Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 195

Alpha Males: More self-doubting males return to Netflix in an also fun second season

Alpha Males is a Spanish series directed by Laura Caballero and Alberto Caballero, and stars Fernando Gil, María Hervás, Raúl Tejón, Kira Miró and Gorka Otxoa among others.

The second season of “Alpha Males” brings back the male characters with even more uncertainty on Netflix. The show continues to explore their existential and emotional doubts. None of the main characters were able to fix their lives in the first season, and it seems like they are still struggling with doubts, fears, and new adventures in the second season, providing us with some entertainment. This Spanish series humorously portrays the struggles of men, who try to fit into the new social norms while maintaining their masculinity.
About the Series:

“Alpha Males” is a humorous take on the ongoing “battle of the sexes” in modern times. It cleverly uses irony and humor to entertain rather than provoke controversy. As a comedy, it relies on familiar archetypes and characters that have been seen many times before, but still manages to keep us engaged and entertained. In this case, it turns the traditional alpha male stereotype on its head and makes fun of it. This approach is consistent throughout the second season, with witty dialogue and a romantic comedy genre that seems to be popular in Spanish cinema. It succeeds in entertaining and keeping us entertained. This is a series that should not be taken too seriously, but instead enjoyed and laughed at.

Where to Watch Alpha Males

Netflix

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Bhakshak, an Indian film on Netflix that tells a harsh story with a dose of realism about serious crimes and social injustices

Bhakshak is a movie directed by Pulkit starring Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra and Aditya Srivastava.

If you are a fan of movies with a social message and those that leave a lasting impact due to their story rather than their aesthetic, then you can watch “Bhakshak” on Netflix from this Friday. This film tackles a difficult topic – the abuse of young girls. It is not a pleasant subject, but it calls for awareness, justice, and a socially relevant story without getting lost in aesthetic arguments.

Bhakshak – NetflixAbout the Film:

This movie is valued more for its content rather than its aesthetic presentation. It raises awareness and denounces the authorities’ passivity towards the blatant injustices that continue to occur. It also explores the role of women in society, the power of media, and the failure of social and government structures. It sheds light on small communities, corruption, and how individuals must react to injustice in their own way. The viewers will remember the story more than the film itself, as it is a film with a clear purpose and does not deceive anyone. The characters are well-developed, and the story aims to raise awareness rather than provide fiction.

Our Opinion:

The film is well-crafted, but it follows the typical structure of such movies. It does not strive to stand out, rather it achieves its goal with an innocent spirit that perfectly aligns with its message.

Where to Watch “Bhakshak”

Netflix

Bhakshak – Netflix

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A Killer Paradox (2024) – Netflix Series: A Good Thriller with an Eccentric Touch

A Killer Paradox is a new South Korean series created by Lee Chang-hee and Kim Da-min. It stars Choi Woo-shik and Son Suk-ku. It is based on the comic by Ggomabi.

“A Killer Paradox” is an intriguing series with touches of comedy that has a unique construction, especially in terms of editing, successfully confusing the viewer with flashbacks and fragments that are skillfully combined to create a series with a special and original touch.

Not quite a thriller, comedy, tragedy, or drama, it’s a game of cat and mouse that transforms into a complex and enticing intrigue.

If you’re looking for something different from the traditional thriller, “A Killer Paradox” is a great choice for this Friday night. Not to mention, it has two fantastic and eccentric protagonists, full of quirks, who are well-developed in a well-crafted, fun, and highly entertaining story.

Plot

A young man dreams of going to Canada and works in a grocery store. One night, he responds to an attack and kills a man.

The next day, the police investigate the murder and question the young man, who suffers from strange hallucinations.

It’s only the beginning of this story of twists, suspense, and plenty of confusion.

About the Series

Funny, different, and highly entertaining, “A Killer Paradox” knows how to stand out from a classic thriller and creates a series with an eccentric and ambiguous touch that is quite interesting. It may not be the series of your life or visually stunning, but the way it’s told and the anarchic nature of its two protagonists make it a tasty dish for this weekend.

“A Killer Paradox” is a series that knows how to mix genres, a bit like Twin Peaks, but less macabre and more realistic, yet still capturing the same eccentric spirit that may cause strangeness and, if not fascination and magic, at least it manages to be attractive, different, and highly entertaining.

A series that knows how to progress and gradually introduce us into a plot of corruption and twists that become more serious as the 8 episodes unfold. It loses its comedy touch to focus on its thriller spirit, and it gradually loses its eccentricity while gaining depth.

“A Killer Paradox” has great characters, especially those that attract and develop as the plot evolves.

Technically, it’s a decent production, but not spectacular. It won’t be a series that changes the history of television with its aesthetics or pacing. It wants to do things right, and it does, leaving a good taste in your mouth, but without being overly enthusiastic.

Our Opinion

Another good Korean series that remains just that, a good series and nothing more. Without making a big impact, it manages to leave a good first impression, but then becomes a more classic thriller as it progresses.

In any case, another good option for this Friday night.

Where to Watch “A Killer Paradox”

Netflix

The CastChoi Woo-shikLee Hee-junSon Suk-kuHyun Bong-sik

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Ashes (2024) – Film on Netflix: A very literary romance that turns into an interesting thriller of intrigue

Ashes is a romantic drama movie directed by Erdem Tepegoz starring Funda Eryiğit and Alperen Duymaz.

“Ashes” is an interesting Turkish film that, like a good thriller, plays with deception from the beginning. One of those classic stories that, starting from romance, ends in an intriguing suspenseful plot.

Good film in terms of photography, with very interesting shots and an atmosphere that manages to infuse the scenes with a dreamlike and captivating feeling.

Plot

A woman married to an editor receives a mysterious manuscript and gradually becomes obsessed with its author. This search will take her from a passionate love affair to a series of mysteries and intrigues that will put her life at risk.

About the film

“Ashes” is a film that, without reinventing cinema, is interesting, well-crafted, and, like a good suspenseful movie, knows how to hide its secrets. It presents itself as a kind of dreamy woman in the style of Amelie, but everything changes and what seems like a film of dreams and romance quickly becomes a much more interesting intrigue.

A film that blends a very literary script with careful aesthetic construction, with colorful and brilliant cinematography. The film knows how to play with the paradox between reality and fiction, literary and cinematic fiction, with the allegories of a good script that, without inventing anything, provides us with all the elements for good entertainment.

It is not the film that will rediscover the thriller, nor is it the film that will impress you and leave a deep impact, but it is entertaining, very easy to watch, and aesthetically well-crafted.

The Turkish film industry once again proves that it is capable of touching all kinds of stories and making them very commercial and attractive, all without losing its identity and that characteristic sensitive spirit of Turkish cinema.

Our opinion

Good thriller: knows how to play with reality, fiction, and daydreaming. Without high expectations in terms of cinematography, it achieves what it wants and does so with efficiency and style.

Where to Watch “Ashes”

Netflix

Ashes – NetflixAbout Funda EryiğitFunda Eryiğit

Funda Eryigit is an actress from Turkey known for her work in television, film, and theater. She completed her education at Kadir Has Anatolian High School and Istanbul University, where she studied both International Relations and Theater. In 2012-2013, she received the best actress award in the musical/comedy category at the 18th Sadri Alisik Theater and Cinema Player Awards for her performance in Istanbul State Theater’s production of Silence. She was also nominated for best actress at the 17th Afife Theater Awards. In 2016, she made an appearance on the TV series Poyraz Karayel. Her breakthrough role was in the series Canim Ailem, and she is best known for her portrayal of Esra in Gecenin Kralicesi.

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Lover, Stalker, Killer (2024): A True-Crime Documentary on Netflix: A Case Turned into a Suspense Film

Lover, Stalker, Killer is a documentary directed by Sam Hobkinson.

Lisa and Dave had a lot in common: they both liked motorcycles and had two children. So why not go on a date? They had fun and enjoyed themselves.

Dave worked as a supervisor at a car repair shop when Cari Farver, a smart and attractive woman, appeared in his life… but also obsessive. After two weeks of dating, Dave wasn’t as committed as Cari, who turned his life into a thriller.

“Lover, Stalker, Killer” is a well-told true-crime that features two of the main characters in this macabre and sinister thriller (one is Dave, the other will not be revealed to create some suspense).

Similar to “Double Identity” (1944), this documentary reconstructs a love triangle, an investigation, and a crime.

About the Documentary

“Lover, Stalker, Killer” behaves like a thriller at all times: there isn’t much intention to make it a believable documentary. With its music, pacing, and a story told like a puzzle, it feels like a good David Fincher thriller.

Cinematographically and as a documentary, “Lover, Stalker, Killer” knows how to make the most of its plot, creating tension, introducing us to the investigators and main characters little by little, foreshadowing the tragedy, and playing with the audience without hiding it.

It’s a story full of surprises and plot twists. It’s interesting both for what it tells and how it tells it.
The very American landscape also adds to the atmosphere. It’s a well-crafted setting for a tragedy that, once anticipated, doesn’t take long to happen.

And behind it all, there’s a fire.

Our Opinion

“Lover, Stalker, Killer” is a documentary that behaves like a film at all times. It’s created and designed to captivate viewers who are interested in sinister cases and extreme characters.

As the story unfolds, it surprises on its own, but with the added formula, it becomes a thrilling experience.

Where to Watch “Lover, Stalker, Killer”

Netflix

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Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex And A Few Things In Between – Max Original Comedy Special

The Max Original stand-up comedy special RORY SCOVEL: RELIGION, SEX AND A FEW THINGS IN BETWEEN, from comedian, actor, and writer Rory Scovel, debuts THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 on Max. The special is executive produced by Conan O’Brien and Conaco.

Logline: Scovel takes the stage at Minneapolis’ Goodale Theater to offer his observations on such disparate subjects as religion, sex, mushrooms, vaccines, parenting an eight-year-old, and much more in this standup special. Over the course of his 70-minute set, the South Carolina native interweaves improvised moments with meta-commentary on the subtle art of stand-up as he riffs on some of the most awkward aspects of seemingly taboo yet universal topics – all with a dose of his amiable southern charm. Sharp and subversive, RORY SCOVEL: RELIGION, SEX AND A FEW THINGS IN BETWEEN is uniquely honest, highly relatable, and hilariously unpredictable.

About Rory Scovel: Scovel’s stand up has been featured on Comedy Central, “Conan”, and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” His second album, “Rory Scovel Live at Third Man Records,” was released in 2013 and in 2015 he released “Rory Scovel: The Charleston Special” followed by his Netflix special “Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time” in 2017. Most recently, he starred in the Apple TV+ series “Physical” opposite Rose Byrne which ran for three seasons, and appeared in Paramount’s “Babylon” directed by Damien Chazelle, which garnered the cast a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Additional acting credits include his Comedy Central series “Robbie” which he also executive produced; Netflix’s “Old Dads” alongside Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, and Bokeem Woodbine; Voltage Pictures’s “I Feel Pretty” opposite Amy Schumer; New Line’s “The House” alongside Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler; “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter” alongside Danny McBride and Josh Brolin; Demetri Martin’s directorial debut “Dean” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; NBC’s “Superstore” and “Undateable;” ABC’s “Modern Family;” FX’s “The Comedians;” TBS’s “Ground Floor” and “Wrecked”; and the TruTv series “Those Who Can’t.”

Credits: Written and performed by Rory Scovel; executive producers Rory Scovel, Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross, J.P. Buck, John Irwin, Molly Mandel, and Jeff Tomsic; directed by Jeff Tomsic.

Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex And A Few Things In Between

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Ashes – A New Turkish Movie on Netflix on February 9th

Ashes is a romantic drama movie directed by Erdem Tepegoz starring Funda Eryiğit and Alperen Duymaz.

A rich married woman’s life is forever changed when she indulges in a tempting illusion and engages in a risky tryst after stumbling upon an unpublished book.

Where to Watch “Ashes”

Netflix

Ashes – Netflix

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3 Affordable Self-Promotion Techniques for Artists

Art is one of the most fulfilling pursuits but it can be a frustrating way to earn a livelihood, especially when you are starting out. Unestablished artists have to create their own buzz and promote themselves and their art to a highly distracted public. Here are three relatively affordable strategies that you can use to get your name out there.

Get Active on Social Media

The average person spends approximately 2.5 hours on social media every day. You cannot ignore this when promoting yourself and your art. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are built for image sharing, and this gives you the opportunity to showcase your pieces. Video-based social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube allow you to share your process and all platforms in general give you the opportunity to engage with your fans and potential clients directly, usually for free.

Social media’s reach is virtually limitless. You can find a fan or a client from the other side of the globe. If you remain active and engage your followers in a positive manner, social media marketing is all you’ll need to promote your brand and sell your art.

Create a Website

While social media sites are vital for self-promotion, they are limited. Most have character limits per post, and guidelines on what you can or cannot post on your page. Also, your post will be competing with countless other related and unrelated posts for your followers’ attention. But with your website, you can craft an online home that is customized to showcase you and your art in the best possible light. You don’t even need technical knowledge, a good website builder can bring your dream website to life in a few hours.

If your art is a bit risque or controversial, you might run afoul of the strict content guidelines on most mainstream social media platforms. This isn’t an issue when you post on your own website though. Your website will also allow you to integrate eCommerce and process payments for the art you sell independently. Even better, you aren’t competing with anyone else on your own website.

Join an Art Community

An art community is an online or offline congregation of art lovers and artists and the perfect promotion platform for unestablished artists. Most art communities have a strong following in their communities and online which presents an opportunity for your art to be seen by community members interested in supporting artists. Most art communities have events specifically tailored to give artists the chance to sell art directly.

More importantly, though, art communities allow artists to network with their colleagues and industry players like gallery owners, art publications, and agents. This sets them up for success outside the platform provided by the art community.

Conclusion

Online digital platforms have created spaces from which new and unestablished artists can promote themselves at little to no cost. To really get the word out there, your promotion should include more than one (ideally all three) of these techniques. Each platform has its pros and cons, so when you use all of them, you should see a tangible boost in reputation within the circles you operate in.

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One Day (2024): A very romantic series on Netflix

One Day is a new series starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall. It is Based the global best-selling book from David Nicholls.

. It is perfectly designed to captivate the hearts of the most tender and love-thirsty on these special dates (you know, Valentine’s Day is approaching). It is the series adaptation of the film One Day (2011), starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Stugess. The same story, but very modernized. You will notice it immediately. Comparisons are odious, but the story remains moving and highly recommended for all fans of the romantic genre. A series with two characters with personality and a lot to say. Although, and to get into comparisons, 9 hours seem a little too much, even for the most die-hard romantics.

Plot

This is the story of the same day, but in different years. Throughout July 15th, we can see how a relationship goes through ups and downs, matures, breaks up, and goes from a deep friendship to love.

About the series

David Nicholls’ best-seller had absolutely everything, and it succeeded as a book first, then on the big screen, and now it comes to Netflix with many changes, especially in the setting and some ethnic differences, but with the same flavor of timeless dramatic romance. It is a much more television-friendly story, less aesthetically worked and very easy to digest in series form. It is easy to watch, without getting lost at any time, and the story knows how to take its time to mature a good script that, on the other hand, does not contribute much to the story except for some temporal adaptations (very Netflix style, by the way).

The protagonists are good, Ambika Mod (who is not Anne Hathaway) and Leo Woodall (who is not Jim Sturgess). Comparisons will be inevitable, and these two good interpreters will come out losing, especially due to the series’ own conception, in a simpler format, less transcendental, and that takes a lot of time to tell us this simple story that, after 7 hours, becomes a bit excessive in length. It is a feel-good series, and the bitter original story by Nicholls is transferred to its calmer, more sentimental, and even simpler side.

The successive dramas of the protagonists are quite understated, and the series becomes, almost, a product aimed at a younger audience that moves away from the original intentions. Of course, everything is a matter of taste, and times change with tastes.

Our Opinion

A good series to take your time and savor it and feel it with great calmness. A story that adapted better to the big screen format than to television, but that continues to be equally enjoyable.

Where to Watch “One Day”

Netflix

The CastAmbika ModEssie DavisLeo WoodallTim McInnerny

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Raël: The Last Prophet (2024) A Netflix Documentary series about a prophet named Räel and his strange beliefs from outer space

“Raël: The Last Prophet” is a docuseries directed by Antoine Baldassari and Manuel Guillon.

Räel is the bearer of light, to whom the extraterrestrials have entrusted their message and is here to offer it to us… and have a great time doing so! Räel built a cult around his message, which he received directly from extraterrestrials and even went to Washington, summoned by the United States Congress, to defend human cloning by claiming the rights of the unborn.

Meanwhile, the cult engaged in various sexual practices. This outlandish docuseries follows the thousands of followers around the world who were captivated by this strange cult that, in 1991, announced to the world that they had successfully given birth to the first cloned baby in human history. Yes, you read that right.

About “Raël: The Last Prophet”:

A documentary that tells the story of the Raelian Movement (also known as “raelism” or “raelianism”) and how, since the 1970s and UFO sightings, the phenomenon gained strength until this prophet, Räel, turned it into (according to him) a religion that worshipped ancient deities with beliefs directly from extraterrestrials. Thousands of followers around the world were drawn to this movement, which, no matter how ridiculous it may seem to some, enthralled and excited people from all walks of life. Behind it all was an intelligent man who knew how to take advantage of all this “wisdom”.

He became internationally recognized and even a TV star with his controversial message that sparked discussions. “Raël: The Last Prophet” features interviews with his followers and how this movement managed to attract so many people. Four episodes make up this four-hour documentary that explores this unique phenomenon that will leave you speechless.

Enjoy!

Where to Watch “Raël: The Last Prophet”

Netflix

The History of Raëlism: A Journey of Beliefs and Advocacy

Raëlism is a religious movement that has gained attention for its unique beliefs and advocacy in various areas, including sex-positive feminism, genetic modification, and human cloning. The history of Raëlism traces back to the origins of its founder, Claude Vorilhon, who later became known as Raël. Read more

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