manimal99 Reviews

Small Objects of Desire (1990–1993)

Excellent little show

[8/10 · 27 April 2011]

This was an excellent, informative and entertaining little show presenting the often twisted histories of everyday objects. Presented in a highly accessible and humorous way, it is shame that it did not continue for longer than its run - I'm not even aware that the show has been repeated.

With the imaginative and (for its day) innovative use of animation and graphics, as well as a memorable and informative commentary, this is highly recommended for those looking to garner interest in the history of everyday items, and it would certainly be suitable for older children.

Girls on Top (1985–1986)

Superb

[8/10 · 4 April 2011]

I hadn't seen this series since it was first shown in the eighties, so what an absolute joy it has been to rediscover it. Although recorded in the mid-80s, the humour hasn't dated one jot - there are few contemporary references which has helped the show stand the test of time remarkably well.

For me the star of the show was Tracey Ullman though. It wasn't long after this series that she defected to the US and it shows what a sad loss to British TV comedy she was.

Its also interesting to see Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders so early in their careers, although they seem to play "second fiddle" to Tracey Ullman and Ruby Wax in series one.

All in all, this show comes highly recommended.

The Royle Family: The Golden Egg Cup (2009) Season 4, Episode 3

Disappointing

[3/10 · 24 February 2010]

The Royle Family is a true classic of British comedy. Funny, inventive and with warm, realistic characters its certainly one of the highlights of the last few years.

However, having seen this episode shown at Christmas I have to say it seems to have lost its way. This feels like a reasonable 30 minute episode was stretched too thinly out to a full hour.

** Spoiler Alert ** taking the cast out of the family home and away on holiday was a big mistake in my view - a lazy plot device to try and inject some life into the series, and with even lazier (and unfunny) padding of the script by getting the characters to sing along to a song in the car, or asking each other what they want for dinner. The writers have used this before in the series and whilst funny the first time now it just feels old hat.

If you are a fan of the classic series, then this is probably best avoided.

Big Top (2009– )

Harmless family entertainment

[5/10 · 31 December 2009]

Family friendly sit-com set in a travelling circus, featuring a surprisingly top notch range of comic performers (its good to see Ruth Madoc back performing regularly on TV again), this show is never going to win any awards for the quality of its scripts, but there are some inventive touches that show there is enough potential for a second series.

Other reviewers have commented stating that it bears no comparison to The Office, Fawlty Towers etc - and indeed it doesn't, but this show is clearly aimed at family viewing and is going out in a relatively early evening time slot so should be viewed in that context.

Carry on Laughing (1975)

Fun but flawed

[6/10 · 1 September 2009]

This series of comedies is a priceless addition to the "Carry On" body of work. OK, so we all know that the scripts are patchy. OK, so Talbot Rothwell (the script writer of most of the classic films) had already retired and some of the cast were definitely showing their age, but this remains an important addition to the series and vital footage from the gang from the mid-70's.

If there is a fault with the shows, its that they were possibly too short to develop a proper storyline. And maybe the audience was expecting more than a 20-odd minute show on ITV could possibly deliver. But there are some worthy performances and it was fun seeing Hattie Jacques playing Elizabeth I - a role that could surely have translated into a big screen treatment.

Best watching if you're in a good mood, late at night and after having had a few pints.

Duty Free (1984–1986)

Excellet, underrated sitcom

[8/10 · 27 July 2009]

When Duty Free started in 1984 it set viewing records for a sit-com at the time - and its easy to see why.

There are plenty of finely observed comic lines (mostly from Gwen Taylor's feisty character Amy) and the basic premise of the couple trying to have an affair but somehow being always thwarted provides for much comic tension.

All the cast fit their roles perfectly, and its always a pleasure to see Keith Barron do comedy.

Yes, the series was filmed in the studio. Yes, there are better sit-coms around - but there are far worse and this is definitely above average for an ITV situation comedy. Definitely worth a look.

The Morecambe & Wise Show (1968–1977)

Comedy Perfection

[10/10 · 7 April 2009]

Morecambe And Wise were THE British comedy double act of all time. Their influence on British comedy remains as strong, and their performances will forever be imprinted on the minds of generations of British TV viewers. With their iconic seventies shows that the "A" list celebrities of the time were queuing up to get on (Glenda Jackson, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and who can forget Angela Rippon), they achieved what comedians these days seem to shy away from - they produced classic, family friendly shows that were actually funny, inventive and entertaining.

They were the absolute (and without a shadow of a doubt) best comedians of all time.

Potty Time (1973–1980)

Wonderful Imagination "Potty" series

[10/10 · 13 January 2009]

I have very fond memories of this show from my childhood. Hosted by the deliciously barking mad Micheal Bentine this was a delightful show that could be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Pottys were essentially small puppets given voice and character by Mr Bentine, and would typically re-enact scenarios familiar to British audiences (I recall a prisoner of war sketch set in World War 2).

Micheal Bentine was, of course, well known to audiences as part of the Goon show troupe of comedy performers

Its a great shame that this wonderfully eccentric TV series has not seen the light of day since. Mr Bentine is sadly missed !

Joe 90 (1968–1969)

Fantastic - pass me specs !

[9/10 · 30 June 2008]

Joe 90 was one of those precious shows from the Century 21 stable from the glory days of the swinging sixties.

The show depicts the adventures of a young boy who, with the aid of his scientist father (Joe was adopted) is able to assume the brain patterns of any one, provided he wears a special pair glasses.

Typically this might be the brain pattern of a pilot or a computer expert.

This allowed the show's story lines to venture into territory that otherwise would have been impossible

One of the really memorable things about the show was the absolutely cracking title sequence with music by Barry Gray which really set the adrenaline flowing, and could only have been produced in the late sixties.

The whole show oozed quality and imagination of the type that you simply do not get in kids shows today.

This was a truly great and memorable show so come back Joe 90, we need you !

Carry on Up the Khyber (1968)

Time for Tiffin ?

[10/10 · 30 January 2007]

This film represents the Carry On film series at its peak - all of the actors are at the absolute top of their form. From the very beginning of the film with Joan Simms' immortal line at the polo match: "he did not 'alf crack that one did he not", through to the breathtaking Dinner scene at the end, this is film is a joy to watch.

Its a shame that Roy Castle and Angela Douglas did not go on to make further Carry On films, they really put in excellent performances here

But the real "scene stealer's" are Peter Butterworth and Bernard Bresslaw - both fine comic actors (and both died far too young) showing an extra dimension to their usual performances - Bernard Bresslaw is especially impressive as Bungdit Din.

If you've never seen a Carry On film - then watch this one, and prepare to be hooked forever of these riotous, saucy, classic British films