This is one of a number of shows by the BBC focusing on antiques. First there was Bargain Hunt, then Flog It! and then this. Having looked at the info on the BBC website, you realise how staged this show is. The people who are hoping to raise some cash have their items evaluated by experts looking at a list. They then send someone around to take a better look at them. Then they decide to film it, with a presenter and expert helping find the items - again. It's interesting to see how the items do at auction but the whole thing has "pose for the cameras" written all over it. One thing they can improve on is dropping all the puns used to describe an items chances.
Reviews
3 Reviews
The BFG
(1989)
Slightly disappointed
29 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
It seems that Roald Dahl's books are never going to be faithfully made into films. Considering that this is a cartoon, there are some rather obvious differences to the book. The snozzcumbers have changed from black and white, several feet long cucumbers into black and red aubergines. The man-eating giants were supposed to be heavily tanned - due to lying around in a baking sun. The cartoon gives them greenish skin. Then they use the "Jack" dream chapter from the book as a cliffhanger ending. Then in "Witches" style, they change the end entirely. The book has the BFG stay in England (living in a large house next to Buckingham Palace) and with a pet elephant for him to ride. Sending him back to Giant land is an unnecessary plot point. I'm a huge fan of Dahl's books and would prefer his genius to remain untampered. Sadly, filmmakers don't see it that way. Next time a Dahl book is picked for filming, have someone who respects the book.
An absolute scream!
3 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Wallace and Grommit's first full length feature is a must see for all. The film is funny on all levels with even a few adult jokes added for good measure. A brilliant inventive script that parodies horror films doesn't disappoint. Fast paced, the comedy doesn't let down with in-jokes to Thunderbirds and "An American Werewolf", and a supporting cast of eccentric villagers, all eager to protect their prized veggies from being eaten by the local wildlife. But as with the short films, Grommit steals the show with his super-expressive face which says more than words ever could. He is run a close second by the Wallace-like rabbit Hutch (who becomes a cheese loving inventor, after a ill-fated experiment by Wallace who also suffers "bizzare" symptoms as a result). Hopefully this is not the last full length feature for the plasticine duo. This film must be a favourite for next years Oscars.
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