Movie Man
When film critic Will Pfeifer isn’t watching movies, he’s reading about movies, talking about movies, thinking about movies or dreaming about movies. Now he shares that unhealthy obsession with you. From Hollywood hits to Japanese obscurities, from Oscar night to the summer season, he’s got movies on the brain — and on this blog.

It’s not a movie …

March 19th, 2008 at 05:03pm Will Pfeifer

adams.jpg

… but HBO’s JOHN ADAMS miniseries is an excellent bit of programming. If you’re paying for the premium channel and bemoaning the absence of THE SOPRANOS, THE WIRE, BIG LOVE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and other shows, be sure to check out this fascinating look back at the birth of a nation.

Paul Giamatti, best known as the star of SIDEWAYS, does a sterling job bringing Adams to vivid life as a cranky, grumbling cuss who manages to give America the kick start it needs. He gets strong support from Laura Linney (as his wife, Abigail), Tom Wilkinson (as Ben Franklin), David Morse (as George Washington) and Danny Huston (as Sam Adams — brewer, patriot).

So far, two parts have aired, and they’re available on HBO On Demand. The next episode, “Don’t Tread on Me,” airs Sunday, with new episodes following each week. There are seven parts total, and if they’re all as interesting (and entertaining) as the first two, this’ll be quite a feather in HBO’s (tri-cornered) cap.

One quibble: Despite all the historical authenticity (and there’s plenty — just wait ’till you see how they prevent smallpox), the founding fathers lack one thing: authentic Colonial-era teeth.

Entry Filed under: New movies

3 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Adam  |  March 20th, 2008 at 9:30 am

    I agree Will I just finished part 2 yesterday and thought it was fantastic. Finally an accurate and fascinating look at the colonial era. HBO really does deliver the best T.V. shows. I saw you mentioned The Wire, I’m really bummed out that it is over. Probably the most overlooked show ever. I don’t know anybody that watches it, and many haven’t even heard of it. I think it is one of the best shows of all time.

  • 2. Will Pfeifer  |  March 20th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    I’m ashamed to say that I never watched THE WIRE during its run (for a variety of reasons, none of them good), but I am watching it now — I’m only getting through season 1, but I can see why everyone who watches it raves. It’s amazing.

  • 3. elDizzle  |  March 20th, 2008 at 10:32 am

    You’ve seen nothing yet Will, I don’t think you begin to truly understand The Wire until the final 2 seasons. Truly the best show on television..ever. I’ve got all of the seasons and recommend them to anyone who will listen.

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