REVIEW: MUFASA - THE LION KING

3.5/5

Kingdom Come

118 Mins. Starring: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Boone, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter & Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson. Director: Barry Jenkins. On: Disney +. 

First thing's first, young Simbas, before we roar into this review and hold this live-action prequel high like a young cub above Pride Rock, we must pay tribute. And just like his words from the original 1994 animation, "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I," we will always look to the stars in remembrance of the late, great James Earl Jones. A fitting tribute to the beautiful, booming baritone of a heaven sent actor (even if he did play the villain in another movie you might have heard of) to begin 'Mufasa: The Lion King', from 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' director Barry Jenkins, with a script from Jeff Nathanson (famous for penning Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can', 'The Terminal' and 'Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull'). The prequel to the 2019 live adaptation of 'The Lion King' that came out last year and plays a lot like the origin story of fellow 2024 movie, 'Transformers One'.

Head in the clouds, you know the Chilli Pepper tissue of who one of these characters becomes (and we ain't talking about Mufasa), just like with 'Transformers One'. Yet, in keeping with that fellow animated prequel, we're saying nothing. Let's take it back to the time moviegoers were thrilled with a twist without the internet (or a 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' trailer), or even knowing there was one to watch for anyway (too late, my bad). Disney has enough to deal with in the flack they are receiving for churning out live-action versions of their animated classics (I refuse to whistle with a 'Steamboat Willie' adaptation, but now Mickey is public property), like their Marvel and Star Wars properties do spin-off T.V. shows. 'Snow White', of course, biting into that very poisoned apple of late. The mane problem with 'Mufasa', on the other paw, is that is it really necessary? No matter, now it's on Disney Plus, like 'Moana 2', a couple of weeks ago (we best wait for 'Snow White' to wake up here), it will play perfectly to the kids, like its CGI does alongside the real-life Disney Nature documentaries.

Now that we say goodbye to James Earl Jones, Aaron Pierre takes over the mantle of the Mufasa who would (will) be king. And whilst nobody walking this earth, even on all fours, could claw grab at the growling gravitas of Jones, Pierre more than holds his own, with some of the light beginning to touch the kingdom of last year's 'Rebel Ridge' breakout star on Netflix. The 'Krypton' and 'Old' actor (he's actually only 30) who also played Malcolm X in a 'Genius' miniseries has a commanding performance. And he's always wanted a best friend, too (or is that the other way around). And Kelvin Harrison Jr. ('Waves', '12 Years A Slave' and 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7') more than fits the bill as Sc...ahem, Taka, the lion prince. Alongside these dual, duelling lead newcomers are fellow pride rookies, Tiffany Boone, Lennie James and Anika Noni Rose. Alongside legends like Mads Mikkelsen and Thandiwe Newton lending their unmistakable voices. Just like the returning cameos of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner (perfect as Timon and Pumbaa), John Kani, Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (ditto as our leading lion and lioness), who introduces her daughter Blue Ivy Carter to the movie world like she did the biggest stage of the 'Beyoncé Bowl'.

With all these stars, this photorealistic production looks perfect...especially at night. When you can really feel the love tonight. James Laxton's cinematography is just that compelling. It scores, just like the sensational soundtrack from 'Hamilton's' own Lin-Manuel Miranda, complete with a collection of foot-tapping, sing-a-long instant earworms. Although, in this circle of life, nothing is touching Elton John's wonderful work with songwriter Bernie Taupin from the outstanding, original animation. That 1994 classic (yeah, we already feel old as it is) was amazingly done by first-time animators. And in its 30th anniversary celebration, highlighted by this prequel, even all the digital effects 'Mufasa' can muster, can't come close to the pride of the 90s. One of the decade's best pictures for the whole family, like 'Jurassic Park', 'Forrest Gump', or Disney and Pixar's own game-changing 'Toy Story'. Yet, you can still play with these lions as they paw each other, making box office bank (the sixth highest of 2024) that could never tank. It really puts its behind in its past. 'Mufasa' is moving, amusing and a majesty. And the last growl to roar, a perfect tribute to the spirit in the sky. For James. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lion King (2019)', 'The Lion King (1994)', 'Transformers One'.

ANIME REVIEW: MY HAPPY MARRIAGE - Season 2

4/5

Marriage Story

12 Episodes. Starring: Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona & Kenta Miyake. Screenplay By: Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi & Momoka Toyoda. Directed By: Masayuki Kojima & Takehiro Kubota. On: Netflix & Disney +.

Love and marriage continues on the second season of 'My Happy Marriage', streaming on Netflix and Disney Plus, amongst other servers. Despite the delays, one of the best animes out of Japan right now, still amazes. Directed by Masayuki Kojima and Takehiro Kubota, with a screenplay by Ami Satō based on the massive manga, 'Marriage' also has a matrimony of a lovely vocal cast, featuring, Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona and Kenta Miyake. Picking up where the love story between Miyo and Kiyoka left off in a world where spirit and magic...and perhaps true love are real. There are also Grotesqueries, Vader villains and even allies dressed so much like Christian Bale in 'American Psycho' that they are about to ask to see Paul Allen's magic power.

Rich, vibrant, decadent and as real as anime almost gets, you should be happy the matrimony sticks after all this time. Book ended by two terrific theme tunes for your wedding song and registry. High society like 'Downton Abbey' engaged with Japanese traditions like another hugely successful, award-winning show, 'Shōgun'. Dipping into vivid dream sequences that feel like something out of the dark rooms of Eleven's mind in 'Stranger Things', matched with special-effect set pieces that the M.C.U. could only marvel at. The dream-sight of this power wakes up a whole new world of Edo era history meets, modern day Japanese innovation like a CASIO wristwatch. It's an animated universe you can believe in, even if these are just cells straight out of comic books. Anime is taken very seriously here in Japan, and to the aficionado watching world who lap it all up with dreams of making a trip out to the Far East, not even thinking about seeing the rising sun. This story and show feels like one to call mine, yours, ours and theirs. To have and to hold close.

The love is real, too, between our two leads. Earned and cherished, despite all those wishing to destroy their marriage, whether family or outside forces. Yet Kiyoka and Miyo's union is too strong for all of that. Like the tip of his blade, or the power of her silent grace. Ordeals, demons and an early Autumn threaten to break them apart, yet their communion is a gifted one. The dreams may be foreboding, but the vision is real. And just wait until you see the commotion of New Year in all its fireworks, like Summer Hanabi festivals in Japan. Traitors, tricks, twists and turns will keep you guessing, all the way until the epic end which 'My Happy Marriage' kept us waiting for, twice over when you figure in the punctuated penultimate episode. It's all good though, like mono no aware of falling cherry blossom this Sakura season about to pass. Perhaps this has something to do with the recent rumours that anime artists are getting underpaid and overworked, like Marvel special effects teams. It's been time to do something about all that. They deserve so much more. As long as we get a third season like flowers in bloom again next year. For now, that's all distant snow like the pure white anime artwork of the final episodes, heading for home like the Hokkaido feel. 'My Happy Marriage' is something we all wish for and would never leave, for the rest of our lives. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers', 'Romeo x Juliet', 'Shōgun'. 

TV REVIEW: DAVID BLAINE - DO NOT ATTEMPT: Season 1

4/5

No Pain, No Blaine

6 Episodes. Starring: David Blaine. On: National Geographic, Hulu & Disney +.

Do not try this at home, or all around the watching world. When I first saw David Blaine, as a young teen, in that Peugeot GTI commercial, I was compelled. Did he really just throw a deck of cards at a car window, and the one chosen was on the other side of the glass (check those glass breaking, robbery skits, like the Cheez-It ones)? I had to try that for myself, when all my friends were drunk at a house party, and I had my boy slap a random card on the window from outside...you could clearly see his arm. Hey, at least it wasn't my awful cup and ball, disappearing trick, where you can obviously see the paper cup crumble as I pick everything up. Yeah, I watched the Masked Magician. This one, won't reveal his secrets, though. Even in a beautiful moment, when the cameras leave, and he shows how to do a signature trick to a group of kids in a South African magic school that's taught all races and faces together since apartheid. Inspirational.

Through countless specials, we've seen American magician David Blaine buried alive, be encased in ice in Times Square, and even in a box above London's epic Embankment for an experiment without food...he obviously hasn't rented in the Big Smoke before. Now, Blaine goes truly out his comfort zone for 'Do Not Attempt'. Streaming now on Hulu, Disney Plus, and National Geographic, like the fellow celebrity Gordon Ramsay ('Uncharted'), Chris Hemsworth ('Limitless') and Will Smith ('Welcome To Earth'...genius name) looks spanning the globe. 11 countries, 5 continents and 3 calendars, this six-part special (we hope has a second season) takes us to Brazil, South East Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa and Japan. Not to mention countless cities, which Blaine embraces like he does the black t-shirt department of your local clothing outlet. This man has done so much himself, wowing the world. Yet, seeing his real and raw reactions to the real life magicians he meets on the streets is a joy to behold. Reacting with more wows than Owen Wilson, bleeped out words than an episode of 'The Bear' and runaways like all those who used to be decked out by his card tricks.

And those old tricks in the finale episode here in Tokyo, Japan, will remind you of why you fell back in love with magic...and his art. At 50, David is still a Goliath in this industry. Wowing the next generations away from their smartphones...yet, his work is perfect for this TikTok time. Whether swallowing samurai swords, or lighting himself on fire (you really just going to walk to that jump, Dave?), Blaine plays through the pain, but shows you it's not a game. Especially when we start cracking bottles over our heads. Again, don't be a Jackass like Johnny Knoxville, this is for your home entertainment, not experiments. Kissing more snakes than your latest Tinder date, a beard of bees bigger than your Bumble hive, more Black Mambas than 24 and number 8 jerseys in Los Angeles, there's so much to be in awe of here. Case in point, when a make-up artist in the Far East makes a mask of David's face fresher than the rising sun. Yet, we're running our mouths too much, like those eating glass. We shouldn't spoil the rest of this, or we'll be a drag like that race. As the thread of this pulled trick brings all the old favourites back as well as a whole new world David shows us on Disney. Each city and country, given a title card that throws back to his 'Mysterious Stranger' ones in tribute to his muse Houdini, by the book. Even greater than 'The Mandalorian' concept art in closing credit. Just attempt to watch something bolder and better. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Welcome To Earth', 'Limitless-With Chris Hemsworth', 'The World According To Jeff Goldblum'.

REVIEW: PIECE BY PIECE

3.5/5

One Piece

93 Mins. Starring: Pharrell Williams. Screenplay: Morgan Neville. Director: Morgan Neville. In: Theatres.

Brick by brick, 'Piece By Piece' is the feel-good movie of 'Happy', 'Get Lucky' prolific producer and amazing artist, Pharrell Williams' life. The former music N.E.R.D., who formed The Neptunes with producing partner Chad Hugo, has scored hits from everyone from Jay-Z, to Gwen Stefani. No doubt, or frontin' about it. But the sweet singer and musical mogul in his own right has had quite the life and times. Nothing is regular about the man who blurred lines, made music for millions and minions and also formed a Billionaire Boys Club in Tokyo, Japan for white t-shirts way more expensive than Hanes. Now, 'Piece By Piece' finds seat by seats in cinemas in the Far East land of the rising sun, we can just see how ahead of his time and in his prime Pharrell was. I'm sorry Mr. Carter for stealing your line, like a son of a b#### searching for goodwill, but he IS for real.

LEGO have made movies for everybody. From Star Wars to Marvel. You only have to log in to your Disney Plus to see just how awesome that all is. But now, following the Chris Pratt starring 'LEGO Movie' and 'The LEGO Batman' movie that might actually be the coolest caped crusader since Adam West's camp, films from the Danish construction company may seem as old hat as Pharrell's ones were big (after the trucker hat, Von Dutch like phase), but these brickfilm's are building their own universe like the M.C.U., or master builder K.E.V.I.N. Feige. LEGO blocks may sometimes feel as dated as the former futuristic beats of Pharrell and them, but it's still a trip. And the perfect one for the time capsule. Bringing the early days on Virginia Beach, with dreams of hearts in Atlantis, to life, like those times with Hugo, Shay Haley and Pusha T of The Clipse, grinding. Right in the same neck of the woods that Timbaland and Missy Elliott grew up in, honing their sound. It's no wonder the King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley, put down studio session roots here, giving Mr. Williams his first break in the biz. Them, plus a mountain of legos and big names, feature in this film. Some we won't spoil, but I'm sure you can guess all the rest, like, "he's a friend of mine". And just wait until you hear who his teacher is.

 

Knocking on your door, this 'ish really is bananas. P.H.A.R.R.E.L.L. And this really is his dog mess. Word to the hilarious poop emoji that keeps things PG-13 in this movie. Scripted and directed by Morgan Neville (who made the great Fred Rogers documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'), 'Piece By Piece' makes bricks out of the blockbuster music talent, like 'Better Man' (also out now in Japanese cinemas) made an ape out of cheeky monkey Robbie Williams. So take that, to anyone who thinks these biopics with a creative controlled twist are merely vanity pieces. Pharrell even throws shade at his own ego and arrogance in this film that at the start takes itself way too seriously, but in the end is just a love letter to all those who wanted to see him win. Even if in the end, that would leave him crying on Oprah. No matter, they're 'Happy' tears. There are almost as many Williams hits as there are LEGO bricks, and just as many artists who helped put him on...and this together ("what, what", superstaaar!), and this is what makes this performance piece so powerful and anything but child's play, Chuck. The Synthesia of this biographical documentary comedy is on an 'I Am Other' level. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Better Man', 'The LEGO Movie', 'Despicable Me'.

REVIEW: THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

3.5/5

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

122 Mins. Starring: Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Rory Kinnear, Henry Golding & Cary Elwes. Screenplay: Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel & Guy Ritchie. Director: Guy Ritchie. In: Theatres.

Gentlemen, start your tugboats. As dodgy as that may sound, you really should make an appointment with 'The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare' led by Superman Henry Cavill, now it's here in Japan, almost a year after its American release. The Guy Ritchie movie between shows for Netflix (his spin-off of 'The Gentleman' movie) and Paramount + (right now's 'MobLand' of Tom Hardy and former double-0 Pierce Brosnan), based on 'Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII' by Damien Lewis (no, not that one), is the story of Winston's secret society of soldiers on the sea who helped the British beat Germany, as much as 'The Monuments Men' of America helped preserve all that loss art the führer was going to set aflame. If you like your Guy Ritchie films, like the timeless, throwback 'Sherlock Holmes' series, then this one is for you. As it Tarantino's it's way through the Nazis, dropping more shell casings than those 'Inglourious Basterds' did scalps.

Reuniting with 'The Witcher' of Cavill after their brilliant 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.', which deserves its own series (blame it on the other guy), 'Ungentlemanly Warfare' is all bullets, blood luster and bluster with almost as many screenwriters (Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel and some guy), as it does actors (Henry, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Henry Golding & Cary Elwes), but that doesn't stop it from being a lot of bloody full, old bean. It's all beards and twirling moustaches for your mutton chops too, as after Guy's rich success of 'Aladdin' and 'The Covenant', Ritchie has another note, that feels more like his form, before taking on the forthcoming 'Young Sherlock' series, by the book. A cavalier Cavill is on fine form too, as the 'Mission Impossible: Fallout', 'Argylle' and 'Enola Holmes' star is having so much fun now he is no longer the 'Man Of Steel' and might just keep that beard for the Wolverine (but you were just leaving, if you want to know more). Flirting up a storm with other captains and checking out more coats than Mickey Rourke in 'Sin City'. Henry's army, in this Jerry Bruckheimer produced vessel, is a crack crew on this voyage. Even if this movie was a bomb at the box-office, that could sink the Bismarck. 

The Toff Guys include a big and burly Alan Ritchson, stealing the show with a Hawkeye marksman bow and arrow as he reaches for that 'Jack Reacher' violence. Alex Pettyfer having his nipples played with more than in 'Magic Mike'. A breakout Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Babs Olusanmokun getting his revenge after being bested by Timothée Chalamet in 'Dune'. Henrique Zaga, the 'Basterds' own Til Schweiger, M's Rory Kinnear as Churchill like Brain Cox, John Lithgow and Gary Oldman before him. 'The Gentleman' Henry Golding blowing s### up like he did the scene after 'Crazy Rich Asians'. And even the great Cary Elwes siding with us Brits. But it's 'Baby Driver' star Eiza González that will really run you over like she's shot you down. Especially when the singer, set to star in Ritchie's next escapade ('Fountain Of Youth') gets on stage for a more shocking reveal than Fassbender's fingers. Speaking the kings, this heavily fictionalized version of history also features Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond who was also a part of British Intelligence. Kinnear, Golding's rumours, amongst others. There are plenty of bonded links to James. Yet, it was believed Fleming based 007 on the character played by Cavill. Now, if that isn't an audition, I don't know what is. Jolly good show, old sport. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Inglourious Basterds', 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)', 'The Gentlemen-Season 1'.

REVIEW: HERE

4/5

Peas and Carrots 

104 Mins. Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany & Kelly Reilly. Screenplay: Eric Roth & Robert Zemeckis. Director: Robert Zemeckis. In: Theatres.

'Here' lies one of the most criminally underrated movies of last calendar. And why? Was it because of what some trolls and conspiracy theorists on the internet said about Tom Hanks, trying to sully (no pun intended) his Hollywood good name? Is it because of the fear of an A.I. planet? Or, is it down to the fact that this fixed portrait of a film was too Hallmark, cheesy and corny for most, even at Christmas. Whichever poison you pick, one thing is clear, here is a big-three reunion that we've been waiting decades for. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Robert Zemeckis are like peas and carrots, and great directors again. Although Hanks and Zemeckis reconnected on the 'Back To The Future' and 'Romancing The Stone' director's live-action take of Disney's 'Pinocchio' (as Geppetto no less), after 'Cast Away' and 'The Polar Express'.

You only have to see Hanks in previous CGI form on that train trip, without the cowboy whip, to see that Zemeckis is a bold and beautiful director, willing to take chances. I mean, here's a guy that turned The DeLorean (a famous car amongst drug-dealers) into the positive image of a time machine that even Jules Verne would be proud of. Let's look at the rest of the road, with some Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Emmys along the way. Before 'Space Jam', there was the animated live-action of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'. The horror hi jinks of before it's time black comedy 'Death Becomes Her'. A searching Jodie Foster in 'Contact'. A wounded Denzel Washington in 'Flight'. A high-wire Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 'The Walk' that served as a love letter to the twin towers. 'A Christmas Carol', 'Beowulf' (see, 'The Polar Express'), and Steve Carell's miniature world of 'Welcome To Marwen'. There's a wonder to his work.

And now, 'Here', based on the 1989 6-page comic story by Richard McGuire that became a 300-plus page graphic novel in 2014. Adapted in a screenplay by Zemeckis and Eric Roth. So make that a fantastic four reunion (like this summer) for the 'Forrest Gump' insider who also wrote 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button', 'Dune' and 'A Star Is Born' (which he was all Oscar nominated for), to go along with the Academy nominated movies of 'Ali', 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' and 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close', with Hanks. Now, this nonlinear family drama, simultaneously screen subdivided into separate, multiple panes of stories, tells the story of a single plot of land and the inhabitants that call this place their home.  Echoing 'The Tree Of Life', the great Terrence Malick's most divisive film, which is actually my favourite. Not to mention David Lowery's 'A Ghost Story', and the 'Cycles' episode of Disney's 'Short Circuit' short films that does everything this film does, and more, in mere minutes.

Sure, some may not like this picture put in a frame, but in a Hollywoodland world of one-shots that doesn't even give the cameraman a break for lunch, this fixed one really works. Some may feel it's fake, but it would make for a sensational stage show, but a lot of costume changes for all the players here, like 'Downton Abbey's' Michelle Dockery and all them dinosaurs. As for the Generative Artificial Intelligence. Say what you will, I promise I didn't use it to edit this piece, but the de-aging of Hanks and Wright will make you think Forrest is run, running again. You'll forget you're not watching an old film, or them as they are now...and wait until we get back to the future, too. As a Hummingbird flaps its wings from the Spanish flu to COVID-19, World War II and the Lay-Z-Boy, a hallmark Hanks and Wright work wonders together. As do the parents of 'WandaVision' star Paul Bettany, bottoming and diving deeper (like Colin Farrell in 'Saving Mr. Banks') and 'Yellowstone', 'True Detective' and 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows' star Kelly Reilly (reuniting with Zemeckis after their 'Flight' plan), never better. There's also wise words about worry in this world in a picture-perfect portrait of parents and the family they make in the frames of all our lived in living rooms and homes. 'Here' is something we can all understand. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Forrest Gump', 'The Tree Of Life', 'Short Circuit: Cycles'.

REVIEW: BABYGIRL

4/5

New Sensation

115 Mins. Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde & Antonio Banderas. Screenplay: Halina Reijn. Director: Halina Reijin. In: Theatres.  

Live, baby, live. Amazing Aussie Nicole Kidman should have at least breathed steam on a polished Oscar nomination (like Demi Moore in 'The Substance') for her performance as 'Babygirl' in Halina Reijn's raging A24 movie that submits to lust. The erotic thriller penned and filmed by Dutch actor and director of 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' was named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the National Board Of Review. The same board that named Kidman the 'Best Actress' for this performance, like Venice's Volpi Cup. But still no love from The Academy? Ah well, no use crying over spilt milk. Instead, just drink in one of the world's most amazing actresses at the peak of her powers. And this comes after 'Bombshell' and the 'Destroyer' for the 'Big Little Lies' chameleonic star, not afraid to bare it all like 'The Paperboy' or those Kubrick 'Eyes Wide Shut' with former husband Tom Cruise. But this time it's not even the 'Desperado' on-screen lovely husband of Antonio Banderas who is her muse. But the John Lennon, Beatle to be, Harris Dickinson.

The star of 'Trust' and the heartbreaking 'The Iron Claw' and 'The King's Man' is ready for his big moment as the working class hero becomes a young intern with more than a cigarette to burn. He's so hot right now. Just ask Baby Alana Haim of Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Licorice Pizza' fame when asked in the street by a Tik Toker to compare Harrison to the likes of Michael B. Jordan. Her band of sisters also capturing Kidman leaving divorce court perfectly for the artwork of their 'Relationships'. Good girls. When it comes to the combustible chemistry between Dickinson and Kidman, the May/December pair will never be torn apart like the words of the late, great Michael Hutchence for Kidman's fellow country stars INXS (Kidman personally secured the rights after the movie had difficulty doing so). Sensual sax brooding over their body-on-body beauty for the most sexual movie that makes the toys of 'Fifty Shades' feel pathetic. Getting exactly what you want with this Christmas movie, like 'Carol'. Ding, dong! Your merrily will really be on high under this mistletoe, that leaves a bruising bite.

John Cena's safe word in 'Sisters' is "keep going", and this one really does, as it comes to you as a full force of nature that won't let up. This girl...no woman boss shows you all sorts of power dynamics like the French classic 'Elle' that courted even more controversy. There's 'Disobedience' to be had here with career and family lives on the line that even makes the deserved Oscar wins of 'Anora' seem tame for all you shrews. And just wait until the assistance of Trophée Chopard actress Sophie Wilde ('Everything Now', 'You Don't Know Me', 'Tom Jones') gets involved. Although in this movie's climax (no pun intended) it may be Banderas who gives us some of the bold and best acting, which shouldn't have been ignored by The Academy either. But in this critical and box-office success of another New York and A24 classic from Man Up films (pun, probably intended), it's Kidman's moment...and Dickinson's too. With one hell (to pay) of a fatal attraction, that's as good as Moore, full 'Disclosure'. Word to Michael Douglas. Kidman's robotic process automation company that puts Amazon to shame is nothing compared to her lust for anything but a mechanical sex life. Baby, the basic instinct of this indecent proposal dominates. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Substance', 'Elle', 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

REVIEW: MICKEY 17

4/5

17 Again

137 Mins. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette & Mark Ruffalo. Screenplay: Bong Joon Ho. Director: Bong Joon Ho. In: Theatres.

Hey, Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, they blow your mind. Hey, Mickey! BANG! BANG! SPLAT! Hey, Mickey! BANG! BANG! SPLAT! Snowpiercing a satirical cinematic classic, that's the same animal as Netflix's 'Okja', great South Korean director Bong Joon Ho serves as 'The Host' of his first film since his Oscar winning 'Parasite' bit both the Best International Feature and the Best Picture gold at the 92nd Academy Awards. Regardless of all that, this Warner Brothers and Brad Pitt Plan B production explosive epic was a box-office bomb. Despite garnering critical acclaim since Cannes for one of the Tarantino and Lee best today who cites Scorsese as his absolute inspiration to cinema. Never matter, this science-fiction black comedy has so much more to say and will stay with you long after the final credits have rolled, like the newspapers reading reviews those tilting up theatre seats should have heeded.

Based on Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey7', 'Mickey 17' comes just a few years later for your antimatter blues (I smell a sequel). Like a Tom Cruise 'Edge Of Tomorrow' with 'Multiplicity' like Michael Keaton shaving his own tongue, 'Mickey 17' stars Robert Pattinson, Robert Pattinson, Robert Pattinson, and...well, you get the idea. It's 'Dumb and Dumber', too, for all you Beavis and Butthead jackasses. But this is 'The Batman's' best role since the darkest of nights, and one hell of a good time for the 'Twilight' superstar turned world's finest actor. 'The Lighthouse', 'Tenet', 'Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire'. This is one of Pattinson's most perfect performances ever. Like you've never seen...or heard him before. You want to talk about people playing conflicted characters to the hilt? How about someone who literally displays all parts of a person's personality for all to see, right there in front of you? The id, the superego, it's all there for you to unpack in your next cinematic session, which is amongst the best dark room therapy tickets can buy these days.

Bong lowers the boom too. Joon jabs at America, as the Korean returns to English language movies like the two this shares DNA with. Not to mention the social society of an applied age where we treat people like they are replaceable. The post-apocalyptic dystopian days broken promises of 'Snowpiercer', whose train even tunnelled its way to a Netflix series. The streaming service's outstanding 'Okja' creature feature that shows us how we really treat all creatures great and small. Seventeen, like a J-Pop group, also brings us the K drama of a colony that renders people as expendables like Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Unless those people are self-appointed "lords" of all these flies. With red caps, covering ignorance as well as they do bald patches, tipped to trumped-up politicians who crave attention and power, without giving any to the people they should ask themselves what they can do for. With an almost Harrison Ford, Red Hulk rage, Avenger and outspoken campaigning actor Mark Ruffalo (even gaudier than his 'Poor Things' character meets Stanley Tucci in 'The Hunger Games') and the great Toni Collette are basically playing The Donald and Melania.

Add the 'Beef' of the great Steven Yeun playing a total prick to absolute perfection. in this cut, and it's a good job a screaming and dying Pattinson has himself...or is it?! He's not alone, though. Whitney Houston biopic star Naomi Ackie ('Star Wars: The Rise Of The Skywalker', 'Blink Twice') wants to dance with somebody, and those somebodies love her...and her fully-charged scene stealing. Live. Die. Copy and paste. Clone and reprint, repeat, there is nothing disposable about this film's recycled message, like theatre waste. Even if it does feel a little long-winded in the end. It's still one of the best blockbuster's and a thinking man's one too. It may not gobble up any awards, but it will garner a cult following of movie nerds who will geek out on this for generations, like a Starship Trooper they lost their hearts too. This frozen-over piercer of a snow planet full of Creepers and more creeps and males with problems than a Radiohead song really plugs in. It's an epic experiment that works over and over again. No matter what it throws at you. Messy, but meaningful, this Mickey is no mouse in a world of men that act like rats. Eliminate that! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Snowpiercer', 'Okja', 'Multiplicity'.

REVIEW: MOANA 2

3.5/5

With A Paddle

100 Mins. Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger & Alan Tudyk. Screenplay: Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller. Directors: Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller & David Derrick Jr. On: Disney +.

Setting sail on Disney Plus finally, after last fall's fond reception at the box office, 'Moana 2' makes its way to your streaming shores. Originally, you might have found the super sequel to the 2016 smash hit here. As the follow-up to the original movie, that is so good it will already have its own live-action feature film version next year, was originally conceived as a Disney + miniseries, like the 'Gone Fishing' short. But alas and aloha, 'Moana' is just too massive a franchise for Walt Disney's Animated Studios, without the Pixar lamplight shone upon it. You only have to watch the shorts (and we're talking like less than a minute short) on Disney Plus of 'A Fan Celebration Of Moana'. Serving as everything from better looks at pets than YouTube videos and make-up tutorials. Look at us, like Paul Rudd. Or should I say, "look at them!" Because look at this writer who waits for Disney films (aside from Marvel and Star Wars ones) to hit a Plus before he writes his reviews. But, hey, I live in Japan, we get all the films late.

I watched 'Moana' the day before yesterday to get ready for the March 26th streaming release of 'Moana 2'...shamefully, for the first time. WHAT?! It's been almost a decade. I know, I know. Ditto for the 'Fan Celebration Of Moana' (it's not hard to binge a series like that), the morning of. Setting everything up for the perfect mid-week Disney day, sorry 'Daredevil'...two episodes this week is just too much these days for someone heading to the bay of 40. 'Moana 2' directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller and David Derrick Jr., with a screenplay from Jared Bush and Miller brings all your favourites back on song, dancing for this wicked musical. The absolutely amazing Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson (with The Rock reprising his role in the live-action...hey, he's demi-God big enough), Boba Fett himself Temuera Morrison, the grandmother spirit of Rachel House, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and the great, screaming Alan Tudyk as your favourite boat snack.

Grossing a billi after one hundred and fifty milli (who am I? Lil' Wayne? I didn't even buy a ticket), this refreshing reunion is anything but waterlogged. This boat rocks too, with a new wayfinding crew that reconnects all sorts of people, for all of those looking out to sea for the ones they've lost along the way. And if you miss the cuteness of the head-tilting, like the ocean, baby 'Moana', then rest assured, she has a little sister who is just as kawaii to the button. The songwriting of 'Hamilton's' very own Lin-Manuel Miranda may be missed, but Abigial Barlow and Emily Bear still hit the high-notes with earworms that will make your "keep the kids happy" car playlists. No need to let it go. The third-highest cinematic journey of last calendar also received a Golden Globe animation nomination, despite the critical water being mixed. But where was the Oscar love? No matter. The coconut pirates knocking together are still a hit, and a vivid post credits scene promises more. 'Moana 2' is a lovely movie that fits with the first one perfectly. A beautiful story about family and coming of age. The very definition of "aloha". TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Moana', 'Encanto', 'Raya And The Last Dragon'.

REVIEW: CONCLAVE

4/5

The One Pope

120 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, Brian F. O'Byrne, John Lithgow & Isabella Rossellini. Screenplay: Peter Straughan. Director: Edward Berger. In: Theatres.

Original cardinal sin. Here are some popes that even Ricky Gervais can't mess with. Even though Gervais' Golden Globe gag was as great as THE roast of Hollywood in his final show as host, Jonathan Pryce's face was right. Keep 'The Two Popes' names out of your f#####g mouth! That Anthony Hopkins co-starring Netflix hit is a straight classic. Yet it's concave in relation to 'Conclave'. The Edward Berger (the amazing, new (Netflix) 'All Quiet On The Western Front') political thriller, scripted by Peter Straughan ('Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'), based on the book by 'The Ghost Writer's' Robert Harris. A 'Spotlight' on the Catholic Church so good kit even bests the two popes of Jude Law's 'The Young Pope' and 'The New Pope', second series, being John Malkovich. The best religious drama since Paul Scharder's 'First Reformed', armed with an explosive twist in its end, 'Conclave' just might be the best picture of the year. Even if the SAG Award-winning shoo-in (see: Moore, Demi) was pipped to the post at the Oscars by Mickey Madison and the workers of the amazing 'Anora' (see also: more Demi).

The Pope is dead. Long live. And this time, Highlander, there can only be one, unlike the two previous pope productions we just mentioned. This epic ensemble piece features big names doing big things in the form of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and a scene stealing Isabella Rossellini (laminate THAT, Ross!), but it gets even deeper the further you go down the call-sheet. Sex (not that kind, thankfully, as my parents were concerned going into that movie back home, when a couple of old dears coming out of the cinema complained about all the hanky-panky, and words to that effect (they were talking about 'Anora', of course)), scandal and other sordid details, 'Conclave' is a classic in its attention to detail. Finally released in Japan's indie cinemas (like it's still showing in the U.K. Everyman ones), the film is a cinematographer (Stéphane Fontaine) and sound engineer's dream. Thanks to my father's eloquent explanation (seeing it at the same time, albeit across the globe). There is a long speech early on where Ralph Fiennes speaks to a hundred plus cardinals in an old room with a lot of reverberation. Then dialling back the sound, the movie's production filters Fiennes voice so it sounds like he's talking to just you.

Which is very important...because that's exactly what he's doing in a first-person, fourth wall breaking speech that is really a sign of our times and the best since that blockbuster 'Barbie' one boxed up an Oscar nomination for America. You need to hear this, and that, and not read it here. Either way, Fiennes is formidable, 'The English Patient' showing patience and grace under pressure as everything is going up in smoke around him as the world is waiting and looking for the signal of a new pope. Kudos are in order for the people's choice, Stanley Tucci, too. My balding inspo and quite possibly one of the most versatile and vivid acting talents around. I mean, have you seen 'The Lovely Bones', or 'The Hunger Games' (the latter giving me hope for the future)? Pair these two with the inspired Isabella Rossellini, making the most of her moment, like all women in her place, and the always amazing (see the formidable first episode of 'The Old Man', where his back and forth with Jeff Bridges is even better than the geriatric John Wick shtick and tricks) John Lithgow, and you'll have no need for his sad face courtesy of Conan, urging you to wrap it up like Adrien Brody should have, chewing the scenery, like the gum he tossed. This ain't his first rodeo, like his beautiful moment with Colin Farrell, during 'The Penguin's' SAG Award speech.

This church in the wild has grossed over 100 million dollars at the box-office on a budget set barely at 20. This conclave election of secrets and lies is out for the world to see now after its premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival. Praised performances. Critics choices. One of the National Board of Review and American Film Institute's top ten films of the last calendar cycle of cinema. "Absolute", as Scorsese would put it in a meme. Tying 'The Brutalist' for BAFTA's (four) and winning a Golden Globe (hey, Rickey") for screenplay, it may have come up short with The Academy, but it was still a major candidate. Just like the supporting character actor performances of aid Brian F. O'Byrne, a heartbreakingly good Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, ready for an Elvis Costello movie, and a revelatory Carlos Diehz. The final moments are worthy of all our applause, as you won't know the real truth like 'The Da Vinci Code' until the final chapter of this sermon, served with spirit from the Holy Ghost. And like the subtle symbolism of a tortoise in the final frame, this is the slow progress of a new world we can walk to together. One thing in 'Conclave' that needn't be up for debate. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Two Popes', 'The New Pope', 'First Reformed'.

TV REVIEW: WIN OR LOSE - Miniseries

3.5/5

Bases Are Loaded

8 Episodes. Starring: Will Forte, Izaac Wang, Ian Chen, Jo Firestone, Winston Vengapally, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson, Erin Keif, Rosie Foss, Rosa Salazar, Chanel Stewart, Dorien Watson, Lil Rel Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Flula Borg, Kyliegh Curran & Rhea Seehorn. Showrunners: Carrie Hobson & Michael Yates. On: Disney +.

PLAY BALL! If Disney Plus doesn't have enough 'Daredevils', 'And/or' 'Star Wars' shows for you to stream through their shared universe, then wait until Pixar productions come back under the lamplight. Right after Mickey Mouse's house gave us an animated multiverse of 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man', and then Hulu's 'Paradise' showed you a whole new world under a Stephen King like dome came 'Win Or Lose'. Yet, unlike the 'Monsters Inc' ('Monsters At Work') and 'Inside Out ('Dream Productions') offshoots, this sports dramedy from showrunners Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates serves as Pixar studio's first original scripted series. And what a great one at that. Especially when it comes to the cute sweat soaked character (if you can believe it) and the applied dating (I also like pizza), two-episode premiere like most Plus shows, for this eight episode wonder of a series whose episodes come at you like animals in the ark.

Will Forte and Lil Rel Howery (just wait until you hear him sing K-Ci and JoJo's 'All My Life') highlight a crack cast of voices, including Izaac Wang, Ian Chen, Jo Firestone, Winston Vengapally, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson, Erin Keif, Rosie Foss, Rosa Salazar, Chanel Stewart, Dorien Watson, Melissa Villaseñor, Flula Borg, Kyliegh Curran and Rhea Seehorn. Yet for all those from the dugout at bat, it's the co-ed narrative of this final championship game, from the perspective of all the Pickles players, coaches, family and fans, that really rounds for home and the good time feeling that only Disney could provide in a time when we really need it. Even Tarantino would have to tip his cap to the nuanced narrative of the most beautiful baseball pitch since a Costner 'Field Of Dreams'. It's right on the 'Moneyball' with a Jonah Hill clenched fist. All the epic events are pitched at you with as many different unique visual styles as Shoehi Ohtani has curveballs to his already better than Babe, homer of a G.O.A.T. game.

Sweating the big stuff. Treating dating apps like a video game (I mean, they're not wrong). The influence of emojis. Shopping your skills online. The power of our imagination. An animated love. That sinking feeling. And even some little lips. They're all on display to act as a metaphor for our anxieties, yearning, passion, drive to survive, wonder, insecurities, fear and all the other things we're hiding behind the reflection of a black mirror. Although some have criticized Disney for pulling a storyline involving a transgender character. Perhaps they are just responding to all the backlash they have received by trying to tell stories with every colour from the rainbow under their umbrella. Maybe they don't want to appear like they're loading the bases, like they're box ticking. But it's like the great Jane Fonda said for her lifetime achievement speech at the SAG Awards, "being woke just means you give a damn about other people." Despite that loss, this cool concept conceived by Hobson and Yates over experiencing the same event over 'Toy Story 4' differently, still wins. You're out of here! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Dream Productions', 'Monsters At Work', 'Meet The Pickles: The Making Of 'Win Or Lose'.

REVIEW: ANORA

4/5

What Happened In Vegas.

139 Mins. Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan & Aleksei Serebryakov. Screenplay: Sean Baker. Director: Sean Baker. In: Theatres.

For your consideration, the one Oscar winner you won't soon forget. Even though, like the Grammys, Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Weekend, motion picture's major event in February is soon as forlorn as those lost lovers whose Valentines never wrote back. This love story hurts like hell too. A new 'Pretty Woman' for our 'American Honey' age of 'Hustlers', feeling like the anxiety attack of the Safdie Brother's very own 'Uncut Gems' (some call it a 'Good Time'). This raw and ready, polished indie is a little rough around the edges, too. Giving sex workers the love they deserve and not the kind that goes below the belt. Thinking another dollar bill put there will erase all the pain caused by men who think women can be bought and discarded as quickly as the divorce courts that look more like a sham than the Las Vegas chapels that birthed all this risky business. Cue the Cruise-esque sock slide from the rich kid hiding behind those Ray Charles shades.

Mickey Madison, name alone, just sounds like a Hollywood star. She is. Yet she's much more than that. She's a Best Actress award winner for the Best Picture that beat out ("out" people...not off) more popes than Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. Make that two now. Once upon a time...in Hollywood, she made her name, like Margaret Qualley, in a Quentin Tarantino movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and half of Hollywood, like Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, and the late, great Luke Perry and Burt Reynolds. Making her mark as a Manson murderer in all black, like 'Elvis' to be, and win, Austin Butler (even the one that ran away was the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and 'Stranger Things' star in her own right, Maya Hawke). Glass tables, dog bites and knife fights. All manner of things happened to her before she met her end by the flame throwing hands of DiCaprio by the pool. But this is Mickey Madison, the actress, like the SAG card and award show intro speech said.

With even more substance than the great Demi Moore, this amazing Academy actress shocked the world when she took home the goldest gleam a fortnight ago. An upset after Demi won more awards that practically had the envelope in her hands. Yet Madison was beyond happy as she confirmed herself as the next big star in town like Jennifer Lawrence and the 'Poor Thing' who handed the award, Emma Stone, before her. There's a new Mickey in the Tinseltown that Walt's mouse made famous, and hey, she's more than fine. Yes, this movie features more F bombs than...hey, we can't top that Conan joke, and there's so much sex here they needed a team of intimacy coordinators (let alone one), but this isn't the selling point on this bold, beautiful and brutal drama. Even though, Madison wows with a dance (how does she do that thing with her legs so effortlessly, gracefully AND sexily?) that could even top Zoe Saldaña's supporting sweep in 'Emilia Perez'. She's much more than that naked ambition and truth, The real acting and artistry comes later in dramatic strokes, all the way to the truly heartbreaking end that will stay with you. Just like the message needs to. A modern love metaphor that money can't buy, or time can't rush. Because look what happens when we "like" someone and dismiss them just as quickly with a swipe of the hand.

'Anora' in big, red, Neon neon letters (not to be confused with Star War's 'Andor', no matter how much you're looking forward to the forthcoming second season) is so much more, too. Winning director and screenplay Oscars for Sean Baker ('Four Letter Words') who also produced and edited this picture. This New York stripper meets Russian oligarch son also shows us the classic sides of the city, like Coney Island, amongst all the sleazy sides of Sin City across the coast. This 77th Cannes Film Festival favourite and Palme d'Or winner also features stars of the future across the board. Namely, Golden Eagle Award Winner ('AK-47') Yura Borisov, who deserves his Best Supporting Actor for his heartfelt, hilarious and haunted performance that would have stolen the show if it wasn't for Mickey Madison's moment. Mark Eydelshteyn is cutely charming. Whilst Karren Karagulian will do anything to get the job done. Especially when he has the fumbling Vache Tovmasyan and fierce Aleksei Serebryakov to deal with. And just wait until you meet mother Russia. This indecent proposal of a movie is a motherf####r. Enough to make Mickey 'Scream' like said movie that helped her get the gig. Inspired by everything from 'The Talking Of Pelham One Two Three' to 'The French Connection' (rest peacefully, Gene and your wonderful wife Betsy), this is another uncut New York gem. As real as it gets, nothing hits harder than this Hollywood divorce. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Pretty Woman', 'Uncut Gems', 'Hustlers'.

REVIEW: WICKED

4/5 

We're Off To See The Wicked

160 Mins. Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh & Jeff Goldblum. Screenplay: Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox. Director: Jon M. Chu. In: Theatres...and on Broadway, of course.

Something 'Wicked' this way finally comes to the Land of the Rising Sun, as the Oscar nomination laden movie finds a Japanese release date between Best Picture 'Anora', and the original favourite to scoop that envelope after the SAG success, 'Conclave'. This 'Part I' surprise, like 'Dune', is the brilliant Broadway blockbuster adaptation that Disney just wishes it had on its servers. The stage is set for an almost three-hour epic loosely based on the lips that read Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel of the same name, the Oz series of books, and of course the 1939 classic 'The Wizard Of Oz', that, almost a century later, there's no place like. Following the yellow brick road like 'The Wiz', 'Oz The Great And Powerful', and an Elton John classic, 'Wicked' is wonderful, with more wisdom than Jada Pinkett heavy-metal. Directed by the award ignored (why?) 'Crazy Rich Asians' director Jon M. Chu from a script from Dana Fox's 'Wedding Date' with playwright Winnie Holzman, 'The Untold Story Of The Witches Of Oz', or the college days Conan quips is finally brought from stage to screen.

Yet, it's the two showstoppers who steal it all in this candy coloured cinematic classic. There are some green jellybeans spilled on this canary pavement, and Cynthia Erivo sings her heart out like this epic was her destiny. It really is for the 'Harriet' and 'Widows' actress, who already brought Celine and 'The Color Purple' back to Broadway. You could really see her name in Times Square lights, hitting the stage, no promotional poster shade, of Lower Manhattan with her co-star. Making a perfect point about an acceptable colour. Because her bestie or frenemy here is pop superstar Ariana Grande-Butera who is an absolute joy in this movie. Not only as Sakura sweet as they come, sitting much more than pretty in pink, but also cute, charming and compelling comic, with as much wonder and wit, as she has warmth and wisdom. The grandest thing Ariana has ever done was what she did for the people of Manchester, but in terms of her classic career, this might even be more than the music. Even though both legacy and new legend making leads duet dynamically for a massive mainstream musical that means so much more.

Classic cameos. Nods to courage and cowards alike. 'Wicked' has it all. A dashing would be prince, charming you like Chris Pine in 'Into The Woods'. The love Grande found with Ethan Slater. SNL's Bowen Yang doing his best Dan Levy impression with real levity. There's even the voice of 'GOT' G.O.A.T Peter Dinklage. There are even two legends here to match the magic of our leads. 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' actress Michelle Yeoh slays once again, even if she at the Golden Globes, and I, have no idea what all that means. Add the massive head (literally...I actually think he's quite quaintly humble) of the one and only Jeff Goldblum, and the proceedings become perfect. Like his cast. I mean, I know we all know who he's playing (apart from me), but if you don't, I simply won't spoil, because you couldn't conjure up anyone better. And we work that fly green suit like the buzzed big-name he once was...and will always be. Good like Glinda, this how the Wicked Witch of the West was become story is a super origin one most Marvel movies would love to be. No water can rain on this parade at the moment. We're not in Kansas...yet. This 'Wicked' will last for good. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Oz The Great And Powerful', 'The Wiz'.

REVIEW: MEMORY

4/5

Memory Serves

99 Mins. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Merritt Wever, Brooke Timber, Elsie Fisher, Josh Charles & Jessica Harper. Screenplay: Michel Franco. Director: Michel Franco. In: Theatres.

Academy season may almost be an afterthought now. Moving on in this day and age as quickly as the red carpet is rolled up. But let's spare a thought for the winners of 2022. I'm not trying to, and I won't use a slapping pun, take shots at the winner of 'Best Actor', and one of my favourites who clearly made a mistake he has mostly been forgiven for. But the moment that was heard around the world sure did take the spotlight off of other actors and their shine. Namely, 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye' 'Best Actress', Jessica Chastain, who finally got a well deserved Oscar after amazing work in 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'The Help', 'The Tree Of Life', 'A Most Violent Year', 'Miss Sloane', 'Molly's Game', and much, much more, including 'Scenes From A Marriage' on television, with reuniting co-star and fellow Juilliard grad, Oscar Isaac. It could also be COVID's fault. Since the overshadowed Oscar, she's starred in 'The 355' team-up, Netflix's 'The Good Nurse' and 'Mother's Instinct' with Anne Hathaway, which completely passed me by. Are these things on Peacock?

'Memory' serves as a reminder to all this. It's been out in Japan for a few weeks now, but this Michel Franco movie debuted in 2023. That's usually the order of non-big blockbuster and Marvel movies here, but with that being said, it's been so long, the new cinematic collaborative coupling of Chastain and Franco (not related to Dave or James) have a new movie out called 'Dreams', where Jessica plays Jennifer McCarthy (no...not that one...I think). This one, on the other hand, doesn't deal with what we think about in our R.E.M., but what we regard in our past lives. The Franco ('After Lucia') film concerns a single mother and sober social worker unpacking her past, as she locks up her house with her electronic alarm. All whilst caring for a man with early onset dementia she met after he followed her home from a high-school reunion. Stalking. Sexual assault. There's a lot to deal with in this movie that sees their troubled pasts twist and turn to an even more perplexing present that threatens to fracture the forlorn foundations that they have worked so hard to build. Nothing is easy in this movie that earns every emotion. Chastain is compelling, as always, but this might just be one of her finest, albeit sadly forgotten, films.

A moment of misunderstanding makes this movie even harder to take, when a conversation in a peaceful and beautiful park turns brutal and then cruel. Yet, like life, through all its love and hate, and patience and pain, finds another path home. The great Peter Sarsgaard (who acts his pants off in everything from his Academy Award nominated 'Shattered Glass', to his brief, explosive turn in 'The Batman') plays the man in question in 'Memory'. And you won't soon forget his powerful performance, layered with likeable qualities and quirks, even if Oscar did. The Golden Lion of the 80th Venice International Film Festival certainly didn't. And Sarsaard took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. And he should hold it high, like his character's head. Elsewhere, 'Birdman' and 'Marriage Story' star Merritt Wever could have taken home another award, while Brooke Timber plants roots as a face to watch in the future. 'Eighth Grade's' Elsie Fisher and Josh Charles of 'Dead Poets Society' come up aces with concerned and conflicted performances, and it gets even more legendary with Jessica Harper. All this should make this movie committed to memory. However, the dark themes of drink, drugs, depression and dementia may make people want to think about something else. Yet, 'Memory' is still something you can't take your mind's eye off of. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Still Alice', 'Love & Other Drugs', 'Mother's Instinct'. 

TV REVIEW: PARADISE - Season 1

3.5/5

Trouble In Paradise

8 Episodes. Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Glynn Turman & James Marsden. Created By: Dan Fogelman. On: Hulu & Disney +.

This is not just, 'Another Day In Paradise', like a cover of a Phil Collins song (with love to Brandy and cousin Ray-J's beautiful version) that is sung throughout this show's first season (a second has just been given the green light). Much like the soaring score from Emmy winning composer Siddhartha Khosla, in perfect piano, that strikes a chord in your chambers. Resonating and resembling the emotional and epic music from the American landmark drama series 'This Is Us'. Funny we should say that, 'Paradise' (now streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus) comes from 'This Is Us' creator and showrunner Dan Fogelman (who cut his teeth with screenplays for 'Crazy, Stupid Love', as well as various Pixar productions for Disney). Reuniting with the star of that show, and this one, 'The People Vs. OJ Simpson', 'Black Panther' and 'American Fiction' scene-stealer Sterling K. Brown. But the less said about 'Paradise', the better.

Trouble? You could say that again. As it's more desperate than American dream, white-picket fence housewives and families here. We should leave this eight episode wonder as a surprise, but it has shades of 'Wayward Pines' and 'Designated Survivor', at the same time Netflix is giving us its own 'Zero Day' with Robert De Niro's first television role, and Presidential campaign. This post-apocalyptic political thriller with a dash of science fiction (we've already said too much, but the doomsday clock is ticking) will already find its fans thanks to Brown, who gives a sterling and stirring performance, like he did in movies like 'Marshall' and 'Waves'. That's just what one TIME's 'Most Influential People' will do to you. In this show, that's like 'WandaVision' reading a Stephen King novel between a book of spells, Brown's at his best when co-piloting scenes with his character's ailing father (played fondly by the great Glynn Turman). Or the President of this Hulu campaign, not in competition with De Niro, but in alliance against the man that really should take his leave of office.

Remember when Martin Sheen was so good in 'The West Wing' that American viewers would have rather had him as POTUS? Well, even though right now, a Cheeto would probably better than what's sitting at the desk of the Oval Office (but I digress, because believe me, I hate speaking like this. I still believe in the grace of redemption, like 'Daredevil'), James Marsden makes his mark. Charismatic and charming like he was in 'Enchanted' and 'Hairspray', the 'X-Men' Cyclops, 'Superman Returns' and 'Westworld' star is a JFK-esque President, ready to do the right thing, like in 'The Notebook', no matter what it means for him. I mean, the 51-year-old (WHAT?!) already portrayed Kennedy in 'The Butler', so this was not too much of a stretch. But consider that the blueprint to his inspired inauguration here. Being asked to do for his country, something no man should be asked to decide himself. There's grit underneath that grace. And in the powerful penultimate episode, when he and his closest aid (Sterling K. Brown) get into detail, The Emmys get to polishing.

To be frank, it's not just them. Elsewhere, she may not have blue eyes, but 'August: Osage County' star Julianne Nicholson (check out the TV credits, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' (well, after the Oscars, who hasn't been on 'Law & Order'), 'Masters Of Sex', 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Mare Of Easttown') is sensational as Sinatra in so many suits you thought Washington D.C. had turned into Las Vegas (oh, it's something MUCH worse) in this Rat Pack big-three. Still keeping this secret like the service, we also have fine performances from Sarah Shai's ('Person Of Interest') psychotherapist and grief counsel, the agent of Nicole Brydon Bloom and Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV as Brown's kids. Amongst many more when it comes to regular and recurring guest stars who make themselves welcome to future projects and the seasons to come under this one's umbrella. This seemingly perfect 'Paradise' has been a mystery of intrigue ever since its three-episode premiere that seemed to come out of nowhere in the New Year. Sure, the finale felt a little flat, but enough of all that. There's clearly more to come. And this show is a reflection on the world as we see it right now. One we can't make heads or tails of ourselves. This is us, or this is the US? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'This Is Us', 'Wayward Pines', 'Designated Survivor'.

REVIEW: A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

4/5

Like A Rolling Stone

141 Minutes. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Dan Fogler, P.J. Byrne, Eriko Hatsune, Charlie Tahan, Boyd Holbrook & Scoot McNairy. Screenplay: James Mangold & Jay Cocks. Director: James Mangold. In: Theatres.

Unknown is hardly the word you would use to describe Timothée Chalamet. The 'Beautiful Boy' and your girlfriend's favourite actor has been making a name for himself since Luca Guadagnino's 'Call Me By Your Name'. And now with the successful Denis Villeneuve 'Dune' blockbuster series under his belt, heading for a holy trinity of a big-three, the American and French actor of Greta Gerwig's 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Woman' and Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch', is about to hit the big time. The young man, who has played everyone from 'Wonka' to Lil' Timmy Tim, is giving us the chronicles of Bob Dylan in what could be volume one of another epic trilogy, akin to his 'Boyhood' like series of GQ interviews with Daniel Riley. Going electric as Dylan in James Mangold's magnificent 'A Complete Unknown', Timothée could even take the 'Best Actor' Oscar away from 'The Brutalist' Adrien Brody, like he did at the SAG Awards. Wanting to be one of the greats like Daniel Day-Lewis or Viola Davis. 

Don't believe him? Just watch this Fox Searchlight Picture that shines one on the sixties of Dylan's life and times. Based on the book 'Dylan Goes Electric' by Elijah Wald. This adapted screenplay by Mangold and TIME and Rolling Stone writer Jay Cocks really is gold, as it mines storytelling beauty from a brutally cantankerous and reclusive man who had a hand in all this too. Courting controversy at a time the folk singer looked to plug in his protest sound and soul, you should see how a festival of fans and critics reacted to this, ready to bury an axe, and no hatchet, into his jukebox. In all this chaos, Chalamet is a spectacle as Dylan. Especially when he dons those shades and amazes. He looks the part in unkempt, curly hair and Howard Hughes fingernails. Walking the walk, down the Greenwich Village streets Dylan helped make famous, like other beat poets. And talking the talk in the cadence of his consonants, holding on to those vooowels. Not to mention, actually singing the songs, unlike the lion's share of biography movies. Sounding just like him in Dolby Atmos, where these greatest hits and bootlegs alike rip roar through the theatres and auditoriums like the arena of a live concert. Give Chalamet a Grammy, too.

The best Dylan, since an unrecognizable Cate Blanchett's undeniable performance, is here. You read that right, in a movie (Todd Haynes' 'I'm Not There') where everyone from Christian Bale to Heath Ledger played Bob. Not to be confused with Rachel Weisz's 'Complete Unknown', this James Mangold movie features other Oscar worthy performances for this eight Academy Award nominated picture. Namely, the great Edward Norton (too many formidable films to mention) as the icon Pete Seeger (with 'Norwegian Wood's Eriko Hatsune lovingly and loyally by his side), kindly like Mr. Rogers, but wanting to keep Dylan as his neighbourhood folk. And a maverick 'Top Gun' sequel star Monica Barabaro as Joan Baez, the soul of this protest story. Just like the bruised one of Elle Fanning, who deserves her own award as the woman behind the classic cover of 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan'. When it comes to the one that got away, it really is her, babe. Add 'Fantastic Beasts' star Dan Fogler managing this all, like friendly face P.J. Byrne, and 'Ozark' one Charlie Tahan playing it again, like Sam, and you have fine performances across the sound board. But with nary a word, it's Scoot McNairy as an ailing Woody Guthrie that really hits harder. Then again, here comes the Man in Black. Stealing every scene he's in, walking the line.

Mangold already directed Joaquin Phoenix to the Oscar as Johnny Cash in 'Walk The Line', referencing a Bobby Dylan letter along the way. But now, in this spiritual sequel of sorts, the 'Girl, Interrupted', '3:10 To Yuma', 'Ford V Ferrari' and 'Indiana Jones and the Dial Of Destiny' versatile and underrated director brings John back. All whilst reuniting with the Reaver of his 'Logan' (sequel to his Logan's run of 'The Wolverine' lost in translation, in Tokyo, Japan) villain Boyd ("y'all f####d now, Mutie") Holbrook (after dialling in last year's vastly underrated 'Indiana Jones' movie). Shooting his guitar like a shotgun and giving B.D. that look over his sunglasses, as a cigarette hangs from his lip, 'The Predator' and 'The Bikeriders' actor whispers into Bobby's ear, telling him to tread dirt on the carpet as he clicks. One man by his side in those electric times of divisiveness. After the epic and terrific first trailer of 'A Complete Unknown' on YouTube, one top commenter asked, "why is Johnny Cash introduced like a superhero?" Well, because he is one! Just like this Nobel Peace Prize winning writer (who didn't attend the ceremony) with the 'Highway 61 Revisited' kid's whistle is a true poet. Worthy of his own trilogy, as his story is still being written. Jimmy and Timmy could keep telling it. Then Chalamet's Dylan biograph will be truly complete. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Walk The Line', 'I'm Not There', 'Inside Llewyn Davis'.

REVIEW: THE BRUTALIST

4/5

Brute Strength 

202 Mins. Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Emma Laird, Isaach de Bankolé & Alessandro Nivola. Screenplay: Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold. Director: Brady Corbet. In: Theatres.

VistaVision captures the lady perfectly in an outstanding overture. The Statue of Liberty in all her glory. Turned on her head. Just like the state of America right now. Immigrating to the United States, 'The Pianist' Oscar winning Best Actor Adrien Brody's Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor finds a new home in New York. Fresh off the Ellis Island boat like his scene-stealing villain in 'Peaky Blinders', albeit in a different way. All before flying to Philadelphia like an eagle for an emotional embrace and reunion with Alessandro Nivola in this epic, fresh off the Greyhound bus. 

The joy disembarking in both is as potent as the restoration of the filmed VistaVision format, or the palpable and at times purposefully jarring score by Daniel Blumberg, feeling like the best of the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto or Ennio Morricone. The classic cinematography from Lol Crawley makes this epic Brady Corbet ('Vox Lox') movie exactly that, co-written with his wife Mona Fastvold, like everything after Corbet's feature film debut 'Simon Killer'. 'The Brutalist' is brutal, beautiful and brilliant. Even inspiring the interlude return of the intermission, and a perfect portrait to count down your toilet time, like a Tarantino 'Hateful Eight'.

It sure needs it at three hours and thirty-five minutes. Perfect for beautiful cinemas like the Bunkamura Le Cinema in Tokyo, Japan. Yet, this long-winded movie that will knock the steam out of your sheets and trajectory off of your sails is utterly compelling. This influential art-piece is truly interesting. Incredible, as it paints a picture of persistence over persecution. Iconic all the way down to the traditional titles that will have you tilting your head to match its march up the celluloid. This theatrical period drama is about to lap up the Oscars at the 97th Academy Awards. Ten nominations highlighted by Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. Leading the way is the already BAFTA winning Brody, with a Golden Globe under his arm. 

After amazing in 'The Pianist', Adrien has a chance to do it again. In his new moment, Adrien Brody has been on the margins of late since becoming the youngest actor to ever win an Oscar (at 29). 'King Kong', Salvador Dalí in 'Midnight In Paris', amongst many movies by Wes Anderson (everything in 'The Darjeeling Limited') as another frequent and favourite collaborator. Highlighted by his heartbreaking brief black and white turn in 'Asteroid City' and his perfect slicked back cast as legendary NBA coach Pat Riley in 'Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty'. But this. This is it! A true tour de force. Everything.

Adrien is the architect of this performance piece. He truly carries this epic for 202 minutes of fixed gazes and expressions, but it's not just him. Whether it be the first act's (Part 1's 'The Enigma Of Arrival') charm of Nivola (a far cry from his cop character in 'The Room Next Door') with starch in his shirt. Or what the great Felicity Jones ('The Theory Of Everything', 'On The Basis Of Sex' and 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story') does after intermission and in her final act. 'Kind Of Kindness' star Joe Alwyn leaning into the swift reputation he got online as the villain (he's not. No one is in love and war), the kindness of Stacy Martin and the coldness of Emma Laird also stir. Whilst the 'Dark Shadows' of Raffey Cassidy show us what we're really fighting for. Yet it's 'LA Confidential' actor Guy Pearce's piercing entrance (his anger making his 'Lawless' character seem tame) to his own house that will truly shock you to the core with what's to come in the ensuing character conflictions. Many here are beyond much redemption, but you can still hold out for hope when it comes to Isaach de Bankolé's friend like no other to the bitter end.

A24, of course, for sure.  A.I. problems aside (but let's face it, this is not the biggest blunder of Academy controversy, right now). Once you realize this is not the American dream (I'm pretty sure you got that from Lady Liberty turned upside down), life becomes so much more. And this reflection of a life raging against addiction and abuse could just as well be a mirror for the modern day and way. And all the parlour tricks we perform to convince ourselves otherwise. Here is your statement movie to show you just how much persecution Jewish people have gone through and continue to after the war and the Nazi regime that tried to erase them from earth...but they never could. If you thought this movie was about to be another fine-tuned 'Pianist', think again. It's just as bad. If not much worse for the scars it leaves down the tracks and tears of this railroaded life and time. And just as monumental a movie. 

A man who knows the evil that men do has already written his life script, although he yearns to flip the table and build it differently. From cold concrete to a cross to bear on the floor. Another whose anger with extreme prejudice can't be hidden behind the sinister shades of success and slick words. Whose warmth is really as cool as snake blood. And a boy who just wishes he was the man his father wanted him to be.  Even though the men he and his father really are carry a shame generational anger can't even tame. Bruising. Yet the real gut punch comes from the formidable Felicity. 'The Brutalist' will not sell you a dream draped in stars and stripes. Arguing that it's the destination, not actually the journey. But when it comes to the liberation of this legendary long-form, it might actually be both. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Pianist', 'There Will Be Blood', 'Once Upon A Time In America'.

TV REVIEW: YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN - Season 1

3.5/5

The Spider-Man Chronicles.

10 Episodes: Starring: Hudson Thames, Kari Wahlgren, Grace Song, Eugene Byrd, Zeno Robinson, Hugh Dancy & Colman Domingo. Showrunner: Jeff Trammell. On: Disney +.

QUEENS, in big, bold letters, comes into play over the beautiful borough of New York, as we follow the back of Peter Parker, walking back to his apartment. School bag, one strap on his back, clutching a DVD player he found in the trash, under his arm, like it was the homework he should have got around to doing by now, despite the fact that he just aced another test. Sound and look familiar? As he says hey to his Aunt May (that's not Marisa Tomei, but my oh my, Jessica Rabbit), she looks back from the couch to say he has a guest, who he's just ignored like the back of his head. The suited like money and booted like Iron Man character turns around, but it's not Tony Stark...it's someone else entirely. Surprise!

You only have to go across the amazing Spider-Verse and superior animation, in this multiverse of madness, to see that the legend of this incy wincy web-crawler goes even further than the home of Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield and the legacy made by the legendary Tobey Maguire. Since Stan Lee saw an arachnid crawl up his wall on just another day in the Marvel offices, the comic-character has been the favourite for everybody to marvel at that don't say they're a dark knight in a gruff voice. Especially for the relatable teenage generation. There have been so many amazing animations. 'Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends' (the 80s classic and the new kids Pixar like one on Disney Plus), 'Spider-Man: Unlimited, the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' and all the shorts like summer. And now Marvel Animation rules, like the separate syndicate of Marvel Television. Following the finale of the hugely popular 'What If...?' multiverse of possibilities and the return of the iconic, classic and nostalgic 'X-Men '97', 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' enters a whole new universe on Disney in the same week Anthony Mackie's Captain America shows us a 'Brave New World'. Sorry, Tom Holland!

With great power comes...a whole new end to that line that could make Uncle Ben spill his rice. What do you mean that's not the right one? Well, some of the characters may confuse some, but don't fear that it's going to be "too woke" as your actual friendly neighborhood Spider-Man Hudson Thames actually said, but didn't mean to in a bad way (comments taken out of context). Wake up! This is just a whole new world represented. And for all the 'Across The Spider-Verse' like Easter Eggs that hark back to the comic with their own web weaved twist, this Kari Wahlgren, Grace Song, Eugene Byrd, Zeno Robinson, Hugh Dancy and Colman Domingo co-starred show ran by Jeff Trammell is a new classic from the outstanding opening credits and remix of "here comes the Spider-Man" by The Math Club (featuring Relaye & Melo Makes Music) for the terrific theme tune 'Neighbor Like Me'.

Looking like an actual comic with cool cameos and real reveals, think of this as like one of the 'Spider-Man' video game offshoots for this extended universe. And when it comes to suiting up. Let's hope the next Playstation update comes with the skin of the homemade attire here...because it looks, for want of a better word, amazing. In the same thunderbolt of a year that we're about to get the first and hopefully lasting 'Fantastic Four' family on another branch of the multiverse tree, this other world works. Phase five is alive with these top ten epic episodes that you'll want to make your neighbor like Mr. Rogers. Taking it to the streets of New York with strange days and scorpions that sting like a spider bite. Not to mention what else is crammed and hidden in this kid's locker with a flash. Yet in this alternate timeline homage to the hallowed ground that is the air the swinging Spider-Man walks on, it's the legendary Colman Domingo that steals the show. The 'Rustin' and 'Sing Sing' Academy favourite, who has already voiced Batman with that baritone in an audio play podcast, makes for a nuanced and outstanding Norman Osborne. One we'd gobble up if he goblin'd up on the live-action big-screen, despite how we wish those Matthew McConaughey rumours were true. This is one friendly foe for your neighborhood Spider-Man that's leaving everyone green with envy. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', 'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse', 'Spider-Man: Unlimited'.

EXHIBITION REVIEW: RYUICHI SAKAMOTO 'SEEING SOUND, HEARING TIME' @ MOT, Tokyo Japan

4/5

Sound And Vision

@ Museum Of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, Japan.

Magnum, like his 'Opus', the late, great Ryuichi Sakamoto was more than music. The classic composer, and Japan's answer to the dearly departed Ennio Morricone, scored all sorts of sounds, sure. From the electronic (his Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) group), to the soundtrack (like the Oscar winning Alejandro G. Iñárritu movie 'The Revenant', starring Leonardo DiCaprio, changing the landscape of cinematic music). Yet his art hit even harder to the heart than all of that. The death of this dearly departed artist subdued a reserved Japan even more. Sure, he was in ill-health, but at 71, it seemed far too soon for a man who was looking his most iconic in later year glasses and shades of grey. Still pioneering new worlds of sound. Holding quarantined meetings in Tokyo's Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku (instantly recognizable in its rooms for being made famous by Sofia Coppola's classic 'Lost In Translation' starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) with Suga Of South Korean pop sensation BTS, as they crafted a classic collaboration. He wasn't done. Real artists and their art never are.

In his passing, Sakamoto left us with so much more. Just like the 'seeing sound, hearing time' exhibition that you can now catch in the MOT of the Museum Of Contemporary Art, here in Tokyo, Japan. Overlooked by the stirring and strong structure of the Tokyo SkyTree. And what a moment of truth this really is, in the amazing architecture of a concrete building I haven't seen since corona. The last time being for an epic exhibit from the Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, matching pop artist Yokoo Tadanori and his wonderful work that has inspired everyone from Yuki Mishima to The Beatles. Here, Sakamoto's showcase shows collaborations with many an amazing artist. Shiro Takatani, Daito Manabe, Carsten Nicolai, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Zakkubalan and Toshio Iwai. Not to mention a special collaboration with Fujiko Nakaya. And, yes, if you've already taken this in fellow Tokyoites, that is the one and only Tilda Swinton sleeping in a motel room, hauntingly like only she can. Mirroring her latest movie of 'The Room Next Door' with Julianne Moore and director Pedro Almodóvar. All marching along in a shadow, like the last TeamLab Borderless digital exhibition projected onto Kanazawa Castle. As timelessly traditional and future forward as this Tokyo home itself.

The actor, composer, record producer and keyboardist hits another note as an artist who transcends space and time, not to mention the hereafter, with what he shows our eyes and ears. Speaking to us from the great beyond with the prose of poetry and jarring and beautiful soundscapes that awake all of our senses and show us life is but a dream. Coming to us just before saying Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, this epic exhibition, which is drawing more crowds than crossing the streets of Shibuya, will march forwards until the end of next month. And you should catch it, whilst you can, because its meaningful message will stay with you for much longer after. This library of sound, drawing from Ryuichi's reservoir, features outside and inside installations. The foggy smoke outside, near the speakers, influencing the black mirrors of the Instagram crowd. But from the iPads and phones of his home and studio life, it's the perfect piano standing on its own that will move you to tears like seeing the John Lennon one at The Beatles Story, from Tokyo, to Liverpool, what a way to go (imagine). Especially when you learn what it survived. All before you see Sakamoto's own one, played perfectly, powerfully and poignantly by the man himself in the silhouette of a haunting hologram. This is the closest you can get to what we lost. And what we will if we don't see sound and hear time in the perfect harmony of what means everything to you and me. TIM DAVID HARVEY.