4/5
I Can't Make This Up.
7 Episodes. Starring: Kevin Hart, Wesley Snipes, Tawny Newsome, Paul Adelstein, William Catlett, Lauren London, John Ales, Chris Diamantopoulos, Theo Rossi & Billy Zane. Created By: Eric Newman.
What now? Kevin Hart-the man who has everyone dying laughing-is actually accused of murder?! As he breaks the fourth wall and Tupac's "I ain't a killer, but don't push me" plays. All after his last few years have courted controversy. From resurfaced old tweets to being removed as the host of the Oscar's. And he starts this latest show with an interview on 'Ellen' of all places and platforms like there was no f###s given. Call him 'Irresponsible' like one of his specials, but let me explain like he's just giving it up for someone who had his back. 'True Story' is exactly not that. It's a work of fiction not to be confused with the truth. Or the 2015 prison drama of the same name starring Jonah Hill and James Franco that has done a longer bid on the movie dating app that is Netflix than inmates locked down between four walls like our own personal house arrest. All for a streaming site that has more movies missing than people you unmatched with. Even if he does play a comedian like the way fellow classic comedian Chris Rock said on Ludacris' song 'Everybody Hates Chris' off 'Theatre Of The Mind'; "you ain't no actor. In 'Hustle and Flow' you played yourself!" But the 'Jumanji' and 'Central Intelligence', 'Hobbs and Shaw' (SURPRISE!) franchise friend of The Rock can act like the Bridges of a 'Fast and Furious' one too. 'The Upside' of the 'Ride Along' star is just that good. And you can never fault the epic energy and passion he brings to every one of his projects like that greeter who moonwalked up to him in Walmart. Show us your stuff Kev! Let's ride! Now the controversy spotlight is on another Netflix comedian (Dave *do we even need to cough* Chappelle), Hart is making good on his Netflix deal. Kevin was all his second name on the heartfelt 'Fatherhood' this year that should garner award season buzz and even his special last year in quarantine hit home. Making up like his series 'Guide To Black History' amended for his ill-advised, but real warning 'Don't F### This Up' which didn't read as well as his memoir, 'I Can't Make This Up'. No one but him quite can.
The truth is, this story has looked intriguing ever since we saw the windows roll down on a promotional picture that saw Kevin Hart behind the blacked out windows of what may as well have been a hearse at night, with Wesley Snipes riding shotgun. About to be in pole position for that Emmy for the best thing he's done since he stole the show making that joke on 'The Expendables 3' after doing a bid and running through his kill list. "What did they get you for?" Sly's crew asked the 'Demolition Man' villain with Rodman hair. "Tax evasioooon" he said with eyes wide. Those who wrote the 'Blade' piercing stare and sharp talents of 'New Jack City's' 'Passenger 57' just don't know a legend when they see one like the kids who scoff "him" when Kevin's Kid challenges some young guns to a game of basketball like Prince did Charlie Murphy, all to court an alibi. Did they not see 'White Men Can't Jump' as Wesley gives them that sniping, knowing look? It's about to be carnage like his co-star Woody Harrelson with 'Venom'. Because in a surprise show that plays like a heart to Hart, but is actually the real deal like Kevin's own acting and with every familiar face bringing it, no one quite does it like Wes who also stole the show in the long awaited Eddie Murphy 'Coming 2 America' referencing the 'Delirious' legend in raw comparison here. Don't write Snipes-who can do more with a look then pages of script by the book-or this stealing show off, because this is the quality Netflix have been throwing money at Hollywood for years in hope that something sticks. It even has an avenging cameo form one of the biggest stars like they're extracting all their called upon favours. The only disappointment here from this show ran by 'Narcos' and 'Mexico' man Eric Newman is we might not get a second series. But only because this singular miniseries season is just so perfect. You don't see it coming like everything that drops like the comedians mic.
West Philadelphia born like the 'Will' of Smith from the Fresh Prince to the 'King Richard' Academy Award throne, Philly is the perfect backdrop that raises the stakes with more drama in the Sixers Wells Fargo Arena than the Ben Simmons situation. Hoopla hasn't been courted this much since Denzel served a subpoena in front of Dr. J for Tom Hanks bosses in the Spectrum of 'Philadelphia'. But for all the storied life, as real as it gets lessons Hart and Snipes learn each other in the process of this back and forth like big Joel Embiid, the rest of this 'True' cast do their own heavy lifting to turn this lucky number seven into a seal of heaven sent television for the smartphone generation. 'Space Force' and 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' star Tawny Newsome really hits earth and her own stage as a writer who's tired of her jokes being treated as such and passed over from her time behind the mic. Especially with Will Ferrell calling. Whilst Paul Adelstein who killed everything in site on 'Prison Break' is an assistant assassin here. Albeit looking strikingly and distinctively different in barber shy hair and plastic specs. 'Black Lightning' star William Catlett is a thunderbolt of protection too that looks like it could cobra strike and bite in the wrong way at any minute. Whilst Lauren London continues her name fame as Hart's ex who still has his love and soul, not to mention his foundation of family in heart and mind. Word to the wise, you and your ex can coexist. Especially for the kids. Even with all this in the comedian hitting jabs like a boxers corner, he still feels boxed in by some mobsters. John Ales (of 'The Nutty Professor' of all movies) and Chris Diamantopoulos (another Netflix favourite who was ridiculed by Ryan Reynolds in their biggest opening day 'Red Notice' with The Rock and Gal Gadot. Although this "muscular toddler" is so intimidating here) play this to acclaimed affiliation. Whilst an unrecognisable, bald and bearded Billy Zane completely owns the first episode with 'Titanic' strength with the iceberg he sends Kevs way. But for all this it's the Shades of 'Luke Cage' star Theo Rossi (who also dealt with Netflix this year in Zack Snyder's 'Army Of The Dead') who also almost unrecognisable with uncharacteristic shaggy hair and messy, nervous energy plays a superfan who is more sweet than stalkerish (although Snipes has his suspicions. See 'The Fan' Robert De Niro on his classic 90's baseball thriller rounding it all the next time you head home). Rossi's realest performance yet, the theory of a previous too Shades slick Theo will change soon as he brings more depth here like he did uncaging his Ray Ban blacked out character on the power man street-level superhero series. A real marvel here who is the heart of a show were most of the characters don't even have a beating one as they sell their soul for the highest price and biggest trunk space. This is what makes 'True Story' as believable as it gets. And once the story of this Cain and Abel brotherhood ends for the king of comedy. You're going to want to tell everybody the truth. The whole truth...and nothing but. I swear, so help us God. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Fatherhood', 'Narcos: Mexico', 'True Story (2015)'.
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