Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal is absolutely bananas but it works. It's one of the more entertaining new shows that I've seen this year. You can't really compare it to anything since there's never been anything quite like it. The series is based off a PlayStation game of the same name. It's about a quirky outsider (Anthony Mackie) who's offered a chance at a better life if he can deliver a mysterious package across a post apocalyptic world all the while by being chased by a bunch of different violent maniacs trying to stop him. He's helped from a badass car thief (Stephanie Beatriz) who is the perfect sidekick for him.

HELL YEAH! This show is beastly and hilarious.

For perspective, I know very little about the Twisted Metal games. I've played it a few times when visiting a friend, but I never owned the game myself. And this was about 25 years ago. The only thing I remembered was it involves armed vehicles.

I went in with low expectations given the terrible history of video game movies/shows. But we have been on a good streak lately (Sonic 1/2, Mario, Gran Turismo). And I'm ecstatic to say that the streak continues with Twisted Metal.

It hooked me immediately. I love the tone and over-the-top nature. I love that it doesn't hold back with the violence and blood. I love all the comedic attempts, with so many of them being memorable. I love the two leads, I didn't know Mackie could play funny/slightly goofy.

But the thing I loved the most, and it's not even close, is SWEET TOOTH!!!! He's so awesome. I've never liked clowns. Never been scared of them. Just never saw the appeal. So for me to like him this much is saying a lot. The show is elevated every time he's on screen.

At first I couldn't tell who was voicing him. I kept wondering, who is the actor fully bringing this character to life? Who is the one making this sadistic psychopath so likeable? Of course, it's Will Arnett. What a beast. He's able to bring so much to the table with his voice, as we've already seen with his performances as Lego Batman and BoJack Horseman.

EDIT: I should have my Nolan card revoked for forgetting about Joker in The Dark Knight. But I never really saw him as a clown. He's more like an endlessly intriguing character who dresses like a clown. But if you include him, Sweet Tooth would be second.

This show is highly efficient. It doesn't meander. It does so much with so little time. Most shows these days are terrible at that, especially streaming ones. I also love the song selections on this soundtrack. Some are late 90's/early 2000's songs I love and still listen to. Others are songs I haven't heard in decades. The choices seem odd but all work. Never in a million years would I have thought a scene playing the Thong Song would give me goosebumps.

In conclusion, YES and GIVE ME MORE! (1 viewing, 7/29/2023)

When I heard Peacock was going to have an exclusive series Twisted Metal, based on the beloved video game series. I didn't have high hopes. The trailer left me feeling like it looked ok, but would probably still be a let down. Just some cheap script they made to try and cash in on something.

But I was wrong. The series is great! Alot for us Twisted Metal fans and alot for newcomers. They did a good job at turning a videogame series about car fighting into a series, with people on top of it. There were people in the video games of course but just characters, you just drove their cars.

I will say this series is NOT meant to be serious or deep. It's just a fun entertaining ride of adult mayhem. Cars, guns, gore, language, action...etc. I'm only a few episodes in and loving it!

I'll change my review later if for some reason the show becomes terrible. To note, you really don't need to know anything about Twisted Metal games to watch this.

-now finished series- Finished the last episode and can say yes, the whole season was great. No spoilers but there was alot of reveals in the last two episodes when it comes to famous TM stuff. The final episode felt much like a actual TM battle.

The series does have some pretty cheesy moments. But it seems to work in favor of it. I know they greenlit a season 2, I hope we get introduced to more characters/cars.

While the show mainly focuses on the characters, there is just enough TM content that keeps us fans invested. And if you don't know TM lore, you probably will get all the exciting things you see. You will enjoy them, but the reveal may not mean as much to you.

This all said I wouldn't mind if they toned down the cheesiness just a bit. While the show can be dark, I'd like it even darker. Twisted Metal Black had a very dark nature to it. Maybe next season they will get into the darker lore. Granted so far the series is filled with violence, gore, language so its NOT for kids in anyways.

Oh and hint... next season will be more like TM then you realize.... ;)

Started this show with the idea that it would be a big bright colorful background noise. I was pleasantly surprised. I was very well aware of the game growing up but not being a PlayStation owner I didn't have much excitement for this show as I wouldn't have the slightest clue for what was happening. Listen if you've got a few days (or hours if you're a binge freak) and want something fun this is your show. If you take things too serious than look the other way.

Positives: Great characters. Great pace. A few good laughs. 2000's Nostalgia music

Negatives: a few minor plot holes that make you scratch your head.

For a TV show based off of a video game series it really isn't that bad. There are quite a few references to the video game and others if you know them otherwise the references just fit into the shows dialogue. It's not the worse adaptation I've seen it's actually one of the better ones. They did a good job adding things from the game that people will recognize. It is a show not just for fans of the game series but also for new fans. The casting was done really well. The ending was the only thing that brought the score down for me. I think if they added one or two more episodes it would have been great.