It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

First in a long line of documentaries, which check-in every seven years with the same group of children to see how their lives have unfolded. Our first meeting is very short, as these things go, which should be expected since the subjects are just seven years old and there isn't a lot of back-story to investigate. There's already a lot of developmental divergence among the youngsters, though, which is intentional on the part of the filmmakers. Of course, the great experiment is noting how much crossover there is between classes over the decades. How much upward mobility is really available for that sweet cattle rancher's child from Scotland, versus the son of a financial analyst who already boasts of his investments in the stock market? Or for the boys, as opposed to the fairer sex? For now, we hear a lot of their parents' opinions filtered through their offspring and some interesting - if not vital - notes about a typical day in their life. Seven is a great age for thinking; beyond the point of simple observation but not yet jaded or corrupted by one's experiences and surroundings. Thus, we get a lot of honest, unashamed opinions on some heavy matters, and some very raw answers that we'd never hear from an adult. It's all just the tip of the iceberg, really. Like the subjects themselves, this is just a sketch of a greater picture yet to come. It does serve as a firm foundation for looking back, for comparing and for contrasting, and that's sure to make for an excellent long game.

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last 1.5 years, you probably have heard about Richard Linklater's "Boyhood", one of the best-received movies from last year. We see a young boy grow into a man and people praised this movie for its uniqueness. Well, it's not that 100% unique. Actually the Up Series did a similar thing. In this 40 minute black-and-white documentary from 1964, several children at the age of seven are interviewed about their dreams, their lives and all kinds of stuff. And every seven years, they came together again and added another chapter. This first one here is actually the shortest. All the later ones easily cross the two-hour-mark. So by now, there are eight editions already and the kids from 50 years ago are approaching 60. Sadly, since the last meeting one of the girls (Lynn) died and also the director Paul Almond, who started this endeavor, is no longer with us. Michael Apted, who directed all the films since the second entry is still alive, however. The boy named Charles (a filmmaker himself) is the only one from the bunch who decided to be not a part of it anymore. I quite enjoyed watching this television documentary. As a film of its own I would give it a 6. It's certainly worth a watch and also tells us about life in England 50 years ago. The whole project I'd rate much better, maybe an 8/10. As interesting it is to watch, it's also a bit of melancholy to see these as there is always some transience in there. Anyway, it's really a great idea and nice to see they kept the concept going for so long. The next entry will probably come out in 2019, when everybody is in their early 60s.

The "spoilers" in this review are a couple of quotes from the series (personally, I find just about any quotes to be spoilers, as that's part of experiencing it fresh) but they will be at the end and duly prefaced.Roger Ebert put this series on his list of the ten greatest films ever, and although it might not quite make that echelon for me, I wouldn't fault anyone for putting it there.My favorite lines from the film sum it up very well, and both come from Nick. At first, I was very critical of it not being a "proper" study, which it isn't. But once you get past that hurdle and just allow it to be no more (or less) than just what it is, it has loads to offer beyond the base voyeuristic value in terms of insight and opportunities for soul-searching for the attuned viewer. In essence, the series is less about its practical agenda -- watching how these specific individuals evolve -- and more about us learning how people, or *a* person evolves. In the end, for the viewers lucky enough to be open to it, following these individuals is less about learning about them and more about learning about ourselves.With that, I'll give the quotes of Nick's I was referring to, which essentially sum up my feelings about the series (QUOTE SPOILER ALERT):At age 21: "It's just that the limitations of such things as what the audience require and the time don't allow it to be a real study. I mean if we accept this, then okay I think it's probably good entertainment."At 56, he gets closer to my feelings about its value beyond merely good entertainment: "The idea of looking at a bunch of people over time and how they evolve -- that was a really nifty idea. It isn't a picture, really, of the essence of Nick, or Suzy, it's a picture of everyone. It's how a person, any person, how they change.... It's not an absolute accurate picture of *me*. But it's a picture of somebody. And that's the value of it."

One of the most fascinating films that I have ever witnessed. It is so interesting to see children of 7 grow up right before your eyes. After watching the 42UP,I feel as if I know most of these people. I found most of the subjects very likable,with the exception of the snooty John. He is one of those type of guys that you just yearn to slap the snug smirk off of his face..lol. If you haven't seen this...make this a must-see on your list of films. Especially on your list of documentaries to watch. A great idea,great film and a great cross-section of British society. I was totally engrossed from the first minute to the last. I hope they keep making these as long as the participants are alive. Very interesting to see how much some change,yet some stay the same. My favorite individual was Neil..the homeless wanderer. Although he is beset by mental problems,he is super intelligent and ya get the feeling that of all the people profiled..he just may be the smartest of all. I can relate to Neil.