REVIEW: HOCUS POCUS 2

3/5

The Witching Hour.

103 Mins. Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Tony Hale & Hannah Waddingham. Director: Anne Fletcher. 

Salem hasn't had its lot. It's been stirring around the cauldron for almost 30 years (and we're about three weeks late), but the Sanderson Sisters are back! So what better way to celebrate on your (smashing) pumpkin patch this Halloween than with 'Hocus Pocus 2' on Disney +? It's your best Bette, as Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reunite over broomsticks and vacuum cleaners. 

But almost three decades later in these modern times, is this 'Wocus Pocus'? Please! These witches were always ahead of their time, and now they're back to scare and put a spell on thee. The minute they hit the graveyard of their main stage in dirt breaking, fourth wall resurrection, you know this franchise belongs on a Broadway stage like its lead. Nothing can stop Bette Midler. Not even George Costanza rounding for home base. Midler is magnificent...and she hasn't lost her step as the baddest witch. Yet, her sisters are still doing it for themselves. Whether it be the spells in the city of Sarah Jessica Parker (her witch is still my childhood crush), or the hilarious heart of Kathy Najimy. Winnie, Sarah and Mandy. This is the original big-three. Hocus Pocus, expialidocious. Super like califragilistic. 

But this time there's a new craft of young sparks to add to the cast, set to star like a finger's thunderbolt. The 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina's' Whitney Peak at hers, best friend (introducing) Becca Escobedo and Lilia Buckingham of Buckingham family fame. All giving this franchise resurrection a fresh feeling. As do reliable comedy actors Tony Hale ('Arrested Development', 'Veep') as the town's mayor and Sam Richardson (also 'Veep' and an Emmy goal scored for 'Ted Lasso') as a magic shop owner. But it's the prosthetic Oscar mold award changing worthy actor of Doug Jones, returning undead for the first time since 1993 and 'The Wizard Of Oz' West End revival star Hannah Waddingham (also of 'Ted Lasso' and 'Game Of Thrones' fame) as the mother of all witches in glorious grey (my new crush now it's three decades and a lost hairline later), who steal the show with their potion potent power. 

Toil and trouble are added to 'Step Up', '27 Dresses' and 'The Proposal' director Anne Fletcher's fun film for the family this holiday season with more spice than a Starbucks latte this fall. All as Disney look to add a plus to this spooky season in a time Marvel gives us a special retro presentation of a 'Werewolf By Night'. Reviving the witches cowl at the same time Jamie Lee Curtis finally says goodbye to Michael Myers for 'Halloween Ends'. It's a lot to sweep with the brooms this ghost story of a weekend, but from a Walgreens to a carnival, this really does set up shop as bright light amusement for your behind the sofa escape this October 31st. Especially when it comes to a scene set even more hilarious than the real life legend of Tom Jones once entering a Tom Jones lookalike contest in his native Wales...and coming third. What's new, black pussycat? Three spellbinding talents which you can't hold a black candle too, back again. Maxima effort. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Hocus Pocus', 'Werewolf By Night', 'The Witches (2020)'.

REVIEW: THE GOOD NURSE

4/5

In Darkness and in Health. 

121 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kim Dickens & Noah Emmerich. Director: Tobias Lindholm. 

Before winning last year's Academy Award for 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye', in an Oscars that should be remembered for things like that and her stirring speech, Jessica Chastain was already the Best Actress. 'The Tree Of Life'. 'The Help'. 'Zero Dark Thirty'. The out-of-this-world 'The Martian' and 'Interstellar' duo like co-star Matt Damon. 'A Most Violent Year' with Oscar Isaac. A most violent clown in 'It Chapter Two'. The year (2017) where she could have won three for the Academy ('The Zookeepers Wife', 'Miss Sloane' and 'Molly's Game'), but should have at least garnered a nomination, even though justice is now served. Jessica was even Emmy ready last year, reuniting with Oscar for HBO's 'Scenes From A Marriage'. But after 'Tammy' comes the eyes that see the truth, as she is 'The Good Nurse' on Netflix. Scrubbing up and streaming now. 

Based on the doctor reports by the book of Charles Graeber ('The Good Nurse: A True Story Of Medicine, Madness and Murder'), Chastain compellingly plays a real hero. Amy Loughren. More than a good nurse, but a great one. A workaholic single mother with a rare and life-threatening heart condition who helped the police blow the whistle on a nurse who killed up to it's believed 400 patients, whilst many hospitals just passed the chart. Not only did Loughren do this, but she also showed compassion to someone who started out as a friend as well as a colleague. All whilst facing a tirade of trolls on Twitter and the like, who with no medical or situational experience made it their keyboard given "right" to slander her name. Primarily because they don't believe her and instead trusted the man in this situation, who no one else (especially those in the know) was courageous enough to speak up about. Except this brave one, who risked more than her friendship to do so. But the safety of her and her family. Let alone the job she needed to keep for more than just a roof over her head, but a hospital bed she could get treatment in once her medical insurance came through, months later. It's a cruel, clinically cold world, but Amy fought through it all to find truth, her and her family's own salvation and above all and what's more, what is right. 

Jessica Chastain plays Amy Loughren with gracious grit and revered respect for 'R' director Tobias Lindholm's real and raw human drama that doesn't take the humanity out of this real life horror, despite getting surgical with how this film rolls up its scrubs and gets down to the business of the gory details in writing and what is laid out on the table. Fresh off her 'Faye' win, this fall, Chastain can count on another nomination. Whilst the guilty nurse in question is played by another Oscar winner in 'The Danish Girl', Eddie Redmayne. The 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise face is on the case of another conflicted and complicated performance here, which he brings nuance and gravitas to. Accented for the great Brit, like he was in 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7', also for Netflix. An ever-ready Eddie always has something about him and Redmayne brings a peculiar potency to his serial killer character here, but also a respect to the victims in this harrowing true tale, because this is real-life after all. Far from the hills of Hollywood. But down to earth, like scrubbed on the floor next to the good nurse, sweating it out after losing a patient...by his hand. 

The 'Grey's Anatomy' of this medical drama can be chart held-up next to the original and best 'ER' out of Chicago when it comes to x-raying this detailed drama genre. But when dedicated cops Nnamdi Asomugha (the former Oakland Raiders NFL star who steals the show here like the ball and shuts down all corners) and veteran Noah Emmerich (the Critics Choice Awards winning FBI agent of 'The Americans' who is always as understated as he is underrated) get on the case this medical procedure feels like a 'Gone Girl' investigation...in a good way. Speaking of 'Gone Girl', good 'Gone' cop and 'The Blind Side' actress Kim Dickens brings even more elements to this narrative, keeping some in the dark whilst trying to run and right a tight ship through all this mess.

Biosphere provides a clinically cool soundtrack to underscore this drama that was a hit at the Toronto International Film Festival like you knew the Norwegian always would. The callous coldness of a cruel nurse is offset by the outstanding will of a woman who brings purity to her profession and a hell of a heaven sent bedside manner, whilst the other whose motivation remains unknown needs to mind more than just his. In this dark night of the soul, it's like how Michael Caine's Alfred said of Heath Ledger's Joker, "some men just want to watch the world burn." But thanks to the fire inside of Amy Loughren, the flames of his destruction that ran through hospitals in America were put out. All from this nurse. For good. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye', 'Gone Girl', 'ER'. 

REVIEW: SPENCER

4/5

Spencer Confidential. 

117 Mins. Starring: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Jack Farthing, Sean Harris & Sally Hawkins. Director: Pablo Larraín.

'The Crown' Season 5 hits Netflix in a matter of weeks. As Elizabeth Debicki will take over from an undeniable, breakout Emma Corrin, who stole the show in the fourth season as Lady Diana. And it will be a tough task, even for the great Elizabeth, to undertake. There's a meet the parents' moment in the last season of 'The Crown' where Corrin's Royal Highness enters a room of royals for the first time and is mocked under a microscope of burning eyes. That's how the entirety of 'No' and 'Neruda' director Pablo Larraín's new movie feels as Kristen Stewart takes her turn in playing the insect feeling 'Spencer' in a season of portrayal. 

Doing Diana dirty though like a Michael Jackson song the princess wishes the King of Pop would have performed when she was in attendance, this fable takes you into a tragedy, played out over three-days just in time for the holidays, released here in Japan. Staged like a show, just like the Netflix series, it's all unwrapped over a weekend that acts like Christmas with the royals, but really is an appointment with something much more sinister and darker. You see, it's not Pablo's movie that punishes Princess Diana, more the family she wedded into, for bitter or worse. From a customary tradition of sitting on scales, to be weighed pound-for-pound, to portraits of Anne Boleyn by the book, being not so subtly placed on the bed of the would be Queen. It's enough to haunt your every nightmare. Heads will roll with this other Boleyn girl, as a simmering Stewart gives her best performance since the ghost story of 'Personal Shopper'. Get ready to keep an Oscar on the receipts.

An Oscar winning Sally Hawkins on her own award form in support, and an always amazing Sean Harris ready to have everyone saying "yes, Chef" like Ralph Fiennes this fall feel like Diana's only allies. All in this shape of subconscious slaughter from the bonds broken by family forged together by tradition and submission. 'Succession' has got nothing on this. Neither has the incredible 'Crown'. If the palace didn't like that, they certainly won't want to watch this. Sure, right now after the passing of Her Majesty, this might make for uncomfortable viewing. But the truth, or something that looks for it, always sits that well. Shall we begin?

Timothy Spall is appallingly good as a Major charged with watching the late Princesses every move. Whilst 'The Lost Daughter' (with the royal Olivia Colman) star Jack Farthing may be spare change as our new King, compared to Josh O'Connor's Charles, but he still deserves his place on the throne. It's Stewart who is simply sublime, mind. At times, you can't tell it's really here. Sure, sometimes she looks like Kate McKinnon, the comedy genius whose played many a parody. But for the most part, Stewart is Diana like the 'Elvis' King Austin Butler and 'Blonde' ambition of Ana de Armas' Marylin Monroe. Another candle in the wind. But unlike the latter misfire, this one is real, raw, yet respectful and not cruelly exploitative of a powerful woman blinded by the glare from many a lens and male manipulated gaze. Too may have already done that wrong.

Psychologically haunting in a fever nightmare like Larraín's lavish mourning of 'Jackie' with Natalie Portman, this kindred spirit in Sandringham spreads itself out like the glorious gown of the princess as she cradles a toilet bowl. Juxtaposing itself also with the length of Corrin's 'Crown' wedding dress and the gilded cage that comes with it here. Justifiably though, 'Spencer' like 'The Crown' treats Diana's rumoured and reported struggles with bulimia with grace as well as grit. And not tabloid gratuity. Providing a voice and helping hand up for those who face the same fate, feeling others disgrace. There's a quote about beauty here that we want you to see and hear for yourself, like a lesson learned. It's truly something to behold like Kristen, far from the 'Twilight' of her career. But instead, one of the industry's best actors. Wounded with wire cutters, this peak into the private life of someone made so public, with a script from 'Peaky Blinders' writer Steven Knight, will at times make you wish you were blind. But just like the out of nowhere hope of 'The Florida Project' a KFC run to the Thames with Mike and the Mechanics will retool your hope. Just like one of love by the beach in whatever form you like. Through the desperation and the darkness, all you need is a miracle like that to show you who Diana Spencer really was. Spend some time for your consideration. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Jackie', 'Personal Shopper', 'The Crown'.

TV REVIEW: THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE RINGS OF POWER

3.5/5

Game Of Rings.

8 Episodes. Starring: Morfydd Clark, Sara Zwangobani  Dylan Smith, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Nazanin Boniadi, Tyroe Muhafidin, Charles Edwards, Daniel Weyman, Owain Arthur, Charlie Vickers, Sophie Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trystan Gravalle, Maxim Baldry, Ema Horvath, Joseph Mawle, Leon Wadham & Lenny Henry. Executive Producer: Patrick McKay. 

The legend of the rings is here. Powered by Amazon in its Prime like the rainforest. A visual feast of a spectacle and stunning small series feat. This belongs on a screen even bigger than the Eye of Sauron, this fall season. The sense of Amazon's scale truly amazes. And in this small screen pressurized world of racing to see who watches what first (you wouldn't believe how many reviews I've had to write this week), trolling with the social media punches, be prepared for people to name and shame you if you don't literally drive your car to a screen size enough to watch this. Seriously though. Your laptop will just about do, but this needs a cinematic run like the original 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy right now. Just don't watch it on your phone. 

Now, I'm not joining in with those following the nose of sneering hate. Especially those discriminating certain cast members. Everyone has a place here. Racism has none. Not in this shire. Nor in a galaxy far, far away, with our only hope like 'Obi-Wan'. But to those saying that this adventure journeys a little into the land of ho-hum, all I'll say is this. 'The Lord Of The Rings: Rings Of Power' is the perfect show to wind down with after a day's work, getting dinner ready and meal prepping for the following week. There's a lot of narrative and taking here to digest. Hey, "this really is the era of peak TV", like Wong says on 'She-Hulk', there's a lot to make time for. So, sue me, 'Attorney At Law'. Some bingeable seasons were just designed to be devoured whilst getting stuff done. We can't be a slave to every show. Just so someone can spoil it right before we rushed to the cliff, only to be left hanging on to disappointment. 

Put down your magazine, though, because these 'Rings' have real power. And the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien behind it, following Nicholas Hoult playing the late, great without fault in a beautiful biopic. Even if legendary director Peter Jackson wasn't consulted. He was busy making an epic almost as long as his trilogy, getting back with The Beatles for Disney +. All as the war of this show goes to battle with the armies of HBO's 'House Of The Dragon' for the throne. All without Smaug. But breathing fire into this new series and 'Lord' lore, classic characters are teased before they step into the light. The set-up just takes a little longer than the average Frodo and Sam stroll. One doesn't simply walk into remaking Mordor. But we can't wait for second breakfast. 

Ring the changes, because Patrick McKay is crafting something prolific here. Like he was almost allowed with a Chris Pine and Hemsworth Star father Trek sequel, we'd still boldly love to go to. It's just going to take a little longer to forge. Straight out of the frying pan and into the fire, there are no eagles to carry us (almost) home here. But when it opens up like the paper crane of an expanding boat in all the ingenuity of its blooming beauty. You know it's going to sail, as well as stay afloat, too. Middle earth encircles more than shires and giants, though with a cast in their own class. Morfydd Clark, Sara Zwangobani Dylan Smith, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Nazanin Boniadi, Tyroe Muhafidin, Charles Edwards, Daniel Weyman, Owain Arthur, Charlie Vickers, Sophie Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trystan Gravalle, Maxim Baldry, Ema Horvath, Joseph Mawle, Leon Wadham and Lenny Henry all deserve their names in beacons. 

Yet, Clark is the hero we all need right now. Aramayo and Arthur's find friendship formed from a broken bond, the soul of the show. Kavenagh, the future. Nomvete, the heart. Tyroe Muhafidin delivers the best piece of acting all season when he thinks he's lost it all. Córdova and Vickers vie for the new leading man stakes, with charm and courage like arrows and swords for days. Not to mention, sensational set-pieces. But it's David Weyman's wayward stranger, falling from the sky, who is the most compelling. And bravo to comedian Lenny Henry, for the best career left turn since he provided backing vocals to Kate Bush's 'Red Shoes' on 'Why Should I Love You'...with Prince. Stranger things indeed. The budding star power here is enough to keep you in matrimony with more rings. The king may not have returned yet, but for the fellowship, before the second tower, this shall pass. The road leads ever on. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Game Of Thrones: House Of The Dragon', 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'The Hobbit'. 

ANIME REVIEW: THE TATAMI TIME MACHINE BLUES

4/5

Remote Work.

6 Episodes. Starring: Junichi Suwabe, Maaya Sakamoto, Kazuya Nakai, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Shintarō Asanuma, Yūko Kaida & Chikara Honda. Director: Shingo Natsume. 

Summer in Japan is so sweltering, the small of your back will forever feel like a bottle of Pocari Sweat left out in the sickly sweet and sticky heat. All before the season were we muppets shake out our umbrellas before we get home, like some kind of Animal drumming. There's nothing quite like it. Just like, there's nothing else out there that comes close to the amazing animation style of the quirky 'Tatami Galaxy', set in the slack residential halls and floors of traditional Kyoto. Now giving us one sequel for sorrow with an air conditioning unit's Coca-Cola destroyed rimokon (remote control) and none for joy. Unless they can H.G. Wells themselves out of this fix. It's enough to give you 'The Tatami Time Machine Blues' in film form on the big screen, or split into five parts and an exclusive sixth on Disney +, streaming over the last month. And you don't need a remote to work it. Perfect. 

Twelve years after 11 episodes of 'The Tatami Galaxy' amazingly adapted Tomihiko Morimi's 2004 varsity novel comes the blues, directed by Shingo Natsume. Featuring the undeniable vocal talents of Junichi Suwabe, Maaya Sakamoto, Kazuya Nakai, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Shintarō Asanuma, Yūko Kaida and Chikara Honda, this combines the characters from the parallel universe of 'Tatami' with a time heist plot from Makoto Ueda's play and film of the same name, 'Summer Time Machine Blues'. With nothing comparing, but instead collaborating, man, it's going to be a hot one. Scorching in succeeding the Japan Media Arts Festival winner of the grand prize. All this and yet this anime style and story is still so original. Even though, people have gone back to the future more times than pumped up kicks. You kids are going to love it!

This Japanese Breakfast club (no relation to the South Korean singer) consist of some compelling characters. Shintarō Asanuma is our unnamed, nuanced narrator. Bespectacled and bewildered by what he sees before him. The beauty of his rose-coloured and raven haired dreams are tinted and dimmed by the black heart of the slap silly, demonic Ozu, grinning through all those teeth. Resembling the Yōkai spirt of mischief as he binds together with his friend of fate from a black thread. It's the affections of Akashi who Shintarō really want to befriend in close counsel, though. And there's little wonder why with this iconic character who gives us so much of that stardust in this supernatural science-fiction. The girl who leapt through time with ticking hands. A lovable jock, a popular girl who is more than a doll and a yukata donning Master with a chin bigger than the boiling bowl that contains Kyoto itself rounds out the rest of the cast of characters in a class of their own. Although we never see them studying. No see-through red card in sight. 

In this adventure Coke is spilt on a remote and then the beloved air conditioner, cool for the summer like Demi Lovato, goes on a diet. And they asked what was the worst to happen with Dr. Pepper. So without a switch they dial up a time machine that just happens to be lying in the middle of the tatami floor and that's where everything spirals. Through swamps and sets of previous day's acting. The better not catch themselves naked in the bathhouses, so grab a towel. Because the butterfly effect would be even worse than stepping into a Japanese home with your shoes still on your feet. It could be the end of the world as they knew it. And that's not so fine, like this iconic animation. It's all fun and time games, though. You won't feel the blues with these cells of limited colour (for grand and good reason), but boundless imagination in surreal artistic and storytelling craft. It's about time you took a rest on a tatami and went on this journey through an even further galaxy. It's a whole other machine. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Tatami Galaxy', 'Summer Time Machine Blues', 'The Time Machine'. 

TV REVIEW: SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW - Season 1

4/5

Flea-Hulk.

8 Episodes. Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Jameela Jamil, Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Mark Linn-Baker & Mark Ruffalo. Created By: Jessica Gao. 

You will LOVE it when she's angry! All the way from the opening title-card switch, down to 'She-Hulk: Attorney At Law's' changing courtroom caricature closing credits. Would you like my opening statements? Some of the people tried to hate again, calling foul, like they did the marvellous 'Ms. Marvel'. But this is one of the best Marvel programs since these Disney + ones began with the Vision of Wanda like that said show, 'Moon Knight', or the 'Hawkeye' holiday special. And if it will please the court of public opinion that thinks everything is too woke these days. What if 'She-Hulk' was around way before they were wearing the diapers they still need to get their mother to change? It's comical, but I just watched an 'Incredible Hulk' animation from the 90s this morning that I'd like to enter as evidence. 

Smashing walls and breaking balls like 'Fleabag', or the 'Deadpool' that did it first, if you want to scratch and split hairs like ends, this 'Attorney At Law' brings the great 'Ally McBeal' legal comedy to the trademark Marvel humour. And how about that meta gala of a fantastic finale that gives (and asks) for everything we want and don't need? All whilst taking it to the monsters hunting and Marvel's own sense of set-piece spectacle. Paying tribute to that incredible seventies show too, this Hulk is as loyal to the legend as Lou Ferringo who has voiced this not so jolly green giant longer than your average beanstalk. Suit up and shut up, haters, because this green series, mean machine may have come before a Mark Ruffalo movie, but the brothers blood cameos here for some origin story mentoring responsibility. Besides, he may be off to 'Planet Hulk' anyway (here's hoping like the 'Ragnarök' preview) and there are plenty of helpings from 'The Incredible Hulk' Edward Norton movie and a great gag about all that. Here's a great moment to pay tribute to the late, great William Hurt. So good as Thunderbolt Ross for multiple Marvel movies. If only we got to see him Red Hulk out just once, like the 'Age Of Ultron' that failed to go grey.

Sun's getting real low, and it would be an abomination to spoil all the appearances here. And we've already Ruffalo-ed you like our name was Tom Holland (no, no, he's not here. Not like anyone would recognize Peter Parker, right now). But there's an even better brick catching intro from a legal aid that opens up all sorts of avenues back to New York, from the ketchup and the mustard of the kitchen. And everyone's favourite Marvel cameo and go star, if you wanted more. Not to mention the world's baddest rapper in the game. All those complaining about the twerking like this was Miley Cyrus need to get off the dance floor. Because this is a fun-filled fangirl pleasing formula that reacts like gamma. Toxic Twitter trolls with their ray-guns always go radioactive. Oh yeah, and before they give it the walk of shame. A consenting Catholic and an independent woman can do whatever they want. No need for a confessional or summons. Save the choir-boy virtue signalling or subpoena. The compelling chemistry is enough to make a whole new superhero for Disney +. Born again. 

Check any abnormal amount of rage at the door with that suit jacket that makes you look like a 2000s NBA power forward on draft day. There's a jury of a class cast in support. Most notably friend and colleagues Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra and father Mark Linn-Baker in her chambers corner. Whilst the influence of Jameela Jamil in Jessica Gao's great series in season as Titania vs Tatiana is inspired in holding up a black mirror to our filtered lens of social media self-importance. How she's let this all play out on Twitter is perfect, too, especially for those who just don't get it. But we all know who the real star of the show is. The legacy making, 'Stronger' actress Tatiana Maslany, slaying as the legendary She-Hulk, recreating an iconic character for our screens and times. She looks perfect for the part (the CGI is great too, but books need to be thrown if those overworked and underpaid rumours of the digital animators are true) as a Hulk and the great Jennifer Walters. Many a Jessica Rabbit fanboy fantasy will come out of this like a 'Weird Science'. But I'm team Jen all the way for the Science Brother's cousin. Swipe right. Yes, Iron Man died for this. She is She-Hulk. Really incredible. Smashing. The defence rests. Hulk review out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Fleabag', 'Ally McBeal', 'The Incredible Hulk (the Edward Norton movie, or that seventies show)'. 

TV REVIEW: WEREWOLF BY NIGHT

4/5

A Mexican Werewolf In Marvel.

53 Mins. Starring: Gael García Bernal, Laura Donnelly & Harriet Sansom Harris. Director: Michael Giacchino. 

'The Invisible Man' played by Johnny Depp (although you wouldn't have been able to tell it was him). Javier Bardem perfectly playing the monster of 'Frankenstein'. Tom Cruise as...'The Mummy', (actually, the incredible Sofia Boutella)?! With Russell Crowe's Jekyll and Hyde in tow. The dark designs of a Universal franchise had the makings of monumental movies that Hollywood hallmark harked back to the classics. But it all unravelled at the first exhuming. 

Now, Marvel, who have been dominating the small-screen world after their deal with Disney +, like they still do the big blockbuster one, are getting in on the act. All the way to the black and white period photography of classic cinema that crackles across the silver screen like cooking bacon. This is how Marvel make theirs now. Hot on the heels of this year's successful run of streaming shows ('Moon Knight', 'Ms. Marvel' and 'She-Hulk: Attorney At Law'), despite the hate. This is a fresh and fun, retro rewind to the 'Dracula' scares of old, just in time for Halloween like 'Hocus Pocus 2'. Oh, the horror. 

Based on Marvel graphic novels of the same name, 'Werewolf By Night' is the beginning of what Universal's Dark Universe should have been. Mexican megastar Gael García Bernal ('The Motorcycle Diaries', 'Babel') spearheads this monster hunt alongside a show stealing Laura Donnelly ('Tolkien', for more rings of power than Shang-Chi) and the Salem dark materials of the great Harriet Sansom Harris (who will always be Bebe from 'Frasier') to us. All for 'Up' and 'Lost', Oscar and Emmy winner Michael Giacchino'a horrified state of old affairs. As Kevin Feige and Marvel present something you've never seen before from the cape and hammer franchise, bringing the cloak and dagger or another series of events. 

Better leave the kids at the dinner table, because this is a dark delight to tune into this season with all its tricks and treats. It's not candy coated, M.C.U. popcorn cinema. Or comics for the coral. It's rich, graphic cinema and a novel idea, all the way from the Hollywoodland era build-up for shock and awe, and the credit roll after this is The End like Seth Rogen and James Franco. This is one time you don't have to wait behind for a Marvel movie. They've already said it all and we, too, Michael Stipe much. 

Consider this. This is no 'Teen Wolf', with all due respect to Michael J. Fox. Certainly no 'Twilight'. But as the night is the darkest before the breaking dawn, we have something special on our hairy hands that chime like 'An American Werewolf In London'. For a monster mash of genre homage and an old dog (Jack Russell more than barking and growling) coming up with new tricks like a 'Loki' resurrection. This Marvel Studios Special Presentation is more than canon and maybe the earliest strand of storytelling to date (sorry, Cap). It's a relic of a bygone era, as epic as it is missed in instant vintage. 

'Tis the season to scare up more than costumes for chocolate, as the atmospheric replaces the spandex for this amazing aesthetic. Managing to dodge the critical coffins that are trying to cage 'She-Hulk' (she and that Catholic can do as they damn ease, get back to 'twerk),' Werewolf By Night' has the most potential by far. To be woken up again, like the undead, year after year for a special night. Representation matters. And Marvel cast a die for more than just their new leading man, but in their respect and reverence for what came before they ruled the multiplex. This is Werewolf. Hear the beast roar. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'An American Werewolf In London', 'Dracula', 'Moon Knight'. 

ANIME REVIEW: CYBERPUNK -EDGERUNNERS

4/5

Edge Of Glory.

10 Episodes. Starring: Kenn, Aoi Yūki, Hiroki Tōchi, Michiko Kaiden, Takako Honda, Wataru Takagi & Tomoyo Kurosawa. Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi. 

Running through dripping neon like city time lapses, 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' rides with 'Akira' inspirations and blades from 2049. But this is 2077 (almost) for the 2022 video game adapted anime, hot off the heels of Tekken's 'Bloodline' and the CGI of the second season of 'Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045' (you can see some skyscraper, staring into the city abyss, descent inspiration here). As Netflix makes anime big business (they've just gone 'Entergalactic' with 'Man On The Moon' Kid Cudi for the rapper's new animated verse). And why not, in this 'Bubble' year, 'Drifting Away'? Anime is an actual art form. Just like the video game world. 'Cyberpunk' has already given us a lifelike Keanu Reeves and now (although he's not here), they give us a top ten series that jumps off the pages of a graphic novel. WOAH! 

Jarring your senses, this Polish-Japanese cyberpunk anime web series from Studio Trigger's Hiroyuki Imaishi, with its finger on the button, doesn't let up. And that's a good thing. Bringing to life the elements of the cyberpunk genre itself that totally recalls amazing artwork you've pinned and purchased in a hope that one day you'd walk these rain and sleaze soaked streets until you saw a billboard beacon in big city blinding lights. Set in Mike Pondsmith's universe with CD Projekt Red, 'Runners' will catch your eyes like the scrambling Shibuya skyline from the moment its bright yellow title cards appear, backed by 'This Fire' of Franz Ferdinand of all bands for a stellar soundtrack (just check the compelling closing credits of Dawid Podsiadło's 'Let You Down' that won't have you pressing 'Next Episode'...yet). Fluorescent like the jacket of our lead character, looking like he's working construction in this epic world-building in New City. 

KENN is so big in Japan, the singer and 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' voice actor only needs one name, like Beyoncé. And he leads a cast of Rafal Jaki characters featuring Aoi Yūki, Hiroki Tōchi, Michiko Kaiden, Takako Honda, Wataru Takagi and Tomoyo Kurosawa. 'Elysium' hardwired with enough metal for a Major fight as Japanese highways romanticized by Murakami set the stage for some incredible set-pieces. Running in his own Bullet-Time that sees him flash before your eyes. But it's the 'My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected' of 'Fire Force' Aoi Yūki's love of Lucy, in the sky with more than diamonds that really netruns and steals the show. A Scarlet Johansson wig rivalling new anime icon that won't be lost in translation in a cool cast of characters that take cues from everyone from 'Ghost In The Shell's' Batou, to Harley Quinn. 

Corruption and crime bleed through this cybernetic dystopia like puddles of neon. But still, there is hope that illuminates. All composed creatively by Akira Yamaoka for this anime running for 'Akira' acclaim with a soundtrack as sonic as a SEGA hedgehog in Akihabara. Sure, you can't keep up with that red moped, but this cold play is all yellow now. Taking you out like Franz Ferdinand to a brave new world you previously had control of, first-person. I really want to stay at this house, like Rosa Walton's oft-used, sought-after song, and we sure hope a second series is in booted-up season. The wild ride runners in this mod dream of flying to the moon, like Sinatra. But stealing away and playing amongst the city streets makes this 'Cyberpunk' a star. Do you feel lucky? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Running: 'Entergalactic', 'Tekken: Bloodline', 'Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045'.

MOVIE/MUSIC REVIEW: KID CUDI - ENTERGALACTIC

 

Album: 4/5

TV Special: 3.5/5

Raging Love.

92 Mins. Starring: Scott Mescudi, Jessica Williams, Laura Harrier, Tyrone Griffin Jr. & Timothee Chalamet. Created By: Scott Mescudi, Kenya Barris & Ian Edelman. 

If you believe, the 'Man On The Moon' is back, then put on. Not even a full year after December's 'The Chosen' conclusion to his trilogy. Mr. Rager rages on despite the hate given to him over a damn skirt and friendship by former friend and frequent flying collaborator, Kanye West. And let's say this, before we make this all about 'Ye. From '808 and Heartbreaks', to the drying of Pusha T's latest album, the instrumental, melodic voice of Kid Cudi has always moved more than mere units for Mr. West. WAKE UP! What you're doing right now is worse than when Drake mocked his mental health. And just like October's Very Own, you're not free from your own controversy. Scott Mescudi has none. 

Shaking it off swiftly, like Taylor. And burning the midnight oil on new passion projects that keep it moving, Kid Cudi has a new TV special movie for monster streaming service Netflix and an actual album to go with it too. More than the soundtrack to his life. Scoring big as this epic animation soars above the clouds, out of this world to a whole new and higher solar, solo system. Going 'Entergalactic' like a spin on the Beastie Boys, this is Scott's great personal love story, like Donald Glover heading out to Amazon's 'Guava Island' with Rihanna. The head-trip, fever dream animation will remind you of the groundbreaking 'Into The Spider-Verse' for miles, as Cudi's character races around the streets on the 'Premium Rush' of a bicycle like Joseph Gordon-Levitt's pre-Uber Eats bike messenger. The spokes of this acting as a love letter to New York City like 'Two Distant Strangers'. 

See this, brother. Although this animation accompanied by his eight wonder of a studio album and the engrossing 'Entergalactic Theme' is not for kids. Swimming in adult themes from the haze of drugs, to getting down and dirty in the laundry. Originally meant to be a series like long-running anime, this special released on late great fashion designer Virgil Abloh's (who inspired this cartoon's costumes) birthday and dedicated to his memory. All the way to an Easter Egg mural.

Mescudi voices Jabari, a street-artist with a familiar tag (Mr. Rager voiced by the great Keith David, who gave us another classic cameo this summer in Jordan Peele's 'Nope') that is about to be turned into a comic-book hero. But this story is a romance novel, not a superhero one, although the special-effects will awe-inspire your wildest dreams. Just like the who's, who of the vocal cast. Jessica Williams, Laura Harrier, Vanessa Hudgens, Jaden Smith, Macaulay Culkin (slaps cheeks...no, not those). And of course Timothee Chalamet in a lead role alongside fellow friend Tyrone Griffin Jr. AKA Ty Dolla $ign. Who alao provides brilliant backing on two key, sound tracks. 'Willing To Trust' and the montage moments of the standout 'Can't Shake Her'. 

2 Chainz ('Can't Believe It') also scores an album appearance, as does the hook of Don Toliver on 'Somewhere To Fly'. And just wait until you hear the Steve Aoki 'Burrow' with Dot Da Genius and the Don. Yet for all this 'New Mode', 'Livin' My Truth', it's 'Angel' with its halo that blesses the movie with its music moment and Scott Mescudi with his next most successful single as the Kid. 'Ignite The Love', 'In Love' and 'She Lookin' For Me' keep the heart beating over the 808s. And 'My Drug' (not mine, the music). 'Maybe So'? Definitely maybe in this outstanding oasis of music and movies and visual and aural amazement. On the explicit, emancipating break-up song 'Do What I Want', Kid Mescudi affirms, "More rage, more rage, black Porsche in the rain/Someone stop me, b####, get off me, man, my life ain't the same/Natural killer, born and suddenly feelin' in pain/Now it's like I'm on my Sepeher and I'm feelin' them games/Been through hell and back, made it, it's a wrap/Can't keep a n#### down, down, baby, that's a fact." Anyone that disagree better do like this special's half-baked catchphrase and "STAY OFF THE WEEEEED!" Cudi is smoking. Enter this galactic. You won't regret it. Flying yourself to the moon like Sinatra on a Hendrix purple haze. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Entergalactic Theme', 'Angel', 'Can't Shake Her (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)'.

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse', 'Two Distant Strangers', 'Guava Island'.