Is El Camino: The Breaking Bad Movie Better Than The Original Series?

From the very first season, Breaking Bad captured my heart. This show, along with others like Prison Break, molded my love for TV shows. What exactly was it about Breaking Bad that piqued my interest? Perhaps it was my affinity for the drug scene or the portrayal of a cancer-stricken, drug-slaying middle-aged hero. Jessy (now Jesse), the excitable meth cook, was my favorite character, with his iconic lines and gripping performances. My obsession with the show escalated to the point where I watched it a half-century or so of times! Although I have seen many shows that are superior, Breaking Bad remains unmatched, as does its spin-off Breaking Better Call Saul: it's the badass lawyer, Saul Goodman. Fearing I would never get to see the genius of Vince Gilligan again, I welcomed an unexpected surprise: a new Breaking Bad movie centered around Pinkman, the last seen of the TV series speeding off in a stolen Chevrolet El Camino. Bring it, I say!

The Aftermath of El Camino

The movie is much like the series, albeit a little less intense. There are some intriguing flashbacks providing insight into Jesse's time with the Nazis. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, appreciating the chance to revisit these characters after a long hiatus. However, I didn’t find it particularly essential to the overall story arc.

Walter White’s Absence and Character Development

The main distinction between the movie and the series lies in the absence of Walter White. Without him, except in flashbacks, the movie struggles to captivate the audience the way Breaking Bad did. Sequels that don’t include the lead actor from a previous success often face a disadvantage, and in this case, Walter is the missing link. The absence of other integral characters like Skyler, Hank, Saul, and Mike also adversely impacts the story. It’s akin to eating your favorite oven-baked dish raw!

Vince Gilligan’s Adaptation and Cinematography

Vince Gilligan’s performance in the movie leaves much to be desired. The cinematography, however, is visually breathtaking. Jesse Pinkman attempts to step up, but it is not enough given his previous heights. In the movie, he is largely in isolation, with minimal emotional chemistry, especially during the action scenes. The screenplay fails to offer much emotional depth, making the movie less engaging.

The Conclusion of Breaking Bad

Despite its shortcomings, the movie serves as a fitting farewell to one of television's most powerful and enduring crime stories. It’s worth watching once, especially for fans of the series.

In conclusion, while the movie El Camino offers a nostalgic return to the world of Breaking Bad, its overall quality may not match the brilliance of the original series. The absence of key characters and the failure to maintain the emotional depth of the show’s serialized format result in a compelling but perhaps less impactful film.