(There's definitely spoilers)
The ending of 'Looking' was something really expected by everyone as it was unfairly cancelled after the pure gloriousness that was season 2. The show had so much potential, such an excellent writing and directing by Andrew Haigh and the cast was so on point that it sucked that it all got dropped. But luckily for us, HBO decided to make a film to honor the show and give it a proper ending. Because it deserved it and it shouldn't be tossed away like any other show.
So, we return to San Francisco like Patrick coming back to attend Agustin's and Eddie's wedding, and we feel like we're retuning back home to see old friends. It gives you that feeling because Haigh creates such intimate scenes and dialogues that you feel like you know these characters, these people. And we find that Patrick has somehow ran away from himself back to his childhood home and returned only to face everything he left behind. From his break up with Kevin to his feelings for Richie. Everything right back in a weekend. And while maybe Patrick did some thinking and probably needed time to digest everything, now he had to do something, and we witnessed that. The talk he had with Kevin (who i never ever liked) about their split and how Patrick never really gave it a chance to work things out really touched my soul. Because he never tried, and i've recently been through that with a person who didn't want to at least, try to see if things worked or not, so it was emotional. Also, the force that the conversation had resides precisely on its truthfulness, because with 'Looking' everything feels real and that's its biggest achievement.
Another scene that really stand out was the talk between Agustin and Patrick on top of the hill. It was about Agustin having turned into everything he hated and how he was confused because of that, but good friend Patrick was there to make him see that it's about growing up and that maybe those loathes were precisely fears that he had and overcame now. Agustin is really a character that i despised during the first season but after s2 i feel everyone fell in love with him and i was happy he got a happy ending with Eddie.
As for Richie and Patrick, i was happy that they got back together, they had an amazing chemistry from the beginning and it had to end like that. I know there are many out there who wanted him with Kevin but that was just too messy. Richie and Patrick were just too pretty and if there was going to be a happy ending for him, it had to be with Richie. Because at least they will try and that's the most important thing, whatever that happens.
I'm happy that the show had an ending, someone said that a show doesn't need seven seasons to be perfect, because 'Looking' has been perfect with two and a final movie. And that's it.
After an emotional hiatus, this blog is back. And what a better way to bring it back to life with the trailer of the upcoming finale of 'Looking'. Oh my, what a series. Thankfully, HBO didn't ditch it with its cancellation after season 2 last year and will give it a proper ending, because the shoe deserves it. And now we get to see a peek of what's coming and it's going to be an emotional ride. Because the show is full of feelings and that is its greatest achievement and i don't think it's going to disappoint. Of course some are team Richie or team Kevin (i'm team Richie all the way) so there's something that maybe will not please everyone, but still can't wait to watch it no matter what.
The long length episode will be aired on July 23 so we'll finally see the finale of a show that was amazing while it lasted. Watch the trailer below.
While i don't follow every designer's collection or every fashion week show, these are the three collections that have captured my attention this year (click on link to check the full collection):
As usual, i catch up on movies from last year because here everything gets released a bit later and there have been some really great surprises in cinema this year but i haven't watched as many movies as i would have loved to. But here are the ones that i really loved:
Mommy - this was such an experience to watch and such a mind-blowing movie. I was aware of the good critics it had and it was not disappointing at all. Xavier Dolan makes a film about emotions and you can't help but to feel them all, and it's heartbreaking in a beautiful way. Must-watch.
It Follows - I have already talked about this movie in the 5 Modern Horror Film for Halloween post and i can't recommend it more. It's a film like none other and it gives you 80s vibes, and that's a good thing. Watch it and get intrigued yourself, the less you know about this movie, the better but watch it.
Relatos salvajes - this Argentinian movie was amazing, a combination of drama stories with a lot of comedy ones and it is so worth watching that even if you don't speak Spanish you have to give it a try because it's so, so good.
Whiplash - was another super nice surprise, in my opinion deserved the Oscar for Best Film instead of 'Birdman', but anyway, the film has superb and over the edge performances that make the movie so exciting and powerful with all that drumming that it stand out for me among the other nominees from last year.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - And what about 'Star Wars'? i'm a fan of the old trilogy so imagine my surprise when this new movie was nothing like the new saga from a few years ago and so like the good old movies. It contains all the excitement and nostalgia that the original trilogy had and it feels like coming home. Maybe it's not as superb as those movies but it has the same feeling and i can't wait for the rest.
The Hateful Eight - while i'm still processing this film as i've just watched it, i had to include it here. It may be too long or whatever but it was good old Tarantino as i have missed in other recent movies like 'Django Unchained' or 'Inglourious Basterds'. Those movies are ok but i felt like there was something missing from his signature style. Anyway, while maybe i found the ending kinda weak, the rest is amazing, and keeps you guessing all the time. That and a ton of great and charismatic characters (which i think that that was precisely missing from his two previous films) makes a nearly perfect movie that may be not his best but is far from its worst film. Watch it and decide for yourself.
TV Shows
It has been a really exciting year when it comes to TV shows, i don't think i ever started watching so many series in a year like this one. So many brand new good shows like starting for my fave one that can't be none other than 'Scream Queens', it was so good and such a guilty pleasure that i'm suffering withdrawal now that it's over; also, 'Unreal' has been such a pleasant surprise, i binge-watched the whole first season in less than a week and it was so, so good i got two friends of mine hooked to it (which is never easy). 'Scream' has also been one of the top shows this year, i don't think noone expected it to be any good but it was. 'Flesh and Bone', which i just finished watching, was simply mind-blowing and i have to make a post next year about it because it's so worth-watching, you have no idea. Currently i'm watching 'Jessica Jones' and i can't comment on it until i watch the whole first season but i'm liking it so far; and, 'Younger' which was a breeze of fresh air, a simple but cute comedy that has replaced my good feeling series that was 'Hart of Dixie', that had its final season this year. Because this year a few series that i loved have come to an end, like 'Hart of Dixie' as i said, which had run its course but had such a nice ending that made you feel sad about it. Also, the cancellation of 'Looking' was something so disappointing and unfair, luckily it will have a closure but is still so sad after having such a great season this year. 'Cougar Town' also came to and end but it was dead good funny till its very end. And this year has also been the comeback of 'The Comeback', which i just started watching and it was something else, really enjoyed it.
As for the other shows that i was already watching, 'Game of Thrones' remained one of the best series of the year despite people saying that it's not as good as it used to be. 'Girls' didn't disappoint and had a lot of heartfelt moments in between comedic ones, which i love; surprisingly, 'Grey's Anatomy' continues to be interesting after so many seasons and i can't help but keep watching; 'Orange is the New Black' was ok, i enjoyed the third season but not as much as the two other seasons, such a shame; 'Faking It' has continued to be good but somehow has lost its freshness so soon but it's still fun to watch; and 'Awkward', big sister of 'Faking It', it's about to end next year and well, while it's not as good as it used to be, it will be missed. 'Broad City' remained flawless as it is and i quit watching 'American Horror Story: Hotel' after one ep because that's one big mess.
When it comes to reality shows, 'Barely Famous' and 'Dash Dolls' have been the brand new two shows that i started watching and while the first one was really hilarious and you should watch it, the Dash girls were something entertaining if you like the Kardashians and such.
Musique
When it comes to music, these four albums have been the ones i played most because, what a little gem is Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Emotion'? It's a perfect pop album and i don't think it's valued as it should be. Also, Madonna made a great comeback with 'Rebel Heart', her best album in years and i hope she continues that way. 'Miley Cyrus and her Dead Petz' was also a nice surprise because i don't think noone expected an album like this coming from her and it was fantastic. And 'Communion' by Years & Years was the most fantastic debut album that little by little, with each listen grew on me.
Terrible, terrible news from HBO, 'Looking' has been cancelled and all its viewers are really devastated. Andrew Haigh's series has been so acclaimed and so good that this seems unfair, rushed and disappointing. HBO has announced that they're gonna shoot a movie special to wrap up all stories but fuck you very much HBO, a show this great doesn't deserve an ending like this.
Anyway, as there's no other way, and as i had already planned to do, here there are 'Looking's season 2's best moments and scenes which is something bittersweet to make now. I'm so frustrated with this cancellation, fuck you HBO.
Fashion
This year Elie Saab's Spring/Summer collection blew me away but also the gorgeosity of Ralph & Russo's Spring Couture, designers i didn't know about:
But most recently, the one that amazed everyone with its beauty is Valentino's Sala Bianca Haute Couture, all in white and so delicate and immaculate that i'm even posting the finale of its NY show because, look for yourself, it's beauty in movement:
Movies
I have to admit that i haven't watched many movies this year and i had to catch up with some of 2013 because they hadnt been released here. So, i'm including a few from last year that are really worth it but my number 1 of the year has to be 'Under the Skin':
Under the Skin - this blew my mind in so many ways that i still have it on my head. That epic ending, the photography, the Mica Levi OST that creeps the hell out of you, Scarlett Johansson's touching performance, the devastating truth of what the movie wants to tell the viewer is something not everyone fully appreciates. Truly one of the weirdest movies out there and that makes her even more special and unique.
Her - What can be said about Spike Jonze's modern love story at this point? It really touches you in ways you can't comprehend and also you can relate to the loneliness of Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) so much that it kinda hurts.
Short Term 12 (Las vidas de Grace) - Another film that was released on 2013 but i have to include it here. I already talked about it but i couldn't recommend this movie more because it's so touching and beautiful that will steal your heart. And you have a good cry with it as well which is not bad at all.
Nymphomaniac - As a full movie with both of its parts, it really works out. Because if you only watch the first part and then the second, this last one is a little weak. So it's better to watch the complete movie because Lars Von Trier's latest and most polemic movie is something that explores sexuality as well as human nature and the result is kinda great. It has a weak ending but overall i really liked it.
Palo Alto - Gia Coppola's directing debut is worth mentioning because without being a great story, it really depicts today's youth – its boredom, failed aspirations and the not so certain future they have in front of themselves. That's perhaps the greatest thing about the movie, it really captures that time as it is and she also does it with a lot of taste and pretty images. Beware of what's to come from the newest Coppola director.
Boyhood - i was really looking forward to watch it and i have to admit that i really liked it. It shows you how we're only a series of milestones and that we, more or less, we all go through the same process when growing up, as simple as that. I really loved Patricia Arquette's performance and the OST is really amazing but now i can't wait for Richard Linklater to make a 'Girlhood'. Please, it has to be done.
TV Shows
This year i discovered two shows that are already among my favorites like the hilarious 'Broad City' (please watch it because it's really something else) and 'Looking' which is so full of feelings that i barely can't stand it.
Apart from those, 'Game of Thrones' continued to be fucking amazing starting with that epic second episode 'The Lion and the Rose' and its OMFG ending. 'Girls' continued to be something that really gets me to the core and that is very dear to me (with the 'Beach House' ep being the epitome of epic) ; 'Grey's Anatomy' had a really good start after the departure of Cristina Yang's character so i still have faith in the show. 'American Horror Story: Coven' was fucking flawless despite the haters and 'Freak Show' started really bad but it's gotten better and it's fun to watch. And 'Pretty Little Liars' continued to be the guiltiest pleasure ever, which is good.
On the other hand, the much awaited season of 'Orange of the New Black' was a little bit OK, not bad, but not as flawless as the first season but i'm still gonna watch it like crazy when a new season comes out. 'True Detective' was worth watching but somehow i didn't love it as much as everyone else. 'True Blood''s season finale turned to be surprisingly good despite the ending and other shows ending next year are the feel good series 'Hart of Dixie', 'Awkward', which is not as great as it used to be, and the always funny 'Cougar Town' which i will really miss. 'New Girl' though was kinda OK, nothing really surprising. And i finally quit '2 Broke Girls' because it turned to be really boring and it has basically no plot so why bother.
The trailer of 'Looking''s season 2 is out and i've got so many feelings. It took me quite a while to start watching this show and a few eps to really get into things with it, but once you do is so, so worth it. Andrew Haigh's 'Weekend' was absolutely fantastic and by the looks of it season 2 is not gonna disappoint.
i really can't recommend this show more and i can't wait for this new season either because it will have 10 episodes instead of the 8 eps the1st season had, so at least we'll get more from these guys that really steal your heart, even when you don't even like them – like it happens with AgustÃn. Between 'Girls' and 'Looking' January can't come soon enough.
(Spoilerish)
It took me quite a while to watch this show, even though i fucking adored 'Weekend' by Andrew Haigh and i highly recommend it to anyone who likes simple stories but with a lot of meaning and depth. Anyway, the thing is that i had really high hopes for 'Looking', and while at first watching the first episodes i felt kinda disappointed (the show stars developing really slowly, just like the Andrew Haigh movie), in the end i absolutely adored it.
Initially compared to HBO's other show 'Girls', really loose comparison in my opinion, the key of this show is getting to know the three main characters little by little, even though that means that you don't like them at first or don't understand their actions (like it happened to me with AgustÃn), but also that shows Haigh's accuracy to write characters and stories. As simple as they are or as common, it depicts real life itself and that's the greatness, and i think, the reason behind the success of 'Looking'. It doesn't matter if you're not a gay living in San Francisco, or a man for that matter, you can relate to their stories and their feelings, and that's something that also happened in 'Weekend'. For me, the most touching moment of this season was when Patrick, after having sex with his boss Kevin - allowing him to go backdoor when he never allowed that to his love interest Richie, meets him and realises his mistake and how he's not ready to get committed in a relationship with him. I could relate to that, doing everything wrong or with the wrong person and being aware of that, but doing it anyway, because something in your guts tells you that you're scared and you simply can't take a step.
It's not a show for everyone, just as 'Weekend' it's not a movie for anyone, so i recommend it for those who like real stories, who have no rush when watching a show and, of course, anyone who liked Haigh's movie. I seriously can't wait for the second season.
Posts
