TV REVIEW: OZARK - Season 4 (Part 1)

4/5

The Place Beyond The Pines. 

7 Episodes. Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Charlie Tahan, Lisa Emery, Jessica Frances Dukes, Joseph Sikora, Damian Young, Adam Rothenberg, Alfonso Herrera & Felix Solis. Created By: Bill Dubuque & Mark Williams. 

Lady Macbeth themes run rampant in Hollywood like the black and white toil and trouble of Frances McDormand in Denzel Washington and the Academy's ear for Joel Cohen's 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' on Apple TV. Like a movie star is born, Lady Gaga in Ridley Scott's all star crime caper draped in fashion for 'House Of Gucci'. Jessica Chastain's 'Scenes From A Marriage' with Oscar Isaac for 'A Most Violent Year'. And Marion Cotillard and Michael Fassbender in...erm, 'Macbeth'. But nothing quite has the hold like Laura Linney on Jason Bateman in Netflix's 'Ozark'. Whose fourth season debuted its first part last week on the streaming service moving more account money than laundry. Just watch as she brings it to your door in a bathrobe. The 'Primal Fear' monger sitting on the front lawn, hair still wet because she just took a shower. Driving home her sinister streak with a piercing look that with cruel condescension in its intention tells you to breathe like Denzel's Alonzo in 'Training Day'. What's going on here? As if we'd tell. But if you think that's the worst of Wendy's wicked ways, then wake up. Because by the end of these seven seals and deals you'll really be shaken to the core by what this couple still linking arms hands out. Stirring and compelling, but not spoiling like 'Spider-Man' we will tread carefully around these strands of plot like Netflix not revealing when the second part of this final season of Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams' redneck woods masterpiece will drop like more characters than 'Game Of Thrones'. Although Jason Bateman told Kimmel it's "kinda soon". Promising a satisfying conclusion for those still bewildered by 'Mad Men' and 'Soprano's'. In writing this in this age of social media ruin we won't even reveal a single thing from any of the seasons, just in case you haven't started this series yet. We're not milk. We don't spoil. We will leave you to the four clues that always begin this mighty 'O' picture perfectly. But if you haven't begun as of yet, start streaming today. Trust me (sis). This writer knew to last summer. Even though one episode a day in this binge age culture is what the doctor ordered to keep the darkness away. Now what we will tell you is this. From the moment the Byrd family flew the Chicago coop and looked out from up on the hill to this beautiful forest encompassing lake view vista. One that hid ugly truths like this was their kingdom to be with one hell of a price. All as Radiohead played perfectly. We haven't looked back. 

Neither should you. In a show that has more surprises than birthdays as it blews everybody's candles out. In an empire state of mind that has you pulled back in just when you thought you were out like Pacino. Hooah! This show has featured powerful performances from everyone from a former right hand of Netflix's 'Iron Fist', to the guy that couldn't pee out of the Subway doors when John Travolta held him hostage in 'The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3'. And all this madness is still mesmerising in a mid-season break before the finale in this place that plays like the most epic cliffhanger beyond the pines. You'll be shocked to the core as screams blow houses down like the blunderbuss of a wolf's spitting roar. All directed in this falling house of cards by Netflix's own Robin Wright. Who even gives us a masterpiece in the making with those stirring strings of haunting violins scoring the final frame character shot of the penultimate episode to this first part. One that you know is about to calm before the storm catalyst set off a powder keg...which doesn't disappoint. First Bryce Dallas Howard giving 'Star Wars' gold like C-3PO with everything she touches in a galaxy far, far away. From 'The Mandalorian', to the best chapter in 'The Book Of Boba Fett'. And now this. Don't call the 'Blade Runner 2049' and 'Wonder Woman' standout Jenny from 'Forrest Gump' or a 'Princess Bride'. Peas and carrots, this is justice for Wright like all her hands on the final deck of the Spacey-less season in 'House'. Linney's look like her already amazing legacy she redmade here is legendary. The perfect partner and sometimes foil next to the 'Arrested Development' of Jason Bateman, who is now known for this and doing everything he can to keep his family alive...and thriving. As tense as the couple of times he tried to kill his 'Horrible Bosses' with Charlie Day and 'Ted Lasso' was rib-tickling. But don't be fooled by his sarcastically calm demeanour, dialled up to 11 here, tapping our chilled spines. His snake-oil charm is just tap dancing around a cobra ready to strike with all the venom in its bite. Let there be cabin in the woods carnage. 

Passion, power and pain in all its punctuation are brought to you by the series standout and scene stealer Julia Garner, just outside the family. Worthy of all the praise the Emmy winner is garnering, 'The Assistant' Julia is set to hit big again with Netflix right about now with the compelling 'Inventing Anna'. And under her own invention the actress whose character will inspire many a friend to get the blonde frizz like a middle American Rachel, has been known to hustle and work two games at the same time. Just like she does in this show. Yet, it's the coming of age of Skylar Gaertner that is the real major left turn that keeps this series alive this season. With his sisters keeper Sofia Hublitz holding it down with more in store like those Killer Mike rumours. Hold the soundtrack and run those jewels. Still, the hick heart of Charlie Tahan (let's see more from a full grown Three in the completed Season 4) and the iconic villainy of Lisa Emery, who has shotgun swept more people off their feet than a Cupid arrow and their own morals and code that will shock and awe you this time out. Add Jessica Francis Dukes by the beaten and foxing, yellow paged book's agent copping more heat. Damian Young lawyering up to a whole new bar passing level. And Joseph Sikora's piercing eyes doing more with a pivotal scene than most have done in seasons, and everyone is getting fleshed out this season. No matter who ends up in the body bags, morgue, or neighbourhood crematorium. Burning with rage like Felix Solis' sensationally sinister head of the cartel. But will some roll this season? As there is new blood in the form of Alfonso Herrea's erratic wildcard and Adam Rothenberg's coke sidelined cop and P.I. for hire, sniffing around like a magnum moustache. He just wants a signature as this show delivers. And to think we're only halfway through this beginning of the end. The 'Succession' of this show, that will make you 'Dopesick' with how much corruption pushes drugs like prescription, is too good to be called a poor man's 'Breaking Bad'. This is the new danger. Most definitely. The one knock, knock, knocking at your white picket fenced door. It's a tapped leaflet for tourists to make their way to the Ozarks for vacation once the pandemic lifts. Now as we wait for the last stand in 'Ozark' and wonder if we'll ever see those baby bobcats Ruth set free in season one claw their way back in, full grown, one things for sure. Even in this modern share game of cryptocurrency, you should never launder money. Even if you leave a few dollars in your jeans during a wash. This house always wins. Nothing like this ever gets out clean. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Breaking Bad', 'Succession', 'Dopesick'. 

REVIEW: HOUSE OF GUCCI

 

4/5

The Assassination of House of Gucci.

158 Mins. Starring: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Jack Huston, Reeve Carney, Jeremy Irons & Al Pacino. Director: Ridley Scott. 

Gucci's main selling point is prestige to the two gold G's. In Ridley Scott's latest movie with Adam Driver in a matter of months (see the outstandingly overlooked, 'Rashomon' inspired 'The Last Duel', reuniting the lens of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon with the swords of Nicole Holofcener and Jodie Comer), regarding characters with morals so loose they could do with some chain mail or cufflinks, one quote puts it perfectly. Ralph Lauren is like "a movie set". Versace "a rock concert". But the empire of Gucci, mayne (word to Terrence Howard)? Well this, darling is "the Vatican of fashion". And in refining Sara Gay Forden's revolutionary biography ('The House Of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed'), the great Scott known for his sprawling sci-fi epics like 'Alien, 'Blade Runner' and 'The Martian', switches to his other 'All The Money In The World' side of direction with the ideal 'Succession' to that movie that and a perfect partner to the hottest show on TV right now that plays like 'The Assassination Of Gianni Versace' for this American Crime Story. You may know Gucci like fashion designer and 'A Single Man' and 'Nocturnal Animals' director Tom Ford (who is played perfectly here by Broadway's Reeve Carney), but until you watch this has to be seen to even remotely be believed true story, you won't be able to tell the difference between what's real and what's a knock off. No matter who calls it "a replica". A melodrama befitting of 'The Godfather', this even has the legendary Al Pacino uttering the infamous "how could you do this to me" line, using his signature shouting instrument to Italiano operatic, grand and magnificent proportions. You know what he says, just when he thought he was out, they pull him back in like the seams of a stunning suit. This is the most fashionable fun since an Emmy worthy Ewan McGregor kept cursing Calvin Klein like DiCaprio Benihana in Scorsese's 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' as 'Halston' in last years Netflix miniseries tailor made for this trapped in the closet of the bygone 90's, just like this. But when it comes to styling this family tragedy with a Lady Macbeth like Frances McDormand in the centrepiece, how about the latest reborn star made for the catwalk?

Haus cosmetics may be pop superstar Lady Gaga's way of giving the world make-up that is socially conscious, vegan and cruelty free, but 'House Of Gucci' is the movie that confirms the 'A Star Is Born' Oscar winner is truly just as real an actor as she is a singer proving the powerhouse of a soundtrack. She already stole the show like Streisand in the the Bradley Cooper starring directing debut, but now after doubling up in duet with classic crooner Tony Bennett again for 'Love For Sale', the unstoppable, multiple, generational talent is back with another iconic look. As seductive in silk as the Gucci name she betrothes herself with, Gaga has some crazy competition in this year's Academy. The 'Passing' double-threat of Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson, double winner McDormand knocking on Oscar's door from 'Nomadland'. Jessica Chastain's 'Eyes Of Tammy Faye'. 'The Power Of The Dog' in Kirsten Dunst. 'The Lost Daughter' of Olivia Colman. Jennifer Hudson's 'Respect' of Aretha Franklin. Still, if there's anyone this time that could take out this competition like the were trash it's Stefani Germanotta's full embodiment of Patrizia Reggiani in a revolutionary biography. Tapping her espresso cup with unethical, but fair authority. But in this grand design of crime, all sinner, no saint like Newark, no one gets away clean in this cut, down this Perdition like road were "none of us will see heaven" like Paul Newman once told a gangster Tom Hanks. With a cable-knit Captain America would literally kill for, 'Star Wars' star Adam Driver is tempted by the dark side once again. And the deeper he goes this could just be one of the 'Marriage Story' and 'Paterson' renowned actors greatest performances in all its bespectacle. Like the sound of 'Silence' with Andrew Garfield. 'BlackKklansman', 'Logan Lucky' or his latest 'Duel' with Scott and Matt Damon. Yet it's when the young love of Gaga and Driver flirts up a storm in the early 80's and dance floor scenes that these two really cut a rug and set it all alight in movie magic. To the 'Scarface' crack soundtrack and lipstick digits on the windshield of a moped that will truly wipe you out. What a shame that loves young dream defers and becomes the tragedy of ageing not so gracefully in this bitter earth, where there are more backhanded deals than there is compliments. These two may go well together, but at the break of this you'll find what really suits them both...down to the scorched earth ground. One that wham, bam, thank you, ma'am turns into a frozen tundra of last Christmas, I gave you my heart. And to think George Michael played at their wedding. I thought you were talking about having faith? Suit yourself, sir. 

Bald cap, bloated and the best moustachioso sports jacket racquet since David Schwimmer looked like David Seaman in 'The Iceman', friends. You have never seen Jared Leto like this. He may be 50, but this Keanu like vampire looks nothing like this. The Joker with Bale's of weight next to Pacino like a raging bull or 'Chapter 27' of his own real Hollywood story. The 30 Seconds To Mars leading man making his own music stealing the show. It's 'The Little Things' with this amazing actor. Like his vision in 'Blade Runner 2049', his criminally underrated Clown Prince of Crime (see Snyder cutting him in on his 'Justice League' rebirth) and what he brought to Japan as 'The Outsider'. The axed 'American Psycho', 'Fight Club' and 'Requiem For A Dream' star already took the Oscar home for his 'Dallas Buyers Club' transformation. Yet here,all Italian hand gestures and hilarious, but lovable idiocracy, you can't even tell it's him like Jo(h)n Voight in 'Ali'. It's his greatest impression since said 'Morbius' Marvel vampire uttered the "I'm Venom" line meta hilariously. Signs of a true thesp with method to his madness. Now we can't wait for his 'Tron: Legacy'. He's in legendary company with 'The Irishman' turned Italian in a paunched Pacino as well, giving us his greatest hit in years. And we're talking going Irish too. This, his De Niro reunion on Netflix and 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' being to the Winter of his career what 'The Panic In Needle Park', 'Serpico' and my all-time favourite movie 'Dog Day Afternoon' were to the Spring, or 'Scent Of A Woman', 'Carlito's Way' and 'Heat' to his Summer. Add an iron strong Jeremy Irons looking like the Hollywood legend of Old that he is to the pencil cigarette moustache almost as thin as the hold he has on his company or own son. And Salma Hayek on the mystic, 'Eternal' year of her career in a performance worthy of the poster. And Ridley's ravishing real life retelling is as all star as courtside celebrities who can avoid to drop a couple of G's on a pair of them. But it's the right hand man and household name of Jack Huston who has always been around ('Boardwalk Empire', 'American Hustle') who really leaves a mark. It feels like he's one film away from truly hitting the big-time of his name being in lights with the likes of Driver and Gaga. And this could be it. We believe this as much as we can't comprehend that this 'Cruella' cruel, terrific and terrible story is true. Crossing ourselves, hand to right shoulder, left and then heart. In the name of the father, son and 'House Of Gucci'. Ciao, bella. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Last Duel', 'All The Money In The World', 'A Star Is Born'. 

BOOK REVIEW: WILL SMITH - WILL

 

4/5

When There's A Will.

West Philadelphia, born and raised. Will Smith doesn't have to start his autobiography this way to sell books. But I do, so f...wait a minute. I'm not Eminem. Want to know why the man who won the first rap Grammy (alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff) doesn't cuss in his raps (apart from one powerful moment with Mary J. Blige demanding 'Tell Me Why', albeit with a bleeped censor)? Want to talk about "the only reason your a## went to Miami", becoming a 'Bad Boy' and the King of the fourth of July like 'Independence Day', as this new 'Man In Black' cashed in on movies and music, sometimes at the same "here come the" damn time? Want to go for a battle of Will's when most tricks are unarmed? Or even learn why he throws up after orgasm (WHAT?!). Then pick up the Agent Smith who turned down 'The Matrix' and still became the one's memoirs for recent showbiz memory. And 'Will' yourself to read all about one of the most epic lives in all of entertainment across genres and platforms. Or listen to the audiobook accompaniment, narrated and rapped by the man himself in all its "whoo's", "haha's" and scoring sound effects. Closing with a real new rap for the record. From a Bel-Air mansion to a YouTube star in every home and all the Fresh Prince's and Big Willie's in between that had hilarious consequences for the British press and fan base. Nothing says cocky like "big d### weekend." But for all the hallmark hubris that never segues into arrogance despite his charismatic charm, Will is missing one of those from his head. 'Bad Boys', 'Independence Day', 'Men In Black', 'Enemy Of The State', ('Wild Wild West' (open bracket, we actually love it, like 'Bagger Vance'), 'Ali', the 'MIB' and 'Bad Boys' sequel (whatcha gonna do?), 'I, Robot', 'Shark Tale', 'Hitch', 'The Pursuit Of Happyness', 'I Am Legend', 'Hancock'. He may start off some chapters by listing off his decade plus reign as a Hollywood king (and that's before the music) and how much all those movies made grossly like we don't have IMDB, or he doesn't know how to read the room of who's reading his book. But believe me he's as self aware as the road leading to some of his longest highways to hell have been paved with good intentions. The central theme of 'Will' is that nothing is more important than love and family and getting and more importantly keeping both of those that are one in the same, dear reader has nothing to do with how much you make in terms of money or grand gestures (see a certain birthday gift). Even if you have the will like Smith, there needs to be a better way. 

The man that saved the world almost as many times as he saved the box office will show you the way, but you have to open that door, or in this case, turn that page. Giving you the 'Green Lights' like Matthew McConaughey's 2020 autobiography. This is akin to his good friend Tyrese Gibson's 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way' self help or Keith B. Real of 'Big Willie Style' himself, 'Ali' cornerman Jamie Foxx also releasing a memoir of what really matters last fall with 'Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me'. If you think you've had your fill of cinder block books, it's time to lay another brick. Save stories with the 'Ali' crew in Africa, the line learning between him and the late, great James Avery during that iconic "how come he don't want me, man" 'Fresh Prince' scene that has been meme'd and bastardised every time LeBron James fails to win a ring and the time he was so method he fell in love with Stockard Channing on the set of 'Six Degrees Of Separation'. There's not much in the way of 'Will' towards behind the scenes back-ups to those bodacious, braggadocious box-office boasts. But it's not tricking if you got it. And we are still treated to tales from the 'He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper' Jazzy Jeff days and the real reason Townes was thrown out the crib every time he rocked that gold shirt in the house. We also get inspired impressions. From grandma Gigi, to Daddio (check out his emotional tribute and life lesson that has now become a TikTok of all things for this generation on a book tour with 'When They See Us' director Ava DuVernay) and Charlie Mack ('First Out The Limo'), that we may not know personally, but feel like we do now. Not to mention the Smith family legacy the legend made like 'Dallas' years later. Talking about striving, struggling and soaring again after his first marriage with the love of his life Jada. Giving it up for her rocking heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom and the sage story behind it's skeleton key conception. All whilst getting candid about why he couldn't say a word to the late, great GOAT of rapping, the poet Tupac Shakur. 

Parents just don't understand. But the 'Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble' rapper is trying his damndest. From the privacy of Trey Smith shunning the spotlight, to Jaden wanting emancipation after 'After Earth'. It's all part of the purist of a real happiness, no typo as this family goes and gets it...period. One of the most inspired stories being the time that Willow wanted to stop whipping her hair. No matter what Daddy or Jay-Z had to say. And just wait until you find out how this kid who now grown up gave us one of hers and last years best in 'Lately I Feel Everything' with Willow Wisdom. Lately the biggest movie star has turned into a smartphone one across all platforms. Missing out on making a killing with 'The Suicide Squad' Summer sequel smash, but instead hitting new balls towards the Academy like Wimbledon, or the US Open. Advantage, the one that used to get jiggy with it. He's also presented Netflix ('Amend: The Fight For America') and Disney + (whoever came up with the title for National Geographic's 'Welcome To Earth' deserves a raise) shows concerning life's history and nature. But through it all. Declaring bankruptcy and almost losing his family. The threat of divorce and death. Losing loved one's and blending his family, Will has always remained Will. And 'Will' will show you why. Including the closing chapters that detail his physical and metaphysical recovery to both his love and life. This is why this book can end on a literal high. Standing on the side of a helicopter about to bungee jump into the Grand Canyon, carved from water that he was once afraid of (I also can't swim, although now I need Smith's will as he can), because someone on the Internet told him too (give me a part in the next 'Bad Boy' or 'Men In Black'...hey, you can't blame a guy for trying). The same heli jump that gave us the grace of that iconic image that had Smith looking like his dearly departed Uncle Phil. Because after a life like this, you can let go and live a little. Wise in its words, chapter and verse. Vulnerable and quotable (but you need to share that for yourself) this book is the perfect guide and tell all on a life truly lived. Just like his mother who in retirement travelled the globe with James Avery's mother. One day diabetes set in and she was stuck in hospital. A couple of weeks recovery would do the trick but Caroline Bright didn't want to stop. She told them to take her leg. She was back up in no time and then a few days later an earthquake levelled the hospital she was in as so many lost their lives. "All I lost was a leg", she said. On the set of Netflix's 'Bright', finding a light in downtown Los Angeles at night for a FaceTime, director David Ayer told Will he had to call his dying Daddio...right now. The two just looked at each other on the video call for about 20 minutes in stunning silence. Nothing more needed to be said. Love was all they needed. Let that be the last word. But in epilogue, this Golden Globe winner for 'Best Actor' may just serve up doubles at the Oscar's for his biopic on the father of Venus and Serena Williams, 'King Richard' (he came close with 'Concussion'). But before we read that envelope, it's signed, sealed and delivered that when it came to his crowning year in the last one of his greatest hits, Smith also has the best book of the calendar. When there's a 'Will', there's a great read. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

REVIEW: SPIDER-MAN : NO WAY HOME

4.5/5

Into The Spider-Villain Verse.

148 Mins. Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Thomas Haden Church, Rhys Ifans, Benedict Wong, Tony Revolori, J.K. Simmons & Marisa Tomei. Director: Jon Watts. 

Finally, underoos! And nope. I'm not going to say it. Whether he gets to say, "hello everyone" again. I don't care how long it's been and even if everybody knows. Or whoever punched the lizard in the Brazilian trailer. We've waited long enough here in Japan for the January 7th release of Marvel's 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', almost a month after its US and UK release, far from a Christmas homecoming, quarantined from corona. And I'll be damned if I'm going to spoil it for some poor kid anywhere in the world who still hasn't got 'round to spinning this tale and is still trying to swing past spoilers, weaving the social networks of this world wide web. Like George Clooney amazingly said in 'From Dusk 'Till Dawn', "I'm an a##hole, I'm not a f#####g a##hole!" We'll leave that to the numerous "reputable" review sites that I've had to scroll past with their not so subtle "veiled" spoilers. And yes, I'm being my least favourite expression of emotion, passive aggressive. But it's deserved here. These are supposed to be professionals. I know how to talk my way around a problem (see my review of Marvel's hallmark holiday 'Hawkeye' series, another game changer from the bow). I've been doing this for years...FOR FREE! You're getting paid for this s###! C'mon now! It's finally a relief for a music, movies and basketball writer who needs the necessary evil of social media to even try to make a living out of this thing that I'm in the clear. But yeah, I had it practically spoilt. I just had to suspend disbelief like Spidey hanging upside down for a kiss from Kirsten in the rain. I refuse to do the same in (un)kind. Besides I'm more concerned if Leon from 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', J.B. Smoove is back in this movie, but what did I just say about spoilers? At least I can now watch the mesmerizing 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (directed by none other than original 'Spider-Man' trilogy director Sam Raimi) trailer for your 'WandaVision' (which is actually the final post-credits scene after a mid-one that messes with our movie making minds once more) finally like we've at last got a glimpse of '12 Years A Slave' legend Chiwetel Ejiofor's dark arts turning sorcery, back again. It's been way too long. 

What I will say is having villains from both Tobey Maguire's 'Spider-Man' trilogy and Andrew Garfield's 'TASM' series for Sony is truly amazing and their own movie series validating in this previous studio separation angst. All leading to a spectacular showdown. Making this movie not only the best Spidey one (taking over from the dear boy of 'Spider-Man 2', Doc. Webbed up with the animated 'Into The Spider-Verse' that's about to go 'Across The Spider-Verse' with 'Moon Knight' Oscar Isaac's credits cameo Spiderman 2099), but quite possibly the most marvellous in Marvel mythology (save the 'Endgame' epic) and best superhero movie of all-time that doesn't question your seriousness. After the madness that Jake Gyllenhaal's great Mysterio left in his 'Far From Home' wake in London (still featuring some of the biggest stakes and visionary scenes in the crystal ball of Quentin Beck's head), we almost have a Sinister Six for this five-star movie. And they all look for something between redemption and revenge with no time to die in this timeline. Like the arc (reactor) of Jamie Foxx's epic Electro in all its project power. Recharged in realism and comic callbacks after the Blue Man Group of the electric Times Square showdown causing a blackout is left back in Manhattan. Or fellow 'Amazing' alumni of the Godzilla meets dinosaur like Lizard of Rhys Ifans (who is currently ravishing as Rasputin in 'The King's Man'). Voicing this villain like a fellow uncredited (why? Not here!) Thomas Harden Church's ('Spider-Man 3') reentered Sandman next to the comedian and gekko. He's welcome, but just don't offer him a seat if you take him home. But it's the big guns that really play it up and straight against the web-shooter. "Hello Peter!" In this modern Marvel and DC clash of the titans, this writer used to think that the Detective Comics had the best villains (but they were just all in Batman), but Spider-Man can sinisterly rival this. Willem Dafoe was once practically, perfectly in line for the Joker, but his Norman Osborn Green Goblin (sorry Dane DeHaan fans like me, that wasn't him in the trailer "HARRY IS DEAD!") and that face sneering memes and movie comic callbacks that are anything but trash, is Peter Parker's version of Wayne's Clown Prince of Crime. And boy does he create chaos and anarchy here. Nostalgic and magic like Alfred Molina's Doc Oc (check 'Into The Spider-Verse', I guess it wasn't Agatha all along on the end) finally on screen together. His 'War Of The Worlds' threatening tentacles back with a nano-tech upgrade playing squid games. Tussling with the tarantula arms of the Iron Spider who has more suits than Tony Stark (how about being back in black...and gold?), a PlayStation upgrade, or even an 'Anchorman' shopping spree as the legend continues. 

July 4th weekend, New York City, 2019. I was in the Big Apple for the independence day fireworks like Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum puffing on cubans in the desert, welcomed back to earth. It was almost my birthday and it was time to light my candles. Perfectly synced up with the then latest fourth of July set series of 'Stranger Things' set in 1985. The very year (yep, I'm no longer a friendly, neighbourhood kid) and month I was born. It all felt in perfect timing. Except the day I flew out 'Far From Home' came out. I had to catch the midnight showing 'round the corner of Madison Square Garden on my first night after a Knick game and it didn't have anything to do with Jake Gyllenhaal being in it (OK, maybe a little). Come the closing credits on-screen Spidey lands on the very sidewalk outside the very movie theatre I was watching it in. Hilariously provoking some classic New Yorker to remark, "ha, this motherf####r's outside!" All as Tom Holland's best Parker and Spider watches his fate on the mecca jumbotron of MSG. The big Mysterio unmasking and reveal of the return of J.K. Simmons' legendary Jonah J. Jameson (its so good to have him back and Fox News like working a different paranoid journalistic beat in this day and social media show age). From that point, this movie picks off. As real life sweethearts Holland and Zendaya (whose genuinely terrified acting whilst flying shows just how real an actor she is) swing through the subways, "off the wall like MJ in the early days" as these high schoolers face something far worse than detention for their Breakfast Club with Jacob Batalon. Public scrutiny and not getting into MIT. This is the Spider-Man big-three and the co-stars and friends who have modern take, crafted their own legacy in this cinematic cats cradle. Just like Tony Revolori's bleach blonde bully Thompson with even more flash. But the perfect crossover like in the comics or the Iron Man 'Homecoming' is the one with Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Doctor Strange', who before his own movie this year had a great fall like Loki for 30 minutes in his 'Ragnarok' cameo with this and 'The Power Of The Dog'. Offering us the chance to see the kaleidoscopic vision of his outstanding world again and in all reality muse over what it must look like for Benedict to go through all these Strange gestures without CGI. What the fox? Winks. Stranger things are about to happen these days as Peter needs to 'Scooby Doo' a botched spell that will have everyone forgetting his name like those old friends you meet at parties. Fanboy favourite Benedict Wong (who keeps showing up and then just pissing off in those portals, from wanting more in 'Endgame' to the "Orrrr" moment in 'Shang-Chi') warned them. The latest father and son relationship between Sir Steven and the kid in the spandex is just as heart warming and breaking as the Iron Man one or Beck one in Stark contrast, finding its own way 'Home'. But be careful what you wish for in this tampering of time that really gives you a moral message of power and responsibility. As this will trick everyone. From Jon Favreau's always Happy underrated assistant to theses multi-Marvel films (I mean his 'Iron Man' literally powered all this like a chest piece), to Marisa Tomei's truly amazing Aunt May. Maternal in the absence of Peter's parents and her own box of rice. You won't want to turn a blind eye away from anything here in this awesome assemble. All the way to a Statue of Liberty outfitted with a Captain America shield final fight in the sandbox that even rivals the 'X-Men' one on the Green Goddess of Lady Liberty. Carrying the multi-verse torch, if only they showed up. Don't get your hopes up! Besides too many cooks spoil the broth and dynamite director Jon Watts charging up with Electro and more knows how to create epic explosions in fan service that don't pander to the responsibility of the powers of rumour and speculation. And it's all still an amazing, avenging Spider-Man that's never been this spectacular. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man 2', 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2', 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'. 

REVIEW: THE LOST DAUGHTER

4/5

The Mother. 

121 Mins. Starring: Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Dagmara Domińczyk, Jack Farthing, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Peter Sarsgaard & Ed Harris. Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal. 

Peel back the layers like an orange and you'll find more than 'The Lost Daughter' in Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, as the plot snakes before she let's it all break. Auteur amazing in the aesthetic of her first feature film, Gyllenhaal takes this passion project and labor of love into a letter to her own motherhood. Changing the final sentences of Italian author Elena Ferrante's 2006 novel of the same name, Maggie serves as screenwriter too. And it's thanks to a personal handmade letter to Elena that Gyllenhaal even got the permission slip for this gig. Ferrante had one condition for this production, that Maggie directed too. The reclusive, pseudonym scribe letting go of her previously prescribed idea to never have her works adapted in English. Until she came across this director. One who has an "energy of intelligence" in Elena's words that could break out "the male cage" that they've been "inside for too long". Far too long. Whilst her brother Jake is making his best acting movies and also setting off Spider-Man multiverses in all their madness 'Far From Home' as the comic adapted former actor (not on the screen version) who uses special effects to play pretend like he's a superhero named Mysterio, 'The Dark Knight' star who was Oscar nominated for her 'Crazy Heart' and has stole the small screen like what 'The Deuce' slips into the directors chair with the ease of the 'Secretary'. What results for the Academy of voters is not only one of the falls Netflix best (after the powerful 'Passing' of Rebecca Hall, Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga in traditional, timeless, 20's black and white, 'The Power Of The Dog' for Benedict Cumberbatch's greatest fall since he tripped over his cape on the set of 'Doctor Strange' (at this point, we're assuming that happened once or twice) and Adam McKay's comet climate crisis concerning our current coronavirus planet pandemic with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, 'Don't Look Up'), but one of the greatest pictures of 2021 too. 

Mothering this movie, star of 'The Father' (who's excited for 'The Son' sequel?) Olivia Colman steps it up again in a movie of similar stage set narrative mystery. Everybody's Oscar 'Favourite' Queen is up for 'The Crown' again on Netflix. And this time she doesn't need a single jewel. But oh how she goes up against an even greater adversary than Gillian Anderson's game changing Iron Lady of Margaret Thatcher...herself. Needless to say forget Netflix and the calendar that's just turned 22 like Taylor Swift feeling it. This is one of the outstanding Olivia's best too. Classic Colman for the Oscar, Bafta and Emmy winner. A Boston college professor vacationing in picturesque Greece that hides more behind the canvas of its perfect portrait like what lies beneath the bottom of a bowl of "fresh" fruit. Your holidays are often the journey and who you take it with...not the destination. Even in solitary company, your demons might be applying the sun tan lotion in the shadows. And that's before we get to what looks like the cast of 'Jersey Shore' moving in and pissing all over (not literally...but you wouldn't be surprised) her beachside territiory as 'there goes the neighbourhood' becomes 'there goes my beach spot', although a resilient Brit like Olivia refuses to pack-up her deck chair and move. It's a blisteringly brilliant moment, in a movie choked full of them. It's just another subtle, but beautiful (just wait) scene that is rhyme to the reason why Colman is absolutely terrific in this Greek tragedy. Whether she's letting the tears fall as freely as new 'Macbeth' Denzel amongst the waves, or being the only one who could come close to the real and raw acting of Frances McDormand in Chloé Zhao's 'Nomadland'. Eternally, there is no one quite like her on Maggie's sandy farm of humans burning each other like the rays. 

A doll house of drama. A missing child becomes a milk carton poster for a much bigger prize when it comes to this picture and reason why, which we won't spoil. This is when the hairpin tension between our lead and a never better Dakota Johnson (and she's been at her best for more than most can attest) triggers after a beautiful, sun hat delicate, mothering moment of putting one's hair up to make things easier. Dakota delivers the wounded beauty of her character with piercing conviction. The 'Fifty Shades' and 'Bad Times At The El Royale' guest is simply the best, Tina. A bruised soul hidden behind gaudy jewellery, a designer swimsuit and topped up tan. 'Normal People' Will Mescal plays an assistant at the resort who has an interesting dinner date with Colman's character. As intriguing as it is charming. Whilst scene stealing 'Succession' star Dagmara Domińczyk simmers with the same boiling point tension throughout that she does in her first incendiary scene with Olivia. Shielding herself from the morning sun and what's to come. Jack Farthing comes off rivalling Josh O'Connor's Charles 'Crown' in Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer' to play a lost husband from another time, breaking at the seams of memory. And 'Dracula' star and 'The Invisible Man' himself (now you see him...no I don't. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist) Oliver Jackson-Cohen oozes menace as a monster as clear as the sunny day, even if he is "playing" nice. But for all the big names here in Gyllenhaal's lonely gallery of rogues, as she let's all these characters true thoughts speak out in voice over. From Maggie's real life husband Peter Sarsgaard (who always gives everything to everything he's in...which at one point felt like everything) convincing like script written gospel as a literary legend, to a real legend in Ed Harris kindly-but maybe trying a little too hard-caretaker (check out how affecting the former war veteran actor is in Netflix's 'Kodachrome' with an even better than 'Ted Lasso' advertised Jason Sudeikis). It's 'Wild Rose' Jessie Buckley who comes back from Netflix's maddening and mesmerising 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' to go back in time here as the lost mother that Olivia once was. Buckley and Colman combining to form and flesh out one truly human character who experiences every conflicted emotion in its realest form in this made up world of filtered profiles and bios that are anything but warts-and-all. It's as refreshing as it is raw. As picking this orange we know all fruits aren't perfect. We all have our bruises. And as this forbidden one snakes around us, peeling away at all our layers and social second skins, it's important we don't feel the bite and get lost. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Blue Jasmine', 'Disobedience', 'The Father'. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE BEATLES - GET BACK

 

4/5

Lord Of The Ringo's.

468 Mins. 3 Episodes: Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston & Yoko Ono. Director: Peter Jackson. 

An anvil ominously sits in the middle of the studio, next to Billy Preston's piano. It's literally there to help record the clangs and bangs of 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer'. It could however figuratively represent the heaviest weight of expectations John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr had to carry on this long and winding road. Holed up in a Savile Row studio, tailor made for the Apple core of the fab four like a Kingsman (how about that new movie, your majesty?), The Beatles are on the brink of break-up. They haven't played together in two years. And they're recording 14 new tracks for a new album that they're set to perform on the not so structurally sound rooftop of this very building on just another Great British lunchtime with bobbies working the beat and bringing their truncheons and whistles to this racket. Can't they just 'Let It Be'? Because in the recording of this album, this documentary curated by 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord Of The Rings' legendary New Zealand director moves along please with ease. As the man who took us to war in color for his groundbreaking documentary 'They Shall Not Grow Old' takes us back with John, Paul, George and Ringo for 'Get Back'. Something that in a whopping 468 minutes over three parts and millions of new Disney + subscribers ('Hawkeye's' bow can take some credit for that this Christmas too for the most overlooked Avenger and his new Bishop in a marvellous chess move of kingpins) is an eight hour film we could watch eight days a week, doc. Just like the happy days of another legendary director Ron Howard's documentary on wax out the jukebox. As for the story so far, a montage is all you need like love in introduction. All for four bowl cuts from a train ride outside my hometown who took over America via Ed Sullivan and claimed they were bigger than Jesus. Christ! 

'It Was Fifty Years Ago Today'. Or something like that as Jackson's action joins the big-three documentaries about the former St. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band. Above it only the sky of the John and Yoko one ("from Liverpool to Tokyo. What a way to go" in this 'Double Fantasy'). Just like The Beatles own films of 'Yellow Submarine' 'Help!' over 'A Hard Days Night'. Dig this pony. It's a purists pleasure. Even though may think it's too long a ride and want to get off. The public below love it like the bands legendary Savile Row set in concert. The last time the four former Quarrymen performed in public together ever...ever, ever. Should have cherished it, coppers. I remember 'Yesterday'...well, yesterday I spent New Years Day cleaning my apartment to welcome in the New Year like the Japanese do (I see you, Yoko) and watching all parts of this documentary in its eight hour wonder entirety for those who want to give me s### for how late this review is to the party (you should see my 'Squid Game' one...it's not even done). But determined to finish like Ringo all those thank you fan letters in 'The Simpsons' or this very album before his own movie ('The Magic Christian'), sharing a soundstage in Twickenham here it is at long last. 'Yesterday' (it's been long enough, we can give the game away. It's not like we're spoiling Spider-Man. Seven days until we get it in Japan people. Seven days) starring the great Himesh Patel (who you can see right now if you 'Don't Look Up' in the new Netflix Adam McKay, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep for President amongst others movie) gave us something beautiful. A moving performance by the legendary Robert Carlyle of 'The Full Monty' fame. Leaving more than his hat on in a powerfully poignant part that showed us if The Beatles didn't exist in yet another clever, classic concept from iconic British director Danny Boyle, than John Lennon would still be with us. Not murdered so maddeningly outside the Dakota building in New York City. We'll that was it. I was gone. I couldn't contain my tears. And here, it's like him and George are still here like Prince throwing up his guitar to the heavens in tribute after he made his guitar more than gently weep and it not coming down...because you know who caught it. Like a fly on the wall here, you feel a part of these studio sessions like a subtle cigarette resting on an ashtray. The smell of smoke and sweat hanging in the air like the legendary makings of another timeless masterpiece of an album on film. Forget an anvil. 

Pissing around in the studio for even more hours a day than binging this documentary takes, some may find taking this in is f#####g frustrating, especially those who would kill for the studio time. But who are we to judge their creative process? Especially as cutting loose, now it is a joy to behold for all that was lost afterwords. From the band themselves to the individual members. Dear John, by George. It's them at their vulnerable, personal best. From breaking up at this things so hard to do, to coming together like their classic track "over me" (steady). All long hair, don't care and cider beard this is Paul at his most beautiful intimate. Surrounded by family. Trying to keep his music one in harmony. You'll have a new respect for him and his raw vocal range like 'McCartney III' last year this wonderful Christmas time. Or Lennon as a pure peacemaker and Yoko, standing (or sitting) quietly by her man, before rocking out with John and Paul. Take note. We've known for years that this Yoko Ono hate is unwarranted, unjustified, outdated and let's be honest, more than a little racist. This documentary proves it was a product of the press and people's minds who were behind the times. Just know that all Yoko did for Lennon and McCartney and the rest of the band was expand their minds like whatever got them on that 'Yellow Submarine' (we can leave it up to your imagination) and we loved taking that musical trip. The real problems lied internally. And you can see that in the tension with the undisputed soul of the band George Harrison and the songwriting he brought to the band that was truly 'Something' (it's no coincidence that all The Beatles songs covered by R&B artists making them even more funky and soulful, were written by George). Hearing John at one breaking point say, "we'll just get Clapton" is heartbreaking on so many levels. But it'll all be right on the night...or middle of the afternoon. Especially as this movie is justice for Ringo and an appreciation for the drumming Starr's talent. As Lennon with a needed cigarette reluctantly gets behind the skins for 'Octopus's Garden' it's clear Richard Starkey isn't just one of the greatest drummers in the world, but the best in The Beatles. More than a Thomas the Tank Engine train announcer And how about the fifth Beatle? No, not Stuart Sutcliffe, or George Martin (yes, to Brian Epstein, here and mourned in spirit), but a scene stealing Texan, Billy Preston behind the electric piano keys. Camaraderie and professionalism personified. Getting back to what made them rock and roll music cover stars, before a rolling stone. And make Jackson the six Beatle as he finds new ways to curate 50 hours of footage and cut through 130 hours of audio to cut through to the core of something that at almost half a day of run time still feels clear and concise. This is their last dance. And if we can watch ten hours of basketball's Beatles in the Chicago Bulls on Netflix (Jordan and Pippen the Lennon and McCartney and erm Dennis Rodman as George?!), then we can certainly cross the road a few more times with this fab four dynasty. From biplanes circling the Empire State Building in Lower Manhattan, to one ring to rule them all, walking into Mordor like one simply does not do, the 'King Kong', 'LOTR' director Peter Jackson is known to direct giant epics of goliath proportions. But on the rooftops of a big Apple building with the biggest band in the world, he's never hit heights like this...until now. When it comes to 'Get Back', it's time to get on it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Beatles-Eight Days A Week', 'Yesterday', 'They Shall Not Grow Old'.