REVIEW: KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

4/5

The Wolves Of Osage County. 

206 Mins. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, Sturgill Simpson, Pete Yorn, Charlie Musselwhite, Jack White, Brendan Fraser & John Lithgow. Director: Martin Scorsese. In: Theatres. On: Apple TV. 

Blooming with cinematic beauty and storytelling brutality, Martin Scorsese's tenth film in 50 years with De Niro, 'Killers Of The Flower Moon', brings together two of his biggest and best collaborators like 'The Audition' of a short film for Studio City casino with Brad Pitt. Once upon a time in Hollywood, Marty gave us a 'Taxi Driver' on the 'Mean Streets' of 'New York, New York' with Bobby coming in like a 'Raging Bull'. 'The King Of Comedy'. A guy you'd like. A 'Goodfella'. 'Cape Fear' and 'Casino' also racked up the classics with 'The Irishman' (Scorsese's last big score) and 'The Godfather' of acting. With Leo, DiCaprio and Scorsese gave us 'Gangs Of New York', before taking flight at 'The Aviator'. 'The Departed' and 'Shutter Island' took us deeper and darker with the 'Titanic', 'Romeo +Juliet', 'Catch Me If You Can' and 'Inception' actor. All before 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' blew everything off the unhinged door in all its white noise. Now the perfect pair of these director and actor one two punches with Martin Scorsese join formidable forces like they did when Leo was just a kid in the abusive 'This Boy's Life'. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro have barely been better too. As the classic conflictions of DiCaprio's characters reach new perplexing and profound peaks. Whilst those who worry the legend that is De Niro might be spreading himself too thin, need to know that he is in his chairman of the board, Sinatra season. Like his work with David O. Russell. And who better to do this with than the 'Hugo' who is making the great American film book?

Can you find the wolves in this picture? Because this modern masterpiece from not one, not two, but three of this generation's greats is no children's story of history. This epic revisionist Western crime drama co-wrote with Eric Roth is based on David Grann's book of the same name. Taking to task the Oklahoma, Osage Nation murders that reached epidemic, barely footnote documented levels when the black gold of oil was discovered on tribal land in the 1920s. Like the history of Christians being massacred in Japan in the 17th century, the 'Silence' director provides a voice to those who should have lived a life of affluence, instead of being raped and pillaged in the same land that belongs to them. But this is America. And the theme time radio hour like final curtain hides much more nuance and hidden meanings. Featuring White Stripe Jack White getting his acting on like fellow great singer/songwriter of our time Pete Yorn and an also almost unrecognizable blues legend Charlie Musselwhite. All for a movie that plays like spot the musician for the record. 

Scored sublimely by the late, great Robbie Robertson in tribute to the leader of The Band who made this his last waltz before he passed. Scorsese directed The Band's documentary, just like he did The Rolling Stones' 'Shine A Light'. And what better way to bring out a movie of the year then on the same day The Stones smash their way back onto the record charts with 'Hackney Diamonds'. 'Killers' like Brandon Flowers also features the always great Jesse Plemons, Sturgill Simpson (making major moves in Japan this week with this and the release of 'The Creator') and the legendary Tantoo Cardinal. Not to mention 'The Whale' Best Actor Brendan Fraser and the legendary John Lithgow going head-to-head in the courtroom drama of the final act of the 'Flower Moon'. Scorsese, DiCaprio, De Niro. This big-three is made fantastic like four with 'Certain Women' Lily Gladstone. Anyone who thinks this show stealer made a mistake entering her name into the Best Actress race instead of the lesser category needs to be more supporting. Especially when they see her collapse on the stairs in screams. Finally, justice can be served in this piece of historical storytelling which we must all investigate. Even at a crippling 206 minutes. Scorsese rewrote 'Killers Of The Flower' when he realized he was writing DiCaprio as Jesse Plemons character with too much white saviour tropes. Instead, his revised movie moment of legend tells the true story that deserves to be told. By exactly those who need to do the telling. TIM. DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Irishman', 'Gangs Of New York', 'Silence'. 

REVIEW: THE CREATOR

4/5

Brave New Girl.

133 Mins. Starring: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Marc Menchaca, Ralph Ineson, Introducing, Madeleine Yuna Voyles & Allison Janney. Director: Gareth Edwards. In: Theatres. 

How's this for some creative concept art? 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' director Gareth Edwards' ('Monsters', 'Godzilla'), 'The Creator' movie looks so much like an idea for a galaxy far, far away, there's even an Easter Egg in there somewhere for your cross pollination. But we'll never tell...as a matter of fact we couldn't. Blade running through what looks like a big budget with the classic and compelling cinematography of Greig Fraser ('Dune' parts one and two and 'Zero Dark Thirty'), this movie "only" dropped 80 mill. Trading the green screen for the postcards of real life locations across Asia for the New Asian continent you are given on-screen. The mechanics of this whirring like the hole behind the head of these machines made men. Light cameras bringing it all to life so much, you would think this story that gives artificial intelligence a human face was made by A.I. itself like when Jude Law used to change styles in a quick swipe like 'Minority Report' for another iconic Steven Spielberg sci-fi. Especially in a troubled and threatening time when these digital effects taking all our jobs (you've heard people say that before about something or someone they don't understand) have created controversy, Marvel TV titles like a 'Secret Invasion' and Hollywood strikes. This strikes so many deep chords, topical and emotional.

Rest assured, they're back like Schwarzenegger, but this ain't Skynet. Kudos to the fresh and original Edwards for giving us an epic that plays against type and offers us both sides of the coin that digital progress affords us in all its tinkering and nuance. Guerilla grounded in realism like a Neill Blomkamp 'District 9' world of 'Elysium', and speaking of android's dreams like the eclectic, electric sheep of 'Ex Machina' and 'I, Robot' that don't follow the herd over the fence of your worst dystopian nightmares, this modern great is another classic in the canon of a storied, but sometimes saturated science-fiction genre. This creation itself, in all its biblical like chapters and real world prophecy, is another fine example of how poetic this digital thread of a genre can be when it's coded and crafted into an art-form. The machines that go toe-to-steel toe cap with the humans and the vehicles they inhabit (check out the police crop dusting and circling back for humans) may not differ much from most movies and video games galore, but that just adds to the new wild west genre of this expanding universe. Especially as its storytelling stirs stronger pronged points like the 'Apocalypse Now' war like reflection of Vietnam in the bay and the explosive incendiary look at the fallout of atomic bomb blasts. Timely as it comes out this week in Japan, on the same day as Scorsese's latest with Leo and De Niro in 'Killers Of The Flower Moon', where Christopher Nolan's biggest movie of the year in scale, 'Oppenheimer' has yet to see a release date. Especially after the 'Barbie' controversy this summer that you can't forget.

Despite being a box-office bomb (it still made a million dollar profit, and change), 'The Creator' stands as one of the best films of the calendar and genre. Starring 'Tenet' and 'BlacKkKlansman' standout star John David Washington in the same month his dad Denzel plays the great 'Equalizer' for the third and trilogy concluding final(?) time (there may be some A.I. de-ageing). Washington is wonderful again at playing behind the scenes, even in a lead role, like some of the best-of-the-best of pop's contemporaries (Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves (if you're a regular reader, did you figure out the film Washington and Reeves appeared in together. Answers on a postcard please)). The same goes for the great Gemma Chan ('Humans', 'Eternals'), although their beach life postcard memories haunt like the digital photo albums of Cruise in 'Minority Report'. Strong support also comes from Sturgill Simpson, the booming vocal general of Ralph Ineson and 'Ozark's' Marc Menchaca who is always so good in everything he does, bringing more to the table with both feet (from 'Jack Ryan' to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'). Whereas highlights come from 'Inception', 'The Last Samurai' and 'Tokyo Vice's' Ken Watanabe in android form and a closely cropped, always top Allison Janney as an army colonel who smells blood in the forest. Yet introducing the graceful Madeleine Yuna Voyles as the character and catalyst of this piece of pure blockbuster cinema, that even Marty would be proud of, is the real scene-stealer. Set to a stellar soundtrack and Hans Zimmer's shimmering score, this electroshock, beam of beautiful blue light that reaches earth like the NOMAD is no simulation. It's a game, genre and real world changer. Heed its call in this brave new world. This intelligent piece is anything but artificial. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Elysium', 'Ex Machina', 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'.

REVIEW: THE EQUALIZER 3

3.5/5

No =

109 Mins. Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Sonia Ben Ammar & Remo Girone. Director: Antoine Fuqua. In: Theatres.

We always start our movie reviews with the classic movie banner like strap-lines. Usually a play pun on words. Yet sometimes, it's hard to choose just one. So in honour of the third and "final" part (yeah right, tell that to 'John Wick') of director/actor one-two punch ('Training Day', 'The Magnificent Seven') Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington's 'The Equalizer' trilogy, how about three?

The Italian Job.

Altamonte. A remote Italian town off the Amalfi Coast. The perfect place to retire...or to recover. Walking around on a cane like the man in black, with a hat to match, Denzel looks like a don descending the stone steps to the romanticized cobbled streets. Or a vigilante just looking for peace like this town is from under the trigger finger of the Mafia like Camorra. But after distilling more in Sicily than just red, red wine, there's more chance of blowing just the bloody doors off when hell comes to visit in all its fire and brimstone. Racketeering, putting the squeeze on local police under the boot, forcing families to move out of their homes, just to put up hotels where the only thing that checks out is dirty money, this idyllic (albeit on the surface) town needs a saviour. The good doctor and legend Remo Girone ('Live By Night', 'Ford v Ferrari' ('Le Mans 66')', 'Killing Eve') may have practically brought every local child into this world, but he can't save everybody. Even if what he does for Washington hits the heights of good doctor clichés made into classic moments of cinema. Add a good carabiniere in Eugenio Mastrandrea 'From (Netflix) Scratch' by the script play-book and the fond friendship, turned cutting-room floor love interest ('Scream's' (2022) Sonia Ben Ammar) that still shows our leading man a beautiful night on the town, and this place is full of people needing saving. 

The American

So in comes 'The Equalizer' Robert McCall, like Edward Woodward or Queen Latifah on your small screen for a third and maybe final go-round in theatres. Although Antoine has expressed an interest in an AI, Denzel de-aged, or Michael B. Jordan prequel. The first may have been the original remake that took over Costco with a nail-gun like Ben Stiller's 'The Watch' and the second the sweet-spot best, but this cut is the deepest. Not out to pasture, but out for peace. Finally, after Denzel Washington has found his franchise (he was once also in talks to be King T'challa for an earlier version of the late, great Chadwick Boseman's 'Black Panther'), he's ready to say goodbye. Ready to go hand-to-hand in close combat with an army of bad guys in less time than it takes to set your Timex watch. Six seconds, don't call this a geriatric 'John Wick' as Keanu Reeves closes out his own revenge chapter this summer. Besides, there's only nine (years like the guns they tote) between them. And for some extra trivia, can you name the film the pair starred in together? I'll give you a clue, it's Shakespearean. Here 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth', 'Glory', 'Philadelphia', 'Cry Freedom' and 'Roman J. Israel, Esq' actor has still got it. Okay? Alright? With some of the best moves that will shake you since he took that gun from that goon in the first film. All as this trilogy conclusion feels like the rifling assembly of George Clooney's 'The American' in sleepy Italy. Albeit without all the f#####g.

Man On Fire.

Chloe Grace Moretz graced 'The Equalizer' the moment they met in the Edward Hopper like lonely diner. 'Moonlight's' Ashton Sanders and Denzel really gave 'The Equalizer 2' and the whole franchise itself the most powerful moment in that lobby scene ("you have no idea what death is" and you have no idea how much Denzel really does still have it). Not to mention their viral one of meeting on the red carpet for the first time when the promising young Ashton told Washington he was maybe about to do a movie with him ("see you at work"). But it's the meeting in this third film that really strikes a chord. A 'Man On Fire' reunion with Dakota Fanning (partnering up with an underused, but undeniable David Denman) after all these years, as the former child star of Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg's 'The War Of The Worlds' has grown into one of the youngest and best actors around. Especially as they charismatically, cop and target, go back-and-forth over coffee shop exchanges like they haven't missed a beat. It's what makes this final Fuqua film (the 'Olympus Has Fallen' director who has recently done some revelatory documentary work like 'Legacy: The True Story Of The LA Lakers') so special. And just wait until you see where Fanning really comes from. This retired US Marine and DIA officer may be calling it quits, but the action never lets up. As Denzel Washington's great equalizer stares right through fourth walls, straight to you, from a chair with the statue scales of Lady Justice reflected underneath. Tell me, what do you see? How about a legend set in stone? One that he will always own. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Equalizer (any, movie, original TV show, or Queen Latifah remake)', 'John Wick: Chapter 4', 'Man On Fire'.

TV REVIEW: AHSOKA - Season 1

4/5

Rebels With A Cause.

8 Episodes. Starring: Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, Eman Esfandi, Ariana Greenblatt, David Tennant & Genevieve O'Reilly. Created By: Dave Filoni. On: Disney +.

'Rebels' rejoice! If you loved the cult classic, amazing animation that's probably the closest thing in this galaxy far, far away to the original outstanding, terrific trilogy, then 'Ahsoka' is the show that you're looking for. Say it, like the similar sounding Japanese word for, "I see". In this space opera of duelling samurai and wild west themes, nothing beats the excitement of seeing electric emit from the hilt of a lightsaber before battle. And as Natasha Liu Bordizzo draws hers, before cutting her hair and putting on a familiar helmet and blasting away, you know it's on. All for a series that has more neon combat than 'The Mandalorian' has guest spots in other people's shows. But don't expect Mando or Bay Yoda here, this isn't 'The Book Of Boba Fett', even if 'Ahsoka' made her redefining debut in that show. Although you can count on some 'Andor' appearances (no not him, but the great Genevieve O'Reilly) and more classic crossover cameos that have been social spoilt, but will remain hidden here like all the Easter Eggs you should get outside and find yourself. A, souka. 

One thing for sure is that 'Clerks', 'Sin City' and the Claire Temple Night Nurse of Netflix's street-level Marvel universe of 'Defenders', crossing the shows like she does lightsaber streams, Rosario Dawson is perfect as the iconic Ahsoka Tano, looking and feeling the part. Not a dame to kill for, but one who will get the job done herself with two sabres of pure white that match her hair that is what every fan wants to conjure up at the next comic-con. This slow burn of a show may lose steam as it streams and wanders towards its eighth episode conclusion that sets up more stories and spin-off in this novel video game and trading card, comic world building that's all connected. But her powerful presence is what compels you to commit from the start. Especially in a kendo like training sequence that will remind you of all the classics set in a dojo. Dawson's dawn of Ahsoka is accomplished. Looking exactly what you thought the CGI 'Star Wars-Rebels' character would look like all grown up. The only thing that looks closer and more convincing is the brilliant 'Barbie' star Ariana Greenblatt in a formidable flashback that takes you all the way back. Don't get snippy! 

Yet despite the name, 'Ahsoka' is more than Rosario Tano's show. Credit to whoever made that Fett "first time(?)" meme from 'The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs'. But in all this galaxy creation, you'll welcome it. Trust me, you'll have a whale of a time. Especially as these 'Star Wars' Disney + products have seemed to found the sweet spot in this week's season finale. All whilst Marvel are banking it all on 'Loki' season 2 coming this Friday, despite the critically and criminally underrated 'Secret Invasion' for Mickey Mouse's two biggest by-products. In this 'Return Of The Jedi' time, 'The Mandalorian's' Dave Filoni ('Avatar-The Last Airbender') has created a marvellous miniseries. Striking back like the Empire for Lucasfilm with some of the best Stormtroopers you've seen this side of a collector's closet. Netflix's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny' and 'Day Shift' star Bordizzo co-headlines this show the first time she bursts onto the scene on a bike that rivals young Kirk's high-speed desert chase with the police in J.J. Abrams 'Star Trek' reboot, before a breakout Chris Pine stole the show. Elsewhere, a 'Die Hard', 'Bird Of Prey' in Mary Elizabeth Winstead goes green for the team and counsel. In matrimony with this big-three lead like she is with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Or at least, Ewan McGregor in real life. The 'Death Proof', 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'The Thing', 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter', 'Gemini Man' and '10 Cloverfield Lane' star has gone from cult rising star, to one of the industry's most inspired. 

Rest peacefully to Ray Stevenson with beautiful episode one dedication for their fallen friend. If only the 'King Arthur', 'Rome', 'The Punisher: War Zone' Frank Castle and 'RRR' villain star could see how well received he is here. 'The Clone Wars' star classic here like his comedy was in 'The Other Guys' ("I've had enough of this joker and his wooden gun"). Especially in a final frame so iconic and heartbreakingly pointing to more. Just like the lightsaber stand of his apprentice, Ivanna Sakhno. The Ukrainian actress from 'Pacific Rim: Uprising' ruling any moment she's in. Stealing the show from a galaxy of stars. Whether battling by sword or ship in these spaced out wars. Add 'The Sensei' of stuntwoman and martial artist Diana Lee Inosanto's witching hour, three Macbeth like characters bringing the most terrifying toil and trouble you've ever seen in a Star Wars product (is this Disney?), and Eman Esfandi's Ezra in introduction, and we really do have a whole new universe on our hands. And if you're looking for those favourite droids and the beeps they say in perfect comic-timing, look no further than 'Doctor Who' himself, David Tennant in his best role since he killed it in 'Jessica Jones'. Complete all this with classic titles to episodes, like the final part 'The Jedi, The Witch and the Warlord', not to mention even more redemption revenge, and the apprentice really has become the master. 'Ahsoka' as a character and show really is in a class of its and her own. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Mandalorian', 'Obi-Wan Kenobi', 'Star Wars-Rebels'. 

ANIME REVIEW: SYNDUALITY - NOIR

3.5/5

Tokyo 2242 Drift.

12 Episodes. Starring: Takeo Otsuka, Aoi Koga, Nagisa Aoyama, Yasuke Kobayashi, Fumiho Komatsu, Yoshi Inagaki, Ayaka Ohashi, Taito Saka & M.A.O. Director: Yusuke Yamamoto. On: Disney +.

Take the edge off the running computer game inspired 'Cyberpunk' anime on Netflix. Add 'The Black' of the 'Pacific Rim' rock 'em, sock' em Kaiju K.O. human controlled robots. And sync them with the Major avatars of the iconic 'Ghost On The Shell' Japanese anime, from the outstanding original to the cinema ready 'SAC_2045'. And you'll have the 'Synduality: Noir' of a brand-new anime on the most successful streaming service's rival Disney + (Star+ and Hulu). One based on the Bandai game from Namco Filmworks. Animated by Eight Bit, but looking nothing like those nostalgic 80s video games on a brand new CG anime that still looks authentic, next to the Godzilla plodding likes of the great new 'Gamera's' grand design, missing a few tried and tested tricks. Directed by Yusuke Yamamoto and scripted by Takashi Aoshima, Hajime Kamoshida's story draft and Kenichirō Katsura's character design come to life and score high behind Masato Nakayama's stunning soundtrack for your riding out battle music cries. 

Stereo Dive Foundation's opening 'Raytracer' theme keeps this show racing, all the way to the 'Eureka' of a Arcana Project finish line. Now waking up this 'Synduality' after its September end, those green with envy for a day they can arm up again only need to wait until January. A second cour has been announced at Synduality Project TGS Special Stage event at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show. Drifting through coffins and DAISYOGRE flower planting, widow making set-pieces, behind the mask you'll see cooler face coverings than your best pair of sunglasses, Ray. Even if they won't really keep you safe in this day and age. But once the dice is cast on this mixed-media project with an elite 'Ellie' manga and light novel, this pure dream of a relentlessly kinetic animated series will stay rolling and shooting like the first people of its 'Echo Of Ada' video game. 'Ahsoka' tying everything together like 'Star Wars' in the connected 'Kaleido' novel in this all-encompassing scope. Set in 2242, 20 years after the game (literally), Kanata (voiced by Takeo Otsuka) becomes a drifter with Noir (Aoi Koga), a Magus who has lost her memories after being left in museum ruins (and just wait until she exhibits them). All for the best one-two punch since the cameo post-credits of Oscar Isaac's Spider-Man 2099 and his A.I. assist pointed us across this year's Spider-Verse. 

Ciel's diva (Nagisa Aoyama) sings like a South Korean CL with punchy popularity. Whilst the Rock Town Vegas sins of Tokio (Yusuke Kobayashi) will show you this show that gambles more than playing Pachinko slot with the change from your UFO catcher is not suitable for children busting out of puberty. But at least it's not on the edge of 'Cyberpunk's' epic, explicit glory. His Magus Mouton (Shiho Komatsu) could even put Batman's Alfred to shame. Kanata's childhood friend Ellie (voiced by Yoshi Inagaki) her Magus (Ayaka Ohashi as Angers), the Mahat Black Mask of Yasuto Saka and M.A.O's Schnee (the Mask's Magus) complete the army of a cast ready to go to battalion battle. Surfing through a Silver Storm in a storm of A.I. All in an amazing artillery of action and vivid video sequences that feel like a dream...let alone the awe-inspiring world building of the gaming genre. Get in sync with 'Synduality' and the neo world of this noir matrix will show you it's the one like those that got away. Despite its duality to many animes that have computer generated their way onto screens before it, 'Synduality' still has its own individuality as it fades to noir. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners', 'Pacific Rim: The Black', 'Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045'.  

REVIEW: THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR/THE SWAN/THE RATCATCHER/POISON

Roald Dahl x Wes Anderson. 

'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar'. 39 Mins. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade & Rupert Friend. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix. 

Comedian and 'The Daily Show' host Trevor Noah in his brilliant biography 'Born A Crime' remarks that when he was growing up the work of great British author Roald Dahl inspired him. "Give me Roald Dahl. That was my fix", he wrote. Citing the children's classic stories, 'James and the Giant Peach', 'The BFG', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and for those who don't know it, 'The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar'. Which whilst reading this book I now see this wonderful story on Netflix, starring the 'Strange' Benedict Cumberbatch as Sugar, alongside Dev Patel, Richard Ayoade, Rupert Friend, Sir Ben Kingsley and our narrator by the turning on and off heater (or darling Dahl, so it would seem), Ralph Fiennes. All amazing actors starring across these four new short films based on Roald's royal collection of short stories. Directed by the one and only Wes Anderson. Following the 'Asteroid City' year that has seen the cinematic and photographic landscape of his work 'Accidentally' captured across the world in gallery exhibitions (it's coming back to Tokyo this fall) like an Instagram worthy trend. One that you can now see clearly united with the kingdom of Great British aesthetic, from black iron gates to marble arches. Nothing phoned in on the big red box for this decadent directorial technique tradition from the amazing Anderson.

'The Swan'. 17 Mins. Starring: Rupert Friend, Ralph Fiennes & Asa Jennings. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix. 

True story. At a school's parents evening when I was a teenager, a psychology teacher once compared me to a swan. Saying (much better than I'm about to, and I claim to be a writer for crying out loud) that I effortlessly and seemingly glide across the surface, all whilst hiding the hard work that hurries beneath. Honestly, that's quite possibly the nicest thing anyone's ever said about me and the pride on my parents faces will stay with me forever. Now, why am I saying this, just because a story here is called 'The Swan'? To show off? To ego boost? Or to give it up for my teacher who inspired my degree (respect, Mr. Liddle)? Maybe, it's because this stirring story is so heartbreaking (classed as Mr. Anderson's first horror by some), we need some positive respite. You can find it in the friend that is 'Asteroid City' charm stealer Rupert, like yellow checked trousers. His fourth wall breaking (as Anderson) narrating is nicely nuanced to the inspired impressions of Brit kids and with the amazing Asa Jennings behind him this story of brutal bullying, which feels all too heartbreakingly familiar (if you grew up in England in the 1990s especially, you'll know exactly what we mean), this will stay with you. Sadly, just like bullying always does. 

'The Ratcatcher'. 17 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Richard Ayoade & Rupert Friend. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix. 

'Isle Of Dogs' (oh hey, Parker!) and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (another delightful bit of Dahl) rejoice. If you missed the stop-motion animation of the wonderful Wes (another underrated hallmark ode to his cinematic genius, resting in his back pocket), then never fear. Anderson gets his teeth back into it with animatronics of 'The Ratcatcher' that has Ralph Fiennes as you've never seen him before. All looking familiarly like the one man you always see in town, avoiding his gaze, but he's probably actually alright. Rupert Friend finding his Anderson rhythm and 'The IT Crowd's' Richard Ayoade changing neck ties like Homer taught Bart how to in 'The Simpsons' owns the telling of this story behind the author's typewriter. In four small shorts becoming a new Wes Anderson favourite like Friend, or the Cumberbatch's, Kingsley's and Patel's that populate these picture like a Fiennes fine 'Budapest Hotel'. It's all so grand, like spotting the Pulp of Jarvis Cocker behind a concierge's desk. The Brit pop icon who provided 'Asteroid City' with its soundtrack and subtle and simple, moving message. 'You Can't Wake Up If You Don't Fall Asleep'.

'Poison'. 17 Mins. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel & Ben Kingsley. Director: Wes Anderson. On: Netflix. 

Roald Dahl, of course, has been no stranger to controversy recently. Despite being no longer with us to defend himself. Claims of racism and his depiction of Jewish people in 'The Twits' is as critically concerning as some of the claims made at 'Harry Potter' author J. K Rowling and 'The Cat In The Hat' himself, Dr. Seuss. No matter if we've grown up with these childhood favourites or not. Yet, in reading the autobiographical 'War' work journals of Roald last year, a different man emerged from what was making press. Despite the time and tide in which he grew up in as a young soldier, whilst battles commenced and all sorts of inner turmoil and wars in the trenches waged. There was also a pretty funny story about a snake which I can't quite catch. Yet this reptile released the same day as the new Netflix Benicio del Toro crime thriller of the same name is a different kind of 'Poison'. One that will strike you still cold to the core like Benedict Cumberbatch in his cot, despite his friend Dev Patel and the bedside banner of Dr. Ben Kingsley being right there with him. The real venom that seeps into your skin is one that we still don't have an antidote for and relates to all kinds of messages trying to be made in this writing. To get our teeth into it would be to spoil the ending that ruins everything like these sharp fangs always do. Yet it's one of the most profound prose from the vaults of a complicated man who compelled just as much in his life's work. There was no one like Roald Dahl, and there remains nobody like Wes Anderson. It's a collaboration made in cinematic heaven. What better way to keep these stories short and sweet? For bitter or worse. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Asteroid City', 'The French Dispatch Of The Liberty Kansas Evening Sun', 'Wonka'. 

REVIEW: REPTILE

4/5

Snakes and Ladders. 

136 Mins. Starring: Benicio del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, Karl Glusman, Sky Ferreira, Michael Carmen Pitt, Frances Fisher & Eric Bogosian. Director: Grant Singer. On: Netflix. 

Ever since Benicio del Toro told Emily Blunt to "get your service weapon out" in Denis Villeneuve's stunning 'Sicario' vehicle, we have been reminded of the great poise 'The Usual Suspects' and 'Che' actor traffics in. It's that pure presence that licks throughout the slow burn of the new 'Reptile' detective film on Netflix like a Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl 'Poison'. One that del Toro co-writes and produces for the streaming service. Even when this reptilian crime thriller sheds skins and strands of plot, it still has a bite. One that will stay with you through the burning of the midnight oil until the morning light, just like that cup of coffee riding partnering shotgun. Benicio and that bold and brilliant disarming hurt charm behind a face that tells many a tale (from the salad days with a 'License To Kill', to 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' with Johnny Depp) is the anti-venom to this feature film that spits out the poison of Netflix original movies paling in comparison to all those great shows they cancel like subscriptions when your friends and family get locked out. With a maroon suit and tie, leather jacket and magnum moustache born for the beat, he's the quiet storm in this gathering one. Whether he's telling an N.S.F.W. (and this modern day), hilarious Jesse James joke, or someone threatening his happy home where to go, he owns everything in sight. 

Music video director Grant Singer's big-screen debut does exactly that with a little Beatles like help from his friends to get by (there's a nice cameo from the make your career yourself star, Sky Ferreira). 'Reptile' concerns the murder of a real-estate agent who was partnered up with Justin Timberlake in more ways than one. But, despite the nice NSYNC reunion at the MTV Music Video Awards last week, it's going to be 'Mania' (like Singer's short-film) and not May in this late September release that will wake up your October. Tennessee's "Trousersnake" (yep, we still remember that nickname) is perfect here like he is in 'Alpha Dog', 'The Social Network' and 'Trouble With The Curve'. Reminding us that we have missed him in movies, just like we have his band of brothers (from the 'No Strings Attached' album to the similar sounding movie 'Friends With Benefits') now the truth remains their gone. Now if you longed for him, how about the amazing Alicia Silverstone? From 'Batman & Robin' to 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. Those sleeping on her talents are as 'Clueless' as her signature hit after all the Aersomith videos. She's more than the Batgirl legacy people wanted to pin on her like never leaving home without the Bat card. By Benicio's side, she stirs her scenes with more intrigue than the actual investigation at hand.

Elsewhere, this cop land like when Stallone went serious owns the night with a gallery of rogues or boys in blue who might just be true (you decide). All culminating in a classic closing by the gun before the red for dead credits. There's the always compelling character of Eric Bogosian ('Uncut Gems', 'Billions' and 'Succession'), and the crooked smile charm of 'A Bronx Tale', 'The Irishman', 'Miami Vice' and 'The Wire' star Domenick Lomardozzi with a name like he was born for these type of movies. It's incredible 'Django Unchained', 'Jason Bourne' and 'Hitch' actor Ato Essandoh who finally cops the role his talent deserves. A perfect partner, even if Benicio strikes you as one of those, "I work better alone", strong, silent police story taping up trope types. 'Neon Demon' Karl Glusman and the famous face of Frances Fisher ('Unforgiven', 'Watchmen', 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and of course 'Titanic') complete the credible class. But it's the always amazing 'Boardwalk Empire' star Michael Carmen Pitt who steals the show, almost unrecognizably so. Once upon a time in Hollywood, with a name like Brad and a look like Leo, the 'Boardwalk Empire' gun drawing favourite would be a star you could bank on. He still is, just an underrated one in these Hollywood nights. But whether he's playing an amazing android in the American adaptation of the anime 'Ghost In The Shell', or getting his fill in 'Hannibal', Pitt always puts it down in his pictures. But again, no reptile here in this game of snakes and ladders holds quite as firm as our hardened detective loyal to the badge he never wants to turn in like his service pistol...or wedding ring. Just watch out for those snakes in the grass before the final cut. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cop Land', 'We Own The Night', 'Inherent Vice'.