REVIEW: BRUISED

 

3.5/5

Million Dollar Berry. 

138 Mins. Starring: Halle Berry, Danny Boyd Jr, Shamier Anderson, Adan Canto, Sheila Atim, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Adriane Lenox & Valentina Shevchenko. Director: Halle Berry. 

Scars and scabs. Black and blue. Bloodied and 'Bruised' like a raspberry, or a dent in the soup can life her ex-champ turned tune-up fighter has become a part of in this world of damaged goods. Halle Berry clambers INTO a UFC cage and into the directors chair for her behind the camera debut as the star of her own show. And it's as real and raw as it gets as the 'X-Men' legend and 'Monster's Ball' Academy Award winner gives us a storm of a brawl. Pulling no punches and looking like she's going for the belt of another Oscar. It was almost 20 years ago Berry had a 'Ball' and the gold. Now the 'John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum' sequel star shows she can kick ass again like Keanu, and defy age at 55 too, just like that vampire. So spry as she slides into the ring to box clever with actual Ultimate Fighting Champions. Like when Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton went bare toe-to-toe in 2011's best film 'Warrior', as this one tries to go seconds out with the greatest of the calendar schedule too. Halle has been Hollywood since those Eddie Murphy 'Boomerang' days came around. She's been a Bond girl ('Die Another Day') and been a part of the 'Kingsmen' (or should we say The Statesmen of 'The Golden Circle'...we still waiting on that spin-off). But lately (if you can call 2013 lately. It's really been that long) you need to pick up 'The Call' that changed Halle Betty's destiny. Think of that one as similar to the recent Jake Gyllenhaal Netflix 911 thriller and Danish remake 'The Guilty'. Just like this movie boxes in the same circles as Gyllenhaal's 'Southpaw'. Winners circle complete with its own hip H.E.R. and Cardi B. soundtrack. Berry is a legend like the one she's playing, but far from washed. An icon and Strong Black Lead that paved the way for so many. Seeing themselves as superheroes way before her comic-book love of the 'Black Panther', or Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman. No matter what you think of Halle's origin movie. Even rapper Saweetie had to bring the costume back for the coins. Never mind your intense stare down in cameo. IKDR. But what is going on here? It's been said that Berry wants to direct again and give justice for 'Catwoman' with one more reboot. I'd like to get my claws into that. Just like holding up the umbrellas for some more 'Days Of Future Past' once Doctor Strange opens up this 'Multiverse Of Madness' before Spider-Man "Scooby Doos this crap!" 

Blood, sweat and years of pain and tears. Capoeira skills honed from 'Catwoman'. Everything has its reason, no matter who hisses at it. Berry is going all out and in in the octagon as Jackie Justice (what a name). All for the most inspirational fictional sports story up the champion jumping steps since a certain Stallion told his Adrian he got one. Steeling herself for the prison of a combatants life inside the MMA ring. Wrestling with Springsteen Newark, New Jersey notions like Mickey Rourke. Far from the 'Warrior' dimming lights of Atlantic City acting like a lower rolling Vegas. Boxing. Wrestling. Kick-boxing. Jujitsu. Juggling family drama and a son left on her porch. Childhood trauma, adversity and being wrote off more times than King James, this Queen in Brady territory is looking for her title shot at her sports Superbowl. With more than one Lady Killer looking to take her down. It's all here for Jackie searching for justice on the ropes, with her back against the cage. This blood sport like Idris Elba looks like suicide, until you see Halle throw her first cross. The harder THEY fall! Spraying blood across the floor and alcohol into her mouth from a kitchen cleaner acting as a concealer. Berry can do the professional dramatics, nuanced acting, heavy lifting in her sleep. But pound for pugilist pound, it's the punishing reps she brings to her sporting stance and her actual real fighting that is the biggest dedication to a role, body and soul since Leonardo DiCaprio's vegetarian 'Revenant' ate raw bison. Put her next to 'Ali' GOAT Will Smith's 'King Richard' Williams tennis serve for the crowing trophy. Berry is at her very best. 

Hollywood heavyweights need plenty in their corner though and Halle has that. Forthcoming 'The Marvels' star and 'John Wick: Chapter 4' 'Tracker' who might be seeing Halle again soon, Shamier Anderson is as Immaculate as the name of the character he plays, even if the game of this MMA owner is far from. Whilst in another reunion the Sunspot of 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' star Adan Canto is so burning and convincing in his cruel intentions you'll hate him for it in all his aggression and passive playing of it like it's all passion...it's not. It's toxic. Like the "look what you made me do" words of an abuser. Berry and Canto help bring these dark corners of domestic hell to the light of hopefully some heaven sent help in the real world. Still it's the classically trained Shakespeare Globe Theatre, 'The Lightning Child' and 'Ghost Town' actress Sheila Atim that really steals the stage in this big screen theatre. Making you wish they never cancelled the 'Game Of Thrones' spin-off series 'Bloodmoon' that she was cast in. Although she will soon ride in on the BBC's 'Pale Horse'. Elevating this in its weight catergory, Atim is the bruised soul of 'Bruised'. Add character actor veteran Stephen McKinley Henderson (you want him in your corner) finally getting his due after even eclipsing some of the sands of stars in this years smartest blockbuster 'Dune' and Tony award winner Adriane Lenox washing up as Justice's drug addicted and addled mother, still with a sober heart, and you really have something.  Even real MMA UFC fighter Valentina Shevchenko gets her acting licks in. But it's the kid Danny Boyd Jr, the essence of this battle that will move you without nary a word or smile. Fight night movies in the same club may be a sponge to a bucketful of clichés, but the 'Creed' of this one still wins the bout like Jordan in this last dance. Because Berry doesn't just have a team of trainers and fighting actors behind her, she also has herself with definitive deliverance in her direction like a lucky left. And this is more than beginners fortune, like her time on the canvas aswell as the cinematic one. This is hard-worked and honed to a punching perfection. She can direct. She can fight. Far from another act. 'Bruised' may not break the skin, but it still hits you hard enough to show up the next morning in reflection. Like spitting blood in the sink under the bathroom mirror. Now ain't that a kick in the head!? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Million Dollar Baby', 'Warrior', 'Monster's Ball'. 

REVIEW: RESPECT

4/5

A.R.E.T.H.A.

145 Mins. Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess & Mary J. Blige. Director: Liesl Tommy. 

To be Franklin, check the credits in closing over a picture of Jesus behind this Queen. All as she sings 'Amazing Grace' from the church to save wretches like me in the pulpits. Everybody of the congregation in concert and the 1972 live album of the same name that became Ms. Franklin's bestselling. A "cherished entertainer" that sold out concerts well into her 70's and had Barack and Michelle Obama feeling the Holy Ghost and giving her standing ovations at the 'Tapestry' of a Carol King tribute, as the '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' legend gave it up for another who was paying tribute to her on stage. Dropping her fur coat to the floor as the Queen of soul belted out all her natural power for King. An 18 time Grammy winner who became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her story becoming HERstory. The youngest person to ever be chosen for the Kennedy Center Honors at 52. And of course in 2005 a recipient of America's highest civil award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Singing 'My Country, 'Tis Of Thee' at the 2008 inauguration of President Barack Obama. Calling it, "the promise of tomorrow now coming to pass". After her death she was posthumously honoured with a Pulitzer. The charitable activist and champion of social justice's lifetime achievements are so honor roll long they could have gone in a separate movie like the live version documentary of 'Amazing Grace' that was recently released as if from the heavens. In loving memory of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Louise Franklin. March 25, 1992-August 16, 2018.

IMAX eyes. The biggest voice deserves the biggest screen like a blockbuster. But this isn't a Marvel movie. It's a movie about a marvel. In all her majesty and magic. And this tick, tick...BOOM dynamite directorial debut from Broadway's Liesl Tommy with an eye for the biopic deserves the biggest cinematic presence. The 'Homecoming' of Beyoncé? Close, but how about instead the 'Dreamgirl' that stole the show and beat Bey to the Oscar? Miss Jennifer Hudson. 'The Color Purple' theatrical actress, moviestar and singer can expect another Academy Award to go next to her Grammy's and Golden Globe's. The power of her performance is phenomenal. She's not just playing Aretha, she is the Queen, no daydream. Thinking about her there 'Ain't No Way' like the way they use this song in Will Smith's 'Ali' anybody else could have played Miss Franklin. Give her the Best award like 'King Richard' for service. Hudson doesn't just do the numbers, powerful voice, for powerful voice. She also catches her tone and the timbre of her life and love. The high notes and the low points. The rich success after covering others for years. The iconic stance under the spotlight, her microphone a torch that led the way in the civil rights era like her good friend Martin. And the heartbreaking tribute, punctuated by pain she gave him in vocal eulogy after the King was taken from us in Memphis. The divorce, desperation and drink. Those three demon D's that Adele sang about last week when she turned '30' in. The only voice apart from Jennifer's these days that even comes close to Franklin. And we're talking about the kind of ballpark that needs a homer to even round it. Jennifer steps up to the plate and hits it all forever in the best biopic since Jamie in 'Ray' or everything and everyone the late, great '42' of 'Marshall' Chadwick Boseman played, getting up on some James Brown soul. Put this next to Renée Zellwegger's 'Judy' as worthy of the award and so much more in legacy honoring a legend. One moment in this film this burgeoning star is compared to Garland. Now everybody is giving her, her flowers. So it's high time to throw them towards Hudson's stage too as she opens another envelope like us this Christmas. 

With respect to the rest of this movies cast, they are more than just backing singers. Just like the title track of this movie is more than just an Otis Redding cover sitting on the dock of the bay as Aretha remade it as her own. What you want, baby she had it. More than just a little bit. And how about seeing how that cover was created? Re, re, re. And now in this 'Black Nativity' reunion with Forest Whitaker coming to the Far East of Japan this Christmas after its August United States rush, we can see just how much Forest has in his acting woods. One of the greatest black actors of not just his generation, but all time. More than his famous 'Empire' like J-Hud is too. This is the 'Ghost Dog' that showed us his way of the Samurai. The man that has played both 'Bird' and 'The Last King Of Scotland'. 'The Butler' who went all the way to Wakanda in 'Black Panther'. One of the most underrated legends of our time. But here he is undeniable. As Forest's father, a preacher with a daughter is all love, rough around the edges as he disciplines and controls with an iron fist, but is coming from a place of love. He just needs to really see his place and the own one his own can take by her self. On her perfected path. No matter how tough the street. Whitaker captures these character conflictions with conviction. All whilst trying to keep at bay the interests of the charming, but shady Marlon Wayans suitor. The comedy actor turning in the dramatic stakes like he did so well last year for Sofia Coppola's third times the charm Bill Murray reunion after (the reason I'm in Japan) 'Lost In Translation' and 'A Very Murray Christmas' (If say is it too early to watch this again, but August quickly became late November), 'On The Rocks'. One of last years hidden gems, going down smoothly in an all too rough year, we know about all too well. It's the 'Master Class' of 'Porgy and Bess' actress Audra McDonald that really has a presence throughout however, for some moving mothering with shades of 'Ray'. Whilst Marc Maron of the 'Joker' gets a few laughs in amongst the serious negotiations as the stand-up talent who makes music and podcasts increases his range, delivering these vocals to that studio sound. Even the star of 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt', the most hilarious detergent commercials and every other meme Tituss Burgess shows there is so much more to his soul than people using his reactions as their Internet one. Add the Queen of modern R&B and Netflix's 'Mudbound' and 'The Umbrella Academy' Mary J. Blige adding underused, but more unmistakable drama, flipping tables as the Queen Dinah Washington and 'This Bitter Earth' like haunting scores with Max Richter for the scales of Scorsese's 'Shutter Island' with DiCaprio will have some wise words. But it's time we all have 'Respect' and find out what this movie and its muse means to me. To every boy and girl around the world. Sock it to me. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Judy', 'Ray', 'Dreamgirls'. 

REVIEW: KING RICHARD

4/5

Richard The Serve. 

145 Mins. Starring: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew, Tony Goldwyn & Jon Bernthal. Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green. 

'Will' may be writing the memoirs of quite a Hollywood career, from Bel-Air to defending earth from the worst scum of the universe. But right now as his autobiography flies off the bookshelves quicker than a "WHOO", Smith's telling another story. About to have the last "HA, HA" with envelopes from the Academy addressed to him. Will Smith is the former most marketable movie king of Labour Day weekend ('Independence Day,' 'Men In Black'), who has recently been toiling around Netflix movies ('Bright') and comic-book ones (he was M.I.A. from this years 'Suicide Squad'), all whilst becoming a YouTube sensation like all the fresh princes and princesses of a new way to make money like you think cryptocurrency is (it's not when the house always wins. Save your actual earnings. And Bumble dates who are tens to this weak four, stop asking me if I Bitcoin). But here holding court as a man who has his own 78 page book like a manifesto or 'Jerry Maguire' mission statement (it's not a memo), Will's way widens his stance to Oscar territory again. This is his best movie of those gold dreams since 'The Pursuit Of Happyness' and that speech by the chain-link fence before sleeping in a toilet with his son made us all cry. Smith is getting it...period. After being beaten by Denzel's 'Training Day' for his prolific pugilist portrayal as 'Ali'. Just an incredible transformation for the only man who could possibly go toe-to-toe and wit-for-with the greatest for Michael Mann's mesmerizing movie of history that was sadly sanitised more than our hands right now, despite a magnificent Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X. This is Smith's signature with a 'King Richard' lisp about to take the throne and make the fall his new home like when he was 'Legend'. Like he still is. Even getting a shout out from his old ride or die DC firing squad thanks to Sylvester Stallone's King Shark poster homage. Will was robbed for 'Concussion', possibly the most important sports movie of all-time. But now with this serve he's about to ace all that. 

'Be Alive' with pride like the beyhive for B as Beyoncé's affirming anthem closes the credits with the history making, televised revolution clips this cinematic journey has taken us to in destination. "Can't wipe this black off if I tried", this icon sings as two more show us how far they've come in instant replay. Venus and Serena Williams. Two of the GOAT's of tennis. Like Graf, Seles, Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Nadal. Nah! OUT! No none else comes close to them. Venus as a girl, going for the gold of World Number One. Serena watching on the sidelines being told by her father Richard Williams that he kept her there for a reason. Because one day they're going to say she's the greatest to play this GAME. And he was right. And we did. And we do. He believed before even them. Even before they were born. Taking his kids from Compton to the courts of a billion dollar industry that has more positions on the grass and clay than chess has pieces for these queen's gambits. Richard reigns despite bing told he can't afford these dreams. Despite his 78 page book being coffee table tossed aside before we get past the preface. He's told it takes million just to get someone to hold a racquet right like a violin. His chances are comparable to having two Mozarts under one roof. He just farts in the face of all that elitist entitlement not so subtley disgusting racism for these girls that are about to change the game like Tiger Woods for their emancipation. Others tell him he's got the next Michael Jordan, to which he corrects them with two fingers. Now the mouth of LaVar Ball speaking truth to power doesn't seem so stupid does it? With Lonzo Ball shooting the lights out as a Chicago Bull and little brother LaMelo even better, no longer courtside coming off a Rookie of the Year season in the NBA. But let's wait before we make THAT biopic center court. 

Because let this service be what you dart your head from side-to-side for right now. This is the Williams moment. And Smith like Richard knows that despite his crowning achievement, it's all about the girls. Before they were child star famous, eliciting BTS like screams from the crowds forming a backcourt congregation. 'Fences' and 'American Horror Story' star Sanniya Sidney is just out of this world as Venus. Whilst newcomer Demi Singleton is about to make her own name on first terms like Serena. They bring a commitment to both their craft and joy to the youth of life that makes both as believable as all they achieved and their fathers dream. This film even brings out the promise and potential of the lost Williams sister Tunde Price, played perfectly by Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew. Price tragically list her life to gang violence. At the time Compton rapper The Game would honor her in the live version of his classic 'Documentary' cut 'Dreams'. A stark reminder of the bullets and bloodshed that surrounded the balls they served as they were just trying to hit straight for their dream. One scene that has Smith's Richard taking abuse from men threatening to "run a train" (I pray you have no idea what that means) on both daughters and standing up for them, not running away like his father did is sobering and heartbreaking in its solidarity and influence of inspiration in the midst of ignorance from all corners. We can't honor this brilliant biopic from 'Monster and Men' director Reinaldo Marcus Green that finds its ranking next to the court groundbreaking double of the recent 'Borg vs. McEnroe' or 'Battle Of The Sexes' that honoured another game changer in Billie Jean King without doing the same for 'Ray' and 'The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3' star Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene 'Brandy' Price. She deserves her award like Smith like Brandy deserved her part to play in Venus and Serena's moment like Richard. Credit to the coaches too. Outfitted in sports sponsors and shorts that cut off the circulation so much like Richard you'll be asking for new balls please. Tony Goldwyn and that unmistakable voice from 'The Last Samurai' has some serious words of wisdom (and how about that McEnroe). Whilst the trademark energy of the real Jon Bernthal-no perfect 'Punisher'-steals the show with a 'stache like the man who improvised how to sell you that pen on 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. Walking through his own party with DiCaprio like 'Catch Me If You Can' charisma and Kanye 'New Workout Plan' focus. But all in all, coming from California this is Smith's show and the sisters act. I find no fault with this smash. Like family, it's all love. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Battle Of The Sexes', 'Borg vs. McEnroe', 'The Pursuit Of Happyness'. 

REVIEW: tick, tick...BOOM!

4/5

30.

121 Mins. Starring: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, Bradley Whitford & Vanessa Hudgens. Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Tick...tick. Off or on Broadway, theatre is theatre and 'Hamilton' megastar legend Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature film debut after putting his signature stage show on Disney + gives us a love Playbill to not only the spotlight a few blocks from Times Square, but the magic of New York, New York City itself. But this movie is more than the big city and the bright lights. It's a dedication to the late, great Jonathan Larson. The creator of the musical of this same movie name 'Tick, Tick...Boom' (stylised here as 'tick, tick...BOOM!'). And it's more than just a stage left passion project for those who know the biz. Larson may have been worthy of the Tony after making 'Rent' after years of barely making his own one for his apartment, but his story could stage an Academy of Oscars by the next ceremony. All whilst going tip-for-dancing-toe with the dedicated likes of 'Dear Evan Hansen' this fall before Spielberg's 'West Side Story'. Fun fact, the playwright of 'Evan Hansen' Steven Lenson pens this one too. Giving the notes to back this mesmerizing, magical musical from Miranda that is cinematography choreography of the biggest bravo. From the behind the piano storytelling of Larson's walking across the keys memoir, to the biggest musical numbers breaking into song from the streets of New York to the grandest stage. All to get right back to the diner that moonlights as the place to keep the spotlights on. Full house ordered up with a menu filled of Broadway cameos. You recognise those faces? Isn't that Lilith from 'Frasier'? The man that bungee jumped whilst proposing to Hilary on 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' (and you know how that all worked out right?)? Well, you know they're much more than that. Check your Playbills. We're in an audience of legends as one that waited tables now holds the stage. Check please! Lin-Manuel may have changed the theatre game, but he knows how to read the dressing room of were he came from like lightbulbs surrounding the mirrors frame. 

Tick...tick. And now the portrait is on the big-screen. Or at least the Netflix one right now. Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot's 'Red Notice' may be doing the 'Squid Game' numbers. But forget the biggest opening day streams staying at home. This ones booming its way to the award season like Rebecca Hall's 'Passing' with Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson. And it's just a few ticks away around the corner. Jonathan deserves this and Andrew Garfield gives him his just and his all to this role, body and soul. Sure we know what everyone is talking about this fall with the biggest Marvel movie the mainstream has ever seen in this age of 'Endgame', as it seems the 'Eternals' won't actually last that long. It's all they want for Christmas ordered off the web. But haters...or at least those not trying to spoil the surprise (we hope) will say its Photoshop. Anyway enough of that. We ourselves have gone on about it far too much to tempt fate. Sure we want him in the verse, but how about this chapter and verse? With curly hair Dylan would be proud of and artistry for pop culture that could even shade a Warhol, Garfield's Larson is his muses passion personified. Punctuating the notes of his life script. And how about that hilarious and telling grammar moment that comes correct to a writers life like "you'rs truly" (I know. We've been here before)? An American legend working on that dream like Springsteen. All before he hits 30 like Adele this weekend. Seeing his potential as a ticking time bomb in a world that sees a 'Mission: Impossible' fuse before they self destruct. All as Larson and everyone else around him (even those who have been cruelly told about life's fickle impermanence, being diagnosed with HIV) have not even the faintest idea that the ticking is actually leading to a tragic, fatal collapse for a man who literally gave his all to his art. Andrew captures this grace and the man's soul with the upmost respect. Especially in the rain of a pivotal piano moment in the middle of a solidarity Central Park stage at night. Now the amazing American-British actor who first got our Academy attention saving everyone at 'Hacksaw Ridge' and our theatrical one for those 'Angels In America's' only Oscar competition looks like himself in 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' with Jessica Chastain, whose own one looks to trophy cabinet go alongside a possible Emmy for her 'Most Violent' reunion with another Oscar. 

More than a storm in this New York cup of coffee, Alexandra Shipp holds her stage as the heart of this movie. In her Lifetime the 'Straight Outta Compton' star Shipp has played the 'Princess Of R&B' Aaliyah on a TV movie and a game changing X-Men in Storm. But here just like in 'Love Simon' the actress shows she is even better at telling personal stories beyond the big budget blockbusters and names everyone knows. And again to those unfamiliar with Larson, you're about to learn about one of the best, more than behind the scenes. Offered up by a name eveyone knows on Broadway bright lights now, backed up by producers Brian Grazer and the 'Happy Days' of Ron Howard hitting the jukebox like aaayyyy. And besides not many knew the real deal P. T. Barnum of 'The Greatest Showman' until Hugh Jackman's charisma sold him. And as it turns out Barnum was more than a bit of a prick. Add the high notes and big song of Joshua Henry and fellow Broadway icon Judith Light's amazing, chain-smoking agent that could give Joey's 'Friends' like Estelle a run for her ashtray and this cast is class all the way down to the legend Bradley Whitford of 'The West Wing' and 'Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip' playing another one. All the way to the tone of a vocal cameo leaving a message. 'High School Musical' star Vanessa Hudgens is also on the stellar second-act of her career with the likes of this, 'Bad Boys For Life' with 'King Richard' about to take his Oscar throne, Will Smith and 'Rent: Live'. But for all this it's the absolutely incredible Robin de Jesús who steals this show. The star of Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In The Heights' (the stage version) is just everything here. Beautifully heartbreaking and immovably inspiring. He's the soul of this story. And his friendship with Garfield's Larson the beating heart that moves to the rhythm like a metronome. And whilst we're here how about Garfield being king of the emotional man-hugs? Just check his one with Dane DeHaan's Harry Osborne and their own bromance in 'TASM2' and by the way, was that (we hope) Dane in th...but, we digress. We promised we would. But back to it, head on the door or Manhattan moving his way through a passionate conversation powering the booms of these ticks, Jesús is heaven sent as he turns taking the trash out in the cold to one of the hottest numbers circling the fire escape stairs of these high-rise songs that ring the alarm. Singing the praises of all the big names making their stage here, it's all for one though as the flowers hit the floor. The late, great Jonathan Larson who took his life and his dream and made it one and the same. Singing from his own song sheet. And that's a notion ticking over that will live rent free in our heads for as long as the inspiration lasts. Why take to the stage when you are the stage in this world of players. This ain't merely Shakespeare. It's New York theatre folklore. BOOM! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Hamilton', 'Dear Evan Hansen', 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye'. 

BOOK REVIEW: JAMIE FOXX - ACT LIKE YOU'VE GOT SOME SENSE (AND OTHER THINGS MY DAUGHTERS TAUGHT ME)

 

4/5

Dad Keeps Embarrassing Me.

When 'Will' came out this month, movie megastar, the original Agent Smith who is even big enough to pass on 'The Matrix', showed us the way yet again. Just watch that Tik Tok that's gone about as viral as Smith's sensational second career as a YouTuber before he serves for the Oscar throne as 'King Richard' with the Williams sisters. The way that took the West Philadelphia born and raised (where's did he spend most of his days? Do you even have to ask) Fresh Prince who moved in with his Uncle and Auntie in Bel-Air to Hollywood and beyond infinity as his buzz welcomed aliens to earth. But during the age of 'Big Willie Style' and that very album for the new man in black, one of Will Smith's good friends was waiting in the wings. Or the interludes. The hilarious Keith B. Real. Do you remember? Don't act like that, you know you got it! That album sold more than Taylor Swift...or maybe even 'Independence Day' for the King of the fourth of July movie-going weekend. Still, not with me? OK. You've got Spotify. I'll wait like Will with those two guns (word to Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington) in 'Bad Boys II' when another classic Def Comedy Jam stand-up talent was trying to tell people that were shooting at them that they weren't immigration. Hilarious right!? But does that voice that's constantly getting thrown out by Smith's legendary bouncer Charlie Mack (first out the limo) and slapped by Jada sound familiar. Yep, that's right! Beat Shazam. That's Jamie Foxx. Before the Oscar for 'Ray'. 'Any Given Sunday'. Even 'Ali' with Smith, when Foxx was in Will's corner again for his 'Collateral' and 'Miami Vice' director Michael Man's boxing biopic as Bundini Brown. This compared to Smith's star stratosphere was almost a before they were famous moment, even though Jamie had his own show named after him like 'Martin'. Now as 'Will' lines everyone's bookstores and shelves Jamie has his own good book to go next to the Hollywood God. 'Act Like You've Got Some Sense' and read it too. 

Spidey senses right now are tingling at a buzz which is scrolling and sawing through the timelines and fan theories as the second trailer for this Christmases 'Spider-Man' trilogy conclusion 'No Way Home' dropped this week like bird s### made of cement. Whilst the big question and mocked up leaked photos is on whether Jamie Foxx's 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' co-star Andrew Garfield and the original Tobey Maguire will suit-up as Peter Parker alongside Tom Holland. The latters post credits cameo in Tom Hardy's connected 'Venom' movie and all those universe web weaving Easter Eggs in Jared Leto's 'Morbius' trailer has us hoping they'll go into the spider-verse like the classic animation. Besides all the villains are there like the return of Foxx's electric Electo character that gave us the most epic showdown amongst the bright lights of Times Square in 'TASM2'. Putting the big city of New York in another blackout. And you have to love the new duds and the classic comic crown call-back for Foxx. Even if we did like the Blue Man Group look in Manhattan. Let's just hope Jamie keeps the electricity in his voice. Speaking as such as he talks about the pleasure of "getting to kick Spider-Man's ass" here you have to get the audiobook version of this autobiography that will join you in company when you get ready for work in the morning and take the train home. Not only is it easier on the hands, you lazy readers that love to just scroll through stuff, it's chocked full of Foxx's sly, charismatic charm and the art form of his impressions. Everyone gets it. Sidney Poitier in regal introduction (that's Mr. Poitier to you...and me). Snoop Dogg in a meet the family moment similar to welcoming your daughters first date round in again, hilarious 'Bad Boys II' fashion (you've all done it, just not with The Doggfather). And the best and funniest impression you'll ever hear of Jay-Z. It's crazy! It sounds so much like your boy. 

Names are dropped, sure. This is Hollywood and the man who also moves in music circles and comedy circuits. This is the man that played Ray Charles and in the same year provided that voice for Kanye West's 'Gold Digger'. He took your mooooney. He hosted better parties than Diddy. Introduced Ed Sheeran to the industry. You only have to watch many a Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to see he is a master of storytelling like he is of ceremonies. Just check the one about Bobby and Whitney and whilst we're here that Denzel impersonation too that he even impressed on Washington himself. OK, alright! 'Django' has had out attention since his Mr. Cab Driver sold us and Jada Pinkett in Real reunion on his "cool groove experience" Island Limo's idea before all the 'Collateral' damage happened with Tom Cruise. But the most important name is Foxx...and not his. His daughters. Corinne and Annalise Bishop. Corinne who provides the foreword even narrates the chapter names...which are as creative as the careers of these Foxx's themselves. Earlier this year Corrine Foxx even produced her father in his return to the small-screen sitcom world for the family comedy 'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me' based on their lives. Sure, the show tanked like Jamie and our R&B friend (what's up Babbs?), and Netflix have couched and cancelled 'Dad Stop' after it barely got out the gates. But that's Netflix for you and they still have 'Project Power' with Foxx. But there was nothing embarrassing about that delightful, charming, inoffensive show that took us back to both the golden, good old days of television sitcoms before streamers and Foxx's salad days of having an Eddie Murphy family of his raw characters he created and played himself to delirious effects. It was just in and the wrong time. But how about this book? It serves as more than a sequel or a companion to the show. Instead more like a behind the scenes documentary to the family and home life of a Hollywood legend and his real, lasting legacy. Besides for all the inspired impressions and charming character, what's better than the real thing? 'Act Like You Got Some Sense', Eric Bishop's grandmother Esther Marie Talley, the woman who raised him and the tribute subject of his beautiful piano, 'Unpredictable' song 'Heaven' told him, to which he named his book. And check the dust jacket of Jamie Foxx's memoir like running a cloth over it and straight out the foxxhole you can see the words 'I Taught My Daughters' crossed out for the common sense of this books sub-heading, "And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me". Sure this book my be a parenting guide, but it's no Dad of the year hubris pitch. Even though this man is that type of father like Vader is Luke's. Instead this awesome autobiography were Dad doesn't embarrass is a celebration of love and life. The man may not be married and that's his choice and his right like it is everyone and anyone's to do what they wish with their heart, so long as it doesn't hurt another. But it's clear all he's learnt in this life and everything he continues to be educated on comes from the work and worth of the women in his life. Act like you've got some sense and listen to those teachings too. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

TV REVIEW: SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE - Season 1

4/5

Love and Marriage. 

5 Episodes. Starring: Jessica Chastain & Oscar Isaac. Director: Hagai Levi. 

A most violent marriage this is not. But emotionally? More than maybe. Absolute scenes. What more could you expect from in my mind the best actor and actress of our generation working today? Fellow Julliard grads and close friends Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac. Reuniting after 2015's 'A Most Violent Year' cinematically convinced us that Chastain along with the likes of Cate Blanchett really was going for Meryl Streep's throne, along with an inspired Isaac showing us he was the closest thing to a De Niro and Pacino godson these days. All whilst both showing us who they really were in their own individual A-list acting talent rights and stakes in a 'Violent' movie about the mob putting the squeeze on an oil tycoon who wanted to keep his taps tight and his family life even firmer. One that barely even had to pull a trigger or nary throw a fist to show us that it was a complete classic. As convincing and compelling as their reunion in this new compulsive HBO drama from 'The Affair' and 'In Treatment' producer and director Hagai Levi. Reimagining the influential Ingmar Bergman's brilliant Swedish miniseries 'Scenes From A Marriage'. How about that greyscale tribute in bed that the furnitute fittings of IKEA would be proud of? Sure Hollywood remaking another Euro gem from the cold and cinematography calculating regions of this wonderful world and its powerful and prolific programming is like the pitch of making Leonardo DiCaprio 'Druk' like Mads Mikkelsen. Sometimes we just don't need it. With that being said though, these original scenes came out in the seventies so it's high-time for a tribute. Even if this review is later than the bad spouse that said they will be home in ten minutes...they're in the car. Let's just blame how busy life has been recently. And if you think this recap has arrived to the party after time, just wait until we get out tentacles into Netflix's South Korean smash 'Squid Game'. 

Static on your sets comes into play like an in awe "ahhh" from the Gods of television as the HBO logo fades in and establishes itself like this was 'The Wire' or 'Game Of Thrones' for your epic, more than regular scheduled programming serieses. Although this writer always associates it with the 'Frolic' of Luciano Michelini's classic opening to Larry David's better than 'Seinfeld' (yeah I said it. I love where it all started, but you try watching an episode to start the day and having nightmares of a screaming Seinfeld killing you with that bloody bass guitar) 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (now here's a new series this fall that has still got it and has you like walking into a glass door. Oh, and whilst we're here, for the record, SHE PLONKED). And there are plenty of definitive dramatic moments you cold ruin with that trumpet reprise to close the show like whoever hilariously did that to the "what's in the box" end of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman's 'Se7en'. Still, each episode of these 'Scenes' is in matrimony with something much more creative and crafty to set us off. Starting each 'Marriage' with a behind the scenes look of this set, as forget breaking the fourth wall, there literally isn't one in this open house. There's Jessica Chastain goin over lines in the bathroom. Is this part of the show? Oh wait, someone's applying her make-up. I know we all have close friends, but this is a bathroom. The most private of places. Even in our own homes. Oh and yep, there it is. The boom mic. This isn't technically part of the show. Like Oscar Isaac walking around stage hands all around his living room. Wearing a plastic face-shield and keeping everyone safe like staying at home these days. 

Beginning with this beautiful behind the scenes look this show is as real as it gets. Truth for truth. Even if the opening scene of an interview for a look into marriage disguised as couples therapy (or is it the other way round on the couch?) will still have you convinced you're not yet watching the show but a featurette documentary about it. But when you finally realise you are on the settee set into this deep delve into a marriage that looks like it's more in matrimony with divorce, boy are you in it. From the guess whose coming to dinner (Corey Stoll at his "is this guy really a prick in real life" (I'm sure he's not, he's just a great actor) best). To curveballs that will cliffhanger blindside you after only a few episodes. I mean, what do you expect? This is a miniseries. We can't say anymore or we will spoil everything like coming home late for dinner. Suitcase in crumpled salary suited hand. All we can is this is 'A Most' brilliant reunion between Oscar and Jessica handled brutally and beautifully by Levi. About to set the net on fire like breaking it with that red carpet look of the man who voiced Gomez (someone get us a live-action look) in 'The Addams Family' animation treating Chastain's arm like Morticia that would have started many 'A Star Is Born' rumour as there were "find somebody who looks at you like" captions if it wasn't for both being happily married. In this television 'Marriage' however, we conveniently have the on-screen reunion we have been waiting for in all its ultimate professional chemistry and charming courtesy. Especially with the respect that comes when these performers can take it to the raw emotions that come with rings that circle around "for better or worse." Hiding behind the fences of white picket, picture perfect paradise. Albeit in a crooked frame. Taking it to the same kitchen floor that left Amy Winehouse in tears. 'Ex Machina' and 'Star Wars' star Isaac may have the mega blockbuster 'Dune' right now and Marvel's forthcoming 'Moon Knight' with Ethan Hawke foreboding to redeem his 'Apocalypse' with the X-Men (kudos to Chastain in 'Dark Phoenix'). Not to mention the ace in the hole of Paul Schrader's 'The Card Counter' if you want to talk about Hawke for your 'First Reformed' hand. But the man who deserves his first-name may just get the Emmy for what looks like his 'Llewyn Davis' finally settled down inside as the salt and pepper did in his beard. Meanwhile 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'The Tree Of Life' star Chastain may be on another year of her life with 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' with Andrew Garfield WHO IS NOT IN THE NEW SPIDER-MAN MOVIE (we're going to keep jinxing it, until it's true) looking for the Oscar after her amazing year of 2017 ('The Zookeepers Wife', 'Miss Sloane' and 'Molly's Game') crazily didn't even get a nomination look in. Not to mention really 'Ava' starting something with her super spy epic ensemble of 'The 355', but this is truly her moment that doesn't even need the biggest screen to shine. Still, it's what the two 'Violent' stars achieve together in this 'Marriage' that will have you and hold you. You just can't take your eyes off them. Now how about third time being the charm for a Springsteen and Patti Scialfa biopic off E Street? In sickness and health they are two perfect performers in partnership giving their every vow to the craft. And what we can take from this to our home lives, either engaged in loneliness or working on a commitment is something that even in our worse times can make us all the better. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'A Most Violent Year', 'Show Me A Hero', 'The Tree Of Life'. 

REVIEW: PASSING

4/5

The Skin I Live In.

99 Mins. Starring: Tessa Thompson & Ruth Negga, André Holland, Bill Camp, Gbenga Akinnagbe , Antoinette Crowe-Legacy & Alexander Skarsgård. Director: Rebecca Hall. 

Under the skin, this movie is 'Passing' as more than just a mesmerizing masterpiece from first-time and already now confirmed behind the camera, definitive director Rebecca Hall (the actor of 'The Town', 'The Prestige' and the haunting report of 'Christine'). One that shot as such, looks the jazz-age part of a 1920's New York in this subtle, cinematic roar that like the artist takes us back, Jack Gatsby. It's also hiding much deeper messages than the one that stares right down at us through the barrel of the lens, boring holes. Just like the straight to screen break of one of our two leads who taking in more than the other, looks right at us. Saying so much more behind the gaze. Making us sit up and take notice of ourselves, our history. Who the lines disregarded. A hidden love like Cate Blanchett's 'Carol' for Rooney Mara, or the 'Disobedience' of Rachel Weisz and McAdams. Like hands held together under the table, but apart. But let's get right back to what we can see. Dreadful. Disgusting. Despicable. Two decades and no change later the great Nat King Cole was made to bleach his skin when performing his movie hit 'Nature Boy' on live TV. All whilst crosses were burning on the front lawn of his new home in an all white neighbourhood. You should hear Stevie Wonder talk about it on a Cole documentary. His words do enough, but you can see in his face how heartbroken he still is by these type of ignorant injustices and intolerable cruelties. And this is a man blind from birth. We aren't even trying to be anything but truthful when we can assure you this was the one and only time he was relieved he couldn't see something. Something so horrible. But oh, how he could feel it. Like everyone with a heart or conscience could. It's too much to see. Even more of a burden to bear in enduring its pain. Why beautiful black skin was made to be ashamed of itself and hide in plain sight from mad men was the biggest crime against humanity. All whilst callous cowards that these days won't even wear a mask to help their fellow man, hid their face under a white hood. Revealing more within what they pass as, this moving and compelling film stirs the souls of those whose open hearts reveal more than what they wear on their sleeves. As this off the cuff, unconventional throwback of a movie shows us just how much hasn't changed in modern times. 

Hidden figures right in front of us, people of color had to do this as a made-up shield in order to avoid persecution and even far, far worse. This is why they had to pass as something else, even though they were still proud of who they were. Who they are. It's just an ignorant and hateful society in an American and world wide reaching world wasn't. It's like what 'Selma', 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' star Colman Domingo said only as recently as this Halloween in the 'Candyman' remake, "they love what we make, but they don't love us." It stunned me only this weekend living in Japan and talking to a close friend in Tokyo. Addressing the problem of racism seen here that sees even a basketball superstar like Rui Hachimura putting the sport on the map for this country and vice versa receiving abuse from some people, even in this time of social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate. My friend is no racist and does not subscribe to these ignorant ideals but believes it belongs to the bizarre following of the old American way that this land decides to do, despite all the States of the past put them through. Of course the beautiful country from Japan welcoming peace and compassion is far from a racist nation, but there is a hidden problem. Racism isn't born, its taught. But it's done so with such a clenched iron fist that refuses to give a hand or the turn the academic book page to real, revolutionary black history. Like the fact that you had to see a Hollywood movie featuring Kevin Costner to even realize black women did more than the math that got whitey on the moon. But let's hear it Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monaé and the real 'Hidden Figures' they portrayed. Going through her family tree, 'Godzilla vs Kong' and 'Iron Man 3' actress Rebecca Hall realized that her maternal grandmother passed as white and now the daughter of opera singer Maria Ewing is using that blockbuster push to forge ahead with passion projects like this that mean so much more than popcorn, or the industry idea of 'two for you, one for me'. The big-three Hollywood megastars of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot may have made Rawson Marshall Thurber's 'Red Notice' doing 'Squid Game' numbers the most successful opening day Netflix movie release. But this portrait in personal 'Roma' black and white heading for the gold of the Academy like 'The Irishman', 'Marriage Story', or 'The Two Popes' is putting everyone on notice. 

Sweltering in the sun that's having everyone fainting in the Manhattan streets, this reveal is bound to leave everyone in shock and awe as the true side to the story back then would make everyone collapse. Adapted from Nella Larson's groundbreaking 1929 novel of the same name and racial, gender and class divides in the big city of dreams and broken promises the thought of a perfect life made to us. And the partnering headline stars of 'Creed's' Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga of her Oscar nominated performance (expect another) in 'Loving' (regarding the white man and black woman whose love changed the laws between interracial marriage. And how beautifully poignant that their surname in matrimony was actually, Loving) bring the pain and power of these pages to their stages on screen. Familiar with that Marvel money, Thompson is the Avenger and Thor world Valkyrie, who became the first bisexual hero in the MCU, thanks to her and Taika. Whilst Negga was an 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' scene stealing regular who made her name as the powerful and complex Raina character. Those eyes that communicate so much stayed with you as they pierce points here. Both actresses of course are more than the mainstream. See Tessa in the right before it's time 'Sorry To Bother You' and Ruth in the cerebral Brad Pitt space drama 'Ad Astra' for even more atmosphere. But it's here were they both give us their best. From Tessa Thompson's character in this fight with all her broken and bruised resolve and the delicately heartbreaking Ruth Negga portrayal that can move you and shock you to your core with just one gesture or look away in shielded tears, trying to pass off like everything is alright. But it's not. And this film gets exactly to the heart of that. And why, and how. Thanks to some stellar support from 'Moonlight's' mesmerizing André Holland, who can front a Netflix movie all on his own (see basketball's 'High Flying Bird' above the rim), A-list character actor Bill Camp (see 'Wildlife', 'Molly's Game' and of course Netflix's 'The Queens Gambit' for even more moves) and Hall's kaiju fighting with an ape co-star Alexander Skarsgård, scarring the screen with his characters cruel racism and bitter indignant, ignorance. With that being said, what an actor and performance. But it's star of HBO's 'The Wire' and 'The Deuce' Gbenga Akinnagbe and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy making her own one that really leave their mark. Passing through themselves, but not hidden in the margins of this story, or "the blank white spaces at the edges of print" Margaret Atwood's 'Handmaid's Tale' taught us about. There is no gaps in this story. So don't make it a passing fancy. Standing out and staying with you, nothing can disguise the calm power of this movie that comes into this fall season like a quiet storm. Burning over the snow below like an atmospheric cigarette over some flapping French windows in the wind that does more than let this cold world in. Don't pass up on a chance to see and learn from how things really were and sadly still are before we change. If you don't, life and its lessons will merely pass you on by. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Carol', 'Disobedience', 'The Last Black Man In San Francisco'. 

REVIEW: RED NOTICE

3/5

Red (Thurber's Version).

118 Mins. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Ritu Arya & Chris Diamantopoulos. Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber. 

Interpol defines a 'Red Notice' as, "a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action." Basically in layman's terms that would explain this to Denzel Washington's 'Philadelphia' lawyer like he was a two year old; these dudes are dangerous. 'Red Notice' on Netflix is redefining with its big-three of Hollywood superstars that look like they were survey brought together by a focus group, taking their talents all around the world to the postcard perfect paradises this service streams in. Rome. Bali. Valencia. Egypt. Argentina. The Cayman Islands. Paris. Someone's Instagram account. That's one hell of a feed. All as Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot (man, what a line-up), put the world and every other streamer worth it's broadband on notice. As 'Red Notice' like Taylor Swift's new version of her 'Red' album breaks streaming records for Netflix's biggest opening day for a movie. And this is when most of us are coming out of our stay at home quarantines. The only thing that could play this confidence heist is South Korea's juggernaut like BTS, 'Squid Game'. Red light. Green light. "LUCAS REBECCA HOBBS", you could call this a 'Fast and Furious' gear change of lane team-up. Even though Dwayne Johnson has distanced himself from the first car franchise like he has his wrestling name after his own spin-off. Although Vin Diesel is now trying to play nice. Maybe they're both just playing us all. One that also (SPOILER ALERT FROM TWO YEARS AGO) featured a cameo from Reynolds himself along with Kevin Hart setting up one hell of a sidecar. Because remember before she changed the superhero genre, Gal Gadot started her Hollywood career with the 'Fast and Furious' franchise. She may have got off the plane like Gary Oldman on Harrison Ford's 'Air Force One'. But if (FAST AND FURIOUS (IS IT 9) SPOILER AND TRAILER AND SOCIAL MEDIA ALERT) the can bring her boyfriend Han back, then anything is possible like Kevin Garnett in 'Hidden Gems' as this thing puts its foot down for the pedal to metal final lap. Damn, I bet you wish you watched all these movies we just referenced before we gave the game away, hey? 

Or is this team-up more like the titans of a comic-book DC franchise? With Wonder Woman, Black Adam and erm...the Green Lantern (I'd love to see it). All for the vastly underrated action director Rawson Marshall Thurber, whose credits include the legendary underdog story, 'Dodgeball', 'We're The Miller's' (say "hellooo" to the other Adam) and with Dwayne Johnson, 'Skyscraper' and the hilarious 'Central Intelligence' with Kevin Hart that probably led them to play with 'Jumanji' like Robin Williams. But alas Reynolds is 'Deadpool' now and although he doesn't break any fourth walls, he does balls with his 'merc with the mouth' signature sarcasm. Which we still get, even though the joke may be on Dane Cook's comedy career. This towns not big enough for both of their big mouths. RMT has always known how to gum and gin up the action and in the opening museum act of this Egyptian egg hunt like Easter ones in 'Free Guy', on the year of his career (see the 'Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard' for another franchise in the clip. But not Netflix's D.O.A. '6 Underground'), Reynolds is free running through a gallery of security. Sure, his stunt man is working overtime, but watching Ryan take apart scaffolding and a security team without one of his trademark quips (it's all action and expression) gives us the joys of Jackie Chan action like when he made those bullies beat each other up in 'The Karate Kid'. It's a shame that some of the rest of the action is spoiled by not coming close to this like when a Porsche pulls out for what looks like one epic car chase through the Italian streets, but then left turns into something much more hilarious. Although one 'Black Widow' like prison break sets it's own course, no tattooed back.  Because between The Rock and a hard place, this is Dwayne's world and Johnson's movie. As the man who is dominating every blockbuster summer like this new Stallone and Schwarzenegger action hero is actually the new Labour Day weekend Will Smith comes out of his turtleneck shell for one hell of an action and adventure (there's even some 'Journey 2' moments looking for theses lost gems to treasure) lead. And yes like Reynolds attests. Here's to the naked cow, or herd ("WE ARE SUEDE") that made that beautiful brown, leather jacket. Can you smell that no left over steak will be cooking after this tailor made look? 

Chemistry may be sizzling like pouring Cola over an Egyptian egg that turns out to be faker than Faberge at a flea market between Reynolds charisma and Johnson's charm, but it's Gal Gadot who steals the show the moment she slinky sneaks in and lifts even more. After '1984' this Hollywood throwback for our new age woke up to equality (that she leads the way with a charge of both bracelets) is a true trailblazing game changer. With Diana Prince and Liz Taylor energy, forget looking for her eggs, Gadot is about to play 'Cleopatra' and become even more iconic. Coming at'cha after joining Kenneth Branagh's Poirot for a 'Death On The Nile'. If you twirled your moustache on the 'Murder On The Orient Express', Agatha Christie fans, then just wait for this. Gal is that gi...no, woman and forget staring at the red dress like this was 'The Matrix'. When she ties it all-up, spearheading a Princess of Themyscira reference, she goes more than hand to hand with these two leading men...she owns them. Now with more star power than the team that tried to take down Clinton in Ryan Murphy and Monica Lewinsky's 'Impeachment: American Crime Story' series, you would think there wasn't any room for any other players. But then how about 'The Umbrella Academy' standout Ritu Arya holding her own like she was telling everyone what to do? Not to mention 'Silicon Valley' and 'Good Girls' Star Chris Diamantopoulos, sending himself up like he was a stooge again, when he's not taking his shirt off. He may be an expert at strangling, but it's Reynolds toddler quips that gives this voice of Mickey Mouse no room to breath as we are left laughing with a white glove over our mouths at his leather ones that OJ would be jealous of. Sure, all-in-all 'Red Notice' is not nearly as big as its stars or opening day numbers, but it's still some light entertainment everyone can enjoy this weekend between posting those Autumn leave pictures and getting a head start on your Christmas wrapping (I see you, sis). All for this Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie like 'Tourist' trap of big stars that is kept alive by Reynolds lines, The Rock's action looks like the raised eyebrow and Gadot's stellar stardom, not to mention a classic musical cameo...and Gadot going 'Downtown'. But if you decide to not continue watching may we suggest the Zack Snyder 'Army Of The Dead' spin-off 'Army Of Thieves' on Netflix, directed by and starring scene stealer Matthias Schweighöfer that's truly something different for your evening's heist? Or just put it all on red like Bruce Willis, because this film is too fun just to give in your notice early. Work through it and wait for it to all pay off like overtime. Because you can't start a franchise without cracking a few eggs and now the con is on. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw', 'Army Of Thieves', 'The Tourist'. 

TV REVIEW: IMPEACHMENT - AMERICAN CRIME STORY

4/5

The People vs. Monica Lewinsky.

10 Episodes. Starring: Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein, Annaleigh Ashford, Margo Martindale, Edie Falco, Cobie Smulders, Billy Eichner, Colin Hanks & Clive Owen. Creator: Ryan Murphy. 

Impeachment. Some weren't familiar with the term until the orange Donald deserved to eat every bit of that peach product last year. Before this Z generation in the golden age of the 90's for the American dream that flew above the rim like the air of Michael Jordan telling everyone to just do it, we had another 'Impeachment' on our hands like torches for Nixon. All for those more familiar with 'Pizzagate' than Watergate. Saxophone loving President Bill Clinton was playing everyone when he told us he "did not have sexual relations with that woman". "That woman" being an intern at the White House. Miss Monica Lewinsky. And the scandal of their affair that today would have dominated everyone's small screens as well as it being on every channel made her more famous than an Internet breaking Kardashian when we were still dialling up to go online (one moment in the series sees Monica and a friend go to see the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (his son is here too) classic 'You Got Mail'...remember when your concrete block monitor told you that?). So why wouldn't this be the subject to complete the set (so far) of the Ryan Murphy 'American Crime Story' trilogy series after getting our gloves on 'The People vs. OJ Simpson' before the suit of 'The Assassination Of Gianni Versace'? Two groundbreaking shows that actually showed us these 90's nostalgic trips like Linda could also be American horror stories for Murphy like his other shocking syndicate. When it comes to Murphy and his trilogy acts, recreating entertainment and American fast food culture history on the tube. Nothing comes close. No cigar. 

Now that's the only joke we will make with all due respect. Because look at what they did to Monica. From many a late show host, live like Saturday night. It's all there for the YouTube record like a Twitter account for all the SNL music introductions (how about those Tobey Maguire "Sisqoooooo" and Nathan Lane "METALLICAAAAA" ones?) that Adrien Brody (disgraceful) wishes wasn't after the now infamous Daniel Craig, "Ladies and gentlemen, The Weeknd" turned into a legendary meme that even the official James Bond Twitter used to promote his last 007 movie 'No Time To Die'. They took this woman to town and the court of public opinion found her guilty like the pitch fork of a witch hunt. When really in regards to how the media manipulated her, along with the President and someone she thought was a friend for the ultimate betrayal, she was one of the victims in all this like Hilary and Chelsea Clinton. This was a character assassination of Monica Lewinsky. Imagine what it would have done to her today in the age of social media trolls and abuse. Imagine what it did to her then, hiding in plain sight of switching every channel just to see her own face staring back constantly. Only to then turn off the tube and see herself again in reflection on the black mirror. And in a no holes barred look at the whole thing, stained dress and all, this series is actually produced by the real Monica herself. Signing off on everything like she humiliatingly had to do all those tapes. Yet she did it with grace. A composure that is composed perfectly by 'Booksmart' actress Beanie Feldstein in that famous beanie. The soul of this show and its beating heart in an American nightmare devoid of one as no one here can get a good night sleep for scrolling through the remote like we now do something we call "smart". A formidable Feldstein is that though, beyond the books in a true understanding of character and the one of her woman's worth and all the work this now activist has done to not only change her narrative, but the world along with the side of the story of many women around it. Who more than their day in court have been denied their right to say me too for far too long. 

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. After making her 'The People vs. OJ Simpson' star lawyer legendary, 'American Horror Story' star Sarah Paulson is back for 'Impeachment' and through the wire like Kanye ratchets up the tension, also serving as producer for this thing. Paulson in retrospect regrets wearing the fat-suit, but this has been done before in political connects (see 'Vice'). On a phone tap like The Firm, it's the wearing of the wire that's the real crime as he Linda Tripp records conversations with her former friend Monica after her affair with the President, breaking her trust in the process, even if she's convinced (or at least trying to convince herself) that she's doing the right thing with her own victim mentality. Get the Emmy's ready for her and Beanie. Because in a fall of some fantastic television (see the 'A Most Violent Year' reunion of best actor and actress in the biz Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain's remake of the Swedish 'Scenes From A Marriage' in HBO for a most subtly emotionally violent household), Paulson is perfect in nailing all the nuances as Linda is tripping at how she thinks she's not in the wrong. But credit to actor and muse for showing the humanity behind everyone in this fake world were we feel we can create ourselves in our own image like plastic surgery, no matter how many lines they can see. Tony theatre winning and 'Masters Of Sex' actress and her SNL boyfriend Annaleigh Ashford is perfect to as Paula Jones, whose Clinton story needs to be told too. Much like the concluding part which shows us "another Clinton victim" and a much deeper and darker one as a now apathetic world wants to turn over to the Grammy's and is actually more devastated that they missed the end of that performance. Whilst pulling the strings in the background like 'The Godfather' puppet an even more unrecognisable than Paulson, Margo Martindale brings the fire as literary agent Lucianne Goldberg, looking for a bigger scoop and payday than the papers can make, by the book. Add Tom's son Colin Hanks giving some humanity to the Star investigators whilst pops is playing with robots and dogs as 'Finch' on Apple TV. Plus a scene stealing Billy 'On The Street' Eichner as The Drudge and another chamelonic actress in Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. veteran Cobie Smulders slipping into the skin of her character like an agent, for some of the best things about this show. But once 'The Sopranos' star Edi Falco steps in as Hilary Clinton half-way through the series and in turn steps up the show, it's truly on. And it's really her moment like the polls turning to this American political powerhouse who is stronger standing on her own two like the opposite of her Presidential running motto. Who cares about her emails Trump? This is someone who got flack for standing by her man, even off Tammy Wynette (but to be fair, she started it), but still stood pat. The man in question? Well who else to play Bill Clinton than Clive Owen? What?! The British actor who was once going to be the next James Bond? Well under all that make-up, one hell of a prosthetic nose and an accent that accelerates past all the perfect comedic impressions, Clive Owen IS Bill Clinton. And not just looking and sounding the part he brings even more conflicitons to this complex character and figure in American history for the record. His side is shared, its only right to give him his due and his day, because you best believe like the Royal Family and 'The Crown', he'll be watching, but certainly not enjoying this like 'The West Wing'. But the real story that needs to be told and is belongs to Monica and all the women like the other Clinton's that were wronged. And this is what makes this crimes story one all American's must investigate. Because there's no land of the free without the truth set in the right direction. All for a powerful land that losing its way needs to stop grabbing the you know what's and actually get to grips with itself. Impeach that! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The People vs. OJ. Simpson: American Crime Story', 'The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story', 'The Crown'. 

REVIEW: FINCH

3.5/5

Robot & Hanks.

115 Mins. Starring: Tom Hanks, Caleb Landry Jones & Seamus as Goodyear (and he's a good boy too). Director: Miguel Sapochnik. 

Matt Damon. According to TIME magazine, movies once upon a time most marketable leading man has cost Hollywood in excess of $900 million in just trying to save him alone. No wonder the industry is in decline. Movies like 'Courage Under Fire', 'Syriana' and SPOILER cameo alert, 'Interstellar' amongst many, many...MANY more. Now after saving his ass in 'Saving Private Ryan' (but did he earn this?), along with saving the day in 'Apollo 13', 'Sully', 'Greyhound' and 'Captain Phillips' (by 'Bourne' director Paul Greengrass, who also gave us 'Green Zone'...ANOTHER MOVIE ABOUT SAVING MATT DAMON!), 'America's Dad' Tom Hanks pays homage to Matt's lost on Mars 'Martian' in orange spacesuit Easter Egg on his person. Complete with a dirt-bike helmet that doesn't have the same astronaut Buzz as the one he popped off of Tim Allen's plastic head. All for a post-apocalyptic film were he needs a little saving himself as 'Finch'. An Apple TV movie following his Netflix 'News Of The World' one for another new streaming studio that's about to give you 'Philadelphia' co-star Denzel Washington's 'Tragedy Of Macbeth' with Frances McDormand. On deaths door with no one knocking around in the world no more, it's a good job Hanks' character has a dog unlike 'John Wick' (at least he's got a pencil) and a robot like Frank Langella. Looking halfway between the toolbox of a Johnny 5 'Short Circuit' and Neil Blomkamp's (who gave us 'Elysium', another movie about Matt Dam...ah, forget it) 'Chappie' for these batteries not included. Just call it an electric Wilson for a man who's come a long way from being 'Cast Away' with volleyballs. Don't be jealous my red blooded and faced friend, at least you got the new NBA gig over Spalding. Take that, dentist! 

Get your teeth into this one. Whilst Hanks' son Colin is questioning Monica Lewinsky in 'Impeachment', the latest 'American Crime Story', America's Dad shows us he's still got it like 'Forrest Gump' and 'The Green Mile'. Even if his character is terminal like being stuck in an airport for days on end. Going round and round like 'Sully' looking for an airstrip before landing it ON the Hudson, this post apocalyptic theme of one man alone has been done to death. Ashes to ashes, dust to more dust like the baguette in the shopping bag of Rob Lowe taking on an 'Attack Of The Hollywood Cliché' for Netflix. The leading streaming service last Christmas even giving us George Clooney staring at the 'Midnight Sky' for what seemed like an eternity. But when it comes to one Turner and his Hooch, we could watch Captain American Dad, Tom all day. Especially when he's making friends with objects that are more than just "YOU ARE A TOY" like the new Chris Evans 'Lightyear' for Pixar. And this one isn't inanimate. Voiced by the Banshee of 'First Class' X-Men actor Caleb Landry Jones ('Get Out', 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri') who last month had his own album out ('The Mother Stone' follow-up 'Gadzooks Vol. 1'). The unmistakable vocal assist being undeniable next to the lovable like 'WALL-E' robot that is far from a heap of metal or hunk of junk in this new earth wasteland. Although the only person who says sorry more than him is...well...me (my apologies). 

Solar flares reducing earth to a crisp were you can't go anywhere without that sunblock Linda Hamilton calmly advised you to wear in the 'Judgement Day' of 'Terminator 2', Hanks is handy at carrying movies like this on his own. When the world now is populated with less people than the 'I Am Legend' mannequins that here would be obliterated like the ones in nuclear testing. It's lucky Tom's 'Finch' has someone to talk to in a more than capable Caleb who gives us humanity to his metal skeleton like a mo-cap or duffel jacket worn for effect. Still in 'Game Of Thrones' and 'Repo Men' (what a sci-fi harvested concept for your eyes...and the rest of your organs to behold) director Miguel Sapochnik's delightful little movie about the end of the world it's Seamus the dog who really makes his Goodyear character worthy of an Ice Cube blimp. Eddie from 'Frasier', the real 'Artist' of said black and white film and all of 'Beethoven's' slobbery compositions. No one barks better. The top dog...and the most adorable of all. But tell me, where is his ball? This science fiction genre just got a lot of lovely heart with this one and the most genuine everyman in this dirty game and scorched earth, world at woe. Like Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifianakis and the masturbating pooch Sonny (guess which ones the robot) trying to make it to the Grand Canyon in 'Due Date', Hanks and Co are trying to make it to San Francisco like an 'Escape From Alcatraz' for the best road movie this year disguised as much more like Clint Eastwood's 'Cry Macho'. Heading to the bridge that's been over more troubled water than Simon and Garfunkel before the split in the Golden Gate that's been a character in more apocalyptic films than vagabonds with trolleys you do not want to check out (see Hanks' old friend Denzel in 'The Book Of Eli' for the memories. Beneath this ultraviolet radiated ozone layer is a much warmer movie that will not burn you. 'Finch' is the gold. Now if someone could just save Matt Damon from 'The Last Duel' (a good movie, but do you really want to go up against Kylo Ren in a sword fight?). There's a good boy and here's a good movie. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Robot & Frank', 'Chappie', 'Cast Away'. 

REVIEW: ETERNALS

3.5/5

Eternal Land. 

157 Mins. Starring: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek & Angelina Jolie. Director: Chloé Zhao. 

BTS existing in the MCU (now that's one team of heroes I want to see assemble). Batman and Superman too (with no explicit mention to them being fictional. Maybe one day we will have the ultimate comic crossover). Even a 'Star Wars' colouring book staying inside the Disney lines of this multi-verse before 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' messes with the spell. Not to mention the first sex scene in a Marvel movie and even more groundbreaking, the first gay kiss. And let's not even get started on those incredible, game changing post-credits scene we wish we could. Forget about BTS for a second (fellow ARMY forgive me). So, who cares if this is one of the lowest rating and reviewed Marvel products. I loved 'Thor-The Dark World' (yeah I said it, it truly had 'Game Of Thrones' director vibes) and I love this. And it deserves its place on the big-screen like that 'Inhumans' pilot for another team that didn't get a big enough voice amongst all the Avengers and those 'Fantastic' Emily Blunt and John Krasinski rumors that are now being kept in a quiet place. The M.C.U. always had more teams than the NBA to play with in the sandbox and now with 'No Time To Die' and even more movies than Bond they can show-off that more than one group of Hollywood A-listers can have a license to CGI overkill it. Picking up for any plodding plot pandering for fan service and coming correct with the inclusive inspirations for much more than a ride with the box-ticking crowd. Label this one as Marvel's most moving and world embracing, game changing. Even if some territories have banned it due to the franchises refusal to cut the scene with the kiss. Like worldwide icon and global ambassador Angelina Jolie says it best, "I'm proud of Marvel." You can't help walk the path of equality without having a few stand in your way. Forget the hate. They always come for it anyway. They said that 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ring' was "an experiment" and "not worth the risk" in these COVID times. Than that film became the new 'Black Panther' for Asia, making Wakandan money. They'll say that 'Songs My Brothers Taught Me' and 'Daughters' director Chloé Zhao can't handle Hollywood stars and "real" actors, but how about what this visionary director did with her Oscar winning 'Nomadland' and Frances McDormand (and just look at how she handles real, earned emotion in 'The Rider'). They'll still cite Spielberg and Scorsese cape fear again in spite. But despite all this, Marvel is Eternal. 

"Well...that's just lazy writing." Cue the Ryan Reynolds 'Deadpool 2' fourth-wall break scene and now meme. World wars, Thanos, Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man dancing (it's canon now right?). They were never meant to interfere. This immortal race of alien 'Eternals' are older and more indestructible than Thor, even if they aren't friends from work...yet. And check out all the pretty CGI colour in gold lace like a 'Strange' spell or realms of 'Dark World' bi-frost neon before 'Ragnarok'. All as they arrive on an 'Independence Day' stunting ship that looks like the worlds coolest paperweight. These heroes in comic stance were only meant to protect the world from Deviants (no not the social ones you see everyday online). The Celestisl Arishem told, Ajak, Sersi, Ikaris, Kingo, Sprite, Phastos, Makkari, Druig, Gilgamesh, and Thena so. Besides they have bigger things to deal with like Goliath giants that world eating big look somewhere between an 'X-Men' Sentinel and what it will  convincly cinematically look like on the big IMAX screen when Marvel finally get to unleash Galactus on all the planets he'll pop like Skittles. Now taste THAT rainbow, children! Not to mention their own family drama coming to a Christmas table near you soon. As in a much needed break of levity one character breaks a table in half with "ANOTHER" Thor moment of classic comedy from Marvel. Between the heavy lifting of epic amounts of exposition explaining and round the table introductions for a superteam bigger than most K-pop groups (most), Zhao has fun with this Marvel land once given the green light like a 'Squid Game' doll turning its back to you (for now). All for some of the most amazing action and evoking emotion ever seen in a Marvel movie that moves in more ways than above ground. From Babylon to London and one beautiful Bollywood show in between. There's even one mesmerizing moment were a double-decker red bus in Camden doing its best 'Dark Knight' truck flip impression is turned into poppies before it can do anyone any damage. Even the driver survives (unlike all the people that led to the 'Civil War'), brushing his shoulders off and walking away to live another day with a story to tell. 

How about we meet these avenging aliens come guardians like angels for this galaxy? How about Gemma Chan to lead these 'Humans' coming to terms with their place on earth? The 'Crazy Rich Asians' star is a mega one in her own right coming into her stage here after graduating from a bit part in 'Captain Marvel'. This is a whole new character in the same world and she deserves it like former Marvel co-torch bearers like Killmonger Michael B. Jordan and Chris Evans' Cap...albeit they were different studios before the Marvel merger. Meanwhile doing his best Superman (he shoots lasers from both eyes, no Cyclops) meets Winter Soldier impression 'The Bodyguard' (no not that one) and 'Rocket Man' star that will always love her like Elton John will star spangles, Richard Madden is maddening in middling intensity of mannerisms in this 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Game Of Thrones' that tries to get all Shakespearean on us in the park. Because Jon Snow himself-who let's on more than he knows-Kit Harington (sidelined, but saddled there for a reason) is a local boy knight in shining armour that wishes he could be her king too. But it's 'Stuber' actor and podcaster Kumail Nanjiani and character actor favourite Harish Patel as his lovable valet that steal the show and do their own camerawork. Nanjiani handling the emotional heavy lifting like he has been doing in the weight room, along with the humour. And it's 'Totem' star Lia McHugh as Sprite with Tinkerbell like wishes for her Peter Pan that let's this soul fly too. Meanwhile Brian Tyree Henry brings the beating heart of family and that all-inclusive Marvel Hollywood eternal embrace to his character whilst the 'Godzilla vs Kong', 'Into The Spider-Verse' and 'Joker' actor co-stars of 'Atlanta' Zazie Beetz and Lakeith Stanfield come just as big in Netflix's all-black western 'The Harder They Fall'. 'Eternals' has soul like that 90's British pop group before the Spice Girls and before Louise became Mrs. Redknapp. It belongs to the faster than Flash Lauren Ridloff for your speeding bullets that this fall sees the 'Resurrections' return of 'The Matrix'. 'The Walking Dead' stars deaf character will mean so much for young kids looking up to her for inspiration and to see themselves in a hero. Whilst her close bond with Barry Keoghan (the 'Dunkirk' star who owned 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer') is amongst our favourite things in this film...and that's under no mind control. Still, for all the heroes hired here, it's 'Train To Busan' South Korean star Don Lee who you must catch for his scene stealing and bruised soul performance that packs a wallop. Just don't drink his beer. The beautiful brute forming the friendship of a Hulk and Widow like bond with legend Angelina Jolie who absolutely kicks ass of one of the biggest actors this MCU studio copped like a vanishing cameo for the fourth wall and ball breaker who now calls Disney home like a 'Free Guy'. If that wasn't enough another icon in the form of Salma Hayek maintains a mothering presence throughout her legend here. With more stars than the Walk of Fame, what more could you want for this superhero landing that can even crack a concrete heart? Toxicity on Twitter and such dictates a dialogue of hate. Just look at the Hollywood stars of the Lakers. But real fans stay loyal to the gold. And that is something in this world of cape tugging criticism that will always ring true. To those who still believe in heroes, Marvel are eternally yours. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Inhumans', 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', 'Nomadland'. 

REVIEW: THE HARDER THEY FALL

4/5

The Bigger They Come.

139 Mins. Starring: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans Jr., DaWanda Wise & Michael Beach. Director: Jeymes Samuel. 

C. A. Boseman. The name of the late, great, 'Black Panther' and '42', 'Get On Up', 'Marshall' and 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' actor (were he was nominated for a posthumous Oscar, but was bested by Anthony Hopkins' 'The Father', which I watched for the first time this week and it floored me as not only a powerful performance but solidarity to those struggling. Sir Anthony deserved every award). The beautiful name of a soul as such who gave us so much in so little time and had so much more to show is painted on the side of a train carriage he more than Easter egg owns like the land around him in beautiful tribute for this neo look of the old west. "While the events of this story are fictional" the start of Jeymes Samuel's sensational and massive mainstream movie begins. "These. People. Existed." Full stop. In more ways than one. Referencing 'Django', but becoming even more 'Unchained' than that Tarantino movie-no Leo DiCaprio-for the ultimate Black Western that truly matters and even blazes saddles at Mel Brooks comedy classic. Nincompoop. Nit. No N word is welcome here and will be met with a bullet like The Bullitts of this great British singer/songwriter Samuel who can now add "Hollywood director" to his resume. One who most recently got behind the directors lens for the 2017 'Legacy' Jay-Z documentary. Shawn Carter himself also serves and executive producer as well as curating one hell of a classic soundtrack dubbed, 'The Harder They Come'. As his and Kid Cudi's 'Guns Go Bang' six-shooter sets off the start of this picture and the Bond intro rivalling opening credits that introduce us to the rival gangs in this epic saloon that will soon become cult as well as historic folklore. And if that wasn't enough you'll get some of the best songs you've heard from Ms. Lauryn Hill ('Black Woman'), the voice of Cee-Lo Green ('Blackskin Mile') and the Verzuz duel winner Jadakiss of The Lox (who assists Jay amongst others on the posse cut, 'King Kong Riddim' that beats its chest with pride). Not to mention other soul-stirring standards that gives this cinematic masterpiece more mesmerizing moments across the plains of your laptop and smartphone screens as it deserves to be in the saloon of a grander theatre. 'The Harder They Fall' is the biggest they come. 

Strong Black Leads strong arm the Netflix movie of the year. Assembling more avenging legend than the Lakers in Los Angeles, California for your La LA Land city of stars. With a cross carved into his forehead by an inglorious bastard, Boseman's 'Da 5 Bloods' co-star reuniting with more Jonathan Majors is MAJOR. You're going to remember the name of this 'Loki' and forthcoming 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania' (how about Bill Murray being in the M.C.U. too? Grandest since Goldblum) Marvel. The One Who Remains? Nah! More than that. We know him as Kang the Conqueror. A Marvel villain so legendary he could even make Thanos bend to his will at the snap of his fingers. The 'Lovecraft Country', 'White Boy Rick' and 'The Last Black Man In San Francisco' actor amazes amongst all the Academy company and duelling Western heroes that have rocked a stetson before him. From Jamie Foxx to the spaghetti of Clint Eastwood. He won't be denied as he rides. Breaking the fourth wall to look at us right between the eyes singing a spiritual and holding on to the lasting note of the fact that "that fear from me. Is in a distant view". You better believe it! "WHOO!" He's not the only one making his name amongst all the Oscar's in this gold standard. How about 'Me, Earl and the Dying Girl', 'Power Rangers' and 'Scream' star RJ Cyler, "lightning with the blam, blams"? Spinning with swagger, no kid has been a hell of a shot better since a young Leonardo in 'The Quick and The Dead' Sharon Stone led ensemble. But then again maybe 'Watchmen' and 'Being Mary Jane' star Danielle Deadwyler dead-eye shoots straighter, as she has us all fooled and captivated with her passion and vision. Not to mention at one point coming into shot with an even more epic look than a superhero landing, akin to an 'Untouchable' Union Station Andy Garcia. 'Into The Badlands' the Darwin of a 'First Class' and a little wasted X-Men actor Edi Gathegi gives us more in the scope from the rooftops ike Lee Byung-hun and 'Training Day' and 'The Guilty' superstar Ethan Hawke reuniting with Denzel Washington for Antoine Fuqua's game-changing 'The Magnificent Seven' remake on a set we are sure is the same. Whilst 'Black-ish' veteran Deon Cole also rounds out and up a class cast featuring Netflix Spike Lee series remake of 'She's Gotta Have It', Nola Darling herself, DeWanda Wise and 'Third Watch' and 'Aquaman' underrated actor Michael Beach who both set the stage perfectly, leaving us charged for the rest of the movie. There's even a Wayans brother too. Damon Wayans Jr. continuing to make his own name everytime he comes harder in this fall. 

"2021 is the year I play cowboys", 'Concrete' Netflix one, Idris Elba tells us. And the 'Luther-an' who with those inner city blues and his blockbuster holler of 'The Suicide Squad' is on another year of his career after coming back from the COVID-19 of 2020. And to think the Bond rumoured agent is yet to put back on his red tie and tweed overcoat for the feature length 'Luther' film. He is a burgundy blazer and a brimstone of firey hate with hell to pay, as his character bonds this movie the moment he is freed from the quarantine tombstone cell of his chains. Slow-motion strolling through a melee of ball bearings and splintered wood on the greatest of all train robberies, this Gunslinger owns this picture with 'Dark Tower' precision and a new definitive of darkness and danger to his craft down the wire. He's a coiled spring of a fuse lit with venom that's ready to gun down anyone in the street of broad daylight at a moments notice like Denzel did his character in 'American Gangster' (c'mon, its been more than a decade). Now 'If Beale Street Could Talk' it would tell you that Oscar winner and Los Angeles times Union Station bubbled host Regina King earns her spurs and place amongst all these other crowning achievements. The 'One Night In Miami' director of legends like Ali, Malcolm, Cooke, Brown and other young Kings brings the heat and the odd-job of a bowler hat as iconic as her 'Watchmen' get-up. She has her work cut-out for her though with 'Atlanta's' very own Zazie Beetz. The 'High Flying Bird' of Netflix hoops and both 'The Joker' and 'Deadpool 2' Domino makes her own luck the minute she hammer the but of a shotgun on her stage that she holds as she scene steals. And the bucking back-shot of that blunderbuss serves as its own set-piece character throughout this film. Her ATL co-star and  'Selma', 'Straight Outta Compton', 'Get Out', 'Sorry To Bother You' and 'Jesus and the Black Messiah' one Lakeith Stanfield also sharp shoots some support, but did you ever think you would hate this guy? Sorry to break it to you, but this is just how good an actor Stanfield is. Now is that everybody you could think of for this epic ensemble of black icons in avengance for one of the most important movies of the month, year, decade and even century when it comes to this genre? No?! What, you wanted more like Benedict Wong in another Marvel movie (shout out to his karaoke scene in 'Shang-Chi'. There's plenty of room at the 'Hotel California')? Then how about 'Get Shorty' and 'The Good Fight' of Delroy Lindo that is the law in this movie? Did you miss him? Because he should have got his nomination for his fourth Spike Lee film ('Malcolm X', 'Crooklyn', 'Clockers') 'Da 5 Bloods', forget flowers. But reuniting in a major way with Jonathan after their emotional embrace of da 'Bloods' blew up (how about the acting mined in that explosive rope-pull last year?) Lindo is another big reason we've been excited for this movie the moment the terrific trailer dropped all the big names in bullets and blood. The only titles more legendary are the real cowboys, lawmen and outlaws of the 19th century American West that are honoured here. Its been far too long a time, but as Majors' Nat Love rob's a bank in literally the whitest town you have seen he remarks with a ironic smirk, "times sure have changed." Haven't they? Let's hope they continue to do so more as the years ride on to the sunset of a new hero, before the dawn of a brand new day after this emotional. And evoking end. Because this fall, no movie comes harder. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Da 5 Bloods', 'Concrete Cowboy', 'Django Unchained'.