Black Bird

Black Bird is an AppleTV+ mini series based on true events surrounding Jimmy Keane who is played by Taron Egerton. Keane was a drug dealer who was caught by the DEA and was required to serve 10 years in prison. He ends up cutting a deal with the FBI to befriend a suspected serial killer Larry Hall that is serving time in a maximum security prison. Hall is played by Paul Walter Hauser who won an Emmy award for his role. Keane was asked to get a confession and to find out where the 18 plus bodies were buried. Larry's brother Gary Hall (Jake McLaughlin) could not even control his brother from his actions. Greg Kinnear and Sepidah Moafi were the agents in charge to solve the crimes committed by Larry. Tony Amendola played the head of a mafia family that is calling the shots from prison. Lastly the late Ray Liotta played Big Jim, Keane's father, and he was amazing in his role. Unfortunately he passed away before this series was released. Overall i loved this gripping physiological prison drama, one of the best I have ever watched.

First thing that comes to mind is mayor of Kingstown because that's the most recent prison drama I've watched; and while that was fast paced in comparison to black bird, this is just as, if not more thrilling and has it's main focus on one story. There's a lot of suspense so far and of course "based on a true story" always adds a little more zest to it. For the same reason, some scenes are difficult to watch especially throughout episode 5 because you know this actually happened. The acting is great throughout, even though from the few shows I've seen Taron Egerton in he takes similar roles but he's really good at them and I think this is one of his better ones yet; Paul Walter Hauser is incredible as well as he makes you believe everything that's said about his character's personality even though each story contradicts whether he's a serial killer or serial confessor. After Jimmy lands at maximum security almost every scene is tense and gripping so you never lose focus and I really love it when shows consume you as you watch, the only thing you think about while watching Black bird is Black bird. Looking forward to the mystery unravel. Didn't give it a full ten rating but there's nothing I can fault it for.

Looking for something to binge watch, I came across this on Apple TV and it sounded intriguing but omg... I wasn't sure if I'd seen Taron Egerton in anything before this but I couldn't take my eyes off him. So handsome and so convincing as a smug and cocky Jimmy who comes down to earth by the end of the film. Ray Liotta, in a heartfelt performance, was excellent as his father.

But the real reason to watch is Paul Walter Hauser as the suspected serial killer. I alternated between feeling bad for him and despising him. He was mesmerizing.

I was hooked before the first episode ended. Well done.

This is not Black Bird. It is Paul Walter Hauser's show. Again.

First, I discovered Paul in Frank's Grillo's Kingdom series. He is terrific there. One of my favorite characters. A masterfully acting class. Probably the best performer there with Jay Kulina.

Second, even Black Bird's story is interesting, what makes it over the average, is Paul's performance. Don't get me wrong, Taron is great too, but not as credible and solid as Paul.

Last, the series had potential to become a cult classic, but at the end, it makes you feel like something is missing. Overall is pretty great but not superb as it could have been.

Paul Walter Hauser deserves an award (or multiple) for his performance as Larry in Black Bird. He's compelling and genuine, and manages to force you to develop some sympathy for him, despite his heinous crimes. I've only seen Taron Egerton in the Kingsmen franchise, but his performance is far superior in Black Bird. I wasn't sure what to expect out of him in this serious role, but he is excellent.