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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Burke & Hare

Directed by: John Landis
UK release date: 29 October 2010
Starring: Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Curry, Jessica Hynes, Ronnie Corbett



IMDB page

She said:

I was slightly worried when I first saw the trailer for this film that it would slip from comedy into an unfunny ridiculously vulgar spectacle. Upon seeing the film I can conclude that it did indeed slip into a ridiculously vulgar spectacle - it was never, however, unfunny. In fact I haven't enjoyed a good film like this in a long time; a fantastic array of British actors finding a balance between great storytelling, some old fashioned slapstick and moments of Monty Python-esque humour.

I can vaguely remember learning about the Burke and Hare murders back in school and when you know its based in truth the film automatically became a black comedy. It not only is a comment on the opportunism of the early 19th century (the Industrial Revolution about to tip capitalist society into overdrive) but also on the sacrifices made for the advances of medicine. Plus it is fun to see the fictional embellishments added on to make it less unseemly and more downright funny.

All of the actors in this film were superb and the chemistry between Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis made you feel like they have been parading as a comedy duo for years. The supporting cast (which was vast) all played their parts exceptionally and the film never lost pace or direction. I don't often love broad comedy but this is definitely one I'll be adding to my DVD collection. I give it {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said: This is a fantastic film based on a true story that is almost too much fun to keep true to it's source material. Pegg and Serkis are completely in their element from start to finish and the film never feels forced or tired. There were a few scenes that made me laugh loud enough that Helen had to quiet me down.

Isla Fisher and Jessica Hynes shared very few scenes together but both actress nearly stole every scene they were in and were both fantastic and energetic as Burke's love interest and Hare's wife respectively. Like many other British films of late Burke & Hare manage to shoe horn in their fair share of well known British celebrities at every turn, though to director Landis' credit the cameos never feel forced or out of place.

This is a fun film that had great pacing and wonderful heart, the fact that you might actually learn a thing or two about nineteenth century medicine and the culture surrounding it in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1826 is just a further testament of the films over all entertainment value. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said: This film is sublimely crass, disgusting and ridiculous but in the most fantastic of ways. This really isn't a film to get too snobby or critical about - its a joy-filled romp that is solely meant to entertain. We give this film {{{8 out of 10}}}

QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: What is the last film you went to see that genuinely made you laugh out loud?

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like one to go and see. Laugh out loud film, erm, maybe Toystory 4. The film that made me laugh the most, ever, was Honey I shrunk the Kids. I nearly wet myself. If I saw it today I'm sure I'd think it's a load of old rubbish.

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  2. You either mean Shrek 4 or Toy Story 3 :)

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  3. Is there any word on a release date in the US?

    Is it already out here?

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  4. @Bobby - It hasn't secured a U.S. release date yet although I would eat my hat if it doesn't get released there at least on DVD before this time next year.

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