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El Bar – If You Love One-Location Movies Stuffed With Emotions and a Pinch of Dark Humor, You Should Give “El Bar” a Chance

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Film Review : El Bar

Hey, a little respect.
We’re all human beings here.
We have to stick together and stay calm.

El bar” pretends to be a thriller comedy, but falls short on both levels. The film leans rather towards the comedy genre. But in terms of thriller, it’s a bit too weak. What’s actually the ultimate cause of the incident witnessed by a number of persons, isn’t really clear in the end. Are they witnessing a terrorist attack? Or is it the umpteenth viral outbreak? Or are we going back on a zombie tour? If the latter were the case, the film would fit more into the horror genre. It’s not clearly explained. But I think it’s a combination of these assumptions. When you look at the opening sequence, full of microscopic viruses and other whimsical creatures from the microbial world, you are already assuming that some pandemic will break out. But again, it isn’t really clear.

 

 

Well, Spanish isn’t my strong point.

I don’t know why, but I enjoy watching non-English films. Not that I’ve seen many foreign films because the frequent reading of subtitles remains a disturbing factor for me. So after the Finnish film “Euthanizer“, the Argentinian “Los Olvidados” and the Russian film “T-34“, I didn’t hesitate to watch this film. Even though I didn’t understand one iota from the start (because my knowledge of Spanish is limited to the words “cerveza” and “paella”), the film still managed to hold my attention. And not only because the beautiful and sensual looking actress Bianca Suárez appeared immediately on screen as she makes her way through the busy streets of Madrid. It’s also because of the energetic intro.

The way in which the film jumps nervously back and forth between the soon-to-be victims creates an intense feeling. Not only the rapid pace of the film but also the busy gesticulating of the main characters give it a fiery character. Maybe it’s normal for people from the big city. Or it’s something typically Spanish. In any case, every spoken word is shouted out here, as if one wants to be sure that everyone has heard it. No quiet, but excited and sometimes theatrical-looking conversations. Only at the moments that the shouting guarantees a deadly outcome, the individuals calm down and the hot-tempered Spanish characters go into whisper mode.

 

 

Personalities change in a life-threatening situation.

In itself, the terrible event of shooting two innocents isn’t the main focus. It’s the way personalities change in a life-threatening situation. Admittedly, we’ve already seen this in several other films. A film such as “The Divide” for example. At first, it’s all friendly, despite the differences in character and temperament. And then the situation becomes threatening and hostile. The changing moods make this film interesting enough. Just like in real life, bringing together characters of different backgrounds creates tensions on the one hand and interesting developments on the other. It’s quite obvious that a person as Elena (Bianca Suárez) doesn’t frequent such an establishment as this bar often. She just stumbled in to charge her mobile phone. This well-dressed high-society looking lady soon realizes that she’s among people of a completely different level in society.

 

 

A colorful group of persons.

The bar is run by a tough lady called Amparo (Terele Pávez) who won’t let herself get pushed around. Then there’s the gentle and a bit naive looking Satur (Secun de la Rosa) who helps in the bar. A few guests are already present. First, there’s nervous Trini (Carmen Machi), a housewife who spends her days at a slot machine. Next, there’s Nacho (Mario Casas). A creative type of a guy who works for an advertising agency and who immediately falls for Elena. There are also two middle-aged gentlemen (Joaquin Climent and Alejandro Awada). And finally, you have Israel (Jamie Ordóñez). The most eccentric and most colorful figure who comes rushing in at the last minute. A homeless clochard whose unkempt appearance and strange behavior improves the humorous content of the film.

 

 

How could she squeeze those boobs through the hole?

Once the characters are introduced, one is ready for the radical event and the guessing game can start in which suspicions and accusations swing back and forth. What started as an average day is soon replaced by an atmosphere of dismay and panic after the two innocent men are shot. However, when these two lifeless bodies disappear and an obscenely fat dead man is found on the toilet with a collection of syringes, the whole mood changes into hysteria and fear. The very last chapter shows how survival instinct and the law of the strongest takes over. And all this is shown with the necessary humor and agitation.

The highlight is, of course, the escape plan through a drain hole. Anyone who’s secretly guessing at the outset how the graceful Elena looks like under her stylish clothing will be rewarded. And yes, I guessed she would be wearing sensual-looking garters. I only wondered how she succeeded in what Israel tried to achieve in vain, despite the fact she a nice pair of breasts which are in the way.

 

 

A pinch of Dark Humor.

Even though “El Bar” is entertaining and intense at times, it’s a movie people will forget easily. You can call this film satirical. And yet it also gives a realistic view of our current society. A society in which terrorist attacks are the order of the day. And I can imagine how anxious people react in such circumstances. The humor, on the other hand, is sometimes razor-sharp and subtle (I had to chuckle during the scene with the suitcase). The most striking acting performance may be attributed to Jamie Ordóñez. The way in which he portrays this marginal is simply brilliant. His appearance contrasts sharply with that of Bianca Suárez. A kind of “Beauty and the Beast“. The sensual Spanish beauty in front of the ugly, unkempt hate preacher and somewhat crazy oboe. So if you love one-location movies stuffed with emotions and a pinch of dark humor, you should give “El Bar” a chance. It’s definitely worth it.

You can watch The Bar (El bar) on Netflix now!

 

My rating 6/10
Links: IMDB

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Charlie Michael Baker, A 16-Year-Old CEO Changing the World of Autism and Anxiety

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Charlie Michael Baker

Today, at the adolescent age of sixteen, Charlie Michael Baker is already set on his journey to help millions of people worldwide suffering from autism. Baker is more than just an influencer, CEO, and an accomplished author. After being diagnosed with autism Charlie has always tried to transform society and aware people of the difficulties one faces. From being bullied in school to collaborating with Kylie Jenner, Baker is the true definition of a champion as he continues to conquer everything against all odds!

We had the opportunity to connect with Charlie Michael Baker to understand his journey better. Read our conversation below.

At the mere age of 16 you’re helping kids and parents understand autism with your book Charlie Baker: Autism And Me, how do you think it’s creating an impact and helping people going through something similar as you did?

Charlie:
At just 16, it feels like I’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time and it’s so rewarding! My book, Charlie Baker: Autism And Me, has helped so many people which is such a rewarding thing to me. The whole reason I wrote my book was to help people and I even helped myself more than anything. Speaking up about what happened to me in school was such a relief for me because I felt like I had nobody to talk to when I was going through it.

Raising £350,000 for autism charities is praiseworthy, how do you plan to proceed further to help more autistic people worldwide?

Charlie:
So far, we’ve raised just over £400,000 ($485,000+, €458,000+). This is an unimaginable amount of money and has helped lots of people worldwide! I plan to continue to donate every cent of the proceeds to my book to charities helping people with autism forever!

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

How can other people help in your contribution?

Charlie: Purchasing my book, Charlie Baker: Autism And Me contributes to many charities globally helping autistic people who are not able to work due to their disability. Purchasing my book is a massive help to everyone currently struggling!

You suffered a lot, and even got suicidal at one point, how do you think the youth can protect themselves from situations like you faced?

Charlie: I was in a really dark place at that time… suicide crossed my mind a few times and it was so bad that I even had to lock myself into school toilets to get away from my bullies. My book was my only escape. I found myself in my writing and it’s honestly the most rewarding thing ever! If anyone is going through any sort of unkindness, tell someone that can help! Tell an adult, a friend, a family member. They can help so don’t be afraid to ask for it!

You once mentioned that you were physically assaulted and your teacher “did nothing about it”. Do you think your life would have been different if some action was taken?

Charlie: I was physically assaulted by another student at a school I was at and we were even right beside a teacher…. Not just any teacher, though, the head of safeguarding. The lead of the safeguarding team ignored what had just happened even though it was caught on camera. Many teachers have even bought my book and they were just as disgusted at this behaviour and have been very vocal about it! My book does circulate some school libraries in England which is such a rewarding feeling. Teachers and schooling staff know of my existence and I know some action is being taken off the back of people like me speaking out.

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

How do you feel about your bullies now?

Charlie: My bullies still message me to this day. Whether it’s asking me for money, or asking me to shout them out on Instagram… they are still around!

You once mentioned about having a job and working 9 to 5, what do you aim for your future?

Charlie: I work a 9-5 currently at a beauty company in Manchester, England and I love it there! I’ve always loved working and not just ‘sitting around and making money off of Instagram’ as some people may think that’s what we do, so I work full time! All money that I make through Instagram goes into a trust and is helping me build my future. I’m so thankful to every one of my followers, fans and even my not – so – friendly followers. Just remember, it’s nice to be nice!

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

Baker has been vocal about anxiety, ADHD, autism, and mental health problems. He continues to donate and help people in all ways he can. You can support his cause by getting a copy of his book Charlie Baker: Autism and Me.

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On Sale Today: The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai

The perfect tie-in for the fifth season of ‘Cobra Kai’ is here.

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This feature was made possible by an advance copy from Harper Collins and Dey Street Books.


As the holiday season approaches and fans of the wildly-popular Cobra Kai have likely binged the show’s fifth season, a new addition has arrived that is a must-have for any true sensei. That would be The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai; a new book chronicling the history and making of the Netflix series.

Serving as the official companion to the series, The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is filled with vibrant page-turning designs with complete character breakdowns, interviews (including an insightful chat with stunt coordinator Don Lee) and beautiful pictures from the show and behind-the-scenes.

For a complete synopsis of what to expect from the book, see the official one courtesy of Harper Collins below:


The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans — an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña(Miguel Diaz), Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso), and MUCH MORE!
The show’s creators will give an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai: the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. You will hear directly from the show’s crew, including our stunt team who will give you an exclusive behind the scenes look into fight choreography, journey through the Valley from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo with our set designers, and hear from our composers how the badass soundtrack for the show was conceived. And much more!


What better time than while you wait for the sixth season of the show to read through this incredible guide to all things Cobra Kai? Plus, what would your sensei likely suggest you do? Strike first and get your copy of The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai today.

Check out their official website for more information, including where to buy the book.

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‘A Haunting in Venice’ Marks the Return of Branagh’s Poirot 

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Production on 20th Century Studios’ “A Haunting in Venice,” an unsettling supernatural-thriller inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, is set to begin next month. The film, which is directed by Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”) and features a screenplay by Oscar nominee Michael Green (“Logan”), will shoot at Pinewood Studios outside London and on location in Venice. A brilliant acting ensemble portraying a cast of unforgettable characters will be featured, including Kenneth Branagh, Kyle Allen (“Rosaline”), Camille Cottin (“Call My Agent”), Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”), Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), Jude Hill (“Belfast”), Ali Khan (“6 Underground”), Emma Laird (“Mayor of Kingstown”), Kelly Reilly (“Yellowstone”), Riccardo Scamarico (“Caravaggio’s Shadow”), and Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). “A Haunting in Venice” will open in theatres nationwide in 2023.

Set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve, “A Haunting in Venice” is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

Kenneth Branagh will once again reprise the role of Poirot and will direct the movie as well. Michael Green penned the script, based on Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party. And Production will take place at Pinewood Studios outside London and on location in Venice. In a statement, Kenneth Branagh said:

“This is a fantastic development of the character Hercule Poirot, as well as the Agatha Christie franchise. Based on a complex, little known tale of mystery set at Halloween in a pictorially ravishing city, it is an amazing opportunity for us, as filmmakers, and we are relishing the chance to deliver something truly spine-chilling for our loyal movie audiences.”

Kenneth Brannagh

Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios, added, “We are enormously privileged to continue our long collaboration with the incomparable Sir Kenneth Branagh and couldn’t be more excited by the bold new creative direction Ken, Michael, and the rest of the filmmaking team have taken with this latest film. We also remain grateful to James Prichard and the rest of our friends at Agatha Christie, Ltd., for their partnership and for once again entrusting us with, as Poirot modestly calls himself, ‘probably the greatest detective in the world.’”

I’m such a huge fan of Agatha Christie and of what Branagh has done with the last two films. He’s brought Christie into a contemporary era as we’ve ventured from a murder aboard the Orient Express to a Death along the River Nile. His adaptations are beautifully stylised and this Haunting aesthetic is going to be perfect for an October release maybe?

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