"Magic City" on Starz HD

USA TODAY recommends that "like Pan AM, this show is best watched with the audio turned off".

They sure did smoke a lot back then.

Looks like the broadcast network pattern of knock off programming is in play here; Mad Men in a hotel....

The premise sounds like a knock-off of Boardwalk Empire....

^^
+1
I'll still be watching

But just based on previews, I think Boardwalk will not be beat for drama, interesting characters and acting. But maybe this will be a good 2nd.

As a fan of Mad Men, I could see the commonalities - yet the pilot was really well done.

The Godfather films were a greater influence - Oh and is they show sexual? Very much so.

The cast is very likable - the story could use some polish.

LA Times article -Creative Minds: Mitch Glazer talks 'Magic City' and 1950s Miami

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/show...agic-city.html

Missed the preview? First 3 episodes..avaliable NOW.

http://www.starz.com/originals/Magic...eos#/episode-1

Episodes 2 and 3 are pretty good. And no, its not just a Boardwalk Empire or Man Men knock-off.

I couldn't watch all of Episode 1. Found it deadly dull -- poorly written and poorly executed.

For many of us who grew up in the fifties and drove those beautiful “Body by Fisher” automobiles, the accuracy of the series recreation of this time period is much appreciated.

Unlike the Pilot of “Mad Men” several years ago, when they used hit songs of 1956 (which would never had been played in 1960) the music here was, indeed, accurate.
Ed Townsend’s “For Your Love” was recorded in 1958 and on the Billboard’s Charts for 10 weeks. Frank Sinatra frequently opened his nightclub act for many years with “I’ve Got The World On A String” (a 1953 Nelson Riddle arrangement).

The Screenwriter, Mitch Glazer, grew up in Miami during the 50’s and it certainly shows his sensitivity to the accuracy of the sets.

I’m sure the “story” will grow with each episode.

I liked it. The smoking thing was a bit over prominent and Ike kept wandering through scenes, delivered a few lines, then on to the next, but there's some real possibility for dramatic mayhem here. Mobster's wife evidently doesn't want to survive very long.

I loved everything about the show....except the constant smoking. I know that is period correct, but it makes it look like everyone was a chain smoker back then.

I Liked the T&A, but it felt to be Very Soapy to me , liked the scenes, well shot , time period correct .
Writing Sucked Big Time .
Seemed to be a pretty picture with no real drama tension. The dead guys floating in the water was Really Cheezy ! Way too much time is spend by the hero looking out on the sunrise/sunsets smoking . That's it will not watch again ... Too much Sopranos/MadMen/Boardwalk rip-offs to be enjoyable .

No, everyone wasn't a chain smoker back then. But there was less government control over personal behavior than there is today. One of the problems with a show like PAN AM is that they show no one smoking...when, in reality, airlines would give out cigarettes to passengers on-board as complimentaries. One reason a movie like PEARL HARBOR was so laughable is that no one was smoking!

They heavy anti-smoking crusade began with Ronald Reagen and escalated since then to today;s nationwide ban. Personally, I applaud the accuracy in shows like MAGIC CITY, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and MAD MEN. As it is, one of these days, I expect the powers-that-be to eliminate smoking from movies like CASABLANCA.

A lot of us didn't---and never have smoked. The other three members of my family all smoked and are all deceased.

I still remember my Navy days and going out beyond the three mile limit when the ship's store would be opened and cigarettes sold for One Dollar a Carton. I used to buy a carton or two for my Aunt in L.A. (I was docked in San Diego) who later died of lung cancer.

A lot of us didn't---and never have smoked. The other three members of my family all smoked and are all deceased.

My respects for your family losses. By the same token though, my brother has smoked for decadesrs and is well and healthy. My cousin died of lung cancer and never smoked. (When pressed on this, doctors admit they actually don't necessarily know what causes lung cancer. It can be many things. However, heavy smoking can be one of those things so it's a convenient villain.) I used to smoke but gave it up about 8 years ago...and never suffered any harmful effects. (i was able to run about a mile a day with no problem. I quit primarily for economics!) Guess genetics play no small part in these things. Plus (as in anything else) moderation, I suppose.

I'll start right out and say that I abhor smoking. I am a big believer in personal freedoms, when they DON'T infringe on someone else's freedoms.

Now that I got that out of the way, I agree that the past should be shown in an accurate manner, and that includes smoking. My gripe with Magic City was that it seemed to showcase smoking. In retrospect, my reaction is probably partially based on what you stated: There isn't much smoking shown onscreen anymore.

I guess I'll get used to it, as I really like the show and plan to continue watching.

Art

Same here. By the way. was it just me or did some of the music have a GODFATHER II vibe? (As in when Fredo went fishin'.) In fact, it almost sounded like some of it was lifted directly (especially for Episode 2).

Everyone on the show doesn't smoke. However, half the population smoked back then. One would assume that there would be an even higher percentage of smoking for people working within the hospitality industry.

My major issue with the first episode is the bad writing and so/so plot. Those expecting "Boss" might certainly be disappointed. There's skin but not on the level of "Spartacus." I'd put it right on the same level as "Shameless."

I should be fair. My dad lived to age 87; my mother to 90; and my sister was a suicide at 40. I had an uncle who smoked who lived to 95.

Wow most of the women on this show are drop dead gorgeous.., that Lily girl.. wow.

Oh yeah! By the way, Episodes 2 and 3 have been available OnDemand. Now that I've seen the first three episodes, I'm hooked. And Danny Huston can petrify with a simple look.

Jessica Marais ("Lilly" in "Magic City") was most recently featured in "Legend of the Seeker" (to U.S. audiences). She played the role of "Denna" or "Mistress Denna" as I was more than happy to call her. Jessica was smoking hot in that Mord-Sith outfit, and looked every bit as good in her birthday suit in "Magic City".

Agreed.

The downside to watching episodes before they air, is that you can't talk about them.

Should be a wild ride.

I spun them up too. Not sure how I feel about the show.

I gave the first two episodes a shot and it just didn't work for me. This is probably to the lack of any characters I want to watch.