Cobra Kai, the series sequel to Karate Kid (1984) finally finds a wider audience as it is acquired by Netflix from YouTube Premium. With two seasons already out and a third one coming in 2021, the question is, should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

YouTube Premium to Netflix

Back in 2018, Cobra Kai launched in YouTube Premium with only those who have premium YouTube accounts able to see the entire season. Surely enough, the show gained a cult following and a second season was green-lit.

Fast forward to 2020 and Netflix has gained the rights to the show and released both seasons back in June of this year. And with the streaming giant now at the helm comes an even bigger cult following.

Karate Kid Sequel

Back in 1984, Karate Kid was released to critical acclaim. The film introduced us to some of the most beloved movie characters in Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LaRusso aka The Karate Kid and spawned two sequels.

Now, 30+ years later, a new era has dawned. Cobra Kai which was the name of the rival dojo from the original movie comes back and continues the Karate Kid story. Only this time, it’s not just the story of Mr. Miyagi and Daniel. The story now shifts to Johnny Lawrence, Cobra Kai’s best student and Daniel’s former rival, and how the events of the first and second movie changed his life.

And yes, the original actors reprise their respective roles in the series with Ralph Macchio returning as Daniel LaRusso and Willam Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Even Martin Kove who played the ruthless Cobra Kai sensei John Kreese returns for his role. Unfortunately though, Mr. Miyagi played by Pat Norita could not return as he sadly passed away back in 2005.

Nonetheless, the show brings back some precious 80s/90s nostalgia. Honestly, I feel like a kid again watching this show.

Two-Point Perspective

Well, we all learned about the story of the Karate Kid and partly the story of Cobra Kai as well from the original 1984 film. We also saw what happened (partly) to Johnny Lawrence after he got his face kicked in the finals of the All-Valley Karate Tournament.

In any case, if you have not seen Karate Kid, there’s a lot of useful flashbacks to help you understand the show’s narrative, so don’t worry.

This time, however, the show focuses more on Johnny and what his thoughts were during the events of the original film, in his own perspective. Of course, one would still root for Mr. Miyagi and Daniel but Johnny’s story is also just as compelling.

It is rare for shows or films to give justice to its antagonists but Cobra Kai does it so well. Every time you feel like you want to choose either Daniel or Johnny’s side, something happens, and you’re confused again.

The Miyagi-Do brand of Karate will always be about balance and Cobra Kai will always be about striking first and striking hard.

Perfectly Balanced

Similar to the teen drama we saw in Karate Kid, Cobra Kai isn’t also just about the karate. Teen drama is also one of its strong points. Aside from Johnny and Daniel’s renewed rivalry, we also get to see their kids battling it out in love and life itself.

Actors Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene), and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso) lead the way as far as teenage drama goes. Cobra Kai makes things more interesting by not just keeping up with the present, it also acknowledges the past in a realistic way. Because let’s face it, how the teens from the 80s and 90s lived are just not the same as the teens of the present live, I can’t even begin to compare.

And this is where the show does its best. It consistently finds the right balance by showing the realities of both the past and the present in a manner that is informative and not offensive.

Skip or Watch?

Cobra Kai deserves a wider audience and thanks to Netflix it finally does. And if you were a fan of the Karate Kid film series from the 80s, you are going to love this show even more. The characters we all loved watching as a kid, are all back for a perfect dose of 80s/90s nostalgia. The drama and the fighting are equally balanced as far as intensity. But more than that, it’s the well-written characters and the realism that makes this show one of the best series in right now.

All in all, this show is just so bad**s!

I’m sort of disappointed with myself for not watching the show at the time of its Netflix release. But, hey, I’m all caught up and now I want more.

A third season is coming as confirmed by Netflix and I’m pretty excited as to how the story of Cobra Kai will continue.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for Cobra Kai Seasons 1 & 2.

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below. Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel docuseries provides insights to the tragic death of Elisa Lam at the (in)famous Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Warning: This review contains spoilers. Then again, this case has been solved 8 years ago so I guess there’s really not much of a need for a spoiler warning.

Vanishing?

There was a lot of intrigue surrounding Elisa Lam’s case at the Cecil Hotel. Not to blame the LAPD, but in their desperate attempt to look for answers, the force sent out a video to media outlets to help determine what happened to the 21-year-old Canadian student. The case, consequently, became a wide-open Pandora’s box with the public now involved in an open investigation.

The hype, the intrigue, the public scrutiny diminished the tragedy of losing a student, a sister, and a daughter. And in present day, Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel re-ignites that fire by putting the word “vanishing” in its title.

Seriously? We all know this case has been solved already. Putting the word vanishing in that title just suggests that there is some mysterious paranormal aspect to this case that people have not seen. Well, spoiler alert, there isn’t.

Misleading and Out of Focus

Elisa Lam died of accidental drowning. She drowned in a water tank on the rooftop of the Cecil Hotel. She was found there, face up and naked, by the hotel’s maintenance after residents and guests of the hotel complained about low water pressure and apparent discoloration. The investigators deduced that she had a mental breakdown after skipping her medications for a severe case of bipolar disorder.

These are the facts surrounding Elisa Lam’s death. She had a mental breakdown which ultimately led to her drowning inside the water tank of the Cecil Hotel. The documentary should have focused more on what caused her to miss her medications and should have explored more in-depth on the extent of her mental illness.

What we got instead is the over-sensationalizing of Lam’s case. The filmmakers chose to interview people that had basically had nothing to do with Elisa Lam. It is understandable not to hear from Elisa’s family in respect to their privacy. The docuseries seemed to focus more on the experiences of the amateur investigators/internet sleuths, their conspiracies, their theories and I don’t get why.

Sure, they were part of the story of Elisa Lam but they did not have anything to do with her. They did not know her at all. To hear things from their perspective is just misleading. They should have interviewed people who had close interactions with her instead. Perhaps her classmates from the university? I mean, people who (actually) know something about her and saw how she suffered from her mental disorder.

That would have given the audiences a much clearer picture of what happened as opposed to sending us into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories that never helped in any way at all.

The Other Victims

Sad as it was, Elisa Lam was not the only victim portrayed in the docuseries. The documentary also tried to give some context about Skid Row. The rows of homeless people in this part of town and how crime and people with mental illness could blend in seamlessly in the area. They are victims too.

But the saddest victim of all went by the stage name Morbid aka Pablo Vergara, a multi-talented musician, screenwriter, photographer, and many more, who was falsely accused as Elisa Lam’s murderer. Just because internet sleuths found videos of him at the Cecil Hotel and they considered his music videos disturbing. Surely, that makes him guilty, right? Well, at least the internet sleuths think so.

Morbid ended up in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt and basically lost everything. All because of reckless false accusations from people who never cared for Lam and are just in there for the hype.

Skip or Watch?

Elisa Lam’s death was a tragic one and this docuseries does nothing to give justice to her memory. Instead, it focuses its attention on how so-called internet sleuths basically ruined the case. All while simultaneously destroying other people’s lives especially Morbid in the process with their barrage of conspiracy theories and bizarre “synchronicities”.

It should have focused more on Lam’s mental illness and the circumstances on how it became a factor on her untimely demise.

That said, skip this one.

VERDICT: SKIP!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel.

Let us know what you think of the docuseries by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

After much anticipation, Disney’s live action remake of “The Lion King” has finally roared into Philippine theaters.

In 1994, the animated version of “The Lion King” was released and became one of the most unforgettable films in the history of the studio. After almost 25 years, Disney has brought the film back to life (literally) with its live action version of the beloved movie.

 Here’s what we think of the new Lion King movie.

Embed from Getty Images

Casting

Let’s start off with the casting. This iteration’s cast was simply star-studded.

James Earl Jones lends his voice to the King of the Pride Lands once again. And what a good decision that was as we don’t believe there could ever be anyone who could voice King Mufasa better. And as expected, he does so effortlessly in this version of the film. Great job (again), Mr. Jones!

Giving voice to Simba is actor Donald Glover (Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Martian). Nala, meanwhile, is voiced by none other than Beyonce herself. Both actors give justice to their respective characters. But we have to say, Beyonce was just flawless with Nala. Queen Bey deserves to rule the Pride Lands!

The most disappointing character, however, was Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Doctor Strange) as the main villain Scar. No, we’re not saying he was bad at it. Not at all. He was just…different. Maybe it’s because CGI Scar was so scary-looking we were hoping for Scar to sound more terrifying and more villain-y than he looks.

As we said, star-studded!

Other stars who lend their voices include Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), John Kani (Rafiki), Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as the film favorites Timon and Pumbaa. Shahadi Wright Joseph and JD McCrary also star as the voice of young Nala and young Simba.

Plot

Not much has changed with the plot in this remake. In fact, we don’t think they changed anything at all. It’s still the story of a young cub who couldn’t wait to be King…so on and so forth.

Some even claim that the film is just a shot-for-shot remake of the original animated version. Well, there’s some truth to that. Yes, there were some shots that are basically the same as the original. But those were the shots that are iconic and sort of trademarked already to “The Lion King” film. Director Jon Favreau would know better than to change those scenes.

Inexplicably, one of the most important things about this film, is missing. For whatever reason, we could not seem to get a lot of emotion out of this film. Maybe the CGI lions just need to go to an acting class or two?

The plot may have not changed much but expect a lot of differences in this film compared to the original version as they tried to make the film as realistic as possible and some scenes in the previous just would not make sense in real life.

The.Two.Best.Things.In.The.Movie.

Here’s the thing. The two best things in the movie are…Timon and Pumbaa!

Remarkably, in a movie whose main characters are lions, a meerkat and a warthog steal the spotlight.

Not to take anything away from the other cast but Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen, who voices the characters Timon and Pumbaa, just nail it with their performances. Like Ejiofor’s Scar, they were different. But in the best possible way.

Their iconic “Hakuna Matata” song is still the funniest, most feel-good song in cinema history. Ever. And if you liked the version in the animated film, you’ll surely love the live action version even more. Hey, we’re still beaming until now because of it.

This movie would have been a lot worse if it weren’t for these two.

Embed from Getty Images

Next-Level Visual Effects

Perhaps the most notable thing that this film gets right is the visual effects. The Moving Picture Company, the same visual effects company who previously worked with Director Jon Favreau in 2016’s live action adaptation of The Jungle Book is once again in charge of the effects.

The result? A far more advanced and incredibly realistic spectacle! The visuals are just as accurate as it gets, we doubt there has been any kind of movie with effects that could top the ones you’ll see in this one.

In some parts of the film, it felt almost as if you are watching a National Geographic wildlife documentary. Really, it’s that good!

1994 vs. 2019

Without a doubt, the 2019 remake has achieved a major milestone in terms of realistic visual effects. The effects were just so darn real. It made sense.

While there are certainly a lot of things that the visual effects got right, it somehow falls short as to giving the movie the heart and feels, a key factor that made the original animated version unique and deeply cherished.

It’s good, but…the animated version is better…probably!

Skip or Watch?

For reasons stated above, we simply cannot put this film on top of our list. However, for the most part, it was still a pleasant movie experience. Largely thanks to Timon and Pumbaa and of course the out-of-this-world visual effects. Geez, we’ve probably praised the visual effects too much, no?

So, if those are good enough reasons for you, then please, go ahead and watch. Otherwise, you’re still going to enjoy the movie, so watch it anyway!

Here’s our rating for The Lion King live action remake.

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, head to your favorite theaters now. The Lion King is showing in Philippine cinemas starting July 17, 2019.

When you’re done watching, be sure to let us know what you think of the live action remake of “The Lion King” by leaving a comment below.

Got a movie or TV series in mind that you would like for us to review? Not a problem, just drop us a message.

The above image is the official logo of the Bohol International Marathon 2019. The copyright belongs to the Bohol International Marathon organizers.

Last August 25, 2019, the Bohol Runners Club organized the Bohol International Marathon 2019: The Tarsier Run starting at Island City Mall in the province’ capital Tagbilaran. The run featured distance categories of 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K.

This blog’s author, being a trying-hard (I mean aspiring) runner myself, participated in the 21K category of the event. Here was my experience.

A friend and colleague of mine, William, who hails from Bohol, invited me, after having an enjoyable experience himself during the 2018 event which was held in the neighboring island of Panglao. This time around, William is gunning for the full marathon or the 42K category. Good luck!

Preparation

As any runner would advise, preparation is key. Under-preparation will cost you, trust me, I learned that the hard way during the Hunat Sugbu 2019.

This time, I made sure I was prepared, mentally and physically by gradually increasing the distance of my runs until I became confident with completing the 21K distance.

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Registration for running events usually starts a few months ahead to give runners ample time to prepare. Bohol International Marathon started accepting registrations as early as May of 2019 and offered decent discounts for those who will register early.

Getting to Bohol from Cebu

Race kits including the event shirt, race bib, and timing chip were distributed a day before the race so it’s a no-brainer that I must be in Bohol a day before the race. I brought my wife and daughter with me too, for moral support 😊 and of course to go on a tour after the race.

We traveled from Cebu to Bohol via Ocean Jet. Booking ahead of time is allowed through their website and other accredited ticketing outlets. Seeing as this was a holiday weekend, advanced booking is highly recommended.

Note: The Bohol International Marathon usually takes place on the Sunday immediately preceding the “National Heroes Day” holiday in the Philippines which is celebrated every last Monday of August. Be sure to book your travel in advance to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Where to Stay?

Bohol is a widely-known tourist spot so getting a hotel room is not a problem in the city of Tagbilaran and in the neighboring island of Panglao.

For the first night of our stay, we opted to stay at Sun Avenue Tourist Inn and Café. It is very near the port of Tagbilaran and had a decent price. Our experience there was not bad at all. However, because of the schedule of the run taking place at 4AM, I had trouble finding a ride going to Island City Mall, which was around 5km away from the inn. Transportation in the early hours of the morning is a little difficult so we recommend arranging for one the night before or better yet bring your car to Bohol via ferry.

Race Day

And so, the race begins! As mentioned, I had trouble finding a ride to the starting point and I arrived just in time (4AM) for the 21K run to start. By the way, the 42K started at 2AM.

Note: The use of head lights is recommended as the event starts at dawn and some parts of the race track do not have street lighting.

All was well until I got to the 9K mark when I felt some discomfort on my foot. Turns out, I had blisters on my toes. Surely, it wasn’t something that could stop me, so I continued. There’s lechon and roasted beef along the way, anyway, so that’s added motivation. 😊

2 hours and 32 minutes later and with a sense of accomplishment, I made it to the finish line. There, the organizers were waiting to don the finisher’s medal.

A post-race snack and a finisher’s shirt is also given to the finishers.

William finished shortly thereafter, with a personal record of 4 hours and 42 minutes. Good job!

The Bohol International Marathon experience was exceedingly awesome! I will be joining again soon!

Did you join the Bohol International Marathon 2019? Let us know your experience by commenting below.

Our favorite agents return for two more seasons with Agents of Shield with Season 6 completed and the final Season 7 scheduled to be wrapped up by 2020. The catch, however, is that the remaining two seasons are shortened with just 13 episodes apiece. Here’s what we think of Agents of Shield Season 6.

The Return

After a terrific season ender with Season 5, most viewers and fans did not quite mind if that was the finale of the series. Obviously, we all wanted at least a season more. Thankfully, the TV gods answered our prayers with Agents of Shield returning for not just one but two more seasons albeit shortened.

All our favorite characters are returning with Clark Gregg and Ming-Na Wen leading the way. Fan favorite Chloe Bennet who stars as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with superpowers Daisy Johnson/Quake. The duo of Fitz-Simmons (Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge) and Mack (Henry Simmons) and another superheroine Yo-Yo (Natalia Cordova-Buckley) also return along with Deke (Jeff Ward) who was quickly updated to series-regular.

Going Deeper

Superhero movies have been a major hit for the past decade or so. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) having been the major contributor. But, there’s more to the Marvel than just Iron Man, Spider-Man or the Avengers. Marvel’s Agents of Shield, which is directly tied to the MCU, proves it so. Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson who is basically the cornerstone where the show was built after first appearing in the MCU films with Iron Man 1 and 2, Thor, and The Avengers remains to be the show’s most important character.

Six seasons later and Agents of Shield continues to dive deeper into more of its characters. Most notably with Chloe Bennet’s Daisy Johnson/Quake whose character continues to be one of the show’s greatest assets.

Setting up the Finale

Agents of Shield season 6 starts off strongly even with just the first episode. Although, you may want to see the recap before diving in. Season 6 came out a year after season 5, after all. But, once you’re all caught up, expect all the good qualities that made Agents of Shield a success. Great pacing and creative storytelling.

This season explores some not-so-familiar territories in Agents of Shield, Space and Time Travel. This, due in part to that cliffhanger on Fitz’ fate at the end of season 5. New worlds and more powerful cosmic enemies await the team. Not to worry, though, because the team and Fitz find an ally too in Enoch (Joel Stoffer), a Chronicom, a race of genderless synthetic creatures, which is also one of the threats introduced this season.

We’ll have to wait a few more months for season 7 which will come out in the middle of 2020 but do not fret. The shooting is all wrapped up for the series finale so it’s just a test of patience now.

In the meantime, check out our other reviews or watch some trailers to pass the time.

Skip or Watch?

This 13-episode Agents of Shield Season 6 is more of a preparation for the ultimate finale in 2020 with Season 7. Still, there is plenty to love and enjoy here that will ultimately keep you wanting for the final Season to come sooner rather than later.

Here is our rating for Marvel’s Agents of Shield Season 6.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Sad news for Marvel and Doctor Strange fans, Scott Derrickson, writer/director of the 2016 mega hit Doctor Strange has parted ways with Marvel and will no longer direct its sequel Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness.

What Happens Now?

In a Twitter post, the director cited “creative differences” as the reason for parting ways with the franchise.

Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) January 10, 2020

In 2016, Doctor Strange became a critical and commercial hit, grossing nearly $680 million worldwide. The film was lauded for its star-studded cast and impressive visuals and even scored an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.

Some fans couldn’t help but express their disappointment with the announcement on Twitter. But we take comfort in knowing that the decision to part ways was “mutual”.

“Marvel, we’ve come to bargain!”

such a bummer. The first Strange is really something special, and MoM was the upcoming Marvel project I was most excited about. Can’t wait to see what you get up to next.

— Colin McLaughlin (@thiseffingnerd) January 10, 2020

Ugh. Sad news. Sorry, sir. Still hopeful for the movie, and I’ll be there for whatever you make next.

— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) January 10, 2020

So, what happens now?

Marvel Studios will have to find a replacement sooner rather than later as filming for Doctor Strange 2 has already been set to begin on May this year and with its release scheduled a year later on May 2021, Marvel Studios cannot afford any delays.

All suggestions are very much welcome! All hope is not lost though as Derrickson also revealed at the end of his Twitter post that he will remain as an Executive Producer of the film.

Are Changes Coming?

In July 2019, Marvel Boss, Kevin Feige and Scott Derrickson revealed that Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness will have more of a horror tone and will see the Sorcerer Supreme (Benedict Cumberbactch) team up with Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). There have also been reports that the sequel may bring back a character or two from the dead and “Nightmare” as the main villain.

But after the director’s announcement, it could be back to the drawing board for Doctor Strange 2 and changes to the original plan could be coming.

Doctor Strange is one of the strongest and most mysterious heroes in the Marvel universe. His introduction to the MCU in 2016 was really something. Here’s hoping that whomever the studio chooses as replacement lives up to the challenge.

What do you think is going to happen to the Doctor Strange franchise now? Who do you think should take the reins as director? Drop us a message or let us know in the comments.

English Director Sam Mendes returns to his Academy Award-winning ways as he takes us back to World War I with his epic war film, 1917.

Should you Skip it or Watch it? Read on our review to find out.

via GIPHY

Casting and Storyline

First things first. This is George Mackay’s breakout role. And we’ll surely be seeing his name in a lot of movies in the coming years. I sincerely hope that is the case as his warm portrayal of Lance Corporal William Schofield was just spot on even when the storyline did not seem realistic enough to warrant an intimate response from the audience.

Mackay’s character is equally complimented by Dean-Charles Chapman’ Lance Corporal Thomas Blake and several cameos from British superstars including Colin Firth (Kingsman Film series), Andrew Scott (Sherlock TV series), Mark Strong (Shazam!), Richard Madden (Rocketman), and my personal favorite Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange). All had memorable moments however short their screen time were.

As for 1917’s story, it was just fine, but the storytelling is on another level entirely. The illusion of seeing a film like it was shot in one long continuous take is so immersive it gives off the feeling like the audience is part of every scene. So much so that you can almost feel Schofield’s frustration and tiredness.

Last night at the PGA awards Mendes told me 1917 was ACTUALLY shot in one continuous take, if an actor flubbed a line they’d go all the way back and start again from the beginning. They paid Cumberbatch to show up every day and wait in that room at the end. He was there 6 months

— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) January 19, 2020

They had a production walkie stashed in the bunker. He’d wait in character. A few times a day the walkie would squawk “going again”

— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) January 19, 2020

Long Takes

What makes this war flick stand out from the rest is that it effectively used long takes (shots that take much longer than conventional editing pace) to make it appear as if the film was shot in one continuous shot. A technique that is rarely used in films in general because of its degree of difficulty and the amount of tedious preparation that it entails.

And the credit goes to everyone involved in the film. From Director Sam Mendes’ one-of-a-kind ability to get all the moving parts moving in near perfect harmony is just awesome. Roger Deakins’ award-winning cinematography is as always something to behold and editor Lee Smith’s undeniable talent in film editing is just revolutionary. The actors’ portrayal of their respective characters is just wonderful. And last but not the least, to the men and women who are literally behind the camera (lifting them as the movie goes along), you guys are the real heroes in this film.

That night-time sequence was quite a visual unlike any other I’ve seen. And that final sequence where we see George Mackay’s Schofield risking his life to save everybody else’s was gorgeous and so heartfelt, it should go down as one of the most climactic sequences in movie history.

1917 is simply a two-hour spectacle of technical brilliance!

Skip or Watch?

The long takes in 1917, for a lack of better word, are just epic, but it’s going to be hard for some to appreciate the story which sometimes felt incredulous and just not believable enough. Regardless, superb direction, cinematography, and editing – that lets the viewers feel the fear and claustrophobia of the soldiers inside those trenches – is more than adequate reason for me to recommend this film to be on your watchlist.

Why they filmed this movie the way they did is beyond me, but I am very much satisfied with how the film turned out and one can only wonder how other cinema lovers would feel after watching this marvel. So, if you have not watched this film yet, you’re missing out. Big time.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for 1917.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below. Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Mindhunter showrunner David Fincher seems to confirm that our favorite slow burn thriller is two-and-done.

Mindhunter Fans’ Worst Fear

During an interview with Vulture for his 11^th feature film Mank, Fight Club director briefly talks about his Netflix original Mindhunter and it appears our worst fear has been confirmed. In the interview, writer Mark Harris asks, “So is Mindhunter done as far as you’re concerned?”, the prolific director responds with “I think probably.”

While that answer doesn’t really mean a confirmation, the rest of the interview seems to suggest otherwise. The Gone Girl director mentioned that working on Mindhunter left him “pretty exhausted” and “I don’t know if I have it in me right now to break season three.”

Fincher further explains that as Mindhunter is shot in Pittsburgh, he had to live there for 3 years. “Not year in, year out, but we spent probably six or seven months a year over three years. We had an apartment there, and a car. Mindhunter was a lot for me.”

Remaining Hopeful

Mindhunter premiered on Netflix back in 2017 but it wasn’t until two years later in 2019 when a second season came out. And hearing the explanation straight from the show’s mastermind, that 2-year gap makes a lot more sense now.

Both seasons received positive responses from critics and viewers alike. It even scored a ton of nominations including an Emmy for Cameron Britton as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama series for his breakout role as Ed Kemper. It also features top-tier stars in Jonathan Groff (Frozen), Holt McCallany (The Losers), and Anna Torv (Fringe).

Director David Fincher also pointed out how expensive the show is when compared to its viewership.

I think probably. Listen, for the viewership that it had, it was an expensive show. We talked about “Finish Mank and then see how you feel,” but I honestly don’t think we’re going to be able to do it for less than I did season two. And on some level, you have to be realistic about dollars have to equal eyeballs.

-David Fincher in an interview with Vulture’s Mark Harris

Netflix confirms that a third season is currently not in the works but a spokesperson added, “Maybe in five years.”

So there is still hope for Mindhunter fans out there. And as a fan of the show myself, I’ll cling on to whatever hope the show gives us. Even if it takes 5 long years.

Read the full Vulture interview here.

In the meantime, let’s look forward to seeing David Fincher’s Mank which will be released in select theaters this November and will have its Netflix debut on December 4!

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 has finally arrived on Netflix on the 3^rd of September 2021. The final part will now be broken down into two volumes with the second volume arriving in December of the same year.

But the question is, should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Netflix Made the Right Decision

In case you did not know, Money Heist, the ultra-popular series actually started as a limited series in the Spanish network Antena 3 in 2017 originally called La Casa de Papel. But it wasn’t until Netflix acquired the rights to the show and cut them into two parts that the series got a huge international following. Part 1 and Part 2 released in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Shortly after, Netflix decided to renew the show for a new season promising for a bigger and better than ever heist show.

And in 2019 and 2020, Netflix delivered to its promise with the release of Part 3 and Part 4. With the latter ending in a major cliffhanger setting up the finale for Part 5. But in a bold move that is likely to boost viewership and not to mention, earnings, the streaming company divided the final part into two volumes. Both volumes to be released two months apart.

Now, this isn’t ideally a good deal as far as the viewers are concerned. But this will surely bolster the show’s fandom and would build up such unprecedented hype for the finale. Guess it’s safe to say Netflix made the right decision.

Still Getting Bigger and Better

It was always a wonder to me how this show managed to get a following of this magnitude. I always thought that Parts 1 and 2 were meh. It did show a lot of promise and intrigue, but the plotlines were always kind of messy. The decisions of the characters (looking at you Tokyo) sometimes are just plain stupid. I mean, all they had to do was follow the plan of “The Professor” (Álvaro Morte) to the letter. It almost kind of reminds me of the Spanish soap operas that I used to watch as a kid where the stories become crazy unbelievable you regret starting to watch the show at all.

This all changed, however, with Netflix acquisition of the show. Parts 3 and 4 became instant classics. The side stories courtesy of flashbacks started to become the show’s strength. The crazy stupid plotlines were gone. Things still don’t go to plan like all plans do. But the show’s logic became more sound, more believable, and the story became more coherent as the show progressed.

Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 continues this trend, and it sure is looking good for Vol. 2 as well. Netflix promised viewers when it acquired and renewed the show for Part 3 that the show will be bigger and better. The streaming giant has delivered on that promise and is still making the series bigger and better than ever before.

Skip or Watch?

Netflix’ decision to take over the production of the show continues to prove to be a great decision for both the company and the Spanish series. Parts 3 and 4 were all a huge hit and significantly improved on all aspects of the show. Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 is no different. The show’s prelude to the finale is one that will surely get your hearts racing. And in that sense, there’s no better way to get hyped up for the actual finale which will air two months later on December 3, 2021.

That said, Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1 is a must-watch!

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for the first season of Money Heist Part 5 Vol. 1.

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

The third instalment in the Jumanji franchise and a direct sequel to Jumanji (1995), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle took us back to the game. Get yourselves re-acquainted with the franchise before the release of Jumanji: The Next Level. 

Charming and Humorous

The all-star cast which includes MCU alum Karen Gillan, Jack Black, and the power duo of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart headline this 2017 sequel to the classic, Jumanji. The late Robin Williams’ 1995 film which was one of our favorite films growing up gets a charming and humorous treatment.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’s cast entertains wonderfully with the cast’s chemistry visibly clear. We can only imagine how much fun the cast had making this film.

Hart and Johnson who we recently saw on Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw deliver their unique harmony as both deliver knock-out performances right on the get-go. Jack Black, meanwhile, is as hilarious as ever playing today’s typical teenage girl. Outshining them all, however, is Karen Gillan’s Ruby Roundhouse, kicking and dancing her way through every action scene.

Every single one of the cast is given their own shining moment but Karen Gillan is the absolute show-stealer here. Ruby Roundhouse was such a perfect role for Gillan.

Surprisingly Better Than The Original

Most people including fans of the franchise did not expect a lot out of this film. But, surprise, surprise! Welcome to the Jungle is surprisingly better than the original, at least in our opinion. Of course, the late Robin Williams allure is incomparable but somehow, this new ensemble managed to make things work and get the film to stand on its own feet. 

Yes, the plot was stupid, but it was a whole lot of fun, too. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle proves that sometimes stupid and fun work too. This is brainless comedy at its finest.

All About The Fun

The original Jumanji was a standout in terms of visual effects. The same can be said to this sequel. Effects have been upgraded significantly and are pleasing enough.

There isn’t a lot of plot or storyline in this film. After all, it is a videogame. What’s great about it, however, is that it managed to be exactly like a videogame – it was all about having fun. Don’t expect anything fancy or serious or those save-the-world type film.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle made us feel like we are in the game itself. It is here to entertain. You watch it, you have fun, and then it’s “Game Over”. Pure entertainment! This film just hits all the right marks on how entertainment should be, be it in films or videogames.

Skip or Watch?

Our jaws literally hurt laughing after watching this movie and that should be enough to convince anyone that Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a must-watch.

The third sequel Jumanji: The Next Level is coming to Philippine theaters on Dec 4^th so perhaps it’s time to re-watch Welcome to the Jungle now and then decide whether the third sequel is for you or not.

Here is our rating for the movie.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.