MovieChat Forums > The Art of More (2015) Discussion > Couldn't get past the main character

Couldn't get past the main character

posted 8 years ago by kharndt
11 replies | jump to latest

Came across The Art of More on Crackle when it was a Roku recommendation. It seems like it would be SO good with the great cast in Kate Bosworth and Dennis Quaid.

But, the character played by Christian Cooke--he turned me off the minute he appeared on screen. Is he too cocky and unlikable? Is he too young looking? Was he overacted? Yes. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but I do know that I dislike being slapped in the face by cocky, unlikable characters overplayed by the actor because the writing can't let his story unfold. And the character hasn't lived long enough to earn the respect that he is demanding by his in-your-face brash annoyance.

Yeah, I get this is entertainment, just saying it didn't entertain me. I watched for about 15 minutes and decided there were too many other undiscovered productions to spend any more time on this one.

[–] dreamgavino 8 years ago

I felt similarly about the lead. He has the sex appeal of a wet cardboard. Nothing enigmatic or captivating about him at all.

[–] jackiee1970 8 years ago

Agreed. In a storyline like this there has to be someone with some redeeming qualities you can empathise with, get behind. But I just can't get behind him.

[–] Anthoney999 8 years ago

Christian Cooke was in the TV series Magic City and he was the same way. There's just something about him. The show was filled with flawed but likeable characters. He was supposed to be the better man in the group but was totally unlikeable and almost unwatchable. I just kept hoping that something would happen to make him go away.

No Sitcoms! No Sports! No Reality!

[–] ausxip-57050 8 years ago

I agree, the guy is ok but lacks charisma. Sidekick material

[–] jquick99 8 years ago

OP - I agree with you 100%. I didn't last 10 minutes into this cuz I disliked him so much...so all the reasons you mention.

[–] bpollen 8 years ago

I guess I'm the only one to disagree. The character is supposed to be that way: brash, arrogant, over the top, hungry for success, working 24/7, willing to do anything that's necessary. I've known a couple of guys like him.

I don't think anyone (besides a couple of women) ever profess to like him. He's successful precisely because he's the one in the crowd who will push himself in, go overboard, and get results. A Type A personality. If you want a drinking buddy, it wouldn't be him. But if you wanted someone to market your property, that's who someone would go to.

Later on, the script shows a softer side of him. The PTSD, his feelings for the young woman, his feelings for his dad who died years ago, his attempts to get along with his family (but it doesn't work).

I like him, as well as I can like that kind of character. I like the actor well enough. Gorgeous eyes, great body, very sexy.

I do think he overacts at times, though. Maybe he should tone it down a bit.

Dennis Quaid is over the top, too, in the show. Again, I think it's because he's supposed to be that way. Sort of like Trump. Bragging, bigger than life, always talking about his wealth and that he made that happen. On top of that, a drinking problem. Quaid did a great job. Good actor.

I loved this series. Can't wait for next season.

[–] NikiSarah 8 years ago

I actually hated Brukner (Quaid) more than any other character. Brukner is a disgusting character, he's not even trying to be a better person.
Meanwhile Graham (Cooke) is kind of a victim of his circumstances... he got out of the smuggling but then he felt like he owed Hassan some help. As each situation got worse, he always found the best way in order to minimize the consequences for everyone.

[–] bkerber 8 years ago

You have to watch the series to understand what's going on with that character. I agree that the acting could be better. The character, however, is great. Very complex. Likeable in a lot of ways but makes some really stupid decisions. He does that because he knows what he wants but he just doesn't have the life experience to really know how to get it without screwing everything up in the process. The series has some problems but it is very good as far as storytelling goes. Much more interesting and original than most of the stuff I see out right now.

[–] Top_Shelf 8 years ago

Hmmmm. I came on here to post how much I hate Dennis Quaid's portrayal. Watching the tenth episode right now and hoping he gets caught in the crossfire.