ANIME REVIEW: CAT'S EYE

4/5

Catwomen

12 Episodes. Starring: Alexis Tipton, Masato Kamiya, Mitsuko Asatani & Toshiro Fuji. Screenplay: Hayashi Moribaith. Director: Yoshifumi Sueda. On: Hulu & Disney +.

The cats are out the bag again. From 1981 to 1985, when this writer was born (feel old yet? Because I sure do), manga writer and illustrator Tsukasa Hojo's 'CAT'S♥EYE' was serialized in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The manga concerned three sisters, Hitomi, Rui and Ai (here voiced by Alexis Tipton, Masato Kamiya and Mitsuko Asatani), who worked in a local coffee shop, but moonlighted as a trio of catsuit wearing thieves who stole all the art back, 'Monuments Men' meets 'Robin Hood' style, from the corrupt men who took it from the original artist, without so much as an Instagram credit, their dearly departed father. Smartphones and other modern gadgets bring these three French inspired Hepburn's up to date, but this is still as 80s (hello, Tim Burton era 'Batman' grappling hooks) as all the 'Akira's' and 'Ghost In The Shell's' it shared shelves with. And now, after years of science-fiction anime movies, this crime caper finally gets the amazing adaptation it deserves on Hulu and Disney Plus.

Investigated at the same time as those super sleuthing members of the 'SpyXFamily', 'Cat's Eye' looks more to the mature crowd with a dozen delightfully engrossing episodes. But subscriber, beware no more. There is not a trace of misogyny in this throwback animation that feels as fresh as an 80s redux, maintaining its vintage aesthetic. These feminist fashionistas are back in style and showing you more substance to their life and crimes. But their backstory is about as self-explanatory as the fact that Anya likes peanuts. Even if the kinetic plot takes you all over the place and Tokyo (and my new Yokohama home) via fast and furious cool car chases and amazing action heading to an island in the sun. The only one out of sorts, might be Hitomi's detective boyfriend (voiced by Toshiro Fuji). But we'll just blame being a star-crossed lover, with manga hearts in his eyes, for an otherwise outstanding and compelling, just like the real relationship he partners up with, character.

You see, this city hunter (who could just as easily find himself in that anime of the same name), hasn't got a clue to being wise to these sister's act. Even though the big-three cat burglars, with a calling card Paul Allen would be proud of, use the same logo and colour scheme for the coffee shop they work in...also called 'Cat's Eye'. Only the same shop this detective inhabits daily, as part of the furniture, for that damn, good coffee. I mean there's three of them for crying out loud. And this week may be setsubun in Japan, but I don't see many masks, like everywhere outside of the land of the rising sun, post-COVID. Pretty, but dumb, this pretty dumb detective has other street smarts and as my Dad always says, without this plot point it W.M.A.S (wouldn't make a story). And what a great one this is, directed by Yoshifumi Sueda and scripted by Hayashi Moribaith with original due diligence. All the way down to the meows of the terrific theme from My Hero Academia' composer Yuki Hayashi. Especially with the GoPro like eye's perspective of the classy closing credits. Catnip for fans of felines and old school Japanese anime art. When it comes to 80s nuanced nostalgia, these cats have the cream. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Thieving: 'Arsene Lupin The Third', 'Holmes In Kyoto', 'City Hunter'.

REVIEW: WAKE UP DEAD MAN - A 'KNIVES OUT' MYSTERY

4/5

Dead Men Tell No Tales

114 Mins. Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church & Jeffrey Wright. Written & Directed By: Rian Johnson. On: Netflix.

Hallelujah! Awoken like HIM risen, we've finally got 'round to waking up the dead man. Apologies for the lateness. 'Wake Up Dead Man', the latest in the revelatory Rian Johnson's detective Benoit Blanc mystery (now a trilogy), had its world premiere, September 6th, at the Toronto International Film Festival, before screening at select theatres November 26th. Then, it made its streaming debut, on its Netflix home, on the twelfth of December. Saving it for coming home for Christmas to see my family, I waited a couple of weeks, but you know how the hoildays, and the New Year, gets. So finally, we got into it this weekend, albeit with screen sharing difficulty now that Skype is gone ('Past Lives' really was a love letter to all we lost). And a minor emergency across the sea. It involved a spillage. We'll pick up the rest next week. Come on up to the house, like Tom Waits singing the closing credits. A good film for Friday for your sins.

A week before that I wasn't late for the latest big-budget Netflix release. 'The Rip', starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and a whole host of Hollywood stars in an epic ensemble (much like this all-star cast). In promoting that movie, the 'Good Will Hunting' pair revealed that one of Netflix's provisos is that they reiterate the plot every fifteen minutes all for those glued to their not so smart phones. Perhaps that blank space and stare of audience attention is why every one of these Blanc sequels, like the great 'Glass Onion', are dubbed 'A 'Knives Out' Mystery'. It hasn't been about the blades, minus the murder weapon that goes in, since the original movie that saw Ana de Armas throw up all over the iconic cable-knit sweater of Captain America himself, Chris Evans. Perhaps if we really want to identify these movies, like Bond...James Bond, we should call them 'A Benoit Blanc Mystery'. Because just like Daniel Craig ('Queer', 'Cowboys & Aliens', 'Logan Lucky') is getting as well known for this agent like he was 007, the character of Blanc is finding his magnified way next to all the Sherlock's and Poirot's of the genre.

Staining the glass and ringing the church bells. Whether it's a 'Thursday Murder Club', or 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' (both also on Netflix), sleuthing is back in fashion. Especially when it comes to the dashing Daniel. The accent and rich tan certainly helped him shake off the stirring Her Majesty's secret service suit, but in this one, the GQ tailored Dick Tracy garb is joined by some floppy and fancy hair, flowing free. A character in itself, like the many mannerisms and engrossing expressions Craig's Benoit pulls when trying to solve who pulled all this off. This time, you're drawing a blank with Monsieur Blanc until he appears at the church steps about an hour in to the movie. But what an entrance. Never mind, though. The rest of the ample cast more than measures up to set the scene. So much so, you almost forget about Daniel Craig, until he reminds you how could you. Especially our narrator, in the form of young King Charles himself, Josh O'Connor's ('The Crown', 'Challengers', 'La chimera') bare-knuckle priest. Perfect in his performance.

He'll tell it like this. There's been a murder and there's some missing inheritance to boot. The rest, we'll leave it up to your own discovery as this mystery peels back even more layers than an onion that shatters. It's a great yearn though, highlighted by some stellar performances across the pews. At the pulpit, Josh Brolin ('No Country For Old Men', 'Sicario', 'Weapons') delivers divisive sermons, more controversial than Thanos, all whilst looking like Kris Kristofferson (thanks, Mum). But it's the great Glenn Close who owns all of this, by his side, reuniting with Netflix after their 'Hillbilly Elegy'. Mila Kunis also cops a role alongside Hawkeye Jeremey Renner. There are so many stars in this, even the legacy making likes of Kerry Washington are further down on the call-sheet than they deserve. The great Jeffrey Wright also bookends this story with his gravelly gravity. Still, whether it's rising star Cailee Spaeny ('Priscilla', 'Civil War'), or 'Ripley' and 'Fleabag's' Andrew Scott not playing a sexy priest here (believe it or not). It's veteran Thomas Haden Church ('Sideways', 'We Bought A Zoo' and Spider-Man's Sandman) and newcomer Daryl McCormack ('Peaky Blinders') who steal the show. There is great grace in this film. The mystery of this dead man's wake goes all out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Knives Out', 'Glass Onion - A 'Knives Out' Mystery', 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials'.

TV REVIEW: ARE YOU SURE?! - Season 2

3.5/5

Sure Thing

8 Episodes. Starring: Jimin & Jung Kook. On: Disney +.

Are you ready, ARMY? It's time to call it a comeback. Now all members of South Korean pop phenomenon BTS have completed their mandatory military service, the group will return with their first full-length studio album in six years, 'ARIRANG', marching forward in two months time. Not to mention, the sure to be sold out in seconds world tour to follow. RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, V, Jung Kook and Jimin. The last two, most recently giving their final salute as RM's sax played in spirit. But before coming home, after being discharged from the other army, Jimin and Jung Kook went on another trip to film the second season of their 'Are You Sure?!' travel show on Disney Plus, just a fortnight later.

New York, USA and Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan set the scene for season one of this offbeat, irreverent travelogue of sorts, right before they enlisted. Season two sees the pair take a plane to Zermatt, Switzerland, bringing back memories of a sweet sixteen trip there with my parents. Not to mention, some of the most moving moments on the iconic K-Drama, 'Crash Landing On You'. Even the mountainous peaks of the Matterhorn could give Japan's Mount Fuji a run for its altitude. After a brief break in Zurich, the boys then send postcards and lanterns from their Asia neighbouring Vietnam, Da Nag to be exact, for an eighth wonder of a final adventure. But what they do in these lavish locations is even more impressive than the views at night. If they're not jumping off mountains and boats, they're having ships drag them into the sky as they scream and laugh with the pure euphoria and delight of youth.

Classic camaraderie. It's hard for this not to all be contagious, even for the most hardened cynic. Sure, watching these guys eat will wear on you worse than if you were actually left with the bill. And these hour or so long episodes from season one now come in at a movie runtime length here. Some fat could be trimmed, like these guys on the treadmill before they get ready for the big Bangtan comeback. Hardcore ARMY fans will love it but miss last season's special guest V, too, but Jung and Jim still call up RM, Jin and J-Hope on the phone. All whilst constantly dancing to Hope's 'Killin' It Girl'. It's clear the love has always been there. Never to be lost. And there's just something endearing about this designer TikTok/YouTuber show, complete with cute video game sound effects and hilarious edits. You'll cry too, with laughter, as you watch how these guys play games with their staff. CHAM! CHAM! CHAM! Forget singing for your supper. These squad members compete in charades and neologisms all to have more time on their phones. Because digital minimalism is the trend this season. And once these guys have their phones locked away on a timer, they, and we, may just realize life is better off lived without them. Now, that's for sure. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Jung Kook: I Am Still (The Original)', 'Travelling With SnowMan', 'Friendcation: In The Soop'

REVIEW: THE RIP

3.5/5

Good Rip Hunting

113 Mins. Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins & Kyle Chandler. Screenplay: Joe Carnahan. Director: Joe Carnahan. On: Netflix.

A.W.T.G.G. Are we the good guys? That's what's tattooed to Matt Damon's hands on his new movie 'The Rip', streaming now on Netflix, for all those who don't fancy making a pilgrimage to 'The Bone Temple', '28 Years Later' (do so). And when it comes to Artists Equity, like his company with constant collaborating co-star and frequent flying friend, Ben Affleck, it appears they are always and always will be. The dynamic duo's (even though one never got to play Robin) revolutionary company promises fair pay across the board for cast and crew. And now, with their new deal with the world's most successful streaming service, everyone on board will receive a bonus if this big picture is a hit. That's worth hitting the "continue watching" tab for. And we promise you, this all-action affair with tense and thrilling twists you'll never see coming is no rip. It's the real deal, Holyfield.

Hollywood heavy hitter movies usually end up fair to middling on Netflix. See, 'The Gray Man' with Ryan Gosling and a charismatic cap villain in Chris Evans. More 'Red Notice' picture perfect postcard locations than movie quotations. Yet 'The Rip' tears apart all of that. Sure, it doesn't raise any cerebral questions, like the life and death, biblical proportions of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple', disguised as a zombie movie, but it does the stakes. Right there with some of its better TV shows, like Jude Law and Jason Bateman's 'Black Rabbits'. Or the new 'His & Hers' of Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. And that is thanks, in part, to the classic combination and perfect partnership of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in this hit flick about cops and those crooked ones that may as well be robbers. Affleck plays gruff, disgruntled police to perfection (after all, he was 'The World's Greatest Detective') and Damon, again on another rich form, is like you've never seen him before. All before 'The Odyssey' of what could be his best year yet. Stepping it up, like he always does with Nolan.

Affleck was one of the only outsiders able to visit Christopher's set. That's how tight he and Damon are. They've appeared together in more movies recently. Their 'Rashomon' inspired 'The Last Duel' with Ridley Scott. Or how Nike wooed Michael Jordan with Amazon's 'Air' (amazing). But this is 'Dogma' nostalgia for the kids who came up writing their career path and are now legends in the game. A nice nod to 'Good Will Hunting' is so beautiful you may actually just tear-up with the subtle symbolism, as it's clear these men have made no mistakes in the movies. Matt also tells us, in this perfect plot, that Netflix movies actually demand that the plot points be reiterated several times over the movie for those stuck on their phones (at least they don't watch the movie on those). But in this artillery of action, even the most ardent and aggressive scrollers will have their attention attached back. Affleck has been known to direct great gun play like Michael Mann (see, 'The Town' and 'Live By Night'). But this ain't him. Instead, 'The Rip' is written and directed with dynamite by Joe Carnahan ('Bad Boys For Life', 'The A-Team', 'Smokin' Aces'), running carnage. Not to mention, blood, guts, bullets and high octane, in this pride and glory.

It's also not just Affleck riding shotgun (and deft with one in the driving seat) with Damon in this cop car. An all-star cast with that Netflix money makes for an epic ensemble. There's beef with the good two service issue shoes of Steven Yeun, whose stock continues to rise thanks to going by the script or recent successes. Speaking of which, newly minted Golden Globe Winner Teyana Taylor ('One Battle After Another', last year's best) is here too. Undeniable as always, but a little underused, as never again she will be. These bad boys, in Miami, Dade, have further South Beach heat brought out by 'The Flash' of 'The Young and The Restless'' very own Sasha Calle. Batman has his work cut out for him with this Supergirl, although they've never actually met before (that was Keaton). Her late grandmother's house has much more inheritance to it than meets the eye and the corrupt cops and cartel that will come out of the woodwork, like mice, to play, like warriors when glass bottles shatter on silent sidewalks. Come out, rising star Catalina Sandino Moreno ('Maria Full Of Grace', 'A Most Violent Year', 'Ballerina'), martial artist Scott Adkins on delightful desk duty and legend Kyle Chandler. You won't know what's what. Or what or who hit you. And that's precisely what 'The Rip' wants. Right on the money. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Triple Frontier', 'The Town', 'Training Day'. 

REVIEW: 28 YEARS LATER - THE BONE TEMPLE

4/5

The Bone Collector

109 Mins. Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman & Chi Lewis-Parry. Screenplay: Alex Garland. Director: Nia DaCosta. In: Theatres.

Seemingly 28 minutes later comes '28 Year Later: The Bone Temple'. Not to be confused with the '28 Years Later' predecessor that came just over a half year ago. Although these two, streaming service search confusions of the future, were shot back-to-back for the '28 Days Later' post-apocalyptic horror franchise from director Danny Boyle ('Trainspotting', 'Slumdog Millionaire', '127 Hours') and writer Alex Garland ('Ex Machina', 'Annihilation', 'Civil War') that never gave us any months. Garland's been here for the last few weeks, but Boyle sits out of this one. He'll be back for the next and final chapter, mind you, which will also see the return of fellow executive producer and the first film and franchise's original face, Cillian Murphy ('Sunshine', 'Peaky Blinders', 'Oppenheimer'). As if you didn't know who that guy was. Breaking through to the other side the first time we saw him alone in hospital scrubs, walking a cleared Big Smoke. 

'Top Boy' director Nia DaCosta ('Candyman', 'The Marvels') handles directing duties here, and her vision is a vivid one. Danny has a champion with this one, much better than when he gave the game up for '28 Weeks Later', which is still a decent horror flick. This franchise has given us all sorts of stars. Naomie Harris. Idris Elba. Jeremy Renner. Most recently, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer. But lately, among the blood and guts of zombie-land movies and shows like 'World War Z' and 'The Walking Dead' (to bite at just a few), the twin '28 Years' films have been much deeper and darker fare. As cerebral as they are compelling. Not to mention as twisted as they are terrifying. Mining this sort of metaphorical storytelling substance from a genre that was in style maybe, say 28 years ago (sorry, I couldn't resist). Who would have thought it? Yet, it's all thanks to the great Ralph Fiennes ('Conclave', 'The Menu', 'The King's Man'). M's 'English Patient' has been on a tear lately. And as an iodine saturated medicine man, some will see as a quack, he gives us and this double-act its beating heart and human touch. And just wait until he takes the needle off Depeche Mode and drops it on Iron Maiden.

Brutal, but beautiful, welcome to 'The Bone Temple'. Equal measures disturbing and touching. Sometimes you'll be moved to genuine tears and won't be able to hold back your sobs. Others, you'll barely be able to look at the screen or hold your lunch. Be warned, whichever one you're not comfortable with. If not both. Personified perfectly by '28 Years Later' breakout star Alfie Williams ('His Dark Materials'). Doing for fear itself what multiple award-winner and next one up, Owen Cooper did for the anger of 'Adolescence'. During the post credits ("...") of the last film, we saw him rescued by a gang of blonde wig wearers led by Jack O'Connell ('This Is England', 'Unbroken', 'Back To Black'). But was he really? And did you hear right? Yes, for the second one. The 'Starred Up' star, with shades of his 'Sinners' demon, plays a satanist called Sir Jimmy, who leads a gang of members who all also call themselves Jimmy (including a standout Erin Kellyman ('The Green Knight', 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier')). Hmm!

Now then, having a trackie and gold chain wearing gang is too close for comfort, even without the cigar. A curious choice at best, this gang who grew up watching the Teletubbies also seemingly, albeit not stated, take their look from Jimmy Saville. The disgraced TV presenter whose abusive acts and callous crimes are too dark and disturbing to report here. No amount of O'Connell charm (so honest and good in the West End adaptation of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' with Sienna Miller, almost a decade back now) can get past that and one truly horrific scene that more than shows that the real horror comes from humanity, like a Stephen King novel. Yet, the actor himself has remarked that this is Garland's social commentary on the dangers of idolizing a figure that may be hiding who they truly are, as this Sir Jimmy and his disciple like Fingers (yep) show us what happens to a revolting youth with no parental, or guardian guidance. And remember, they were just kids watching Tinky Winky and Dipsy when the virus hit. Perhaps coloured costumes and aerials on their head would have been better. Now, how's that?

Contrasting that elsewhere in this legendary, guerilla franchise with the iconic theme, and even deeper ones to match, is the bromance bond between alpha Samson and new franchise favourite, Fiennes. If you thought Chi Lewis-Parry bared all in the last film (he really did, Karl-Anthony Towns voice), then just wait until you see this one. His zombie head won't be the only thing that's talked about this time 'round, as the mind moves more towards hope after the last inspired instalment made for a truly moving movie, shrouded in sorrow and that dark ache of despair. To say more would be to spoil, but it's time to start mocking up those IMDB and Wikipedia pages for Lewis-Parry because he really can act. Not just some big guy with a big, ahem. He really finds the beating heart below the beast that rages inside (steady) influencing even more insight into this Z genre, and its viral message. One that looks to continue via the big-three of Boyle, Garland and Murphy's lore. Back to basics, the franchise fans will love it. But these films are nothing now, especially when it comes to feeling, without the temple of the dog. Bones and all. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: '28 Years Later', '28 Weeks Later', '28 Days Later'

TV REVIEW: SPY x FAMILY - Season 3

4/5

Spy Hard

13 Episodes. Starring: Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami & Atsumi Tanezaki. Director: Yukiko Imai. On: Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll.

Twilight, Bond and peanuts fans, report for duty! The master spy, assassin, telepath and precognitive pup of 'Spy x Family' are back for a third season on every streaming platform known to man, or dog. It's only been a few years since their big-screen hit ('Spy x Family - Code: White'), but these spies, with more dashes and colons than a Tom Cruise accepted franchise, are still on every other t-shirt and backpack walking around Tokyo and all surrounding cities. Based in the pseudo Berlin of the beautiful Berlint, this amazing anime, adapted from the massive manga by Yukiko Imai, stars Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami and Atsumi Tanezaki as the fond Loid, Yor and Anya Forger. But there are a whole host of popular characters outside this nuclear family dynamic. Not to mention Bond...the dog, Bond. Cue the cute season finale, post-credits animation.

Some serious spy stuff is going on this time out. Epic espionage and some awesome animated action that will remind you of when Charlize Theron lost a tooth tooling around Berlin as an 'Atomic Blonde', whilst James McAvoy told us how much he loved this city. So much so, there are some episodes where the forever cute Anya is on a milk carton...or is that a peanut box? But when she does take classic centre stage, you won't know what hit you, like the first episode, under construction. Especially with a bomb on a bus that could even send that Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves hit into cruise control. Yet, with lake house beauty, this show that really is about family, like the avatar of a 'Fast & Furious' vehicle, finds more gold in its past. Heartbreakingly so, as you find out all about those childhood friends on the moving 'Actor' closing credits sung by Lilas Ikuta. The deepest and darkest season yet, albeit still with that heartwarming sense of hope.

Same song for the water pistol child's play of the outstanding opening, directed by Shingo Natsume, featuring 'Hi o Mamoru' by top Japanese band Spitz, that really protects the light. From Official Hige Dandism to Bump Of Chicken, it's always the case that this show's music really sings, with a file of hit themes, too. It's quite the jacket, like Loid's racing green suit, which offers even more substance to this stylish and slick series, making its anime name alongside the more teen and adult content of 'The First Slam Dunk' and 'Kaiju No. 8'. This beast is a slam dunk too, not to mention a master of disguise with dialogue as thrilling as its hand-to-hand combat. Sleight-ly delivering you a fall reckoning package of 13 episodes (lucky for us) that we couldn't wait to open just before Christmas. We just hope the end of this new year sends us on our next mission. The impossible one may be done, but we're not ready to say goodbye to this family of spies. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Spy x Family: Code White', 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning', 'Atomic Blonde'.

TV REVIEW: THE LOWDOWN - Season 1

4/5

The Low Down Theory

8 Episodes. Starring: Ethan Hawke, Kaniehtiio Horn, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Scott Shepherd, Michael Hitchcock, Tracy Letts, Michael "Killer Mike" Render, Graham Greene, Peter Dinklage, Kyle MacLachlan, Tim Blake Nelson & Keith David. Created By: Sterlin Harjo. On: FX & Disney +.

On the low, 'The Lowdown', on FX and Disney Plus, may just be one of the best shows of this...excuse me, last year. The American hit is now spanning the globe, after becoming available on streaming services in the UK last week. It's been back in Japan for a couple of months, too. But Stateside, it's already become one of the best of amazing actor Ethan Hawke's formidable filmography. All whilst his daughter, Maya, does a round Robin with the end of 'Stranger Things', this New Year's Day gone. Garnering award nominations for veteran legend Keith David (check his lovely family filmed reaction on social media), who still won't tell us what really happened at the end of 'The Thing'. This epic ensemble of all-stars, also features the legendary likes of Peter Dinklage (absolutely hilarious), Jeanne Tripplehorn and Kyle MachLachlan. Not to mention, one of the last roles of the late, great Graham Greene ('Dances With Wolves', 'The Green Mile', 'Wind River'). A wonderful actor, powerful and poignant in his final frames.

Striking gold for native's rights that matter, Sterlin Harjo's ('Reservation Dogs', 'Rez Ball') show starts with a man, the great 'Buster Scruggs' and Marvel megamind Tim Blake Nelson, with a bullet in his head, and more than four sheets to the winds with the prose in the books he leaves in his will. The brilliant Blake Nelson serves as a spectre of a narrator, but from then on out, it's up to Ethan Hawke to get his neo-noir investigation on in this neo-western set in Tulsa, Oklahoma and an America speaking very much to what is going on right now, in and out of office. 'Training Day'. The 'Before' trilogy. The 'Boyhood' experiment. Most recently, Paul Schrader's 'First Reformed', 'Blaze' and 'The Good Lord Bird', and Marvel's 'Moon Knight' as Oscar Isaac's foil. This Hawkeye has done it all over the generations. But this just may be his absolute year. This, a balding, platform heeling Best Actor favourite for 'Blue Moon', and a 'Black Phone 2' sequel thrown in for good measure, this Halloween. Watch Ethan's Ted Talk. You just might learn something. But all of this has nothing on his bruised and battered, self-dubbed "truthstorian", loosely based on historian Lee Roy Chapman for your nomination consideration, in a hat, vest and short-sleeved Wrangler to match.

Canadian Kaniehtiio Horn plays his ex-wife with a yearn to burn as one of the next best out there. Whilst Ethan's on-screen relationship with his daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) will remind you of Brad Pitt's one in 'Moneyball'. Scott Shepherd has shades of another white-collar gun for hire we saw in Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' with Leonardo DiCaprio. Vets like Tracy Letts show up, almost unrecognizable. And the cantankerous chemistry between Michael Hitchcock and Hawke is absolutely undeniable. Speaking of mikes, Killer Mike, himself (Michael Render), also runs some jewels. But it's Keith David who really shines and steals the show with his low growl of gravitas. One of the best voices in Hollywood (whether narrating Ken Burns 'Muhammed Ali' documentary, or starring as the villain in Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog'), has made quite the acting career ('They Live', 'Armageddon', 'Crash'), but it's lately where he's made his mark with Jordan Peele's 'Nope', 'American Fiction' and now, this. Claustrophobic trunk shots. One that will remind you of rednecks gone wild in 'True Detective' with Matthew McConaughey. Not to mention the novel nuanced, rich character development throughout. Razor sharp in the wit and wise flaws and soars. Get down to this. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'True Detective', 'Fargo', 'Twin Peaks'.

TV REVIEW: STRANGER THINGS 5

4/5

Inside Out

8 Episodes. Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Nell Fisher, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton & Jamie Campbell Bower. Created By: The Duffer Brothers. On: Netflix. 

1.3.2.4.5. All things must pass, and after nine years, Netflix's most famous and successful show, 'Stranger Things', is all grown up with its fifth and final season coming to a close to conclude the calendar. One volume of these epic, eight wonder episodes came in the fall of November. Another unwrapped on Boxing Day after Christmas. And the final, mammoth, movie like, two-hour, last episode ever came with the countdown at 0.00 on New Year's Day. Way to bring in 2026 with a mic and ball drop. Your eyes will be streaming tears, like your nose, blood. 'Squid Game', 'Ozark', 'The Crown'. No Netflix original series has it quite like The Duffer Brothers (to the Russ Brothers what the Safdie's are to the Cohen's) coming of age series (assisted by 'Deadpool and Wolverine's' Shawn Levy), nuanced in 80s nostalgia. Not even 'Wednesday'. Dialled up to Eleven, even the 'never press skip intro' theme tune is the best in show, as the marvel of this book of closing credits will illustrate your inspiration for one last time. We hope these heroes have had the time of their lives. But it's never really over, now, is it? This year, the animated 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85' will do for the Upside Down what 'Squid Game US' will for the South Korean phenomenon. 

The Goonie gang is all here. All being pseudo parented by the legendary Winona Ryder, on fine form, and fan favourite David Harbour, licking his wounds after the Lily Allen album, but still drinking cop coffee out of a 'Father of the Year' mug. Stopping the hate, and turning into an X-Men like superhero in a jumpsuit, 'Enola Holmes' and the new member of the Bon Jovi family, Millie Bobby Brown is amazing as El, AKA, Eleven. Super powered and charged up for a formidable finale, as big and bloated as it is, bold and beautiful. All with the love of new 'Ghostbusters' and 'IT' franchise face Finn Wolfhard, taking charge, and telling us he's about to be welcomed back to Derry. The Dungeons and Dragons friends of Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin honouring Hellfire (EDDIE!) and their love's (sensational Sadie Sink about to show 'Spider-Man' a 'Brand New Day' and love?) love of Kate Bush respectively. Running up the hill and through Vecna's red room hellscape. Yet it's the sensitive, sweet soul of Noah Schnapp's wise Will that really finds himself, in more ways than one.

Triangles of love elsewhere keep this generational science fiction horror drama relating to the whole family...and all those they bring home. Natalia Dyer ('Velvet Buzzsaw') is still number one with an Emily Blunt in 'A Quiet Place' shotgun. In a house of wax with unsung hero Charlie Heaton, and still some sort of candle for Joe Keery (Steve "The Hair" Harrington being the new "Rachel"). Making music in his spare time, like Uma and Ethan's own Maya Hawke, all moxie, no nepo. You still suck if you think differently, baby! Yet it's the new kids on the block who are alright. Scene-stealer Priah Ferguson, really coming into her own. Or another little sister, Nell Fisher's Wheeler, makes her mark, with Red Riding Hood aesthetics, on this season, much more than most. And whilst we're here, let's give it up for the real 11 of 'Stranger Things', Cara Buono. Billy! We understand. 'Fleabag' favourite Brett Gelman is also on fire, snookums! And, the most famous new face, 'Terminator' icon Linda Hamilton, commands, albeit if a little underutilized. Even Prince's music keeps up with appearances for a show that sounds so good, even Frank Darabont came out of retirement.

Yet the cult favourite, and new Hollywood heartthrob, Jamie Campbell Bower is the one pinning up and possessing hearts. Albeit, not in his burnt spaghetti and worms form. I'm still of the ilk that thinks the Demogorgon, and those damn, dirty Demodogs, are iconic enough, even if they do look like, you know. Still, Vecna and that voice that have been haunting the penultimate, and this, the one last dance of 'Stranger Things 5', do make for something straight out of the John Carpenter like 1980s, like these chapter's type. Honestly, I can't stand that "noseless bastard", but isn't that makes for the perfect boo and hiss bad guy? Sure, there are other problems here. At times, this last season, finally showing signs of running out of steam, can be a slog. There's only so many times you can hear enhanced sound on literally everything. Opening a door. Putting something on the table. And what's with the murder of so many military men? Yet 'Stranger Things' is so iconic, the WSQK radio, and 'The Squak' (that you can actually listen to) is about to be, too, like those old vintage sweaters. And a massive, monumental monster end has even more legs in the meaning that follows. Still the best thing. Strange days forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85', 'Squid Game', 'IT: Welcome To Derry'.

STAND-UP REVIEW: RICKY GERVAIS - MORTALITY

3/5

Dead Funny 

59 Mins. Starring: Ricky Gervais. Director: John L Spencer. On: Netflix.

Morality may be missing in Ricky Gervais' new Netflix special, 'Mortality', but it's still a jolly good show. Even if we aren't always willing to be bloody good sports. Released after Christmas, just in time for the New Year, and in-between all those final 'Stranger Things' volumes, Ricky Gervais' 'Mortality' doesn't make any resolutions to tone down its darkest of dark humour and discriminatory subjects. Just like 'The Unstoppable...' surprise from fellow comedian of the type, Dave Chappelle, a week earlier and a few days before December 25th. As a matter of fact, Ricky resolves to go even harder against his harshest critics and communities he rubs up, on and off (ooo-err) the wrong way. Not to mention the comics who are calling him out.

Interchangeable with his 'Armageddon (2023)' and 'Supernature (2022)' specials before. Much like Ricky's cupboard of Primani, nondescript coffee shop worker, black t-shirts. The man, with dirty angel wings that Natalie Portman's 'Black Swan' would be proud of, is back to his old tricks. So much so, you could almost copy and paste a previous review, like you could use a promotional photograph from a past performance. But we're not saying that's a bad thing. If it ain't broke and all that. And this multimillionaire, like Chappelle, is far from that. This old dog knows new tricks, mind you. Especially as he discusses his own mortality, to hell with his place in the entertainment world. Similar to how Sebastian Maniscalo, who recently made the Netflix jump to Disney Plus, talks about walking past the mirror, past 50, in his new special. 'It Ain't Right'. And we all got it to come. But Gervais is staring into the abyss of what could be it. Life (he's not ready for the hereafter just yet, thank God) and legacy.

One that's being taken to task by cancel culture and all those offended. I mean, there are jokes about Anne Frank, Stephen Hawking and Jimmy Saville. The first two, are done in good jest, and not directly about them. The latter, can rot. The same can be said for his bit about Harold Shipman, which really reminds us of true evil and what a terrible place this world can be. A stand-up comedian just joking, one whose made sweet, sombre and soulful pieces of comedy art (like 'Afterlife'), truly pales in comparison to this devil red. Come for his response to all those comments (even if you might not like what he has to say). Stay for his behind the scenes look at the last, infamous Golden Globe's monologue that torched Hollywood. Not to mention anybody who ever took a trip to that infamous island. Face it, that James Cordon 'Cats' joke was absolutely hilarious, and Ricky will tell you how he got away with it here. No other mortal man could pull off quite a feat like this against 'I' dotting and 'T' crossing lawyers. No other, except this one. Call Gervais a disgrace if you must, but Ricky's reality check comedy is something we all need in a world gone mad. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: Dave Chappelle - 'The Unstoppable...', Ricky Gervais - 'Armageddon', Ricky Gervais - 'Supernature'.

TV REVIEW: STAR WARS - VISIONS (Season 3)

4/5

スター・ウォーズ.

9 Episodes. Starring: Masaki Terasoma, Daisuke Namikawa, Takako Honda, Manaka Iwami, Aki Toyosaki, Anna Sawai, Ronny Chieng, Karen Fukuhara, Freddie Highmore, George Takei, Harvey Guillén, Jodie Turner-Smith, Judith Light, Simu Liu, Stephanie Hsu & Steve Buscemi. Created By: Kanako Shirasaki. On: Disney +.

The anime anthology of Kanako Shirasaki's 'Star Wars-Visions' finds the high ground once again, in its third season, by returning to the format of being solely produced by Japanese anime studios. The second season was varied and fun, but this third time is the charm of taking us back to the outstanding origins. Culture and animation meet like two lightsabres striking each other, just like in the return of 'The Duel', in groundbreaking, grainy black and white, for some perfect 'Payback' you never saw coming. One that will add some more 'Star Wars' lore to these calligraphy like brushstrokes of our Ronin, a samurai without a master, but with a couple of Jedi in his corner. A new classic with a worthy sequel. Then, on 'The Song Of Four Wings', a princess, who could give Studio Ghibli's Laputa a run for her rebelliousness, takes you through a terrific, tundra trip, ripped with some video game soundtrack and some cute companions. Not to mention her own X-Wing jetpack and the best look at AT-ATs since they were lassoed up like Spider-Man. This is how anime can even take Star Wars to strange new worlds...wait, wrong franchise.

And if you thought she was heroic, and those androids, adorable, then just you wait for the force of 'The Ninth Jedi' to be with you, and its own saga beginning. All for more parts and spin-offs for this amazing anthology of separate storytelling with strands of plot longer than soba in this soup. To be continued with the next part's episode, but not before there's an even bigger bounty to have and be hunted in an epic episode voiced internationally by 'Shogun' star Anna Sawai and classic comedian Ronny Chieng. Making for a compelling pairing, we'd love to see in live action. Hey, Disney are doing it with everything and everyone else. 'Yuko's Treasure' is a real, fond find which shows you what it would be like if 'Star Wars' met 'Ghibli', like Grogu and those Dust Bunnies, and starred a 'SpyxFamily' like Anya. And we even have a neighbouring character, cuter than Totoro. This will really move you in the only hope of the end. Voiced by Masaki Terasoma, Daisuke Namikawa, Takako Honda, Manaka Iwami, Aki Toyosaki, and the likes of Freddie Highmore, George Takei, Harvey Guillén, Jodie Turner-Smith, Judith Light, Simu Liu, Stephanie Hsu and Steve Buscemi internationally, these Japanese roots reach to galaxies far, far away.

Now, if you're feeling like 'The Lost Ones', then the outstretched hand of a real hero will help you, in this atmospheric animation from Kinema Citrus Co. Especially when it peels back the layers to find the fruit of the past. As perfect as the poster, this episode between 'Revenge' and 'Hope', internationally stars Karen Fukuhara of 'The Boys' and 'Bullet Train' fame, and focuses on mentor and apprentice relationships that will cut you more times than Anakin. A worthy sequel in matrimony to 'The Village Bride'. Smuggling more on the seventh episode, like an awakening force, for the shortest part of the set, but one that could hold so much more in its series future. Produced by Studio Trigger and first announced during the Star Wars Celebration in Japan in April, this one rescuing a fugitive is a runaway hit. Fighting and taking flight through Star Wars history and its own visionary legacy. Then, the penultimate part, 'The Bird Of Paradise', shows you real sight through the third eye of a Jedi Padawan blinded in battle. These trails and parts will take you through yours, with proverb affirmation, as we head into the New Year of the Fire Horse. All before 'BLACK' fades to anything but. A psychedelic, fever dream devoid of dialogue, but one that speaks volumes as one of the most visionary yet. And now we have 'The Ninth Jedi' ('Star Wars Visions Presents') anime to look forward to. Sound and vision. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch', 'Love, Death + Robots', 'What If...?'.