Free Starz Magic City is a television series that aired from 2012 to 2013. It is set in Miami Beach during the late 1950s and early 1960s and follows the life of Ike Evans, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a hotel owner who finds himself caught up in the world of organized crime. The show was created by Mitch Glazer and produced by Starz Entertainment, hence the name Free Starz Magic City. It received positive reviews from critics for its stylish production design and strong performances, particularly from the ensemble cast which includes Olga Kurylenko, Danny Huston, and Steven Strait. Magic City explores various themes such as power, corruption, and the moral complexities that arise in the pursuit of one's ambitions. It portrays the clash between the glamorous facade of Miami Beach and the darker underbelly of the city, represented by the criminal elements that operate behind closed doors.
It portrays the clash between the glamorous facade of Miami Beach and the darker underbelly of the city, represented by the criminal elements that operate behind closed doors. The series also delves into the complex relationships between its characters, who navigate a world of betrayal, loyalty, and forbidden desires. Ike Evans, the central character, is driven by his desire to maintain his success and protect his family, often making morally dubious choices in the process.
Miami-based 'Magic City' returns to Starz
Danny Huston, who plays ruthless gangster Ben “The Butcher” Diamond, in a scene from Starz’s Magic City.
- Eric Deggans, Times TV/Media Critic
In an age where TV has made heroes of a serial killer, a methamphetamine dealer and a ruthless mafia boss, how does one go about playing a television villain who really is supposed to be a bad guy?
Don't ask Danny Huston, who describes his bad guy character on Starz's luscious Miami-set drama Magic City the way you might describe a free spirited pal with an uncomfortable habit of making the occasional bad decision.
"What makes Ben Diamond so wonderful, is he's so unabashed," said Huston, describing Ben "The Butcher" Diamond, a ruthless gangster at the heart of Starz's 1960s-era drama. "All the other characters are morally compromised; they have moral issues they struggle with. Ben freely admits he's ruthless as a businessman and there's no honor among thieves; he loves it."
Huston, son of famed director John Huston and half-brother to Oscar-winning actor Anjelica, brings a theatrical flair to playing Diamond, a top Mafia boss running organized crime in Miami. He's a murderous, not-so-silent partner in the Miramar Playa, an opulent, fictional Miami Beach hotel modeled on the Fontainebleau and several other Rat Pack-era South Florida hot spots.
As the second season opens, hero Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is suspected in the killing of a labor leader Diamond actually had dispatched. Worried about Diamond's efforts to take over his hotel, Evans reaches out for help from his partner's boss in Chicago Sy Berman, played by legendary film star James Caan.
So how was it for Huston to play a mobster in scenes with a guy who co-starred in The Godfather?
"He's not at all predictable, … a wonderfully dangerous actor," he said of Caan, who reportedly once joined Magic City creator Mitch Glazer on a research trip to Havana years ago. "I understand how someone might be intimidated by Jimmy, but I felt closer affectionately to these kinds of men. He reminded me of my father; they don't make them like that anymore."
In a press conference with reporters earlier this year, Caan downplayed talk of coming full circle by playing another mobster in a TV show referencing the Mafia and Havana 40 years after The Godfather.
"I had the left-hand corner of Hollywood Squares all lined up, then Mitch called," he said, laughing. "I'm at the point where I care very much about what I do; I still try to maintain some integrity. … This was just well-written and beautifully shot and something I thought would be a lot of fun in a creative way."
In a media world where online sites such as Netflix, Yahoo, Hulu and Amazon are offering original content at relatively low prices, Starz has found itself in a bind.
Standard cable channels such as FX, AMC, IFC and BBC America have all aired Emmy-contending series this year, along with House of Cards and Arrested Development on Netflix. But Starz had to cancel Boss, the Chicago-set political drama that starred Fraiser alum Kelsey Grammer, and newer fare such as the historical drama DaVinci's Demons hasn't caught fire.
It's the late 1950s in flashy and turbulent Miami Beach, and the . More
Magic City's visually stunning depiction of 1950s Miami Beach captures the essence of the era, with its iconic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and glamorous lifestyle. The detailed production design transports viewers back in time and immerses them in the captivating atmosphere of the period. Unfortunately, Free Starz Magic City only lasted for two seasons, with Starz canceling the show due to declining ratings. Despite its relatively short run, the series has garnered a dedicated fan base who appreciate its unique blend of crime, drama, and period aesthetics. In conclusion, Free Starz Magic City is a captivating television series set in 1950s Miami Beach that explores the world of organized crime and the moral complexities of its characters. With its stylish production design and strong performances, the show offers viewers a glimpse into the glamorous and dangerous underbelly of a bygone era..
Reviews for "Free Starz Magic Citt: A Journey into the Unknown"
- Julia - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Free Starz Magic City". The characters felt flat and the plot was uninspired. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the special effects were laughably bad. I couldn't even make it through the first episode. Save your time and skip this one.
- Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Free Starz Magic City" but it didn't live up to its potential. The acting was mediocre and the storyline felt like a cheap imitation of other, more successful fantasy shows. There were too many clichés and the pacing was all over the place. I was left feeling unenthused and uninterested for the majority of the series.
- Sarah - 1 star - "Free Starz Magic City" was a complete waste of time. The writing was lazy and the characters were unlikable. The show had so much potential, but it fell flat in execution. The action scenes were poorly choreographed and the CGI was embarrassingly bad. I was constantly rolling my eyes while watching and couldn't wait for it to be over.