The Boys

The Boys setzt auf die Vorliebe des heutigen Publikums für Superhelden ab 18 Jahren, und ich muss zugeben, dass es den Machern der Serie gelungen ist, mich acht Stunden lang an den Bildschirm zu fesseln, um dieses noch nie dagewesene Spektakel fast in einem Zug zu sehen. Das Thema der negativen Auswirkungen von Superheldenaktionen auf die Zivilbevölkerung wurde bereits in Civil War des MCU aufgegriffen und bildet hier einen der Handlungspfeiler. Die dargestellte Welt, in der Superhelden als Prominente wahrgenommen und gleichzeitig auf eine Stufe mit Göttern gestellt werden, während nicht alles so ist, wie es zu sein scheint, hatte durchaus ihren Charme und ich muss zugeben, dass man praktisch bis zum Ende der ersten Staffel nicht wusste, wer eigentlich der größte Schurke von allen ist. Diese Serie bietet eine ganze Reihe von mehr oder weniger bekannten Schauspielern, von denen mich Elisabeth Shue als kompromisslose Madelyn Stillwell und Antony Starr als scheinheiliger Dämon Homelander am meisten beeindruckt haben. Aber auch The Boys enttäuschte nicht und lieferte viele denkwürdige Szenen - nirgendwo sonst wurde bisher ein Säugling als Laserwaffe eingesetzt, was auch für andere, nicht benannte Szenen gilt. Ich bin sehr gespannt auf die zweite Serie, da mehrere Handlungsstränge unvollendet blieben, und es wäre schade, wenn das so bliebe. (12.08.2019)

Finally, a series conceptualizing superheroes as a normal part of society and exposing their "evil" side. A quality cast, gorgeous visuals and shocking gore in the shootouts. A solid build up to the plot towards the end, the series kept the tension and pace in most scenes and also played it all with a certain levity, lightening the atmosphere, throwing in some apt jokes and thus avoiding slipping into more serious drama. A quick 8-episode series that will only surprise and delight fans of the superhero genre. (08.08.2019)

This year's series cannonade continues and we have another hit that wipes its ass with all the comic and superhero movies. The Boys is an awesome dystopia that presents an original world of superheroes who don't care that much about people and don’t mind dead bodies. Karl Urban as the mercenary who despises superheroes is perfect (his wisecracks and Oscar-worthy acting), the same goes for Homelander (Antony Starr from Banshee plays the arrogant "Superman" with grace). The rest of the heroes, Starlight, A-train, Queen Maeve, the Deep and Black Noir, are rather bland. The series has great pacing, well dosed twists and turns, apt black humour, solid action, shocking violence with juicy gore, impressive visuals, and also an engaging story with an excellent finale that lures in the second season beyond belief. An eight-hour ride as it should be and a must for all superhero fans and those who don't love them. 90% (27.08.2019)

Amazon wasn’t afraid to take a risk with an interesting story based on a comic book, it brought it to the screen, and the result is truly impressive. Every step of the way, you can feel the substantial budget that was pumped into the series—visually and audibly, it’s nearly on a film level. What I have to highlight is the handling of the characters. There are no flat figures reciting their lines—far from it. Each character’s development received significant screen time, and by the end, you’ll find yourself dividing them into two categories: those you hate and those you’ve grown fond of. Sometimes, there’s even a third option, which is to feel absolutely indifferent toward a character. If you end up with this third option during the viewing, then something is wrong with the film. The basic premise of the superhero "Seven" and the company that owns them and exploits them for its own gain is presented in a compelling way. The characters in this seven-member superhero team are diverse, yet, except for one, each character will repulse you with their behavior (Evil Superman, aka Homelander, clearly stands out here; Antony Starr’s mesmerizing and demonic portrayal was truly surprising). As for the "good" characters on the other side of the barricade, Karl Urban as Billy Butcher clearly leads the pack with his strong accent. The story is also powerful at many moments (the airplane passengers scene, the cliffhanger of the final episode). The visual style and camera composition of the shots are a treat. It's very different from Marvel—full of vulgarities, nudity, and frequent gore scenes—but it has a far more crushing emotional impact on the viewer and often leads to reflection rather than just escapism. It reminded me a lot of Watchmen. I’m already looking forward to the second season, and I’m giving it 90%. (03.08.2019)

Season 1: An adaptation of Ennis’s excellent comic book, packed with ideas, in which superheroes are presented as psychopaths, degenerates or idiots and, at the same time, as prima donnas worshiped by the public who frequently require a rap across the knuckles. And the only one with the balls to do that is Billy Butcher and his gang. Understandably, the series is more restrained than the comic book, since otherwise nobody would have been able to handle it. This also means there is a lot of material left for more seasons. The episodes are managed excellently in terms of dramaturgy and work like a dream, with a hidden surprise for fans. The casting was spot on. Urban and Quaid are the attractions on the human side, while Starr and Moriarty are the superheroes. Most of all, Homelander is a juicy character and the ending leaves a lot of room for fantasy. Bring on season 2. (20.08.2019)