I didn't plan to check out "Sugar," a neo-noir TV series about a private detective, which didn't sound interesting at all.
There were many red flags suggesting it would be subpar, including the name "Sugar," which follows the cliché of having a name that also has another meaning, like "Monk," "Magnum," or "Castle," among others.
It started in black and white, which, in my opinion, should only be used for flashbacks and is narrated in the first person.
Nonetheless, I gave it a chance, and it somehow started growing on me.
This production definitely tries to incorporate every trick and cliché in the book. The private eye is sick, dislikes guns, drives a vintage car, dresses the same every day, and only searches for missing persons. There are even meta jokes, including the hero entering a bar named 007.
At the same time, it tries to be different with some unusual cinematography angles, like those from a TikTok video shot with Insta360 cameras. Despite the scant information provided about his background, past, and personality, the main character is almost paper-thin, yet you find yourself starting to like him and wanting to follow his story.
This is an advantageous role for Colin Farrell, but he owns it well. Amy Ryan also delivers a strong performance as a lonely alcoholic.
Overall, I will keep watching, even though I hadn't planned to. It's a 'construct,' not a solid series-too many clichés thrown together, but somehow, I didn't change the channel.
There were many red flags suggesting it would be subpar, including the name "Sugar," which follows the cliché of having a name that also has another meaning, like "Monk," "Magnum," or "Castle," among others.
It started in black and white, which, in my opinion, should only be used for flashbacks and is narrated in the first person.
Nonetheless, I gave it a chance, and it somehow started growing on me.
This production definitely tries to incorporate every trick and cliché in the book. The private eye is sick, dislikes guns, drives a vintage car, dresses the same every day, and only searches for missing persons. There are even meta jokes, including the hero entering a bar named 007.
At the same time, it tries to be different with some unusual cinematography angles, like those from a TikTok video shot with Insta360 cameras. Despite the scant information provided about his background, past, and personality, the main character is almost paper-thin, yet you find yourself starting to like him and wanting to follow his story.
This is an advantageous role for Colin Farrell, but he owns it well. Amy Ryan also delivers a strong performance as a lonely alcoholic.
Overall, I will keep watching, even though I hadn't planned to. It's a 'construct,' not a solid series-too many clichés thrown together, but somehow, I didn't change the channel.