Around the World in 80 Days

Surprisingly boring adaptation, even David Tennant cannot save it (but he made me finish it) , little adventure, no surprises, shallow locations, formalistic tv fodder ... it all feels like the cut scenes were put together...

An excellent cast makes a good fist of a very uneven script, but I was left feeling a great opportunity was missed. I read all the Jules Verne books when I was around 11, but couldn't remember the details of this one - and I'm glad I only looked up those details after watching this series. Had I done it before watching it, I would probably have ended up yelling at the TV like many other reviewers here, because so many great ideas (like the India part of the story) are absent and the evolution of the characters (who are all different) badly twisted. Beside all the that, the script they actually created is constantly frustrating and sometimes annoying, but the cast and production was good enough to keep me watching till the end.

Read the book, please read the books and you will be drawn into the most exciting, magical, bright story imaginable, and then watch this series.

Lifeless, it pains me to say it, because I am a massive fan of David Tennant, but having watched the first few episodes, that's the first word that sprang to mind. In the book you can feel the tension, the excitement, this had the thrills of people sat in a Dentist's waiting room.

I may well get captivated later on, it may move out of first gear, and I hope it does. Pacing initially though is the real stumbling block.

The positives, first on the list, the visuals, it is beautifully made and produced, production values are sublime, the clothes and location work are pretty jaw dropping. I thought the acting was terrific, Tennant never disappoints.

Some good elements in the mix, it looks good (even if I did have to look for the brightness setting on the TV for the first ever time,) but it just lacked any real thrills.

6/10 this should have been better.

I have not read the book and see that some of those that have are disappointed by this series. Free of such preconceptions I found this an enjoyable watch. Best was to see the three main characters develop and grow through their adventures, especially Mr Fogg.

So, if you have read the book I urge you to free yourself of any expectations and enjoy this in its own right. The book is a recognised classic and this is not, but this will entertain you if you can allow it to do so.

I'm seeing lots of criticism for this show for not living up to the originals, but coming from someone who hasn't ever seen them, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It doesn't have to be identical to the original to still be a really good series, you just have to look at it for what it is.

David Tennant is phenomenonal throughout and the supporting cast is very good. Okay, it's not a perfect series but what is? I'd highly recommend watching if you want some adventure!