Our Universe

Even though it is awesome to watch a documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman, I could not finish it due to pretentious and hollow script.

Was this a nature documentary? Was this a documentary about cosmology? Or better yet was this a documentary that ties those amazing topics together with a strong and clever writing? Those was my initial hopes about this but sadly the answer is that it is neither of those.

It was baffling to watch how narration switches back and forth between nature and cosmology without a solid reason or connection to it.

Frustrating to see that this is such a wasted potential. I think I will watch Cosmos again and again instead of wasting my time with this mess.

This documentary on our universe and the inexorable relationship the cosmos has on everything on Earth is brilliantly explained by the great Morgan Freeman. While learning how the universe was created, we see how the chemical composition of the cosmos affects every living thing on Earth, and how it all makes sense.

This brilliant scientific documentary should be compulsory for all our schools so that the new generations can learn about the universe and how it was created. Not by some imaginary sky daddy that blinked and created things like a genie, but via billions of years of chemical galactic molecules combining and reacting. A reaction that continues to happen now.

I was enjoying it but then the Elemental episode started. The discussion on creation of different elements was seriously misrepresented implying that simple fusion created all the elements. The role of Supernovas in element creation was not even discussed when it plays a fundamental role in complex element creation. The fact that elements are being recycled into Supernova to create heavier atoms is crucial in understanding element creation. This is far too important a topic to be disregarded when exploring the topic of element creation.

I had to come back and correct the discussion of Mars. The geology of Mars resulted in a planet too low in mass to retain a molten core. When the molten core of Mars cooled it resulted in Mars losing its magnetic field which then meant there was no protection from solar winds and the solar winds then stripped Mars of its atmosphere and water. The show seemed to leave this as some mystery but it is not a mystery.

I am not sure why I need to include more characters in a succinct discussion of a critical topic can be described in fewer words.

Morgan Freeman narrates this incredibly beautiful story about our past, present and future. Life on earth and its connection with the cosmos and cosmological events.

It's truly one of the most beautiful shows I've seen in a while. However, the show falls a bit short when it comes to the narration. Not the voice of Freeman, but the content itself. The over usage of dramatic pauses disrupts the flow and keeps us guessing of what he'll say next. It's especially frustrating when the answer is obvious. Which it often is. Making me think they assume their audience is either stupid or very young.

But it's definitely worth a watch just for the CGI and shots of nature. So allow me end this review with an "Our Universe narration" flavored ending:

As I wrap up this review.. I do so.. with a typographical symbol that states that the sentence.. is finished........... a period.

Whoever did the sound mixing didn't do it justice. Morgan's narrative was too far back in the mix, I was struggling to hear him over the SFX and music. It turned into a difficult watch because of that.

Aside from that, the footage and graphics are beautiful to watch. I enjoyed the link of everything happening in the universe has an effect on life in every way.

It was really great to get you think about the bigger picture to life in earth. I hope to see more of these types of documentaries on Netflix, so refreshing after all the true crime ones that seem to be of endless supply in their library.