Power Play
Power Play was a Canadian television drama series, which aired on CTV from 1998 to 2000. The series was filmed at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. The show starred Michael Riley as Brett Parker, a former New York City sports agent who became the general manager of a National Hockey League franchise, the Hamilton Steelheads. One of the throughline plots of the series dealt with Parker's ongoing love–hate relationships with the sport, the team and his superior at McArdle Industries, corporate executive Colleen Blessed, played by Kari Matchett. The cast also included Gordon Pinsent as team owner Duff McArdle, Jonathan Crombie, Jennifer Dale and Al Waxman. The show's theme song was a modernized version of the Stompin' Tom Connors classic, "The Hockey Song", performed partly by Connors himself, and then transitioning to the performance of the band Rusty. The show was briefly aired on the US network UPN, starting in 1999, but was pulled after just two episodes. The second episode aired in the US has the distinction of being the lowest-rated episode of any prime-time TV series ever aired by any US network.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of college students, led by their charismatic but manipulative professor, embark on a dangerous game of power and deception. As their actions escalate, the lines between right and wrong blur, leading to unforeseen and tragic consequences for all involved. The professor's control unravels, and the students must confront the morality of their choices.
Critical Reception
Kevin Spacey's directorial debut, 'Power Play,' received a mixed to negative reception. While some critics noted the ambition of the film and Spacey's performance, many found the plot convoluted and the characters underdeveloped. The film struggled to find a significant audience and is largely overlooked in Spacey's filmography.
What Reviewers Say
- The film is often criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of clear character motivations.
- Some viewers found the dark themes and manipulative dynamics engaging, but these were often overshadowed by pacing issues.
- Kevin Spacey's directorial efforts were seen as ambitious but ultimately flawed, failing to fully capitalize on the performances.
Google audience: Information regarding specific audience sentiment from Google reviews for 'Power Play (2000)' is not readily available or widely documented.
Fun Fact
This film marked the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Kevin Spacey.
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