ANIME REVIEW: ŌOKU-THE INNER CHAMBERS

4/5

The Chamber Of Secrets. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Eriko Matsui, Kikuko Inoue & Mamoru Miyano. Director: Noriyuki Abe. On: Netflix.

In a time when more stories are finally being told about women in their voice, from the billion dollar 'Barbie' blockbuster of the year, to the new iconic 'Ahsoka' Star Wars series debuting this week on Disney +, Netflix give us a ten-part anime that flips gender norms and Japanese history on its head. Sliding the wood panelled screen-door to the side, the streaming service shows us 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers' based on the bestselling manga. Right next to the 'Ōoku' movie for a story that's become Japanese lore like a woodblock print (there are nice nods here from one art form to that one) and adapted more times than Batman (see 'Batman Ninja'). This compelling standalone series takes 'Yasuke' like divergent history to 'The Way Of The Househusband', all whilst remaining authentic and realistic. You won't find ridiculous robots here muddling historical facts with future dreams like you will in Netflix's nice 'Yasuke' series whose real history lessons and messages of equality hopefully still translate to an awe-struck audience. 

Noriyuki Abe's (the 'Bleach' and 'Black Butler' series') 'Inner Chambers', with incredible vocal acting from Eriko Matsui, Kikuko Inoue and Mamoru Miyano, reveals an ancient Japan in crisis, right at a time when there are population problems pointing to the future and families that aren't being made. It's a lonely world, especially in this digital-age, but this amazing animation and sobering story, offers as part cautionary tale, part celebration of women and just what they can do by themselves in this so-called "man's world". This alternative look at the Edo period of Japan is a complicated love story wrapped in hallmark history with revisions and liberties, much like the hugely popular 'The Legend and The Butterfly' movie released this year starring Japanese megastars Haruka Ayase and Takuya Kimura. Sexual politics and binary lines like kabuki and onna are explored like they have done through time, all for a modern world finding out who they really are, to hopefully a more welcome place in society. 

If that wasn't enough real-world matter for you in an updated story of the shogunate than the catalyst of this traditional creation couldn't be more timely. An aggressive strain of red-faced smallpox is killing all the young men in 'The Inner Chambers'. A national tragedy leading to famine and the risk of Japan sinking into death and despair with no way out. Until the sister to the last male heir of the Tokugawa clan who has just passed, replaces him and is taken to the palace to be raised as a man. Good job there wasn't those "not my Little Mermaid" trumps back then to raise hell from their parent's basements. With the male population on the decline like the economy and many men selling their body through the night (shedding some light on what it's really like for those who have to in a hope that the men of the world can relate), the daughter Iemitsu lives in isolation with thousands of male concubines ready for her and the heir she will bring into this world. 

Through the bloodline and the beauty and the brutality of this life she manages to find love, but can she hold on to it when her life's service and identity is forcefully dedicated to maintain her families legend and lineage? Be warned, this may be an animation, but there are scenes of sexual violence here, amongst other acts of depravity, that feel all too real despite being displayed on a catalyst. Further proof in this Marvel movie world that Japanese anime can bring real drama as convincing as any of its real-life counterparts. Just like Samuel L. Jackson told Howard Stern. And just for the record, this is no dig, I loved the compelling and cruelly underrated 'Secret Invasion'. The inner goings-on of 'Ōoku' inspire great influence, especially today. So much so in an embracing moment of poignant power where two characters come together both dressed in garments and made-up to assume the other's gender. In a world waking up to trans rights and those of a woman and her body, we need stories like 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers' to show those who don't know, why this is so important. Make sure these chambers no longer hold secrets. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ōoku', 'Yasuke', 'The Way Of The Househusband'. 

REVIEW: BARBIE

4/5

It's Fantastic. 

114 Mins. Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Dua Lipa, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman & Will Ferrell. Narrated By: Helen Mirren. Directed By: Greta Gerwig. In: Theatres. Out: The Box. 

This 'Barbie' could win an Oscar. Believe it or not. Hate it, or absolutely love it. Margot Robbie called it, back when the 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood', 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' and 'Suicide Squad' Harley Quinn star was one of the producers of this toy story, pitching it to Warner Bros. She originally wanted 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot to bring this "life in plastic" to the real world. But this week Gadot is spy streaming with Netflix's 'Heart Of Stone'. Robbie said this doll could take a billion...and she's right on the money. Manufacturer Mattel are now even starting their own cinematic universe like Marvel with everyone from Barney to Polly Pocket. The Barbie world is getting bigger thanks to 'The Simpsons'' Malibu Stacey's muse and Cindy's worst nightmare having the accessory of one of the biggest movies of the year, about to jump over Nintendo's 'Super Mario Bros' Illumination. Not to mention the highest grossing movie directed solely by a woman...ever! 

It's even bigger than Christopher Nolan's grand 'Oppenheimer' story, The two trending together as 'Barbenheimer', in the most successful summer of blockbusters since COVID, that's even blowing Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning (Part 1)' out the water. And that life on the line 'Maverick' ruled last summer as the 'Top Gun'. 'The Wizard of Oz', 'The Matrix', 'Jurassic Park', 'Planet Of The Apes'. This 'Barbie' movie can't be contained in a box like its iconic '2001: A Space Odyssey' opening. It's like so many others, and nothing before. Taking on themes of philosophy, feminity and masculinity for all you Adam and Eves. Not to mention a classic car sight gag for your POV.

But as 'Barbie' finally opens here in Japan it does so shrouded in controversy. Fan-made memes of Oppenheimer and Barbie walking away from a nuclear blast were replied to by 'Barbie's' official American account, remarking on it going to be "a summer to remember". Japanese fans won't forget the disrespect. 'Oppenheimer' obviously still doesn't have a release here yet in the land of the rising sun, but films about the second world war have before. Most notably Clint Eastwood's take on both sides with 'Flags Of Our Fathers' and 'Letters From Iwo Jima' starring Ken Watanabe. Right now it looks like these memes have caused too much damage. Some users have responded with mocked up memes of the 'Barbie' logo over scenes from 9/11, Barbie being held up by Bin Laden instead of Oppenheimer and much, much worse. 

Both sides of this meme war have shared sick, tasteless and thoughtless photos and hopefully now this 'Barbeheimer' trend will stop. Originally, it was a clever idea to welcome reluctant people back to cinemas, and Rolling Stone even experimented with a riff on the classic Pink Floyd 'Wish You Were Here' album cover, but what has alienated and offended people has gone way too far. Especially how some users have treated Margot Robbie in these memes in ways we couldn't even begin to say. Especially as she never had anything to do with the creation of these memes. Neither did she endorse them. She is innocent in this situation, even though her literal image is being more than tarnished. It was the American account of the 'Barbie' Twitter (X) account that should have handled things better. And the rest of us don't have to stoop to that level.

'Barbie' is still big in Japan, pretty powerful in pink. And who else to play this woman than Margot Robbie I wonder? She's the perfect cast like queen and legend Dame Helen Mirren is at narrating this with arguably the best line in the movie. Breaking the fourth wall like Ken himself Ryan Gosling did in 'The Big Short' when he got Margot to explain the complicated financial situation of the movie in a bath to get your attention. Far from the 'Stereotypical Barbie' she plays this perfect cast has just added her most layered and nuanced performance to her Academy roll call of 'I, Tonya', 'Mary Queen Of Scots' and 'Bombshell' pictures. In this epic, existential crisis, real-life fantasy ensemble directed by '20th Century Woman' and 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Women' redefining director Greta Gerwig in all her genius (feeling like fellow director of the moment Olivia Wilde's 'Don't Worry Darling' in the darkness shaded by the safety of suburbia).

Co-written wonderfully by her partner and 'Marriage Story' director Noah Baumbach for all those who think this fantastic feminist movie is man-hating. It's far from that. So Kenough with all that. Even though we can't begin to tell you about Ryan Gosling's grating (already said too much), but brilliantly acted Ken for what may be the 'La La Land' and 'Blue Valentine' actor's best movie move yet, because it would spoil everything. Diluting the meaningful message brought forth to the real world from this American candy coated toy box dream from the real MVP here, the human American Ferrera and the beautiful 'Ugly Betty' stars ugly and beautiful truth in statements that need to get ready for award season speeches.

Who else could play Barbie? How about Aaliyah TV movie, X-Men's Storm, 'Love Simon' and 'tick...tick...BOOM!' star Alexandra Shipp written in (hey, Barbie)? Or singer Dua Lipa in a little bit as a mermaid (hey, Barbie)? A scene-stealing (as always) Kate McKinnon doing the splits as Weird (who else?) Barbie (hey, (weird) Barbie). And Issa Rae as my President (hey, Madam Barbie). As a matter of fact, any girl or woman can be Barbie (Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway almost were too), and that's the point. Barbie can be anyone and anyone can be Barbie, as she, like all women, can do all things. Doctor, lawyer, mother. But yet, Margot is the one. Even if the amazing Aussie actress forgot briefly on a TV show back home what Barbie meant in her home country. It turns out anyone can bring their rollerblades and be Ken too for the first big-screen adaptation of this power couple since the 'Toy Story' characters you have to see walking into the "sunset" of their short 'Hawaiian Vacation'. Especially in this world of clichéd clones. 

Gosling is great, but you'll also marvel at 'Shang-Chi' himself Simu Liu going dancing toe-to-toe with Gosling like 'Grease'. Or 'Secret Invasion' Super Skrull scene-stealer Kingsley Ben-Adir. But for all the equal empowerment here we can do better than 'Basketball Ken', as much as I love hoops. All that and we still have room for Sugar Daddy Ken and Ken's best friend too, which a 'Superbad' Michael Cera fits into perfectly. The legend Will Ferrell anchoring the head of the suited Mattel men giving chase. And an absolutely moving performance from Rhea Perlman. Cheers to her. Not to mention a classic Mark Ronson curated soundtrack featuring Barbie herself Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Dua Lipa, Haim, an absolutely incredible track from, who else but, Billie Eilish ('What Was I Made For?'), and of course, Aqua. Come on. Let's go party and watch 'Barbie'. But let's just not think of death too much. Invest in some Birkenstocks and turn those cold feet flat for the film everyone's standing on their tippy toes to see. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Don't Worry Darling', 'Toy Story'. 

REVIEW: HEART OF STONE

3/5

The Price Of Salt. 

123 Mins. Starring: Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Jing Lusi, Paul Ready, BD Wong, Sophie Okonedo & Matthias Schweighöfer. Director: Tom Harper. On: Netflix. 

This Wonder Woman was Barbie's first choice. Margot Robbie may have turned 'Barbie' world into the billion dollar film of the year (just like she predicted), but originally the executive producer of the Mattel cinematic universe movie wanted Gal Gadot to star in the role. But Diana Prince had scheduling conflicts with DC. That seems like quite the payday to miss out on. Even if this 'Barbie' still carries her energy. Especially as news has broke this week that the previous promise of a third 'Wonder Woman' movie with new Detective Comics head honcho James Gunn may not fly after all. Leaving all those classic cameos invisible in that extended universe. It's no way to buzz Gadot's new Netflix movie this weekend, but at least the queen of queens still has the forthcoming 'Cleopatra' comin' atcha! Not to mention another of her former franchises roaring back to life (mum's the word). We just hope we see her when we hear her iconic 'WW' theme again. 

Until then, Gal looks to literally kick-start a new franchise of her own on Netflix like she tried with the 'Red Notice' of Ryan Reynolds and The Rock. 'Heart Of Stone' may sound like the name of a hallmark romantic drama, but it's actually the name of the streaming service's new actioner that's holding all the cards. But like the big-name and budget 'Notice' that came before like 'The Gray Man' or 'The Old Guard', this is good, but not great. It seems like Chris Hemsworth's 'Extraction' films are the only ones on Netflix that you can really get a series out of. This is just the kind of watchable wonder that leaves you thinking whether that subscription is going to be worth it in the long run when the streaming service is trying to remove your closest friends and family from the equation you keep paying for month after month, even when it multiplies. Especially if that extra money isn't going to those who really deserve it, the writers.  That's a little harsh, as is calling it stone-cold. Stone-cold can either be good (just ask Austin, because he said so), or bad in the centre (just see Gordon Ramsay in an utterly hilarious YouTube Avengers skit). This 'Heart Of Stone' deals with both. This SKYDANCE picture has plenty of heart, spy smarts and 'Misson: Impossible' like set-pieces that deserve a bigger screen to BASE jump off. But it also has rock and a hard place moments where it feels like it's running into a stone wall. 

There's nothing overly wrong with that though. No movie was created equal, and we need films like this in our blockbuster buff life. The rough and the smooth. Netflix's action and spy series of movies actually fondly remind us of those golden era 90s greats without the Hollywood hard-men (aside from the refreshing 'Fubar' show), and that's a great thing. But Netflix needs to clear the bar if they keep raising the pricing levels and restricting access. Let alone the idea of adding adverts. Even Spotify premium knows you can just listen on YouTube. 'Stone' reminds us of Angelina Jolie's 'Salt'. A big blockbuster back in 2010, but that, believe it or not, was over a decade ago, when Netflix was more like...well...Blockbuster. This straight to the new form of DVD release in a summer season of scorching blockbusters, that has even left the life on the line stunts of Tom Cruise in for a reckoning, exists in the margins of the movie-world when really its star and its potential deserve better. Without Gal Gadot it may have barely made a footnote. Yet it's because of the former Miss Israel and member of the Israel Defence Forces' military grade action smarts and hearts that this movie matters and makes its mark. Even though she's played Prince many times and began her career as part of the 'Fast and Furious' family, it feels like the best of the 'Death On The Nile' and the forthcoming 'Snow White' Evil Queen is only just beginning. 

Even amongst a star-studded cast and a Netflix blank check surprise, she still thrives in a Tom Harper ('Peaky Blinders', 'War & Peace') hallmark thriller. Scripted by comic-book writer Greg Rucka's story and 'Hidden Figures' co-writer Allison Schroder. 'Fifty Shades' own Jamie Dornan is the gray man in this movie. And he leads a crack team of spies featuring the 'Bodyguard' (the BBC, not the "I will always love you" one) James Ready (made for this) and a scene-stealing 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'Stan Lee's Lucky Man' star Jing Lusi. Playing it close to the chest, for all the kings and queens of hearts in this hand, it's Hindu movie megastar Alia Bhatt that could really take this movie places. Even with strong support from Officer of the Order of the British Empire and Commander of the Order of the British Empire, great Brit Sophie Okonedo (reuniting with Gadot after their Poirot plot), 'Jurassic Park' and world big-name BD Wong ('Gotham's' Hugo Strange, scene-stealing as he gets shook down in Will Smith and Margot Robbie's 'Focus' feature) and new Netflix favourite Matthias Schweighöfer. 

The 'Army Of Thieves', 'Army Of The Dead' spin-off Netflix prequel star playing the guy in the chair role perfectly. Sans chair, complete with hand swiping technology that would make Tom Cruise's swipe tech birthing 'Minority Report' feel palm pilot minor. At the heart of this movie is an A.I. MacGuffin, much like the 'Dead Reckoning' faced in part one of this year's 'Misson: Impossible' series in a sensitive time when this idea is striking to the hearts and pockets of those working in the movie industry (make it right...for all). In fiction a MacGuffin is defined as "an object, device, or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant in itself" (thanks Wikipedia). It may be a central theme here in this digital age, but we really hope fans and filmmakers focus on what's really necessary. And movies and stars with real potential for more, like this, aren't rendered irrelevant by jobs as rushed as people's judgement these days. Let's add some heart to this stone age. That's the gold. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Salt', 'Red Notice', 'Wonder Woman'. 

TV REVIEW: TOM CLANCY'S JACK RYAN - Season 4

4/5

A Clear and Present Place. 

6 Episodes. Starring: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish, Betty Gabriel, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Michael Peña & Michael Kelly. Created By: Carlton Cuse & Graham Roland. On: Amazon Prime. 

A Jack of all trades. Many a Hollywood big name has had Jack when it comes to amazing adaptations of the late, great Tom Clancy's political spy thrillers. A run of books that could even make Detective Alex writer James Patterson cross. The 'Rainbow Six' game creators awesome airport reads have given us jet-setting franchise faces playing the all-American hero. Most notably the great Harrison Ford ('Patriot Games', 'Clear and Present Danger'), who already had Han Solo and Indiana Jones in his back satchel, but also Alec Baldwin ('The Hunt For The Red October'), Ben Affleck ('The Sum Of All Fears') and most recently on the multiplex Chris Pine ('Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'). There's even been a spin-off in this Ryanverse ('Without Remorse') starring the 'Creed' of Michael B. Jordan. But none, not even Harrison, have afforded the complete capturing of this legendary bookshelf character quite like Amazon Prime time star of 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan', John Krasinski. All for four seasons that have recently come to a final curtain close. 

Hitting the road as Jack and walking off into a Washington D.C. grey (there's no sunset in this capital city when shady stuff is going on), John's Jack who went from 'The Office' to the operational field deserves to run for more. But the 'A Quiet Place' haunting mastermind is giving us a spy's goodbye, much like he is with the 'Year One' prequel to his horror franchise starring Lupita Nyong'o. After proving he had the military mettle with 'Jack Ryan' executive producer Michael Bay in '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi', the world is Krasinski's. The 'Leatherheads', 'It's Complicated' (with another Jack) and 'Aloha' actor is fantastic. Well almost. After a 'Multiverse' cameo of madness and fan service, it looks like that dream of him playing Mr. Fantastic alongside his wife and 'Quiet Place' co-star Emily Blunt as Sue Storm is the stuff of pipes...or spaghetti. Not the smartest thing in the world with what would have been a more revered cast than the ones your classmates signed at school when you broke your arm (probably thinking you could stretch it too far). Especially with the rumours of 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Hobbs and Shaw', 'Fast and Furious' franchise star Vanessa Kirby taking the crown as Mrs. Fantastic. Never mind, this dear John is the super spy Ryan more than any solo act, and in one tuxedo episode in the fourth and final season he looks to even give us his James Bond audition, throwing more than his hat into the ring. 

Shaking and stirring, Krasinski always shoots straight. More than a desk job, out of the wonderful writer's room (pay them what they're worth, Hollywood) and into an expertly produced mission from co-creators Carlton Cuse (the 'Lost' creator who found himself amongst TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2010) and Graham Roland (AMC's 'Dark Winds'). This is a slick statement of patriotism and asking what your country could do more, not for you, but for all the American people under the Stars and Stripes. After the 'Homeland' like first season fighting Islamic extremists, the second saw more political warfare in Venezuela and spotlight taking from the great Noomi Rapace and 'Stranger Things' scene stealer Tom Wlaschiha. After a still terrific third season against a plot to recreate the Soviet Union faltered a bit in enjoyment (especially during times like these), the fourth and final season brought everything home perfectly against terrorists and drug cartels. Even if the six seals were less than the usual eight episodes this epic miniseries is used to. Standing alongside all the by the book showcases Amazon Prime is used to, from 'Reacher' (Lee Child), to 'Bosch' (Michael Connelly), this private Ryan is the best of them and something we wish they wouldn't jack in. 

Despite Daniel Craig's Bond and Tom Cruise pushing the stunting cinematic limits of what you can physically do at 60 without a green screen (making the impossible exactly what Anthony Hopkins said it wasn't in 'M:I 2'), the spy genre hasn't been sexy for a long time. Just tell that to Netflix's 'The Gray Man'...and that started Ryan Gosling for God's sake...and Chris Evans (and not the red haired bespectacled one neither). Still, Amazon's 'Jack Ryan' makes it slick as hell. Especially from some strong support led by 'The Wire's' own Wendell Pierce stepping into the James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman Greer role and making it his own. Like Kevin Costner's 'Shadow Recruit' boss role with a hell of a handle on things. If that wasn't enough, 'The Adjustment Bureau' and 'House Of Cards' standout Michael Kelly, who recently offered the 'Transformers' franchise something more, has been an awesome addition since season two. Just like 'Get Out' star Betty Gabriel, a great direction since season three. And even 'Narcos: Mexico' and 'Ant-Man' star Michael Peña in this one. Giving the series a boost and its own life after with his character's planned spin-off. Add 'The Bourne Legacy' star Louis Ozawa Changchien's layered, standout performance and justice for Abbie Cornish ('Limitless', 'Robocop' and 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri') who was strangely M.I.A. since season one, and I spy a series of events that shouldn't be kept secret from Emmy. Either way, Krasinski and his hell of a team have changed the spy game for good. And they did it all by Tom Clancy's good book. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Patriot Games', '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi', 'Tom Clancy's Without Remorse'. 

REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS - RISE OF THE BEASTS

3/5

Beast Mode.

127 Mins. Starring: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Luna Lauren Vélez, Dean Scott Vazquez, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Pete Davidson, Peter Dinklage, Colman Domingo, Michael Kelly & Michelle Yeoh. Director: Steven Caple Jr. In: Theatres. 

BAYhem may now be a sunset away, but the 'Transformers' movie franchise still knows how to bring the crash, bang and wallop for your summer big-screen blockbuster circuit. After the first five Michael Bay films between Shia LaBeouf and Mark Wahlberg, Hailee Steinfeld spun-off with the standalone 'Bumblebee' solo film that was a favourable success amongst stans, cinephiles and critics alike. Now, set after that movie in the "stop, drop, shut 'em down, open up shop" of the 90s, this powerful prequel lets the robots in disguise transform again. This 'Rise Of The Beasts' is a halfway-house between 'Bee' and the other transforming theatrical films, which sometimes leaves it a little lost. All in all though, this is what the fun franchise should all be about. Complete with a few more movable parts to keep it fresh in this 'Fast X' age of family and fuel injected films in need of an oil change to go with that turboboost. 

'Hamilton's' Anthony Ramos is a born star. Whether playing Lady Gaga's best friend in the ultimate modern musical remake, or spurring his own one on 'In The Heights'. As New York as they come like his Mars Blackmon redefinition in Spike Lee's Netflix 'She's Gotta Have It' series. Now, he finally finds the franchise that could take him all the way spinning off into all sorts of territories. Straight out of his New York borough home with Wu Tang ruling a sick soundtrack all around him. He forms a fond family with 'Spider-Verse' voice Luna Lauren Vélez and his strong in the face of sickle cell anaemia brother Dean Scott Vazquez (a star to come). Whereas rapper and 'Mo' actor Tobe Nwigwe makes for a fair weather, but fair play friend. Yet, 'Show Me A Hero' and I'll show you the star of 'The Deuce', 'Jesus and the Black Messiah', 'Project Power' and 'The Hate U Give' (f###s everybody) very own Dominique Fishback. Brooklyn baby like Lana. 

The robots are disguised in vocals by some of the best in the biz. There's obviously the iconic Peter Cullen as the optimal voice in this prime time. But the Prime directive here sees 'Hellboy' Ron Perlman catching the perfect role as Optimus Primal, a primate king of the Maximals, based on the 'Transformers' cartoon and comic-books 'Beast Wars' series. Beating his chest, the beast of this nation based off of some unused concept art from 'The Last Knight'. 'Game Of Thrones' star Peter Dinklage plays the villain alongside the great Colman Domino's destroyer of worlds with a Galactus like appetite for planets. Complete with 'Bumblebee's' 90s era radio play (cue 'Seinfeld' and 'A Few Good Men') come a scene stealing and unrecognizable Mirage that is Pete Davidson as a Porsche, setting off a classic car chase. Making sense of those viral Met Gala pics with 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh who hawks a great role here is a flying bird of prey and heavy metal. 

'Creed II' director Steven Caple Jr. gives us a more than capable cinematic addition to that big a## Optimus Prime arm canon. Yet despite all the headlights, camera tricks and action, especially an 'Endgame' like finale, it's clear to see some tinkering of parts is still needed. That's where 'Jack Ryan', 'House Of Cards' and 'The Adjustment Bureau' favourite Michael Kelly comes in as the sandbox gets bigger for this franchise based on Hasbro toys. We nostalgically need it in this day and age that sees the billion dollar 'Barbie' girl opening up a world and Mattel Cinematic Universe of Barney, Polly Pocket and Thomas and Friends (didn't he make his debut on 'Bullet Train'?). For this toy line we've already seen the 'Beasts' of a sub-franchise, and soon we will have the animated prequel set in Cybetron ('Transformers: One') coming next year before two sequels to this series. More is on the rise. Time to lift off the disguise. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Transformers', 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon', 'Bumblebee'. 

TV REVIEW: SKULL ISLAND - Season 1

3.5/5

Skull Candy.

8 Episodes. Starring: Nicolas Cantu, Mae Whitman, Darren Barnet, Benjamin Bratt & Betty Gilpin. Created By: Brian Duffield. On: Netflix. 

King Kong (almost) ain't got s### on this, as we cue up our paraphrased Jeff Goldblum 'Jurassic Park' quote. Ah, now eventually you do plan to have Kong on your 'Skull Island' tour, right? Hello?! (*Wipes Screen*). Man, if you hated the slow spy crawl build up of Marvel's 'Secret Invasion' of Skrulls (we actually loved it), you'll be left roaring at this island that skull f###s you. Netflix's new anime inspired action fiction from 'Spontaneous' director Brian Duffield takes a while to get going, but introduces you to other inspired island inhabitants on its journey. Japanese art form influenced, this JP, Powerhouse Animation (in biplane black and white) and Legendary Pictures animation features the vocal talents of Nicolas Cantu, Mae Whitman, Darren Barnet, and big names Benjamin Bratt and Betty Gilpin. Not to mention an outstanding origin story episode that hits you with every emotion but the boredom that usually comes with these scene-setting, storytelling flashbacks. 

Highlighting the eight wonders of these episodes that really hit their chest when the King comes into play, 'Skull Island' is worth its monkey business in Kong lore. Especially after the disappointing 'Godzilla vs. Kong' long-awaited showdown. Now this great gorilla on 'Skull Island' finds a home next to Peter Jackson's epic and all the marvels that came before it. Not to forget the most recent solo project of the primate's same named home. You'll go apes### over the animated fights reminding you of more grown up Saturday morning cartoons for your nostalgic showcase now you have kids of your own. Right after you were trying to find a milk carton big enough to put Kong on. Besides, this is only the MonsterVerse world building beginning of all the anime like creature features. Including the God himself, known for a roar or two in his own electric blue. What's to come is a geeks dream, and it all begins in this 1990s setting like the new 'Transformers' for this rise of the beasts. 

An outstanding opening episode begins this epic adventure ashore with a sensational set-piece shipwreck. That's when we're introduced to the skipper (Bratt) and the captain's crew as we have more father and son stories (mothering ones too) than a Cat Stevens song. Meet some other mysterious characters on the way with their own twists and turns, and you can forgive the time it takes for the throne to stop Thanos sitting on his a##. Watch this for more than just the flashbulb camera lights and action, but the fact that anime can accent the human condition much more than most real life dramas by the slice. Add amazing animation like the reflecting shadows of these forests, and you really have something that looks and acts the part. Even as Netflix adds so much content to their service that your tired eyes will be left streaming. Based on Edgar Wallace and Merian C. Cooper's 'Skull Island' this is a true to the sand adaptation that doesn't pick the bones of its predecessors, as it finds its own unique footprint in this digital age. This television show may not be legendary (yet), but it's still a hulking clap, powerhouse picture that packs a wallop. Echoing the primate directive of a roaring success to come in with the rising tide. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Kong: Skull Island', 'King Kong', 'Godzilla vs. Kong'.