The tagline for the Paramount+ streaming series “MobLand” is “from the underworld of Guy Ritchie” and it’s wholly appropriate.
While the prolific British filmmaker (“Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels”) and producer primarily serves in the latter role in this gritty effort, his influence runs through series creator Ronan Bennett’s exploration of crime and relationships through the lens of two gangster families in London: the Harrigans, led by Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and Maeve (Helen Mirren), and the Stevensons, led by rival Richie (Geoff Bell).
Caught firmly in between these warring factions: Harry Da Souza (the wonderfully gritty, Tom Hardy). The point of contention: mob territory that the Harrigans control and are auctioning off, but that’s not all. The situation is further complicated by nepo baby Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon), a spoiled brat if there were ever one, having had his excesses indulged his entire life by his grandmother. He’s privileged, entitled and possesses all the character flaws that go with those traits.
They get him in trouble one night in a London club – the kind of trouble that needs to be fixed. Enter Harry, who is certainly good at his trade, plying it with elements of danger, more than a hint of humor and a dash of empathy. Unfortunately for Harry, he’s also responsible for mediating any other issues related to the Harrigans. Diving even deeper? He’s got his own familial issues as his wife is on the verge of leaving him due to his lack of presence in her and his daughter’s lives. He’s got a lot going on and Hardy brings all of it to the forefront.
He is one of those actors many would watch color a book just because he’s that good at the craft – a knowing look, a slight crook of a smile and a leering glare – he doesn’t have to utter a word. All of those gestures can convey either happiness or anger for him and he uses them all to great effect.
It certainly helps the showrunners assembled an A-list cast that would hold that designation whether they were working in film or television. Mirren is always on point whether camping it up in a film in the “Fast” franchise or playing as regal as can be in “The Queen.” As for Brosnan, with this effort and an appearance in the recently released Steven Soderbergh film “Black Bag,” he is enjoying a moment and we, as fans, are the beneficiaries.
Paramount+ provided access to two episodes of “MobLand,” returning to watch the rest which will release on a weekly basis, is a no-brainer.
‘Mid-century Modern’ off to a rocky start on Hulu
“Mid-century Modern,” streaming currently on Hulu
Normally anything with Nathan Lane in it represents an opportunity to kick back and enjoy whatever plays out on the screen. This new sitcom on Hulu, however, is more than a bit unsteady to start.
While it has some genuinely chuckle-worthy moments, they don’t come quickly or with enough frequency.
It stars Lane, Nathan Lee Graham, Matt Bomer as three men who happen to be gay, living in Bunny’s home in the Southern California desert near Palm Springs. Joining them: the late, great Linda Lavin (star of TV, “Alice” and stage) as Sybil, Bunny’s mom.
In the episodes screened, Lavin shows her rapier wit, great sense of comedic timing which both display why she’ll be sorely missed. She wasn’t enough to completely redeem those episodes.
Can this show get better across its 10-episode run?
Given that it’s directed by comedic veteran James Burrows (“Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Will & Grace”), I wouldn’t bet against it. But we shall see.
‘Bosch’ ready to go off into the sunset with final season
“Bosh,” streaming currently on Prime Video
By now the trials and tribulations of Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) have become TV comfort food. Across 10 seasons – including this final one – fans of the show have explored emotional agony, ethical conundrums and displays of unbelievable loyalty to this character from his friends and vice versa. This third season of “Bosch: Legacy” promises to be on par with the rest, which never suffered in any area. It’s a show that will be missed.
But here’s a thought: the character sprung from the pages of a Michael Connelly book series. Connelly also is responsible for “The Lincoln Lawyer” series of novels that have been adapted for a Netflix series. Nothing says that Bosch can’t sashay over to that show now for a visit.
What makes it even more intriguing: he’s half brother to “The Lincoln Lawyer’s” protagonist: Mickey Haller. Works for me.
Coming soon: ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ starring John Hamm
Top rated original streaming shows for the week ending March 2
Iti’s of little surprise which show sits atop the streaming charts for original shows. “Reacher” is improving to be an endurable franchise. It leads this week’s pack:
George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What to watch on streaming this week: ‘MobLand,’ new Nathan Lane comedy; ‘Bosch’ returns
Reporting by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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