Delving into part two of The Get Down on Netflix was met with a bit of trepidation, I must admit, but the reasoning is all because of my trust issues and bitter break-ups with music related shows on television.
You see, as a self-professed music lover, I had been down this road many times before. A much talked about TV drama surrounding the music industry and adjacent culture has, once again, come to grace our screens despite how many preceding shows have attempted and failed this very pursuit. Maybe I still haven’t gotten over the cancellations of shows like Vinyl and Roadies, stealing my heart with one season only to be cut short with the resounding blow of a network executive’s gavel.
Creators Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Guirgis deserve much credit for having made this show an on-demand exclusive two-part series to begin with. It must have been a wise and calculated decision in order to take viewers on a fast and wild ride without leaving its fate in the hands of a forced finale, or worse yet, a dreaded abrupt cancellation.
Knowing what I was getting myself into definitely made this show much more enjoyable; this was just a fling, a binge-watch romance that would end as quickly as it started, leaving me satisfied with fondness and good memories. Perhaps this creative duo has cracked the code to creating quality musical television that makes an impact without abandoning loyal viewers with nothing but plot holes and eternal emptiness (I swear, I’m not bitter). This is undeniably something future writers should take note of, not that I wouldn’t love a 10 season, decade-spanning show about rock n roll, but I digress…
Part two of The Get Down picks up right where it left off without skipping a beat, all to the familiar and enchanting voice of Nas, the narrator and impeccably smooth lyrical poet. One of the aspects that I really appreciate about the production is their ability to remain period appropriate with 70s hip-hop and disco fashion, décor and ultra funky vehicle interiors. Even the lighting in certain shots really gave the feeling of being present in an era without LED bulbs and 21st century minimalism. The well planned set placed you in the heart of the Bronx with the good, bad and the sometimes ugly aspects of New York City during a time of civil unrest and revolution. While I did notice that some of the dialogue included slang that is more relevant today than almost five decades ago, it gave this period piece a more contemporary vibe so it became less and less distracting as the episodes raged on.
Part one exhaustively helped us piece together the good guys and the bad guys, for the most part, leaving just enough ambiguity to make us second guess trusting certain main characters. The plot was running on all eight cylinders with many avenues that all lead back to our main character, Zeke Figuero, having to paddle through conflict upstream between his musical group, the love of his life and the prospect of Yale on the horizon with all of the familial pressure that comes along with becoming a young adult.
However, in part two, the plot segues were a bit shaky, leaving the hip hop narrative in the backseat to the impending drama of Mr. Cadillac, Fat Annie and Shaolin as well as Mylene and her overbearing father, Pastor Ramon, and did I also mention that Mylene’s mom is having an affair with Papa Fuerte, her husband’s brother, politician, community leader, record executive and, gasp- Mylene’s real father? But wait, there’s more! Actually, there’s a lot more. So much so that one could easily get lost in all of the different paths and plot lines.
Between focus on The Get Down Brothers, Mylene’s career with the Soul Madonnas and the many tribulations she faced with her father and record executives, the show essentially became a shell of itself in the beginning of part two. While I personally enjoyed all of the drama with my tub of popcorn, the show started to feel like a never ending telenovela versus a show that was based around the ins and outs of the music industry and rise of hip hop as we know it today.
While we were distracted by the dramatics happening within each character’s life, the many messages this show may have set out to spread were lost, especially as we approached the final few episodes where the storyline really put the pedal to the metal. Characters metaphorically and literally imploded with sudden self-revelations and life changing decisions very quickly in an almost avalanche-like path of destruction. Did it all happen too fast? For someone who isn’t as invested into the characters, I’d say the timing was just right. For those of us who would have liked to spend more time dissecting the many diabolical relationships involved and the various salacious exchanges between characters that ensued, we could have held on for a couple more episodes, at least.
So, this really begs the question, will there be a part three? They certainly left us with enough mental material at the end of part two to work with, and perhaps that’s why it ended so abruptly, like a truck flooring itself off the edge of a cliff. The writers are surely onto something with this show, and they could potentially take it further. If this series does return, I’d like to see a little bit more of a streamlined plot focus that isn’t so clouded by theatrics. Baz certainly has a signature style (a la Moulin Rouge) which makes for an exciting set that is alluring to the eye, but it would be good to match that intensity with a stronger and more refined story without all of the extra trimmings. With both Mylene and Zeke venturing off onto their own journeys in the final episode, it could cut down on a lot of the extra storylines and eliminate plot holes that were distracting.
Overall, this show exceeded my expectations and was worthy of a binge-watch, thus restoring my faith in shows about music. Although that musical plot wavered a bit, and involved some musical acts that went on for a couple minutes too long, as they all tend to do, the closing credits left us with the inspiring knowledge that soon after the final scene, the epic record “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang was released- an exciting conclusion that left us wanting more while also imagining where this story could go from here.
Written by: Lea Maric
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
“Mechanic Rocky” is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film that marks the directorial debut of Ravi Teja Mullapudi, who also penned the script. Produced by Ram Talluri under SRT Entertainments, the film features Vishwak Sen in the titular role, with Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath as the female leads. The technical crew includes Manojh Reddy Katasani handling cinematography, Anwar Ali in charge of editing, and Jakes Bejoy composing the music.
The narrative centers on Rakesh, affectionately known as Rocky, a cheerful mechanic who operates his family’s auto repair shop. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes entangled with two women, Apsara and Priya, both of whom develop romantic interests in him. Complications escalate as Ranki Reddy, a ruthless land grabber portrayed by Sunil, sets his sights on Rocky’s garage, leading to a series of confrontations that blend action, drama, and elements of comedy.
Vishwak Sen delivers a commendable performance, embodying Rocky with a blend of charm and intensity that resonates well with the audience. Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath provide solid support, each bringing depth to their respective roles. Sunil’s portrayal of the antagonist adds a compelling layer to the film, enhancing the overall narrative.
The film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, complements the storyline effectively, with tracks like “Gulledu Gulledu” and “Oo Pillo” standing out for their catchy tunes and engaging choreography.
Critically, “Mechanic Rocky” has received mixed reviews. The Times of India describes it as “an underdog tale blending drama, action, and redemption,” highlighting its genre-blending approach. Great Andhra notes that the film “feels like two different films,” with a tedious first half and a more engaging second half. 123telugu.com echoes this sentiment, stating that while the second half is gripping, the first half is dull, ultimately calling it a “decent watch.”
In conclusion, “Mechanic Rocky” offers a blend of action, comedy, and drama, with strong performances and engaging music. However, its uneven pacing and predictable plot developments may detract from the overall experience for some viewers. As an entertainment journalist and Indian cinema enthusiast, I would rate “Mechanic Rocky” a 6 out of 10, acknowledging its strengths while noting areas where it could have delivered more effectively.
Rating: 8/10
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Studio: Focus Features
Cast: Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok), Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter)
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a stunning reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror classic, blending a gothic atmosphere with Eggers’ meticulous attention to historical authenticity. The film succeeds in delivering an eerie, slow-burn horror experience that respects its source material while bringing a modern edge to the genre.
Bill Skarsgård shines as the grotesque and unsettling Count Orlok, his performance capturing the monster’s primal terror with chilling intensity. Opposite him, Lily-Rose Depp brings emotional depth to Ellen, combining vulnerability and quiet strength as she navigates Orlok’s dark obsession. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Thomas Hutter adds a grounded, human element to the supernatural narrative, providing a strong counterbalance to the horror.
The film is a visual triumph, with cinematographer Jarin Blaschke’s use of chiaroscuro lighting creating a hauntingly gothic ambiance reminiscent of German Expressionism. Every frame is a masterpiece, enriched by intricate period-accurate production design and costumes. Robin Carolan’s haunting score enhances the foreboding tone, immersing audiences in the shadowy world of 19th-century Europe.
Eggers’ direction is deliberate, favoring atmosphere and tension over jump scares. This methodical approach may challenge viewers seeking more conventional horror pacing but rewards patience with an experience steeped in dread and unease.
However, the film’s stylized nature can create a sense of emotional detachment for some audiences, and its slow pacing may not resonate universally. Despite these minor critiques, Nosferatu stands as a testament to Eggers’ commitment to crafting meaningful, atmospheric cinema.
For fans of gothic horror and classic cinema, Nosferatu is a must-see that revitalizes a seminal narrative with artistry and reverence.
Top Five anime in 2024
Mechanic Rocky
Nosferatu
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