Peer into 'THE SIMPSONS' 'YELLOW MIRROR'

Yellow Fever Dream

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

27 Mins. Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Patti Harrison & Demi Moore. Screenplay: Carolyn Omie & Kai Omie. Director: Matthew Faughnan. On: Disney +.

Why do birds, suddenly appear, every time, Homer's hairline is near...the forehead he slapped it off with many a DOH!? What seemingly starts off as another shameless clip show segues into a classic concept from the cartoon. Do you know that Curry Barker's 'Obsession', not only one of the biggest and best films of the year, but also of the horror genre, all-time, was originally conceived and inspired by an episode of 'The Simpsons'' legendary, yearly 'Treehouse Of Horror' episodes by the flashlight? Now, the monkey's paw holds up two more fingers for a special episode of 'The Simpsons' called 'Yellow Mirror' that riffs on Charlie Brooker's legendary 'Black Mirror' anthology series of dark, dystopian, futuristic horrors. All as Bart falls through that iconic chalkboard gag to run some new lines.

This Yellow Submarine like trip through the subconscious is the yellow family's sixth exclusive episode on their Evergreen Terrace like streaming service home of Disney +. Not to mention all those shorts and NFL and Fortnite specials. Aaaaaand the fact that the sitcom series is closing in on its 40th year and season. Take that, 'Family Guy!' The last one being their talented take on 'Ripley's' game for the black and white 'Simpsley'. But after more Christmas specials ('O C'mon All Ye Faithful'), Halloween ones ('The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'), and even a National Geographic spoof for their new neighbours ('Yellow Planet'), this marvel of a what if has more in common with the what could have been in the 'Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition' and the time travel of 'The Past and the Furious', as 'The Simpsons' take on more shows and families.

Directed by Matthew Faughnan, off a screenplay from the Omie's (Carolyn and Kai), the usual, legendary suspects are back (Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer) for this 27-minute epiDOHde. But in this special, they are also joined by 'The Substance' of Golden Globe winner, and Oscar nominated icon Demi Moore (in a cool cameo) and the 'Together Together' talent of Patti Harrison as an A.I. overlord lauding over our children's development in the latter reflection of this mirror. A clever concept by the tablet (you should see all the things it sticks and applies itself too), although a little late in the game following 'Toy Story 5's' take on the rise of artificial intelligence with 'Past Lives' and 'Tron: Ares' star Greta Lee's Lilypad. But it's still classic, Trump on an escalator, before its time Simpsons, doh.

It's the first cut that's the deepest, mind you, as Homer gets burnt by a lamp just as touching as the ball bouncing Pixar one. There is sweet sentiments in both halves of these spiritual sci-fi's (like a classic 'Futurama', that is also back as we speak, week-by-week), but the first one has much more epic and emotional stakes. Not to mention, a legendary parody on show creator Matt Groening. In 'The Way We Weren't', Homer hits his head back in high-school in a bathroom stall (remember? Yeah, neither did I, that's what the reruns are for), and the life as he knew it is forever changed. To reveal more would simply spoil the good and meaningful nature of one of the best stories 'The Simpsons' has spun in seasons, treehouses, exclusives, or actual episodes. But there won't be a dry eye on the couch. Going back to that they do best. It's all about love and family, and what that means to you and me. The very reflection of who we are.

Further Filming: 'Simpsley', 'Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition', 'The Past and the Furious'.

RICKY GERVAIS' 'ALLEY CATS' gets all the cream

Top Cat

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

6 Episodes. Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Jo Hartley & Diane Morgan. Screenplay: Ricky Gervais. Director: Ricky Gervais. On: Netflix.

Or is that, "top tw@"!?  Because look what the Ricky Gervais show dragged in. An animated black comedy about cats on Netflix. A six-episode mini-series that claws at social commentary, dark sarcasm and an inspired irreverent humour that the actor/writer/director milks for all it's worth. In-between doing exactly the same thing on his stand-up specials for this streaming service as a classic comedian. Around 15-minutes of fame each episode, the Brylcreem and black t-shirts are ditched for a Garfield like character you could tab as the love-kitten of Bagpuss and the Cheshire cat from 'Alice In Wonderland'. This one will have you grinning all the way to the saucer, too.

You'll cry laughing and spill your milk as Ricky brings along the lion's share of his 'After Life' gang (Tom Basden, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Jo Hartley and Diane Morgan) for the darkest comedy that will also tug at those heartstrings when it's not scratching what remains of its balls in-front of the telly for the title-card. This fat cat and his crew of c##ts (oh, sorry, that's cats, but then again, if you watch this show long enough) take it to Tom, Felix, Sylvester, Tigger, Lion-O, and any other kitty they'll say hello to. They're greeeeat. Even if this is not the animation your parents want you to see, swimming with adults and lapping up all the swear jar coins it knocks off the shelf. Because after all...it's a cat.

Tom Basden is Niles Crane in 'Frasier' perfect as Ponce, a sophisticated Chartreux who would rather go by his actual given name, Rupert, but is bearing the brunt of Ricky's Bengal, with tiger blood, and cheese wiz, in his veins. Just like he did in the 'After Life'. 'Derek' star Kerry Godliman, the on-screen musing apple (or is that fish?) of Gervais' eye, and the unmistakable voice of Diane Morgan also clean their fur up nice, but it's 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'The IT Crowd' actor Andrew Brooke's rough and tumble cat that will claw your eyes out. Looking like a big bouncer in tuxedo black and white. Add the ratty Havana Brown of Kev himself, David Earl, and you're bound to Puke. Especially when he tries to get a bee to sting him. Because bee stings make everything swell up twice their size...everything! But if all that's all a little too much, just wait until a moving moment between Ricky and his on-screen feline mother, played by no other than Sonia from 'EastEnders', Natalie Cassidy.

Purr-fection comes with the great Jo Hartley ('Dead Man's Shoes', 'This Is England', 'Adolescence') who joins the Gervais gang as a 'Puss In Boots' doe-eyed, cute as a button kitten who just wants to find her way home. And yes, this Derek, Shush Creative and Blink Industries classic cartoon is part 'Homeward Bound' too, making its way up and down the estate. TESCO even has a cameo, because every little...oh, never mind. This sweet and sour sitcom, with a sensational soundtrack, gross-out gags and more roasts than a Golden Globes monologue, is exactly the "fat p####" James Corden ordered ("he was in 'Cats', too"). Hunting for mice and searching for strokes from the dear elderly. The catnip scene is a trip, too. Critics may claw and paw, but the 'Fawlty Towers' of 'Monty Python's' very own legendary John Cleese loves it. Just don't mention the reviews. Then it's in the bag!

Further Clawing: 'After Life', 'The Ricky Gervais Show', 'Top Cat'.

'THE END OF OAK STREET' is Jurassic Park in your backyard

Jurassic World

99 Mins. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella & Christian Convery. Screenplay: David Robert Mitchell. Director: David Robert Mitchell. In: Theatres.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Ross from 'Friends', and all you other fellow dinosaur obsessed millennials, you're going to love driving to 'The End Of Oak Street'. An 80s set time-warp with 'Stranger Things' going on (you'll love the soundtrack, too). Starring 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' star Anne Hathaway (who is really owning the summer, in almost everything right now), Obi-Wan Ewan McGregor, and rising stars of the future Maisy Stella and Christian Convery, not to mention, Starbuck the dog, in a family that's about to go nuclear. Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell ('It Follows', 'Under The Silver Lake'). It's the surprise hit of the summer, between stories of toys and men as spiders you all know and love, that just springs up on you, with a barely explained plot. But isn't that what we always knew and loved about golden era popcorn blockbusters? Leaving your brain at home, and a much-needed escapism respite, for this writer, to conclude a Monday triple-header, following the heaviness of 'The Drama' and 'Obsession'.

Stephen King loved it (check his Threads). Steven Spielberg will be proud. And J.J. Abrams is producing. Netflix may have something to say, though. This source code is a lot like 'The Last House', starring Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, recently streaming (we'll get to that). But still, it's more 80s and fun-filled like the COVID time era, forgotten but fond 'The Adam Project', starring Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldana and Mark Ruffalo, as Deadpool, Gamora and Hulk got into their own mind-bending time travel. You see, these Oak Street residents don't move, but does their house? Because look who just moved in. Guess who's coming to make you dinner. A bunch of prehistoric creatures that are welcomed like 'Jurassic Park', but with more feathers and bird-like accuracy, to this big-screen event you shouldn't wait for on streaming. Scary in the dark? Jeff Goldblum was right. There goes the neighbourhood.

This summer blockbuster season, you'll be getting out your seat and taking off your sunglasses, like the late, great forefather of all this, Sam Neill (rest peacefully, Sir), when you see this. Turning your partner's head to the screen if they're looking at their phone, like Laura Dern, a leaf. Because there's nothing aloof about this. And maybe, like 'The Drama' and the 'Obsession' beforehand, it's not for the faint of heart. Some of the bodies counted for on Oak Street are bloody and brutal, but also, in a blockbuster kind of way, brilliant. This science-fiction survival of the fittest film, from 1982 to the land before time, throws everything at you whilst you throw your popcorn in the air. Jump scares and actually earned suspense are back in the biggest of ways, and you'll be glad you paid to see this in all its grand, gory glory.

But you may, maybe want to leave your kids at home. No matter, how stellar Maisy and Christian Convery are, coming of age. Yet it's Anne Hathaway who owns this, leading with a rifle, like fellow 'Prada' sporter Emily Blunt with a blunderbuss in 'A Quiet Place'. This is also more sobering, richer depths with what Ewan McGregor brings to the table. And we're not just talking about that 80s delivery driver pizza from his side-gig. Mitchell's movie, like many a Spielberg 'War Of The Worlds' inspired tale before, is actually really about the disaster that faces a family in crisis, and the way they roar and rage against the dying of that light. It's thanks to that nature that makes this film, more ludicrous than a 'Fast and Furious' actor (or film), one that you actually take seriously. No matter how much the stakes, or white picket fence home roofs are raised. We're almost at the end of the summertime. Just enjoy 'The End Of Oak Street'. It's roaringly good fun.

Further Filming: 'Jurassic Park', 'Source Code', 'The Last House'.

'THE DRAMA' that we just can't handle

To Have and to Hold.

105 Mins. Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie & Alana Haim. Screenplay: Kristoffer Borgli. Director: Kristoffer Borgli. In: Theatres.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Imagine it's just gone Monday morning and you're about to watch one of the biggest movies of the year, not to mention, the second highest-grossing horror ever, 'Obsession'. In the middle of the day. On your day off. How heavy would you feel afterwards following its necessary viewing and message of consent? Oh, and did I forget to mention, you just watched A24's 'The Drama', that's just come out in Japan after an April American roadshow release, right before? The only thing more brutal than this 'Drama' and 'Obsession' double-feature, back-to-back, bordering on insanity, is making it a big-three. Trying to get some blockbuster, dinosaur eating escapism at 'The End Of Oak Street'. Hey, I'm a film fanatic who writes about movies, who was way behind schedule last week. What do you expect?

Well, I wasn't expecting this and the polarizing plot twist that we simply can't spoil, but you should maybe look up if you're now approaching 'The Drama' with some trepidation. It does feel a little forced and unfair that there is no knowledge of this prior to going in, reviewers instructed not to reveal. As deeply unnerving and unsettling as 'Obsession', this is not for the faint of heart, or those who find these themes triggering. And we're not trying to poorly play on words with a pun here. But maybe you're starting to get it. Kristoffer Borgli ('Sick Of Myself', 'Dream Scenario') gives us one of the most darkest and dangerous dramas of the decade, let alone this compelling calendar. Even if you hate it, you can't help but keep watching...even if this was on Netflix, where you can choose to continue doing so, or not, and not stuck inside a theatre. Isn't this what moviemaking on the brink of actual artwork is supposed to do? Unseat us. Make us think and maybe even act differently. Cinema is supposed to challenge and you know Zendaya is a challenger.

Now she adds another broad brush to her career stroke, with a singular name arguably as famous now, as Beyoncé. For every 'Dune' franchise and 'The Odyssey' is a 'Euphoria' or 'Malcolm & Marie'. Yet she hasn't done anything quite like this...until now. The 'Spider-Man' redefining M.J. knows how to flip between pop and rock, like Jackson and Jordan, and this bold choice with 'The Batman' Robert Pattinson (also in 'Dune' and 'The Odyssey', but so much more in things like 'The Lighthouse' and 'Good Time') is a brilliant, resolute one for the absolute movie megastars. It can't always be the beautiful, but brave, kindness and humility of a Holland Hollywood, no matter how much we love that guy. And he took a darker turn, with Pattinson, too, for Netflix's 'The Devil All The Time', back in 2020.

Before they take the whole nine yards, down the aisle of this dark romantic comedy, Pattinson and Zendaya have entitled wine and dining with two of their best friends. Played perfectly by scene-stealer and Paul Thomas Anderson muse, Alana Haim ('Licorice Pizza', 'One Battle After Another', and so many classic PTA music videos with her sisterhood of 'Women In Music', Haim) and the gentle grace of Mamoudou Athie ('Kinds Of Kindness', 'The Burial', 'Jurassic World: Dominion'). Here, the four, not looking so fantastic, get into a dangerous game of "what's the worst thing you've ever done" (I'm out!). You think you've heard it all and the crux catalyst of this movie and then it gets worse and worse. And I'm sorry, we just can't bring ourselves to say it. But what results, in quite possibly the worst thing you could imagine, especially for a mainstream movie, is a lot of conflicted empathy and an absolute conviction of the fact that real dramas are supposed to bring exactly that to our breaking points.

You can't condone what goes on here. The motives, or the actions after. But in a hurt world looking to heal, this movie tries to find some understanding in the root cause. Because if we don't identify the problem, then we can never solve the issue that is like an epidemic in America (I think you really know what we're getting at now), like depression and suicide in South Korea, and all other wars that are being fought across a world in arms that need to reach out to each other instead. We can barely say any more than what 'The Drama' is trying to tell you, no matter the critical and commercial fallout. That was always the risk. But it actually paid off, in tune to $132.4 million worldwide (off a budget of 28 mill), and sung praises from critics alike. But will this Hollywood couple holding all the throbbing hearts actually make it to the altar, hand-in-hand? Especially with passive-aggression and hypocrisy at the table as invited guests? Well...you'll have to save the date, but also the timely message of something that means more than in sickness and in health. This is no amateur dramatics. It's real-life. Something we should face and consider now, just like those rightfully opposed to this movie. Because if we want to stop the drama, shouldn't we have resolve and peace made between both sides?

Further Filming: 'Die My Love', 'Obsession', 'Malcolm & Marie'.

'OBSESSION' has a message of consent that we all need to take home with us

Love Is Blind

109 Mins. Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless & Andy Richter. Screenplay: Curry Barker. Director: Curry Barker. In: Theatres. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

An indie that just passed $500 million worldwide. The biggest original film of the decade. The highest-grossing original horror film of the century. Right now, it only sees the great M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense', starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette, ahead of it as second-biggest original horror ever.

Curry Barker ('Milk & Serial', the forthcoming 'Anything But Ghosts') might just be the next great YouTuber turned horror director after Kane Parson entered Hollywood through the 'Backrooms' and changed the horror game. The genre has always been about using surface scares to cut at something deeper in the heart and horrors of humanity. From the tomes of Stephen King and all the movies he's inspired and been adapted for (we see some 'Misery' here...but in a whole different way), to all the iconic characters (Freddie, Jason, et al) and what they really symbolize in society. But lately, it's been elevated, like a possessed person, to an even higher art-form, worthy of all the awards. And that's thanks to modern greats, like Jordan Peele ('Get Out', 'Us', 'Nope') and Ari Aster ('Hereditary', 'Midsommar', 'Beau Is Afraid'). The social-commentary is something even the subtle science of superhero movies can't quite fathom in the movie mainstream.

Star Inde Navarrette ('13 Reasons Why', 'Superman & Lois') is about to go Rogue for the new X-Men academy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, alongside the likes of 'Stranger Things' star Sadie Sink and 'Star Wars' icon Adam Driver. And this gifted youngster deserves the awards that will come her way too, Sugar! Alongside the conflicted conscience of a layered and nuanced Michael Johnston ('Teen Wolf', 'Slash'), not just reduced to a tired, toxic male trope, and standout performances from Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless, not to mention, the great Andy Richter. This incredible, inspired and influential indie is one of the biggest films of the year. Even impressing on 'The Odyssey' of Christopher Nolan, who after seeing this, is considering delving into the genre of horror more. Not content at just scaring us with the Gods and monsters of Homer.

Tom Holland loves it, too. Calling it the reasons that we go to movies. And he's right. Just like his 'Brand New Day' is on the money, passing Marvel's 'Endgame'. He and Zendaya are in both this and 'The Odyssey', but in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' they also give us a message about autonomy and possession...albeit in a much friendlier, more neighbourhood round of way. Here in Japan, 'The Drama' of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson has just arrived in theatres, and the catalyst of that plot really needs to be discussed in another review. Because it's another difficult watch and challenges you to the core, like this one. The way some movies, and works of art, ought to do. You best believe watching these two movies back-to-back yesterday was heavy for the heart. Add the surprise, jump-scare hits of 'The End Of Oak Street' (Stephen King loves that, too, just so you know) to the end of the day and it wasn't just my wages that were spent.

Unsettling and deeply unnerving, 'Obsession' is a film that will make you obsessed with keeping the lights on. Even if its scares are more psychological, that's what scars differently and deeper. Darker in its tones. Curry knows how to bark up the right tree of all the tricks and trades of horror movies, but there's something more going on than simple jump scares. Who would have thought that duct tape and Jenga would be so terrifying, now that the cat is well and truly out the bag. Much more than that though, it's the shadowy, soulless look in the eyes (see above), that's no trick of the camera, and the way Navarrette moves in some instances will send more than shivers down your spine as you check the corners of your room. More meaningful, still, when Inde screams, in her real form, your blood won't just be curdled, your heart will be broken. And you just may be left screaming and crying yourself, like Michael, because 'Obsession' is as heart-breaking as it is horrifying.

You see, Johnston's character is more than a little obsessed by Inde's. The close friends, could have been something more, maybe, in another life, if they just talked about it, and that was both their choosing. And that's another thing that makes this all so sad. But instead, in a moment of passive madness, not knowing what he was really doing, Johnston's Bear snaps a novelty, 'One Wish Willow' toy. And I bet you can guess what he wished for. Bear being an appropriate, not so cuddly name, although I could have sworn I heard him being called Caesar at one point, too, that would absolutely be in line with the corrupting themes of power. Now, what comes next shan't be spoilt, but it's what makes Barker's theme so brutal, brilliant and bloody necessary to see. And to think this all came from pitching a different 'Obsession' about an episode of 'The Simpsons'' legendary 'Treehouse Of Terror' series. Now, 'Obsession' is in the top ten of 2026 gross. And it's even more than gross.

Everything from 'Hansel & Gretel', to 'Romeo and Juliet' gets referenced here, and sure, some critics may look at this star-crossed lover and think it reduces woman in love to obsessed maniacs, but that's not what's happening here, or the point. Horror has always been a genre to shock and awe, but the bones beneath reveal more than an X-ray of the soul. All as we need to flesh out some of the deeper themes and talking points that don't get discussed in this day and age of social media manipulation. No to mention, the swipe right shopping that has become of modern dating with no actual application. 'Obsession' has a message about consent that everyone needs to be aware of. And if people can't see that, they will definitely hear that when they receive the real Inde on the other end of the phone. 

This is just something you can't put down. These utterly disturbing sounds (akin to when Matt Reeves wanted to make the Batmobile sound like an animal, or other-worldy creature in 'The Batman'), alongside the visuals that will stay with you much longer and harder than the bump in the night, should have everyone questioning their moral ground. Especially men. A more extreme version of the writing of 'Ruby Sparks', 'Obsession' does something that Chris Pratt's science-fiction 'Passengers' failed to do. Hold us all accountable. A man must never make a woman do his biding. This shouldn't even have to be explained. Just expected. Always. This is no 'Weird Science'. And love can only exist if it exists, not if it persists. The leading man knows that, as the one who has his heart turns into a hybrid of 'Carrie' and 'The Exorcist', and something far more terrifying inside. But let's stop learning when it becomes too little and all too late. The love you hold in your heart may be your own, but the will of those you hold a candle for is their own. Absolutely so. If you blow it out...please don't make a wish.

Further Filming: 'Misery', 'The Invisible Man', 'Ruby Sparks'.

It's Apocalypse now for 'X-MEN '97' Season 2

X Marks The Spot

9 Episodes. Starring: Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak, Lenore Zann, George Buza, A. J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, Ross Marquand, Adrian Hough & Gil Birmingham. Created By: Beau DeMayo, On: Disney +.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Oscar Isaac, in my humble opinion, is one of the finest actors we have working today. The 'Inside Llewyn Davis', 'A Most Violent Year' and second serving of 'Beef' star was also somewhat of a Disney and Marvel mainstay of late. Until some comments related to Jimmy Kimmel's then firing by Mickey Mouse maybe hinted his return wasn't such a plus. Poe Dameron of the Star Wars universe is in the M.C.U. as the cult hero 'Moon Knight', who really deserves a second season. Not to mention in the Sony Spider-Verse as the voice of Spider-Man 2099 that we'd love to see him mantle take up in live action. But where it all started for Isaac was in the 'First Class' then new X-Men series starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Sir Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. After a superior sequel, 'Days Of Future Past', taking it back to the comics, 'Apocalypse' looked to complete a terrific trilogy, with the outstanding Oscar as the titular, iconic villain. 

But what we were left with was messy at best. More make-up than mutton dressed as lamb on a Friday night left Isaac looking more like a Power Rangers villain, and unrecognizable to say the least. The film had its moments (Quicksilver), but they were mostly flashes in pans. Oscar's best line in the movie? "I'm inside you, Charles!" Hand out his first name. Still, sometimes it just happens like that in movies. Thankfully, 'X-Men '97' rights that ship in an amazing year for Marvel. One that's already seen a brilliantly bright 'Brand New Day' for 'Spider-Man' out gross 'Endgame'. Alongside his own verses of 'Spider-Noir' on Prime Video and 'Friendly' ones to come. Not to mention, or forget, a cult, but cruelly cancelled, wonderful 'Wonder Man' and a reborn 'Daredevil's' second season. All this and we haven't even got to the dowry on the Downey 'Doomsday' yet. Let alone the intriguing and inspired 'VisionQuest'.

But we all know what's really animated, between 'What If...?' and 'Marvel Zombies', the 'X-Men '97' redux being rebooted for a second series of your favourite, legendary theme tune, with some Easter Egg twists that turn through this season. Back in the day, it was Jordan or Jackson, Schwarzenegger or Stallone, Tupac or Biggie, and 'X-Men', or 'Batman: The Animated Series'. Well, that great debate isn't going to be settled any time soon as they are both back in this nostalgic time for animation that also sees the return of my hero in the 'King Of The Hill'. This 1997 throwback throws down with another Prime Video in 'Batman: Caped Crusader'. The spiritual successor to Bruce Timm's legend. From swimming in adult entertainment with 'Hit Monkey' and 'M.O.D.O.K', to giving us arguably the best web-slinger in 'Into The Spider-Verse', Marvel have always been novel when it comes to the graphics of their comic ideas by the book. This one claws even deeper. . Like more 'Visions' of Star Wars for 'The Ninth Jedi'.

All the way to another comic call-back that beckons you over. The voices of Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak, Lenore Zann, George Buza, A. J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, Ross Marquand, Adrian Hough and the great Gil Birmingham are back to Beau DeMayo's X-Men, fired or not. When a character says they need to return to a time when the X-Men were most vulnerable...the 90s, you can hear the cheers for and to. This is what your lost youth has been waiting for like a 'Simpsons' comic-book guy. Worst nothing ever. This is so much fun. We simply can't call the cast of characters that compellingly come suiting up...because that would spoil it all. And avoiding which, if you thought that major moment in the first season was heart-breaking, wait until you see the apocalypse that comes into the Egyptian desert now. There won't be a dry in the house for an animation as legendary as Japanese anime. Right now, they've just cast the new, new X-Men, featuring everyone from (REDACTED) to Adam Driver as a perfect Mr. Sinister, but nothing has it quite like the original, original X-Men. To me.

Further Filming: 'X-Men (1992)', 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', 'Batman: Caped Crusader'.

Yup, KING OF THE HILL Season 15 takes the throne

Up On The Hill

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

10 Episodes. Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom & Ronny Chieng. Created By: Mike Judge & Greg Daniels. On: Hulu & Disney +.

We'd say we were in the golden age of animated television, but the yellow family of sitcom's 'Simpsons' already took care of that, from the crude drawings of when you millennials were born, until around about now. That's despite that J. Cole lyric about Kendrick Lamar falling off, which we all know isn't true. He retracted all that (DOH!) and didn't want the smoke. Forget albums with no guest features. How about thirty something seasons and counting?

Half that and you get the fellow Fox come Disney + and Hulu show 'King Of The Hill', still created and show ran by Mike Judge & Greg Daniels, no matter how many times Hank Hill throws that lawn sign in the trash can...things like that were hilarious back in my day. I can't believe I'm saying that, but they still are. The Hills took an extended hiatus when Hank and Peggy moved to the middle-east, but propane proved to still be king when they returned last year to rave reviews. And just wait until you watch the last episode of this new set of ten which we hope gets us a sweet sixteenth season. Because 'King Of The Hill' may once again be the best thing on television, if you can still call it that, I tell you what. Animated or not. Couple that with Prime Video's 'Batman: Caped Crusader' spiritual sequel to 'The Animated Series', not to mention Disney's 'X-Men '97' reboot and it's not just a golden age, it's a nostalgic one. What a time to still be alive.

Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom are joined by one of today's funniest men Ronny Chieng in a show that throughout its history have added Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Meryl Streep to its lawn. Yup, it was Streep, Pitt and 'Friends' big back in its day and way. The picket fence stance with a tin of beer being their equivalent of a couch gag from 'The Simpsons', with as little as an "uh-huh." Back in the day it used to be the big-three of those two families and 'The X-Files' on Fox. I want to believe in small screen successes like that again. Now, in the revived blue-collars of Arlen, Texas, there's a few more wrinkles and a little less hair (same). Not to mention an all grown up Bobby Hill, no gout, who fuses Japanese food and loves BTS (OMG SAME!). Just wait until he talks to Hank about his favourite member and whether he'd jump off a bridge with "her", too.

In this season there's a failure to hard launch (alright, alright, alright, Mr. Texas, Matthew McConaughey once guest starred on this show too. We can't wait until Mickey Mouse brings all the seasons back) with Connie, a scruffy but lovely dog that will have you in "the feels" (Hank Hill voice) of your fondest memories. Scams, nerds and actual relation-SHIPS, in some comedic and compelling couple counselling. Not to mention a golden girl, a celebrity chef that makes Ramsey look as lovable as family. So literally cuddle up with someone (because there's an episode about that, too) before the rooster sounds another morning and just remember the good ole times of our lives and the shows that reflected them on the tube. 'K.O.T.H' knows how to keep up with the times (see, I put it in an abbreviation, I do, too), but isn't afraid to stay in its own lane. Because that's the sweet spot. And like the end of its Gracie Films like, quotable I.D.'s, season fifteen knocks it out the park.

Further Filming: 'The Simpsons', 'Family Guy', 'American Dad'.

BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER Season 2 holds all the cards

The Caped Knight

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

10 Episodes. Starring: Hamish Linklater, Jason Watkins, Eric Morgan Stuart, Krystal Joy Brown, John DiMaggio, Gary Anthony Williams & Michelle C. Bonilla. Created By: Bruce Timm. On: Prime Video.

Crusade your way through the golden era of the 90s, when M.J. was the G.O.A.T, in both music and basketball, and they even fed that animal to a T-rex in 'Jurassic Park', and you'll see and feel that entertainment was just different. Even before the real dawn of superhero movies, from Robert Downey Jr's "same mask, different task" Iron Man, to the 'Doomsday' the 'Oppenheimer' Oscar winner is going to bring back to the M.C.U., things got really animated.

There used to be a DC vs. Marvel debate. Which animated series was better. The 'X-Men', or 'Batman'?

Well we all know which one had the better theme tune, as you'll never hit "skip into", but Batman's opening card was art, too. Now the debate has been reignited with a rush of nostalgia to the pimply forehead. Because not only have Disney + brought back the 'X-Men '97' throwback redux for a second season, Amazon's Prime Video have also given us ten new episodes of 'Batman: Caped Crusader' for their own second series. Helping bolster Prime as a third wheel in the big-three battle of Netflix and Disney streaming services. Especially with their fellow film-noir superhero style of Nicolas Cage's madcap live-action version of his 'Spider-Noir' into the verse. An utter delight, live in living colour, or in true hue black and white.

This 1940s period piece doesn't need its live-action affair. From Keaton to Pattinson, we have too many brilliant Batman's for all that. Yet, how about one more in the late, great Kevin Conroy honouring Hamish Linklater (of 'Legion' fame)? He heads a vocal cast of Jason Watkins, Eric Morgan Stuart, Krystal Joy Brown, John DiMaggio, Gary Anthony Williams and Michelle C. Bonilla that are stars in this rogue's gallery war, even without the legendary Mark Hamill's iconic Joker voice and laugh. Because wait until you get a load of the one that will have you dying with a smile on your face here. Like 'Folie a Deux' with a lady going Gaga as Quinzel. What more could you expect from a show so brave, bold and brilliant enough to have Minnie Driver playing the penguin? Waddle aside, Colin!

You see, 'Batman: Caped Crusader' is more than a spiritual successor to the original and outstanding 'Batman: The Animated Series'. It's damn near an actual sequel, making its own legend in its own right. So much so that even the brilliant Bruce Timm is back to help (re)create Bruce Wayne. Not to mention every villain in the frame's origin story. A penguin with different plumage, a more gangster enigma, and a clown with a British accent who calls you brother?  Not to mention a beautiful Batmobile bonnet even bigger than this Dick Tracy's Desperate Dan chin. This J.J. Abrams Bad Robot produced gem with the help of latest Bat director Matt Reeves is the real Gotham knight the city deserves.

This wonderful Warner Bros. animation gets psychological, personal and profoundly powerful in parts. This young Wayne even has help with more Barbara Gordon than a killing joke...and it's not on us. The criminal foreboding continues on this super second season. Spinning its wheels, but not changing the mood of its Arkham ancestors. This season you'll have a rocketeer, zombies and even the devil himself. But it's when the cards are finally dealt that you have to give this crusader a hand. It's one deal you'll just shake on, even if you know in your bones, something in your hand will go buzzzzzz! But have no cape fear, this knight is the darkest and the dawn of more things, like before, to come.

Further Filming: 'Batman: The Animated Series', 'The Batman', 'X-Men '97'

A brand new SPIDER-MAN for a 'BRAND NEW DAY'

The Spider-Web Chronicles.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

145 Mins. Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, Liza Colón-Zayas & Mark Ruffalo. Screenplay: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers. Director: Destin Daniel Cretton. In: Theatres.

Climbing up the water spout, back along comes a spider. The last time we caught Tom Holland's Spider-Man in 'No Way Home' (2021), he had a spell with Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor...excuse me, Stephen (still feels weird) Strange. One that reversed all the damage that Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio did to Peter Parker's alter-ego in 'Far From Home' (2019). So much so, now nobody knows his name like fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys. But in the concrete jungle where dreams and superheroes are made, your friendly, neighbourhood web crawler is back like the Knicks in five, baby! Ready to do battle with Prime Video's 'Batman: Caped Crusader' noir spiritual successor to 'The Animated Series'. In revenge for the cruelly cancelled ambition of Marvel's 'Wonder Man'.

The real marvel, helping to save a franchise some see as floundering (not me, I can't wait for the 'Doomsday'), was one the late, great Stan Lee conjured up when he was bored one day in his Manhattan office, staring at an arachnid scaling the walls. There's plenty of Easter Egg nice nods to some classic comic covers here, too, for this amazing fantasy and superior Spider-Man film that's as amazing as one of his old friends. This has been the longest time in-between Holland Spidey films, with good sense, as Tom's trilogy had two years between each film. It's now been four and almost ten years since his 'Homecoming'. It's actually, amazingly been a decade since his debut, shield and scene-stealing in 'Captain America: Civil War'. Yet this anniversary milestone provides Peter with a fresh start.

'Brand New Day' is not to be confused with the 'Desert Rose' of a Sting album. Although Parker is working with the police, and a cucumber cool, cop character chopped and cooked up by 'The Bear's' Liza Colón-Zayas. She's joined by her former head chef Jon Bernthal, who is having quite the year with his own 'Gary' episode of the Chicago town place of gastric worship. And his 'Dog Day Aftenoon' thing on Broadway with another member of the front of house. Not to mention his 'One Last Kill' standalone epic episode of The Punisher in bloody and brutal, disgusting and devastating, undeniable ultraviolence...especially for a Disney property. Mickey Mouse didn't do Frank Castle wrong. Apart from that GTA wasted CG.  And neither has the teenage superhero in redder spandex that gets right under Castle's skin than Daredevil. Although there is a swear jar, with a webbed lid on it.

To be Frank, Parker and The Punisher actually relate to each other in an outstanding odd couple for the cinematic canon. Especially when Castle brings his own shooters to Peter's web of intrigue. Stepping into the Robert Downey Jr. ('Homecoming'), Jake Gyllenhaal ('Far From Home') and Benedict Cumberbatch ('No Way Home') big brother role of mentoring, Bernthal nails what quite possibly might be his greatest turn in the skull spray-painted bulletproof vest yet. Especially when he brings his legendary truck to bear. Not to mention being the only M.C.U. character in the movie mainstream world that can get away with dropping the F bomb, alongside a couple of claymores. "Above his paygrade?" Nah, this is what fans have wanted to see from the street-level Marvel heroes, ever since the days they were defending for Netflix before the Disney deal.

Cool cameos keep this film compelling, but collected, as too many supes don't spoil the broth. And neither will we. But don't expect any Peter twos or threes. And those biggest fan theory dreams are truly the stuff of pipes and hype. Yes, Spider-Man fights The Hand in a prison, as well as on Google maps, but that doesn't mean you're going to see another red. That one catches a brick. We do have a Hulk though, and seeing Frank take on this tank is like another classic comic crossover, as Mark Ruffalo gives us the not so jolly green giant's most considered character conflict in years. Hulk CLAP! Holland, Bernthal, and Zendaya (who alongside Jacob Batalon's best friend gives us even deeper meaning as you are thrown through a gauntlet of emotions) are having quite the summer with this 'Brand New Day' and 'The Odyssey' of the latest and greatest Christopher Nolan epic. 

Yet the real fun lies here. Filmed especially for Screen X's big-three, but like 'Odyssey', inspired when it comes to the IMAX depths scaling skyscrapers. DO look down! Set to a strong, yet sweet script from Chris McKenna ('American Dad', 'Community') and Erik Sommers ('The LEGO Batman Movie', 'Ant-Man & The Wasp'), and directed with redefinition by 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'' very own Destin Daniel Cretton ('Short Term 12', 'The Glass Castle', 'Just Mercy'), who had some fight scene set-piece help from Jackie Chan and his team...and it shows! Delightful, dark. Heart-breaking, healing...and damn hilarious. This all feels brand new, even though Tom now wears his spider suit like a second skin...and that spider might have even more bite with science bit narration from the great Keith David. 

Naomi Watts' vocal assist, 'Mission: Impossible' submarine scene-stealer Tramell Tillman, and Michael Mando's Scorpion sting gives this tale even more teeth. But just you wait, and don't speak (no doubt), until 'Stranger Things' star Sadie Sink gets into her secretive, surprise role that could just be as iconic as her running up the hill with Kate Bush and rising above it all. Is that a hint? Or should you just watch? A fantastic film, like the four, that throws all sorts of red herrings at you, all before the countdown to the end of Marvel's calendar year. You'll see none of that here. But the closing credits of New York just being New York are as refreshing and as beautiful as the city becomes when you really see it for what it's worth in the world. With possession scenes straight out of Denzel Washington's 'Fallen' playbook, amazing action and signature Marvel sauce to spice up the malaise, this is the spider's day, man. Now, with more films than the legendary Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland is Spider-Man. 

Further Filming: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', 'The Odyssey'.

This is the way back for 'THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU'

This is still the way for a galaxy far, far away.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Every year where I live, in Yokohama, Japan, they go all out, like Tokyo a train over, when it comes to celebrating May the 4th (be with you). This year was no cosplay exception, with seemingly everyone about town in some sort of Star Wars costume. But the biggest attraction was a big Baby Yoda, meditating like he did with those 'My Neighbor Totoro' dust bunnies for that sweet Studio Ghibli short.

It may always be Baby Yoda for me, but The Child still takes the biscuit...with the most adorable force. 

Grogu, the cutest thing in cinema since Disney neighbour Marvel's Baby Groot in 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2.', deserves his name in laser bright light credits, alongside 'The Mandalorian'. After three-seasons of the hit Disney + show, and seven years since the last Star Wars movie ('The Rise Of The Skywalker'), despite many spin offs and shows on the Mickey Mouse streaming service, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' is now in theatres, looking to out moonwalk 'Michael' and do a deal with 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'. All before 'Supergirl' and the 'Doomsday' of the new 'Avengers' movie takes superhero flight for the rest of the calendar that will surely belong to 'The Odyssey' of Christopher Nolan.

Yet, there's nothing like a big box-office blockbuster on an incredible IMAX screen to get your summer started. As Jon Favreau, who did for The Mandalorian and Star Wars what he did for Iron Man and the M.C.U., is back in the saddle with his Russo Brothers like partner Dave Filoni to bring George's Lucasfilm vision back to Hyperspace. As soon as that iconic Mando music comes back in, for his theme tune, you just know it's on. 

Critics may be complaining (no wonder I switched from reviews to column writing), but Star Wars hits all the right Cantina notes with this Mando lore. The opening act, teased on Disney Plus for the last month, white walks with the best snowscapes seen on scenes. And that cliff face will kick you right into the reason you purchased that IMAX seat, and not for one of the cool limited-edition posters. A couple of dogfights and barroom brawls later (not to mention an arena for gladiators) and you'll be so glad the chrome dome is back on the head of the new Reed Richards of 'The Fantastic Four', Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin...even if his legions of fans may deem that "monstrous."

Stuntmen Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder also deserve their due as Mando, like the Grogu puppeteer's and Werner "you are cowards" Herzog do for the cutest creature creation. Who would have thought that some old green goblin would be everyone's favourite Christmas present, like Buzz Lightyear, returning for 'Toy Story 5' this summer? Yet this kid is more than alright. We could watch his sneeze snow and tap his father's helmet all day long. But the beautiful bond, that will reduce you to tears is much more than that, patting down mud. "The old protect the young, and then the young protect the old," is one of the best lines since "this is the way", and any other Star Wars soundbites you love ("I know"). 

Mando and Grogu may ride again, but some are missing in the fold. Like a fired Gina Carano, who didn't last that long on Netflix, either, and the late, great Creed of Carl Weathers with the 'Predator' hand clasp. But there is a new cast of characters to add to your rogues gallery of favourites. Most notably, in size at least, being 'The Bear's' Jeremy Allen White offering more humanity to a Hutt. Some call it a curious choice for the Emmy winning star of 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere', but who else would pass up the chance to play The Boss and a space slug?

Elsewhere there's strong support from 'Dune' actor Stephen McKinley Henderson who always brings heart to everything he does. Whilst the iconic 'Alien' actress Sigourney Weaver adds an X-Wing pilot to her resume, doing for this franchise what 'Terminator' legend Linda Hamilton did for 'Stranger Things', or what Weaver did for Marvel's 'Defenders'. The biggest surprise, mind you, might be one of the greatest directors of all-time Martin Scorsese playing a chimp like shopkeeper cooking up something to rival Favreau's favourite grilled cheese sandwich from 'Chef'. Armed with more hands than Marvel has movies. Absolute you know what.

Scored by 'Sinners' winner Ludwig Göransson and what sounds like a Lady Gaga number, some say 'The Mandalorian' should have never shown his face again. Others think this merely plays like a couple of episodes of the TV show tacked together. More like the other way 'round. These shows were always known to be filmed on the same cameras as Scorsese cinema. We all know what the real "Asset" of this Star Wars lore is...especially when he finds some similar minded and sized friends, but under the hood, 'The Mandalorian' and his foundling, have so much more humanity and heart. And there's art in the ultimate space western for the best science fiction of our past, present and any future you can think of.

There is no way quite like this.

TV REVIEW: PARADISE - Season 2

3.5/5

Paradise Lost

8 Episodes. Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Krys Marshall, Charlie Evans, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Enuka Okuma, Thomas Doherty, Cameron Britton, Shailene Woodley & James Marsden. Created By: Dan Fogelman. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Ready for another season in 'Paradise' on Hulu and Disney Plus? This eight-episode wonder of a second series, from the 'This Is Us' creator/actor team of Dan Fogelman and Sterling K. Brown, will leave you thinking it's some sort of 'Lost' and 'Wayward Pines' hybrid. Or 'Prison Break' in reverse. And if you thought you heard that cover of the classic Phil Collins (there's even a President that looks like him, here, now the Cyclops of James Marsden has stepped down) song too many times, wait until 'The Final Countdown' of an epic, 'Exodus' end. Under the dome of the first season, we got to see the divide between the haves and the have nots, reflected back to the turbulent times we live in right now, like a mirror to the future. But this season, those locked below decks in the Titanic are coming up from the bowels of the ship for air.

Cliff-hangers rarely literally throw you out of a plane, but that's where Sterling K. Brown ('The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story', 'American Fiction', 'Black Panther') left us, out of 'Paradise', to end the first season. Now, the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner has to leave his kids (great performances from Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV) as he looks for their mother and his beloved, Enuka Okuma. The great Brown, knows how to bring 'Waves' of lump in the throat emotion, even to more straight-forward scripts, and it's this nuance that helps propel a narrative that's anything but linear. Meanwhile, there's a power struggle inside the bunker, now the great Marsden is reduced to a recurring role. His son, Charlie Evans, isn't, mind you, maturing before us. Julianne Nicholson's Sinatra wants things done her way, but Sarah Shahi is determined to make her think about what she's done and the consequences of her actions. Not just that, agents Krys Marshall and a livewire Nicole Brydon Bloom, could give Eva Longoria in 'The Sentinel' or Taye Diggs in 'The West Wing' a run for their guns.

Flashbacks and more back story than the notebooks of 'Wonder Man', for a show sandwiched between the marvels of that and the second helping of the Disney 'Daredevil' from Hell's Kitchen, 'Born Again', help with depth and the introduction to some welcome guest stars. All whilst seemingly setting up more in a stepping stone of a second season, which takes tricks and tips from 'Prison Break' in extending its sentence. 'Mindhunter' and 'The Umbrella Academy' star Cameron Britton ('A Man Called Otto', 'Mickey 17') can bring a mix of sweet and sinister, like no other, and here he plays a postman that compels like Costner. Whilst Thomas Doherty's (a 'Descendant' of many a Disney movie) Dylan gives more life to the outside in this post-apocalypse that looks like ides this March. That's where he meets superstar Shailene Woodley ('The Fault In Our Stars', 'Divergent', 'Big Little Lies') on horseback, holed up, with people storming the gates of Graceland, as an Elvis tour guide. The scene-stealing best in show has barely been better, too. 'Paradise' find even more, with another way to turn trouble into television drama of the highest third season order. Ready to go deeper underground? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Lost', 'Wayward Pines', 'Prison Break'.

DUAL REVIEW: BTS - THE COMEBACK - LIVE/THE RETURN - A DOCUMENTARY

4/5 (The Comeback)

4/5 (The Return)

Back To Seoul

62 Mins (The Comeback) / 93 Mins (The Return). Starring: RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook & V. Directors: Hamish Hamilton & Cameron Whitelaw (The Comeback) / Bao Nyguen (The Return). On: Netflix.

Switcheroo. Last week, Flea, candid and compelling, offered moving stories about his late, great guitarist bandmate in the Netflix documentary 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel'. The same time RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook and V of South Korea's very own leading K-Pop act BTS made their long-awaited after their mandatory military service. All for 'Arirang', their highly-anticipated, brilliant, brand-new album, featuring the streaming single 'Swim' and the 'Body To Body' opening dancefloor number. Giving us 'The Comeback' live on Netflix in the same weekend. Much like how fellow boy band phenomenon Harry Styles gave the streaming service 'One Night In Manchester' to coincide with his solo release, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally'. This New Music Friday, Flea blew the trumpet on his first ever solo album, 'Honora', in honour of the bassist's family. All on the same day we got ready for 'The Return' of BTS again, in their new Netflix documentary film. Don't call it a comeback...that was so last week.

Netflix may have lost out to Paramount when it came to the acquisition of Warner Bros. (thanks a lot, Trump), but look what else they've picked up. Most recently, not only being the only streaming provider to televise this year's World Baseball Classic, they also gave us the MLB opening night between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it's the N x BTS deal that may just get an ARMY of new subscribers following. Disney used to be the Kingdom of BTS. From the 'Monuments: Beyond A Star' series detailing their hiatus, alongside the 'Permission To Dance' swan song live in LA, to all the documentaries about the solo work of J-Hope ('J-Hope In The Box') and Suga ('Road To D-Day'). Not to mention the hugely popular 'Are You Sure?!' travel series by Jimin and Jung Kook, which just sky-dived its second season in Switzerland. Yet that was the past and the best to come that was promised. And kept, as we see the future now, live on everybody's favourite streaming service that belongs to their best friend.

Now, what better way to debut their return record than with a homecoming in Seoul, South Korea, like no other...live? How about in the heart of the city, live from Gwanghwamun Square? The iconic temple that feels like a gate to the city featuring brushstrokes of projection mapping, added on to it for the effect at night, similar to what the digitally iconic TeamLab Borderless did to Kanazawa Castle and more, here in Japan. Classic, like the traditional dress of women singing the album title name's folk song as they sway in love, sorrow and endurance. Yet when the silhouettes of the magnificent seven appear on the map of the heart of Seoul, you just know it's on, like one of their biggest hits. Performing powerhouse records like 'Mic Dop', 'Dynamite', and other smooth like 'Butter' numbers, to go along with instant classic choice cuts off the new album. "Swim...swim." All as RM coolly took a seat, like this was a 'Yet To Come' performance, thanks to his going hard in rehearsals leaving him down on one knee, in matrimony with the Boyz II Men ballad seat.

In the engaging 'The Return', a documentary directed by Boa Nguyen ('Live From New York!', 'Be Water', 'The Greatest Night In Pop'), BTS debate whether they are using too long a sample of 'Arirang' in their album lead off track 'Body'. But as they sing, "my beloved/Who leaves me behind and departs/Your feet will tire/Before mine ever do," it's clear to hear that in-yun in 8,000 past lives, these boys would still be together. Most break...not this bulletproof squad. Candour and conviction are matched with a camaraderie that shows even the military couldn't tear apart what was already an army. And when they reunite on a beach, live online for their legions of fans, BTS behind the scenes like when Jimin asked Jung Kook if he was sure, you just know this one is more than just seven strong. Sealed with viral moments and a labour of love and trust of the process in a studio setting in Los Angeles, California. All the way back home across the shore and a live, studio plugged version of 'Swim'. A new lap for a group that has already taken its victory one and is about to run, run, run together again. The return has come all the way back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'BTS - Monuments: Beyond The Star', 'BTS - Permission To Dance: On Stage - LA', 'Are You Sure?!'

REVIEW: MERCY

3/5

The Mercy Seat 

100 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Kali Reis, Annabelle Wallis, Chris Sullivan, Kylie Rogers & Kenneth Choi. Screenplay: Marco van Belle. Director: Timur Bekmambetov. On: Amazon Prime Video.

Just mercy. That's all that 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Jurassic World' and 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' franchise face, Chris Pratt wants in this A.I. sci-fi movie (I promise this review wasn't composed by Chat GPT...it wouldn't have this many errors) that speaks to the changing, terrifying times we live in. 'Project Hail Mary', the new Phil Lord and Christopher Miller space movie, based on 'The Martian' novelist Andy Weir's book, starring Ryan Gosling, just gave Amazon MGM Studios it's biggest opening ever. See it in all its big-screen, IMAX glory, as Gosling tells us it's their (moviemakers) and not our (the audience) jobs to get us back in theatres. I must admit, if I knew it was a Prime movie going in, I may have waited for streaming (we see you...or wait to see you, Chris Hemsworth's 'Crime 101'), because I sympathize with his bicycle riding (not for health) teacher. But I'm glad I didn't. On the other hand, Chris Pratt's 'Mercy' is worth the home viewing seat wait.

Not quite, the 'War Of The Worlds' Ice Cube franchise melting bad, 'Mercy' is a pretty decent movie. Captured with that 'Searching' screenlife genre that doesn't completely sap the life out of storytelling when done correctly. Pratt's ('Passengers', 'The Tomorrow War', 'The LEGO Movie') cop character has been accused of murdering his wife ('Peaky Blinders' star Annabelle Wallis...'The Immortal Man', Cillian Murphy, may have something to say about all this), and now he is literally at the mercy of 'Mission: Impossible' franchise star Rebecca Ferguson's (who actually is in 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man', on Prime Video's Netflix rival, this week) A.I. judge. He's got 90 minutes, or around this film time, to get his guilt level below 90%. Otherwise that digital courtroom chair he's sitting in will turn into an electric chair. With shades of 'Minority Report' and all those Philip K. Dick science-fiction stories that came before, Timur Bekmambetov's movie (off a slick, Marco van Belle script) has something to show and tell. Even if it comes at you more like the algorithms of modern-day pop-ups you just want to block.

Accept these cookies though, Bekmambetov ('Night Watch', 'Wanted', 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter') is the master of his screenlife domain ('Unfriended', 'Searching', 'Profile') no matter what you think of last year's 'War Of The Worlds' ("it's you...IT'S YOU!"). At least there isn't much Amazon product placement here, even if there are cool drone bikes, although it feels like they're resisting temptation as best they can. The real stroke though is the theatre between the charismatic Chris and Ferguson, serving looks and intelligence that is anything but artificial as she excels in playing a non-human in this art with smarts. Staring straight at you and boring holes in us at a thousand yards. There's also great support from 'True Detective: Night Country' partner Kali Reis, the Taserface of 'This Is Us' star Chris Sullivan, and the generations of Marvel Morita's, Kenneth Choi. Yet it's 'The Whispers' of young star Kylie Rogers ('Miracles From Heaven', 'Collateral Beauty', 'Beau Is Afraid') who offers more heart for this digital age. But what about the questions of how dependent we are on artificial intelligence these days, and how this assist could end up stealing our personal information if we don't take care of our privacy settings? The 'Mercy' seat is waiting for us. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Minority Report', 'Searching', 'War Of The Worlds'

REVIEW: PROJECT HAIL MARY

4/5

The Rocky/Grace Picture Show

156 Mins. Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz & Lionel Boyce. Screenplay: Drew Goddard. Directed By: Phil Lord & Chistopher Miller. In: Theatres & On: Prime Video.

Come with me for the best Hail Mary play since a football pass, or 2Pac song. We already knew mainstream, but nuanced, novelist Andy Weir is right with the teen dreams of Ernest Cline to be today's Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov when it comes to science-fiction writing. Making movies with Ridley Scott and Matt Damon's 'The Martian', surviving life on Mars by harvesting food from farm fertilizing farts. That big blockbuster, is met with this beautiful one, 'Project Hail Mary', as Weir brings more realism to a potential extinction level event, like he did maintaining meal prep on the red planet. Yet this Drew Goddard ('Cloverfield', 'World War Z', 'Daredevil' (see you tomorrow)) adapted screenplay is a lot more fun than the real-world implications of our end of days. Thanks to the lovable directing duo of 'The LEGO Movie', '21 (and 22) Jump Street' and the 'Spider-Verse' chronicles, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. And their kaleidoscope of versed images.

Cloudy, with a chance of asteroids, this project follows the legendary likes of the inspired 'Interstellar' and the cerebral 'Ad Astra' in its, "in space no one can hear you scream...because they've become a 90-year-old in what for you, was nine minutes", ideas. Yet it shares more in common with Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey', or Denis Villeneuve's 'Arrival'...but we will get to all that. The ninth highest-grossing film of 2026, so far, it's just been out a weekend, and it's only March, is also the best Amazon MGM Studios movie since the 'Air' of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck recruiting Michael Jordan to Nike really took off. Come fly with this, mind you, on the biggest interstellar IMAX screen of space before it goes to Prime Video streaming war with Netflix and Disney Plus. With Paramount out the bag Netflix was about to offer it, it's anyone's game now and, Amazon has already come prime with Chris Pratt's 'Mercy' and Chris Hemsworth's 'Crime 101'. Forget about the 'War Of The Worlds' product placement debacle.

Yet this is not a Chris (although he has a Lebowski cardigan to rival the cable knit of another Marvel man, Chris Evans in 'Knives Out'), but Ryan Gosling ('La La Land', 'Drive', 'Barbie'). A handsome Hollywood heartthrob playing way too good looking everymen (or Ken), like 'The Fall Guy' stunt, now he's happy and settled down with actress Eva Mendes (meeting on their best movie, 'The Place Beyond The Pines') and their family. Here, 'The Notebook' and 'Blue Valentine' star is a teacher like 'Half Nelson', wearing a yellow slicker that's a drain away from being grabbed by Pennywise. But he's already had 'First Man' astronaut experience. Let alone, science-fiction pedigree, with the brilliant 'Blade Runner 2049' sequel before his very own Star Wars vehicle. He'll need it, as he wakes up alone, like Chris Pratt on 'Passengers', with no memory of who he is, how he got here, or why? Looking like Jesus, and all set to be a saviour. He could pull a Pratt 'Passenger' move and rudely wake the rest of his crew up, but they now belong with the stars.

Heart-breaking, healing and hilarious, 'Project' will leave you crying with longing, and then so, with laughter. And the great Gosling plays it all perfectly, with heart, and the new trademark family movie fury, a la, Tom Hanks. There is a cast and crew, to go with the hot topics from his space storage closet, however. 'Anatomy Of A Fall' and 'The Zone Of Interest' star Sandra Hüller is just incredible after her own year, three years ago, in 2023. Best karaoke since Bill Murray in Tokyo. Whilst there's a buddy Costco comedy brewing with the always great Lionel Boyce, of 'The Bear' and Odd Future fame. But the real scene-stealing star of the show doesn't even have a face (hey, it worked for that dog (was it?) in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'). All credit to the puppet mastery and voice work of James Ortiz (soon to be the Andy Serkis of his collective craft) as the cute character creation Rocky, and a performance that will have you jumping for joy with your hands in the air at the top of the theatre steps. These two won't only try to save the world together, they'll also remake 'La La Land' promotional posters, with a dance just as iconic. Now, that's a sequel I want to see. Make that another 'Hail Mary' that lands. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Martian', 'First Man', 'Interstellar'.

REVIEW: PEAKY BLINDERS - THE IMMORTAL MAN

4/5

The Fallen Son

112 Mins. Starring: Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Barry Keoghan & Stephen Graham. Screenplay: Steven Knight. Director: Tom Harper. On: Netflix.

Blood is blind, as the sins of the father are visited on the son for 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man', in cinemas and on Netflix. The Steven Knight classic creation (directed by Tom Harper), that has inspired more barbershop crewcuts and flat caps than an old man's pub, getting the BBC Films treatment, much like Idris Elba's 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' in 2023. And akin to that tweed coat and red tie, the suited and booted in the face crime drama feels more like the series it is and always will be, but is great to be shown on the big-screen. 'Peaky Blinders' left our screens about the same time we stopped wearing masks, after six seasons and just over a decade. The last we saw of '28 Days Later' franchise face, Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby, he was an MP for the Labour Party. Since then Murphy's law ('Batman Begins', 'Inception', 'Dunkirk') saw his win a Best Actor Oscar for Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', by order of the Oscar Academy. An immortal man, indeed.

Yet Cillian returns to the character we know him best for, the Birmingham city gangster, taking out the trash. Albeit looking a little salt and pepper different under that cap (like I can talk). Tooling around his home like Christian Bale's Batman in 'The Dark Knight Rises', writing his memoirs, dressed to the pistol like Daniel Craig, or a Bond audition he swears he's busy for. Crafting character confliction like no other (that used to be his 'Inception' co-star Leonardo's art), haunted to those old blue eyes by the crimes he's committed and the mistakes he's made. The Howard Hughes exile won't last long, mind you, as he's brought back into the fray. And what an entrance to the bar top, as The Garrison is back open for business. Stick a pin in this explosive scene being one of the most epic entrance's in the franchises formidable fire and brimstone run. But what would bring the iconic Tommy Shelby back? How about a dynamite Barry Keoghan? Who is he? The trailer already tells you, but if you're saving it, I'm mum, like the late, great Helen McCrory.

Polly, Arthur and all the Shelby's before are more than missing in action in this big-screen bluster. Yet Keoghan ('The Killing Of A Sacred Deer', 'The Banshees Of Inisherin', 'Saltburn') makes up for all of that like the actor of the moment that he is. A wowzah of a wild-card shooting from the hip, and a big-name who has already shown he's about to hold all the cards as The Joker in 'The Batman' sequel. But this livewire is just like the 'Eternals' star joining Thor and Hulk (AKA Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo) as a blonde bike bomber in 'Crime 101'. Barry looks born to don the cap, and his chemistry with Cillian was already set with what they shared on a boat to 'Dunkirk'. Thick as thieves, or thick as pig s###? As these two get down on the mud before Murphy's Shelby rides through the city on the back of a horse, caked in it, and covered with the reaching palms of his constituents. Now, that's how you look like the legend that you are. Barry may bring it, but Cillian has cultivated it for a decade now. And when he dons the military fatigues you know he's bringing a war with him. Armed or not.

Brutal and beautifully shot and slow burning, yet life learning, 'The Immortal Man' plays a blinder for 'Peaky' lore and disorder. 'Dune' and 'Mission: Impossible' series star Rebecca Ferguson ('The Greatest Showman', 'Life', 'Doctor Sleep') is as underused as she is underrated, yet undeniable. Bringing it recently with Netflix's 'A House Of Dynamite and Amazon MGM Studio 'Mercy'. And most of the Shelby clan may be floating down a canal, but Sophie Rundle is still here and leaving her mark. Elsewhere 'Adolescence' Emmy winner Stephen Graham steps in for a recurring big name, similar to Tom Hardy. Giving us a glimpse of the old Liverpool docks in this great British drama of decades gone that also pays tribute to BSA munitions factory female workforce, who refused to go home when bombs were being dropped all around them. 'Peaky Blinders' has always brought the big names and guns. Sam Neill and Claflin, a brutalist Adrien Brody, and Anya Taylor-Joy. The great Tim Roth is no exception either, shooting it out with Shelby. All for an epic end that will live on in the bleak midwinter of immortality like Nick Cave's red right hand. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Peaky Blinders', 'Oppenheimer', 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE RISE OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - OUR BROTHER HILLEL

4/5

He Was Red Hot

95 Mins. Starring: Anthony Kiedis, Flea & John Frusciante. Director: Ben Feldman. On: Netflix.

Dave Navarro, Josh Klinghoffer, Will Ferrell? California's band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have had more legendary former members than there are Lakers jerseys in the Los Angeles' rafters. Such is the nature of line-up changes in rock music, that feels like a sport in itself, the Grammy museum being just across the road from the purple and gold home in Figueroa. No past member, mind you, save the returning John Frusciante, was more of an iconic influence than late, great guitarist Hillel Slovak. The man that the great Frusciante based his own freaky styles on. He's here, on record, to tell you as such. One of the great guitar Gods we lost tragically in 1988, when he was just 26-years-young.

Next New Music Friday, Flea will finally give you his own solo project, 'Honora', that we just have to honour and trumpet. Set to be an instant classic like its iconic album artwork of record dedication love in black and white. The first RHCP release we've been peppered with since 2022's double-delight return of 'Love Unlimited' and the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen'. And this documentary, 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel', directed definitively by Ben Feldman, is the perfect precursor to this. Even though the band's official Instagram confirmed that this doc was actually unofficial, despite testimonials from Anthony Kiedis, Flea and John Frusciante...this was before the great Chad Smith's time to shine on the skins. Streaming on Netflix, for their own big weekend, after hitting a home run with the World Baseball Classic, following their strike-out on the Warner Bros. deal. Giving us not only their long-awaited 'Peaky Blinders' movie, 'The Immortal Man', but 'The Comeback' of South Korean pop juggernaut BTS for 'Arirang'.

Slovak was a sweet, sensitive soul, who was taken far too soon by the influence of drugs. In those LA times he was a rider of the storm, without a shirt, like the murals of the legendary Jim Morrison that open the doors to Venice Beach...wide. Hillel would journal like a beat poet and even scrawl sublime sketches that will remind you of the art of John Lennon...all in his own style, mind you. He had such an inspired impact on others. Especially Anthony and Michael...just wait until you hear the story of how he became "Flea". And why for this rise of the Red Hots is this film the perfect set-up for Balzary's solo set, next week? Because Hillel was the one who told Flea he should pick up a bass and slap it, like Este or Ami. Seeing Flea get emotional will break your heart in an utterly moving and sad story as Kiedis gets candid and compelling, too. Hillel Slovak appeared on four Chili Peppers albums, appearing on one track of the magnificent 'Mother's Milk', and the crosswalk with their sock of c###s out, 'The Abbey Road E.P.', but his memory and impression is still on the strings, punctuating their percussion to this day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers don't rise without their brother. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Devo', 'Keith Richards-Under The Influence', 'Red Hot Chili Peppers: Woodstock '99'.

REVIEW: BLUE MOON

4/5

Born To Be Blue

100 Mins. Starring: Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Jonah Lees, Patrick Kennedy, Bobby Cannavale & Andrew Scott. Screenplay: Robert Kaplow. Director: Richard Linklater. In: Theatres.

Rodgers and Hart's 'Blue Moon', a standard of the great American songbook, sung by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Billie Holiday and others, contains words that will leave an indelible impression on your heart. With lines like, "You knew just what I was there for/You heard me sayin' a prayer for/Someone I really could care for." And that's the yearning that burns the back of the lump in your throat, like the bourbon that should have stayed in the bottle, for the barstool counsel of this beautiful and bracing biopic of the same song name. All as the ever-versatile, like 'Hit Man', Richard Linklater ('Dazed and Confused', 'School Of Rock', 'A Scanner Darkly'), off a screenplay from 'Me and Orson Welles' novelist Robert Kaplow, reunites with his 'Boyhood' and 'Before' trilogy frequent collaborator and renaissance man Ethan Hawke ('Dead Poets Society', 'Training Day', 'Moonlight'). Tackling the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart. Straight from the sleeved heart perspective of Hart's own reflections on the night his former colleague Richard Rodgers' and his new partner, Oscar Hammerstein II, became the toast of the town, on Broadway, following the success of their musical 'Oklahoma!' with exclamation.

Ethan Hawke knows when he's beat. At The SAG...excuse me, The Actor Awards last week, you should have seen presenter Viola Davis and then Michael B. Jordan's reaction to him winning the Best Actor award for his dual defining performance in the perfect horror blockbuster 'Sinners'. As Jordan approached the stage humbly, Hawke, in a waistcoat for the ages, just had to stop him after his own loving reaction, as the two men clapped hands and embraced in respect. Ethan nudging him towards his podium like a proud parent so happy to see his contemporary take what is rightfully his. And that's kind of how the Academy Awards should play out with Hawke, and Kaplow, nominated. With all due respect to Leonardo DiCaprio ('One Battle After Another'), Wagner Moura ('The Secret Agent') and Timothée Chalamet ('Marty Supreme'), who may have just derailed his own campaign with those ballet and opera comments, but deserved it more for playing Dylan as 'A Complete Unknown'. The closest to Michael, is Hawke, however, in a perfect performance that is more than just a physical transformation, for an actor who really has been bringing it to his cinematic craft. Especially over the last decade.

From 'Born To Be Blue' to 'Blue Moon', Chet Baker to Lorenz Hart, Hawke now has a knack for playing troubled troubadours in brutal biopics that defy the Hollywood paint by numbers conventions. His conviction has also compelled us to some of his finest work like 'Taxi Driver' writer Paul Schrader's 'First Reformed'. He remade 'The Magnificent Seven', reuniting with Denzel Washington and 'Michael' director Antoine Fuqua. Directed a movie about 'Blaze' Foley. Hunted Billy 'The Kid' as Pat Garrett. Played an electric 'Tesla'. And even left the world behind with Netflix, Julia Roberts and others. But 2025, may have been his, and his 'Stranger Things' starring daughter, Maya's, best year yet. With the one for me, one for you of this and 'The Black Phone 2' Halloween sequel, as a new iconic villain. Not to mention 'The Lowdown' the Emmy's should have got for his "truthstorian." But here, with a barman to client counsel with the great Bobby Cannavale on fine form, he regales us with stories much like the compelling beginning of 'Predestination' when he had the bar towel. Breaking our heart and then touching our funny bone at a turn in equal measure.

Based on the letters between Elizabeth Weiland and Hart's heart, 'Blue Moon' is a lonely night spotlight portrait of a man's charismatic solidarity. You can see it from the lines that shake the beginning of this true story in quotes. Literally making it a Sony Pictures Classic. This comedy and tragedy garnering a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy. The Elizabethan muse in question, played with punch by rising star of our moment Margaret Qualley ('Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood', 'Drive-Away Dolls', 'The Substance' and a couple of Yorgos Lanthimos pictures) in a blonde look set to drop bombshells like her vivid vulnerability. There are big, Hammerstein and Sondheim, names all over the show, but it's Jonah Lees' Morty Rifkin who deserves his introduction for playing piano throughout. Not to mention Patrick Kennedy's 'Stuart Little' writer E.B. White, mostly keeping himself to himself and playing the background. Yet the 75th Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear goes to a sublime Andrew Scott ('Fleabag', 'Ripley', 'All Of Us Strangers') fresh off waking up the dead man, with 'Knives Out'. Now, isn't that just life imitating its art? Still, Hawke, and Hart, will still have their time again, to shine under the bluest of moons. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Maestro', 'A Complete Unknown', 'Born To Be Blue'.

REVIEW: WUTHERING HEIGHTS

3.5/5

In The Heights

136 Mins. Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Ewan Mitchell, Owen Cooper & Martin Clunes. Screenplay: Emerald Fennell. Director: Emerald Fennell. In: Theatres.

Weathering and withering the pages of Emily Brontë's first and only novel (her sisters Anne ('Agnes Grey') and Charlotte ('Jane Eyre') had a few more between them) right down to the spine, 'Wuthering Heights' has been adapted and lifted more times than pride and prejudice put together. It's even an epic Kate Bush song that could outrun the one that Max from 'Stranger Things' uses to free herself from Vecna. Now, following the 1992 classic featuring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, comes the 2026 version and era, produced, written and directed by 'Promising Young Woman' Emerald Fennell in feral mode. Reuniting with the 'Saltburn' of Jacob Elordi and 'Barbie' Margot Robbie to give us a romantic period drama so loosely based on Emily's 1847 text that "Wuthering Heights" is even in quotation marks. Scrawled on to a pane of glass in painful cursive. Yet there's still so much honour for the past that is prelude. So much so, even the promotional poster is gone with the wind. Arching back to the symbolism and shape of things to come.

Fennell has played with 'The Crown', as none other than Camilla Parker-Bowles, and appeared in period pieces like 'Anna Karenina' and 'The Danish Girl' as an actor. But it's behind the camera, where Emerald shines, and is at her most compelling, like in her classic with Carey Mulligan. The former 'Killing Eve' showrunner puts on quite a show here that she has everybody in a fluster. Some degrading critics are calling this disgraceful, but after the colour and shape of things to come in this art form on screen, people will be leeching off of Fennell's style for years. Sure, 'Wuthering Heights' is not perfect. It's not for everybody. But what is in this world where we want to have it our way like the King? Times move on. Even an older guy like me can't complain that the 'Once Upon A Dream' contemporary of Lana Del Rey isn't on the soundtrack. Because great British bold and beautiful singer Charli XCX, and a vocal range that haunts makes this 'Wuthering Heights' soundtrack her own actual album, going Gaga.

Wuthering with you, these heights are more like when Aussie Baz Luhrmann made a gaudy show of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' with Leonardo DiCaprio, Mulligan and Tobey Maguire before these roaring twenties. It really picks up in the third act, and that's not because of all the sex, but all the actual epic emotion behind it. Save for moments of true ignorant and intolerable cruelty that surely must be in the book, because you'll even wish they were left out, like certain infamous parts of Stephen King's 1000 plus page tome of 'IT'. This will have you all in true tears for all it does. And notes on the author, if, like me, you haven't read this book yet, you could literally get it on your Kindle right now (like me) for 14 pence. That might have been a lot of money back in the Brontë day, but you can come up with it and lint, right now. All whilst critics are still coming up with reasons to hate. Like the ridiculous one of superstar and icon Margot Robbie ('I, Tonya', 'Bombshell', 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood') being too old for this part. WHAT?! The Barbie and Harley icon who made her mark in 'The Wolf Of Wall Street', giving us one of her best, since Elizabeth I in 'Mary Queen Of Scots' and the ever underrated 'Babylon', is in her prime and perfect here.

Yet, it's Heathcliff that will steal your heart from the margins of this print. The euphoric Jacob Elordi has already played The King, Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla', and he's just garnered an Oscar nomination for haunting as Oscar Isaac's creature in Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' epic on Netflix. Truly understanding the pain behind Mary Shelley's classic novel. And now he gets to do it with another legendary woman's words and work in another English literature epic. Seducing you, this young prince even has the look to show you he could play McCartney, with all due respect to the great Paul Mescal, whom deservingly so, will. The last moment he shares with 'Star Trek: Discovery' star Shazad Latif (The Jekyll and Hyde of 'Penny Dreadful') will break you, but what he does to fellow 'Saltburn' star Alison Oliver is unforgivable. Elsewhere 'The Whale', 'Kinds Of Kindness' and 'The Menu' star Hong Chau ('Inherent Vice', 'Downsizing', 'Asteroid City') steals the show, like she always does. Whilst Ewan Mitchell and legend Martin Clunes really are men behaving badly. Yet it's the 'Adolescence' of Emmy winner Owen Cooper who really reveals Heathcliff's heart. No one else hits those heights. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Frankenstein', 'Mary Queen Of Scots', 'The Great Gatsby'