Suspenseful, well-written and acted series through two episodes. Sometimes hard to follow but that shouldn't detract from the enjoyment of the interesting story that is revealed a little at a time. Use of flashback and alternate reality segments add to the fine direction and cinematography.
29 Reviews
Very watchable
bobetjo1 October 2022
There is a great slow start where Jeff Bridges has difficulty getting his socks on. He really is old and worn. Very like Jonathan Banks in Better Call Saul. That tired look. Then we make the acquaintance of his very well trained dogs. They deserve acting prizes themselves. Then John Lithgow comes on the scene as the government agent running the hunt for Bridges. Again, he deserves praise because he convinces us of his conflicts that stem from their common history in Afghanistan. All good.
But, whoever choreographed the fight scene between Bridges and the agent sent to retrieve him was a genius. No wild kicks or fancy moves. Just extended grips and strenuous attempts to get a hold. Very realistic. It went on and each party got more exhausted. Still twisting and clawing. It was so realistic. No superhero stuff. Just two adversaries unable to give up.
But, whoever choreographed the fight scene between Bridges and the agent sent to retrieve him was a genius. No wild kicks or fancy moves. Just extended grips and strenuous attempts to get a hold. Very realistic. It went on and each party got more exhausted. Still twisting and clawing. It was so realistic. No superhero stuff. Just two adversaries unable to give up.
Awesome beginning
mjsm6023 June 2022
Two of my favorite actors, Bridges and Lithgow, are riveting in this initial episode. I'm intrigued as to how this plays out. Also, I loved the camera angles and slow pans, made the performances even more engaging. Love it so far!
Great Start
chrishob-0576617 June 2022
Beyond happy for Jeff Bridges
MNR87BPF29 June 2022
This and euphoria have been my favorite things most recently.
What a hit for Jeff Bridges after fighting cancer and bouncing back with this. Just finished the first episode and I am totally drawn into it already.
Great cinematography, great acting that comes with the even greater cast.
Thanks for inspiring. Must watch !
What a hit for Jeff Bridges after fighting cancer and bouncing back with this. Just finished the first episode and I am totally drawn into it already.
Great cinematography, great acting that comes with the even greater cast.
Thanks for inspiring. Must watch !
the greatnesses of Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow have some unfinished CIA-Lybia business from the past to settle
Shadowboy_25cm21 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the novel 'The Old Man' (2017) from thriller author Thomas Perry, this tv mini series of seven episodes (season 1) starts strong with some introduction into widower Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges), an old man in his 70s, living as an eremite with his two dogs Carol and Dave and being in contact with his daughter via telephone.
Then, a burglar appears at night in his house. Dan Chase kills him and unravels the true identity and motivation of Dans' hideout: He's a former CIA agent, who operated in the past in the middle east and did some secret missions, and was hiding for 35 years. Now he was found and flees.
Harold Harper (John Lithgow) was the chief at that time and gets now the unfortunate task to chase down Dan Chase.
Enough said and no further spoilers intended about the all-too-well-known premisse of this show, let's just add this: Great charismatic main cast (Bridges and Lithgow) and good supporting actors, great cinematography, vivid-creative camera work, nice soundtrack and score.
Let the suspenseful hunt/chase begin and enjoy this show.
Then, a burglar appears at night in his house. Dan Chase kills him and unravels the true identity and motivation of Dans' hideout: He's a former CIA agent, who operated in the past in the middle east and did some secret missions, and was hiding for 35 years. Now he was found and flees.
Harold Harper (John Lithgow) was the chief at that time and gets now the unfortunate task to chase down Dan Chase.
Enough said and no further spoilers intended about the all-too-well-known premisse of this show, let's just add this: Great charismatic main cast (Bridges and Lithgow) and good supporting actors, great cinematography, vivid-creative camera work, nice soundtrack and score.
Let the suspenseful hunt/chase begin and enjoy this show.
Superb & riveting, brings back that 'Breaking Bad' intensity
tawasguy21 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So relieved to see Bridges and Lithgow delivering performances that immediately infuse their characters with a rare intensity, yet slowly drawing you into their complex situations & deep history. Love the pacing & style, after a bit of initial resistance. Writing is excellent, with minor bumps that did not take me out of the story (much). Hope to see next episode right away. Was blown away by the dead wife dream sequences - the actress conveys shocking facial expressions that hit you head on within seconds.
Reminded me of Blood Simple
jeroen-10625 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The dark, noir suspense thriller genre is usually found in films and not series, so I was surprised to see a tone and mood from films like Blood Simple.
Some people criticized the strength of the protagonist (Bridges) and although I agree that it stretched the limits, it still felt believable because it's usually more about making the right decision or move that maximizes strength or output rather than an ordinary first fight.
Some other criticism I simply don't agree with; e.g Bridges not cutting his zip tie but rather kicking the guy. It takes a while before you can cut the tie holding your own hands - it's an awkward and very hard position, exposing your action to the driver while doing so and risking the knife to be dropped. He was moving fast.
Also... even though he's an ex-expert at combat, he can still make far from perfect decisions...
One note is that some scenes were very dark and require higher end HDR monitors to fully appreciate.
Some people criticized the strength of the protagonist (Bridges) and although I agree that it stretched the limits, it still felt believable because it's usually more about making the right decision or move that maximizes strength or output rather than an ordinary first fight.
Some other criticism I simply don't agree with; e.g Bridges not cutting his zip tie but rather kicking the guy. It takes a while before you can cut the tie holding your own hands - it's an awkward and very hard position, exposing your action to the driver while doing so and risking the knife to be dropped. He was moving fast.
Also... even though he's an ex-expert at combat, he can still make far from perfect decisions...
One note is that some scenes were very dark and require higher end HDR monitors to fully appreciate.
Dogs
beany_jazz20 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Good first episode, would've been a higher rating but.....
Bit with the car fight scene was a bit silly.
In the dead of night you can hear a car a long way off, didn't hear it till it crashed, then he couldn't be bothered whistling to get his 2 dogs to destroy the enemy, had a 10 minute pointless fight instead.
Solid opener though, did enjoy it overall.
Bit with the car fight scene was a bit silly.
In the dead of night you can hear a car a long way off, didn't hear it till it crashed, then he couldn't be bothered whistling to get his 2 dogs to destroy the enemy, had a 10 minute pointless fight instead.
Solid opener though, did enjoy it overall.
wow
Lythas_858 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Packed with action..
jeff bridges is awesomein this..
old lonely dude whose wife died.. suddenly some guys are circling him.. after hes been hiding for decades.. i would say it doest make sense looking for a dude who disappeared 30 years ago.. but ok
point is, we do not have an old buff dude who can kick anybodys ass like we see liam nesson in taken kicking asses and taking names at 60 years of age..
nah.. dude here is struggling and you cheer for him.. usually I get bored watching the first episode because nothing happens..but the terminal list and this one changed that for me.. let the games begin.
old lonely dude whose wife died.. suddenly some guys are circling him.. after hes been hiding for decades.. i would say it doest make sense looking for a dude who disappeared 30 years ago.. but ok
point is, we do not have an old buff dude who can kick anybodys ass like we see liam nesson in taken kicking asses and taking names at 60 years of age..
nah.. dude here is struggling and you cheer for him.. usually I get bored watching the first episode because nothing happens..but the terminal list and this one changed that for me.. let the games begin.
Stretches Believability at Times But Good Start
denise-9944518 June 2022
I love Jeff Bridges. That said, the plot is intriguing and the cast is an all-around winner. Like some of the previous reviewers, though, I have to echo that at times the fight scenes stretched believability because of the main character's apparent advanced age in comparison to the much younger agents. I could understand if he simply outsmarted the agents, but in most cases he overpowered them! Also, I gotta say even though I was watching it on an old "big backed" TV, i had no problem making out what was happening. So to some of the previous reviewers, I have to say maybe it's time to turn in their TVs for newer ones. Or go back to an old school one. 😂 I do intend to keep watching as I am curious where the story will take us.
The dog scenes! Plz!
deimosian9 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
First off, Jeff Bridges acting is always cool and enjoyable to watch. Plus, the story/plot, though still a bit mysterious and probably classical, but it still catches you.
Now about dog scenes. There are 3 dog scenes that looked so silly, especially for someone who has a dog, let alone a trained one, oh an let alone that Jeff Bridges character has two highly trained dogs.
So the first scene is when Bridge's character is sleeping, dogs sleeping beside him, and apparently there is an intruder in the house. The dogs didn't feel it, which is so weird, instead the sleeping Jeff Bridges wakes up after the intruder hit some empty cans trap, Bridges already set.
Second scene, when Bridges is searching for the intruder in his dark house (its night time), the dogs must be there, doing nothing, until the intruder comes into the light behind Bridges', here we see th3 dogs attacking him. I mean dogs use their nose/sense of smell for almost everything. First they didn't feel.the intruder, and now could sniff him until he was close enough and in the dim light?!
3rd, the long slow boring fight scene in the end. Bridges is off road, escaping from FBI, he open his back door letting the dogs out, then he engages with his retriever (not a dog, but a man sent to retrieve him) for about 5 minutes or so and no sign of the dogs. At the end, he whistles and they come running from hundreds of meters away, just to find Bridges already forced into the car, and drove away.
I have a dog, a spoiled retriever, and if he sniffs the neigbor close to the door at night, he goes barking like crazy. Two super trained dogs with a retired agent, couldn't feel and later sniff and find the intruder??!! That actually ruined a big part of the first episode for me.
Now about dog scenes. There are 3 dog scenes that looked so silly, especially for someone who has a dog, let alone a trained one, oh an let alone that Jeff Bridges character has two highly trained dogs.
So the first scene is when Bridge's character is sleeping, dogs sleeping beside him, and apparently there is an intruder in the house. The dogs didn't feel it, which is so weird, instead the sleeping Jeff Bridges wakes up after the intruder hit some empty cans trap, Bridges already set.
Second scene, when Bridges is searching for the intruder in his dark house (its night time), the dogs must be there, doing nothing, until the intruder comes into the light behind Bridges', here we see th3 dogs attacking him. I mean dogs use their nose/sense of smell for almost everything. First they didn't feel.the intruder, and now could sniff him until he was close enough and in the dim light?!
3rd, the long slow boring fight scene in the end. Bridges is off road, escaping from FBI, he open his back door letting the dogs out, then he engages with his retriever (not a dog, but a man sent to retrieve him) for about 5 minutes or so and no sign of the dogs. At the end, he whistles and they come running from hundreds of meters away, just to find Bridges already forced into the car, and drove away.
I have a dog, a spoiled retriever, and if he sniffs the neigbor close to the door at night, he goes barking like crazy. Two super trained dogs with a retired agent, couldn't feel and later sniff and find the intruder??!! That actually ruined a big part of the first episode for me.
A solid pilot
manumorphosis2 August 2022
Great Show! Dark scenes improved w/ Apple TV
rrwcm30 June 2022
Very well cast and written. Other reviewers warned about the night scenes - I have an Apple TV for streaming and checked the settings before starting. I was able to calibrate using my iPhone to get a much improved picture.
Behind & in front of the camera, they did not miss.
W011y4m55 December 2022
It's fair to say "The Old Man" could arguably not get off to a more effective start than this, excelling in everything it visibly aims to do in order to masterfully construct an utterly immaculate opening episode, boasting beautifully nuanced, complex writing with great pacing & dialogue, understated performances from the extremely talented cast (who realise their characters on screen skilfully), all enhanced by Jon Watts' truly exceptional direction, whose visual filmmaking elevates the material further by meticulously conveying each & every piece of vital information pertaining to the plot at exactly the right time, inventively withholding it within scenes to make the developments feel impactful in sequences, creating a constant sense of foreboding ambiguity & tension when it's needed but delivering reveals which strike with fierce precision, when they're also required. It's a culmination of outstandingly strong creative decisions, made by people who are operating at the top of their game in their respective departments, resulting in what can only be described as a "triumph".
Had been one more star if Alia Shawkat had not been in it...
degrees-3336520 June 2022
I can't stand Alia Shawkat - she has zero acting abilities and every time she opens her mouth it's as she is reading off a teleprompter. Zero believability and connection to the character. Luckily, so far she has only been in the show a few minutes.
However, the REST of the cast and show is brilliant and can't wait to see it through.
However, the REST of the cast and show is brilliant and can't wait to see it through.
Captivating: keeps you on the edge of your seat.
marlena-7898012 March 2024
Great show. Excellent acting by jeff and Amy. Very believable. Great choice of actors. Exciting, captivating and keeps you guessing right until the end. As you watch it you get a suspicion of that flu think will happen next. And then it veers off in a way you would never have suspected. It's like a really great movie but just longer. I binged watched it S it was too good to let time lapse between episodes.
So get on some comfy pajamas, make some hot coco, pop up some pop corn and settle in for the best delivery, deep plots created by a smart, thinking person, riveting storylines that keep you emotionally stuck in front of your TV/Device right up to the very last second of the final episode. Amy and Jeff are brilliant in this well written spy drama. I hope there really is a season two because it would be terrible to just leave us hanging without a more formal explanation of how their lives move on, with or without each other. Because at times, you think they live each other. Other times you think they are just using each other and they should go their separate ways. As a believable couple, I could totally see them together for the long haul. Here's looking forward to season 2 in 2024!
So get on some comfy pajamas, make some hot coco, pop up some pop corn and settle in for the best delivery, deep plots created by a smart, thinking person, riveting storylines that keep you emotionally stuck in front of your TV/Device right up to the very last second of the final episode. Amy and Jeff are brilliant in this well written spy drama. I hope there really is a season two because it would be terrible to just leave us hanging without a more formal explanation of how their lives move on, with or without each other. Because at times, you think they live each other. Other times you think they are just using each other and they should go their separate ways. As a believable couple, I could totally see them together for the long haul. Here's looking forward to season 2 in 2024!
Wow Man
American-Jedi5 August 2022
Very good first watch. Excellent if you rewatch the series!
boothen-815735 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Came into this series with no information on the plot other than the small blurb. But Jeff Bridges is enough for me to give anything a try. This first episode, like a lot of these type of series, was excellent. Gets into it pretty quickly and throws enough at you to get you invested without bogging it down. This is one of the few exceptions where the rest of the series follows on at the same high standard. Really liked it first watch. Decided to restart the series about a year after finishing it and loved this second time around. How the writers play with you for the first 20 minutes, the phone in the microwave being one of the best examples of the first watch thinking you're watching an old man descend into dementia. But watching again after you know the character, getting that he's frying a burner phone so it can't be traced. Amazing. It's unusual to watch something a second time and see so many touches that could only possibly be caught second watch, and (for me anyway, my memory's not the best) actually remember how you interpreted the scenes first time around. If you haven't watched it definitely give it a go. There seems to be something similar released every other week. I would say this and Reacher are top of the pile. If you've finished the series, watch at least this episode again.
Yikes, Rudy!
Mexi4927 June 2022
Series is going to be great after watching the first episode. A bit dark at times tough for these old eyes. John Lithgow's character looks so much like Rudy Giuliani, I almost stopped it. Jeff. Bridges is great and looking forward to the last 5 episodes!
The dogs were the best part
Sdvick7230 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It was so slow in the beginning that I almost turned it off, what kept me watching were his fiercely loyal dogs. Still not sure who's after him. And the voiceover of his daughter talking was annoying. I'll watch another episode, hopefully it will interest me more.
Poorly written
fuqshytup23 August 2022
I'm sticking around for Lithgow and Bridges.
But this pilot script is painfully overwritten. It tries too hard while somehow not trying hard enough.
It's a wonder such an awful script was able to attract such talent. They must be desperate for work.
The directing is no great feat either. The voice acting of the daughter is laughable. It didn't sound in any way believable. Completely disconnected from the other actor. No one caught this?!?
Ugh.
But this pilot script is painfully overwritten. It tries too hard while somehow not trying hard enough.
It's a wonder such an awful script was able to attract such talent. They must be desperate for work.
The directing is no great feat either. The voice acting of the daughter is laughable. It didn't sound in any way believable. Completely disconnected from the other actor. No one caught this?!?
Ugh.
Earnest and boring
lor_19 June 2022
With TV content having multiplied exponentially in recent years (blame streaming) one would think a new series with big-name cast would have both a "Wow!" hook and underlying quality to attract a loyal audience. "The Old Man", with that lousy title and even having hero Bridges being chased and named Chase is insultingly lame.
I have no idea what attracted Bridges to the material, but presumably it stands as sort of a loyalty test: does the gentle viewer love the respected actor so much that he or she will pledge allegiance to such an uninteresting product? In the world of Cable TV, "Banshee" and in movies "John Wick" and its sequels brought over-the-top violence and death to an unprecedented stylishness, but "The Old Man" apparently intends to bore us to death.
I have no idea what attracted Bridges to the material, but presumably it stands as sort of a loyalty test: does the gentle viewer love the respected actor so much that he or she will pledge allegiance to such an uninteresting product? In the world of Cable TV, "Banshee" and in movies "John Wick" and its sequels brought over-the-top violence and death to an unprecedented stylishness, but "The Old Man" apparently intends to bore us to death.
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