Mob City (2013) User Reviews

Film noir show

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 17 June 2016]

It's really a shame, that this TV show did not get picked up for a further season. Or more than one that is. Especially when you look at how it's been done and that it only had six episodes all together. The costumes, the setting, the tone, the locations, everything is done almost perfectly.

The dialog, the acting, it's all in a rhythm, that fits the noir style and something a lot of people do like. I guess that not enough did watch it, though I can't say why that is. There surely are enough fans of this out there, to merit more of it. Still and with the talent at hand moving on to other projects, it still makes sense to "just" watch this one season, because it's really good. If you are into Noir, I don't even have to convince you. If you like crime thrillers and whodunit pieces you'll love it too ...

Classic Noir!

[JNobre · 8/10 · 12 December 2013]

Warning: This review is only based on the first two episodes released side by side. And is only indicative of the show's quality during this time frame.

If there is anything to be said about Mob City is that it isn't ashamed of it's roots. Whiskey, jazz, smoke and guns...this is as noir a tale as they come. From the narration to the wardrobe. Not the usual TV drama audiences are used to. It takes a gamble in a genre that's not famous with the mainstream, and i applaud it for taking that route.

It is true however, that by thriving in a road that has been walked on time and time again, some archetypes and conventions are spotted from the very beginning. The downbeat detective, the friendly mobster, the comic relief, the love interest. What the show will do with these parts remains yet to be seen. But for now i can say that it didn't stop me from deeply enjoying it's premiere. The thing about archetype characters is that they can be a lot of fun in the context of referencing and as a homage to the genre the show so clearly has a love for. And i had a lot of fun with them.

Something has also to be said about the acting, that convincingly breathes life into these characters. Everyone is great, but of course i am always happy to see Simon Pegg even in the silver screen.

For now this is a cautiously optimistic review to series that shows promise and indulges in the genre it tries to bring to life ever so lovingly.

Good Show

[rasultnt2008 · 7/10 · 6 December 2013]

Well, when it's Frank Darabont you know it's gonna be good. i love the cast, Jon Bernthal and Jeffrey DeMunn from The Walking Dead and Robert Knepper From Prison Break.

I usually don't write reviews on IMDb after watching few episodes but Hey!! this season is only 6 episodes.

well, i haven't watched Boardwalk empire yet, but so many people say Mob city is not even half as good as boardwalk, but i love it it was a slow start but i liked it, so many people say it was boring, well i have to disagree, i watched 90 minutes without pause, i love the mob stories, and there's this character (Joe) there are so many things about him that we don't know yet and i'm really curious to find out what his purpose really is.

I absolutely loved Sid (Robert Knepper) and Bugsy Characters. i've heard that the Ratings were not good but i hope they don't cancel a show like this.

CANCELED bring it back like family guy

[pakof6 · 10/10 · 14 February 2014]

Honestly I am extremely disappointed in TNT they hit gold with this show and don't want to take the time to let it grow. This show is better then breaking bad the wire the walking dead, I just started watching and yes online didn't even get to finish it before finding out it was canceled I am on a mission to get this show back on the air. Why is it that a GREAT show such as this is canceled before it can snow ball before anyone one even knows about it. Reminds me of the black donallys but more tragic. Please help me spread the word and bring this already classic back to life. Thanks for taking the time to read this if only tnt would take the time to give the show a chance!

Great new period show.....

[lnewhallallen · 10/10 · 5 December 2013]

This new show captured our attention from the get go", loved the dark film noir style as well as wardrobe. This is true to the time and accurate on most levels. Based on true events really make you think who's on your side. The law is corrupted , the the bad guys (mob) are bad news and love the fact that LA was so liberal in regards to interracial blending in public bars and clubs. Love the Jazz movement and soulful singers. The locations used in the pilot are LA today but all the old buildings that were built in the 20's and 30's seem new. You get a real appreciation for the history of LA the architecture and the rise of Hollywood and show business too. This is our history...this is truly how people lived in those days. There seems to be a lot of blood shed and dismemberment pretty hardcore for the faint of heart but may appeal to a male dominate audience. Would like to see more ladies in coming episodes with a hint of glamor and old Hollywood!, may attract a larger female demographic. Directed by one of the best!, bravo to all parties involved. Looking forwards to episode 2.

Mobster Flick

[twelve-house-books · 7/10 · 25 August 2018]

Not a bad story covering the 1947 L.A. mobster scene of Jewish gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen and various Italian mobsters, etc. Very well written and shot, lots of electric color, well-lit night scenes, and plenty of shoot-'em-ups and, unlike later films about L.A., actual police officials interested in doing police work right; not being pocketed by criminal riff-raff. I had been wanting to see this series for a number of years, finally found it on Putlocker for free, and there ya go.

Darabont is back

[msmshipp62 · 10/10 · 5 December 2013]

Great to see Darabont back in TV. Mob City is a great show, very toned to the times and loved the fact of sticking to the times and the fact of a very complex story yet to come. I only didn't like the shortness of the season but that's what Darabont did with The Walking Dead, and look how well it is doing. Very happy about the show, and a very slow move to a bigger plot that is going on. I loved Jon Bernthal in Walking Dead along with Jeffery Demunn, and Andrew Rothenberg. The show is very accurate(I think). I would hope this series is renewed and takes off like walking dead did, and hopefully this will be a big hit for Darabont.

Bring Back Mob City!

[cr1-910-331540 · 24 February 2014]

Please sign my petition to bring Mob City back to TNT & pass it on. This is a great show that has potential to become an excellent series like The Walking Dead. This is a great series based on the book L.A. Noire about Organized Crime in Los Angeles during and after prohibition. The scheduling of this series, which was 6 episodes in 3 weeks with back to back episodes each week did not do the shows potential to create a fan base any justice. This series has an excellent cast and awesome action scenes with great directing from Frank Darabont who brought you The Walking Dead. If you like Mob shows and you have been itching for a good gangster show while Boardwalk Empire is in between seasons then Mob City is the show for you.

www.Ipetitions.com/petition/bring-back-mob-city-to-TNT

Mob City is a hit

[ssr788 · 7/10 · 15 December 2013]

TNT's newest edition to an already great television line up is Mob City, a TV Miniseries that has an ensemble cast that absolutely kills it & I'll get into why.

Plot Line: Mob City takes place in late 1940's Mob soaked Los Angeles. The show revolves around a LAPD detective who has acquaintances in the Mob. I will not go into much detail because I would be giving away most of the core story. As the story follows the LAPD detective it also follows the Mob, specifically Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen (who you see very little of) and the mystery woman (which I can not go into detail on without spoiling it) threatening and brushing shoulders. The series mostly follows on the LAPD and Bugsy's crew clashing, but recently in eps. 4 followed a rival gang trying to take over Bugsy's operations. There are some holes in the story, but the whole finished product does not fail.

Cast: Let me start of with Frank Darabont. Frank of course took over The Walking Dead after its first season, which in my opinion has dumbed down the show ever since. Ever since Frank took over The Walking Dead for season 2 ongoing I slowly stopped watching. The Walking Dead just became dull and just flat out boring. That is to say I am not a Walking Dead fan, so I could see my hesitation when TNT started advertising a 1940's mob show using Frank's work as a promotion. Looking at the ad's I think, how is a zombie guy create a noir? Frank brought Jon Bernthal (Walking Dead's Shane Walsh) and Jeffrey DeMunn (Walking Dead's Dale Horvath) back who were both killed off of The Walking Dead. Personally I did not like Jon Bernthal in The Walking Dead, but seeing him here on Mob City made me appreciate him a little more. Jeffrey DeMunn was also my one of my favorites on the show and here he is even better. The Walking Dead's resurrected cast helps boost the show, and I love to see others returning to the screen such as Michael McGrady (Southland, L.A. Noire), Neal McDonough (Justified), and Gregory Itzin (24) who make it feel more at home for me. I absolutely love that Edward Burns is playing Bugsy Siegel he is all around a great actor with a lot of potential and portrays him greatly. I do have a problem with casting Jeremy Luke as Mickey Cohen. He makes the show feel awkward and just does not portray Mickey the way I would like. The casting is great overall, and I do enjoy it very much as they defiantly add to the noir feel of the show.

Conclusion: Mob City is a great miniseries, with a cast that makes it and screenplay that kills. Mob City has a lot of potential as a straight up television series. As it is a miniseries they traditionally do not get renewed nor have more that one season, so It will be upsetting to see it go. Frank impressed me when I thought he could not. If Mob City is becoming renewed or brought to a series it cannot be dumbed down, I can already see the money they've spent with the sets, props, and costumes and cutting budget it will make me a lost viewer. I applaud Frank and TNT for making a piece that is my favorite this year. I recommend to anyone though, not the typical Walking Dead fan because I just do not think they would enjoy it. Some background knowledge of the LA mob is good to get the story. A mob enthusiast like me will be just at home. See you at the series and/or season finale? 7/10

Brilliant, very entertaining and left me wanting to see more

[mercianwarrior · 10/10 · 5 December 2013]

After reading other reviews for this, I wonder if we watched the same show. I know people's opinions are subjective, but I really feel that some professional critics are just judging this harshly because they're seeing others doing so and want to jump on the bandwagon.

Apart from a couple of cops with designer stubble two days in a row – this show captured the 1940s perfectly. Actors spoke like they were in the 40s, people dressed like they were in the 40s. There was no inappropriately placed political correctness to make it feel fake. The name of the jazz club was very racist (there's no getting away from the fact that 1940s America was a very racist place, I for one prefer it's not brushed under the carpet) Simon Pegg uses some racist language and women were told they had to be escorted home.

The script was great, Simon Pegg's first exchange with the main protagonist gave a glimpse of the quality of the writing early on. Alexa Davalos was perfect as the femme fatal. I really felt like I was watching a Katharine Hepburn or a Rita Hayworth rather than someone pretending to be from that time period. Overall, the casting and the dialogue was perfect. There were lots of familiar faces.

As for production values, they were off the charts. The pilot featured different time periods, the 20s and the 40s (not sure if this will be an ongoing thing but I hope so) and both looked perfect. No expense was spared. It was good enough to be mistaken for a medium-to-high-budget movie. It looked a lot like Polanski's Chinatown.

As for the plot – I can only describe the first two episodes as very satisfying. I love Boardwalk Empire - which is a very similar show – but I often feel unfulfilled after viewing. Like I've eaten all my vegetables and only got half a steak. The pacing in this was just-right.

Overall, I enjoyed every scene, every second. I remember thinking "this is great" while watching it. Outside of watching Breaking Bad, I haven't enjoyed watching something this much for a long time. I'm confident the IMDb score will pick up as the quality becomes undeniable. I've seen many good shows start with an average rating on here, and pick up once the professional critics stop savaging it. I don't think this will be any different.

Love it but have no clue who people are...

[KimikoFox · 7/10 · 29 December 2013]

Since I am married to someone who deeply loves organized crime shows, I try to keep up on the latest mob shows. This one looks very promising but I cannot keep people straight or really know who they are...

The first episode was helpful and had a voice over and flashbacks to explain characters, but beyond the first episode the only person I know the name of is Jasmine. I had to come here to figure out the names of characters but a lot of the character bio's are empty.

It took me a while to figure out that the young kid that helped out in the convenience store hold up was Neal McDonough/William Parker because they didn't really fade from the kids face to his "current" face.

Would it kill the writers to have the other people address each other by name?? Hopefully they can add in typewriter overlay with peoples names if they decide to edit the show for clarity, but good lord am I confused.

I watched the first 2 episodes twice, and the last 4 once. I've even asked other people if it was hard to follow and they agree (had to confirm I wasn't missing something).

So far I really like the pace, the plot and the sets, I just really wish I knew who people were... still a fan but a little frustrated at needing to do homework for a TV show.

Mob City Episode 1

[joseph_sellings · 8/10 · 18 January 2014]

Frank Darabont knows exactly what he's doing, from a great cast to awesome screenplay, this is a hit. For me, I love film noir especially when its about mobsters in the prohibition era. Jon Bernthal, Jeffery DeMunn and Andrew Rothenberg from The Walking Dead, and Robert Knepper from Prison Break, the cast is brilliant. Everything about this first episode, sold itself to me. I was extremely impressed, and cannot wait for the next episode to unravel. The plot can go anywhere within reason, and if you don't know too much about mobsters lifestyle its all new and exciting stuff to go ahead and watch. Simon Pegg stars also, so that's a bonus.

Not very good

[ankhharu · 3/10 · 1 December 2014]

I had low expectations considering this was a TNT product, but that didn't help. It seems prime time and networks like TNT just can't put together a good show that's not a comedy. I'm not at all surprised that this was cancelled as it feels cheap, flimsy and not authentic. Shows like Boardwalk Empire pull you in with exceptional sets and cinematography. Giving you a feel as if the show was actually shot in that time period. Mob City does no such thing and gives a very "LA set" feel to it. Furthermore, despite recognizable faces, the show is full of supporting actors. None of the actors are lead material, and therefore are unable to carry the show. Had a strong actor been cast in one of the lead roles, the show may have been able to make up it's other shortcomings. Instead, we are left with what feels like a football team with backup players and no Quarterback.

Outstand Drama but don't use it as a History Lesson

[stevek712 · 8/10 · 23 December 2013]

The reviewer wrote about the accuracy of the film, but I doubt he is any more qualified to say that than I. As a dark Drama, it is outstanding. I love the way they all talk like a '40s crime drama. The costuming is also outstanding. As to racial integration, ask retired Mayor Tom Bradley who also retired as an LAPD Captain. Life as a "Negro" was not that easy. This was the time when LAPD was cleaned up using the skill of Chief Parker and the influx of experienced and mature WWII Veterans. The detectives also display only little guns. A lot carried larger frame and longer barreled 6 shot revolvers like the 4" Colt New Police and the Smith and Wesson M&P. We need to avoid using film as a history lesson. For example, "Chinatown" is not based upon fact.

One of the best on television

[scottb1212 · 10/10 · 20 December 2013]

Frank Darabont has struck gold with this series ! I was addicted to The Walking Dead, but i now have my new fix. Mob city is the best portrayal of early organized crime in Los Angeles. The Characters are vivid, and the dialogue is very accurate for the time period. . The show almost makes me wish I myself lived in the 1940's! John Bernthal did an excellent job on The Walking Dead, but he out did himself on Darabonts new crime drama. Not only does the show have you guessing where the plot is going next, but it will leave your blood pressure rushing just from all of the shootouts / action scenes, I feel a lot of television shows have lost the ability to keep it "old school" in a sense with the real explosions, and authenticity which surrounds Mob city.I am really hoping they will bring this show back for many seasons to come~

Good start but what's up with Teague?

[rusoviet · 4 December 2013]

A lot of decent scenes with actual and sets used - most viewers aren't aware of the depth of control organized crime had in Los Angeles prior to the 1950's. Decent acting with an excellent cast - the opening scene in New York is a back lot set - but the ones set in LA are good.

Recognize use of Melrose Avenue, parts shot up in Highland Park and the use of both the City Hall and Union Station are well done too.

No word yet of how truly corrupt Los Angeles was (Fletcher Bowren et. al.) - acting is really good only complaint is it has that 'tv' look to it - there always seems to be a slight difference between a studio shot film and one done for television.

Teague is the mystery - who is Teague?

What if?

[Oryculus · 10/10 · 12 March 2022]

I personally love this criminal series, gangster inspired film and series are my bread and butter.

I honestly believe it got cut way too soon; It didn't end up being popular in America (Air-Time), so they scrapped it. Leaving me to ask why, what, how and when.

Some great acting talents filled the cast. It's just a shame we may never know what could have been.

L.A. Noir at its finest

[noz4a2 · 9/10 · 1 September 2020]

I am in awe of this show. Two of my favorite genres, mob & noir combined beautifully. It has all the elements of the classic noir from that era. Jon Bernthal is perfection. Casting is excellent. So bummed this was cancelled. We need more shows like this. If there is a way to revive this show, sign me up!

sadly not good

[dkok-900-313555 · 2/10 · 17 January 2014]

So badly written, without a back story. why should anyone care about the characters, you might if you who knew who they were. Hopefully they can pull it together but so far DIRE!!! 10 lines of criticism to post a critic It's clichés after cliché. "three cops in an alley playing violins then dumb gangster look outs and shotguns that never hit anyone, endless bullets for some guys that are never seen again abit twenty years in the future (you don't see them, you can only surmise that the LA gangsters are working for them)aka lanksy, seagal plus a few Italian gangsters. who don't feature in the show

The acting isn't that bad just the story , writing, directing and producing Some bodies daddy has a lot of money !!!!!

Uninteresting

[coljam21 · 1/10 · 18 December 2013]

What a bore. I was so excited to watch the debut of mob City because it was directed by Frank Darabont, and Walking Dead is undoubtedly the greatest show in the history of television. But my excitement was short lived. I sat through the first 20 minutes of the show and had no idea what it was about. It was not exciting or suspenseful or mysterious. The only thing that kept me locked in was Darabont's involvement with the show and Jon Bernthal as a cast member.

So I'm 30 minutes into the show and am none the wiser. I have no idea what's going on with the neurotic comedian and why he want's protection for his rendezvous and at this point don't really care because I'm bored out of my mind. The tipping point for me was seeing Jeffrey DeMunn cast alongside Jon Bernthal. That was one too many Walking Dead rejects per show than I could take.