The Art of More - Tödliche Gier

This is surely one of the worst TV series of the past decade. It's hard to decide which element of the show contributes more to its staggering stupidity - the terrible dialogue, the contrived plotting, or the confused storyline. While the first season was more about the intrigue behind the art world, it devolved into a derivative action drama in the second. It's as if the producers decided that adding murder and mayhem would save the series from its other failings.

But given the fact that a third-rate Montreal production company - Muse Entertainment - was behind the series it is hardly surprising that The Art of More could ever be anything other than an artistic and commercial failure. It is a wonder that the series even made it to a second season given its hollow character.

Kate Bosworth does her best to bring some integrity to the acting but the makeup artist on the series seems to have given her face a photo-shopped gloss that distracts from her performance. Surely someone on the production team must have notice her odd appearance?

Meanwhile, Dennis Quaid chews the scenery with his over-the-top portrayal of an multi-millionaire businessman turned art collector provides unintentional comic relief.

Finally, lead actor Christian Cooke brings zero charisma or gravitas to his Iraqi war veteran now trying to make a career as an art gallery dealer while trafficking in stolen artifacts. Perhaps had the writers given him a more interesting story arc Cooke might have risen to the occasion. But in the end he is simply one further example of the many strange artistic choices made by Muse and its showrunner Brendan Kelly.

Muse should stick to making the kind of derivative Hallmark-style TV movies that it is best known for producing.

I love shows that draw me in and make me want to watch "just one more episode"--which turns into an evening binge. For me, THE ART OF MORE is definitely that binge-worthy new series. First, the setting and premise is fresh and surprising. There are no other shows that focus on the art world--a great was to look at art across the centuries, including contemporary aspects that I hadn't really considered art, like the journals of explorers or the handwritten notes of rock stars. I also love the look at classic art from early ceramics to the Impressionists to Picasso. And from a new angle--a complex mix of genuine love of the artifacts as well as greed and corruption,the thrill of the chase and the behind the scene look through the eyes of a range of characters. Kate Boswell is perfect as the competitive, troubled, privileged art exec. As we continue to learn her back story, she becomes more and more sympathetic and engaging.

The other characters drew me in as well. Love Dennis Quaid! His twinkly eyes and wit come across even as he plays a kind of bombastic rich buffoon. Christian Cooke is compelling as an Iraq war vet and art-lover, struggling to juggle his many schemes and relationships. Cary Elwes is a delight, somehow able to portray a mix of emotions through his gestures and facial expressions.

Best for me is the way the characters back-stories are revealed layer by layer as the series continues. Lots of drama, twists and turns, tension, and fun in this compelling new show.

Kudos to Crackle for this new drama!

I watched the pilot of the show and it is quite the Okay show (anyone looking for the next Rectify will not find it here). If someone likes Scandal they are sure to love this one as well. Bosworth, Quaid and especially Elwes are definitely earning their paychecks; Cooke (a relative newcomer) is not quite as certain in his performance and frequently gets overshadowed by his aforementioned cast mates. The show has some art talk and brushes upon some very current themes, but its overall tone seems a bit clumsy at times (although the production values are good) As I said, this is no Emmy-magnet (though whether the Emmys are a proof of quality is very debatable), but it might be an enjoyable show to continue watching and kudos to Crackle for trying something new.

I know very little of the art world. I've never even been inside a museum or art gallery.

Based on the low rating of IMDb, I was skeptical of this show. But like the rating system (which falsely rates Star Wars The Force Awakens a high 8.4), I was way wrong. The Art of More is a superb show.

In terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., The Art of More show makes the new Star Wars movie look like a stupid kid's Disney show. I know it's not even fair to compare, but I just wanted to emphasize how ridiculously wrong the rating system can be.

IMO, in terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., this show is on par with the likes of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Homeland, and Walking Dead.

So don't just judge any show based on the ratings alone.

This show has smart writing. It is exciting. It has beautiful people and beautiful looking art.

In conclusion, I absolutely love this show and hope it will continue for a long time. I heard they have already renewed the second season with 10 episodes. I am hoping for a lot more seasons.

Good performances from all to be sure. However, the material with which they have to work demands all your attention to fathom the sub-plot,within sub-plot, within sub-plot. The writers seem to be attempting to congratulate themselves on how messy and complicated they can make a thinly woven thread of a story. Each episode is one messy complicated disaster linked to another by a small hope of resolution but alas! Just another unresolved catastrophe and so it goes on and on and on. The resolution is very low making viewing difficult in low light and the dialogue requires audio enhancement to make out the actors' lines - most of which are mumbled and/or whispered. Perhaps I know little about art, but I know what I like - and this is not it. Anyway - judge for yourself.