Friday 15 March 2024

MOVIE REVIEW: TAYLOR SWIFT - THE ERAS TOUR (TAYLOR'S VERSION)

  


4/5

The Americana Dream.

211 Mins. Starring: Taylor Swift. Director: Sam Wrench. On: Disney +.

Tokyo, Japan. The middle of February means Valentine's Day (fun fact, in Japan, February the 14th is the day when women attempt to woo men like a leap year. Whereas, one month later on 'White Day', the men reply with a gift. Talk about getting left on read). Football fans know different, though. On any given Sunday in February, it's Super Bowl time. And as Taylor Swift played almost a week's worth of shows in the Rising Sun's capital, many 'Lovers' wondered whether she would make it back in time for the Sunday showcase featuring her partner, Kansas City Chief tight-end Travis Kelce. Especially with the last show on Saturday night. But the superstar, hero and biggest star on the planet did like only she could...and of course time zones would allow. But I wouldn't put it past Swift being able to go back in time as she brings all her eras back, like re-recording her albums so she could own it all in a master move. The same way the "Swiftenomics" of the biggest tour of all-time has stimulated the American economy (we need that here in Japan too). Prior to all this, the Japanese government had even issued a Taylor made official deceleration on paper that the Super Bowl would not get in the way of the singer performing the entirety of her Tokyo leg, day-by-day. An album announcement as big as best baseball player Shohei Ohtani (check out his Disney doc 'Beyond A Dream') revealing his wife to be Fujitsu Red Wave basketball star Mamiko Tanaka (expect a Kelce wave of fame now) also came in Japan for 'The Tortured Poets Department' (best Wes Anderson movie name ever). This is just how big Miss Americana is. She's an international incident. You could just tell from the legions of fans queueing up like only the Japanese could in a merch line that would equate to most major groups gig lines for the first day of sales of the actual tickets. And for those who couldn't cop a last minute one (hands up), for reasons we won't get into, they congregated and sang together outside, making new friends and memories in beautiful moments that showed how much Swift really does break down barriers, even in a socially shy land like Japan.

The Swifties were out in full force in the Far East like only a BTS Army could match for the biggest act in pop, whose still a little bit country, like a diamond Shania Twain, and one of the best folks in the biz. If you missed out on 'The Eras Tour' in any arena (it's just wrapped up a spot in Singapore), and even the cinemas that became concert halls for the sold out shows of the movie, you can now catch it with Mickey Mouse in the comfort of your own home and laptop speakers that can still bring the full force of all the power she had to bear on the jumbotrons of football stadiums she touched down in all around the world before she embraced her beau after his big win. Disney + is now the home for the three and a half hour epic 'Eras' show, making sure no one will miss this one of a kind event. To watch crimson and clover until your heart's content. Following 'Folklore' behind the scenes tales on Disney, and the Netflix 'Americana' standing next to Beyoncé's and a 'Five Foot Two' Gaga, this is the best concert film available to stream since BTS gave you 'Permission To Dance'. Directed by Sam Wrench, this AMC and Cinemark Theatres landmark hit is as cinematic as the biggest blockbuster of last year ('Barbenheimer' we're looking in your direction). And when Taylor makes her epic 'Eras' entrance underneath some Las Vegas like showwomanship, it's like a superhero entered the picture as she really sticks the landing. Mining heartbreak into gold.

And this Elvis will never leave the building, as she makes planet earth her residency like a Hollywood star in the 90s when we were more concerned about what was on the big screen than what was reflected on our "smart" ones. Those major film studios that passed on this distribution might want to order a plate of humble pie the next time they book a table at Planet Hollywood. They needn't have had reservations. Outside of 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie's' world, this has done the popcorn business. It would have been the biggest Marvel movie of the year from the star who is rumoured to play Lady Deadpool in the forthcoming 'Deadpool and Wolverine' film starring her friend Blake Lively's husband. Another friend joked with Swift about all the albums she didn't tour, making some of her best, folky work during our socially isolated pandemic. "What are you going to do, tour them all and do three-hour shows?" Responding like Nashville's Man In Black Johnny Cash when told it looks like he was going to a funeral, "exactly". Swift got her Springsteen at sixty on and brought each and every house down, night after night, after night. And you can see the California love of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood here for your inspiration. I mean, this is a major player who even has a banner in the Lakers arena, presented to her by the late, great Kobe Bryant, even before one of his two jerseys made it up to those rafters he raised 'chips in. This cinematic rendering like a Beyoncé 'Renaissance' is a revelation that even impressed Oscar winning director Christopher Nolan who had the best film of the year. And now, like 'Oppenheimer' showing in Japan this month after the controversy and sensitivity, you can finally see what we missed. Classic choreography of all the Taylor made hits and star power of pop and perhaps now movie's biggest star. The trend these days may be to call everything an era (even your fashion choices and life decisions), but none is quite like Taylor's version. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Taylor Swift-Miss Americana', 'Taylor Swift: Folklore (The Long Pond Studio Sessions)', 'BTS: Permission To Dance- On Stage LA'.

Saturday 9 March 2024

REVIEW: DUNE - PART TWO


4/5

Dunesday.

165 Mins. Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling & Javier Bardem. Director: Denis Villeneuve. In: Theatres.

It's sands of time, you jumped on the 'Dune' buggy bandwagon. Coming out of the pandemic, 'Arrival', 'Sicario' and 'Blade Runner 2049' director Denis Villeneuve refused to take HBO to the Max and let his big-screen (now we know it as) 'Dune: Part One' to be a victim of the home cinema, small-screen streaming surge during our social isolation. It's the same reluctance that led 'Interstellar', 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight's director Christopher Nolan to take his ball and go to Universal after a long relationship, from 'Memento' to 'Tenet', with Warner Bros. Now Nolan may finally receive his overdue Oscar for 'Oppenheimer', you can see vivid shades of him in Villeneuve, all the way down to the former Legendary Pictures production company and stirring scores from the great Hans Zimmer. The John Williams of our time, like Nolan, is Spielberg. The redefining, Denis has turned brilliant blockbusters into an art form, with a poet's eye behind the camera for science-fiction epics that border on the Biblical. Such is the nature of our futures, prophesied from our collective pasts and paths. Philip K. Dick's electric dreams would be proud, like they would have been of the French-Canadian's beautiful 'Blade Runner' sequel. But this is Frank Herbert's ancient tome, first took on by David Lynch in 1984 of all years, and now brought to searing screens with boundless beauty of compelling cinematics.

IMAX. Dolby Atmos. Experience it everywhere, except for your smartphone screens. Because 'Dune: Part Two' is a superb sequel worthy of its predecessing, outstanding original. Deeper and darker as it sets up the messiah, even if your protagonist is denying it like Monty Python. Turns out he really is a very naughty boy. Timothée's terrific take on Paul Atreides is worthy of all (with much respect to the Twin Peaks' of Kyle MacLachlan, damn good acting), even if the charming Chalamet's compelling descent, walking the fine line between darkness and light, may leave some adrift in the desert. Not 'No Country For Old Men' and 007 villain legend Javier Bardem, mind. His belief to the word is his bond. He's obviously never seen Python, but as he rides snakes in the sand (I need that therapeutic thumper to help me sleep) that redefine cinematic creature features, he doesn't waste a word like he urges everyone to hold their water. Just like you should in this almost longform three-hour runtime. But what of the Beyoncé famous Zendaya in this renaissance? After her teased appearance in the first part that was akin to the awakening force of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker up on the hill, she's here, clear and present in the danger of the war to come and what it will do to the men, women and children waging it. The 'Euphoria' and 'Spider-Man' star has always been a bigger name than her projects, but now she's here in the best of her biggest movies.

Bene Gesserit, scary, but sometimes hilarious, tones (I wish I had that voice when teaching) I can also speak that truth into existence for the power of the great Rebecca Ferguson. A star who was dubbed as the next up after stealing the show in 'Mission: Impossible' and Hugh Jackman movies made her 'The Greatest Showman'. Now, alongside the 'Dead Reckoning' of last year's 'M:I', she holds the keys to many a major franchise. And here with an inked face and Gesserit regalia, she looks like royalty, like the legendary Charlotte Rampling. Add the returning villains of Dave Bautista and Stellan Skarsgård, and the Thanos turned hero of Josh Brolin (a surprise spoilt by the trailers, but still a sweet payoff when you see it emotionally play out on film) to the mix (and check out his enchanting 'Exposures' behind the scenes photo album with Greig Fraser) and all is forgiven for the thanks given to the three barrelled names of 'Beau Is Afraid's' Stephen McKinley Henderson and newbie Tim Blake Nelson hitting the cutting room floor. But just you wait for an undeniable, uncredited cameo. Newcomers include a Zendaya more to come, chain-mailed Florence Pugh, an incredible Léa Seydoux, a pivotal Souheila Yacoub, and the legendary Christopher Walken. But it's the shaved head and 'brows of Austin Butler's knife licking villain that really steals the show and seals the deal. Especially when 'Elvis' leaves the building and enters a noir 'Gladiator' arena in artistic black and white. 'Part Two' of Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' saga promises us to be the Godfather of cult classic trilogy adaptations like 'The Lord Of The Rings', 'Planet Of The Apes', or Nolan 'Knight'. But if we are really to believe in the rumoured 'Messiah' to come, it's time to put two hands together and bow down on our knees. For 'Dune' to be definitive in blockbuster and movie making lore, it has to reach the most high. The tree and water of life. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Dune: Part One', 'Dune (1984)', 'Blade Runner 2049'.

Friday 8 March 2024

REVIEW: SPACEMAN


4/5

Skinny Love.

107 Mins. Starring: Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, Isabella Rossellini & Paul Dano. Screenplay: Colby Day. Director: Johan Renck. On: Netflix.

Intergalactic Christ. By the end of the Babylon zoo that is 'Chernobyl' and 'Downloading Nancy' Swedish director Johan Renck's 'Spaceman' on Netflix, 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Dumb Money' star Paul Dano sweetly and hauntingly addressing you as a "skinny human" will be part of your love language. And just wait until that tentacle like leg reaches out for a heartbreaking embrace. Tentacle? That's right, riddle me that! This is the man whose character once wrote love into his life for 'Ruby Sparks'. The Riddler of 'The Batman' who even penned a graphic novel on the iconic villain he redefined like Ledger. Now, he plays a creature in this feature that looks too good to spoil, but is in fact a spidery octopus that shares similarities with the real 'Enemy' of Jake Gyllenhaal at the end of that 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve film. This frightening at first, but then fond arachnid even looks like him in the same vein that Josh Brolin sort of looks like Thanos. Vivid voice acting like 'Dogman' Caleb Landry Jones as the titular robot in Tom Hanks' 'Finch', Paul somewhat steals the show in what is essentially an Adam Sandler movie, lost in space and love with who Dano directed alongside Gyllenhaal for 2018's best 'Wildlife' look of the sort of human nature that even had MJ asking "why"?

If you believe they put a man on the stage that could moonwalk, then this is the movie for you. Based on the 'Spaceman Of Bohemia' book by Jaroslav Kalfař, this is one of Netflix's more nuanced and nicer movies in a glut of Oscar bait and big budget crowd (dis)pleasers. At the edge of our solar system, there are plenty of cerebral astronaut dramas as lonely as Matt Damon's 'Martian'. Specifically, the 'Solaris' and 'Ad Astra' of Damon's respective 'Oceans' co-stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Yet this is the only one that can hit the 'Interstellar' levels of Nolan's genius, with even more heart and Max Richter music off he scale like Zimmer. Just like there are plenty of 'Punch, Drunk Love' serious Sandler films playing straight for 'The Wedding Singer', 'Waterboy' and 'Happy Gilmore' (let's have a hand for the late, great Carl Weathers. Rest peacefully) comic legend. From the first film to really deal with the trauma of 9/11 in 'Reign On Me'. To the undeniable anxiety attack that was 'Uncut Gems' from the Safdie siblings. Even Netflix's basketball 'Hustle' last year balled with all of Sandler's 'Murder Mystery' and 'Ridiculous' movies as part of his deal with the streaming service. But here, the best of our 'Funny People' gets to show how serious he can be as he stirs us in the compelling craft of what seems to be a solo mission. Yearningly lonely with sallow skin, sunken eyes and dreams, Adam amazes in what a lesser actor would leave us yawning at. Adam Sandler belongs with the greats. Especially as he has shown us another note in how he can balance the two sides of life's divine comedy and great tragedy like no other. This spaceman that says, "it's all in your mind", kills it like Brandon Flowers.

Down back to earth and reflected in the black mirror of this science fiction, Carey Mulligan again show promise like no other young woman in this industry. Dealing with a loss of love and limited script and screen time with ample acting. A true, 'Maestro' following her Oscar nominated Bradley Cooper movie (also on N) with another award worthy performance that inspires the same isolation as Dano's 'Wildlife' amongst the raging fires of a hell hath scorched earth and a scorned marriage in all its restrained fury. Conducting herself with conviction in the face of the uncertainty of both love and life itself. With an adapted screenplay from Colby Day, 'The Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar explodes in this science. Whilst Swedish 'Chocolat' star Lena Olin adds even more gravity to this ground control. But it's the iconic Isabella Rossellini (who still has the greatest sitcom cameo ever, friends) who gives legend to this space genre legacy making movie. Out of this world, but brought right back down to earth with that familiar this of the life you thought you knew's disappointment, 'Spaceman' is a sobering solar system of stars, memories and multiverses. Showing us in this day and age where we untether ourselves from everything except our tech, it's high time we began to reach out again. Because, after all, you know what happens when you shoot for the moon. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Ad Astra', 'Interstellar', 'The Martian'.

Monday 4 March 2024

REVIEW: ARGYLLE


3.5/5

Argyles Or Brogues?

139 Mins. Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Matthew Vaughn. In: Theatres.

"I know it's true. It's all because of you," sounds hauntingly reminiscent as it comes into play over 'Argylle', double-L, no sweater. The kind of record you feel you've heard before. As familiar as time. Surely this is a classic? Yep! From a long time ago? Nope! From the vaults, this is the recently unearthed John Lennon vocals from 'Now and Then'. And now The Beatles have officially licensed their music for movies, this is a testament to just how iconic this simple and sweet melody truly is. Even if it is almost used to overkill like a 'Titanic' tribute in 'Kick Ass' (speaking of a 'Nowhere Boy') and 'First Class' X-Men director Matthew Vaughn's new graphic novel ultraviolent movie following in the blade running steps of his big-three 'Kingsman' movies. Sofia Boutella's even here, too. Amongst classic cameos from everybody from Rob Delaney, to Jing Lusi over the fireworks of a Hong Kong skyline, and more we shouldn't say. Comic set-pieces that follows the vintage and vibrant patterns of Vaughn, that also takes hues and cues from everything from Melissa McCarthy's unlikely but undeniable 'Spy', to the Austin Powers franchise, shagging 007 for more shaken and stirring references to this game of raised glass goodbyes. Time to propose a toast for the man who would be Bond. Word is.

Superman may not be returning for James Gunn's 'Legacy', but in this witching hour, Henry Cavill is crushing it in a velvet suit and a haircut Biff from 'Back To The Future' would be proud of. Just like he did in Guy Ritchie's 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' that needs a sequel and partner recast. A second Sherlock is a super sleuth here, much like fellow great Brit Jude Law's American playing 'Spy', that also served as his James Bond audition. You can't deny the cavalier Cavill's charm and compelling charisma, even though he isn't really here, despite the fact that he's front and centre on his character's namesake's poster and promotional photos. He's a figment of your imagination. Or more, Bryce Dallas Howard's. The real star of this picture alongside the scene stealing, and all Fallon like dancing, real spy Sam Rockwell. Rocking it with the set chemistry and the one-two punch, perfect interplay with Cavill as fantasy and reality blends together like the truest lie from the bigger bridge that divides greater spies and their real lives for good. We all know Howard can direct like her father Ron, she's given us the best episodes of 'The Mandalorian', like she did playing the protagonist in the most liked 'Black Mirror' one. But can she get her J.K. Rowling one on and write a bestseller? You bet! So much so, this fan fiction walks the line of real and fake so finely. Armed with a cool cat, 'The Lady In The Water' reaches new depths. Flushing any previous doubt, BD Howard takes those heels off and throws them away, sticking it to those 'Jurassic World' haters who said you couldn't get a woman who does both.

This epic espionage ensemble action comedy also features small but significant roles from the amazing Ariana DeBose and singer Dua Lipa in a dance with Supes straight out of the 'Pulp Fiction' play book. At times, you wish their inspired intro was the real movie itself (spin-off prequel of sorts anyone?). Especially when the always welcome John Cena comes in with a Magnum P.I. shirt to make the peace with the former cape flying moustached man, minus the CGI. But it's the legend's that get it done. 'Home Alone's' very own Catherine O'Hara continuing her classic legacy now she's no longer up 'Schitt's Creek', dear. Best wishes to one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time in this era of modern families. Kind regards to the great Bryan Cranston too. Playing the 'Malcolm in the Middle', 'Breaking Bad' angles perfectly with a shotgun. And in this blunderbuss that packs everything but rock salt, you can't forget Vaughn favourite Samuel L. Jackson with a man cave any Laker fan would be proud of amongst all the vino. You know that jersey of his friend Magic Johnson is real. This marvellous Marv movie, with music from the fab four and a side deal with Apple movies, makes a statement by rolling the dice on some major world building. Stick around after the last orders of credits. There are more books to come from the spy who read me. Don't sweat it. It all comes together like a pair of socks under some slacks and your Sunday best pair of shined shoes. Don't like it? 'Argylle', f### yourself! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'The King's Man', 'Spy'.

Saturday 24 February 2024

REVIEW: GUY RITCHIE'S 'THE COVENANT'


4/5

Lone Survivors.

123 Mins. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, Sean Sagar, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham & Jonny Lee Miller. Director: Guy Ritchie. On: Amazon Prime.

Beyond the call of duty of modern warfare movies like 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'American Sniper' and 'Jarhead' (also starring the great Jake Gyllenhaal), 'Lock, Stock' London gangster films and 'Sherlock Holmes' cinematic series director Guy Ritchie holds 'The Covenant' with that very movie itself. The gentleman's agreement with the 2006 supernatural horror starring The Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan himself, that he wouldn't steal their name. Therefore, 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' (originally translated as 'The Interpreter') out this weekend in the land of the rising sun, available on Amazon Prime, if you're a subscriber in other territories is far from pretentious pondering. The title referring to the sacred bond, duty and commitment to your fellow man, especially in times of war. 'The Covenant' also aligns itself with one of the great Guy's best pictures. The great Brit forming a kinship with his Hollywood lead that goes beyond the big names and tabloid news both have been read all about. Ever since 'Donnie Darko' and 'Brokeback Mountain', Gyllenhaal has shot to the star-studded stratosphere like his sister. But since 'Prisoners', and in films such as the nuanced 'Nightcrawler', Netflix's 'The Guilty' remake and even the mysterious Mysterio in 'Spider-Man: Far From Home', Jake has been no less than a master of portraying rage in all its dark and untapped corners (see 'Southpaw', 'Stronger' and so much more).

Bearded and brilliant, before reuniting with Ritchie once again (for an untitled action flick), and doubling-up with Amazon for the 'Road House' remake with Connor McGregor, Gyllenhaal tugs at his in an incredible scene where two lone survivors lost at war together after a Wahlberg like descent down the perilous, ambushed mountains of Afghanistan, can't put what they've just faced into words. Backs turned and unspoken gestures unseen, this speaks to man's pain and the perplexing one of veterans of war that we'll never know unless we experience the same frontlines. It's a masterful moment from all involved which takes this picture from just another war one (although there is never, "just another war") to a best one. One of the greatest in either big name's filmography. Or the new one of a definitive Dal Salim who makes this picture his own, forming a deeper and compelling covenant with Jake's sergeant. Clever camera work in the vehicular mirror of their first meeting captures it all perfectly. And from blood to sand after, it never lets up until it finds its home. We just wish this one had its place in award season, at least in nomination, as it lays as forgotten as some of the unheard statistics that return (or cruelly don't) from a war that raged since the tower fell and still hasn't finished causing more pain to everyone involved, foreign or domestic. 'Borgen' star Salim paints this picture profoundly in a face that maps even more than his cold-blooded nature to conflict and his nurturing kindness to the brothers he is banded to in arms. 

An artillery of accented action brings a battalion of brilliant but bracing scenes in a film that may even best the beginning of Mark Wahlberg's perfect partnership with Peter Berg (one that gave us the fellow public service responsibility power of 'Deepwater Horizon' and 'Patriots' Day'). Setting off a new one between these two guys. The cast in these barracks is bountiful, too. Amazon's own Homelander Antony Starr is in prime position to be one with this and the other 'Boys' he goes to superhero war with. Whilst actual 'Lone Survivor' and 'The Hunger Games' star Alexander Ludwig offers experienced veteran counsel as Gyllenhaal feels like the guilty again. Nursing beers, being put on hold longer than the last time your tech failed and a view from a perfect home with a loyal and loving ('Hail Ceasar's' Emily Beecham, underused, but undeniable) wife that he can't see for his thousand yard stare back to the place he doesn't belong, but left is bruised soul in. Making their mark, Sean Sagar and Bobby Schofield round out the rest of this cast in conflict, before Jake unleashes a roundhouse like Swayze on the world's most famous UFC fighter. But it's an American accented 'Trainspotting' star Jonny Lee Miller that really impresses as a colonel. Almost as unrecognizable as the time he played Prime Minister John Major perfectly for 'The Crown'. But give that to Salim whose chances of going unheralded after this would be slim to none in a just world. But do we live in that? The real life behind this incredible and inspired story paints a different picture in a time when Hollywood would prefer to gloss over what's actually real. Maybe the real covenant should be between doing and what's right. Make that your bond as you band together with your brothers. Then all might begin to be fair in love, life and the very wars we rage for those same sins. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Lone Survivor', 'Jarhead', 'The Guilty'.

REVIEW: MADAME WEB


3/5

Into The Spider Web.

116 Mins. Starring: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts & Adam Scott. Director: S.J. Clarkson. In: Theatres. 

Into the Spider "worse", if only 'Madame Web' could really see into the future. Then the clairvoyant, precognitive mutant from Marvel Comics could see all the rotten reviews for her new Sony movie and all the tomatoes thrown by trolls. Not to mention the online rumours that many theatres were reporting of refund requests. Whilst the stars of the said film were being duped into believing that they were entering the M.C.U. like The Joker always intended on 'The Dark Knight'. Wrong movie? You bet! Because across this Spider-verse we are truly 'Far From Home' here with no Garfield, or Maguire. Yet, this 'Madame', with more critical fangs out for it than the venom that 'Morbius' received, feels as early 2000s as 'Bully Maguire' dancing to the soundtrack and the setting of this blockbuster that rewinds right past that pre-Netflix video store. And in a day and age where the third 'Fantastic Four' iteration (or is that four, dear John? I should keep quiet and in my place) since way back then will retro it up in the swinging sixties, there's nothing wrong with a throwback.

If Beyoncé's 'Dangerous In Love' really was about to come out, and Britney Spears' 'Toxic' had everyone dancing on the tables without knowing who it was really about, then 'Web' alongside Jared Leto's 'Morbius' and Tom Hardy's 'Venom' would Voltron form a big-three that would take pride of place next to those fun, early 21st century, 'Spider-Man', 'Fantastic Four' and 'X-Men' movies. But this is another time and tide. The age of "haterade", where even the fun-filled NBA All-Star Weekend is greeted with folded arms and mean tweets, when those paying it all to be in attendance are too busy looking down at their phones to see what's happening above the rim. Entertainment, again, is meant to be enjoyed, but it seems we can't get enough of hating the things we love. Marvel, in particular, right now is facing the tide turning toxic trend of getting it from all corners, and all studios. Even the mighty M.C.U. is getting it in the neck like an 'Old School' Will Ferrell, to keep the references in line and time. Especially when the films are fronted by what the Jordan Peterson crowd would refer to as "females". Please! What was really so bad about the fresh and fun, 'Attorney At Law', She-Hulk going deeper than 'Deadpool' (in more ways than one). And 'The Marvels' wasn't half-bad, either. And I haven't got a balcony ready, "it was all bad" comment primed like some muppets. Critics are calling it, "'Madame Web' is not as bad as you think", they say. "It's worse!" Sure, it's a long way from being a great movie and the franchise this origin story sets up may already be dead in the water, but you can still enjoy it whilst it lasts.

'Fifty Shades Of Gray' star bonds herself to this picture, even if we'll never see 'Madame Web: And She's Back'. But seriously, people quick to ridicule, don't actually see when people are having fun back, just for a laugh. Jokes on them, I guess. 'The Lost Daughter' star knows how to do the heavy lifting when the spider silk strand thin plot requires it. Charging this picture with her paramedic heart paddles. Anyone who believes she's the problem with this picture that belongs in the past like its period will be given the Ellen treatment. You're not getting one over on her. Or dutiful director S.J Clarkson, who makes her big-screen debut after helming everything from episodes of the best show on TV ('Succession'), to Marvel's own street-level Netflix heroes ('The Defenders'). Once upon a time...in new Hollywood, Sydney Sweeney steals the show in the SSU, as the 'Anyone But You' star like a Rolling Stone music video, may not be in the MCU, but should Multiverse jump as a perfect Spider-Woman if there's any justice. Ditto to an inspired Isabela Merced ('Transformers: The Last Knight', 'Sicario: Day Of The Soldado') and 'Selah and the Spades' star Celeste O'Connor forming their own teenage dream big-three of the future we'll sadly never see like Madame. Oh, but no one say's "it's webbin' time", before you believe everything you read online, like when Martin Scorsese called the 'Fast and the Furious' franchise "cinema". Well...it is, but I'm still confused. Does Christopher Nolan actually like it? Don't be so quick to discredit a film which has a fond cameo from comedian Mike Epps and also features 'Napoleon' standout Tahar Rahim as Ezekiel, looking more like Spider-Man 2099 in a nice looking suit. And just you wait until Easter-or the streaming release, it seems-to find out who Emma Roberts and Adam Scott play perfectly. Even then, this franchise knows when to pull it back. If only critics could. Don't get lost in the web. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Marvels', 'Morbius', 'Venom'.

Sunday 18 February 2024

TV REVIEW: TRUE DETECTIVE - NIGHT COUNTRY


4/5

We Own The Night.

6 Episodes. Starring: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, Isabella Star LeBlanc, John Hawkes & Christopher Eccelston. Showrunner: Issa López. On: Max.

30 days of night like a Josh Hartnett vampire horror. The fictional town of Ennis, in an Alaska Maggie Rogers would not want to sing about, is plunged into darkness with a 'Wind River' like isolation that will chill you to your core. Feeling like 'Fargo', all the way down to the fur on Frances McDormand's hat now passed to Jodie Foster, Issa López's show running fourth season of 'True Detective' (dubbed 'Night Country', giving us a 'Far From Home' memory) might not sit well with anthology creator Nic Pizzolato. But stare through the frozen lake's ice with a flashlight, and executive produced by him, and the originals Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, you can see it's the most formidable since the first season. With echoes of all the strange and surreal substance snaking through like the scrawls and scribbles that circle around flat highways and smashed tins of beer. And that's with all due respect to the stunted second season with standout performances from Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Vince Vaughn. Not to mention the big, redemptive third with double Oscar winners Barry Jenkins and Marhershala Ali.

Haunting like the Billie Eilish theme and her voice that shivers throughout, 'Night Country' is a modern masterpiece of television. What else for the "regular a##" TV like 'Chappelle's Show' said of HBO? What a time to be alive and couch potato-ed in front of the tube on a couch. With this, their greatest drama ending as the final series of their best comedy 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' beginning. Making your pretty, pretty dreary January good. Carrying a subtitle for the first time, and this occasion, standing at only six episodes, 'True Detective' season four wonders over eight men who went missing from a research station only to turn up naked in the ice for the most horrific amalgamation of body parts you've seen since 'The Thing'. And with no dog in sight to blame as the Billie bad guy, all frozen fingers point to each other until the frostbite sets in. As no one is innocent in this world of truly beat cops who hand their badges and guns in like a confessional and have more hiding in their desk draw than just a nip of a hip flask to chase their damn good coffee with. This show that takes inspiration from everything from 'Twin Peaks', to the very news we see for real, represents more than just its two strong leads, but a whole community forgotten and pushed to the margins. All until hell freezes over, never to return once it all thaws in bitter neglect and the harsh truth of those that forget.

Don't call this a Jodie Foster comeback. The 'Taxi Driver' and 'Inside Man' legend has still been here for 'Money Monster's and a few hands of 'House Of Cards' directing for years. But with this and the should have been more Oscar nominated 'Nyad' biography on Netflix with Annette Benning as Diane, Foster is on the form of her life. Like when she shot straight on 'The Brave One' vigilante justice before the 'Wick' era, or cropped up on 'Elysium'. With this and the legendary 'Silence Of The Lambs', Jodie cops detective roles like no other. Even Jackie Chan doesn't have this many police stories. And fostering an incredible performance, she also holds the most contentious and compelling, one-two punch partnership since Woody and McConaughey. Bruising boxer Kali Reis knows not to pull a single punch (sometimes literally), and this 'Country' is just as much hers, as it is Jodie's. And guess what? She's about to star in 'Wind River: The Next Chapter'. 'Killing Eve' great Fiona Shaw stirs this series. As does an accented and almost unrecognizable 'Doctor Who' in fellow great Brit, Christopher Eccelston (almost harder to tell than when he was an elf in 'Thor-The Dark World'). But it's veteran actor John Hawkes who continues to show his real, great self, like his billboard moment 'Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Not to mention the kids that are more than alright, like Jodie's character's Foster daughter Isabella Star LeBlanc (no relation, friends). Or a breakout Finn Bennett with easily the most crucial and heartbreaking moment of the season, acted to perfection with no seduction, Mrs. Robinson. As the gritty ice cracks, the cleverly used static of the HBO show refuses to. All for the coldest, boldest series yet. Night. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'True Detective', 'Wind River', 'Fargo'.