Note: This review includes spoilers for 'Breaking Bad'. I recommend watching the series before diving into this review.
The 1981 Chevrolet El Camino elegantly melds the comfort of a sedan with the practicality of a pickup truck. Known for its distinctive, boxy front fascia, quad headlights, and a prominent, simple grille, it boasts a sleek silhouette that doesn't compromise on performance or fuel efficiency. Interestingly, this vintage vehicle also lends its name to a movie that picks up after the conclusion of 'Breaking Bad'. For those yet to see 'El Camino,' you might wonder why a film would be named after a car. The reason is simple yet significant within the film's context—though I won't delve into spoilers here. Join me as we explore whether 'El Camino' lives up to the legacy of 'Breaking Bad' in this review.
Alaska. Start over. Start fresh.
'El Camino' picks up right where 'Breaking Bad' left off, focusing on Jesse Pinkman. Now a fugitive, Jesse is desperately trying to evade the DEA, who have identified him as Heisenberg's accomplice. His ultimate goal is to start a new life in Alaska. I view 'El Camino' not as a standalone movie with a new storyline, but as the proper conclusion to the 'Breaking Bad' saga. While 'Breaking Bad' concluded Walter White's story, it left Jesse's fate uncertain. 'El Camino' provides a satisfying resolution to his journey. Additionally, the pacing, which I noted as inconsistent in 'Breaking Bad,' is well-managed here, contributing to a seamless continuation of the story. Also, unlike 'Breaking Bad,' this movie heavily relies on flashbacks that introduce new scenes, enhancing our understanding of Jesse's character and the trials he endured, which shapes him into the person he becomes by the end of the saga.
Dude, you’re my hero and s***.
Since 'El Camino' unfolds within the 'Breaking Bad' universe, it reintroduces several characters from the series, emphasizing their roles in the conclusion of Jesse Pinkman’s narrative. Todd Alquist, Jack Welker’s nephew and a member of the neo-Nazi gang, returns in pivotal flashback scenes that enhance his interactions with Jesse. Another significant character is Ed Galbraith, the discreet fixer capable of giving Jesse a chance at a new life, critical to his aim of escaping to Alaska. The film also includes a key flashback involving Jesse and Mike Ehrmantraut, a former associate of Gustavo Fring and Heisenberg, which subtly reveals why Jesse is drawn to Alaska as his escape destination.
'El Camino' also introduces new characters who play crucial roles in Jesse’s storyline. The antagonist, Neil Kandy, owns a welding business with ties to the neo-Nazi group associated with Todd. His assistant, Casey, though less developed, plays a secondary role. Despite their significance to the plot, both characters suffer from minimal development and lack of context, which makes them less compelling compared to a well-rounded villain like Gustavo Fring. This issue could have been mitigated with deeper backstory and more screen time to enrich their contributions to the narrative.
Quit running and get some help.
Directed by Vince Gilligan, 'El Camino' showcases the same high-caliber acting we've come to expect from the 'Breaking Bad' universe. However, an unexpected surprise arises with the character Todd Alquist. Known in 'Breaking Bad' for being somewhat slim, Todd appears considerably more robust in 'El Camino.' It’s as if he’s indulged in a marathon of cheeseburgers, each accompanied by a side of fries and a large Coke. His noticeably chunkier appearance in the flashback scenes, which are meant to predate the series’ finale, introduces a continuity hiccup. This significant change is jarring, as maintaining Todd’s original appearance would have preserved the film's authenticity and seamless connection to 'Breaking Bad.' This oversight stands out as the major flaw in the continuation of Jesse Pinkman's story.
Godspeed to you.
The cinematography in 'El Camino' maintains the high standards set by 'Breaking Bad,' and in certain scenes, it even surpasses them. One particularly memorable scene is a flashback featuring Jesse and Todd heading into the New Mexico countryside for , let's say, a bit of digging. The camera work in this sequence is exceptional, capturing the rustic charm and unique dual-toned hills of the desert landscape in stunning detail. This visual excellence starkly contrasts with the tense undercurrent of Jesse's emotional struggles during the trip. It's a potent mix of breathtaking scenery and deep personal conflict, highlighting the film's exquisite cinematography and its ability to enhance the storytelling.
It's better to make those decisions for yourself.
In my 'Breaking Bad' review, I noted how music often reflects the mood of a scene, a technique commonly utilized across films and series. 'El Camino' continues this tradition, adhering to the high musical standards set by its predecessor. The soundtrack cleverly employs various musical genres to enhance specific scenes. A standout moment in the film is the ending, where the music plays a pivotal role in encapsulating Jesse Pinkman’s evolution from the beginning of 'Breaking Bad' to the conclusion of 'El Camino'. The score in this final scene not only aligns with the emotional tenor of the moment but also effectively enriches the narrative's emotional impact.
You didn’t have to wait your whole life to do something special.
'El Camino' should not be viewed as a standalone movie with a distinct storyline; rather, it serves as an epilogue to the 'Breaking Bad' saga. I watched this film immediately after finishing 'Breaking Bad', and if you were to ask me about the ending of that series without having seen 'El Camino', I'd say it felt abrupt and left many threads unresolved. This prompted me to dive straight into 'El Camino', seeking a more satisfying conclusion—and thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. The movie, spanning two hours, kept me engaged with its clever use of flashbacks, excellent acting, and striking cinematography. Although Todd's changed appearance was a bit jarring and even humorous, it didn't detract from the overall experience. With 'El Camino' wrapped up, my journey through the 'Breaking Bad' universe isn't over yet—I still have 'Better Call Saul' to tackle, and you can be sure I'll share my thoughts on it once I'm done!
I give 'El Camino' a solid 90 on the Vigor Scale. My advice: watch it immediately after finishing 'Breaking Bad' for the best experience. If you try watching 'El Camino' before concluding 'Breaking Bad', you'll likely miss out on the full impact due to the interconnectedness of the storyline. Essentially, if 'Breaking Bad' wasn't to your liking, then 'El Camino' probably won't be either. For those of you who loved 'Breaking Bad' but haven’t yet seen 'El Camino'—what are you waiting for? Go watch it now!