MobLand

I was hooked from the first episode. Mobland has everything I look for in a great series - strong characters, a gripping storyline, and incredibly well-written dialogue. It feels authentic, raw, and never predictable. The acting is top-notch and the atmosphere pulls you right into the world. If you like smart, intense crime dramas, don't miss this one.

The first few episodes were really slow, and I almost gave up. But I stuck with it and it paid off. The acting is tremendous. Probably one of the best things Tom Hardy has ever done. His character builds and you buy into him being the fixer. Pierce Bronson and Helen Mirren give great performances. I am looking forward to season two.

MobLand is a sort of Roman history-like / Shakespearean over the top crime show that brings Miller's Crossing together with a Guy Ritchie-type universe.

Our "hero" is Tom Hardy, fixer guy for The Harringon Family, led by the diabolical and insane Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren. They want to expand into the fentanyl business, but their son may have been involved in a homicide with a rival crime lord's son...and now it's "nuclear war." Tom Hardy has to protect both his crime family and his real family - and win the war.

This show is a lot of fun. The acting is great and the production value is superb. The theme some / credits intro for this show might be the best of any show since Game of Thrones, and it really jazzes you up and gets you excited for the story.

The writing is mostly really good, but it ranges from over the top to kind of underwhelming. For example, there is a scene with a chainsaw that is bloodshed and madness, but what should have been a game-changer turned into something where then there is never really much of an emotional resonance from anyone. Characters kind of just "go on." Also, it introduces this crime lord to be the main antagonist, and I think by the end it's unclear what made him such a threat in the first place.

Lastly, this world is full of backstabbing and chaos, it's so over-the-top that nobody who existed in this world could be real, and that is both part of the fun and also the challenge of MobLand. It's in no way shape or form a real look at mob life - it's more like a Roman-era bloody tale of madness and revenge.

But, whatever.

The show is a total binge-worthy blast and I'd absolutely watch a second season.

The series Mobland starts off strong and is carried by Tom Hardy. The other actors range from decent to completely over-the-top - especially Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, who are genuinely hard to watch.

The show lacks an overarching storyline, instead stringing together one narrative fragment after another, often feeling more like a soap opera than an actual mafia series. Many scenes are marked by illogical decisions. All in all, it's nowhere near masterpieces like The Sopranos.

It's a show you can easily binge in one or two days, have a good time with, and completely forget about four weeks later. Without Tom Hardy, it would be a 5 out of 10.

MobLand is a fantastic film that completely exceeded my expectations. The story is gripping, the atmosphere intense, and every scene feels raw and real.

Tom Hardy delivers an outstanding performance - cold, calm, and terrifying at the same time. He brings depth to his character in a way few actors can. The pacing is tight, the cinematography is beautiful yet gritty, and the tension builds constantly.

If you enjoy crime thrillers with strong acting and a dark tone, Mob Land is a must-watch.

10/10.