Netflix's American Vandal Review: 4 Ups & 3 Downs

Downs...

3. It's Uneven

While it might be a stretch to call the show "genius," it's undoubtedly smart and interesting. American Vandal's main problem is that at times it seems to try too hard. The show is at its best when it tries to find who actually committed the crime - although tracing Silicon Valley is simply lazy - and gradually moves forward in finding the culprit. By putting too much attention to unimportant details it loses not only its rhythm, but most importantly, its focus.

For example, when both filmmakers try to build a case against themselves, they dwell for too long on issues that any other filmmaker wouldn't even bother to cover. The same goes for the reconstruction of the sexual encounter on the bridge or finding reasons for Mackenzie's breakup with Dylan. These have no importance for the case and a more experienced filmmaker would simply dismiss them in the montage.

The selection of material could be more professional. It supports the idea behind the show, but affects its watchability.