19 reviews
- Rob_Taylor
- Nov 24, 2012
- Permalink
I was quite excited by this. I thought Sinbad would lend itself well to TV. I do find it very watchable and will finish the series, although I am constantly reminded of its faults:
The acting and directing are poor. The acting is hammy and overblown and brings to mind old BBC series' from the late 80s and 90s. The fight scenes are laughable and the action sequences look cheap and badly done. Not at all convincing. Think cheap Bollywood without any special effects or cables making people fly.
This is VERY 'family'. The BBC Radio 4 accents, the tame fight scenes, the overly simple plots...it's so...mild...
...and incredible shallow. The characters are all out of the BBC 1992 hero scrap book and they have no depth at all. The plots are all very simple, poorly written and with really bad endings. Like they were written on the bus on the way to filming.
It is a watchable series, especially while you're doing something else! I have it on while I'm working to be honest. Whenever I watch it properly I am constantly reminded that I'm watching a very low budget, poorly done programme that is in a totally different league to big budget shows.
The acting and directing are poor. The acting is hammy and overblown and brings to mind old BBC series' from the late 80s and 90s. The fight scenes are laughable and the action sequences look cheap and badly done. Not at all convincing. Think cheap Bollywood without any special effects or cables making people fly.
This is VERY 'family'. The BBC Radio 4 accents, the tame fight scenes, the overly simple plots...it's so...mild...
...and incredible shallow. The characters are all out of the BBC 1992 hero scrap book and they have no depth at all. The plots are all very simple, poorly written and with really bad endings. Like they were written on the bus on the way to filming.
It is a watchable series, especially while you're doing something else! I have it on while I'm working to be honest. Whenever I watch it properly I am constantly reminded that I'm watching a very low budget, poorly done programme that is in a totally different league to big budget shows.
Ok I like fantasy. I have one major problem with this and that is Sinbad is not believable as Sinbad. He does not seem to really like girls but trying to act as though he does. Some points the acting is good but at others when he is supposed to be playing this masculine character its just not believable at all. Also I don't mind the extensions in his hair but his natural hair grows out and texture of beard is a sharp contrast to the hair extensions. This actor seems way too soft to play the part of Sinbad which kinda ruins it. Gunnar totally fits his role. Sinbad is just not believable and he is the main character. Seems like the actor is overreaching with this role. Cook was great. Rina good. And Anwar too. I'd just have to say Sinbad was the main problem. I wanted a more manly strong Sinbad. The stories were okay.
- ThomasFBlalock
- Jul 16, 2012
- Permalink
A half which is good for me! Reminds me of a mix of Black sails and Atlantis. Naveen Andrews from " the cleaning lady" is i it. Lol. I like shows like this! I wish there were more of them but I think I've exhausted them all! Sinbad is annoying ( as was the lead in atlantis and the guy in the supporting role in Black sails but none the less I liked this. I have like 2 episodes left. I'm on my way to google more similar stuff to see what else I can find! I love all king/gueen stuff but glad I didn't pay for the hollow crown! It was spoken in shakespearean language I couldn't take more than 10 minutes of them and i tried them all! Some great actors just couldn't stand the language,
- Headturner11
- May 29, 2023
- Permalink
(Speaking to Clubber Lang, lol.) Anyway, watched the whole series over a short period of time and came to the conclusion that it kept me interested through all 12 episodes. It was apparent early on that this was not a high budget extravaganza, but that's okay isn't it? The shows improved through each episode, so if you can watch 2 or 3 to get warmed up, I think you'd enjoy them all, especially those nearer to the end of the season. I see that there is only 1 season, it didn't get renewed for a second for some reason. Luckily, the season ended on a suitable note that I didn't feel deprived of more shows. They did leave room for more storyline/another season, but it's not to be. Definitely recommend if you want to see something a little different. Also, be sure to watch the special feature on Malta, where the movie was made. I was completely surprised how many movies were made on that little island. The DVD collection of this show is completely worth just seeing that.
- greatlakeshome
- Feb 15, 2024
- Permalink
I am a fantasy fan and have seen the original movies of Sindbad. They were set in his later years and this show sets him in his outset as a pirate and adventurer, so I was open minded and intrigued to watch.
However, by episode four of series one, I lost interest in the characters. In episode three one of the crew, who by now should have bonded as crew and seem to previously, robs the crew and runs for it, only later to be taken back on board.
It is apparent as this series only ran for one season that what I am reviewing was on the minds of many watchers. Oh and its a BBC production, one of their worst, sadly I am a Brit.
If you have no concept of Sinbad, have never watched a movie or read a book I imagine you could watch the whole series.
However, by episode four of series one, I lost interest in the characters. In episode three one of the crew, who by now should have bonded as crew and seem to previously, robs the crew and runs for it, only later to be taken back on board.
It is apparent as this series only ran for one season that what I am reviewing was on the minds of many watchers. Oh and its a BBC production, one of their worst, sadly I am a Brit.
If you have no concept of Sinbad, have never watched a movie or read a book I imagine you could watch the whole series.
- mafletcher-09546
- Jun 19, 2015
- Permalink
Every now and again you find a gem.
I sat down with my wife to watch this show not really knowing what to expect and immediately thought this could be good. The character build up was excellent leaving you knowing there was a bigger plot in amongst the smaller ongoing adventures.
At first I thought the cast was a bit weak but once they developed you liked each and every one of them, along with the excellent plots the show takes you along on a riveting adventure.
The CGI on the show throughout is of a top notch production and one wonders how they afforded it, all I can say is if you manage to come across this gem, sit down and let yourself be taken into a distant magical land, and enjoy. Oh and don't look to hard for the flaws or you will just ruin it for yourself like it seems previous reviewers have.
I sat down with my wife to watch this show not really knowing what to expect and immediately thought this could be good. The character build up was excellent leaving you knowing there was a bigger plot in amongst the smaller ongoing adventures.
At first I thought the cast was a bit weak but once they developed you liked each and every one of them, along with the excellent plots the show takes you along on a riveting adventure.
The CGI on the show throughout is of a top notch production and one wonders how they afforded it, all I can say is if you manage to come across this gem, sit down and let yourself be taken into a distant magical land, and enjoy. Oh and don't look to hard for the flaws or you will just ruin it for yourself like it seems previous reviewers have.
- elfinspace23
- Sep 28, 2013
- Permalink
It's no surprise Sky 1 didn't go for a second season. I have yet to come across one honest good review (not the ones publicists are paid to post). The acting was awful, very staged and cartoon-like. There's not much of a story either. Basically Sinbad must stay at sea in order to not get strangled to death by a collar he wears due to some curse. Still if there was a better cast in place it could be an enjoyable series. Look at Lord of the Rings for example, not much of a story there either, but because the acting is good it's engaging.
Perhaps this series was targeted for a much younger audience, but even my 6 year old lost interest after the second episode. It's a real shame, I was looking forward to seeing this television series, particularly because it was shot entirely in Malta.
Perhaps this series was targeted for a much younger audience, but even my 6 year old lost interest after the second episode. It's a real shame, I was looking forward to seeing this television series, particularly because it was shot entirely in Malta.
- ruthbartolo
- Nov 26, 2013
- Permalink
Why do I always have to think about Hercules or Xena while watching Sindbad? I think it is because they have many things in common. Easy understandable, not all-to deep stories, nice shooting-locations, not to bad special-effects but bad wardrobe, makeup and hairstyle. Please give me a break. Some of the wardrobe and Hairstyles at this show seem to be right out of the 21st century. I was almost laughing when I saw the Indiana-Jones hat on that bounty-hunter. I don't want to talk about the scene in the casino... That was too bad. Yes I have to agree with another review I have read before. There is totally missing a very attractive female counterpart for Sindbad in this show. I really liked the shooting-locations. Very convincing. The acting is not bad, but also not outstanding. The dialogs are sometimes a bit flat. I really hope that there will be a second season. Why I give 9 stars? I think this show is entertaining and I like to be entertained.
- marco-30-384328
- Feb 6, 2013
- Permalink
This is total waste of money. Actors are really really bad, plot is even worst, director? I think there wasn't any. wardrobe is a joke, the only decent thing in this show is the computer animation, other than that this show doesn't even deserve to be on TV, I mean really don't they watch the episodes? Main character, have no business being there as the lack of acting skills really shows, sometimes even annoying!
Plot is like was written on the go, no real story or something that will make you want to watch.
English TV shows have a good history of producing good quality TV shows, I think in this show they just gathered the losers that cant get a job.
I mean really? Yigal Naor got no business being on TV anyway, his lack of acting skills makes me wonder how he get a job as an actor in the first place. If this was made just to fill in Air time than maybe, but other than that it is total waste of time.
Plot is like was written on the go, no real story or something that will make you want to watch.
English TV shows have a good history of producing good quality TV shows, I think in this show they just gathered the losers that cant get a job.
I mean really? Yigal Naor got no business being on TV anyway, his lack of acting skills makes me wonder how he get a job as an actor in the first place. If this was made just to fill in Air time than maybe, but other than that it is total waste of time.
- mohammed-486-784828
- Sep 24, 2012
- Permalink
- noiseboydb
- Jul 21, 2024
- Permalink
I am catching up with the first series DVD box and am thoroughly enjoying every minute! Yes it does have the odd historical inaccuracy (as does 'Downton' with its use of the phrase 'big girl's blouse'!) and it reminds me of the BBC TV version of Robin Hood or Merlin for that matter. It tells a story - often with a moral - and tells it excitingly and colourfully. I am glad I bought the box. It is carrying me through the dark winter evenings and the cast - especially the leads - are very pleasant to watch! Their relationships and interplay are successfully portrayed and the effects are well done (for an understandably limited budget) and do not detract from the action - as they almost invariably do in movie blockbusters. For a family audience this is beautifully executed. Well done HBO - another success!
Fun, entertaining escape tv. Actors play well off of one another. Nareen Andrews is especially entertaining. He seems to be enjoying the role and going over the top. Filming location (Malta) gives a realistic backdrop for the program.
The ship's cook is a wonderful dark comic character.
Because it is escapism, I am not particularly concerned with accuracy both mythologically and costumes. Rubber soled shoes, machine stitched clothing doesn't bother me. But the witches gel French manicure is a little to blatant. I could forgive black, green or natural nails but an obvious squoval French manicured...drives me nuts.
The ship's cook is a wonderful dark comic character.
Because it is escapism, I am not particularly concerned with accuracy both mythologically and costumes. Rubber soled shoes, machine stitched clothing doesn't bother me. But the witches gel French manicure is a little to blatant. I could forgive black, green or natural nails but an obvious squoval French manicured...drives me nuts.
- nicneven-13752
- Feb 26, 2023
- Permalink
I found it entertaining. Good actors and good production values. Much better than the stop-motion B films of yesteryear.
In a season when so much seemed recycled, this seemed a fresh take on Sinbad and a fun ride.
I can always be sure of a well balanced and diverse cast when the IMDb user reviews are in the mid to low ratings. This depiction of Sinbad is beautiful. I loved watching the exciting cultures and fictitious worlds, characters and costumes completely in tune with our diverse world. After All Sinbad is a world traveler so it's completely appropriate.
The community that Sinbad's crew created is the jewel in the crown of this series.
Beautiful Multiculturalism...more realistic creating a believable fantasy which is all inclusive.
In addition, the costumes, direction, acting and scenery/ locations are icing on the cake! Well done!
The community that Sinbad's crew created is the jewel in the crown of this series.
Beautiful Multiculturalism...more realistic creating a believable fantasy which is all inclusive.
In addition, the costumes, direction, acting and scenery/ locations are icing on the cake! Well done!
I love this TV series. But i'm disappointing about one thing. There should be a female character as a Sinbad's fiancée. Like Robin Hood and Marian. Should include some romance for the story. Rina is not enough for that. That's the part i'm missing in this drama. I was ready to go a long way to enjoy this show, but even leaving aside the not so great stories, I cannot ignore the unbelievable inaccuracies. Apparently in ancient Persia they had plimsoles, high heels, twenties style costumes and roulette! Come on guys, the show could be so much better, but you'll have to try a lot harder. Brilliant series indeed really enjoying it too.
- letterworld
- May 28, 2016
- Permalink
I loved this series. The characters were cast perfectly. The stories were pure Arabian Nights- but without the sex and violence of the books.
The sets were perfect-Malta doing what it does best.
These are total fantasy- escapism stories- and great for family viewing. They are set in a time of fantasy and imagination that never existed-so anything can happen.
This begs the question, for me, -why are some of the worst reviews slating it for not following their very 21st Century ideas?
I have to think these poor reviews are fake- or the reviewers never read a book in their life.
I was bitterly disappointed the series was not continued.
I hope something like it is made again.
The sets were perfect-Malta doing what it does best.
These are total fantasy- escapism stories- and great for family viewing. They are set in a time of fantasy and imagination that never existed-so anything can happen.
This begs the question, for me, -why are some of the worst reviews slating it for not following their very 21st Century ideas?
I have to think these poor reviews are fake- or the reviewers never read a book in their life.
I was bitterly disappointed the series was not continued.
I hope something like it is made again.
- aufo-91281
- Jan 21, 2023
- Permalink