REVIEW: EARTHQUAKE BIRD

3/5

The Wind Up Bird Chronicle.

108 Mins. Starring: Alicia Vikander, Riley Keough, Naoki Kobayashi & Jack Huston. Director: Wash Westmoreland.

80's Japan. Croft in translation in a Haruki Murakami fever dream of insomniac 'Midnight Diner' like lost loneliness. This new Tokyo story from the land of the rising Netflix logo is an erotic mystery thriller that will really f### with you. Learning language in translation watching videotape of his outstanding Osaka movie, 'Black Rain' starring Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia (hell of an Easter Egg), this Ridley Scott produced movie haunts as much as The Jezabels 'My Love Is My Disease' vivid visual, music video stalking the salary man streets of Shibuya on the four legs of two and two hands from the Sydney, Australia ruling band. Based on best of British writer Susanna Jones' debut novel (albeit with a different, divisive ending), 'Earthquake Bird', this movie of the same name is directed by the novel 'Still Alice', Academy Award, amazing adapting auteur Wash Westmoreland wonderfully. More than meets the Oscar gleaming eye however, the British director taking a Brit book page to screen, temporarily washes his hands with Hollywood to go to the Far East and capture some vivid visuals as vibrant as the neon of a Shinjuku skyline (think of Bill Murray's eye opening taxi to Tokyo between the jet lag malaise), crossing over like Shibuya to a Harajuku fashioned period piece that doesn't leave the 1980's in its amazing aesthetic like Kōenji thrift shops full of vintage Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, among all the college tee and sport sweatshirts. Take the Tokyo tower between two ferns like fellow Netflix movie Zach Galifianakis. Or the sugar paper like walls of traditional tatmi after golden half pint frothy bars of mahogany and kanji. And how could you forget the marvel of Mount Fuji in all its magnificence? Classic cinematography without even making it in cinemas.

Seismic shifts look to be made in-between all the crowning series' you see in this streaming service season. But this 'Bird' spreading its wings across the world is more of a slight tremor, than one that goes for all the bacon. Now Netflix may have smartphone cornered the media market like Disney + has done for any superhero or galaxy far, far away under Mickey Mouse ears, but for every Oscar winning 'Roma' game changer, or 'Irishman' mob legend swansong and Eddie Murphy 'Dolemite Is My Name' career comeback special, what some see as killing cinema has a glut of movies, that in the Blockbuster age it's truly destroyed would go straight to DVD. Or should we call it straight to Netflix? Good movies. But ones in the end that you're glad you got as part of the subscription plan more than actually got out of your chill underwear and went off to the theatre to see. This year we had Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Velvet Buzzsaw', Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson's 'The Highwayman', Ben Affleck's 'Triple Frontier' soldier ensemble...and now this. Or even the twin Tokyo traditions of Jared Leto's 'Outsider'. It's no disrespect to these decent movies. They just whelm more than they over do this. Still, this stellar service that's signature seems to be shows ('The Crown', 'Mindhunter', 'Stranger Things', 'Narcos', 'Orange Is The New Black'. The Japanese own 'Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories', that's currently watching its second helping. All those Marvel ones they cancelled to save Disney face and 'House Of Cards' before Kevin Spacey ruined all of that for Netflix Original outstanding starters) always has something for your nightly entertainment, chill or nah. And this great Ridley Scott produced gem-with 'IT', South Korean, Chung Chung-hoon classic cinematography and an atmospheric score from Nine Inch Nails and Trent Reznor 'The Social Network' award winning collaborator Atticus Ross-that debuted at London's BFI certainly feels, looks and sounds good. And it has that Japanese subtle beauty of its setting country. But is there style beneath the substance in a movie that's plot scrapes to see what's below the stories smooth surface?

Bermuda like love triangles as fever dream real or fantasy imagined confusing as the whodunnit nature of this missing persons case in itself, this 'Earthquake Bird' winds up and flies you all over the place whilst trying to heed a warning. Westmoreland wows with his red room, photography developing tension and question. Is the man behind the camera all that meets the lens? Taking pictures of this movies muse in the park without her knowing until she hears the shutter in a town that's mobile phones today all legally require this sound effect for horrifying reasons, is this mysterious man and the mystery he's about to unravel an artist, slaved to his isolated craft as social as it looks in the frame? Or is he just a plain creep dressed in handsome clothes? Former J-Pop Exile singer, model and 'Soul Brother' Naoki Kobayashi certainly looks the part. And this huge Japanese star will help this cinematic thriller stream with the rising sun. But the internet drama star certainly set for the big screen now like the stages he's already took looks more than his dapper Dan slicked appearance that sometimes slimes. He's enigmatic in his evocative performance as his character is more compelling than he is charismatic. But it's the two friends he comes between that really hold this together. 'Ex Machina', 'The Danish Girl', 'The Light Between The Oceans'. We all know Swedish actress Alicia Vikander is a megastar. That's why she's a part of famous franchises like 'Jason Bourne', 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' and now her own one as Lara Croft in 'Tomb Raider'. But now after her star-studded years as the next best she's getting back to what she best at. Definitive performances punctuating dramas. And here she is no different in her dedication. Bursting with hidden restrained passion that bubbles as this thickening plot simmers. Haunted by harrowing waking nightmares and a guilt that katana cuts through her cleanly, Vikander is as vivid as the vibrant lights that soak the sadness of a lonely city in a nightlife hope of dawn breaking excitement. And then there's Riley Keough. The 'Magic Mike' and 'Logan Lucky' star more than looks familiar now as more than a recurring Channing Tatum co-star. Or the famous Presley family name. Elvis' granddaughter and Lisa Marie's girl gave you the 'Fury Road' of 'Mad Max' and 'American Honey' for that. But more 'Silver Lake' than Hollywood, this indie darling seems destined for those David O. Russell or Derek Cianfrance type movies for her own 'Blue Valentine', 'American Hustle'. You know the real pictures for the real performers? And here the life of Riley's character is the most genuinely affecting thing about this film. Add Jack Huston-a man who was becoming quite the character actor ('Hail Caesar' and coincidentally 'American Hustle') the same time Vikander was making it big-and we have a crack cast with this 'Boardwalk Empire' star whose about to play Bobby Kennedy for another cheque from Netflix in 'The Irishman'. The sum of all these parts is definitely perfunctory, if though a little lost like translation at times. Alone in Tokyo like Lianne La Havas, the light between the neons illuminates an immersive story that will stay with you like the fear of traveling in a brave new world. You'll be taken with this bird, but once the 'Earthquake' is over and you continue watching your top picks, or what new releases are trending now, there will be little in the way of an aftershock. Yet you still feel it too. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Lost In Translation', 'Black Rain', 'The Outsider'.

#SilverLiningsColumn BRITPOP

The Sound Of Music.

A rhapsody, bohemian. After taking over the Freddie Mercury and Queen biography 'Bohemian Rhapsody' starring the Oscar dust overbiting Rami Malek, director Dexter Fletcher got 'Kingsman' Taron Egerton to put on a starry pair of spangled sunglasses like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the dark fate beginnings of 'Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines', to take his majesty's piano throne and play the man he met playing himself in 'The Golden Circle' sequel Elton John. And after 'Eddie The Eagle' this 'Rocketman' was the perfect persona in this extended music and movie farewell tour that he even provided an amazing audiobook autobiography narration for 'Me', the memoir of Sir Elton last month. There may not have been a greater working duo in music like this since John played Bernie Taupin's "it's a little bit" funny on his livng room piano in Pinner. But this feeling inside is for everyone. It's your song, my song, his song, her song, our song.

If you thought when it came to the English literature of music that it didn't come much bigger than Freddie or Elton than you must have been struck by the same thing that hit Himesh Patel off his bicycle he loved like Queen 'Yesterday' and made the rest of the world forget about the fab four. John, Paul, George and Ringo. Matthew, Mark, Like and John musical biblical names. THE BEATLES people!! Because in a crazy and classic concept comedy 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Danny Boyle and 'Notting Hill' writer Richard Curtis crossed Abbey Road together to make a movie about more than just music, just like The Beatles were bigger than Jesus themselves. Taking The Beatles biggest hits and playing them off as his own Patel was like a rolling stone as he became a rock star for this generation back in the U.S.S.R. and refusing to let Ed Sheeran rename his biggest hit 'Hey Dude'! But for all the barefoot cheek cameos teased that you thought there might be in the movie it was one that 'Trainspotting' legend Robert Carlyle played as a true icon that didn't sell us short, but offered so much more when you realize what it actually quite meant. No Paul like at Glastonbury. No Ringo starring. But a man playing a man that if he never made it would have at the very least made it to this day. Now wouldn't that be something? Isn't that something beautiful down this long and winding road? Imagine!

Born in the U.S.A. or born in the U.K. (Greetings from Luton County to be exact), this years movies showed they were more than just music or these isles as both Patel and 'Blinded By The Light' star Viveik Kalra showed that rock stars and your musical and movie heroes look exactly how this world looks these days. And THAT'S a beautiful thing. A message we all need to heed amongst this Brexit bull####. There were incendiary, indelible moments in this movie that showed us how bad it really was...and sadly still is. And although Bruce Springsteen (who has just directed his own moving movie for his amazing album 'Western Stars' in another year for The Boss) is as apple pie as the blue jeans that rip above the scuffed collars of his workman boots, his 'Blinded By The Light' music inspired this true story of a young runaway American dream writer who too was born to run. Making this number the big three of the Summer and year in both musicals and movies as a whole, all named after incredible songs. Add that songsheet to 'Game Of Thrones' star Emilia Clarke and 'Crazy, Rich Asian' Henry Golding starring in a Paul Feig and Emma Thompson classic comedy, 'Last Christmas', scored by the Wham of a George Michael soundtrack (making up for the fact that we as a nation didn't make his signature festive classic Christmas number one in fitting tribute a year after his sad December 25th passing last Christmas. Hey if we could do it with Rage), and Jesus to a child this really has been a big hit, best of British year. You have no idea how much we've needed the music and these movies, in a United Kingdom about to find itself an island alone if we're not careful. And in a dire year were to begin the calender just after last Christmas, record company to record store, national treasure HMV had doors of their shops close for good nationwide-despite the save-how refreshingly cathartic in a brief respite it is in times of commiseration to see great British music and movie traditions celebrated for what they're really worth? Play it again Sam. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: DOLEMITE IS MY NAME

4/5

Dynamite Is His Game.

118 Mins. Starring: Eddie Murphy, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Ron Cephas Jones, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Barry Shabaka Henley, Bob Odenkirk, Tip 'T.I.' Harris, Snoop Dogg & Wesley Snipes . Director: Craig Brewer.

Murphy's 'Raw'. You would have once thought it 'Delirious' that the 'Beverly Hills Cop', mega 80's star could get back to this 'Coming To America' level. Well trading places...the jokes on you now. Are you ready for another '48 Hrs'? As he has two sequels on Netflix double-tap for these formidable franchises and star vehicles. Don't call it a comeback...because it's permanent. Just like it was all meant to be in the end for the man whose even returning to his roots to host 'SNL' like his 'C.T.A. 2' set and trailer being right next to the one for another, long-awaited, legendary franchise sequel in 'Bad Boys For Life', for a perfect picture, beautiful, nostalgic moment on Will Smith's Instagram with him, Martin Lawrence and here co-star Wesley Snipes. But before all that the streaming service and director of 'Dolemite Is My Name' ('Hustle and Flow' and 'Black Snake Moan's' Craig Brewer (who will also be 'Coming 2 America 2')) may just hand him that Oscar he's been robbed blind missing since he supported 'Ray' star and another classic comedian he's inspired Jamie Foxx, in what was meant to be his grand return to the stage in Beyoncé's 'Dreamgirls' showstopper. Still for all the 'Pluto Nash' s### 'Dr. Dolitte'  before Downey Jr, inspired by 'Dr. Strangelove' has been getting over the years, there has still been diamonds in the rough and gems of performances from a screen one who has still kept the kids entertained with his family of characters like 'The Nutty Professor'. And just look at the billion dollar blockbuster, green machine franchise 'Shrek', that was all a DreamWorks, no Disney. This man's no donkey. For every 'Norbit', there's a 'Bowfinger' for the man who masters multiple parts like his hero Peter Sellers in an underrated Swiss Army Knife tool to his acting arsenal. And there's still been a sweet soul and heart to characters like 'Meet Dave', or the actions speak louder than words beautiful, heartfelt message of 'A Thousand Words' (an underrated fond family film, albeit pushed back more than my hairline). He 'stick 'em up' robbed the show in Ben Stiller's 'Tower Heist' ensemble and let's take this moment to remember 'Life' with trailer park boy Martin Lawrence as one of those nostalgic, late 90's great comedies with more heart and wise lived that life smarts than given credit for or seen today, because we never will again. And in this age of 'Irishman' Marvel like CGI (hey, hey Scorsese), nothing beats the ageing make-up of old man Murphy. Comedy gold. "The upper roooom"! They simply don't make movies like that anymore...and we wish they just did. But now with his first R-rated movie since then, it's time for 'The Golden Child' to take it back like a boomerang to the golden era. Hollywood, Los Angeles, 1970's.

Beautiful Blaxpoitation era cinema is celebrated in the same year Netflix also reboots Samuel L. Jackson's 'Shaft' modern-day, f### funky soulfully with the original bad mother "shut your mouth" Richard Roundtree once again, with this amazing aesthetic and wonderful wardrobe decked out. As Comedy Central's Top 10 stand-up of all-time goes from the storm soul of James 'Thunder' Early in 'Dreamgirls', to giving us a better late than never, brilliant biopic to Rudy Ray Moore. Or as we all now know him better, like the movie he made, 'Dolemite'. That's the stage name of the stand-up to actor of his own (see the parallels people...perfect). The rhythm and bruise of a comedian, whose signature rhyming style and "I'm so mean I make medicine sick" Ali like statements, with a parental advisory sticker made many believe him to be the undisputed 'Godfather of Rap' like a gang from Sugarhill. So whether you are a fan of Kendrick Lamar or Rakim you have to give it up for him, respect...paid in full. But from stage to screen (think of his made movies like a Tommy Wiseau 'Disaster Artist'...but to be Franco, with worse acting) Moore had the hustle as well as the flow like a Terrence Howard rap movie that lead him to a record deal, which he turned into a beautiful jazz album before the hip-hop 'Empire' state of family came calling like Taraji P. So who else but the scrapping for his career and now celebrated in projector lights like his name in the bright, without being beamed up like Nash to Pluto to play him than Eddie? What has he done for you lately? Well just look! Funny, forthright and just Eddie, it's Murphy's guffaw once again. Bringing the drama only to the screen for something as good as his 'Dreamgirls' moment of coked up, eyes are the soul gone defeat, as this man in the mirror stares down himself and his father...just like they were the same person. Funny that. About to breakdown before pimping out his wig with the finest hat and using that like his "better not bring your kids" loud language as armour to truly protect himself and win the inner turmoil of this personal battle. The comedy and tragedy from a true stand-up actor is clear to see like in his eyes during his Variety 'Actors On Actors' sit down with 'Shrek' co-star (who he actually never met on set) Antonio Banderas, fourth wall breaking, knowing nod to camera reaction to the 'Desperado' star saying life is all about the pain aswell as the glory. Beautiful, like his embodiment of Dolemite in an inspiringly indelible red carpet moment where he stays behind from his name in lights to work the cheering crowd who have formed a lasting line for him and waited for this opportunity almost as long as he...and we all have. And when he does it with those jokes, that character, energetic enthusiasm, heart and smile...in this moment it's not just Rudy Ray anymore. It's pure Eddie.

Oscar's Academy may come calling for Murphy with an envelope. But if they do they should have a signed, sealed and delivered one in support for Best Actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph too. One of the real stars of the show here in an all star cast is having her coming out party in this grand return moment for a legend of our generation. She's got next like she's got her own stage in the Broadway musical of 'Ghost'. Or like Keegan-Michael Key. The Key to C.C. dynamic duo Jordan's Peele is making his own Hollywood name as a writer here like the redefining, horror definitive 'Get Out' and 'Us' director...and he doesn't need 'Keanu' to do it. He stole the show in last year's 'Predator' reboot and he does in again amongst all the big names here. Like comedy great with a new special, 'Next Friday' and 'The Hangover's' Black Doug (hey cut it out with that s###) Mike Epps. Or the 'Get On Up' musical backing of "Oprah rich", 'Pineapple Express' and 'This Is The End', "Take Yo Panties Off" star Craig Robinson (rumour as it Aziz was meant to be in this (not really. I can't back that up) too...but it's too late for him, he's in the hole already). And what more can we say about the incomparable 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' star Tituss Burgess? Like 'Funny Or Die' cooking and Broadway singing that's no act with jazz man Jeff Goldblum or that legendary 30 second super spot, "girl I don't fold clothes", Lenor commercial that's the longest relationship I've had in years (that look). That's not it either, as 'This Is Us' and Marvel's own Harlem hero for hire Blaxpoitation, silver-age celebration 'Luke Cage', Bobby Fish barbershop star Ron Cephas Jones is the original Dolemite. Bumming around, asking if you've got some teeth like Obie Trice. Whilst fellow Marvel and X-Men academy star Kodi Smit-McPhee is nightcrawling around with a camera like Jake Gyllenhaal. Add 'Collateral' character actor great Barry Shabaka Henley (last seen at the Sinatra tux table of Gaga's father's poker friends in 'A Star Is Born') and some real rapper actors like 'ATL' and 'American Gangster's' Tip 'T.I.' Harris, almost unrecognisable in bearded disguise and glasses to match like a knockout Howard Cossell, Jon Voight in 'Ali' and 'Training Day' and 'Starsky and Hutch', 'Soul Plane' star Snoop Dogg doing his 'Do The Right Thing' best Mister Señor Love Daddy impression and you just have to play this man. And if 'Coach Snoop' doesn't break enough bad for you like an 'El Camino' Netflix movie then you better call Saul or Bob Odenkirk on top 'Long Shot' form. Because Brewer's brew has everything, even a show and scene stealing Wesley Snipes who may even have his own red carpet introduction to the Academy this coming February. For not one, but two redemption stories that aren't even taxing. Here, camping it up to a thespian ego living off his one janitorial moment onscreen on Roman Polanski's 'Rosemary's Baby', Snipes is back and even funnier than his meta evading 'Expendable's' character and in-joke before he comes back to America with Eddie next year. And let's not forget to mention, but not spoil a classic comedy cameo in this epic ensemble too. But none holds the stage quite like the raw and ready for his redemption return master. All to the last frame and beautiful tribute in the name of his brother, late, great, star of Comedy Central's 'Chappelle Show' and those real life Rick James and Prince playing basketball stories, Charlie Murphy (rest peacefully... still can't believe you're gone. Let alone that it's been two years). The King of Comedy is back...Eddie is his name. And that's a mother####### wrap! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Shaft' (2019), 'The Disaster Artist', 'Hustle and Flow'.

REVIEW: BETWEEN TWO FERNS-THE MOVIE

3.5/5

Fern Gully.

83 Mins. Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Lauren Lapkus, Ryan Gaul, Jiavani Linayao & Will Ferrell. Director: Scott Aukerman. 

Betwix two bits of foliage, lies something fuzzier than the wildest bush. And that's just 'The Hangover' star Zach Galifianakis' face. His five o'what the f### shadow! But now the FX 'Baskets' clown has a new case for comedy without the need for this jesters Joaquin 'Joker' make-up. The 'Due Date' star along with 'Funny Or Die' co-founder and his presidential co-star in 'The Campaign', Will Ferrell are bringing his 'Between The Ferns' web-series of parody celebrity interviews as awkward as the situations in classic Larry David comedy, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' to the big-screen. Or at least the Netflix streaming service movie one which is bringing all the latest releases to the comfort chill of your own home. From next DiCaprio superstar Timothée Chalamet's crowning 'The King', to the De Niro, Pacino, Pesci 'Irishman' mob reunion one last time for Martin Scorsese and a budget load of C.G.I. Cult classic sketches and shows are no stranger to cinema (can we get a 'Billy On The Street' one now it's on Netflix?). From all those MTV movies for those 'Jackass' boys, to the 'Magruber' and 'Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping' Andy Samberg big screen turns of classic Saturday Night Live sketches. Although nothing will top SNL's 'Waynes World'...truly 'Bill and Ted' excellent. Even Will Ferrell took his 'Night At The Roxbury' legendary head nodding to the big screen and people still wouldn't dance along! What is love? And now after interviewing everyone from 'Tree Of Life' (if you want to talk about ferns) stars Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, to 'Hangover' co-star Bradley Cooper for the best in fern flinging show (although he's Doug on the roof missing here), to the only POTUS worthy of the campaign, Barack Obama himself, we have this fern waver. Now saying yes we can to a Netflix special you should treat as an extended sketch, Funny or Die? You'll die laughing between a beard and a fern place.

Super Mario LCD, 8-Bit graphics headline the banner moment of this Scott Aukerman movie that feels as familiar as the web series they created together. They save the real green for the stars. First up its star of 'Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past' (that's like the kind of thing they'd put under his name), Matthew MyKindofknee (McConaughey...you get the picture). These irreverent interviews aren't irrelevant. They are meta as f###. Tongue in cheek. Just for fun. Playing for laughs. So don't come in arms folded, but embraced. Or like McConaughey, sulking (for the bit), looking like he doesn't want to be there like Paul Rudd (the Netflix 'Living With Yourself' seeing double series is here too on double-duty for a hilarious cameo interview) on the 'Dinner With Schmucks' poster with Ferrell's lamp loving 'Anchorman' sweet Brick co-star Steve Carell (he's not here. But YouTube archive his funny 'Ferns' webisode). He asks the McConaissance one question about not wearing a shirt and "here we go" the 'Dallas Buyers Club' star knows it's on like flashing Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong and his completing ho's to the Netflix special left and right of him are milk carton also. Ha! Gaaaaaaaaaay!). Alright, alright, alright! We have ourselves a movie for those dazed and confused. And drip, drop once the questions come pouring in like Chinese water torture of cringe inducing moments, so does a leaky faucet plugged up with the same stuff that smells like Rudd's Sex Panther, or a used diaper full of Indian food. Then this sprung leak turns into Kevin Costner's 'Waterworld', complete with an 'Aquaman water canon and McConaughey almost says goodnight, goodnight, goodnight. He needn't have been wearing a shirt.

Ferrell's Texan Stetson sporting bolo tie boss, complete with Segway sends Alan from 'The Hangover' on his way for a 'Bad Grandpa' or 'Borat' like road trip, for "make benefit" his T.V. show. The punishment for almost sending the chest thumping Longhorn to the same place they hum your name? Zach must interview as many stars as he can in even less clock than this movies less than a hour and half comedy tradition runtime if he want to be the next Jay Leno (having 'Late Night' host David Letterman as his next guess should work) and not the next Magic Johnson (how did this talk show not work for the most charismatic basketball star of Hollywood's Lakers...I mean it was called 'The Magic Hour'...genius), or...well, himself (anyone remember 'Late Hour With Zach Galifianakis'? Nope him neither...but seriously that may have made this all). Now we don't want to spoil all the guest spots (Netflix movie of the year candidate 'Uncicorn Store' star/director and 'Captain Marvel' herself Brie Larson!! Uh-hum! Excuse me! *COUGH*!). But man of the year (from a classic cameo in Netflix's 'Always Be My Maybe' to a CGI 'Cyberpunk' and 'Toy Story 4' Kaboom, to this one here), 'John Wick' and both forthcoming 'Bill and Ted' and 'The Matrix', returning, reuniting star Keanu Reeves is hilarious in sending himself up, like no one else can. Whilst the Christmas album of 'G.O.O.D' music soul icon turned Bublé, home for the holidays singer John Legend looks to be having the most fun in a truly legendary cameo of comedic proportions. We won't ruin the rest like any of the one-liners here, but this running joke just works like this road movies postcards of America and the States and scrapes a best in years Galifianakis has been with his love interview script letter to the legacy of the talk show, his and the soapbox of others, with all their public access. This passion projects true co-stars however are Ryan Gaul, Jiavani Linayao and 'Orange Is The New Black' and 'Jurassic World' star Lauren Lapkus as Zach's behind the ferns team, keeping these scenes in bloom. Take 'Ferns' with a pinch of salt, or a leaf out of 'Funny Or Die's' game changing, web-series, netbook and you'll see that this bush should be planted in your top picks to continue watching. Between you and me...I'm a fern favourite. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Hangover', 'Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa', 'Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping'.

T.V. REVIEW: MIDNIGHT DINER-TOKYO STORIES Season 2

4/5

Midnight Club: Tokyo Drift.

10 Episodes. Starring: Kaoru Kobayashi. Creator: Takeshi Moriya.

Ronin like a bullseye arrow point sticks out in the Shinjuku skyline. The Marvel, Jeremy Renner, Hawkeye Avengers character who ended up going rogue in Tokyo, Japan for one of the best scenes-one shot in the rain with Japanese acting legend and star of 'The Wolverine' in the land of the rising sun Hiroyuki Sanada-is featured in a poster for this years 'Endgame' epic blockbuster in the sweetly iconic, acoustic musical ('Omoide' by Ludens for your Spotify playlist) and town mapping theme intro to Takeshi Moriya's fever dream magical, 'Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories', you'll never want to skip on its Bill Murray 'Lost In Translation' like, green cab, taxi romanticism entrance. Showing that this show in its second official Netflix season (there's more online in the Japanese Netflix...even a movie. As this writer living here to try and teach English has learnt as his Netflix selection changes with the time difference, but sadly as do the subtitles), moves with the times even if its menu does not. But would you even want it to? The Master is back and he'll make you anything you want if he has the ingredients...just don't ask him about the scar. What a time to be in Japan-especially Tokyo-with the Rugby World Cup (and even the Volleyball one) being held here before next year's 2020 Olympic Games featuring Washington Wizards top ten, star rookie Rui Hachimura looking to lead them to Basketball Gold (the NBA just featured their first game here in over two decades) amongst others to the podium (even Marvel knew this year it was time to expand their universe to this world) in the same time 'Godzilla vs Kong' duke it out like the top of a Shinjuku cinema. Or for this show to give us it's second streaming service season. But does it get any customers on a Netflix streaming Paul Rudd's new double-duty 'Living With Yourself' clone comedy, or 'El Camino', the 'Breaking Bad' movie? Well...more than you think.

Burning the Murakami midnight oil when everyone else has gone home to bed is when you'll find lonely night owls watching these 'Tokyo Stories' like the characters that patron this diner. There's a game designer who always wears red...and you'll be in heartbroken tears when you find out why. And then all star signs point to the fact that you don't need a horoscope to tell that the Chicken Cheese Katsu in the second episode is the first time I've absolutely craved food on screen since the epic Grilled cheese sandwich from 'The Chef Show' Jon Favreau's 'Chef' movie. A story between a stripper and an old man that is just lovely and anything but lude. A centrefold, a guy with an Enrique Iglesias mole and a whole load of fried chicken. A beautiful baseball story as traditional as the Japanese reciprocal love for this American sport that comes of age with a mysterious, shadowy stranger (perhaps the best in the set). The 'Salmon and Mushrooms' of a childless couple who own a barbershop and the woman in a Kimono with more that lies beneath. The dream of two young voice actors auditioning for anime with a sisterly bond and almost sibling rivalry for a beautiful story. The oil and water of two old friends from school who reunite at the Pachinko slots and in turn actually go well together like curry and ramen. A Chinese film director on the run in Japan with the involvement of the Yakuza characters with heart not even being the biggest surprise here. And sadly, finally (why do seasons never last as long as you want them to? Even when you series savour them and don't rush your meal in this age of binge? Sorry the review is late) the year of the crab in the traditional New Year's Eve end of season celebration that tells us it's never too late for a fresh start, as everyone gets together to raise a glass until next time.

Pure and poetically meditative these singular stories of Tokyo all come together through the bar, table top confessional of one Master to rule them all with empathy, kindness and a lent ear. And tending bar, the Kyoto born, Yokohama 30th anniversary Film Festival 'Best Actor' winner Kaoru Kobayashi is perfect at his cooking, cleaning and chain cigarette smoking place in these Tokyo tales. The 'Tokyo Tower' and 'Quills' star is a legend...a Japanese icon. And he's almost Springsteen unbelievably 70. Just call this still dancing at 68 year old knockout Ali talent, 'The Boss'. Or the greatest. The master as reliable as the recipes that break the fourth wall to end the show and tell you the ingredients behind the dish of the day, episodic meaning and the beautiful Japanese Ikigai way of preparing this sustenance like art, before the perfect portrait credits. Based on Yarō Abe's, 'Shinya Shokudō' marvellous Manga collection (I see an anime one day), this series has inspired spin-offs in China and the 'Late Night Restaurant' of South Korea. But we all know who the master is. Nothing beats the original chefs recipe. From 'Samurai Gourmet' to the Emmy winning 'Chef's Table' and Jon Favreau's 'The Chef Show' with legendary cook Roy Choi based on the hit 'Chef' food-truck movie they rode spit-roast, shotgun with, Netflix has plenty of culinary episodic shows for your order and dinner and a movie seasoning. But 'Midnight Diner' is the one to make a reservation not to be missed for. The tender touch of these 'Tokyo Stories' in the alone in Shinjuku setting like a Lianne La Havas song of salary men, ladies of the night and the odd mob boss, along with our favourite flat-cap regular (we see him as like a Norm from 'Cheers' (although it's a shame unlike the Boston bar that now knows my name the Midnight Diner isn't a real place for the Tokyo tourist trap rap), but rumour has it he may be a Japanese demon of legend that frequents watering holes like this) and this city atmospheric, human anthology series is as indelible as it is undeniable. So take a seat at the Izakaya, keep your eye on your watch and order what you want. Just be prepared to get philosophical and a little emotional between all the laughs and cheers of Kanpai toasts. This slice of life, mystery 24 minute episodes each night for your twenty-four hours are just that intriguing and compelling. And just like Haruki Murakami's massive popularity in the West, the evocative eloquence of this Netflix acquired company in the lonely midnite hour is not lost in translation. Soon like with every episode it will become your favourite dish. 食べさせる. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Dining: 'Lost In Translation', 'The Chef Show', 'Samurai Gourmet'.

REVIEW: TERMINATOR-DARK FATE

4/5

Judgement Day: Resurgence.

128 Mins. Starring: Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna & Arnold Schwarzenegger. Director: Tim Miller.

Back like Schwarzenegger. James Cameron and Linda Hamilton take 'Terminator' back to its nuts and bolts, original model roots with 'Dark Fate'. The fate of the furious are fuelled up here on this new model, original parts, sixth installment that's all desert sand and molten factory steel settings again in metal gear reminiscence. And let's not talk about 'Rocky's' horror (but have you seen those sly mods of Stallone as the Terminator like in that 'Last Action Hero' P.O.S. Easter Egg?) doing the time warp again this Halloween like this writer accidently wearing a lumberjack shirt over a Public Enemy tee (what a contrast) and inadvertently going as Jon Connor this year, minus the moped that squeals as much as he did. Always looking to Mulligan what they previously did, like when 'Expendable' Terry Crews' agent said yes to 'Salvation' (or Christian Bale's...still a decent movie like 'Genisys' that literally tried to be this franchises salvation...until the literal Arnie Easter Egg). Sending someone back to the future to make sure the Connor's family photo fades permanently whilst rocking out like Michael J. Fox to some 'Bad To The Bone' leather and NOT some Rocketman sunglasses (no disrespect Elton...my national treasure), to Easter Egg rectify all this on reflection. I've been saying this since 1991, following the action thriller sci-fi sequel to the original horror movie-through 'Rise Of The Machines' and all the rest-that we still need that all out night fight, laser of 'Terminator: War', the beginnings of 'T:2' promised (you've got two films left Jimmy, put the blue man group daoown for a second). Still this remains the closest 'Starship Trooper' to it. But until then this day after 'Judgement Day' like the 3D re-released classic is the closest and best we'll get to the iconic, chest like McConaughey thumping "dum-dum-dum-da-dum, do-do-do, do-do-dooo" legend. Hasta la relief baby!

'Deadpool' director Tim Miller, right on time knows how to bring that indestructible, killer, ultraviolence that breaks all sorts of walls. All the way from planes, trains, automobiles and the plummets of some dam good waterfalls of action this side of 'The Fugitive', for this resistance on the run. Cue the hilarious laughing Kawhi Leonard 'Terminator: Dark Fate' commercial tie-in and what it do. Hey, hey, hey, we have another Terminator on our hands, and not even a Punisher swinging sledgehammer to the skull will stop him. This 'Ghost Rider' is on fire all the way to the metal endoskeleton. His liquid metal (and an ability to double-up do more than just 'The Secret World Of Alex Mack' carpool together in his most solvent form) seeping through the Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan as we watch 'Fate' under the Godzilla landmark famous Toho Cinema (in anticipation of 2020's match-up between the Olympians of this Kaiju and King Kong himself) in perfect IMAX Laser (I'll be back), for some inventive 3D promotion that looks like it's coming straight for you from the CGI ahead of its time inspired 'Judgement' of the golden era of 90's beginning movies (although in retrospect some of those bullet holes on the T-1000 look like crushed bakewell tart wrappers. But it still beats those nano tech age iron fillings of the last movie like a Marvel mask). He's going hunting and he doesn't need a Dodge to charge him as he lorry barrels his way through traffic in a reminiscent scene along those iconic roads that doesn't let up from the factory to the highway assembly line. The closest to the best in this franchise series of set-pieces, bumper to bumper. Even if Arnie gets to that storm drain, shotgun spinning chopper or not (which surely back in the hell to leather day took some inspiration off Marvel's rider for something that has now fan service beautifully come full circle). He has the helicopter and police man's uniform like 'Genisys' great, South Korean, 'The Magnificent Seven' actor Lee Byung-hun's liquid hunter. And how great is it that the new Terminator is Mexican (seriously who else can say they are both Ghost Rider and a Terminator?), with a solace story to the border to match for the sole assassin, scored by a Spanish guitar version of the iconic 'Terminator' theme? Especially as the "my whole body is a weapon" charismatic machine Gabriel Luna gives us a welcome break from Schwarzenegger's friendly rival Stallone's latest, 'Last Blood' Rambo. A franchise that seems to have gone from its Springsteen song 'First Blood' beginning to such a damn, downward spiral shame Trump wall, just missing a MAGA hat. Don't expect to find any of those caps to match here though for Arnold's superstar action hero who came to America as an immigrant with nothing in his back pocket but the desire to live out his big three dream of being the world's best bodybuilder (check), most famous actor (check...although that seems like a loose world until you realize who much nuts and bolts of acting skill it takes to play a robot, especially when reloading a gun with mechanical precision) and President of the United States (well that ones impossible. But Governor of California is pretty close right and we know who he'd make a better POTUS than right now). The hell's angel Gabriel rides again looking to fire everyone into ghosts.

"Who are you?" The Sigourney iconic Linda Hamilton sat on a motel bed just tilts her head like "please" (in the trailer at least, you have to hate the cinematic cutting room floor these days)! When-as iconic as the 'T:2' guns and roses corridor thorn twist-she steps out the car (or the always reliable, red Toyota pick-up to be precise. Which doesn't last long here. Which is factually inaccurate) for the first time with a truck load of artillery, aviators on instead of Arnie (just try not to cry...or cheer the cinema down). Just like the freedom fighter she always was, you know it's back on. This movie is all about the power of women and no one tops this Reaver like reaper of the machines. She drops the best meta version of Schwarzenegger's line too along with a grenade before brandishing another rocket launcher like toy to put this robot back in the box like Jack. As she hits the road like Ray to a roadside motel in the middle of this 'Logan' highway to a nowhere between Mexico and Texas' El Paso. She's a cult icon. A legend. And one in this great genre can actually act. You can tell from the opening security camera footage flashback. And her legacy is far from over. But cock and repeat, blasting the blunderbuss like Arnold, 'Blade Runner 2049' and 'The Martian' actress Mackenzie Davis is the real star of the show here with a human touch...but one that is enhanced. As she enters the same electric, thunder and lightning orb, naked way, and takes more than boots, clothes and motorcycles away from a Mexican stand-off with a patrol of bruised black and blue police. Before going all 'Misery' with a sledgehammer. Mackenzie's amazing Grace character is off the chain, with a Chadwick Boseman 'Message From the King' one, Cowboy swinging it like a lasso Woody (as Schwarzenegger says "it's Texas"). And anytime she's not kicking ass in this big-three, 'Running With The Devil' and 'Birds Of Passage' actress Natalia Reyes is. Showing that she isn't your stereotype typical mother of the resistance that needs to be cotton wool protected for all three acts of this plots premise. She's the heart and soul of this. And then there's Carl. Who the f### is Carl?! Well he's lumberjacked and flannel shirted, kind of like the kindly farm hand who you would have seen feeding baby goats with his baby girl (if Terminator's could father children, popping out your chest 'Alien' style) in a pre 'John Wick' like 'Commando' montage proving he wasn't always about throwing circular saws through people's heads. But like the 'Genysis' (damn that spelling) of explaining that Arnie's original Terminator cybernetic organism living tissue over endoskeleton ages (anything to keep the ageing Arnie franchisee in this franchise. But look out for some De Niro and Pacino CGI Oil of Olay in Scorsese's 'The Irishman' coming soon to all actors this side of 'Last Vegas' (oh hai Michael Douglas), it looks like he has retired to a cabin in the woods. And good for him too. Maybe keeping his machine head going by working at the local convenient store, paper, plastic or termination? Working the checkout in his iconic accent like "A-DOOT, DOOT"! With this machine and the animal 'Predator', Schwarzenegger always had two go-to action hero franchises like the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' of Stallone. But after nuclear fallout distancing himself from the dreaded, laser critic pointing sequels like one ugly mother##### and with Stallone's 'Last Blood' drawing fresh (or should we say rotten?) criticism it seems like these two brutes are all about one 'Creed'. Pugilist to rock 'em, sock 'em robots. What they're most famous for will always come back like a bouncing ball out their red and blue corners. 'Dark Fate' is the best 'Terminator' movie since 'Judgement Day'...no mean machine feat we know ('Salvation' and 'Genisys' failed to quite take off like the young, potential leading men careers of secondary actors Sam Worthington and Jai Courtney respectfully, respectively). But this one is so good it's like Arnie is telling every Hamilton and Cameron missing movie since '91's 'T:2' like his 'Robot Chicken' character, "would you like my review? This is terrible! You don't write stories again. You suck at it"! "Hasta la vista...butt nut"! But like Jim Cam says of this tin can, they like 'The Sarah Connor Chronicles' T.V. series as good as they are exist in other timelines (hey if the resistance can change the future, so can 'The Terminator'). This epic, energetic, entertaining and emotional follow-up is the direct sequel to the Cameron classics and that awesome 3D Universal Studios groundbreaking ride co-starring Edward Furlong. And now the original machine is back with all the components restored to factory settings, it looks like there's enough cogs to take the H.G. Wells time machine spinning through the decades again for some total recall. As 'Fate' would have it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Terminator', 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day', 'Termiantor: The Sarah Connor Chronicles'.

REVIEW: THE KING

4/5

Call Me By Your Throne.

140 Mins. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson & Ben Mendelsohn. Director: David Michôd.

The Crown fits for this Outlaw King, but heavy is the head when the mind is soaked with liquor, boozed by burdens of the father. 'Call Me By Your Name' young megastar Timothée Chalamet is 'The King' like the Lakers LeBron James, but can't seem to stay off the Chardonnay (or mead in mud as thick) here for his father's sins. So off come the 'Beautiful Boy' trademark locks for a Beatle bowl cut for his Caesar (see soon in a barbershop near you peaking like blinders) for 'Animal Kingdom' director David Michôd's movie based on several Shakespeare 'Henriad' plays and Netflix's second and just as epic in score and lore of this knighted era in a calender. The Aussie rules too, recruiting another great Australian on camera ('Loving'), behind it ('Boy Erased') and producing in Joel Edgerton and yet another one in the Gary Sinise, "he's in everything" of the modern day, character acting legend Ben Mendelsohn. And if that wasn't enough for this big screen worthy battle in an all-star cast, Plan B's very own Brad Pitt is behind it too, as if he isn't already having his best month, let alone year...let alone career with this, the out of this world 'Ad Astra' and the Tinseltown classic, 'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood'. All this down under, La, La Land and we're talking about merry, ye olde England here, mud to mead, thick as thieves. All for the crown and cross, sword and stone. The 'bard himself would love this bawdy jest of an affair that takes you around the globe for his theatre.

Chainmail cousins. Catapults captured as beautifully in all the wooden mechanics of their brutality as the outstanding one-shot of 'Outlaw King' Chris Pine. More terrific one takes here for another American as accented on the British Isles. And unlike the Loki god of mischief, Tom Hiddleston ('Hollow Crown') who was classically trained for the position, Chalamet actually looks like Henry V. Where's his Reeves like renaissance painting? And with the young, next great actor of the new generation-who began his career in Christopher Nolan's out of this universe, 'Interstellar', alongside the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway and Casey Affleck, legend Michael Caine and fellow young star Mackenzie Foy-looking for his big leading man role after sharing the stage with Armie Hammer (whilst moonlighting in Greta Gerwig and Saorise Ronan Oscar movies like 'Lady Bird' and the forthcoming Academy of the 'Little Women' remake). If he is the next Hammer time 'J. Edgar' co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, then this is his 'The Man In The Iron Mask'. Swashbuckling steel like a grittier musketeer. Getting dirtier in the soil of a fight of knights that's claustrophobia inducing like banging sheet metal in a major chess move that sees Henry save his soldiers by taking the fight himself to Hotspur like a Chelsea derby.  Brave, bold and brilliant, Timothée is worthy of the accent and a spittle speech that stirs much like Pine's 'Outlaw King' or more earthed realism than 'Braveheart' brother Hollywood quotable legend on an 'Independence Day' scale. Chalamet is compelling throughout this nuanced narrative. At times saying more with innocent eyes that grow wearier by the frame as his youthful look and identity is cut for the royal regalia. Those who are trolling Twitter by superimposing knockers on Timmy's slight but strong frame really are the ones who are tits when you stay abreast of just how well you can watch Tim take the throne without a single chest puff of arrogance. But instead one of a concerted confidence for peace in the times of rolling heads on either side of Hadrian and Trump's wall. All hail Chalamet!

Long live movies as epic and entertaining as this history lesson wrote by the quills of the literature Gods. And how about all the players here? 2004's 'King Arthur', 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'Midnight Special' and Netflix's very own 'Bright' orc actor Joel Edgerton is building a formidable filmography. And here in more than just a reliable role as the true best friend and actual, genuine father figure, rags to riches shows so much maturity and depth behind that mead beard than say he did camping it up as a Tutankhamen before the mummification looking Ramses beautifully alongside Christian Bale's Moses in Ridley Scott's 'Exodus' of 'Gods and Kings'. The still so underrated actor and now director who earned his salt debuting in second trilogy 'Star Wars' of all Hollywood movies when he was making 'Animal Kingdom' with Michôd is at his best yet, but still making it all look like a walk in Sherwood forest. This wise counsel that speaks only when someone should be spoken to also has a touching moment with Chalamet's cheek before battle, which not a dry eye in your house should leave you with a tear rolling down yours. And how refreshing to see the 'Mission Impossible' recurring villain and 'Harry Brown' and ''71' terrifying real world situation starring Sean Harris in a role of close counsel too? 2015's Fassbender 'Macbeth's' Macduff  has a voice born for the blood of villainy. As does-when he uses it his way-Ben Mendelsohn whose King father is truly as beautifully repugnant as the chicken grease around his mouth. As he'd rather rip the meat off a wing than easily say the word that would save the life of a man rotting in a dank cell, skin to bone. But if you thought that was the bad guy Billie...DUH! A French revolution of menace, Batman to be Robert Pattinson with accented Joker hair shows in another comic-book world he could have the sneer veneer to play the Clown Prince Of Crime if it wasn't for the joke being on Joaquin. But regardless the cowl of Batman and any other part this revelatory talent plays is in the safe body of a true thespian-Shakespeare or "case of Shakespeare in the park"-who no longer diamond sparkles in the 'Twilight' of his past like the equally 'Charlies Angels' super and 'Personal Shopper' indie talented Kristen Stewart. Add this and Chalamet's charming and rumoured romance with Lily-Rose Depp (her father's acting daughter, but with shades of her own star turn, like a young Christina Ricci) and this is more than worth a dalliance. Especially with a lisping Archbishop of Canterbury for your keeping it together impediment. In this 'Game Of Thrones' age it seems we are obsessed with crowns like Claire Foy or Olivia Coleman. But now we have a new favourite in a young cub of a 'King' who for St. George's England is a lion like those three on your shirt. Kingdom come. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Outlaw King', 'The Crown', 'Call Me By Your Name'.