Fantasmas

Just watched the first episode of "Fantasmas" and wow, it's crazy funny! 😂 It's kinda like Family Guy, with cutaways from the main story, but the cutaways are more like the early Family Guy episodes - super cool and hilarious. Those cutaways really make this show a gem! The episode starts off with this weird plot about the letter "Q" and a pink teddy bear. I know, sounds random, right? But trust me, it works! 🐻 The characters are all over the place, but in a good way. Their conversations had me laughing out loud for real. There's this mix of old-school vibes and really out-there comedy that keeps you watching. Some of the sketches are just bizarre, but in a fun way. If you're into weird humor and stories that don't make sense (in a good way), you should totally check this out! I'm not usually good at writing reviews, but I had to share how much I enjoyed this. The first episode was so random and funny, I can't wait to see what happens next. It's definitely not your average show, but that's what makes it awesome. Not sure if everyone will get it, but if you like offbeat stuff, give it a try. It's got this unique vibe that's hard to explain, but it's totally worth watching. Can't believe this is my first IMDB review, but this show deserved it! 😄👍

"Fantasmas" on HBO is a must-watch! Julio Torres has created something really unique and hilarious. The show follows him in a strange version of New York City where he refuses to get a Proof of Existence card, leading to all sorts of quirky adventures. The humor is a mix of absurd and thoughtful, making each episode a delightful surprise. The characters are fantastic, with standout performances from Emma Stone, Steve Buscemi, and Aidy Bryant. The visuals are amazing too, with colorful sets and great costumes that add to the show's whimsical feel. What makes "Fantasmas" special is how it naturally includes diverse and queer characters, making it fresh and inclusive without being forced. It's a perfect blend of funny and meaningful moments that keep you engaged. Overall, "Fantasmas" is creative, visually stunning, and full of memorable moments. It's a great pick if you love smart, weird, and wonderfully crafted comedy.

I think that that the negative reviews are borne from people either not understanding or trying to apply logic to what is undoubtedly the quirkiest, funniest series I've ever seen. Highly unconventional, totally bizarre, and above all, hilarious, this series is without logic - don't try to understand it, just strap yourself in for a helluva ride. The humour is not quite American, not quite British, but takes the best elements of both. I was spellbound by it, unable to recall what the original 'plot' was, as the story flew off it multiple tangents, each more surreal and ridiculous than the last. Try it, you won't regret it.

This show was hilarious to me. The line delivery of the actors just kill it. In less experienced hands some of the ideas could have waffled completely flat, but this ensemble just nails it (even when they are making fun of people from the Midwest like me who love NYC Pizza). The way Vanesja delivers her lines is great. She's an amazing character. Every time Bibo interrupts Julio it cracked me up (I want a Bibo action figure). Chester has a moment that I guffawed maybe a bit too loud at... there wasn't an episode that went by that didn't make me laugh out loud. This is all mixed in with a season arc that has Julio trying to be himself without being pigeon-holed in a stereotype. I don't know why, but by the end I was crying (I AM human?). I've never watched anything from Julio before except the sketches on SNL (Wells For Boys is a standout), but I will have to track down Los Espookys now. I really hope this gets a 2nd season. It's a quick 6 episodes in a surrealist absurdist universe and there's really nothing else like it in tone that I can think of. It reminds me a little of the Mighty Boosch or even when I was a kid watching Peewee's Playhouse in the way that it presents a unique voice without compromise. Will it ruffle a few feathers from haters? Probably. Will there be people that scoff at it and don't understand the humor? Absolutely. But those people probably aren't fun to be around anyway.

Magandang pelikula!

Magandang pelikula!

Magandang pelikula!

Stylish, quirky, and confidently weird. I love it. Look forward to each episode with shameless glee. So calmly absurd, quietly insightful and artfully presented. It gives me joy. Vanesja, Chester, Bibo, Q, Pirulinpinpina, I love them all and can't wait to meet more. I really hope Torres continues to make film and tv for years to come. He's got a visual style I am becoming quite addicted to. That, and the dialog. His characters say the craziest things and yet somehow entirely character appropriate. It's magic. I recently watched Problemista and Tilda Swinton's character... the things she says... I mean she is horrible and truly difficult but still you end up really liking her. I can't wait to see what else he's got cooking up.

Now, I am not the type to gravitate towards surrealist narratives, since often times I think they're masturbatory and rely on shock value or randomness to make up for a lack of authenticity or point. This show, however, defies that and creates a universe that, surrealist and shape-shifting as it is, makes perfect sense to me. It is risky in form, since it'll give you protagonist whiplash, but the main character's struggle is one I understand and can extrapolate to real life, as well as a lot of the pressures that the subplots encapsulate metaphorically or, sometimes, even too literally. I find myself wanting the return of these side characters. Some resonate, some don't, but they're all a large swing. Perhaps it's because I have seen Torres' previous work, and I have a sense of his preoccupations and themes of interest, but to me this is a perfect encapsulation of his world. This show has made me laugh and has left me mouth agape several times in three episodes. It is TV's most interesting show at the moment, and it is my favourite trip to go on lately. Ps. If for nothing else, this show is fun enough just because of the cameo lalapalooza of pop culture icons.

I threw this on because I was bored of horror films and it made me laugh out loud. I love the coloring and the set design. Some of the dialogue is campy but the story kind of supports it. The random trailing off into weird ads on the TV or a salesman on the phone were my favorite parts so far. I'm interested to see where this goes next. Guests stars are holding up the story and that's not the best, but the characters along with their back stories are funny and intriguing. I hope Julio finds his earring, it's so precious. I also love the fact that there is a gender called gay, it's kind of funny and it makes you think "what if the world was actually that way."