An Exercise In Nonsense

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Ten years after 'Monty Python', another sketch show revolutionised British comedy. 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' was 'T.W.3' with a harder edge. It didn't merely offend, but horrified. What became known later on as 'alternative comedy' started here. Public figures such as Reagan, Thatcher and The Queen found themselves on the receiving end of some quite vicious ( but funny ) satirical jibes. Typical 'Not' gag: "Peters and Lee ( a popular '70's singing duo ) split up today. Afterwards, he walked into a lamp post.". Singer Lennie Peters happened to be blind. They showed no compassion, except when John Lennon died - the end credits of the next episode featured a Lennon song played over a black screen. Even the then-new medium of 'pop videos' got it in the neck from a witty song entitled 'Nice Video, Shame About The Song'. The cast were brilliant, Rowan Atkinson in particular, while Pamela Stephenson came as a shock to those of us used to 'glamour stooges'. After three excellent seasons, 'Not' ran out of steam in its final year. The last episode, in particular, was absolutely dire and a sad note on which to end a great show.

Forget everything de_niro_2001 said about Not the Nine O'Clock News. This is absolutely brilliant comedy that relied heavily on the events of the period it was made in. This makes it sometimes a little bit out of date but if you know anything about the period it was made in, or remember that period, you can still laugh very hard. Too bad they don't offer the complete series for sale on DVD. I would certainly buy it. All members of the cast went on to have great careers. The young Rowan Atkinson is hilarious and Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith are very very funny. Pamela Stephenson, as the only woman of the cast, is great in doing impressions of news readers. She also often plays an interviewer providing the other cast members with the setting to deliver their material. Like in the interview with Mel Smith as the trainer of a talking gorilla (played by Rowan Atkinson). For now you can only buy 2 compilation DVD's. If you love sarcasm and irony, this is a series for you. If you loved Blackadder, this is a series for you. Just give it a chance, to watch it is to love it.

Hedgehog sandwiches, kinda lingers, and barry manilow....nothing more classic can be described. funniness times 10. what a great way to spend an evening. grabs hold of you right from the start. Never let go. never.

I have recently been watching the repeats of NOT THE NINE O'CLOCK NEWS and I've really enjoyed them. I didn't see them the first time around, but I really enjoy the range of subjects that this comedy show embodies. These include music gags, political humour and a whole lot more! The stars include Rown Atkinson, Mel Smith and Griff Rhyss-Jones and if you are a fan of any of these people I would advise you to check out this show. Very enjoyable with a great cast. 8/10