment for your shock and absurd ("if it's all the same to you. I'll have that drink now"). Its 'Nexus Level Event' worthy indeed. 'Doctor Strange and the Multiverse Of Madness' director Michael Waldron's creative team are just amazing madness for this verse of walking Easter Eggs ready to hatch onto forums of fan theory. Hiddleston is hallmark and Wilson is his catchphrase. Together they're the buddy genre reinvented without the big hammer-head of a brother. 'Yesterday's' Sophia Di Martino is a star of the future like when The Beatles were about to step behind the curtain for Ed Sullivan. Whilst Gugu Mbatha-Raw MBE is really coming into her talent now for the best of British. Just like 'Luther' and the extended 'Ultimate Edition' (you know how Snyder loves to cut those) of 'Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice' actor Wunmi Mosaku is the core of this series and 'American Honey' icon Sasha Lane the catalyst (just like that of her burgeoning star power thanks to the schooling on 'The Miseducation Of Cameron Post' and 'Hellboy' to pay). Add vocal actress Tara Strong getting her minutes in like Batgirl or Harley Quinn and 'Logan' villain and Academy worthy Richard E. Grant in a role we refuse to shed light on (otherwise we'll be the ones saying 'Can You Forgive Me' like another major cameo we won't spoil...but the green apple is a great touch), then what more can you ask for when 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' stars in a 'Loki' series? I'm exited as the day he took to Twitter to announce his Oscar nomination from his old London digs. The madness of this multiverse is the real Marvel as the M.C.U.'s formula of quality control keeps churning out 4's like Loki's big brother. This however is on the same wavelength as 'WandaVision'. Pushing that once firmly sealed like the opposite of Holland and Ruffalo lips in spoiler, envelope. Get the next Emmy's ready. You don't need to say 'What If' anymore. But just wait until next month. This multi-variant gives you even more backstory than the latest 'Black Widow' movie starring Scarlett Johansson finally in cinemas after being lost in quarantined translation. Taking it back to the glass prison dynamics for your Dreykov patience. Thank you for your cooperation. Even the mewing quims will like this one. Forgiving the new TV trademark ten minute credits with no post sting's burden when they see what it finally leads to in multiple chapters and verse. Now how about that for some glorious purpose? Season 2? Vote Loki! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'WandaVision', 'Thor-Ragnarok', 'Avengers-Infinity War'. 

REVIEW: BLACK WIDOW

4/5

Widow's Peak.

134 Mins. Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, Olga Kurylenko, William Hurt, Ray Winstone & Rachel Weisz. Director: Cate Shortland. 

Back in black for one last ride. This Russian roulette is fast and furious...and all about family too, Diesel. Now Marvel-the only franchise with more sequels (23 like MJ) than the 'Fast and the Furious' franchise-goes back in time like keeping Han alive after 'Tokyo Drift'. All for the prequel that gives us 'Justice For Natasha' and an Academy actress and agent who has always understood the assignment since being 'Lost In Translation' as a teenager in Japan with Bill Murray. Like bringing Jeremy Renner's (we're still lobbying for that 'Budapest' spin-off...tell us differently) Hawkeye back from his Ronin rampage in the rain of the Yakuza led by 'The Wolverine', 'Mortal Kombat' and 'The Last Samurai' star Hiroyuki Sanada's mob boss amongst the sleazy night neons. Or when she blade ran her way back in the Major, electric 'Ghost In The Shell' manga movie adaptation. Watching in the land of the rising sun on the big screen as Scarlett sings "take me to the movies" like she did 'Apart' with Pete Yorn, after 'A Quiet Place II' took us back to the darkened rooms and before the Japanese titled 'Jet Break' of 'Fast 9' really takes off is fitting. The Black Widow cat-suit, more form and respectfully so. We've come a long way since Tony Stark told us he wanted one in her 'Iron Man 2' introduction before the Avengers assembled (thank you for your cooperation Marvel). Now after giving her own life so poignantly in 'Endgame' we finally get to see how Scarlett Johansson cult comic character lived hers. And this story is as real as it gets. No need to be embarrassed Stephen Dorff. This is no video game and besides, we love it and you, but weren't you in Marvel's 'Blade'. Stones. Glass houses. Now smashing previous ceilings in Marvel mythology broken by the likes of 'Captain Marvel'. Coming after a Jennifer Lawrence 'Red Sparrow' and before this Widow went 'Atomic Blonde' like Charlize and more delayed than 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Sandwiched between the events of 'Civil War' (a CGI assisted William Hurt as Thunderbolt Ross (we still want to see him Red Hulk out) and the infinity one, 'Black Widow' is finally here. And she doesn't have to punch her way out of this one. 

Scarlett is sensational in the Red Room of her past that ledger drips with backstory that truly ties everything together as remember...it's all connected. Like the hourglass 'Black Widow' logo and the TVA one in these sands of time. All whilst Tom Hiddleston's 'Loki' gets his variant time to change his story and redemptive arc for the horns. This is 'Her' time to shine. No mewling quim. The 'Marriage Story' and 'Jojo Rabbit' actress who deserved both Oscar's last year knows how to be serious and seriously charismatic all whilst breaking our hearts over and over again, all the same. This solo movie however shows she is no supporting player. Robert Downey Jr. and his Tony Stark 'Iron Man' may have been the catalyst convertor. Chris Evans and his Steve Rogers 'Captain America' may have carried the flag. Chris Hemsworth may have put the hammer down as 'Thor'. And Mark Ruffalo may have completed this other 'Fantastic Four' family as we really liked him when he was angry. But just like Jeremy Renner's 'Hawkeye' (get ready for that series), Johansson's superpowerless, but so much more powerful Avenger brings the human heart to the group. Just look at their 'Endgame' reunion after his outstanding opening and their cliffhanging climax. We're hungry for a trip back to beautiful Hungary. So much so we had to say it twice for the story teased in the battle of New York. With James Bond still on a socially distant vacation, this is 'No Time To Die' for this shaken and stirred spy who has a license to not be killed just yet. Born again and riding around on a motorcycle again like Matt Damon's Jason. But whose that riding on the back, no sidecar? Only the future of this franchise and Avengers. Meta mocking the superhero landing as she really sticks it. 'Midsommar', 'Little Women' and 'Lady Macbeth' superstar Florence Pugh already has our hearts, but now 'Fighting With Her Family' the scene stealing soul of this solo movie family affair is her own Widow. Ready to take the mantle and rewrite the comic-book strip script as her time is now. "It was real to me" she says with every emotion in this tights play that is anything but Shakespeare in the park, but everything to me. Pugh's pugilist punch packs the real wallop. Whistle with it. 

'Stranger Things' have happened than having David Harbour (also making 'No Sudden Move' with a Steve Soderbergh ensemble right now) in two Russian cells at once. But this 'Prison Break' covered in tattoos is on the same haunting lines as Tom Cruise's 'Ghost Protocol'. Think this arm wrestle is a Mission Impossible? This is the Red Guardian we are talking about! Taking the shield as the suit still fits as his Russian superhero trades Captain America war stories with real punch. David harbors one of his best roles yet. His charisma is the real flex for the dad bod and proud, everyman hero. Call me a Commie but I want a Crimson Dynamo movie...STAT. It's 'The Mummy' and 'Constantine' forever young legend Rachel Weisz however who is out 'Favourite' like Owen Wilson whispering over your shoulder. She brings the beating heart to this family's bond that is thicker than blood. Whilst a Taskmaster wielding Ray Winstone as a Russian villain is quite simply amazing. For one to have another cult comic character updated and brought to the cinematic stage, set-free by Winston's big bad. But more to have the cockney legend who once replied to an interviewer asking him if he'd rather win an Oscar for 'Best Actor' or have West Ham win the Premier league with both hands up like the guy was stupid ("West Ham. West Ham" in your best 'Apples and Stairs') sporting a Mother Russia tongue. Add an outstanding O-T Fagbenle (someone get that Craig David biopic ready) of 'The Handmaid's Tale' as an everyman who can do everything and Bond heroine Olga Kurylenko competing this hit, man as the action takes us into outstanding oblivion, and 'Berlin Syndrome' director Cate Shortland aces the Budapest test in this amazing action and matters of the heart and family on a superhero scale that is anything but formulaic. Ever since corona condensed cinema, Marvel looked to change the game again. Refusing anyone that tries to Scorsese step on their capes. They've just ruled the small screen world on Disney + ('Loki' now showing in all his multiverse multitudes, a new Captain America for 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier' and the wonderful 'WandaVision' have us all tuning in). So much so we don't have to ask 'What If'? Now Phase 4 is upon us and we have another barrier breaking 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' and the 'Eternals' epic to keep this thing going forever (sorry Marty). Not to mention all these post-credits tease for this 'New Avengers'. And if that wasn't enough even Spider-Man is coming back for the holidays this Christmas season even with 'No Way Home' (and who know how many of them into this Spider-Verse). But when it comes to original nostalgia as this hero of our time fades to black, we're left all feeling like fandom Widow's. Natasha Romanoff signing off. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Captain America-The Winter Soldier', 'Atomic Blonde', 'Red Sparrow'. 

TV REVIEW: GODZILLA SINGULAR POINT - Season 1

4/5

Gods and Monsters.

13 Episodes. Director: Atsushi Takahashi. 

Cue Jeff Goldblum tapping the television screen in 'Jurassic Park' and putting it only how he could. "N-Now, eventually you do plan to have (Godzilla) on your-on your (Godzilla TV show), right? The 'Godzilla Singular Point' anime on Netflix proves once again that no one does Godzilla quite like the Japanese in the kaijus home of the land of the rising sun, Far East. See the superior 'Shin Godzilla' vs 'Godzilla' (90's fun favourite or Cranston cranked up reboot). Even if it does takes even longer to establish the classic cinematic career than the breaking lizard movie of 2014...but that's what makes both work so well. Show don't tell...but take your time in doing so, building up hype like a slow but sure stride of Schwarzenegger's Terminator before all hell breaks loose, killing everything like 'Judgement Day' (even though the twist in said movie told us everything else and how much we miss post viral social media spoiler territory). This is why the Arnie and Sly Stallone like brute battle of two of Hollywood's biggest stars, 'Godzilla vs Kong' didn't quite strike gold or the podium in Japan's Olympic year like the fact that the games shouldn't begin either, even after all the postponement. Besides this 'King Of The Monsters' had many more heads like Ghidorah or moths before his powerful prophecy breathed new life into Japanese cinema, baptising the city of Tokyo in a whole new neon light. And as a flock of pterosaurs flock this way flanked by more Top Guns than Tom Cruise for a set-piece even more scary than the high flying birds out the cage in 'Jurassic World' (but NOTHING beats that old man trying to save his two margeritas as death descends from above in a scythe like swoop), you know the latest Godzilla adaptation and anime from Netflix (how about that trilogy movie with CGI graphics you could 'Blame' on the new generation of anime like the 'SAC_2045' of a 'Ghost In The Shell'?) is anything but a singular point.

DUN-DUN-DUN-DUN! 'Simon Says', they use the iconic string section of the classic Godzilla theme so much for other monsters in this mash that by episode six if we hear it one more time we will demand a 16 from Pharoahe Monch. "Get the f### up"! There's blood in the water like Jaws, but you're going to need more than a bigger boat for this red mist. How about a Jet Jaguar for your ultra, man as this thing attacks New York like Jean Reno's impression of Elvis in the mid-90's? Thank you very much! And how about some eight-legged freaks straight out of Season 2, Episode II of 'The Mandalorian' for your arachnophobia (no, thanks)? But when his theme finally brings him in with the rising tide, hold your breath. Godzilla is a straight skyscraper shooter. Laser pointer armed and blowing smoke rings that look like Mysterons, surrounded by scarlet dust and high rise ashes. A stomping upgrade from the 'SAC_2045' like animation of Netflix's own great 'Godzilla' trilogy that began with 'Planet Of The Monsters', this is work building and beating in all it's glory to God and this epic earth core of goliaths. There's more monsters here mashing skyscrapers than their have been Godzilla incarnations in the last dominant decades. The only thing that could outpace this beast that moves like the polar opposite of a bullet train and shoot it in the foot is the iconic Japanese Hollywood beating 'Shin Godzilla' that still has tourists flocking this way to the beaches of Kamakura (hands up, no shame) to get a shot they'll later photoshop like the iconic water emerging landing of the kaiju creature. Just like sacred text, there are many versions of this God and King, but this one deserves the deepest of bows. 

Woodblock art inspired. Scientifically sound. Traditonal and modern. So old and new like Tokyo. From the new city that doesn't sleep to the peaceful cicada rhythms of Chiba prefecture's Nighashio City in the year 2030, ten years from now, this 'Singular Point' leads you to one core belief. The power of humanity in a time were we are devoid of it. It's a moving message amongst all the equations and evoking imagery of this animation that will take you to a point were you want more than merely a singular season. And believe me the post-credit, wait for it like Marvel seven will do anything but sting your hope with its hype machine. That's the future, right now we already have a best of a series with more characters than the big one that fly like Rodans. Lucky for us in Atsushi Takahashi's 13 episodes of around 23 minutes as per anime. An engineering young genius in Yun Arikawa and his quarterback big best friend in some cool coats that are about to cosplay become as popular as varsity jackets. And his mind-for-mind equal in Mei Kamino, a graduate student, as cool as they geek and nerd come and already one of the smartest brains around. Getting more than her unlaced sneakers in the door, the fate of the word depends on her and a two-fingers together "KAWAII", emoji operating system Shiba turned robot, Pelops. Bolt for bolt matched by the massive scythe wielding Jet Jaguar, clawing away at the T-Rex arms of 'Godzilla' and making us forgive the fact that the credits appearance of 'Ultraman' next to all the other cult characters in Japanese monster mythology never makes it to the main event. Add even more cool characters to his cast and some vivid visuals that will dye your smartphone screen in more light than taking a picture of the Shibuya neons at night and you just have to cross this one. Hypnotic like the Indian lullaby that draws everyone in. When it comes to this point, in a year were the King of the Monsters finally takes on Kong under his own Shinjuku cinema with his likeness roaring out the top of the skyscraper above the city. This Godzilla is the singular king. Hear him roar. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Roaring: 'Godzilla vs Kong', 'Shun Godzilla', 'Godzilla-Planet Of The Monsters'. 

REVIEW: NO SUDDEN MOVE

4/5

Motor City Blues.

115 Mins. Starring: Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, Amy Seimetz, Brendan Fraser, Kieran Culkin, Noah Jupe, Craig muMs Grant, Julia Fox, Frankie Shaw, (?), Ray Liotta & Bill Duke. Director: Steven Soderbergh. 

Make no sudden moves. Because 'Oceans' director Steven Soderbergh has got us in his heist again like Clooney's Danny. When it comes to style laced with substance, epic ensembles, plot points and taut twists, Soderbergh may just be the best in the biz. One of modern movies greatest directors taking it back to Hollywoodland or the Motown of Motor City for this auteurs latest aesthetic. Complete with compelling cinematography for his filmography with every frame worthy of being portrayed on One Perfect Shot. Reuniting two stars from his 'Traffic' multi-story jam who (correct me if I'm wrong) never shared any screen-time together, the prolific director we're so glad came out of retirement like Jay-Z gives us another classic to add to his bag. As soon as the iconic, classic Warner Bros logo comes into play minus Bugs (he's been busy with 'Bron for 'Space Jam's' 'New Legacy' also on HBO Max soon) you know this is going to be legendary. As the don, Don Cheadle (the same man who can play a War Machine (we can't wait until he bolts up for 'Armor Wars') and a real one in jazz legend Miles Davis, 'Ahead' of his time) walks round the city like he owns it (he does) in leather and fedora we feel the vibe of 'Four Brothers' Mark Wahlberg driving round a frozen Detroit to Marvin Gaye's 'Trouble Man'. Coming apart, as this crux catalyst takes a corrupt car industry in the home of Ford's four wheels to task in all its twists and turns down this Hollywood highway, this movie will make you want to holler too. 

How they do our lives. Soderbergh shows there is more to his slick movies than Dapper Dan looks. There's more than oil as you scratch and scrape the surface at the bottom of this barrel. A fast and furious fun 'Logan Lucky' lickety split this is not. 'Out Of Sight' this is more noire in the style of 'We Own The Night' or an Elmore Leonard novel (which this director of course has adapted). The independently acclaimed Soderbergh has his classics like 'Traffic' (see, Brockovich, Erin) and his before their time, evergreen epics that are still talking points today (I told you 'Contagion' was the scariest film I've ever seen...and I used to hate horrors), as he has quietly placed himself behind Tarantino, but ahead of Rodriguez in one of the best genre defying directors of cult classic and industry influences like, 'Sex, Lives and Videotape'. He gave us 'Che' in all his parts with who else but del Toro? He hit cash with a career Channing Tatum in 'Magic Mike' and then really stripped him down to his 'Side Effects' in another before its time cautionary tale of medicine and mental health. He brought the best out of the legendary Michael Douglas perfect as Liberace 'Behind The Candelabra' (not to mention f#####g with Matt Damon's nose again). Shot movies on an iPhone that looked at the modern day madness of social media enabled stalking in 'Unsane'. Picked up his phone for one of the best basketball movies in a full court of them, getting down to the business of 'High Flying Bird' and struck a deal with Netflix and Oscar talent like Streep, Oldman and Banderas that was a wash ('The Laundromat'). But now taking it to the Max for your Home Box Office as the throwback titles hit this is one of Steven's best that belongs on the big screen like Nolan ('Tenet') and Villeneuve ('Dune') want between all these furious quiet places roaring back into multiplexes. You'll never see it coming. 

The set-up is simple. A heist that is exactly that gone wrong. A babysitting job that turns into a widow maker in old school masks for a Dick Tracy era superhero in a time were we should all still wear them. The rest we leave up to you and this cash grab of a movie. Don't you dare pick up your phone like Soderbergh directing for this fish eye lens view of a film were reel to reel not a moment is wasted. Cheadle is on classic formidbale form like the last time he got with Soderbergh, 'Hotel Rwanda', 'Miles Ahead' or even the DNA of a Kendrick Lamar video. We may love them, but a Marvel movie this is not. The same goes for 'Usual Suspect' Benicio del Toro in this collection ("what da faaaack?"). 'Sicario' sinisterly on the form of his life when he gave gravitas to Guevara and made him more than a t-shirt to Hollywood, Benicio may just be the most intriguing actor in the industry. We always can't wait to see what he does next. Especially with this director. 'Stranger Things' favourite David Harbour plays it straight and perfect in the same week he takes the red army shield as the super soldier Guardian of Scarlett Johansson's 'Black Widow'. Whilst 'Mad Men' in this era and the detective of 'The Town' Jon Hamm cops another classic role like Clint Eastwood's 'Richard Jewell', or the 'Legion' of his nuanced narration. Amy Seimetz makes a killing with her 'SMILF' best friend Frankie Shaw. An almost unrecognizable Brendan Fraser piling on the prosthetic pounds takes his revenge on an industry that unravelled on him after 'The Mummy' with a perfect performance. And the 'Succession' of Kieran Culkin once again sheds the brother tag too like the latest Macaulay movies or his brother Rory did recently in the grand design of his 'Halston' cameo. Even the 'Quiet Place' coming of age star Noah Jupe is heard amongst all the big names. Like gangster 'Goodfella' Ray Liotta getting his ass handed to him again like 'Killing Me Softly' and the John Wayne nickname of Bill Duke looking like a 'Predator' behind shades Elton John and Rick James would go to war for. Even a big name cameo who was recently in the automotive industry that we won't spoil, perfect once again like all the times he does this type of thing. For all these layers though, it's 'Uncut Gem' Julia Fox who really shines like a diamond. And let's give it up for Craig Grant. MuMs can't be the word in the last, lasting, legacy making role of the late, great actor. Here's to him. The Poet of 'Oz'. Crime pays in this 1950's thriller that will have you tenterhook on the edge of your seat like waiting by the phone. Suddenly, just like that we're back in cinemas. But even staying at home like HBO, this one really moves. No doubt. That much you can trust in all this double cross. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Traffic', 'Killing Them Softly', 'We Own The Night'. 

REVIEW: THE HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD

 

3/5

To Have And To Holster.

100 Mins. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Frank Grillo, Tom Hopper, Richard E. Grant, Antonio Banderas & Morgan Freeman. Director: Patrick Hughes. 

Coventry...COVENTRY! Of all the places to have a Hollywood shootout in like the Wild West. The most random of U.K. cities. Lovely place, but was London busy (not for the epic opening of this film)? Never would you have thought you'd see Deadpool and Nick Fury, AKA Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson-two of the worlds biggest movie stars and recognisable faces-trade bullets, clips and quips between a WH Smith newsagents and a Greggs, but that just how the sausage rolled. 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' was such a hit like, "and I-I-I-I-I-I" that we had to order a sequel and get engaged with a franchise. Especially after Salma Hayek's classic cameo, as epic as it was explicit. Now freed from prison and quarantine, let's get in holy matrimony with movie multiplexes again, getting down on one knee for the 'Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard', 'till death does all the bad guys part. Arm, leg, bullet to the head. Yours might ache after the incredible introduction to Hayek's now hallmark Hitman's wife character as she declares Ryan Reynolds honeymoon by the pool with himself over...not going quietly into the night. She'll needs some lozenges like you headache tablets after this one, as fingers in ears you don't know what's whipping past yours, shots or hers. Critics might have taken their own at this sequel as they look for a slump like sophomores. Trying to wack this thing and call it such from their commercial scopes from afar. But that hasn't stopped the 'Hitman's Bodyguard's Wife' from making a killing...motherf#####s! 

Triple AAA like your day, the set-up is this, Ryan Reynolds needs to bodyguard hitman Sam Jackson again, but this time it's Salma Hayek's wife and her own Hitwoman (or is that hitperson? Reynolds asks) herself that calls in the favour. Sure you could write the plot of this on the back of a bodyguards bloody splattered business card, but that's the hollow point. Lights and camera this is all about the action Jackson. Dumb fun that leaves your brain at home, but don't you dare pick up the phone. Because you don't want to Aerosmith a thing when it comes to the crazy, 'Janie's Got A Gun' action that is anything but phoned in, even if the storyline looks to go '6 Underground' like Reynolds playing career Russian roulette with Michael Bay grenades on Netflix. Sure 'Daredevil' and the 'Defenders' electric Elektra, Elodie Yung and Oscar winner Gary Oldman may be missing in this darkest hour, but this silly but satisfying sequel has an All-Star cast like voting for ballplayers in February. You've got to love it like Valentines day. These kisses from a rose feel like a 'Red 2' for your scarlet letter. And if you though the reunion of the new 'Rush Hour' or 'Bad Boys' buddy (not) cops of Reynolds and Jackson for another '48 Hrs.' was something to love, then how about a 'Desperado' one to give you fever mi corazon? 

'Expendables 3' and 'Signs' (no, not that one), Aussie director Patrick Hughes rules these hitmen and bodyguards once again for the sequel before he's set to make Kevin Hart on the 'Fatherhood' father-time return of his career, 'The Man In Toronto'. Cameoing on this ride along tending bar like he did as an Interpol agent last time out. But its who he brings back with him that really makes a mark. Antonio Banderas gave the surprisingly sweet and sincere (it has its moments, between all the madness in nostalgia trust) 'Expendables' franchise last part its heart with the hurt of his bruised soul. Here he takes over villain duties from the fellow, Liberace would be jealous, glittery suit jacket of his Netflix 'Laundromat' co-star Oldman and it's a wash. Underused, but undeniable. There's so many A-list actors and familiar faces here that, clocked at just over an hour and a half of runtime, not everyone's going to get their shot. Even 'Red's' own Morgan Freeman is here in a hilarious role we can't spoil. Rivalling co-star Samuel L. Jackson for the bragging rights of being in every other movie you see these days. It's great to see these forever evergreen legends on screen together like the fact that Jackson just played Chris Rock's dad in 'Spiral: From The Book Of Saw'. 'Umbrella Academy' hero in henchman mode Tom Hopper and the Crossbones of Marvel and action movie fodder Frank Grillo get their licks in too, even outshining their Walk of Fame counterparts. But it's another random, blink and you'll miss it, classic cameo from a coked up Richard E. Grant that is even more crazy and legendary than his 'Loki' one last week in post-credits. Still, nothing is beating the dynamic duo that has now became a big-three in Reynolds, Jackson and Hayek with compelling chemistry in this crude comedy that slaps sticks and pistol whips. The deadpan meets the motherf##### with more shouting makes this wife more than the cockney rhyming slang of trouble and strife. No matter if critics are trying to give it the ball and chain. Mace Windu has an actual mace. Can't guard your body from that. But we'll protect this one. This sequel is still a hit, man. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Hitman's Bodguard', 'The Long Kiss Goodnight', 'Free Guy'. 

REVIEW: THE TOMORROW WAR

 

3/5

Tomorrow Never Dies.

138 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson, Edwin Hodge, Jasmine Matthews, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Mike Mitchell, Keith Powers & J.K. Simmons. Director: Chris McKay. 

Star-Lord is here to guard the galaxy once more, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for this war. So here's some read all about it news for you right now. Forget Kurt Russell's Ego, or planets for your daily scoop. Peter Quill's father is actually no other than Peter Parker's boss! The Daily Bugle's own J. Jonah Jameson. Now how's that for breaking news that'll give you whiplash? Ba-dum-tss. Mr. J.K. Simmons. Or Commissioner Gordon depending on which universe you get your comic books from. The Oscar winning actor who made his Spider-Man homecoming and grand return to the headlines as the legendary editor that hates the web-slinger, two years ago this July 4th, 'Far From Home'. I still can't get over that Madison Square Garden jumbotron post credits moment. I remember it like yesterday. I was watching the movie in a New York cinema during a vacation on the fourth of July weekend, actually across the street from the Worlds Most Famous Arena and as Spider-Man landed on that very sidewalk one New Yorker in the theatre blurted out, "ha...he's outside!" Here Simmons still in the weight room, but not at the bathroom cabinet with a Gillette simmers as Pratt's pops. There's a meme going round right now featuring Heath Ledger's Joker from 'The Dark Knight' saying, "you see in their last moments, people show you who they really are." Underneath is the scene from the first Sam Raimi 'Spider-Man' movie were Willem Dafoe's Harry Osborne's ("you know I'm something of a (insert appropriate meme here) myself") Green Goblin smashes through Jameson's Bugle office, grabs him by the throat and demands to know who took the pictures of Spider-Man. "I don't know who he is. His stuff comes in the mail," the usual gossip rag hound heroically replies. Going viral this meme lead many people to reply something along the lines of, "ahh he probably didn't want to lose the money Peter Parker made for him off those exclusive shots." Cue a pre-"you complete me" Tom Cruise in 'Jerry Maguire' telling Renee Zellweger, her living room full of divorcees and us that, "we live in a cynical, cynical world." Check your socials, we really do in this war of the worlds. With many people claiming this Pratt film that takes cues from Cruise's 'Live.Die.Repeat' of 'Edge Of Tomorrow' when all he and Emily Blunt needed was 'Kill' and the clusterf### of violence that was the cult classic, 'Starship Troopers', prattles on with more white saviour tropes. Amazon shelled out $200 mill to keep this Prime piece of Hollywood real estate quarantined at home, whilst Universal movies like the 'Fast and Furious 9' and 'A Quiet Place Part II' franchise sequels roared and made noise at multiplexes. Even though right now in promotion, Amazon are pulling a life size alien in chains around in a truck through Tokyo, right near the Shinjuku Godzilla cinema that's playing his main event with Kong. All as the sci-fi, cult, comic action hero Pratt looks to boldly go back to the future like the terminating father of his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger to save the day, today. Even uttering the immortal line, "I'll be back" (although Pratt likens his version to just some guy leaving the room, or popping out to the store), but will this movie be tomorrow? 

'Passengers'. At least its not that science fiction film he did with Jennifer Lawrence on 2016. That was not the future in this Me Too era. Let's break it down. Pratt's been knocking it out the park ever since his 'Moneyball' home-run with Pitt showed us he wasn't playing recreation games anymore. But this one could have caused irreparable damage for the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Marvel megastar and 'Jurassic World' franchise restarter who almost whipped up an 'Indiana Jones' role too for his Harrison Ford Hollywood homage like Han. Which would have made him still the hottest thing in the industry like when 'The Fugitive' rode Solo. But you didn't want to ride shotgun with this 'Passenger' like Iggy Pop. In that interstellar cruise, Chris' character really was his last name as he woke up from a deep space dive to see himself stranded in the solar system all alone. Well misery loves company and in something that rivals the sledgehammer "STAY WITH ME" urgency of Kathy Bates crippling Caan worse than 'The Godfather' for Stephen King's classic story, Pratt's spaceman decided to wake someone up so he had someone to talk to. Has he never heard of Siri? He was in 'Her' with Joaquin Phoenix. On this almost 100 year trip that basically robbed someone of the life they were about to lead in a whole new world. Disney, this was not. And who did he choose? Well every beast needs his beauty and after going through the ships log he decided Jennifer Lawrence looked nice and from there we had the set-up of the most contrived catalyst of a movie. One that did try to self-aware save its set-up however. Still, it was all, "nothing but porcelain" like his classic you would be the Michael Jordan of everything, even taking a s### line from Jason Segel's 'Five Year Engagement' with Emily Blunt. This means 'War' in comparison is a fair fight. Soccer set-up for one hell of an Uncle Sam recruiting campaign. Pointing to every draftee at a World Cup game whilst the visionary skills of the Brazilian national team heading for another shot of glory is interrupted by the jump of some real special effects lead by forthcoming 'The Man From Toronto' star Jasmine Matthews. The set-up is basically this, the world is losing a war to aliens so sons and daughters head back in time to tell their parents to really look after them. This is the best, "my Dad is better than your Dad" story I've ever heard. Father time has its day, even if Pratt has anything but a Dad bod. 

B-movie beauty is broadcast in this slice of pizza sci-fi call to arms that belongs to the same artillery of a zombified Zack Snyder's 'Army Of The Dead' on Netflix with Pratt's gold friend Drax. There's nothing invisible about that, man. A convenience store, video game blockbuster. The military mind of 'The LEGO Batman Movie' director Chris McKay (the boy wonder attached to a Robin spin-off DC 'Nightwing' movie that has nothing to do with Danish toys) knows how to world build with these halo jumpers and also add meta jokes at his own material (check out the hilarious reaction to the, "it's a long story" backstory cliché). Not to mention satirically at the world at large, whose population here is dropping to 500,000. To put that in perspective, you may not think it, but even your local small town has about one-fifth of that. Coronavirus and planetary pandemics and population control may have figured into the masked work behind this movie that has ended up being quarantined to your laptops and smartphones rather than the big-screen. As does the wider issue of wars being a product of the sins of our fathers as the notion of young men fighting an old man's war gets flipped on its head like racism in the controversial, but compelling 'White Man's Burden' John Travolta and Sidney Poitier movie giving privileged people a look at the other side of their entitled bulls###. Pratt is perfect with a crude looking 'Cowboys and Alien' device on his arm that is almost medieval in this knights tale. Whilst Simmons' symbol shop, custom made introduction could see him chopping it up with Sly Stallone's 'Expendables' like Mickey Rourke. It's 'The Handmaid's Tale' star Yvonne Strahovski who is the real soul of these soldiers however in a commanding role. Meanwhile 'Glow's' Betty Gilpin shines in criminally underused screen-time. Comic-relief comes endearingly from 'Veep' and 'Promising Young Woman' star Sam Richardson whose buddy run of comedies ('We're The Millers', 'Horrible Bosses 2', 'Spy', 'Neighbors 2', 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates', 'Ghostbusters' and 'The House' too) will leave you laughing like a 'Friends' reunion. His response to the "welcome to Miami" line as he takes his talking talents to South Beach like LeBron back in the day was on all of our lips. Close to the American Airlines Arena home before these E.T.'s lay waste to the Freedom Tower of Florida architecture like 'Independence Day' did the White House on what some people on social media still think is the reason Americans celebrate July 4th like they think Spielberg really killed a triceratops. Add 'The Purge' of Edwin Hodge ('Straight Outta Compton's' MC Ren and 'One Night In Miami's' Jim Brown star Aldis' brother) terminating everything on site in this unit and the N.W.A. movies Keith Powers and you really have a cast for this crew of recruits. Especially with cameos from 'Doughboy' Mike Mitchell and the best thing about Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish's underrated comedy education, 'Night School', Mary Lynn Rajskub. Kicking an alien ass we still can't work out whether looks good (the alien...not its ass) or not. Let alone the confusion of these things being called 'White Spikes'. I spent the lion share of this movie thinking they were hunting Jack and Meg. Creepily moving as scarily fast as a 'World War Z' zeke, complete with 'Alien' like bodies. Shooting spikes with spider eyes and a moth dust like covering. You might lose your lunch before they make you theirs. At a punishing two hours and 20 minutes too you might not make it to the next day with this one. But what isn't here today and gone tomorrow in todays forgetful Hollywood? The 'Tomorrowland' of this blockbuster would have ruled July 4th weekend 25 years ago (see the regurgitated 'Resurgence' of 'Independence Day' without a Will in a mean '16), but welcome to earth, that was light years ago. Feel old yet, generations of yesterday? Still, 'The Tomorrow War' is worth noting in your watch-list diary for future reference. Even if there's no need to rush to cross the streams for this alien-busting franchise starter like there's no tomorrow. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Starship Troopers', 'Edge Of Tomorrow', 'Passengers'.