Truly Dreadful Film

Overrated

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

To me, this is/was the best television programme ever - simple as.There's something about BNO that has stuck with me since I first saw it in the early nineties. It was cheaply made, a minimal cast, yet for that it was honest and ridiculously hilarious. It has a natural funniness that I've just not seen on anything since - it just didn't try too hard, it was just that funny.But as a couple of reviewers have said here, either you get it or you don't - there is absolutely no middle ground. You won't 'half' like it. It is truly silly - but intelligent at the same time. Part of its humour is the way lots of different comedy concepts are seamlessly included - verbosity, falling over, sarcasm - it works on many levels. But there you go - I'm over-analysing.Just watch it; if you don't find it funny, you've lost nothing. But if you do, you might have just discovered what you'll see as the funniest thing ever.

But certainly to mine, at least.This first TV pairing of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer was a Friday night must-see for me. I found it quite addictive. The sketches were preposterous - with items like 'novelty island', 'Justice Nutmeg' and 'the man with the stick' - the props looked like the result of 30 minutes improvisation with the contents of a local skip, whilst the dialogue was quick, slapstick, and largely surreal. Lines like: 'Now this is the time of day when I like to put a plum under a viper', could only have been uttered by Vic. Played-out in the old fashioned music hall style, Vic Reeves held the commanding role as MC whilst Bob Mortimer did a turn as side-kick. Then there was 'Les' a mute, aberrant assistant turned comic prop, with shaved head and laboratory coat, who seemed to have co-ordination issues. Other characters came and went as required. I've had guests who stared at the programme with a blank stupefaction and then turn to me as if in belated discovery that I were deranged. Nothing would persuade them that it was hilarious. Well; for me it was a Friday night staple that they never really bettered even with their later and more extravagantly funded follow-ups. 'Shooting Stars' continues their penchant for tacky props and prizes, and its recent reappearance as a new series is testament to the duo's popularity. Individually they have very little to offer, but as a team they're a scream.

"Vic Reeves Big Night Out" is stupid humour for the very juvenile mind. There is more intelligent humour to be found in a children's day care center than in this show.I like surreal humour as much as the next person, but I swear I could feel my brain cells dying off while viewing this waste of time.Fortunately, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer redeemed themselves later with the enjoyable and stimulating Randall and Hopkirk(Deceased).If you have not yet purchased this show on DVD, keep "Vic Reeves Big Night Out" out of your DVD collection. If this is what a Big Night Out is like, I'd rather stay in.

Full of memorable quotes like "you wouldn't let it lie!!" and complete and utter randomness, I love this. I don't remember it first time round, but recently bought it on DVD and I think it's hilarious. It's not as refined as some of their later stuff, but I like the rawness about it. Worth a watch, if only to decide if you love it or hate it. Marmitey methinks. It's good to see where Reeves and Mortimer started out, plus there are others who appear who went onto fame, such as Charlie Higson. One of my favourites is the character Graham Lister, played by Bob, who was Vic's nemesis, appearing on Novelty Island (a kind of talent contest) each week with another hilarious failure of an act, and addressing Vic with complete scorn as "Reeves". Another regular, the Man with the Stick ("What's on the end of the stick, Vic?") is amusing, as we learn what he's learnt that week by what's drawn on his paper helmet. Definitely worth a viewing.