REVIEW: BACK TO BLACK

3.5/5 

Always In Love With Amy

122 Mins. Starring: Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan & Lesley Manville. Screenplay: Matt Greenhalgh. Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson. In: Theatres.

Yes, yes, yes. Going 'Back To Black', one of the better biopics of recent memory, does justice to 'Amy, Amy, Amy'. The 'Rehab' ("no, no, no") sensational singer/songwriter we lost an unlucky and unbelievable thirteen years ago. To be 'Frank', 2023 Screen International 'Star Of Tomorrow' Marisa Abela (BBC Two and HBO's Industry' and Sky One's 'COBRA'), really is one and the amazing Amy in this movie that sits next to 'Judy' and the Aretha Franklin biopic with real 'Respect'. All before anything but 'A Complete Unknown', Timothée Chalamet, goes electric and eclectic for his forthcoming Dylan film. The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art alumni ('She Is Love') may not be a household name yet, but the Teen Talk 'Barbie' will be. Neither was Amy. Until the cover of her dynamic debut 'Frank' was plastered all over the sides of red London double-decker buses, much to the pride of her passing cabbie driving father. Lovingly played by the becoming legendary character actor Eddie Marsan. The bridge between the likes of Timothy Spall and Stephen Graham.

Sharing a voice, heritage and beautiful beehive with Amy, Abela is more than able to play the throwback talent of Winehouse, whose style aged like a fine wine in the cellars of real smoky soul from bars and concert halls of the past. Marisa manages to pay homage and respect to her muse, all whilst showing her own style and grace. This is no impersonation. It's impressive impressionism in this artful take on a young star, faded too soon, who knew the real writers and artists lay in the hard-worn margins and canvases of the past. Expect Marisa Abela to be a name you see in big budget blockbusters of the future like Cailee Spaeny ('Alien: Romulus', 'Civil War') after Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla'. Although Abela won't sell out for the industry money, just like Amy who only wanted to sing for those who could forget their troubles for a few minutes. Her impact on the world was just that profound, as 'Back To Black' and the classics like the title-track, 'Rehab', 'Love Is A Losing Game', 'Tears Dry On Their Own' (all performed with power here) and 'You Know I'm No Good' (and that classic Ghostface remix that killed it), not to mention Mark Ronson's 'Valerie', made sure this modern's icon's legend never would. Or will for that matter.

Hounded by the same paparazzi that drove Princess Diana to an early grave, Amy managed to overcome it all on her own. Drugs and drink. Depression, divorce and death. All before a tragic relapse after some truly terrible life turns took her young life after a long period of sobriety. The papers would print it different, but Winehouse was winning after playing the whole 'Love Is A Losing Game' hand that life cruelly deals to some of us. The kind of fickle fate those enamoured in bliss could never quite understand, and we would never wish it on. Burning from misery. Yearning for family. Above her heart, Amy had Blake's name inked in her skin and stitched into a pocket. And credit this controversial and complicated movie about an even more conflicted love story for not painting Winehouse's love like a villain for Hollywood storytelling. Amy wouldn't have wanted that. And great Brit actor Jack O'Connell ('Starred Up', 'Unbroken') gives us one of his most powerful performances since he took Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' to the West End with Sienna Miller. After his charming jukebox and pool pub introduction, you'll go through every level of emotion with him. And that's when you'll begin to realize all about what Amy went through.

Some say this biopic from the John Lennon 'Nowhere Boy' before he was famous, biopic director Sam Taylor-Johnson ('Fifty Shades Of Grey') is too safely sanitized. Yet they say that about all biopics of this brutal and beautiful nature, just like the wonderful 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody'. But this film only ever holds back out of respect, like most biographs of its type, something the newspapers could learn from. But right now they're taking it to Sam for her love with Aaron Taylor-Johnson. There are a lot of complications in this life, that we can't fully understand unless we're the people involved, but serious scriptwriter Matt Greenhalgh ('Control', 'Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool') tries to make sense of a stirring and sometimes sensationalized life story. Amy was a queen like Abela can become, and it takes one to know one like a sister act. As 'The Crown's' Princess Margaret, Lesley Manville steals the show, like she did in channelling fellow greats Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter for the hit Netflix Royal Family show for all you couch potatoes. As beautiful as scoring Nick Cave's 'Song For Amy', this outstanding ode ends on the high of a Grammy win, where the pure and innocent disbelief in Amy's eyes are captured perfectly. A moment, as she falls into her band member's embrace, that will live forever.  Just like those songs that will always help us forget all our troubles. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'A Complete Unknown', 'Judy', 'Priscilla'.

REVIEW: GLADIATOR II

4/5

Thumbs Up

148 Mins. Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Alexander Karim, Yuval Gonen, Peter Mensah, Tim McInnerny, Matt Lucas, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen & Denzel Washington. Screenplay: David Scarpa. Director: Ridley Scott. In: Theatres.

Gladiators ready! When it comes to these men in the arena, here's a sequel that's really worthy of the Roman numerals. One 24 years in the making...and well...worth...the wait. The new millennium 'Gladiator' epic, starring Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, remains a classic. Its legendary legacy you can see everywhere. Because what we do in life is even quoted on the arms of LeBron James like Biblical scripture. But which soldier of Rome will be The King in this Colosseum? One that's flooded with sharks and the jaws of monkey business. 'Gladiator II' really is a worthy successor to the Oscar gold leaf that was crowned before it. Of course, you're entertained. Achieving strokes of art from the canvas of its outstanding oil paint title sequence (if this was back in the day, it would be heralded like the 'Catch Me If You Can' iconic titles), to the grass of the last, lasting moment that will stay with you like dust brushed across your fingers and into the palms of your hands.

86-years-young, Ridley Scott is back in the director's chair like he is rarely for the sequels to his science fiction signatures ('Alien', 'Blade Runner'), despite their besting recent efforts. Although, the ageless auteur likes to go back in time to the historical epics ('The Last Duel') after reuniting with the thumb of Joaquin Phoenix for their brilliant 'Napoleon' biography last fall. Enlisting the screenwriting of that film in the form of David Scarpa ('All The Money In The World') and his wonderful way of words, speeches still stir that could reach the father of a murdered son, even if Crowe's character and Phoenix's remain in the ashes and archival footage. There's still vengeance to be had, mind you, and stepping in to battle for Spencer Treat Clarke's ('Unbreakable', 'Glass', 'Much Ado About Nothing') child acting is the next acting gladiatorial great Paul Mescal. 

Normal people like Mescal have already moved and burnt us with movies like 'After Sun' (the same for 'The Lost Daughter' and 'All Of Us Strangers'), and he's about to show all the lonely people that all you need is love once more as the one and only Paul McCartney in a forthcoming Beatles biopic set to rival Timothée Chalamet's Dylan ('A Complete Unknown') and Jeremy Allen White's Springsteen ('Deliver Me From Nowhere'). But here one of 'God's Creatures' (who has already channelled Brando like Billy Zane (uncanny) and a Laurence Olivier Award for playing Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire'), is brutal, beautiful, boundless and brilliant. Looking like one of the Roman coins placed on the side of his bath after victory. To reveal more about his character would be saying far too much like the second trailer, if you haven't seen that, just you wait, as Scott paints free and flowing characters of complex. Even bringing 'Wonder Woman' Connie Nielson back (like the legendary Derek Jacobi) a quarter of the century later to reveal even more depth.

Mescal might be one of the most popular (all women want him, all men want hi...ah hem, to be like him) actors of the moment this side of 'The Mandalorian', but Pedro Pascal's performance behind Scarpa's strong script and Ridley's riddling direction really hits the bullseye for these archers outside the arena. Remember, the great gladiatorial battles happen outside the Colosseum too. Pascal is perfect and the pastel of even more character confliction and moral grey areas as the two Roman statuesque looking actors Mescal and Pescal duke it out. Straight out of a Shakespearean tragedy as the Phoenix like brothers of 'Stranger Things', 'A Quiet Place: Day One' star and forthcoming 'Fantastic Four' Human Torch Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger (and his own Marcel like monkey friend) have their own campy, sibling rivalry duel in the safety of the seating area around the arena. There's strong support all around. Lior Raz putting everyone through their paces. The trademark gravitas of Peter Mensah. 'Notting Hill's' Tim McInnerny being taken for everything he's worth and Matt Lucas bringing the 'Shooting Stars' drum-rolls back as the master of ceremonies. 

Yet even the hawkeye of Yuval Gonen's wonderful wife has the threat of the show stole by former gladiator, and now opium prescribing doctor Alexander Karim. Not to mention the compelling chemistry he has with Mescal. Will they, won't they? They don't. But these friends getting along famously say something in the eyes. A kiss of death from Denzel Washington was cut from this movie, but the legendary actor actually is the one to steal the show here. Instrumental in pulling all the strings like The Godfather in one of the G.O.AT.'s best performances yet. And he's far from done, with Ryan Coogler writing a role in 'Black Panther 3' for the man who was rumoured to be T'Challa back in the day. Say what you want about the accent (did you forget his Shakespearean work?), my man owns this. Making his own rules, like when someone told him the Royal Highness would see him now at the premiere. King Charles ain't got s### on him. This movie was meant for greatness, he need only give it a push. Legends like this echo in eternity. In this life or the next. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Gladiator', 'Robin Hood', 'Napoleon'.

TV REVIEW: FRASIER - Revival Season 2

4/5

Boston Psychiatric. 

10 Episodes. Starring: Kelsey Grammar, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Anders Keith, Jess Salgueiro, Toks Olagundoye, Peri Gilpin & Nicholas Lyndhurst. Developed By: Chris Harris & Joe Cristalli. On: Paramount +.

Go ahead, caller. We're still listening. No, no, your eggs aren't scrambled, Beantown brethren. It may feel like the 80s again, right now, but in actual fact, the good times are back. The Celtics are champions once more, and 'Frasier' is back in Boston. Cheers to two storied franchises adding another chapter and round at the bar. Just when you thought they couldn't call again, after the passing of the legendary John Mahoney and the beloved Eddie, his radio psychiatrist of a son refused to shrink from the spotlight, moving back to the coast he used to toast with Ted Danson. With no David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves, it looked better left. But then the perfect Anders Keith showed he could play their son to a tee. All whilst 'Only Fools And Horses' and 'Goodnight Sweetheart' great Nicholas Lyndhurst show stole, stepping in as the Robin to Dr. Crane's Batman, or the Cecil to his Sideshow Bob. And you loved watching those two trying to slip the twelve days of Christmas into the conversation, last fall.

Kelsey Grammar is well and truly back and coming correct like "you're" not "your" welcome. It's his rodeo again, with his iconic characters continuing legend. Not to mention his classic character returning to the treehouse this Halloween for 'The Simpsons' trick or treat sweet short, 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' on Disney +. Or his Beast of a reunion with the academy of X-Men multiverses for you to Marvel at. But this, like a 'Cheers' bar, is his beautiful home, like walking along the cobbled old Irish streets of Beacon Hill. Even if he sleeplessly refuses to truly say goodnight to Seattle, returning, like we only wish the Supersonics would, for an epic episode of fond nostalgia in the radio city halls. You can expect even more cameos, like you can the fact that we won't spoil them, even if they're doing the rounds on the same feeds you read this review off. Because 'Frasier' and his friends exist in that sweet 'Seinfeld' sitcom time on syndicated television, where the TV Guide was your only guess to what was coming as you tuned into primetime.

This streaming plus from Paramount, and showrunners Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli does bring back the great Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and a recurring regular, this series, after her compelling cameo in the first season's finale. And she's as welcome as the time she randomly followed me on Instagram some time ago (this 'Frasier' fanatic didn't even post anything about the show, but you best believe I was trying to work the gym selfies afterwards, even if my frame is Niles Crane). Rumour has it that one episode in Cape Cod and classic Frasier Crane misunderstanding will have you hearing more on the grapevine than Marvin Gaye or Martha's Vineyard. Gilpin, and a legendary 'Everybody Loves Raymond' actress, give this show the prestige of star power. All whilst Anders, Jack Cutmore-Scott's firefighter Freddie, an all about Eve, Jess Salgueiro and Toks Olagundoye's perfect professor with the most sensational shindigs, all become fond, firm favourites. Welcomed back as warmly as they now feel familiar.

Green lit for a second season, and deserving the charm of a third, 'Frasier' finds itself firmly a fall favourite on your television screens like 'Only Murders In The Building'. The grey generation, still finding a home in this podcast age. Even if all we have to bear with this coming winter is the dark designs of spin-off shows and grown up cult classics. The 'Game Of Thrones' breathing fire into the 'House of Dragon' series. 'The Lord Of The Rings' circling back to 'The Rings Of Power'. 'The Penguin' from 'The Batman' waddling past Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' nightmare before Christmas as the strongest show on the schedule. Not to mention 'The Old Man' of Jeff Bridges getting another go round with sitcom icon John Lithgow ('3rd Rock From The Sun'). And this old dog has tricks too in a new Boston bar that doubles for your caffeine fix, now you'll be nervous about how Nervosa has tuned out in this Gen Z age. Hamming it up and playing Cyrano, or three men and a baby (albeit missing a Ted). Hiding behind a therapists couch, or squashing rumours that really could be an agent of change. Fake boyfriends. Reclusive authors. Lovers triangles. KACL tributes. Murder most funny in a room you won't want to escape from. And a classic Christmas episode to put under your tree. What more could you want from this festive season? You know how it goes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Cheers', 'Only Fools And Horses', 'The Simpsons: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'.

TV REVIEW: THE PENGUIN - Season 1

4/5

The Emperor's New Clothes

8 Episodes. Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly & Mark Strong. Showrunner: Lauren LeFranc. On: HBO.

Top billing on this fall T.V schedule, goes to the gloomy streets of Gotham, with something darker than winter coming. Beating all the 'Game Of Thrones' ('House Of The Dragon') and 'Lord Of The Rings' ('Rings Of Power') spin-off shows is Lauren LeFranc's 'The Penguin', showcasing the side-streets of Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' with Robert Pattinson (no, he doesn't show up...and he doesn't need to). Besting 'The Old Man' and even the witches road of the Marvel and DC war with 'Agatha All Along' this Halloween gone, the real drama about Oz waddles to victory, just waiting for its monocle and cane. Donning the Penguin suit again is an unrecognizable, but undeniable Colin Farrell, who has been the don ever since the first time he met The Bat ("woah, take it easy, sweetheart"). Devoted like the great Danny DeVito and Robin Lord Taylor. Just don't say his name, because his vengeance spits venom. Not to mention fire and brimstone with some gruesome, graphic moments where there will be hell to pay.

Disney movies. Watching them was the only that could save the Irish, 'Banshees Of Inisherin', 'In Bruges', 'The Lobster' and 'Daredevil' Bullseye actor from the darkness of delving into the murky waters of Oswald Cobb, as HBO took this miniseries to the max. Getting himself more than a gun and his Tony Soprano on. An outstanding origin story that pays attention to the street corners of Gotham's underworld, a long way away from Wayne manor. Depths that go deeper than even the Batcave, this Home Box Office maker would even make for the best video game story as the lunatics are running the fringes of Arkham Asylum. As you see through the eyes and the coming of age of Rheny Feliz (a Marvel 'Runaway'), you really feel it, and what could be this good fella's make or break in a cold world with strings pulled by godfather's. His performance is powerful, just like the claw clutches of the ones he can't escape. This city, that will worm its way through you like a rotten apple if you don't make your way out.

Farrell is formidable, with the darkest offers that you can't refuse since 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'. And if you thought those were stakes, just wait until Barry Keoghan is holding all the cards. Although James Gunn has nixed the rumours that a Joker series is next on deck. 'The Penguin' has been drawing rave reviews, whilst the misunderstood 'Folie à Deux' has facing rotten cabbages and tomatoes. What people thought Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn (still quintessential) would be, we get in a new born star and queen-pin in Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone. A true show stealer, if there ever was one, in a series where she should share top bill. Falcone is a force of nature and nurtured evil. As cruel as the calloused hands of the goons that work their fingers down to the bone, so the crime families can live in the lap of a luxurious life. The 'Fargo' actress shows Leonardo DiCaprio (got to raise that age limit, bro, you gone 50, and that's where the gold is) really fumbled in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street'. And that's how villains are made, as the magnificent Milioti restores order.

Gotham (that was a great show too, by the way), has never looked so cinematic, even on the small screen. And all the players deserve their ball for this top hat production. Props to the costume department too, not only for turning Colin Farrell into Richard Kind, but whoever made the wig for the bald identity of Mark Strong. Best hairpiece since Corey Stoll in 'West Side Story' (face it, that was almost as bad as how his (still great) M.O.D.O.K. looked). I need their number. Strong arms up as Carmine Falcone after the great John Turturro stepped down due to the violence. We were going to say did you see what he did in 'The Batman', but after seeing how one point goes way too far, he has a point, and we respect that. Strong makes his mark amongst an even stronger cast that includes Carmen Ejogo, 'Highlander's' Clancy Brown, 'Daredevil's' Theo Rossi, 'House Of Cards' and 'Jack Ryan' star Michael Kelly, and 'The Promises's' Shohreh Aghdashloo (all amazing). But it's the mothering of Deirdre O’Connell who really gives 'The Penguin' its wings. Showing us just how deep the cruelty of crime touches us all, as it leaves its mark. 'The Penguin' is more than a superhero spin-off. It's a dark drama about those roads in the heart of men, that lead to places you can't turn back from. Don't end up sleeping with the fishes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Batman', 'The Sopranos', 'Gotham'. 

REVIEW: RED ONE

3/5

Red Notice

123 Mins. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll & J. K. Simmons. Screenplay: Chris Morgan. Director: Jake Kasdan. In: Theatres.

Christmas has come early here in the Far East, with the game 'Red One' from 'Jumanji' reboot director Jake Kasdan. And what more could you expect, here in Japan, with a land that changes its Halloween decorations to Christmas ones, the minute we stop asking, "trick or treat", in time for the next rising sun? All whilst pumpkins lay rotting on porches across the United States, through fall. Tested in other territories before its North American release, 'Red One' is not to be confused with the 'Red Notice' Netflix blockbuster Dwayne Johnson starred in alongside 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot (although, she does get a hilarious mention here) and 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds. Although Chris Evans, blazing after that fantastic cameo, does a good job of bringing that type of heat to these festive proceedings by the fireplace. Roasting everybody's chestnuts.

The naughty and nice pair of Captain America and Black Adam must save Santa before it's too late this Christmas Eve. Just as 'Fast & The Furious' franchise star and 'Hobbs and Shaw' spin-off wheel man Dwayne Johnson got everyone to stop using "The Rock" in the middle of his name, the all action hero in a Schwarzenegger mould seems to be wrestling with the problem that his films aren't making bank any more. If that wasn't enough, it seems his character is losing the festive spirit in a naughty age that refuses to play nice. Let's hope this all changes with his 'Jingle All The Way', as the ever likeable eyebrow raiser has always known that real action men know how to poke fun at themselves, doing so with the wand of 2010's 'Tooth Fairy'. And as self-serious as this Yuletide hit to the frosty jugular is, Johnson is still rocking and rolling around the Christmas tree. Having as much fun as Macaulay with cardboard cut-outs of Michael Jordan and more mannequins than a Kim Cattrall movie. In a few Christmases time, this will be a festive favourite when you're home alone, and you want to leave your brain at the door with the blow torch.

Armed in green and red, hell for leather, turning Hot Wheels into anything but Micro Machines with some tech straight out of Hank Pym's 'Ant-Man' toy collection, this former DC hero is a marvel in what looks like a 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' ensemble, assemble. Be it, with its giant talking polar bears, reindeers, minus the real red one, and a mythological agency looking to take control of its own multiverse of headless horseman madness. Just when you think nothing could get you in the festive spirit, Steve Rogers in a Star-Lord jacket is here to save the day. We all know the inspired integrity Chris Evans had as Cap (he has a Bucky Barnes looking kid here), but he was Johnny Storm before all that. A comic-book 'Loser' with so many hilarious overgrown frat-bro credits to his name. Whether it be 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'Not Another Teen Movie', or a Marylin Manson video...although we now know who the real douche is. I'm too old to be talking about "eras", but if this was back in time, like these movies, we'd be in his Human Torch one. With this, 'The Gray Man' saving villain, and so much more in store. Like Avenger action figures this Christmas.

Filling your stockings with wish upon a star power, an angel of Charlie, part Bosley, part Black Widow, is also on the case, as it's great to see Lucy Liu back and killing it on this bill. She's seriously good, as is 'Rain Man', 'Beethoven', 'Jerry Maguire' and original 'Jumanji' legend Bonnie Hunt as Santa's better half. Although she is almost as underused as Goldie Hawn in the first 'Christmas Chronicle'. Speaking of the angel in a red dress, aside from many festive treats and Xmas cameos, not to mention a delightfully deranged and daft Nick Kroll, it's the big fella himself who gets all the cookies for this film that's milking 'tis the season for all it's worth. Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, David Harbour, Bryan Cranston, Paul Giamatti, Richard Attenborough, the late, great James Earl Jones. The list of actors that have played Father Christmas is longer than Santa's one. But Academy Award-winning, 'Whiplash' actor J.K. Simmons is whip smart as a protein shake Nick (what else could you expect when you have The Rock to spot?). Placed under your tree for the eve of a Christmas franchise from screenwriter Chris Morgan ('Fast & Furious', 'Wanted') Amazon MGM, Seven Bucks and The Detective Agency, will we see a 'Red Two' like the great Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren? Let's keep notice to which list this makes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Fred Claus', 'Violent Night', 'Tooth Fairy'