• Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 2, 2018
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 696 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 58 out of 696
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User Reviews

  1. Feb 10, 2018
    2
    Do the people who own the rights to the all time greatest science fiction film "Blade Runner" realize that this cheap ass flick is evidence of copyright infringement? The entire set looks as if it's been copied. There's numerous events in the film that mirror those that occurred in Blade Runner story. Numerous editing bloopers - did anyone catch the part where Kovacs hands were misplacedDo the people who own the rights to the all time greatest science fiction film "Blade Runner" realize that this cheap ass flick is evidence of copyright infringement? The entire set looks as if it's been copied. There's numerous events in the film that mirror those that occurred in Blade Runner story. Numerous editing bloopers - did anyone catch the part where Kovacs hands were misplaced just before the bloody shootout scene began in the Raven hotel lobby? The writing is also horrible, Ortega doesn't want to be bothered with "the paperwork"? Everything is digital, so what "paperwork" is she referring to? I doubt a character 250 years from now would even know what that is. Also, why would an attorney have to carry around a brief case 250 years from now? The whole thing stinks and is poorly made in my humble opinion. Thumbs DOWN! Expand
  2. Feb 10, 2018
    7
    Es una buena serie pero hay algunos fallos en la trama en los que pierden tensión por X o por Y, también cojea un poco la historia interior del personaje principal porque no sabes de qué trata hasta bien entrada la serie. Un final MEH si lo dejan así y un final medio bueno si la serie continua. Recomendable si te gustan las series de acción con ese toque cyberpunk.
  3. Feb 10, 2018
    9
    Excellent show. The story might seem derivative, but it draws very good things from different places and simply makes a new highly enjoyable production that stands on its own. There's complexity to it, there's action, there's excellent visual work, there's good acting (with maybe something left to be desired from Martha Higareda), there's comic relief, there's a futuristic technology thatExcellent show. The story might seem derivative, but it draws very good things from different places and simply makes a new highly enjoyable production that stands on its own. There's complexity to it, there's action, there's excellent visual work, there's good acting (with maybe something left to be desired from Martha Higareda), there's comic relief, there's a futuristic technology that might become relevant one day in just the ways shown here... there's very little left not to like. Maybe the gratuitous way in which some of the nudity is shoved in your face (and the mysoginistic choice of having full-frontal exposures of many more women than men), but then again it is a story about bodies being disposable and swappable, so maybe not quite as sensitive and tied up in people's identities as we're used to. Or how sometimes you wish you could understand the conversations better - someone could've put more work into the audio recording/mastering. But that's about it as far as faults go - no reason to give it anything less than a 9/10.

    Also, it was great to see "Dollhouse" actors Dichen Lachman and Tahmoh Penikett in a sci-fi again.
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  4. Feb 9, 2018
    10
    What a series. I cannot recommend it enough! I am throughly impressed. Love the environments and the characters. Don't want to spoil anything. Just see it! :)
  5. Feb 9, 2018
    3
    This show was not good! The plot was entirely convoluted; almost impossible to follow. Also pretty amateurish in a few ways. 1) Certain sets show the budgetary constraints, which I can forgive. 2) The acting!!! I can't understand how a show that has such talent behind the camera has such C-
    performance in front of the camera. Watching Joel Kinnaman mumble his way through the script with
    This show was not good! The plot was entirely convoluted; almost impossible to follow. Also pretty amateurish in a few ways. 1) Certain sets show the budgetary constraints, which I can forgive. 2) The acting!!! I can't understand how a show that has such talent behind the camera has such C-
    performance in front of the camera. Watching Joel Kinnaman mumble his way through the script with all the liveliness of a giant ground sloth on Quaaludes is almost painful. How does this guy get work??? He has given exactly the same performance in every role since Robocop! I really wanted to like this show but with acting so sub-par it's extremely difficult to focus attention.
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  6. Feb 9, 2018
    10
    Absolutely amazing addition to the science fiction series genre. The visuals are brilliant. The story telling is great. Characters like Poe added a brilliant flavor to the overall dystopian tone of the story. Would recommend to everyone. Does contain gore and nudity though. So if you are squeamish about that sort of things, you might now enjoy it too much.
  7. Feb 8, 2018
    9
    I think establishing the universe and setting is the number one thing in a good sci fi show/movie, and Altered Carbon's universe was interesting. This is a great looking sci fi show with cool concepts. The world reminds me a lot of the game series Deus Ex (where social divide is enormous and nothing is guaranteed to be what it seems as a result), and also a sci fi animated movie (series)I think establishing the universe and setting is the number one thing in a good sci fi show/movie, and Altered Carbon's universe was interesting. This is a great looking sci fi show with cool concepts. The world reminds me a lot of the game series Deus Ex (where social divide is enormous and nothing is guaranteed to be what it seems as a result), and also a sci fi animated movie (series) by the name of Mardock Scramble (where a murder victim is given a new and enhanced body to help solve her murder).

    There's a character named Quell who I find a little cheesy, but honestly there's always so much room for cheese in sci fi; I think Altered Carbon's level is certainly forgivable.
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  8. Feb 8, 2018
    6
    Death no longer matters in a far-future sci-fi where you are backed up on a hard carbon disc lodged in the top of your spinal cord. But, while you are backed up digitally, new flesh is still expensive. Only the richest of the rich can afford back-up bodies in case they die. They rule the world as immortals, controlling almost all the wealth and industry on this planet and across humanity'sDeath no longer matters in a far-future sci-fi where you are backed up on a hard carbon disc lodged in the top of your spinal cord. But, while you are backed up digitally, new flesh is still expensive. Only the richest of the rich can afford back-up bodies in case they die. They rule the world as immortals, controlling almost all the wealth and industry on this planet and across humanity's far-flung colonies. There were those who opposed this concentration of power. Takeshi Kovacs is a such resistance fighter whose backup is activated. He learns his faction failed and he was serving a prison sentence for acts of terrorism. While he is freed from imprisonment, he is now the property of a wealthy immortal who has a job for him. He needs to solve the magnate's own murder. Solve the crime, earn true freedom and a pile of cash to boot. Fail, and he goes back to prison.

    I read the books but was actually happy to see some of the changes that were made initially. An AI character that served as kind of a magical do-it-all handwave in the book was given a great personality and some endearing flourishes. Also, the Día de Muertos episode had an awesome actor take on a very unexpected role.

    Then the changes took a turn and instead of fleshing out missed opportunities and adding fun details to what was an excellent freshman novel they went for a major overhaul. Significant elements were changed thematically and in terms of plot and not for the better. I think they tried to make it more personal for the protagonist. That wasn't necessary; he already had plenty of motivation. Also, toward the very end they added a character they intended to be badass. However, her late and very sudden addition to the action in the climax came across as more of a deus ex machina and less of a justice/empowerment angle. It was poorly done.

    The show is well shot. I thought the acting was good overall. There were a couple of weaker performances. But I really liked the lead and a couple of the character actors along the way. Whoever did set, prop, and costume design deserves extra credit. There was some occasional cheap CGI (hotel gun turrets?) that took away from the overall luster, but those were vastly outweighed by some gorgeous views of the cyberpunk city.

    I can't recommend the series because I think it falls apart at the end. However, I won't say it's awful. If you have an interest in the genre and nothing better to take in, give it a try and see if your mileage varies.
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  9. Feb 8, 2018
    10
    If I could give this show higher than 10/10 I would! I absolutely love this show. It is a fantastic show. The CGI, acting, script, story line, and everything else about this show are spot on. It reminds me of Blade Runner, but very unique in it's own right! I am definitely a fan and I really am extremely impressed with everything about this series. I really am not sure why metacriticIf I could give this show higher than 10/10 I would! I absolutely love this show. It is a fantastic show. The CGI, acting, script, story line, and everything else about this show are spot on. It reminds me of Blade Runner, but very unique in it's own right! I am definitely a fan and I really am extremely impressed with everything about this series. I really am not sure why metacritic (corporate schell) is only giving it a 60%, they have drastically changed my opinion about their judgement in terms of quality. Either they watched a different show than I watched, or they would not know a great scifi show if it slapped them in the face. Anyways, I give this show a 10/10 and highly recommend for you to watch it and make your own opinion about how great it is. Expand
  10. JTV
    Feb 8, 2018
    8
    An interesting Sci-f show with a element cyberpunk and noir in a way that the visuals would surprise you.
  11. Feb 8, 2018
    10
    This was an amazing tv show with an intriguing new mythos to get lost in. The writing was superb. The acting was top notch and the action kept you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend for you to check this show out.
  12. Feb 8, 2018
    8
    The closest we may ever come to a Deus Ex screen adaptation, Alt C is a fantastic sci-fi opera in the same veins as The Expanse or Blade Runner. Think Game of Thrones (Spochnik [sp?], mr. big battle himself, is even a director) but much less sprawling and centered solely around one of its better characters such as Eddard or Jon. The show is great at providing a dread-inspiring dystopianThe closest we may ever come to a Deus Ex screen adaptation, Alt C is a fantastic sci-fi opera in the same veins as The Expanse or Blade Runner. Think Game of Thrones (Spochnik [sp?], mr. big battle himself, is even a director) but much less sprawling and centered solely around one of its better characters such as Eddard or Jon. The show is great at providing a dread-inspiring dystopian future where the skyline is just as bleak as it is glowing with neon. There are some similarities to Westworld, Minority Report, Deus Ex Machina and maybe even iRobot. As one of the critic reviews pointed out, some of the flashback-filled episodes or episodes that stray too far from the ‘hardboiled’ murder mystery suffer from over-fluffing the story. The only other negative I think of (or quibble, rather) is that, since the word around is that the show had a huge budget and spared little expense, where are some larger-named cast members? Make no mistake, the cast is wonderful- even James Purfoy (sp? [the following]) is his devilishly-charming self as the infinitely rich and semi-immortal Laurens Bancroft (what a Victorian, vampirish name!), but the part could have benefited from an actor with just a tad more gravitas. Purfoy has that cheeky yet brooding demeanor that is great for the role, however I could picture Crowe, Neeson, Damien Lewis (sp?) or even someone older such as Hopkins. If HBO and other networks can snag names such as these, then why can’t Netflix? Bale, Craig, or Oldman (dreaming a bit) could pull off some of those going berserk scenes flawlessly. And we all know the Tv screen is just as ‘big’ as the movie screen these days- especially actors that can let loose with some freedom off the reins in order to give their careers a good kickstart. I’ve personally never seen the lead Joel Kinnamen (sp?), but he is just perfect for the part and is obviously dedicated to the gym as well. Anyway, like this show has a habit of doing in some episodes, I’ve gone a bit off the rails. Bottom line: must-see sci-fi epic that hopefully has more seasons (and bigger acting names) to come! Expand
  13. Feb 8, 2018
    8
    Read the book many years since and recall the pretty unique cyberpunk/noir tone - which differed enough to Dick/Gibson Blade Runner/Neuromancer to make it stand out. This adaption hits the cyberpunk on the head but doesn't have enough of a feel of the Noir. That being said its a pretty great watch. Sure the actor who plays Takeshi is wooden, but for me it works and he reflects myRead the book many years since and recall the pretty unique cyberpunk/noir tone - which differed enough to Dick/Gibson Blade Runner/Neuromancer to make it stand out. This adaption hits the cyberpunk on the head but doesn't have enough of a feel of the Noir. That being said its a pretty great watch. Sure the actor who plays Takeshi is wooden, but for me it works and he reflects my recollection of the character and The Raven hotel is brilliant. Expand
  14. Feb 7, 2018
    6
    Definitely entertaining and fun to imagine this world, but the narrative can be pretty lazy, predictable and sometimes not coherent. Characters' actions and motivations are not always consistent and it leads to a break in engagement with the show. Worth watching if you don't have anything better to watch.
  15. Feb 7, 2018
    9
    Top drawer sci-fi with superior cinematography with up an coming actors! Joel Kinnaman (The Killing) is great and shows it. Newcomer Martha Higareda oozes with promise. Need a bad guy... James Purefoy is your man. Oh yes.... lets not forget Max Headroom!!! Binge worthy and certainly deserving of a Season 2!!!
  16. Feb 7, 2018
    1
    The pictures are nice and (not having read the book) many aspects of the story would have given great opportunity to ask interesting questions but are only touched slightly. Unfortunately the series focuses on fighting scenes, torture scenes and naked or scantily dressed women. Overall the image of women in the series is devastating. There is not really a strong female character (if thenThe pictures are nice and (not having read the book) many aspects of the story would have given great opportunity to ask interesting questions but are only touched slightly. Unfortunately the series focuses on fighting scenes, torture scenes and naked or scantily dressed women. Overall the image of women in the series is devastating. There is not really a strong female character (if then only for a short amount of time, before their strength gets negated again) but women are beeing humiliated (very often half or completely naked) seems to be a main topic of the series. So I was kinda suprised finding out that the series was not created by a male... but as jews can be antisemites, women can be sexistic and antiemancipatoric. Expand
  17. Feb 7, 2018
    9
    Altered carbon is a fantastic show, especially for the sci-fi/action genre. The series, tropes, and stylization have completely gone over the heads of many critics. As for movies like Starship Troopers, if the viewer isn't aware that the creators are aware of the tropes, and if the viewer isn't aware that a line sounds tough or cheesy exactly because it is supposed to, then the viewer willAltered carbon is a fantastic show, especially for the sci-fi/action genre. The series, tropes, and stylization have completely gone over the heads of many critics. As for movies like Starship Troopers, if the viewer isn't aware that the creators are aware of the tropes, and if the viewer isn't aware that a line sounds tough or cheesy exactly because it is supposed to, then the viewer will leave the series confused. If you're not willing to suspend belief at least a little bit for a sci-fi series, then try a romantic comedy, I guess.

    However, even with the tongue-in-cheek homages to the genre, there is still a soul and a conscience to the series. The ultimate point of the series doesn't rest in the battle scenes, but in the larger looming questions facing humanity regarding inequality, longevity, human augmentation, and artificial intelligence. The show doesn't earn a 10, because it at times pretends to be a mystery, when it more closely matches a 40's detective movie. Foreshadowing comes only briefly before reveals.

    Fortunately, befuddled highbrow critics pose no threat to this show, which is very probably a hit when it comes to views, Netflix ratings, social media buzz, and repeat views. Netflix should bring on season 2 ASAP.

    Also the cinematography **** gorgeous and the soundtrack kicks ass.

    With excellent sci-fi shows Westworld, The Expanse, Counterpart, and Altered Carbon, science fiction has never been so fun.
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  18. Feb 6, 2018
    10
    While critic reviews and user reviews vary, I loved this show. With every fiber of my being. This was a fantastic watch from beginning to end. The plot, characters, and story were incredible. It's Blade Runner on crack mixed with James Bond action with a hint of Sherlock Holmes detective and overall well put together. While some slam it, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I wasWhile critic reviews and user reviews vary, I loved this show. With every fiber of my being. This was a fantastic watch from beginning to end. The plot, characters, and story were incredible. It's Blade Runner on crack mixed with James Bond action with a hint of Sherlock Holmes detective and overall well put together. While some slam it, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I was captivated through out and I pray Netflix continues the series for another 6 seasons. Please watch and enjoy as much as I did. Expand
  19. Feb 6, 2018
    8
    Altered Carbon is a beautiful, dark, and compelling series, and one of the absolute best new series on Netflix right now. It really is the closest thing to a sci-fi Game of Thrones (not quite at the same level, but close). It delivers masterfully on cinematography, providing engrossing backstories and a rich world, and exploring deep themes about the nature of humanity and our path as weAltered Carbon is a beautiful, dark, and compelling series, and one of the absolute best new series on Netflix right now. It really is the closest thing to a sci-fi Game of Thrones (not quite at the same level, but close). It delivers masterfully on cinematography, providing engrossing backstories and a rich world, and exploring deep themes about the nature of humanity and our path as we go forward into the future.

    The main actor is good for a majority of the season with the occasional bad performance sprinkled throughout. One dynamic that painfully sticks out is Takeshi's general disdain for Laurens Bancroft for what seems like nothing. This, however, is a writing issue more than an acting one. I felt the same way about one or two supporting cast members (e.g. Ortega-she just needs to dial down the angry hot-headed cop archetype down a bit; Quell- was just bad), but a vast majority of the rest of cast was a joy to watch.

    However, I felt like the show was wrapped up a little to neatly. You go through the majority of the season getting gut wrenching cliff hanger after cliff hanger, and some genuinely surprising twists and deaths only to have the ending be so cleanly wrapped up. It sort of breaks the immersion of a real and lived in world. Also, there are certain sub-plots that felt unnecessary or distracting (eg, Lizzie) and some that were so compelling that it felt like an injustice not to explore them more (Ryker's story, Dimi's involvement, the Kovachs siblings and their backstory, the Elder civilization). The four subplots I just listed were actually way more interesting than the actual murder mystery that's supposed to be at the center of the story. By the end, the murder mystery itself feels like one of those less interesting subplots- with Takeshi's progression and character growth being the central focus. While I actually enjoyed this change in focus, I still felt like they could have made the audience more invested in the outcome of the case.

    The whole season is riddled with these small indiscretions and while it doesn't detract much from the viewing experience at the time, it does leave you with a certain indifference when you finish the series. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I did with some of my other favorite shows and while I felt satisfied with the world and what it offered, I have no wanton desire to go back. This is surprising for a show that I couldn't stop watching episode to episode yet a new season of it wouldn't even make the top 10 of my viewing list.

    Other minor complaints:
    The sex/nudity in this series is borderline pornographic. They definitely overdid it.
    The action scenes are nothing special- you likely have seen every action scene in this show in another movie or series.
    Language- the sciency jargon gets to be a bit much and in certain scenes you have literally no idea wtf they are talking about.
    The parallels to Blade Runner are painfully obvious- I wish they had done enough to separate the themes of the two universes.
    While the main villain is brilliant, he/she is revealed way too late, leaving the rest of the season with no primary antagonist.

    Rating: Must-Watch
    Doesn't deserve anything lower than a 7 or anything higher than an 8.5 depending on you preference. I give it a solid 8. BTW, in 70-80% of the negative reviews written, the reviewer claims to have watched only one or two episodes. If you don't like it at first, give it a chance, it's worth it.
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  20. Feb 6, 2018
    6
    Visually stunning series crippled by poor acting by female detective and few others, as well as the show's inability to translate deeper aspects of the book into the show. I guess one could say that the show inserts visual cues to the readers of novel that they may have struggled to imagine.
  21. Feb 6, 2018
    0
    Spartacus in the future. That's the level of this terrible adaptation of some great sci-fi. Pity, I was really looking forward to this :-(
  22. Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Great show, great acting, love the story. Watch it for yourself and you be the judge. I think its excellent, highly entertaining! All the actors are awesome!
  23. Feb 6, 2018
    7
    Let's start with the good part. It's a bit similar to Bladerunner. Visually good looking, the future is a dystopia, that classic film noir vibe (the smoking detective in a long coat), good acting and great action scenes.

    Then the bad part. It isn't Bladerunner. The main characters are both overly sexualized to get more viewers. 250 year old dude wakes up, ripped like Wolverine and meets
    Let's start with the good part. It's a bit similar to Bladerunner. Visually good looking, the future is a dystopia, that classic film noir vibe (the smoking detective in a long coat), good acting and great action scenes.

    Then the bad part. It isn't Bladerunner. The main characters are both overly sexualized to get more viewers. 250 year old dude wakes up, ripped like Wolverine and meets this supersexy girl-cop who can do anything whatever she likes, apparently. You know a sex scene is obligatory now. Spoiler: the sex scene is without a bra, a revolution for American television. Throw in a political correct character like 'the sympathetic muslim' (what was his function, except pleasing a certain crowd?). And of course there's the black sidekick of the white hero, because we love stereotypes, don't we?
    So I'm confused. What is this? A romcom? An action movie? Or a proper sci-fi that makes you think about your own reality? I have the impression that the show tries to please every crowd but loses it's own identity with it.
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  24. Feb 6, 2018
    10
    I had VERY LOW expectations for this show after watching the terrible trailer on Netflix.

    I am pleased to report that the trailer in no way reflects the brilliance of this series. It has emotional depth, fantastic acting, and an intriguing plot. I am only half way through, but look forward to finishing it off. The world they have created is not at all shy about it's Blade Runner
    I had VERY LOW expectations for this show after watching the terrible trailer on Netflix.

    I am pleased to report that the trailer in no way reflects the brilliance of this series. It has emotional depth, fantastic acting, and an intriguing plot. I am only half way through, but look forward to finishing it off.

    The world they have created is not at all shy about it's Blade Runner influence, which it uses well without being a cliche parody of it. The use of technology and how it is presented is subtle and believable. There are plenty of other influences of course, and you'll see references to games, moves, other dramas, which are all presented superbly.

    The characters are all beautifully acted, with real emotional depth. The action is shamelessly in your face, while the dialogue is well-written, the plot is actually deep and not vagueness masquerading as depth (Inception *cough*).

    They have created a very believable vision of the future, which is also a running commentary on the end result of capitalism without constraints.

    There's so much to enjoy about this series, I'm looking forward to binging the second half tonight.
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  25. Feb 6, 2018
    7
    Sieht super aus, hat schöne Kampfszenen, eine interessante Message, jedoch ist der Einstieg in die Story sehr schwer. Manchmal ist sie sogar ziemlich verwirrend und die Folgen erscheinen einem meistens etwas zu lang.
  26. Feb 6, 2018
    9
    One of the most original visions of the cyberpunk of the last quarter of a century. Brilliant special effects, scenography and battle scenes. A surprising plot and a phenomenal exposition of the world in a fresh way. This is something new that no screen has yet shown. This is a must-see.
  27. Feb 6, 2018
    1
    Awful, horrible screenplay, horrible directing, horrible dialogue and poor casting. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about this hot mess. It looks like I directed it. Why? Cause I have no idea how to direct.
  28. Feb 6, 2018
    10
    pure CP + violence. I was waiting for something like this a long time. If you like it when bad things happen to bad people you will like AC.
  29. Feb 6, 2018
    8
    This show is pretty cool. It isn't exactly groundbreaking in terms of story or dialogues but the setting, the universe and visuals on display are amazing. The cast is also mostly spot on. The reason i think this series needs to become a hit is because it has so much potential to be so much more in the next season, all it needs is a better and slightly more original story and dialogues.This show is pretty cool. It isn't exactly groundbreaking in terms of story or dialogues but the setting, the universe and visuals on display are amazing. The cast is also mostly spot on. The reason i think this series needs to become a hit is because it has so much potential to be so much more in the next season, all it needs is a better and slightly more original story and dialogues. This one deserves it Expand
  30. Feb 6, 2018
    8
    Awesome sci-fi storyline and acting. The nudity is also a plus, which gives it a highly realistic feel. Unfortunately, the ending has some inane Feminism, but it reclaims some goodness at the very end. I still haven’t seen a Netflix exclusive this good since “House of Cards.”
    Totally worth the watch.
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Reviewed by: Adam Graham
    Mar 1, 2018
    50
    Big issues of body, mind, identity and technology shuffle around the Altered Carbon universe, but the show often drags its feet in order to fill its individual episodes’ running times.
  2. Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Feb 5, 2018
    80
    For a series that makes a lot of basic storytelling stumbles and often seems to feature characters who can only speak in exposition, Altered Carbon’s first season is surprisingly gripping, especially in its superior back half. This is probably the best first season of a Netflix drama since The Crown’s first year dropped in late 2016.
  3. Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Feb 5, 2018
    50
    Altered Carbon is so busy trying to wow viewers by constantly one-upping the imagery and the intensity that it barely pauses to consider its story. The writing is also distinctly clunky: a hodgepodge of vacant platitudes and canned spirituality.