The Art of More

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!

A really original premise and so well executed. It's a fascinating portrait of big-ticket art and the unexpected underbelly of that world. The cross-section of socio-political types, all very well conveyed in the writing and performances, mixing it up in auction-house back rooms. The lead character manages to span the gap between military fatigues and designer suits -- and we buy him in both roles. Kate Bosworth is so wonderfully fine-tuned between poise and greed. Quaid gets to be balls-out Quaid and is such fun to watch. And you actually learn a lot about art -- from the magnificent to the ridiculous. Stolen antiquities, Steve McQueen's Ferrari, the price we put on objects and how arbitrary it can be. This refreshing new show is well worth a binge watch!

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.

This show definitely does not deserve a 5.9 rating (at of the time of writing this review). The acting is perfectly good, the cinematography looks nice, the plot is interesting and the characters are likable and not too one-note. Overall, it's a very competent show.

As several people have said, it's a very original idea for a plot too. I mean, the seedy side of the art-collecting world isn't something you see on TV very often. Also, I really like how they open most episodes with a little 'history' on the pieces featured in the episode -- adds a nice amount of flavour to the show.

I enjoyed season 1 immensely, and I'm looking forward to season 2. Too bad it didn't go on for longer. All in all, this show might not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it's also no 5.9.

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.