REVIEW: ME TIME

3/5

Me, Myself and My Time.

101 Mins. Starring: Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Jimmy O. Yang, John Amos & Regina Hall. Director: John Hamburg. 

Between The Rock and a Hart hard working place, we need to talk to Kevin about getting himself some 'Me Time'. The latest out of the comedian's (who has more stand-up shows than there are showcased here in this film, as he gives all his friends their flowers) Netflix deal comes hot on the heels of 'The Man From Toronto', mere months ago. For the 'Fatherhood' streaming service smash star who also gave us a dramatic 'True Story' miniseries with Wesley Snipes that seemed too good to be exactly that, last fall. 

This time trading places with Woody Harrelson, or his 'White Men Can't Jump' co-star Snipes, it's Mark Wahlberg who's getting in on the comedy. Two years after he began his own Netflix deal with the franchise ready action hit comedy 'Spenser Confidential' (not another Princess Diana biopic), that was a monster truck smash. And a few seasons after he passed the 'Uncharted' series ropes to a webbed-up Tom Holland. Here, Hart and Wahlberg in matching tracksuits like a Tenenbaum are a great tag team of comedy royalty. From their Grand Canyon epic, base-jumping beginnings. Just like they were in their own buddy cop ('The Other Guys' for Marky Mark) or CIA ('Central Intelligence' for Dr. Silk) comedies. 

Now, whether giving mouth-to-mouth to tortoises, or gross out gags that will remind you of the time Zac Efron and his 'Dirty Grandpa' Robert De Niro went on The Godfather of all road trips. This ride along with these goodfellas includes hits, home invasions and even a shady debt collector who turns fingers into Cheetos. Needles to say in this survival of the 44th birthday (it's not a special year, but it made a damn good President), everything's getting a little crazy. All the way to a classic cameo from a man who's sent himself up perfectly before (but alas we've already said too much). Making for an amazing, soundtrack ready duet that will make Ross from 'Friends' piano playing jealous. Explosive outro fade out like a mic drop. 

Netflix has been bringing out the big guns this blazing summer, from Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans' 'The Gray Man', to the 'Day Shift' of Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg's vampire hunters. Its all fun and games before we get into the prestige pictures of the fall, as 'Gray' Star Ana de Armas wants her gold for going 'Blonde' as Marilyn Monroe in black and white, Mr. President. And there's nothing wrong with some good, not do clean, harmless (apart from a few plates) fun. Slapping sticks as Hart and Wahlberg rub two together to try and make fire like Mark's Travis Scott like sand effigy. 

Some critics may call this a turd, but we say if it is, it's about as small as the one little Kev (he doesn't carry a lot in there) leaves on a bed like Amber Heard for the ultimate chess move, like stealing all of someone's left shoes. And don't get us started on the 'Horrible Bosses' like butt-plugs. This is worth your weekend watch as you and your parents delete 'Blue Bloods' and 'Frasier' (never 'Frasier') off the TIVO. 

What more could you expect from the undisputed king of buddy comedies and the best of the last decade, 'I Love You Man's' John Hamburg ('Along Came Polly', "RAINDROPS!")? You'll love this too from the man who made his meat writing for the 'Meet The Parents' trilogy, fockers. Previously collaborating with Hart behind the pen, studying for Tiffany Haddish's 'Night School' that passed with a good score. Give this one a gold star too. Featuring the great Regina Hall, the legendary John Amos, providing good times and even 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Jimmy O. Yang. Crazy as a loan shark getting his teeth into Wahlberg's Huck with devil may give a f###, pound of flesh, where's my money, man. The last time Jimmy met Mark he was just "the bravest kid I've ever seen" saving the day on 'Patriots Day' from his car's computer. But now, he's after this baller's burgers. 

Going full mountain lion (no tortoises or Kevins were harmed in the making of this movie) for the laughs, 'Me Time' may be exactly what we need right now, in the middle of our busy lives. Light relief, hilarious and also hallmark heartwarming, balancing out the bro bravado and comic jabs from this one-two punch. Sure, this is the type of movie you might stay-at-home for if it was on the big screen. But this is what makes it the perfect scroll and flick for your own time. Just don't watch it on your laptop in nothing but your briefs. Trust me. It's got my seal of approval. Let's get it! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Man From Toronto', 'Spenser Confidential', 'Dirty Grandpa'. 

REVIEW: NOPE

4/5

Yep.

130 Mins. Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, Wrenn Schmidt, Barbie Ferreira & Keith David. Director: Jordan Peele. 

Close encounters of the third Jordan Peele film in his twilight zone (after the groundbreaking 'Get Out' and the real, revelatory 'Us') sees the former sketch-comedy duo star pulling no punches after last years 'Candyman' production. Nope. Nope. 'Nope'. All the way to a bloody fist-bump for this Monkeypaw science-fiction slash horror, instant classic that begins like the dawn of a 'Planet Of The Apes'. Right to the tip of a hauntingly upstanding, delicate plimsoll that shows us that this is anything but child's play. 

The TV sitcom call-sign for 'APPLAUSE' is no longer illuminated in neon, as all the audience members have made their way to the exits with panic, as blood runs through the stage. Red raw like the later step-to-step nod to fellow classic Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' as crimson rains on a farmhouse in the peak of the plains like something out of a Stephen King page-turner. Heeere's Jordan! Don't call this monkey business going apes###, laying waste on cast and crew,a crazy chimp. He's not that type of primate. Like Chris Rock said (no stranger to people being pushed too far on the attack) like Siegfried and Roy referenced here, "that (monkey) didn't go crazy. He went (monkey)!" The crazy was when he was dressed like one of his brothers off a PG Tips commercial spot. 

After this genuinely terrifying howl-fest, more foreboding comes raining nickel coins and other metallic items (keys...and all that other stuff that security guard from 'The Matrix' asked of Keanu and Carrie-Anne before he got what for) from the sky somberly like shrieking stones in 'Carrie'. And that's where we lose one of the best actors of our time, Keith David. In a truly harrowing and heartbreaking moment, engaging you in a movie of jolts that affords more than cheap jump scares.

Leaving his once upon a time in Hollywood horse providing ranch (not Spawn) in the capable hands of his kids. Son, Daniel Kaluuya, reuniting with 'Get Out's' Peele after winning the Academy for 'Judas and the Black Messiah' and acclaim for the crowning 'Queen and Slim' and 'Widows'. Missing out on the 'Wakanda Forever', 'Black Panther' sequel to go deeper in this (besides, this guy copped an Oscar for playing a real Black Panther and Messiah in Fred Hampton). And daughter from Harvey, Illinois and one of Time's most influential people of 2019, the show stealing Keke Palmer who's having a career year after starring on Chris Evans' left this summer for Disney and Pixar's 'Lightyear', now steaming on Disney +. Now dancing to classics, as the turntables warp in another iconic use of classic tracks to score this shudder inducing stage and state. 

Save this horror however, for the IMAX big-screen it belongs on in all its unsettling sound shaking you to the core and eyes playing tricks on your vision. All for the man whose horrors like a King hide real human ones as he shows us 'Us', telling us to 'Get Out' with those simple scares in his social commentary that sends a real shiver down our collective spines. This one looking at our greed in the face of tragedy need for recognition, information or just outright curiosity that killed you know what. And this one really scratches, even though we won't let it out the bag. Bet you thought a UFO couldn't scare you anymore like 'The X-Files'! Well, guess again, Mulder and Scully for this well, well, well reveal we simply won't Spider spoil in this snapshot. The greatest alien movie since Denis Villeneuve's 'Arrival' served up on a flying saucer is a deeper dish. 

Chasing to chronicle this apex predator like 'Jaws', sandwiched between the best blockbuster of the year in 'Prey' and Idris Elba's 'Beast' (if just here in Japan, released this weekend, just in time for Halloween, which is under the bed closer than you just around the corner think). This movie also stars a 'Burning' and brooding Steven Yeun and his wife Wrenn Schmidt. A child-star surviving the walking on all fours dead and now looking to be the greatest showman for this big boy Jupiter's Claim main attraction whose theme park already became a real part of Universal Studios before this movie even came out (now you know just how big this picture is). And you thought his childhood sitcom beginning backstory seems too close to the bone to not be true. 

Not our planet earth. This movie teases its title out of its audiences mouths like an incredible as always Kaluuya as OJ (yep, and what?), an actor who makes you work for his art, just like he does. Wrangling a Bible verse and showing us the first film star, stuntmen and horserider, all rolled into stampeding one. A black man. 

Five horse-drawn and named chapters bookend this classic that even when giving you red herrings in the barn scares you to the scale-feeling skin like this was '1922' and the rats were at your feet. Full dark, no stars and a cloud that will not move in the sky the cameras of a breakout Brandon Perea (sorry about the girlfriend, we've all been there) are concerned. Maybe he should take some solace with the 'Euphoria' of his co-worker Barbie Ferreira, on fine form. That's why cinematographer Michael Wincott (with a Hollywood voice born for villainy) is on the case as well as a TMZ reporter with no reveal (it's Devon Graye) getting to the chopper in a Daft Punk mirroring helmet. But this third picture gallop from Peele is double-act, and Kaluuya and Keke have a 'Meet The Parents' eye-thing going on, as you watch. You love to see it like 'Avatar'. 

Cloudbursting, some may call this exploitation a "bad miracle". Telling us 'Don't Look Up' like Meryl Streep and Jonah Hill in the Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, Adam McKay Netflix movie. But you will fall in love with this spectacle of this sci-fi western like 'Star Wars' that you just can't take your eyes off as it beams up the couch you try to hide behind. Even if you wish you could look anywhere but there. The appeal of Jordan's trilogy making big-three is now not just one of the best horrors, but the best science fictions and westerns too for this genre bender. One of the best moviemakers in the mainstream. 'Nope' will leave you speechless, or at least without saying what Jordan thought you all would when it comes to this title. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Get Out', 'Us', 'Fire In The Sky'. 

SHORTS REVIEW: I AM GROOT - Season 1

4/5

The Tree Of Young Sapling Life.

5 Episodes. Starring: Vin Diesel. Director: Kirsten Lepore. 

This is great. If all you galaxy guardians are still hooked on the feeling Baby Groot used to give you, now he's a moody teenager with too much sap, this is the show for you. Marvel's 'I Am Groot'. You know, I am Groot? I am...Groot? OK, let me explain it to you like you're not a four-year-old fern. Five new shorts from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, all no more than five minutes each. Which means you can binge them in the time it takes to get your dinner ready for the new 'She Hulk: Attorney At Law' series, next week. Because you won't like it when you're hangry. I rest my case! Who gives a clump of moss if this James Gunn executive produced branch of storytelling before the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' holiday special is canon for your fan forum fodder? The 'Peacemaker' director saying his believes it's not. The big bosses at Marvel say it is. Only one way to settle this. Besides, who could care less when it's this cute? Streaming on Disney + right now, you won't stop smiling throughout. As you again realise all of life's sweet joys of little consequence. All on the home of chewbaccas, raccoons and mice, oh Mickey. Disney have been doing it this small since the whistle along the stream days of 'Steamboat Willie' (that's 1928), Goofy's guide to sports (where do you think I got my hops?) and all the pre-movie Pixar gems that will have you crying in your popcorn before 'Up' or 'Toy Story 3' finishes you off. And just like all those 'Toy Story Toons' (we see you 'Small Fry'), we could watch so many of these shorts that by the time we're finished it would be like we have just watched a movie. Let's plant some trees across the streams. 

The cute little bark has us the moment he fast-forwards impatiently through the over-cooked, latest Marvel I.D. credit crawl, with tongue-in-tree. It all starts with the baby steps as we are taken back to the post-credits 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' first volume time when this birthed potted plant of a baby looked like one of those plastic guitar playing sunflowers that swayed with your hi-fi's music back in the 90's, when you thought there was more chance of you going to space than seeing something like this happen. You know, the most hilarious Marvel post-credits scene that saw Baby Groot playing with a knife sharpening Drax like it was he who was the invisible man? Well, now he's getting into it with a Bonsai tree and feeling his first fits of jealousy as he finds his feet. All before this twig discovers the whole wide world around him in this Marvel Cinematic Universe and even one below the one small step he's taking for tree-kind on a new planet and a whole new world like the time Will Smith opened his 'Men In Black II' locker to a different kind of hero worship. In this Baby Yoda cuteness overload rivalling toy story, just call Groot 'The Claaaaaaw'. If you think that's the only discovery in these strange new worlds, then wait until something does bump and squish in the night. Best use your Apple Watch (or is that a Zune) as a torch and call up your favourite playlist for the ultimate dance-off, bro. All this hard work and no play and our baby is going to need a bath...with two cucumbers. And just wait until you see what grows from this episode's volcanic sauna. All before the 'Magnum Opus' of these five shorts like 'The Umbrella Academy's' finale (with another five on the way for your top ten). One that features funny hijinks, a classic cameo, one almost invisible one through some shower steam and a piece of artwork you should put in the Louvre, or at least the Smithsonian next to Cap's shield. He is Groot and this is cute. 

Stop-motion, animated genius Kirsten Lepore directs this little one with delight for her new career 'Adventure Time'. Scored by Italian composer Daniele Luppi's (of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Gnarls Barkley and 'Rome' with Danger Mouse fame) chef kiss lovely soundtrack. And of course, who else to voice this baby's goo Groot's and ga, ga's than the man with a booming voice, deeper than his 'Fast and Furious' engines? Forget one job, it seems like Vin Diesel has the easiest one here, despite the fact that only he and Gunn have volumes of 'Guardians' scripts with his characters three little words translated in the Queens English. I'll do you one better, why is Grootmora (I Am Groot?). And hey, at least this A lister is humble enough to come back and do it for five minutes...even if it is in his contract (you cynics) like 'Thor: Love and Thunder'. Vocal assists also come from 'Hulu's' 'Hit Monkey' himself Fred Tatasciore (a real marvel) and scores more who work on this. Including one big Hollywood star we won't spoil (even though that already feels like we've R.E.M. said too much (oh no)). Because, besides we still haven't leaked who came out of the water spout for 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'. And won't. No way, man. Perfect photorealistic animation for this fourth phase. This looks Pixar cinematic, no pixilation. And what's more, it's a joy in a world that's feeling all too much like 'The Boys' (but what a show), ladies and gentlemen. If we ever do get shown a real hero. Once again, before Baby Yoda steals the next Star Wars show he is in, Groot, we are. And we'll always have trunk space for this tree's life. With Groot expectations. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'The Mandalorian', 'Toy Story Toons'. 

REVIEW: DAY SHIFT

3.5/5

Breaking Day.

114 Mins. Starring: Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza, Steve Howey, Scott Adkins, Eric Lange, Peter Stormare & Snoop Dogg. Director: J.J. Perry. 

All the streets are silent. "Except when Jamie Foxx's got a f#####g shotgun!" Once upon a time on the other side of Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. 'Sleepless' like the time he ran up cars in a parking lot with a blunderbluss like 'Baby Driver', as the Texan needled crooks like Seattle. Now, straight out the Foxxhole, Jamie's working the 'Day Shift'. Which is not a prequel to a biopic about The Commodores moving on from Lionel Richie. But the Oscar winner's latest project with Netflix (can a comedy special from the funnyman with a hilarious Dave Chappelle impression, please stand-up in a sheriff's hat?). One that sees him play a vampire hunter with guns for their roses and maybe even an Easter Egg to one of his albums amongst all the action. Or it could just be a flower shop. Perhaps I've had one too man drinks. Walking tall amongst the dead alongside Snoop Dogg's terminating mini-gun, stetson spinning Big John, complete with his old moves from 'Def Jam Vendetta' . We are fun fang-filled, all the way in. Even if critics want to put this in the coffin as this vamped up flick is getting it in the neck. But what Netflix movie doesn't in this 'Spiderhead' age, were even Avengers can't marvel? From 'The Grey Man' to 'The Man From Toronto' and of course the electric Electro villain's own superhero 'Project Power' from this time, last year. No matter what they say though, when it comes to this streaming service whose shows are in more successful season, it's still all enjoyable fare and enough bang for your subscription buck. Especially in this post-summer blockbuster season were you will find more successful popcorn movies-aside from Foxx's taxi 'Collateral' Tom Cruise's 'Maverick' 'Top Gun' sequel-in the 'Prey' of the new home cinema across the streams. This graveyard shift catches on like the Brad Pitt Shinkansen snapshot action of 'Bullet Train' that definitely takes points from the best zombie movie amongst hordes, South Korea's 'Train To Busan', straight from a 'Seoul Station' before the 'Peninsula'. Former tooth-cracking 'Fight Club' stuntman for Pitt, David Leitch directed that one. Along with 'Deadpool 2', the world's best cameo and the 'John Wick' films. Now another stuntman from those chapters who knows a thing or two fists about action choreography makes his directing debut here. And J.J. Perry knows what's at stake too. Straight to the heart. 

Just watch what they do in these shadows. 'The Waterboy' this is not, as Jamie Foxx fishes a rodent out from the aftermath of a pool party. Playing possum though, he soon trades fish nets (no, not those. This isn't the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show') for buckshot as he heads into a house of horrors and dusts a vamp granny that definitely did not skip hot yoga day. All it takes is the silver lining of a door frame and more shells than what washes up at Laguna Beach. This is were things get interesting as Foxx then looks like he moonlights at a dentist, pulling teeth that certainly aren't dentures (this is somebody's daughter) and selling them on the black market. You see this daybreaking vampire hunter forgot the rules on 'Training Day' like Ethan Hawke and now HE is the one getting it in the neck like the first time he met Denzel Washington (YouTube it, along with another incredible impression), on the outside of his profession asking to be invited back in. This is where "I know some people, who know some people, who robbed some people", Snoop comes in. Offering a hand and a favour for an old friend like a rehire me, job recommendation. But like garlic in the throat, there's a catch. He most be accompanied by a hilarious, gun not so catching Dave Franco, watching his every move, by the book. His desk duty leaving him used to pushing more pencils than stakes through the heart, even if he can outfox Jamie in a 'Twi-hard' saga of fandom. If that wasn't enough there is also an undead Goddess that could even make Dracula blush that is even selling sunset like a reality show. Anyone not wearing two million sunblock now has a new way to avoid a bad day. And of course Netflix's 'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me' (S.O.S. Save our shows) star has to act like he's got some sense before his family becomes 'Back To The Future' faded like the reflection of those Buffy slayed. 

Dark shadows. There was a time there were more vampire movies turning than there are Marvel ones. But lately, it's all been coming up 'Morbius'. Perry (whose worked on 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', 'Mortal Kombat' and 'Batman & Robin') seeks to change all that, however. As the former Stuntman of the Year looks to become the freshest new director with this fleshed out mix of martial art action with some shotgun-fun and classic comedy chops. You wont find much more enjoyable than Foxx and Co epically raiding a home with the bullet and chewing gum sharing (eugh), garlic flavour (mmm, you know what? Not so eugh) brotherhood of 'DOA: Dead Or Alive' Steve Howey and the 'Undisputed' Marvel member ('Mutant X', 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' and 'Doctor Strange') who has a big role in the forthcoming 'John Wick: Chapter 4',  Scott Adkins. Scene stealing mercs for hire, until Foxx goes all Shohei Ohtani with the butt of his buss. In more Hawaiian shirts than Okinawa, Foxx's charisma wins here. Especially with an off-road car chase set to the backdrop of a Mario Kart like game on his sweet daughter's iPad. Straight to the same drains Schwarzenegger stormed with a spinning chopper. Not to mention his chalk and garlic bread with cheese pairing with the fond Franco and buddy cop trope that will have you pissing yourself laughing. But straight out the manhole cover like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (or maybe Splinter) and rolling his truck right into a mall scene straight out of the 'Dawn Of The Dead', it's Snoop Dogg (so good about knowing a thing or two about grass in 'Starsky & Hutch') who has the best lines. And the pick of a classic hip-hop soundtrack now he's the head honcho of Death Row Records, breaking off NBA champion Steph Curry with a gold chain for his Warrior state. And this is in a class cast that includes 'Shazam' star and former flame Meagan Good, Netflix's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny' sequel star Natasha Liu Bordizzo lighting cigarettes with her fingertip and 'How To Get Away With Murder' star Karla Souza, so good at playing the devilishly undead. Not to mention Eric Lange's spanner or stake in the works boss and the great Peter Stormare waiting in his black market lair for something worse than a man who killed a guy with a pencil. Nursed by the sweet sounds of K-Pop boy bands (hey...me too). Netflix may have thrown more money at this movie (that's more underground than 'Underworld') than Jamie Foxx can get for his teeth, but this still has bite. Far from sucking, they could get a franchise out of this. So long as they don't bleed it dry. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Project Power', 'Sleepless', 'Twilight'. 

REVIEW: PREY

4/5

Let Us Prey.

100 Mins. Starring: Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Thrush, Stormee Kipp, Julian Black Antelope & Dane DiLiegro. Director: Dan Trachtenberg. 

Mountain lions, Predators and bears, oh my! Rapper Young Jeezy once said, "I'm a predator, I pray three-times a day." Now that's got nothing to do with anything, it's just a great line. 'Prey' on the other hand (out now on Hulu and Disney + worldwide) has everything to do with the legendary 'Predator' franchise. All as it taps in and rips the spinal column out, straight to the skull. Taking it back to the flesh and bare bones bloody forest of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger original that briefly starred Jean-Claude Van Damme as the monster in this movie, that was one ugly mother of a classic. All the way to the hand thunder-clapping, coming together muscled-up meme before the creed of Carl Weathers' lost that arm that still shot first like Han. '10 Cloverfield Lane' script-flipping director Dan Trachtenberg of 'The Boys' fame knows a thing or ten about stripping-down and changing the blockbuster game to a better, more nuanced narrative. And with this 'Prey', he traps the best film in the franchise since 'Predator's' classic closing credits. Despite the fun of the streaming service search selection confusion of 2018's 'The Predator' from the kiss, kiss, bang, bang of original star Shane Black for your buck. The even worse one (but actually a good movie) of Adrien Brody's 'Predators'. And the classic Danny Glover sequel that took us from the jungle to a concrete one in a gang infested Los Angeles, before we got too old for this s### (there's an epic Easter Egg here that cracks the flint). And let's not forget all the 'Alien v Predator' monster-mash for your Godzilla vs King Kong big blockbuster brawlers. Now in classic cloaking and the familiar noise of wood cracking reveal that will have you seeing things here, this Predator comes out of nowhere, after a dreaded summer of busted blocks. Aside from a 'Maverick' 'Top Gun' sparing sequel that takes us back to the same 80's 36 years ago. 'Lightyear' failed to garner much buzz, even with the American as Cola, Chris Evans piloting it. Whilst the only thing the last 'Jurassic World' movie held 'Dominion' over was people jokes...despite it being better than the dino dung it's being s####ed on as being. This apex predator's chronicle on the other clawed hand, really roars. Huffing, puffing and blowing your house down, nuclear through the trees. 

Hulu may be about to take a whupping from Mike Tyson like that guy on the plane (see Twitter for both), but they find a halo here for this angel of the heat-seeking franchise in new colour. Richly cinematic across the plains, armed with a beautiful backstory and the compelling compassion for a community, this is more than the lights out action caught on camera. But oh how the action goes balls deep before ripping yours off like a Raptor in its rapture, no Baby Blue. Just don't go into the tall-grass as this one swims through the blades faster than Jaws with blood in the foliage. This alien making its own crop circles without its vessel, putting three iconic red dots on your head from the helmet and the mandibles that lie beneath. There's a brutal and scary grizzly bear scene that makes the necessities of the one in Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar winning 'The Revenant' look like a hug...and that had people embracing the latrine. Getting into the grey with scary snarling white wolves like Liam Neeson. And there's an even better running scene that hierarchy shows a black widow being ate up by a rodent that gets struck by a snake (in scary whip quick realism), all before that cobra gets skinned by the new species changing the food-chain. All this and we haven't got to the bow and arrow of the human condition yet for a massive movie making its way to the small screens that needs a bigger audience. There's even woman's best friend here in a beloved dog and a head turning moment that you pray nothing happens to. Lest we all get John Wick on the Parabellum of this chapter. 

Comanche, make sure you select that language with subtitles for this warrior song and watch it in the native dub (see extras). Because this fifth film that will start its own run of sequels (just check the closing credits, even if there is no post scene) demands that respect and genuine consideration. Because it's the real deal like that native Americans that this land belongs to. No matter what alien tries to take over. Keeping you safe in the wilderness against those who hunt for sport, this is your tribe. No imitation. But representation. This is the evolution. Of a film, franchise, blockbuster and hopefully industry. It's more than the visual that has its effects. 100 minutes sharp and to the two pronged point, 'Prey' has an axe to grind in action sequence. Soaring like a Thunderbird, with a rope chopper like Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion stinging garden trowel for this 'Mortal Kombat', Amber Midthunder brings it all in a storm, on go. Anything but the name of this movie, as the supposed hunted becomes the hunter with neon blood under her eyes as camouflage. The star of this show and her own new vehicle, armed with nothing but sticks, stones and her wits to break bones, after stealing the one in Marvel's X-Men story 'Legion'. About to inspire a definition of that namesake in fandom after the code name of this picture debuted at Comic Con in San Diego, California. The Comanche community will also cry out in unity for the call of the wild career we're about to receive from Dakota Beavers, as we are introduced here to his influence to come. We hope this movie does what Neill Blomkamp's movies did for an 'Elysium' of actors, from strange new alien worlds, to helming their own 'Star Wars' seasons, coming next month. Same song for the legend of Michelle Thrush, the Gemini Award winning 'Blackstone' actress and First Nations activist for Aboriginal Canadians and other indigenous people of the Americas. The heart of this and so many other stories, still to be told by the warmth of her fire. Stormee Kipp stalking for toxic blood and Julian Black Antelope's chief are further rhyme to the reason, movies like this should never be washed in white with Hollywood blood money in the hands of those who think they control the narrative. Whilst former basketball player in Italy and Israel Dane DiLiegeo ('The Walking D(r)ead') scales new heights as the Predator itself. All six foot, nine inches of him. But we all know what stands the tallest in the heat of a new signature. Killing it, this more than bleeds. Arnie may have never returned to his other franchise like friendly rival Sly Stallone did in 'Rocky' and the fellow forest hunt of 'Rambo'. But 'The Terminator' he keeps replicating and tinkering with could learn something from this back to basics blueprint. This big game changes everything for a floundering franchise. This Predator is nothing without 'Prey'. This is the apex. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Predator', 'The Predator', '10 Cloverfield Lane'. 

TV REVIEW: THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY - Season 3

3.5/5

Eyes On The Sparrow.

10 Episodes. Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Ritu Arya, Genesis Rodriguez, Justin H. Min, Callum Keith Rennie & Colm Feore. Created By: Steve Blackman. 

Back under the Umbrella, ella, ella, Academy, A, A, Season 3, you can see that his eye is on the sparrow. Parasol school is back in session for one of Netflix's most successful streamed shows like 'Stranger Things', 'Ozark' and 'Squid Game'. The last time we enrolled with Canadian, Writers Guild Of America winner and Emmy award nominated 'Fargo' writer Steve Blackman's showrunning 'The Umbrella Academy', based on the chemical romance of Gérard Way's comic-book, locked down in 2020, they came face-to-face with their alternate selves in this multiverse of madness that has us catching more spiders than vacuum cleaner extention tools. The Sparrow Academy, their own world famous team that had everyone tweeting about a potential spin-off. Think of this meeting of the superhero minds like the 'Kingsman-The Golden Circle' sequel, which introduced the British Bond's to their Statesmen Stateside equivalents. A team that deserves to suit-up to their own spin-off, no matter how heartbreakingly good this turn of the years long-awaited 'Kings Man' prequel was. Now with more family affairs than a Mary J. Blige (still sorely missed in this show) classic, it's time to meet the family like Ben Stiller focking around 'The Godfather' De Niro for a new kind of trilogy, now this third series is in season. Monkeying around with cubes, crows, heroes whose dominion is spitting like Dilophosaurus and a serious case of the mumps. All whilst 'The Umbrella Acadmey' try to suitcase up and save the world from certain oblivion again. All from the comfortable room service of the coolest hotel to play with us ever since Jack Nicholson bust through the door like Johnny, as you ride around on your tricycle. 

I heard a rumor this was the season that tries your patience. Even if I'd love to see it go fourth. Saving the world agaaaaain (although it takes it more personally than this in this last dance), characters making it really hard to love them like Hopper in 'Stranger Things 3' (let's hope for their own fourth volume redemption) and "samurai's...really?" This show suffers from appropriating a lot of tired and tested suped up themes, right from Professor Charles Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters, all whilst tweening between the darkness and parental advisory blood-soaked sticker of Amazon's 'The Boys' (on their own terrific third turn in their and on Prime) and all the Marvel and DC fare like a 'Doom Patrol'. Just as Netflix are still trying their hand at starting their own movie universe, from Charlize Theron's 'Old Guard', to the Russo Brothers giving the Chris Thor and Chris America their own franchise 'Extraction' like 'The Gray Man'. And while fans are crying "mid" (but, what don't they do that at these days?), Netflix itself seems hell-bent on spoiling their own shows via their social channels. They may be unfairly losing subscribers (we are spoilt for classic content), but they're about to lose even more Twitter followers. No rumor needs to have it. Yet this seriously good series is more than its mean sum total of problems (every episodic narrative has their own burdens to bear). And the karaoke soundtrack that will have you singing like it was a nice day for a white wedding is still the best thing to come out of superhero speakers since volumes of gunning 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' for your Zune. But they didn't have to do Lionel Richie like that. They also score points on their own TV show binging playlists too. Here's hoping Netflix call-up William Shatner's cop classic 'TJ Hooker' after it was tuned into the boob tube here. 

This show goes on as one of the last Netflix ones standing, as the service does more cancelling than its customers, but also says goodbye to our family drama in the 'Ozark(s)' (that makes this one look like a walk in the Shakespeare in the park) before they venture into the Upside Down with a bedsheet rope, one last time, filming this fall. The former Blockbuster like postal rental service has even sent its street-level Defending Marvel heroes over to Disney + with the rest of the MCU. Despite all that and the tired cliché of N.E.R.D. (not the great group from Neptune, but the notion that "no one ever really dies"), this one still puts a parasol up to all its problems and serves as a mirror to the America of the past and the social study we still rub our temples at today. Elliot Page's redefining character arc once again leads the way with the big heart of Tom Hopper and their beautiful back-and-forth that will leave you beaming. Whilst Emmy Raver-Lampman could get her first name for the knives out she has in character dynamics that shows us as meta-humans in all our flaws and lying to ourselves justification. It's a complex and compelling turn, like it or not. Normal blade man David Castañeda has his own finer points to consider with ever scene-stealer Ritu Arya too. And Aidan Gallagher again is still the smartest one in the room, even in a boys blazer. But this family of misfits would be nothing without our favourite Robert Sheehan. Funny and with evermore forthright feeling, one more time here. Even as the family gets bigger with 'Big Hero 6' and 'Man On A Ledge' standout Genesis Rodriguez (the heart here) and of course Justin H. Min (Ben is back like Lopez and Affleck). All presided over with the parentage of 'The Chronicles Of Riddick' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' star Colm Feore. Looking older than he does in real-life and being wiser in character than his enigma let's on. And as we are talking character, we have to give it up for 'Due South' legend and 'Jigsaw' star Callum Keith Rennie's turn here. But to say more, would be to reveal too much, thank you kindly. Still, in all this cancelling of the apocalypse, it's how the 'Umbrella' opens up to Elliot Page's coming out as transgender in character and heart, without making a big box-ticking, virtue signalling fuss out of it, that really is a big deal. Even though the choice of how someone wants to live and love their life and who they want to be shouldn't be to anyone, but themselves. And the reactions to this here are fitting and heartwarming in their beauty in simplicity and love and understanding. No matter who has a problem with it. Forget the ignorance when we can witness so much influence. When it comes to all of this under the umbrella, but not shielding the star who can stand on his own two feet, give this Academy an award. And Elliot, the respect he deserves. Hopefully now, the rest of the world can turn the page. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Doom Patrol', 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past', 'Kingsman-The Golden Circle'. 

REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD - DOMINION

 

3/5

At World's End.

146 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, Isabella Sermon, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, Dichen Lachman, Campbell Scott, Omar Sy & BD Wong. Director: Colin Trevorrow. 

"In 'Jurassic Park'. Scary in the dark." I'm so scared that I will hate this. But alas, I don't. Hahahrawrrahaha. It's not "one big pile of s###" like everybody says now the park is open here in Japan. Or even a meta Jeff Goldblum in this movie saying, "Jurassic World...not a fan." The end of the 'World' is still a summer sequel smash for your blockbuster bucks and not an 'Independence Day: Resurgence' regurgitation. Even if it doesn't have the same 'Dominion' over the box-office this season like a 'Maverick' Tom Cruise's long-awaited, soaring 'Top Gun' sequel. Or those dominating 'Minions' and gentle ones I finally got to see in the wild tonight...but was too scared to approach. It's not a bad movie, by any shot. Just a little too long-shot ambitious, but also motorcycle steering away from its even grander ambition set up in the last movie ('Fallen Kingdom' and a sweet 'Battle At Big Rock' short) that it actually bests. And it's also not the epic end fans wanted. More of a solid entry to the canon, which budgets and box-office revenue breaking-even be damned will probably have more left in the tank to fire. After his 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' career breakout, Chris Pratt's 'Jurassic World' star turn, co-starring Bryce Dallas Howard and directed by trilogy helmer Colin Trevorrow (all on fine form here) was the tomorrow, monster hit that was set to spawn sequels. But these days, for some strange and cruel reason, Pratt has gone from the most popular person on the planet to people calling him by his last name. And it's such a shame. He still has the star power on full wattage like his 'Guardians' cameo in the other superhero summer scorcher, 'Thor-Love and Thunder'. Whilst Dallas Howard like her proud pops is becoming an even better director than she is a Jessica Chastain twin. Directing THE best episodes of Star Wars' 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Book Of Boba Fett' (even if that was a Mando episode) on Disney +. Sometimes monster movie, like cape fatigue can leave fans with too many blocks to bust and they can feel fed up. But that doesn't mean they have to dig their heels in. They can always stay at home and wait to get flayed by Vecna. 

World's apart from the park. This franchise always felt like an offshoot. As movie life imitates art. Always trying to go bigger and bolder, this hybrid of executive producer Steven Spielberg's directed trilogy's spiel made-up brand new dinosaurs, cooked in the lab. And that just doesn't work so well for us Ross Geller's. Don't they know the T-Rex will always be King of this jungle as he walks into a signature shot like Bond for your Easter Egg? All in a movie full of them, from beloved references to 'The Shining', 'Apocalypse Now' and many, many more including its own meta moments, climbing or buttoning up. Adorned in a costume department that adores nostalgia and this years Halloween dress-up. You've got to love it like Trevorrow's hilarious human moments like the man saving his margarita's despite an aerial assault in 'Jurassic World' ("scary in the...") and what that scooter segues into here. Hilarious like those cooked up Gordon Ramsay "raw" trailers. Still, the taming of the raptors with one hand doesn't seem like fair game. You know he'd be Edward Scissorhands right now. Although it is cool to see Star Lord ride around with them on a chopper like they were sidecars with teeth like he was auditioning to be the new 'Indiana Jones' (more of that here and maybe to come). And we all know in reality, raptors were actually only the size of dogs. But now they're chasing laser pen points like cats. You can throw everything you like at the big screen, but you'll never sink that kitchen scene for taught tension and toe-tapping fear, clawing down your spine. Sure, Blue and the even Beta baby Blue find a way in this life. As mother has become THE dinosaur of this series, whilst the cute child is snapping at that Baby Yoda Christmas present money (they brought Tamagotchi's back in Japan, how cool is that?). But I get what fans have been disappointed. What I don't understand is why it descends into outright hate for a movie that is still enjoyable. It seems like the same torch carrying angry mob from 'The Simpsons' that runs rampant in cancelling these days also wants to spoil everyone's enjoyment when it comes to entertainment. I even dread the day I post reviews now, as if I like something that the 'I hate it too' crowd don't, it'll be met with exactly that sliding into my DM's. Like showing love is my problem and not theirs in this don't @ me world. I know what you're trying to do, but this franchise means the world (no pun intended) to me too. Even if it isn't in the same ballpark (intended). 

Christmas, 1993. I've probably already told this story, but at this point, I don't care. It's lovely and I need too. I wake up and my eight-year-old self is still so excited to see what Santa brought with the milk half gone and the cookies and carrot baring teeth marks I thought would be a little bigger. Little did I know (like I should of) who really put in all that extra effort. 'Jurassic Park' was the summer and stocking filler smash that 'Toy Story' and a certain Lightyear (another nice nostalgia trip this summer) toy would be years later. And there they all were. Raptors, dinosaurs, Dr. Alan Grant and a late, great Bob Peck figure looking as big as a bear, oh my. And of course the legendary Jurassic Park car, rivalling the Ghostbusters Ectomobile. Although it was probably just your run of the mill station wagon. Something kids genuinely believed they would drive one day as their dream car. I couldn't be happier, until the middle of the day when my lovely grandparents came 'round for Christmas dinner. "Why don't you put their coats on your bed", Mum asked me beautifully. As I got up there a T-Rex was waiting for me, like I was sitting on a toilet. This was everything to a kid who boasted he saw 'Jurassic Park' twice...without a bathroom break (big boy). 'Jurassic World' always seemed like a tribute act imitating the original like a Bootleg Beatles, but now they've got the band back together, it's beautiful. And a game Laura Dern and Sam Neill, revisiting old themes and friends, along with 'Fallen Kingdom's' Goldblum, no longer stuck on desk duty mouthing off on Capitol Hill don't disappoint as old cast meets new in an Avenging moment. "I know you" too to a returning BD Wong, looking for 'Fallen' redemption. Even if the dinos running rampant in the city like in 'The Lost World' in this similar 'One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing' story does somewhat. Replaced by a swarm of handbag sized locusts that will make your skin crawl. Especially if you live in the cicada ravaged summer of Japan. I couldn't even get into my house late last night as there were three playing dead outside my door. Buzzing around and messing with Biblical, end of the world themes, subtlety in damnation. BINGO! Dino DNA also gives us a cloning strand of story and all of this manages to be tied-together quite nicely. Despite fans spitting at it like the welcome return of one of our favourite Park predators. There's also a fast and furious, 'Mission: Impossible' heist like motorcade of action in postcard settings that allows 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D'. star Dichen Lachman to shine with some stock lazy henchmen tattooed up to parody and reunites us with the Bishop of 'X-Men' and 'Lupin' himself Omar Sy. The kids are more that alright too, as Isabella Sermon's significant role introduces herself to familiar faces Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda and 'Uncorked' Mamoudou Athie in a great year. And talking about familiar faces we've got Campbell Scott (who was so good as Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker's pop in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2') owning a recognisable name here too, as Biosyn replaces Ingen like Legion, Skynet in another great reunion sequel they hated ('Dark Fate'). It's all connected. But 'She's Got To Have It', it's DeWanda Wise who steals the show. Piloting this thing and navigating the best lines. Still, if you can't get with this then maybe you should watch this movie with my girlfriend. Binging all of the previous movies like they were seasons prior and still getting her teeth into this popcorn picture. Clutching your hand at all the callbacks with no cynicism. All for what makes the shared experience of cinema so satisfying. Now it's back on the big-screen, it means the world. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Jurassic World', 'Jurassic Park', 'The Lost World: Jurassic Park.'