All articles tagged with #tv series review
'Chief of War' is a historical drama on Apple TV+ that features impressive action sequences and a focus on Hawaiian feuds, but suffers from sluggish pacing, flat characters, and repetitive storytelling, with the action moments standing out as the series' highlights.
Colin Farrell stars in the Apple TV+ series "Sugar" as a private investigator obsessed with classic cinema, but the show's attempt at blending noir with another genre falls flat, and a twist in the plot fails to redeem it. The series struggles to balance its dueling mysteries, with the investigation into a missing person feeling generic and Farrell's character's personal life kept at arm's length. Despite the stylish cinematography and fine performances, "Sugar" ultimately disappoints, with the big twist unable to overcome unwelcome cliches and the series feeling like it should have been condensed into a pilot episode or movie.
Ewan McGregor shines in the Showtime series "A Gentleman in Moscow," based on Amor Towles' novel, portraying Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov under house arrest at the Hotel Metropol from 1922 to 1958. The series captures a romantic and controlled tone, contrasting Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, and features a wonderful performance by McGregor, along with a cast of characters navigating personal, political, and cultural challenges within the confines of the hotel.
"Apples Never Fall," a new TV series based on Liane Moriarty's novel, breaks the recent cold streak of Moriarty adaptations with a propulsive and engaging family mystery. Led by Annette Bening, the show follows the sudden disappearance of Joy Delaney and the impact on her family, blending sensational twists with emotional depth. While the resolution may not fully satisfy, the series offers a scenic and speedy ride through Florida country clubs and buried family secrets, now available to stream on Peacock.
"The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" premieres on Feb. 25, marking the return of beloved characters Rick Grimes and Michonne. However, in a saturated "Walking Dead" universe, the spinoff's pacing and storytelling feel off, with the CRM's presence lacking depth and the plot initially slow. While the strong supporting cast and potential for character deaths add weight, the series may struggle to compensate for its shortcomings. Overall, it may deliver closure for dedicated fans, but feels less necessary compared to other successful spinoffs.
Clive Owen shines in the AMC limited series "Monsieur Spade," a reimagining of Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade character set in the South of France, where he's drawn back into crime and unrest after finding peace in retirement. The series, created by Scott Frank and Tom Fontana, explores the evolution of the character and features crackling dialogue, but struggles to fully engage viewers unfamiliar with the original Spade. Despite this, Owen's performance and the beautiful scenery breathe new life into the iconic detective.
"Lawmen: Bass Reeves," the latest series from Taylor Sheridan, fails to impress with its formulaic and rushed storytelling. The show, set in the Taylor Sheridan Television Universe, lacks depth and fails to engage with the nuanced conflicts faced by its protagonist, Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Despite committed performances, the series trots through perfunctory investigations and fails to deliver on its revisionist western premise. "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" lacks the inquisitive case study that its historical figure deserves.
Amazon's adaptation of "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" features standout performances by Alyla Browne and stunning Australian sunsets, but struggles to translate the novel's literary conceit to the screen. The series explores the generational legacy of abuse through metaphors and visually captivating moments, but the thin overall narrative and supporting characters often get lost. While well-intentioned and beautifully filmed, the show's on-the-nose symbolism and simple plot fail to sustain interest over its seven-hour duration. Browne's portrayal of the young Alice is a marvel, while Sigourney Weaver delivers a masterful performance. However, supporting characters, particularly those played by Leah Purcell and Frankie Adams, are underdeveloped. The series' visual beauty compensates for the dark subject matter but spreads the powerful message too thin.