The founding fathers were hawt. That, it seems, is the principle lesson to be learned from part 1 of the 3 part History Channel miniseries "Sons of Liberty". For instance, Samuel Adams is portrayed by Ben Barnes, a dashing looking man in his early 30s. At the time of the events that take place here the real Samuel Adams was a full decade older, and not exactly Tiger Beat material. Many of his fellow "Sons" are of the same mold. This is the American Revolution for the MTV generation.
The production values at least are serviceable, though Boston feels every inch the back lot it is. The cast do what they can with the material, though some fare better than others. Seasoned pros like Sean Gilder, Marton Csokas and Dean Norris give the sparse bones here a little meat, and Ben Barnes gives us a better Adams than is on the page, but Rafe Spall as John Hancock seems to be channeling Tom Hulce's take on Amadeus, and that is not a compliment.
Ham-fisted, over-stylized and bad history to boot, this opening chapter of 'Sons of Liberty' has me feeling a bit rebellious myself and I just might toss parts 2 and 3 into the Boston Harbor.
The production values at least are serviceable, though Boston feels every inch the back lot it is. The cast do what they can with the material, though some fare better than others. Seasoned pros like Sean Gilder, Marton Csokas and Dean Norris give the sparse bones here a little meat, and Ben Barnes gives us a better Adams than is on the page, but Rafe Spall as John Hancock seems to be channeling Tom Hulce's take on Amadeus, and that is not a compliment.
Ham-fisted, over-stylized and bad history to boot, this opening chapter of 'Sons of Liberty' has me feeling a bit rebellious myself and I just might toss parts 2 and 3 into the Boston Harbor.