Nautilus

We've all heard of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. This adaptation of that story is going to disappoint the Jules Verne fanatics. However, I found it to be a breath of fresh air.

It reminded me of The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen which I absolutely loved. Nautilus has all the elements required to be a big hit. Fun, adventure, sea monsters et al. The characters are vivid, engaging and very likable. Every episode moves the story along and it has a great ending (and possibilities for another season). It's also suitable for all the family, something that is all to rare these days. Give it a go, you will know after the first episode if it's for you or not.

I remember this going into production the other year, and really looking forward to it, but I'm finding it hard to figure out what's the target ordinance, as it's not magical enough for kids, and a little underwhelming for adults. It looks like a Disney ride, and there's budget CGI, which dose not help the overall look. The characters are all a little predictable, as are the storylines, which is a real shame. I want to like it, but to be honest have found it a little boring. The touch paper has been lit, but I'm still waiting for the bang, which I'm hoping with come in a few episodes down the line.

I was skeptical of the series at first but it is a really good watch a mix of believable characters and adventures all based around Nemo and crew wanting revenge. The thread is through each episode of them going on a journey to find treasure to pay for their individual reasons for revenge. The end of the season is neatly tied up and leaves it ready for the beginning of season 2 Just enjoy being entertained old style looking forward to season 2 hopefully it's picked up and all the original characters are on board and maybe pick up some old and new characters along the way. Hence the reason for the 7 stars.

I'm only a couple episodes in and the plot changes are questionable... Did the story need a female character? Probably... Does changing the backstory of the ship etc benefit the story? Not really... Beyond that the production is fine...kids will be quite happy with the FX and sets and won't mind some of the weak acting and derivative dialogue. The cast are ok although no-one is really standing out for me but sometimes that helps the story develop without actors 'overdoing'.

So, overall a bit cliche and unmemorable for an experienced viewer but definitely something that can be watched with kids who aren't too precious.

First things first, I don't remember much of the original, reading it in translation when I was a kid. So whatever discrepancies there are in the series with original (of which, I'm sure, there's aplenty), I can't tell. Judging the first season as "based on something", it's a very decent adventure with distinct characters and a straightforward plot and narrative. I liked the character design and portrayal, and most of the acting too. Scene and gear design is also great, IMO - the Nautilus is sleek and swift, the Dreadnought is heavy and menacing, insides of both are also accordingly delicate and utilitarian. It looks great, and complements the story greatly too.

The main downside, as I see it, is the script - not in terms of storyline but in terms of character relationship dynamics. At times, it's unbelievably cringy and stereotypical, with all the cutout mistrust and disdain for no reason, it's just too teenage and cartoonish for the otherwise realistic-looking settings. I mean, it's obviously fantastical and unreal, but it's at no point deliberately magical or superpower-like or anything. Also the ending is a bit too abrupt and haphazard.

I'm not sure there will be season 2, but season 1 is fairly finalised - with a promise of more, of course, but as an extra, not as a cliffhanger. It's a decent watch for a plain but exciting adventure.