Guy Ritchie's TV series adaptation of 'The Gentlemen' falls short in capturing the unique rhythm and engaging narrative of his films, with predictable scenes and underdeveloped characters. Despite enjoyable moments and clever sequences, the overall season-long narrative lacks momentum, leaving viewers disconnected from the story. Available on Netflix on March 7th.
The Gentlemen TV Series: A Stumbled Spin-Off Failing to Capture Guy Ritchie's Rhythm
( Credit to: Rogerebert )
Guy Ritchie's TV series adaptation of 'The Gentlemen' falls short in capturing the unique rhythm and engaging narrative of his films, with predictable scenes and underdeveloped characters. Despite enjoyable moments and clever sequences, the overall season-long narrative lacks momentum, leaving viewers disconnected from the story.
The show, although not a complete disaster, stumbles along the way. While there are enjoyable supporting performances and clever sequences, they are overshadowed by excessively long scenes that feel like filler. It's as if Ritchie and his team are treading water, waiting to get back to the more engaging aspects of the story. The episodic nature of the show allows for quick, Ritchie-esque creative choices, but the season-long narrative lacks the necessary momentum to keep viewers invested in the characters and their fates.
The story revolves around Eddie Horniman, played by Theo James, a suave gentleman who reluctantly finds himself entangled in a criminal empire after discovering his father's illicit connections. The series kicks off with Eddie's dim-witted brother struggling to repay a debt to drug dealers, resulting in an extended and predictable scene where he embarrassingly dresses as a chicken. This formulaic approach and lack of surprises become a recurring theme throughout the show, adhering closely to Ritchie's established playbook.
A Missed Opportunity: Lacking the Engaging Rhythm of Guy Ritchie's Films
( Credit to: Rogerebert )
One of the main drawbacks of 'The Gentlemen' TV series is its failure to capture the unique rhythm and creative choices that have made Guy Ritchie's films so successful. While there are moments of enjoyment and cleverness, they are overshadowed by scenes that feel excessively long and lack the necessary momentum to keep viewers engaged. It almost feels as if the show is treading water, waiting for the more engaging aspects of the story to come back into focus.
( Credit to: Rogerebert )
The episodic nature of the show allows for quick, Ritchie-esque creative choices, but the overall season-long narrative lacks the necessary drive and surprises to truly captivate viewers. The characters and their fates fail to generate the investment and connection that Ritchie's films are known for, leaving the audience feeling disconnected and unengaged.
While 'The Gentlemen' TV series shares the same tone and theme as the film, it is important to note that it is a spin-off rather than a direct continuation. This distinction may disappoint those expecting to see Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant reprising their roles. The series incorporates various Ritchie-style elements, such as scribbled captions detailing criminal activities and dialogue that leans towards being overwritten, but it falls short in capturing the magic of the original film.
Underdeveloped Characters and Formulaic Storytelling
One of the major drawbacks of 'The Gentlemen' TV series is its underdeveloped characters and formulaic storytelling. While there are enjoyable moments and clever sequences on the fringes, the overall narrative lacks depth and substance. Supporting characters, such as Joely Richardson's underwritten role and the initially amusing stoner played by Michael Vu, feel unbalanced and fail to add much to the story.
The show suffers from predictable negotiations and outcomes, contributing to its formulaic nature. Subplots come and go without adding significant substance, leaving the audience craving the shock value that is typically associated with Ritchie's projects. The lukewarm stew of characters and storylines lacks the necessary surprises and twists to truly engage viewers.
By the end of the season, Eddie's character finally finds his place in the criminal empire, but the show itself fails to do the same. The potential for a traditional film sequel or spin-off may have been a better choice, allowing for a more focused and engaging narrative. 'The Gentlemen' TV series, while having its moments, ultimately falls short in capturing the essence and rhythm of Guy Ritchie's films.