TV REVIEW: SNOWPIERCER - Season 3

3.5/5

Big Alice In Borderland.

10 Episodes. Starring: Daveed Diggs, Rowan Blanchard, Mickey Sumner, Alison Wright, Iddo Goldberg, Kate McGuinness, Sam Otto, Sheila Vand, Mike O'Malley, Annalise Basso, Steven Ogg, Lena Hall & Sean Bean. 

Let it snow again with piercing coldness this Spring, as blossoms fall into the streams below. 'Snowpiercer' Season 3 on ITV and Netflix upgrades to a better class. All before it heads for the top of the train like first in this dystopian look of class divides and struggles in a metaphor almost as long as our laundry list of train puns. Staying on track with this post-apocalyptic adaptation of South Korean master director Bong Joon-ho's definitive masterpiece of a movie that hangs over it like a 'Parasite', but forging its own path to a new Eden as tempting as low hanging fruit for Adam on the eve of what could be a monumental fourth series now we know it's in season. You may think like the 'Empire' of Terrence Howard or Netflix's 'Star Trek: Discovery' that the super streaming site has now lost, how this can last. But this runaway train has more railroad than this show has executive producers. One being Oscar winner Joon-ho. Another the 'Sinister', 'Doctor Strange' director Scott Derrickson, who almost gave Marvel a 'Multiverse Of Madness'. And in a time were there is so much trouble, man, we come apart like the words of Marvin, these carriages carry on with serious substance and symbolism to a world as divided as rich and poor, top to bottom. Even if it is one track and one train on Snowpiercer. 994 carriages long and looking like it could have that many episodes. Ever since we first came aboard in 1982 with the French 'La Transperceneige' graphic novel by Jaques Lob that was just the ticket to all this. 

Tumbling down the rabbit hole of the tracks that tear ahead, Big Alice is stumbling and searching for a wonderland through this looking glass. But will this train go on without the great Jennifer Connelly after last seasons heartbreaking cliffhanger of a conclusion? This Maverick is about to be a 'Top Gun' with Tom Cruise finally taking to the skies again this Summer after the long layover of a COVID-19 induced flight delay. Still without her holding down the line, star of the show Daveed Diggs keeps digging in as all the passengers and crew beat their chest in unison towards him. Some in solidarity. Others in challenge. Souls are stirred by coming of age star Rowan Blanchard becoming her mothers daughter and the undeniable Mickey Sumner becoming the heart of this winters bone. But our favourite right now has to be the train serving reliability of Alison Wright. Whether that means she dons the Pan Am like uniform, or sticks more than her neck out for the train in this revolutionary railroad. Meanwhile, more screen time and substance for Iddo Goldberg at the helm really makes this the deepest and darkest season yet. Back from a deep freeze like 'Snowpiercer' movie star Chris Evans, Kate McGuinness is ready to claim hers too. All whilst Sheila Vand like Layton is prepared to do anything for her family. Desperate times like Andy Garcia. Desperate measures like Michael Keaton. 

Loves young dream derailed comes through the star crossed eyes of Sam Otto and Annalise Basso. But 'Lost In Translation', how about Mike O'Malley with 'Glee' finally singing and dancing and giving Bill Murray a run for his Roxy Music jukebox money? What could be 'More Than This'? Sweet moments in a train soured by the snowdrop with no plus points like the new South Korean Disney show. BLACKPINK! It's the scene of 'The Walking Dead' star Steven Ogg's life that really captures that fact in another top ten list of epic episodes. But for all the stars that shine here on this Shinkansen of the snow. Especially with the stage set of the singer and actor Lena Hall in all her theatrics. The biggest one is still the legend of Sean Bean. And the walking spoiler is still here too. No talk of taking the little ones. The crueller his character gets you will intend different, but still in this permanent Christmas with nothing under the tree, he is the coal in this furnace that keeps this train going. Even if it is all black smoke for a man who surely doesn't look in the mirror. But how many more return trips can you book before this big ticket is invalid? Circling the globe like the sun one more time, this wasteland still has promise. A little bit like the world outside our window. It may be frozen right now, but we're not ready to let it go. Building snowmen whilst the world around us freezes over in a new hell. The remnants of this reboot is exactly the reflection outside the frosted glass that we need in a world of social injustice that trails behind this tail. In this class warfare it's the survival of the fittest. And this train knows how to run. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Snowpiercer', 'Star Trek: Discovery', 'Squid Game'. 

REVIEW: AMBULANCE

3.5/5

Call The AmBAYlance.

136 Mins. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González, Wale Folarin, Keir O'Donnell & Garret Dillahunt. Director: Michael Bay. 

Blockbuster Bayhem is back! After being buried alive on Netflix's '6 Underground' with Ryan Reynolds, Michael returns to the big-screen with a Bay bang. And this one feels like a 90's popcorn throwback all the way down to the dark dramatic poster and the Universal look that rides in the same lane of a 'Fast and Furious' movie, complete with 'Baby Driver' stars taking the wheel. The sunsets and explosions make a grand alarm clock return to your post-pandemic cinema crowd. All as the 'Heat' is on like Miami for a Los Angeles (and oh how cinematic that skyline looks at a futuristic twilight) bank job straight out the De Niro and Pacino playbook in this heist movie that sees the 'Pain and Gain' of a pair of 'Bad Boys' for Bay's best since that sequel. And whilst we're here. Will Smith. I guess we can't not mention it. Even though writing a full article about his Oscars smackdown with Chris Rock seemed know it all inappropriate and mining for likes. The biggest take here is that bald is beautiful. And I'm not just saying that because my hairline is thinner than these getaway crooks chances of getting away with it all in this epic car chase of a movie that's anything but a car crash. I couldn't begin to imagine the humiliation a woman must feel losing her hair...especially in this kind of public eye. And Pinkett-Smith has handled it all incredibly with bravery and beauty. Jada looks amazing, no matter. Chris Rock's jibe was below the belt. So was Smith's jab. Two cheap shots fuelled by ego. Even if Chris and his rock hard jaw took it like a pro. The worst thing is how everyone else will play it off for much worse and hang these guys out to dry, depending on what side they take with "hot" ones running cold. Jada too. Fact is no one is really innocent here. I'm a huge fan of everyone involved, but loving people does not mean condoning everything they do. Emotional mistakes in the heat of the moment were made (who hasn't made them, especially in the name of love? I know I have and are guilty too) and now apologies have been too. Smith's autobiography 'Will' is choked full of his raw reflections to these well intentioned but poor choices, done in the name of his family. And those demonising Jada saying she gaoded him need to see how she reacted to a birthday surprise Smith planned for her, punctuated by his own hubris. Make it "take JADA'S name out your mouth", not "my wife". But again good intentions and all. Yet we know what road is paved with them and what Denzel told Will about the devil of success. This feels like something the old friends from the 'Fresh Prince' days should handle behind closed doors like gentlemen and the rest of us butt out. But it was an unsettling display, that still sits uneasy with us days later. The worst thing is that Will literally had the chance to dress Chris down properly in a speech mere minutes later for an Oscar win we all knew was in the bag like I'm sure they all always do prior. He could have given the world its greatest speech of all-time. Instead he gave the Oscars one of its most controversial moments and handed it all on a plate to those who hate and can't see the grey areas. Just black and white. Another disconcerting thing is that as Rock said "ooh, I could" (do, say more? Kick his ass? All of the above? We don't doubt it) and looked backstage with hands held out in surprise one thing was painfully clear. If Smith had done that to Jerry Seinfeld there would be no way he would have made it back to his seat without security rushing the stage. But anyway that's for a different story, that's already been told. Back to the one at hand. 

Call the 'Ambulance' (and one for me because why is Busta Rhymes' emergency services banger of the same name not on this soundtrack?) for the 'Ambulancen' remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal, doing double Danish re-trip duty with Netflix for the first responders of 'The Guilty'. And the Academy actor's signature shouting and screaming style is back in full glared eyed epicness, as it's 'Armageddon' on these die hard streets like Bruce Willis for his 'Southpaw' side of the industry. Bursting like a fire extinguisher all over turtleneck cashmere. 100%! Looking like he took this golden era blockbuster off a dusty shelf with all the other film reels. The 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' Mysterio and 'Donnie Darko' mystery man is the perfect mix of indie Hollywood and A-list thesp to Nightcrawl all over these Los Angeles times of clipped wings in the city. Through its walk of fames, hoods and starved storm drains like an Olivia Munn directed Red Hot Chilli Pepper music video with all his dark necessities, or a Terminator judgement day too. River running. Because this fugitive whose Harrison Ford impression is as iconic as his Schwarzenegger is the right actor to elevate this directors signature style that freewheels all over DTLA like a drone. Spinning circles until you're more than sick with the motion, but impressed with the devotion and influence for a director whose dropped the Bay of pig act, transforming from those below the skirt shots that were way below the belt. It was hard to like and therefore follow the corrupt characters in one of Bay's better movies 'Pain & Gain'. Even with big-star Mark Wahlberg, Captain America himself Anthony Mackie and the charisma of The Rock cooking. But Gyllenhaal grinds great depth into his heist happy character who takes hostages and highway horrors to another level, that you actually stay with him through this hot pursuit. Even if your sympathy is in the rearview. Especially as Michael Bay keeps his directing eyes firmly on the road ahead. You can forgive him meta quoting Sean Connery in 'The Rock' (HIS OWN MOVIE), right before referencing 'Bad Boys' directly in the same way. If Marvel can Easter Egg this season, then why can't he? It's all fair game. 

Just watch man. Because Dr. Manhattan who did his best Fishburne impression for a reloaded 'Matrix' gives us another reason to stay hot on this Ambulance's tail. 'Candyman', 'Candyman' (nah, third-time is not the charm here), star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is on the career turn of his life after playing Bobby Seale for Netflix's 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7'. And the 'Aquaman' and 'Us' scene-stealer now a leading man in his own right stands next to Jake, no less a big part of this movie and its beating heart. So much so, this fuse lit that's set to blow across these scorching streets of California is in no need of EMT. But bringing the paddles to these proceedings is 'Baby Driver', 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and 'Hobbs and Shaw' star Eiza González. The soul of this story and Bay's celebration of emergency workers. It's essential and real and raw like her opening saving of a child that will pull at your heart strings for a man who always aims for the chills with his dramatic takes and stylistic shots. Your feels will be checked in this pulse pounder and the emerging superstar Eiza holds her own next to two of the industry's biggest stars of legend and legacy making to make this a big-three on the bus. But there's a whole host of characters from cops to crime lords that will give you your fill. Putting the 'LA' like a Dodger cap in 'Ambulance'. It even looks like Bay is the member of the LAPD team hot on the heels, but I could be wrong. I need a fact check. Still, everyone from 'Army Of The Dead' star Garret Dillahunt, repping for the college teams and dog lovers, to rapper Wale Folarin (check out his latest album of the same last name) is here. Even Kier O'Donnell. So good as Bradley Cooper's brother in Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper'. Even if we can't see past him literally putting the clamps on Vince Vaughn in the 'Wedding Crashers'. Just a sign of another great actor leaving his mark. Just like Bay always does...with C4. But no matter how explosive this director is, like the accented acting of Gyllenhaal's rage. The heart of this sibling story on the run is still hammered home. Albeit with buzzsaw over scalpel precision. This 'Ambulance' is one that will move the critics out the way. Reviving and restarting Bay's career like the cinematic blockbuster post pandemic. Call it. Forget time of death. This thrill ride will give you moviegoers the time of your life. CLEAR! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Pain & Gain', '6 Underground', 'Ambulancen'. 

REVIEW: THE ADAM PROJECT

4/5

13 Going On 40.

106 Mins. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Keener & Zoe Saldaña. Director: Shawn Levy. 

Free Adam! Or should we say free the merc with the Mickey Mouse muzzled mouth? It's time to sharpen your katanas. Because after changing the intertwined movie and video game world last year. Coming out of quarantine for the interactive fun of the first-person 'Free Guy'. Fresh actor/director team Shawn Levy ('Real Steel' and the 'Nightmare At The Museum' series that's Smithsonian worthy family fun) and Vancity's own Ryan Reynolds (really? Do we really need to?!) are no noobs to this. They're about to team-up once more for the as yet untitled third 'Deadpool' movie (we're going to take a shot at, 'Deadpool 3') as Marvel's ball and fourth-wall breaking anti-hero takes his wonder years to the magic kingdom of Disneyland. But before all that in their own trilogy, Levy and Reynolds have a Netflix side-deal with 'The Adam Project'. As the 'Red Notice' blockbuster smartphone screen star goes to battle Disney +'s big red panda 'Turning Red' like Leo and that grizzly from 'The Revenant'. But don't worry the supe whose legs you can take off and he'll still survive (but what a regrowth, baby) doesn't get mawled. Not even by the critics. As this is a pure, blissful 80's nostalgia trip for you Goonies. What more could you expect from Levy whose done his fair share of directing in the 'Stranger Things' series that finally returns this Summer after the fourth of July weekend of 2019, that really feels as long back as the 1985 setting of the month I was born? 

Taking you 'Back To The Future' with 'Super 8' rich reverence for your directing cameras. The science-fiction blockbuster bluster is just window dressing to a love letter to fathers and sons like the one Cat Stevens sang about. One that will have you weeping at the knees with Deadpool and the Hulk, sad (think 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2') with more pop than "goes the weasal." But believe me the action is video game like amazing as Ryan and Shawn one-up even bringing a lightsaber to the 'Free Guy' party with a staff that Darth Maul would be proud of. This man split in two needs the love. We hear he was cut (again) from the 'Obi-Wan' series for more Mark Hamill age-defying time travelling, that also puts 'The Winter Soldier' of Sebastian Stan out of work (better start making hits again). It's truly awesome. Even if the halo like henchmen sent back to the past too may as well be drones in this warfare. Still, there's just so much more heart to this than all that in this time machine movie though. And 'Free Guy' was far from lacking humanity like a CPU...it's moral message and theme was all about that. Out in the torchlit woods and out of the forest of losing original star and top gun, Tom Cruise, this picture piloted by Reynolds truly soars. In part due to his wisecraking star power, but also because his boy wonder humor has met its match...in an actual 12 year old. Introducing, Walker Scobell. You'll see him everywhere soon like in the 'Secret Headquarters' of a Marvel spin-off starring Owen Wilson and our favourite Michael Pena. The real star of this show and one that meets Ryan wit for wit, mannerism for mannerism. It's a classic dynamic duo of a one-upmanship and boy-manship that is full of quotable one-liners. But more importantly, once more with feeling, real heart. And all that matters when it comes to both this boy and man, maturing and coming of age. 

Projects like cracking-wise are child's play for Reynolds. He could do this in his sleep. Does Adam like apples?! But how about this? Hunting for good will like an unrecognisable Matt Damon talking about toilet paper in 'Deadpool 2', Reynolds' soul takes us back to a time kids used to cover peoples houses with that s### for a prank (think of 'All The Right Moves', Cruise). Now they just send a tweet. There's a real "great Scott" scene in a tender bar moment with the absolutely amazing Jennifer Garner here that is beyond beautiful with its moving meaning. We won't say, or spoil anymore, but the only thing that will remain dry is the whiskey. And boy does Reynolds sell it. Just like an always heroic Zoe Saldaña does space exposition. From 'Guardians' to 'Avatar' and the final frontier of 'Star Trek'. She scene steals an amazing action scene here in a forest that chops down more people than the one in 'Shang-Chi'. All to a soundtrack playlist that James Gunn would love to make peace with. But again this all culminates in more stepped-up acting for Reynolds. The funny guy who is always underrated in that thesp department. Yet '13 Going On 30' and garnering a real reunion, just wait until our lead and his alter-ego meet Mark Ruffalo in this almost multi-verse of madness. Playing another scientist like Bruce Banner, moonlighting as a teacher in tweed. The Einstein do and rough and ready Ruffalo gives us his best since he was a slicked back cop who almost ran Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx's 'Collateral' cab for all its fare. Plus he throws the funniest punch which is bound to be the new go to GIF by the time it lands. Add 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Get Out' star Catherine Keener really stirring things up as a super villain that is anything but stock and Netflix's latest project really makes the grade for us. We can't wait until Reynolds and Levy are set free with some samurai swords. When it comes to these guys partnering up. No one does it blockbuster better. Just try and give yourself a project in finding someone else to match up. Because you won't know them from Adam. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Free Guy', 'Big Game', 'Back To The Future'. 

REVIEW: TURNING RED

4/5

Panda Express. 

100 Mins. Starring: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick Chen & James Hong. Director: Domee Shi. 

Putting you on 'Red Notice', all whilst clawing at Netflix's latest Ryan Reynolds blockbuster (the big bang of 'The Adam Project'), what would have you 'Turning Red'? Those uncontrollable urges you start having when you go past a dozen years on this planet? The teenage love LL Cool J rapped about when he was alone in his room? Your mum finding your sketchbook and artists rendition of all of this with your muse that would even make Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Titanic' blush? YOUR MUM TAKING SAID SKETCHBOOK AND YOU BY THE ANVIL LIKE HAND TO THE LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE WHERE THIS BOY WORKS, DROPPING IT ON THE COUNTER LIKE AN ANCHOR AND PUTTING IT ALL ON HIM?! Not to mention. ALL HIS FRIENDS BEING THERE WITH PRACTICALLY EVERYONE FROM SCHOOL (I mean what are they doing there this time of night)?! And for a cherry on top, how about turning into a big red panda on the spot? One that's so fluffy that you could die...of embarrassment. Oh and to boot...it's your time of the month. Could you imagine anything worse? Well Disney couldn't have conceived something better as Pixar shines the stomping lamplight on the pain of periods and growing into your body, as well as truly finding yourself in this young world of yours that has just been turned upside down and inside out with all those emotions.

Coming of age in a Pixar picturesque postcard perfect Toronto, Canada (which is giving me real detailed memories of living there back in 2006. My soul may now be a part of Tokyo, but I left my heart in The 6), this movie takes us to the heart of Chinatown and Disney's rich reverence of a culture as previously seen on their live action 'Mulan' and the 'Black Panther' like superhero game and world changed of Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'. All in a time were-let's keep politics aside for a family film review-people needed to be reminded that Chinese culture and their people are much more than their government. Stop ALL Asian hate! It also takes us to the heart of our lead, Mei and everything she is going through from her deepest anxities to her wildest desires in this fantasy. And keep your protest shirt on as you type out a furious tweet to the mouse. It's not all lusting over boys. Turning powder puff doe eyed like something straight out of a filtered emoji or 'Ren and Stimpy'. Although the BTS like 4Town with songs from Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell (they weren't done with 'No Time To Die') will have you happier than ever in a world full of bad guys. DUH! Especially when they open the iconic T-Dot SkyDome to something bigger than the overlooking CN Tower or a Blue Jay hitting for home out of there. For all the 'Soul' and 'Encanto' Oscar favourites the studio from the desk they brought you Andy's toys and something truly incredible, this 'Red' and director Domee Shi's defiant debut is the most refreshing movie you've seen since this computer generated art form really changed the way we see cartoons with animation. Because as real as it gets, 'Turning Red' changes the game up by getting to the heart of what matters when more than your body is going through changes. 

Exploring emotions like 'Inside Out'. Getting to the family root of culture and legacy in a spiritual realm like 'Coco'. Having so much heart like 'Soul'. The latest from Pixar that leaves any other animation feeling pixilated is one of the greatest. It's the click to your Disney + that wishes upon a star that circles your castle in this land of hope and dreams. Coming right back down to earth and taking a seat with you on the couch in your living room as you and the kids pick up the remote to press play. The studio's 25th feature is worthy of an anniversary of history. Shi's stunning visual is the first Pixar movie directed by a woman and the second to feature an Asian lead after the balloons of 'Up' took us up, up and away. And poet Rosalie Chiang (check out 'A is for Albatross: Birds A to Z' and 'A is for Arowana: Freshwater Fish A to Z') crushes it in her first feature. A lead one too as our Mei who turns into a panda at express speed everytime she gets embarrassed (Wow! If that was me I'd be in a permanent fury of fur). This star of the future can hold her head high though. She's tapped in with great poise and presence. Not bad for a role she copped whilst auditioning for it on her mom's iPhone 6. The mother in this movie though is 'Greys Anatomy' and 'Killing Eve' star Sandra Oh, killing it from 'The Chair' before her final season with Villanelle. It's a commanding performance of moving mothering that in all its overbearing nature is rooted in the deepest devotion to more than just her family's legacy. And just wait until you see a monster of moment from this mother's nature when her daughter turns red like a Raptors road jersey in the stadium. Add Ava Morse, Hyein Park and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as the three best friends that anyone could have for Mei's wolfpack and Orion Lee as her quiet, but kindly father and this fond feeling is full of red warmth. Even with the stern but sure approach of 'Daredevil' and 'Iron Fist' star Wai Ching Ho. The Hong Kong cinema legend who has moved over to Disney + with the rest of the 'Defenders'. Or Tristan Allerick Chen's caustic to the socially awkward bully. But if you want to talk about legends in this adolescent maturity than how about the great James Hong? 93 years old and with 650 films and counting, even Samuel L. Jackson is jealous of this icons filmography. His star on the Hollywood Wall of Fame is set. From 'New Adventures' as 'Charlie Chan', to all the 'Wayne's World' (that dubbed fight scene will always go down as the best in history) and 'Big Trouble In Little China' inbetween. His presence powers this movie of super proportions. Whether it be the astral planes traversed with the big red panda, or the new ground broke back on earth between family and identity. It may be far from Autumn, but as Spring approaches like one in your post-Winter step, 'Turning Red' will have you turning over a new leaf. The message here is deep and heartfelt. And that's with no pandering. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Inside Out', 'Soul', 'Coco'. 

REVIEW: THE BATMAN

4/5

The Twilight Knight.

176 Mins. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis & Colin Farrell. Director: Matt Reeves. 

Riddle me this. Which clown had the last laugh, even when everyone pointed their fingers in his painted face? Heath Ledger's Joker. The answer is Heath Ledger's Joker. Remember? Back in 2008 there was hate, believe it or not in retrospect. All before the late, great actor changed this very game we play and redefined a role that even Joaquin Phoenix's outstanding fellow Oscar win couldn't hold a buzzer in the hand to. Shocking. And the same has happened here. Such is the life of superhero speculation causing more sourness than Scorsese. Now everyone's riding Paul Dano's Riddler cane...but oh did they question this amazing actor and director (he, Jake Gyllenhaal and the 'Promising Young Woman' of Carey Mulligan were Academy robbed for 2018's best picture, 'Wildlife') like they hadn't seen 'Prisoners' (also with Jake). And what of the man in bat black himself? Robert Pattinson's vampire finally turning into a winged creature of the night got all that 'Twilight' sucks bite. Like critics and fanboys weren't up for a 'Good Time' like the Safdie brothers, or saw the new direction cast by 'The Lighthouse'. Let alone stealing the show, suited and booted in Christopher Nolan's lock down defying 'TENET' tentpole blockbuster, which may as well have been his charming Bruce Wayne audition. Let's just be thankful Jeffrey Wright's copped role at commissioner to be Jim Gordon didn't get the usual racist row that comes with casting. Because Marvel's 'Watcher' policing the city of Gotham has earned his badge and will never have to turn in his gun. Or for that matter the 'High Fidelity' of 'Big Little Lies' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road' star Zoë Kravitz. Who's getting all the flowers like her rock god dad Lenny's ode to her, and don't forget the cream as a Selina Kyle that slinky moves like an actual cat. Not to mention a cat burglar. I mean this is a movie that has Colin Farrell in a fat suit so he can actually waddle like the Penguin and director Matt Reeves' 'Planet Of The Apes' mo-cap actor Andy Serkis, Gollum himself, fresh off a 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' direction. Precious! 

Now there's a Batman! But Ben is back this year too for your 'Flash' point. As is Michael 'F###ing' Keaton. The Vulture who will also cameo in the Sony Spider-Man Marvel spin-off 'Morbius' (starring some Joker called Jared) coming out the cave as your favourite 'Birdman' avian superhero taking wing. For more multi-verse than the MCU. But this Wayne Enterprise is in the same mansion ballpark as Marvel's magic of 'No Way Home'. If not richer. We'll just have to see what the 'Madness' of 'Strange' says about that. The legend of those damn dirty 'Planet Of The Apes' is on a Statue of Liberty in the sand scale, next to the likes of Batman, Spider-Man, a science fiction 'Star Wars' or trek in this geek cult culture. Yet classic 'Cloverfield' director Matt Reeves' terrific trilogy still somewhat remains really underrated. And now he truly makes his benchmark with this brutally brilliant Batman. One that swoops in, down from Liverpool's very own Gotham gothic like Liver Building and will have us cowering at the face of the cowl. Because this feels even more like a horror film than 'The Joker' did. Set to a simmering score from forthcoming 'Jurassic World: Dominion' and 'Thor: Love and Thunder' with Christian Bale, music maestro Michael Giacchino that's on some classic Carpenter this Halloween set season. Even scaring the s### out of the the great Hans Zimmer's monumental moment. It's 'Something In The Way' of Nirvana for this grunge masterpiece led by a man set to become unplugged as Kurt Cobain. With the extra character of the hardest rain serving as powerful, punctuating percussion. More downpour than Prince sang about after doves cried. Even with an Easter Egg like moped moment like dancing in the pale moonlight, laughing in the purple rain. A tribute to the late, great purple one who sound tracked the first 'Batman' movie whilst dancing around in a Joker suit. A call back like the muzzle flash that illuminates this Bat's chest plate a bright shade of yellow. For Keaton and the camp beauty of Adam West before him, running on the boardwalk with bombs away. Christian's heaven sent performance. Kilmer killing it. And...erm George Clooney. We'd still never leave home without him. 

Affleck was meant to star, write and direct 'The Batman' before the reins again and again got handed to Reeves. And somewhere in this world of demanded cuts like the Ayer 'Suicide Squad' we'd love to have seen Ben's version. But he's in good company with Clooney for 'The Tender Bar' now, trading knightmares over glasses of something that kicks like bat blood. And 'The Snyder Cut' redemption of 'Justice League' really gave justice to his worn and weathered Bruce in a league of his own. But out of the woeful shadows of a weary world, we don't have to s### on Batfleck to celebrate Rob. Besides Bale taught him how to piss in the suit. Pattinson is pissing excellence as a perfect Bat however. His trailer teased, epic entrance stepping up and stomping all over some goon in play pretend face paint is the best introduction to a Batman ever. A nocturnal animal rising up inhumanly like an apex predator. Walking towards an upturned car like a terminating  'Winter Soldier'.  A stark contrast this year only two calendars into the job and already feeling the weight of his world and the cyberpunk like cesspool of a city (New York has always been Gotham (shout out to Gotham Square Garden) and the Times Square look of 'Blade Runner' is the best since Tim Burton's 'Batman'), set to blow like a powder keg. But has 'The World's Greatest Detective' (even if he has got the whole face-mask thing all wrong), taking it back to Frank Miller time over three hours met his match? Paul Dano's Riddler with all due respect to Jim Carrey and 'Gotham's' own Cory Michael Smith is unquestionably the best yet. With a legend and ledger of quotable riddles that will go down in Batman lore. Straight duct tape pulling scary. Going viral wrapped in cling film, coming out of his own 'Se7en' like cave with spray painted marks around the city like we saw teased in 'BvS'. Really stirring your coffee with barista maestro latte art when he gets arrested at a local coffee shop, causing more chaos from inside Arkham. An Asylum of madness behind glass like Loki, holding on to all his words. It's a good job the Bat has good company in Kravitz's cat, tweening between good and bad, lover and friend in the best sort of way. Dressed to the catsuit nines after the lives of Eartha Kitt, Julie Newmar, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Camren Bicondova and the voice of the late Naya Rivera. Not to mention Wright's right on the money Gordon, bringing poetry to these greeting card proceedings, with an even better relationship. And the fractured family one with Serkis' brutally British Alfred (again think the great 'Gotham' series) for a young Bruce who is yet to master the playboy life of a young prince in the family castle. But what a hot rod he drives for a caped crusader era, classic car chase connecting like Gene Hackman's French. Once the igntion starts on this revved up Batmobile in the auditorium, it will rip through you like a chainsaw from Texas. Favourite character actors John Turturro playing Falcone and Peter Sarsgaard, picking up were his beloved 'Lost Daughter' director Maggie Gyllenhaal left off as Rachel Dawes bag pivotal performances, bolstering this all star cast. But it's one of the underrated best actors of our generation Colin Farrell, unrecognisable as the Penguin with the best line of the movie (and we're not talking about the "take it easy sweetheart" one like a "are you working tonight, darling" bouncer) that is so good, he's got his own HBO Max spin-off show like John Cena's 'Peacemaker'. He's got you. And in years time he'll get new audiences again watching on their home box office wondering who that voice of this video game like bird belongs to. Just like we all used to do watching Blockbuster videos at home before the Internet and an IMBD search. Spoiler alert, it's not Richard Kind, Larry David's brother from 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', but I thought it too. Now if only those Matthew McConaughey rumours of Harvey Dent were true. Still, don't be a two-face. Reeves may have another trilogy on his battered and bruised vengeance vigilante hands with his hallmark Hitchcock Hollywood era and plenty of young, next generation stars to age with it, but don't ruin it. Those already tweeting about a well known actor making a cameo appearance are spoiling it...and it's not very subtle like a 'Dark Knight' Lamborghini. Do you really plan to threaten this person who "spends his nights beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands?" Now who's afraid of THIS big, black bat? Riddle me that! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Batman Begins', 'Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice', 'TENET'.

TV REVIEW: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JEFF GOLDBLUM

4/5

Jeff Goldblum According To The World.

Must live faster! Who would have thought that the man who used to talk about chaos theory like water running off the heel of our palms would be the one to show us that life finds a way? Well of course! Have you never seen 'Jurassic Park'?! This is the one and only Jeff Goldblum we're talking about. An actor and attraction in the cult celebrity status stakes of a Bill Murray or Keanu Reeves legend. A jazz pianist who halfway through compositions asks singers accompanying him like comedian Sarah Silverman if it's OK to leave butter out of the fridge the night before he has toast for breakfast, as he wants to make it as soft and spreadable as possible. A man who when someone in college compared me to him (I wish. I was wearing an open black shirt, jeans (not open, mind you. No, no, no) and shades combination that day. I look nothing like him, at all) made me want to expire with happiness. 'The Fly' legend really is the flyest. He can get away with everything. From wearing cow pat print pants here, to uttering the same line about the need for speed in two of the 90's biggest Summer blockbusters. 'Independence Day' with Mr. Fourth of July, Will Smith and something about embryos and (*clenches fist*) Newman. But now since the 2020 quarantine from coronavirus has locked us down from seeing the world, or even each other. Leaving us tapping the screen and asking if we plan on having any living in this life we were meant to lead. We can do it vicariously though, through the man who trolled John Hammond. All before this becomes a fog. 

I really love that man! Accordingly, just like the rest of the world. Why? C'mon do you need a reason? Let me count one of the ways. The planet pandemic that has kept us truly distant from each other sucks. It truly does. It's the absolute worst. Although, I can't complain. I'm still an extremely lucky man. I managed to achieve my dream of moving Far East to Japan (inspired by Bill Murray in 'Lost In Translation' no less). Right in time for the Tokyo, 2020 Olympics (it turned out, earlier than I expected and almost meaningless) and right before the world all went to our own personal and shared hell. I stayed here, because not only did I fall in love with this place, but coming home could risk infection on a flight and then potentially passing this dreaded, deadly virus on to my family. There's no way I was letting that happen. This is why two Christmases later I still haven't returned...yet. Let's hold out hope and crossed fingers for this one. As I say though, I can't complain. I've achieved my teaching dream here, kept the writing rolling and even recently met a special someone this Valentines. But being away from my dear mother, father, sister and her fiancée (also called Tim. I know, crazy right?!) and their new pooch Parker is as hard as hell. So what keeps us connected in this Zoom time?! Well, we soon to be 'This Is 40' age call it Skype. And when we're not putting the world to rights for hours we're Skype sync watching something together like 3...2...1. Go! "You didn't go? I'm on 8 seconds!" Movies, YouTube videos, copious amounts of 'Seinfeld' and of course Newman. It's like a weekly tradition, which ends on Sunday with 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'. Sneakers, ice cream, tattoos, denim, BBQ, gaming, bikes, RVs, coffee, cosmetics, pools, jewellery, dogs, dance, magic, fireworks, monsters, tiny things, puzzles, motorcycles, birthdays (Happy Birthday, Mum. We watched this one just in time this year), backyards and everything inbetween, pole to pole. 

Keeping us connected with something other to do apart from the crossword (which is also an underrated joy), I can't thank Jeff and Disney + enough for this absolute joy. Especially as my Mum used to find Goldblum quite the dish. Which yes, makes the college comparison back in the day a little 'Back To The Future' weird. Just like I can't recommend enough doing this with your folks (the streaming of the show), if at a distance. It brings those living room memories back (especially for a waster who didn't leave home 'till way past 30 (I had a plan...and it has just come to fruition) and seeing their reaction to certain movies and comedies on screen is purely priceless. So much so I've talked about this and the world instead of 'According To Jeff Goldblum' for over two thirds of this piece. This is really a love letter to video call watching movies with my Mum and Dad. My bad! If you're a regular reader you know how I do. And the fact is. I haven't even watched all of these seasons and God knows how many episodes that are constantly getting added to the stream. But that doesn't matter. It's not cheating. I more than get the gist and the beautiful message he delivers every week like a Springer final thought, over montaging slow motion even 'The Matrix' over on the rival Warner Bros lot would be jealous of when it comes to this Disney magic like the amazingly titled National Geographic nature show presented by 'ID4' co-star Will Smith ('Welcome To Earth'). Besides, did you see how long it took me to review 'Squid Game'?! Forget this binge culture. Especially when I don't get home 'till Cinderella ball shy of midnight and have to time it right with a time difference bigger than me and my father's foreheads to get on the same page with my parents. These beautiful wonders of the world in Goldblum gold are meant to be savoured, like all good shows. Not the thirst of being rushing to the finish line to be social media first. Who cares? We're taking our time with these. But I promise you this. For all you will see in this series and watching world today. If you're having a bad day, fear not. Nothing will put a smile on your face quicker than Jeff Goldblum dancing with a sea lion. It's literally as legendary as it sounds. Like him crashing a kids party and starting a water fight. The joy on Jeff and our face can't be contained, reminding you of the good old, simpler times. When everything truly was more open. So much so we took it all too much for granted. Showing you a still United States at the 4th of July BBQ for those divided on the land of the free right now. Even today after all we've been and continue to go through. If the world could still be anything like it is according to Jeff Goldblum. What a wonderful world it would be. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Will Smith: Welcome To Earth', 'The Chef Show', 'Jurassic Park' (you know why). 

STAND-UP REVIEW: ALI WONG - DON WONG

4/5

Always Be My Ali.

It's a 'Hard Knock Wife' that bites like a 'Baby Cobra' and Ali Wong is the Don. Always. No maybe about it, Mariah. Netflix's new comedy special 'Don Wong' starring this knockout Ali is more than a joke as another Asian comedian destroys America like Ronny Chieng hosting a YouTube special for the community and wrecking Shang-Chi's back. Whilst the 'Big Mouth', 'Tuca and Bertie' and 'Birds Of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn' star was filming and writing a love interest cameo of Keanu Reeves into her Netflix rom-com smash with Randall Park ('Always Be My Maybe') that continued the 'Crazy Rich Asian' reign, over a 24 hours a day, seven days a week periods for half a year, she doesn't remember taking a deuce. That's six months straight, no flush. From the Golden Gate of San Francisco to the cold of Vancouver, Canada she doesn't recall touching down on porcelain. So much so she had to undergo a colonoscopy. And even if you think that bit is full of s###, this one will really take it out of you.

Ali's third Netflix stand-up special after her own 'Cobra Kai' and hard knock life is for us. And it really bites...in a good way. 'Don Wong' is so good it should be sponsored by Hello Kitty immediately. This is the best mic drop on the leading streaming service and this is one that has caught a deal with funny people like Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, not just for their comedy, but their signature successful shows too as everyone is falling over themselves like Kramer when there's not controversy. Right there with Iliza Shlesinger, in hitting that Amy Schumer big-time (were you hopefully will end up with more than a magician out your hat and on your arm) without losing herself like her signature slow down drawl for the droll sarcasm. When she's breaking it down like how hunched over old people walk with their hands behind their back like they were tied to an anchor. For her darling Nikki, this comedy explores monagamy a midlife crisis and wanting to be 'John Wick's' new pet in some rib-tickles we won't spoil, but might ruin your cage with how much you'll be left laughing at Wong's spectacle. 

Spit-take. One of the great joys in this life is when someone makes you (or if you're lucky, or funny enough to make them) laugh involuntarily. You know that real Janice sounding cackle that's natural, been hiding in plain embarrassing sight and not forced like literally saying LOL out loud. If they're taking a drink at the time than it's even more perfect, because like they say, comedy is all abo...TIMING! This is when their drink of choice turns into the Bellagio and you like the receiving end bits here of what literally made us end up this way. I hope those glasses come with windscreen wipers. As the table in front of you needs a DNA test, looking like a coronavirus warning poster. Sometimes we can't say it instead of spraying it. The mist we spit just tells the whole story. And this one that's hard to swallow? Well, let's just say it's about a certain act. You know, one we're you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The golden rule. And yes, I did just use a verse from the Bible to talk about going down on someone. Hey, it all involves bowing people. Both are hard on the knees as Steven Tyler once said for a classic Aerosmith, "falling in love" song. But the physical comedy and gestures of expression that come with this blow by blow account will have you wiping your face for a whole other reason. Ali Wong is ahead of the class. Suck it! And as the Don promo-ing it up in a drop top, rides out to some Brownstone like a Brooklyn home, if you love her, say it. Don't call it maybe. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife', 'Ali Wong: Baby Cobra', 'Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America'. 

TV REVIEW: HIT-MONKEY Season 1

4/5

There's Snow Business Like Monkey Business.

10 Episodes. Starring: Ally Maki, Olivia Munn, Nobi Nakanishi, Fred Tatasciore, George Takai & Jason Sudeikis. Created By: Will Speck & Josh Gordon. 

Monkeys normally just throw their s### at you. Marvel's 'Hit-Monkey' on Hulu and Disney + launches clips at us. Going truly apes### crazy! Forgive me. Marvel fans always have their theories to what would make real superhero showstoppers. Especially in this 'Multiverse Of Madness', as stranger things have happened in this world that weaves many a web. And even more strange tales are to come in these days like the good Doctor, opening new doors that light all sorts of fires. So here's my two cents. I may be biased working in Tokyo and living in Japan, but after seeing Hugh Jackman's Japan run as 'The Wolverine' Logan, lost in translation like an 'Endgame' Hawkeye Ronin and another fallen role for 'Last Samurai' legend Hiroyuki Sanada in this mortal kombat, I thought I was on to something. Especially whilst reading the dark graphic novel about his child, Daken, born in the land of the rising sun. Before X-23 I thought that Marvel should do a live action 'Daken: Dark Wolverine' series and drift their studio to Tokyo like 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise vehicle. That would have been the ultimate series before all the Netflix and Disney +, like the Defenders moving home across the streets of New York. I mean for all the 'Loki' green and gold and 'Moon Knight' (can't wait for two of the best thesps, Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke to do their thing) white, how cool would the Marvel opening comic scroll look like in kanji? Well the studio that makes so many hits some slips us by like strolling over the skin of a banana they've come closer and better with 'Hit Monkey'. All in a snow storm of blood, bullets, samurai swords and even sharper shades and suits. 

What the Howard the Duck? How did the top billed Marvel pick through this one? Well you don't need to be a quack to know that the comical appeal of these books means that Marvel is no chimp. Best when they get 'Deadpool' meta instead of DC dark (but how about 'The Batman?'), like Hulu's 'M.O.D.O.K', their best 'Robot Chicken' impression. Stop animation, I'm impressed like an opposite Shania. As Disney +'s biggest franchise player this side of a galaxy far, far away gets their 'Visions' on with an animation that takes it back to the classic 'Marvel Anime: Wolverine'. Even including some classic comic villains from Far East Marvel lore that we refuse to spoil 'Far From Home'. But 'Films For Fridays' will say this. They all love speaking in the first person. This animation is anime amazing and from the neon to the shrines, captures the so old, so new, so Tokyo, capital city with Google Earth realistic exclamation. From the steam of the ramen everyone loves like Raymond, to getting deep into the miso soup like Ryu Murakami. Shot from a shinkansen to the traditional countrysides of Japan and an atmospheric hot spring full of more primates on this planet than you could shake out of a plastic barrel. Living the life loungin' in an onsen longer than a salary man during golden week, they have a rude awakening from a hitman who could give the merc with the mouth a run for his gums or money. A bloodbath to soak through all the fur awaits and a force ghost getting his Swayze on for your plot pottery. But it's when this show heads back on a bullet to the bright lights of the big city that it really becomes a hit. Illuminating the sleaze shaded by neon, as crooked cops, politicians and even the Yakuza could get the katana. Hands or feet. 

The Monkey in Black with a sick soundtrack is a cut above the rest thanks to the 'Blades Of Glory' (spot the one some call 'The Illustrated Man' amongst a mafia of inked characters) of co-creators Will Speck and Josh Gordon. The Offenders are going to love this macaque...just you wait. A prime primate for crossover appeal. I don't know who voiced this monkey (it's actually the great Fred Tatasciore of Taz, Yosemite Sam and even Hull growling game. You'll love him when he's angry), or if they just went into an enclosure with a tape recorder and pressed play, but this classic character who also once teamed up with Cap's Howling Commandos to rescue Old Man Logan is a scream! Full teeth bared. You'll be grinning through this one. As the "what's that, Lassie" translation between Snowdrop and the human assassin with one last hit could leave the buddy cop comedy 'Turner and Hooch' slobberin' with envy. Hanks for the memories. Because this adult, black comedy is lassoed by Ted himself. Talking more than a guest speaker. Jason Sudeikis is on the form of his life. Netting this like his Premier soccer comedy on the other, other side of the pond. But the bare cheek of him next to his red assed co-star could even silence Ryan Reynolds like the way of Wade in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. One shot, one liner killing it like the SNL alum did his 'Horrible Bosses' or in a red Tenenbaum tracksuit. Even bringing earned emotion to this party. What's up with that? But even next to Psylocke herself Olivia Munn from an 'X-Men' movie that was truly an 'Apocalypse' when it comes to using Oscar Isaac the wrong way (for the right way to redemption tune into Disney Plus this March 30th), its Giggles McDimples of 'Toy Story 4' who takes top billing as Haruka, the lead and good cop on this case. Partnering up with the Sipowicz rolled up shirt that's trying to escape from his pants in Nobi Nakanishi's veteran cop who would hand everything in, his badge, his gun, except his resolve to solve the case. And if you thought that was enough for this adult comedy swimming with the sharks of censorship like 'Family Guy'. Then "HELLOOOO" how about 60's 'Star Trek' legend George Takai as politician Shinji Yokohama, giving it up for my new home just outside of Tokyo. Enough fan service already, what more could you want? This planet of the ape with a gun hits everything. Now let's stop monkeying around and throw Season 2 at the wall until that s### sticks. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'M.O.D.O.K.', 'The Wolverine' (Marvel Anime or 2013 Hugh Jackman movie set in Tokyo), 'Star Wars-Visions'. 

TV REVIEW: SQUID GAME - Season 1

4/5

Game Of Squids.

9 Episodes. Starring: Lee Jung-jae, HoYeon Jung, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Kim Joo-ryeong, Anupam Tripathi, Lee Yoo-Mi, Heo Sung-tae, O Yeong-su & Gong Yoo. Created By: Hwang Dong-hyuk. 

Red light. Welcome to the world's most delayed review of 'Squid Game' (oh hey, Sis!). Netflix's most successful and streamed show. And the PlayStation fencing mask, pink boiler and numbered turquoise Tenenbaum tracksuit to everyone's costume of choice last Halloween. Especially in Tokyo, Japan's world famous Shibuya. So what if NBA great LeBron James didn't like the way Season One ended. We Laker fans aren't going to like the way HIS season ends. Game changing creator Hwang Dong-hyuk didn't shop his script for years to hear this, creating his 'New Legacy'. He had some choice words for the King's 'Space Jam' sequel too. All as we await the sequel of this 'Squid' dish. One game that will have everyone losing their lunch. Even if your stomach is 'Oldboy' octopus strong. Looking away like a toy doll turned around. This is a cultural cornerstone as South Korea takes over Hollywood as the entertainment capital of the world. A multi-award winning juggernaut like the worldwide spreading 'Parasite'. A revolution like K-Pop group BTS all in black and pink. And as of past night a multiple SAG award winner. So now is about the apt time for this writer to get his tentacles stuck in. Especially as I was hovering on four episodes for a long time like waiting for a Godzilla sized doll to turn back around. Can you blame me? I've already talked about wanting to savour shows in this age of first come, binge culture (see; 'True Detective' Season 3) and I may not be scared of subtitles like Trump. But when I finish work at 9 at night, take an hours Tokyo train back to Yokohama and fall asleep at some point midway through my dinner or shower (whichever comes first) I can't exactly stay in story with it playing in the background when my Korean learning stopped at 21 around the same time I had to say goodbye to a special someone. So when my Korean friend this weekend sat me down to watch two episodes in a row (a first) I know I had to finish strong with a big-three. Especially as fittingly he serves me squid, no less, as we play the game. Oh, and like everything, it tastes just like chicken. 

Ignorant foreign press is another reason it's high time we stopped what we were doing and wrote this review. And we're not talking about the magazine interview feature which actually gave us a major spoiler a few weeks back. Don't worry! If you're the only other person in the world aside from me who hasn't seen this show, rest assured. This ain't 'Spider-Man'. We don't give the game away. And we write more copy too. No, we're talking about ANOTHER journalist who asked star of the show Lee Jung-jae if it was hard adjusting to notoriety. I wouldn't worry. He's had about 20 or so years to adjust to it being one of South Korea's most legendary actors. And if you didn't know, now you know just why he's as B.I.G. as he is. The bruised heart and aggravated anxiety of this show that makes a combined 'Battle Royale', 'Lord Of The Flies' and 'The Hunger Games' look like a cakewalk in the park. Now in a deserving night that featured Will Smith being anointed for 'King Richard' (and not even making any of his speech about him) and 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' Jessica Chastain finally getting her just deserves (I'm still reeling after the year she added 'The Zookeepers Wife', 'Miss Sloane' and 'Molly's Game' to her filmography and didn't even get to a put nomination in her trophy cabinet), fellow SAG award winner, HoYeon Jung is a newcomer. But an acting one only, as the former famous red head now back in black has been and remains a major model in the industry. But now she's a best actress too. If Jung-jae is this Squids heart, then Jung is the soul of these games. A stirring and compelling performer who really punctuates the emotion her mistrust is masking after one game of marbles were you'll lose all  yours. Stealing the show that is now hers. And Netflix's Korean zombie drama 'All Of Us Are Dead' star Lee Yoo-Mi winning our heartstrings down the thread of this tug of war. 

Sending Netflix Japan's similar survival game of 'Alice In Borderland' back down the rabbit hole. Or Netflix's previous most famous K-Drama, 'Crash Landing On You' back across the border, 'Squad Game' is crashing everything. 'Ozark' and 'Stranger' what?! Operatically in its doll house of games that are anything but child's play. Wrapped in a gift box like coffin with a pretty big bow. And taking a bite out your biscuit, there's no confliction to that, even if there is to forthcoming Netflix 'Money Heist: Korea Joint Economic Area' star Park Hae-soo's classically complex character. Add Kim Joo-ryeong, the enthusiasm of this show (just check her reaction to her teammates awards), the mob hit of Heo Sung-tae, the barrier breaking talent of Anupam Tripathi and Wi Ha-joon's courageous cop on the case and all these famous faces, masked or not in these times, really go for broke. Not to mention a cameoing 'Train To Busan' leading man Gong Yoo (who leads his own Netflix Korean drama out of this world right now with 'The Silent Sea'), setting this whole thing off in double or nothing motion at Seoul station with a slap. Hitting like another classic cameo we simply won't spoil. But for all the players here. If you want to talk about old boys, then legend and now a meme icon, O Yeong-su really is number one. As fun as that infectious, boyish smile that could never age like this old soul. With no enthusiasm curbed, he reminds me of Larry David. Oh and in coincidental, related news that classic theme (that even Snoop Dogg has amazingly sampled for 'Crip Your Enthusiasm') fits perfectly over the 'Red Light, Green Light' reveal. Hash-tag, 'Squid Your Enthusiasm'. Yet for all the games played here. Whether in torture chamber format, or the mind ones the other contestants play on each other as more heads roll than a 'Game Of Thrones' body count. It's the 'Hell' of episode two that really plays with you. Triangle. Square. Just when they thought they were out, they get Pacino pulled back in to this Godfather of the games. But against their will? You be the judge for this get out of jail free card in this monopoly of murder. Just when they had the chance to pass go. Green light. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Alice In Borderland', 'Parasite', 'Snowpiercer'.