toboer

The first five episodes are frustratingly generic, with one-dimensional stock genre characters and a bag of cliches. The writing was poor, with the FBI trained protagonist showing little security consciousness and surviving through pure luck.

Actually the only refreshing element that offers something different is the love story between the assassins.

The female characters are particularly poorly drawn - the female lead, the Secret Service agent, and the VP's daughter in particular - where arrogance and rudeness seem to substitute for strength and sass; they behave like entitled teenagers and are plain unlikeable.

Thank goodness for Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, who transforms herself yet again and brings some class to the proceedings.

From episode 6 the action picks up pace and the characters start to become more fleshed out (a bit late), and the show becomes more engaging (and less annoying).

There's not much chemistry between the two leads, so the romance side plot seems a bit forced (the assassins romance is better!).

The show seems to have done well. So if there's a second season, hope it continues to improve, particularly on the writing.

I wonder if the makers of this show had to pay to use the Blockbuster name. Because despite the premise and setting, the show is oddly non-specific. It could have been set in any business setting. In fact it plays exacrotch like a Superstore rehash. It's a shame as they could've really leaned into the movie theme, which would've provided so many opportunities creatively.

The cast in front of the camera are likeable and talented. It's disappointing that they're given so little to work with. The writing is just not up to scratch. As generic as can be, and simply not funny. Where are the jokes? It's all very pleasant, but I'm still waiting for my first laugh.

Love the idea of Sylvester Stallone as a superhero in his 70s. If only the film had been executed with more finesse and vision. The clunkiness is apparent from the opening scene.

The action seems to be set in the 1990s; unfortunately the film also feels dated from that era, from its intrusive music score to all the tired tropes and clichés in the script and direction. It has no humour, even though there are plenty of opportunities for it.

And the kid really overacts - A LOT. If panting a lot can be considered acting.

Stallone did a great job. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to elevate the film to where it needed to be. Hopefully he'll get a film that deserves him in his next outing.