IMDb > "Kingpin" (2003) > IMDb user comments

IMDb user comments for
"Kingpin" (2003) More at IMDbPro »

Filter: Hide Spoilers:
Page 1 of 4:[1] [2] [3] [4] [Next]
Index 37 comments in total 

11 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
An Excellent Series, but Where's the Rest?, 7 February 2004
9/10
Author: Astra Poyser (astra@dynotaku.com) from Austin, Texas

As a fan of "The Sopranos," I was perhaps a little reluctant to watch "Kingpin," since I felt that nothing could really surpass "The Sopranos" in my affections. Nonetheless, a friend had bought me the miniseries DVD for my birthday, so with no other excuse at hand, I watched it.

And I loved it. There are only six episodes, each an hour long, but it took me only 'til about the second before I was hooked. The acting is excellent, and I'm left wondering why I haven't heard of or seen these actors before. Each character was sympathetic and interesting; even the ones you're probably "supposed" to hate, and it was difficult deciding who exactly to root for. I especially liked the relationship between Miguel and his brother, Chato -- one of trust and closeness instead of the deceit and backstabbing that's all too common in shows along the same lines.

Agent Flores and Miguel's wife, Marlene, were also both very appealing, as strong, independent female characters who have their own complexities and motivations, rather than being overshadowed by the male characters. And I can't forget the particularly comic relationship between the doctor played by Benben, and his "thug" friend, Junie. The show provided a number of unexpected and unique twists on an old theme.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the show never took off. Maybe it was too expensive to produce, maybe it didn't get enough support from NBC, or maybe (and I hope this isn't the case), it slipped because it was not a predominantly white cast; most of the characters were Hispanic/Latino. That seems a particular shame, if it is the reason "Kingpin" never succeeded, since its cast was truly talented and I would have liked to see some of those actors get a definite career boost.

Still, at least it's available to rent, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you're a hardcore "Sopranos" lover, like I am, don't let the comparison deter you! They're similar in that they're about criminal families, but they each have a very different feel and flavor, and you'll only be robbing yourself of something new to enjoy.

I just wish there were /more/ of it to enjoy!

Was the above comment useful to you?

7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Best show on Network TV, 3 April 2004
10/10
Author: aredneck92 from Maryland

This show was the best show on tv. Too bad NBC didn't have the guts to keep it on tv. The show was great. The actors did an excellent job. The writers for the show came up with someone to keep you wanting to watch tv. This show is better than Sopranos. Yes it is a little edgy for network tv, but with the time slot that it was on made it ok. For the network tv they cut a lot out of the show that is shown on the DVD set. The DVD set shows how the producers wanted the show to be. Hopefully HBO will pick this show up and air it. Then it will have a network that won't be afraid to show it. For anyone that likes the Sopranos or Godfather will love this show and I highly recommend it. Miguel is cool and smart while Chato takes care of the dirty work.

Was the above comment useful to you?

5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
a stylish take on The Sopranos, 30 July 2006
8/10
Author: Johnny10 from United States

this show has been type-casted as the Sopranos on daytime TV. But i think this show is as good or if not better than the Sopranos. Kingpin is much more stylish with the camera and music then the Sopranos is and Kingpin hardly eases up there is constant action going on on screen. This show was made to be aired on Cable for the drug and violent content and i do believe this show could of beat out the Sopranos if it was made into a regular T.V. series and if it wasn't so restricted on content, overall if you like the Sopranos then you are more than likely love kingpin and even if you don't like the Sopranos you should give it a try for the massive amount of raw energy put in this TV Show.

Was the above comment useful to you?

8 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
Wow, I'm actually watching network TV, 9 February 2003
10/10
Author: catknsn

After years of only finding good dramas on HBO and Showtime, I'm finally watching network TV and enjoying it thanks to this show. The show is both well written and acted. Sheryl Lee is a pleasant surprise - I think I've only seen her before as Laura Palmer on Twin Peaks and had no idea she was so talented. Brian Benben's morally conflicted plastic surgeon is equally intriguing. This is one miniseries that definitely needs to return for a full season!

Was the above comment useful to you?

1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
"Kingpin": "The Sopranos Lite", 27 February 2003
5/10
Author: (tdepp@aol.com) from South Dakota

I watched nearly all of Kingpin and found it OK. Not great, not terrible, just OK. Comparing anything on TV to The Sopranos is like comparing my daughter's 7th grade themes to John Steinbeck or E.B. White. Migi and Marelene could be interesting character ala Tony and Carmela. There is built in tension with their Mexican and American ethnicity, their lust for power but desire to be "respectable," etc. But these character lack the depth and humanity that the bad guys (and girls) have on The Sopranos. Paulie Walnuts on The Sopranos is a thug but an interesting and funny sort of thug who has mother issues. Chato Cadena is just a thug. That, in my opinion, is the biggest difference in the shows.

Was the above comment useful to you?

2 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Let's make Kingpin a regular show, 6 February 2003
8/10
Author: mstcyr2 from Phoenix, AZ

I can't believe that "Kingpin" is getting thumped in the ratings by the usual sludge that nets like Fox dumb us down with every night. I think "Kingpin" is simply too hip and too ethnic for the masses. Well, it's their loss. I think the show is riveting, intriguing and I'm really looking forward to the next episode, but I am disappointed that "Kingpin" is just a six episode miniseries as opposed to twelve or more. BTW, Marlene is somewhat of a babe, but I wish she'd quit giving Miguel advice because he is obviously the most cerebral and wise of all those competing for domination of the cartel. Since NBC owns Bravo now, maybe they'll continue new eps. of "Kingpin" on Bravo next season if the ratings merit it. That would definitely bring some life to a network that most certainly needs it.

Mark

Was the above comment useful to you?

Simply awesome!, 9 October 2008
10/10
Author: rmalmeida from Mexico

It's been a long time since I've seen such a well enacted and so realistic TV Series.

It seems that the "narcotraficantes", some of whom I would call "NACOtraficantes" are just as real as the ones who vandalize and terrify Mexican life in the border as of today.

It is somehow awkward the mix of English and Spanish and I just wonder if this is the kind of language spoken in the US-Mexican border. I've been to Laredo/Nuevo Laredo once and indeed it seems to be like this.

It is also true that today the blood bath seems to be many times worse than when the movie was filmed.

It's a shame that the series has been shut down.

A friend of mine lent me the three DVDs and I couldn't stop until I saw all the episodes.

Was the above comment useful to you?

Ay Carumba!, 13 February 2003
7/10
Author: paul bishop from Hollywood, CA

This is a hoot -- a Mexican drug family with few redeeming qualities, corrupt politicians, and fumbling DEA officers. If there's one problem it's that there's almost too much going on -- were it a series, the action would take longer to play out. Picture it as a drug cartel family soap opera. The first episode alone was hilarious --a wacko cousin of the Kingpin doesn't like it when Kingpin's wife shoots her mouth off, so he plans to tear off her blouse and whip her! And this is when he isn't feeding the body parts of his victims to his pet tiger! Needless to say, he gets it in the end because he's a threat to the family business. But there are lots of other nutso people running around, causing trouble. The only weak spot is Brian Benben as a plastic surgeon/drug dealer who's too goofy to take seriously. Overall, though, the whole thing is murder, mayhem and kitsch with a unique latin flair.

Was the above comment useful to you?

Episode 3, 10 February 2003
Author: VivaMontapena (VivaMontapena@cs.com) from Illinois

Does anyone with Santeria knowledge know the meaning behind Lupita mixing her blood with paint, and then painting her brothers face? This was at the end of the episode. Also, what is the significance of the three coins on the chain? Overall it was a boring episode, too much time spent develping Brian Benben's character, but hopefully it will heat up in the next episode. The lead actor, Yancey, is reason enough for me to watch...meow!

Was the above comment useful to you?

1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
KingPin, 18 November 2005
10/10
Author: vbalbuena from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

All I have to say is, that this is the best movie I have seen, a movie that actually reflects on what happens when politics are involved. This has nothing to do with Mexican or American, it's all politics people. The same thing takes place here in the United States, but we just don't know it, if it happens in Mexico, it happens in the US too. If the government really wanted to stop drugs from hitting our streets, they have the resources to do so, but why won't they do anything. Why destroy what puts food on there table, if the government stopped everything we wouldn't have the need for so many jobs to supposedly contain the issue. The governments point of view is to create jobs and there you have it, they have to turn a blind eye to keep the unemployed line down. This is my thought!

Was the above comment useful to you?
Page 1 of 4:[1] [2] [3] [4] [Next]

Add another comment

Related Links

Ratings Awards External reviews
Plot keywords Main details Your user comments
Your vote history