Mob City

Not a bad story covering the 1947 L.A. mobster scene of Jewish gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen and various Italian mobsters, etc. Very well written and shot, lots of electric color, well-lit night scenes, and plenty of shoot-'em-ups and, unlike later films about L.A., actual police officials interested in doing police work right; not being pocketed by criminal riff-raff. I had been wanting to see this series for a number of years, finally found it on Putlocker for free, and there ya go.

It's really a shame, that this TV show did not get picked up for a further season. Or more than one that is. Especially when you look at how it's been done and that it only had six episodes all together. The costumes, the setting, the tone, the locations, everything is done almost perfectly.

The dialog, the acting, it's all in a rhythm, that fits the noir style and something a lot of people do like. I guess that not enough did watch it, though I can't say why that is. There surely are enough fans of this out there, to merit more of it. Still and with the talent at hand moving on to other projects, it still makes sense to "just" watch this one season, because it's really good. If you are into Noir, I don't even have to convince you. If you like crime thrillers and whodunit pieces you'll love it too ...

Frank Darabont knows exactly what he's doing, from a great cast to awesome screenplay, this is a hit. For me, I love film noir especially when its about mobsters in the prohibition era. Jon Bernthal, Jeffery DeMunn and Andrew Rothenberg from The Walking Dead, and Robert Knepper from Prison Break, the cast is brilliant. Everything about this first episode, sold itself to me. I was extremely impressed, and cannot wait for the next episode to unravel. The plot can go anywhere within reason, and if you don't know too much about mobsters lifestyle its all new and exciting stuff to go ahead and watch. Simon Pegg stars also, so that's a bonus.

This new show captured our attention from the get go", loved the dark film noir style as well as wardrobe. This is true to the time and accurate on most levels. Based on true events really make you think who's on your side. The law is corrupted , the the bad guys (mob) are bad news and love the fact that LA was so liberal in regards to interracial blending in public bars and clubs. Love the Jazz movement and soulful singers. The locations used in the pilot are LA today but all the old buildings that were built in the 20's and 30's seem new. You get a real appreciation for the history of LA the architecture and the rise of Hollywood and show business too. This is our history...this is truly how people lived in those days. There seems to be a lot of blood shed and dismemberment pretty hardcore for the faint of heart but may appeal to a male dominate audience. Would like to see more ladies in coming episodes with a hint of glamor and old Hollywood!, may attract a larger female demographic. Directed by one of the best!, bravo to all parties involved. Looking forwards to episode 2.

Warning: This review is only based on the first two episodes released side by side. And is only indicative of the show's quality during this time frame.

If there is anything to be said about Mob City is that it isn't ashamed of it's roots. Whiskey, jazz, smoke and guns...this is as noir a tale as they come. From the narration to the wardrobe. Not the usual TV drama audiences are used to. It takes a gamble in a genre that's not famous with the mainstream, and i applaud it for taking that route.

It is true however, that by thriving in a road that has been walked on time and time again, some archetypes and conventions are spotted from the very beginning. The downbeat detective, the friendly mobster, the comic relief, the love interest. What the show will do with these parts remains yet to be seen. But for now i can say that it didn't stop me from deeply enjoying it's premiere. The thing about archetype characters is that they can be a lot of fun in the context of referencing and as a homage to the genre the show so clearly has a love for. And i had a lot of fun with them.

Something has also to be said about the acting, that convincingly breathes life into these characters. Everyone is great, but of course i am always happy to see Simon Pegg even in the silver screen.

For now this is a cautiously optimistic review to series that shows promise and indulges in the genre it tries to bring to life ever so lovingly.