Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Movie review: Penny Dreadful

 
Supernatural forces are at work in London and famous explorer Sir Malcolm Murray is determined to combat them. Calling upon American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein, and medium Vanessa Ives the four combat evil and the impending darkness it brings.

Timothy Dalton (Sir Malcolm), Eva Green (Vanessa), Harry Treadaway (Frankenstein), Josh Hartnett (Ethan), Reeve Carney (Dorian Gray), Billie Piper (Lily), Rory Kinnear (John Clare), Danny Sapani (Sembene), Patti LuPone (Dr. Seward), Shazad Latif (Dr. Jekyll).

Penny Dreadful is a captivating series exposing a side of famous fictional characters such as Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, Dr. Jekyll and more, that isn't found in traditional tales. The series brings together this variety of characters in London, where supernatural forces are working to bring darkness to the world. And possibly an end to humanity.

The series is a wonderful mix of supernatural, horror, and drama as it tells a dark story which moves along at a good pace. The inclusion of other, less known but equally as dark and disturbing, characters brings depth to the storyline and series while holding audience interest very well.

Acting was very good with Dalton, Green, Treadaway, and Hartnett all doing quite nicely. The addition of Carney, Piper, Kinnear, LuPone and others who also delivered well finished off the quality feel of the series.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done with good variety, detail, and a solid realistic feel. Use of natural backgrounds was enjoyable as well. CGI, while necessary, was reasonable and fit the film tone nicely. Dialogue was good with nice depth and detail throughout. Sound and soundtrack were well done.

Being someone who enjoys the embellishment of traditional fairy tales and horror stories, I enjoyed this series a lot. (The only downside was that it ended with Season 3). Technical work and acting is well done, no doubt, but the weaving together of different famous fictional characters in new settings and situations is pure joy. Those with a like mind should enjoy this series, as should those who like darker tales.

With plenty of sexuality, nudity, violence, gore, and disturbing images, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 3.27.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: TV Horror, TV Drama, TV Fantasy, Supernatural Stories, TV Series

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

No comments:

Mine mine mine!!!!

Blog disclaimer and copyright information. . .

-I hope to make this blog revenue generating in the future and as such any posts found here may be paid posts. If you want to pay me to post for you, let me know!
-Content may change over time resulting in inaccuracies. I also make mistakes, some will be here.
-I have no control over what is at the other end of any links you may find here.
-Film pictures, dvd covers, film banners or whatever you like to call them are copied here from widely available public locations. I did not create them nor do I own them.
-Any files, programs or downloadables are provided only for convenience and fun. I in no way warrant, represent, or otherwise imply they won’t cause you problems. Use at your own risk! If your computer blows up I don’t want to even hear about it.
-Reviews posted here are my opinion and meant as informational for prospective viewers and are not meant to malign, defame, or otherwise harm anyone or anything. They also are not meant as advice or counsel , not necessarily factual or absolute, and the author will not be held responsible for the results of their use.
-Comments are NOT the opinion of this author, nor is he responsible or liable for the comments or their results. I will try to moderate them in a reasonable (to me) manner.
-Translation of any portion of this blog may result in other than desirable language for which the author is not responsible. Furthermore, I’m not an English major so there will be bad grammar and punctuation found here. There may also be language that is intentionally objectionable to support my opinions. Tough.
-Copyright: All reviews and opinions expressed here by the author are owned by the author. Please enjoy reposting and/or linking, I ask only that you give proper credit and inform me you have used my content for your own pleasure and devious purposes.
-Legal limit on damages: .02 cents, U.S. (Yes, I will give you my 2 cents worth if you abuse me in court).