Those About to Die’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Cannot be Saved by Anthony Hopkins and Plenty of Violence and Sex

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As a long-time gamer and history enthusiast with a soft spot for epic dramas set in ancient Rome, I was eagerly anticipating Peacock’s new series “Those About to Die.” With its star-studded cast led by Anthony Hopkins and the involvement of director Roland Emmerich, I had high expectations. However, after reading the first wave of critical reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, my excitement has been tempered.

The upcoming ancient Rome series from Peacock named “Those About to Die,” featuring Anthony Hopkins and partly helmed by Roland Emmerich, was anticipated to rival shows like “House of the Dragon” and potentially even Ridley Scott’s next “Gladiator” installment. With their combination of violence, politics, and hints of sensuality, they seemed poised to become must-watch options for viewers. However, based on early critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears that this production may not be meeting its high expectations.

In a fashion reminiscent of classic sword-and-sandal films such as “Spartacus,” “Those About to Die” explores the gritty reality of emperors and gladiators. Yet, unlike its predecessors, this production sheds light on the criminal underworld and hidden corners of Roman society. Regrettably, some critics have expressed a yearning for grander historical epics than what this series offers.

The premiere of the new show has received mixed reviews, with many critics giving it a score of 57%. Some viewers have criticized its “trashy” and exploitative production, expressing surprise that such a high budget resulted in a product that looks so cheap. Hunger Games: Catching Fire actor Akos Peterbencze, writing for Looper, stated, “Despite its grand scale and substantial budget, Those About to Die falls significantly short of the heights achieved by esteemed TV historical epics like Rome and Spartacus.” In contrast, TV Line’s Dave Nemetz described it as a “disappointingly cynical production,” finding it both overly complex and lacking depth.

Those About to Die Scores Some Positive Reviews

From my perspective as a fan, it appears that “Those About to Die” doesn’t quite capture everyone’s hearts, not even those who have given relatively positive reviews. Many viewers find themselves wishing for more depth and immersion into the series’ world. Despite some enjoyment, there seems to be a lingering feeling that the show could have done better.

Harriet Addison from the London Evening Standard expressed that the script in some parts was awkward, and the drama seemed excessive. Yet, she acknowledged its cinematic appeal, power, and excitement, urging viewers to watch it on a big screen.

Those Facing Death have much to demonstrate, and viewers will have the opportunity to share their opinions as the show is now accessible for streaming on Peacock. The cast includes Hopkins, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dmitri Leonidas, Moe Hashim, and Iwan Rheon from Game of Thrones, who played Ramsey Bolton.

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2024-07-18 15:08