tlm-90086

Sadly, and surprisingly, mediocre film. All sorts of plot gaps, weak character development, thin plotting, etc. Seems like the folks in charge couldn't decide if they were aiming for a comedy, a thriller, or a mystery and instead ended up with none of the above.

The plotline is so muddled it's hard to know who was responsible for what.

My wife and I "enjoyed" it, because who doesn't like Jon Hamm, but we couldn't recommend it to anyone else. And even Hamm is largely wasted in this role, with his ironic/humorous sense of self completely lost in the mix. It could have been a wonderful movie, a tentpole for a franchise, but instead was just a waste. They end with a set-up for a sequel and we can only hope it's better.

Produce such a stinking mess? And get it on a supposedly premium channel like HBO?

I've enjoyed Iannucci's previous work, particularly Veep, think Hugh Laurie should be designated a World Treasure, and am a fan of both satire and British Humour in general, so tried to give Avenue 5 a chance (my fiance bailed after the pilot). But after four episodes have decided it's just an ill-considered rando waste of time and talent.

It could have been better, maybe even decent, with a little more thought. Examples: Josh Gad's character is a particularly disappointing/loathsome distraction, as is his assistant Iris, and the show would be improved if they were on earth trying to manage the disaster ineptly rather than trying to score cheap laughs on the ship. They could have kept Joe alive (but mortally wounded) for a few episodes and had an interesting dynamic between him and Laurie as the torch passes. And how could Zach Woods' talent be so wasted?

Two stars, but only because of Hugh Laurie, who I would watch reading the phone book and think it lovely.