“The Big Cigar.” “Scrublands.”

“The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+) biographical drama thriller, based on the 2012 Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman. Premise: Set in 1974, the series chronicles the manhunt for Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panther Party, who seeks the help of film producer Bert Schneider as he tries to escape to Cuba. The leads, Andre Holland (2016, “Moonlight”) as Huey and Alessandro Nivola as Bert are usually fine performers. But for some reason, their efforts here seem half-baked, uninspired, even boring. Some critics praised Mr Holland as the only redeeming factor in the series, but not me.

 

       All in all, I feel lost amidst the narrative. Supposedly it’s a thriller caper, well this is cinema, but there’s no thrill and I sense the Black Panther backstory wasn’t given its due significance. No spark, no excitement. And P. J. Byrne as Stephen Blauner, Bert's business partner, looks like a lame Neil Sedaka. Marc Menchaca as Sydney Clark, an FBI agent dressed as a hippie in pursuit of Huey, is sillier. Tommy Chong would have been better and more entertaining. 

       On the same Black Panther subject, try the 2010 movie “Night Catches Us,” directed and written by Tanya Hamilton and stars Kerry Washington and Anthony Mackie. Much better. 🎥📺📽

“Scrublands” (Sundance Now) Australian drama/crime series. Set in the fictitious town of Riversend in New South Wales, the story follows an investigative journalist as he uncover the truth of the case of the killing of five parishioners by a charismatic and dedicated young priest. 

       Based on the novel by Chris Hammer, the series kicked off in full force and shotgun power (literally) but it gradually sputtered and the drama threatened to vanish in the Australian backwoods. I almost gave up. I blame lead actor Luke Arnold's Martin, the journalist. He lacks insistence and urgency; no fire in his eyes at all. 

       In total contrast is Jay Ryan's troubled soul Byron. Jay kept the narrative interesting as the mystery behind his essay of Fr Swift's deadly breakdown unravels. And so I held on till the finish. Shirt series, anyhow. Just 4 episodes. 🎥📺📽