Very Cool!!!

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Clearly envious by the success of 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' and 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' on the BBC, Granada Television in 1982 pitched together some of the freshest comedy talent around of which consisted of Ben Elton ( who wrote much of the material ), Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Siobhan Redmond and Paul Shearer and placed them into a three part comedy show entitled 'There's Nothing To Worry About!' ( broadcast only in North West England and which was also intended to be a vehicle originally for Rik Mayall ). The following year, Granada screened nationally 'Alfresco', which retained the cast from 'There's Nothing To Worry About!' save for Paul Shearer, who was replaced by Robbie Coltrane.The sketches had little or no logic to them. It seemed to exist purely in its own world. The first episode contained a sketch in which a nervous young man ( played by Hugh Laurie ) attempts to buy a bottle of perfume from a department store as a gift for his mother. ''I'd like some scent, please.'' says the young man to the sales girl ( played by Emma Thompson ), to which she replies ''Sorry, we don't deliver!''. A 'Tales Of The Unexpected' spoof saw Hugh Laurie dancing to the theme of said show. A very funny 'University Challenge' spoof saw Ben Elton answering a question about MI5 spies, only then to be shot dead.The first series was overall very dark in tone. Each week, it would open with an animated set of opening titles which saw a busker playing on a saxophone 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles'. The second series was more upbeat and featured a catchy tune provided by the late David McNiven which played over a comic-strip style set of titles. It was also in the second series that 'The Pretend Pub' ( an obvious send-up of 'Crossroads' ) was introduced, a patently obvious mock-up of a pub peopled by strange characters such as Ezzer, Bezzer, Lord Stezzer, Huzzer and Bobzerr.Despite its many plus points, 'Alfresco' sadly just did not gel. Critics slashed it to pieces and after the second series it simply vanished into the open air. Perhaps it was just too weird for Granada audiences. The cast certainly did their very best with what they were given. In particular, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson ( who looked particularly sexy in some of her guises ) and Robbie Coltrane managed a few guffaws but overall the 'Python' feel was not suited to this stable of comedy.Despite its unremarkable reception, 'Alfresco' has still proved influential in some respects. For instance, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie later made their own BBC series 'A Bit Of Fry & Laurie', Siobhan Redmond landed many straight acting roles such as Maureen Connell in 'Between The Lines' whilst Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson went on to become Oscar award winning stars. In 2009, 'Alfresco' was released on DVD, with all three episodes of 'There's Nothing To Worry About!' included as a special feature.

Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie gave us the flawless characterizations of "Jeeves & Wooster", and the often hilariously clever silliness of "A 'Bit' of Fry and Laurie". Throw in the talented Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane, and what could possibly go wrong? Just one thing: the writing.This is sketch comedy at its absolute worst -- self-indulgent, unfocused, under-developed and instantly dated. "A 'Bit' of Fry & Laurie" (not to mention "Monty Python's Flying Circus") worked because they relied heavily on absurdist humor, apportioned out in very brief sketches. "Alfresco" sketches wander on and on, with no punch line in sight, just one obnoxious character, potty joke and petering-out plot after another, all propped up with a pathetic laugh track.They savage "new-agers" (ooh!), the class system (how brave!), and those wacky pop musicians (oh, Alfresco -- you shouldn't have!). They wear madcap wigs and wacky make-up! They affect goofy accents! Every aspect of the show is turned up to eleven, without it raising the humor one tick. Honestly -- I really wanted to like this series, but found it impossible.

I loved this when I saw it when it was first aired. I had then never heard of Emma Thompson Hugh Laurie or Stephen Fry. I now still think of them as Ezzer, Huzzer and Lord Stezzer. Alfresco sank without trace at the time (I seemed to remember it was aired mid-week and late) and I was therefore delighted to see it released on DVD. It is just as funny as I remember. I know some others do not like it, but comedy is such a personal thing. I am not easily pleased by comedy sketches. All I can say is I watched a couple of episodes randomly yesterday with my husband and teenage daughter and we all literally cried with laughter. All the principals (also Robbie Coltrane, Ben Elton-who did most of the writing- and Siobhan Redmond) were excellent, but Emma Thompson's ability to take on a character is up there with Peter Sellers. Brilliant!

ALFRESCO was broadcast on Sunday evenings round at 10.30pm and featured early work from some of the top talent of British alternative comedy people like Ben Elton , Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie , not to mention later serious actors like Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane ALFRESCO was and is at the very least a major disappointment . In 1983-84 the writers and actors had their irons in different fires like THE YOUNG ONES and several Channel 4 sketch shows and it's patently obvious that everyone involved in this sketch show had used their best jokes in other comedies . Take this scene in a crowded bar : A woman isn't happy with the service in a bar and mutters under breath to the barman " Stupid old fart "The barman is offended " Oi I'm not deaf you know " The woman replies in all innocence " I never said you were deaf , I said you were a stupid old fart " The bartender apologisies in an embarrassed tone " Oh sorry I thought you said I was deaf . I must get my hearing aid fixed " If you can remember something on its only showing after 20 years it must have been either very good or very bad . I'm sure if anyone can remember it will agree that ALFRESCO wasn't very good