StartUp (Crackle 2016, Martin Freeman, Adam Brody)

Non subscription streaming channel Crackle is making inroads into original drama with Martin Freeman starring StartUp. The 10-episode, one-hour series is set amongst the unconstrained, yet opportunist streets of Miami and weaves a complex and exciting narrative, focusing on the high-stakes struggle of what one will do to reach ultimate success. But this is not your average startup incubator story. StartUp is about the emergence of GenCoin, a brilliant, yet controversial tech idea centered around digital currency-an idea that gets incubated on the wrong side of the tracks by three strangers who don’t necessarily fit the mold of “tech entrepreneurs” and a crooked FBI agent who will go to any length necessary to take them down.

FBI agent Phil Rask, specializes in financial crimes. Rask crosses paths with Nick Talman, a sharp and intelligent financier at a boutique firm in Miami, but it’s not Talman that Rask is after – it’s his father. Nick has a problematic relationship with his wealthy, irresponsible father, who disappears and forces Nick to stash his ill-gotten gains.

Instead of going to the FBI, he decides to hide the money by investing in a tech startup pitched by the unorthodox Izzy Morales, a tech whiz out to change the world. Also keen to get his hands on the money is Ronald Dacey – second-in-command of the local Haitian gang. When Ronald discovers that the money he left with Nick’s father has vanished, Ronald moves on to the next best thing – his son. An unexpected partnership forms between Ronald, Nick and Izzy which culminates in a dangerous alliance that make them a target for Rask, who plans to take a journey to the very pit of darkness to take down the unsuspecting trio.

production details
USA / Crackle – Critical Content – Hollywood Gang Productions / 10×60 minute episode / Released 6 September 2016

Creator: Ben Ketai / Producers: Adam Brody, Anne Clements / Executive Producers: Tom Forman, Andrew Marcus, Ray Ricord, Gianni Nunnari, Shannon Gaulding

cast
Martin Freeman as FBI Agent Phil Rask
Adam Brody as Nick Tolman
Edi Gathegi as Ronald Dacey
Otmara Marrero as Izzy Morales
Wayne Knight as Benedict Blush
Aaron Yoo as Alex Bell

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.