Netflix's Space Force Review Roundup
This weekend, one of Netflix's most highly-anticipated original series of the year finally [...]
Adam Barnhardt - ComicBook.com
"Space Force is delightfully absurd, a comedic light that comes along at the best possible time. The satire throughout is welcome comedy, poking fun at the notion that the United States government aims to convert soldiers into space-faring crimefighters. Admittedly, the parodies are a little too on-the-nose at times, removing the suspension of reality some might expect while they put on a movie or TV series. Even then, that's something that speaks volumes to the world we live in, rather than to the quality of the programming itself."
You can read our full review here.
prevnextCaroline Framke - Variety
"After watching the whole first season, it's hard to say what kind of story or comedy Space Force is trying to be. This kind of identity crisis isn't unique; most freshman comedies need a bit to settle into their grooves and ultimate intentions. Still, given the talent and enormous machine behind it, "Space Force" should by all rights be better than 'fine.'"
You can read Variety's full review here.
prevnextDaniel Fienberg - The Hollywood Reporter
"Space Force just isn't close to consistent — especially in the first half of the season, the misses outweigh the hits — and even as it settles into itself a little more, it's hard to buy all the eventual smoothing out of characters and plot lines from that choppy beginning. As star-studded, erratic sci-fi satires from spectacularly talented creators go, Space Force has a lot in common with HBO's maddening Avenue 5. Maybe both shows will work through their kinks by a second season, but don't go into this first set of Space Force episodes without expecting the rough patches."
You can read The Hollywood Reporter's full review here.
prevnextKristen Baldwin - EW
"There's an immense amount of talent on screen in Space Force, from the main ensemble to the recurring cast, which includes Jane Lynch, Patrick Warburton, Diedrich Bader, Fred Willard, Ben Schwartz, Dan Bakkedahl, and Jessica St. Clair. What the show lacks is any kind of comedic vision, or even a fully-formed concept. If space is a vacuum, Force is a kind of TV black hole: A-list stars and lots of Netflix money go in, and what comes out is a big old nothing."
You can read EW's full review here.
prevnextSonia Saraiya - Vanity Fair
"It's carried by Carell and Malkovich, who completely commit to their characters' slowly fraying sanity, nailing every line. Both men are wearing their dignity like armor, as a defense against a world they no longer understand. They share wonder and awe for space; Space Force makes subtle homage to NASA's biggest accomplishments and the best films about the final frontier, every one from Starship Troopers to The Martian. But there's something terribly awry about their dreams, now that they have finally grasped them."
You can read Vanity Fair's full review here.
prevnextBen Travers - IndieWire
"Space Force is a diversionary delight at best. Missed opportunities abound (whether it's under-developed characters or first-draft jokes), and anyone expecting a Veep-level satire or Office-like innovation may be disappointed. Season 2, which seems inevitable given the talent involved, could easily go haywire or refine itself into something better. As it stands, "Space Force" is clearly made with joy. Maybe it won't fill the Office-sized hole in Netflix subscribers' hearts when the series leaves the service later this year, and perhaps it could serve a greater purpose than silly fun. But I certainly prefer this version over one that only aims to recreate the past."
You can read IndieWire's full review here.
prevnextMichael Walsh - Nerdist
"The single biggest issue is that overall, it's not that funny. But is there promise here? Absolutely. Space Force would be dramatically improved by cutting a lot of fat, and it won't be a surprise if a second season manages to find its groove and the show ends up being great. There's a lot of talent and pedigree at work here. Despite the inevitable comparisons, Space Force doesn't have to be 'The Office in space.' It just has to be a lot funnier—and a lot less timely—if it ever wants to lift off."
You can read Nerdist's full review here.
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