84 reviews
- nicolemariew-75215
- May 28, 2023
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- julieshotmail
- May 28, 2023
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Lots of angry reviews here, outraged at the attempts by Paramount to re-do the classic 80's thriller of the same name. Some, I believe, haven't actually watched past the first episode, which is quite patchy for thrillers like this, which is unusual. I'm through four episodes that I feel gives a fairly good rounding. There are clever moments, scenes that hark back to the film but it spins out the story here with great skill . The leads are terrific, reminding one how good an actor Joshua Jackson has proved to be. I like the backward flashes and different POV's. It does feel like it should be a mini series though. Hoping Paramount don't try and milk it. Crimes of passion are devastating, the impact on families is insurmountable. Good so far and ironically tantalising as the ensemble untangle the aftermath of ego, temptation guilt and redemption. No rabbit stew yet, but brace yourselves!
- colinrogers1
- May 7, 2023
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As the plot summary so eloquently puts it:
It is "a deep-dive reimagining of the classic's thriller, exploring timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders and coercive control".
Keyword here is 're-imagination'. The TV series certainly has a different vibe/demeanor to it.
There's a huge twist in the last episode. Motivations, what drives people to do what they do, conflicts, misunderstandings, baggages, perceptions, perspectives, people's influences on one another, how a person gets molded into who they are, human psychology, it's all at play there.
There's probably a season 2 coming. I would certainly look forward to it.
It is "a deep-dive reimagining of the classic's thriller, exploring timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders and coercive control".
Keyword here is 're-imagination'. The TV series certainly has a different vibe/demeanor to it.
There's a huge twist in the last episode. Motivations, what drives people to do what they do, conflicts, misunderstandings, baggages, perceptions, perspectives, people's influences on one another, how a person gets molded into who they are, human psychology, it's all at play there.
There's probably a season 2 coming. I would certainly look forward to it.
- blueskyy_ng
- May 27, 2023
- Permalink
Don't expect any surprises. It's pretty easy figure out in the first exposure. I did enjoy the 3rd episode retold from Alex point of view. My biggest complaint is Lizzie Caplan. She is just so horribly miscast. They did her no favors in styling her character either. There was no smolder to make me believe he would find her so irresistible that he would abandoned what is portrayed as a perfectly happy home. I don't mind Josh Jackson He's a great actor and he's believable considering the semi bad writing of this newly twisted story. I'm on the fence about finishing it. I probably will but I hope something changes quick.
- maydregirl
- May 3, 2023
- Permalink
Surpsingly loving this show so far. I was hesitant at first, "another TV show based on a film" deal - BUT - Happy to report I was very wrong.
Love the angle the show has taken, the dual timeline/perspective of the events adds a good level of intrigue. We all know what's happened, it doesn't pretend to be anything clever that way - But it's how it happens, why it happens and what are the triggers behind it all that keep me watching.
Lots of less posititve reviews here, I'm not sure what other people where expecting - A complete remake of the film? - What would be the point?
No, I'm enjoying a fresh, updated take on the story. I'm a bit wary of them taking the obvious route of *she's not really dead* to eek out more seasons of the show but I shall just, perhaps naively, think better of the writers than that. For now.
Love the angle the show has taken, the dual timeline/perspective of the events adds a good level of intrigue. We all know what's happened, it doesn't pretend to be anything clever that way - But it's how it happens, why it happens and what are the triggers behind it all that keep me watching.
Lots of less posititve reviews here, I'm not sure what other people where expecting - A complete remake of the film? - What would be the point?
No, I'm enjoying a fresh, updated take on the story. I'm a bit wary of them taking the obvious route of *she's not really dead* to eek out more seasons of the show but I shall just, perhaps naively, think better of the writers than that. For now.
- jazzsp8-94-555706
- May 14, 2023
- Permalink
I'm not sure why this show would be getting so much negative press because it was one of the best written shows that I've seen since Bates Motel. I cared about the characters and could feel there struggles from Lizzy Caplan as Alex to Joshua Jackson as Dan and especially seeing the things that Arthur had to endure with his wife made this series emotional. You could sympathize with all these characters in a way that is rare in film/TV today. There is NO political finger pointing or white shaming, race swapping nonsense that has made so much of Hollywood unbearable over the past 5 or so years. This was a great series and I didn't want it to end. Great job crew and cast! Well done.
- jasonohudson
- May 29, 2023
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- guineverescott
- May 6, 2023
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There is absolutely NOTHING worth watching in this laboriously dreadful series. I finished the first 3 episodes just out of curiosity, and we all know what not only killed the cat, but me along with it and what I found will not bring me back for the rest of the series. The original Fatal Attraction film was a product of its era, so I understand why this series had to reimagine some of the material. However, when material is changed much too much, and it relies on the chemistry between the two lead actors with little to no chemistry, it simply languishes in nothingness without anywhere to go but down. The smaller storylines are rushed, the pacing is way off, and the ancipation of what comes next between Alex and Dan is not there as it was in the original film. You just don't care because whatever comes next is probably just as boring or worse than what happened before. This Fatal Attraction series took all of the erotic thrills out of it being a must watch erotic thriller. The problem I have with remakes is that they're rarely as good as the original and that streak continues. Sometimes a classic film should just be left alone. Allow us to enjoy the greatness of the original, without our minds being polluted by the horrors of the remake.
I HAD to post a review after reading the terrible reviews. People are watching only a few episodes and coming on here and trashing it. How does that make any sense? It doesn't!
The more and more I watch it, the more I'm loving it. I have been waiting for the current episode to come out. I watched it at 1:30am because I was so ready to see the next episode.
EVERYONE in this series is EXCELLENT! Yes, I have seen the original. Yes, it was good but this isn't a comparison. Stop overthinking it and allow yourself to enjoy it! Because it's great! I would absolutely recommend it. I can't wait for the next episode!
The more and more I watch it, the more I'm loving it. I have been waiting for the current episode to come out. I watched it at 1:30am because I was so ready to see the next episode.
EVERYONE in this series is EXCELLENT! Yes, I have seen the original. Yes, it was good but this isn't a comparison. Stop overthinking it and allow yourself to enjoy it! Because it's great! I would absolutely recommend it. I can't wait for the next episode!
- micahthebarber
- May 13, 2023
- Permalink
I've read a few reviews criticizing the show: saying that the cast isn't attractive enough- especially the actress playing Alex... I'm not sure why people are expecting a soap opera looking cast and for Dan to find a sultry Jennifer Lopez look a-like in the office but whatever. It's not a Lifetime movie here. Lizzy Caplan's Alex is pretty, like a real woman pretty. She's also a great actress, being creepy and sympathetic at the same time.
Only 4 episodes in and I think it's a decent slow burn moody show. The actors do a pretty great job. I always enjoy seeing Joshua Jackson. It's also nice to see Amanda Peet. I love 80's horror/thrillers so I'm trying not to compare this show to the 80's one. Obviously some (most) are going to prefer the very entertaining 80's Fatal Attraction over this one but I think you can like both!
Only 4 episodes in and I think it's a decent slow burn moody show. The actors do a pretty great job. I always enjoy seeing Joshua Jackson. It's also nice to see Amanda Peet. I love 80's horror/thrillers so I'm trying not to compare this show to the 80's one. Obviously some (most) are going to prefer the very entertaining 80's Fatal Attraction over this one but I think you can like both!
- Lizlynn_1111
- May 11, 2023
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I was really looking forward to this, because as a huge fan of the movie, I really wanted to see more of the characters' back stories, particularly Alex. The 1987 movie was always going to be very hard to beat but it's always worth giving things a go.
This show does not help with that at all. Michael Douglas as Dan Gallagher was likeable because he was human and a real Everyman. Joshua Jackson's Dan is a self centred, arrogant, entitled guy who deserves everything he gets in this.
Glenn Close as Alex Forrest was vibrant, energetic and had a fabulous edge. Lizzy Caplan's Alex is flat, boring and lacks any personality whatsoever.
The show is absolutely boring me to death with its terrible character depictions, dull dialogue and an absolute lack of interesting plot development. They could have done so, so much with this show but it has fallen completely flat.
Do yourselves a favour, skip this and just go right back to the incredible 1987 movie. There's no way to improve on perfection.
This show does not help with that at all. Michael Douglas as Dan Gallagher was likeable because he was human and a real Everyman. Joshua Jackson's Dan is a self centred, arrogant, entitled guy who deserves everything he gets in this.
Glenn Close as Alex Forrest was vibrant, energetic and had a fabulous edge. Lizzy Caplan's Alex is flat, boring and lacks any personality whatsoever.
The show is absolutely boring me to death with its terrible character depictions, dull dialogue and an absolute lack of interesting plot development. They could have done so, so much with this show but it has fallen completely flat.
Do yourselves a favour, skip this and just go right back to the incredible 1987 movie. There's no way to improve on perfection.
The movie was one of a kind, and the show seems to be taking the premise and exploring Alex's side more deeply, while possibly adhering to the original ending the movie had, but never stuck to. It's certainly worthwhile in 2023 to finally explore Alex's story, but this show doesn't capture what made the movie so special.
The acting is good, the writing is so so, but it's simply missing the magic of the movie. Maybe it's a lack of chemistry among the leads, or that the present day unravelling of the mystery/Dan's daughter's storyline feeling clunky. I'll probably stick with it to see how things play out, but I'm not disturbed and captivated the way I am during the movie (and I've seen it many times).
The acting is good, the writing is so so, but it's simply missing the magic of the movie. Maybe it's a lack of chemistry among the leads, or that the present day unravelling of the mystery/Dan's daughter's storyline feeling clunky. I'll probably stick with it to see how things play out, but I'm not disturbed and captivated the way I am during the movie (and I've seen it many times).
- katydunlop-90394
- May 6, 2023
- Permalink
- ami_ashley
- May 2, 2023
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- YabbaDabbaDabba
- May 30, 2023
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If you compare it to the movie, you're stupid. It takes bits and pieces of the movie to create a new storyline, which is genius. If you're expecting the movie... you can't do that with a show! Give it a chance. I love the storytelling, the different perspectives, the cat and mouse games at the beginning, and the characters. Honestly, give it a chance! I'm enjoying the show. I've binge watched 5 episodes straight, and I watched the Fatal Attraction movie yesterday before diving into the show. While the movie is great... so is the show! Ease up people!!
If you want something to binge, watch this!
If you want something to binge, watch this!
- hickss-60951
- May 14, 2023
- Permalink
The biggest mistake the series has made, is calling it the same name as the movie wand having the same character names. The storyline is not the same, and therefore it's not actually a remake. If you can watch the series, without having the movie in mind, it is much more enjoyable. It's not the best or the most thrilling series, you will ever watch but it is good and it is watchable.
I watched the first three episodes and thought what a load of rubbish - I won't be watching this again and yet every week I've come back and watched the next episode. So that says something.
I think this would've done much better, have they not positioned it as a remake of the 80s movie.
I watched the first three episodes and thought what a load of rubbish - I won't be watching this again and yet every week I've come back and watched the next episode. So that says something.
I think this would've done much better, have they not positioned it as a remake of the 80s movie.
- sam_burgess
- May 31, 2023
- Permalink
I usually don't write reviews comparing new versions to old ones. I just judge what I'm watching and if it's good or not. I wish the people who produced this series understood what made the original movie so successful but obviously they have no funking idea. I'm 45 minutes into the first episode and not much happened. In the movie, you get straight down to business and the Japanese restaurant scene where the sin is decided is about 12 minutes into the movie. The producers of this series under estimated how much Glenn Close's amazing smile, her flashy hairstyle played a part in tempting Mr. Gallagher. Anne Archer who plays the wife in the original also has an amazing smile that made many men wonder "why would you cheat on a sweet wife like that"? The movie has style, Michael Douglas's coats, the houses, apartments, the ladies with the revealing clothes etc. There's is none of that here. Too many actors appearing left and right and nothing significant happening. The writing here is so lame I can't believe the original writer James Dearden is part of the writers team here. I guess 35 years can make a huge difference. I really liked Lizzy Caplan in Masters of Sex but she's not given much to work with here. The original Fatal Attraction is considered a steamy movie but it was not the only thing that drew people to it. This series is more like cold pizza. Something you might pull out of the refrigerator to eat when you have no other option.
I was looking forward to this remake but, nope thanks.
I was looking forward to this remake but, nope thanks.
This is a smart show and I like how it revisits events from multiple perspectives, a little like The Affair. Lizzy Caplin is great and so is Pacy aka the Might ducks kid. The original movie is a masterpiece it's not fair to compare them. After I finish the show I'll rewatch the movie.
The only thing I'd whoever I see a therapist in a show I really want it to be Susan Sarandon or Karen aka the therapist from the sopranos. That said this therapist isn't bad but to me the adult daughter's foray into psychoanalysis and the Jung stuff is supposed to feel meaningful and deep and falls a bit flat for me. I also want the guy at the office who has multiple affairs to be a more real and relatable character, he comes off as a cartoon character and this makes the mystery and suffering of infidelity weaker and less relatably human, hurting our empathy for Dan.
The only thing I'd whoever I see a therapist in a show I really want it to be Susan Sarandon or Karen aka the therapist from the sopranos. That said this therapist isn't bad but to me the adult daughter's foray into psychoanalysis and the Jung stuff is supposed to feel meaningful and deep and falls a bit flat for me. I also want the guy at the office who has multiple affairs to be a more real and relatable character, he comes off as a cartoon character and this makes the mystery and suffering of infidelity weaker and less relatably human, hurting our empathy for Dan.
- teewilly-00347
- May 28, 2023
- Permalink
When there's no sexual chemistry...
Between the two leads in a series about a frantic, electric, sordid affair then what's the point?
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame.
(When there's no sexual chemistry... Between the two leads in a series about a frantic, electric, sordid affair then what's the point?
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame.
When there's no sexual chemistry... Between the two leads in a series about a frantic, electric, sordid affair then what's the point?
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame. )
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame.
(When there's no sexual chemistry... Between the two leads in a series about a frantic, electric, sordid affair then what's the point?
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame.
When there's no sexual chemistry... Between the two leads in a series about a frantic, electric, sordid affair then what's the point?
Stick to the film and watch its original ending.
This is so woefully miscast. Such a shame. )
- michbissy-79037
- May 5, 2023
- Permalink
They certainly had big boots to fill here because "Fatal Attraction," with Michael Douglas, upon being released in 1987, became at the time one of the pivotal movies that inspired the erotic thrillers' phenomenon that went on for the next two decades or so, offering us amazing neo-noirs such as "Basic Instinct" & "Original Sin," and here we are 36 years later having a TV series based on it. This tells us a lot about the kind of impact the OG 80s film has had on Hollywood and the industry in general. Obviously having the expansion treatment to fit the requirements of a totally different format, it must have been very difficult for the writers to reimagine what was a shorter story and flesh it out in a way that is capable of hitting the desired spot for core fans, while simultaneously living up to the public's expectation, which by the way has been set extremely high by this amazing trailer. Jump into this if you want, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary, because not only are the storylines and characters way too complex to follow and understand, but the series also takes ages to hit its strides, and is quite honestly not as memorable, nor will it be as timeless as the original work it is based on.
- dieuleveutkembo
- May 9, 2023
- Permalink
There are some frustrating pacing problems. Maybe some attempts at red herrings that weren't fleshed out enough to a point that I'm not sure if it was deliberate misdirection or just inconsistent writing. The reveal didn't feel authentic or even likely within the world.
The side-plot with Ellen didn't fit alongside the main plot of the story and served only to distract, plus causing more pacing problems. It also didn't feel realistic. I can suspend some disbelief for entertainments sake. But that wouldn't have cut it here.
The finale left me feeling they just wasted my time, whole lot of effort for no results, and a weird cliffhanger that didn't make sense. The journey can make some shows worth a lackluster ending, but this show felt like they only set out to drive us to that ending, simply to find it lacking. Shucks.
I enjoyed the acting though, especially Toby Huss and especiallyecially Joshua Jackson.
That said some outstanding writing and solid conclusions in a follow up season could "save," the show, but I would also understand if they didn't get renewed, thus relegating this meandering unfinished show to nothing.
The side-plot with Ellen didn't fit alongside the main plot of the story and served only to distract, plus causing more pacing problems. It also didn't feel realistic. I can suspend some disbelief for entertainments sake. But that wouldn't have cut it here.
The finale left me feeling they just wasted my time, whole lot of effort for no results, and a weird cliffhanger that didn't make sense. The journey can make some shows worth a lackluster ending, but this show felt like they only set out to drive us to that ending, simply to find it lacking. Shucks.
I enjoyed the acting though, especially Toby Huss and especiallyecially Joshua Jackson.
That said some outstanding writing and solid conclusions in a follow up season could "save," the show, but I would also understand if they didn't get renewed, thus relegating this meandering unfinished show to nothing.
- you_are_the_dead
- May 30, 2023
- Permalink