"The Movies" is one of the top episodes of The Goodies. It is first-class comedy from the opening to the end with few low moments. The Goodies take over British film industry, analyze their production, (including the unforgettable "Death in Bognor"), fire all directors and try themselves, fail, and try again with even more bizarre results.
The last third is a fantastic orgy in mixing styles and of special effects. The three all make their own favorite movie, western, epic and silent classic, at the same time, running into each other's scenes, and even get accompanied by Laurel&Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Julie Andrews. Although the effects may be yesteryear, they are so good that I am amazed that they could do this for a TV production, without the digital effects we have now. Even after I learned all the jokes, the ending says amazing for the creativity and (in most cases) quality of the special effects.
What is not so good? Well, not much. A few scenes could have been done better (like Tim being run down by his Romans, and Graeme falling down through the screen). "MacBath meets Truffaut the wonder dog" is simple low-budget stuff compared to the rest. But that feels like nitpicking. "MacBath" is simply background to the wonderful scenes before and after, so it should be like that.
Simply one of the most genuinely funny TV shows I have ever seen, and a great tribute to the world of movies! I don't give 10's easily, but since this is a TV production it is fair.
The last third is a fantastic orgy in mixing styles and of special effects. The three all make their own favorite movie, western, epic and silent classic, at the same time, running into each other's scenes, and even get accompanied by Laurel&Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Julie Andrews. Although the effects may be yesteryear, they are so good that I am amazed that they could do this for a TV production, without the digital effects we have now. Even after I learned all the jokes, the ending says amazing for the creativity and (in most cases) quality of the special effects.
What is not so good? Well, not much. A few scenes could have been done better (like Tim being run down by his Romans, and Graeme falling down through the screen). "MacBath meets Truffaut the wonder dog" is simple low-budget stuff compared to the rest. But that feels like nitpicking. "MacBath" is simply background to the wonderful scenes before and after, so it should be like that.
Simply one of the most genuinely funny TV shows I have ever seen, and a great tribute to the world of movies! I don't give 10's easily, but since this is a TV production it is fair.