REVIEW: THE GREEN KNIGHT

4/5

A Knight's Tale.

130 Mins. Starring: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Barry Keoghan, Emily Kellyman, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris & Ralph Ineson. Director: David Lowery. 

Compellingly confounding, David Lowery is one of the most inspired and intriguing directors working today. Whether in swan song with 'The Old Man & The Gun', Robert Redford. Or reuniting 'Ain't Them Bodies Saints' Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck for the affecting 'A Ghost Story'. In a story that haunts you differently, like lost love, for the rest of your life. This fever waking dream was easily the best film of 2017, if not the greatest of a decade before 2020 that now feels all too lost. Now with 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Lion' Dev Patel (one of the best actors at work in our time), Lowery's legacy offers us another story that will have us questioning our every existence on this mortal plane. As all great works of art do. What more could you expect from the auteur director or the independent powerhouse production company of A24? 

A devastatingly good Dev Patel is more than worthy in 'The Green Knight' as he was 'The Personal History Of David Copperfield'. Pure and true magic, forget who it gives the Dickens. Many knights look like him, but in this tale based on the 14th century poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', more than heads will roll in this epic medieval fantasy as demonic voices harking back to 'Macbeth' set his head ablaze and this thing off. Heavy is the crown and such when it comes to this quest of courage. There are giants that could throw down with those that hurl stones in 'The Hobbit', a fleet of foxes, and even a Joker in the pack of this journey. And that's before young Gawain gets to bark at a knight that looks like he calls himself Groot. 

Expectations will be exceeded and proceeded by so much more for he who shall be king like Timothée Chalamet. So says a warm and wonderful Sean Harris (so good recently in "yes, Chef" Spencer) before him (no stranger to these dark regal experiences from 'Macbeth' to 'The King'). But even if you read the words of the legendary prose, you still won't know what quite to expect, as you take from it more than thought-provoking conversation for the next couple of days and visions in your mind's eye. Surely this has the Academy's consideration. A perfect Patel is powerful in this as our new generation's best. The gloriously gaudy crown is anything but hollow in this Dorian Gray like portrait that has more to beware of the ides of March. Pick the apple if you want, Adam. But every man should face his fate bravely. Especially when it comes from their own mistakes they make. Temptation and your bitter fruit be damned. 

Alicia Vikander needs to be the actress whose name is on everyone's lips again with her best performance in years. And that's no slight on her recent work ('The Glorias', 'Blue Bayou', 'Earthquake Bird'). Her mesmerizing monologue about the force of nature will bury you. It's like that kitchen conversation at 'Ghost Story' party that digs away at the soil of what life is all about. More toil and trouble comes from Irish scene setter Barry Keoghan on this path. Beyond biblical in another mysteriously shrouded story like this, 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer' (the only thing that came close to David's 'Ghost' in '17). We can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve as the Clown Prince of Crime, like that deleted scene from 'The Batman'. 'The Hunger Games' and 'A Hologram For The King' star Sarita Choudhury is truly haunting. Just like the head of Emily Kellyman of 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier'. And the 'Loving' kindness of one of today's best Joel Edgerton is hiding more than hurt. But it's an unrecognizable Ralph Ineson of 'Game of Thrones' in fir who truly unsettles in the bark and bite of his truncated tree trunk movements. For your round table, this is the roots of a knight's tale that will stay with you long after the final blow. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'A Ghost Story', 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth', 'The King'. 

TV REVIEW: THE CROWN - Season 5

4/5

Spencer.

10 Episodes. Starring: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Jonny Lee Miller, Olivia Williams, Natasha McElhone, Marcia Warren, Timothy Dalton & Elizabeth Debicki. Created By: Peter Morgan. 

Rest peacefully to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the second. We can't begin to quantify all she's done for this country in the quality of these words. So we will just say this, the longest reigning monarch's legacy will last far longer than her incredible 70 years and 214 days on the throne. And far longer than those calling her crown hollow, throwing stones at her failings, without recognizing her achievements and the way she's paved. It will be strange to not see her under the tree and by the fire this December 25th for her annual Christmas Day message. Especially for someone coming home for Christmas for the first time in three years. Missing her last two here in Japan, socially locked down and quarantined from Christmas with the family (although good friends have more than tied me over). So what's left to say is, thank you ma'am. Long live the Queen and God bless the King. 

Another thing that seems strange in the wake of her death is 'The Crown - Season 5', which also took time off from its annual run due to the worldwide effects of coronavirus. It remains the quality standard of the giant streaming service's best original series, next to 'Ozark', 'Stranger Things' and of course now, the number's changing 'Squid Game'. But has it come too soon? It was always going to. Peter Morgan's amazing adapted series from his stage-show 'The Audience' and Helen Mirren 'The Queen' (we almost had her again if rumour has it like Adele) movie has always had a sense of theatrical. In this Game of Thrones it's often felt like 'The Godfather' to glorious Corleone Charles effect. But this year's house of corgis, feeling like the most popular drama on the planet ('Succession'), may be too close to the bone when it comes to the heads will roll nature of he who would be King. Especially now as it all feels for naught now he's actually assumed his promised place anyway. Even if for him, that deceleration probably comes with the word, "finally." 

Of course, we're no Nicholas Witchell (even if the BBC Royal Correspondent looks like he could be the Harry to my Dad's William). This is merely just speculation like this show, that Dame Judi Dench says, should come with a dramatic disclaimer. The great Dame has played a Queen or two in her career (all whilst being one) and has changed the direction of Netflix's nuanced show like Adele (another Queen, but let's leave it there. Let's not pass the crown jewels around so much) the Spotify shuffle settings. It all means more for the art and more importantly the life's of the muse and her family that inspired it. What we're left with is one of the best seasons yet. And we thought the pugilist weekly Prime Minister questions with The Iron Lady was bout for bout the best. But if you thought 'The X Files' famous as a 90s 'Friends' face, Gillian Anderson was amazing as Thatcher. Just wait until you see a 'Trainspotting' actor play John Major, of all people. But then again, Jonny Lee Miller has played an 'Elementary' Sherlock Holmes, alongside Lucy Liu's before its time Dr. Watson. 

Moonlighting three big-actors to play the lead role like a Barry Jenkins Oscar winning movie (and how about Trevante Rhodes playing 'Mike', before Jamie Foxx's Tyson in a whole other bruising biopic on Netflix rival Disney +?). After the formidable Claire Foy and in her worldwide fame prime, Olivia Colman. Shakespeare adapted, 'Downton Abbey', 'Harry Potter' and 'Paddington' (we're even more moved by that marmalade sandwich in the purse adverts with the wonderful Ben Whishaw now) actor Imelda Staunton's staunch approach to playing Queen Elizabeth II is one done with her own great majesty. Looking the most like her royal subject. Especially when she wears those beloved bespectacled granny glasses. Whether she's regal in her dramatic delivery or simply sweetly playing with her corgis, you'll see the humanity behind the monarchy. Reminding you just why you love her, just like Jonathan Pryce's Prince Phillip (who we also lost all too recently). 'The Two Popes' star, clearly on the form and the Netflix deal of his life. And he's played a Bond villain. Matt Smith was great (as was Tobias Menzies' accented performance), but Doctor who? 

Just like many have played the Queen. Many of also portrayed Diana, like Naomi Watts. Many thought you couldn't match season four's young Princess Diana Emma Corrin going forth (shout out to a friend on the incredible hair and make-up), but then Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer' showed up for a weekend with the in-laws and an Oscar contender for 'Best Actress' for sure. But now it's time for the great 'The Great Gatsby', 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2.', 'Widows' and 'Tenet' star Elizabeth Debicki to shine as Elizabeth's daughter-in-law. She broke out in the BBC's 'The Night Manager' stealing the show from a duelling House and Loki (Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston). But she's been wait for her tent pole moments ever since Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' was tentatively released during the cinema closes year that was 2020. This is it. From the first frame resting her head on the heel of her hand, she is Diana. All the way to saying yes to the revenge dress. If you're not convinced, just look at the word-for-word, pose-for-pose reconstruction interview with Martin Bashir (the less said about that man in real life, the better, but great portrayal by Prasanna Puwanarajah). She, too, shows the human touch and bruised soul at the heart of the people's Princess for what just might be the best yet. In both portrayal and the roles of her already comprehensive and compelling career. 

Wire to wire and west to west, it's the scenes she has with 'The Wire' star Dominic West and the one he has in turn with "mummy" that truly make this show a match to the Golden Globe and Emmy winning Josh O'Connor. Dominic is every regret O'Connor's character dreaded come to life. All as he scraps and fights from inside his gilded cage. It's a compellingly conflicted performance of such is life contradictions. Ones were all guilty of having from the working class to Buckingham Palace. Setting up the Prince's Trust, 'The Crown' also shows the more playful side of Charles as he gets down on some breakdancing. But they missed a trick, not including his "dig that funky rhythm" line when the Prince was let loose on two turntables and a microphone. Dominic's son Senan West also fittingly and beautifully plays Prince William. Whilst 'The Ghost Writer', 'The Father' and 'The Sixth Sense' actress is absolutely unrecognizable, but undeniable under that wig as now Queen Consort, Camilla Parker-Bowles. 

Natasha McElhone, Marcia Warren as Penelope Knatchbull and the Queen Mother respectively do more in less screen-time than grounded teenagers. But it's Lesley Manville taking over from Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. Yet, the Academy Award nominated star of Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Phantom Thread' is the spirit of this show anytime she's on-screen. She and James Bond himself, Timothy Dalton (it's only fair, the real Queen parachuted out of helicopters with Daniel Craig) lovingly rekindle the fire set ablaze by Vanessa Kirby and Matthew Goode on-screen and the back of a chopper. With a few jewels left, this penultimate series of 'The Crown' came out in the same week as New York's hip-hop legend Nas' 'King's Disease III' trilogy maker and the reveal of who would take the throne as 'Black Panther' in Marvel's 'Black Panther'. But nothing can touch this. Annus Horribilis, a truly touching Al-Fayed episode and a gunpowder plot on Guy Fawkes night. You'll always remember, remember this explosive season like the fifth of November. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Spencer', 'Succession', 'The Queen'. 

TV REVIEW: THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL

4/5

Thanksgiving Bacon.

44 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Old 97's, Michael Rooker & Kevin Bacon. Director: James Gunn. 

Hooked on a festive feeling, it's time to deck the halls with a different sort of Christmas tree. His name is Groot...and he's all grown-up after his sap sweet series of shorts on Disney + this year. Despite the recent game-changing small screen seasons of shows like 'She-Hulk: Attorney At Law' and genre redefining movies like 'Black Panther' and its 'Wakanda Forever' sequel released to begin this month, volume after volume, the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' have remained some of the most popular Marvels in K.E.V.I.N's cinematic universe. Between all the Avengers, verses of Spider-Men and the electric guitar teased X-Men mutants to be unsheathed like Wolverine fingernails (you've been tapping on that photo in a frame for far too long, Bub). This is why cult favourite James Gunn has been handed the reins to DC Comics after he killed it last year with 'The Suicide Squad' respawn and his own spin-off 'Peacemaker' series. And why not, like Los Angeles Laker Russell Westbrook finding his way again in Hollywood? Besides, like someone aptly put it on social media, "Captain America's not going to shag you for hatin' on DC" (he just might not recognize you here). There's room for us all to play in the sandbox here. Building realms of castles and thrones from T'Challa's Kingdom, to under the sea like 'The Little Mermaid' (don't hate). 

'Tis the season for taking inspiration off 'The Star Wars Holiday Special', which we need on Disney Plus like we do that seventies 'Incredible Hulk' show that our new favourite 'Attorney At Law' (even if you have close counsel with Matt Murdock (like her)) paid perfect tribute to. A Marvel Studios Special Presentation with that now classic 80s themed ID intro after the black and white vintage Halloween horrors of 'Werewolf By Night'. Now, following 'Wakanda Forever's' beautiful credit crawl tribute to the late, great King Chadwick Boseman, we have a Christmas lights Marvel red themed one here for the comics. All to mark the one-year anniversary where your 'Hawkeye(s)' hit the home for the holidays, hallmark heart of this Christmas season. Now you can be thankful for this pre-Christmas TV special that has dropped this Thanksgiving like deflated Macy’s Day Parade balloons (we see you, Spidey). From the Ego of the sequel, to the third volume to come, post-'Endgame', the good tidings of this cracking Christmas tease will tide you over. Even if those hoping for some Gamora variant, Sly Stallone, Miley Cyrus, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) and Michelle Yeoh appearances everything, everywhere, all at once will just have to be patient. There's plenty other cracking Easter Eggs to stir your yoke until then, this Thanksgiving. With all the comic trimmings. 

Turkey? What turkey?! This season and week, which may as well be another Disney + day with Elton John's 'Farewell From Dodger Stadium' concert live stream and the 'Andor' season finale for 'Star Wars'. And of course this saved and served for a best last feast this weekend. The whole team are here, minus Thor, after the Guardians' appearance in this Summer's 'Love and Thunder'. Chris Pratt, on fine festive feeling form before he swaps a spaceship for a Mario Kart. Karen Gillan, darkly droll and with the best dance moves masking that bruised, but beautiful soul. Megastars Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper voicing your favourite talking tree and Rocket the Racoon respectively (and another animal and famous face). And Sean Gunn proving he's truly part of the team, even if he can't shoot straight with that arrow (oh, ho-hum, just whistle why you work). And what if Michael Rooker's Yondu got called back too in animated prelude, meaning of Christmas form? For one troll and sweet backstory we do want to hear from. 

Yet, slumped on the sobering sidewalk, it's the team-up of a dry and droll Drax, Dave Bautista as the Invisible Man and a hopping mad Pom Klementieff's sweet and sincere soul of Mantis that steal more than the show in this comic trip team-up. From getting drunk off more than egg nog, to beating down some cops who shoot first and wonder why they can't hit later. Pom's powers changing your heart too after a cynical calendar for an emotionally charged moment. But before all that on Christmas Day, this Thanksgiving is about Bacon, not turkey as our Destroyer and praying alien hunt down none other than the Legend that is Kevin Bacon for the ultimate Christmas present to save Star-Lord's day. Who else but the 'Footloose' legend that saved a town with dance and inspired this Guardian to do the same for the galaxy, stepping to the same rhythm? Even though in this Multiverse Kevin has already played a 'First Class' Sebastian Shaw in an 'X-Men' movie. 

Heart-warming and hilarious as he rolls with it, Bacon sizzles and serves himself up perfectly. Even making music with the Old 97's from Dallas, Texas. Also appearing as an alien band, straight out of Knowhere, with one hell of a sweet strum, despite only just picking up these instruments. Because what great Gunn shot would be the same without a firing on all cylinders, nostalgic soundtrack? This one has all the Pogues and everything you could wish for this Yuletide season. Even an adored 'Christmastime' from the legendary Smashing Pumpkins, post Halloween for the most beautiful moment of the mini-movie that will have you brooding and beaming home for Christmas, fairy lights and the dear, beloved ones you hold closest. From me and mine, to you and your filthy animals, Merry Christmas, you bunch of a-####s! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'I Am Groot', 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2', 'Werewolf By Night'. 

TV REVIEW: ANDOR - Season 1

4/5

A Rogue One.

12 Episodes. Starring: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Denise Gough, Genevieve O'Reilly, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, & Fiona Shaw. Created By: Tony Gilroy. 

Rebels rejoice! Your 'Star Wars' story is here. And this one has gone Rogue, like an X-Men character with a Southern accent you just can't touch. Even if everyone on social media these days are seemingly out there to prove who can hate the hardest (don't they know it's all about who can love the longest...take it how you want?). The streaming service Disney + getting it in the neck the most for their Marvel and Star Wars shows. Simply because they want to embrace diversity...finally. 'Obi-Kenobi'. 'She-Hulk' and 'Ms. Marvel' for the comic flip. And all these shows are great, no matter the hate. Even 'The Book Of Boba Fett' that ended up playing like 'The Mandalorian' season three. Even though it seems that fans can get enough. Of everything except the negative comments, that is. And you would think the super cute Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli crossover of 'Grogu and Dust Bunnies' for their collective calm, this month, would be their moment of 'Zen'. 

Fighting back against a Death Star of trolls is the new 12-part 'Andor' series. A slow-burning prequel to the best of the new Star Wars movies and stories, 'Rogue One', starring Felicity Jones' Jyn Erso (who has her own brilliant backstory with the 'Rebel Rising' novel) and her band of brothers. Looking to change the momentum as your favourite outlaw Cassian Andor looks to bring the wild west back to the galaxy far, far away. Especially in the season's final frame, promising more to draw like samurai saber swords. Credit the great Diego Luna ('Narcos: Mexico', 'Elysium') for making his character and this arc so compelling, despite the fact that we know his fate. Still, it's not too late to start a new strand of stories. Because 'Andor' of course is also a prequel to 'A New Hope' and there's a lot of fear to be mined amongst the desperation between the dark side and the fire of the resistance, striking like a match. 

Just when you thought this was building towards something ('Rogue' and 'Hope', of course). There's something more on the horizon, like Marvel's 'Secret Wars' set to come. That's because 'Bourne' screenwriter and director of the magnificent 'Michael Clayton' starring George Clooney at his best, Tony Gilroy has crafted a space opera of a political spy-thriller that puppet strings many matters and actors and keeps all those plates spinning without our heads doing so in CG. The special effects of the aerial dog-fights have no tie. But it's the drama that it auteur and anything but amateur in this franchise of sandbox ready toys. There's more big names here than a comic convention. Some we simply can't spoil, even if they are meant to be or not. One A-lister from a previous franchise film and another Academy actor on the form of his life in the mechanics of a prison subplot that reminds you of the wheels and apparatus quote of Mario Savio's 'Body On The Gears' (previously used perfectly by the 'Wretches and Kings' of Linkin Park). What are they building here? 

As if you didn't know, as this show does something truly special with its world mining and character crafting. A seriously elite Stellan Skarsgård is the most valuable player in a class cast for any list of all-stars, new and old. The master of disguise, normally so good at fitting in perfectly, undeniably stands out here. Olivier award winner Kyle Soller oozes vile menace all whilst living at home with his mother. DOUBLE Olivier award winner (this production is not messing around) Denise Gough owns everybody. 'Pacific Rim: Uprising', 'Triple Frontier', '6 Underground' and 'Morbius' star Adria Arjona finds her moment. And 'Revenge Of The Sith' and 'Rogue One' player Genevieve O'Reilly returns to this legend with amazing acclaim. Yet it's 'Game Of Thrones' and 'White Queen' star Faye Marsay, 'Now You See Me 2' breakout player Varada Sethu and Elizabeth Dulau (who you could swear you've seen before, but won't forget from here on out) who demand more. Even with a legend like 'Killing Eve's' Fiona Shaw (she's still the cake nosing hero who saves the day in 'Three Men and a Little Lady' to us) bringing a powerhouse performance to the proceedings. But in this Galactic Empire, we know the name of this show. Luna's legacy is set in a stone that ground breaks representation on all sorts of playing fields, as he levels the competition and critics now hearing crickets. And more from 'Andor'? A galaxy far, far away fan can only hope. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', 'The Book Of Boba Fett', 'The Mandalorian'. 

SHORT REVIEW: ZEN - GROGU AND DUST BUNNIES

4/5

My Neighbor Grogu.

4 Mins. Directed By: Katsuya Kondo  Created By: Lucasfilm & Studio Ghibli. 

Here it is, your moment of 'Zen', like you were Jon Stewart or Phil Jackson. Last year, when 'Star Wars' unsheathed its 'Visions' series (set to continue next calendar), anime and galaxy far, far away fans rejoiced...together. Lucasfilm hailed the Jedi masters of Japanese anime to bring us a dynamic and diverse range of animations and storytelling in the 'Star Wars' lore. You see, this force of a franchise was always inspired by samurais and shoguns as much as it was saloons of western duels for your spurs. Fans of feudal Japan and the future wars of the stars had only one hope. That the most legendary Japanese animators, Studio Ghibli (home to 'Princess Mononoke', 'Ponyo' and so much more) got involved. You love them. I know. But don't despair, may the force of an epic collaboration be with you now. 

X marks the spot, and this by sign is the popular trend in Tokyo and the Far East beyond for collabo crossovers. Only last week, Miyashita Park in Shibuya was proud to promote the lifestyle brand KITH teaming up with the New York Knicks and the basketball bible SLAM magazine for a court crossover of apparel and a special edition mag that served as a catalogue to this collaboration. But nothing can catch up to the hyperdrive of this. Baby Yoda...excuse me, Grogu (still doesn't feel right), popular he is, is by far the biggest thing to come out of George Lucas' world since the Death Star. Beyond kawaii (that means cute in Japanese, nothing to do with the Fun Guy basketball player), Grogu is so adorable the adoration has us thinking 'The Mandalorian' should be renamed 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', just like 'The Book Of Boba Fett' show that Mando and the galaxy's cutest outlaw stole. 

Now as we adore 'Andor', during it's lucky for us 13-episode run, Grogu teams up with the only thing quite as "aww" inducing as him. Those lovely little, delightful Dust Bunnies. Made famous by the Ghibli classics 'Spirited Away' and 'My Neighbor Totoro'...although they have a new Mister Rogers now asking, "won't you be my neighbor." And as beautiful and lovely as that day in the neighbourhood that America's Dad Tom Hanks played, or the book of quotes ('You Are Special'...truly) from the sweater and sneakers sensei that I use to start each day, word for wisdom. This is perfect. Directed by the 'Castle In The Sky' of manga artist Katsuya Kondo ('Nisshin Seifun', 'Ocean Waves') and hand-drawn on paper as traditional as a ryokan, this is a rich delight. And it just works as the bunnies hop to a meditating Grogu with an offering from sakura season. It's as simple as that. Don't sneeze at it. As cute as the shorts of 'I Am Groot' on Disney +, 'Zen-Grogu and Dust Bunnies' is your new inner calm in a mad world. Wonder how you could write about something that clocks in at just under five minutes? Well, here it is. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Mandalorian', 'My Neighbor Totoro', 'Star Wars-Visions'. 

REVIEW: BLACK PANTHER - WAKANDA FOREVER

4/5

Chadwick Forever.

161 Mins. Starring: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman & Angela Bassett. Director: Ryan Coogler. 

Sorrow shrouds the opening scene of the sequel to Marvel's massive 'Black Panther' movie, which was the groundbreaking first of its type to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. That's because two years after its release and two ago in the worst year of our lives (from Kobe to corona) we lost the late, great Chadwick Boseman, unexpectedly and tragically to cancer. Not only the once and forever, King T'Challa. Marvel have movingly made sure of that. But also in a few short years, the most important actor of black biopics. Jackie Robinson in '42', a number retired across all of Major League Baseball after the first African-American professional player and civil rights movement broke the colour barrier. The first African-American justice to the Supreme Court of the United States of America, Thurgood 'Marshall'. And none other than the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. WOW! And of course the fictional Black Panther, named after the political party, but a literal inspiration to a genre and game changing world that now sees superheroes in any and everybody. Regardless of colour or creeds. That just one of the legend's lasting legacies. May he always rest peacefully, as all he's done lives on further like 'Wakanda Forever'. 

Ryan Coogler's returning and successful sequel like his Michael B. Jordan 'Creed' franchise is that much deeper like 'Fruitvale Station'. The funeral ceremony in celebration of the life of both T'Challa, but more importantly in mural, Chadwick is tasteful, respectful and absolutely beautiful. Restrained yet powerful in its raw passion. A monumental moment for the movie and the culture it created and cultivated. All from the vision of a man who had the foresight to see all this and still looks over all that comes next. Boseman gave us the first real black superhero aside from Anthony Mackie's Falcon, who now makes a serious statement as the new Captain America. Now 'Black Panther-Wakanda Forever' celebrates the marvel and wonder of black women. But we won't spoil who takes the throne of 'Black Panther' in the same week as Netflix's penultimate season of 'The Crown' and God's Son rapper Nas' conclusion to his 'King's Disease' trilogy. Even if it is the worst kept secret since the Spider-Man one, we still won't unstick for you, even though everyone already knows. 

Clues are everywhere like an M.C.U. Easter Egg, but we'll let you work all that out for yourselves. Otherwise, what did you wait all this time for like a powerful post-credits sequence in all its earned emotion? As for the big-three, putting in work for Wakanda with the big-hole that Chadwick's death has left. Born star Letitia Wright ('Death On The Nile'), scene-stealer, throwing the wig down, Danai Gurira and '12 Years A Slave' Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, show behind every great man is so many women, as it takes more than a village to build this civilization. All of them deserve to bear the claws. Yet, it's Queen Angela Bassett, regal and graceful, who stirs the most emotion since her monumental, Academy Award nominated performance as the great Tina Turner in 'What's Love Got To Do With It'. "I'm Queen of the most powerful nation in the world and my entire family is gone. Have I not given everything." It'll take all you have not to lose it all at this moment of collective, conscious grief. 

Florence Kasumba who really moved the Marvel machine in 'The Falc...Captain America and The Winter Soldier' also strikes her vibranium spear down. As does (sort of, with an upgrade across the Dora Milaje) franchise newcomer Michaela Coel, who changed the world herself with the urgent 2020 statement of 'I May Destroy You'. But it's the Heart of Dominique Thorne (who already like Chadwick has monumental movies in her arsenal. 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Judas and the Black Messiah') who really has the star power to soar. Yet, again, Mum's the word. And Winston Duke (who has now played The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne in the 'Batman Unburied' (talk about more monumental heroes) podcast) who steals the show (again). Still, with Martin Freeman's CIA agent back in the colonizing fold and another recurring Marvel character we're not sure if we are at liberty to say, but love to see (not to mention 'The West Wing's' Richard Schiff as a special guest star), the 30th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has another trick up its sleeve. Underwater on the poster. 

'Aquaman' eat your heart out. You too, James Cameron. Because the titanic, avenging Marvel have just pipped 'Avatar' to the post. Their way of water only had more than a decade to do so, themselves. The comic-book genre goliath like a juggernaut adds more legends to their new phase. As a representing Tenoch Huerta's terrific and hallmark, Namor grounds the wing-tipped feet of the underground legend in realism and a brutally relevant backstory. Realms of untapped universes that would make even the 'Love and Thunder' of Thor jealous, open up a whole new world for Disney's hottest property (sorry, Star Wars). Proving that earthquake like explosion under the sea that Okoye dismissed in the last Avengers movie is the actual Endgame we're in now. Huerta with a Thanos like army behind him (not to mention some Killer Whales, Fish Man) looking like a King himself. Doing double duty in both honouring a classic comic character and following-up the greatest Marvel villain not named Loki, Jordan's Erik Killmonger (making up for his departure like the one of 'Get Out' star Daniel Kaluuya due to scheduling ('Nope')). Add Rihanna's title-track lifting us up like her Star Trek 'Sledgehammer' did out of the darkness, and Tems taking over from Kendrick Lamar's curated soundtrack, mixing it all together. Like covering Bob Marley like a Fugee, 'No Woman, No Cry'. In the wake of Chadwick's death, everything is going to be alright. Forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Black Panther', 'Iron Man', 'Avatar-The Way Of Water'. 

REVIEW: DON'T WORRY DARLING

4/5

Florence + The Machine.

123 Mins. Starring: Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll & Chris Pine. Director: Olivia Wilde. 

Pleasantville in black and white. That's the safe as suburbia seeming setting that bookends 'Booksmart' director Olivia Wilde's latest movie, only shy of a white picket fence. You know the movie I mean, the one everyone has talked about this year. One of the biggest and best pictures looking for Oscar prestige from the Academy following Wilde's crazy comedy debut (not to mention the 'Dark Necessities' of a storm drain skating Red Hot Chili Peppers video where she really left her mark like bumps and bruises). Finally, here in the Far East of Japan. But 'Don't Worry Darling', I won't talk about the controversy. Spit at me or not, all you like. Because all that has overshadowed a mesmerizing movie which most have called middling. Is that fair? 

No! Just like it's not fair what happened to Olivia Wilde on stage this year. Just like it's not fair that public sympathy turned into outcry like she was the devil after all the Hollywood on-set drama came out. As social media rolls like a stone. OK, I guess we will talk about it a little. But that's it. We don't know all the behind the scenes going on, and neither do you. Speculate about this movies story, not the narrative surrounding it. Because this criminally underrated psychological drama has so much more to say. From the evil men do, to emancipation and power of the women, that moves like Me Too eternal. To reveal more would be to spoil the story and satirical hooks slung, whilst everyone else is trying to get their dirty fingernails into some other person's business. Time to air your own dirty laundry. That s### stinks too. 

Compellingly cinematic and score soaring in its fever dream, American nightmare. 'Darling' confirms what 'Booksmart' read us all about. Wilde is one of this generation's best directors making her stance, let alone actors. We just worry that this social media shame where Twitter plays out like 'Game Of Thrones' will troll take its toll. Besides, she's a human being. We can't wait to see what she comes up with next behind the lens. Not what the paps come up with in front of theirs. She plays an integral part to this on camera drama too in this throwback testament that leg kicks to old Hollywood and the homes of those loving like stars in their own middle of the day Mimosa mix on the American dream. 

Pugilist pulling no punches, on-screen or off, it's 'Lady Macbeth' and 'Black Widow' superstar Florence Pugh who tour de force strikes like a Thunderbolt, Ross (rest peacefully William Hurt. Welcome to the fold, Harrison Ford). Living in her own 'Midsommar' hell in what looks like the middle of the day burning of just another sunny day, she cracks the egg on the performance of her career. Confirming her after her Swedish exchange as one of the best in the business. Again, why does it have to be marred by something that has nothing to do with us?

Coca-Cola Americana nostalgia fizzes and pops on the outside of a town that feels like it's regulated under a Stephen King dome. Biplane crash like King Kong threw them, and earthquakes rumble like something nuclear like Godzilla is being tested in the desert that surrounds (I spelt traps wrong) them. But it's a much bigger monster. One that will subtlety consume everything in its one-way, trolley-car path. With one of the best albums of the year ('Harry's House') and 'My Policeman' in the movie-box, Harry Styles (replacing a disgraced, talented but troubled Shia LaBeouf) is ready for one close-up of a Hollywood direction following his impressive 'Dunkirk' breakout and a Marvel movie credits cameo (we'll never say which one, darling). He's incredible here. 

As is a slimy as his lap, Chris Pine. Playing snake-oil to an old Hollywood charm, looking like he's going to get away with it. But despite an underused but undeniable Gemma Chan, it's a serious Nick Kroll and the critical delivery service of 'If Beale Street Could Talk' Star KiKi Layne who add more depth to what on the surface looks like a shallow story. Darling, don't pay attention to the social media sensation that like Twitter is for the birds, worry about one of the best movies you've seen in these times that are starving for originality like it is integrity. Don't be a company man just for victory. When it comes to this 'Stepford Wives' story that follows and waves goodbye to a sheep herd of crowded cars, carriage chugging along, like Jordan Peele, it's time to get out...and see it for yourself. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Booksmart', 'Midsommar', 'Pleasantville'. 

PODCAST REVIEW: CASE 63

4/5

The Time Traveller's Psychiatrist.

10 Episodes. Starring: Julianne Moore & Oscar Isaac. Created By: Julio Rojas.

Case in pod, great drama can be made in any arena. From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, to big screens across the world's stage. But players, we all know dramatic theatrics can play out in just one room, across a table. On your phone and even in your headphones.

Podcasts have been replacing television and even YouTube as people's source of coverage across all entertainment platforms. From music to sports and so much more. Just like streaming provider Spotify has made purchasing CD's a thing of the past as the nostalgia of vinyl has had its retro revenge. It was only a matter of time before drama majorly played its way out over the podcast. I mean, we have had radio shows doing this for drive time decades. Many can recall the infamous story of the first radio broadcast of H.G Wells' classic 'The War Of The World's' in the 30s gaining infamy for having people in a panic, believing aliens were actually invading.

Now in the same year the comic-book caped crusader gets in on the act (with 'Batman Unburied' starring no other but 'Black Panther' star Winston Duke), another dark knight has its day with a science-fiction mystery miniseries that is close to the Spector spectre of Marvel's 'Moon Knight' show from earlier this year (there's even a character named Knight). Yep, that's the voice of Emmy nominated actor Oscar Isaac as the patient in question. 'Case 63' adapted to the English language from creator Julio Rojas' 'Caso 63'. This patients doctor? No other but 'Still Alice' Oscar winner Julianne Moore.

Gimlet productions offer us something we've never heard before, even if you aren't lost in translation with this original audio from Spotify, available free for all subscribers. Moore plays a psychiatrist who takes more than a few notes from her latest patient. An inspired Isaac who matches her mesmerizing performance in a new 10 part drama of episodes varying in length between 10 and 15 minutes that will accompany you on the train to and from work in perfect synchronicity as the story unfolds. That is, if you haven't resisted the temptation to binge this like the new series of the royal affairs of 'The Crown' on Netflix this week.

Oscar, looking for a podcast award (and this is worthy of a category) claims he is a time traveller from the year 2062. He is here to warn Moore (if only she could believe him) about the end of the world. That all sounds like pretty standard fare that wouldn't sell it to you (especially because it isn't visual), if it wasn't for the Academy of talent acting in this live, but with no action story adaptation. Leading woman and man with palpable chemistry in these chemical brain wave stems and stakes. And trust me, it's much more nuanced and gripping than all that in its thrilling twists and turns that will have you guessing and asking for more in the end. Especially when the critical conclusion delivers on all the promise percolate throughout its run, albeit with a little bit of a damaged package.

Coronavirus, cancel culture and so much of the modern world's woes are also brought to the fore, constructively and creatively in a convincing, real world way. How can this not be prophecy to our future if we don't heed its many warning sings like the work of Wells and these Orwellian dystopias that have made movies bust blocks for years. Yet, this is one of the most original tales and ways of telling it in years. Recorded in therapy sessions with a jarring beep of the recorder for epic, dramatic effect. This adaptation belongs on the big-screen. Even if some of the after-effects would be lost on the mind's eye of what we don't see. The real horrors that lie in the hearts in our mouths and under our beds. But even so, this is Hollywood, after all. And I know two actors who would be perfect for the part. Repeating on themselves in this move multi-verse. Get on the case. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Listening: 'Batman Unburied', 'Homecoming', 'Moon Knight' (you can watch that too).

TV REVIEW: MODERN LOVE - TOKYO (Season 1)

4/5

Love In Translation.

7 Episodes. Starring: Asami Mizukawa, Atsuko Maeda, Nana Eikura, Tasuku Emoto, Ran Ito, Ryo Ishibashi, Ryo Narita, Kaho, Hiromi Nagasaku, Yūsuke Santamaria, Sosuke Ikematsu & Naomi Scott. Created By: Atsuko Hirayanagi. 

A young, working mother (Asami Mizukawa) in a beautiful LGBT partnership (with Atsuko Maeda) that wants to stay close to their child through breastfeeding. But finds herself in a dilemma when she's called to a conference in Singapore and must keep her milk fresh on the move and with the time's changing of airport security regulations. What's more, her mother's coming to stay. 

A biology teacher (Nana Eikura), recently divorced, who is studying more regarding the human condition as she plays the field, young, free and single. She wants to know why the married men she sleeps with cheat on their wives. Meanwhile, her bridge photographer former partner (Tasuku Emoto) wants to build that same sort of iron back to her...even if he doesn't know, or admit it yet. 

Legendary sixtysomething Ran Ito joins a dating app (I'd Super Like swipe) after being persuaded by a friend. Here she meets the bespectacled, charming Ryo Ishibashi, taking us to hallowed corners of Harajuku. A young couple swiped to the left of them are doing the same, with more than some parallels. When you find out why, you'll be left uttering the famous Japanese sound which can be closely translated to, WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?! 

A gentle and kind young man (Ryo Narita) and his perfect pug (is that you, Frank from 'Men In Black'?) who wants to save his wife (model actress Kaho) from a deep depression that threatens to subtly consume everything around them like Elizabeth (the actual name of this beautiful pug (now I finally get this breed) to be Frank). The peculiar perplexities of the darkness of depression are brought to this fiction's fore in strange but true symbolism. 

The journalist (Hiromi Nagasaku) who investigates a date (Yūsuke Santamaria) who doesn't match his profile picture (I mean, it's not even close). But this sweet and sombre love story that will have you second-guess and not trusting (such is actual modern love) until the end is much more than a catfishing as it fades to black. This is deeper than ghosting. 

A young English Language Teacher ('Aladdin's' Princess Jasmine and underrated 'Charlie's Angels' hero Naomi Scott) who sparks an interest with one of her students (hey, it happens. Trust me) played perfectly with gentlemanly grace by Sosuke Ikematsu. From Hollywood to a love story you just couldn't script, staring out at the city of stars of a Shinjuku skyline. Blinking red with love like the tip tops of the aeroplane warning, boundless buildings. Only in Japan. 

And of course, an amazing anime that whispers to the heart of your name in the silent voice of a lost love from high-school. This seventh seal concludes the perfect picture of 'Modern Love-Tokyo'. Which you shouldn't binge, but let accompany you on your journey to work this week from Yokohama to Tokyo (or, is that just me?). It's a great lesson in language, love and life in Japan, following in the travelling footsteps of Amsterdam, Mumbai and Hyderabad on Amazon Prime. Based on the Bowie beautiful 'Modern Love' American anthology featuring the likes of Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Dev Patel and Kit Harington ('Modern Love UK' anyone?). Themselves based on personal penned essays of love and life, signed, sealed and delivered with a heart to The New York Times. Watch all about it, as showrunner Atsuko Hirayanagi's Tokyo stories, like a 'Midnight Diner', show you all the subtle beauty and complexity of love in all the faces of the big rising sun city with all of the lights. Like neon illuminating all the loneliness, but also showing the confides in confidence, cramped corners of the city where people can only get closer. If this is what modern love is like in Tokyo, then this city well and truly has my heart. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Modern Love', 'Midnight Diner-Tokyo Stories', 'This Is Us'. 

REVIEW: AMSTERDAM

3.5/5

War Bonds.

134 Mins. Starring: Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Chris Rock, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldaña, Mike Myers, Michael Shannon, Timothy Olyphant, Andrea Riseborough, Taylor Swift, Matthias Schoenaerts, Alessandro Nivola, Rami Malek & Robert De Niro. Director: David O. Russell. 

Preceded by a reputation as a taskmaster (and much more nefarious behaviour) director David O. Russell goes to war for his work. The results from the trenches are the Academy big-three of 'The Fighter', 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'American Hustle'. But in Russell's first movie since Jennifer Lawrence's 'Joy', he gives us another in Christian Bale ('The Fighter' and 'American Hustle') and the dynamite director's first-timers Margot Robbie and John David Washington, oozing charm and the fiz bang of charismatic chemistry. Not to mention an epic ensemble of a supporting cast that reads like an Oscars envelope...for every category. All for 'Amsterdam' like bicycles and the haze of familiar smelling streets. Damn the trenches these actors have to go through. Once more unto the breach, dear. 

Period based on the Business Plot of the 1933 political conspiracy in the United States, this muddled mess is a lot to get your head 'round. But Russell should be credited for always trying to get to the truth of the heart of matters. Not just his subjects, but the implications of the wide world around them. And it doesn't get much bigger for this, which on paper looks like his magnum opus, but may get the February award season snub down the timeless traditions of 'Nightmare Alley'. But the auteur director does bring a prestige picture to the proceedings. It's just that everything pales in backdrop comparison to the beautiful three-way (steady) friendship between Bale, Robbie and Washington. The ever chameleonic Christian ('The Machinist', 'Vice') has lost ('Fighter') and gained ('Hustle') weight again for Russell and has even given us more colours to his artistic palette in black and white for a Marvel movie this year (playing a God butcher in 'Thor-Love and Thunder') as Batman begins again. But here with bales of talent, Einstein hair, yesterday's suit and a glass eye, he redefines himself, once more. But when he joins in a chorus pact with Robbie (the Aussie a true Hollywood throwback before her own 'La La Land' this fall in 'Babylon') and best friend Washington (making his own family name like Dad Denzel) that's when they really sing. Perfectly peculiarly so. 

Amsterdam is big enough for more than the three of them, though, like the latest season of 'Atlanta'. Chris Rock is in the house with some amazing acting to go with some trademark, period stand-up. Even if Bale played the "a##hole card" and didn't talk to his comedy hero, getting into character, like this stand-up talent doesn't a certain Prince right now (everybody may have seemed to hate him, but we hope they can work it out) and we aren't taking about the late great purple one. You should have seen my date's face each time another famous one was added to the mix. The gambit of getting the 'Last Night In Soho' Queen Anya Taylor-Joy into this, showcasing the traditions of these times like she did in 'Peaky Blinders'. The rhapsody of Rami Malek bonded by her Bohemian side. And the same song, so on. 

Perfect partnerships also come from two Michaels in an odd-couple, American and British intelligence agents bonded by this war and bird-watching. Mike Myers (no, not that one, this Halloween, Baby Driver, but the "groovy baby" one) and Michael Shannon steal the show. Matthias Schoenaerts and Alessandro Nivola cop some serious detective work off desk duty and on the case here, like Shea Whigham and Bill Camp in 'The Joker'. But before the 'Avatar' sequel that made her a blue and 'Guardians' green Goddess, Zoe Saldaña gives us her subtly best calendar of work in years ('The Adam Project'). And these 'Midnights' you'll see an even different shade of superstar singer Taylor Swift in a performance that will have the world's most famous singer (let alone the hardest working) flooring you. Add one of the most underrated and undeniable talents in recent years (Andrea Riseborough) and an unrecognizable, but also undeniable Timothy Olyphant (for a minute there, I lost myself thinking he was Anson Mount or someone like that) and all you need to complete this cast is the great De Niro himself. Who has showed up in so many of Russell's projects, his bull probably raged through the ring of 'The Fighter'. 

A doctor, nurse and a lawyer walk into a (coffee) bar in 'Amsterdam'. This may sound like a joke and at times this deep dramatic and comedic take on history will leave you feeling like you've smoked something, but it still huffs and puffs...even if it doesn't blow your house completely down, piggy. A love letter to the front. On call-sheet paper, this billboard reads like the brightest lights in the biggest city. But with a little less pedalling and a more straightforward canal path through this plot, 'Amsterdam' could have stamped the Academy in its passport of Hollywood homes. Amsterdamnation. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'American Hustle', 'Nightmare Alley', 'The Monuments Men'. 

REVIEW: TICKET TO PARADISE

3.5/5

The Parent's Trap.

104 Mins. Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourd, Maxime Bouttier & Lucas Bravo. Director: Ol Parker. 

Paradise lost. With previously quarantined borders finally being broken down as we try and make and mask our way through this COVID mess, soon we'll be able to take trips to destinations like this. But before you leave on a jet plane for the best way of life again, make sure you book a 'Ticket To Paradise'. Sitting between the first class company of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Playing 'Intolerable Cruelty' as former flames who made it to the altar, but were extinguished in divorce soon after. All for a trouble in paradise trip to beautiful Bali (actually an amazing Australia) that looks like the screensaver on your laptop (credit to Jon Favreau in 'Couple's Retreat') that's been your company, going steady since 2020 (so you enjoy working from home? Not remotely. Ba dum tss). But will these romantic comedy tropes vow to turn into 'One Fine Day' in the end? This here that Michelle Pfeiffer. Too hot! 

Divorced in paradise, only lovers as jilted as these would try and poop the wedding party of even their own daughter. That's when they're not trying to one-up each other in bragging rights (hilarious in the post-credits, outstanding out-takes) at graduation, so much so, they forget to focus on the camera. A 'Booksmart' Kaitlyn Dever who has been on a TV tear ('Unbelievable' on Netflix and 'Dopesick' on Disney +) since said Olivia Wilde movie (and let's not forget the 'Detroit' and 'Beautiful Boy' breakout) is the daughter in question here. A promising law graduate who finds love on this island and wants to turn her gap year holiday romance into something that will last a lifetime (don't be a cynic). Could you blame Dever on devastatingly good form with the handsome and forthright charm of model and musician Maxime Bouttier? He and his family are the sweet soul of this story. 

Keeping the family fires burning of the beautiful Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher legacy, a 'Booksmart' friend in granddaughter and the princesses own Billie Lourd steals scenes as the perfect B.F.F. role in support. All character. No cliché. The same goes for Roberts younger love interest, Lucas Bravo, from May to December. Bravo to the 'Emily In Paris' star for sending this all up so perfectly in Ol Parker's ol' time classic. The 'Mamma Mia' director saying 'Here We Go Again' to the best, exotic locations (it's not about the directing any more is it (ha, ha)?). But part 'The Descendants' holiday snap and all 'My Best Friend's Wedding' scenario, it's the 'Money Monster' reunion (slept on 90s throwback like classic) of A-listers George Clooney and Julia Roberts that really cashes out in this trojan horse of a reverse parent trap. 

Clooney like Cary can compel with this underrated art of leading man subtle nuance. Breaking into that warm smile we've seen since the day's of 'ER' that is like medicine, the way it can weather any time or condition. He looks into his chest and holds our gaze as he communicates more with that trademark touch of happiness than he does with decks of dialogue. All before crippling our tear ducts with some tender bar talk. His outstanding 'Oceans' co-star Julia Roberts across these, and their charming chemistry (especially when they snipe on a plane like...well, an old married couple). Still the 'Pretty Woman' legend that gave us undisputed Hollywood golden era classics like 'Erin Brokovich' and 'Notting Hill', you are witnessing one of the greatest actors and familiar faces of all-time still in her prime. But recently she's hit another level. Paying no mind to those haters who tried to troll her when some ignorant Hollywood exec suggested she should play abolitionist hero Harriet Tubman (this had nothing to do with her. People shouldn't have tarnished her name, because a fool brought hers up). Her last movie 'Ben Is Back' (that moment where she takes a drug addicted Lucas Hedges to a graveyard and asks him where he wants to be buried) was a devastating drama for the holidays, no hallmark. And as of late she's made television ('Homecoming', 'Starz' and 'Gaslit') her outstanding own too. 

But no 'Runaway Bride', these older dogs can still learn new tricks (and so can we). Witnessing the traditions of beautiful Balinese wedding plans. Even if they want to put them and young love's dream on hold like 'Fools Rush In'. Not to mention time's tried and tested love to have and to hold. Say I do to this one and catch the bouquet. A lovely, delightful movie for these wonderful holidays. Paradise found. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Money Monster', 'The Descendants', 'My Best Friend's Wedding'. 

REVIEW: ENOLA HOLMES 2

3.5/5

Holmes Is Where The Heart Is.

129 Mins. Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, David Thewlis & Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Harry Bradbeer.

The game is back afoot. The 1887 'Sherlock' mythology of the Evening Strand of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic character continues under the magnify glass. Read all about it. Even more so than the brilliant BBC Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman series. Or the Guy Ritchie 'Holmes' double with Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law that we hope sees a trilogy. Los Angeles Laker legend and NBA basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has even written a series of stirring 'Mycroft Holmes' books with Anna Waterhouse that have been adapted into graphic novels and even deserve their own, actual series. Whilst Nancy Springer's young adult fiction of 'Enola Holmes' turned into a 2020 Netflix movie, starring none other but 'Stranger Things' superstar Millie Bobby Brown. So good that, following the Eleven dialled up penultimate season of 'Things', a sequel is in order for the streaming service that studies this sleuth like scarlet. 

'Elementary' in its open to everyone world building beauty like Lucy Liu as Watson in that legendary show, 'Enola Holmes 2' out now, suffers no fools as it stands with the Suffragettes. Standing up for those Lyons match factory workers from history, exposed to phosphorus. Reminding us, even in its fiction, of a monumental moment of women's liberation that will still serve as inspiration to the young girls and change makers who run the world today. Stomping sticks until they march to their own stand of emancipation from poor pay and even more despondent working conditions. Striking a match of solidarity that will light a fire of rebellion from the evil men do that will burn forever. 

'She-Hulk' addressing us in a 'Fleabag' fourth wall breaking trend, the wonder that is Millie Bobby Brown is magnificent in this delightful 'Enola Holmes' sequel. Plucky with enough moxie to make this her new go-to character once Eleven wipes her nose for the last time. This may be far from the Upside Down, but it's the Big Smoke of a traditional London left in the fog. Funny, forthright and absolutely fabulous like Saunders and Lumley, Bobby Brown has a whole new prerogative. And it's perfect. We're with it. 

Through the thread and strands of story, you can't have a 'Holmes' story without Sherlock, though. Even if Sam Claflin's marvellous Mycroft belongs on a wanted poster, MIA due to scheduling conflicts. Iron Man. Doctor Strange. They've all worn the deerstalker. But now it's time for Superman. The same Clark Kent, whose just announced he's returning as the Man of Steel in DC's extended universe. The same week, the God's gave with one hand and took away with the other. As Henry Cavill announced that he will be leaving his own career, redefining Netflix series. 'The Witcher' now being brother of Thor, Liam Hemsworth. But at his best since the British charm of Guy's 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' (which deserves its own sequel even if it needs a sidekick recast), Cavill is the charm. Stealing scenes without unfairly doing it to the show. Now he's three legendary characters. "Witch" do you like best? As Supes as much as he is this slick sleuth. 

Pipes up to the rest of the cast too. Some we can't spoil, like who the standout Sharon Duncan-Brewster is really playing. Like David Thewlis' vile villain for the character actor's recent career turn of powerhouse performances in franchise films. Louis Partridge is also a perfect love interest and political candidate in a time when we go through prime minsters like Sherlock does opium. All for the pear tree of this holiday film from director Harry Bradbeer. But it's the absolute legend of Helena Bonham Carter that really gives this film it's full force in protest explosion. 'Tis her. And this is the season to walk the cold, cobbled streets of Baker Street and deduce even more from the clues. Far from elementary, my dear. Heroes like this used to be hidden in plain sight. Now they roll up their sleeves and get to the work we could never quite do, just like a woman. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Sherlock Holmes (2009)', 'Stranger Things', 'Fleabag'. 

TV REVIEW: BIG SHOT - Season 2

3.5/5

A Second Shot. 

10 Episodes. Starring: John Stamos, Jessalyn Gilsig, Sophia Mitri Schloss, Nell Verlaque, Tiana Le, Tisha Eve Custodio, Cricket Wampler, Sara Echeagaray & Yvette Nicole Brown. Created By: David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey & Brad Garrett. 

Hey, Mr. 'Big Shot'! How about another season? 80's sitcom All-star John Stamos took his biggest and best shot yet when he saved his new Disney + basketball show from the elimination rounds of streaming service cancellation. So says his interview with the LA Times. And now, betting the full house on it, 'Big Shot' is back in what feels like a shorter off-season than the NBA's return to regular programming after the Bubble. Built for this position of a coach climbing out of controversy like Pacino was born to play worn out cops, Stamos' Coach Korn (no relation to the band, but definitely playing with heavy metal when he throws chairs at referees like errant passes) has seemingly been on the floor more than King LeBron James, taking his courtside throne. But here, he's playing with a different Westbrook in California, as this second half of Disney's basketball team is good enough for a big season 3. 

Ring the sirens, Mickey. Because this is another great Hollywood take on a tale of hoops hoopla in a year of 'Hustle' and more documentaries that show Netflix's 'Last Dance' was anything but. Disney + getting in on the throwbacks 'Like Mike' (and 'Like Mike 2'), all whilst bringing their own original content that like the steps of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers 'Rise' to the NBA, from being young God's in Greece, to champions in their own coliseum. This, though, is inspiring like their classic, true story of the 'Glory Road' to the first all-black college starting-five taking on and beating the legendary University of Kentucky, with Pat Riley. Stamos, promising another year like the legacy of Riles at a Showtime victory parade, is bound to rile up the sexist haters, but it's winning time for those who run the world now. She got game and in a battle of the sexes with the boys to see who will become Billie Jean King, like the WNBA, it's here to play and stay.

DNP-CD, even with Disney + 'Prom Pact' star Monique Green missing in action off the roster and many more graduating before this season is out, this team is still deeper than the Pacific Ocean that surrounds it like Palisades. Especially with rookie of the year and actual real YouTube star Sara Echeagaray as a volleyball prodigy set to spike the team like it was prom punch. How's the great game of Nell Verlaque going to deal with this now her Shaq has a Kobe and love interests spark more potential feuds than Madonna did the Mavericks, Kidd? The family drama continues with standout Sophia Mitri Schloss, who reveals even more talent in her school bag and Girl Dad dynamics. But it's the assistance of the great Jessalyn Gilsig moving from the shadows of the sidelines to a prime position which seasons this second series getting series like clutching at crunch time in the fourth. 

The 'Community' of David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett's show headed in principal by the legendary Yvette Nicole Brown and her classic comebacks is 1 through 15. From Tisha Eve Custodio's mighty mouse to Cricket Wampler's wonderful sweet soul. But the heart of this show like an unsung hero of an x-factor has always been Tiana Le. Last year she took us to the hill of her one family tree. This adds even more branches as the team of sisters makes their way through the brackets like the madness of the third month of the calendar. Parent traps and episodes dubbed '17 Candles' keep the flame lit on a season, Stamos says this takes inspiration from the great Bob Saget. Think of this like a love play-book to him like a 'Fuller House' that reminds you of the golden age of inoffensive, but inspiring great American sitcoms. But it's the tackling of the wildfires and that constant crisis in California that will steal your heart and tears before the last drawn up play. Saved by the buzzer, this shot is the biggest score yet. Count it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Rise', 'Hustle', 'Hang Time'. 

TV REVIEW: MIKE - Miniseries

4/5

I Am Iron Mike.

8 Episodes. Starring: Trevante Rhodes, Russell Hornsby, Laura Harrier, Li Eubanks, Grace Zabriskie & Harvey Keitel. Created By: Steven Rogers. 

"Jamie Foxx is going to play me!" That's what the champ Mike Tyson told the microphones eight years ago, but by the 'Moonlight' of eight episodes later on Hulu and Disney +, many wonder why it's 'The United States vs. Billie Holiday' and 'Bird Box' actor Trevante Rhodes instead. Never fear, there's still a movie come TV series produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by 'Training Day's' Antoine Fuqua coming out the Foxxhole of the man with the greatest impression of everybody...let alone Iron Mike. This biopic on the Baddest Man on the Planet is just something else. Jamie is no stranger to this type of cinematic conflict. His 'White House Down' Channing all over your Tatum came out in the same Summer as his 'Law Abiding Citizen' co-star Gerard Butler's 'Olympus Has Fallen'. Director Fuqua, himself on Hulu, also gave us the 'Legacy' of a Los Angeles Lakers documentary this year after many of the purple and gold (especially the logo) were lost on HBO's 'Winning Time'. Jerry West even vowing to take his case to the most supreme of courts. 

Hulu's creed of the controversial champion who courts many a story (please, just let him be on a plane like anybody. Unless you want that infamous social media quote about getting punched in the face to come Chris Rock and Will Smith true) has lit a fire under Kid Dynamite. "They stole my life story", Tyson says of 'Mike' that didn't pay him, practically taking his money like Don King (played here perfectly by the great Russell Hornsby like Mykelti Williamson (that's right, Bubba) in Will Smith's 'Ali'). "Don't let Hulu fool you", the real Mike added on Instagram, asking if this was 1822. This needs to be taken into account, even though 'Mike' from creator Steven Rogers (no, not that one, Cap) is actually a brilliant biopic series that bleeds for this. Just days before he died, the late, great Notorious B.I.G. rapped on 'Victory' with Puff Daddy, "brawl nights, I perform like Mike. Anyone, Tyson, Jordan, Jackson." Years later his friend Cam'ron would one-up rap, "career's over, like Mike. Anyone, Tyson, Jordan, Jackson. It's over, man." This bruising biopic in the same bloody vein is what happens when the American dream wakes up to the red, white and blue's worst nightmare. 

The blades of glory of 'I, Tonya' brings the team behind the Margot Robbie (serving as an executive producer here) Harding movie back from the ice (Cap?) and onto a whole new artistic canvas that still cuts like above the left eye. Offering no TLC for Tyson or cancel culture crowds for a series as controversial as fittingly the glows it portrays. Pulling no punches, this is a knockout that packs a wallop and goes the distance with all those clichés. But it's anything but that in its fourth wall breaks (the best being saved for last in response to the ramblings of a "Don") and dynamic direction. Formidable fights showcase the best boxing this side of 'Rocky' since Mann raged like a bull. One moment sees a partying up Mike, losing his mind, getting knocked out whilst still wearing his leopard skin bathrobe. Way to spill a man's drink. And what a man's drink to spill. 

Yep, the tiger is here, as are the pigeons, facial tats and ears that weren't lent to you. As is the great Harvey Keitel in his best in years, Grace Zabriskie by his side and 'Homecoming' Spider-Man, 'BlackKklansman' and Netflix 'Hollywood' star Laura Harrier, great as Robin Givens, giving it her all. But it's Li Eubanks as Desiree Washington and the critical, incredible 'Desiree' episode that lets the woman who refused to be a victim have her say. Groundbreaking and anything but hero worshipping, despite its real relevance in the rest of the mesmerizing miniseries of 90s excess in gilded ring and mental cage, round after round. Remember, Washington never sold her story and remained private after the rape case against Mike Tyson closed and ended in a prison sentence. "You still love me", the fallen champ asks us directly after the incident. You might find it hard to watch after this mid-point. But, this is all of Mike if you want the story from both corners. 

The gloves may be off. Buy even Mike must admit that Trevante is terrific as Tyson (especially as even a massive Foxx fan like myself can). 'The Predator' and '12 Strong' actor is more than built for this position and profession, but Rhodes is also a scholar of true thespians too. Even if Mike would struggle to say that. Trevante Rhodes more than thinks he can play Mike Tyson, too, as he gives his subject all the no holes barred and deep character study respect, every man or woman deserves. The lisp is on point, not comical. This show is seriously funny, but doesn't make funny business out of what is serious, either. Jamie, take note. That man may nail the nuance of every mannerism, but watch Rhodes grace the Las Vegas stage here as the master of ceremony of residencies for his own showstopper, and you'll see he feels his way through as Tyson in every move. "I am Iron Mike" this marvel may as well say as he clicks his fingers from flicked punches like a slithering snake bite in jab, to the graceful way this stinging butterfly moves his fingers like straightening out a skirt when taking to the stage and telling his story. A perfect life imitating art and back again, juxtaposition in the brutal poetry of boxing. Study the real Tyson, to see this is on point, like the blows he used to land when he ruled boxing after Ali and before the money of Mayweather. This really is 'Mike'. Unauthorized, but undisputed. Until the Foxx enters the ring. K.O. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'I, Tonya', 'Bleed For This', 'Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers'.