Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 49

“Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney”: A New Way to Understand Stand-Up and Talk Shows

John Mulaney, the acclaimed comedian and writer, is set to conquer live television once again with his new show, “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney”. This show, premiering this Wednesday on Netflix, promises to be a unique experience that combines the format of a traditional talk show with Mulaney’s irreverent style and sharp comedy.

An Anticipated Return

Following the success of his limited series “Everybody’s in L.A.” last year, Mulaney and Netflix decided to bet on a more regular format. “Everybody’s Live” will air live every Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT for 12 consecutive weeks, offering viewers an unfiltered and delay-free global experience.

In a recent interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” Mulaney expressed his excitement about the live aspect of the show: “It’s a fun feeling knowing that, hopefully, many people are watching and it’s live globally without delay, and you could really damage your career.”

An Eclectic Cast

The first episode promises to be spectacular, featuring guests like actor Michael Keaton, legendary folk singer-songwriter Joan Baez, comedian Fred Armisen, and personal finance columnist Jessica Roy. Additionally, the hip-hop group Cypress Hill will be the musical guest.

Mulaney has hinted that the show will continue the successful formula of “Everybody’s in L.A.,” mixing celebrities, comedians, experts, and academics in unexpected combinations.

Familiar Elements and New Surprises

Fans will be delighted to know that Richard Kind will return as co-host and master of ceremonies, along with Saymo, the delivery robot that won the audience’s heart in the previous series.

The show will also retain popular elements like live viewer calls, adding an element of unpredictability and direct connection with the audience.

A Familiar Format with a Unique Twist

Although Mulaney admits there’s nothing completely new in what he’s doing, his approach is refreshing.

Netflix has shown its confidence in Mulaney and the show’s concept by ordering two seasons. This bet on Mulaney’s talent and his ability to entertain live suggests that the streaming giant may have finally found the right formula for success in the talk show format.

“Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney” is shaping up to be an exciting and unique addition to the live television landscape. With its mix of smart humor, diverse guests, and Mulaney’s undeniable charisma, the show promises to deliver memorable moments and fascinating conversations week after week.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney” this March 12 at 7 p.m. PT, exclusively on Netflix.

Where to Wacth “”Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney”

Netflix

Exploring Korean Craftsmanship in Madrid: A Cultural Exhibition

The Korean Cultural Center in Madrid is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Artesanía y Mujer Coreana,” which delves into the intricate world of traditional Korean crafts. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship that characterized the lives of Korean women during the Joseon dynasty, a period spanning from 1392 to 1897. The exhibition is strategically timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, highlighting the significant role women played in the artistic and cultural landscape of Korea.

The exhibition is housed at the Korean Cultural Center, located on Paseo de la Castellana, a prominent avenue in Madrid known for its cultural and historical significance. Visitors to the exhibition will find themselves immersed in a world where traditional Korean crafts are brought to life through meticulously crafted replicas. These pieces are not merely artifacts; they are a testament to the creativity and skill of Korean women, who used their artistry to express cultural values and personal aesthetics.

Central to the exhibition is the concept of “gyubang,” a dedicated space within Korean homes where women engaged in various crafts. This area was a hub of creativity, where women crafted clothing, decorative items, and personal objects. The gyubang was more than just a workspace; it was a symbol of the intimate connection between craftsmanship and the domestic sphere in Korean society.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are traditional Korean screens, known as “Ilwol Obongdo,” which depict cosmic harmony and royal authority through the imagery of the sun, moon, and mountains. Additionally, visitors can explore traditional Joseon dynasty furniture, such as the “jang” and “soban,” which reflect the era’s social hierarchies and aesthetic values.

The exhibition also showcases exquisite embroidery, including the “hwamunpo” and “pokshik chasu,” which are adorned with symbols of longevity and prosperity. These embroidered pieces are not only decorative but also carry deep cultural significance, representing the hopes and aspirations of the artisans who created them.

The Korean Cultural Center’s exhibition is an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Korea and the enduring legacy of its women artisans. Through their creativity and craftsmanship, these women have left an indelible mark on Korean culture, a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.

The exhibition is open to the public and offers free admission. Visitors can explore this cultural treasure trove from Monday to Friday, with specific visiting hours available on the Korean Cultural Center’s website. The exhibition will run until May 16, 2025, providing ample opportunity for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers to engage with this unique showcase of Korean craftsmanship.

The Apocalypse Continues: HBO’s “The Last of Us” Returns with Heightened Intensity

The critically acclaimed series “The Last of Us” prepares to plunge viewers back into its unforgiving post-pandemic world, with HBO set to premiere its second season. The adaptation, based on the renowned video game franchise, promises a narrative that delves deeper into the complex emotional landscape of its protagonists.

Returning to the screen are Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, whose relationship forms the emotional core of the series.

The upcoming season draws inspiration from the game’s second installment, which introduces significant narrative complexities.

New cast members join the ensemble, expanding the narrative’s scope.

The production team has carefully crafted the season to maintain the series’ acclaimed approach to storytelling.

Fans can anticipate a seven-episode journey that promises to be as emotionally complex and challenging as its predecessor. The series continues to distinguish itself as a landmark adaptation of a video game narrative, pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of the medium.

The second season of “The Last of Us” will debut on HBO on April 13, inviting viewers to once again explore the depths of human survival, love, and redemption in a world irrevocably transformed.

Masterpieces Reunite: A Dialogue Across Centuries

In a rare convergence of artistic brilliance, two seminal works by Diego Velázquez and Michelangelo will be displayed together, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the interconnected world of early modern art. Stuart Lochhead Sculpture will present these masterpieces at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, revealing a profound narrative that extends far beyond the canvas and bronze.

The exhibition centers on Velázquez’s portrait of Mother Jerónima de la Fuente, a formidable nun who embarked on an extraordinary journey to establish the first convent in the Philippines. Painted in 1620 when Jerónima was 66 years old, the portrait captures her resolute spirit, with a crucifix clutched in her right hand and a book in her left.

Michelangelo – Christ

Accompanying the portrait is a recently discovered 25-centimeter bronze corpus of Christ, believed to be modeled after Michelangelo’s design. The bronze piece, crafted in a Roman workshop and arriving in Seville in 1597, became a pivotal reference for religious iconography throughout Spain and its colonies.

Stuart Lochhead, the art dealer orchestrating this exhibition, emphasizes that the display transcends mere artistic showcase. “We’re bringing in the influence of Vittoria Colonna and Jerónima into the creation of two works of art, which normally you’d look at and say: ‘Well, these were made by the great artists and that’s the end of the story.’ But it’s not,” Lochhead explained.

The connection between the works is intricate. Velázquez, still early in his career, was deeply influenced by his mentor Francisco Pacheco, who was familiar with the Michelangelo-inspired bronze corpus. The crucifix in Mother Jerónima’s hand potentially represents one of the many casts produced from the original bronze model, creating a subtle yet powerful link between artist, subject, and spiritual iconography.

The exhibition offers more than a visual feast. It provides a nuanced exploration of faith, artistic inspiration, and the often-overlooked narratives of women who shaped cultural production in the early modern period. From Michelangelo’s relationship with poet Vittoria Colonna to Jerónima’s remarkable global journey, the works reveal a rich, dynamic web of cultural exchange.

While the future of these pieces remains uncertain—with Lochhead noting they may not remain together after the fair—their brief conjunction promises to illuminate the deeply personal motivations behind artistic creation.

The exhibition will be on display from 15 March at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary dialogue across centuries.

Synth-Driven Sounds: Autogramm Crafts a Modern Ode to New Wave

In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative music, Autogramm emerges as a band that defies simple categorization. Hailing from the diverse musical landscapes of Seattle, Chicago, and Vancouver, the quartet has carved out a distinctive sound that pays homage to the new wave and power-pop era while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Their latest album, “Music That Humans Can Play,” serves as a testament to the band’s musical philosophy. Blending lo-fi rock, synth-powered new wave, and early punk sensibilities, Autogramm creates a sonic experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

The album’s ten tracks showcase the band’s ability to navigate multiple musical territories. From the opening track “Born Losers” with its thrumming synthesizers to the angular “Why Do We Dance,” the record pulses with an infectious energy. The band’s approach is less about rigid genre constraints and more about capturing a moment of musical joy.

Critics have noted the album’s unique approach to musical revival. Unlike mere nostalgia acts, Autogramm breathes new life into familiar sounds. The record draws inspiration from iconic bands like Devo, The Cars, and Pet Shop Boys, yet refuses to be trapped in a time capsule.

Autogramm – Randy

The band members—Jiffy Marx, The Silo, CC Voltage, and Lars Von Seattle—bring a wealth of experience from various underground music projects. Their collective background contributes to the album’s nuanced and layered sound, creating music that feels both familiar and innovative.

Thematically, the album explores contemporary human experiences through a lens of synth-driven pop. Tracks like “Plastic Punx” offer subtle social commentary, examining the impact of digital connectivity on human interaction. The band describes themselves as “plastic punx,” a term that encapsulates their fluid approach to musical expression.

“Music That Humans Can Play” has already garnered attention from notable music publications. Reviews praise the album’s consistent energy and the band’s ability to create catchy, meaningful tracks that transcend simple genre imitation.

As the music industry continues to evolve, Autogramm stands as a testament to the enduring power of creative musical exploration. Their latest album is not just a collection of songs, but a vibrant statement about the ongoing dialogue between musical past and present.

The band is set to support the album with live performances, bringing their unique sound to audiences eager for a fresh take on new wave and power-pop traditions.

Cecily Brown: A Retrospective of Artistic Reconfiguration

The Barnes Foundation prepares to host a comprehensive exploration of Cecily Brown’s artistic journey, presenting a mid-career retrospective that challenges traditional narratives of art history. The exhibition, titled “Themes and Variations,” promises to unveil the nuanced complexity of Brown’s painterly approach.

Spanning three decades of artistic production, the show brings together more than 30 large-scale paintings and works on paper that illuminate Brown’s distinctive artistic language. Co-curated by Simonetta Fraquelli from the Barnes Foundation and Anna Katherine Brodbeck from the Dallas Museum of Art, the exhibition offers a critical examination of Brown’s unique position in contemporary painting.

Brown’s work exists in a provocative space between figuration and abstraction, consistently subverting historical artistic conventions. Her canvases deconstruct traditional genre scenes, particularly those depicting women, by reimagining them through a contemporary feminist lens.

The artist’s approach is characterized by a visceral, dynamic painting style that challenges viewers’ perceptions. Her works oscillate between recognizable forms and abstract expressions, creating compositions that are at once complex and deeply engaging. Brown’s paintings often draw from art historical references, reinterpreting scenes from European painting traditions while simultaneously critiquing their inherent power dynamics.

Key works in the exhibition include “Girl on a Swing” from 2004, which recontextualizes the voyeuristic traditions of Rococo painting, and “The Splendid Table,” a monumental triptych that reimagines 17th-century Flemish still-life traditions. These pieces demonstrate Brown’s ability to engage with art historical precedents while simultaneously challenging their underlying narratives.

Thom Collins, Executive Director of the Barnes Foundation, notes the exhibition’s significance in presenting the work of a leading contemporary painter who continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. The show aligns with the institution’s commitment to highlighting remarkable women artists and their contributions to visual culture.

Brown emerged during a period when painting was considered a marginalized medium, distinguishing herself by maintaining a steadfast commitment to the art form. Her work represents a unique synthesis of figuration and abstraction, creating a visual language that is both innovative and deeply rooted in artistic tradition.

The exhibition will be on view from March 9 through May 25, 2025, at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, offering audiences a comprehensive look at one of contemporary painting’s most compelling voices.

Season 7 of “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” on Netflix: The Most Tumultuous Year of Formula I in the Most Spectacular Series

The most spectacular series about Formula I has returned and, as always, it does so on Netflix. The Netflix series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” has once again pulled back the curtain on the high-octane world of motorsport, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the 2024 Formula I season. Spectacle inside and outside the track: a series that gets into the paddock and follows the season from within, with exclusive interviews with drivers, team principals, and other employees, along with exclusive race footage.

By far, the best series you can watch about Formula I.

For any fan of this sport, the must-see event of each season.

An Unprecedented Year of Drama

The seventh season arrives at a crucial moment in Formula I history, packed with storylines that could fill several seasons. Premiered just one week before the 2025 campaign begins at the Australian Grand Prix, the 10-episode series covers the dramatic 2024 season in its entirety.

The Hamilton-Ferrari Revolution

Lewis Hamilton’s signing with Ferrari created an early “silly season”, with eight teams remodeling their driver lineups. Although the series addresses Hamilton’s decision from the beginning, it’s interesting that it focuses more on the succession plan at Mercedes and the uncertainties surrounding George Russell’s leadership potential.

Dramatic Departures

The season doesn’t shy away from emotional exits. A particularly moving narrative follows Daniel Ricciardo, who was replaced at Racing Bulls just six races before the end of the 2024 season.

Tensions Behind the Scenes

The series continues its tradition of revealing internal team dynamics, including an awkward exchange between Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton during a car launch, and Wolff’s discussions about possible replacements that even included Max Verstappen.

And More, Much More

As you well know, the 2024 season had many moments of tension. “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” addresses absolutely all of them, leaving none out.

A series, without doubt, not to be missed.

Where to Watch “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”

Netflix

“Plankton: The Movie”: Plankton, the SpongeBob Villain, as the Protagonist

Today, this film from the successful Nickelodeon franchise, SpongeBob, arrives on Netflix, this time with a villain as the protagonist, Sheldon J. Plankton (or simply Plankton), and his beloved Karen, transformed into a three-headed supercomputer who, surprisingly, is willing to dominate the world.

Absolutely hilarious and very funny. We’ve had a really, really good time.

Plot

Karen, tired of Plankton’s constant failures, transforms into a multi-process supercomputer with her own world domination plans. This forces Plankton to ally with SpongeBob and his friends to save the world.

Plankton: The Movie – Netflix

About the Movie

“Plankton: The Movie” is a musical comedy suitable for all ages, with jokes for children, but also for adults: psychoanalysis jokes for the more intellectual and constant computer-related humor for the geeks. However, it doesn’t lose the general tone of the Nickelodeon series.

SpongeBob is also a protagonist, but much less so, as this time the franchise’s most villainous character takes the spotlight.

Above all, the movie is a hilarious nonsense full of fun moments that, mixed with music and songs, will entertain you. There’s space for all the series’ characters because everyone has their moment. “Plankton: The Movie” is a movie with a frenetic pace carried out well. Without boasting spectacular animation in the Disney style, it focuses on its protagonists’ shenanigans and, above all, on many interesting dialogue ideas and achieving a story that is, primarily, fun for everyone.

It’s not an animation masterpiece, but it is an extremely funny movie that fans of SpongeBob and non-fans will appreciate, because the movie itself has such brilliant moments that are worth it, especially in Karen’s song, the three-headed supercomputer, which we loved.

Young and old, sit back and relax with a hilarious story that seems to make no sense.

Or perhaps more intelligent than it might appear.

Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “Plankton: The Movie”

Netflix

“Nadaaniyan” on Netflix: A Teenage Romantic Comedy from India

“Nadaaniyan” is a film starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor. It is written by Riva Razdan Kapoor and directed by Shauna Gautam.

What can we expect from a teenage romantic comedy? Romance, some jokes, personal growth, development… “Nadaaniyan” is a romantic comedy from Bollywood that has all of this and, with a kind and sentimental tone, manages to entertain and please its target audience. Yes, it’s the kind of movie that film critics will tear apart and they won’t be entirely wrong, but it’s also the kind of movie that doesn’t harm anyone and that, in all its simplicity and lack of ambition, manages to entertain and satisfy its audience.

Without aspiring to absolutely anything, it can’t disappoint anyone. “Nadaaniyan” doesn’t aspire to anything, but it manages to entertain by giving us exactly the movie we expected.

Nadaaniyan – Netflix

Plot

The story revolves around Pia Jaisingh (played by Khushi Kapoor), a privileged member of Delhi’s high society who hires Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a middle-class student, to pose as her boyfriend and thus maintain her social status. Their pretense takes an unexpected turn when genuine feelings emerge between them.

About the Movie

We’ve seen a thousand romantic comedies, each one more foolish than the last. “Nadaaniyan” doesn’t stand out in anything: it doesn’t have the best jokes, its story isn’t the most epic, and it’s not particularly innovative. “Nadaaniyan” is content to be a run-of-the-mill movie and offer us exactly what we came to see and what the genre demands.

The movie knows how to make fun of itself: the guy with defined abs, photos on mobile phones, friends… everything is so stereotyped that it almost seems like a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously, and it does so at no point.

“Nadaaniyan” has the virtue of knowing what is expected of it and sticking to it without inventing anything. Some may find it boring, but other viewers will find in this lack of ambition precisely what they’re looking for: a way to relax while watching, once again, another movie about teenagers in love in a school.

This time it’s in Delhi and not in California, but the arguments remain exactly the same.

Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “Nadaaniyan”

Netflix

The Cast

Ibrahim Ali KhanKhushi Kapoor

Suniel Shetty
Dia Mirza
Mahima Chaudhry
Agastya Shah
Apoorva Makhija
Aaliyah Qureishi

“When Life Gives You Tangerines”, a Moving Story About Life on Netflix

As we well know, Netflix has bet on South Korea as one of its main bastions for film production. Beyond “Squid Game”, Netflix brings us a Korean production every week. “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is one of those productions that demonstrates that the Korean film industry is, today, one of the best in the world.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” has two star actors, who serve as a draw for fans, but it is a first-order production that spans several generations and talks about something as mundane, wonderful, and universal as… living.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is the story of four generations and the passage of time that, at the same time, summarizes a historical period and the transformation and evolution of a society.

Plot

The series follows the lives of two central characters, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, from their youth in the 50s through the changing landscapes of Korean society. IU plays the rebellious and intelligent Ae-soon, while Park Bo-gum embodies Gwan-sik, described as a character who communicates more through actions than words.

About the Series

Director Kim Won-seok, famous for his narrative full of emotional nuances in series like “My Mister” and “Misaeng: Incomplete Life”, brings to this project the depth that characterizes him. In collaboration with screenwriter Lim Sang-choon, author of the acclaimed “When the Camellia Blooms”, the series promises a narrative that will move and challenge viewers.

The original Korean title, “Pokssak Sogatsuda”, is a Jeju dialect phrase meaning “You have worked hard”, a subtle nod to the resilience of generations that have overcome countless challenges.

Regarding the series, it is one of those Korean productions that, apart from its good production, has a strong emotional weight and a marked tendency towards melodrama. It is a dramatic story, heartfelt and full of feelings that are transmitted in each of its four chapters.

At the same time, it is a tribute to previous generations, a tribute from its creators to their ancestors, and ultimately a historical reconstruction that is undoubtedly worth watching.

One of those epic series that, with all its historical and emotional background, threatens to leave a mark on the viewer at a sentimental and deep level.

Once again, a period Korean production that is worth enjoying.

Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “When Life Gives You Tangerines”

Netflix

The Cast

IUPark Bo-gum

Moon So-ri
Park Hae-jun
Choi Dae-hoon
Na Moon-hee
Kim Yong-rim
Lee Jun-young
Oh Jung-se