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Glory to Marik
Just kidding...kinda. I was in a show hole and a few series were recommended to me. So, I binged hard for a 7 day trial to see what MGM+ was all about. It would appear they are all about original series. Some limited, some with multiple seasons. Below are reviews of what I watched.
From
This is another addition to the unknown phenomena genre. This time with more horror! The series takes place in a town its residents cannot leave. At night, they must hide or stay within protected sites or human looking monsters will tear them apart gruesomely. The series works as a puzzle box that continually unfolds. Every time something is learned, its just another piece of a puzzle that still hasnt been solved. This is a good take on the genre as often the mystery keeps folks watching and as soon as its solved, the show goes downhill fast along with viewership. From has 3 seasons currently available with a 4th thats filming as we speak. 4 out of 5 stars (best MGM+ has to offer!)
A spy among Friends
This series is a cold war spy story based loosely on true events. Though, dont let the dramatization scare you off, this story stays very grounded tot he times. It is very much in the style of Le Carre and not Flemming. A Spy Among Friends really leans into its star power which is powerful indeed with Damien Lewis and Guy Pearce. A perfect combo to play our two main characters as they play cloak and dagger for us. As mentioned, this is a grounded series that is a heavy dose of exposition and very light on the action. Not for every spy enthusiast. 3 out of 5 stars.
Robin Hood
This series is currently airing and only 2 episodes are available. So, consider this review incomplete. This adaption leans more heavily into the Saxon and Norman conflicts, or I should say the aftermath of the war and results. This is an interesting set up for the conflicts of our young Robin Hood and how he comes to be. Less upstart hero of the people, and more necessary rebellion leader against corruption and injustice. Sean Bean is great, though the rest of the cast definitely seems B-. That would be where this show has pain points. Though, the writing is so far interesting enough it could have legs. Tentatively 3 out of 5 star.
The Institute.
Woof! This is a run of the mill kids taken to an institute by unknown global cabal of nefarious people to be experimented on offering. People so nefarious and scheming they put their secret logo out in the open everywhere! This is the most made for TV series out of the MGM+ offerings. Im not entirely sure who its audience is supposed to be? Kids? Not really because has language, violence, and adult themes. Adults? Also, not really. The adult themes are pretty tame and subtle. Even Mary Louise Parker cant chew the scenery to any satisfaction in this slog. 1 out of 5 stars.
TL: DR
MGM+ appears to be Amazon's version of premium content. The series so far seem to be slightly better than network television, but clearly worse than premium services like HBO/Showtime/Starz. Worth a 7 day trial, but not a sub, IMO.
From
This is another addition to the unknown phenomena genre. This time with more horror! The series takes place in a town its residents cannot leave. At night, they must hide or stay within protected sites or human looking monsters will tear them apart gruesomely. The series works as a puzzle box that continually unfolds. Every time something is learned, its just another piece of a puzzle that still hasnt been solved. This is a good take on the genre as often the mystery keeps folks watching and as soon as its solved, the show goes downhill fast along with viewership. From has 3 seasons currently available with a 4th thats filming as we speak. 4 out of 5 stars (best MGM+ has to offer!)
A spy among Friends
This series is a cold war spy story based loosely on true events. Though, dont let the dramatization scare you off, this story stays very grounded tot he times. It is very much in the style of Le Carre and not Flemming. A Spy Among Friends really leans into its star power which is powerful indeed with Damien Lewis and Guy Pearce. A perfect combo to play our two main characters as they play cloak and dagger for us. As mentioned, this is a grounded series that is a heavy dose of exposition and very light on the action. Not for every spy enthusiast. 3 out of 5 stars.
Robin Hood
This series is currently airing and only 2 episodes are available. So, consider this review incomplete. This adaption leans more heavily into the Saxon and Norman conflicts, or I should say the aftermath of the war and results. This is an interesting set up for the conflicts of our young Robin Hood and how he comes to be. Less upstart hero of the people, and more necessary rebellion leader against corruption and injustice. Sean Bean is great, though the rest of the cast definitely seems B-. That would be where this show has pain points. Though, the writing is so far interesting enough it could have legs. Tentatively 3 out of 5 star.
The Institute.
Woof! This is a run of the mill kids taken to an institute by unknown global cabal of nefarious people to be experimented on offering. People so nefarious and scheming they put their secret logo out in the open everywhere! This is the most made for TV series out of the MGM+ offerings. Im not entirely sure who its audience is supposed to be? Kids? Not really because has language, violence, and adult themes. Adults? Also, not really. The adult themes are pretty tame and subtle. Even Mary Louise Parker cant chew the scenery to any satisfaction in this slog. 1 out of 5 stars.
TL: DR
MGM+ appears to be Amazon's version of premium content. The series so far seem to be slightly better than network television, but clearly worse than premium services like HBO/Showtime/Starz. Worth a 7 day trial, but not a sub, IMO.
