Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 92

A Tribute to Mats Steen: “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” on Netflix

“The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” is a Netflix documentary directed by Benjamin Ree.

“The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” is a documentary available on Netflix that pays tribute to Mats Steen, a young man from Norway who lived with muscular dystrophy from birth. Mats was unable to move independently and required a wheelchair for mobility from a very young age. This physical limitation isolated him from his peers, leading him to immerse himself in the world of video games, specifically World of Warcraft (WoW), where he adopted the online persona of Ibelin.

The documentary “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” delves into Mats’s life, focusing on his activities within WoW and illustrating how he managed to lead a fulfilling online existence, often spending up to 20 hours a day engaged in the game.

About the Documentary

“The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” serves as a heartfelt tribute to this young Norwegian. The film is clearly designed to tug at the heartstrings of its audience. It is not a documentary intended to educate or reveal profound truths about life. Rather, it offers a poignant and sorrowful narrative about a life cut short, brimming with untapped potential and unfulfilled dreams.

While the documentary does not primarily aim to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy, it does highlight the joy and vibrancy of youth through Mats’s story. As a commemorative piece, it excels in portraying the deep sense of loss that accompanies the passing of a life that still had so much to offer.

For those in a particularly sensitive mood, “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” will be a fitting choice. It is a program dedicated to honoring Mats Steen, a young man who, despite living his life largely behind a screen, managed to touch the hearts of his friends and loved ones with his remarkable spirit and kindness.

Where to Watch “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin”

Netflix

“The Last Night at Tremore Beach”: An Intriguing Spanish Series on Netflix Offering a Captivating Puzzle of Mysteries Through the Mind

“The Last Night at Tremore Beach” is a Netflix series directed by Oriol Paulo starring Javier Rey and Ana Polvorosa.

“The Last Night at Tremore Beach” stands out as one of those psychological intrigue series that transforms into an elaborate puzzle, thanks to its clever plot twists. This creates a compelling experience for the viewer: an exploration through the mind and traumas of the protagonist, presented in a complex and fascinating mystery format.

Plot Overview

The story follows a tormented musician who is struck by lightning, leaving him with residual electrical effects coursing through his body. From that moment on, his life and mind undergo profound transformations, causing him to question everything.

About the Series

Despite its slow pace, the series manages to establish a unique rhythm in its storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a quaint coastal town, the narrative gradually unfolds, distancing itself from a typical Hollywood-style mystery thriller. It does not aim to be a horror story or a chilling tale; rather, it is an internal journey wrapped in a thriller format that slowly captivates the viewer, immersing them in both the atmosphere and the intricate mystery presented.

The series has a clear objective: to captivate the viewer and engage them with a mystery. It achieves this through high-quality production, an effective script, and competent direction. Javier Rey takes on the central role, adeptly conveying a sense of uncertainty and unease throughout the narrative.

“The Last Night at Tremore Beach” particularly excels in creating a distinct narrative rhythm: it is calm, mysterious, and almost literary. This series captivates not through sudden twists but through its story and enigmatic elements.

Our Opinion

If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, “The Last Night at Tremore Beach” provides an ideal setting to dive into an addictive series where each episode unfolds a new story and introduces another enigma.

Where to Watch “The Last Night at Tremore Beach”

Netflix

“Don’t Move” Arrives on Netflix: A New Suspense Thriller Starring Finn Wittrock and Kelsey Asbille

“Don’t Move” is a Netflix movie starring Finn Wittrock, Kelsey Asbille. With Moray Treadwell, and Daniel Francis. It is directed by Brian Netto and Adam Schindler.

“Don’t Move” is a film that relies heavily on a limited number of characters and minimal settings, channeling its entire strength into the script and direction. With a solid premise, the directors manage to create a functional movie, presenting a tense thriller with some interesting plot twists and moments of genuine suspense. But does it leave a lasting impression? That remains to be seen.

Plot Summary

The story begins with a woman standing on the edge of a cliff, contemplating suicide. A man appears and kindly persuades her not to go through with it. However, after they leave the scene together, the man kidnaps her and administers a drug that renders her immobile.

About the Film

The concept of immobility is not new to either cinema or literature; the inability to control events has been a frequently used device in horror since the days of Edgar Allan Poe and continuing into the 1980s. Numerous films have been based on this very premise, as it effectively provides the initial tension necessary to develop a compelling horror story. “Don’t Move” starts with this idea and sets itself apart from many modern thrillers right from the beginning. It’s not your typical thriller; the film begins with a degree of originality. The question is, does it develop well from this premise? Directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler do a commendable job of playing with suspense, editing, and moments of tension. However, it falls short of being genuinely terrifying, which is presumably its ultimate goal.

Film Analysis

“Don’t Move” is a well-executed film with a good plot and solid direction, but it lacks the necessary force and tension to fully immerse the viewer in its narrative. While it is undoubtedly a good movie, it fails to achieve the cinematic tension required to fully engage its audience. Finn Wittrock, known for his recurring roles in “American Horror Story,” reprises his role as a psychopath. Having specialized in such roles, he delivers a performance that meets expectations. Meanwhile, Kelsey Asbille Chow offers a challenging and commendable portrayal.

Our Verdict

Despite its good intentions, “Don’t Move” ultimately fails to create the atmosphere and general tone needed to reach the climactic intensity required to truly terrify its audience. While it is a commendable effort, it does not achieve the level of oppression and fear that the film seemingly aims for.

Where to Watch “Don’t Move”

Netflix

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” Arrives on Prime Video: A SEGA Video Game Adaptation

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a Japanese series starring Ryoma Takeuchi, Munetaka Aoki, and Kento Kaku. It is directed by Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto.

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a faithful adaptation of the well-known SEGA video game, retaining much of its core essence: combat, style, and that unique sense of humor inherent in the original game. For those anticipating a grim and dark thriller, think again: “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a highly dynamic series brimming with action scenes and meticulously crafted sets.

More of an action thriller than a deep dive into the world of the Yakuza, “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” transforms into an entertaining series filled with slow-motion sequences and visual flair.

Like a Dragon Yakuza – Prime Video

Plot Summary

In the 1990s, three boys rob an arcade owned by a Yakuza clan. To repay their debt, they join the clan, thus embarking on a journey of crime and underground fighting.

About the Series

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” aims more for spectacle than a serious portrayal of the Yakuza. The series prioritizes the visual impact of its scenes over character development and seeks dramatic effects rather than a calm, reflective vision. Much like a video game, the series strives to stay true to its gaming roots, a goal it successfully achieves, ensuring that fans of the original game will be pleased.

However, if you approach “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” with expectations misaligned with its true nature, disappointment is likely. The series transforms into a spectacle of action scenes and, at its core, a light-hearted story about gangs that diverges significantly from the dark thriller some might anticipate. It is unlikely to be the series that sweeps the Emmy Awards, but it is undoubtedly crafted for the fans and their enjoyment, particularly in its early episodes, which feel more cinematic and less like a video game.

Nonetheless, Prime Video delivers this adaptation that seemed challenging to execute but ultimately results in a commendable product. While it may not enter the annals of television history, it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the video game, despite the necessary differences from the original story.

Enjoy the series.

Where to Watch “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”

Prime Video

“Canary Black” on Prime Video: Kate Beckinsale Stars in Another Spy Thriller

“Canary Black” is a movie starring Kate Beckinsale with Rupert Friend, Ben Miles, and Ray Stevenson. It is directed by Pierre Morel.

Kate Beckinsale returns to her favored genre, the action thriller, playing her specialty role as a lone heroine. Audiences are well-acquainted with her performances in similar roles, and in this film, which feels like a reiteration of many others, she delivers precisely what viewers anticipate: action-packed sequences, high-speed chases, and an internationally intriguing yet entirely formulaic espionage narrative. The film adheres strictly to the conventions of the genre, meeting all expectations except for one: the element of surprise.

Plot Summary

CIA agent Avery Graves faces a dire predicament: her husband has been kidnapped, and his captors demand a file named “Canary Black” for his release. Branded a target by her own agency, the CIA, she must operate solo to clear her name from allegations of treason while also striving to rescue her husband.

About the Film

This is a classic and conventional espionage thriller filled with action scenes, set across multiple continents, featuring the archetypal Hollywood heroine in a plot that is unmistakably a Hollywood staple: quick editing, rapid scene changes, a strong-willed protagonist, abundant sound effects, and a relentless pace. The genre relentlessly recycles a successful formula, and “Canary Black” serves as yet another example of its continued efficacy. If this were a pioneering film, it would be hailed as a significant achievement. However, it is neither the first time Beckinsale has portrayed this role, nor is “Canary Black” innovative within its genre.

The plot is a generic blend of hackers, intelligence agencies, and Russian mobsters – essentially, a collection of familiar tropes presented with commendable action scenes and exciting chases but lacking the extraordinary flair typical of such productions. Beckinsale reprises her favorite role in a manner that is functional and effective, yet this film does nothing to break her pattern of repeatedly playing the same character.

Our Verdict

“Canary Black” is an entertaining film but too generic to stand out amidst the plethora of similar titles. It is, however, an excellent choice for a night of thrills, providing a film that won’t disappoint yet also won’t surprise. This action thriller is competent, well-produced, and reliable, but it fails to make a significant impact with either its storyline or its action sequences.

Where to Watch “Canary Black”

Prime Video

“Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” – Netflix Series: The Arrival of the Second Part of This Swedish Medieval Bandit Saga

“Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” is a Netflix series starring Kerstin Linden with Christopher Wagelin, Krista Kosonen, and Johan Ulveson.

The tale of this young girl reaches a temporary conclusion with the arrival of the second part, which is filled with excitement and struggles to determine the leader of the band of thieves.

The narrative centers around a unique girl named Ronja, who has a deep admiration for her father, the head of a band of thieves that is in constant rivalry with another group of bandits. In this second installment, viewers will witness a power struggle between the two factions and ultimately learn the fate of the girl.

About the Series

This Swedish series stands out for its distinct approach, devoid of grand special effects. While it incorporates elements of medieval fantasy, it bears no resemblance whatsoever to “Lord of the Rings.” The series is much more modest but possesses a refreshing charm and an exceptionally well-executed medieval castle setting that feels far more realistic. Although there are fantastical elements, they are less prominent, making “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter” more of an accurate depiction of the Middle Ages than a purely fantastical tale.

Previously, this same story had been adapted into a Japanese animated version. This new series heightens the realistic tone and serves more as an adventure narrative, featuring castle sieges and providing an excellent illustration of the era.

Without drawing too much attention to its aesthetics, the series manages to carve out its own identity through its pacing, editing, and storytelling. It succeeds in creating a narrative with a lively and youthful rhythm.

Enjoy the captivating story of this extraordinary girl and her life in the castle.

Where to Watch “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter”

Netflix

“Territory” on Netflix: An Australian Dynasty and the Battle for Succession

“Territory” is a Netflix series created by Ben Davies and Timothy Lee. It stars Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, Sam Corlett, and Jay Ryan.

“Territory” is one of those series that adheres to a tried-and-true formula, executes it well, and most importantly, entertains. The creators know precisely which audience they are targeting and have mastered the art of captivating them right from the start. If you enjoyed HBO’s “Succession,” you’ll find that “Territory” incorporates much of that formula, albeit set in the Australian outback and centered around the most powerful cattle ranching family, the Lawsons.

This series offers a bit of everything, reminiscent of the powerful American family dramas from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. And yes, it also has its fair share of soap opera elements, or a touch of the 19th-century novel, depending on your perspective. The ensemble cast features a range of characters across six episodes, each with their own storylines, all converging around a significant inheritance.

Although the series does not stand out as particularly original or groundbreaking, its primary strength lies in its Australian setting. The show is adorned with wide-brimmed hats and possesses a certain raw, violent edge that distances it from traditional TV dramas.

About the Series

The series kicks off with the death of the youngest Lawson son, an event that brings the family back together, despite their strained relationship with the patriarch. From there, the narrative unfolds with stories of cattle ranching, power struggles, envy, and the daily operations at Marianne Station, the country’s most prominent cattle farm.

Elements of the Series

Does it have a lot of “soap opera” elements? Absolutely, and that’s because “Territory” aims to capture a bit of every element that has contributed to the success of numerous TV films to date. It takes a page from the 80s series focused on sprawling vineyard estates, this time set in Australia with Robert Taylor leading the cast. It also borrows heavily from the recent success of HBO’s “Succession,” and incorporates a touch of thriller to add violent and tense moments to the action.

This amalgamation of successful elements may not render “Territory” original, but it certainly ensures entertainment and creates that comforting television experience that its audience craves. It is engaging, packed with interwoven stories, twists, major business dealings, desert gangsters’ intrigue, and a few quirky, colorful characters to fulfill the show’s primary objective: to entertain.

The standout feature: the setting. It transports viewers to Australia’s wild and beautiful landscape, complete with its exotic wildlife and stunning natural scenery. It’s a chance for the audience to escape urban settings and take a virtual tour of this remarkable territory.

On the flip side, is it too generic, overly televisual, and overly focused on pleasing the audience? It has a bit of that too, but such series have always existed and will continue to do so, achieving a good balance between solid production values and functional character development.

Our Opinion

“Territory” is a good series that, while not significantly distinguishing itself from countless others we’ve seen, offers a unique landscape and setting that transport viewers to the expansive cattle ranches of Australia. It combines a bit of everything and, although it doesn’t excel in any one area, manages to strike a harmonious balance among its various genres and storylines.

Where to Watch “Territory”

Netflix

“Beauty in Black” on Netflix: A Television Drama by Tyler Perry

“Beauty in Black” is a Netflix series starring Taylor Polidore and Crystle Stewart. It is written and directed by Tyler Perry.

“Beauty in Black” is the latest Netflix series that arrives with a distinctly television-like spirit: a stark portrayal of the harsh realities some women must endure when familial circumstances force them to fend for themselves. Blending realism with a televisual spirit, “Beauty in Black” narrates the story of a young woman who, due to a string of unfortunate events, finds herself entangled in a complex web of conspiracies, drug dealers, and unsavory characters.

This series aims to captivate a new audience on Netflix and is unapologetic in its intentions: it presents vulnerable characters facing off against unscrupulous wealthy individuals who will stop at nothing to make the young woman’s life a living nightmare. Behind this production is Tyler Perry, a producer, actor, and director who seems to have a keen understanding of his audience’s desires and delivers accordingly. Perry has managed to carve out a successful career as a producer and has garnered a loyal following that adores him.

About the Series

“Beauty in Black” is crafted for a television audience that craves straightforward stories with clear and direct characters, without any shades of gray: lacking subtlety and complex narrative formulas, but excelling in being direct and well-executed. While “Beauty in Black” is a thriller, it also delves into the lives of people who are helpless in a hostile world. With a touch of neorealism and a television-style script, the series revolves around social disparities, featuring a mix of “good” and “bad” characters with numerous plot twists. The show boasts good cinematography but does not aim to be ambitious on an aesthetic level.

However, the series distinguishes itself from traditional television shows through its themes and setting: it explores strip clubs, the world of big business, and a storyline centered around the sex trade in all its facets.

Our Opinion

We hope this gives you a clear picture: do not expect a series that will change your worldview or challenge the audience on any profound level. It is a straightforward drama about vulnerable characters who, in difficult circumstances, are forced to survive.

“Beauty in Black” is a compelling television drama available on Netflix.

Where to Watch “Beauty in Black”

Netflix

Jackie Tileston’s “Where We Are is Real” Opens at Zg Gallery

Zg Gallery is honored to present Jackie Tileston’s latest solo exhibition, “Where We Are is Real,” in Chicago. An American artist born in the Philippines and raised across Asia and Europe, Tileston’s new series of paintings and works on paper delve into the confluence of both Eastern and Western aesthetics, crafting a visual metaphor that reflects her richly diverse multicultural upbringing.

In her exhibition “Where We Are is Real,” Jackie Tileston continues to draw from a broad spectrum of themes ranging from cultural hybridity and critical theory to non-ordinary states of consciousness. Utilizing abstraction as a medium, she seeks to mediate between the ephemeral and the tangible. The new body of work incorporates her practices in meditation, trance techniques, and entheogenic experiences into experimental and conceptual processes based on automatic drawing. The artist views this approach as a means of exploring various forms of research and accessing deeper layers of knowledge.

Anchored in nondual tantric philosophy, Tileston’s work embodies the notion that everything is an ecstatic manifestation of Awareness—consciousness manifesting as the world in all its glory, strangeness, and immediacy. These paintings and drawings act as energy transmissions, akin to tuning forks that capture vibrations—patterns of information and pulsating frequencies that coalesce into forms, movements, and even voids. This perspective celebrates Consciousness as the ultimate hyperobject.

Recently, Tileston has experimented with innovative methods to engage more directly with these energetic processes. Over several sessions, she layers veils of color, using the painting’s ground as a field where forms and hues emerge and dissipate. Following a trance breathwork session and meditation, she engages in automatic drawing with her eyes closed, creating a foundational layer that serves as scaffolding for the painting’s further development. Thicker layers of paint, bursts of color, and accumulations of forms gradually evolve into rich, intricate visual compositions.

These works can be perceived as topographic maps of uncharted territories, manifestations of cosmic play, or visual equivalents of sound waves emanating from a field of potential. In the lexicon of the supranormal, individuals who encounter non-ordinary phenomena are termed “experiencers.” Tileston invites her audience to become experiencers as well, encouraging them to open themselves to the expansive states of awareness from which her works originate.

Jackie Tileston earned her B.A. from Yale University and her M.F.A. from Indiana University. Her accolades include the Dora Maar House in Menerbes, France (2022), and the Surf Point Foundation Residency in Maine (2023). Additionally, she has been a resident at the Yaddo Foundation (2019), and the recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Award (2011) and residency (2017), the Guggenheim Fellowship (2006), the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency (2005), the Pew Fellowship in the Arts (2004), and the Core Fellowship Residency at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1988-1990).

Tileston has held solo exhibitions in Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Dallas, and has participated in group exhibits at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, the Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, The Elizabeth Foundation, Art in General, and the Painting Center in New York. Her work is included in the public collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Art Museum of South Texas, the Rockford Art Museum, the West Virginia University Art Museum, the Jameel Collection in Dubai, and JP Morgan Chase.

“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” Documentary Series on Netflix: The Red Sox’s Early 2000s “Miracle”

“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” is a Netflix docuseries directed by Colin Barnicle.

In the early 2000s, the Boston Red Sox were considered one of Major League Baseball’s cursed franchises. After achieving legendary status in the early 20th century, they had gone decades without a championship, while the New York Yankees consistently took home the title year after year.

However, the beginning of the 2000s marked a significant turning point for the Red Sox. The franchise changed ownership, with John W. Henry stepping in as the new proprietor. Henry appointed a 28-year-old Theo Epstein to handle the business decisions and brought in Terry Francona as the new general manager to oversee the team’s sports operations.

The documentary series “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” delves into this transformative period for the Red Sox, exploring how the team altered its mindset to become a winning organization. While the Red Sox lost to the Yankees in 2003, 2004 was destined to be a different story.

“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” is an in-depth look at how this shift in mentality was orchestrated, and how the key figures within the organization revolutionized the team.

About the Documentary

For baseball enthusiasts, this is another must-watch documentary. It offers unparalleled access to the inner workings of the team, featuring candid interviews with players, coaching staff, and even the team owner. The 2004 season was undeniably monumental for the Red Sox, and this documentary serves as a well-deserved tribute to their accomplishments.

“The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” is a lively and entertaining documentary filled with numerous anecdotes shared by the players themselves. It captures their camaraderie during games, as well as their more boisterous moments spent celebrating with fans.

The documentary excels in its intimate portrayal of the team, and given Netflix’s international reach, very few people declined to participate. With such open access, the documentary succeeds in uniting all aspects of the team, including the passionate fan base.

Our Opinion

This documentary is especially compelling for baseball aficionados, but it also offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of a sports team and the business side of the sport. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, and regardless of your familiarity with baseball, this is an excellent documentary that chronicles the Red Sox’s incredible achievements in the year 2004. Enjoy this insightful and engaging journey into one of baseball’s most memorable seasons.

Where to Watch “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox”

Netflix