The Power of Two is a great little addition into the world of Max and Paddy. The programme is set up as a narrative, with Max and Paddy looking to earn some easy money. They go back to the same guy whose porn film Paddy starred in in the first series, and he sets them up with exercising tools (aka dildo's), a venue to shoot the video (aka a dodgy porn studio with backdrop), and back up exercisers (aka a few 'ordinary people' and a couple of porn stars). From here on in the video can be treated as a genuine exercise video or you can simply watch and enjoy the farce which unfolds before your eyes. As an exercise video, it works really well - I became exhausted after a few minutes. But be warned, some of the stuff that happens or is said can put you off! From an entertainment point of view, it is often laugh out loud funny. There are a few moments which were obviously planned and some of the (clearly improvised) lines are genius, but unfortunately there are not enough of them to merit repeated viewings. However, this must be the only exercise video that has intentional laughs; if you want to enjoy the time you spend sweating off the pounds, this will make all your efforts seem worthwhile.
2 Reviews
Good but not as good as Phoenix Nights.
general-melchett10 December 2006
"The Power of Two" was one of the most original premises of comedy so far - it tried to fuse fitness with comedy in a proper, full-length, authentic-looking fitness video. Although most people probably won't follow the workout itself, it is still very funny to watch - Max is constantly insulting all the people practising alongside him whereas Paddy is trying to keep things under control. Unfortunately, it does start to get a bit boring - you have to sit through one whole hour of the same location, same people, same camera position - though there are a couple of surprises along the way. Unfortunately, none of this is genius (at all) - it can be quick and witty and Max and Paddy are generally very good when the Phoenix Club isn't around, but unfortunately, this will never be remembered as a classic. Brian Potter's workout wasn't too great either - though it has its links to the Phoenix Nights series and the Road to Nowhere, it still is rather shoddy and not too funny. This would have done much better if they had shown it on television - but they chose not to, and you'll only be able to see it on DVD. And though it is as funny as anything else Peter Kay has managed to offer, there really isn't a great deal to spend your £15 on. Personally, I enjoyed it - though other people will think Max and Paddy work far better in real-life situations. 7/10
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