It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Though most people may be drawn to this HBO miniseries for its look at the founding fathers and events of our nation in the early years of existence, I would like to add another reason (well, two actually): the gritty realism that the period is portrayed in, and the incredible acting that really brings the characters to life.Now, don't get me wrong...this series is indeed a fascinating look at the formative years of the United States of America through the prism of John Adams' existence. Though those events now take on an air of legend, viewers will quickly take pleasure in seeing the events not portrayed as overly epic (unless they actually were!) but as the real-life struggles of some pioneer thinkers.However, what continues to stick in my mind after viewing the entire series is how "real" the entire experience seemed. From the macro level (like the general living conditions and attitudes towards women/slavery) to the micro level (the crude nature of medicine and the sound of flies that can be heard buzzing in almost every scene), it felt as if I really had been transported to that time period.Also not to be overlooked is the incredible acting throughout the series. Paul Giammatti (Adams) is one of the most underrated character actors of the modern day, and yet he is matched word for word by Laura Linney (Abigail Adams). The actors portraying such characters as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington are even able to bring forth the traits of the real-life luminaries they are portraying.Thus, I would recommend this seven-part miniseries to pretty much any viewer who has any interest in historical topics whatsoever. Experts on the period will enjoy the realism of the series, while more casual viewers will just be transported away to a life that, while difficult, produced men and women that turned the U.S. into a nation to be reckoned with.

This series is truly amazing. The actors are very talented and believable, and the whole is a well-done and remarkable representation of John Adams' life. I always get bored out of my mind by the flat, matter-of-fact nature of textbooks and documentaries. Although I prefer films that show the actual war more than the politics, this film is what got me hooked on the Revolution, and history in general, and I would strongly recommend it to anybody who is interested in that kind of stuff.I dropped one star because there are a number of historical inaccuracies throughout the series--pretty much all minor details, and for the most part, the plot is authentic, but it is something that matters a great deal to me with portrayals of history. I got the David McCullough's book after I watched this and I would highly suggest reading it as well if you really want to learn the details more accurately. Also, some parts of Adams' life feel like they were rushed/skipped over, but considering that they have to go through his whole life in seven episodes, they do a good job covering the important aspects. Other than that, I can find nothing to criticize. There is much use of silence throughout the film, which works wonders to inspire the mood of the various scenes, but when the score is played in the background, it emphasizes the moment dramatically. The title track, especially, is wonderfully patriotic and takes my breath away.Again, I absolutely recommend watching this if you are interested in history and America.

This series was so good I am having difficulty finding words to do it justice. I have only faded memories of John Adams from my high school history class almost 50 years ago. The teacher spoke well of John Adams but I didn't really remember why. This series has not only reminded me but it has also provided me great detail as to how great a part John Adams played in the birth of America. This was so educational and enlightening for me. The more I learn of the men and women who created this county out of nothing the greater is my admiration for them. They made hard choices, they were willing to risk life and limb for the chance to see a dream come true. I am amazed by how well they sorted out the constitution and the bill of rights with the intent of preventing problems for those who would follow. Their wisdom and the ability to foresee conflict is incredible. We owe them a great deal of gratitude and respect.I wish this was required viewing for all high school students.

If you read my separate reviews of the 7 parts of the series then I suggest you read them first.The series is about John Adams played in a wonderful performance by Paul Giamatti who is fighting for freedom for the colonies. It also takes a look at him as president and covers his problems at home along with his wife Abigail played by Laura Linney.If you have not seen this mini-series I say check it out. One thing was going on in my mind while watching this: why does Samuel Adams gets a beer named after him when he did not do any thing where as John Adams did a lot of things. The performances are really well done but some people are wondering why this was not a movie. Well the answer is it didn't need to be a movie because it has too much of a story to tell, and I think that the way it was done here was great. Definitely check it out. It's well paced and well told.Not Rated.8hrs 18min/498min(alltogether).****/****