gfjones Reviews

The Couch Trip (1988)

An Under-rated Gem!

[9/10 · 20 November 2002]

As a fan of Dan Aykroyd, I watched this film when it was recently shown in the middle of night on TV. I wasn't expecting much, so it came as a big surprise that I loved it so much.

This is the type of film that Dan Aykroyd seems to love to make. A chance for him to 'ham it up' and not take things too seriously. If you loved him in The Blues Brothers or Ghostbusters you'll know what I mean, and you'd be wise to check out The Couch Trip.

Avid fans of Aykroyd will also have fun spotting all the tiny links to his other films in the script!

I can't describe this film without spoiling it for you, so all I can do is tell you to check it out. I can't praise this film highly enough, and it must surely be time for a DVD release!!

You Bet! (1988–1997)

Saturday Night TV Like It Used To Be

[6 October 2002]

After watching yet another Popstars/Pop Idol/Fame Academy type show last night, some friends and I had a conversation about what Saturday night TV used to be like in the UK before we became bombarded with non-stop talent shows populated by mostly talentless wanna-bes. During the conversation, You Bet! was mentioned and the memories came flooding back! The aim of the game was for celebrities to bet on the outcome of events such as 'Can this man identify every Queen song just from hearing the drum beat?' or 'Can this insane person jump over a row of Double Decker buses whilst on fire?' (that type was usually reserved for the finale).

Exciting though this was, it got better. Firstly, audience participation was involved. The studio audience would also bet on the outcomes, and however many were right would earn the same amount in money for charity. Also, you could play along at home amongst the family of course. Secondly, if a celebrity bet that the person could do the challenge, but they failed, the celebrity would have to pay the forfeit of doing the challenge themselves. So, the audience got even more fun seeing well known faces doing things that they would not normally do. Although the heyday of this show was the classic 1989-1993 period (Bruce Forsyth/Matthew Kelly), it was still great when it made a comeback with Darren Day as presenter. A simple idea will always make great television, but unfortunately You Bet! is no more. So, until a return to classic Saturday night TV arrives, I'll be found here, reminiscing!

The Frank Skinner Show (1995–2005)

Getting Better All The Time!

[6 October 2002]

Frank Skinner has been a popular stand-up comedian in the UK for some years, but probably became more widely known as a TV presenter on Fantasy Football League and Baddiel And Skinner...Unplanned. What started as a rather dodgy chat show some 7 years ago (Frank was no natural interviewer, but got better with practice!) has become a must watch show in the UK. Mixing his witty stand-up routines with star interviews (Britney Spears for example) and even singing his own theme song (Fun Time Frankie) the show has gone from cult viewing to must watch TV - who can forgot the Tara Palmer Tomkinson interview? So, well done Frank....just a shame about the Brit Awards :)