El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is a solid addition to the best series of all time. In this slow-burning thriller that only gradually reveals necessary information (we always know less than the protagonist), each perfect shot is followed by another and every step of Jesse Pinkman’s ongoing struggle (finally) gets luxurious space. In the spirit of the series, the film essentially involves several longer scenes focused on capturing a certain process, with superbly built tension and often with an unexpected point (connected particularly with the doling out of information and our uncertainty with respect to who is bluffing). The film does not fundamentally expand the Breaking Bad universe, but it very well fulfils its ambition of being additional recognition of Pinkman as the true tragic hero of the series. This is due, among other things, to the narrative structure that switches elegantly between past and present. In addition to the story of the desperate desire to escape (and the impossibility of returning), we see a predominantly melancholic yet, in places, very humorous retelling of how Jesse’s meeting with Heisenberg first filled him with hope and then deprived him of all hope. If you have not seen Breaking Bad, the film of course will not have much meaning for you. If, however, you have seen it, the many references to the series (visual, dialogue, situational) will soon have you captivated. 85% (10/12/2019)

A worthy end to the world of Breaking Bad. On its own, I would give the film a strong 4 stars, but as a fan of the series, I will go higher because Gilligan has been conspiratorially winking at me the whole time and tastefully serving me up, whether through flashbacks or the return of iconic Breaking Bad characters, memories of those amazing moments spent during the 5 seasons of the series. There are many similar attempts that come across as unnecessary or as reheated mush - see T2 Trainspotting. Overall impression: 90%. (05/08/2020)

A farewell to Breaking Bad and the legendary Robert Foster, who since yesterday is no longer with us. El Camino is like the last knot to untie. Its association with the series slightly obscures its message, because it completes Jessie’s journey and not Walt’s. The lesson “you can never escape from your destiny" now sounds different, a little more optimistic. Flashbacks to the series, either explanatory or reminding us of some key figures, are great, but the present storyline, full of PTSD has something to offer. I liked the almost western-style climax. I was pleased to return once more to Albuquerque. (10/12/2019)

I thought this was going to be a brand-new story (starting, say, where El Camino ends), not an epilogue to the series... but it was still good. Good? The whole apartment search part was actually downright excellent! And as for the old familiar characters and places, I was most pleased with the visit to the vacuum cleaner service shop. (10/13/2019)