Medium: Starz TV Series
Genre: Action/Adventure Drama
Production Year: 2010
This series is currently running it's first season on Starz. The first five episodes have already aired and you can catch new episodes on Friday nights at 10pm on Starz. Or if you do not have Starz, like me, you can watch new episodes on Netflix instant. I think you will notice a common theme between my posts and Tolashgaulris's posts...we are both strong supporters of Netflix and Hulu.
Synopsis:
This series follows the legend of Spartacus, interpreted through the writing of Steven S. Deknight. Spartacus (Andy Whitfield), a Thracian betrayed by the Roman Empire, ripped from the warm arms of his loving wife (Erin Cummings) and forced into slavery as a Gladiator, sentenced to death, must fight for his life. This is no easy task under new master and gladiator owner, Batiatus (John Hannah) and his scheming, unfaithful wife, Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). A new found life of brutal torture and fatal combat, all in a single hope to find his wife, has become the story of Spartacus; a story of love, betrayal, greed and one mans will to do everything in his power to save the love of his life.
Overall Average Score: 7.17
This is a very intriguing story, following in the same light as "Gladiator" and "300". Not that I believe "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is equal to either of these films, it does combine aspects of each to make an entertaining television series. The storyline loosely follows the historic accounts of Spartacus and his dramatic rebelling against the Roman Empire to become one of the most revered slaves in all of history. I find it easy to get behind Spartacus's cause, almost rooting for him to prevail. The graphic bloody and violent combat scenes don't hurt either. This series does however have ALOT of nudity, female and male. If nudity and sexuality doesn't appeal to you, then you may want to find a different show. But overall, I find this an enjoyable and appealing show that I will continue to watch.
Writing: 7
Acting: 7
Directing: 8
So far I have been fairly impressed with the directing and producing (Grady Hall, Sam Raimi, etc.). I feel like the sets and wardrobe are era specific and fit well with what they are trying to accomplish. I haven't noticed any horrific wardrobe malfunctions like army fatigues during the middle ages, but if anyone has, please let me know. They are not afraid to explore the sexually explicit time period that the show takes place in (notice the warning in the beginning of the show), which in my opinion only adds the realistic take on the story. The detail given to the fight choreography is a definite bonus. All in all, well directed and produced.
Photography/Special Effects: 7
I have been pleasantly surprised at the special effects thus far. There are parts of fight scenes that are very Frank Miller esq (300), which I love. I know it isn't original or ground breaking, but for a television show on a first season budget, I enjoy it. I have heard some complaints about the blatant green screen backdrops. Sometimes the background appears to be a pastel painting. I don't know if this is what they are going for or if it is budgetary restrictions. It doesn't really bother me but I thought I would just throw that in there since I have heard those complaints.
Soundtrack/Sound Effects: 6
To be honest, I haven't really noticed the soundtrack or the special effects, for whatever its worth. I guess they aren't fantastic enough to get my attention or crappy enough to annoy me. In my opinion, the music fits with the time period and the sound effects are sufficient enough for the show. Not great, not horrible, just average.
Choreography (dancing/fighting): 8
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1 comments:
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