Reviews

This movie was soooooo good it's not even funny. Without spoiling anything, I will say they dare to rip the band-aid off of uncomfortable truths that have been implicated/intimated in the majority of storytelling in films of the past. You get that here and there, but to have the band-aids off of so many layers of systematic problems throughout the entire film- from beginning to end surprisingly- was so different and refreshing. Heck, I didn't know that my spirit sort of needed it. To have these issues, these complications, these lows but also the highs portrayed so well by such strong actors made it so easy to get lost in the story and connecting on some level to each character-- even the really bad one. ;-) The production, in its rawness, was spectacular. The editing was purposeful. Very well done.

My goodness. This movie left me breathless and wanting absolutely nothing for I was truly full. A MUST GO SEE! The main criticism that I have for it is that it's not in more theaters. This is a movie that should be shared with a much broader audience. I hope it's picked up and put in more theaters so I can talk about it with more friends and family across the country! lol This could be a hit for sure!

It's a great premise. Very original. The connection between the villain and the profiler seems to be apparent, but one can't be sure. We'll have to see as it unfolds.

The wig being worn by Megan Boone is EXTREMELY distracting because it is so bad and it undercuts the show. Elizabeth Keen is a brand new character so she didn't HAVE to have longer hair. I strongly suggest that all episodes yet to be shot or completed should be done with her natural hair. Have her get a "haircut" or something. The wig takes away from the authenticity of the show because one can't help but feel how producers, editors, directors, and fellow actors couldn't see how bad that wig is. I've seen disgusted talk about it on a lot of posts and numerous audience members feel the same as I do. If I'm wondering about the wig while watching, I'm not catching everything/every word which I suspect is bad for the show. Ergo the 7 rather than an 8 or 9.

James Spader is, as usual, stellar. Several of the surrounding/supporting cast seem stiff and just reading lines. Ms. Boone doesn't seem comfy in her role either. She appears to be "acting" rather than making us believe in the character. I like the female head of the criminal division of the FBI. She was really good. And Mr. Lennix (Cooper) is very believable. But several of the other actors for the FBI look like their doing a job of acting. The CIA agent (female) was on point but I've seen her in other stuff so I'm not surprised.

The guest stars (criminals) are better than most of the supporting cast. The supporting cast needs to step it up to establish fluidity to support the great storyline (pretty decent writing). I have high hopes for The Blacklist. I will continue watching and I hope it evolves into its potential-- which is pretty great.

PS: Your writers are writing about a real US Agency. Their real life operatives are not that dumb. They are not that slow. The show is really disrespecting them. It would be better to see them (the operatives) catch on to stuff on their own or figure out stuff without having Spader's character tell them what was really up at the end of the show all the time. He should be confirming stuff, not always showing them all the stuff they missed (which is usually EVERYTHING according to these writers). If the writers make it more of a collaborative effort and grow a mutual respect between villain and operatives, it will be a better and more complex show in my humble opinion.