11.22.63

I am a fan of the book 11.22.63, and I was pretty excited to hear about an adaptation being made into a mini-series. My excitement only continued to grow when I learned that JJ Abrams and James Franco were attached. That being said, when I sat down to watch it, I had some high hopes going in. At first, my hopes were kind of dwindled. Upon starting the show, I thought that maybe Franco was not the best choice to play Jake Epping. As I continued watching, I noticed that it wasn't Franco, but rather that the show itself felt rushed during the beginning. However, to my viewing pleasure, once Franco totally commits to going back to the 60s (and he shaves that ridiculous goatee) the show really starts to come together. I guess the writers were just not as focused on the beginning of the show because it is such a good turnaround when he gets into the 60s (the beginning is not awful, just not great like the latter half). Also, the show does not follow the book 100% which is fine by me. I like when shows/movies try to create there own ideas, but still stay true to the basics of the book. Without spoiling the show for anyone, I believe 11.22.63 is going to be a great show when it is all said and done. Besides the beginning, Franco does a fantastic job as Epping as he showcases his dramatic (with comedy thrown in) work by dealing with the emotions of a present day guy traveling back to the 60s. Franco was the right choice for Epping! Overall, the show kept me thoroughly entertained for an hour and twenty minutes. So, if you can sit through about 10 minutes of a rushed plot, then I would definitely recommend giving this show a shot. King, Abrams, and Franco... How could it go wrong?!

Jake Epping, a high school teacher, travels back in time by a time portal, revealed to him from his friend, Cafe owner Al Templeton, the portal are in the cafe backroom closet, and makes it possible to time travel, but only from the present day and back to the 1960s — specifically, October 21st. Dying of cancer, Al asks Jake to travel back to the 1960s and prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Time travel stories can be a tricky thing, but 11.22.63 sets up the rules clearly and immediately. By the end of the opening episode, viewers should be fairly well acquainted with what Jake needs to do, why Al can't do it anymore, and the steps needed to get there. It all sounds completely ridiculous ("go back in time and stop the assassination of JFK!"), but 11.22.63 finds the right balance in Jake between disbelief and an earnest desire to try it anyway. The time travel isn't the mystery — not yet. Instead, the show pivots immediately into a glossy 1960s thriller, peppered with some of King's trademark horror.

I only bad thing to say about this series are that I want more I did not want it to end, it is simply a fantastic series.

It has been a long time I have seen James Franco look so promising in a role. Last time when I saw him so good was in 127 Hours. He has done complete justice to the character in the premiere of this show and seems to be in his comfort zone.

As for the show, it does not waste any time to get into action. Franco plays role of Jake Epping, a High School Teacher, who unwillingly has to take up the task of traveling to the past and avoid assassination of JFK. Show is fast paced and keeps you engrossed all the time. You just keep wondering how the story will unfold and will Jake be able to prevent the assassination.

For the premiere, you do not see much of the acting of others as it revolves only around Franco and Cooper. But they both take you to a ride which should not end. Episode was 80mins long but I did not realize when the time flew by. Direction and screenplay is of high standards along with story which is very well thought of.

I personally recommend you to watch the show and guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

It would be difficult to review 11.22.63 without spoiling it at every turn, so I won't. Instead, let me just say then that it has an excellent pedigree - a Stephen King novel - is well written and well acted. I'm a crusty oldish (emphasis on ish) curmudgeon and an amateur writer myself who thinks he has seen everything and is beyond every surprise and every tear jerk. Well, I was wrong. Once my teenage son suggested it to me, this series grabbed me by the throat, first minute, and never let go. Every cliché applies including "riveting" and "edge of seat." The bottom line though is that it is interesting, exciting and engrossing. Watch it. Now.

Now that's a series with superb acting on top of a very original story and script!

The intricacies are very well woven and as soon as the first 15 minutes, viewers are immersed in its world. The script does not disappoint a bit and the mood is awesomely and believably set with the bright cinematography.

The above being said, one of the decisive weight in its favor and deserved success is the presence and acting of Sarah Gadon, whose mesmerizing beauty and dazzling smile shine out and utmostly captivate.

A somewhat underrated and little known limited series, which comes highly recommended and leaves its viewers satisfied and in awe.