Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 66
January 10, 2025
Netflix Unveils Third Season of “Alpha Males”: A Comedy about Modern Masculinity
“Alpha Males” is a series created by Laura Caballero and Alberto Caballero starring Fernando Gil, Fele Martínez, Gorka Otxoa, and Raúl Tejón.
Netflix has released the third season of its popular series “Alpha Males,” a show that takes a comedic look at the evolving roles of men in today’s society. The series follows four forty-something friends as they navigate their personal lives and relationships in a world where traditional gender roles are constantly shifting.
In this latest installment, the protagonists have decided to move away from the therapy-inspired approach they previously embraced and return to their old ways. This shift sets the stage for a fresh round of humorous situations as they grapple with their identities and place in the modern world.
“Alpha Males” continues to explore the so-called “war between the sexes” through a contemporary lens, offering a blend of comedy and social commentary. While the show maintains its romantic comedy label, it leans more heavily into humor than romance, focusing on the ongoing challenges and misunderstandings between men and women.
The third season of “Alpha Males” is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers another chapter in this comedic exploration of masculinity and relationships.
Where to Watch “Alpha Males”
Netflix Unveils Third Season of “Alpha Males”: A Comedy of Modern Masculinity
“Alpha Males” is a series created by Laura Caballero and Alberto Caballero starring Fernando Gil, Fele Martínez, Gorka Otxoa, and Raúl Tejón.
Netflix has released the third season of its popular series “Alpha Males,” a show that takes a comedic look at the evolving roles of men in today’s society. The series follows four forty-something friends as they navigate their personal lives and relationships in a world where traditional gender roles are constantly shifting.
In this latest installment, the protagonists have decided to move away from the therapy-inspired approach they previously embraced and return to their old ways. This shift sets the stage for a fresh round of humorous situations as they grapple with their identities and place in the modern world.
“Alpha Males” continues to explore the so-called “war between the sexes” through a contemporary lens, offering a blend of comedy and social commentary. While the show maintains its romantic comedy label, it leans more heavily into humor than romance, focusing on the ongoing challenges and misunderstandings between men and women.
The third season of “Alpha Males” is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers another chapter in this comedic exploration of masculinity and relationships.
Where to Watch “Alpha Males”
“Black Warrant” on Netflix: A Raw Look Inside India’s Prison System
Netflix’s latest series, “Black Warrant”, takes viewers on a gritty journey into the heart of India’s prison system. Created by Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh, this series pulls back the curtain on life within the walls of Delhi’s Tihar Prison, one of the most populous correctional facilities in the country’s capital.
At the center of “Black Warrant” is Sunil, a newly appointed prison officer portrayed by Zahan Kapoor. Determined to tackle the rampant corruption within the system, Sunil finds himself navigating a complex web of power dynamics, drug trade, and inter-inmate conflicts. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of prison life, including the influence of gangs both inside and outside the facility.
While “Black Warrant” weaves a fictional narrative, it aims to paint a realistic portrait of India’s incarceration system. The show delves into the day-to-day challenges faced by both inmates and staff, highlighting issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and the struggle for control within the prison hierarchy. It also sheds light on how some prisoners gain privileges and even authority over their fellow inmates, creating a microcosm of society within the prison walls.
The series tackles weighty themes, including the impact of budget constraints on prison management and the informal justice systems that emerge among the incarcerated. “Black Warrant” also explores how external criminal networks extend their reach into the prison, further complicating efforts to maintain order and facilitate rehabilitation.
From a production standpoint, “Black Warrant” may not boast the highest production values, but it compensates with strong character development and a focus on collective storytelling. The series avoids melodramatic portrayals of individual prisoners’ lives, instead emphasizing the shared experiences of the incarcerated population as a whole.
“Black Warrant” serves as both entertainment and a vehicle for social commentary, offering viewers a window into a world often hidden from public view. While it may not explicitly position itself as a call to action, the series inevitably raises questions about the state of India’s prison system and the challenges of reform. As Netflix continues to expand its international content offerings, “1111111111” stands out as a thought-provoking addition that invites audiences to consider the complexities of justice and incarceration in contemporary India.
Where to Watch “Black Warrant”
“Ad Vitam” on Netflix: A French Thriller That Blends Action and Character Study
“Ad Vitam” is a thriller movie directed by Rodolphe Lauga starring Guillaume Canet, with Stéphane Caillard and Nassim Lyes.
Netflix’s latest release, “Ad Vitam”, is a French thriller that attempts to balance high-octane action with a deep dive into the psyche of its protagonist. Directed by Rodolphe Lauga and starring Guillaume Canet, the film presents a familiar yet engaging narrative that should satisfy fans of the genre.
The story revolves around Franck Lazareff, a member of France’s elite GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group). When his wife is kidnapped by a mysterious group seeking a specific key, Lazareff’s past comes back to haunt him. As he races against time to save his spouse, he becomes entangled in an international arms dealing conspiracy.
“Ad Vitam” distinguishes itself from typical Hollywood fare by taking a more measured approach to storytelling. The film’s structure, while not groundbreaking, proves effective. It employs a flashback technique to explore Lazareff’s time at the police academy, providing context for his character before launching into the main thriller plot.
Ad Vitam – NetflixCanet delivers a solid performance, portraying Lazareff at two different points in his life. He manages to create distinct characterizations for each period, adding depth to what could have been a one-dimensional action hero. The supporting cast, including Stéphane Caillard and Nassim Lyes, complement Canet’s performance well.
Cinematographers Christophe Brachet and Vincent Mathias deserve credit for their work. They create a realistic atmosphere that enhances the film’s gritty, action-packed sequences while also serving the more character-driven moments. The pacing, while slower than some viewers might expect, allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their motivations.
However, “Ad Vitam” doesn’t entirely escape the trappings of its genre. The plot, while competently executed, treads familiar ground. Some viewers might find the slower pace and focus on character development at odds with their expectations for a high-octane thriller.
Despite these minor criticisms, “Ad Vitam” stands as a solid entry in Netflix’s international thriller catalog. It offers a distinctly French take on the genre, prioritizing character development and institutional dynamics over non-stop action. While it may not break new ground, the film provides an engaging viewing experience for those who appreciate a more measured approach to the thriller genre.
Where to Watch “Ad Vitam”
January 9, 2025
Alina Perez’s “Family Romance”: Exploring Memory and Metamorphosis
Yossi Milo Gallery proudly presents “Family Romance,” the inaugural solo exhibition by emerging artist Alina Perez. This groundbreaking showcase delves into the realms of memory, trauma, and fantasy through Perez’s distinctive charcoal and pastel drawings.
Perez’s artistic practice operates on a psychic plane, employing an internal emotional logic to craft surreal tableaux that transcend conventional narratives. By altering closely held recollections, the artist composes scenes that are at once familiar and otherworldly. Her drawings serve as portals, offering glimpses into alternate realities where emotional sensations take tangible form, revealing the true power of imagination.
In “Family Romance,” Perez escalates her exploration of pivotal personal experiences, reimagining critical memories and reshaping their dynamics. The exhibition challenges traditional hierarchies within familial and romantic relationships, allowing them to expand, shift, and collapse at will. Perez’s work grapples with the aftershocks of trauma, questioning the effects of secrecy, complicity, and disclosure while uncovering sources of power that fuel her creative process.
Alina Perez (American, b. 1995). Precious Moments, 2024. Charcoal and Pastel on Paper. 62 1/16″ x 72 5/16″ (157.5 x 183.5 cm). Framed: 65 9/16″ x 75 13/16″ (166.5 x 192.5 cm). Unique (ALP.24904)The artist’s deep engagement with her youth in Miami, Florida, infuses the exhibition with charged forms and poetic interpretations of Floridian urban life and nature. Perez draws parallels between the fragility of ecosystems like the Everglades and the vulnerability of the human psyche, positioning nature as a sentient actor among its human inhabitants. Figures in her works undergo metamorphoses, sprouting claws and feathers, as bodies become as malleable as memory itself.
Perez’s technique is as evocative as her subject matter. Using dry media, she creates layers of opaque pigment that build and ebb across the paper’s surface. Her approach shifts between precise, dimensional rendering and liberated materiality, mirroring the fluctuating affects of memory and emotion. The resulting works are dense at their centers, fanning out into delicate webs of pigment that seem poised to blend seamlessly from one drawing to the next.
Born in 1995 in Miami, Florida, Alina Perez has quickly established herself as a compelling voice in contemporary drawing. Her work challenges viewers to reconsider the boundaries between reality and fantasy, memory and imagination. Through “Family Romance,” Perez invites audiences to explore the transformative power of revisiting and reimagining personal histories.
“Family Romance” opens to the public on Thursday, January 16, with an artist’s reception from 6-8 PM, and will be on view through Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Yossi Milo Gallery.
Portrait of Alina Perez. Photo Credit: Natalie Ivis
Arpita Singh: Remembering at Serpentine North
Serpentine presents a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the work of renowned Indian artist Arpita Singh. This marks Singh’s first solo exhibition outside India, showcasing a carefully curated selection of works spanning her prolific six-decade career. The exhibition, titled “Remembering,” offers a comprehensive exploration of Singh’s artistic journey, highlighting her significant contributions to contemporary international art.
Born in Kolkata in 1937, Singh emerged as a prominent figure in the 1960s, developing a distinctive painting style that seamlessly blends figuration and Surrealism. Her work draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Indian miniatures, Bengali folk art, and contemporary global events. Singh’s oeuvre is characterized by its dynamic interplay between abstraction and representation, often employing pen, ink, and pastels to create intricate layers and textures.
The exhibition at Serpentine North features a range of Singh’s works, from large-scale oil paintings to intimate watercolours and ink drawings. These pieces reflect her exploration of themes such as gender, motherhood, feminine sensuality, and vulnerability, alongside metaphorical representations of violence and political unrest in India and beyond. Singh’s art resists singular interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with her work on multiple levels.
“Remembering” builds upon Serpentine’s legacy of showcasing pioneering artists who have yet to receive due recognition in London. This exhibition follows in the footsteps of successful presentations featuring artists like Faith Ringgold, Luchita Hurtado, and James Barnor. To complement the exhibition, Serpentine will publish a comprehensive catalogue, featuring contributions from key authors, thinkers, and creatives who will illuminate Singh’s significant role in the contemporary art landscape.
This exhibition represents a culmination of Serpentine’s ongoing engagement with Indian art, which began with the landmark “Indian Highways” show at Serpentine South in 2008-2009. That exhibition provided a snapshot of a vibrant generation of Indian artists working across various media, and it was during the research for this show that Serpentine first encountered Arpita Singh’s work.
“Arpita Singh: Remembering” will be on view at Serpentine North from 13 March to 27 July 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the rich and complex work of this influential artist.
“On Call”: Prime Video’s New Cop Drama Hits the Streets of Long Beach
“On Call” is a Prime Video series created by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf. It stars Troian Bellisario and Brandon Larracuente. Está producida por Dick Wolf.
Prime Video introduces “On Call,” a new police series that treads familiar ground in the realm of law enforcement dramas. Set in the vibrant city of Long Beach, this show follows the daily lives of a veteran-rookie cop duo as they navigate the challenges of urban policing.
“On Call” presents viewers with a straightforward narrative of police work, focusing on the partners’ encounters with drug-related crimes and the broader issues of delinquency plaguing their community. The series doesn’t break new ground in its storytelling, instead opting for a classic approach reminiscent of older Hollywood productions like “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950).
What sets “On Call” apart? The show frequently employs subjective camera work, akin to a video game perspective, in an attempt to immerse the audience in the action. However, this stylistic choice is one of the few distinctive elements in an otherwise conventional production. The characters, while competent, don’t stray far from genre archetypes, and the series seems content to operate within the established confines of police procedurals.
Cinematographically and narratively, “On Call” plays it safe. It doesn’t challenge viewers with complex conflicts or innovative storytelling techniques. Instead, it offers a generic police experience that may appeal to die-hard fans of the genre looking for their next fix of cop drama.
In essence, “On Call” provides another opportunity for audiences to ride along with a pair of officers through their daily beat. While it may not revolutionize the police drama genre, it serves its purpose for viewers seeking familiar territory in their crime series consumption. Whether that’s enough in today’s crowded streaming landscape remains to be seen.
Where to Watch “On Call”
“I am Ilary”: Netflix’s Intimate Look into Ilary Blasi’s Life
“I am Ilary” is a 5-part documentary series about the life of Ilary Blasi.
Netflix’s new five-part docuseries “I am Ilary” offers viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the world of Ilary Blasi, the Italian television personality known for her high-profile relationship with Francesco Totti. Following her much-publicized separation, this series captures Blasi as she navigates her new reality with a fresh romantic interest, Bastian Muller.
“I am Ilary” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Blasi’s life. From family dynamics to career moves, the series covers a wide range of topics. Viewers will find themselves privy to intimate moments, including interactions with Blasi’s grandmother and consultations with a psychic. The show also introduces audiences to Bastian Muller, Blasi’s new partner, offering insights into their relationship.
One of the series’ highlights is Blasi’s trip to Tokyo, providing a change of scenery that adds depth to her story. Throughout the five episodes, Blasi’s personality shines through, demonstrating why she remains a subject of public fascination in Italy. Her ability to command attention, coupled with her natural charisma, makes for compelling viewing.
“I am Ilary” presents an opportunity for audiences to form their own opinions about this controversial figure in Italian media. Whether you’re familiar with Blasi’s story or new to her world, this Netflix series promises an intriguing look at the life of a woman who continues to make headlines.
Where to Watch “I am Ilary”
“American Primeval”: Netflix’s Gritty Dive into the American Frontier
“American Primeval” is a Netflix series starring Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, and Dane DeHaan.
In the ever-expanding universe of streaming content, Netflix brings us “American Primeval”, a six-episode series that plunges viewers into the harsh realities of 1857 Utah. Set against a backdrop of conflict between the U.S. Army, Mormon militia, Native Americans, and settlers, the show paints a stark picture of survival in the American West.
At the heart of the narrative is Sara Rowell and her son, fugitives fleeing a mysterious past and a bounty on their heads. Their journey across a hostile landscape serves as our window into a world where every individual fights tooth and nail to stay alive.
“American Primeval” aligns itself with the modern Western genre, eschewing the romanticized portrayal of cowboys and Indians that dominated Hollywood’s golden age. Instead, it follows in the footsteps of productions like “Unforgiven” (1992) and HBO’s “Deadwood” (2004), offering a more brutal and unvarnished look at frontier life.
American Primeval – NetflixThe series excels in its visual presentation, with cinematography that captures both the rugged beauty and unforgiving nature of the Utah wilderness. The attention to period detail is commendable, immersing viewers in a world that feels authentically dirty, dangerous, and desperate.
However, while “American Primeval” delivers on realism and production value, it treads familiar ground in terms of storytelling. The formula of a woman and child fleeing across dangerous territory is well-worn, and the series doesn’t offer much innovation in character development or narrative approach. It prioritizes the collective experience of the West over individual character arcs, which may leave some viewers wanting more personal connection to the protagonists.
Violence takes center stage in “American Primeval”, serving as both a narrative driver and a means to underscore the harsh realities of the era. While effective in portraying the brutality of frontier life, this emphasis on violence sometimes feels like a crutch, used to maintain viewer interest in lieu of more nuanced storytelling.
For Western enthusiasts, “American Primeval” offers a competent addition to the genre. It successfully captures the essence of the new Western style that emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, focusing on social and generational portraits rather than individual heroics. However, those looking for a fresh take on the Western genre may find the series treading too closely to paths already well-worn by its predecessors.
In conclusion, “American Primeval” is a solid entry in Netflix’s growing catalog of Western content. It delivers on atmosphere and historical realism but plays it safe in terms of narrative innovation. For viewers craving a gritty, unflinching look at the American frontier, it’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to break new ground in the ever-evolving landscape of the Western genre.
Where to Watch “American Primeval”
The Cast
Taylor Kitsch
Dane DeHaan
Betty Gilpin
Saura Lightfoot LeonDerek Hinkey
Joe Tippett
Jai Courtney
Shawnee Pourier
Shea Whigham
Netflix Brings “Asura”: A Time-Capsule Comedy from Japan
“Asura” is a series created by Hirokazu Koreeda starring Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, and Yû Aoi. It is a remake of the 2003 movie “Like Asura” directed by Yoshimitsu Morita.
Netflix’s latest Japanese offering, “Asura”, serves up a slice of 1970s Japan with a side of family drama and a dash of cultural clash. This series, a remake of a 2003 classic, brings director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s distinctive style to the small screen, preserving the original’s quirky dialogues and nuanced exploration of tradition versus modernity.
Asura – NetflixSet in 1979, “Asura” drops us into the lives of four sisters who suddenly discover their father’s decade-long affair. This revelation sets the stage for a narrative that delves into each sister’s life, their relationships with each other, and most intriguingly, how they navigate their mother’s potential reaction to this earth-shattering news.
The series positions itself at the crossroads of Japan’s traditional values and its rapid modernization. It’s a time-capsule of sorts, capturing a pivotal moment when the country was on the cusp of significant social and structural changes. Through the lens of this family drama, viewers get a glimpse into the complexities of Japanese society during this transformative period.
“Asura” adopts a light comedic tone to tackle weighty themes like the passage of time, aging, and the inevitable changes that creep up on us when we least expect them. It’s not a laugh-out-loud comedy, nor is it a dramatic tear-jerker. Instead, the series opts for a more subdued approach, using humor as a vehicle to explore deeper, more reflective themes.
The pacing of “Asura” might be a challenge for viewers accustomed to faster, more plot-driven narratives. It embraces the deliberate rhythm often associated with Japanese cinema, taking its time to unfold the story and develop its characters. This slower pace allows for a richer exploration of the characters’ inner worlds and the societal norms they’re navigating.
“Asura” is a story about time – how it changes us, our relationships, and the world around us. The four sisters’ attempts to shield their mother from the truth become a metaphor for resistance to change, a theme that resonates beyond the specific cultural context of 1970s Japan.
While the series offers an intriguing window into Japanese society and family dynamics, it may not appeal to all viewers. Its reliance on subtle humor and cultural nuances might be lost on those unfamiliar with Japanese storytelling traditions. Additionally, the slow-burn narrative style could test the patience of audiences used to more dynamic pacing.
“Asura” on Netflix is a thoughtful, if somewhat conventional, exploration of family, secrets, and societal change. It’s a series that requires patience and an appreciation for nuanced storytelling. For viewers willing to immerse themselves in its world, it offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in Japanese history, wrapped in the familiar package of family drama.
Where to Watch “Asura”
The Cast
Rie Miyazawa
Yu Aoi
Machiko Ono
Suzu Hirose
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