The Last Tycoon (2016–2017) User Reviews

Fitzgerald wouldn't have written it; Stahr wouldn't have made it

[nwdean-862-186903 · 7/10 · 8 November 2018]

Those who complain that this series was canceled don't understand that it wasn't supposed to be a continuing series. It was supposed to be Fitzgerald's greatest but unfinished novel, finished appropriately.

What they wound up adding to finish it was some typical Hollywood junk that Fitzgerald would never have written, that Stahr (or Thalberg) would never have produced. But it's pretty good junk, as Hollywood junk goes. The production is beautiful, the plot isn't too silly, and Kelsey Grammer's performance is great fun to watch. So I give it a 7, a good effort and well worth watching.

But it still should not have gone beyond its nine episodes. That wrapped up the plot and was the end. To go further would mean adding real Hollywood junk. The greatest skill is knowing when to stop.

Another good series bites the dust too soon!

[Olinthecity · 9/10 · 13 September 2017]

Once again, a series I have really enjoyed has been canceled by the powers that be! I will admit the first few episodes of the first season were a little slow (perhaps there was room for improvement in the dialogue), but as the series progressed, I was fully engrossed in the story. The physical details of the hairstyles and clothing were absolutely believable and the filming itself was gorgeous. I was particularly impressed by Kelsey Grammar's performance.

For anyone who has not yet seen the mere two seasons that exist, allow me to inform you there is an extremely interesting twist in the plot! I don't think this will disappoint. How it was canceled with such a high IMDb rating remains a mystery.

Perhaps just right despite cancelation

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 8/10 · 12 August 2020]

I hesitated to watch this series because I knew it had been cancelled, and I was afraid that I would be left hanging with no ending. But, I took the risk, and I'm glad I did. Just to let you know, if you're thinking the same thing, the end is a suitable ending. In fact, this illustrates a change in my thinking -- and I think of many people over the past couple of years. I'm no longer quite so enamored with series that seemingly go on forever. There have been a number of series lately that were intended to go on for years, but ran out of audience or story, and I didn't min them ending on one condition -- that they bring the series to a suitable conclusion. I'm beginning to like more these series that will go on for some predetermined length of time and then end.

This series is a handsome production. I guess that cost $$$, part of the reason it didn't go into a second season. The story line is believable because quite a few of the characters are either real Hollywood figures or figures that are clearly based on real Hollywood figures. The acting here is top notch, too. I always wondered if Kelsey Grammer was more than a one trick pony ("Frazier"); well, with a good script, he can be. I wan not familiar with Matt Bomer' He's excellent here. In fact, there's really no one here that is anything but a good actor; I can't remember the last time I could say that.

Getting back to the series ending suddenly, I have to admit that as I watched the last episode, I could figure out how it could satisfactorily end in just X number of minutes. And all of a sudden I saw the solution was quite simple. You may not like the ending, but it is a logical ending. However, while the very main character dilemmas are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, some of the lesser characters (such as Mark O'Brien) don't fare as well, and things are left hanging. But okay, I still walked away satisfied.

Recommended.

Good adaptation. Great acting.

[ArtAesthetics · 10/10 · 18 June 2016]

Saw this great pilot on Amazon. I'm a Fitzgerald fan and I was curious how they would treat this show, given that the author never got a chance to complete and expand on the book. I'm impressed with the way this show gave life to so many things only alluded to in the book. Nazis during that time must have definitely had a lot of influence on the Hollywood politics in those days, just as some other power groups have it today. Glad the show is addressing that angle. Monroe Stahr, the protagonist, played amazingly well by Matt Bomer is a fascinating character. He is kind of a prodigy when it comes to the movie making business, a self made man, yet emotionally tortured, and of a weak heart due to congenital heart disease. The other characters, such as Kelsy Grammar as Pat Brady, Lily Collins as Cecilia Brady were great in their roles. The show has quite a few interesting characters. Really hope it gets picked up and we get to see more of this interesting story.

Wonderful show

[abpatmore · 10/10 · 16 July 2016]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Tycoon. It is beautifully filmed and the costumes are gorgeous. I loved the way it takes you back in time to experience another era in Hollywood. The show also reflects the political climate at the time. I didn't know the German market was so important to Hollywood. The show emphasizes the clout the Germans had in the script development and the casting. Amid all the Hollywood glamour - the reality of the business is depicted. The casting is very good. I'm eager to follow the development of the different characters. The Last Tycoon is a refreshing change from the usual choices on TV. I will definitely recommend it to my friends as a must watch new show.

A Sweeping Look Into The Birth Of Modern Hollywood

[statuskuo · 7/10 · 5 September 2020]

Nothing has changed. We can believe that corporations have taken over Tinsel Town, but in this version of "The Last Tycoon" creativity has always been controlled by committee. So the filmmakers out there that think they are autonomous, without using your own money, it 'aint happening.

That aside, the story is of wunderkind Monroe Stahr (Matt Bomer) a ambitious young studio executive who is known to fix movies within the walls of Brady-American International, a fictional movie studio run by Pat Brady (Kelsey Grammer). During the depression, they both attempt to save the studio from outside forces including the rise of stars and divas, and dark secrets of actors, the dynamics of writers and producers and so forth. Coming into the story, we also have Brady's daughter Celia Brady (Lily Collins) who is at the edge of adulthood and fixated on making her own way into Hollywood, and also Brady's wife Rose Brady (Rosemarie DeWitt) who has a history with Monroe whilst Celia holds a burning crush on him.

Admittedly, I know very little about the book, which was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. But I've seen the late 70's version, and they both do really good things. The issue with the 70's version is that it gets TOO melancholic. This skates a very tragic line since Bomer's Monroe plays a little more buoyant and hopeful than DeNiro's Monroe, who plays it brooding and bullish.

The series has some great moments (somewhat predictable but still satisfying) and makes nods to Hollywood lore. Louis B. Mayer's (Saul Rubinek) close to making "Wizard Of Oz" a Shirley Temple reference, and also a curious one with Margo Taft (Jennifer Beals) whom I can only assume is suppose to be Merle Oberon. Any way, this does suck you in. And I loved the production design. The characters have their intentions known and fascinating when they cut between the stories. You can keep up.

IF you are interested in old Hollywood, this is a great series to remind you that movie worlds were once made by people who really cared about the content.

Excellent show that deserves a conclusion.

[lacnosp · 10/10 · 12 October 2017]

Add The Last Tycoon to the likes of Firefly and The Tonight Show for shows that should never have been canceled. This show is on par with Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, and Downton Abbey. It has a great core, with the ability to be a classic, but sadly it only got one season.

The Last Tycoon gives a look into a time and world completely missed by modern movies. Pre WWII Hollywood and the nuanced issues that comes with a world on the brink of war. Unbelievably talented cast, great writing, amazing costumes, and just the right amount of twist and drama. I'm incredibly disappointed that it was canceled. Each actor was made to play their character.

It's amazing how after one season Matt Bomer will forever be Monroe Star, Lilly Collins will forever be Cecilia Brady, and Dominique McElligot will always be Kathleen Moore. Amazon really screwed up with the decision to cancel.

Good but can be great

[standardpropagation · 7/10 · 23 June 2016]

Its funny because I just had a great conversation with some friends about a how much money the movie studios are making these days. Then I decided to give a look at the pilot for The Last Tycoon .I never read the book so I'm going in clean. I love period pieces, the costumes and the language, they are divine. Mat boomer is a great actor and seems to always have a glimmer in his eye. Whether it is be because of the pain in his heart or because of the revenge he looking to get, its always there. The rest of the cast played their roles in a satisfactory measurement. I do believe that there is an opportunity to to improve the dull relationships and obvious lackluster attitudes in this depression era movie. Good thing is that there is room for improvement, and with F Scott Fitzgerald at the root, there is a great possibility.

Elegant, epic, romantic and somewhat mysterious... Looked good enough to eat!

[suzannepatmore · 10/10 · 21 June 2016]

An elegant elaboration on Fitzgerald's unfinished novella. Love the embellishments in the form of more characters, subplots, potential love triangle etc. Billy Ray did an absolutely wonderful job directing. If only my life could be bathed in such a luminous glow and scored in such a romantic way! lily Collins, Matt Bomer and Kelsey Grammar all perfectly cast. Would love to see this on the sir and watch it grow into something that ignites more passion instead of avid admiration (that in and of itself is no easy feat!) Want to feel the heat between Stahr and his various romantic possibilities as well as the titanic clash coming between he and his boss Brady. Give us a bit more Downton abbey please but give us more of this, period! Both this and The Interestings promise to up Amazon's drama game.

Slow, but captivating.

[TomyDee · 7/10 · 1 August 2017]

Just a quick review, as I see many of the stream services shows (except the big ones like Netlfix superhero series and such) do not get many opinions. I have seen the whole season and my feelings are mixed. I mean, it is slow. Very slow. Scenes are basically beautiful people talking about movies of the golden era of Hollywood - from the production side of view. I often found myself wondering what was the point of all of it, and yet... it kept me interested. However, I love classic musicals from the era depicted, and seen and enjoyed most if not all Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Danny Kaye, etc movies, so visiting the period again from a modern perspective is appealing to me. It might not be for all, and I would completely understand if we do not get another season. I have not read the source material the show is based on, and I am unfamiliar with Fitzgerald writings. I will say, nonetheless, that this show requires some patience if great visuals are not enough for you. If on a time constraint and still wanting to see the "whole show", I can safely say that if you just see episode 1 (the pilot), maybe 2 to get to know the characters, and then skip ahead to 7, 8 and 9 you would actually not miss much, as the "central" conflict really just begins at the end of episode 7 (the "big" story reveal for one of the characters). I enjoyed my time watching the rest, however, so the quality is still there... it is just very personal, so I would say you will either like it or not based on the pilot. There are no major changes to the formula after that, so see for yourself and decide :)

Transported to another era

[david-24854 · 10/10 · 26 June 2016]

It's rare a television show takes you to another era, but this is what the Last Tycoon pilot did. Beautifully shot and the cast was wonderful. A lot of television today has trouble weaving together multiple story lines, but the pilot made each individual story line a full meal, yet it all weaved together effortlessly. And, it's very clear that the main thread of the show in terms of the power struggle and relationship between Monroe Stahr, Pat Brady and Celia Brady is one that has infinite potential. The cliffhanger was smart in that it gives the writers many places to go with the Monroe character. Perhaps he has a darker side? Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Lots of series potential here.

Very nicely made

[cekadah · 7/10 · 22 August 2016]

But I doubt I would keep up with it if the series is continued.

Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel of the same name, this slightly more than one hour opening episode is a treat for the eyes through it's recreation of Hollywood in the early 1930's. The production is first class and the actors come across as solid and well thought out.

Even with all that going for it I am not drawn to come back for more. Why? Maybe it is the period look and the plot that comes across as just not so important. Hollywood as it was 80 plus years ago is more an historical interest than a drama interest for me. It's not that I find costume drama's boring or uninteresting. They can be wonderful! But this show just didn't click with me despite the other glowing reviews given here on this site.

Soapy rendition, shallow characters

[mcl-65573 · 5/10 · 28 July 2017]

Soapy rendition, shallow characters, every story point stamped out in bold capital letters like a trashy novel. And yet still just a little bit dull. Such a waste really. Add fairly generic casting (except for Grammar) and schmaltzy music and you really have a dumbed down offering that sit happily in the daytime TV space, watched by people who only use their eyes, no their brains. F Scott would be mightily disappointed.

Captivating

[rdbqpaul · 9/10 · 26 December 2016]

I love the era, the costumes, sets, music and acting. The Last Tycoon has the potential to be an excellent series with a good life. Amazon has created a lush & romantic yet realistic portrait of Hollywood in the years prior to WW-2. Each of the characters are believable and theft story held my interest throughout the fast moving sixty minutes.

It's great to see Kelsey Grammarand Matt Bomerr again. There's a good love/hate relationship evident that will likely produce some excellent moments as the story develops.

The Last Tycoon is so much more enjoyable than the typical fare the networks are putting out. Carry on, Amazon. You've got a winner here.

Sad

[lmitts323 · 8/10 · 29 November 2018]

Sad that this series was only one season. Really awesome acting, awesome show in itself. I know they're having issues at Amazon Prime but this is one of the series that needs to continue. I hope they figure everything out and are able to continue this show. It was really really good

Its a real shame this got canceled

[mysoluis · 11 July 2018]

This show was so good! Good adaptation, great acting, awesome producing... It has full potential to had have another season...

Excellent and unusually accurate fictionalization using real Hollywood history

[pacificgroove-315-494931 · 7/10 · 6 March 2022]

I want to laud this production for being more historically accurate than most films and TV shows that take place in studio era Hollywood. I'm very knowledgable about the history of classic American film, and am often irritated at historical carlessness or ignorance I see in these sorts of productions. But this one hues closer to the actual people, films, and events of the year or so that it portrays than most. And it's characters and plots impressively utilize what went on in public and private in Hollywood, and in world history, to tell a fictional story. Yes there are inaccuracies, but they are relatively minor.

I agree with many other reviewers that the production values of this series were excellent, as were nearly all of the actors. And I agree it's a shame that the series did not continue, as there was plenty of interesting plot and character developments that could have played out.

The best tv show about Hollywood ever!

[kml92 · 9/10 · 20 March 2022]

So sad that it was only one season ! The show is amazing ! So catchy ! So beautiful ! The golden age of Hollywood !

The main casting is great! The main actor is so great !

Dialogue

[sandynolen · 7/10 · 11 October 2021]

Needs to be more true to the era. 90's dialogue for a script supposed to be based in the early days of cinema? People didn't use the terms used in this show (so frequently!) like "Jesus", "Christ", etc until later decades.

An adaptation showing what the novel could've been

[shirleyfyf · 9/10 · 17 March 2022]

As a Fitzgerald expert I can say it's a quite good screen adaptation of his book. Wilson's version gives us a false sense of completeness in Fitzgerald's drafts. So naturally I'm not comparing the TV series's plot to Wilson's plot.

I think that the few seemingly overly dramatic instances e.g. Kathleen is in fact an actress who impersonates Minna, are valid expansion on hints/elements briefly shown in the novel e.g. Stahr's fear and doubt of the corporeality of Kathleen when he first meets her and when he decides to ask her out. He mentions an instance in the studio with another actress impersonating a famous one to get some shots done, which is the seed of the series's idea I suppose.

What's more is that the relationship between Brady and Stahr makes more sense to me in the series than in the novel, and Kelsey Grammar's performance gives the characters and their relationship depth, something not seen in the novel. They started out as partners but Monroe's fame makes Brady increasingly jealous which leads to Fitzgerald's murder plot.

Cecelia is also given a greater depth in the series than she is in the novel. The series justifies her presence in some scenes quite well, something Fitzgerald struggled to do in the novel. She is also very sympathetic despite retaining some of her Hollywood snobbishness, which is a logical character development projected from what we have in the novel.

Lastly, Rosemary Brady is nonexistent in the novel but I love how she's treated in the series. She's given a voice, not a weak one either. Unlike in the novel, she is just part of a crayon painting hanging over Brady's safe in his office.

Of course there're other new elements added that go beyond the confine of the source material-novel. But it is something I appreciate the series doing because the unfinished novel is given depth. Overall, it's an entertaining watch with stellar performance from the cast. I have a feeling that like what Fitzgerald's granddaughter said about Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby, he too would've liked this adaptation.

The highest production values but... where is it going?

[michaeljtrubic · 6/10 · 30 July 2017]

Like-able characters, immersive set design, plausible reasonable historical references but top heavy with anti-heroes.

While we root for our central characters all they seem to do is move from pitfall to pitfall.

Like a passenger falling off of a liner, rescued just in time from a school of sharks, being hoisted back aboard only to have the ship torpedoed.

I guess its a style of drama.

Where the central characters can never win.

More of this

[joeypaulino · 9/10 · 26 August 2018]

Only one season :(. Wish they kept it going. Hopefully some streaming service picks it up.

Boring

[papa-rocknroll · 6/10 · 22 December 2019]

It seems that nothing is happening, actors feel like acting. I stopped after third sequence.

A Comic Strip

[TanakaK · 5/10 · 2 January 2017]

The concept for such a series is strong and intriguing. Sadly, this pilot does not represent a very good effort. As is so often the case these days the emphasis seems to be technical rather than talent. The scenes are nicely dressed although often lit too strongly and too cool. But the bigger problem is that most of the characters are just that: characters. The dialog is insipidly cliché. The actors all look and act like 21st century teenagers.

Translating period pieces onto any screen in an engaging way has always been challenging. Translating Fitzgerald doubles that challenge, as his stories are virtual bear traps for lesser talents to create comic strips like this.

I don't know where all the glowing reviews are coming from. I cannot imagine many others saw this pilot any differently than I did.

Fitzgerald wouldn't want "Last Tycoon" finished in this fashion!

[orson-13 · 10/10 · 19 March 2017]

Scott Fitzgerald's romantic portrayal of boy wonder Irving Thalberg (renamed Monroe Stahr), head of MGM production by age 25, but in a power struggle with Louie B. Mayer, studio head, is essentially a romance set against a fierce struggle for business supremacy. Fitzgerald wrote that Thalberg's "race" (Jewishness) was nothing and that the Stahr/Kathleen romance was front and center. In this production lurid and ridiculous Nazis stop a major production because the leading lady (Stahr's dead wife)had been Jewish. The clumsy politicizing of the novel continues with a homeless camp right outside the gates of the glamorous studio, and story threads connecting them.

In short, Fitzgerald's work is being murdered. Handsome Matt Bomer is perfect as Stahr, but they have him looking like a waxworks, with slicked down '20s hair (this is mid-thirties). Kathleen, who steals Stahr's heart because of her resemblance to his late wife, should have been brought in early in the demo, as in novel.Dump the Nazis and political stuff not in the novel and have a good business/conflict story like Cameron Hawleys "Executive Suite," but with a stylish romance added.Plenty of time to make these changes.