Reviews

One of the most hilariously unrealistic shows ever made. Think Footballers' Wives for the judicial system. I am sure that the comments suggesting that this is realistic are being sarcastic.

The reason that this show is so funny is that Martin Shaw (like most of the other actors) takes his role so seriously. The show is actually rather similar to Rumpole of the Bailey, with outrageous coincidences, unlikely plot lines, and a parody of the British establishment. What sets Judge John Deed apart is the earnestness of the actors. It is as though the writers of Blackadder have been teamed up with the cast of Elizabeth R: and no-one has told the writers that it was meant to be serious or the actors that it is a comedy.

A genuinely uplifting and funny film.

I wish they had not claimed that this was based on a true story. With this comment, my enjoyment of the movie was marred by the nagging thought that this could never have happened.

Much better to think of this film as a fairytale: pure fantasy. On that level it really works.

The family history of the Earls of Leete, told by the 23rd Earl (Jim Broadbent) is a hypnotic masterpiece. Very funny, very black and very intelligent.

This is virtually a monologue. I tend to find monologues boring, although the British seem to do them quite well. But this was utterly absorbing. Although Jim Broadbent tells the story in the typically relaxed manner of a Brit aristocratic, I was on the edge of my seat wanting to hear the story.

I wish the British aristocracy was really like this.

This is probably the best comedy of 2001. The series is a mock "fly-on-the-wall" documentary set in the office of a paper distributor in Slough. The series is at the same time hilarious and painful to watch, because I think most people will be be able to recognise their workplace (even if it is not an office) in "The Office".

The regional manager, David Brent (Ricky Gervais) is one of the most repellant TV characters I can think of. Self-important, pompous, sexist, constantly cracking stupid jokes to win the approval of his staff, two-faced, autocratic and down right unpleasant; you just cannot wait, nor can you bear, to see what he will do next. The rest of the cast are fantastic: well written and acted characters who populate any office, especially the ex-T.A. assistant manager ("assistant to the manager", as David Brent keeps telling him), the disillusioned sales staff and the abhorrent warehouse staff. The interaction of these characters, including the budding office romance, is hilarious.

David Brent is similar in many ways to Alan Partridge (the character created by Steve Coogan). The series will appeal to the sort of viewer who enjoyed seeing Alan Partridge at his worst (unpleasant to his guests, lying and betraying his staff, sycophantic to those who can advance him).

I sensed from the ending to the series that a second series is being contemplated. I hope so.

This is one of the worst two or three movies I have ever seen. The plot is hackneyed, predictable and completely unrealistic.

The reason why I went to see this movie was because I enjoy courtroom dramas. The trial which occurs in this film is the most ludicrous, unrealistic tosh I have ever seen. While I appreciate that some artistic licence is useful and usual in courtroom dramas, I do not understand what was going on in the scriptwriter's mind at the time. The whole thing was pathetic and - because the result was entirely predictable - unutterably boring.