Darkly Comedic and Violent
Summary
The Gentlemen is hugely entertaining with some razor-sharp dialogue and some laugh out loud moments. I would have liked a bit more action, but we do get a great fight scene in the second episode and there is still plenty of violence throughout making this well worth checking out.
Plot: When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it’s home to an enormous weed empire, and its proprietors aren’t going anywhere.
Review: I really enjoyed the movie The Gentlemen when it came out a few years ago and I’ve been wanting to check out this TV series since it came out on Netflix in March.
The Gentlemen stars Theo James, Vinnie Jones, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Ray Winstone, Giancarlo Esposito and Kaya Scodelario with a story that spans 8 episodes.
Theo James plays our lead ‘The Duke’ Eddie Horniman, a soldier who has recently inherited his deceased father’s estate, but soon discovers there is much more to it than he ever knew.
What ensues is classic Guy Ritchie with twists, double crosses, black humour and of course plenty of the old ultraviolence. I do wish the show had a little more in the action department, especially in the final episode which was about to build up to an epic shoot-out then… nothing. Still, we do get a great fight scene between Eddie and a goon in an apartment in the second episode, and the show is anything but dull.
Theo James makes for a charismatic lead and after watching this he’s one of my top choices for the next Bond; he has a great voice and confidence that could translate well to the character if indeed we ever get another 007 venture.
Anyway, James and Scodelario are a fun duo with Suzie Glass making for the perfect foil to Eddie with her criminal background where he uses his wits as a soldier to become very good at his new job.
The script is at times hilarious with some truly crazy moments, especially the now famous chicken sequence which builds up to absolute chaos.
Vinnie Jones gives one of his best performances as the groundskeeper Geoff who takes care of the family and shows real empathy rather than just being a tough guy.
I did find Freddy annoying for the most part, but he does redeem himself in the final episode willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
It looks slick and stylish with some nice choices of music, never letting you forget this is a Guy Ritchie show.
Overall, The Gentlemen may be more dark comedy than action, but it certainly has its moments, and the acting is faultless. Every episode moves at a decent pace with many twists and turns, so you are never quite sure where it’s headed. If you liked the movie then you’ll enjoy this, but if you aren’t a fan of Guy Ritchie’s style, then you may want to sit this one out.