Manta, Manta: Legacy 4K 2023

Til Schweiger's latest directorial effort, which is very much to his liking. The sequel after 30 years of the original movie is truly more concrete and with a universal controlling idea a la 'Fathers and Children'.

It is worth mentioning at once that you should not watch this picture in isolation from 'Risky Races', as the main and almost the only task of the current movie show is not only to remind about the old times of Germany in the early 90's, but also to play beautifully on the strings of nostalgia, along the way causing both laughter and tears of happiness. Yes, this is a modern movie about German buzzers, so it is intended for actual teenagers. There is also a place for European agenda regarding quirks, but it does not affect the plot or the general sense, but on the contrary it adds comedy to what is going on. The message is universal: the relationship between father and teenage son within the framework of divorced parents and the proverbial credo 'Family is my life'. The rhythmic and engaging script with a lighthearted plot is one to turn on and relax body and soul. An enjoyable and light entertainment for two hours of your life to unload your brain.

The acting is great: Schweiger is cool as always. It's nice to see the entire original cast after thirty years, even though everyone has aged noticeably. Ruland, Kessler, Schweiger Jr, Schultz, Tirasoglu, Goliath - everyone is good, and well played their characters, which you believe and empathize with. The camerawork and editing are okay. The eye is pleased with the really filmed race on the track, although there are questions about the sports behavior, but everything is due to the plot. The payoffs are smooth. The soundtrack is solidly electronic music classics. Oldies get high.

'Manta, Manta: Legacy' is one case where the sequel isn't as 'lampooned' as the original, but is quite specific and focused on story and drama. Abundant with nice actors, funny humor, shooting on location and the 'eternal' theme of human relationships within the family, the picture is simply a joy, and this is the case when everything is almost perfect, and you don't want to change anything in it. I took off a point for the fact that the original was thought-provoking while watching, which the sequel could not do, but it, due to the nostalgic 'message', confidently beats out a stingy male tear at the end of the second act, which says a lot. I liked it.