Eva Longoria, known for her roles in Hollywood, takes on a new venture in ‘Necaxa,’ a Disney+ documentary series. The show follows her investment in the Mexican football team Club Necaxa, drawing comparisons to the hit series ‘Welcome to Wrexham.’ However, does Longoria’s attempt to recreate the magic of celebrity-driven sports documentaries succeed, or does it fall short? This review delves into the heart of ‘Necaxa,’ examining its highs and lows, and whether it manages to capture the passion and excitement of its predecessor. As the Desperate Housewives star tries her hand at sports ownership, we explore if the series offers more than just a surface-level glimpse into the world of Mexican football.
With Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ fame making appearances, ‘Necaxa’ aims to leverage the success of its counterpart. Yet, the documentary struggles to find its unique identity, often feeling like a diluted version of the original. From the club’s history to Longoria’s personal connection, the series navigates various facets but fails to ignite genuine emotional investment. The question remains: Can ‘Necaxa’ rise above the shadow of ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ or is it destined to be a painful reminder of what could have been?
The Shadow of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’
The unexpected success of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ has undoubtedly set a new standard for sports documentaries. Its genuine storytelling and underdog narrative resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a tough act to follow. ‘Necaxa’ inevitably draws comparisons, and the series struggles to carve out its own niche. While ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ captured the hearts of viewers with its authentic portrayal of a community rallying behind their football club, ‘Necaxa’ seems to lack that same emotional depth.
According to a review in The Guardian, ‘all the peculiar magic of the parent show is painfully absent.’ This sentiment echoes throughout the series, as Longoria’s attempt to replicate the formula falls flat. The involvement of Reynolds and McElhenney feels more like a cameo than an integral part of the story, further highlighting the show’s struggle to find its own identity. The series needed to create it’s own identity instead of trying to be something that it is not.
Club Necaxa: A History of Highs and Lows
Club Necaxa, once a dominant force in Mexico City, experienced a decline that led to its relocation to Aguascalientes in 2003. Despite securing its elite status in the Mexican first division, the club has struggled to regain its former glory. The documentary delves into Necaxa’s history, but it fails to create a compelling narrative around the club’s journey. Unlike ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ where the club’s fate was intertwined with the town’s identity, Necaxa’s story lacks that same sense of urgency and emotional investment.
“The Mexican first division abandoned promotion and relegation in 2020, so Necaxa’s elite status is secure, but in its new home it has found it hard to make the playoffs, let alone challenge for the league title,” states Jack Seale in The Guardian review. This lack of jeopardy diminishes the stakes, making it difficult for viewers to care about the club’s fate. Without a gripping narrative or a strong connection to the community, Necaxa’s story feels somewhat underwhelming.
Eva Longoria: La Patrona
Eva Longoria’s role as an investor and the nickname “La Patrona” (the boss) suggest a central figure driving the club’s revival. However, the documentary portrays her involvement as more of a personal endeavor than a genuine commitment to the team. While Longoria shares her connection to Mexican culture and her desire to win the respect of the club, her interactions often lack authenticity. Her Spanish being “horrible”, makes her connection to the team more difficult.
According to the review, “Longoria’s interactions with people from the club tend to involve her laughing uproariously at nothing while everyone else politely sits there.” This observation highlights a disconnect between Longoria and the club’s players and staff, making it difficult for viewers to invest in her journey. The stakes seem low, and her personal goals don’t translate into a compelling narrative for the series.
Workaday Backstories and Missing Jeopardy
The documentary introduces the players’ backstories, but they come across as ordinary and lacking in emotional depth. The struggles and triumphs of the players fail to resonate, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them on a personal level. Similarly, the club’s predicament doesn’t carry enough weight to create a sense of urgency. Necaxa’s secure position in the league diminishes the stakes, making it hard to care about their performance.
“It’s as if Reynolds and McElhenney had bought Aston Villa or Everton instead of a non-league club on the verge of oblivion,” notes the review. This analogy perfectly captures the lack of jeopardy surrounding Necaxa’s story. Without a sense of impending doom or a significant challenge to overcome, the series struggles to generate excitement.
Aguascalientes: An Indifferent Community
The lack of passionate support from the local community further weakens the documentary’s emotional core. Unlike Wrexham, where the town’s identity was deeply intertwined with the football club, Aguascalientes remains indifferent towards Necaxa. This disconnect deprives the series of a crucial element: the fans’ unwavering devotion and the sense of collective identity that makes sports documentaries so compelling.
“In Wrexham, it felt as if the futures of the club and the town were existentially intertwined, but stories of fans whose devotion to football is a key part of their identity aren’t in evidence here, because nobody feels that way about Necaxa,” explains the review. This absence of genuine fan engagement makes ‘Necaxa’ feel more like a personal project for Eva Longoria than a story about a community rallying behind their team.
Familiar Football Doc Grammar and Gringo Cameos
The documentary incorporates extensive match highlights and employs the typical cinematic techniques of modern football documentaries. However, these elements fail to elevate the series beyond mediocrity. The cameos from Reynolds and McElhenney feel forced and don’t add much substance to the story. Their comedic banter and tips via FaceTime come across as a desperate attempt to inject some of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’s’ magic into a series that lacks genuine spark.
“When Necaxa get slapped about by Monterrey in the final game of the 2024 season, it’s time to call on “Los Gringos”: Reynolds and McElhenney… pop up to lend their trademark unequal-buddy comedy to the show,” notes the review. This reliance on celebrity appearances highlights the series’ struggle to stand on its own merits.
Final Thoughts: A Painful Attempt
‘Necaxa’ is a disappointing attempt to recreate the success of ‘Welcome to Wrexham.’ While the series offers a glimpse into Eva Longoria’s venture into Mexican football, it lacks the emotional depth, compelling narrative, and genuine fan engagement that made its predecessor so captivating. The absence of jeopardy and the disconnect between Longoria and the club make it difficult for viewers to invest in the story.
Ultimately, ‘Necaxa’ feels like a missed opportunity. It fails to capture the heart and soul of Mexican football, and it doesn’t offer enough substance to justify its existence. Unless you’re a die-hard Eva Longoria fan, this documentary is unlikely to leave a lasting impression. As the review concludes, “Longoria laughs, heartily, and on her own,” which perhaps sums up the series’ overall tone: a solitary endeavor that struggles to connect with a wider audience.
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