Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Arts and Entertainment => Topic started by: Charlotte on 27 April, 2009, 10:28:04 am

Title: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 27 April, 2009, 10:28:04 am
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Harry Hill takes Bafta TV prize (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8018970.stm)
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: plug on 27 April, 2009, 10:37:49 am
Not sure about comedy genius, but he isn't a tosser and he makes oi larf.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: plug on 27 April, 2009, 10:39:15 am
...and as for bafta, who cares?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: mike on 27 April, 2009, 10:46:21 am
there's only one way to find out....



Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: her_welshness on 27 April, 2009, 10:55:42 am
Not sure about comedy genius, but he isn't a tosser and he makes oi larf.

Agreed.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: nuttycyclist on 27 April, 2009, 10:59:52 am
there's only one way to find out....





Who would have expected that?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: JohnP on 27 April, 2009, 11:10:10 am
Not a tosser but I don't find the guy even mildly amusing so that was my only choice.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: clarion on 27 April, 2009, 11:49:29 am
Well, they couldn't really give it to Woss, could they?

He is a tosser.  Harry Hill is neither genius nor tosser, but seems happy to be the Dennis Norden de nos jours, which is rather less than I had previously expected from him... :-\
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: JohnP on 27 April, 2009, 11:58:09 am
Well, they couldn't really give it to Woss, could they?

He is a tosser.  Harry Hill is neither genius nor tosser, but seems happy to be the Dennis Norden de nos jours, which is rather less than I had previously expected from him... :-\

Not bad for a Yorkshire man.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 27 April, 2009, 11:58:52 am
TV Burp is genius IMO...except I think it used to be more funny and cutting before it got so popular and they gave it a primetime slot...even so, it’s raised a lot of laughs out of me, mocking all the rubbish that’s on.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2009, 01:50:37 pm
Seems to me that Baftas aren't such an accolade considering "The Bill", "Eastenders" and "Casualty" were battling it out for one.

I like "TV Burp" and now play the "I bet that makes it into TV Burp" game when I watch shows like "The Apprentice".
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Julian on 27 April, 2009, 01:58:51 pm
I don't find him even slightly amusing. 

I saw him live when I was at university - everyone else was rolling in the aisles, little tears of laughter falling down their cheeks, and I was sitting there mentally going over the next day's essay.  Don't know why, I've just never really got it.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Really Ancien on 27 April, 2009, 05:20:20 pm
TV Burp covers the same ground as Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe, with a lighter touch, more effectively and on prime time Saturday ITV, which is a considerable acheivement, it seems to be at its best when David Quantick is writing for it. http://www.amandahowardassociates.co.uk/cv/Quantick%20David.pdf

Damon.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: woollypigs on 27 April, 2009, 06:39:52 pm
Isn't the winner of any of the baftas categories supposed to be the best that TV have to offer over the last year ?

And if tv-burp is the best comedy out there I'm worried. Yes it is somewhat funny but not bafta material.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 April, 2009, 06:42:37 pm
I find him desperately unfunny, but my tastes run firmly to toilet humour.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Biff on 27 April, 2009, 06:46:21 pm
I don't find him even slightly amusing. 

I saw him live when I was at university - everyone else was rolling in the aisles, little tears of laughter falling down their cheeks, and I was sitting there mentally going over the next day's essay.  Don't know why, I've just never really got it.
He  has the same effect on me, as does Ricky Gervais.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 27 April, 2009, 10:00:04 pm
I'm really glad I'm not alone in finding Harry Hill one of the least amusing comedians on TV.  I saw him live once as well - at the Ealing Comedy Festival, in fact.

He was spectacularly unfunny.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: RJ on 27 April, 2009, 10:01:46 pm
I have never seen the point of Harry Hill. Sorry, Mrs Hill ...
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Jurek on 27 April, 2009, 10:06:48 pm
I'm really glad I'm not alone in finding Harry Hill one of the least amusing comedians on TV.  I saw him live once as well - at the Ealing Comedy Festival, in fact.

He was spectacularly unfunny.

You are not alone and I share your view (even though I'm not a regular on the telly box).

Years ago I stood next to HH at the back of the audience in the East Dulwich Tavern where he was about to go on stage and do stand-up.

His over enthusiastic applause for the mediocre entertainment on offer was more amusing (as was his oversized shirt collar) than anything else which happened on stage that night.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2009, 11:02:10 pm
I have to question the voting options and the motives behind them.

"Genius or Tosser"?

It sounds exactly like a SUN newspaper poll.

Why can't we try to be more constructive than a, generally offensive, Chav-rag like the SUN?

I like Harry Hill, I don't think he's a comic genius neither do I think he's a tosser.

Can I have a "I think he's funny" option?
Can I have a "I don't think he's funny" option?

Comedy is subjective.

He IS funny because people find him funny

Ricky Gervais IS funny because people find him funny.

Viewing figures, DVD sales and download statistics suggest popularity and therefore funniness.

"Harry Hill gets a Bafta" means that someone out there likes him.  If he didn't win it then Ant & Dec may have won it and upset a different set of grouches.

Harry Hill has won 3 Baftas, Ricky Gervais has won all the comedy awards available several times over and holds the record for most downloaded radio show.

They are both talented and funny so it must be you.

Maybe, just maybe, the best TV shows DID win the Baftas. 


Quote
His over enthusiastic applause for the mediocre entertainment on offer was more amusing (as was his oversized shirt collar) than anything else which happened on stage that night.

Jurek, don't you see even the slightest pinch of snobbery and elitism in that statement?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Spinners on 27 April, 2009, 11:03:38 pm
I wouldn't go quite as far as 'Comedy Genius' but in the words of Eric Morecambe, "I like him".

YouTube - MORECAMBE & WISE : Des O'Connor [2] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3r301hE1l4&feature=PlayList&p=4925BC1A81F38DDA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=19)

(2:19)
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: nuttycyclist on 27 April, 2009, 11:09:59 pm
...
Ricky Gervais IS funny because people find him funny.
...
Harry Hill has won 3 Baftas, Ricky Gervais has won all the comedy awards available several times over and holds the record for most downloaded radio show.

They are both talented and funny so it must be you.
...

Ricky Gervais?   now he's somebody who is an extremely annoying non funny person.  I never understood why he won anything.

At least Harry Hill is mildly amusing.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Bledlow on 27 April, 2009, 11:46:15 pm
I don't find him at all amusing. I find him mildly annoying.

I don't find much of what Ricky Gervaise does funny, either (some of his stand-up makes me laugh - occasionally - and that's it). His work usually either leaves me unmoved, or makes me cringe slightly. But I can appreciate the skill of the characterisation in some of his work, e.g. The Office, whereas Harry Hill is just an annoying git who thinks that slagging off badgers, wearing a big collar, & cultivating some odd mannerisms are comical.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Biggsy on 28 April, 2009, 12:06:09 am
While TV Burp is just mildy amusing, I found HH's old stand-up spectacularly funny at one point, and ingenius the way he linked the bits up.  You have to like the man, though.  The material doesn't stand up on its own.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 28 April, 2009, 08:13:21 am
I have to question the voting options and the motives behind them.

"Genius or Tosser"?

It sounds exactly like a SUN newspaper poll.

Why can't we try to be more constructive than a, generally offensive, Chav-rag like the SUN?

I like Harry Hill, I don't think he's a comic genius neither do I think he's a tosser.

Can I have a "I think he's funny" option?
Can I have a "I don't think he's funny" option?

No, you can't  :P

I'm deliberately trying to muster support for my offensive, prejudiced and opinionated stance  :demon:
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 09:24:42 am
...
Ricky Gervais IS funny because people find him funny.
...
Harry Hill has won 3 Baftas, Ricky Gervais has won all the comedy awards available several times over and holds the record for most downloaded radio show.

They are both talented and funny so it must be you.
...

Ricky Gervais?   now he's somebody who is an extremely annoying non funny person.  I never understood why he won anything.


He clearly IS funny because millions of people find him funny.

He has won so many awards because his comedy writing is as well observed as any comedy ever written.  As luck would have it he happened to be a brilliant comedy actor as well as comedy director and writer.

He held (he may still hold) the World record for most downloaded Podcasts of his show, his DVDs were the highest selling comedy DVDs ever and his TV shows have been syndicated globally.

He's won Baftas by the truckload and EMMYs for his TV shows.

You may not think he's funny or talented but he clearly is.


Some people find "Allo Allo" funny.  Using my own arguments that means it IS funny (although this example shows my argument is flawed)
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 09:28:29 am
Sorry... but Ricky Gervais is not funny.

Nor is Rob Brydon...

And I just want to slap the misogynistic and homophobic little shit that is Jimmy Carr.



Whereas Harry Hill can be whimsically funny at times....

...but not worth the BAFTA for best comedy.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 28 April, 2009, 09:38:38 am
Some people find "Allo Allo" funny.  Using my own arguments that means it IS funny (although this example shows my argument is flawed)

'Allo 'Allo! is funny, though.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: clarion on 28 April, 2009, 09:40:06 am
I'd agree, Reg. especially about Jimmy bloody 'son of Bernard Manning' Carr.

Though Rob Brydon can be absolutely hilarious.

And his character comedy is great.

Oh - and his impersonations are spot on - you could sack Ken Bruce & use Rob instead, and, as for Tom Jones - he ought to retire, since he only comes second in the Tom Jones soundalike competition...
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: clarion on 28 April, 2009, 09:40:19 am
Some people find "Allo Allo" funny.  Using my own arguments that means it IS funny (although this example shows my argument is flawed)

'Allo 'Allo! is funny, though.

No.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 April, 2009, 09:42:57 am
I find 'Allo 'Allo exceptionally amusing. Politically incorrect indeed, but extremely funny. I used to love watching Till Death Us Do Part as well.

As for Harry Hill, I don't find him at all amusing but at least I've heard of him.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 12:40:03 pm
Some people find "Allo Allo" funny.  Using my own arguments that means it IS funny (although this example shows my argument is flawed)

'Allo 'Allo! is funny, though.

No.

I'd like to agree with you Clarion, truly I would.  It reminds me (along with "Hi-de-Hi") of Panto (which I hate with a passion). A bunch of British theatre luvvies hamming it up at full volume as if microphones and zoom lenses had never been invented.

However, it makes Charlotte and Wowbagger laugh, therefore it's funny.


Note.  I lied.  we all know it's not funny because the Germans love it


I just love comedy about the tragedy of the human condition, lots of pathos, lots of self-awareness and something that says something about us.

See:

Blackadder Goes Forth
The office
Extras
Porridge
Rising Damp
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Til Death us do Part
Steptoe & Son
Only Fools (some of)
One Foot in The Grave
 as prime examples

I loathe Seaside Postcard comedies and Surbiton Sit-Coms

Hi-de-Hi
It Ain't Half Hot Mum
My Family
Terry & June
Allo Allo

as prime examples

edit.  BUT I can't say they are not funny, just that I don't 'get them'. 

I think they are on a par with "Rent-A-Ghost" (someone's going to say they wet themselves with uncrontrolled hilarity during each episode now)

If you don't find Ricky Gervais's TV comedies funny then you "don't get it" (the "it" being a different "it" obviously).

Harry Hill isn't a comedy genius but, by any measure of such things (apparently Tony Hancock was a comic genius) then ricky Gervais is a comedy genius of the very highest order.

Besides "I don't think he's funny so he can't be a comedy genius" what measures would you like to use to discuss the point?

Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: clarion on 28 April, 2009, 12:46:10 pm
I'd like to agree with you Clarion, truly I would.  It reminds me (along with "Hi-de-Hi") of Panto


Ohhh no it doesn't!


Quote
(which I hate with a passion). A bunch of British theatre luvvies hamming it up at full volume as if microphones and zoom lenses had never been invented.

Me too. I've done pantos with, inter alia, Russ Abbott, Ronnie Corbett and Bobby Knutt :o  I still get those flashbacks...

*twitch*

Quote
However, it makes Charlotte and Wowbagger laugh, therefore it's funny.

Not sure how or why, but, if it does, I grudgingly agree... :-\


Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 01:00:45 pm
I'd like to agree with you Clarion, truly I would.  It reminds me (along with "Hi-de-Hi") of Panto


Ohhh no it doesn't!



- He's behind you!

- I'm free

- Look at my Pussy

- zees Fokkers ver Messchersmitds viz big boobies


help me, I've been posessed by the spirit of 1970's script writers
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 01:02:49 pm
....


help me, I've been posessed by the spirit of 1970's script writers


I thought your posting had improved somewhat...    ;)




 :-* ;D
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: urban_biker on 28 April, 2009, 01:05:54 pm


help me, I've been posessed by the spirit of 1970's script writers

now sing-a-long . . . .



If your mansion house needs haunting just call, Rentaghost,
We've got spooks and ghouls and freaks and fools, at Rentaghost,
Hear the Phantom of the Opera, sing a haunting melody,
Remember what you see is not a mystery but ..... Rentaghost!
At your party be a smarty then hire Rentaghost,
If you want a fright climb the spooky heights, with Rentaghost,
You can let our spirits move you, and for fun play ghostman's knock,
Because we aim to shock, we hope you knees will knock, that's Rentaghost.
Let me say the most terrific simple ghost, not scientific,
Maybe supernatural ghouys of the day.
Heavy footsteps in your attic means a spectre telepathic,
Is descending just to spirit you away ..... Yaaay!
We are extraordinary fellas here at Rentaghost,
To be another Uri Geller come to RRRRRentaghost.
For a biography we've ghost writers,
And not forgetting a ghost script,
An apparition quipped from deep inside a crypt, Ring Rentaghost,
An apparition quipped from deep inside a crypt, Ring Rentaghost!
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 28 April, 2009, 01:19:43 pm
I quite liked Rentaghost

Okay - final arbiter of what's good comedy and what's not:  where do you stand on The Good Life?

Hmmmm?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 01:22:16 pm


Okay - final arbiter of what's good comedy and what's not:  where do you stand on The Good Life?

Hmmmm?

A comedy classic IMHO...  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Jaded on 28 April, 2009, 01:28:43 pm
I quite liked Rentaghost

Okay - final arbiter of what's good comedy and what's not:  where do you stand on The Good Life?


Just behind Felicity Kendall, of course!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 01:30:48 pm
I quite liked Rentaghost

Okay - final arbiter of what's good comedy and what's not:  where do you stand on The Good Life?

Hmmmm?

I used to love it.  I think I probably still do.  I don't know what separates this from other Surbiton Sit-Coms in my affections.  Maybe it's because it's so sentimental, well written and with a perfect cast.  

Margot used to be "that posh old lady next door" now when I see clips I think she looks pretty good and has a great body.  

That's what getting old does for you (unless she somehow got younger)
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 01:31:39 pm
And don't forget To the Manor Born

Another classic of its day!
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 01:38:08 pm
Was anyone else rather innocent to 1970's innuendo?

I thought Mr Humphries was just quirky and Mrs Slocombe's pussy went right over my head.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Jaded on 28 April, 2009, 01:45:56 pm
Was anyone else rather innocent to 1970's innuendo?

I thought Mr Humphries was just quirky and Mrs Slocombe's pussy went right over my head.

I always imagined that it would have been quite wide.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 01:46:11 pm
Was anyone else rather innocent to 1970's innuendo?

I thought Mr Humphries was just quirky and Mrs Slocombe's pussy went right over my head.

Fnarr, fnarr....
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 28 April, 2009, 01:52:29 pm
If we are talking about Things Wot Are Funny, don’t suppose anyone else discovered Pulling when it was on BBC 3?

Now that was damn funny...but hardly anyone else has seen it. One by one I am indoctrinating my friends with my DVD of series 1...
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Moloko on 28 April, 2009, 01:54:42 pm
If we are talking about Things Wot Are Funny, don’t suppose anyone else discovered Pulling when it was on BBC 3?

Now that was damn funny...but hardly anyone else has seen it. One by one I am indoctrinating my friends with my DVD of series 1...

By chance I watched an episode that was being re-run.
Instantly hooked, very, very funny.

I suppose it's a girlie version of Men Behaving Badly.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 28 April, 2009, 02:00:38 pm
Men Behaving Badly!

One of the funniest things I've ever seen....
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Moloko on 28 April, 2009, 02:04:34 pm
Men Behaving Badly!

One of the funniest things I've ever seen....

Was it because they lived in an untidy flat?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: bikenerd on 28 April, 2009, 02:13:28 pm
Peep Show and Black Books are the best comedies to have been on TV in the past decade.

In my opinion, of course.  ;)

I do like TV Burp, as well.  Like Screenwipe but child friendly.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: urban_biker on 28 April, 2009, 02:17:23 pm
Peep Show and Black Books are the best comedies to have been on TV in the past decade.

In my opinion, of course.  ;)

Black books started well - series One is excellent, but it gradually lost it by series 3.

My current favourite is The IT Crowd. Favourite episode is from Series 3 where the lads learn how to talk football (like real men) and get involved in a bank robbery. Its sheer genius and has resonance for me as I have no idea about football really.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2009, 02:22:30 pm
Peep Show and Black Books are the best comedies to have been on TV in the past decade.

In my opinion, of course.  ;)
I have no idea about football really.

That's why our company carefully seated me between you (an Audaxer) and Dave E (Man U fanatic).  I always assumed HR took our interests into account when designing the seatnig plan.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Attitudeless Badger on 28 April, 2009, 02:25:11 pm
Peep Show and Black Books are the best comedies to have been on TV in the past decade.

In my opinion, of course.  ;)

I do like TV Burp, as well.  Like Screenwipe but child friendly.

I think the child friendlyness is probably relevant as part of the BAFTA evaluation.    My eight year old loved the saturday double header of YBF and TV Burp, or as my five year old calls it "You've Been Burped!"
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Zoidburg on 28 April, 2009, 02:27:10 pm
Series one of "Spaced" was the best thing channel 4 had shown for ages but they killed it with later and later slots on a week night.

Then it came out on DVD and proved Channel 4 wrong, as did Simon Pegg by then making it all the way to the big screen Hollywood films.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Charlotte on 28 April, 2009, 02:31:15 pm
Spaced was a work of profound genius and I still watch the occasional episode from my boxed set.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 28 April, 2009, 03:36:35 pm
If we are talking about Things Wot Are Funny, don’t suppose anyone else discovered Pulling when it was on BBC 3?

Now that was damn funny...but hardly anyone else has seen it. One by one I am indoctrinating my friends with my DVD of series 1...

By chance I watched an episode that was being re-run.
Instantly hooked, very, very funny.

I suppose it's a girlie version of Men Behaving Badly.

I think it is a lot darker than MBB, which is probably why I like it so much (I like black comedy)
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: her_welshness on 28 April, 2009, 04:27:35 pm
Black Books (splishy splashy) and the IT Crowd are fab - both products of Graham Linnehan (who was the writer for the genius that is Father Ted).

More yesteryear stuff I enjoy watching again and again are Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: geraldc on 28 April, 2009, 07:28:27 pm
I find TV burp hilarious, on the other hand I find Screenwipe too depressing.
With regards to rating sitcoms, Friends is quite funny, but is loved by people with no sense of humour, but who want to watch aspirational comedies. My life has never mirrored friends, but has at times mirrored the Young Ones, Bottom and Coupling. My work life has been similar to The Office but The Brittas Empire was probably a truer reflection of the farce that has been my working life.
Genius sitcoms are Seinfeld and My name is Earl from the US. I can always find time to watch Father Ted and anything with Alan Partridge. I also liked Gimme Gimme Gimme, Blackadder and Thin Blue Line.

Harry Hill is funnier than Bobby Davro, Freddie Star  and Les Dennis(the old Saturday early evening comics), however the fact that as a child I found Russ Abbott hilarious should be used as a caveat. 
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 29 April, 2009, 09:05:04 am
I think for many of us "The Office" and "The Brittas Empire" are a fairly accurate reflection of working life.

"The Office" uses a long shot of a photocopier spewing out copies, no dialogue, just 5 seconds of a photocopier.

They both focus on meaningless management-speak of which we are all too familiar ("let's work smarter not harder", as if everyone is suddenly going to have an epiphany "By jove, he's right, we've all been working stupid all these years, that one motivational sentence may just transform the company")

I know many people who don't find either of those comedies because they find it too close to the truth.

That's why I like them.

"The Royal Family" IS, I mean it really really is, my friend's family.  I've always been convinced that Caroline Aherne secretly filmed them.  Forget top comedy, it's top drama.

"Put the kettle on Babs"
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 29 April, 2009, 09:06:52 am
I liked The Brittas Empire - but loathed The Office...

...I'm afraid Ricky Gervais spoiled it for me.  I just can't stand the man.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 April, 2009, 11:07:57 am
Didn't get The Office.  As far as I could tell it was a fly-on-the-wall documentary.  Dr Larrington and her other half, OTOH, loved it.  Possibly because they've never had real jobs encountered dicks like that except in the form of Gus Hedges..
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 29 April, 2009, 12:14:57 pm
Didn't get The Office.  As far as I could tell it was a fly-on-the-wall documentary. 

Therein lies the genius of the writing.

The closest thing to it I have ever seen was a real fly-on-wall doc about a midlands double-glazing company.  It proved that truth is much stranger than fiction.  It was, in turns, more hilarious, more embarrassing and more tragic than any comedy.

The Armstrongs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe5rnyXMzDU)

Sheer brilliance.

Brittas, listen and learn

Brent, watch the masters in action

Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 April, 2009, 01:12:01 pm
Didn't get The Office.  As far as I could tell it was a fly-on-the-wall documentary. 

Therein lies the genius of the writing.

Yebbut, wasn't it supposed to be a comedy?
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: LEE on 29 April, 2009, 01:33:09 pm
Didn't get The Office.  As far as I could tell it was a fly-on-the-wall documentary. 

Therein lies the genius of the writing.

Yebbut, wasn't it supposed to be a comedy?

Yes, it's the most successful and critically acclaimed British comedy ever I think. 

It's not everyone's cup of tea though.  Some people prefer Lee Mack's "Not Going Out" which is 30 minutes of tenuous joke set-ups followed by predictable punchlines.  you can almost hear the subliminal drum-roll/symbal  "Drrrrrrrr-tsssh" after each shoed-in pun.

"My grandfather shot down some Fokkers in WW2..." (all that remains is to wait 5 minutes for the "These Fokkers were Messershmidts" payoff and the subliminal "Drrrrrrrr-tsssh")


Come to think of it, Ricky Gervais DOES write the type of sit-com I hate, "When The Whistle Blows" sums it up perfectly.  It only fails to be terrible on one count and that's the irony of it, which actually makes me like watching it.

I wouldn't be surprised if ITV tried to commission it for Saturday evening 7pm prime-time.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Pingu on 29 April, 2009, 03:05:00 pm


help me, I've been posessed by the spirit of 1970's script writers

now sing-a-long . . . .



If your mansion house needs haunting just call, Rentaghost,
We've got spooks and ghouls and freaks and fools, at Rentaghost,
Hear the Phantom of the Opera, sing a haunting melody,
Remember what you see is not a mystery but ..... Rentaghost!
At your party be a smarty then hire Rentaghost,
If you want a fright climb the spooky heights, with Rentaghost,
You can let our spirits move you, and for fun play ghostman's knock,
Because we aim to shock, we hope you knees will knock, that's Rentaghost.
Let me say the most terrific simple ghost, not scientific,
Maybe supernatural ghouys of the day.
Heavy footsteps in your attic means a spectre telepathic,
Is descending just to spirit you away ..... Yaaay!
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To be another Uri Geller come to RRRRRentaghost.
For a biography we've ghost writers,
And not forgetting a ghost script,
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You bastard.

You utter, utter bastard.

Do you realised what you've condemned me to for the rest of the day?

 :'(
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: mattc on 29 April, 2009, 04:29:57 pm
I liked The Brittas Empire - but loathed The Office...

...I'm afraid Ricky Gervais spoiled it for me.  I just can't stand the man.
For a while I agreed with you, but you shouldn't write off Gervais just based on the Office - Extras is in a different class.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Really Ancien on 29 April, 2009, 05:57:10 pm
The big three in British comedy are Benny Hill, Mr Bean and Are You Being Served? That's what the world thanks us for. It's a funny old world.

Damon.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: nuttycyclist on 29 April, 2009, 06:11:40 pm
I liked The Brittas Empire - but loathed The Office...

...I'm afraid Ricky Gervais spoiled it for me.  I just can't stand the man.
For a while I agreed with you, but you shouldn't write off Gervais just based on the Office - Extras is in a different class.

Extras was even more ego feeding self promoting lack of humour.

As is his standup I've seen on TV.

As for his supposed "funny" contributions to comic relief etc - cringeworthy and an embarrassment.



I used to turn off/turn over when he annoyed me.   I now turn off/turn over the second I hear he'll be on.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: mattc on 29 April, 2009, 06:17:18 pm
I liked The Brittas Empire - but loathed The Office...

...I'm afraid Ricky Gervais spoiled it for me.  I just can't stand the man.
For a while I agreed with you, but you shouldn't write off Gervais just based on the Office - Extras is in a different class.

Extras was even more ego feeding self promoting lack of humour.

As is his standup I've seen on TV.
Yup, his standup is pretty atrocious!
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: clarion on 29 April, 2009, 09:00:12 pm
The big three in British comedy are Benny Hill, Mr Bean and Are You Being Served? That's what the world thanks us for. It's a funny old world.

Damon.

You forgot Norman Wisdom! :o
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Moloko on 29 April, 2009, 09:12:14 pm
And 'Carry On' swanee whistle moments.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Really Ancien on 29 April, 2009, 11:33:39 pm
I've always tended to favour US comedy, we have little to rival this.
YouTube - THE FLYING NUN (1967-1970) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnhgpVb-u5s)

Damon.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Moloko on 30 April, 2009, 09:05:24 am
I've always tended to favour US comedy, we have little to rival this.
YouTube - THE FLYING NUN (1967-1970) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnhgpVb-u5s)

Damon.

 ;D Brilliant. Wow! LSD really does fuel the creativity process.  ;D

At the start of the opening credits she looks more like the Free Falling Nun.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: bikenerd on 30 April, 2009, 09:47:51 am
I've always tended to favour US comedy.

Most US comedy is also trite, though.  Stuff like Friends, How I Met Your Mother, 8 Simple Rules... etc.
But there is some really good stuff like Larry Sanders, Curb Your Enthusiasm and, my current favourite US comedy show, 30 Rock.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Regulator on 30 April, 2009, 10:50:41 am
I liked The Brittas Empire - but loathed The Office...

...I'm afraid Ricky Gervais spoiled it for me.  I just can't stand the man.
For a while I agreed with you, but you shouldn't write off Gervais just based on the Office - Extras is in a different class.

Extras was even more ego feeding self promoting lack of humour.

As is his standup I've seen on TV.

As for his supposed "funny" contributions to comic relief etc - cringeworthy and an embarrassment.



I used to turn off/turn over when he annoyed me.   I now turn off/turn over the second I hear he'll be on.

+1


God - I can't believe that Nutty and I agree on something.  The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse must be gearing up for a ride out...  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Really Ancien on 30 April, 2009, 11:22:08 am
I think that 'The Office' isn't as good as 'People Like Us'.
YouTube - People Like Us - The Solicitor clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFZgK4QW0Ps)

Damon.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: nuttycyclist on 30 April, 2009, 11:46:04 am
...
God - I can't believe that Nutty and I agree on something.  The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse must be gearing up for a ride out...  ;) ;D

You're just in a fluster because I posted a photo of myself in leathers.

Go and have a quiet lie down in a darkened room m'dear, you'll soon feel better.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Really Ancien on 30 April, 2009, 11:49:24 am
'Look Around You' was probably best as a 10 minute show, altough the 30 minute shows had their moments.
 YouTube - Petticoat 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qptvCqtMg_o)

Damon.
Title: Re: Harry Hill gets Bafta
Post by: Moloko on 30 April, 2009, 11:53:09 am
...
God - I can't believe that Nutty and I agree on something.  The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse must be gearing up for a ride out...  ;) ;D

You're just in a fluster because I posted a photo of myself in leathers.

Go and have a quiet lie down in a darkened room m'dear, you'll soon feel yourself better.