Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 90
October 31, 2024
“The Diplomat” Returns for an Exhilarating Second Season
“The Diplomat” is a Netflix series created by Debora Cahn starring Keri Russell. With Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, and Ato Essandoh.
“The Diplomat” is an immensely entertaining political intrigue series that, while initially confined to the corridors of power, has swiftly morphed into a highly engaging spy thriller. What began as a tale of office politics, embassies, and meetings has now escalated into a drama rife with terrorist attacks, high-level political conspiracies, betrayals, and accusations at the highest echelons of power. Just to be clear, this is pure fiction: “The Diplomat” offers a thoroughly captivating narrative that encompasses everything from comedy to romance.
About the Second Season
You might recall how the first season concluded: a car bomb attack. The fallout from this event is catastrophic, with the British government itself now under suspicion of orchestrating the attack to frame the Russians, dragging Iran into the fray… it’s a colossal mess at the highest level, filled with plot twists, relentless pacing, and a tremendous amount of stress, especially in the corridors of power.
“The Diplomat” masterfully makes diplomatic tension its hallmark and doesn’t shy away from pushing this tension to its absolute limits. In summary, each episode keeps us on the precipice of an incident that could shatter global order and potentially trigger a world war. The question looms large: can they prevent it?
Amidst such overwhelming tension, it’s impossible not to view the series for what it truly is: a cleverly crafted piece of television entertainment, precise in its script and character development. It encompasses absolutely everything while consistently ramping up both diplomatic and personal tensions, with characters perpetually walking a tightrope.
The show is brimming with pace, tension in its editing, and consistently high-quality production. It boasts excellent cinematography and performances that rise to the occasion, with Keri Russell leading the charge in this international plot that never offers a moment of respite.
Our Opinion
The second season aims to surpass its predecessor and achieves this goal. Operating on the same parameters of a spy thriller on the brink of perpetual global conflict, “The Diplomat” emerges as an entertaining and amusing thriller full of continuous surprises.
Where to Watch “The Diplomat”
“Murder Mindfully”: A Hilariously Dark Comedy Series Arrives on Netflix: A Troubled Lawyer Trying to Stabilize His Mind Through Meditation
“Murder Mindfully” is a Netflix series starring Tom Schilling. With Emily Cox, Michael Ihnow, and Sascha Alexander Gersak.
“Murder Mindfully” is a hilariously dark comedy that isn’t exactly family-friendly, yet it skillfully plays with and subverts familiar tropes: a good man caught up in a scandalous murder intrigue. If you’re a fan of dark humor, macabre plots, and that twisted sense of comedy that turns the mundane into something grotesque, unsettling, and psychotic, then “Murder Mindfully” promises to keep you glued to your seat with its sequence of bloody, very bloody disasters.
Plot
A very busy lawyer decides to practice mindfulness when a client, the leader of a mafia gang, lands him in a tight spot: he has to get him off a murder charge with 50 witnesses and everything already recorded and published online. How could he possibly get out of that? He decides to take the mob boss to his lake house along with his daughter.
About the Series
Funny and very well-produced, Tom Schilling excels in his role: a family man lawyer who ends up killing a mobster and having to turn his body into minced meat to dispose of it. Yes, you read that right: “Murder Mindfully” is a series that stands out more for its ruthless and amusing humor than for its pace or action scenes.
“Murder Mindfully” plays its cards with this macabre humor that will appeal to some and displease others, but it applies it almost elegantly. It’s not a Guy Ritchie series in terms of pace or narrative, but it does share a portion of his brutal and ruthless sense of humor.
In terms of production, it is competent, but without significant excesses in editing or direction: it relies more on the fun of its premise and the extravagant side of its humor, which is the series’ main star. It has good dialogues and clever situations, and although it dresses up as a thriller, the scenarios are more strategically planned for their comedic value than to function as a thriller.
Original? It may not be a series we’ve never seen before, but it is a show that knows how to pull us out of the boredom of recent comedic productions that, by adhering too closely to stereotypes and the established script, end up being dull. “Murder Mindfully” knows how to break free from conventionalism and offers us a classic intrigue, but one filled to the brim with humor.
Our Opinion
If you enjoy macabre humor, “Murder Mindfully” is likely to be up your alley. It’s more of a comedy than a thriller, more of an extravagant comedy than an action series.
“Murder Mindfully” knows where its strengths lie and skillfully leverages them with a solid lead actor.
At its core, the series delivers a unique blend of humor and horror that ensures it stands out from the crowd. The plot, while not entirely original, is executed with a fresh and witty approach that keeps the audience entertained from start to finish. So, if you’re looking for a break from the conventional and want to dive into something both darkly humorous and intriguingly offbeat, “Murder Mindfully” might just be the perfect choice for your next binge-watch session.
Where to Watch “Murder Mindfully”
Netflix Introduces “Don’t Come Home,” a New Thai Mystery Series About a Missing Girl
“Don’t Come Home” is a Thai miniseries created by Woottidanai Intarakaset starring Woranuch Bhirombhakdi and Pitchapa Phanthumchinda.
Netflix continues to embrace Thai mystery cinema, especially as productions from this Asian country have recently gained traction. “Don’t Come Home” is a unique blend of thriller and horror set in an isolated village, revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a young girl amidst eerie phenomena.
This six-episode series is the perfect choice for a Halloween night, encapsulating all the classic elements of good horror stories: a house haunted by strange presences, ghostly apparitions, and an atmospheric, timeless setting.
All the ingredients for a compelling horror series are present.
Plot
A woman and her daughter decide to return to their abandoned family home, which is plagued by electrical issues and is almost entirely cut off from civilization. Under mysterious circumstances, the girl vanishes, sparking a police investigation that uncovers bizarre revelations about the woman’s past and the history of the house.
About the Series
For those seeking a thoroughly classic series, “Don’t Come Home” will be just right. However, if you’re on the lookout for innovative aesthetics and new narrative techniques, this series might not fulfill those expectations.
“Don’t Come Home” is a show that embraces its classic roots. As a well-crafted horror thriller, it surprises when necessary and delivers suspense in measured doses to ensure the mystery unfolds seamlessly. It boasts a solid script, believable characters, and, most importantly, a mystery and ambiance that complement the overall classic tone of the production.
Expect lightning flashes, creaking doors, and mysterious revelations in every episode: while it doesn’t break new ground narratively, it remains a well-executed production, perfect for settling in and enjoying a familiar aesthetic comfort zone. This series understands the rules of its genre and adheres to them flawlessly.
Technically proficient, it also excels in performance and scriptwriting. However, it doesn’t aim to astonish or innovate in any aspect, nor does it provide anything that genuinely surprises or profoundly impacts viewers.
Don’t anticipate shock value, because “Don’t Come Home” isn’t the type of series that relies on terrifying imagery. Instead, it aims to tell a well-composed story and piece together a puzzle that unfolds over six engaging episodes.
Our Opinion
While “Don’t Come Home” is a good series, it doesn’t surprise in either visual or narrative aspects. It adeptly assembles the puzzle of the disappearance to delve into a past story.
Ultimately, it is more of a mystery thriller than a pure horror series.
Where to Watch “Don’t Come Home”
October 30, 2024
“The Law According to Lidia Poët” Season 2: The return of Italy’s most resolute and determined lawyer of the late 19th century
“The Law According to Lidia Poët” is a Netflix series starring Matilda De Angelis with Eduardo Scarpetta and Pierluigi Pasino. It is created by Guido Iuculano and Davide Orsini.
“The Law According to Lidia Poët” is a captivating series that masterfully blends mystery, intrigue, murder, and a strong dose of feminism. At the heart of the series is Lidia Poët, a tenacious lawyer who, despite being barred from practicing law simply because she is a woman, ingeniously finds ways to circumvent these oppressive restrictions. Lidia has no desire to conform to the traditional roles of motherhood or homemaking; her ambitions lie firmly in her professional aspirations.
As Lidia grapples with issues such as women’s suffrage and other significant social matters, she must also navigate the complexities of her personal life and the ever-emerging legal cases that demand her expertise. “The Law According to Lidia Poët” returns in this second season, retaining the elements that catapulted the series to success in its debut season: themes of female empowerment, an extraordinary depiction of 19th-century Turin, and a gripping police procedural thriller that evokes the classic detective stories of Perry Mason with a hint of Sherlock Holmes.
Thus, “The Law According to Lidia Poët” presents itself as an incredibly engaging series that will delight traditional mystery enthusiasts, as it encapsulates all the quintessential elements of the genre. Each episode introduces a new case, intricately woven into the overarching narrative of Lidia’s personal and professional journey. This series excels in quality, delivering a potent mix of mystery, intrigue, and thrilling plot twists, all anchored by the powerful performance of the talented actress Matilda De Angelis. She breathes life into the character of Lidia, infusing her portrayal with a relatable charm and subtle humor without sacrificing any of the character’s inherent strength.
Our Take
This series is a perfect match for aficionados of classic mystery and 19th-century detective intrigue. It seamlessly blends traditional storytelling with modern themes of female liberation, making it a timeless yet contemporary piece of television.
Where to Watch “The Law According to Lidia Poët”
“Children of the Church Steps” – A Four-Part Series Delving into the Daily Tragedies of Four Young Souls in Rio de Janeiro
“Children of the Church Steps” is a Netflix series created by Luis Lomenha starring Samuel Silva, Andrei Marques, Wendy Queiroz, and Patrick Congo.
“Children of the Church Steps” unfolds a tale that is tragic, deeply disheartening, and profoundly sorrowful. However, “Children of the Church Steps” transcends the narrative of four individuals; it encapsulates the essence of an environment, a way of life, and the myriad heart-wrenching stories that, whether identical or akin to these four, pervade the living conditions in Rio de Janeiro.
These four stories are delivered with a rhythmic cadence, a high-quality narrative, both in script and visuals, painting a portrait of a world that is dark, challenging, yet simultaneously intimate and poetic.
“Children of the Church Steps” stands out as an exceptional series in both its storytelling and visual prowess. Nonetheless, it will undoubtedly be an unsettling experience for viewers due to the harsh realities and the difficult ambiance it depicts.
About the Series
From the very first moments, “Children of the Church Steps” establishes itself as something unique: straightforward, tender, and yet, brutally realistic. Each of the four episodes of this series will delve into the life of one of these four characters, all set within the same environment but each with a shared tragic fate.
“Children of the Church Steps” is a profound drama portraying the harsh realities of life in Rio de Janeiro. However, do not expect a neorealistic narrative; it is infused with vibrant colors and poetic moments. “Children of the Church Steps” aims to blend emotion and sentiment with the most bitter and accurate social depiction: the harsh reality hidden behind the hopes of four characters whose destinies are preordained and inescapable.
Our Opinion
Give “Children of the Church Steps” a chance: it is a bitter and disheartening series, yet within its core lies a poetic beauty that is both sweet and cruel.
A unique and realistic series, indeed.
Where to Watch “Children of the Church Steps”
“Martha” – A Netflix Documentary: Do You Really Know Who Martha Stewart Is?
“Martha” is a biographical documentary directed by R.J. Cutler.
Are you familiar with Martha Stewart? She was a true visionary of her era and arguably the first woman to blend her personal life seamlessly with her professional ambitions. Could she be considered the original “influencer”? From her early days in the late 1960s to her reign as the face of her brand alongside Kmart, Martha Stewart has been a cultural phenomenon since she started as a Wall Street trader, of all things.
Martha Stewart immersed herself in the world of business and sophistication, hosting grand soirées and emerging as the epitome of the modern, refined homemaker. Her trajectory of success saw her become an emblematic figure of the 1980s United States—a woman who, while embodying sophistication, sought to bring that same elegance into the homes of everyday Americans. Her journey was marked by triumphs and imperfections alike, including a marriage that ultimately ended in divorce.
About the Documentary
“Martha” features the candid presence of Martha Stewart herself, narrating her own story: a woman who masterfully turned her private life into a cornerstone of her brand and professional endeavors. Martha Stewart lays bare her experiences, not shying away from controversies or personal embarrassments. She recounts everything with unflinching honesty, directly addressing the camera and confronting her challenges head-on.
The documentary also delves into the legal troubles Martha Stewart faced concerning stock options, shedding light on the complexities of her career. “Martha” offers moments brimming with tenderness but also showcases glimpses of Martha Stewart’s ambitious, provocative, and at times, almost ruthless nature.
Indeed, “Martha” is a straightforward, sincere, and comprehensive portrayal, perfect for those looking to understand this pioneering woman who excelled in business and transformed her personal life into a professional enterprise. Enjoy the journey.
Where to Watch “Martha”
“The Manhattan Alien Abduction” – Documentary on Netflix: The Most Evidenced Abduction Case to Date
Linda Napolitano was a middle-aged woman living in Lower Manhattan when one night, inexplicably, she found herself waking up in an entirely different location with no recollection of how she had arrived there. The situation grew even more perplexing when, during a routine X-ray, doctors discovered something unusual had been surgically implanted in her body: was it the work of extraterrestrials?
Budd Hopkins, a renowned investigator of such phenomena, quickly took an interest in Linda’s case. Known for his expertise in alien abductions, Hopkins frequently appeared on television shows, sharing his findings and leveraging the media frenzy surrounding these events. He often employed hypnosis on his subjects to uncover the truths behind their abduction experiences.
Hopkins posited that extraterrestrials were studying humans, monitoring their habits and behaviors in a manner similar to how humans track other species. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn on November 30, 1989, when Linda Napolitano was reportedly abducted again, right in the heart of Manhattan. This incident was witnessed by 23 people.
Was this abduction genuine, or was it an elaborate fabrication designed to attract media attention?
“The Manhattan Alien Abduction” is a riveting documentary that delves into this case, presenting a compelling cinematic and aesthetic proposition.
About the Documentary
“The Manhattan Alien Abduction” is captivating, regardless of one’s belief in alien abductions: is it a genuine case or a work of fiction? The documentary skillfully blurs the lines between fact and narrative fiction. Through its period-appropriate cinematography and ambiance, it presents itself as a real documentary that simultaneously feels like a mockumentary, thus perpetually keeping viewers in a state of uncertainty about the reality of what they are witnessing.
The film incorporates materials from the era and continually grapples with the significant dilemma: is this real? The individuals involved are fully aware of the skepticism they face; they are often labeled as “crazy,” and their stories are frequently met with public ridicule. They participate in television programs that seek to mock their experiences, creating a culture of derision around the concept of abductions. Yet, they persist in telling their stories.
What stands out about Linda Napolitano’s case is the presence of evidence—whether fabricated or not—which is precisely what makes the documentary intriguing. “The Manhattan Alien Abduction” adeptly weaves these elements together, incorporating dramatizations reminiscent of “The X-Files,” skillfully playing with the audience’s perceptions and sowing seeds of doubt: are there truly real pieces of evidence supporting an abduction? How is it possible that aliens abducted a patient of Budd Hopkins, coincidentally?
Netflix revisits this fascinating case, offering a meticulously crafted documentary that intelligently explores the narrative, planting seeds of doubt and, without providing definitive answers, immerses viewers in a gripping mystery akin to the style of Fox Mulder.
Enjoy the enigma.
Where to Watch “The Manhattan Alien Abduction”
“Time Cut” – A Teen Thriller on Netflix Featuring Serial Killers and Time Travel
“Time Cut” is a thriller movie starring Madison Bailey and Antonia Gentry.
“Time Cut” is a high school teen movie that takes viewers on a journey through time, reminiscent of the classic “Back to the Future” (1985), but with a sinister twist involving serial killers. Imagine a blend of slasher horror meeting the narrative style of Disney+ series, stripped of all the humor. At first glance, it seems like an impossible mix, but “Time Cut” manages to pull it off, albeit with varying degrees of success.
Plot
Lucy, a highly intelligent young girl, is haunted by the death of her sister two decades ago. Although she never met her sister, the tragic memory of her death torments Lucy and the entire town. Out of nowhere, Lucy stumbles upon a device that allows her to travel back in time, coincidentally to the era when the murders took place. Aware of the devastating impact of these events, Lucy decides to alter the course of history.
About the Film
From the outset, “Time Cut” is a film that doesn’t aim for high artistic or narrative pretensions. It has the feel of a typical teenage TV series and, taking advantage of the Halloween season, Netflix dips its toes into the slasher genre. However, don’t expect a gore fest; this is a light, family-friendly movie particularly aimed at younger audiences. It adheres strictly to the narrative and visual formulas of such productions: teenage protagonists, a high school setting, and an aesthetic that avoids stirring up too much conflict.
“Time Cut” neither demands much from its viewers nor aspires to much in terms of script or character development. It simply mixes a couple of genres, tells a light story, and offers a film that, within five minutes of watching, you’ll likely forget entirely. The movie hovers somewhere between a thriller, a slasher, and a high school teen drama. In essence, it doesn’t excel on any level.
That being said, it is a perfect production for teenagers, designed specifically with this audience in mind. It’s an ideal offering for the Halloween season, much like the Michael Myers masks that end up discarded without leaving any lasting impression.
Where to Watch “Time Cut”
October 29, 2024
The Artistic Legacy of Maine: Bonhams to Auction the Linda L. Bean Collection Featuring Wyeth Family Masterpieces
An extraordinary collection of 20 paintings by the illustrious Wyeth family of artists, amassed by the distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and art connoisseur Linda L. Bean (1941-2024), is set to command attention at Bonhams’ American Art sale on November 19. Bean, the granddaughter of L.L. Bean’s founder, was a fervent patron of the arts with a deep-rooted passion for the artists of her native Maine, particularly the Wyeth dynasty. This dynasty spans three generations, each contributing significantly to the fabric of American art. The collection’s highlight is an enchanting coastal scene of Bean’s cherished Port Clyde, Maine, painted circa 1936 by Newell Convers (N.C.) Wyeth (1882-1945), Bean’s personal favorite. This masterpiece is estimated to fetch between $1,200,000 and $1,800,000.
Andrew Wyeth – The Gam, 1938A lifelong resident of Maine, Bean was widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to the state’s history, culture, and community. Her affinity for the Wyeths, who frequently depicted Maine’s picturesque landscapes, began in 1992 when she stumbled upon a book of N.C. Wyeth’s letters at an antiques show. Over the next three decades, she immersed herself in the Wyeth family’s history, amassing an impressive collection of their paintings and illustrations. In 2018, she established the N.C. Wyeth Research Foundation and Reading Libraries. Bean spent her final 17 years in the quaint fishing village of Port Clyde, a place the Wyeth family has frequented since 1920, operating the local General Store and Dip Net Restaurant.
Bean’s devotion to Maine was also evident in her philanthropic endeavors. Her substantial support for institutions such as the Monhegan Museum of Art and History, the Farnsworth Art Museum, and the Maine Historical Society significantly enriched the cultural landscape of the state. Her generosity extended to enhancing libraries, churches, fire departments, and youth camps throughout Maine, leaving a lasting impact on numerous communities. Bean’s legacy of benevolence also reached beyond Maine, benefiting organizations like the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, where she served as a trustee.
The auction will showcase works by eight artists from three generations of the Wyeth/McCoy family. Leading the collection are pieces by N.C. Wyeth, the artistic patriarch, and his son Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), who is regarded as one of the premier American painters of the latter half of the 20th century. The collection also features works by the second and third generations, including Henriette Wyeth (1907-1997), Ann Wyeth McCoy (1915-2005), John W. McCoy (1910-1989), Anna Brelsford McCoy (b. 1940), George Alexis Weymouth (1936-2016), and Jamie Wyeth (b. 1946). Noteworthy highlights from the collection include:
Two oil paintings by N.C. Wyeth – Self Portrait in Top Hat and Cape, circa 1927, estimated at $400,000 to $600,000, and Hungry, But Stern, on the Depot Platform (The Imitation Bad Man), 1905, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000.A watercolor on paper titled Island Dawn, 1941, by Andrew Wyeth, estimated at $120,000 to $180,000, alongside The Gam, a watercolor and graphite on paper created in 1938, estimated at $100,000 to $150,000.Two pieces by renowned American realist painter Jamie Wyeth – Dead Cat Museum, Monhegan Island, 1999, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000, and a.w. Double A.W. Study / Heads and Hands, 2019, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000.A portrait of Ann Wyeth McCoy by Henriette Wyeth, known for her exceptional portraits and still life paintings, estimated at $20,000 to $30,000.Pa’s Studio, circa 1930, by Ann Wyeth McCoy, a talented composer, pianist, and painter, estimated at $1,000 to $1,500.“Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour” – Olivia Rodrigo’s Concert on Netflix from Los Angeles
At just 21 years old, Olivia Rodrigo has firmly established herself as a superstar in the music world. With her candid and heartfelt lyrics, she has won the hearts of fans across the globe.
Rodrigo, a singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress, first gained fame through Disney series like “Bizaardvark” (2016–2019) and “High School Musical: The Series” (2019–2022). From there, her rise to stardom as a singer has been nothing short of phenomenal, with three chart-topping hits on the Billboard list.
Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour – NetflixNow embarking on her “GUTS World Tour,” Olivia Rodrigo captivates her audience wherever she goes. She engages with fans during her concerts, dedicates songs to them, and shares her personal fears and experiences. Rodrigo pours her heart into each performance, delivering a show brimming with enthusiasm and vitality. Fans can revel in her energetic presence on stage, revisiting all her hits and experiencing the dynamism of a young artist who is a true powerhouse.
The Disney factory continues to churn out talents who go on to achieve great success in the music industry, and Olivia Rodrigo is a prime example of this phenomenon. Witness her global impact with this concert from Los Angeles, available on Netflix. Enjoy the show.
Where to Watch “Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour”
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