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'.