He invented that beer right? No that was his cousin Sam in whose honor that beer is named, but John was known as the second president of the United States. This excellent Emmy and Golden Globe winning miniseries chronicles the life of No. 2, based on the book by David McCullough.
When polls of presidents are taken, Washington and Lincoln usually take high marks. Those polls usually become more of a “which U.S. presidents can you remember from your lifetime” more than do you know their policies. Usually John Adams placed well out of the top ten, but the popularity of David McCullough’s novel as well as this miniseries may prove there’s some life in the old boy yet.
Adams (Paul Giamatti) was the nation’s first vice-president, to George Washington (David Morse), but before that he was a respected lawyer. So much was he a defender of the law and a fair trial that he defends some British Red Coats who gunned down some colonials during the Boston Massacre in 1770, much to the chagrin of his cousin Samuel Adams (Danny Huston) who was a major opposition to British rule of the colonies.
Not only is Adams a devoted lawyer, but is also devoted to his wife Abigail (Laura Linney). Adams political star begins to rise and soon he, Washington, Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), Benjamin Franklin (Tom Wilkinson), Alexander Hamilton (Rufus Sewell), John Hancock (Justin Theroux), and many others will form the second continental congress and declare independence from Great Britain.
That would probably be enough for any history buff, but the miniseries goes on to chronicle the remainder of the life of Adams who would live to see his son, John Quincy Adams (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), also elected president of the United States.
Who says history is boring? John Adams would go on to win thirteen Emmys and four Golden Globes, including best miniseries version in both awards. This seven part series detailing of the life of the second President of the United States is both interesting history as well as quality television.
Paul Giamatti proves his mettle as an actor and shines in the role, not to mention his good lady wife Laura Linney who also excels. They’re both joined by a fine roster of talent including a randy portrayal of Ben Franklin by Tom Wilkinson. HBO once again proves they’re a provider of quality television.
The show does feature some camerawork that might distract more than bring attention to the fine historical detail, but the excellent performances bring us back down to earth. However, this miniseries is a television event and well worth seeking out.
John Adams is presented in a 1080p high definition transfer (1.78:1). Special features include a pop-up trivia track that has biographies and historical facts. The discs also feature the high definition features David McCullough: Painting with Words (40 minutes) about the author of the Adams’ biography and the Making of John Adams (29 minutes) behind-the-scenes documentary, as well as episode re-caps.
The life of founding father John Adams is given a “television event” gloss that lives up to the moniker. Paul Giamatti heads an award winning cast of actors who perform exceptionally. Hail to the chief.
John Adams (HBO Miniseries) [Blu-ray] is now available at Amazon . Visit the DVD database for more information.
Your Talkback on this Story