it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.
... View MoreAt first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
... View MoreIt's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
... View MoreA clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.
... View MoreI refused to watch this when it originally aired, treasuring the memory of the late, lamented 1960s series with Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope, but I can never resist a challenge. I should have known better. Not quite a remake, and more of a parody than a homage, this show didn't quite know how to play it, and plumped with infantile comedy and cartoon plots and characters. The three main characters were little more than caricatures of the actors, and only Emilia Fox could act (Bob Mortimer is painful in a straight role). The supporting cast were merely comedian-acquaintances of Vic and Bob's wanting to be part of the in-joke, and far too aware of the situation to be convincing. And the CGI, though the effects couldn't help be an improvement on those available 30 years earlier, merely dazzled the viewer with lights and camera work, and did little to mask the poor quality of the scripts and dialogue. All style and no substance. (And whereas the 1960s show is mocked for being very much of its time, this 'update' is now also very dated, with 'Matrix'-style fashions, obligatory 'girl power' scenes, and less than subtle tension between the two living leads.)
... View More"Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" (2000) is grossly under rated. Its extremely good TV you can't expect more. It is obvious that any comparisons to the original should not even occur. It is an original use of an old formula and the plot is completely new. I love Vic and Bob in this, it is interesting to see them play parts that do not require frying pans and doves from above. Is there anyone else who could have played Randall and Hopkirk, whilst keeping the same resonances that it does having Vic and Bob playing them? Their chemistry and close relationship is what makes this so good, with the introduction of Emilia Fox to add some extra spark. The special effects are very well done, and where it is lame I cannot help but think that they did it on purpose. They pay homage to so many things it is hard to tell. One thing that I find particularly fun is the fact that Charlie Higson plays someone different in nearly every episode. Its brilliant, you can sit down with a cup of tea and escape. If you are looking for something with good acting, blood and gritty story lines watch something else, there are plenty of things out there like that. "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" (2000) is unique, which is unusual for a remake.
... View MoreDear sirs,I may be biased because I absolutely love Reeves and Mortimer (absolute geniuses, and I challenge anyone to contradict me!). This series is thoroughly enjoyable, and am delighted that it will soon be given a second run, and I'm always in stitches by the cameo appearances of Charlie Higson, Hitchcock-style, although not quite as hidden.I'm not declaring it a perfect series, totally void of all annoyances (because, granted, Bob does look quite uncomfortable, and is evidently itching to start making an idiot of himself), however, it is very well written, even though I'm far too young to even know about the original series. The acting, I'm sure, will be improved upon in the second run, as this was their first proper go at something that needs, well, to be blunt, concentration, but it's all done with good humour and what I believe to be the pinnacle of great digital effects (or at least the pinnacle they could claim on their budget).If you've never witnessed the first series, make some effort to watch the second, and if you don't have one smile in the entire episode, by all means, prove me wrong.
... View MoreHaving just seen the fourth episode of this new series I feel I can now safely say that it's the funniest show I've seen in years! Not being a Reeves & Mortimer fan (until now that is) I've never seen any of their comedy stuff, so I had no idea what to expect when it was announced they were doing a remake of Randall & Hopkirk. I am an avid fan of the original R&H series however and would be first to yell out if I thought they were making a mess of it. But they're not. It's a fantastic updated version of what was a fantastic 'cult' show; it's NOT a remake, more of a homage. It's fantasy, it's fun, and that's the whole point of the show! I can't wait for the second series. Nice one Vic and Bob.
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