I watched the pilot of the show and it is quite the Okay show (anyone looking for the next Rectify will not find it here). If someone likes Scandal they are sure to love this one as well. Bosworth, Quaid and especially Elwes are definitely earning their paychecks; Cooke (a relative newcomer) is not quite as certain in his performance and frequently gets overshadowed by his aforementioned cast mates. The show has some art talk and brushes upon some very current themes, but its overall tone seems a bit clumsy at times (although the production values are good) As I said, this is no Emmy-magnet (though whether the Emmys are a proof of quality is very debatable), but it might be an enjoyable show to continue watching and kudos to Crackle for trying something new.
10 Reviews
Painful to watch
dreamgavino21 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
You don't really see a lot of dramas out there about art. The premise seems interesting so I decided to give it a go. What a mistake.
The Good:
Cary Elwes solidly performs as a rich gay art something something. He pretty much steals every scene he is in.
The script is okay in terms of art dialogue.
The Bad:
The main character is so forgettable. He's like a talking cardboard box. Did he go through an actual screen test? Sorry, but if you are going to use a relatively unknown actor as the lead, make sure he has star quality (e.g. Damien Brody in Homeland, Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad).
Dennis Quaid has his moments, but his portrayal is a bit one note. He is a rich perv. That's it. I don't get anything else from his character. But I guess if it was written that way, it could be the writer's fault.
Writing lacks humor and depth. Sure the art talk seems legit, but the rest is pretty straightforward. Nothing slightly poetic about it.
What a waste of the unique art premise. Will not recommend.
The Good:
Cary Elwes solidly performs as a rich gay art something something. He pretty much steals every scene he is in.
The script is okay in terms of art dialogue.
The Bad:
The main character is so forgettable. He's like a talking cardboard box. Did he go through an actual screen test? Sorry, but if you are going to use a relatively unknown actor as the lead, make sure he has star quality (e.g. Damien Brody in Homeland, Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad).
Dennis Quaid has his moments, but his portrayal is a bit one note. He is a rich perv. That's it. I don't get anything else from his character. But I guess if it was written that way, it could be the writer's fault.
Writing lacks humor and depth. Sure the art talk seems legit, but the rest is pretty straightforward. Nothing slightly poetic about it.
What a waste of the unique art premise. Will not recommend.
Ho Hum.
SteveMunden1 December 2016
Good performances from all to be sure. However, the material with which they have to work demands all your attention to fathom the sub-plot,within sub-plot, within sub-plot. The writers seem to be attempting to congratulate themselves on how messy and complicated they can make a thinly woven thread of a story. Each episode is one messy complicated disaster linked to another by a small hope of resolution but alas! Just another unresolved catastrophe and so it goes on and on and on. The resolution is very low making viewing difficult in low light and the dialogue requires audio enhancement to make out the actors' lines - most of which are mumbled and/or whispered. Perhaps I know little about art, but I know what I like - and this is not it. Anyway - judge for yourself.
Great Idea for a show!
kbergermail22 November 2015
A really original premise and so well executed. It's a fascinating portrait of big-ticket art and the unexpected underbelly of that world. The cross-section of socio-political types, all very well conveyed in the writing and performances, mixing it up in auction-house back rooms. The lead character manages to span the gap between military fatigues and designer suits -- and we buy him in both roles. Kate Bosworth is so wonderfully fine-tuned between poise and greed. Quaid gets to be balls-out Quaid and is such fun to watch. And you actually learn a lot about art -- from the magnificent to the ridiculous. Stolen antiquities, Steve McQueen's Ferrari, the price we put on objects and how arbitrary it can be. This refreshing new show is well worth a binge watch!
Poorly Plotted Canadian Series
grafengestrom-9622215 April 2022
This is surely one of the worst TV series of the past decade. It's hard to decide which element of the show contributes more to its staggering stupidity - the terrible dialogue, the contrived plotting, or the confused storyline. While the first season was more about the intrigue behind the art world, it devolved into a derivative action drama in the second. It's as if the producers decided that adding murder and mayhem would save the series from its other failings.
But given the fact that a third-rate Montreal production company - Muse Entertainment - was behind the series it is hardly surprising that The Art of More could ever be anything other than an artistic and commercial failure. It is a wonder that the series even made it to a second season given its hollow character.
Kate Bosworth does her best to bring some integrity to the acting but the makeup artist on the series seems to have given her face a photo-shopped gloss that distracts from her performance. Surely someone on the production team must have notice her odd appearance?
Meanwhile, Dennis Quaid chews the scenery with his over-the-top portrayal of an multi-millionaire businessman turned art collector provides unintentional comic relief.
Finally, lead actor Christian Cooke brings zero charisma or gravitas to his Iraqi war veteran now trying to make a career as an art gallery dealer while trafficking in stolen artifacts. Perhaps had the writers given him a more interesting story arc Cooke might have risen to the occasion. But in the end he is simply one further example of the many strange artistic choices made by Muse and its showrunner Brendan Kelly.
Muse should stick to making the kind of derivative Hallmark-style TV movies that it is best known for producing.
But given the fact that a third-rate Montreal production company - Muse Entertainment - was behind the series it is hardly surprising that The Art of More could ever be anything other than an artistic and commercial failure. It is a wonder that the series even made it to a second season given its hollow character.
Kate Bosworth does her best to bring some integrity to the acting but the makeup artist on the series seems to have given her face a photo-shopped gloss that distracts from her performance. Surely someone on the production team must have notice her odd appearance?
Meanwhile, Dennis Quaid chews the scenery with his over-the-top portrayal of an multi-millionaire businessman turned art collector provides unintentional comic relief.
Finally, lead actor Christian Cooke brings zero charisma or gravitas to his Iraqi war veteran now trying to make a career as an art gallery dealer while trafficking in stolen artifacts. Perhaps had the writers given him a more interesting story arc Cooke might have risen to the occasion. But in the end he is simply one further example of the many strange artistic choices made by Muse and its showrunner Brendan Kelly.
Muse should stick to making the kind of derivative Hallmark-style TV movies that it is best known for producing.
Intriguing and Different new show
ruthshagoury24 November 2015
I love shows that draw me in and make me want to watch "just one more episode"--which turns into an evening binge. For me, THE ART OF MORE is definitely that binge-worthy new series. First, the setting and premise is fresh and surprising. There are no other shows that focus on the art world--a great was to look at art across the centuries, including contemporary aspects that I hadn't really considered art, like the journals of explorers or the handwritten notes of rock stars. I also love the look at classic art from early ceramics to the Impressionists to Picasso. And from a new angle--a complex mix of genuine love of the artifacts as well as greed and corruption,the thrill of the chase and the behind the scene look through the eyes of a range of characters. Kate Boswell is perfect as the competitive, troubled, privileged art exec. As we continue to learn her back story, she becomes more and more sympathetic and engaging.
The other characters drew me in as well. Love Dennis Quaid! His twinkly eyes and wit come across even as he plays a kind of bombastic rich buffoon. Christian Cooke is compelling as an Iraq war vet and art-lover, struggling to juggle his many schemes and relationships. Cary Elwes is a delight, somehow able to portray a mix of emotions through his gestures and facial expressions.
Best for me is the way the characters back-stories are revealed layer by layer as the series continues. Lots of drama, twists and turns, tension, and fun in this compelling new show.
Kudos to Crackle for this new drama!
The other characters drew me in as well. Love Dennis Quaid! His twinkly eyes and wit come across even as he plays a kind of bombastic rich buffoon. Christian Cooke is compelling as an Iraq war vet and art-lover, struggling to juggle his many schemes and relationships. Cary Elwes is a delight, somehow able to portray a mix of emotions through his gestures and facial expressions.
Best for me is the way the characters back-stories are revealed layer by layer as the series continues. Lots of drama, twists and turns, tension, and fun in this compelling new show.
Kudos to Crackle for this new drama!
I don't understand
gerviospades19 November 2019
This show definitely does not deserve a 5.9 rating (at of the time of writing this review). The acting is perfectly good, the cinematography looks nice, the plot is interesting and the characters are likable and not too one-note. Overall, it's a very competent show.
As several people have said, it's a very original idea for a plot too. I mean, the seedy side of the art-collecting world isn't something you see on TV very often. Also, I really like how they open most episodes with a little 'history' on the pieces featured in the episode -- adds a nice amount of flavour to the show.
I enjoyed season 1 immensely, and I'm looking forward to season 2. Too bad it didn't go on for longer. All in all, this show might not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it's also no 5.9.
As several people have said, it's a very original idea for a plot too. I mean, the seedy side of the art-collecting world isn't something you see on TV very often. Also, I really like how they open most episodes with a little 'history' on the pieces featured in the episode -- adds a nice amount of flavour to the show.
I enjoyed season 1 immensely, and I'm looking forward to season 2. Too bad it didn't go on for longer. All in all, this show might not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it's also no 5.9.
Excellent show up there with Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead
tranat7113 March 2016
I know very little of the art world. I've never even been inside a museum or art gallery.
Based on the low rating of IMDb, I was skeptical of this show. But like the rating system (which falsely rates Star Wars The Force Awakens a high 8.4), I was way wrong. The Art of More is a superb show.
In terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., The Art of More show makes the new Star Wars movie look like a stupid kid's Disney show. I know it's not even fair to compare, but I just wanted to emphasize how ridiculously wrong the rating system can be.
IMO, in terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., this show is on par with the likes of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Homeland, and Walking Dead.
So don't just judge any show based on the ratings alone.
This show has smart writing. It is exciting. It has beautiful people and beautiful looking art.
In conclusion, I absolutely love this show and hope it will continue for a long time. I heard they have already renewed the second season with 10 episodes. I am hoping for a lot more seasons.
Based on the low rating of IMDb, I was skeptical of this show. But like the rating system (which falsely rates Star Wars The Force Awakens a high 8.4), I was way wrong. The Art of More is a superb show.
In terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., The Art of More show makes the new Star Wars movie look like a stupid kid's Disney show. I know it's not even fair to compare, but I just wanted to emphasize how ridiculously wrong the rating system can be.
IMO, in terms of writing, acting, directing, character development, plot, etc., this show is on par with the likes of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Homeland, and Walking Dead.
So don't just judge any show based on the ratings alone.
This show has smart writing. It is exciting. It has beautiful people and beautiful looking art.
In conclusion, I absolutely love this show and hope it will continue for a long time. I heard they have already renewed the second season with 10 episodes. I am hoping for a lot more seasons.
Art! Greed! Action!
corywhitney24 November 2015
Great premise for a show! Good cast, and well written dialog.
I intended to watch the pilot, and wound up getting sucked in for a 4 episode binge watch. The show keeps a good pace, and the subject matter is interesting. I think it will appeal not just to people interested in art, but to anyone who appreciates a good story that pulls you in and keeps moving.
Quaid's character is easy to dislike and fun to watch. Elwes and Bosworth deliver solid performances.
I plan to keep watching this to see how it unfolds.
Good for Sony for giving this one a shot.
I intended to watch the pilot, and wound up getting sucked in for a 4 episode binge watch. The show keeps a good pace, and the subject matter is interesting. I think it will appeal not just to people interested in art, but to anyone who appreciates a good story that pulls you in and keeps moving.
Quaid's character is easy to dislike and fun to watch. Elwes and Bosworth deliver solid performances.
I plan to keep watching this to see how it unfolds.
Good for Sony for giving this one a shot.
Exciting new Drama Series!!!
carinachavda-8819723 November 2015
The Art of More taps into a fascinating world and has all the ingredients for a successful drama series. You couldn't ask for a better cast! Each actor brings a unique character and adds to the intrigue of the show. Christian Cooke is so good in this role and plays a very relatable character that you can't help but root for. I love shows that let me explore new avenues and this one brings you right to the center of the art world amidst all the action and takes you behind the scenes so you get a real taste of what actually goes on. There's glamour, drama, thriller and action all the elements to keep you hooked. Really excited to finish watching the first season!!
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