Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 97

“Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” – Lara Croft’s Animated Series Returns to Netflix

“Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” is an Netflix animation series based on the popular video game. It is created by Tasha Huo.

Based on the celebrated adventure video game by Crystal Dynamics, the animated series “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” follows the intrepid Lara Croft as she embarks on a new journey. This time, the discovery of a mysterious relic in Chile sets her on a path to China, where she uncovers a malevolent curse.

“Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” is an adult-oriented adventure series that revisits the beloved treasure hunter, Lara Croft. Confronting the haunting memories of her father’s and a friend’s deaths, Lara seeks solace in the only way she knows—by diving into new adventures.

The series features impressive animation, fresh escapades, and new characters, continuing the legacy of the iconic tomb raider. While it may not introduce groundbreaking elements, it remains a reliable addition to the saga, sure to satisfy longtime fans of the franchise.

For those unfamiliar with Lara Croft, particularly younger audiences, “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” serves as an excellent introduction, capturing the essence of her thrilling adventures and enduring character.

This faithful continuation may not be revolutionary, but its consistent and respectful approach will undoubtedly be appreciated by fans. Enjoy the series.

Where to Watch “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft”

Netflix

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“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” on Netflix: A Parody of Cinema Starring Cem Yılmaz

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” is a Netflix comedy series written, directed and starring Cem Yılmaz. With Uras Kaygilaroglu, Nilperi Sahinkaya, Ezgi Mola, and Merve Dizdar.

The renowned Turkish actor and comedian Cem Yılmaz writes, directs, and stars in this 1960s-style comedy, which serves as a parody of various cinematic genres. In this series, Yılmaz takes the opportunity to explore and lampoon a wide range of genres, including historical films, horror, gangster movies, police thrillers, science fiction, superhero flicks, and musicals. All of these are infused with Yılmaz’s signature comedic touch. As expected, Yılmaz takes on the lead role, ensuring his presence is felt throughout.

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” primarily functions as a parody of cinema and serves as an ultimate showcase for Cem Yılmaz. Fans of Yılmaz will be pleased, as the series allows him to dance, act, leap, laugh, and give the audience exactly what they came for: Cem Yılmaz himself.

In terms of production quality, “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” does not aim to impress. It is a straightforward comedy that provides a humorous take on the world of cinema. As a parody, it offers some clever dialogues and witty jokes. However, make no mistake, “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” aims solely to entertain and amuse. It does not aspire to leave a lasting mark on cinematic history, nor does it feature award-winning performances. The series embraces its identity as a parody and maintains a consistent tone and comedic style from the first episode to the last.

The series comprises eight episodes, each featuring the main character filming a movie alongside a quirky group of companions. These include a producer, a beautiful actress, a stunt double, and other secondary characters who follow the lead actor and his unique personality.

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” does not strive to be a sophisticated series. Instead, it seeks to highlight the human, sometimes sexual, and often more populist aspects of humor. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, as Cem Yılmaz understands what his fans desire after years of success in Turkey.

Following several moderately successful films on Netflix, Yılmaz now ventures into this series. Whether it is well-received or not is up to the audience, but we must always respect creators who take risks and stand by their work.

So, you now know whom to credit if you enjoy the series, and whom to hold accountable if you do not. This series is a comedy made by, for, and thanks to Cem Yılmaz. Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri”

Netflix

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” on Netflix: A Parody of Cinema Led by Cem Yılmaz

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” is a Netflix comedy series written, directed and starring Cem Yılmaz. With Uras Kaygilaroglu, Nilperi Sahinkaya, Ezgi Mola, and Merve Dizdar.

The renowned Turkish actor and comedian Cem Yılmaz writes, directs, and stars in this 1960s-style comedy, which serves as a parody of various cinematic genres. In this series, Yılmaz takes the opportunity to explore and lampoon a wide range of genres, including historical films, horror, gangster movies, police thrillers, science fiction, superhero flicks, and musicals. All of these are infused with Yılmaz’s signature comedic touch. As expected, Yılmaz takes on the lead role, ensuring his presence is felt throughout.

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” primarily functions as a parody of cinema and serves as an ultimate showcase for Cem Yılmaz. Fans of Yılmaz will be pleased, as the series allows him to dance, act, leap, laugh, and give the audience exactly what they came for: Cem Yılmaz himself.

In terms of production quality, “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” does not aim to impress. It is a straightforward comedy that provides a humorous take on the world of cinema. As a parody, it offers some clever dialogues and witty jokes. However, make no mistake, “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” aims solely to entertain and amuse. It does not aspire to leave a lasting mark on cinematic history, nor does it feature award-winning performances. The series embraces its identity as a parody and maintains a consistent tone and comedic style from the first episode to the last.

The series comprises eight episodes, each featuring the main character filming a movie alongside a quirky group of companions. These include a producer, a beautiful actress, a stunt double, and other secondary characters who follow the lead actor and his unique personality.

“The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” does not strive to be a sophisticated series. Instead, it seeks to highlight the human, sometimes sexual, and often more populist aspects of humor. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, as Cem Yılmaz understands what his fans desire after years of success in Turkey.

Following several moderately successful films on Netflix, Yılmaz now ventures into this series. Whether it is well-received or not is up to the audience, but we must always respect creators who take risks and stand by their work.

So, you now know whom to credit if you enjoy the series, and whom to hold accountable if you do not. This series is a comedy made by, for, and thanks to Cem Yılmaz. Enjoy it.

Where to Watch “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri”

Netflix

The post “The Life and Movies of Erşan Kuneri” on Netflix: A Parody of Cinema Led by Cem Yılmaz appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case” – A New True Crime Documentary on Netflix About the Murder of a Young Woman in Argentina

“Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case” is a documentary directed by Lorena Muñoz about the case of María Soledad Morales.

“Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case” is a documentary helmed by Lorena Muñoz that delves into the chilling case of María Soledad Morales.

In 1990, in the Argentine city of Catamarca, which had a population of 90,000, a young woman named María Soledad Morales was brutally murdered and disfigured after leaving a party. The sole suspect and alleged boyfriend of the victim, Luis Tula, was released within hours due to a lack of evidence.

No one truly knew what had happened, but there was a widespread suspicion that someone with significant power was behind the young woman’s murder.

Enter the Saadi family, a powerful clan that held sway in Catamarca. Ramón Saadi, the city’s governor, was the son of Vicente Leónidas Saadi, a prominent Peronist leader who had helped elevate Carlos Menem to power.

In response, the so-called “marches of silence” were organized, drawing up to 30,000 participants. The case garnered immediate media attention due to its horrific nature: it became a national news story. From Buenos Aires, President Menem dispatched Commissioner Patti to investigate, who once again pointed the finger at Luis Tula.

Soon, a scandalous web of deceit was unveiled, revealing that certain offspring of the local elite were engaging in nightly parties that went far beyond mere alcohol consumption.

As you can see, this was a traumatic event, a case that captivated the entire nation of Argentina and ultimately exposed a dreadful network of sinister and horrifying occurrences.

“Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case” narrates the case from the perspective of the victim’s peers, focusing on the life and tragic end of young María Soledad Morales. The documentary chronicles the case from its inception and treats it almost like a criminal investigation. It adheres strictly to the conventions of the true crime genre, featuring interviews, law enforcement involvement, cover-ups, suspicions, and even eerie music.

The documentary employs the usual cinematic techniques to heighten the atmosphere of morbid curiosity, pushing the boundaries beyond those of a traditional documentary. However, in this instance, the true crime narrative takes a step further by directly implicating the political elite, exposing a crime that mirrors the intrinsic evil of power itself and the absolute impunity with which the powerful sometimes operate, occasionally committing heinous crimes.

This is a chilling and horrifying case that Netflix has once again leveraged to provide the audience with exactly what they crave: the darkest facets of human nature. There are few cases that can captivate as much as the story of this young girl who was murdered in 1990.

Where to Watch “Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case”

Netflix

The post “Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case” – A New True Crime Documentary on Netflix About the Murder of a Young Woman in Argentina appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

NEXUS 2.0.1: Contemporary Landscape Paintings by Paul Paiement | Ethan Cohen Gallery, New York

Ethan Cohen Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibition NEXUS 2.0.1: Contemporary Landscape Paintings by Paul Paiement. This latest installment in Paiement’s distinguished career showcases his Nexus series, which represents his second major collection of work over a span exceeding three decades. Similar to his previous Hybrids series, the Nexus collection delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. This series stands out by blending the structured, logical, mathematical, and technological constructs of human innovation with the boundless, infinite, and holistic qualities of the natural world. The exhibition will present fifteen of Paiement’s most recent medium to large-scale paintings from the Nexus series.

Paiement’s meticulously crafted landscape paintings are characterized by the interruption of architectural forms. In some instances, the inherent beauty of nature is encapsulated within the contours of a modern residence. In others, the serene landscapes are overshadowed by the presence of skyscrapers and industrial zones, depicted as ethereal plexiglass overlays. Through this approach, Paiement challenges the prevalent belief that human activity is solely destructive to the environment. His work prompts viewers to acknowledge the continuous expansion of the global population into previously unoccupied territories. Moreover, it underscores the fact that every fragment of our planet is now meticulously mapped and charted. Importantly, Paiement refrains from casting judgment; he employs the same meticulous brushwork and attention to detail when rendering architectural forms as he does when depicting the landscape. This suggests a view of humans as creators, integral to the ongoing process of evolution.

Paiement’s artworks are part of several esteemed permanent collections, including those of JP Morgan Chase, Brenau University, the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, International Arts and Artists, Kaufman and Broad Homes, Wellington Management Company, and the Hechinger Collection. His work has been widely published and featured in numerous reputable publications and media outlets, such as Art in America, Artillery Magazine, White Hot Magazine, New American Paintings, ARTnews, Artscene, Artforum, Art and Cake Magazine, the Huffington Post, Artweek, the Los Angeles Times, New Art Examiner, and Los Angeles Magazine. Paul Paiement holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He currently serves as a tenured professor in the Art Department at Cypress College in Orange County, California, and resides and works in Long Beach, California.

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Ikon Gallery’s Art in Prisons Programme Returns to HMP Spring Hill

Ikon is pleased to announce a new artist residency funded by the Rothschild Foundation and in partnership with HMP Spring Hill, Buckinghamshire.

Part of Ikon’s Art in Prisons programme, the gallery will establish an art studio within the grounds of the prison. The facility will enable a professional artist and group of prisoners to explore creative practice through weekly workshops in an art school-inspired setting. With a focus on the development of artistic expression and technical skills – in painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and textiles – the project complements the prison’s education scheme in supporting health, wellbeing and transition into the workplace.

HMP Spring Hill is a men’s open prison in Buckinghamshire. It is jointly managed with HMP Grendon, a Category B, therapeutic prison, where Ikon has produced an artist residency since 2014. Working with the Rothschild Foundation and HMP Spring Hill, Ikon will invite Buckinghamshire partners to provide creative briefs for the residency. The work produced will form the basis of seasonal exhibitions and events, curated and hosted by the resident artist and prisoners, providing an opportunity for professional engagement with the local community.

“The innovative new partnership with the Rothschild Foundation will provide a unique opportunity for prisoners at Spring Hill to work with a professional artist. Members of the prison community have already started to prepare a space which will be renovated as an art studio, in the same mode as our sister project at HMP Grendon. We look forward to seeing where the next year of partnership with the Rothschild Foundation takes this project, with ambitions to create further links to education providers and businesses in the local Buckinghamshire community.”

Olivia Phelps, Governor, HMP Grendon and Spring Hill

“The Rothschild Foundation is delighted to support this collaborative project through our Buckinghamshire grants programme. Ikon’s groundbreaking work at HMP Grendon has provided an innovative basis to expand their creative practice into HMP Spring Hill. We’re especially excited that Ikon will enable new opportunities for artists – both in and outside prison – and provide a platform for their work. As well as encouraging the creative skills of prisoners, the artist-in-residence will curate and share their work for public display. Working in an open prison affords potential for the arts to reach out into the community and draw in the next generation of audiences.”

Leona Forsyth, Senior Grants Manager, Rothschild Foundation

“Ikon has been running the artist residency at HMP Grendon for 10 years and, in that time, we have staged multiple exhibitions and symposia at the gallery and the prison. Through the residency, the prisoners work with an artist and producer to create, curate, install and write about art. The studio is not simply a place to pass the time of day, or indulge in a new hobby, rather it is geared towards the development of professional practice. A similar ethos is built into the Spring Hill studio, where the prisoners will work on creative briefs set by a professional artist and community-based organisations. For Ikon, this presents an exciting period of learning about working in an open prison and how to adapt our model to best suit this environment.”

Linzi Stauvers, Artistic Director (Education), Ikon

Ikon Gallery’s Art in Prisons Programme Returns to HMP Spring Hill, 2024-2025

Ikon is pleased to announce a new artist residency funded by the Rothschild Foundation and in partnership with HMP Spring Hill, Buckinghamshire.

Part of Ikon’s Art in Prisons programme, the gallery will establish an art studio within the grounds of the prison. The facility will enable a professional artist and group of prisoners to explore creative practice through weekly workshops in an art school-inspired setting. With a focus on the development of artistic expression and technical skills – in painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and textiles – the project complements the prison’s education scheme in supporting health, wellbeing and transition into the workplace.

HMP Spring Hill is a men’s open prison in Buckinghamshire. It is jointly managed with HMP Grendon, a Category B, therapeutic prison, where Ikon has produced an artist residency since 2014. Working with the Rothschild Foundation and HMP Spring Hill, Ikon will invite Buckinghamshire partners to provide creative briefs for the residency. The work produced will form the basis of seasonal exhibitions and events, curated and hosted by the resident artist and prisoners, providing an opportunity for professional engagement with the local community.

“The innovative new partnership with the Rothschild Foundation will provide a unique opportunity for prisoners at Spring Hill to work with a professional artist. Members of the prison community have already started to prepare a space which will be renovated as an art studio, in the same mode as our sister project at HMP Grendon. We look forward to seeing where the next year of partnership with the Rothschild Foundation takes this project, with ambitions to create further links to education providers and businesses in the local Buckinghamshire community.”

Olivia Phelps, Governor, HMP Grendon and Spring Hill

“The Rothschild Foundation is delighted to support this collaborative project through our Buckinghamshire grants programme. Ikon’s groundbreaking work at HMP Grendon has provided an innovative basis to expand their creative practice into HMP Spring Hill. We’re especially excited that Ikon will enable new opportunities for artists – both in and outside prison – and provide a platform for their work. As well as encouraging the creative skills of prisoners, the artist-in-residence will curate and share their work for public display. Working in an open prison affords potential for the arts to reach out into the community and draw in the next generation of audiences.”
Leona Forsyth, Senior Grants Manager, Rothschild Foundation

“Ikon has been running the artist residency at HMP Grendon for 10 years and, in that time, we have staged multiple exhibitions and symposia at the gallery and the prison. Through the residency, the prisoners work with an artist and producer to create, curate, install and write about art. The studio is not simply a place to pass the time of day, or indulge in a new hobby, rather it is geared towards the development of professional practice. A similar ethos is built into the Spring Hill studio, where the prisoners will work on creative briefs set by a professional artist and community-based organisations. For Ikon, this presents an exciting period of learning about working in an open prison and how to adapt our model to best suit this environment.”

Linzi Stauvers, Artistic Director (Education), Ikon

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“The Killer’s Game” Movie Review: Dave Bautista in an Action-Packed Comedy Extravaganza

“The Killer’s Game” is an action movie starring Dave Bautista with Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, and Ben Kingsley. It is directed by J.J. Perry.

Are you looking for a film you can watch countless times and always find something new to enjoy, as if it’s the first time? Are you searching for a movie that delivers a life-changing message? Well, keep searching, because “The Killer’s Game” won’t change your life, nor does it contain any profound message. Instead, it’s packed with car chases, fistfights, sword duels, gunfights, jokes, leaps, brawls, and gags galore that will, undoubtedly, brighten your day.

This film is neither original nor groundbreaking, but it’s an absolute delight to sit back, relax, and enjoy this parody of countless action movies. While it lacks originality, it manages to be entertaining, vibrant, and action-filled.

The most prolific hitman in Europe is plagued with problems: he’s planning to quit his job, he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and on top of that, he needs to break up with his girlfriend to spare her from future heartache. With so many issues on his plate, he sees only one solution: putting a price on his own head for the life insurance payout. Just then, he learns that the lab made a mistake with his results, and his illness is not terminal after all. Unfortunately, the contract is still valid, and a legion of hitmen are eager to kill him for the $2 million bounty.

“The Killer’s Game” is, above all, a parody of the myriad action films that came before it. It’s brimming with jokes and nods to other similar movies. The production is solid, the action sequences are well-executed, and some parts feature well-crafted dialogues, particularly thanks to Terry Crews, a brilliant comedic actor who steals the show with the best role in the film.

Dave Bautista is as charming as ever; his stoic facial expressions alone are enough to make us laugh. He fits the role perfectly, and the movie is funnier because of him. On the downside, the script is nearly non-existent, and the scenes are almost absurd, but that’s precisely the point of this parody: everything is meant to be ridiculous and outlandish, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the myriad absurdities that happen to the character.

The film boasts good settings and a style reminiscent of Guy Ritchie, Quentin Tarantino, and James Bond, ultimately turning into a chaotic mix of kicks and chases.

We must warn you: this movie won’t change your life. However, if you can set aside your critical mindset, you’ll have an incredibly fun time. Enjoy the ride!

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“Starting 5” – Documentary on Netflix: Five Major NBA Stars in the 2023-24 Season

“Starting 5” is a Netflix sports documentary series directed by Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams, and Peter J. Scalettar.

Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, Jayson Tatum, and the NBA legend LeBron James. These five NBA stars will open the doors to their lives on Netflix for the 2023-24 season, offering basketball fans an intimate look into their world. Each of these players is a cornerstone of their respective teams, and they will share their dreams, reflections, and significant parts of their personal lives.

Netflix continues to provide sports enthusiasts with this captivating documentary format, which allows viewers to step into the lives of players, see where they live, understand their private personas, and observe how they tackle competition and daily challenges. This time, the focus is on the NBA and five of its brightest stars, all of whom enthusiastically participate in this revealing format.

About the Documentary

Spanning 10 hours over ten episodes, this series offers a deep dive into the lives of these five players. While the format itself is not groundbreaking, it is highly appreciated by fans. The documentary steers clear of controversies and the darker aspects of basketball, instead highlighting the positive, charming, and, above all, fun sides of these stars.

Viewers will get to see LeBron rapping and dressing up as Beetlejuice, or the affable Jimmy Butler styling his hair in an “emo” fashion. “Starting 5” is primarily a light-hearted series that allows fans to get closer to the more open and humorous sides of NBA stars. It doesn’t reveal anything we don’t already know: the fierce competition and the universal desire among the 400 NBA players to win, win, and win. Each player experiences this in their own way, making the documentary a comparative study of LeBron’s seasoned approach versus the youthful exuberance of Anthony Edwards, who is only 23 years old. Despite their differences, all share the same ambition: to become part of the NBA’s legendary history.

The documentary also features testimonials from Kevin Garnett and other NBA figures, such as Domantas Sabonis’ father, Arvydas Sabonis. These contributors share amusing anecdotes that offer additional insights into the world of these basketball stars.

In essence, this documentary is crafted for basketball lovers. Enjoy the journey into the lives of these exceptional athletes, brought to you by Netflix.

Where to Watch “Starting 5”

Netflix

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“The Secret of the River” – A Mexican Series Tackling Controversial Themes with Effectiveness and Honesty

“The Secret of the River” is a Mexican series created by Alberto Barrera starring Diego Calva, Trinidad González, Frida Sofía Cruz, Mauro Guzmán, and Jero Medina.

“The Secret of the River” is a Mexican series set in a small, traditional Mexican town where an unusual event shakes the community: a boy arrives who is different from the rest. He prefers dresses and does not feel attracted to the opposite sex. Despite his homosexuality, he forms a friendship with another boy. However, when his friend tries to defend him at the river, an accident occurs, resulting in the death of another boy. This tragic event shatters their friendship and ignites a series of intrigues within the town.

About the Series

“The Secret of the River” stands out for its well-crafted script, which goes beyond merely presenting homosexuality as a problem for the community. The screenplay skillfully develops the friendship story and features a host of secondary characters with their own subplots that add depth and interest to the narrative. The series does not aim to preach but rather to unfold a compelling story supported by an excellent script. It achieves this with an aesthetically pleasing style, a well-paced narrative, and commendable performances. While it includes both good and bad characters and contains a degree of didacticism, its core message transcends these elements, ultimately conveying a universal truth: friendship surpasses all.

The series is replete with merits, but one stands out above all: despite being a high-quality production aesthetically, it allows the characters to evolve and the actors to shine. It is one of those rare series that successfully merges human elements with visual appeal. Although it does not lean towards auteur cinema, it is well-shot and meticulously crafted from a cinematographic standpoint. The creators understand the paramount importance of the story, allowing the actors to take center stage.

Our Opinion

“The Secret of the River” is a commendable series that revisits the theme of homosexuality within a traditionalist setting, but this time with coherence, a strong script, an engaging storyline, and actors who deliver their roles convincingly. It is a good story with a well-developed script, offering a thoughtful exploration of complex themes without falling into the trap of oversimplification or didacticism. The series manages to balance its aesthetic qualities with a deep human touch, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in nuanced storytelling.

Where to Watch “The Secret of the River”

Netflix

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