Arik_P

La Palma offers striking volcanic landscapes, but its cinematic portrayal in certain disaster narratives leaves much to be desired. While the real-life geological possibility of a massive landslide triggering a catastrophic tsunami is fascinating, the execution of this concept in fiction often falls flat. The focus on a dysfunctional family as central characters feels forced and detracts from the gravity of the subject matter. Instead of delving deeply into the scientific and societal implications of such an event, the story opts for melodrama, reducing what could be a compelling exploration of natural disasters into a mediocre and disjointed tale. The scenery may be captivating, but the storytelling doesn't do it justice.

Netflix's Black Doves wastes no time plunging viewers into a tangled web of espionage and intrigue-but perhaps it plunges too deeply. From the very first episode, it becomes clear that the series is not interested in holding its audience's hand. Unfortunately, this approach leaves even an educated and attentive viewer grappling with the most basic questions: Who are these characters? What are their relationships? And what exactly is happening?

The narrative jumps between cryptic exchanges, shadowy confrontations, and fragmented flashbacks without providing sufficient context. Names and allegiances are thrown around, but they lack grounding, making it difficult to connect emotionally or intellectually with the unfolding drama. While this disorientation might be an intentional artistic choice to mimic the chaos of the espionage world, it comes at the cost of viewer engagement.

What keeps you watching is the show's promise of depth. The atmospheric visuals and strong performances hint at a payoff down the line. However, the premiere episode feels more like a puzzle missing crucial pieces than an effective hook. By the end, the lingering confusion outweighs the intrigue, leaving you wondering whether the show will reward your patience or continue to obfuscate its core.

Black Doves might be worth sticking with for those who enjoy unraveling a narrative on their own terms, but casual viewers may find the lack of clarity frustrating. For now, it's a series that dares you to keep watching-but doesn't quite earn that commitment in its opening hour.

"Trouble" (or "Strul") was a bit of a letdown for me. Billed as an action-comedy, it doesn't really deliver on either front. The humor feels forced and uninspired, lacking any genuine laughs, while the action sequences are underwhelming and seem thrown together without much thought. The whole film left me with the sense that it was made solely to keep certain people in the industry busy-actors who, to put it kindly, didn't bring much to the table here. How this managed to get a rating over 6 on IMDb is beyond me. It felt like a movie with a purpose other than entertaining the audience. Do not waste your time.