Critic Reviews

“MLK/X” offers a refreshing, enthralling perspective that echoes the mastery of Raoul Peck’s James Baldwin-centered documentary “I Am Not Your Negro.” ... In the careful hands of these actors, Malcolm X and Dr. King become tangible.

Beautiful production, first-rate performances, notably the one that counts most — Erivo's.

The series repeatedly bounces around, but coherently so. And in the early going at least, Flynn’s performance is the more interesting and affecting while also consuming considerably more screen time.

Worth watching? Oh yeah, particularly for the genius of Rush and Flynn. Despite the inconsistent nature of the dialogue, the series obviously has much to recommend it. It's superior, if not superlative.

Judging from the first two episodes, this is a skillfully acted, richly detailed historical show that would not be out of place on PBS or a high-end pay-cable outlet.

Aptly named, Genius is kinetic.

For nongeniuses, this joyful-to-watch series will answer every question you never had about space and time relativity.

Deriving its episodic subtitles from Franklin songs, "Genius: Aretha" is a testament to that hard work. And like the best musical biographies, it enhances an appreciation of Franklin's life and career, with an ease and grace that makes it look easy.

Aretha is an uneven yet largely thoughtful, gripping and visually stunning portrait of a generational talent. Its sensitive, though not hagiographic, narrative illuminates a superstar with a widely beloved body of work but a poorly understood biography and inner life.

Understanding Franklin’s familial relationships are key to her music and her life, but the layers upon layers of context can make some segments drag. This is a dilemma most biopics face, however, and Aretha makes up for it with a bevy of whip-smart performers and breathtaking melodic sequences.