VictorianCushionCat Reviews

They Go Boom! (1929)

Do something for me!

[10/10 · 24 May 2013]

'They go boom' was one of the first talkie Laurel and Hardy efforts and sets the standard for the physical punishment that Hardys character would endure in many shorts there-after.

The nice touch with this film is that whilst as per usual Ollie has to suffer at the innocent but destructive hands of Stan, including the usual nasty knocks complemented by anguished looks to camera, this time he takes it whilst suffering a nasty cold.

Highlights include a classic 'nail in water-pipe' incident, air mattress explosion, multiple head knocks and an overblown air mattress and through the laughter you are only human if you feel just a little sympathy for Ollie.

Definitely one of the best Laurel and Hardy shorts to catch if like me, you're a fan of the slapstick humour and find nothing funnier than Oliver Hardy getting hurt, then sharing his pain with the audience so convincingly.

Derek: Pilot (2012) Season 1, Episode 0

Deathly Derek

[9/10 · 14 April 2012]

For some reason there seems to be an army of Gervais haters in this country who must of been delighted to hear he was tackling the situation of a simple chap in a nursing home, surely it would push Gervais over the boundaries of decency so far that he'd never recover.

Well for me 'Derek' wins on 3 fronts, firstly whilst it often works, it's nice to get Gervias comedy without the glitzy line-up of Grade A celebrity and Les Dennis sending themselves up. The characters in this are as downbeat as it gets.

Secondly it clearly is an attempt to wind up and give fuel to the Gervais hater bunch, by setting it in an old folks home it's not the most obvious setting for tastefull comedy but then good comedy should always touch on the dark side of life, and there is not much darker than a building full of humans at the end of their life.

And 'Derek' wins because whilst he is clearly one of life's losers, a low achiever you feel that ultimately the creators are rooting for him and giving his character a voice.

It's heartbreaking and cruel when the nasty young girls in the pub insult him, but heartwarming when colleague Hannah gives one of them a hardcore head butt.

In a world where James Corden is considered by many to be a comedy genius and 'Matilda' would appear to be our most popular mainstream comedy I'm just glad that there is still some kind of contemporary alternative to such drivel.

Another victory for the Gervais!

Titanic (1953)

For God's sake, I'm am going down there!

[9/10 · 6 April 2012]

The first Hollywood telling of events of that cold clear night back in April 1912 and it chooses do so with a family drama as the lead, which actually thanks to strong scripting and superb leads works remarkably well.

Fair enough there is little in the way of historical accuracy, skip to 'A Night To Remember' for that, but the 'human side' is handled brilliantly. Most of the main characters are completely fictional, even more so than 1997's Titanic, but this is a good thing in that you're not putting words or actions into the mouths of real people.

The family at the centre of the story are the result are being torn apart, not least by certain major revelations, but as the ship goes down disaster at least brings redemption and forgiveness.

Whereas the 1997 movie has the stunning effects, the 'event' feeling, few would say it was well scripted or acted, and rightly so. This 1953 effort however is packed with underrated actors excelling with strong material.

Not least the leads Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck, Webb delivers an infectious discerning charm. Credit to must go to the drunken priest played by Richard Baseheart (his last line is my summary) and Brian Aherne's captain is a believably honourable if ultimately responsible captain. As the young 'love interest' couple Robert Wagner and Audrey Dalton are more believable and wholly less irritating than 1997's Jack and Rose.

Many mentions have already been made about the father and son ending, and they're right, it is genuinely moving, the son clearly worships his father like a hero and makes the brave gesture of giving up his seat on a boat to 'make a swim for it' Enough to make any father proud.

It's clear to me as a longtime (pre 1997) Titanic fan that if you want the best film re tellings of this story, you are best off with the two films of the 1950s.

Rentaghost (1976–1984)

Hauntingly Likable

[8/10 · 4 April 2012]

Thanks to much repeating in the early 1990s (as part of the 8.15 from Manchester) this mid 70s/early 80s children's spooky comedy remains fresh in my memory, actually a look on YouTube helped too.

Extremely camp, hyperactive, shed-loads of bad jokes, crummy special effects, over-acting, childish nonsense but that is why I love it, it was just so much daft fun. Why should all entertainment be serious or even credible, there is room for rubbish just as long as we and the people who make it know it's rubbish.

All the actors seem to be having great fun, queueing up to add another corny line, but best of all in my view are the pompous next door neighbours the Perkins. Especially when they are given a magic pendant which makes all their wishes come true, which always wrecks havoc on their attempts at a quiet suburban life.

And credit to the late Michael Staniforth for creating easily one of the most memorable Children's TV themes from 'the good old days'

City Lights (1984–1991)

Pure Dead Brilliant So It Was

[9/10 · 10 February 2012]

City Lights was a classic 80s/early 90s Scottish ensemble comedy that is certainly fondly remembered in Scotland and rightly so.

The show centred on hapless banker Willie Melvin and his misguided belief that he is destined to become a successful writer. Always there to bring him down to earth with a Glasgow banter bang are a wonderful collection of characters, not least his sharp tongued Mum, dodgy pal Chancer, toady colleague Brian, smug boss McCleland and the super dopey Tam.

Although from very different eras and set-ups essentially the large collection of characters and sharp put-downs are similar in spirit to the more recent and also much loved Still Game. And asides from the main cast members (mostly stalwarts of Naked Video and Rab C Nesbitt) there were all sort of guest appearances from 'faces' of the Scottish comedy and general acting fraternity, not least Billy Connolly.

The story of Willie's attempts to escape 9-5 life is set amongst the changing face of Glasgow in the 1980s. The late (and much missed) Gerard Kelly is great fun in the lead and you can't beat his battle to get in the best insults in the face of the constant put-downs from manager McCleland.

I also loved the way that 'Mum' played so well by Jan Wilson, never did the 'mum' thing of encouraging Willie's writing career. No, Willie's writing was awful and she never left him in any doubt about that.

One thing that grates is the fact that to date, this show has not appeared on DVD, I really hope this does happen. As clips from the Gerard Kelly Tribute show suggest, it's too good to be hidden away in the vaults.

As the opening always told us, people are the lights of every city!

Mulberry (1992–1993)

The Mulberry days were great

[10/10 · 10 February 2012]

A post 'Brush Strokes' vehicle for Karl Howman teaming him up in an unlikely partnership with much respected actress Geraldine McEwan in a admirably original and charming show that sadly was not continued past a second series.

The setup is that prematurely aged and bitter spinster Miss Farnaby is bought to life again by mysterious but chirpy Mulberry who turns up out of nowhere to take the role as a sort of butler/home help. All is not as it seems however as is shown by Mulberry being shadowed by a dark and sinister stranger who keeps urges Mulberry to 'get the job done' which would appear to be the killing off of Miss Farnaby.

As the first series moves on more is revealed about what Mulberry is and what the job is the stranger wants him to get on with.

The style is more quality and thoughtful fantasy comedy drama than traditional sitcom in execution, though the 'below stairs' bickering of Bert and Alice is more in that genre, however that serves to keep things 'light' with the darker tones of the core plot.

Mulberry is not one of the best remembered sitcoms of the 1990s, not repeated endlessly on BBC or Gold but nearly two decades after the end of the second series, I do secretly wish they'd assemble the cast together again (if that is possible) and let us see whether Mulberry completes his 'task' and how he does it.

Titanic (1997)

Hyped or Hated

[5/10 · 19 January 2012]

Looking at all the reviews before mine, it seems that Titanic either is hated or loved to the extreme either way. My verdict is that it's very entertaining as a mindless special effects fest but as a Titanic enthusisast for some years before it's release can find much fault.

Firstly it's historically poor, key to this is the scene where Officer Murdoch shoots a passenger then shoots himself, after taking bribe money. My problem here is that this Officer Murdoch actually existed and is it really fair 85 years on to make out that he got up to such business? Another gripe is the script and acting, it's terrible, not least some of the lines between Winslett and De Caprio. Somehow all the actors seem to be too uncomfortable to deliver their lines naturally. Much as I approve of seeing a 1930s era actress in a late 90s blockbuster (Gloria Stuart) I really can't stand her dialogue delivery, I assume they had called Fay Wray first.

There are positives, the sinking is exciting enough, in other words good special effects, which seems to be enough for some people. I even rather like the very final scene, where Rose is reunited with all the people on the ship who died, but to call this the best film ever is perhaps going a wee bit too far.

Perhaps having seen both 'Titanic 1952' with a very well throughout family tradigy, and the more documentary style 'Night to Remember 1958' I was never going to fall in love with James Cameron's effort, I reckon Kenneth More would of told him where he could stick the line 'I'll shoot you all like dogs' One more moan, 'De Witt Buckator' Most unintentionally awful movie name ever!

Life's Too Short (2011–2013)

He was only an Ewok

[9/10 · 12 January 2012]

I'm not informed enough to know about the rights and wrongs of this latest Gervais/Merchant offering, for example whether it's politically correct, what I can say though is this, Warwick Davies has proved himself to be a very accomplished comedy actor.

He's playing a warped version of himself (similar to the Extras format) or one hopes he is, but he just has that David Brent style ability to get situations badly wrong or say completely the wrong thing. He also has a superb comic face that reacts brilliantly to whatever humiliation or put down comes his way.

The main thread is that Warwick is suffering a divorce, a decline in his fame and roles and sadly thanks mainly to his hapless P.A. and cretinous accountant (acting as his lawyer) things are never going to improve.

Like Extras there are a number of high profile appearances throughout, though again like extras the best laughs comes from the acting/characters provided by the non-famous roles.

Best scene in my opinion is the expertly executed 'washing machine mix-up' which is a simple mix-up that leads to his old washing machine being re-installed, and his shiny new one getting dumped, due in no small part to P.A. Cheryl being helpful but ultimately totally unhelpful, it's straight out of Laurel and Hardy and that's no bad thing.

2 series seems to be the Gervais/Merchant standard (go out on a high) and my verdict is for 'Life's too Short' one series really would be too short.

Die Another Day (2002)

Enjoyable Non Classic Bond

[6/10 · 12 January 2012]

This last Bond outing for Brosnan gets off to a good start, the captured in North Korea and tortured and reduced to bearded in pyjama bottoms is an interesting situation for 007 to find himself in, almost as shocking as say when Lazenby cries at the end of 'Majestys Secret'.

The CGI thrills and spills are standard for the day, in your face and all apocalyptic music. The plot is simple enough with a bit of a twist, it won't tax your brain which is just as well being a Bond film.

I just hope they did not spend too much on Halle Berry being the main bond girl, not worth it, utterly forgettable, and having Bond kiss Moneypenny, surely a 007 no no.

There is one cringe worthy scene in this movie and I've deducted at least a full point out of my score for this. This is when Bond meets Madonna's character, where Madonna's usual awful acting aside, we go from James Bond Movie to 'Finbar Saunders and his Double Entendres' Truly awful. Really they'd of considered that bit too lame for an Austin Powers spoofing.

So all in all as a lover of both the Connery and Moore films I can find a much to complain about with Die Another Day, but Brosnan really is competent as Bond and it's a fairly entertaining affair.

Tutti Frutti (1987)

Frutti still Fresh

[10/10 · 28 February 2011]

I was too young to catch this when it came out back in 1987, and as it was only repeated once shortly after then confined to the archives it remained a bit of a mystery. However there had to be something about the show as it seemed to be spoken about in terms of 'masterpiece'

Therefore I was glad to finally get hold of a copy on DVD over 20 years on, and now I know what people were talking about, it's a perfect 6 hours of deathly dark but usually hilarious comedy.

The casting is spot on at all levels, a real ensemble of the some of the best Scottish talent that at most levels are still highly familiar today. I love the use of location, whether in Glasgow the main setting or one of the less than glamorous towns on the road, namely Buckie, Methil and Ardrossan. It's almost as if they chose the locations after listening to 'Letter from America' by the Proclaimers.

I'm sure I'm not the only one when watching this to get the most enjoyment from the Clockerty/Toner relationship. Is there something gong on here, or is it merely penny pinching on Clockerty's behalf that Eddie and Janice share twin rooms and cabins on Sleeper Trains. Either way it's a blast.

All in all I'm very thank full that they finally got this out on DVD, keeping it locked away for so long is a crime on a par with wiping all those great sitcoms back in the 1960s.

The High Life (1994–1995)

A one off high!

[9/10 · 7 February 2010]

The High Life was a mid 90s supercamp riot of a sitcom that really should of run on and on into the next decade, but was confined to one series. Most likely explanation was the taking off for Alan Cumming's career towards Hollywood. Set on a plane doing the Prestwick - Heathrow run, funnily enough shortly before Easyjet kicked in.

What I particularly enjoyed was Siobhan Redmond's supervisory character Shona Spurtle. From my days in retail I met a few of her. Little catchphrases like 'eh' and 'deary me' also add to the nonsense.

And you just wonder what percentage of the budget was spent on that OTT opening number, wonderful.

Pif Paf Pof, I want to have it off! Enough Said.

Bottom (1991–1995)

Top Bottom

[10/10 · 3 September 2009]

When Bottom came out in 1991 it instantly seemed to capture the minds of teenage boys across the UK as the role models you really feared you would not end up anything like.

Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmonston had effectively prototyped Richey and Eddie in the 'Young Ones' 'Filthy, Rich and Catflap' etc and with Bottom they were free to reach an all new low (or rather high) Full of disgusting toilet and depraved sexual humour it revelled in the grimy world of failed desires. And nothing makes for funnier viewing than Rik Mayall playing a man who has just been caught masturbating in the most undignified way.

Bottom was in many ways, a traditional form of comedy, a loser who wears the shirt and tie to give the impression he is somebody, like Tony Hancock in the 50s. But it had all the knocks and gore to satisfy an early 90s audience and that's why we loved it, and of course, still do.

Ghost Ship (2002)

Shining all at Sea

[7/10 · 3 September 2009]

Ghost Ship for me is I guess a bit of a guilty pleasure, I bought the DVD a couple of years back simply because I am into anything that's shipwrecks/spooky old ships/seaborne disaster and the cover seemed to promise that.

The plot is pretty simple, a sort of 'trapped souls' theme, many of the lines are clichéd, the techno-rock is misplaced on the soundtrack, and the bad guy/main spook is far too fresh-faced.

But it's set on an old ship that's floated around remote seas for 40 years and that makes the film visually at least, a bit of a treat. I love the bit where they literally 'bump' into the old liner. The random jumping into icy waters etc is all a bit daft, but then it's one of those movies where you have to leave common sense behind and just enjoy.

It's all in all a poor man's Shining, set on a rusty old hulk of a liner rather than a hotel, but just enough thrills, spills and scares to past muster.

Married... with Children (1987–1997)

The Pinnacle of American Sitcom

[10/10 · 20 August 2009]

I must confess to being a big fan of the British style of comedy, the losers in life, the people that we can laugh at and think 'thank god my life's not as bad as that' So many American comedies really do pass me by, the characters being too rich, glamorous, fortunate, moral, pleasant, popular and eager to do the right thing to ever be truly funny enough.

After all, what is so funny if everyone is in on the joke? Surely it's far better if the characters of a comedy are victims of their situation, and this is why I loved 'Married with Children' Here was an American Family sitcom, that unticked all the boxes of syrupy 1980s American Family sitcoms.

Al Bundy is a legend for starters, his drained, resigned look as he comes through his front door after a horrific day at work, knowing no nice meal will be on the table, and what little cash he has, will be swiped by his lazy, uncaring wife Peggy.

The kids too, Kelly is an airhead who attracts into the house a stunning variety of knuckle scrapers, Bud is pretty smart, but trapped inside 'the Bundy curse'.

And what genius having stuck-up political correct but ultimately tragic Marcy next door, thing could only get worse for her being next door to nemesis Al, and they did when she married a man with the surname, D'arcy.

A crackingly funny show with plenty of non-PC jokes, refreshingly trash family, and perhaps best of all, the lovely Christina Applegate.

Cliffhanger (1993)

Hold On!

[8/10 · 3 August 2009]

After the success of Die Hard and it's sequels it's no surprise really that in the 1990s, a glut of 'Die Hard on a .....' movies cashed in on the wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time concept. That is what they did with Cliffhanger, Die Hard on a mountain just in time to rescue Sly 'Stop or My Mom Will Shoot' Stallone's career.

Cliffhanger is one big nit-pickers dream, especially to those who are expert at mountain climbing, base-jumping, aviation, facial expressions, acting skills. All in all it's full of excuses to dismiss the film as one overblown pile of junk. Stallone even managed to get out-acted by a horse! However, if you an forget all the nonsense, it's actually a very lovable and undeniably entertaining romp that delivers as plenty of thrills, and unintentionally, plenty of laughs.

You've got to love John Lithgows sneery evilness, his tick every box band of baddies, and best of all, the permanently harassed and hapless 'turncoat' agent, Rex Linn as Travers.

He may of been Henry in 'Portrait of a Serial Killer' but Michael Rooker is noteworthy for a cringe-worthy performance as Hal, he insists on constantly shrieking in painful disbelief at his captors 'that man never hurt anybody' And whilst he surely can't be, it really does look like Ralph Waite's Frank character is grinning as the girl plummets to her death.

Mention too must go to former 'London's Burning' actor Craig Fairbrass as the Brit bad guy, who comes a cropper whilst using Hal as a Human Football, yes, you can't help enjoy that bit, Hal needed a good kicking.

So forget your better judgement, who cares if 'that could never happen', lower your acting expectations, turn up the volume and enjoy! And if you're looking for Qaulen, he's the one wearing the helicopter.

The Last Voyage (1960)

Last

[7/10 · 31 July 2009]

Although it's tempting to bracket this as an early disaster movie, before the big boys (Poseiden, Airport, Inferno etc) kicked in the following decade, Last Voyage is so relatively on actual deaths that it does not really count as part of th genre.

However it's well, well worth a watch as the main predicament laid out, a woman trapped under metal as the waters slowly but surely rise slowly but surely rises the tension.

I love the fact that the producers used a real elderly ocean liner so it's very realistic, even for such an old film. A few bangs, but it's mostly a 'people' movie rather than a blasting us away with special effects type film.

One warning though, the kid in the film, is very annoying!

Miami Vice (1984–1989)

Naughty and Vice

[10/10 · 6 July 2009]

Miami Vice was the defining show of the 1980s that thanks to be being so far ahead of it's day, still does not look dated today.

It works so well combining a good mix and background of characters, fast cars, shootouts, exotic locations, you name it, for escapist thrills Miami Vice had it all.

The suits, boats and cars provided to blend undercover with the opulent South Florida underworld provided the fun and glamour, but at the core, the team were completely straight and ultimately were dedicated to putting away the variety of bad guys they had to deal with.

Crockett and Tubbs were the coolest guys on the box, and still are, well supported by sexy Gina and Trudy, and the lighter touch of Switek and Zito. Undoubtedly the performance of the show was from Edward James Olmos as 'man of few words' Lt Castillo.

True there were some episodes (especially in later series) that were a bit hard to follow or just plain insane. But mostly the fix of sheer style and a ripping pace, spot on soundtrack, and the obligatory shoot out at the end, unusually killing the villain of the week, made for a top notch 40 minutes.

Dad's Army (1968–1977)

Army of Laughter

[10/10 · 24 June 2009]

Dad's Army is without a doubt, pure comedy gold, and the ultimate 'much loved' classic. More than 30 years since it was last filmed it's as fresh and funny as ever.

The key reason it is so funny is that it's a huge ensemble of characters, too many to list. Even minor ones are wonderfully observed and add to the fabric.

What brings it all together however so fantastically is that all these characters serve to wind up, show up, and humiliate the ever self-important and self appointed commander of the platoon Captain Mainwairing.

The genius Arthur Lowe just had to give a withering look in reaction to a quip or unhelpfull comment from one of his platoon to hilarity. And with a shed-load of catchphrases from nearly all the characters that we all know and love, there were plenty of laughs to be had.

This show is the best 'tonic' you could wish for.

Beehive (2008– )

A Taste of Honey

[6/10 · 15 May 2009]

Thanks to one night, not switching over after my regular watching of the 'Inbetweeners' on the same channel E4, I thought I'd give this sketch show with an all girl cast a try-out, hopes were not high. I also see that ratings are low from other users.

To be fair I'd agree the show was hit and miss, but I was surprised that when it 'hits' the show can actually provide you with some real laugh out loud moments, and when push comes to shove, if a comedy show makes you laugh, then it's doing a good job.

The jokes can be puerile and obvious, but often it's visually spot on, for example the '4 Russell Brands' or the 'Rural Madonnas' Good for one episode, though maybe not series after series. And I did appreciate the savage parody of 'Sex in the City' somehow all the better for coming from four woman.

Overall a enough laughs to make it worth catching, though it helps if like me you can appreciate a bit of immaturity in your comedy, and after all, and you're likely already on E4 to catch Inbetweeners.

Reggie Perrin (2009–2010)

I was expecting it to be awful.....

[6/10 · 26 April 2009]

...but it was actually pretty good.

I'm a massive fan of the original 3 series, if not the 1996 comeback with the original characters. And of course Leonard Rossiter did an extremely rare thing of being a legend with both Rigsby in Rising Damp, and Reggie Perrin. Therefore when I saw the reports that they were to do a remake, I groaned. So when the first new episode came on the other evening, expectations were minimal.

To be fair, on it's own merits, compared to the rotten standard of mainstream comedy in recent years, I felt it was fairly funny, enjoyable enough if not classic first episode. There's little danger of it coming anywhere close to the real version, but all in all, not a bad effort.

Martin Clunes is good as a 'hangdog' Reggie, but with none of the nervous dynamite that Rossiter's Reggie had, still who could compare? I can't see that they'll also have anywhere like the 'ensemble' of the original. Chris Jackson for example is no CJ, but again, how could he be?

Therefore I'd say new Reggie was watchable, and the best of what is a pretty lame bunch these days (mainstream BBC comedies) and there were definitely some funny moments/lines. Added to that there is an interest in the 'executive disillusionment' theme 30+ years on.

But as is so often the case with remakes, by all means see it, and if you like it, do what I did a few years ago and treat yourself to a DVD set of the first incarnation, now that's Reggie!

Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989)

Running Round in Circles

[10/10 · 18 April 2009]

Apart from Only Fools and Horses there is no better mainstream 80s comedy than this, on the surface it's the usual middle class suburban fare with clichéd characters but is a whole lot deeper, cleverer and funnier than that.

Richard Bryers gives his best comedy performance, quality support from Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan is well cast as his foil Paul. Then of course the shows light relief in the form of 'his and hers' outfits, Howard and Hilda.

The show exists in very ordinary unspectacular surroundings of a London suburb but no shame there, as thats pretty much the situation most of us live in. Much of the comedy derives from Martin Bryce's (Byrers) insecurity as he see's Paul as the threat to his quiet little corner of England.

My Family and Other Animals (1987)

One of My Familys Favourites

[9/10 · 16 April 2009]

I seem to remember that the weather in the winter of 1987 in the UK was not the best, including the terrible storms that October. But at least around that time the nation was able to soak up the sun in a small way by watching this exotic escapism.

Memories of it being much replayed on VHS recordings back in the day by my family made me pick up a copy on DVD 20 years later, and I'm glad I did. I should mention that I've not read the book (another to do) so I'm not able to compare in that sense.

The acting is very fitting to the surroundings, Hannah Gordon is serene as the mother, and credit to Brian Blessed, he's still the Brian Blessed we all know (and love) but fittingly he is not as bombastic as usual. The rest of the family are adept at conveying the charming calamity of the Durrell family, in other words, English eccentrics in the sunshine.

The local element is also excellent, plenty of passing characters who perhaps could only of existed in 1930s Corfu, all adds to the dream like element of the show.

And of course wildlife is core to the show, and there is plenty of close ups of various insect life inserted, the story lines are not rushed as is fitting the atmosphere, so it somehow adds to the whole experience.

My Family and Other Animals could be the perfect solution if you want to add some real warmth to a wet Sunday afternoon.

The Inbetweeners (2008–2010)

Inbetween good and great

[8/10 · 16 April 2009]

For the first time in my life I've found a reason to turn to the E4 channel, never thought that would happen.

Inbetweeners wins because it's often very funny in a way that you find yourself laughing out loud, in my case, because it relates strongly to what my mates and I got up to in our school years.

True it is full of horrible characters, not least the ultra cynical teacher Mr Gilbert, but as I remember school, it was actually packed with arrogant yet insecure individuals and this show hits that spot on.

I would agree and it's no surprise being on 'yoof' orientated E4, that the show may be geared to the school of making 'hip' comedy, which I not a fan of, but then at the same time it's an often very funny show, so all is forgiven.

Anglian Lives: Alan Partridge (2003 TV Movie)

Total Alan

[9/10 · 26 March 2009]

Anglican Lives was shown just a few months after the end of Series Two of 'I'm Alan Partridge' It's basically a spoof 'south bank show' style look at the life and career of Alan Partridge.

It serves as, to date, a nice wrap-up to the painful but hilarious path of Partridge that included On the Hour, The Day Today, Knowing Me Knowing You and I'm Alan Partridge.

The show combines a pleasing mix of old footage and new interviews, including his 'supertalk' slots on radio Norwich, and a funny touch, is the pointless addition of questions from 'Digital Dave' The intervie is hardly 'hard hitting' as the main interview with Alan is conducted by the wet 'Ray Woolard' who is clearly under Alan's employ.

If you want to check this out and it's well worth it for Partridge fans then you'll find it on Disc Two of the 'I'm Alan Partridge' Series Two DVD.

Horne & Corden (2009)

I can't believe it's comedy

[1/10 · 26 March 2009]

Firstly I'll confess to being one of those strange people who don't think that Gavin and Stacey is the most wonderful sitcom in history, but as much as I could do, I tried out Horne and Corden with as open a mind as possible.

I need not of bothered, I can sum it up by saying throughout the shows I've seen, my mouth has literally dropped open in amazement, at just how unfunny and lame this show is.

The 'studio' segments are dismal only serving to show up James Corden as a deeply irritating 'man of the moment' and sadly once into the sketch parts, it doesn't improve. Numerous 'ha ha look at Corden's belly jokes' are bad enough but the 'gay northern reporter' is comedy reaching a new low.

I'm all for offensive comedy personally, but to work it really has to be funny, nothing I saw in this debacle reached that level.