idrincon Reviews

The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

THE behind the scenes!

[10/10 · 17 February 2024]

I wonder why one have to wait 40 years to learn a bit more about what, at the time, was labeled as a great song sang by a extraordinary group of artist.

Anyone alive in 1985 remembers this song but, yes, you have to wait 40 years to realize it was, as the title of the documentary, the best night in pop. Looking at the names and looking at the effort to make it happen, It hasn't been or will be anything remotely close in the music business.

The documentary follows the creation of the song by Ritchie and MJ (punctuated by incredible anecdotes about MJ's pet mascots), the build up including the AMA broadcast that served as the catalyst for the recording, to the recording itself, probably the best part of the film.

You then understand how genuine the recording was, with these superstars asking autographs from each other and collaborating on the go as they were singing.

Most notably the recording of the solos is an amazing piece of music history worthy of a museum display. It makes you hear the song again and hear the nuisances of those lines and just awe at the final product.

And even the video makes now total sense.

This is a must see for any music fan.

Milli Vanilli (2023)

What. A. Story.

[9/10 · 24 January 2024]

Even after living through the rise and fall of Milli Vanilli, one could not understand how this was even possible. But looking at this documentary, it is almost a prediction it was going to happen eventually.

How many people were not only duped but participated in this whole scam? Now you can see the whole picture through the lens of the characters and you cannot really blame anyone but everyone.

They were even able to fool the most powerful people in the industry.

The two singers were vilified and accused. But now it is clear to me, they were only pawns. Here is the thing: it was good music.

Must see even if you never heard of Milli Vanilli.

Welcome to Wrexham: Gresford (2023) Season 2, Episode 10

This is it

[10/10 · 25 October 2023]

For anyone trying to understand why this football story is so compelling, this is it.

As opposed to professional sports in many other areas of the world, football is part of the social fabric of cities all across Great Britain.

This fact has been showcased in many episodes of. WTW but this is the first that is actually dedicated to why the club is so important to this town.

This is a story on itself, strangely linked to the club on unexpected ways and (as we learn in this episode) pivotal to plans by the owners.

Remember WTW is not a football documentary; it's a social documentary with a sports background.

Masterful storytelling.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)

It works...

[9/10 · 23 October 2023]

As the father of a die-hard swiftie (now on her 20s) and after having attended live three (!) Taylor Swift concerts, I was a bit skeptical a movie/concert was going to work. However, I decided to go.

I have to say I was wrong. Yes, other reviews clearly state there is no way you are going to recreate the atmosphere of the concert in a movie theater.

But this is not it. This is a celebration of the biggest star the earth has ever known specially in live shows. I am not old enough to compare against The Beatles but it looks like it is probably something similar or bigger that what was experienced in the 60s.

In any case, seeing young girls as young as 6 or 7 dancing in the screening with their mothers probably in their 20s or 30s is a testament of the quality of the artist.

The movie doesn't really matter too much. It's the experience. And it is totally worth it even if you are not a swiftie.

Welcome to Wrexham: The Quiet Zone (2023) Season 2, Episode 2

This is why it is so good

[10/10 · 29 September 2023]

Some people was expecting The series to be about a football team. It is true. But it is about so much more. It is about the people behind the team. Being the players, their families, the fans, the storytelling takes you totally behind the scenes of the game.

And that's what makes this a great tv show. I have never seen such a wide array of different stories and perspectives coming together in 30 minutes.

We all know what happened with Wrexham in the field but we don't know the struggles and the difference some people make by being involved with the team.

Let's hope the keep the focus both in the game and their characters.

The Blacklist: Raymond Reddington (No. 00): Good Night (2023) Season 10, Episode 22

Ok?

[7/10 · 9 August 2023]

Mixed emotions here.

I believe there was an intent to give the end a poetic touch. And it did.

But on the other hand for those of us that invested 10 years following the stories, the end needed more closure. The series had so many interesting storylines that were left completely unfinished.

Yes, Redington was the star of the show but there were many interesting characters that deserved some closing.

I liked the fact it wasn't a predictable end (like a guns blazing battle or a friend betraying a friend and finally bringing Red to justice), but they went to far to made it just about the end of Red.

Are they leaving things open for a spin off? A made for TV movie to close the loop? Perhaps.

Take Care of Maya (2023)

It's just unbelievable

[9/10 · 24 June 2023]

Sometimes you see a movie that shock you to the core. This is one of them.

If someone had written this, it wouldn't be believable. But it is a documentary. And knowing a bit about how these cases may play out, it is even more incredible the amount of incredible unfair things that happened in this case.

But to know that this is not a unique case is even more disturbing. And to know that the "system" favors the state and not the parents by default, is probably something that should scare every parent out there.

This is a story that will make you question things that you hear out there in real life.

Ted Lasso: So Long, Farewell (2023) Season 3, Episode 12

Fully pleased.

[10/10 · 1 June 2023]

I was concerned about the ending of the series. How do you end on a high note one of the best tv series of all times? Like this. A total crowd pleaser. Every major plot was resolved and then some.

But it wast your "all is good" ending. Many of the characters (like in real life) will continue struggling with their demons. But most of them had happy endings or at least expected endings.

Will we miss it? Of course. But like when you lose someone you love, you can hold to the good memories, the laughs, the tears.

There is a glimmer of hope the series will come back. It will be great, but if it doesn't happen, it's totally fine. Because now, we believe.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: King of the Moon (2023) Season 24, Episode 15

Surprise

[9/10 · 13 March 2023]

As a loyal viewer of LAOSVU from day 1, at some point you stop looking for a different episode. The cases themselves are quite interesting but the story telling is well known.

And then you see an episode like this with two very distinct arcs, one of them being a love story with a tragic end. Clearly not your typical SVU episode but one that creates a different feeling around a crime and the role of police and DA.

Special mention to Bradley Whitford. If you have seen him in The Handsmaid's Tale, he is as impressive here. I can't imagine a better casting for this role. He delivers everything you want for this character.

Spirited (2022)

Feel good musical

[9/10 · 26 December 2022]

This is not pretending to be what it is not. It is a remake of a classical story with a twist. It is also a musical with nice scenes.

The two main characters deliver their typical great performances with a good mix of humor and message.

Some of the secondary characters are a bit missing in the plot and their presence is a filler but overall it delivers a couple of hours of solid entertainment.

Overall, I saw this picture as a musical and, in that regard, it delivers. Two or three numbers are really well choreographed and the lyrics are also well written.

This may become a quasi-classical for Christmas time.

Welcome to Wrexham: Wromance (2022) Season 1, Episode 17

Very underrated episode

[9/10 · 1 November 2022]

It was a different, strange and out of sequence episode. But if you watch it with critical eyes, it's probably one of the best of the series.

It started just by telling as a joke the "relationship" between Rob and Ryan but halfway through the episode it turned into a wonderful storytelling about the relationship that sports creates between fathers and sons.

It may be the reason why these two started this project after all.

It became real for me because I remembered my own relationship with sports and my dad, and also the relationship I developed with my own daughter through sports.

Watch it a couple of times and you will understand.

Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (2022)

Corporate greed at its MAX

[10/10 · 24 September 2022]

15 minutes into the movie, I felt physically sick because you can see the actual consequences of the most egregious corporate greed in history: the passengers and families. And it was not only preventable but the logical progression of a flawed system where all pieces failed. Must see even if you are not interested in aviation.

Once the scope of the cover up, wrong decisions, complacency, and just plainly is seen in the movie, you wonder how many of those are hidden under the covers of industries all around the world.

When the documentary ends, you really want to punch someone.

The storytelling is superb and takes you on this painful journey of discovery.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

No way

[10/10 · 6 August 2022]

Had this been a script, the movie wouldn't have been believable. The fact that it is a real story and you know how it is going to end makes this movie even more stressful because you tell yourself "there is no way this is real". But amazingly it is, and big kudos to everyone involved. Awesome and must see.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive: Hard Racing (2022) Season 4, Episode 10

Really entertaining

[10/10 · 25 June 2022]

I have been a F1 fan since I have memory. I know many people just discovered F1 through this series. But if you want to watch one episode to really understand what the passion of F1 racing is about, this is the one.

In fact, the last 15 minutes can be the most entertaining racing tv I have ever seen.

Completely worth it.

CODA (2021)

The kind of movie you need on a hard day

[9/10 · 19 February 2022]

This is one of those non pretentious movies that have a simple premise but it is so well executed that you are left wondering why it hasn't been done before. Flawlessly executed. Great characters and a very believable story line. You feel a breath of fresh air as you go through emotions from happiness to disbelief.

4400 (2021–2022)

Good start. Doubtful ending

[5/10 · 15 February 2022]

As a fan of the original, I had high expectations knowing that it was the same premise but updated to 2021.

The first few episodes were strong and the premise was believable. But mid-way through the season, the storyline became unstable and the constant back and forth between the characters became too complex to follow and unbelievable even for a sci-fi series.

Probably won't be watching the second season if it comes along.

4400: Present Is Prologue (2022) Season 1, Episode 13

Dancing iguana

[1/10 · 15 February 2022]

The title of the review tells all. Whenever you have in a drama series a 5 minute scene with an Iguana dancing in the middle of the street, the most you can give is a 1.

Maid (2021)

It will move your world

[9/10 · 12 February 2022]

For all the work out there, there are really a few shows that portray the kind of situations this family goes through. Not easy to see and even more difficult to judge. But one thing is for sure: it will move your world.

Book of Love (2022)

Some latin flair

[8/10 · 10 February 2022]

Very simple and common argument in Rom Coms but it has an interesting latin flavor that mixed with the seriousness of the English backdrop makes for a funny story all around. Get past the common places and enjoy it. Don't take it too seriously.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Not about a comet at all

[9/10 · 31 January 2022]

Pass the main character of the movie (the comet) and see it for what it is: a political satire of our times, showing how we have lost the ability to rationalize even things in front of us. Great story and more than timely. Look up.

The Morning Show (I) (2019– )

Worth binge watching

[9/10 · 14 December 2021]

I had procrastinated watching the series even after two years of positive comments. I am not a fan of soap opera type shows but even from episode 1 it has something special. Maybe the characters, the storytelling but at some point it became impossible not wanting to go to the next episode and the next and the next.

There are no big twists or turns, no unexpected revelations as we know everything that is happening behind the scenes. But you can't stop until you watch the last minute of the last episode.

The Beatles: Get Back (2021)

Can't find the right words...

[10/10 · 29 November 2021]

If you even have a remote interest in The Beatles or, in general, love music, this is a must see. It's mesmerizing and out of this world to see the creative process of the greatest group of all times. The series hits all the right notes, portraying them as humans but also as geniuses.

As it ends you wonder what if they had not stopped when they did?

Ted Lasso: Inverting the Pyramid of Success (2021) Season 2, Episode 12

Worthy finale

[10/10 · 13 October 2021]

I am a huge fan of the series and I agree with many comments about how it radically changed from Season 1 to Season 2. Now it is way better! This is not your typical sitcom or comedy series full of cheap jokes or zingers. Ted Lasso has those and so much more. It is deep and troubling, it makes you like characters and hate them in the next episode. It never ceases to explore human nature and feelings.

That's why this season finale is brilliant. It closes the loop on many stories but opens up a whole new menu of possibilities. You already know Season 3 os NOT going to be a dud because there is still so much to explore based on where the story was left.

You typically have one cliffhanger. What about 6 or 7? Just brilliant.

In the Heights (2021)

Nice portrait of immigrants struggling...

[9/10 · 12 October 2021]

Yes it is a musical and yes, it looks and feels like a Broadway production on film, but past that it is an honest and accurate portrait of the life of latino immigrants in NY.

Stories are believable and, in general, the musical numbers support them.

LMM has developed a "style" and it is all over this movie. I particularly like it but I know some others don't.

Ted Lasso: No Weddings and a Funeral (2021) Season 2, Episode 10

This is NOT a football show!

[9/10 · 26 September 2021]

Most of the negative comments about this and other episodes start with "this is supposed to be a football show". Those people saying that clearly do not know how to appreciate a good tv show without labeling.

Watch the episode, think of the message, enjoy the beautiful ride of the only show in tv today that makes you think.

Homework for today: think about those you have lost. Think about how you grieve. Think about how you may be blaming yourself for letting them go without telling them how much you love them.

Then, if you do not have an answer, go ahead. Be critical.