Les Kennedy

This 8 episode mini-series that follows the much examined story of President Kennedy. There isn't much here that would surprise anybody. It's a well-mined section of history, and this series just follow the traditional road.

Although there are some in this that's not in the official records, it is already much discussed. And the situations aren't done in a salacious way.

What I like most about this series is the acting. Greg Kinnear and Barry Pepper are solid as the Kennedy brothers. Tom Wilkinson has the power of experience. But I was surprised most by Katie Holmes. She was just so well casted as Jackie.

Loved it!! You covered all the highlights - many we have only read about and not seen before. Details on political manoeuvring to get elected and to stay in office. Details on Hoover, Mafia, Mafia girlfriends, Cuba, segregation, Catholics, father issues. Well done by all actors! Katie Holmes nailed Jackie. Quiet,soft-spoken,intelligent, living in a difficult situation. Making the best of the times she was in. Very believable Sets were good. You covered all the controversial topics. In site into daughter Rosemary' limitations. Jack's many one night stands, and medical issues, drug dependencies. Too bad History Channel U.S. was pressured into not airing it.

"Your name is Kennedy & Kennedy's never come second." The controversial mini-series passed on by the History Channel that shows the highlights of the life of JFK (Kinnear) and RFK (Pepper). Beginning with the family preparing for election night and following them, with flashbacks, until the assassination of Bobby. Being a huge history buff, and more specifically a Kennedy buff I was very much interested in this. When I saw Greg Kinnear and Barry Pepper playing the roles of Jack and Bobby I was excited to see them in this. I was not disappointed at all. While some of the events were not exactly as they happened (Joe finding out about the assassination for one) this is still a very good account of the life of the men. Being a mini series and so much to cover almost all of the events are glossed over quickly, (the Cuban Missle Crisis is begun and finished in 42 minutes) but the important aspects are in this. The acting is fantastic from everyone, and the casting is perfect, much like Jaoquin Phoenix in "Walk The Line" no make up (besides the hair) was used and you swear that Kinnear is actually JFK. I can see why the History Channel did pass on this series though in the fact that it's not 100% accurate, but this is very much worth watching. This can easily stand up to (and in my opinion surpasses) the "John Adams" series. Overall, a fantastic award worthy series. Both for the series and the acting. Biggest problem with awards will be who to give supporting award to...Pepper or Wilkinson. Watch this! I give it an A.

Would I watch again? - I will buy this.

*Also try - Thirteen Days

The Kennedys is a first class look at the victories and tragedies of the iconic Kennedy family. The production, casting and dramatization of the Kennedy family and memorable events are beautifully captured on screen.

Over the course of 8 episodes the lives and challenges of the Kennedys are explored masterfully with intrigue and grandeur. The details and accuracy of great historic events surrounding the Kennedy family are well portrayed. From Jo Kennedy's involvement, Frank Sinatra, Sam Giancana and Marilyn Monroe. The style and musical soundtrack beautifully reinforced the drama and intensity of scenes. We are moved effortlessly through time and reflections by certain characters of past events.

Perhaps the strongest asset to this production is the cast itself. Greg Kinnear is very impressive as JFK and believable. Barry Pepper was brilliant in his portrayal as Bobby Kennedy. He immerses himself in the role from look, mannerisms and accent and 'is' Bobby. Katie Holmes is also great in her role as Jackie as she also looked the part and pays worthy homage to a great female figure. Special praise to Tom Wilkinson who was fantastic as Joe Kennedy and embodied a strong personality with ease, the main cast members hit it out of the park. One forgets and easily is taken into this great journey as a result of some great performances. I can and have re watched this masterpiece in television many times, highly recommended.

10/10

"The Kennedys" is a competently produced and mostly entertaining series with terrific performances, realistic dialogue, and fine set design that convincingly evokes the time period of John and Robert Kennedy. The story is nothing new to those familiar with the Kennedys: after the death of his eldest son in World War II, New England patriarch Joseph Kennedy pushes his son John to become President of the United States. Along the way, John's fearless brother Robert and his enigmatic wife Jackie give him needed support as he campaigns for higher office and makes decisions that will forever change the course of history.

The TV series isn't entirely historically accurate: it does take liberties with certain details and embellishes relationships and events that in reality were less sensational. But I mostly didn't mind since this is a drama and not a documentary, and the changes made generally served the narrative. The story of the Kennedys has been brought to life in better, richer TV shows and movies such as "Kennedy" starring Martin Sheen and "Thirteen Days" with Bruce Greenwood. If you're interested in the Kennedys I recommend you watch those first, but "The Kennedys" does tell their story very well overall even if it doesn't really bring anything new to the table.

The four central characters are all complex and fascinating, and the actors (Greg Kinnear as JFK, Barry Pepper as RFK, Katie Holmes as Jackie, and Tom Wilkinson as Joe Kennedy) do a terrific job bringing these historical figures to life. In particular Barry Pepper is spellbinding as Robert Kennedy: he captures the intensity and the empathy that drove RFK all his life, and he exactly replicates Kennedy's appearance and speaking style without doing an impersonation. If nothing else I recommend watching the series for his performance alone. The costume design, sets, and music all do a terrific job of replicating the 1960s, and at no point in the series does anything feel out of place, fake, or less than authentic to the times.

The biggest complaint I have is that the series takes a downhill turn after JFK's assassination: the final episode, which focuses on the Kennedys after his death, is unfocused, sloppy, and skips over four years of riveting history from 1964 to 1968. Jackie is sidelined as a character and RFK comes across as too self-pitying and opportunistic. Because the series almost entirely ignores his service as a U.S. Senator, we don't witness his tireless work for the underprivileged or his painful indecision over whether or not to run for President in 1968. The finale was a missed opportunity to tell a compelling story, and overall it's a disappointing conclusion to the show.

If the series had ended with JFK's death, I'd rank it an 8/10. It's slick, well-acted, entertaining, and does a fine job of bringing such cherished American icons to life on the silver screen. It also manages to show the Kennedys' flaws while remaining respectful of their accomplishments and principles. But the finale just doesn't cut it, making the series an incomplete experience. 7/10.