This is a mini-series [8 episodes] based on a 2011 book by Stephen King under the same title. An English teacher named Jake Epping [played by James Franco], is friends with a diner owner named Al Templeton [Chris Cooper], who introduces him to a time portal hidden within the diner. The portal takes any traveler to the 1960s, where one can change events in history and reboot his mistakes by simply returning through the portal and entering back again. Jake is asked by his friend to enter the portal and do his best to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy [JFK] on November 22, 1963; in order to prevent the assassination, Jake has to become close friends with Lee Harvey Oswald [played brilliantly by the talented Daniel Webber, who also portrayed Vince Neil in THE DIRT]. Jake's trip in time will equal minutes to years, so when he returns through the portal, no one will miss him while he's gone. The catch is, Jake has to live in the 1960's for over three years; find a job, make a life, and do his best to not interfere with events that could change other historical moments in time; as time has a way to make things hard for him to do so.
THE GOOD - The cinematography is simply breath taking and the layouts on the set locations are pristine to present the 1960s in their own unique style. Many of the locations used in Dallas, Texas are the real locations that exist today as a tourist attraction following the life of Oswald following the assassination of JFK. The props for the series are the best part; classic cars, wardrobe, and actual technology of the time. Episodes flow seamlessly from one scene to another, and the editing in each new episode is sharp, keeping the viewer in tune with the story and keeping the flow of the plots moving perfectly in order. There are some brilliant performances by the cast, and some very emotional "cultural diversity" moments that will leave some viewers stunned.
THE BAD - This series was under promoted and advertised, and I was shocked to only learn about this series after seeing a YouTube interview with Stephen King over his love for the leading character; wanting to attempt writing a second season, however he just didn't have the heart to disrupt the perfect presentation of the current season, reflecting on the fact that many of his previous "book to movie" productions often fall short of their intended goal.
POST MORTEM - Totally binge-worthy, this is a great mini-series and I was floored with the amount of detail the producers provided to bring locations and performances together to make the series seem real. Even though Franco was on his top game bringing the character of Jake to life, I truly feel that it was Webber's stark portrayal of Oswald that brought a cold insight into the mind of politically confused man during the harsh and volatile atmosphere of the chaotic 1960s. In hindsight, I'm sure J. J. Abrams breathed a sigh of relief that this series closed with a solid ending; something that often eludes the plethora of movies he's associated with.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️[5 of 5 Stars]
