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20 out of 20 people found the following review useful: one of the best things on TV!, 25 June 2004 Author: scotty2hotty_2808 from Edinburgh
Still Game is fantastic - taking on board some of the other peoples comments - the humour has been crude at times, and you could see some things coming - but the best thing about it is that a joke comes completely out of the blue (eg. Series 3 Ep1 with the tacky souvenirs and the "Canadian Beaver" t-shirt).Either way, it's worth a shot. Like many TV programs, it may take a few episodes to get into. In Scotland this series has been highly popular in the ratings, but not shown Nationwide in the UK. There is some talk about toning down the language - It is a disgrace trying to change it, as this is a representation of part of Scottish culture. If we apply the BBC's attitude to Still Game to other comedies then Only Fools and Horses would have contained no Cockney Rhyming Slang (and no where near as funny as it actually is)One interesting thing noted is that as a series it appears to be taking a leaf from "The Simpsons" and branching out with many supporting characters who appear from time to time. I think this is keeping the series fresh.For those brave enough to visit where the series is filmed - you'll no be able to get a pint down the Clansman - as the pub you see from the outside was knocked down sometime between April and May 04.Like most of the other comments about this show - I would recommend this to anyone.
12 out of 12 people found the following review useful: Scottish comedy at its best, once again., 10 September 2002 Author: David Ogilvie (dave.ogilvie@ntlworld.com) from Glasgow, UK
Jack and Victor from Chewin' the Fat now have a show of their own and if the first episode is anything to go by then success is a certainty. The first episode was about Victors next door neighbour dying and Jacks attempts at getting the house and removal day. A nice little subplot was the grandson trying to be a boxer. As per usual there was lots of originality and typical Scot's humour. One of the best scenes was all Jacks worldly possessions going up in flames in a dodgy removal van. Of the new characters I liked was the Asian shopkeeper and his wife. The wife you never seen her face, that sort of reminded me of the next door neighbour in Home Improvements. Shot on location in Maryhill, Glasgow its good to see old characters played so well. Possibly only Harry Enfield has ever made being an old git so funny.
16 out of 20 people found the following review useful: Comedy Genius, 14 March 2004 Author: chavyboy from Glasgow
Still Game is hilarious. It's a rare example of a spin off series being vastly superior to the original. Don't make the mistake of assuming that because Chewin the Fat was guff, this will be too - that's just plain wrong. Paul Riley as Winston deserves a speical mention for delivering the best lines in such a brilliant way. I can't wait for season 3, supposedly set in Canada! It's distinctly unlike most British sitcoms in that you can't always see the resolution a mile off, and even if you could, the jokes on the way aren't as signposted as they are in things like - say - My Family. Give it a try at least - just one episode....if you don't like it, don't watch it again! Easy!
10 out of 11 people found the following review useful: Great comedy, 16 May 2003 Author: Rob Paul from UK
In it's second season Still Game still produces many laughs per episode. At a time where the British sitcom world is at an all-time low, it's good to see at least one consistently funny show.The comedy writing is spot-on, and the portrayal of OAP's Jack and Victor by Hemphill and Kiernan is quality. Chewin the Fat ran out of steam, but Still Game goes on producing the laughs...
7 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Brilliant, 30 November 2005 Author: mistercosser from United Kingdom
I was introduced to this series a fortnight prior to the time of writing,and can honestly say it is one of the best programs i have seen for years. Being a big fan of Phoenix Nights,Max and Paddy,Little Britain etc.. and even the Black Adder series, i thought when told about this 'Still Game' thing it would suck. How wrong i was..its absolutely BRILLIANT. The characters it portrays live on a council estate in Scotland. A shopkeeper,A landlord and a collection of various ageing punters who specialise in malicious gossip and sometimes cruel but funny mockery of each other. The acting is incredibly convincing and for the first time in years i can say,"Here is a series in which every character has you in stitches". All these factors contribute to a package that will have you splitting your sides. If you haven't seen it,watch it. If you have seen it,watch it again. I have over and over.
7 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Pure class!!, 15 September 2005 Author: brass_eye_marv from Glasgow, Scotland
The fourth series of Still Game recently finished on BBC2. This was the first time it had been shown nationwide and, thankfully, the unthinkable didn't happen. The slang. the swearing, the banter and the accents were all present and correct. You've got to hand it to the BBC for choosing not to tone down the dialect, if they'd been allowed to anglicise Still Game it just wouldn't be the same. I recently met the show's creators Ford Kiernon and Greg Hemphill at a book-signing and when they were quizzed over the possibility of Still Game being toned down, Kiernon replied, "Naw, they can get it up them!". Rapturous applause followed.You wouldn't think this programme was now in its fourth series, it still feels as sharp and fresh as it did back in 2002. While most programmes, like Ford and Greg's own Chewin' The Fat for example, tend to go downhill after a couple of runs, Still Game seems to improve with each series. Admittedly most of the laughs consist of old people swearing at each other but the excellent cast deliver their put-downs with gusto. The two leads, Kiernon in particular, make very convincing pensioners; little touches like shuffling slightly and muttering under their breath work well.The supporting cast are excellent as well. Jane McCarry, who plays "nosey old cow" Isa, sounds frighteningly like an old woman and her double act with Paul Riley's Winston is uproarious. Gavin Mitchell as Bobby the barman and Mark Cox as tight-fisted Tam are also excellent. But the absolute standout is Sanjeev Kohli as the acid-tongued shopkeeper Navid, Still Game's ultimate scene-stealer. Scottish dialect delivered in an Indian accent is funny in a way you've never heard and his horrific remarks to his wife Mena (whose face is always hidden) are comedy gold.Along with being consistently hilarious, Still Game is occasionally very touching; Jack memories of his late wife and Victor's strained relationship with his son are bring a real pathos and humanity to the proceedings. These moments are quiet and understated, giving Still Game a maturity that Chewin' The Fat lacked.Whether or not the folks down south got it or not is still unclear, some dreadful reviews would suggest not, but who gives a toss as Scotland once again has a sitcom it can really be proud of. Easily a match for Rab C Nesbitt, Still Game is a hilarious, bittersweet and thoughtful look at life through the eyes of the elderly - and a real celebration of Scottish, particularly Glasgow, culture. Long live Still Game!
7 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Game On!, 17 April 2005 Author: SMTLNOB
Still Game is an absolute little gem of a comedy taking Victor and Jack from their sketch's in 'Chewin the Fat'into the wider world of fictional Glasgow scheme estate Craigland.Victor and Jack are two elderly widowed gentlemen living in a grim world of scraping by on their pensions trying to keep warm in their high storey flats. But they make sure they make the most of their situation and it's pretty inspirational stuff.The best laughs come from the other characters, crafty Winston, gossip Isa, shopkeep Naveed, barman Boaby etc, plenty of good story lines and sharp put downs make for the type of show where if you buy the DVD you watch one episode and keep on until the end, then go out and buy the another series Sadly on the network the BBC has seen fit to screen only a select few episodes. Okay the accents and certain jokes/references require a knowledge of Scottish culture/dialect but like Rab C Nesbitt the comedy is strong enough to shine through.The laughs are often dark, and set amongst the bleak black drops of old age, poverty, crime, loneliness you name it! But like say 'One foot in the Grave' it is adept at handling serious situations then bringing us back to the comedy with just one hot line. For a spot of spirit in adversity look no further.
8 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Scottish comedy at its finest!, 22 June 2004 Author: (taz121_@hotmail.com) from Scotland UK
There are some mixed opinions i see, and i guess thats what its all about. However firstly may i add that this series is massive North of the border and you do need a Scottish sense of humour to really enjoy this. I can't see the English enjoying this at all since either side of the border differ greatly on tastes. The 1st series was outstanding, the 2nd not quite as good but still up providing plenty of laughs. The 3rd has just finished and i have to say it was fantastic! You really won't get this if you need it translated south of the border and i hope they don't decide to screen it in England as BBC Scotland has been told they must tone down the Scottish slang if they do.Its a fantastic outlook on how poor weegie OAP's go about their daily routine, still thinking they are in their 20's, quite simply a breath of fresh air from the traditional American and English comediesBring on series 4 lads!
8 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Absolutely Brilliant, 15 April 2004 Author: tiger_rick from Hull, England
Still Game is a smashing comedy. Being English, a bit of Translation is necessary, but if you get past that, it's a cracking show.Some of the laughs are obvious, some are more dry wit. It's a good comedy that improves each time you watch. Jack and Victor are solid likeable characters, who deal with the problems of being old. Aided by Winston, Tam, Isa, Navid and Bobby.A funny harmless comedy. Take it for what it is.I can understand why it's not everyone's cup of tea. My wife doesn't like it, but I have friends who do. It's very subjective, and I'd encourage people to give it a go. It's quite unfair of reviews to tell you to avoid a show. You should try it.Chewin the Fat is also a favourite of mine. Funny sketches, again a bit of translation necessary.
6 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Excellent comedy, if maybe an acquired taste, 23 January 2005 Author: cmdr_zar from Netherlands
Having read the only comment listed for Still Game I feel I must do it justice by writing another. Still Game is a series that started as part of Chewin' the Fat, a programme which I did not find remotely funny, although I have been told that is because I am not Scottish. However, the minute Still Game went solo I started watching it, and as much as I did not understand what Chewin' the Fat was trying to do, Still Game I do understand. I do believe, however, it is an acquired taste, and I daresay that it is easier to watch if one speaks Scottish as opposed to watching it with subtitles. Speaking Scottish and knowing something of Scottish culture I can say only that it hits the nail on the head in my opinion, regardless of whether you feel that the characters do justice to your image of old people. It has some exceptionally well-written episodes (Gairden) and I hope it will continue for many more years.
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