BeneCumb
Joined Mar 2012
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Ratings2.2K
BeneCumb's rating
Reviews1.4K
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/Refers to Season 1/
MobLand is a crime drama that delivers strong characters, tension, and psychological depth-even if it sometimes reaches beyond its limits. Led by a standout cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, this Guy Ritchie-produced series brings slow-burning suspense and emotional weight to the classic gangster story.
Tom Hardy is excellent as Harry Da Souza-quiet, intense, and fiercely loyal. He adds power to every scene he's in. Brosnan and Mirren, though their Irish accents have divided opinions, still grab attention, even if their performances sometimes feel a bit over-the-top. The supporting cast-Geoff Bell, Paddy Considine, and Lara Pulver-help build a world where loyalty, power, and betrayal constantly clash.
Visually, MobLand strikes a good balance between Ritchie-style flair and a more grounded, realistic tone. The cinematography is sharp, the music adds to the mood, and the direction keeps things focused. While the early episodes move slowly, the story picks up mid-season, offering twists that feel natural, not forced. The season finale leaves a few questions unanswered-enough to make you want more, without feeling unfinished.
The show's weak spots include inconsistent accents, some underdeveloped characters, and a few overly dramatic moments. Still, these flaws are outweighed by strong writing and powerful scenes.
In short, MobLand doesn't reinvent the gangster genre, but it gives it new energy. If you're looking for a smart, character-focused crime drama, this is well worth watching. Just don't expect Snatch-this one's darker, more serious, and takes its time to unfold.
MobLand is a crime drama that delivers strong characters, tension, and psychological depth-even if it sometimes reaches beyond its limits. Led by a standout cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, this Guy Ritchie-produced series brings slow-burning suspense and emotional weight to the classic gangster story.
Tom Hardy is excellent as Harry Da Souza-quiet, intense, and fiercely loyal. He adds power to every scene he's in. Brosnan and Mirren, though their Irish accents have divided opinions, still grab attention, even if their performances sometimes feel a bit over-the-top. The supporting cast-Geoff Bell, Paddy Considine, and Lara Pulver-help build a world where loyalty, power, and betrayal constantly clash.
Visually, MobLand strikes a good balance between Ritchie-style flair and a more grounded, realistic tone. The cinematography is sharp, the music adds to the mood, and the direction keeps things focused. While the early episodes move slowly, the story picks up mid-season, offering twists that feel natural, not forced. The season finale leaves a few questions unanswered-enough to make you want more, without feeling unfinished.
The show's weak spots include inconsistent accents, some underdeveloped characters, and a few overly dramatic moments. Still, these flaws are outweighed by strong writing and powerful scenes.
In short, MobLand doesn't reinvent the gangster genre, but it gives it new energy. If you're looking for a smart, character-focused crime drama, this is well worth watching. Just don't expect Snatch-this one's darker, more serious, and takes its time to unfold.
Troppo is a uniquely Australian noir series that mixes mystery, psychological drama, and the rough beauty of rural Queensland. While the setting has a lot of potential, the series often feels more like it's using the outback as a dramatic backdrop rather than showing real life in Far North Queensland. The cinematography is beautiful, but the place doesn't always feel authentic.
The story follows Amanda and Ted-two damaged characters dealing with both crime and their own pasts. Thomas Jane brings a rough charm to Ted, although at times he feels like a cheaper version of Nick Nolte. Nicole Chamoun plays Amanda well, but her character is sometimes let down by uneven writing. Their relationship is the core of the show, and their chemistry improves throughout both seasons.
Unfortunately, Troppo struggles with clunky dialogue and a predictable plot. It leans too heavily on stereotypes, and while some characters grow over time, others feel flat or cliché. The pacing is slow (six episodes per season might have been enough), and a few subplots are left unresolved.
Still, Troppo is worth watching-especially for fans of slow-burning crime stories with flawed main characters. It's a mixed experience: strong acting, a dark and moody feel, and some standout moments, but held back by pacing problems, weak writing, and a lack of real local flavour.
I'd give Season 1 a 6.5 and Season 2 a 7.5-so overall, 7/10 feels fair.
The story follows Amanda and Ted-two damaged characters dealing with both crime and their own pasts. Thomas Jane brings a rough charm to Ted, although at times he feels like a cheaper version of Nick Nolte. Nicole Chamoun plays Amanda well, but her character is sometimes let down by uneven writing. Their relationship is the core of the show, and their chemistry improves throughout both seasons.
Unfortunately, Troppo struggles with clunky dialogue and a predictable plot. It leans too heavily on stereotypes, and while some characters grow over time, others feel flat or cliché. The pacing is slow (six episodes per season might have been enough), and a few subplots are left unresolved.
Still, Troppo is worth watching-especially for fans of slow-burning crime stories with flawed main characters. It's a mixed experience: strong acting, a dark and moody feel, and some standout moments, but held back by pacing problems, weak writing, and a lack of real local flavour.
I'd give Season 1 a 6.5 and Season 2 a 7.5-so overall, 7/10 feels fair.
/Covers all seasons and episodes in order/
The Mentalist stands out among crime shows thanks to its charming lead, clever writing, and a great mix of mystery and light humor. While it follows the usual "case of the week" format, the real heart of the show is Patrick Jane, brilliantly played by Simon Baker. His charm, sharp mind, and emotional depth lift the series well above most typical procedurals.
At first, The Mentalist might seem like just another detective show - a quirky consultant helps the police solve crimes. But Jane is no ordinary investigator. Once a fake psychic and con artist, he now uses his keen observation skills and psychological tricks to solve cases and track down Red John, the serial killer who murdered his family. This ongoing storyline adds real emotion and depth.
Supporting characters like Teresa Lisbon slowly become just as important, offering calm strength and balance to Jane's unpredictable nature. While the rest of the team isn't explored as deeply, they still bring humor and warmth, often reminding viewers of lighter shows like Psych or White Collar. I also recognized several supporting actors from other great TV series, like 24.
The writing stands out for its smart hints and growing character relationships, though the later seasons following the catch of Red John feel a bit rushed or uneven. Even so, the final episode wraps things up in a satisfying way. The Series isn't perfect - there are some unrealistic scenes, procedural mistakes, and a few jarring shifts between dark themes and network TV limits - but these flaws are easy to overlook because the Series is so entertaining.
In the end, The Mentalist is rewatchable, emotionally rewarding, and full of clever charm. Whether you're watching for the mysteries, the slow character growth, or just some enjoyable escapism, it's a series that respects its viewers and makes for excellent, feel-good TV.
The Mentalist stands out among crime shows thanks to its charming lead, clever writing, and a great mix of mystery and light humor. While it follows the usual "case of the week" format, the real heart of the show is Patrick Jane, brilliantly played by Simon Baker. His charm, sharp mind, and emotional depth lift the series well above most typical procedurals.
At first, The Mentalist might seem like just another detective show - a quirky consultant helps the police solve crimes. But Jane is no ordinary investigator. Once a fake psychic and con artist, he now uses his keen observation skills and psychological tricks to solve cases and track down Red John, the serial killer who murdered his family. This ongoing storyline adds real emotion and depth.
Supporting characters like Teresa Lisbon slowly become just as important, offering calm strength and balance to Jane's unpredictable nature. While the rest of the team isn't explored as deeply, they still bring humor and warmth, often reminding viewers of lighter shows like Psych or White Collar. I also recognized several supporting actors from other great TV series, like 24.
The writing stands out for its smart hints and growing character relationships, though the later seasons following the catch of Red John feel a bit rushed or uneven. Even so, the final episode wraps things up in a satisfying way. The Series isn't perfect - there are some unrealistic scenes, procedural mistakes, and a few jarring shifts between dark themes and network TV limits - but these flaws are easy to overlook because the Series is so entertaining.
In the end, The Mentalist is rewatchable, emotionally rewarding, and full of clever charm. Whether you're watching for the mysteries, the slow character growth, or just some enjoyable escapism, it's a series that respects its viewers and makes for excellent, feel-good TV.
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