National Geographic’s first scripted series features Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn doing strong dual work as Albert Einstein.

Like time or space, criticism can also be relative.

For example: If you were to have told Albert Einstein that something he did was “above average” chances are good that he would whack you upside the head with a violin. If, however, you were to tell National Geographic that a scripted program the network produced was “above average,” well, maybe accustomed to reviews for TV movies based on Bill O’Reilly books about killing historical figures, NatGeo would know how to take a compliment.

Genius, National Geographic’s adaptation of Walter Isaacson’s book Einstein: His Life and Universe, is an above average event series about an extraordinary man. In form and execution, it may be an unremarkable depiction of being remarkable, but it’s also handsomely produced, reasonably intelligent and well-served by paired leading men Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn.

“Time is not absolute,” Einstein says in a 1922 classroom lecture in Berlin. “The distinction [ . . .  ]

Read Full Review at Source: ‘Genius’ Review | Hollywood Reporter