Sexy Beast (2024– ) User Reviews

Not that bad

[davefrankfort · 6/10 · 8 February 2024]

Just watched the first episode, despite some of the negative reviews it's not as bad as it sounds.

The two leads do an ok version of movie characters.

At times, it felt like an episode of Eastenders.

Was waiting for Phil Mitchell to show up.

It's not claiming to be The Godfather, it's something to watch, we are too critical at times every show must be like this and that.

If you liked the film, don't mind Eastenders fused with Rise of the Foot soldier directed by an aldi Guy Ritchie it's a watch. Considering what we get served up by American producers it's OK.

We seem to forget we are in an age of no fresh ideas for tv and film.

A muddled start picks up the pace eventually

[marcdrinkwater · 7/10 · 15 March 2024]

The film and its cast were a tough act to follow. The series tries to be as stylish but somehow misses the mark on occasion. It feels a little more low rent than the movie and say other similar series such as The Gentleman. However most of the characters are solid and the performances on the whole are good. With a bit of time you can get over some of its flaws, it doesn't seem to know what period in time it's set in for one. But the story picks up and the characters become more interesting and it ends up a decent romp.

Give it time and it finds its way and your patience is rewarded with a solid gangster story.

Dodgy Accents

[jimllmixit · 6/10 · 19 March 2024]

There's one glaring problem with this right from the start and that's none of the main characters are played by people from Essex. I don't always think that actors must only come from the place their characters are based, but I do have a problem with actors playing roles with accents they simply can't do. The 3 main leads are not only not from Essex, they aren't even English. Again, this doesn't need to be a problem, but in this case it is. It's not that they can't do a "perfect" accent, I wouldn't expect them to, but they can't even do a half-arsed job of it. First thing I noticed was the accents, they're clearly not from Essex, not even close. Think more Dick Van Dyke or Ewan McGregor than Jack Lowden. I don't think I'll be able to continue with this as the accents are so bad.

Sit Back Relax and Have Some Fun

[aeslehcevoli · 8/10 · 9 February 2024]

If you've not started this yet, and not watched the film, I'd suggest watch the film. When I heard they were making a show I thought leave it out. I watched the trailer for the show and thought OK, I'll give it go. I must say it's pretty damn good, it's so much fun and a right laugh. I love the characters, and as other reviewers have said Gal and Don are excellent. In the film you get 'the full fat' version of Don, in this he's a kind of skinny latte version, but giggle so much knowing what he becomes. Tamsin Greig who plays Cecilia is another stand out, her character is wonderful, I love her and she loves dropping the C Bomb. Personally all the characters are fun and it's a show, like Slow Horses that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'm thoroughly enjoying this show, especially as there's not much on barring True Detective and Masters of the Air that I watch. As for the low reviews, they can judge of course, the best critic is yourself, it doesn't float their boat, but please don't let that put you off. If you love British humour, the C Bomb dropping every episode and the so so violent scenes, I trust this will float your boat. A solid 8/10 from me or your money back.

You shouldn't have bothered

[mkynbhv · 2/10 · 26 January 2024]

If you're going to create a TV show that's meant to be a prequel to the iconic movie, you really shouldn't be trying to steal half of its lines.

Paying a little bit of "fan service" is fine, but when you have Teddy Bass (whose portrayal in this is frankly terrible) using his "Gentleman, you're all ****s" line, and then that uninteresting older woman, that's what? Don's boss? Use the exact same line he said to Aitch in the movie, it was just too much, and they're only two examples.

The acting is pretty poor. The casting even worse. The guy that's meant to playing Aitch looks more like Teddy Bass than the guy who's actually playing him.

The only reason I'm not giving this show 1 star is because Emun Elliott looks like he could have done an okay job of playing Don if given the chance. Paul Kaye's Stan could've also been a good character too.

Want to watch some Sexy Beast? Just watch the movie and save yourself the time watching this dross.

Very good prequel

[danblack6789 · 9/10 · 6 February 2024]

I'm really enjoying this series. It's interesting enough for me to wish I could see it all in one go.

The storyline is good and Tamsin Greig is a revelation, playing a totally different character to her usual type.

Deedee is at the heart and soul of this prequel and lights up the screen whenever she appears.

Teddy played by Stephen Moyer is a real nasty piece of work, but believable.

One particular scene with him in at a nightclub was horrific and I personally don't think that it was necessary. The character is menacing enough and I think that was overkill.

On the whole the series is so good I'm now in the process of watching the original movie the series is based on.

You can't really compare the two. Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley are 2 huge character actors and nobody could be as good as they were.

However I would definitely recommend this series.

Pure Tosh

[Mike_O_Dwyer · 1/10 · 27 January 2024]

'eavans above. An absolute twavesty is what it is. Laiwy geezers giving it all that wiv their posh-boy wannabe wide-boy jibber jabber. Tamsin tryin being 'ard as nails wiv her Pat Butcher hair and Sid James cigarette. It's all gone very Pete Tong.

Ray Winstone would eat this lot wiv his corn-flakes, and Ben Kingsley would (*) 'em out before lunch.

It's got all those ingredients from the original, a 20+ year old cult classic, being given to people who've heard of the original but not seen it. Then imagine the Great British Bake Off, but for TV production, with Guy Ritchie and Vinnie Jones as the judges.

Tasty.

Unlike this dog's upchucked dinner.

Completely Ignore the negative comments

[deanpp65 · 10/10 · 10 February 2024]

I am absolutely loving this series, a fun roller coaster ride backed up with some good music. I read some of the bad reviews, they clearly don't get it, the era, the part of London it's set in. One alleged "writer " gave it one star and then I looked at some of his other reviews and he gave the dreadful Mr &Mrs Smith an eight! No credibility.

The acting is great, Tamsin Greig who is a comedian is great as an East End Moll. Her brother Don, is also brilliantly acted, because you hate him, and you're supposed to.

The main character Gal is great, he's charming and the person playing him James McCardle is perfect in the role.

Ignore the losers, this is series worth watching!

Feels like a poorly-made parody

[MG_84 · 1/10 · 30 January 2024]

Sexy Beast is the latest in the "people are sick of film remakes/reboots/requels, let's just make every film into a tv series" uninspired money-spinning ideas of production companies.

The film stands on its own as a classic British gangster-flick, with excellent actors and excellent performances.

So this "prequel" series always had a lot to live up to.

Unfortunately, it feels like someone is making a parody or low-budget fan film. The actors try their best to imitate both Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley but fail miserably to provide anything other than laughable imitations.

Ben Kingsley created an incredibly menacing character in Don Logan, but his counterpart in the series is so comically bad that it's impossible to find him at all threatening. It's difficult to do anything but cringe at Emun Elliott's impersonation.

The same goes for Glaswegian James McArdle, who while attempting to imitate Ray Winstone's performance, comes across as a slow-talking mockney with a brain injury due to his sleepy performance.

Eventually I had to turn it off, because the performances were so laughable and nauseating that I eventually couldn't take it seriously nor focus on the story.

Stick with the film, and leave it there, this failed money-spinning experiment is not worth your time.

Solid Series...now give us more!!!

[ScoundrelSyndicate · 10/10 · 1 March 2024]

After having watched the finale, I can say definitively that this show has cemented itself as (easily) one of the best series of the decade thus far. I don't want to spoil anything other than to say that we'd better get at LEAST a 2nd season (or as many as showrunner Michael Caleo has planned), because the show's future is positively dripping with promise.

Anyone who hasn't given this show a chance yet -especially fans of the 2001 film- absolutely should. Ignore the negative reviews (which seem to have gotten buried beneath positives over the past few weeks/episodes - a testament to the quality of the writing, acting, & direction) and give it a watch. Even if you're not immediately grabbed by the first episode, your patience will be rewarded, as each successive episode is better than the preceding. I can't imagine anyone who invests their time in all 8 episodes being disappointed.

Please - watch it ASAP - don't sleep on it; the more interest shown NOW, the better the chances of avoiding cancellation. It's too good of a show to lose, and you really don't know what you're missing. Even critics seem to have warmed to it and/or changed their minds (I discovered just before feeling compelled to write this review, while trying to find out what band performed the punk cover of "Strangers in the Night" that played during the end credits; said band being Square the Circle, for anyone else interested).

I can't think of another recent series I can recommend as highly. Top tier entertainment; it's an absolute masterpiece. Enjoy.

Kind of a great idea but

[felixallen-04017 · 4/10 · 27 January 2024]

I immediately thought "oh no", this is so corny, Ritchie-esque and utterly boyzy. Mary Poppins too. But I'll say in defence of the actors, who have been criticised for bad acting in previous reviews somewhat unfairly, that they're only doing what they have been told to do. Possibly making them look a bit silly.

Anyway, I persevered beyond the start because of my curiosity of the main characters. A curiosity created by Jonathan Glazer in the original movie which is one of my all time favourite films. My harsh words didn't stop me finishing episode 3 and I am now looking forward to episode 4 dropping. Summing up I'm saying it's bad but I am enjoying it. Confused?

I disagree with the negatives.

[Rogermex · 9/10 · 30 January 2024]

People are uneasy with the hardcore qualities of this interesting prequel? Did they actually SEE Glazer's "Sexy Beast" with Ben Kingsley? The acting here is NOT bad, it is fine, maybe too intense for some. What, Kingley's acting was "bad" because he was too violent? He was a psychopathic (not "sociopathic," there's a difference) monster. Here you have more monsters, including the over-the-top viciousness of this Don Logan and others. I don't bother with so-called "horror" movies - there are plenty of horrors here among us. Unlike many PBS Brit series, that cater to the fantasies of "polite" folks ( You know, the 'Downton Abbey' folks), this is very consistent with the actual ferocity of Brit crime. Brits and US Brit TV fans don't want to see this. But the fact is, the defunct Brit "empire" was always extremely violent in its sense of entitlement to world domination. In these latter days they live with and need to deal with the bottom dregs of greed, crime, drugs, sociopathy and violence. I won't say I "enjoy" it, but I have to give credit where it's due.

This is very "hardcore," including the acting, directing and cinematography. This is a perfect example of why you should stream high quality talent instead of gazing at crap TV.

Trying too hard

[martingreen-71835 · 4/10 · 6 March 2024]

I eagerly awaited the release of the Sexy Beast series, which is a prequel to the original movie of the same name, released in 2000.

I am a big fan of the original Sexy Beast movie, with outstanding performances from Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley, along with the supporting actors.

This new series, to me, was disappointing throughout.

The acting is so over the top, too stereotypical, and to be honest I felt they were all trying too hard to act out their characters. This is a shame as there a number of talented actors included, who I have witnessed deliver far better in other movies and series.

Personally I felt let down, there was an opportunity to deliver a series on par with the original movie, but it never happened.

I did watch every episode, and gave the series more than a good chance to impress me, but sadly it never did.

Brilliant

[eagleeyepatriot · 8/10 · 29 January 2024]

It seems to me that these days any show that needs you to think gets a bad rating.

This show is incredible. Great characters, great acting, great plot, it's very intelligent.

Centre of the show is a calm, cool, intelligent nice guy whose a thief. His best friend is a loose cannon whose controlled by a dominant woman.

You've got ruthless killers on both sides of a feud and you have no idea how things are going to pan out. Does our central character get pulled into the feud or, with his intelligence, avoid the conflict.

It's only three episodes in but I just can't wait for the next one.

Anybody calling this show average or worse lacks intelligence in my opinion.

How did Tamsin Greig end up in THIS?

[fdhvs · 3/10 · 27 February 2024]

I'm pretty sure the Sexy Beast film was rated 18?

I only say that because I can only assume that whoever created this mess has never seen the film, is aged 13 & 3 quarters & has used the internet to read the best quotes from the film!

Honestly, this is laughably bad!

There's a reason there wasn't a sequel to the film. It was pretty much perfect with a career best, film stealing performance from Ben Kingsley.

The young Don Logan in this is just about the only redeeming thing but the material he has to work with is terrible & contrived.

& how does Tamsin Greig, a genuine comedy talent, end up playing the most ridiculous, humourless gangster you'll ever see?!!

A 3 rating just because Emun Mohammadi shows some promise but let down by an awful script.

Great Show to watch

[janrmartin-947-166148 · 10/10 · 8 February 2024]

Not sure where all the hate is coming from. This is a great show to watch. I love these guys. So much fun.

I lover Gal & Don...especially Don...he is fantastic. I really like how everyone is connected somehow with each other. It feels like they are growing closer by the episode.

It took a little bit of time to get used to the accent, but I am totally hooked now. I am very curious to where the story will go.

Cecilia is so brilliant...I am super afraid of her. I have watched the first episodes so far. Today number 5 is out and I am so excited to watch it and I cannot wait for the rest of the episodes.

There is of course some strong violence...so beware....but I can only say: This show is a must to watch!!!

What a waste of a good idea

[bamalamavizvag · 4/10 · 12 February 2024]

I was so looking forward to this but after episode one I realised it was the wish.com version of the movie.

Don (Ben Kingsley version) was the epitome of a scary double hard b*stard that you really didn't want to get on the bad side of, in this version he's a sad loser that's getting slapped around by a woman.

I was looking forward to the deedee / gal back story, but their chemistry is colder than a meeting with Vladimir Putin

The Easter eggs are more frequent than at a Cadbury's factory, even lifting the exact same lines as the movie.

Then add on some really poor acting by Eastenders rejects.

Sexy Beast Meets Lock Stock Meets Scum

[stere0man · 8/10 · 11 February 2024]

What happens when you take the movie Sexy Beast and inject it with the humour of Lock Stock and the violence of Scum, you get Sexy Beast the TV series, it's an absolute rip roar of a show, story is on point, location is on point and the cast is absolutely on point!

Emun Elliott's performance as Don Logan is as scary as ever and James McArdle is literally channelling Ray Winstone, a stellar performance considering the size of the shoes he's filling, the rest of the cast are fantastic as well, Sarah Greene as Deedee has really brought another dimension to her character and Stephen Moyer is perfect as Teddy Bass not to mention the new addition with Tamsin Greig as Don's sister, I never thought there could be a character more menacing than Don but the apple does not fall far from the tree here.

This is one of those shows that's clearly flying under the radar and I'm not sure what's going on with the ratings but it's an easy 8 out 10 for me, well worth a watch!

Pale Imitation

[mike-3905 · 4/10 · 7 March 2024]

It's easier to list the ways in which this 2024 reboot fails rather than succeeds when compared with the original 2000 movie. Apart from mildly familiar characters, it's like watching EastEnders. And I am not a fan of EastEnders. Where's the tight editing? Where's the music? Where are the tension-building shots? I don't mean the obvious copies. It's not just shots that are lifted, it's dialogue.

Notwithstanding a promising cast, this TV prequel of a great movie falls down because it doesn't have enough ideas of its own. Its attempts to give the characters backstories is mostly successful but there's far too much copy and paste - not just from the original movie but also worn out crime drama tropes. Even the soundtrack is hackneyed. The writing is clumsy in places but then there's the odd laugh-out-loud one-liner.

With the occasional exception, production values lean cheap and soapy, unlike Glazer's original masterpiece. The makers clearly lacked the commitment to make their own show and have aimed at a "safe" imitation only to miss their target.

I stuck with it because I like the characters. But you really ought to treat yourself to the 2000 movie. After episode 8, I thought: "is that it?"

Surprised by the low rating

[walterburrows · 8/10 · 29 February 2024]

I began watching this show and later checked on the rating and was really amazed it being 5.8. Im finding the show very intriguing; from the character development as to what makes them tick, so to speak. This is definately on par with most average gangster shows. I mean its not the Sopranoes or Breaking Bad classic rating, but definately better that 5.8. I am confused as to why the hate for this show. I especially found Danny extremely interesting as well as his sister. The way everything caves in on the star is also very entertaining in a suspence nature. Also the whole dynamic of the bad guy is portrayed with an interesting twist. Idk, its not that bad really. In my opinion.

Thoroughly entertaining.

[carldenton · 8/10 · 1 March 2024]

I love the original and I thoroughly enjoyed this. Seeing the young characters and picking up on how they became the characters in film is a joy to watch. Every actor is excellent, however it to a while to fully appreciate Gal but it happened. It's funny, brutal and why the negatives I honestly don't know. Take it for what it is, it's not the film doesn't try to be, just enjoy it. The sound track is superb, the cars, Don's sister is amazing. I've seen a lot lot worse, Teddy Bass is on par with Lovejoy himself and you see him how he really is, not just a bit part. Once your a few episodes in you won't be disappointed.

So far so good

[storychairarts · 9/10 · 11 February 2024]

Loved the movie and so far we're really enjoying this offering. I'm not sure why it's getting such a low rating.

Its gripping with a nice pace and character development as well as fantastic shots. The dialogue is crisp and well delivered. I already care about the characters after just one episode.

There are a couple of actors I've mainly seen in comedy roles but they are giving really good performances and not adding an unwanted comic twist.

The film of course was fantastic and I'm guessing this prequel is getting such a bad wrap because its not got the same cast.

Fingers crossed that the rest of the season continues as well as it started.

Why the negative? Pretty good so far

[tonyk6289 · 8/10 · 1 February 2024]

Only watched the first episode and thought it was pretty good. Typical Guy Ritchie English movie made into a show. Little thinking, funny, serious, straightforward fun. Also, decent acting especially the main actors and actresses. Not every show needs to be a drawn out drama in my opinion. Sometimes we just need to be old school entertained like this. Only draw back is you have to leave the closed caption on sometimes to understand what is being said. I love the twists and turns of the show and the way it all blends together. Whether it copies old ideas, honestly who really cares. Not much is original anymore but its more of how its presented.

Check individual episode scores for the show's true rating

[phineasmolloy · 10/10 · 27 February 2024]

Thank god for Eliza Bennett 🙏 Without her on the cast list I never would have watched it, based on the poor rating. So glad I gave it a chance though. The setting is really cool, the story isn't convoluted, the acting is excellent and it's really, really visually appealing. 0 complaints. It's not even worth trying to figure out why this has as low a score as it does. I was trying to find some obnoxiously obvious clichés, bad acting, bad scripting, ANYTHING and I just couldn't. And hour long episodes too. How can anyone complain??

It doesn't move too slowly, it's funny in the right parts and the characters are realistic. Hmph. I can't understand the score at all.

Upon reflection, I imagine the bad score is to do with fans of the movie that believe this is just an attempt at rehashing old movies and converting them into tv shows. I don't think there's anything wrong with that when it's done right, and in this circumstance it absolutely has been. I truly can't recommend this series enough. I actually feel what the characters are feeling.

What a great series

[stjswd · 10/10 · 20 February 2024]

Well written, great production value and On point acting. I first watched the movie, old yes but perfect lead up to the series. The actors have got the previous characters perfect. Very enjoyable to watch. All the low ratings must not like this type of genres. The series Follows on from the movie brilliantly. If you do like this genre, it's a great watch. Some of the best watching that's come out of the UK in a long time. Came here to see how it was reviewed and was shocked by low ratings. Everyone in my house hold loved it. Had to leave my own two sense. I can only imagine the kind of nonsense people watch that would give this series anything lower than a 7. I hope they make another series!