I am not familiar with the book upon which this series was based nor am I familiar with the author's "Pretty Little Lies" (I'm not sure that is the correct name but just read it mentioned in another review.)
However, judging this adaptation solely on its own merits, I found it a huge disappointment. Neill and Bening are wonderfully talented actors with impressive resumes, but I felt this was beneath them. Neill's acting was marginally acceptable and intentionally over-the-top and Bening's character was a naive idiot, and all but one of the actors playing her children were annoying entitled whiners.
Regarding those four actors, the only one I felt anything for or who was the least bit convincing in his portrayal was the son with the long blond hair. I guess I'm a prude, but I felt there was also entirely too much emphasis on the lesbian subtext.
Additionally, I am in complete agreement with other reviewers who felt this series could have been easily condensed into 2 or 3 episodes at MOST!
Finally and most importantly, my biggest complaint is in the sheer stupidity and naïveté of Bening's character in not questioning the new supposedly domestically abused lodger and letting her live in their home without any questions or proof of her background. A ship could have been launched with the red flags thrown up by this stranger!
Frankly, I disliked most of the characters' personalities so much that their names are barely memorable and the only way I could get through the 7 episodes was with occasional muting and fast forwarding.
Overall, a disappointing and drawn-out letdown, especially considering the talents of Bening and Neill. The other actors except "Troy" were all new to me, and not the least bit impressive, except for the blonde son.
However, judging this adaptation solely on its own merits, I found it a huge disappointment. Neill and Bening are wonderfully talented actors with impressive resumes, but I felt this was beneath them. Neill's acting was marginally acceptable and intentionally over-the-top and Bening's character was a naive idiot, and all but one of the actors playing her children were annoying entitled whiners.
Regarding those four actors, the only one I felt anything for or who was the least bit convincing in his portrayal was the son with the long blond hair. I guess I'm a prude, but I felt there was also entirely too much emphasis on the lesbian subtext.
Additionally, I am in complete agreement with other reviewers who felt this series could have been easily condensed into 2 or 3 episodes at MOST!
Finally and most importantly, my biggest complaint is in the sheer stupidity and naïveté of Bening's character in not questioning the new supposedly domestically abused lodger and letting her live in their home without any questions or proof of her background. A ship could have been launched with the red flags thrown up by this stranger!
Frankly, I disliked most of the characters' personalities so much that their names are barely memorable and the only way I could get through the 7 episodes was with occasional muting and fast forwarding.
Overall, a disappointing and drawn-out letdown, especially considering the talents of Bening and Neill. The other actors except "Troy" were all new to me, and not the least bit impressive, except for the blonde son.