Naftulyev Reviews

Avenue 5 (2020–2022)

Lazy writing, poor acting...

[6/10 · 12 May 2023]

The positive reviews are clearly written by the writers of the show! Check out rotten tomatoes for accurate reviews :) "The show is NOT extremely entertaining" nor is it "Edgy and Brilliant." It seems Hugh Laurie took this acting job because he was bored and there were no better options. He is completely wasted in this role.

The only actually funny moments are all clipped on youtube - so if you watch them don't assume the entire show is going to be that good. It's mostly poor writing that is more of a lame than good.

Go ahead and watch one episode and you will realize that the 'bad' reviews are actually the honest ones.

Borgia (2011–2014)

Well made

[8/10 · 18 December 2011]

Feels like a cousin to the shows Rome and that Blood and Sand gladiator series. Historical drama with an extra helping of violence and sex!

Like others I was a bit dismayed at hearing a NY accent surrounded by European accents by all other characters. However, after 2 episodes I didn't even notice. The role of Rodrigo was not a perfect casting, but not far off the mark.

It plays as a man between the cloth, love, ambition, and inadequacy. This is not the tragic Shakespearean archetype, but more of an Everyman struggling with life and politics in his 50s. He wants to do good, but got to where he is by doing whatever he could - good or bad. The occasional screams or fist pumps work well to illustrate the point, in my opinion.

The rest of the cast were fine with a beautiful Lolitaesque Lucrecia being a highlight. I would have proffered a more Latin looking Cesare but the actor was not horrible all said and done.

Lastly for fans of Assassins Creed video game, it's amazing to see Rome look remarkably close to the game. From the houses to the costumes, to the hills. In a scene where Cecere scales Castel Sant Angelo - it was déjà vu!