Full Circle

I'm a Soderbergh fan, even if I don't like everything he does. He's not someone who's going to direct the next Marvel movie, he takes chances. My biggest complaint with him is usually his dialogue which often feels improvised. It didn't get a whole lot better here.

I appreciated the overall messages of this one. It was a story about accountability, and about how sometimes you can be held accountable for the way you hold people accountable. The story unfolds very gradually, you're given the pieces of the puzzle in a somewhat tedious manner and I think he struggle with finding a way to reveal everything so it felt a tad clumsy.

It's hard to recognize the quality of the acting because the characters are all such doofuses, but I think everyone did a pretty good job. Special mention to Zazie Beetz who I usually don't like but she was really good here, annoying though her character was meant to be.

The biggest crime committed was the blue bag they made Clare Danes wear as clothes.

Lots of bad reviews, generally, although a complex plot, it's a good show at heart. The only thing hard to take is the Postal Inspector character, she is so irritating and annoyingly smug, she works for the postal service but acts like she is an elite agent of the CIA or FBI, why people don't just tell her to go F herself, I don't know. She ruined nearly every episode, ruins every scene she was in. The ridiculous premise of this character always being ahead of the NYPD, the FBI, without any basis for this insightful knowledge is utterly baffling, such a good director should have known better.

But, if you follow the winding plot, it's worth it, the acting is good and It would have been an amazing show without the one annoying, unbelievable character.

I don't quite get the negative reviews. The show is interesting in my opinion and I plan to watch it through. A few past favorites have been Ted Lasso, Succession, Billions, Mare of EastTown, The Old Man, Queens Gambet, Last of Us, Top Boy. So if you are a fan of these too, then I think you will enjoy Full Circle. While it may not be brilliant it's thought provoking. Plus, has an excellent cast, soundtrack, and unusual storyline. It may not become an Emmy nominated show but after the first two episodes I am left thinking or reflecting back on certain scenes and eager for the next episode. For anyone looking for something outside of the typical Hollywood studio formula I say give it a chance.

I will start with how some of the other positive reviews started, which is I don't understand the negative reviews.

The story flows so well, everything ties together so well without being too contrived. Each character is unique and the dialogue delivers the story, nothing is wasted.

All the performances were perfect for each character.

Each episodes leaves you wanting to know more, and by the last episode it fully realizes the circle and you feel fulfilled. You are never left confused.

Those who are complaining about this series must not like good shows or know what a good show is.

I will add, that it is best to watch this with subtitles because some of the accents are hard to follow.

Steven Soderbergh is a one trick pony. Flashy camera angles and cuts with little substance. I'm so beyond tired of the "immersive" style of shaky camera footage that it truly makes me nauseous. Literally. The camera work in this show makes me incredibly nauseous- it's not avant garde anymore bro- it's just painful. On every level. I've watched every episode thus far just to be fair.

The story is not terrible. I can acknowledge that. But it is not rendered well.

Outstanding actors across the board and a well renowned director- one would assume a smash hit.

But one would be very wrong to assume. The story plays like recycled garbage and the camera work is despicable- truly hard to watch without vomiting- honestly. It has been a Painful slog just to view this mess.

I imagine the cinematography department voiced objections- if they have a conscience. But it fits the director's style, so I imagine any objections were not well received.

Tldr: decent story with excellent actors Wasting their time with a one note "super star" director. So painful to watch I feel compelled to write this review.