Childhood's End (2015)

This is a vision of a first encounter. In that the show succeeds brilliantly. If one were only to watch the first episode then one could be quite satisfied. I was. It was foolish of me to want the second episode so soon afterward. The second episode starts meandering into the realms of predictable, that is, all is not what it seems. The third episode does not satisfy. The viewer is left wondering why all sorts of things are happening and it's a huge why all the way to the end. It needed science to back the fiction, to join the dots, and for me, as a lover of science fiction, it fell short.I think it's an important compliment to the overall canon of science fiction shows out there, after all, it was originally quite a good book. The photography, editing, acting and so forth, including the effects, all are done extremely well. There is a love story as well but we never understand how that is relevant except in a very loose way if one compares the fate of the lovers to the fate of the world. Again, a huge why? In fact fate, as a theme, seems here to be very close to what others would see as plot holes. I understand the higher message the show is aiming for and it's OK as science fiction, but it was cruel to expand what is basically a poetic idea suitable for a paperback into over three hours of visual drama. Two hours with less irrelevant flashbacks and a brave stab at an evolutionary science explanation for that 'why' would have improved everything.I'm not in agreement with those that say this show didn't follow the book and that is what is missing. I read the book at least forty years ago but it couldn't have been all that bright as I only remembered the initial theme, the arrival.It's definitely not a rip off, but I think there are lessons here. It's not far off the mark and if the people behind this production move on to another science fiction theme then I certainly will want to see it .

At first I refused to watch it. After years of hoping someone will produce a decent theatre version of Clark's masterpiece, we were give this. Take it or leave it. Judging by reviews and comments, I got repelled, but then decided to give it a shot. I can always forget the TV version and read the book one more time, right? Still, despite all the anti-propaganda, I was positively surprised. Of course I didn't like the unnecessary details, Americanization and invented plots and characters. I didn't like the simplified last part with the end that went by just like that... Nothing dramatic, nothing profound... unless you watch carefully. Prior reading of the book is recommended.My score is rather high because of two things: The fact that the story was finally put to screen, despite the weak result. Second, that it is possible to understand and see the whole story positively, as it should be seen. But you have to pay attention to the details. And not be limited by either your Ego or some imposed system ob beliefs.Judging by reviewers responding to either the book or the series, it is apparent, that the majority on this planet is perfectly happy with the current state of affairs and the course the Mankind is embarked on. I find it difficult to believe, that they reject the act of Ultimate evolution and transcendence and rather see it as a tragic event, act of terror, destruction of Humanity, while at the same time, quite probably pray to God every day in hope it will grant them basically the very same thing. In the book, as well as in the series, merging with god was a gift to our children. As a parent, I'd be a selfish ignorant, If I didn't feel happy for them.

This is the BEST movie I have ever seen!!! I purchased this title on awhim, knowing it was based on an Arthur C. Clarke novel that I never got around to reading when I was younger, so I was unaware of the storyline.WOW, was I in for a surprise. It was brilliantly executed. The acting was top class. The storyline was steady and really pulled you in. Some great visual effects and plot twists.Don't want to give too much away, but when I finished watching it the first time, I pressed play again and immediately watched it a second time.I hope you enjoy it like I did.

The first of 3 discs was spot on--crisp, engaging, well produced and compelling. Truly promising with wonderful special effects. All of a sudden, as if the flush lever were hit, disc 2 swirls into nonsense and turgid drama, descending rapidly through disc 3. The story gets absolutely derailed with Hallmark moments and sappy "love" strewn about like cars from a massive train derailment. The mawkish teacle swirls into strident emotionalism, drawn out sentiment, pointless dialogue, and continuity disasters. Many of the cast are just plain annoying, especially Jennifer's mother, whose tremulous delivery was uncomfortably vulnerable and fragile to me. The series swaggers drunkenly from cloying to banal, from shock to boredom with plenty of nonsense thrown in. (The Devil visually is really amazing, though, despite an emotionally constipated demeanor.)