Sugar (2024)

Colin Farrell oozes cool as a film-obsessed PI in a gorgeous homage to Golden Age Hollywood noir. Meirelles directs with verve and the stylish visuals and strong performances make it a treat.

The critic praises Colin Farrell's charismatic performance as a film-obsessed PI channeling classic noir detectives, noting the stylish references and engaging first half. They note that while the project doesn't fully land and becomes predictable, Farrell elevates it significantly.

Farrell charms as the gumshoe in a playful neo-noir that lovingly references classics while adding its own spin. The series is beautifully shot and enjoyable for film buffs despite a stately pace.

The critic finds the series intriguing but frustrating due to excessive coyness about its twist, which overshadows the bland foreground plot. They praise Farrell's terrific performance and the visual style, but complain that the mystery isn't gripping and the coyness kills interest.

The critic finds the series a disappointing neo-noir that fails to overcome its cliches and a sour twist, calling it a stinker overall. They single out its loving homage to Old Hollywood cinema as the purest element amid the failures.

The critic finds the series clumsy and clichéd, criticizing the rote mystery, clumsy dialogue, wooden performances, and a baffling twist that comes too late. They single out the overqualified cast performing below their abilities and Farrell's character as unconvincing wish fulfillment.

The series is derivative and uninspired with a maddening mid-season twist that undermines the whole thing. Farrell's performance is a highlight but cannot save the narrative cheat.

The critic calls the series an engaging throwback whose bold risks pay off despite some muddling in later episodes. It singles out the unique jump-cut editing splicing in classic noir clips and Farrell's charismatic, enigmatic performance.

The critic finds the series a strong noir love letter for cinephiles, praising its overt engagement with classic genre tropes through editing and film references alongside Farrell's charming lead turn. It singles out the fresh choice to portray the detective as a genuinely good man in a cynical genre.

The critic finds the series a tease with strong performances and direction but ultimately undone by weak writing and an unengaging mystery. It singles out the forced attempts to humanize the protagonist as ringing false in the noir context.