diluteddante Reviews

The Office (2001–2003)

It just isn't funny.

[27 July 2004]

The Office is a comedy show that does the impossible. It manages to make ITV's Barbara seem a laugh a minute. Having watched every episode, and failed even to raise a smile, I have to question how it is being praised to the rooftops. It simply isn't funny. Not particuarly shocking, being the brainchild of Ricky Gervais, a man who was not even funny on the 11 O'Clock Show.

I am told I should be pitied if I don't get it. Well, I pity you if you do get it. If I am supposed to laugh at Brent, well, that is a formula that works much better in Blackadder, or in the recent Phoenix Nights. Brent is devoid of the charm of Blackadder, Baldrick and Brian Potter, with the effect that you just want to slap him.

The BBC should look back on its rich comedy history, and wonder how on earth our licsence fee's have been wasted on this. There are better ways to spend the money than on this comedy show, which is devoid of any actual comedy. It really is so bad, I'd rather sit through every episode of Last Of The Summer Wine than watch any episode of The Office again.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Some Like It Not

[2/10 · 20 November 2003]

Rubbish. Utter rubbish. About as humorous as getting an arrow through the neck and then discovering there is a gas bill tied to it. No redeming features whatsoever, unless you are one of the idiots who thinks that Monroe is anything other that average looking.

Dark Angel: Pilot (2000) Season 1, Episode 0

Great Series

[10/10 · 1 August 2003]

Dark Angel is a futuristic sci-fi series, set in post-apocalyptic Seattle, centering on Max (Jessica Alba), a genetically enhanced young woman, on the run from her creators.

The Dark Angel universe is absorbing, (not as much as say Buffy, but absorbing nonetheless) with an interesting and believable set of characters. Certainly, it is not for everyone, but those who give it time will find themselves watching one of the most enjoyable series out there. Dark Angel is criminally overlooked, and under-rated, and was unfortunatly canceled after only 2 series. Which was a great shame, as this had the potential to become a great series, although its 42 episodes are only 10 shy of long running BBC sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf. As it is Dark Angel remains unfinished, so seek it out, and if you want more, lobby Fox to make another series.

Kickboxer (1989)

Revenge movies don't get any better

[10/10 · 1 August 2003]

Kickboxer, although following the usual line of wronged hero seeks revenge, does not follow the usual line of most movies that go this way. Usually, they are a chore to watch, but Kickboxer, far from being a chore, is in fact a pleasure to watch.

Van Damme gives us some great action, the final scene in particular being a classic, and fantastic humour. The myth Van Damme can't act persists, but is disproved in this fantastic movie. The drunk fight scene in particular shows what Van Damme films are all about, great humour, great action, in short, great entertainment.

This movie makes it easily into my top 10 list, and possibly into my top 5.