Reviews

Not every TV series needs to be a breakthrough, edgy production. There's a place for predictable, simple, mindless programming. So we were all in for binge watching what we expected to be a sappy, but engaging series - Sweet Magnolias. Boy, were we disappointed.

The writing, plot points and character development felt like a 3rd grade school project. It comes across like kids trying really hard to be cleaver - but fall short at every turn. Story plot lines are ill conceived, poorly developed and often go nowhere. Everyone involved in front and behind the camera are trying way to hard, - and they almost always fail.

Overacting and cringy southern accents (especially Chris Klein who is unwatchable - we rush to press the mute button every time he speaks) make the series painfully hard to watch. And the kids must have connected or famous parents, because their zealousness and overreaction in every scene makes it hard to believe they were hired for their acting ability.

Not sure why Netflix funded this production - perhaps to make Hallmark shows look Oscar worthy. This series is an embarrassment to everyone involved.

This long, drawn-out, glorification of a grifter is reprehensible. Shonda and her team fail to recognize the damage the "fine people on both sides" approach has on our society. Ginning up sympathy for a charlatan will undoubtably lead to groupie adoration and the deification of a devious fraudster golden idol. While parts of the series was entertaining, it was in need of truth, integrity ... and significant editing. Shame on those who were involved with this project. It does not move us forward.

Tremendous talent wasted. Sad whiny dialog and drab storyline make the movie almost unwatchable. Had high expectations that were quickly dashed. Not sure who thought making this movie would be a good idea.

Story plots not well thought through. Overacting and low budget production quality gave the series a Telenovela aura. Good to see strong female leads, but insufficient to overcome an uninspired story. Shocked to see so many glowing reviews.

Series tries WAY to hard ... and fails. Western fantasy re-enactments are gratuitous and unnecessary. We continued to adjust our rating downward after each episode. Episode 4 was especially absurd, dull, amateur and unwatchable. It felt like we were watching a 1st year film student assignment. Fargo, it was not. Sadly pathetic.

First couple episodes were compelling then the series veered off in a redundant and unbelievable direction. Very poor writing and simplistic, gimmicky plot. Show had potential, regrettably not realized.

Solid, standard British detective show. Great to see strong female leads in a male dominated field. Amelia Bullmore as DCI Gill Murray is the standout scene stealer. Simply outstanding. The title characters are good, at times over acted. Story lines a bit unbelievable - hard to see why so many men would be obsessed with these two.

Stretching this series to 8 episodes was an unmitigated disaster. Absurd story with pathetic red herrings. Poorly written. And perhaps worst of all, dreadfully dull.

I understand creative license taken in personal, private interactions. But I am always troubled when known historical facts are distorted or falsely presented. Shameful and unnecessary. Beyond the many documented historical errors, the series was dull, poorly written with cartoonish dialog and characters. Boring.

Compelling, until it wasn't. The film has a Christopher Guest vibe without the humor. Exceptionally disappointing ending.

Expected a more probing and analytical piece coming with NYT partnership. Beneath the dignity of the paper. 3rd rate "documentary" - shallow, sensational, poorly researched. After watching, we did feel sorry for Britney ... used once again.