El Camino: Is It Worth Watching After Breaking Bad?
El Camino: Is It Worth Watching After Breaking Bad?
El Camino, the post-Breaking Bad movie, has been a subject of divided opinions among fans. Different people have different views on what the film brings to the table. Some see it as a deep closure for those who loved the series, while others view it as a disappointing addition to an already legendary show.
Deepening the Narrative of Breaking Bad
As a fan of Breaking Bad, I find El Camino to be an essential addition to the series. Vince Gilligan, the creator of the show, has a strong connection with his audience, and El Camino offers a deep sense of closure for those who have been following the story of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. The film answers many of the open questions left by Breaking Bad, confirming the deaths and providing further details about Jesse Pinkman’s captivity and the barbaric nature of the White Supremacist gang.
Moreover, El Camino is a disturbingly accurate depiction of human emotions, including PTSD and regret. This emotional depth is particularly important for fans of the series, as it adds another layer of complexity to Jesse Pinkman's character. His journey through PTSD and regret after the events of the series is a powerful narrative that resonates with many viewers.
A Wasted Investment or a Well-Crafted Film?
However, from a different perspective, El Camino can be seen as a disappointing addition to the series. Another reviewer argues that the movie might have been a waste of time, primarily for those who didn't fully engage with Breaking Bad. They believe the film was made to lure fans and earn extra revenue, which they see as a negative aspect.
This criticism also highlights the broader issue in Hollywood, where some high-quality shows and movies are often ruined by sequels or spin-offs. The example of Game of Thrones is often cited, showing how audiences can be let down by follow-ups that fail to live up to the original's standards.
The Last Performance of Robert Forster
Another important aspect of El Camino is the last performance of Robert Forster. The actress reprised her role as “the Disappearer,” a character that appeared in Breaking Bad. Her passing on October 11th, 2022, at the age of 78, makes this film even more poignant for fans of the show. Forster's presence in El Camino serves as a tribute to both her acting and her character's compelling role in the series.
The Quality and Impact of El Camino
Despite its mixed opinions, El Camino still manages to hold the attention of its audience. The film is 122 minutes long, and if your expectations are high, it might be a huge disappointment. However, it does offer some finer points that some viewers might miss initially.
Breaking Bad wasn't just groundbreaking television; it was a poignant narrative that took viewers into the lives of multiple characters. El Camino continues this tradition by focusing on Jesse Pinkman, whose post-Walter White journey is filled with demons that he can't escape. His pursuit of redemption and escape takes him on a road of reliving his past, which is where El Camino hits a roadblock for some viewers.
The film is not without its flaws. The subplots, while relevant, often feel like predictable and awkward flashbacks that don't add much new value. The shootouts and baddies are as painful as "rubbing two kidney stones together," a metaphor highlighting the monotonous and unexciting nature of these scenes.
Despite the weak script, Jesse Pinkman's performance remains strong, and his character still offers some moments of drama and emotion. However, the film ultimately fails to live up to the standards set by Breaking Bad, and Vince Gilligan's brilliance as a director is not enough to overcome the weak narrative and scripting.
In conclusion, while El Camino is not an essential part of the Breaking Bad saga and may not be worth watching for those who haven't seen the full series, it is still a film that offers a poignant final chapter for some. For fans, it might serve as a somber reminder of the end of a beloved narrative, but for others, it might be a wasted investment of 122 minutes. As Clark Cable famously said, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn anymore."