The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘ El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ is a fun ride
The last time we saw Jesse Pinkman ( Aaron Paul) at the end of “Breaking Bad,” which aired in 2013, he was fleeing the massacre at the Brotherhood compound initiated by his former partner in crime, Walter White ( Bryan Cranston), who died in the process.
In “El Camino’s” opening flashback, Jesse and a not- yet-dead Mike ( Jonathan Banks) discuss what they would do with their lives if they could successfully get out of the game, with Mike planting Alaska as a fantasy for Jesse’s hypothetical escape. The film follows the immediate aftermath of Jesse’s escape from the compound, with the help of old friends Skinny Pete ( Charles Edward Baker) and Badger ( Matt L. Jones), to flee from authorities and find vacuum repairman/” disappearer” Ed Galbraith ( Robert Forster, who died on the same day the film was released).
After all the trauma Jesse endured for five seasons, it’s nice to see the character get the story he deserves, written, directed and produced by “Breaking Bad” creator and head writer Vince Gilligan. It’s wholly unnecessary, but it’s fun, and the combination is oddly satisfying. Out on DVD now.
Also new on DVD Oct. 13
■ “Bad Mothers”: Australian mystery series follows five women involved with infidelity and murder.
■ “Broil”: After making a shocking discovery about her family, a teenager’s ( Avery Konrad) lifeline may be a culinary-inclined assassin ( Timothy V. Murphy).
■ “Doorman”: An ex- soldier ( Ruby Rose) must protect her family from a group of sinister thieves.
■ “Requiem for a
Dream”: The 2000 film starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly is being released in 4K Ultra HD for its 20th anniversary.
Out on digital HD Oct. 13
■ “Fatima”: A group of Portuguese children sees apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, leading to challenges by officials.
■ “Seized”: An ex- special agent ( Scott Adkins) must take down a gang to save his son.
■ “The Wall of Mexico”:
A rich Mexican American family builds a wall around their property to stop passersby from taking water. Stars Jackson Rathbone, Esai Morales and Marisol Sacramento.
■ “When the Storm Fades”: Docu-dramedy follows the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.