(CNN) Nobler for its ambitions than execution, "When We Rise" is a sweeping, decades-spinning miniseries that seeks to chart the evolution of the gay-rights movement. Yet while the project offers a timely window into history, a surplus of characters and shifting perspectives tend to dilute its focus. Despite its passion and idealism, however -- and perhaps partly because of it -- "When We Rise" doesn't consistently rise to that level. allowfullscreen>Jones is just one of several leading figures whose experiences are chronicled, casting a pair of actors in each of those key roles. It is, admittedly, a pretty star-studded cast, with other principals portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker, Rachel Griffiths and Michael K. Williams.

Source: CNN February 24, 2017 22:52 UTC