juancpq Reviews

Designated Survivor (2016–2019)

Cliché

[5/10 · 6 August 2023]

Well, I could just endure to see the first few episodes from Season 1 (until 6th I think). Although the series did have an interesting kickstart to the plot, it is so plagued with American stereotypes and predictability that you end up feeling you're wasting your time.

Some viewers sat it gets worse after Season 3, but I'm not sure if they refer to the entertainment quality or to some shift in the political leaning of the plot.

For the Spanish speakers, the series would fall in what it is called "una americanada"... flat characters, simple dilemmas, bad and good guys... Anyway perhaps worth giving it a go but in my case I was disappointed.

The English Game (2020)

Beyond football by by

[8/10 · 8 February 2022]

It's true, football scenes are bad. Mustn't be that hard to get the right people to film that with tension and beauty! And yes, the plot is a tad soapy.

That being said, I've quite liked. It brings our some emotions, you get into the characters skin in a meaningful way. Acting is good. It touches upon friendship, loyalty, love and class struggle... classic themes but, what the heck, they resonate with me.

So, overall, a solid 8 IMHO.

The Street (2019)

As bittersweet as life is (beautiful and sad at the same time)

[9/10 · 30 November 2021]

I changed my opinion about the intention/standing of the director on some key topics a few times while watching it... and that is good in a documentary, for it shows that it manages to reflect real life complexity, where there is a not a clear-cut judgement on the issue of gentrification, or Brexit, and their causes and consequences. But beyond that, the movie makes you think about life through some remarkable individuals... And with beautiful photography and a great choice of music, melancholic clarinet that reminded me of Woody Allen's soundtrack for New York...

La Fortuna (2021)

Really wished it was better, but is quite mediocre

[4/10 · 8 November 2021]

Good acting by the three main English speaking cast, and Ana Polvorosa has her moments... But the plot is quite bad, full of clichés, cheaply nationalistic/nostalgic at times (and I'm from Spain) and, well, boring, predictable and flat, really. A waste of resources is what I think all the time while I watch.