MobLand premieres on Paramount+

Guy Ritchie's new series features notable stars but lacks fresh elements.

MobLand highlights the familiar in gangster drama

MobLand, a new series on Paramount+, features a cast of stars like Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan as traditional London gangsters. While the casting brings some excitement, the show struggles to present something new in this well-trodden genre. Brosnan’s exaggerated Irish accent has been received as distracting, overshadowing his character's intended menace. The series may appeal to fans of gangster dramas, but it is unlikely to impress those seeking originality.

In MobLand, Guy Ritchie returns to familiar themes, but the series does not break new ground. Despite the star-studded cast, viewers may find the content predictable. Brosnan's performance, while notable, points to a broader issue of typecasting in crime dramas. The lack of fresh storytelling in a genre rich with potential means MobLand may only resonate with those accustomed to Ritchie's style. Highlights from past films resonate, but they are mixed with a sense of déjà vu.

Highlights

As mob drama tropes return, audiences await more innovative storytelling.