Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 123

“The Green Glove Gang” Second Season: The Most Fun Gang of Elderly Women Thieves Returns to Netflix

“The Green Glove Gang” is a Netflix series starring Magdalena Kuta, Małgorzata Potocka, Anna Romantowska and Beata Bandurska.

Subtitle: Sought-After Criminals Come Back For More Comedic Heists and Heartwarming Moments

They are the three most wanted criminals. However, no one sees them as criminals, except the police, who are relentlessly yet unsuccessfully trying to track them down. They are a group of thieves known for their green gloves. After the first season, they decided to retire and move on.

However, as we all know, not everything in life goes as planned. The son of one of the women, in debt, reappears with a debt to a mobster. To pay it off, the three women will have to steal a Venus from Kazakhstan, which will be in a Polish museum for a month before going to Naples.

Our three women will have to get down to work and swipe the coveted statue, chased by a policeman obsessed with his mother.

Thus begins an entertaining second season.

The Green Glove GangAbout the series

It’s more of the same in a series that stands out for being a light comedy featuring old, but sprightly, robbers — a tried-and-true formula, but this time with three elderly Polish women who are all the more fun and enchanting.

“The Green Glove Gang” is, above all, a charming series with good dialogues that, while not surprising anyone, manages to entertain us and provides us with a charming, fun, and very light-hearted time alongside three women who simply can’t be anything but likable: they’re charming, friendly, and just want to help people. Yes, these three women win over the hearts of the viewers as soon as they appear, and in this second season, we have more of the same: a light, enjoyable, and televisual series that, when well executed, achieves its goal of entertaining with a slow but sure pace and a good quality in terms of visuals.

The three main characters are joined by Alfred, played by Mirosław Zbrojewicz, the police officer chasing them down. A pivotal character in the series’ success. He adds all the charm to the series, playing a sort of Inspector Clouseau, also chasing the three thieves (as was the case with The Pink Panther).

“The Green Glove Gang” is one of those series that manages to weave through our lives in a relaxed way and, without leaving a mark, leaves a tantalizing taste of a great series, nothing more. Without making an impact or surprising, it seeks to entertain and drop a few daring jokes without getting vulgar.

An elegant, lighthearted, and entertaining series now coming to its second season on Netflix.

Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “The Green Glove Gang”

Netflix

The CastMagdalena KutaAnna RomantowskaMałgorzata PotockaBeata Bandurska

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“Simone Biles: Rising”: An Inside Peek into Simone Biles’ Journey

“Simone Biles: Rising” is a Netflix docuseries starring Simone Biles. It is directed by Katie Walsh.

Throughout the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the world wasn’t asking whether Simone Biles would strike gold, but rather, how many golds she would be taking home. She was the shining star of the American team and globally acknowledged as perhaps the greatest gymnast in history.

However, things took a shocking turn as Simone began to falter, making uncharacteristic errors and faltering in her leaps, culminating in her withdrawal from the competition. This sudden decision baffled many, turning the once-heralded hero into a perceived traitor who had abandoned her team.

Yet, behind the scenes, a darker narrative was unfolding, one revealed in this insightful Netflix documentary.

At the heart of it all is the name Larry Nassar, a doctor charged with sexually assaulting over 250 young women during his tenure at the University of Michigan and the National Gymnastics Team. It was Simone Biles who brought to light this heinous crime, ultimately leading to Nassar’s incarceration.

Simone Biles: RisingThe Fight Continues

Simone Biles’ journey did not end with Tokyo 2020. The documentary “Simone Biles: Rising” closely follows this phenomenal gymnast as she regains her footing and continues to compete, delivering an electrifying performance at the 2024 National Gymnastics competition. It is a genuine and heart-warming story of resilience that viewers can continue to enjoy on Netflix.

About the Documentary

In a departure from its traditional approach, Netflix has not based this documentary on a past event. Instead, it has released two initial episodes while awaiting the unfolding events at the Paris Olympics, commencing in a few days.

“Simone Biles: Rising” promises to add new chapters, continuing to narrate this unique story of victory and struggle. Viewers will have the opportunity to follow Simone as she navigates the competition, capturing her reactions and experiences.

The documentary features Simone herself, along with interviews from her family, coaches, friends, and husband – the NFL player Jonathan Owens. But the highlight undoubtedly remains the testimonials from the greatest gymnast of all time herself, Simone Biles.

Enjoy this captivating documentary, and delve into the remarkable journey of Simone Biles.

Where to Watch “Simone Biles: Rising”

Netflix

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“Lowlifes”: Film Review – Striking the Perfect Balance Between Humor, Horror, and Gore

“Lowlifes” is a horror movie directed by Tesh Guttikonda and Mitch Oliver. It stars Amanda Fix, Matthew MacCaull, Brenna Llewellyn, Elyse Levesque and Josh Zaharia.

“Lowlifes” is not the first of its kind, nor has it been created to revolutionize the history of cinema. This film is acutely self-aware, consciously part of its own genre, and offers us a whimsically macabre form of entertainment. It cleverly references numerous horror films, providing a kind of meticulously crafted homage to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) – only with a twist.

Challenging the conventional slasher film narrative, it presents us with another slasher film. Yet, it successfully elicits plenty of smiles with its dark, very dark, humor.

Plot

A family from Los Angeles crosses paths with some “very bad” boys in a remote town in the United States. Initially, the family members are terrified, but we soon find out the “bad guys” are not who we were led to believe. As it turns out, the urban family is far more dangerous than they initially seem.

About the Film

Well-shot, well-made, and amusing, the film is filled with nods to other movies. It’s entirely aware of the essence of a slasher film and knows how to turn it on its head.

“Lowlifes”, with its self-mocking humor, takes aim at the horror genre and B-list movies. The classic narrative of a city family lost in a hostile environment, only to be pursued by the locals, is reversed. Instead, the city family displays rather barbaric habits, making the film amusing from the outset.

“Lowlifes” recognizes that the audience is familiar with all the tricks of the genre. Thus, it manages to provide a fun film experience without resorting to parody, while remaining quintessentially a horror film. It plays constantly with our expectations, flipping the script in entertaining ways.

However, be prepared for what awaits. The film features cannibalism and other brutalities treated with a light, hilarious touch.

“Lowlifes” is also very well-executed. It boasts good editing, cinematography, and a coherent script. It is not your typical B-list movie made by a group of friends; a team of professionals has worked on this, offering

quality entertainment, delivered with technical excellence and a deep understanding of movie-making craft.

Our Opinion

A great and entertaining horror film, “Lowlifes” is the best way for fans of the genre to have fun while watching a parody of B-list movies. And yes, it delivers quality.

The CastAmanda FixBrenna LlewellynMatthew MacCaullElyse Levesque

The post “Lowlifes”: Film Review – Striking the Perfect Balance Between Humor, Horror, and Gore appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Title: “Lowlifes”: Film Review – Striking the Perfect Balance Between Humor, Horror, and Gore

“Lowlifes” is a horror movie directed by Tesh Guttikonda and Mitch Oliver. It stars Amanda Fix, Matthew MacCaull, Brenna Llewellyn, Elyse Levesque and Josh Zaharia.

“Lowlifes” is not the first of its kind, nor has it been created to revolutionize the history of cinema. This film is acutely self-aware, consciously part of its own genre, and offers us a whimsically macabre form of entertainment. It cleverly references numerous horror films, providing a kind of meticulously crafted homage to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) – only with a twist.

Challenging the conventional slasher film narrative, it presents us with another slasher film. Yet, it successfully elicits plenty of smiles with its dark, very dark, humor.

Plot

A family from Los Angeles crosses paths with some “very bad” boys in a remote town in the United States. Initially, the family members are terrified, but we soon find out the “bad guys” are not who we were led to believe. As it turns out, the urban family is far more dangerous than they initially seem.

About the Film

Well-shot, well-made, and amusing, the film is filled with nods to other movies. It’s entirely aware of the essence of a slasher film and knows how to turn it on its head.

“Lowlifes”, with its self-mocking humor, takes aim at the horror genre and B-list movies. The classic narrative of a city family lost in a hostile environment, only to be pursued by the locals, is reversed. Instead, the city family displays rather barbaric habits, making the film amusing from the outset.

“Lowlifes” recognizes that the audience is familiar with all the tricks of the genre. Thus, it manages to provide a fun film experience without resorting to parody, while remaining quintessentially a horror film. It plays constantly with our expectations, flipping the script in entertaining ways.

However, be prepared for what awaits. The film features cannibalism and other brutalities treated with a light, hilarious touch.

“Lowlifes” is also very well-executed. It boasts good editing, cinematography, and a coherent script. It is not your typical B-list movie made by a group of friends; a team of professionals has worked on this, offering

quality entertainment, delivered with technical excellence and a deep understanding of movie-making craft.

Our Opinion

A great and entertaining horror film, “Lowlifes” is the best way for fans of the genre to have fun while watching a parody of B-list movies. And yes, it delivers quality.

The CastAmanda FixBrenna LlewellynMatthew MacCaullElyse Levesque

The post Title: “Lowlifes”: Film Review – Striking the Perfect Balance Between Humor, Horror, and Gore appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Christie’s Set to Auction Francis Picabia’s Esteemed ‘Myrte’: A Gem from the Transparency Series

In an exciting development, Christie’s presents a prominent work as part of the Avant-Garde(s) Including Thinking Italian auction – a stunning surrealist piece by Francis Picabia titled ‘Myrte’. This auction has been meticulously scheduled to blend seamlessly with Art Basel Paris on 18 October, making it a visual feast for art enthusiasts worldwide.

‘Myrte’ is an outstanding specimen drawn from Picabia’s celebrated Transparency series, a revolutionary collection produced by the artist from 1927 to 1932. A part of the same European collection since the 1970s, this enigmatic piece was last exhibited in Paris in 1928 and was subsequently featured in the Francis Picabia, Mezzo Secolo di Avanguardia exhibition in Turin in 1974. The artwork is estimated to fetch a staggering €1 million to €1.5 million at auction.

A Renaissance of Imagination

Crafted around 1928, ‘Myrte’ readily captures the attention of viewers with its ethereal superimposition of images, a technique that the artist had previously experimented with in his films. Through this masterpiece, Picabia aspired to stimulate the mind with a surreal fusion of images, resulting in a sensual, hallucinatory dream that pulls viewers into its depth, thereby challenging all traditional interpretations of painting.

An Ode to Classical Art

Picabia’s Transparency series holds a special reverence for antiquity, often employing groups of classical sculptures as the cornerstone for the composition. ‘Myrte’ beautifully echoes Botticelli’s female figures. The faces, borrowed from his Madonnas as well as pagan figures, create a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere. Thus, ‘Myrte’ seamlessly melds past with present, weaving together the sacred and secular, challenging the artistic norms of the period while paying homage to the masters of the Italian Renaissance.

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Citizen Skull Management Signs Award-Winning Actor and Filmmaker Carolyn Bridget Kennedy

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 30, 2024 – Jonathan Reiner and Citizen Skull Management (CSP Management) have signed award-winning Actor and Filmmaker Carolyn Bridget Kennedy for voice over representation.  Carolyn, a comedy and improv maven, appears in the 4th season of the Award-winning Netflix original series “The Umbrella Academy” and in the upcoming ABC Studios comedy series “How to Die Alone”.  Her own projects have garnered over 150 awards from film festivals around the globe, including wins for Leading Actress and Best Actress in a Comedy.

“Jonathan’s diverse industry experience and intuitive management skills are an important addition to my stellar team.  I am delighted to be working with Citizen Skull”, said Kennedy.

Jonathan Reiner is an Emmy-winning writer and producer whose credits include “The Bachelorette” (ABC), “Steve Harvey’s Funderdome” (ABC), and “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels” (A&E).  He has a wealth of experience running field and post for major production companies, cable networks, and broadcast networks.

“We are excited to work with Carolyn, and know her top-notch training, comedic sensibilities, and vast array of characters will make her a must-have asset to a wide variety of voice over projects”, said Reiner.

“With the recent launch of Citizen Skull’s voiceover department, we are honored to have someone of Carolyn’s caliber on the roster”, says Citizen Skull owner Mark Myers.

Carolyn is in the performance track at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, having also completed the Upright Citizens Brigade and The Second City programs.  She has studied dramatic acting with Larry Moss, Jason Alexander, and Director Howard Deutch at The Beverly Hills Playhouse. 

Citizen Skull Management joins Kennedy’s existing U.S. representation, Theo Caesar (Theatrical) and Amy Khach (Commercial) at 90210 Talent, and Canadian representation, Jessica Martins at HERO Artists, with publicity and brand management by Wendy Shepherd of Studio Matrix.

Citizen Skull Management’s team of managers represent the best in talent across a multitude of creative media, including writers, actors, and directors.  They are also now representing below-the-line talent and voice over performers.  They provide individualized attention to work with their clients so that they can achieve their career goals.  https://www.citizenskull.com/citizen-skull-management

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People Dem Collective X Diasporas Now: ‘Turner Lates: Movement from the Margins’ Callout

In partnership with Turner Contemporary, Margate-based community organisation People Dem Collective (PDC), expanded performance platform Diasporas Now, and PRAH Recordings are seeking proposals from global majority-identifying artists at the intersection of music, performance art, dance, and other audiovisual performance-based practices.

Two artists will be selected and invited to perform at Movements from the Margins, part of Turner Contemporary’s late-night Turner Lates events series, on Friday 30 August 2024. The event, organised by PDC and Diasporas Now, is inspired by the gallery’s current exhibition Ed Clark, the first institutional exhibition in Europe dedicated to this pioneering artist.

Selected artists will receive a week-long funded residency at PRAH Recordings in Margate, including complimentary on-site accommodation and access to fully equipped music recording studios.

The open call is for UK-based, global majority-identifying artists and musicians, collaborations and artist collectives. It seeks primarily sound-based interpretations the ethos of improvisation, intuition and experimentation to nurture alternative cultural discourses.

Applications open on Monday 15 July, and close on Wednesday 31 July 2024. www.diasporasnow.com/turner-lates-open-call

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Discover the Ape-solutely Wild World of Chimps in the HBO’s Latest Documentary Series, CHIMP CRAZY

Hitting the screen on August 18, the HBO Original documentary series CHIMP CRAZY brings to light the engrossing yet perilous world of private primate ownership. Helmed by the acclaimed filmmaker Eric Goode, best known for his smash hit “Tiger King,” this four-part series will take you on an unforgettable journey into the lives of humans and their great ape pets.

Meet Tonia Haddix, a former nurse turned exotic animal broker, as she navigates the highs and lows of caring for her beloved chimps while also combating mounting pressure from authorities and animal rights groups. Get an unprecedented view into the complex and heart-rending bonds that form between owners and their intelligent great ape pets, while exploring the potential dangers that lurk beneath.

CHIMP CRAZY offers an intriguing exploration into the clandestine world of raising chimpanzees, spotlighting a diverse and captivating cast of human characters. Witness the extraordinary love story between Tonia and Tonka, a 32-year-old retired Hollywood chimp, and the thrilling drama that unfolds when Tonka mysteriously disappears.

Each episode of CHIMP CRAZY delves deeper into the convoluted world of chimps in captivity, tackling ethical concerns around private primate ownership and the often ill-advised practice of attributing human traits to captive apes. This gripping series is set to unravel the poignant narratives of chimps and their human caretakers, exploring the eccentricities, trials, and triumphs they encounter.

So, mark your calendar for the launch of CHIMP CRAZY on Sunday, August 18 and prepare to be whisked into the mysterious and riveting world of chimpanzees and their human families. Stay tuned for new episodes every subsequent Sunday on HBO and Max.

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“Homicide: Los Angeles” – Exposing True Crime in Los Angeles on Netflix: A Deeper Look into Real-Life Investigation Stories

“Homicide: Los Angeles” is a Netflix docuseries created by Dick Wolf.

Los Angeles has become synonymous with glitz, glamour, and the spectacular world of fame. While the city is known for the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, and the world’s highest concentration of celebrities, it also has a darker side. The city has witnessed many murder cases over the years, leaving it with a rich history of chilling true crime.

In the documentary series “Homicide”, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey, unfolding criminal investigations in different cities each season. This series makes an effort to explore real-life murder cases, dissect police evidence and bring forth testimonies from investigators, making it an absolute success for fans of true crime, thrillers, and crime movies.

This season, the series unravels five murder cases from Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the United States. Each episode explores a new crime, providing an intriguing blend of entertainment and impact.

The first episode, “Hunting Phil Spector”, delves into the case of Lana Clarkson, a vibrant actor found dead in the castle of famous music producer Phil Spector. The subsequent investigation and trial highlighted Spector’s violent history, leading to his eventual conviction.

“Race Car Killer”, the second episode, follows the brutal murder of international race car driver Mickey Thompson and his wife, Trudy. The investigation remained at a standstill for many years before new evidence led to the conviction of Michael Goodwin.

The third episode, “Murder at the Beach”, investigates the mysterious murder of Teresa Broudreaux, pregnant at the time of her murder. Advances in DNA technology eventually led to the conviction of Robert Yniguez for her murder.

“A Hollywood Affair”, the fourth episode, explores the disappearance and subsequent murder of film executive Gavin Smith. His complex love life and extramarital affairs become central to the investigation, leading to the conviction of John Creech.

The final episode, “The Disappearing Wife”, looks at the case of Jana Koklich, who went missing under suspicious circumstances. The case uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal, leading to the conviction of her husband, Bruce Koklich.

“Exposing True Crime in Los Angeles: A Deeper Look into Real-Life Investigation Stories” provides true crime enthusiasts with an exciting deep dive into murder investigations. Through actual case evidence and firsthand accounts from investigators, the documentary series illuminates the dark underbelly of one of America’s most glamorous cities.

Where to Watch “Homicide: Los Angeles”

Netflix

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“The Yara Gambirasio Case: Beyond Reasonable Doubt” – A Disturbing Account of Murder, DNA Evidence, and Media Frenzy

“The Yara Gambirasio Case: Beyond Reasonable Doubt” is a Netflix docuseries directed by Gianluca Neri about the Yara Gambirasio case.

A chilling tale of murder, an accused bricklayer, and conclusive DNA evidence: Massimo Bossetti stood as the identified killer. Evidence was found in the victim’s underwear.

However, nothing is ever straightforward, even decades later. The Yara Gambirasio case continues to raise doubts. Netflix once again throws light on this grim, lurid event that has kept the Italian media wrestling since 2010.

The Yara Gambirasio Case

Yara was born on May 21, 1997, in Brembate di Sopra, Italy, a city in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy.

In November 2010, 13-year-old Yara left home for the gym. She never returned, and the case quickly escalated to a kidnapping, grabbing nationwide media attention.

The pervasive press hounded the family, scarcely allowing them to step outside. The case was national news, and the family’s every move was tracked and scrutinized. Demonstrations and searches for Yara were widespread, but all in vain.

On February 26, 2011, Yara’s body was found in an advanced state of decomposition with multiple head injuries. She had been kidnapped and stabbed.

The investigation involved around 18,000 DNA samples and an investment exceeding 3 million euros.

And so unfolded one of the most astounding stories woven with revelations of twins and an ancient affair of infidelity.

Massimo Bossetti was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined, but he continued to maintain his innocence and requested a review of the evidence.

About The Documentary

Netflix’s track record with such stories, such as the Rosa Peral case, is noticeable. They spotlight violent incidents where judicial processes and investigations come under suspicion. The Yara Gambirasio case follows suit, and Netflix applies their formula: raising doubts about investigations and scrutinizing all possible lines of inquiry.

The story unfolds over seven immaculate episodes, each focusing on every grisly detail of the crime, set to a spine-chilling score.

Moreover, the crime press that initially made it a national news story, converting a crime into a lurid spectacle.

Our Opinion

It is no secret, the public is drawn to macabre content, and “The Yara Gambirasio Case” further proves it, just like the Yara Gambirasio case. This is a flawless piece of documentary filmmaking. However, it leaves us with an eternal question: why do we continue to consume such documentaries?

This documentary prompts another important question: where is the line drawn between the right to report and the rights of the victims?

Where to watch “The Yara Gambirasio Case: Beyond Reasonable Doubt”

Netflix

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