TV REVIEW: LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS ❤️❌🤖 - Volume 4

4/5

Robot Wars.

10 Episodes. Starring: John Boyega, Ed Skrein, Dan Stevens, John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Chris Parnell, Kevin Hart, Rhys Darby, Brett Goldstein, Niecy Nash-Betts, MrBeast & the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Created By: Tim Miller & David Fincher. On: Netflix.

Roboteers, stand by! The fourth volume of Tim Miller and David Fincher's 'Love, Death + Robots' is here on Netflix...and you're in for a red-hot treat. They can't stop, addicted to the shindig, as they set the stage for the new season at Slane Castle for a throwback to an old Red Hot Chili Peppers show, during the 'By The Way' tour. Yet it may as well be Tracy Island as Anthony Kiedis, John Frusciante, Chad Smith and Flea are in 'Thunderbird' puppet form...with strings attached. Rocking out with their wax 'you-know-whats' out, they really bring new meaning to the idea of sock puppets. It really is a small world, though. Because if you thought that was something, wait until those little people return for 'Close Encounters Of The Mini Kind'. In the blink of a fart, this world building and destroying is one of the freshest, original ideas you've seen...under a microscope.

The detail in this cyberpunk, CGI animated anthology series really is a marvel, and 'Spider Rose' gives that idea even more legs with a dark dystopian, albeit fresh, futuristic world complete with the cutest accomplice. The same can be said for the roaring success of 'The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur' in this jurassic world reborn, as these gladiatorial games for the rich even features the famous influencer with a bag of cash, MrBeast, in what he would probably look like in a world like this. Back on earth, John Boyega and Ed Skrein's '400 Boys' have something else attacking the block in an awesome animation that ranks with the best in show, until we head to World War II to see exactly 'How Zeke Got Religion' in a dogfight of a truly thrilling episode in all seriousness. All before the cats have their day on 'He Can Creep, versus the devil himself (Dan Stevens), or on 'The Other Large Thing' and a handy appliance voiced by none other than John Oliver.

It may have been three years since the last heart, skull and android season, but Miller and Fincher's collaborative creation is one of Netflix's best, and most nuanced mainstays. Just like 'Black Mirror', which also had it's latest season, after some time, drop recently. 'Golgotha' is as real as 'Love, Death & Robots' gets, as some aquatic aliens land on our real world shores. Spoiler alert, it's New Zealand, if you can't already tell. With a crack cast led by the ever as versatile as he is underrated, Rhys Darby's priest. Yet it's the Nick Park like claymation animation of 'Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners' that will really be useful to you around the house. Featuring sweet sarcasm and the voices of Ronny Chieng, Niecy Nash, Kevin Hart and more, from the thermostat to the electric toothbrush, you may just treat your household items with a little care and consideration. Especially your shower head. At least take it for dinner first. Adding more parts for your couch potato baked life, try peeling yourself off the settee for some real robotics and chambers that will make a killing. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Black Mirror', 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams', 'Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet Of Curiosities'.

TV REVIEW: EVERYBODY'S LIVE WITH JON MULANEY

4/5

My Next Guest With John Mulaney

12 Episodes. Starring: John Mulaney, Everybody In LA & Richard Kind. On: Netflix.

'Baby J' and 'Kid Gorgeous' comedian John Mulaney fights three fourteen-year-old boys, live on Netflix. No joke. To make matters even gnarlier, 'Dead Man Walkin'' actor Sean Penn is watching on, smoking.  Talk about 'The Comeback Kid'. The host of Netflix's kids show 'The Sack Lunch Bunch' and one half of the Hollywood comeback power couple with 'The Daily Show' and 'X-Men' Psylocke actress Olivia Munn, is getting sacked like he was in the NFL after this throw down in a WWE like ring. But please, Netflix, give this show another season, don't count it out like the glorious 'Glow'. 'Everybody's Live With John Mulaney', every Thursday, is the best damn show on T.V., even if changing the name from 'Everybody's In LA' was a damn crime and shame. Especially after the wildfires. But then again, test marketing is test marketing. Yet, to us, it's still 'Everybody's In LA With John Mulaney', like it's still the STAPLES Center (I mean, who even uses Crypto any more?) and Starburst are still Opal Fruits. Yeah, I'm also almost 44.

As soon as Wang Chung's 'To Live & Die In L.A.' comes into play like 2Pac or a William Friedkin movie you know it's on like the dropped deck that turns into a watch, or the choppers rolling through the city of minions and million dollar names. All before the maestro Mulaney nods at you through the rearview mirror, decked out in shades. Dear John and his one of a kind, announcing sidekick, Richard Kind (or forget Colin Farrell's Penguin, is that Gene Simmons from Kiss?), are joined by more all stars than the Walk Of Fame or mid-February in the NBA. A dozen delightful episodes are accompanied by some old friends like Bill Hader, Nick Kroll and Sarah Silverman (whose current Netflix special is worth your 'PostMortem'), and new ones like Adam Sandler, Michael Keaton and the great Sigourney Weaver. But it's Luenell, Steve Guttenburg and of course, delivery driver Samo, who steal the show.

Not to mention all the guests that call in and all the cars they drive as Mulaney hangs up on them like he is so Graham Norton. America's answer to witty, irreverent humour also shows late night legends David Letterman and Conan O'Brien how it's done. Oh, and the bits he does are some of the best pieces of comedy you'll ever see (Terminator stunt doubles, anyone?). Especially if you wanted to find out what happened to Michael Jackson's monkey Bubbles, or which Grammy rapper also likes to stick his hand up puppets backsides for a second living. And I promise, those two things aren't related...thankfully. We shouldn't spoil the rest of the surprises in store with this show, but it will answer all the questions you have. 'Should I Lend People Money?' No! 'Are Cruises Worth It?' Ask my uncle. But examining everything from Uber to dinosaurs under the telescope, just make sure you know your H. Oh, and if you too have been ghosted by Bones Thugs N Harmony (craziest Hinge match ever), I'll see you at the crossroads. Ba-bye! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Everybody's In LA', 'John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch', 'My Next Guest: With David Letterman & John Mulaney'.

REVIEW: NOSFERATU

4/5

Vampire Weekend 

132 Mins. Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Simon McBurney, Ralph Ineson & Willem Dafoe. Screenplay: Robert Eggers. Director: Robert Eggers. In: Theatres.

Count on this one to fray your nerves and cool your blood, as the 'Nosferatu' remake, over a century in the making, finally gets its fangs into Japanese cinemas. Written and directed with dark decadence by Robert Eggers ('The Witch', 'The Lighthouse', 'The Northman'), and based on Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' novel, this is a symphony of horror that will haunt you all the way down to the base of your spine. Between 'Buffy' and 'Twilight', the most legendary vampire that won't sparkle in the sun, already inspired the 1992 movie 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', starring Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Sadie Frost, Tom Waits and the titular Gary Oldman. This epic from Eggers brings Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Simon McBurney, Ralph Ineson and Willem Dafoe to the boil of all this toil and trouble.

Sure, 'Sinners' will entertain you more, right now, when it comes to vamping it up at the box office with Michael B. Jordan doing double-duty alongside frequent-flying director Ryan Coogler (do your research, Chuck). And 'The Substance' of the Demi Moore almost Oscar winner, also finally released in Japan last weekend, is straight scarier and carries far more...well...substance. But 'Nosferatu' is still a nuanced cinematic classic worthy of its time in the sun (erm). This great gothic horror film is devoid of colour, as it mesmerizes you in monochrome. Especially when the cold nights blow through the windows like ghostly white sheet curtains billowing in the wind. It certainly looks the part, all the way down to the classic logo of the production companies. No wonder, 'Nosferatu' coveted Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. 

Yet Eggers highest-grossing movie to date, that came after his darkly acclaimed 'The' trilogy, features fine performances across the board. The brilliant Bill Skarsgård (after Robert worked with his brother Alexander) seems born to capture these characters, as he takes the spindly fingered, long nails 'Nosferatu' lead. 'IT' doesn't matter that his chapter of the count could give Jim Carrey's Doctor Robotnik in the 'Sonic' movies a run for his gold coins. Meanwhile, leading men of our generation Nicholas Hoult (the 'X-Men' beast whose about to become 'Superman's' Lex Luthor) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson ('Kraven The Hunter' about to star in '28 Years Later', who Omega may have just revealed as the next Bond) look more than debonair in their costume designed regalia as concerned husbands, standing firm behind their family. Also, a crowning Emma Corrin, who recently gave us one of the best episodes of 'Black Mirror' ever, in another period piece, never disappoints. Yet it's 'The Green Knight' star and the great Galactus of the forthcoming 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps', Ralph Ineson and founder and director of the Théâtre de Complicité, London, Simon McBurney ('The Manchurian Candidate', 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation'), who steal the show somewhat.

Even from Eggers' reunion for the ages with 'Past Lives' legend Willem Dafoe, who just gives so much more realism to raw pictures like this. However, even his legend can't take the limelight away from the real star of the show, who deserves top-billing, Lily-Rose Depp. The 'Idol' and star of 'The Dancer' and 'The King' (with Timothée Chalamet) gives her everything to this epic, body and soul, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis nepotism be damned. It feels like the actress of 'Tusk' and 'A Faithful Man' is one hit away from being one of the biggest stars in the world, like her 'King' co-star (she would have been perfect for the 'Dune' trilogy), but this indie darling is one that dares more. Perfectly possessed with so much talent, when she acts as such in this epic, that will make your flesh-crawl and your mind descend into more madness than 'The Exorcist', you'll be convinced that this is no act. Nothing is more terrifying, in a film that evokes the employment of spare jump scares, than the blood that runs from her face, until you see the whites of her eyes above gritted teeth. And we can't tell if her convulsing and stutter-shaking body movement of pure possession is completely real, or not, but it's something else! Physical acting this year, demanding its own award category, doesn't come any better. A supernatural seduction that creeps in. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror' (1922)', 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', 'Sinners'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: SARAH SILVERMAN - POSTMORTEM

4/5

Silver Linings.

63 Mins. Starring: Sarah Silverman. Announcer: Steve Martin. Director: Sarah Silverman. On: Netflix.

Ronny Chieng said it best on his 2022 Netflix 'Speakeasy' special. "Who reviews stand-up comedy?" And yes, I did it then, referencing this (again), and on his latest special, last year, 'Love To Hate It'. The only thing worse would be to review something that deals with grief, but look what I'm doing now. But then again, it's not like I'm a real reviewer. I'm just a blogger, deciding whether I should review Snoop Dogg albums or not, because of the inaugurations he performs at, only to review Springsteen EP's that take on Trump the very next day. And to think I almost called Snoop a sellout. We're getting off-topic here, and case in point, nobody gives a f###. Not even both the people who read my work (oh God, he just called it, "work"). What you should care about is this stunning Sarah Silverman special on Netflix, which is more than a joke now.

'PostMortem' deals with the death of her dad and stepmom, and her loving mother, eight years earlier. Its pathos is exactly the catharsis you need if you are going through, or worrying about the same, or if you're dealing with any sort of punctuated pain that requires a few punchlines to dull its hits. One of the funniest people on the planet, and the sharpest comic, Sarah Silverman has been on more late night live shows with John Mulaney than she has been in her own Netflix specials (although HBO did give us the Emmy winning 'Miracles' (2013) and the Golden Globe getting 'Someone You Love' (2023)). From 'Everybody's In LA', to 'Everybody's Live'. Yet, her first N special in almost a decade, since 2017's spectacular 'A Speck Of Dust' that dealt with her own health problems, will really move and soothe you like Japanese Breakfast singer Michelle Zuaner's 'Crying In H Mart' book (that's about to be turned into a movie) did.

Announced by 'Only Murders In The Building' star and classic comic, Steve Martin, this 'PostMortem' was filmed in New York's legendary Beacon Theatre. As Sarah is about to take to the stage, warming up her vocal cords like 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy, she sees a picture of Jerry Seinfeld, then says "what's up" to one of Ali Wong. Legendary company. Then she sees her Dad and stepmom in another photo frame. Or is that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler? That energy doesn't leave for the rest of the night, as Silverman's parents are with her through the entire show. All the way to the beautiful family album in the closing credits, featuring a hilarious and heartfelt visit from friend and king of the roasts, Jeff Ross. Right there. Even if her pop binge's Wong's 'Beef' on Netflix without her. And if you think that's a good promotion, you should read his review about his dentist. Far better than anything I can take a bite out of. Five stars to the G.O.A.T., Bean.

Sarah's legendary dark humour and straight talk, and the people we now see she got it from, keeps this sobering special, light and lovely, even engulfed in grief. She sees the beauty in those precious last moments, all the way down to wiping the backside of someone who once did the same for you. In a way, that's beautiful. Even though there's no joy in this, except reminiscing about the ones you were lucky to share your life with. On the verge of visibly choking up at times, mostly with bittersweet happy tears, Sarah gets through this undeterred, and in turn, helps us all in the process. Feeding off of the energy of the crowd, and vice versa. Not to mention the energy of some special people who never really left the room...like a trusty fart. The 'PostMortem' of this relatable special is that it is more than just a compelling coping mechanism, disguised as dark humour. It's actually a beautiful love letter to two people who helped make this individual one of a kind. Oy! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming...and reading: Sarah Silverman - 'A Speck Of Dust', 'Everybody's Live With John Mulaney', Michelle Zauner - 'Crying In H Mart'.

REVIEW: THE SUBSTANCE

4/5

Substance Abuse 

141 Mins. Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley & Dennis Quaid. Screenplay: Coralie Fargeat. Director: Coralie Fargeat. In: Theatres.

Hollywood's Walk of Fame begins this motion picture. A star of Demi Moore, playing another one, in the form of Elisabeth Sparkle (amazing name) is seen through the ages. From crowds of cameras to ketchup spilt like blood symbolism, as this actress goes from the talk of the town, to walked all over. Kind of more like how Demi has been treated throughout her career. The 'Ghost' and 'A Few Good Men' icon, turned 'Indecent Proposal', 'Disclosure' and 'Striptease' star, and then industry afterthought. Shaving her head in 'G.I. Jane' for a powerful performance garnered headlines, but not the same commercial success. Now, that great movie is known as a joke that turned into the most infamous moment at The Academy Awards. How Hollywood regards its women kind of reminds me about what Moore's jaded character in the 'Bobby' ensemble told fellow 90s legend Sharon Stone. "You know, we're all whores." Never that. Even though that's how some ignorant people in the industry treats its stars.

Baring all for 'The Substance', Demi Moore won all the awards...except the elusive Oscar. Losing out to Mickey Madison's amazing 'Anora' and a love letter to the dedication and sacrifice of sex workers. Madison's moment is fully-deserved, but that doesn't make Moore's monumental one any less than. Tomorrow, it will be a calendar since this Coralie Fargeat ('Revenge') unforgettable movie made its debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, but this weekend, it finally sees its release in Japan. The last of the Oscar season pictures to debut here, from 'Conclave' to 'Emilia Perez', over the last few months. Expect its substance to be pipped to the post by the spy style of Tom Cruise's latest 'Mission: Impossible' blockbuster, as 'The Final Reckoning' also previews in the Far East, this weekend. Yet, it still holds its own, despite all that. And never mind what those Hollywood types say about Moore's Sparkle in this movie. She still looks absolutely beautiful, and is much more than all that, too. Just like Cruise, also at 62, she is defying both age, and her name being associated with just previous best roles to date.

Bold, brutal and beautiful, Demi is defiant and redefining in a performance of punctuated pain and profound power. The only sore point we have, in a year defined by best picture actors going against their own co-stars in categories (see 'Emilia', for more information), why 'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' star Margaret Qualley isn't getting the same kind of shine in a movie that also stars a delightfully despicable Dennis Quaid (raiding a Wurlitzer organ player's closet) and a voice we recognize, but can't place? Andie MacDowell's daughter playing the "better" version (they're both perfect) of Moore's Elisabeth has made good lately with Yorgos Lanthimos ('Poor Things', 'Kinds Of Kindness') and become an indie star darling thanks to one of last year's best, 'Drive-Away Dolls'. She shows us the joy of youthful vibrancy on your side, tempered with the need to realize an entitled attitude is only going to lead you to more disappointment in the future. Meanwhile, Moore goes deeper than the smeared make-up and injected substance that could give Botox a run for its fillers. Showing real beauty lies in no age, and holds true inside. Even if her character can't see that for the fog in the bathroom mirror.

Chemical imbalance with a caustic colour. Heightened sound. Grotesque, hyperrealistic imagery. This horrific satire will do more than make your skin crawl, as it hits you like the large, glaring and blaring titles. This is a 'Black Mirror' episode for the Ozempic advances. You'll look away, but what you hear will heighten your senses even more in an overloaded picture. In the same weekend that Japan also sees the release of January vampire-horror 'Nosferatu', this one will scare you s###less even more. And you've seen those images of Lily-Rose Depp. Yet when the blood is spilled here on this MUBI picture, it will really drain you. Blowing you a kiss between egg yokes, palm trees and carpets straight out 'The Shining', this is another classic on the real horrors of humanity, like a Stephen King book. 21,000 litres of fake blood was spilled, along with all the puppetry, prosthetic make-up and practical effects used to show the societal pressures both on women's bodies and ageing. But that's got nothing on the tears shed, or repressed, that we don't see. In the epic end of 'The Substance', the ensuing 'Carrie' like bloodbath will have you running for the emergency exits, as you won't be able to hold your popcorn and candy. Just like its protagonist, this body-horror movie doesn't know when to stop, but perhaps that's precisely the point. Maybe it's time for Hollywood to have a little more substance. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Neon Demon', 'Death Becomes Her', 'The Thing'.

REVIEW: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING

4/5

Mission Accomplished?

170 Mins. Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Greg Tarzan Davis, Shea Whigham, Katy O'Brian, Tramell Tillman, Charles Parnell, Mark Gatiss, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Henry Czerny & Angela Bassett. Screenplay: Christopher McQuarrie & Erik Jendresen. Director: Christopher McQuarrie. In: Theatres and on the Big Screen.

Is this the end? A franchise disavowed. If it is, blame 'Barbenheimer'. Two years ago, when we were trying to get consumers back in cinemas after corona, there was a trend to watch two very different, but equally successful summer season blockbusters, together. Greta Gerwig's brilliant 'Barbie' adaptation and Christopher Nolan's outstanding 'Oppenheimer' biography. Even the Hollywood bowl, himself, Tom Cruise got in on the act. Posting on his ever active social media accounts tickets to watch both together, the movie event of the year. He even had his own to promote, 'Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One', following the 2018 'Fallout' that was super, man, like Henry Cavill. One whose trailer leaked a year prior, when Cruise really controlled cinema, with his thirty-plus year sequel to 'Top Gun', 'Maverick' saved theatres. Tom did it all. Jumping off mountains in motorbikes, falling through every carriage on the Orient Express. Killing it even more than Agatha Christie. But still, he got beat to the punch by the atomic bomb...and a plastic doll.

We're not actually blaming 'Barbenheimer'. Two magnificent movies and a great marketing campaign to bring people back to the big-screen, despite some social media controversy that caused deep offence here in Japan (where this movie had a Shinjuku Government Building world premiere, which again we knew nothing about). But if moviegoers, in this streaming age, could really get back to those tilting red seats for two think pieces, they surely could for one born for the blockbuster bluster. Now, instead of 'Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part Two', we are getting 'Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning', which might be just the conclusion of this saga, or the end of an era. And some cynical critics are already calling time on this franchise, going fast and furious in regard to its drive. Much like some fans wrote off the last one online...without even actually going to see it. One so good, and full of set-pieces, we almost forgot (how could we) about the cuffed car chase roaming around that Italian city. Well, we say nonsense to all that. You're really in for a 'Reckoning' with a movie that matches the last, and like 'Fallout' and the 'Rogue Nation', is in the sweet spot of quality output. The 'M:I' team is the San Antonio Spurs of movie franchises, a tilt of the championship cap to Coach Pop.

With some 'Days Of Thunder' roaring from the 80s, like a Maverick, to come, Cruise is far from hanging up his Planet Hollywood baseball cap. Even at 62. The David Blaine of film plying the tricks of his trade. Highlighted by submerging himself underwater and risking his life. Hanging off biplanes this top gun could pilot, and fighting them like King Kong. Which, in comparison to the water work, seems like a walk in the park. Not to mention, all that running. Past Big Ben. Away from explosions, he's too cool to look back on. On and on. Remember, broken ankles can't stop him. He even runs down the side of the world's biggest buildings like a 'Ghost Protocol'. Like all the rest, this eight wonder in this franchise fetches far. But then again, this isn't a "mission possible" like the great Tony Hopkins says in the second movie, the only weak link, yet epically entertaining film in the set. Here, the start of this instalment literally plays like a greatest hits for this movie adaptation of Bruce Geller T.V. series. All before the classic show like opening credits and Lalo Schifrin theme comes into sparked fuse play. Cruise and dynamite directing partner Christopher McQuarrie (with a slick script of epic exposition with Erik Jendresen) have done it again. 

Back together, even though the team misses the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner...not to mention a fantastic Vanessa Kirby, but there's more familial links here. The trusty sidekick of Simon Pegg and the great Ving Rhames are joined by the scene stealing pickpocket Hayley Atwell and her Marvel cohort Pom Klementieff, absolutely kicking names and taking...wait a minute. Dealing with the straight scary 'Ozark' villain Esai Morales (and another one in Janet McTeer). Not to mention chasing cops Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis, with even more to them, this time out. Hunting red October's Cruise's Ethan Hunt even gets helps from moment making Katy O'Brian, Tramell Tillman and 'Ted Lasso' star Hannah Waddingham in a league of her own with an American accent. Yet it's President Angela Bassett (like the 'Black Panther' queen was in Netflix's 'Zero Day') and all the president's men of Charles Parnell, Mark Gatiss, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer and Nick Offerman in the situation room that will really take you to DEFCON one. Not to mention Henry Czerny and another classic cameo from the film series. If this really is a spy's goodbye, nod to 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.', then it's a bold, brilliant and bitter-sweetly beautiful one. This review will self-destruct in five seconds. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One', 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation', 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'.

TV REVIEW: ANDOR - Season 2

4/5

Rogue Trader

12 Episodes. Starring: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O'Reilly, Denise Gough, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, Benjamin Bratt, Alan Tudyk & Forest Whitaker. Created By: Tony Gilroy. On: Disney +.

With friends everywhere, 'Andor' Season 2 on Disney Plus completes the prequel's 'Star Wars' origin story of 'Rogue One'. And what remains is not only a great American science fiction political spy thriller for the golden age of streaming television, from Tony Gilroy (the writer of the 'Bourne' screenplays), but also one of the most monumental moments in the history of a galaxy far, far away. Diego Luna's ('Elysium', 'Narcos: Mexico') Andor himself, one of the most important characters in Star Wars lore. Loyal to the core and devoted to his cause. Grounded and fully realized. Yet, 'Star Wars: Andor' is an epic ensemble that is even more than him. All as this live-action show following Jude Law's 'Skeleton Crew' awakens the Star Wars month of May like the animated 'Tales Of The Underworld' from Dave Filoni. Arguably another of the most important creators in this galaxy, right now. 

As Disney's Star Wars plays TV show hot potato with Marvel, sandwiched between 'Daredevil: Born Again' and 'Ironheart', 'Andor' brings as many big stars as the M.C.U. has heroes to the boil. No longer living with his mum, Laurence Olivier Award winner Kyle Soller really steps up in the second season, bringing is fringe to the proceedings. But it's the love and dedication to the life and fight of Adria Arjona that will really win you over. Especially in the final frame. Yet, the show-stealer of all of this may just be the great Stellan Skarsgård, not to mention the one by his side, the ready for stardom Elizabeth Dulau and the episode she goes through too. And we're not just saying that because of the wig he wears. Skarsgård with more sons in the biz than Wayans brothers shows he's still the master when it comes to acting and bringing this galaxy some gravity.

The thief-turned-rebel spy has even more to deal with as the incredible Genevieve O'Reilly turns into a Star Wars icon with a stirring speech, pulling no punches at Palpatine. More than making up for the fact that this season loses Fiona Shaw, alongside the likes of Andy Serkis and Jimmy Smits, who due to a scheduling conflict has had to have his long-tenured character replaced. The brilliant Benjamin Bratt steps in beautifully. Like the cruelly underrated 'Acolyte' this epic is an empire of strong women making their mark in a man's galaxy. Like Leia, Rey, O'Reilly or Dulau. 'Paula' draw star Denise Gough brings more to the side of darkness. Whilst Faye Marsay and Varada Sethu have the rebellious hope that you're looking for. Of course, as we edge closer to 'Rogue' one, we see some familiar faces. And the more screen-time the likes of Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker get, the more you want to see them. Especially when the former puts the leather gloved finger down. With no Vader to keep him in force choke-hold check.

Don't expect to see Felicity Jones, though. And those Poe Dameron theories, as nice as they and Oscar Isaac are, hold no weight. If you are yearning for more rogues, like Riz Ahmed or Donnie Yen (they're sadly not here, either), you will get that in the form of the best droid since the original Star Wars double-act. Alan Tudyk's K-2SO is back for the first time, with even more sass, slapping people aside, gambling and kicking ass, as him and his bot brothers throw people around like rag dolls.  There are uprisings, riots, gunfights and dog ones amongst the stars that will hold you over until the Emmys come rolling in again. A dozen episodes coming out over the last month, and now it's over. Disney and Star Wars decided to release three episodes of 'Andor' every week, not just for the usual season premiere. Adding layer upon layer to this rich legacy that has become what would be the greatest Star Wars T.V. show of all-time if it wasn't for that little green kid. And just wait until you get to the credits of this epic. That's it for 'Andor: A Star Wars Story'. Time to go 'Rogue'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew', 'Star Wars: Tales Of The Underworld'

TV REVIEW: BLACK MIRROR - Season 7

4/5

The Void

6 Episodes. Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, Siena Kelly, Rose McEwen, Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Harriet Walter, Awkwafina, Peter Capaldi, James Nelson-Joyce, Paul Giamatti, Patsy Ferran, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen & Cristin Milioti. Created By: Charlie Brooker. On: Netflix.

Stop staring and scrolling into the abyss that is our phones, and look into a real 'Black Mirror'. Season seven seals the deal, as we switch off and look deeper into the reflection on the rectangular screen glaring back at us. Staying with each and every one, like the amazing artwork accompanying this nuanced Netflix series, which might be the streamers best in show this year. One 2025 that also features the highly-anticipated second season of 'The Addams Family' spin-off coming this 'Wednesday'. Not to mention the epic conclusions to two of their hottest properties, 'Stranger Things' and 'Squid Game'. Because this is one strange show that isn't playing. Unlike that 'Bandersnatch' Easter egg episode and the game you can actually play. The genius behind all this of course is Charlie Brooker ('Brass Eye', 'Weekly Wipe'). The great British screenwriter, producer, presenter, author, cartoonist and social critic. His landmark show is the Banksy of T.V. And the dystopia is real. We're living in it.

The pulp fiction of 'Common People' like Chris O'Dowd and Rashida Jones really set things off with a shimmer, showing 'Mirror' will not fade to black. Just like these two amazing actors, the star of the British comedy classic 'The IT Crowd' and the daughter of the late, great Quincy Jones, showing they are much more than all that great legacy, adding another amazing anthology to their own. The same goes for Tracee Ellis Ross, the daughter of the great Diana Ross. Supremely talented in 'Girlfriends' and 'Black-ish'. Nepotism? Never heard of it. Jones and Ross shine in an episode concerning consciousness, as O'Dowd will break your heart. What if you could be kept alive for 9.95? Yet, commercials would run free from your mouth, unless you subscribe to premium. And to think you thought Spotify Basic was annoying.

Bet you ain't seen nothing yet when you get to 'Bête Noire', starring a dynamite pairing of Siena Kelly ('Adult Material') and Rose McEwen ('Vesper'), perfectly ready to combust. Not to mention, Ben Ashenden, one half of the comedy duo The Pin in this grenade, death by chocolate, of an episode. The same guy who was a perfectly tone-deaf date on the Rina Sawayama his single 'STFU', even though we thought he was BBC movie personality Ali Plumb for half of the song. This delightfully wicked 'Noire' takes workplace beef to a whole new Netflix level, like it could be the second season of the show starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. Yet, the science behind this is one that makes revenge a dish best served chocolate ice cream cold, for all those who have been bullied, or ostracized by someone at work. Your mind will play tricks on you in this one, more than when you're on The Tube and you think to yourself, "did I leave the milk out?!"

'San Junipero' is a beautiful place this time of year, but then again, so is 'Hotel Reverie', in an epic episode that at a Los Angeles Lakers Luka Dončić jersey number in minutes (77) is almost a movie. And it really is, throwing it back to old Hollywoodland in black and white. The amazing Awkwafina has a proposition for the great Harriet Walter's legacy films (not the heaving "content" we hate so much) in this Haolou Wang directed piece. What if, instead of remaking classic movies, you could just insert an actual actor from today in them for a real redux? WOW! Pedro Pascal really is about to be in everything, isn't he? I don't hear you complaining, though. In steps the great, 'Insecure' Issa Rae, who acts as a Humphrey Bogart type character to the old Hollywood Lauren Bacall like Emma Corrin. The ever versatile actor taking it back to the days of 'The Crown' on Netflix, when they played one of a handful of iconic iterations on screen of Princess Diana. Like Spike Jonze's 'Her' starring Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson, can you fall in love with artificial intelligence? You're about to head over feels find out!

Doctor WHO?! Yep, that's the legendary Peter Capaldi looking like the ghost of Weird Al Yankovic in the 'Plaything' episode that feels, in part, like a Radiohead music video mixed with the 'Anima' short film Thom Yorke made with legendary 'One Battle After Another' and 'Licorice Pizza' director Paul Thomas Anderson for Netflix. Especially when this all tabs open mind melter takes an acid trip on The Underground that will leave you thinking you're having what 'Fleabag' had. There will be a throng of fans who flock to this one, especially when the post-credits reveal a QR Code you may dare not scan. Rest assured, it's not really a spoiler alert, but a cute 8-bit game surprise that you can actually play, like Lemmings, without the 'Bandersnatch' interactive episode consequences (I told you before, I ain't doing that to my Dad). That's worth waiting around to marvel at. From the 80s, to the world we very may live in, this Tamagotchi inspired, PC Zone semi-autobiographical turn from Booker, also features the great Michele Austin and star of the future, James Nelson-Joyce.

Now, remember what Charlie Brooker said before season six about this show not necessarily being about the belief that "tech is bad"? Well, the penultimate episode of seven certainly serves that notion, for better or worse, as we lose something we love in sickness and in health. The great Paul Giamatti and his formidable filmography are just something else. A hell of an actor, there's no two ways about it, with a voice that could narrate with the Freeman best of them. And here he delivers an incredible 'Eulogy', brought back to the one that got away with even more sophisticated A.I. than the one that put Issa Rae into Hollywoodland-ish. Delving deeper into developing photographs and all the negatives of a picture that paints even more than a thousand words. Because what about the things that go unsaid...or unread? Utterly heartbreaking, beyond beautiful and simply spiritual. Anyone that has lost a great love, in heart, or in life itself, will understand, it never dies. Just like legend. Or the legacy of this show, that might have just given you its best episode, delivered by the greatness of Giamatti and his match in the perfect Patsy Ferran. Nothing stirs the soul like memory, and you're going to remember this one.

All before black boldly goes again before the mirror cracks and breaks. Now, if you thought the 'Bandersnatch' callback was classic...wait until you engage with this. F.Y.I., upon writing the latest part of this review (in binge-watching refusal, it's better to enjoy things slowly, these days), it was announced that the interactive 'Black Mirror' episode will leave Netflix permanently on...well, today of all days. So, you only have until midnight tonight to go through with it. Anyway, back to the regular scheduled streaming and the final frontier of the divine number of seven takes it back to 2017's 'USS Callister' 'Star Trek' parody/tribute starring 'Zero Day' and 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' star Jesse Plemons as the worst Captain Kirk. Now he's dealt with, the 'USS' ship that is as much like The Enterprise as a spoon is now helmed by 'How I Met Your Mother' star Cristin Milioti (with great turns from Jimmi Simpson and Billy Magnussen). One half of the Bon Iver's Justin Vernon power-couple, welcoming a new baby in to this world. Fresh off her seen-stealing and critical and award worthy turn as Sofia Falcone in 'The Penguin' spin-off series, starring Colin Farrell. But just wait until you see what happens here, until 'Infinity'. Before everything turns black. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Love, Death & Robots', 'Phillip K. Dick's Electric Dreams', 'The Twilight Zone (2019 Revival)'.

REVIEW: QUEER

4/5

Queer As Folk

137 Mins. Starring: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Henrique Zaga & Lesley Manville. Screenplay: Justin Kuritzkes. Director: Luca Guadagnino. In: Theatres.

Mads Mikkelsen ('Casino Royale'), Christophe Waltz ('Spectre'), Rami Malek ('No Time To Die'). With all due respect to those incredible talents, all singular in their own right (despite the latter two falling a little below great villainous expectations), the best bad guy during the Daniel Craig era of James Bond has to be 'No Country For Old Men' icon Javier Bardem in 'Skyfall'. During their first conflict, Bardem's Raoul Silva forces James to play a game of William Tell with him and his love interest. The results are almost as tragic as what happened in the real life of writer William S. Burroughs, when he played this game of shooting a shot glass off his wife's head. Accidentally killing her. Now Craig plays the same shrouded in controversy and tragedy, beat writer of novels like 'Queer', which this movie adapts. Alongside footnotes of 'Junkie' and 'Naked Lunch' from 'The Nova Trilogy' man.

'Call Me By Your Name' director Luca Guadagnino may just be the finest filmmaker working today, not to mention, one of the hardest working ones. We may never see a 'Call Me' sequel, you can blame Armie Hammer for all that, but Guadagnino doubled-up with Timothée Chalamet on 'Bones And All' (regarding cannibalism, no less). Much like he has done with screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, serving up another sexually starved and charged classic after last years 'Challengers' and that "doubles" scene with Zendaya. Based on the forty-year-old, 1985 novella set in Mexico City, this A24 period romantic drama gets epic when this expatriate gets to Ecuador in search of more (like 'Paddington In Peru', also finally released in Japan this Friday), with hallucinogenic hints of Johnny Depp going rounds with Hunter S. Thompson in 'The Rum Diary'. Like when the 'Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas' star shot the legendary writer's remains out of a cannon. Damn!

Compelling cinematography, matched by a mesmerizing score by Nine-Inch Nails stars come soundtrack kings Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, give the legacy of this movie legendary status. I mean, the stills will be studied for generations like those loving the Nirvana of this New Order that even brings the 'Musicology' and the 'Piano & I' raw takes of a Prince classic ('17 Days') to the party as you let the rain come down. This hit-and-miss movie deserved more award season attention, despite the tongue-in-cheek meme of Daniel Craig sitting above his name and the word, "Queer" below. Shedding his 007 suit and title, like he did in 'A Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery', Craig is superb. And for all those who were nominated for an Oscar or BAFTA. None had the naked (literally, physically and spiritually) ambition of him. He's Burroughs, all the way, from the guns he cradles to the grave. Staring into a model set that was his Mexico City hotel room, prison as a centipede crawls on his bedsheet and a snake eats its own tail, with a tear in its eye. Like the figure eight forever and the mistakes we make. Comforted only by a pair of legs on the bedsheet, holding you closer.

'Love, Simon' and 'The Hate U Give' star Drew Starkey is the next big one, despite his character's reluctance here. Looking completely different from the bald ambition he has forming 'Relationships' in the latest Haim music video like a 'Down To Be Wrong' Logan Lerman. A stark contrast of an actor, whether he's messing around with Daniel Craig, or Danielle Haim. A look-twice Jason Schwartzman in a fat-suit also stars in this movie, alongside Henrique Zaga ('The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare') and an almost unrecognizable, but undeniable star of 'The Crown', Lesley Manville, taking hers. Yet it's what the great Guadagnino does that adds real character. In the mystery of love, he captured the scorching summer, sparkling water through the slicked-back hair of André Aciman's 'Call Me By Your Name' (the only book to ever make me openly weep) perfectly. And he brings the sweat soaked desire of Mexico to the back of your shirt as he shows us a love story we can all relate to, no matter who we choose to bring home. In designer director Tom Ford's 'A Single Man' starring Colin Firth, Ford imbues scenes, previously greyscale or monochrome, with colour to represent warmth every time someone breaks the barriers and makes a kind gesture. This one has haunting shadowy spirits reaching out to touch when we're so close, yet so far away from the one we love, or want to call our name. Now, if that isn't something we can all grasp in these yearning years, I don't know what can be. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Call Me By Your Name', 'A Single Man', 'The Rum Diary'.

TV REVIEW: STAR WARS - TALES OF THE UNDERWORLD: Season 1

3.5/5

The 4th Awakens 

6 Episodes. Starring: Nika Futterman, Corey Burton, Lane Factor, Artt Butler, Dawn-Lyen Gardener & Idris Keith. Screenplay: Matt Michnovetz. Director: Dave Filoni. On: Disney +.

May the 11th be with you. Yeah, yeah, I'm extremely late, but wishing you well on this day is fine, as I wave my hand across your face like you have a stray strand of hair there (Lord knows, I don't). Can you blame me? Yokohama, where I live, has become a galaxy far, far away sanctuary on May 4th, during the Land of the Rising Sun's national holiday of Golden Week, and not just because Japan recently hosted the 2025, Star Wars Celebration (the World Cup for dorks like me), last month. It's Minatomirai area has been like this for years. Character statues like carbonite and life-sized LEGO Star Wars models. Fans cosplaying as their favourite creations. Japanese manga art meeting the stars of Star Wars with those of Studio Ghibli. And even a countdown clock. May the force be with you indeed on the fourth of May.

And of course, you know Disney Plus just had to get in on the act too, like Mickey Mouse to the cheese that is their dual property with the Marvel M.C.U. machine. During their release of the second season of 'Andor', three-by-three, like a more generous Noah, by the episode, the streaming service also gave us a miniseries treat on May the fourth, in its six-part, dual story entirety. Much like last year's, 'Tales Of The Empire', that was the dark side to the light's 'Tales Of The Jedi', 'Tales Of The Underworld' goes deep into backstories and shadowy corners of the galaxy with more linked content for the I.P, or whatever the cool kids say. And again, it's manned by the one and only Dave Filoni. The creative director of Lucasfilm responsible for 'The Clone Wars', 'The Bad Batch' spin-off and the live action of 'The Mandalorian' and 'Ahsoka' shows. Lucasfilm Animation and the 'Avatar' ('The Last Airbender') animator give us what Marvel Animation, currently, can only dream of. Outside of 'X-Men '97', of course. 

Filoni, and the screenplay of Matt Michnovetz, just know how to tell a Star Wars story, especially with its duelling samurai and western themes. And that's exactly what you get here in this six-split in the middle, light side and dark tales of Jedi and those who would be Empire. Featuring a vivid vocal cast of Nika Futterman, Corey Burton, Lane Factor, Artt Butler, Dawn-Lyen Gardener and Idris Keith, with Pixar perfection in its animation, you will feel immersed in the inspiration of this ever-expanding Star Wars world, whether at home, or on your phone, sitting on a train. Whether it be the Ahsoka, in cool points, rivalling Asajj Ventress in origin, or the outstanding Cad Bane, chewing the Clint Eastwood like scenery and a cocktail stick. There's a new sheriff in town, but why is it that the strangest looking Lucasfilm characters are the ones that look actually like aliens? And whilst we're at it, why is this Bane, no mask, falling for a girl that looks exactly like his best friend? Aaaawkward. Either way, these tales are as true as their titles and the light and dark side of the coin that could turn your life on its head with a flip. Star Wars may be cloning shows these days, but this deeper and darker take is the real, underworld deal. Tell us another tale. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Andor', 'Star Wars: Tales Of The Empire', 'Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi'.

REVIEW: PADDINGTON IN PERU

3.5/5

The Bear Necessities 

106 Mins. Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Carla Tous, Hayley Atwell, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas & Ben Whishaw as the voice of 'Paddington'. Screenplay: Mark Burton, Jon Foster & James Lamont. Director: Dougal Wilson. In: Theatres and on Streaming.

Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like a British Summer. Late last June I came home from Japan to surprise my parents six months after our New Year in New York. During my week, I felt the warmth of reunions with family and friends and also the bearable heat of the great British summertime (humidity in the Land of the Rising Sun is no joke). Not to mention the seasonal U.K. traditions of Wimbledon and Glastonbury...on the telly, of course. Flying in to London's Stansted from Tokyo, I made sure to stay in my favourite place for the first night. Paddington. A place that feels so familiar because of its lovely community, a budget hotel that does a great Full English, a local Italian that was kind enough to say "next time" when I didn't have enough for a tip (I really need to go back), and of course the station's official mascot, the Peruvian bear in a red hat and blue duffle coat. Although I'm yet to find a place for breakfast that does a great marmalade sandwich.

English summers are just something else. Besides, you won't get soaked in sweat like Hugh Grant's character when he does the prison laundry. You could probably even wear a duffle coat some nights. That's the British Isles for ya. Back home also doesn't get movies late, as much as I love it here in the Far East. Michael Bond's bear with a suitcase is coming home too in 'Paddington In Peru', albeit six months late here. The trilogy is complete with a fourth film on the way, and what better place to bring it to than the fluffy Brown bear's Peruvian motherland? This directorial debut from Dougal Wilson (many a heart-warming John Lewis ad and Coldplay's Grammy nominated 'Life In Technicolor II' music video), with a script from Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, sees 007's Q, Ben Whishaw's warmly voiced bear visit him homeland after his maternal Aunt Lucy misses him dearly. Well, isn't that lovely?

Just you wait for a film that has more famous faces in this franchise than Paddington streets have Paddington merchandise in their local newsagents. 'Downton Abbey's' always game Hugh Boneville leads the way with his family, but this time he is joined by the great Emily Mortimer, who replaces 'The Shape Of Water' star Sally Hawkins in character. Hawkins decided to step down and hand Mrs. Brown to the "truly wonderful" and "extraordinarily special" Mrs. Mortimer. So Sally can wait, and as much as she is missed, Emily is just lovely in this movie. Alongside the legendary likes of Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters comes even more star power with the iconic Olivia Colman, playing it up as a nun for a bear's retirement home. Yet, even she has the show stolen from her from the one and only Antonio Banderas, doing the same he did in very different movies like 'Baby Girl' and 'The Expendables 3', for some split-personality, hamming it up on the open water as a riverboat captain.

Carla Tous also makes a name for herself as his daughter, replacing 'Snow White' Rachel Zegler, after the 'West Side Story' star couldn't commit during the SAGA strike. 'Agent Carter', or Captain Britain Hayley Atwell even shows up (as an American) to lead a bunch of classic cameos all the way down to the credits. Yet it's the marmalade footprints left from the photo booth to passport control that will really have you howling. This jungle book may throw a lot at you, even an 'Indiana Jones' like boulder, twice over. But it still hits. Even if some of the charm is missing, and we're not talking about absentees like Hawkins. It's fun for the whole family, from Paddington to Peru, and the kids will love it. Influenced by Werner Herzog films and Inca Mythology, 'Paddington in Peru' takes us even deeper. There's even an Easter Egg touching tribute to both Bond and Queen Elizabeth II, after her tea and marmalade sandwiches with Paddington during her Platinum Jubilee. This one's for you, Ma'am. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Paddington', 'Paddington 2', 'Mary Poppins Returns'. 

REVIEW: THUNDERBOLTS*

****/5

The Losers

126 Mins. Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen & Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Screenplay: Eric Pearson & Joanna Calo. Director: Jake Schreier. In: Theatres.

'Thunderbolts*' are go! And never fear, you're going to find out what that asterisk means* (they're just really big fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). The Marvel misfits that feel like the M.C.U's answer to 'The Suicide Squad' are here, right before new DC head honcho James Gunn's 'Superman' goes against the 'First Steps' of 'The Fantastic Four' for a Summer to remember. One with Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible' getting in on the action, once again, and maybe for 'The Final Reckoning'. Yet here's Kevin Feige's daredevil project following the Disney + show of the man without fear, 'Born Again'. And the success is doubled-up across the streams, as one of the highest rated Marvel movies in years is also one of their freshest and best. With thrills and spills, you'll laugh (as per, of course) and even cry at a scrappy crew complete with heart and the best soundtrack you could blast out of your bulletproof-ish limo from these anti-heroes for hire. Ginuwine's 'Pony' has been one of my favourite songs since 1996. You can just picture my parents shuddering as I played it from my room as an eleven-year-old, thinking it was about one man and his horse...it kind of is.

Following Anthony Mackie's big-screen debut as Sam Wilson's 'Captain America' in a 'Brave New World' to begin the year, don't expect Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Ross to cameo and lead these bold new warriors into battle with avengance. Although this is a mostly comic-accurate affair, they're named after something else, not the hulking President. Don't get red in the face, Harrison. Although, we do actually like it when you get angry. Instead, this team is shanghaied into service by none other than 'Seinfeld's' Elaine, with not a square to spare. The 'Veep' vice Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays all sides perfectly after her Marvel Television debut. Flanked by a scene-stealing 'Drive-Away Dolls' (one of last year's best, and with an actual different name like 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier') star Geraldine Viswanathan, and taking heat off of 'The Wire' legend Wendell Pierce, who we hope to see more of in the M.C.U. (ditto, Chris Bauer). The whole gang of chairs from 'Doomsday' took theirs, to watch this movie in-between filming the new 'Avengers' movie. And even the Oscar winning Robert Downey Jr. knows he has a tough act to follow on a release date that, not only gives us his Doctor Doom debut an exact calendar after, but also marks the 17-year anniversary of when his 'Iron Man' solo movie changed the superhero game in the same summer as 'The Dark Knight'.

Outstanding in Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', that movie took a minute to come out here in Japan, for obvious reasons. Especially after the fallout of the commercial controversy with 'Barbie'. Moviegoers here in Japan will also be unsettled by images here, inspired (poor choice of words) by the shadows of Hiroshima. Haunting, yes. Tasteless, I don’t think so. There's no ill intent here, but it could have gone without saying. Yet, Marvel has always used its property to make points and mirror the real-world it reflects between all the super-charged people and powers. And this one deals with dark themes of depression, drink and death, along with other disorders. Jake Schreier's ('Robot & Frank', 'Paper Towns') searing and raw movie (with respect), scripted by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, feels like an indie A24 gem inside a Disney blockbuster. Assembling heroes or villains from Marvel movies like 'Black Widow' (Florence Pugh, Olga Kurylenko and David Harbour on hilarious form), 'The Falcon & The Winter Soldier' (Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell) and 'Ant-Man & The Wasp' (Hannah John-Kamen, really coming into her own). And then there's Bob.

Is this a running joke with 'Top Gun: Maverick', where stealthy hiding in plain sight he was also called Bob? That hit Tom Cruise sequel already giving us The Falcon (Danny Ramirez), Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) and the one and only, Glen Powell. There's always been something about Lewis Pullman though, ever since starring alongside the God of Thunder, Chris Hemsworth himself, in those 'Bad Times At The El Royale'. There's no nepotism here for Bill Pullman's son, though. Neither is there for Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's own Wyatt (named after a 'Tombstone' character, rest peacefully to the only Doc Holliday and Iceman, Val Kilmer). Here he plays, Robert (not Ryan) Reynolds, and breaks balls instead of fourth walls. If you already know, you already know, but we'll save the amazing reveal for in theatres, but it makes for one of the best throw downs in Avengers tower since The Hulk versus a "Puny God," (and we had Captain America v America's Ass). You better put that metal arm back in the dishwasher. All these so-called "Losers" (word to yet another Chris Evans comic-book movie) all deserve their place on the Wheaties box and classic magazine cover closing credits, but it's the powerhouse of Pugh and the congressman who previously played Trump, going full Terminator, that really deserve your vote, pulling no punches. This thunderbolt of lightning strikes! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

*You're still here (Deadpool voice)!? Like we'd actually give it away. 

Further Filming: 'Black Widow', 'The Falcon & The Winter Soldier', 'The Suicide Squad'.