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The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Another time. Another place.
Back in the 80's I went to the theater one day to see a film named "The Dark Crystal". It looked promising. Well, it turned out to be a -literally- dark movie (As in poorly - lit, I-can't-see-a-damn-thing dark), and a bore. I came out of the theater feeling ripped-off.
Fast forward a few years and one day I see Netflix announcing a series based on that movie. Remembering how much of a bad experience I had last time, I skipped it entirely. Until one day I decided I would give this a try, maybe one chapter.
I am glad I did.
The Dark Crystal, Age of Resistance (AOR) is, as others mention, a bit slow at the beginning. Also, some weird names are thrown, both for people and places. I admit I saw the first two chapters and then I went back to Chapter 1, which I saw again pressing "fast forward" to recap. Once I had the names and basic plots right in my mind, though, the whole thing became fascinating. I'll mention some strong points, no spoilers:
Environments: amazing. From forests to caves, there are many places you will 'explore' as you get into the story. I give the visual designers extra credits for small creatures that were not needed but add to the overall effect. Some are truly amazing.
Use of color: Gone are those dark ambiences I mentioned at the beginning. No matter which color you like most, chances are you'll see plenty of it. Lots of light, both "natural" and "artificial". If you have a hi-res TV, you'll be glad you bought it when you watch AOR. (Those wide shots of the Castle and its surroundings... oooh).
Attention to detail. You won't see a screw, hinge or pulley needed to open, close, rotate or pull an object. (Unless of course, you are supposed to see it).
Finally, characters. They grow on you. From the cute to the evil, you may find yourself liking one or two especially. (My favorite: princess Brea).
So, long story short. If you like puppets, Jim Henson or fantasy, by all means, watch this. You won't regret it.
And by the way, I'm not sure of this, but does the "Dark Crystal" logo at the beginning of each chapter glow and glitter differently every time? If so, that proves AOR is more than just a well-done series, it is a labor of love.
Sonora (2018)
Good aerial shots but little else
Alejandro Springall' s 6th feature film tells a story at the beginning of the century in northern Mexico, when the United States closed its southern border and Chinese Mexicans were victims of discrimination.
Cinematography is interesting. However, the use of aerial shots is abused, so the viewer soon gets tired. The soundtrack is totally nondescript. But "Sonora"s main problem is its lack of a good script. At one point we have up to ten individuals, perhaps more, traveling through the desert in a car, but the script does not focus on any of them to tell the story from their point of view. If the script had focused, for example, on the Chinese immigrant's family, and four or five characters had been erased from the script, an interesting, even poignant, story could have been told.
As it stands, the film feels like bad editing of a much longer story. However, if you like desert aerial shots, you wont be disappointed.
Tijuana (2019)
Honest review from a Mexican citizen
A team of reporters from a Tijuana newspaper investigates the murder of a candidate for governor emerged from the working class. Who benefits from his death?
The premise makes for a great series. Unfortunately, "Tijuana" remains a promise for the viewer, as a result of a bad script.
It is frankly difficult to feel affection for any of the characters, which go from the anodyne (Lesbian photographer) to the stupid (the Editor's son). Even Demian Alcázar, an experienced actor, is unconvincing and, in my view, a casting error. Maybe the only ones who play it well are Mueller (Rodrigo Abed, who is repulsive, but that's the way he's supposed to be), and Tamara Vallarta.
On the positive side, cinematography, which includes aerial shots, is good.
A pity. "Tijuana" could have been much better.