'Me' Review: Adults can totally skip Apple's sci-fi tale, teens will probably be let down by its lackluster VFX
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Apple TV+'s latest coming-of-age sci-fi series titled 'Me' sets its premise around a young boy who has just found his powers and isn't sure of what to do with them.
This human-turned-superhero tale, which has been told several times in the past, focuses on self-discovery and complex family dynamics rather than going all out for the action. This emphasis on character development is a factor that sets it apart from others.
'Me' fails to charm audiences from all age groups
As adults, we sometimes enjoy kids' content and we're not shy about it. So, when Apple TV+ introduces a series made for 'kids & family', it's no surprise that the 18+ crowd would also be interested in checking out the new superhero in town, taking a much-needed break from Apple TV+'s back-to-back mind-bending sci-fi releases such as 'Constellation', 'Dark Matter' and 'Sunny'.
Sadly, the series fails to meet our expectations. It starts off on a good note, introducing Ben as a kid struggling at school as well as at home. His mother has remarried and now he has to adjust to his new family. He is a shy brown kid at school who is often bullied by children of white skin tone.
The series poses a big question right from the start: a journey to figure out what you want to do and who you want to be. It certainly gives us food for thought, and you are immediately invested in his journey when he mysteriously transforms into another kid upon waking up one day.
The premise is strong and gradually we see Ben discovering more about his newfound abilities, making mistakes and learning from them eventually to put them to good use.
However, as the story picks up the pace, you realize that it is actually ideal for younger audiences only where they can introspect on their constantly evolving feelings and get a better understanding of the complex family relationships.
As an adult audience, there's little scope for you to keep engaged and you might wanna tune in to your regular comfort shows instead.
Apple TV+'s 'Me' loses to cringe VFX and mediocre performances
All is well until the much-awaited showdown in the climax scene. The shape-shifting, the invisibility power, and the force of all powers coming together to bring down the evil—all these epic moments turn into a laugh fest due to the horrible VFX.
In an age when random AI reels created by ordinary people at home look so real that one can't differentiate between what's real and fake, this series fails horrendously.
The performances by the cast are a mixed bag. Abigail Pniowsky as Max and Amanda Reid as Carter deliver the best performances.
Lucian-River Chauhan as Ben is average at best. The way he widens his eyes in nearly every scene makes you wonder if it's the only expression he has to offer. Jessy Yates's character Morgan couldn't get any creepier.
In short, adults can definitely skip this series, while teenagers, who have access to better superhero content today, can watch it during some free time.
All the episodes of 'Me' are now available to stream on Apple TV+