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Loco Love (2017)
An Attempt to Challenge Racism
The tensions between Latino and Caucasian communities in the West often lead to life-threatening risks, as captured in detail in Loco Love. At a time when the United States is being more protective than ever to safeguard itself against illegal immigrants from Latin American countries, a person from either community cannot think of even befriending someone from the other community, let alone falling in love. Highlighting this issue from teenagers' perspective perhaps brings a fresh vision as Marisol (Melany Bennet) falls in love with Gavin (Evan Deverian) moments after meeting him not knowing what dangerous consequences are waiting for them on the edge of the knife.
Other than racism, teenagers' naïve and limited understanding has also been pictured in a subtle way. Marisol being already in a relationship with a member of her own community (Ramon, who is more like a gangster) dares to have an affair with Gavin, and Gavin, quite surprisingly, also has a girlfriend already! From the beginning of the film, the viewers can be quite sure that this new trivially formed relationship won't last long, owing to the overconfident attitudes of both these characters. In addition to the families of both Gavin and Marisol, their friends are also conservative and won't support them at all.
Perhaps some more detail to the characters could have done justice. The script is written in a casual manner and the ending is disappointing in a way that it closes the doors on us, leaving little room for takeaways.
All Together Now (2020)
A story of tenacity sprinkled with hope
All Together now brings a spectacular perspective to look at life, relationships and sacrifice with a relaxed and grounded approach. It highlights, essentially, the detrimental effects of being in an abusive relationship and how they can turn someone's world upside down in a matter of seconds.
Perhaps another central theme of the movie is the value of sacrifice made by a person for the sake of others' wellbeing and the fact that sacrifices, when made selflessly, rarely go in vain. The transition in Amber Appleton's personality, as visible from the start till the end, has been presented flawlessly during her bittersweet journey of discovering a whole new meaning of friendship and everything that comes with it.
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)
The chapter ends. But the story?
Right when LJ (Lana Candor) is almost sure of seeing herself happily ever after with Peter (Noah Centineo), an old crush (John Ambrose, played by Jordan Fisher) hops into the scene, re-igniting some of the old spark LJ felt towards him. But a major detail either left on purpose or by mistake led John to appear as an African American (or at least a person of a mixed race) this time, while in the prequel, we clearly remember seeing a White boy. Hmmm...!
The entirety of the movie is mostly focussed on LJ juggling her feelings for Peter and John, which does become unexciting after a few scenes. Can it be that difficult for anyone to decide who they really like? Also, it is not easy to convince anyone that it took one full sequel barely to narrate her story with one of her crushes. And mind you! She had over 5 crushes! Margot (Janel Parrish) has not been given any family reunion this time. Quite unexpectedly, a new neighbour pops up, giving some screen time to LJ's dad Dr Covey (John Corbett) to spark something with her. A visit by the Covey family to LJ's mothers' in traditional Korean attire gives some freshness to the viewers. We do not see much change in Peter, though, who still has the same carefree attitude as he had 2 years ago. Another loose end left out either knowingly or unknowingly is not showing any meeting of LJ with John at the end, and considering the fact that John seemed more mature and understanding, in any condition, he did deserve a closure.
If you watched the previous part and are interested in more of Lara Jean's story, give it a watch.
Lost Girls (2020)
Unapologetically Realistic
The unwavering spirit of a mother to unravel the mystery of her daughter's disappearance in Long Island has been pictured in the most realistic way imaginable in Liz Garbus' Lost Girls. With police who won't cooperate and people who can't be trusted, Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan) leaves no stone unturned in figuring out the whereabouts of her daughter Shannan (Sarah Wisser).
The most moving and heartfelt part is the portrayal of the undying spirit of a mother caring for her children. Despite being single, Mari is supporting three daughters and this deserves incredible respect. The movie shines light on the insecurity and risks that surround not just sex workers but literally every person out there on the streets, especially when law enforcement is either uncooperative or corrupt.
A curiosity that can be felt by some viewers is the indifference of Shannan's boyfriend about her being missing for two days, which, even though for the record does raise questions in Mari's mind making her give him a visit, remains a mystery. Another noteworthy idea that has been highlighted in certain scenes is the effect of medication on child health as Sarra (Mari's youngest daughter) can be seen sleeping in odd settings after taking her meds for mental health, which in turn is another worrying subject.
The film is sure to leave audience with a lot of questions on what needs to be done so that people are safer. A must watch for those who want to see a change in society.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Original and Grounded
With a story that is sort of believable and characters that are charming, this is definitely one of the nicer teen movies you can watch on Netflix. Lara Jean (Lana Candor) is naïve but honest in doing justice to her character that is stuck in a limbo of romantic feelings mostly around Josh (Israel Broussard) and Peter (Noah Centineo). The movie is much grounded and makes you want to know what happens next as the storyline progresses. It is difficult, if not impossible, to find a dull or boring moment in the entire runtime. Values of self-empowerment, honesty, and family spirit are brightly visible. Acting is incredible compared to other similar titles with similar plots.
Some of the more investigative audience might figure out certain loose ends including Lara not doing much to figure out exactly how her secret letters were distributed to their recipients. Peter's character is somewhat of a casual carefree person while Lara is more of an introvert who minds her own business. Her falling for him seemed a little bit unnatural even if they were pretending. Opposites attract they say! Before the end, a meeting of Margot (Lara's elder sister) and Josh (who also happens to be Margot's ex-bf) was expected but not shown. In fact, some more minutes could have been devoted to help explain Josh's character.
Nonetheless, owing to an edgy and funky plot and impressive performances, the film manages to make quite an impression.
All the Bright Places (2020)
For dreamers and wanderers
A moving account of personal struggle, All the Bright Places takes the audience in a journey of breaking free from the shackles of the memories that remain once trauma has subsided. The film's beginning is as interesting as its ending. Since the movie is pretty much indicative of the need to heal following a bad incident, there is a lot of positive space in the screen including lovely shots of a cold-water river (which plays a significant part in the story) and long meadows parallel to long and quiet roads. The silence can be almost felt. Both the lead characters (Violet and Finch) bring out a genuine praise-worthy performance. Elle Fanning (Violet) and Justice Smith (Finch) portray characters that are not very easy to be portrayed owing to the behavioural complexity and uneasiness acquired by people who suffer mental agony. Even other non-significant characters have been given a lot of attention in terms of their role in the overall plot.
The movie has been based on a book by the same name authored by Jennifer Niven and certain details were not taken by the makers of the film which might have improved the storyline. Nevertheless, the movie does not feel incomplete or lacking anything in any respect.
Swiped (2018)
A kind message lost in clamour
Swiped has been shot with limited resources and fresh actors. It looks more of an experiment done by the producer to see how their vision turns out, instead of a well-planned thought-about direction having a goal. The major idea about relationships and love conveyed by the film cannot be known or even guessed unless you watch it till the end. The beginning suggests one direction where the story should be supposedly going to, however, by the time the film reaches the end, a pretty unexpected turn takes place. Even though the film was shot in a college campus which should be supposedly filled and buzzing with students, all the scenes bring up the same few people every now and then around the same physical places-James' (lead character's) hostel room, a co-living apartment housed by a group of girls, and their computer science class which looked smaller than a sixth grader's classroom.
The script felt weak in a lot of areas, with the weakest part being the very idea that Lance (Jame's friend) promises James money to take admission in MIT if he helps James build an app according to his requirements! Not many viewers will buy this after all! And what school takes up students in a computer science class who don't even know the buttons of the keyboard? Moreover, Jame's parents cannot afford to send their child to a reputed school but they can be seen attending parties and Jame's mother is always excited about going out and even gets a hang of the app made by James! That doesn't bode well with the script as well. Viewers might expect to see more of a middle-class family setting in that case.
Some humor and the kind message at the end can make up a little bit for other less shiny aspects though.
Flipped (2010)
A diamond among shiny stones
Flipped can make a majority of audience be reminded of their own childhood memories as it explores the bittersweet experiences of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski as they fall in and out of infatuation, which quite unexpectedly grows to be something more as they grow up. The presentation of the movie is so practical and the expression of love at a tender age has been brought about in such intricate detail, it can very well question the understanding of love we adults claim to have.
Each scene has been given the right amount of time and attention in a relaxed pace without making the story look either stuck anywhere or rushed towards the end. Since it has been given a narrative structure, almost every major event in the story is shown from both Juli and Bryce's perspectives, giving the audience total freedom to decide which side they relate more to. Family conflicts, problems often faced by middle-class households, and social differences prevalent in the society have been very sensitively showcased.
Some more scenes describing the kind of relationships Juli and Bryce had with their respective siblings could have made the story fuller. Overall, a real diamond among shiny stones!
#Realityhigh (2017)
Interesting but Predictable
This Netflix teen drama actually narrates teenage life of the modern society to be honest. It's not only the central character's story that is being told, but rather the broader look on the dynamics of millenials. The movie starts with an interesting note with some kids playing a prank on the main character (Dani), sort of drifts away from the storyline in the mid by showing celebrity culture that doesn't go well with the overall plot of the movie, and gives a very predictable ending with some brutal humour from time to time giving the script an edgy push. Modern social media trends which are often addictive and risky have been addressed. Some gender stereotypes can be spotted. Certain parts of the movie seem to have been adapted by Netflix's teen drama series "Sex Education," which came out later in 2019. For instance, Cameron, who happens to be Dani's crush, is an Olympic swimming enthusiast (doing it for his father's wish) as the case with Sex Education's Jackson Marchetti.
Many parts of the film also show a 9-10 year old girl operating social media, which, by all means, is a deep concern for the society. The level of attention paid on each of the main characters is praise worthy. The dialogues are right on time. Emotional and funny scenes have been blended properly with a balance throughout the movie. However, not too many surprises or turns in the script to steal your attention.
Ricos de Amor (2020)
Funny and tangy!
Rich in Love wants audience to understand that true love can only be earned, not bought!
A mixed drama of love, friendship, and professional maturity, the movie is a clear-cut comedy if you can comprise a little bit with a slightly unbalanced storyline. Expect some funny acts and quick romance. The start is a bit confused, the mid is hilarious, while the ending seems rushed toward. Large countryside shoots with a convertible orange coloured Range Rover (shot in Rio de Janeiro) are worth staring at though. Some nice background scores including "A Table for two" by Alok and IRO quite fill in the romantic space as well.
Work It (2020)
Greatness is on the other side of fear!
Nothing like Step Up! Work it gives more of "a person discovering themselves when they step out of comfort zone" type of lesson. There are many upbeat school dance performances by young and witty actors. A particular scene that deserves 5 stars is one where 2-3 physically challenged people flaunt their jaw-dropping moves out in public. Few things don't make sense, including the quick and unnatural romantic bonding between Quinn (lead character) and Jake (Quinn and her dance crew's choreographer) in just 2 meetings and her effortless reconciliation with her crew, moments after she had taken a disappointing U-turn against their efforts to win the competition owing to her doubts and fears for her career.
A final mother-daughter reconciliation at the end could have done justice to the storyline.
But overall, consider investing your time in it if you enjoy watching teenage dramas that inspire and entertain.
Obsession: Dark Desires (2013)
Harrowing ordeals narrated without fear
Real people from different walks of life narrate their harrowing and regretful experiences with certain individuals in Obsession: Dark Desires. The narratives by original characters in an interview-like setting are immediately followed by filmed scenes that keep the viewers hooked and interested to see what's coming up next and give an impression as if someone was telling you their story in person.
The stories have been filmed with regular people or new actors, though, who sometimes fail to do justice to the level of performance required to portray characters in such true story-based bone-chilling ordeals. It seems as if the characters were to perform in a very limited and set manner.
The takeaway is that while watching the show, one can pretty much relate to the people opening up about such unfortunate times as what they narrate is what many more people go through every single day, like a new relationship turning deadly. It is just hard to predict when things turn ugly.
Playing It Cool (2014)
Prepare for Giggles and tears!
Chris Evans appears convincing and confident of his feelings as an unhappy rom-com script writer in Playing it Cool. The plot has him meeting the woman who would change his life at a time when he is almost sure footed about never finding love.
The struggle of writers has been portrayed in a lightly funny way as Chris is presented with deadlines and sometimes-uninspiring work. But work does not come in his way to pursue his love interest. However, it takes the lead character to even manipulate his truth at times to impress her, which, of course, bites him in due course!
Although it might be difficult to figure out exactly which way the story is headed to even after the first 20 minutes of runtime, the later parts of the movie deserve applause and the end is wrapped beautifully, surely giving the audience something to take away!
Toy Boy (2019)
A tightly knit struggle of justice and truth
Reality is cruel and difficult to accept for Hugo Beltran, a male stripper from Marabella, Spain, who lands himself in prison for a falsified and conspired murder of Phillip Norman, the husband of Macarena Madina, a real estate tycoon. 7 years later, he is granted bail and his case is taken up by a law firm as a pro bono case, which reveals a series of truths that clearly suggest a different story.
Toy Boy is also suggestive of the close rivalry between 2 corporate giants, one owned by Macarena and the other by the Rojas family. Toy Boy contains a continuous supply of mystery for the audience. It also very brilliantly shows a contrast between lives that are lavish and exquisite and lives that require more struggle and are vulnerable. Money and power is used by some key characters to manipulate even the strongest of intellects and falsify concrete evidence in order to achieve deeply hidden motives.
This 13-episode show also has a unique way to keep the audience interested in watching the consecutive episode by revealing some key mystery at the end of each episode. Background score and music are very well placed and tense scenes are followed by upbeat entertainment performances, which may delight some audiences!
Three Identical Strangers (2018)
More questions than answers!
Three Identical Strangers is sure to leave audiences with more questions than answers as it explores the lives of Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran, triplets who were separated at birth and adopted by three different families, yet reunited quite unexpectedly after over 20 years.
The movie quite naturally reveals the unique childhood experiences of the three look-alike brothers, who would have the world surprised by their similar looks, mannerisms, gestures, and interests. From running a restaurant together to making media appearances, Eddy, David, and Robert created a special place for themselves in the world. Much to their surprise, though, they'd later find out that they were also a part of a psychological research under a prominent researcher seeking some answers on mental health and parenting.
Virgin River (2019)
Choices, consequences, and fate
Set in a fictional town named Virgin River, the show centers around Mel, a licensed nurse practitioner from LA, who decides moving to the quaint town seeking solace and perspective, and possibly, to start over, after having been through some unforgiving experiences in her life.
Curious to join Dr. Vernon's clinical practice as a nurse in Virgin River, Mel makes arrangements and later, as fate, would have it, meets Jack, a local bar owner who also happens to be a Marine Corps veteran. He tackles his own not-so-perfect past while making sure every customer at his bar get their orders on time. Mel's past has not left her, however, as she continues having flashbacks of her life with ex-husband Mark, who met a road accident, leaving Mel completely broken.
Hope Mcrea, Dr. Vernon's wife, plays a very important role. She helps Mel blend in with the local town where everyone knows everyone. But she also has a habit of landing herself and others in troubles as she cannot keep secrets.
Starting over is difficult for Mel. But remaining in the past is worse. Watch this 9-episode drama on Netflix if you enjoy touching stories.