As a seasoned book-to-screen adaptation enthusiast and a lover of action thrillers, I must say that Amazon Prime Video’s “Cross” has truly captivated me from the very first episode. Having read my fair share of James Patterson novels, I can attest to the fact that Aldis Hodge’s portrayal of Alex Cross is nothing short of brilliant. The series masterfully weaves the intricate layers of Cross’s personal life with a riveting plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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Essence: “Cross” is an intense, heart-racing journey, skillfully woven with a somber and mysteriously poignant narrative as it follows detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross on a relentless pursuit of a murderer. It’s arguably Hodge’s finest work, and the character perfectly showcases his acting abilities.
In this exceptional series, all eight episodes become available at once, making it perfect for a binge-watching session. While Hodge undeniably serves as the primary attraction, maintaining a powerful grip throughout, there are other compelling reasons to tune in. The plot, derived from Patterson’s books, is gripping, and the ensemble cast is equally captivating. Keep an eye out for Ryan Eggold in ‘New Amsterdam’, who delivers a mesmerizing performance as Ed Ramsey, a character full of deceitful charm. Joining him in this high-quality production are Isaiah Mustafa (‘Shadowhunters’), Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal (‘SEAL Team’), Samantha Walkes (‘Murdoch Mysteries’), Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, and Eloise Mumford (‘Chicago Fire’).
A Stellar Show Expands on the Popular Patterson Novels
It’s worth mentioning that the famous character of Alex Cross, created by James Patterson, has been adapted before. In 1997, Morgan Freeman portrayed the role in “Kiss the Girls,” and then in 2001 he reprised the character in “Along Came a Spider.” Freeman’s performance was quite impressive, but by 2012, Tyler Perry gave it a go as Alex Cross. That attempt didn’t fare too well with critics. The latest adaptation, titled “Cross” on Prime Video, is helmed by showrunner Ben Watkins (known for “Truth Be Told” and “Burn Notice”). What makes this version particularly engaging is that Watkins crafts a unique Alex Cross narrative, drawing less from the books’ stories and more from his own imagination.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that this upcoming screen adaptation promises a breath of fresh air. Director Watkins is pushing the creative boundaries, providing Aldis Hodge with ample opportunities to truly shine. It’s Isaiah Mustafa, though, who takes center stage, delivering a role tailor-made for him as John Sampson, my on-screen partner and confidant. The actors breathe such life into these intricate characters that it feels like they’ve been portraying them for ages.
The main distinction between the series and the films lies in the fact that A) Cross is portrayed as a younger character and B) his personal life – family, friends, work relationships, etc. – are given equal attention alongside the central narrative of tracking down a cunning and ruthless serial killer who consistently outsmarts him. In this adaptation, Alex Cross is depicted as an esteemed Washington D.C. detective and forensic psychologist residing in a Black community. He exhibits both confidence and grief, with his late grandmother (Juanita Jennings) assisting him in raising his children, Damon and Jannie. Cross has a complex past that resurfaces as he delves deeper into the investigation, which is common for this genre but sets Cross apart due to its frequent transitions between Alex’s personal and professional life.
Cross Has Good Characters & Standout World-Building
In the opening episode, Cross is drawn into a fresh investigation surrounding the cold-blooded murder of a Black Lives Matter activist, igniting the plot with intensity. This sets the perfect tone for Cross’s partnership with John, providing a steady anchor for the passionate detective as they delve deeper into the case. The series gains further momentum with the introduction of Ryan Eggold’s character, Ed Ramsey – a charismatic businessman whose personal motives inject fresh intrigue and an additional compelling figure to follow.
The narrative incorporates contemporary dating practices through apps and other technology, lending a modern twist to the tale. This integration makes the storyline, which can at times seem unrealistic, more relatable, particularly during scenes where Alex Cross interacts with others at events or similar settings. However, the series also sheds light on the intricate issues of our time, including cultural conflicts, politics, and racism. Some viewers might find these real-world problems intruding into the action, but the approach is surprisingly effective.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but point out Alona Tal’s character, FBI agent Kayla Craig, who seems straightforward yet has her mysteries. She’ll be lending a hand to Alex in his missions, and it’s intriguing to speculate about where the series might take this character, given that a book character named Kyle Craig develops into Cross’s arch-nemesis and a criminal over time. On the other hand, we have Samantha Walkes portraying Elle Monteiro, who seems to be a love interest for Cross. However, he’s still grieving the loss of his wife, Maria. It will be exciting to see how these characters evolve in the series.
Alex Cross Is Brimming with (Maybe Too Much) Plot & Action
The producer skillfully blends information about Alex’s history with an abundance of exciting action scenes, suspenseful moments, conflicts, and plot twists that keep the audience completely hooked. At times, it can be challenging to catch your breath because there is so much happening; maybe if there were 10 episodes instead of 8, or a more aggressive edit, it would provide more space for everything to be fully explored.
Regardless, it sets a definitive tone for the series, and it’s not often we can dive so deeply into a new series and get to know its characters so vividly, so quickly. Prepare for fun. Be surprised by the plot twists. Enjoy Aldis Hodge every step of the way in a commanding portrayal of a man at odds with work and himself. And here’s to a third season order. It would be nice to have Alex Cross around for a while. Like Prime Video’s Reacher, yet another action book adaptation on the platform, Cross is a keeper. Cross is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios and Skydance Television and streams on Prime Video starting November 14. Watch it through the link below.
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2024-11-13 20:01