The Pentaverate Story:-
Watching “The Pentaverate” with the intention of reviewing it felt akin to sympathizing with Wile E. Coyote’s futile attempts to catch the Roadrunner, knowing deep down it would lead to inevitable failure. From the outset, the mission seemed doomed, yet I persevered through Netflix’s latest comedy starring comedian Mike Myers, whose heyday seems long gone. Understanding “The Pentaverate” is not the goal of “The Pentaverate” itself; rather, it serves as a platform for Myers to indulge in his creative whims over a decade after his last solo project.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 5 May 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Creator | Mike Myers |
| Cast | Mike Myers, Jennifer Saunder, Jeremy Irons, Ken Jeong, Lydia West, Debi Mazar, Richard McCabe, Keegan Michael Key |
| Director | Tim Kirkby |
| Writer | Mike Myers, Roger Drew, Ed Dyson |
| Cinematography | Jamie Cairney |
| Music | Orbital |
| Producer | Mike Myers, Tim Kirkby, John Lyons, Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, Jason Weinberg |
| Production | Jax Media, Netflix |
| Certificate | 16+ |
In “The Pentaverate,” released with six episodes on May 5, Myers assumes multiple roles in a tale about a clandestine group resisting exposure. Narrator Jeremy Irons informs us in the opening credits that the Pentaverate, unlike other secretive cults, is “nice!” — a claim that rings hollow as we witness their actions. In each episode, Myers portrays a Canadian journalist undercover, the Pentaverate’s head guard, two conservative conspiracy theorists, and the four longstanding members searching for a fifth who isn’t another iteration of Myers himself. As the series progresses, Myers attempts to convey some message about the internet, truth, and the decline of journalism, but it gets overshadowed by crude humor.
Of Myers’ characters, the journalist perhaps resonates the most, with his bewildered demeanor providing some of the show’s few moments of wit. Notable guest stars like Keegan-Michael Key, Debi Mazar, and Jennifer Saunders adapt well to the bizarre tone of a Myers project, with Lydia West delivering the closest portrayal of a genuine character amidst the chaos.
At first glance, “The Pentaverate” appears intriguing as a limited series, but upon closer inspection, it feels more like an excessively drawn-out movie divided into six parts. It reflects Netflix’s tendency to recruit aging comedians, showering them with resources to produce content of varying quality and length. Despite its flaws, the show serves as a symbol of Netflix’s willingness to indulge Myers with ample time, money, and creative freedom. Even if the resulting product falls short, it’s likely to attract enough viewers to justify the collaboration.
In essence, “The Pentaverate” epitomizes Netflix’s approach of accommodating established talents like Myers, allowing them to dictate the terms of their projects. While the show may not meet expectations, it underscores Netflix’s strategy of embracing diverse content creators, regardless of the outcome.
“The Pentaverate” is currently available to stream on Netflix.
