Nautilus

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.

...clearly, because it is not just quite good, it is rather excellent!

So far a brilliant adaption to the original story from time honoured Science Fiction genius Jules Verne who, as the better SF Authors have been known to do, predicted technology (in this case submarines) well before they were a reality.

The cast is excellently chosen with the interactions and conflicts not only believable, but enthralling.

All the effects are immersive and cleverly drawn from historical realities mixed in with the fantasy derived from Vernes vision.

The story itself is character driven, with the infamous Nautilus being the biggest of these. Being drawn into the tale is fantastic fun, with the entire cast playing endearing characters from the villianous Admiral to the tormented Nemo and rest of the quirky unique crew of the Nautilus.

With Disney's latest offerings into SciFi, this comes as no surprise that an excellent Series was dropped by them. Bless AMC's cotton socks for picking it up, and I fervently hope enough people are exposed to this that they keep giving us more!

(UPDATED REVIEW: In order to reflect my change of star ratings. I still rate the first 3 episodes a solid 9/10, but it splashes down to a firm 7 until the final 30mins)

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.

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.