Connect with us
Another Take: 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' gives the audience closure

Movie Reviews

Another Take: ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ gives the audience closure

El Camino is simply the story of Jesse Pinkman, no more no less. 

It’s been six years since Breaking Bad ended its series run. Vince Gilligan introduced audiences to the rich and seedy world of ordinary people turned drug lords. Viewers met Walt and Jesse in 2008 and followed them to notoriety and their inevitable downfall. The series ends with Walt’s well deserved demise and Jesse driving away from enslavement at top speed. This is where El Camino begins. 


El Camino is aptly named as the film centers on Jesse’s road to starting over. In a sort of Sliding Doors take, Jesse wants the life he would have had if he had chosen to get out when he had the chance. El Camino is the story of Jesse Pinkman trying to get a second chance at life. 

Another Take: 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' gives the audience closure

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Just like the series, the show features Gilligan’s dynamic writing and character development. In a show full of murder and hardened criminals, it is stunning when true friendship and love is displayed. Audiences will laugh when Old Joe,played by Larry Hankin, from the junkyard shows up ready to lend a hand. The late Robert Forster returns as Ed to give Jesse a chance to act like a fool and a touch of the old Jesse from before his character encountered such a bad twist of fate. In a series of touching scenes, Skinny Pete and Badger, played by Charles Baker and Matt Jones deliver truly moving performances as they reach out to show empathy and compassion for their estranged friend. 

In the violent world of Breaking Bad, violence is expected. While light on the violence, El Camino has some fantastic action scenes with elements of the Wild West which pairs well with the overall lawlessness of the show.  Aaron Paul gives a spectacular performance in this fast-paced film as he must race against time and contend with PTSD and any left over villains that stand between him and his efforts to escape his past. True to the tone of the show, there are some intense moments where you will find yourself holding your breath followed by comedic relief. 

Another Take: 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' gives the audience closure

Flashbacks allow us to see elements of deceased characters. There is a moment between Walt and Jesse that reminds viewers about their bond. Mike Ehrmantraut attempts to give Jesse some good advice. El Camino also offers up an incredibly eerie scene with Todd, Jack’s go getter, eager to please nephew. Before he was lovable Ed Blumquist on Fargo or the oddball neighbor on Game Night, Jesse Plemons played Todd. Todd was a young criminal trying to please his Nazi uncle and gain favor with Walter White. Walt quickly liked how Todd did as he was told, a character flaw in Jesse Pinkman. Viewers have always known Todd was a killer, but El Camino shows the depths of his derangement. Jesse Plemons plays this wonderfully.

El Camino serves up nostalgia and and an ending for one of television’s most beloved criminals. It will conjure up what viewers loved about Breaking Bad and serves as an epilogue to the show. If you’re looking to see what other characters are up to, then prepare for disappointment. El Camino is simply the story of Jesse Pinkman, no more no less.

Another Take: 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' gives the audience closure
El Camino: A Break Bad Movie
Fantastic
El Camino provides a closure on character whose arch is now complete.
Incredible performances
Excellent writing
Funny and nerve-racking
Great action and tension
This brings some finality to a long and interesting story.
10
Fantastic

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup