EC-EVERYTHING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL

Pharrell Williams is JOHN LEGEND'S 'MUSE'

2026-10-26T00:42:45.348-07:00

Legends Of The Fall...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Legend has it that John Stephens knows all about classic collaborations and concepts. From Oscar wins (with the 'Selma' 'Glory' in Common) to Christmas albums ('A Very Legendary Christmas') as 'tis almost the season again. A sweet sixteen years ago, the man who began his career playing piano on 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill's' 'Everything Is Everything', recorded an album with The Roots ('Wake Up!') of Philly. And we all know about his seminal moment, 'Get Lifted', with help from the G.O.O.D. Music of Kanye West. Ms. Hill returning the favour for the 'So High' Cloud 9 remix. Dear John is also amazing when he pushes the envelope alone, like on, "stepping away from the piano", Andre 3000 line albums such as, 'Evolver', 'Love In The Future' and 'Bigger Love'. But like his last name, eponymous, last straight-forward studio-album (but let's not forget 'My Favorite Dream' of 2024's children's album from the 'Jesus Christ Superstar') we know, he, and we, are all just 'Ordinary People' on the piano.

Looking up, in familiar black and white, a black bowtie on white suit, and a similar suited and booted string-section accompanying him on the album artwork, Legend knows which way to go on his new album 'Muse'. One that has nothing to do with the British Radiohead like rockers, who had their own amazing album ('The Wow! Signal') out this summer, but former N.E.R.D. rocker and Neptune, Pharrell Williams, who produces the entirety of this epic with his signature boom-bap bounce. Giving all of himself to the darkness and light of Legend once again. Also, vocally-appearing on the title-track, the Spike Jonze like 'Her', 'Get Back', 'Are You Ok?' (Annie), 'Next Time' and the grave of 'Fireflies'. And if, piece by piece (you have to watch that beautiful biopic on the super-producer, told through LEGOs), you think that all sounds like the early 2000s. From Kelis to Justin Timberlake, this album is complete with a Clipse collaboration ('Bodies On The Floor'). Returning the recently reunited Clipse comeback special, 'Let God Sort 'Em Out' favour.

Gospel, afrobeat, doo-wop, hip-hop, classic soul and so much more are explored through this 'Muse', following the pair's two-decade friendship. 'Muse' explores a man and his own relationship between Paris and high-art, and it even nods to the odyssey of the nine muses of Greek mythology and Stephens own ancestors of soul, as he continues his 'Evolver' era. From the definitive 'Daylight' breaking single, to going 'Under The Bridge' like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not to mention, all the inspired interlude introductions that come right before. It really does feel like the early 2000s skits again. Taps bodying one influence before No Malice and Pusha T. Despite the dynamic duo, Stephens still sings, "Oh, I'm only doing me/So, right now, life is Vеgas/And if I'm playing/I'm only doing me," on 'Doin' Me'. A self-empowering anthem for the man who knows how to write even better wedding songs than the great Tank (see, 'Conversations In The Dark' for the ultimate pillow-talk).

Everything is still everything on...well, 'Everything'. "We lost our cars and our keys/With nowhere to go, with no place to be/News cameras everywhere, but nothing left to see/We lost our kings, we lost our queens/They lost their castles, their compounds and empires/And for what's left, the prices are too high/And the politicians are liars/I thought my life was pristine, that's what I understood prior/But not anymore, the mountains are on fire." Socially and politically conscious, like the powerful 'Preach' singer always is, but still about love and how it's Beatle all you need ("Embers in the wind, the smoky views/I'll never sleep where I once slept again/Lost my ceilings, lost my walls/Goddamn, I lost it all, but if I got you/I got everything, yeah, I got everything.") That's why on the 'Sail Off' David Gray 'White Ladder' like sail away, John Legend can say, "I had a premonition we could be forever/If we don't start tonight, then baby, we might never." It's time to let your muse know they are more than your inspiration...but your intention, too.

Playlist Picks: 'Pray For Ya', 'Her (Feat. Pharrell Williams)', 'Bodies On The Floor (Feat. Clipse)'.

Spin This: John Legend - 'Get Lifted'.

'PRESS PLAY' on the new LISA EP

2026-10-25T23:16:40.497-07:00

Play For Keeps...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Once upon a time in... Thailand. Int. Hotel Room - Night. A young woman, dressed in a way superlative couldn't quite capture, is talking on the phone. Confirming flight details and itineraries, that are busier than those same superlatives, with her assistant. The assistant then reveals, that yes, he is still in town and there's a chance she could still catch him whilst she can. No, not Leo, but more like DiCaprio's 'Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood' director, Quentin Tarantino ('Pulp Fiction', 'Inglorious Basterds', 'Django Unchained'). LISA's, from South Korean pop phenomenon BLACKPINK, directing muse, on the same New Music Friday that John Legend releases an album of the same name inspiration with Pharrell.

"Tarantino, Tarantino/Got my feet hangin' out the Camino (Oh)/Tarantino, Tarantino (Yeah)/Got my feet hangin' out the Camino", the Thai rapper/singer teases, like she's about to get a call back (she probably will). So much so, you're practically convinced you'll see the 'Reservoir Dogs' director, currently doing his first West End play ('The Popinjay Cavalier') in London with Sacha Baron Cohen, in the mirror at the end of the music video that kills it, like Bill. Lalisa, kicking ass and taking French fries she uses coolly as cigarettes, knowing Q.T. all too well. "Death proof, baby, I do all my own stunts/F you, baby, like a razor on my tongue/Black suit, fast food, takе me out to lunch/At the drive-thru, Thai funk, shakin' out thе trunk." With Uma Thurman "mustard on her sneakers". Yep, the 'Dusk 'Till Dawn' star likes feet. I once asked him, at a 'Death Proof' signing in Liverpool, no less, what Salma Hayek's taste like. And he replied, with a laugh, "pretty good, if you get the chance, I recommend it."

That's Hollywood! But the 'SaWaDiKa' single before it is even more of an anthem. Seoul music for the K-Pop generation, with its icon spitting, "Hello, สวัสดีค่ะ/Yeah, you know my wrist is cold/Got this timepiece from Geneva/If you know it, then you know/I'm that b#### on your TV/And my Ferrari indigo/La Lalisa, la diva/สวัสดีค่ะ, there she go (Hey)." Backdropped by a bigger budget video and a Thai formal greeting on a new line of clothing more sought-after than the PlayStation controller bearing her autographed image. Ticking to a countdown, in Bangkok, New York City, Los Angeles and cities across China and Mexico City for a run that could even rival the Avengerss 'Doomsday' clock. All for Lisa's extended play, on Lloud and RCA Records, and her first solo releases since the 'Alter Ego' debut of this 'New Woman', 'Born Again', 'Rock Star' almost two years ago.

It's not even been a full calendar since her BLACKPINK outfit came back with their own epic EP, but Lisa makes the 'Deadline' for end of year big releases. All after bandmate and friend Jennie made a summer splash with some seriously stunning singles ('Less Than A Lover', 'Fallen Angel', 'Heaven'). And both Lisa and Jennie, with Jisoo ('Click') and Rosé ('New Trick') to come, our offering hits, and music videos, just as big as their 'Jump' when they said 'Go'! The Blackpink chant going on, all in the same year fellow classic contemporaries BTS made the comeback of the calendar with 'Arirang'. Korean music is still popping, and Lisa is riding it all the way in a 'V12' as she presses play on the car radio with Dem Jointz riding board manning shotgun. "Nothin' but net with the free throws", in the same era these Demon Hunter beaters told us they were "Golden, like Draymond." With a 'Cobra' clutch, sampling Missy Elliott and Timbaland's perfect 'Pass That Dutch', Lisa is ready to 'Cut U Off'. More than fifteen minutes of fame, sweating through the EP highlight and a black dress with hair blowing album art of iconography. Just 'Press Play' already. It's time to say hello.

Playlist Picks: 'Sawadika', 'Tarantino', 'Sweat'.

Spin This: BLACKPINK - 'Deadline (EP)'.

There is hell to pay in FAMILY GUY'S 'HAPPY HELL-O-WEEN'

2026-10-19T17:44:51.165-07:00

Family Fry...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

24 Mins. Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Mike Henry, Patrick Warburton & Kieran Culkin. Director: Joe Vaux. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Hell-o! Halloween is just around the corner and no matter if your costume ideas are as patchy as the pumpkin patches in your neighbourhood, it's time to get in the spirit before they're left rotting on the porch under your front door's Christmas wreath. There's no doubt about it that Seth MacFarlane's 'Family Guy' Halloween specials are hella good. 'Happy Holo-Ween', 'Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Cheater', 'Must Love Dogs', and more, are barking up the right trick or treat tree. Sure, they might not be the every season regular 'Treehouse Of Terror' of their neighbouring family 'The Simpsons'. But those are some iconic episodes that have been running for close to forty seasons. Not every show has the 'Obsession' to inspire one of the best horror movies of the year. Let alone, one of the most successful of all-time.

Instead, 'Family Guy' achieves a new kind of 'Succession' with their latest special, 'Happy Hell-O-Ween', streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus before we wait on season twenty-six, like we will the 'Futurama' holiday specials, coming to the streaming service in the new year. The legendary voices of Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Mike Henry and Patrick Warburton are joined by 'A Real Pain' in Academy Award-winning actor Kieran Culkin, having a devil of a time as Lucifer himself. And apparently this isn't the only time he'll don those Satan horns for the family in this Joe Vaux devilishly delightful special episode. We all know Culkin, like his famous brother that was left at home, for his dry-wit and sinister 'Succession' streak. An incredibly gifted actor who nails everything he's in, including the milk-run of his 'Home Alone' debut. From cute glasses and braces, to going all sorts of places, he even knows how to turn a lovely Oscar speech into a bit with his wife.

Now, he has the task of sorting through a succession of 25 seasons of bad deeds between Stewie and Brain. All to determine whether they deserve the pearly gates...or something a little warmer. All those attempts on the life of Lois, and as for Brian, apart from coveting his best friend's wife, I wouldn't want to read through all those novels...and I'm a failed writer, too. With Halloween on the cards, Stewie is invited to a masquerade ball on a ferry, making Brian his plus one. Before they set sail, they see a man drowning and begging for help they could have wrapped up and dried off ten minutes ago. Then an SUV comes into play and it's all hell to pay. Not to mention, a strike for all those living under those tortuous conditions. Brian and Stewie think they can do a better job, and with an arrow sting in the tale, I think you know what happens next. Now, that's a real succession. Culkin is classic and this epic episode belongs on something better than a highway to hell. A damnation of a good time.

Further Frights: Family Guy, 'Halloween On Spooner Street', 'Peternormal Activity', 'A Little Fright Music'.

TINIE TEMPAH'S sound is still alive on 'THE NIGHT'S NOT DEAD'

2026-10-18T21:56:24.166-07:00

Tempah Is The Night...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Disturbing London once again, Tinie Tempah is back! It may have been eleven years since the last album ('Youth') from Plumstead's very own, but don't discount the 'Demonstration' artistry from a man who has so many clothes, he probably still keeps some in his aunt's house. Ever since the 2010 release of his definitive 'Disc-Overy' discography released, to the month, a sweet sixteen years ago, Tempah has set the grimy tempo of UK rap music. Not to mention, other artist's own discographies. Like Labrinth? It was Tinie who helped set that big 'Earthquake' up in here. Stormzy. Little Simz. They all have Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu to thank, like Kano, Skpeta and Giggs.

After huge hits, like 'Pass Out', the future of this rapper, singer and television presenter was 'Written In The Stars', so to sing. As British as a cup of tea and biscuits, but as dangerous a talent as some of his contemporaries across the pond, in the New York birthplace of hip-hop, Tinie Tempah put us in the UK on the rap map. 'Not Letting Go', he's already passed the equally legendary Dizzee Rascal for most number one singles by a rapper from the United Kingdom. His middle name, "Chukwuemeka", in lbgo language means "God has done more", and the Lord, and his mysterious ways, really have for the platinum and gold star of Nigerian descent. Ever since using a thesaurus in class to juxtapose his name and ameliorate the aggressive sound of anger in his last. Following the inspiration he found watching the massive music video of So Solid Crew's '21 Seconds' to go. The wordplay has been potent ever since, as we say bonjour and hello to Uncle Fester once again, for someone who says he's getting goose bumps, "like R.L. Stine". Genius credit!

Turning Disturbing London into the UK's Def Jam or Rocafella records, kicking in the door with big smoke. Performing at Glastonbury with uncle Snoop Dogg. Teaming up with the iconic Swedish House Mafia for 'Miami 2 Ibiza'. Brits, MOBO's and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Tempah could even take on the Bane of Tom Hardy, as it seems the 'Mobland' and 'Peaky Blinders' actor, could him, when it comes the rap game, if you've seen that latest music video with the Wu-Tang Clan. But now, Tinie is taking on the enormous challenge of returning to the game he hasn't played for in over a decade. Will it still be the same? Will he? His before its time sound sounds nostalgic now, but that's just nuanced in a good thing for all those who miss the good old days and the ways it paved. You can hear all that on strong singles like, 'Eat It Up', 'Closer', 'Living Life', 'Energy', 'Heaven Or Hell', 'To The Floor' and 'Rude x Badger x Travy'. X, like this marking the spot on these collaborations with Skepsis, Abi Flynn, Daecolm, Alex Mills, Reggie, and AFROJACK and Tropkillaz on the last cut, respectively.

Collaborations also come thick and fast with a 'Backstage' Elipsa and HolyBrune on the Japanese inspired 'Studio Ghibli'. An animated Tempah also takes hip-hop back to its storytelling roots with the compelling arc of '10 Minutes Later', as inspired as New Jersey's own presenter Joe Budden's own ten-minute track off his eponymous debut that pumped it up. From the dark 'Don't Ask Me About Last Night', to the 'I Lied' lyric video, Tinie is resurrecting the night he once ran with, like Richie. Party, but no bulls### for the rapper who can switch styles like he British GQ pioneers fashion. On 'Start A Fight' the beat punches with more dark, cinematic auras ready for Halloween. 'Cause It Feels So Good' and 'Body 2 Body' keep the sexy style in check. But it's 'Get My Attention' that will really get yours as Tempah raps, "back with a vengance/with sir independent/ask my accountants how we been spending/don't at me come out my mentions/aura winter collections/living like you ain't trying to see your pensions/eight to tens in our sections/no videos, not natural selection (whoo)." Yeah, don't call it a comeback!

Playlist Picks: '10 Minutes Later', 'Living Life (Tinie Tempah x Daecolm)', 'Studio Ghibli (Feat. HolyBrune)'.

Spin This: Tinie Tempah - 'Disc-Overy'.

MAX RICHTER does not go gentle into that good night 'WHILE THE FLOOD RAGES'

2026-10-18T20:20:19.027-07:00

Rage, Rage...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dylan Thomas's 1951 villanelle 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night' is a profound poem urging a resistance against the reaper in the "rage, rage" refrain. A father's timely advice to his son, it was famousely used in Christopher Nolan's inspired 'Interstellar' starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine. It also serves as symbolism here in Max Richter's latest album, 'While The Flood Rages'. As the last half of the album, featuring the legendary likes of 'A Sweet Air', 'Dawn' and 'My Body Is My Earthly Ark', sounds like it could have been used, like Ludwig Göransson, in the stead of Hans Zimmer's incredible soundtrack, because Lord knows the maestro is oftentimes busy.

Nothing can replace the Hans on the time of that soundtrack. And Max Richter's latest scale, following the portrait of 'In A Landscape', feels worryingly post-apocalyptic about our "place in the dirt". All the way down to the Muse like amazing album artwork of a structural future-scape, with "love" written like a sign, or cry, for help in the frozen tundra below. Actually, 'While The Flood Rages' and its 'Wave After Wave' cautionary tales we should 'Tell The Bees', whilst 'The City Was A Chaos', is actually inspired by the testament of the legendary 'The Handmaids Tale' author Margaret Atwood. Fitting after we've just finished the Canadian icon's 'Book Of Lives' 24-hour 'Memoir Of Sorts' amazing audiobook. Highly recommended, like her hot off the press Substack page and feed. An Orwell for our time. Influenced by the 'Alias Grace' writer's 'MaddAddam' trilogy. Field-recorded elements of her dystopian trilogy is incorporated into the British/German composer's own three-act structure of work.

'On The Nature Of Daylight', the 60-year-old composer's magnum opus has been used in everything from Scorsese and DiCaprio's shuddering 'Shutter Island' (mixed with the great Dinah Washington's 'This Bitter Earth'), to Richter's own scored single and an utterly raw and moving music video, featuring your very own June star of 'The Handmaid's Tale', Elizabeth Moss. Most recently, however, it gave us the most touching moment in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for Chloé Zhao and Jessie Buckley's 'Hamnet' adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's beautiful book. Yet 'The Flood Rages' takes us even further into the heart of mother earth. Spearheaded by the single of eleven-minutes, 'Now We Can Sing', offering us a Noah like way out of this rising tide and all the trouble of a world at war today that doesn't seem to subside.

A classic collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregor makes this all feel even more like a stirring soundtrack with absolute urgency. The advance of technology in the age of A.I. The fall of nature in our wounded land. And not to mention, we as a people and our resistance to all of that. These themes and ideas are explored in the sonic soundscape of Max's latest epic effort. Not to mention, one of his best yet in quite a year for the man who would have already been legendary if he took time off work during COVID-19. Instead of spending time working in his home studio for music that echoed the times we have, are and continue to live in to this day and accelerated age. Powerful and profound, it's a necessary percussion, punctuating all we're going through as we speak, in an album that really does so, without so much as a laced lyric. Orchestral and choral, taking us to an electronic church in the wild, the light is still alive in a man standing at the edge of the flood until it recedes. Raging against the machine, Max Richter is in control of his narrative in the eye of the storm. It's time, for the world, that we were, too.

Playlist Picks: 'Wave After Wave', 'The City Was A Chaos', 'Tell The Bees'.

Spin This: Max Richter - 'In A Landscape'.

EELS refuse to slip on 'COOKIE HAPPENED'

2026-10-18T19:16:41.900-07:00

Accept Cookies...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Defying death, both literal and critical, the Eels are back again, slippery when wet, for 'Cookie Happened'. Inspired by the Sesame Street monster that loves chocolate chip baked goods, complete with a neon green, slam-dunking skeleton. 'Cap In Hand' ("here is the church/here is the steeple/open the door see, all the broken people", reminding me of games with my Gran), at your door with the lead single for their sweet sixteenth set, Mark Oliver Everett (E) and the boys in the band are still as fresh as the day they went to 'Susan's House', with 'Novocaine For The Soul'. Spluttering out as 'Beautiful Freaks' in '96. And that still must be her sister. It must be her sister...right?!

Two years ago, the Eels showed us in a scorching summer that it was 'Eels Time!' once again in a powerful and profound comeback album for the 'Daisies Of The Galaxy' legends. The subtle sonics of 'IF I'M GONNA GO ANYWHERE' and the simple notion of the lyrics, "love, what else is there, but love/What else is there?", still on my playlist, remains my personal favourite track of 2024. And despite being 'Clobbered', 'Bamboozled Again' and 'Lost and Barking', E knows it was all worth it on a beautiful break-up album of sorts. One whose disc would have either been in your stereo, or on top of all the other jewel cases next to it, back in the 90s, for how much you'd play it. "All of this will be forgotten. Every joy, accomplishment and hardship will one day become so irrelevant it will be as if none of it occurred," Everett tells us. "But as the great philosopher of our times, Cookie Monster once said: ‘Me no cry because cookie is finished. Me smile because cookie happened.’ This will all be forgotten. But isn’t it still a beautiful thing that it happened?"

Now, making a mark and taking a bite, it's not 'All Forgotten' on the single with the beautiful B-side of 'I'm On Standby' which is really here for you, even when the record doesn't play. Lyrics lingering like, "They broke your heart, looks like the end/I'm on standby/Your car is broken, your dog got sick/And it's cold/The boss can't wait to fire you/I'm on standby." The kindness, that like a friend, we all need in these troubled times. 'Taking Pictures' sharpens the focus with Mark Oliver putting us in the frame of "No one loves you in New York/Don't try making her go up north/And no one gets you back in Hollywood." The Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA band bring back the 'New Story' with pages of guitar breaks and Hollywood like orchestral strings that show us their sound is timeless, "never a bore." On a swing, 'Congratulations To Me' offers that same celebration of joy in harmony with harps. Freakishly beautiful, these indie legends are the rock alternative you forgot you were waiting for to come back.

'One Razzle, One Dazzle' continues that sleight of hand, one-two punch. "You gotta wow them, zonk, biff, and pow them/That's what my dad used to say", Mark Oliver E advises, like a caped crusader in Adam West era, 60s tights. All you Burt Ward's will love the 'Dum Dums' that come shooting next, picking up that electric bright red telephone. Engaged with the lines, "I wish the world was just a beautiful place/A generous smile upon each and every face/Good-hearted people sharing all the riches/But the world's chock-full of dum-dums and little b#####s." The inspired instrumental break helping you put this all in perspective. In the end, 'The Way I Was Made' curtain does it E's way on electrics strummed like acoustics with the soars. "The gifts that I possess/Don't come without duress/It's just part of the deal/It's the way I was made/I didn't ask for any of it/But I try to make it work." In a day and age where New Music is forgotten way before the next Friday, we have another subtle classic on our hands that we should refuse to allow to be slept on. Don't reject all this happening, Cookie.

Playlist Picks: 'Cap In Hand', 'Taking Pictures', 'I'm On Standby'.

Spin This: Eels - 'Eels Time!'

Ben Affleck's 'ANIMALS' has highs and lows

2026-10-18T18:28:48.386-07:00

Animalistic...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

108 Mins. Starring: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Luis Gerardo Méndez & Steven Yeun. Screenplay: Connor O. McIntyre, Billy Ray & Ben Affleck. Director: Ben Affleck. On: Netflix.

Kidnapping (in movies) the wrong mark doesn't just sound like the darkest episode ever of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', it also makes for a Mel Gibson 'Ransom' script-flip that has been tried and tested in Hollywood for years. If this new Netflix movie streams familiar it's because you have already seen this all before...many times. It all chicken before the egg began as a book, a novel idea ('King's Ransom', 1959) by Ed McBain. And then was most notably adapted by legendary Japanese 'Seven Samurai' director Akira Kurosawa's ('Rhapsody In August', 'Ran', 'Dreams') 1963 film 'High And Low'. Last year, for A24 and Apple Original Films, the 'Malcolm X', 'Mo Better Blues' and 'He Got Game' director/actor legendary partnership of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunited all of this for the heavily slept on 'Highest 2 Lowest', and that's when actor/director Ben Affleck ('Gone Baby Gone', 'The Town', 'Argo') knew he had to push back.

Affleck and Lee have been inspired by the late, great Kurosawa before. Akira's acclaimed 'Rashomon' (based on Ryūnosuke Akutagawa's 1915 short story) influenced both Spike's seminal 'She's Gotta Have It' and Ridley Scott's 'The Last Duel', starring and written by Affleck and his 'Good Will Hunting' partner in Oscar winning crime, Matt Damon. Fresh off their January Netflix reunion of 'The Rip' (which also features the 'Beef' of Steven Yeun, who is back brilliantly here), Ben originally wanted to Matt to play this 'Animals' central character of a Los Angeles mayoral candidate. And if you've seen Damon run for political office, and so much more (in a trilby hat), for the Philip K. Dick adapted 'The Adjustment Bureau', you know these two were on to something. Affleck even wanted his ex-wife and 'Daredevil' co-star Jennifer Garner to star alongside his best friend. Now that's good terms all around.

Alas, Damon was busy with some movie called 'The Odyssey', so Ben stepped in. Then, the idea of starring alongside Elektra seemed strange to say the least, so in came the great Kerry Washington ('Scandal', 'Django Unchained', 'American Son'). The pair form a (not so) perfect partnership that's like a fuse of dynamite for this mission impossible of negotiating with a cruel and callous criminal of the highest order, all whilst trying to save public face in a political campaign that could come apart, like the safety of who was stolen, at any ticking minute. Especially when you figure in the third-wheel of right-hand man Yeun (doing 'Mickey 17' slime so good, Steven should even fear being typecast) and a brief but brutal Ray Fisher, showing us that it's actually Cyborg that is the bane of Batman's life. But the real back breaking belongs to the great Gillian Anderson. The star, on a tear with the movie 'Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma', having been in everything from 'The X Files' to 'The Crown' (as the Iron Lady Thatcher) is the ultimate fixer here. Even her anything but pure white suit and slicked back hair is its own character. She steals more than the show, pulling all sort of rugs up from under this home life.

Elsewhere Adriana Paz ('Emilia Pérez', 'Elysium', 'Spectre') and Luis Gerardo Méndez ('Club de Cuervos', The Noble Family', 'The Resort') offer the real heart of this film as the actual parents who face their worst nightmare come calling in on a smartphone. In this American crime thriller, it's great to see Affleck back in the director's chair, and acting up a storm, too. We all know the big-three that launched his name into the same actor turned director ranks of the legendary likes of Clint Eastwood and George Clooney. But the prohibition era 'Live By Night', Amazon Prime's 'The Tender Bar' and Nike's recruitment of Michael Jordan in 'Air' all demand attention like the notion behind his and Damon's Artist Equity production company. But perhaps theses 'Animals' lack teeth for relying too much on other writers (Affleck, Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray) and openly, A.I. One storm drain scene is getting bad Jon Bernthal GTA like CG social-media punishment. We compare it to the clear stunt-doubles seen in those same drains for 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day'. Even so, 'Animals' still roars. It's just, like 'White House Down' to 'Olympus Has Fallen', and 'Deep Impact' to 'Armageddon' previously, it's all been done so much better, and closer, before.

Further Filming: 'Highest 2 Lowest', 'High And Low', 'Gone Baby Gone'.

'SMOKING BEHIND THE SUPERMARKET WITH YOU' lights up a sweet solidarity

2026-10-15T17:23:46.190-07:00

Thank You For 'Smoking'...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

12 Episodes. Starring: Takuya Satō & Seena Hoshiki. Directors: Masato Suzuki & Aoi Mori. On: Crunchyroll & Netflix.

Smoking inside venues in the UK has been banned for almost 20 years now, and the smell of your clothes after a night out on the town are all the better for it...although you should probably still wash them. Here in Japan, you can still smoke inside cafes and the like, albeit in designated smoking rooms that are like entering a New York jazz speakeasy in the forties. You can't even watch Mickey Mouse sail the high seas as 'Steamboat Willie', about to celebrate its century anniversary, these days on Disney Plus without being warned about tobacco depictions. Here, even successful Sakanaction singer Ichiro Yamaguchi has promoted an electronic cigarette company. Before we get any further, I don't smoke, never have, don't judge anyone who does, and am not here to promote it in anyway. But even old Hollywood knows there's a certain romanticism to it. And that's where the amazing anime, lighting up the summer 'Smoking Behind The Supermarket With You' (on Netflix and, of course, Crunchyroll) comes in.

I'd rather talk about the romantic notion of supermarkets, the late-night pilgrimage after a long day imprisoned in an office cubicle. The warm neon sign inviting you in on a cold night. The conveyor belt pulling you along. The lulling sounds of your scanned products, music to your ears. And the friendly and familiar face at the register feeling like a friend. These are the nuanced notions, both lonely and lovely behind Jinushi's story and art of the 'Smoking Behind The Supermarket With You' massive manga. "I've always admired how cool smoking is in fiction," says the artist who goes by one name, like the Banksy of written horror, diagramming his legend, Uketsu. "And I'm so confident that the sound for those supermarket-employee swinging doors is WHUMF, I'd stake my life on it", he adds in his first volume.

A WHUMF that hits forty-five-year-old salary man Sasaki-san (voiced by Takuya Satō) like a ton of bricks , or Cupid's heart-eyed arrow, when he leaves the corporate grind for his sweet supermarket solace, supplemented with smoking. The friendly smile of the wonderful worker Yamada (Seena Hoshiki) is all he needs to get him through, showing just how important that Japanese practice of customer service is to a land that rises like the sun every day, but does have its problems, like every place does, with overwork and isolation. One day, when he really needs this, Sasaki sees Yamada nowhere in sight. Despondently walking home, he is invited behind the supermarket for a smoking break by a woman that strikes him like a match against the side of its carton (the only romanticism missing here in these days of dime store lighters that slide into the pack like a carton up a sleeve). The rebellious heart of Tayama likes to play, and Sasaki can't believe the luck he's found in his new lady friend, but hasn't he met her before?

Yeah, you know where this is all going, but that's the simple and sweet idea behind 'Smoking Behind' and its manga series that now has a twelve-part amazingly adapted anime for your nights alone. All you need is about twenty minutes, these two, and the shared smoke twirling through the twilight together. Beside me. Beside you. You don't even have to have a cigarette. Although I do recommend those tasty rice crackers. Asahi Production's serial turned series, bookended by moving music by Zutomayo ('Ichijiku Kemuri (イチジク煙; 'Fig Smoke)') and Imase ('Fiction'), this Masato Suzuki and Aoi Mori directed affair stays loving loyal to Jinushi's manga that began beautifully as a webcomic published on Twitter (X). All the way down to the ashtrays, Super 8 plastic shopping bags and a gaunt tie complete with a salary men suit barely hanging on by the human hanger. The jacket lent on a cold night by the hot tea and coffee vending machine. Seasons to season through water pistols and scarfs. The closeness. The connection. The camera phones. The chemistry. There is nothing like slice of life anime and this is the best dish, served with a light, for heavy hearts in need of a little help.

Further Filming: 'Call Of The Night', 'Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku', 'Chainsmoker Cat'.

'DIGGER' tries to strike crude oil

2026-10-11T21:32:22.266-07:00

Dig A Pony...

By TIM HARVEY

129 Mins. Starring: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg & Jesse Plemons. Screenplay: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Nicolás Giacobone & Sabina Berman. Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu. In: Theatres.

Dig this, Tom Cruise finally looks like he's in his mid-60s. Those who hate would love to say it's not Photoshop, or A.I. It isn't either. It's actually 'Darkest Hour' like prosthetics for the all-action 'Mission: Impossible' franchise face who can still run through movies, from 'Risky Business' to 'Oblivion'. The most famous face in all of acting, in the same month as his 'Interview With A Vampire' peer Brad Pitt gives us the 'Heart Of A Beast', taskmaster took what was six-hours in the make-up chair down to a strict schedule stopwatch timed one. The Planet Hollywood king of long sequels ('Top Gun: Maverick' is almost as old as I am) may be rebooting 'Days Of Thunder' next summer, with Anne Hathaway, but right now he's digging deeper with a shovel for 'Digger'. The 'Rain Man', 'Born On The Fourth Of July' and 'The Color Of Money' actual actor (see 'Magnolia', 'Jerry Maguire' or 'A Few Good Men' if you can't handle that truth) mining Oscar gold with the great Alejandro G. Iñárritu ('BiRDMAN Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)', 'The Revenant', 'Babel'). 'Blah, Blah, Blah'. This is what this stinging satire was originally meant to be called, with Netflix and Leonardo DiCaprio. Until the streamer saw it as too similar to their 'Don't Look Up' with Leo.

Digging his own career suicide grave? Hardly! Even if 'Digger' is dividing critics and cinemagoers alike. Crudely confusing, confounding, but oh so compelling, one of the most hotly and highly anticipated pieces of cinema of the calendar shows there will be more than blood, as the critics who want to take down Tom will shark smell the oil in the water and come. This was never going to go down easy. Movies that make you work for it rarely do. The great Ari Aster ('Hereditary', 'Midsommar'), like Jordan Peele's horror show, may be giving way to 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession', but his broad brushstrokes of 'Beau Is Afraid' and 'Eddington', both with Joaquin Phoenix, demand your attention and consideration, too. The less we say about 'Digger', and its terrific twist in the middle of this paunchy number, the better. And that's no disrespect. We just don't want to spoil the soup. Going for the gut, with a comb over (I can talk), Cruise is still in control. And one speech, stirring all that is incendiary, looking straight in the eyes of puerile politicians and brutal billionaires, belongs in the wheelhouse of his cinematic canon.

Fodder for critics, but fortune for those who find gold amongst the fools of films, if this was just Iñárritu it would be called inspired genius (like it reaches for). Instead, with Cruise leaving his arena of action, people want to take down what they see at the top, like biplanes swarming a King at the top of his Empire State, spitting, stinging and sniping. Yet the ever-creative Cruise, forever in love with the art-form movies make, gives this everything he's got. Mind, body and soul. The spine of a staged speech scene, a press conference akin to a Roman coliseum trial by fire, shows so many levels of anger and acceptance in the audience that you can't find a better mirror for what is going on in the world right now. That monologue alone, makes this a great movie. Even if the rest is water-logged by its amazing ambition and 129-minute runtime. Too many screenwriters (Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Nicolás Giacobone, Sabina Berman and, of course, Alejandro) may spoil that same soup, but 'Digger' is still a feast for the eyes, ears and mind. Stetson and bolo tie hitting us with the truth, like "bang, bang, bang!"

It's the end of the world as we know it, and T.C's oil tycoon has a way he can save it, like 'Edge Of Tomorrow' co-star Emily Blunt in 'War Of The Worlds' and 'Minority Report' director Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day', finally out here in Japan, last week. Cruise's magnetic magnate Digger Rockwell (that's a character name for the ages) is joined by a scene-stealing Riz Ahmed, looking fresh off of fellow auteur director Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme'. John Goodman's great (in portrayal only) American President and a big-three of underused, but undeniable actors. Not to mention a mechanical cat, that's no Grogu in cuteness, but gets some cool points. 'Anatomy Of A Fall' and 'The Zone Of Interest' instant icon Sandra Hüller already stole in 'Project Hail Mary' and is about to star in 'Doomsday'. Michael Stuhlbarg is always amazing in everything he does. And 'Bugonia's' Jesse Plemons, no stranger to the surreal ('I'm Thinking Of Ending Things') has already show un what he can do in little more than a cameo ('Civil War'). More than even its actor and director, 'Digger' may not have hit paydirt, but it leaves you thinking. Something we all need to pay in mind in this end of days.

Further Filming: 'Birdman', 'There Will Be Blood', 'Megalopolis'.

JAMIE FOXX tells us to 'TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF'

2026-10-11T19:49:35.418-07:00

Take Care

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

60 Mins. Starring: Jamie Foxx. Director: Troy Miller. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Care to take a look at Jamie Foxx's new stand-up special on Hulu and Disney Plus? Comedy king of the roast, and disclosure day dealer for his peers, Katt Williams may not. Stating that Jamie's last award-nominated special straight from the Foxxhole ('What Had Happened Was') wasn't funny (it was, but so much more, too), after he was running his mouth before it saying that Foxx had a "mysteeeerious illness." Perhaps Katt didn't take to Foxx's inspired impression of him in his last special. Well, if that's the case, Williams won't like this, as Jamie is back at it again. Sending him up, alongside his tell-all partner Shannon Sharpe, friend LeBron James, of course Denzel Washington (Okay, alright) and even his 'Any Given Sunday' co-star, the legendary Al Pacino. Jamie Foxx has been the great impersonator ever since he was live 'In Living Color' with his eponymous sitcom show.

Triple-threats don't quite hit like this man with the mic, however. A Grammy winning musician. An Oscar winning actor. But now, the star of 'Ray', 'Django Unchained' and 'Soul' is back where he belongs. On stage with a microphone cord and the roots of his raw beginnings, inspired by the likes of Red Foxx, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and many of his peers, like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle (another pitch perfect, incredible impression). It's so good to see him back with a special that takes us back to the 'I Might Need Security' days, all the way to the piano plays. Especially after the effects of a brain bleed and stroke, shrouded in secrecy, almost took one of our most beloved entertainers away from us. 'What Had Happened Was', his last special on Netflix, detailed all that, with heart, humour and family ties. Anelise Foxx returns here, moving her father to tears, with more sweet guitar licks.

Yet, switching streamers, Jamie's Netflix deal might be done. One that saw many movies like 'Project Power', 'Day Shift', 'Back In Action' and the, hilariously at the time titled, 'They Cloned Tyrone'. Not to mention, his own sweet sitcom series, 'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me', co-wrote with his memoirs of a father, 'Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me'. Never mind, Hulu is here and this Disney deal is great for Marvel's own electric, and eclectic Spider-Man villain Electro. Charged up, Jamie's 'Take Care Of Yourself' riffs on music, movies and mortality. Just one week after his 'Collateral' co-star Tom Cruise came out with 'Digger', the hit man's former taxi driver mines and strikes his own sort of crude comedy gold. Taking on Trump, and even a hilarious story that has the involved audience buzzing over a Kardashian.

Part of Hulu's 'Hularious' series featuring the likes of Bill Burr, Sebastian Maniscalo, Nikki Glaser and many, many more, Jamie takes the stage with more sentiment to offer up a message on the same stage in Oakland where he won a comedy competition back in the early 90s. 'Take Care Of Yourself', he urges, like all the people who seem to be telling him that these days, and not in that threatening "gang, gang" way for the Beverly Hills resident. We're all getting older, and a couple of years off "still swinging at sixty', the 'Ali' star, who used to warm-up his Hollywood career with Keith B-Real skits on friend Will Smith's monster 'Big Willie Style' album, is now a "triple O.G", according to NBA star and New York Knicks champion Jordan Clarkson, getting him a chair on a night out. We all know what it's like to see that old guy in the corner of the club. Well...now that's us. The difference is, Jamie pulls up to one in his refrigerator of a Rolls. Now, that's taking care of yourself.

Further Filming: Jamie Foxx-'What Had Happened Was', Jamie Foxx-'I Might Need Security', Jamie Foxx-'Straight From The Foxxhole'.

SHERYL CROW'S new album will 'PICK YOU UP'

2026-10-11T04:12:18.714-07:00

A Crow Left Of The Disorder

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

A change would do the world some good right about now, but until then, how about a new album from legendary American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow to 'Pick You Up'? Like Norah Jones off the floor. The 'If It Makes You Happy' singer giving us her first since the 'Revolution' of 2024. "All I wanna do, is have some fun", the golden era 90s star once sang, alongside soaking up the sun and singing 007 themes for James Bond's Pierce Brosnan era 'Tomorrow Never Dies'. But Missouri's own musical mainstay, with a favourite mistake, still knows that every day is a winding road. And whilst we all get a little bit closer to that land of the free that was promised to us again, Crow's compelling, trademark and true inspired idealism and outstanding optimism carries us over like the country strong star's blend of blues, rock, folk and pop.

Strong enough on this seventh seal tracking thirteenth studio album that's lucky for us, Sheryl urges us to get onboard the 'Freedom Bus' with former Dead Indian and Cosmic-American frontman Jesse Wells. The single, and the all-encompassing, great American video wonders in protest, "What if everyone took a civics class?/I'm not sure I know anyone who'd pass/But how wе live today comes from the past/If wе forget, it could slip from our grasp/Whatever happened to the Golden Rule/Whoever wrote it wasn't just a fool/We watch the thread unravel from the spool/When you preach love but you still act so cruel." Imprinting her own Big Green Barn productions, with Thirty Tigers providing the distribution, this twenty-five-minute album, running through with the spearheaded second single of a 'Freight Train', brings an art artwork or animals that Noah would be moved by, two-by-two.

Co-wrote with calendar by calendar, constant collaborator Jeff Trott (Counting Crows, Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty), this album, and its powerful and propelling title-track honours the album artwork of Tyson Grumm's painting 'The Elephant Who Forgot The Ocean', one brought by Crow at auction, addressing America's elephant in the room, and the watching world also at war and woe. Originally meant to be an EP, until a trip on the 'Freedom Bus' was deemed a necessity with the current state of the world, 'Pick You Up' is highlighted by the picks on 'Perfect' and 'I've Got Your Number'. Reflecting fellow blues legend Seasick Steve's 'Last Season Of America' from a few weeks back, any 'Flat Earth' believers may feel uncomfortable on a track that makes you "feel like staying in bed/Pull up the covers and watch an old movie instead." Yet it's 'Heaven Help Us' that may strike the deepest chord, like Kravitz's, telling us "It's so hard to believe/That from a burn out tree/A flower draws a bee/And life will keep on living/With every broken heart/Where all is torn apart/You get a brand-new start/But not without forgiving." This fall we have a chance to pick. The only way is up.

Playlist Picks: 'Pick You Up', 'Heaven Help Us', 'Freedom Bus (Feat. Jesse Welles)'.

Spin This: Seasick Steve - 'The Last Season Of American'.

STRANGER THINGS' TALES FROM '85 & VHS SPECIAL EDITION hit the rewind

2026-10-08T17:01:28.210-07:00

Multiverse Of Strangeness

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

8 Episodes. Starring: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Luca Diaz, Braxton Quinney, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elisha "EJ" Williams, Benjamin Plessala, Odessa A'zion, Brett Gipson & Jeremy Jordan. Developed By: Eric Robles & Jennifer Muro. On: Netflix.

Turning the 'Stranger Things' world upside down, I must admit, the first time I saw the digital look of the 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85' animated science fiction spin-off from Netflix, it reminded me a lot of that famous 'Friends' meme dubbed "acquaintances". You know, the one where Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe have some curious looking doppelgangers that look scarily similar, or just straight scary? Especially when the 'Tales From '85' voice-cast are doing their best, and pretty convincing impressions of the likes of David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink and so on (I guess Winona said no). Although Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Luca Diaz, Braxton Quinney, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elisha "EJ" Williams, Benjamin Plessala, Odessa A'zion, Brett Gipson and Jeremy Jordan make for a competent and game cast. It got even stranger when the iconic theme tune segued into a dubstep track.

We get it, as showrunner Eric Robles and Jennifer Muro develop The Duffer Brothers (serving as executive producers, wanting to bring those 80s Saturday morning cartoons back) classic creation into something stranger. There's a danger of over saturation too, in this Netflix world of spin-off and making of things. The rivalling most successful South Korean sensation 'Squid Game', which even has its very own game show (do they actually get killed?), is about to go to the US with Cate Blanchett and David Fincher slapping us silly. You can even watch the 'Stranger Things' fireplace for a couple of hours, the 'Squid Game' one, too (which is actually done in the show with a whiskey), but when it comes to that warming, that's nice, but I'd sooner sit on 'The Simpsons' couch on Disney Plus and watch the 'Yule Log' roasting by their open fire, this Christmas. You want nostalgia? Try the 'Stranger Things' 8-bit game.

Gimmicks not so aside, if you really want the throwback trip that the great 'Stranger Things', that concluded last New Year, offered, then how about checking out the new 'VHS Special Edition' of season one on Netflix, with hopefully more to come? Rewound and relived in a grainy and glitchy picture that will take you back to the Blockbuster video stores of the early 80s, or the days when you had a super slow internet connection. The retro feel tracks and is as authentic as it comes in this clever concept that rerun returns to the good old days (is that the guy from 'This Is Us'?!) of 'Things'. Perfect for the 10th anniversary in Hawkins. 'Tales From '85', which will always appeal to a man like me with the same birth year (Season 3 on the month of mine is forever my favourite), opened to mixed reviews, but was renewed for a second series just a week later. One that has come in the same year. Yet with eight episodes, instead of the first ten, will we see a third? Nostalgia is always nice. Especially to an old guy like me.

Further Filming: 'Stranger Things', 'Behind The Curtain: Stranger Things 'The First Shadow'', 'Stranger Things Fireplace'.

Season 2 of Guy Ritchie's 'THE GENTLEMEN' refuses to beg your pardon

2026-10-07T17:15:28.159-07:00

Dukes Of Hazzard

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

8 Episodes. Starring: Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Vinnie Jones, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Benedetta Porcaroli, Sergio Castellitto, Hugh Bonneville, Giancarlo Esposito & Ray Winstone. Created By: Guy Ritchie. On: Netflix.

By your grace, season two of Guy Ritchie's 'The Gentlemen' (on Netflix), based on his 2019 Matthew McConaughey and company movie of the same name, is darker, sexier and more international than its predecessor of two years back. This black comedy, crime drama, that is vintage Ritchie, is a spin-off to said film, featuring Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell and Hugh Grant, taking place in the same fictional universe, albeit in its own standalone story. The themes are similar, but the cast of characters couldn't be any different. As a matter of fact, as Netflix have given the nod to give these gents a third season, it couldn't get any better unless they brought back the old guard themselves for a silver and small screen connection.

Could it be the fresh faces that give this second season its survival of the sophomore slump, and streaming cancellation age, as this show finally finds its own feet? 'Downton Abbey' legend Hugh Bonneville adds prestige, not to mention political clout, just like Michelle Dockery did, with accent, in the film. Yet it's the international twist to this Martini, added by the bold and beautiful Benedetta Porcaroli and legendary 'Conclave' actor Sergio Castellitto that help make this series more than the terrific Theo James 007 audition. Although he really is going all James Bond, with layers of Daniel Craig brains and brawn brutality caked in, on His Majesty's secret service. The best Duke since Coach K backed by two men who are iconic, even more than they already are, when it comes to this Guy. From Wimbledon to West Ham, Vinnie Jones' more than game gamekeeper, and Ray Winstone's empire head on house arrest, going sauna scorched earth, give this show its teeth.

The great Joely Richardson is a little underused, but what more do you expect when you have such a collective cast, that even 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Mandalorian' great Giancarlo Esposito gets scant, spare screen time. Chewing the scenery religiously, and we mean that in a good way. The bonkers brother of Daniel Ings, in religious rehab, is also mostly milk carton, but he will have a bigger part to play in this once he gets back to the scouse-mob subservient, chicken suit wearing, cocaine addicted and addled, loose cannon with a shotgun we know him as. Even if he has found his lord and saviour. Yet the real show steal star may just be Kaya Scodelario. Forget about the will they, won't they with Eddie, a scorching Scodelario shatters everything as Susie Glass. Art heists on the streets of London, falcons duking it out with drones, and born-again men climbing out of shallow graves, season two has it all. Albeit aside from a gratuitous, gruesome end. Ready to throw everything at you. Daft, dangerous and delightful, these gentlemen open more than doors. That's the grace.

Futher Filming: 'The Gentlemen (2019)', 'Peaky Blinders', 'In The Grey'.

SAKANACTION'S SAKANAQUARIUM just keeps getting bigger

2026-10-05T09:22:17.270-07:00

The Age Of Aquarium

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Until this time last week, Japan experienced 34 consecutive days of rain. And we're talking typhoons, not just mere drizzles. The longest streak since they started measuring this kind of thing, way back in 1886. Dampening a usual scorching summer that's way too hot and humid. That's not the only reign that can't be stopped. Top Japanese band Sakanaction, from Sapporo, Hokkaido, have been on a tear all year. Fresh off their Summer Sonic set, in Osaka and Tokyo, where they backed up the great Talking Head of David Byrne, they're burning down all sorts of houses like the Tom Cruise 'Digger' trailer.

Kaihin-Makuhari Station, the closest to the Summer Sonic festival stages in Tokyo, was covered in promotion for the 2026-2027 SAKANAQUARIUM tour. You couldn't even touch your Passmo or IC card on the ticket barrier reader without swiping some Sakanaction. The Sakanaquarium was setting all sorts of stages last year. Selling out two consecutive nights in Yokohama's K-Arena (the world's biggest arena solely dedicated to music). It will conclude next year, in 2027, marking Sakanaction's 20th anniversary since they were formed in Hokkaido with their current line-up. Ichiro Yamaguchi (vocals and guitar), Motoharu Iwadera (guitar), Ami Kusakari (bass guitar), Emi Okazaki (keyboards) and Keiichi Ejima (drums). And that's no crazy coincidence. It was written. Fine-tuned, like their studio to soundscape stage.

This year, Sakanaction even won big at the Japan Music Awards thanks to their monster hit 'Kaiju'. Scooping up awards for all their hands. They may have missed out on the Best Artist Award, presented by Japanese acting legend Ken Watanabe ('The Last Samurai', 'Inception', 'Tokyo Vice'), as Mrs. Green Apple took home the fruits of their labour, but it's no biggie. The notorious, or should we say renowned, dance rockers of action fishing deserve their round of applause for so much more. Mrs. Green Apple may be the most popular band in Japan, right now, but Sakanaction are much more legendary. Whether it be Ichiro's inspired lead that has even given himself his very own outstandingly popular podcast, Motoharu's motoring guitar licks surrounded by pom-poms, Ami's always amazing bass, right in the pocket with perfection, Emi's shaded style, as iconic as the last notes on the 'Kaiju' keyboard, and Keiichi's kicking drum which rolls this all together. Just like his closing comments with Yamaguchi in a brother, and sisterhood, of beautiful bond banter.

This band are tight, like their sound, and as thick as thieves. Stealing your hearts and minds anytime you dive into the one aquarium you should never Celine Dion think twice about paying admission for. Especially when you can pick-up all sorts of sweet Sakanation merchandise. From rally towels, to iconic logo t-shirts, that are as original as the band's genre blending styles and signatures. They even have a throwback netted shopping bag for you to carry all this in, but I digress. When The Beatles first played the iconic Nippon Budokan, back in the summer of 1966 (a familiar one for the English), there was an uproar, as this traditional Tokyo 1964 Olympic venue was used for the sacredness of sports only. These days, everybody plays. I even saw Norah Jones and The Smashing Pumpkins here in the space of one week, this time last year.

Yet, it was sixty years ago that the Fab Four took to the floor. Now, all these decades later, Sakanaction are making it their own. Especially with a sound even clearer than the d&b Soundscape they brought to bear, back in April, for their members only vote countdown show of classics at the renamed SGC Hall in Ariake. No one has played the beautiful Budokan like this. That's because of the bold and brilliant way Sakanaction, and their team and crew of t-shirt wearing workers who don't just promote, but emote this portmanteau of a band, work so hard to go further to the future each and every time, giving everything. Which is refreshingly rare and real in this day and age of cutting corners and costs. That's why, when you get to the seamless instrument to turntable (and Okazaki sunglasses) transition of the religiously felt 'Holy Dance', you're greeted with the three dimensions of a neon rectangle that borders the band. A cuboid of the perfect prism, laser hitting all of the lights you reach out for, like a dark side of the moon.

For the love of all that's holy, put those rectangles, you use to send texts and tweets, in your pocket, right away. Because this is an experience, like Jimi. From the 'Asa No Uta' opening surprise, that will have you hitting the arm of the person next to you, to the cheerleading ('Shin Takarajima') and roaring red skyscraper siren ('Kaiju') hits that are now joined by recent viral classics. The memoirs of a pair of geishas in 'Yoru No Odoriko', with perfect harmonies, and the 'Miami Vice' jackets of 'Wasurerarenaino', feel like new singles themselves. The latter has become a social media sensation of late thanks to Ichiro's dance and Ami's brilliant bass slapping solo. Everybody wants to try their hand and Instagram handle at the moves and strums. How the band brought it back to the stage, with palm trees in the video screen background (another classic component of the show) is the real winner, mind you. Simply sensational, there's nothing like a Sakanaction show. Dive in and swim.

Set-List Picks: 'Asa No Uta', 'Holy Dance', 'Wasurerarenaino'.

The secret of 'DISCLOSURE DAY' is out and needs to be known

2026-10-05T07:01:23.383-07:00

Close Encounters Of The Full Kind

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

145 Mins. Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Hettienne Park, Wyatt Russell & Colman Domingo. Screenplay: David Koepp. Director: Steven Spielberg. In: Theatres.

We truly aren't alone in the universe. Life on Mars isn't just a David Bowie song, but Ziggy believed. Sure, we can't just make a quick trip to space, like Katy Perry, and look for accommodations on Mars as if our names were Matt Damon, but there are signs of past habitability. Not to mention, potential biosignatures. Here is the conclusion of a spiritual contact trilogy, following 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind' and 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'. 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence', 'War of the Worlds' and 'Minority Report' director Steven Spielberg ('Jaws', 'Jurassic Park', 'Schindler's List') reveals his new movie to the public consciousness. Complete with a screenplay from David Koepp ('Spider-Man', 'Mission: Impossible', 'Carlito's Way') off of his story concept. Carried for years like crop circle secrets. For our information, this is not our 'Independence Day', but our 'Disclosure Day'. Here in full.

Rounding the bases of 80-years of youth, the director's chair marked "Spielberg" is showing signs of life in outer space. Offering his signature, all whilst expanding his interstellar reach. The stakes of his action adventures are set-piece raised again, running rail-by-rail next to the tensions he traditionally brings to the metaphors and social commentaries of family matters. One, almost railroaded, stirring scene will run you right off the tracks, but then just you wait until our leading lady with the weather touches and has a hold on you. Emily Blunt ('A Quiet Place', 'Sicario', 'Mary Poppins Returns') is a movie megastar no stranger to sci-fi ('Looper', 'Edge Of Tomorrow', 'The Adjustment Bureau'). And coming off a smashing performance in Benny Safdie's 'The Smashing Machine', alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, she's having quite the summer, like her 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' co-star Anne Hathaway, hitting with the Spielberg inspired 'The End Of Oak Street'.

Singing along to 'The Sweet Escape' (featuring Akon...well, not literally, he's not riding shotgun) in her car will have you choosing Gwen Stefani the next time you do karaoke, but it's the instantly iconic, breathy, clicking language she gives to her latest weather report that will truly possess you and make you listen. Something that translates to highs in the box-office and more than a slight chance of reign. Nobody knows what's happening to our intrepid reporter in the making, and why she's speaking in more than tongues. Her boyfriend, played by 'Thunderbolt' and New Avenger Wyatt Russell is a great supporting player, but it's 'The Crown' of Josh O'Connor (and those ears that were Will Smith born to play King Charles when he was a prince), who actually understands her. There's a visceral connection that's not love, but something far much deeper in meaning and shared history. The 'Challengers' and 'Wake Up Dead Man' star is alive with everything he meets here.

This age of disclosure also features 'Jay Kelly' star Eve Hewson ('Bridge Of Spies') as a loyal to the cross girlfriend. There's also strong support across the board, like with Hettienne Park ('Don't Look Up'), who made her mark this time last year as a detective investigating Jude Law and Jason Bateman in Netflix's 'Black Rabbit'. Working for a villainous Colin Firth ('The King's Speech', 'A Single Man', 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'). The former Mr. Darcy not playing it so lovely here. If you thought you'd seen him like you never had before in 'Kingman', unloading on a church full of what would now be called and considered, MAGA members, just wait until you see what he holds here. Yet it's the great Colman Domingo ('Sing Sing', 'Rustin', 'Michael') who advocates even more. He made a cameo in Spielberg's 'Lincoln' and remade his 'The Color Purple', but now the two truly come together. But from Roswell to cardinals, the real reunion may be the one between Spielberg and the great John Williams. With 'Ready Player One', 'West Side Story' and 'The Fabelmans', Steven has also been conducting himself brilliantly recently, but, full disclosure, this may be the best of those rest.

Further Filming: 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind', 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', 'Arrival'.

'FUTURAMA' has a world of tomorrows

2026-09-30T17:55:00.646-07:00

Cancel My Shiny Metal A##!

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

10 Epsiodes. Starring: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Phil LaMarr, Lauren Tom & David Herman. Created By: Matt Groening. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Welcome back to the world of tomorrow, where there may be some dents in that shiny metal a##, but Matt Groening's 'Futurama' far from bites. 'The Simpsons' classic creator, is still chasing his yellow family with the fourteenth season (thirty-seven for Homer and DOH..I mean, co) of his 'Jetsons' to Hanna-Barbera's 'Flintstones' amazing animated comedy. Streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus, these top ten epic episodes just came to a fitting finale dubbed, 'Final Ending: The Last Conclusion'. And it's another beautiful trip down nostalgic avenue, memory lane that also gets back to the heart of this show. Fry (please Google the heart-breaking, but beautiful origins of his character's name) and Leela (the one Cyclops even Matt Damon wouldn't have a problem with).

The hilarious final title-card after the "cliffhanger" also lowers the curtain but keeps the window cracked for the possibility of more to come. Like going up to the roof of your apartment building and leaving the door open with a brick. But beware someone might remove it and the door will be locked and you'll be stuck u... yeah, you get the idea. Hulu and Mickey have already commissioned some specials, a Christmas one is on the cards with that infamous robot Santa once voiced by the great John Goodman, and fellow 90s greats like 'King Of The Hill' have already made a triumphant return to the Hulu throne after decades out of the propane business. And it's not like it's been awhile for the show that originally ran from (space) 1999 to 2003, before being revived by Comedy Central from 2008 to 2013, and being picked up by its new Hulu home in 2023.

Sure, there are no plans as of yet, beyond the specials, but if 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad' can still go strong, so can Groening's twin babies. Only last year did 'Futurama' have the NBA player of tomorrow, Victor Wembanyama, guest on their show, as what else but an alien?! Sure, this show has been cancelled more times than Hollywood actors, but it still has some life in it. It even hits another classic crossover episode. No, not with a classic couch gag, but in Matt Groening's great medieval epic of 'Disenchantment'. Giving that show a fitting send-off that couldn't be afforded by the writer's strike of a few years back. Not to mention, one of the best episodes of the season. And who knows, perhaps this means Disney will do a deal with Netflix and bring Elfo and the kingdom across the drawbridge to Hulu.

Coffin. Nail. Dirt. Yet Matt says 'Futurama' will "rise again". Perhaps it will just be frozen for a couple hundred more years. This season wasn't always as sweet, but it never soured. From the Coney Island's finest Nathan's hot dog contest for in vitro meat, to house plants that look more than part of the furniture. In this internet age there's a scammer that's such a catfish, you'll wonder why you didn't notice the three eyes. Not to mention some space pirates that could even tell Jack Sparrow they're the captain now. Giving him a run for his rum. Even the 'Lords Of The Ring' is taken on for a rat colony episode that will gnaw at your funny bone. Yet, from getting in that cramped craft for another Nibbler adventure to the 'Ocean's Three' of a real love boat sitcom set episode of classic concept, it's the 'Charm Offensive' of a pop star using musical brain programming to command her legions of fans and followers that will really take it to Swifties and the BTS ARMY. 'Futurama' has it's own die-hard fandom. And they still have some fight left in them. Now, how do you like those anchovies?

Further Filming: 'The Simpsons', 'Disenchantment', 'King Of The Hill'.

STAR WARS: VISIONS PRESENTS, 'THE NINTH JEDI', the ninth wonder of their world

2026-09-28T08:45:54.569-07:00

Vision Quest

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

8 Episodes. Starring: Chinatsu Akasaki, Testsuo Kanao, Hiromu Mineta, Hinata Tadokoro, Shin-ichiro Miki & Chō. Screenplay: Mitsuyasu Sakai. Director: Kenji Kamiyama & Shunsuke Tada. On: Disney + & Hulu.

For all the forces that have been with you since the 'Star Wars' x Disney + merger, 'The Mandalorian' (and) Grogu, nothing has quite used it like 'Star Wars: Visions'. The visionary animated series that returned to its Japanese legend and roots, after a sweet second season took us all around the world of cartoons and caricature. Two episodes in the twin Japanese seasons concerned, 'The Ninth Jedi', otherwise known as the 'Child Of Hope'. Lah Kara has become such an iconic character in Japanese 'Star Wars' lore that she now has her own wonder of an eight-part series to add to the anthology, this August, on Hulu and Disney Plus. Featuring the Japanese vocal talents of Chinatsu Akasaki, Testsuo Kanao, Hiromu Mineta, Hinata Tadokoro, Shin-ichiro Miki and Chō, and some English equivalents, this Mitsuyasu Sakai scripted series, is once again directed by Kenji Kamiyama and also Shunsuke Tada.

Production I.G. joins Lucasfilm in this venture, the team behind everything from the iconic 'Ghost In The Shell' to the new legend of 'Kaiju No. 8'. One that premiered during this year's Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California. This 'Visions' spin-off is the space opera, action-adventure your science fiction fans of Japanese anime have been looking for. We're already hoping we can wave our hands across the face of Mickey Mouse for a second season. Because lately, the mouse trap has snapped everything from 'Wonder Man' to Marhershala Ali's 'Blade' (or maybe that was Feige), like its name was Thanos. But that's Marvel, here on the Star Wars side of the mouse house, we're a galaxy far, far away from all of that. Even if the likes of Ryan Gosling flying and riding through, from a 'Starfighter' to 'Ghost Rider' is bringing all that together.

Oh, and you get Shang-chi himself, Simu Liu, on the American version, too. For all the attack of the 'Clone Wars' and 'Bad Batch's you have in this Star Wars animated universe, these visions remain the clearest in sight, sound and success. Ranking in a Rotten Tomatoes percentage you'd just wish your next test score soared to. It's been an incredible year for animation, too. As the latest series of 'Futurama' has just wrapped up its finale on Hulu. And we're not just talking about Disney Plus, like the return of 'King Of The Hill' to its rightful throne. Watch 'X-Men '97' and 'Batman: Caped Crusader', the spiritual successor to 'The Animated Series' do battle over nuanced nineties nostalgia. And that was in a superhero summer where the cruelly cancelled 'Spider-Noir' (also on Prime, like Bats) series, with Nicolas Cage reprising his 'Spider-Verse' legendary role, giving us a true hue and a beautiful, original and authentic black and white option.

It really is a golden age of animation again, in 'Simpsons' yellow, but this amazing anime is the closest thing to Ghibli on a classic canvas. Sensational sabre duels strike at the heart of samurai folklore that inspired George Lucas to go to war with the stars, alongside the western legends from old Americana. Brilliant battles in the continuum of space light up the screens like fireworks in Japan during hanabi. And just wait until you feast your eyes on the fleet of ships that have space here. One forceful, earthbound landing is so incredible to behold, we only wish we could see this on IMAX. The rest of this odyssey, in digital animation shows you the real heart of this epic and expanding franchise that still excites to the hilt, every time a sabre is unsheathed and struck. Check out the silver ones, here. Dangerous and delightful droids. Superweapons that are the real Doomsday device in the year of Victor Von. These inner visions really are spoiling us. We can only hope they have more sight.

Further Filming: 'Star Wars: Visions', 'The Mandalorian & Grogu', 'The Acolyte'

The dog stars in David Ayer and Brad Pitt's 'HEART OF THE BEAST' reunion

2026-09-26T19:27:17.586-07:00

Beast Mode

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

101 Mins. Starring: Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe & Odin. Screenplay: Cameron Alexander. Director: David Ayer. In: Theatres.

Dogs really are man's best friend. My parents recently remarked, after dog-sitting my sister's Dachshund called Parker, that the sausage dog would run into any room before them, sensing danger, instantly ready to protect them from whatever may come their way, big or small. And Parker, although about to celebrate his fifth birthday next month, is barely bigger than a pup. We really don't deserve dogs, like all those social media memes and posts say. There's a scene in 'Heart Of The Beast', that has more teeth (titanium, too) than Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars', starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce last month, which shows Leonardo DiCaprio could have really used this God of dogs Odin in 'The Revenant'. All for a buddy movie that still makes for a great date night...trust me.

Except it's his 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' co-star and best friend Brad Pitt who has this beast as a buddy in a furious reunion with dynamite director David Ayer ('End Of Watch', 'Bright', 'Suicide Squad'), off a script from Cameron Alexander that the German Shepherd has not eaten. And let's face it, those scenes in Quentin Tarantino's best with Brandy, played by fine girl Sayuri, are probably the reason Pitt went home with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 92nd Academy Awards. Let alone why we have the forthcoming November Netflix sequel, 'The Further Mis-Adventures Of Cliff Booth', directed by 'Se7en', 'Fight Club' and 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' friend David Fincher, on our hands. Just getting Brandy's dinner ready in a trailer park home was worthy of the cinematic canon. Let alone the Manson family, and future 'Elvis' and 'Anora' star, takedowns that really clicked. But if you thought that was something, by Odin's beard, you ain't seen nothing yet.

At 62, Brad Pitt may just be the King James of Hollywood. Still able to run rings around competition whose parents weren't even born when he was cutting his teeth in movies like 'A River Runs Through It' and 'Legends Of The Fall'. Still, in a recent cover-feature for Esquire magazine he expressed the futility of it all following the passing of icons of names that you instantly recognize just by their last. Redford. Newman. Duvall. And in this movie, his 'All Is Lost', you're reminded that he is one of the last great American leading men. Still at the top of his game. 'F1' being in pole position proof of that, last summer, even though the great Jodie Foster thought it was written by A.I. Still a great movie, though, even if 'The Silence Of The Lambs' and 'True Detective: Night Country' star does have a point to make about filmmaking these days. In this month's GQ cover story, Tom Cruise, who is about to go 'Digger' with the great Alejandro González Iñárritu, was also asked about being perhaps the last true movie star in Hollywood. He humbly shut all that down, citing his 'Interview With A Vampire' co-star.

In a time when "influencers" have diluted celebrity, like selfies photography, the name Brad Pitt, let alone the face, is still one of the most instantly recognizable all around the world. And here, with true grit and nuance, he shows just why he's also one of the best actors. Acting with his canine companion, like it was his greatest co-star. The outstanding Odin (played by Uber, Seeka, Ryker and Hondo) just actually might be. There's some human company. Canadian Inuk actress Anna Lambe of 'The Grizzlies' (with some sticker Easter eggs in the back of the truck. Pitt loves stickers, see here and his 'F1' helmet, like he does snacking in movies. Aspirin being the meal of choice, in this film) bookends this picture beautifully. And 'Whiplash' icon J.K. Simmons (who Pitt also praises in his aforementioned Esquire piece) also offers Pitt's character some restrained camaraderie. Yet it's one man and his dog, two war vets suffering from profound PTSD, that really get to the heart of matters. Thanks to the military experience of Ayer that served him and Pitt well in the formidable 'Fury'. Recently, Ayer has been making those literal 'Working Man' movies with the legendary Jason Statham, but here in this 58-mile, survival trek thriller, he brings a real special force.

Further Filming: 'The Dog Stars', 'All Is Lost', 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood'.

LEON BRIDGES offers the world 'HAPPINESS ANYTIME'

2026-09-25T07:45:10.930-07:00

The Pursuit Of Happiness

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dark days might be consuming the world, right now, but here's a Bridge to happiness. Leon Bridges is a throwback. Not only that, the Wrangler, who makes records about a 'Texas Sun' with Khruangbin, is one of the most underrated modern-day greats in an industry that would do good with his inspiration and influence. The 'Coming Home' singer has been steadily chipping away at a classic career and catalogue ever since he took us to 'The River' just over a decade ago. 'Good Thing' (2018) and 'Gold-Diggers Sound' (2021) took us to different and diverse, soulful soundscapes. And his subtle protest record, akin to 'Happy Birthday's' from Stevie Wonder, or the greatest of Marvin, 'Sweeter' (featuring Terrace Martin on the horns), came at the right sobering time, during 2020's COVID-19 pandemic and the turning point of the Black Lives Matter movement. Most recently, he gave us his eponymous 'Leon' two years ago, and just like Miley last week (with her 'Bass Persuades' lane change), he's big enough, in our eyes, to go by just one name.

But why burn Bridges? Especially now. In a cruel, callous and cynical time we could all use a little love right now. Or at the very least, a pick me up. And that's what Leon Bridges is doing for us, taking us to an island in the sun, this summer, for 'Happiness Anytime'. A creed we should all aspire to and a release he wants us to feel "in (our) bones.". Bridges has been releasing a steady stream of this album over the last few months, four-tracks at a time, but now on this new day he gives us the full music Friday of his latest, and one of his greatest records to date. Because of the way he put this out, via mini-EP's, akin to an experiment Norah Jones (they made a great Christmas song together) had when she wanted to 'Begin Again' with how she released albums, everything feels like a single on this somewhat visual album. Right from the moment he rides on his bicycle, all the way through to 'Light The Way'.

Leon cries 'Tears Of Joy', the happiness gets so good, as he sings, "I hang my jacket up beside the willow tree/You know where the devils are, they don't belong with me/I hear water calling, it came and said to me/"Ten more years of glory/These arе our tears of joy"/Oh baby, tears of joy." And on a perfect 'Illusion' the drums can't stop, like his livin'. Making love to the rhythm this might be the most soulful expansion pack since Wyclef Jean's recent take on jazz. This lyric video, in grainy 80s like the new VHS version of season one of 'Stranger Things' on Netflix, is the perfect thing to sing-a-long to anytime, like the takes on Angus & Julia Stone's latest, 'Karaoke Bar'. Part one concluded with the standout 'Your Love Is Electric' that's David Gray lightning in veins. But CD2 got even better with the likes of the title-track and the so smooth, 'Talk It Over'. Collaborating 'All Day, All Night' with producer Lydia Kitto, the good times and this album just don't stop.

"Heavenly, I won't live a day without you next to me/Take me by the hand/I don't wanna let you walk away again/Darlin', honestly, even when it hurts, I'm not the one to leave/I won't let you go/Maybe you and I were always meant to be", Leon sings on 'Fly Baby' concluding the pre-album release eight wonders, offering a love so bright it might burn you, but will always soothe when it's got you. An everyday, forever love that feels like it has already always been here. Kind of like the soul and sound of this album that seeps into your subconscious until you're humming along and feeling all the better for it without even realizing. 'Watch You Dance' continues to move the crowd, down the line of "Wanna watch you dance/Get on your toes/A little romance/Only lightning knows." It's a hook that will have you, sinking through the speakers. That's just 'The Way It Goes' with Janet Jackson smoothness. As Leon says 'Take My Hand' all the way to the end, you'll feel the river again, by the sandy shore of so much more. Even when this record ends on the sea change beautiful ballad of a sombre note ('Please Don't Say Goodbye'), you know what it is. Joy always. The tide is high.

Playlist Picks: 'Your Love Is Electric', 'Fly Baby', 'Please Don't Say Goodbye'.

Spin This: Leon Bridges - 'Gold-Diggers Sound'.

MILEY'S 'BASS PERSUADES' us to dance

2026-09-20T02:27:04.014-07:00

The Art Of Persuasion

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Bass for your face. Mononym armed, Miley is back as you've never heard or read her before. But she really never left. As Miley Cyrus, this pop megastar was on a tear like no other. This queen went radio Gaga. Ever since those blonde pixie-cut 'Bangerz' came in like an iconic you know what. From 2020, when most people stopped, she's released a fantastic four. 'Little Plastic Hearts' (which this new album has the most in common with), the emancipation, and iconic artwork of an 'Endless Summer Vacation', and 'Something Beautiful', for her visual, final Columbia Records album before signing with Atlantic for this. Cinematic, classic, and a calendar and change ago. Now, a big-three, the previous pair coupled up with this, completes the next emancipation of Miley.

Meet Miley on a bold, new breakout that still can't be tamed like her 'Dead Petz'. This tenth album is top-tier and it's a return to the dancefloor, like her country strong 'Younger Now' (teaming up with her late, great godmother, the legendary Dolly Parton for the LGBTQ anthem 'Rainbowland') was a trip back to her Tennessean roots to be Franklin. Now, just weeks after losing her dearly departed family member, and dropping her surname from the billboards, Cyrus shows us she is the closest thing to part two of Madonna's 'Confessions' in the booth in this endless Summer. Gaga? Britney? B####, please. They're working hard, too. But only Taylor is bringing it like Miley, right now. Now, the cult pop art icon is giving us her latest album artwork, in black-and-white, with a white rose in her mouth for a classic cover. This princess getting symbolic with the one name. All on the same New Music Friday headlined by the fact that Beck is back.

'Bass Persuades', like 'Ride Lonesome' (from the 'Sea Change' and 'Morning Phase' album artist), begins with it's title-track and lead single. And boy is it a big one. From pop opera to nocturnal pop grunge, Miley moves the crowd with the words, "Glued your eyes to the telephone screen/But you missed the hit without MTV/Go analog (Yeah), make it cinema (Yeah)/Just look out the window and what do you see?/In the treetops, it's a clear shot/Yeah, chaos is king, but you know that you can't stop, won't stop/New fit is a monster/Love it so much, go and hang it on a poster." And to think they say "the kids don't wanna dance". They'll be alright now, thanks to Miley and this album produced by the likes of Kid Harpoon, from Harry styling fame. The one direction of this new record, is the floor. Thanks to Harpoon shots and guest features from Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow (not to mention the stellar sprinkling of a song called 'Snow' ("we shouldn't be in Kyoto/We've never been here before")) for the glare of 'Neon Signs' and Model/Actrix's 'Different Religion'.

Put your hands together for the Model/Actriz that also 'Remixx' 'Bass Persuades', and will open for Miley during her October two-night residency at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The sweet persuasion continues, singing 'Let's Get Married', like R&B's very own Jagged Edge to new fiancé, Maxx Morando. In a different 'Orbit', this outstanding set beats to the rhymes and rhythms of love and life. Sonically surrendering in all its electronic elements to a night of disco and dance. A district of 'REDLIGHTS' in all-caps, that has nothing to do with selling, but instead, celebrating yourself. Forget your phone and find yourself in the 'Aftermath' of atmospheric hooks that sink into the speakers, singing, "Does it all come closer or just the sound?/I'm sick of poets and being profound/You bathe in the sweat, your mouth like a straw/You're callous, but soft, you trace every flaw." "You were mine", on repeat. "Grace comes with age, but don't tell her/Fall out from the fame, claim my mother's maiden name/Lips in crimson shades, how I love her," the 'Innocent Ways' of this mother's daughter sings. Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna. Miley. Sometimes icons can just go by their first name basis.

Playlist Picks: 'Bass Persuades', 'Let's Get Married', 'Snow'.

Spin This: Madonna - 'Confessions II'.

SEASICK STEVE laments 'THE LAST SEASON OF AMERICA'

2026-09-20T01:01:58.039-07:00

The American Way

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

On the opening track of Steven Gene Wold, AKA, Seasick Steve's 2011 album 'You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks', featuring Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones (and a great tour I saw with Pop), the Sonic Soul Surfer gave us all his 'Treasures'. One of the most beautiful beginnings to any album. Here, with the opening title-track to his new and fourteenth album, 'The Last Season Of America', he tunes into a much bleaker picture with his signature homemade guitar you can't find at Fender. "It’s the last season of America/And we’ll never watch again/The show that we loved/And there’ll be no reruns/All the sponsors have gone home/They’re shutting the whole thing down/All that’s left is the theme song," Steve sings, as everything from Richard Nixon to 'The Jetsons' plays on the tube next to him in this lot of abandoned American automobiles, as a train runs through it.

The Man from Another Time doesn't let up with the second song of his first set since 2024's 'A Trip A Stumble A Fall Down On Your Knees'. 'Bad Things' details the time we're living in, right now and the fact that, "we got a criminal/running this place/he got lies/written all over his face/all he wants/is just to divide/he don’t care /if our country live or die/ as long as the money keeps rolling/up to the rich /a keep rolling/without a hitch/I’m gonna sing/bad things." The 'Dog House Music' singer from Oakland, California, at 75-years-young is putting the affairs of his country in the dog house. Some of his fans from far away parts may not be too fond of this, but this Seasick man has never been one to sell out. When he made it big after Jools Holland's annual New Years' Hootenanny and his breakout album, 'I Started Out With Nothin' And I Still Got Most Of It Left', Steve made one extravangant purchase. A John Deere tractor. Then the man who was just 'Happy (To Have A Job') wrote a song about it.

There's an ode to his drummer Dan Magnusson (pulling up his fellow road warrior by the 'Bootstraps') and a song for 'Matilda From Ottawa', but Steve doesn't shy away from the problems at hand. Even when he's giving us the 'Above Ground Boogie', or collaborating with Ricardo Arjona on 'El Camino'. 'Somebody' is another single that stirs, but on the bluesy 'Surf's Flat', he gets instrumental and inspired, with some "oohs" and "ahhs". But for a country that's running and screaming, like Jeff Goldblum once warned, this 'Free Man' asks us to "have mercy." Yet this is more a call to emancipation celebration, rather than the protest prose that plant this album's flag. "Had a manager and an agent/They did nothing but take the payment/Now I manage myself/At least I keep most my wealth." Wise words from the man who once had nothing (and still has most of it left) for all the young and restless artists looking for a break in a world on the take.

The self-dubbed "professional busker" of the blues made this album after he and his wife, Elizabeth, journeyed across America and were met with poverty and pain. "We drove across the country from Miami to LA," Steve says. "We thought we was gonna have an amazing time but we were mostly sad, so much homelessness and division." In a New Orleans bar, the record's title was coined. Now, he's giving it everything he's got. Closing up shop to 'Feel The Sun' on another Seasick signature, Steve sings "don't lose your hope/things gone get better/Yeah, they gotta get better/Don't lose your faith/Yeah, it's the night/but the dawn gotta come/Yeah, day gone come/When the truth will rise up/And again we'll see the sun." And what more do you need, in song, than that? All on this top ten track album from a man we should treasure forever. Just like those times in the tens, that made for the moment of a man like him to show us a better way. A way that can come back here and stay if we still have a little faith. And the hard work that goes into making everything around us better...together. Seasons change.

Playlist Picks: 'The Last Season Of America', 'Bad Things', 'Matilda From Ottawa'.

Spin This: Seasick Steve - 'You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks'

BECK 'RIDE'S LONESOME' once again

2026-09-19T23:53:21.297-07:00

Lane Change

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Bob Dylan's 2008 album, 'Together Through Life', features album artwork of beautiful black-and-white photography by the great Bruce Davidson. Previously used for American author Larry Brown's short story collection 'Big Bad Love', the still focuses on a young couple, tangled up in each other's embrace, in the back seat of some American muscle. Together. Through. Life. No such luck for Beck, on the road again for his fifteenth album, 'Ride Lonesome', and first since 2019's Japanese 'Hyperspace' (ハイパースペース), produced by Pharrell, in-front of the classic, red Toyota Celica ("you're breaking my heart"). The longest gap between his studio sets.

Loneliness may look good on this 'Loser' singer, mind you, behind his own Dylan shades and blonde on blonde curls. The last time the man was this solitary it garnered him some Grammy's. The 'Morning Phase' of 2014, like the 'Sea Change' another dozen years before that. Twelve years later, consider 'Lonesome' the conclusion to this lonely trilogy, making for the magnum opus of this classic career and catalogue under the 'Devil's' Haircut' always on our minds. Beck has bordered genres before, from rock to rap and country to classic Americana. He's hit Bowie big ('Modern Guilt') courted a compelling canvas ('Colors') and released signature sets like 'Odelay' and 'Mutations', but nothing feels quite like this style of spacey, dreamy yet earthy Beck. Lamenting lost love and finding hope in the hallowed heartbreak. How else would you explain the clipped wings of an angelic sound that still soars to the stratosphere?

Coming off his amazing acoustic tour (we get 'Bleed' in France as a YouTube bonus), that took in here in Tokyo, and the rest of the watching world, this Capitol record is an exclamation point. Beck David Hansen told us he was working on an orchestral album after his residency at London's Royal Albert Hall. Earlier this year he already gave us the collection of covers (Elvis, Lennon etc) and rareities that was January's Valentine's Day themed 'Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime' and now he offers up this Room B, United Studios, Hollywood affair, as the wind comes through the veil of his wooden cabin, isolated home space. The lead single and title track features Sierra Ferrell, and the latest track to hit the charts is 'Disappearing Act'. Yet it's the music videos that feature the actors that really strike a chord, like Garrett Hedlund in Angus & Julia Stone's own title-track 'Karaoke Bar' off the album that was released a fortnight back.

On another lonesome day, 'In The Night' features distinctive French actor Denis Lavant, reminding you of Tom Waits. Yet from 'Tokyo!' to 'Shōgun' it's Golden Globe winner and '47 Ronin' and 'Thor' actor Tadanobu Asano who really shows the loneliness amongst the burning neon of Tokyo for the track 'Run Away'. From highlight 'For Your Love' to the black-and-white still of a 'Disappearing Act' seeping through the studio, Beck knows how to get slow, searching and sublime. All as quiet as kept, making music, not noise, in an age that wants to aggravate your attention. What Hansen says with subtlety, is held dear. The emotional texture of this set, with the same team behind 'Sea' and 'Phase', evolves into a sonic, orchestral album. The forlorn, 'Failed Words' telling us, "When the words they fail you/And truth is more than you can say/And the fear surrounds you/You can't walk away/There's no way to change it/Don't know what to say/In a total silence I saw you walk away."

A 'Slow Canyon' opens up more in its grand sense of scale. Yet 'It Ends Right Here' starts an acoustic strum that could string you along to the promise of a better future. 'Falling Through My Hands' holds onto the moment love felt special, before facing the clock made it history, like, "Time forgets what love remembers/So throw your ashes to the embers." 'If You Don't Know What Love Is', it exists in the margins here and the notebook of a great, American singer/songwriter who pens lyrics like, "Just a soldier on the line/Who's taking all the blows/No refuge from the battle in your ragged clothes/So come out from the darknеss/Sit down by the door/No one will condemn you/You don't havе to run anymore." Even mired in heartbreak, Beck sees the light and goes beyond that for the curtain ('Beyond The Light') of this dozen for a dozen. "In the praise of bеnediction/The secrеt of your name/Sends a shiver to my soul/With my heart hung out in vain/Sowing diamonds in the fallow ground/With your sacrament of ice/I've got nothing to believe/Just the distance in your eyes." There's a change at sea this morning, like a phase, and you don't have to be lonesome on this ride tonight.

Playlist Picks: 'Run Away, 'In The Night', 'For Your Love'.

Spin This: Beck - 'Morning Phase'

'IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU' goes for the gut

2026-09-19T20:47:35.774-07:00

Kick

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

113 Mins. Starring: Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Delaney Quinn, Danielle Macdonald, Mary Bronstein, Christian Slater & ASAP Rocky. Screenplay: Mary Bronstein. Director: Mary Bronstein. In: Theatres.

If you think you're going into this film about to meet the great Gary Sinise's Lieutenant Dan from 'Forrest Gump'...think again. "If I had legs I'd kick you" is a figure of speech. And you don't need this millennial to mansplain that the expression evokes frustration, helplessness and anger at such a peak (oh, wait, here I go anyway), that if the person holding this all inside could lash out and retaliate, they abso-f###ing-lutely would. But, one way or another, they are physically or, in this case, psychologically unable to. 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' is also the name of a marvellous, madcap movie from writer/director and also actor here, Mary Bronstein (the rising 'Yeast'), starring amazing Australian actress Rose Byrne, in the Academy Award-nominated performance of her life. All the way down to the promotional poster portrait of a woman.

There was a time in the 10's, that Byrne had the legs to be in all the big blockbusters, inspired indies, and everything in-between, as one of the most in-demand actors in all of Hollywood. Coming in hot after those NY legal 'Damages' with Glenn Close, Rose's half-decade rise saw her in 'Bridesmaids', 'X-Men: First Class', 'Insidious', 'Get Him To The Greek', 'The Place Beyond The Pines', 'I Give It A Year' (and she gave it more than that), 'The Internship', 'Neighbors', 'Spy' and 'This Is Where I Leave You'. Not to mention, sequels to some of those said franchises that came later. Recently, the versatile actress and comedic talent has had a flair of the dramatic. Especially when starring as 'Medea', in the Greek tragedy, alongside her husband, one of the best in the business, Bobby Cannavale, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. But now, she finally gets the leading light her star shine deserves.

Well, last year, as this award frontrunner finally comes out in Japan, to the tune of some inspired indie theatres like Kino Cinemas. Tokyo and Yokohama's version of Liverpool's FACT arthouse. Produced in-part by 'Marty Supreme's' Josh Safide, they're calling this "'Uncut Gems' for moms". Playing a mother who may as well be a single one, thanks to the great Christian Slater literally phoning in a pretty good performance, Byrne is burdened and burned with the duty of looking after her sick daughter and other responsibilities than even Spider-Man couldn't web up. Helpless and overwhelmed by it all, she would kick her way out of this claustrophobic mentally caged state if she could. But she has a child to care for. And so much more. The symbolism of a collapsed ceiling. Not to mention the high-art reaching supernatural elements that mess with her, and our, minds, bringing back another indie gem, in Alison Brie and Dave Franco's horror romance 'Together'. There really is no escape.

The spiralling stressors of these constraining circumstances are absurd and show you just how much supressed anger and aggression really boils more than the blood. It manifests itself in so many ways in this movie. Subtle and oh so not so. And it all comes crashing down in the wave of a devastating finale. But in-between getting bitten by a pet hamster and being chewed-out by parking lot rent-a-cop attendants, Rose really captures it in-line at the store. Switching between customer complaint and convenience store politeness at its breaking point. You more than feel for her, you relate, too, in a world and time where we are all getting pushed so much against the wall, our backs feel like concrete when we get our two hours' worth of sleep. If I had legs, I'd kick my feet up. Bronstein's bold and brilliant prescription, and the doctor that she plays (but did Rose order?), gave this film the legs to be in the Oscar running. The black comedy psychological drama was too much for some critics...but perhaps they just didn't get it. This film has all sorts of holes. Real, hallucinogenic, but not plot.

A24's latest gem did receive universal acclaim when it came to Byrne though. Along with the Academy and Bafta nominations, Rose was a Critics Choice nominee who also won the Silver Bear, Independent Spirit Award and Golden Globe. Support, for this Sundance Film Festival, comes from all corners, whether our lead wants it or not, as she nurses a baby monitor and a bottle through those neon motel nights. Late night host Conan O'Brien is a revelation as a reluctant, bespectacled therapist, his trademark carrot-top tamed. Mostly, on film and television, Conan has played himself ("sit perfectly still, only I, may dance" on classic "I didn't do it", 'Simpsons'), but the talk show king has also played The Riddler ('The LEGO Batman Movie'), Andy Warhol ('Weird: The Al Yankovich Story') and Smarty Pants on 'Toy Story 5'. Yet it's rapper A$AP Rocky, on a last year tear with this and Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest', holding his own alongside Denzel, who really raises the bar. Add 'Patti Cake$' Danielle Macdonald's milk carton and an unseen Delaney Quinn to clingy, echo chamber, great effect and this movie is the gut-punch of the year, given from below the belt. Yet, giving her absolute all, nobody kicks like Rose.

Further Filming: 'Everything Everywhere All At Once', 'Aftersun', 'Beau Is Afraid'.

'CHAD POWERS' continues to catfish us with Season Two touchdown

2026-09-16T18:25:42.565-07:00

The Running Man

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

6 Episodes. Starring: Glen Powell, Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie Rodriguez, Toby Huss & Steve Zahn. Created By: Glen Powell & Michael Waldron. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Being 'Chad Powers', like its John Malkovich poster homage, has leading man of the moment Glen Powell running like 'Forrest Gump' through college football. Chasing down the likes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt that the 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Twisters' star is Redford and Newman, next in line, gunning for. After the half-dozen first season of, 'Dumb and Dumber Too' coined quarters, the showstopper (from Powell and Michael Waldron), based on an ESPN 'Eli's Places' Omaha Productions skit by NFL legend Eli Manning, took the ball for Hulu away from all the Star Wars and Marvels on Disney Plus. Now, a calendar and season later, we have another six quarters to instantly put in the game. And in the golden goose age of television, with so many shows to stream, you'll be left in tears, this go down easy one is a lay-up. Even if that is the wrong sport. But would Chad be able to tell the difference?

The hick that looks like he's from French Lick, Powers, is back! Which means master of disguise Glen Powell ('Hit Man', 'The Running Man') is getting his 'Mrs. Doubtfire' prosthetic back on. A disappointment for all the 'Anyone But You' fans of the Hollywood heartthrob, giving us his second cult character of the year. His Fox McCloud vocal cameo (his disguises aren't that good, but still, 'How To Make A Killing' could have made a greater one if they employed his talents) in 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' is now followed by a new game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Powell is perfect as Powers. Glen is just as much brains as brawn, no bro or boy. He knows what he's doing in this industry, like the Hangman watching his Maverick wingman, Tom Cruise's infamous six-hour instructional video. He brings helpings of humour and heart to this role running for redemption. His on-screen NFL wash-out may be a tarnished and faded star, but the real man, on his ascent, is anything but.

Yet, it's not just him in this disgrace to new face story time. On the aptly named Catfish side, Perry Mattfeld should clear the field, and trophy cabinet, for some Emmy consideration. The blind side of the 'In The Dark' star lights up this second season of a real refreshing show, which is one of the best on the tube, or smartphone. In the year of 'The Odyssey', Frankie Rodriguez (also brilliant, the best friend role everybody needs, even in this season's darker turn) says she has the pout to "launch a thousand ships." And he's not wrong. He knows something about faces, too. Making more than people who pout on selfies for the I.G. (that's how cool college kids say it, right). 'Roswell's' Quentin Plair and 'Agent Carter' star Wynn Everett complete the coaching and chair of this club. But following 'Chad Powers'' rookie of the year debut, this series is a franchise of its own.

The kid from Austin, Texas could even lasso 'Ted Lasso' this season. Especially with the great Steve Zahn as the coach everybody wants. His last call will move more than just the offensive line. Also, another legend in Toby Huss, who still has the best 'Candle In The Wind' scene in 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix, has a monumental moment here. Not to mention one hell of an accented get up that looks like we're home for the holidays with the McConaughey's. Alright, alright (you really want one more?), that's enough of the long horns. If you watch season two this weekend you won't be able to feel your face. Then you'll face the scariest mask you'll see right before Halloween. Some stirring sport scenes, literally running for over all the yards that an airport's runway has to offer (take that, 'Furious 6') and more throws than 'The Longest Yard'. This 90s nostalgic gem will have you talking about glory days as the show's score sounds like it's going to turn into a Springsteen song. But just you wait until this human touch takes off its brilliant disguise for the final frame cliff-hanger. We'll be back after the break because...that's football!

Further Afield: 'The Running Man', 'Hit Man', 'Ted Lasso'.

'THE ODYSSEY' belongs with the cinematic Gods

2026-09-14T07:26:15.114-07:00

Gods and Monsters

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

173 Mins. Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, John Leguizamo, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, Benny Safdie, Corey Hawkins, Logan Marshall-Green, Mia Goth, Travis Scott, Zendaya & Charlize Theron. Screenplay: Christopher Nolan. Director: Christopher Nolan. In: Theatres.

Time waits for Nolan. Chronos is a catalyst and key tenet in Christopher's work. Reverential reference to one of his most underrated gems intended ('Tenet', coming out of the planetary pandemic of 2020). Whether it be the incredible and inspired 'Interstellar'. Or the non-linear 'Dunkirk' complete with a ticking score from compelling composer Hans Zimmer that even harks back to the highlight of Nolan's Batman trilogy, 'The Dark Knight'. The hands of a clock are to Nolan, what coming home is to Matt Damon. Whether it be 'Saving Private Ryan', or 'The Martian'. Damon and Nolan have collaborated on a couple of cinematic gems before. One we can mention (the Oscar winning Best Picture 'Oppenheimer') and another we still won't give the game away for (why are you even looking in these brackets?). This calendar, one of the most marketable actors in Hollywood all-time, and the thinking man's blockbuster director give us the highest-grossing R-rated film of all-time.

Crossing over $500 million in IMAX returns, 'The Odyssey' has even taken over the phenomenon of 'Chiikawa', now it has finally been released here in Japan, on September 11th. Lasering its name on Academy Awards to come, and this is with most IMAX theatres closing for renovations to add their new electric touch. Poor choice of timing (in your favourite Joker voice) as this amazing adaptation is the first feature-film to be filmed exclusively on IMAX cameras. No matter how loud they, or your local theatre, get. Christopher Nolan consulted many a translation of Homer's poem (right now, I'm almost home on one from T.E. Lawrence, the Lawrence of Arabia), to craft his cinematic take on Odysseus' travels and voyage home in the face of Poseidon, Cyclops (a brilliant Bill Irwin), some sirens, a nymph (an undeniable Charlize Theron), and a whole lot of hog served up by a stellar Samantha Morton ('Minority Report') that will have Japanese movie-goers spirited away, like Studio Ghibli.

Damon is dominant here, just like he is with a bow and arrow. All other Hollywood pretenders should take a knee for a re-Bourne star who would have been one of the all-time greats even if he never left Boston ('Good Will Hunting', 'The Departed'). But he's not alone in this cinema with a cast and crew of hundreds. Let alone all the recognizable faces, ashes to dust, that Nolan puts more than the paces through. Literally strapping Ben Affleck's best friend to a ship and lashing ocean waves at him like his name was Hokusai. Haunted by the Gods, like an incredible Zendaya, Damon almost has the show stole by his own son. Played perfectly (almost born to) by your friendly, neighbourhood Spider-Man, Tom Holland. He may not share a scene with his real-life queen, but he does continue the camaraderie with a bold Jon Bernthal, that The Punisher and his Parker did for the only other movie that could web-up Odysseus this Summer, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'. Matched only by his counsel with the great, and aged, John Leguizamo. Blindingly, beyond brilliant.

Zendaya wedded Robert Pattinson in 'The Drama' of one of the bravest and most controversial movies of the year. Pattinson (who will reunite with her this fall in the epic conclusion of 'Dune: Part Three' for the only one who could match the size and scope of Nolan in Denis Villeneuve) leads a gang of suitors looking to usurp an M.I.A. Matt, featuring Straight Outta Compton's' Corey Hawkins (AKA Dr. Dre) and a snivelling Pattinson's best impression of the bastard child of James Woods in 'Casino'. That's not all that threatens to upset the house like Logan Marshall-Green, replacing lookalike Cosmo Jarvis ('Shōgun), who had a scheduling conflict. As all these freeloaders want the hand that has been feeding them until they have drunk her dry. Who wouldn't want to get that close to the great Anne Hathaway? The frequent Nolan flyer (from Catwoman to 'Interstellar' travel) who is having a year like no other ('The Devil Wears Prada 2', 'Mother Mary', 'Mother's Instinct' (here in Japan), 'The End Of Oak Street' and 'Verity' to come)? Acting up a storm and owning her moment. Next in line, Mia Goth, watching on.

There are big guns across the board. All before the blazing third act. One I didn't finish before bedtime in the book. In these days of chicken before the egg, I recommend you do the same with Homer (no, not that one). Read some and save some for later. Both in the movies reveal and the prose itself. Despite what those on the internet say, there are inspired turns from '12 Years A Slave' Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o and 'Inception' (there we go with time again) star Elliot Page. Director/actor Benny Safdie, looking like The Dark Knight of Ancient Greece, even shows up, despite leaving 'Oppenheimer' without a handshake. But it's 'Yesterday' star Himesh Patel that really makes a mark today. Ditto to the bard of Travis Scott, showing us how 'The Odyssey' has been retold through oral poetry. Scott mixing in with James Blake and the stirring score of 'Sinners' Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, based on Bronze Age percussion and ancient instrumentation.

'Troy', '300' and anything else that claims it is Sparta better bow down to the new Greek God with kick. These Gods and monsters have even overtaken 'Jurassic World' to become Universal's highest-grossing film. "A time of apparent magic" will really have a hold on you by Zeus's law. In a violated modern-day it really has something to say, too. Beyond being Nolan's best work (alongside 'Oppenheimer', 'Interstellar' and 'The Dark Knight'). If 'Inglorious Basterds', 'Django Unchained' and his forthcoming final film is Quentin Tarantino's rewriting of the past, 'Dunkirk', 'Oppenheimer' and 'The Odyssey' is Christopher Nolan's history trilogy lesson. From the art inspiration taken from Francisco Goya's 'Saturn Devouring His Son', to the movie's message, and the real meaning of the siren's song, hidden in that infamous and iconic Trojan War horse. Just when you thought you wouldn't fall for that one again. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, centuries later, Homer is done proud. The xenia of host and guest with honour. This 'Odyssey' is outstanding.

Further Filming: 'Oppenheimer', 'Dunkirk', 'Troy'.