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July 26, 2024

“Non Negotiable”: A Thrilling Yet Hilarious Tale of Kidnapping, Corruption, and Deceptive Marriages on Netflix

Non Negotiable” is a Mexican movie thriller starring Mauricio Ochmann, Leonardo Ortizgris and Tato Alexander.

“Non Negotiable” is an engaging Mexican film that adeptly interweaves elements of a thriller with a heavy dose of comedy. The movie is rich with corrupt politicians and kidnapping scenarios, all laced with the fine humor of director Juan Taratuto, offering audiences a lot more than just laughs.

While this film may not dramatically change your life or unveil any profound truths, “Non Negotiable” guarantees entertainment and more importantly, it will draw a smile on your face with its distinctly Mexican sense of humor.

Synopsis

The crux of the plot revolves around a kidnapped President, and a negotiator who is nothing short of a compulsive liar. Adding to the negotiator’s tribulations, his wife too, has been kidnapped. The perpetrator demands a hefty ransom, but with a surprisingly altruistic intent – the money is for institutions, hospitals, and health centers. At its core, the kidnapper is seemingly a vigilante exposing the President’s corruption.

About the Movie

“Non Negotiable” stands out for its ironic and intelligent humor, engaging premise, dynamic dialogues, and brilliant acting, particularly by Mauricio Ochmann who effortlessly carries the film. It is very much an actor’s movie with standout performances by Leonardo Ortizgris, Tato Alexander, and Enoc Leaño who manifest the corrupt President. The comedy unfolds over a single night’s kidnapping, without the need for grand chases or striking action sequences.

The film doesn’t aspire to be a blockbuster but is content in providing entertainment, humor, and presenting a mirror to the corrupt politicos. There are moments in the film that will have you in splits, although the film leans more towards inducing a smile than triggering outright laughter: it is Mexico laughing at itself with a self-aware, ironic, and intelligent tone.

Our Take

“Non Negotiable” is a straightforward and effective film that allows itself to enjoy the thriller genre in a relaxed and jovial manner. The excellent performances coupled with the witty script, although not earth-shattering, leave a lasting impression and manage to brighten up your day with a smile. Enjoy the show!

Where to Watch “Non Negotiable”

Netflix

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Published on July 26, 2024 03:02

“Wonderland” Sci-Fi Movie on Netflix: a halo of hope about Artificial Intelligence

“Wonderland” is a Netflix movie starring Tang Wei, Suzy and Park Bo-gum.

Today Netflix brings us this emotional sci-fi movie about the possibilities that the future virtual world offers us. A Korean dystopia that, beyond a spectacle full of special effects, constantly alludes to feelings and the human root of things in a world connected in a reality that combines the living and the dead.
Yes, an idea that would seem like a horror movie, but “Wonderland” is not a horror movie at all.

Plot

Wonderland is a virtual reality that connects the living with the memories of the dead and, through artificial intelligence, makes it possible to recreate an almost real coexistence with loved ones.

About the film

A dystopia that, for once, does not take us to the more Black Mirrror side: it is not a horror film nor does it pose the future as such nor warn us of the catastrophes that technology will bring: “Wonderland” is a film about how technology can allow us to get closer to feelings and be in touch, again, with the most loved ones.

The film presents different situations and characters that, through different stories, will take us on a journey full of feelings and also hope for the future. It is a beautiful film, with elements even of humor, always tender and never pretends to take us to the darkest side of technology.

This time it chooses the kinder side of technology and how technology could bring us, paradoxically, closer to our most human side. “Wonderland” is also a sad film at times, with sometimes lonely and isolated characters, a light film that, at times, seems afraid to approach a more raw reality.

That said, “Wonderland” is a different dystopia that moves away from the general principles of the genre, and this is appreciated because, in a world full of hopelessness, this film offers at least that, faith in the future and in the human being that, inevitably, will be linked to the development of technology.
A well-shot film with the usual quality of Korean productions, also with its characteristic tendency to sentimentality.

A film that, contrary to the experts’ opinion, tells us that AI can also help human beings to live better and be more human.

Our opinion

A very nice vision of the future, almost so hopeful that it is somewhat illusory and unrealistic.
However, a halo of hope is appreciated in this world full of apocalyptic technological evidence.

A film full, very full of humanity that distances itself from the classic treatments of dystopian cinema and literature.

Where to Watch “Wonderland”

Netflix

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Published on July 26, 2024 00:59

“Wonderland”: A Sci-Fi Film on Netflix Pioneering a Ray of Hope in Artificial Intelligence

Wonderland” is a Netflix movie starring Tang Wei, Suzy and Park Bo-gum.

Netflix unveils a captivating science fiction film today, delving into the endless possibilities that the future virtual world promises. “Wonderland”, a Korean dystopia, is more than just a spectacle of special effects. It constantly harks back to emotions and the fundamental human essence of things in a world interlinked with a reality that amalgamates the living and the dead. It might seem like a plot for a horror movie, but “Wonderland” is far from being one.

Film Synopsis

Wonderland, the envisaged virtual reality, bridges the gap between the living and memories of the deceased. Via the medium of artificial intelligence, it fosters an almost real cohabitation with loved ones.

About the Film

The dystopia, for a change, doesn’t steer us towards a Black Mirror edge. Neither is it a horror movie nor does it showcase the future as such, nor does it caution us about the catastrophes technology heralds. “Wonderland” is a film about how technology can bring us closer to our emotions and reconnect us with our dearest ones.

The film presents different situations and characters who guide us on an emotional journey packed with hope for the future. It’s a visually stunning film, replete with elements of humour, invariably tender, and never intends to lead us onto a darker side of technology.

This time, it highlights the kinder side of technology and how it could ironically bring us closer to our human side. “Wonderland” is also a film that evokes sadness at times, displaying characters who are solitary and isolated. It’s a light movie that often seems apprehensive about acknowledging a harsher reality.

Indeed, “Wonderland” is a different sort of dystopia that deviates from the usual genre tropes, which is refreshing. In a world drenched in despair, this movie offers at least that—faith in the future and in humanity, which is inextricably linked to technological advancement.

The film is splendidly shot and upholds the usual quality of Korean productions, and its characteristic sentimental inclination. Contrary to expert opinion, the film suggests that AI can also aid in improving human quality of life and in enhancing our humanity.

Our Opinion

The film offers a very amiable vision of the future. It’s so hopeful that it appears somewhat illusory and unreal. However, it’s pleasant to see a glimmer of hope in this world teeming with apocalyptic technological evidence. A movie brimming with humanity, it distances itself from the conventional treatments of dystopian cinema and literature.

Where to Watch “Wonderland”

Netflix

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Published on July 26, 2024 00:59

July 25, 2024

“Time Bandits” Series on Apple TV+: A Time Travel Journey through History for Kids

Time Bandits” is an Apple TV+ series starring Lisa Kudrow and Kal-El Tuck. It is created by Taika Waititi and Iain Morris.

Embrace the Classic Spirit of Adventure with Apple TV+

Do you love the thrill of classic adventure series? Apple TV+ is bringing back this timeless formula with their latest release, a fun-filled and endearing series for the entire family, reverting to the style of the movie directed by Terry Gilliam in 1981.

Plot Synopsis

The series revolves around Kevin Haddock, a young boy with a passion for history, who finds himself ensnared in a wild time travel adventure with an amusing group of thieves. Together, they embark on a crazy mission to save not only their parents but all of humanity.

About the Series

This series, both humorous and of the high standard we’ve come to expect from Apple TV+, may not rewrite the history of cinema, but it’s exceptionally entertaining, specifically designed for kids to enjoy a truly wild, somewhat absurd time. It captures the spirit of the 1981 film, complete with the absurd and crazy humour of Monty Python, but modernised, delivering a spectacle on an aesthetic level – a rush of special effects combined with a fun storyline. For the traditionalists, this series has everything it takes to entertain.

Available from July 24th on Apple TV+ – we hope you enjoy it!

Where to Watch “Time Bandits”

Apple TV+

The CastLisa KudrowLisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She rose to fame for her role as Phoebe Buffay in the popular sitcom Friends. Kudrow has also appeared in numerous films such as Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, The Opposite of Sex, and Easy A. She has won several awards for her work, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to her acting career, Kudrow has also produced and starred in the HBO series The Comeback and Web Therapy.

Kal-El TuckKal-El TuckRoger Jean NsengiyumvaRoger Jean NsengiyumvaTadhg MurphyTadhg MurphyRune TemteRune Temte

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Published on July 25, 2024 03:33

“Kleo” Season 2: Netflix Welcomes Back the Most Dangerous and Hilarious Super-Spy

Kleo” is a Netflix series starring Jella Haase. With Julius Feldmeier and Dimitrij Schaad.

In the world of espionage and humor, the Netflix series “Kleo” stands out as a gem. The second season welcomes back the most entertaining spy from the German reunification era, promising more of the same: intrigue and humor set against a historical backdrop.

Plot Synopsis

Kleo, an unofficial super-spy working for the government, has been forced into a role of a contract killer. After taking out a CIA agent, she was betrayed and imprisoned by the very people she trusted. However, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, Kleo is released and out for revenge.

About the Show

Above all, this is a fun watch, with excellent set designs and costumes that reflect the era’s aesthetics, all presented with a sense of irony and humor. With its engaging pace, the show manages to entertain at all times. Despite the historical spy narrative, the actual storyline diverts quite a bit from reality. “Kleo” is designed to help viewers unwind, all the while providing splendid entertainment through Kleo, who handles her vengeance with a humorous bent.

Additionally, the show is filled with endearing supporting characters, each contributing a mix of realism and irony. While it comes close to being a parody, it prefers to be a hilariously engrossing thriller set during the Cold War.

Our Verdict

“Kleo” is one of our favorite series: combining style, fun, and a large serving of intelligent humor in this historical-comical thriller. Give this contract killer a chance: she is uproarious, smart, and has an incredible sense of pacing, both cinematically and in terms of plot development.

Where to Watch “Kleo”

Netflix

The CastJella HaaseJella Haase

Jella Haase is a German actress known for her roles in various films and television shows. She was born on October 26, 1992, in Berlin, Germany. Haase began her acting career at a young age and rose to fame with her breakout role as Chantal in the film “Fack ju Göhte” (Suck Me Shakespeer) in 2013. She reprised her role in the sequel “Fack ju Göhte 2” and “Fack ju Göhte 3.” Haase has also appeared in other films such as “Looping,” “4 Könige” (4 Kings), and “Wuff.” In addition to her film work, Jella Haase has also starred in several television shows including “Tatort,” “Blochin: The Living and the Dead,” and “Der Bulle und das Biest.” She has received numerous awards for her performances, including the Bavarian Film Award for Best Young Actress.

Dimitrij SchaadDimitrij SchaadVincent RedetzkiVincent RedetzkiJulius FeldmeierJulius FeldmeierThandi SebeThandi Sebe

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Published on July 25, 2024 02:07

“Tokyo Swindlers” Series on Netflix: scammers, cops and real estate speculation

“Tokyo Swindlers” is a Netflix thriller series starring Gou Ayano and Etsushi Toyokawa.

Tokyo is a tough city, the largest and most populated in the world, it is not strange that there emerge scammers specialized in real estate. Today Netflix brings us this gripping thriller of grifters, cops and forgers.

A thriller with a lot of rhythm and with a very modern style that knows how to combine the classic stories of swindlers and criminals with a current setting and the frenzy of new technologies.

Plot

The real estate counterfeiters returned to Tokyo in mid-2010, after the Olympic Games and the return of real estate speculation to the city of Tokyo: a leader, a negotiator, a real estate expert, a counterfeiter, a legal advisor, an informer and a recruiter of impostors.

Precise and highly advanced criminal techniques for a group of real estate counterfeiters wanted by the police but not yet arrested.

About the series

Do you like 1940s Hollywood movies? Yes, the ones where criminals were the stars and the real heroes in a world that applauded and saw them as individuals who could live freedom through crime beyond traditional parameters.

“Tokyo Swindlers” is a series that gives criminals a starring role. No, here they are not heroes nor do they seek justice: they are professional real estate swindlers and use speculation and greed as a weapon.
They swindle large real estate companies, posing as the legitimate owners, forging documents and carrying out prodigious forgeries with microchips, watermarks and so on.

On the other hand, we have the police, with a curious duo of investigators (a veteran and a rookie), who add a touch of humor to this entertaining thriller.

“Tokyo Swindlers” is, above all, a very entertaining thriller of thieves and cops. It has a sense of humor, rhythm and a well handled plot in one of those series that you watch quickly and like, but without leaving an indelible memory in the retina: it is not spectacular in terms of images and does not contain the scenic brutality to which we are already accustomed to Asian cinema: “Tokyo Swindlers” is just an entertaining thriller of swindlers that, without coming to revolutionize the history of television, entertains for a while, without more.

Our opinion

If you like series about grifters and cops, give it a chance. “Tokyo Swindlers” has a great setting and a good plot, but does not achieve enough original elements to transcend or leave a mark.

It entertains, amuses and knows how to behave as a good television product.

Good in all aspects, but never brilliant.

Where to Watch “Tokyo Swindlers”

Netflix

The CastGo AyanoGo AyanoKazuki KitamuraKazuki KitamuraPierre TakiPierre TakiEtsushi ToyokawaEtsushi ToyokawaEiko KoikeEiko KoikeEsther K. ChaeEsther K. Chae

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Published on July 25, 2024 01:38

“Tokyo Swindlers” Series on Netflix: Scammers, Cops, and Real Estate Speculation

Tokyo Swindlers” is a Netflix thriller series starring Gou Ayano and Etsushi Toyokawa.

Tokyo, the largest and most populous city in the world, is a challenging landscape. It is not surprising that it has given rise to real estate scammers, a phenomenon that has become the heart of the thrilling new series on Netflix. The show is a fast-paced, modern thriller that skillfully fuses classic stories of con artists and criminals against a contemporary backdrop, with a heavy dose of cutting-edge technology.

Plot

The story takes us back to the resurgence of real estate fraudsters in Tokyo around 2010, following the Olympic Games and the revival of property speculation in the city. The characters include a leader, a negotiator, a real estate expert, a forger, a legal adviser, an informant, and a recruiter of impostors. These rogues use highly advanced and precise criminal techniques, making them a sought-after group by the police yet they remain elusive and undetected.

About the Series

Are you a fan of 1940s Hollywood movies? Particularly those where criminals were the stars and true heroes in a world that applauded them as individuals living their freedom through crime beyond traditional parameters. The series “Tokyo Swindlers” grants such criminals a leading role. But these are no heroes in pursuit of justice – they are professional real estate fraudsters who wield speculation and greed as their weapons. They con major real estate companies by posing as legitimate owners, forging documents, and performing spectacular counterfeits with microchips, watermarks, and more. On the other hand, we have the police force, featuring an amusing duo of investigators (a veteran and a rookie), bringing a touch of humor to this engaging thriller.

“Tokyo Swindlers” is above all, an entertaining cat-and-mouse thriller involving robbers and cops. It has a sense of humor, momentum, and a well-executed plot. It’s one of those shows that viewers can quickly binge-watch and enjoy, without leaving an unforgettable mark.

Our Opinion

If you enjoy crime series involving scam artists and police, “Tokyo Swindlers” might just be worth your time. It boasts a great setting and a compelling plot, although it lacks enough original elements to truly stand out or leave a lasting impression. It entertains, amuses, and behaves like a good television product – good in all aspects, but never brilliant.

Where to Watch “Tokyo Swindlers”

Netflix

The CastGo AyanoGo AyanoKazuki KitamuraKazuki KitamuraPierre TakiPierre TakiEtsushi ToyokawaEtsushi ToyokawaEiko KoikeEiko KoikeEsther K. ChaeEsther K. Chae

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Published on July 25, 2024 01:38

“The Decameron” on Netflix: An Oddly Amusing Take on the Black Plague

The Decameron” is a Netflix series created by Kathleen Jordan starring Amar Chadha-Patel, Leila Farzad and Lou Gala.

Netflix introduces us to a series that, although is not based on an original concept, comes off as refreshing. It’s an idea that hasn’t been worn out by repetition – a comedy centered around a plague, around one of the biggest tragedies that humanity faced in the Middle Ages: The Black Plague, which was responsible for approximately 80 to 200 million deaths.

But we’re not here for the tragedies. “The Decameron” is a comedy set in the Middle Ages, a comedy reminiscent of Monty Python’s style: fun dialogues and a strong historical parody undertone.

Plot Overview

Set in 14th-century Florence during the Black Plague, the townsfolk struggle to survive amidst significant class disparities.

About the Series

An intelligent comedy that revisits the formula of historical parody that has been successful over the years. While the formula is not new, and “The Decameron” doesn’t reinvent it, it is undeniably entertaining.

Historical parody predates Monty Python, who popularized it years ago, but has been around since time immemorial, before the advent of cinema and since the times of classic Greek theater, which used drama to mock everything.

“The Decameron” is, above all, a parody of the class disparities in 1300s Florence, using the Black Plague pandemic as a pretext to provide a comedic yet thoughtful commentary on the similarities between the Middle Ages and modern times. Just like with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Plague affected the rich and the poor alike, though after the pandemic, the rich grew richer and the poor remained the same. Perhaps it’s a matter of statistics.

In “The Decameron”, the story doesn’t matter much: it’s an ensemble comedy built around a plethora of characters, both rich and poor, intermingled in a diffuse social conglomerate, all trying to survive. The primary aim of the series is to entertain, while concurrently satirizing the historical parallels between the past and the present.

“The Decameron” is a series with a Mozart-like spirit, with a tone of parody, irony, and the frivolity of ‘Le nozze di Figaro’ (an opera from 1785). Cleverness, parody, comedy, and a strong theatrical spirit. “The Decameron” is more than an experiment; it’s a retro-spirit series that revives a literary and theatrical tradition that, now brought to the screen, is amusing, though not novel.

In aesthetics, it resorts to the more theatrical formulas, both in character treatment and in staging and set designs, to recreate the Middle Ages.

Our Verdict

Relax and enjoy, “The Decameron” is not going to change your life, nor does it offer anything new aesthetically or plot-wise, nor does it claim to rediscover the history of the Middle Ages, but it proves to be amusing and sufficiently frivolous for a good laugh. We hope you enjoy it.

Where to Watch “The Decameron”

Netflix

The CastAmar Chadha-PatelAmar Chadha-PatelLou GalaLou GalaTony HaleTony HaleLeila FarzadLeila FarzadKaran GillKaran GillSaoirse-Monica JacksonSaoirse-Monica Jackson

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Published on July 25, 2024 00:46

July 24, 2024

Celebrating a Comedy Legend: HBO’s Two-Part Documentary on Mel Brooks

“Laughter, the best medicine” – an axiom that stands true across generations. And when it’s about creating laughter, few have done it better than the comedic legend Mel Brooks. HBO Documentary Films, in collaboration with Apatow Productions, is embarking on a journey to celebrate this genius who has revolutionized the world of comedy.

Helmed by Emmy®-winners Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, with Joe Beshenkovsky polishing the final cuts, the two-part documentary promises to be an expansive yet intimate look at Mel Brooks’ illustrious career. This project, a dream come true for Apatow, is a remarkable reunion of the team after their acclaimed documentary “George Carlin’s American Dream.”

As we explore the life and accomplishments of Mel Brooks, it’s easy to see why he’s a global comedy icon. A career spanning an astonishing seven decades, marked by Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony Award®, and Academy Award® victories. Brooks’ work ranges from “Blazing Saddles,” “History of the World Part 1,” to “Get Smart,” and more. Indeed, a testament to his outstanding contribution to television, film, and beyond.

Produced by Apatow Productions, a powerhouse behind some of the biggest hit comedy films and television series of the last two decades, this documentary is set to be another feather in their cap. With a track record of creating critically acclaimed productions such as “Freaks and Geeks,” “Girls,” and “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling,” the anticipation surrounding this project is intense.

As we eagerly await this closer look at the exceptional journey of Mel Brooks, we are reminded of his unique ability to keep generations of audiences worldwide laughing, bringing us joy and lifting our spirits. This is not just a documentary; it’s a tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the craft of comedy and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. A story of laughter, legacy, and a lifetime committed to humor – that’s Mel Brooks!

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Published on July 24, 2024 13:00

Illuminating the Art World: Mary Corse Returns to New York with ‘Presence in Light’

New York – Mary Corse, a renowned artist known for her exploration of light, space, and perception, will be showcasing her latest work in the Pace Gallery at 540 West 25th Street, New York from September 13 to October 26, 2024. This pivotal event marks Corse’s first solo exhibition in the city since 2019, following her recent institutional exhibitions at the Long Museum West Bund in Shanghai, the Amorepacific Museum of Art in Seoul, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

This exhibition will feature Corse’s new series of diamond-shaped paintings. In these works, Corse utilizes glass microspheres to create an illuminated effect from within the painting – a technique she discovered during the late 1960s after noticing the progressive illumination of road markings. Although she produced her first diamond-shaped paintings in her twenties, this exhibition marks her first return to the format in more than six decades.

The show will also include Corse’s “Halo Room,” a new architectural installation that she has been developing for the past several years. This participatory piece casts a glowing halo around the viewer’s shadow when they enter the room, demonstrating Corse’s interest in the energetic relationship between the individual and the object.

The exhibition continues and deepens Corse’s exploration of presence in post-1960s art, reflecting the ethos that has been central to her practice for decades. As Corse puts it, “the work of art is not on the wall, it’s in your perception.”

Pace Gallery, a leading international art hub, is proud to present Corse’s unique and boundary-crossing artwork. Over the years, Pace has established a distinguished legacy, representing some of the most influential contemporary artists and estates from the past century. Today, Pace has locations worldwide, including London, Geneva, Berlin, and New York. With a focus on original scholarship and introducing new voices to the art historical canon, Pace remains at the forefront of innovation.

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Published on July 24, 2024 04:10

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