I watched "Balas e Bolinhos: Só Mais uma Coisa" without seeing the previous films in the series, which might have affected my experience. I tried to watch the first film a few days ago but ended up giving up because of its somewhat dated look. Still, I have to respect how an amateur production turned into one of the biggest phenomena in Portuguese cinema.
Not knowing the characters and their background left me feeling a bit "lost" during the film. I couldn't form a strong emotional connection with them, though I noticed that many people around me were excited about their return. It reminded me of the special appearances in "Deadpool & Wolverine," which were real treats for fans. This is a good sign, as it shows that "Balas e Bolinhos 4" appeals directly to its loyal audience. However, I felt the script could have been more cohesive. The narrative structure didn't grab me as much as other comedies do, which made the experience a bit less engaging. The story needed more strength.
Regarding humor, I usually enjoy comedies with darker and more sarcastic tones, like Sacha Baron Cohen's films, or traditional comedies like "American Pie," "This is The End," and "No Hard Feelings." In "Balas e Bolinhos: Só Mais uma Coisa," I laughed a lot in some scenes, while others left me indifferent, which is common in comedies-not every joke lands.
Technically, the film impressed me positively. The progress since the first installment is clear, with a production that moves far from the original amateurism. Luís Ismael shows significant cinematic maturity, and his team is highly skilled, deserving recognition and praise. This makes me think of him as the "Portuguese Steven Spielberg." However, I'd love to see him work on a more serious project, maybe a tense thriller like "The Silence of the Lambs," "Seven," or "Gone Girl." I'm sure he could excel in a different genre.
Overall, "Balas e Bolinhos: Só Mais uma Coisa" is far from a bad film. It's clearly made for fans of the series, and in that sense, it fulfills its purpose. If you're a follower of this saga, don't miss the chance to see this new chapter in theaters. If, like me, you're unfamiliar with the earlier films, it's worth a try-you might end up pleasantly surprised. But I recommend watching the previous films to better appreciate the context and characters.
