John Maher

The cardinal rule of science fiction, according to H. G. Wells, is that everyone should behave naturally and realistically even if the threat they face is utterly absurd and improbable. Therein lies the power, tension and attraction of SF. Sadly, in the first two episodes, the characters never have authentic or convincing responses to anything they face. The writing is, frankly, juvenile. The acting is great, the photography is super, the special effects are terrific... but a film cannot exist on chocolate waffles alone. There has to be something resembling protein. I don't know if I can be bothered investing much more time in the series. The responses, reactions and decisions of the characters are, in a word or two, just implausible.

Dazzling camera work. Utterly dazzling! Huge, over-the-top set pieces, wrecking most of Central and Eastern Europe. Minimal slick and super-smart dialogue. Paper characterisation. Bonkers plot (well, hardly even a plot). Just a non-stop, biff- and big-gun fest. And maybe a tad overlong.