Hogfather (2006) (TV)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Vadim Jean

Writers:

Vadim Jean (adaptation)
Terry Pratchett (novel)

Release Date:

25 November 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Thriller

Plot:

It's Hogswatch (equivalent to Christmas) on the Discworld and the Hogfather has gone missing, requiring Death to take his place while his granddaughter Susan endeavors to find out what has happened. |

Plot Keywords:

Discworld | Christmas | Death | Monster Under Bed | Weird Laughter

Awards:

3 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

David Jason	...	Albert
Marc Warren	...	Teatime
Michelle Dockery	...	Susan / Death of Rats
David Warner	...	Lord Downey
Tony Robinson	...	Vernon Crumley
Nigel Planer	...	Mr. Sideney
Peter Guinness	...	Medium Dave
Stephen Marcus	...	Banjo
Craig Conway	...	Chickenwire
Rhodri Meilir	...	Bilious
Sinead Matthews	...	Violet
Ian Richardson	...	Death / Narrator (voice)
Neil Pearson	...	The Raven (voice)
Nicholas Tennant	...	Corporal Nobbs
Richard Katz	...	Constable Visit

Also Known As:

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather (UK) (complete title)

Runtime:

185 min (2 parts) (DVD version) | 189 min (2 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

UK:PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Romania

Company:

Mob Film Company, The

Trivia:

After filming, Hogfather author Terry Pratchett was stopped by customs at an airport in Australia. He had a large box of plastic teeth from the set, which distressed the officials. He explained the situation, and pointed out that they should probably be more concerned with the large box marked 'DEATH.' (Told to con-goers at MidSouthCon 2007 in Memphis, TN)

Goofs:

Factual errors: Most of the teeth in the Tooth Fairy's castle are molars with intact roots. But most of the teeth children lose are incisors and canines and the few molars they lose don't have roots attached.

Quotes:

Teatime: Do you have many friends, Mr Sydeney? I don't have many... Don't seem to have the knack... Then again, I don't seem to have any enemies either.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Movie Connections: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (#1.4)" (2007)

Good Christmas fun

Good fun The story of the Hogfather revolves around a fictional world named 'Discworld' and a group of beings trying to stop Hogswatch (the Discworld equivalent of Christmas). Opposing them are a bumbling group of wizards, a babysitter who is more than she appears, and the personification of death itself.

The story leads itself in a fantastical ride with something for both adults and children (although there is some violence in parts, so maybe not suitable for the very young or fragile).

Don't be fooled into thinking this is another Harry Potter clone though. This film (and the book) is far deeper. At its core, it raises questions about the nature of belief and the human condition itself (All in a fun way though).

As a fan of Pratchett's books, when I noticed the UK subscriber channel 'Sky One' had commissioned this live action mini-drama, I was both hopeful and fearful. Hopeful that Pratchett's unique meld of fantasy and parody would come across well, but fearful that the medium change or the 'suits' would rob all of it's worth.

Thankfully, the end result came a lot closer to my hopes than my fears.

One of my major fears was that the whole humor would be changed from the subtleness within the books to a crude slapstick. I am pleased to announce that although some slapstick has been added (on the part of the wizards) the subtle jokes and references are still there. As for the story; I felt it came across well, although there were a few moments where people who have not read the book may be left struggling.

The sets, effects and costumes are all of a decent quality considering it was 'made for TV'. The notable exception is the costume of Death and the other non-humans. Unfortunately, these were obviously not budgeted enough and appeared inanimate and 'plasticy'.

The cast did a decent job, as you would expect from this group of veteran TV actors. Above the rest, a special mention should be given to Marc Warren for his truly creepy representation of Teatime.

Overall, there is something here for everyone here. Whether Child or Adult, Fan or Neophyte there is fun to be had.

Lets hope they make some more.