Review of "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" on FX From The TV MegaSite
 

The TV MegaSite, Inc.  TV Is Our Life!




Click here to help fight hunger!
Fight hunger and malnutrition.
Donate to Action Against Hunger today!





Quantcast

MainNewsInterviews & ArticlesReviewsOur ShowsLinksCommunityStarsPolls
AutographsPhotosWallpapersPuzzles & GamesEpisode GuidesVideosOtherBuy!


WELCOME to The TVMEGASITE.NET
Primetime TV Shows Reviews Pages

 TV Show Reviews

Travolta, Schwimmer and Gooding

"The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" review by Suzanne 1/18/16
Premieres February 2 at 10pm on FX

This is a very good miniseries if you can get past Cuba Gooding, Jr. as O.J. Simpson. I had a lot of problem with that. Cuba Gooding, jr. is a much shorter guy with a higher voice, and he over-acts his way throughout this story. Cuba Gooding, Jr. was born and raised in New York and graduated from high school. O.J. Simpson is a big guy (not just tall but large) with a fairly deep voice. He was born and raised in San Francisco and sounds educated. He only went to college for two years, as an athlete, but he is well-spoken and doesn't have an accent (As you can see in this video).  So Cuba Gooding, Jr. neither looks nor sounds like O.J., and he's not a very good actor in the role. Now, O.J. was an actor, too, and not a very good one, but he was more of an under-actor than an over-actor.  The one thing they both have in common is that they're both good at comedy. Unfortunately, this is a dramatic role, and Cuba is just not up to the challenge.

John Travolta is fantastic as Robert Shapiro; Sarah Paulson is great as Marcia Clark; David Schwimmer is outstanding as Robert Kardashian. Honestly, everyone does a very good job except for Cuba. The writing is compelling and it's worth watching.

The first episode (which is all I've seen so far, but I plan to watch more) starts out with footage of the Rodney King beating and the L.A. Riots, and people on TV discussing same (to put the city in historical perspective).  Then it goes forward two years later, to the murders.

Those of us in Southern California back then remember the day that O.J.'s white bronco was being chased all over the place by police. It was very odd because he was a celebrity, and these kind of things just didn't seem to happen back then. I remember wondering why he ran via truck. He was rich. Why not just jump on a plane and head somewhere out of the country where they couldn't extradite him? Well, the first episode takes place before that famous car chase, so it answers those questions.

I'm sure that anyone who followed the trial or read about it already knows these answers; I didn't watch it very much because I really was not happy that the trial was taking over the TV. The soap operas and other shows were pre-empted for a long time because of it, and it was really annoying. I didn't care about O.J. at all or what was going on in L.A. (we lived in Riverside, which is a few hours away, so it didn't really affect us one way or another)  Yet it was all anyone talked about for years!

Anyway, the TV miniseries is based on a book, which apparently confirms what most of us suspected: That O.J. did murder his wife and Ron Goldman, but the police really mishandled the whole investigation and trial, which is why O.J. was found not guilty. From what little I recall of watching the coverage, it seemed that way to us, too.

This is an all-star cast and the writing is superb. Although Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story; Glee; Scream Queens) is one of the executive producers, and one of the directors, he didn't write the series. It's nothing like any of his other shows. There's no humor or singing. It's created by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, who have done a lot of children's movies, but their best work is probably "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" and "Ed Wood," two excellent films.

You don't want to miss this series!

Here's an interesting review by Kato Kaelin

MORE INFORMATION:

"The Shannara Chronicles" is an epic television event based on the sweeping, best-selling fantasy book series by Terry Brooks. Set thousands of years in the future, the story follows three heroes, Elf-Human hybrid Wil, Elvin Princess Amberle, and Human Rover Eretria, as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.  The 10-episode first season of “The Shannara Chronicles” will premiere January 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, immediately following the return of fan-favorite, "Teen Wolf" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. 
 
Episode 101/102 – "CHOSEN" PARTS 1 AND 2    
Thousands of years after the fall of Humankind, the Four Lands is in grave danger. The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of an unlikely trio: an Elvin Princess who dreams of a life outside of the palace walls, a beautiful, wild and wily Human Rover and a half-elf, who knows nothing of the great destiny that runs through his veins.
 
Having seen an apocalyptic vision of the world’s destruction, Amberle leaves the palace in search of answers. But when Wil and Allanon realize that she is the key to saving the Four Lands, they set out to
find the princess before the Dagda Mor’s Demons hunt her down.
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” stars genre favorites, John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”) and Manu Bennett (“Spartacus”), along with young Hollywood stars-on-the-rise, Austin Butler (“The Carrie Diaries”), Poppy Drayton (“When Calls The Heart”) and Ivana Baquero (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” is written for television by and executive produced by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah also serve as executive producers. The first two episodes were directed by Jonathan Liebesman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”). MTV is producing with Sonar Entertainment, which is also distributing the series worldwide. - See more at: http://thepub.viacom.com/sites/mtvpress/shows/pages/The-Shannara-Chronicles-.aspx#dvOverview
"The Shannara Chronicles" is an epic television event based on the sweeping, best-selling fantasy book series by Terry Brooks. Set thousands of years in the future, the story follows three heroes, Elf-Human hybrid Wil, Elvin Princess Amberle, and Human Rover Eretria, as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.  The 10-episode first season of “The Shannara Chronicles” will premiere January 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, immediately following the return of fan-favorite, "Teen Wolf" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. 
 
Episode 101/102 – "CHOSEN" PARTS 1 AND 2    
Thousands of years after the fall of Humankind, the Four Lands is in grave danger. The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of an unlikely trio: an Elvin Princess who dreams of a life outside of the palace walls, a beautiful, wild and wily Human Rover and a half-elf, who knows nothing of the great destiny that runs through his veins.
 
Having seen an apocalyptic vision of the world’s destruction, Amberle leaves the palace in search of answers. But when Wil and Allanon realize that she is the key to saving the Four Lands, they set out to
find the princess before the Dagda Mor’s Demons hunt her down.
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” stars genre favorites, John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”) and Manu Bennett (“Spartacus”), along with young Hollywood stars-on-the-rise, Austin Butler (“The Carrie Diaries”), Poppy Drayton (“When Calls The Heart”) and Ivana Baquero (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” is written for television by and executive produced by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah also serve as executive producers. The first two episodes were directed by Jonathan Liebesman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”). MTV is producing with Sonar Entertainment, which is also distributing the series worldwide. - See more at: http://thepub.viacom.com/sites/mtvpress/shows/pages/The-Shannara-Chronicles-.aspx#dvOverview
"The Shannara Chronicles" is an epic television event based on the sweeping, best-selling fantasy book series by Terry Brooks. Set thousands of years in the future, the story follows three heroes, Elf-Human hybrid Wil, Elvin Princess Amberle, and Human Rover Eretria, as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.  The 10-episode first season of “The Shannara Chronicles” will premiere January 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, immediately following the return of fan-favorite, "Teen Wolf" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. 
 
Episode 101/102 – "CHOSEN" PARTS 1 AND 2    
Thousands of years after the fall of Humankind, the Four Lands is in grave danger. The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of an unlikely trio: an Elvin Princess who dreams of a life outside of the palace walls, a beautiful, wild and wily Human Rover and a half-elf, who knows nothing of the great destiny that runs through his veins.
 
Having seen an apocalyptic vision of the world’s destruction, Amberle leaves the palace in search of answers. But when Wil and Allanon realize that she is the key to saving the Four Lands, they set out to
find the princess before the Dagda Mor’s Demons hunt her down.
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” stars genre favorites, John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”) and Manu Bennett (“Spartacus”), along with young Hollywood stars-on-the-rise, Austin Butler (“The Carrie Diaries”), Poppy Drayton (“When Calls The Heart”) and Ivana Baquero (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” is written for television by and executive produced by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah also serve as executive producers. The first two episodes were directed by Jonathan Liebesman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”). MTV is producing with Sonar Entertainment, which is also distributing the series worldwide. - See more at: http://thepub.viacom.com/sites/mtvpress/shows/pages/The-Shannara-Chronicles-.aspx#dvOverview
"The Shannara Chronicles" is an epic television event based on the sweeping, best-selling fantasy book series by Terry Brooks. Set thousands of years in the future, the story follows three heroes, Elf-Human hybrid Wil, Elvin Princess Amberle, and Human Rover Eretria, as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.  The 10-episode first season of “The Shannara Chronicles” will premiere January 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, immediately following the return of fan-favorite, "Teen Wolf" at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. 
 
Episode 101/102 – "CHOSEN" PARTS 1 AND 2    
Thousands of years after the fall of Humankind, the Four Lands is in grave danger. The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of an unlikely trio: an Elvin Princess who dreams of a life outside of the palace walls, a beautiful, wild and wily Human Rover and a half-elf, who knows nothing of the great destiny that runs through his veins.
 
Having seen an apocalyptic vision of the world’s destruction, Amberle leaves the palace in search of answers. But when Wil and Allanon realize that she is the key to saving the Four Lands, they set out to
find the princess before the Dagda Mor’s Demons hunt her down.
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” stars genre favorites, John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”) and Manu Bennett (“Spartacus”), along with young Hollywood stars-on-the-rise, Austin Butler (“The Carrie Diaries”), Poppy Drayton (“When Calls The Heart”) and Ivana Baquero (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).
 
“The Shannara Chronicles” is written for television by and executive produced by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah also serve as executive producers. The first two episodes were directed by Jonathan Liebesman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”). MTV is producing with Sonar Entertainment, which is also distributing the series worldwide. - See more at: http://thepub.viacom.com/sites/mtvpress/shows/pages/The-Shannara-Chronicles-.aspx#dvOverview

Installment 1 - The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - Tuesdays at 10 PM ET/PT Beginning February 2 on FX TV Rating :  TV-MA

Based on the book The Run of His Life: The People V. O.J. Simpson by Jeffrey Toobin, the limited series is a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers. It explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution overconfidence, defense shrewdness, and the LAPD's history with the city's African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

From Last May:

BRUCE GREENWOOD JOINS CAST OF

AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON

Award-Winning Actor to Play Gil Garcetti, the Los Angeles County District Attorney Who Prosecuted O.J. Simpson for Murder

LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2015 – Award-winning actor Bruce Greenwood has joined the cast of American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson, portraying Gil Garcetti, the Los Angeles County District Attorney who prosecuted O.J. Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Greenwood (Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek, Thirteen Days, Flight) joins an all-star cast that includes Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson, John Travolta as defense attorney Robert Shapiro, David Schwimmer as defense attorney Robert Kardashian, and Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark. Greenwood is represented by Gersh and Binder & Associates.

Production of the FX limited series is currently underway in Los Angeles. Emmy® and Golden Globe® award winning producer and Emmy Award winning Director Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, The Normal Heart) will direct the first episode and serve as Executive Producer, along with Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski and Brad Falchuk.

American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson is written by Golden Globe-winning producers Alexander and Karaszewski (Big Eyes, The People v. Larry Flynt). American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Based on the book The Run of His Life: The People V. O.J. Simpson by Jeffrey Toobin, the limited series is a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers. It explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution overconfidence, defense shrewdness, and the LAPD’s history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

ABOUT FX

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable channel of FX Networks, a business unit of 21ST Century Fox. FX Networks is comprised of FX, FXM and FXX. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in 95 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically-acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series, including The Americans, Tyrant, The Strain and the upcoming Taboo; the critically-acclaimed miniseries American Horror Story, Fargo and the upcoming miniseries American Crime Story; acclaimed hit comedy series including the award-winning Louie, Archer, Married, The Comedians and the upcoming Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll and Baskets. FX is the former home of the critically-acclaimed and award winning hit drama series The Shield, Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, Damages and Sons of Anarchy and Justified. The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s roster of acquired hit series includes Two and a Half Men, In Living Color and Mike & Molly.

ABOUT FX PRODUCTIONS

FX Productions (FXP) produces FX’s acclaimed hit drama series The Strain; the comedy series Louie, Archer, Married and the upcoming Baskets, and the FXX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, You’re the Worst, Man Seeking Woman and the upcoming comedy The Untitled Tracy Morgan Project (TBD). FXP co-produces the drama series The Americans, Tyrant and the upcoming Taboo; the miniseries Fargo, which scored 18 Emmy® Award nominations and won the Emmy award for Outstanding Miniseries; the upcoming miniseries American Crime Story; and the comedies The Comedians and Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll. In 2014, FXP shows combined to deliver 28 Emmy Award nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Miniseries, and Outstanding Animated Program.

ABOUT FOX 21 TELEVISION STUDIOS

The newly formed Fox 21 Television Studios is a production unit housed within Fox Television Group devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios currently produces the Emmy and Golden Globe winning Homeland, starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin, the critically acclaimed The Americans (with FX Productions) starring Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, Brannon Braga and Adam Simon's supernatural hit Salem, Howard Gordon's Tyrant, Legends from Howard Gordon and Jonathan Levin, Jeff Eastin’s Graceland and Matt Nix’s Complications. The studio recently began production on Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson’s American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson and Kurt Sutter, Brian Grazer and Paris Barclay’s The Bastard Executioner (with FX productions). Fox 21 TVS starts production on Dice, from Scot Armstrong, Sean Furst, Bryan Furst, Richard Shepard, Bruce Rubenstein and Andrew Dice Clay, and M.A. Fortin, Joshua John Miller, David Friendly and Pancho Mansfield’s Queen of the South later this year. 

Video Clips:

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson - The Letter

Description: Do you remember the letter? American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres February on FX.

Link: https://youtu.be/DLq--b2p2EQ

 We’ve just posted several new promos for AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE PEOPLE v. O.J. SIMPSON which premieres this February on FX. The videos can go live immediately.

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson - The Lie

Description: Everything will be called into question. American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres February on FX.

Link: https://youtu.be/At5WTSSMXHM

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson - The Question

Description: Did the truth set him free? John Travolta stars in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Premieres February on FX.

Link: https://youtu.be/UnFR9ucyjls

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson - Teaser: Back

Description: Witness the O.J. Trial from a whole new perspective. American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres February on FX.

Link: https://youtu.be/4bSeb6lxCXQ

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson – Launch

Description: The trial of the century. As you’ve never seen it before. American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson starring John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Sarah Paulson premieres February on FX.

Link: https://youtu.be/-nQEIaSHJMs


The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The TV MegaSite or its other volunteers.

We need more episode guide recap writers, article writers, MS FrontPage and Web Expression users, graphics designers, and more, so please email us if you can help out!  More volunteers always needed! 

Back to the Main Reviews Page

Page updated 1/27/16

Back to the Main Primetime TV Page

ComedyDramaSci fi and FantasySoap OperasCompetition


Google
 
Web SEARCH THE TV MEGASITE
Bookmark this section!
 
HomeDaytimePrimetimeTradingSite MapBuy!What's New!
Join UsAbout UsContactContestsBlogHelpCommunity