cmtaylor-10993

I recently decided to pick The Whole Ten Yards up on DVD (it's never available to stream), having not watched the film in almost 2 decades. I was keen to revisit it, as I remembered enjoying the film as a 16 year old, but the reviews and low critical ratings in the intervening years must have dulled my enthusiasm for the movie. Even my IMDB score for this film was a 4/10.

However, I throughly enjoyed watching the film today. Okay I went in with low expectations but was very pleasantly surprised. In fact I'd go as far to say that I prefer this to the original movie.

Sure the plot is dumb, and some of the supporting characters are cartoon like, but I love it. Compared the direct to streaming comedy movies today The Whole Ten Yards is a master piece.

I've seen some reviews criticise the dumbed down laughs with more physical comedy, but I honestly think the script writers have played to Matthew Perry's strengths. Many of the laughs also come from Kevin Pollak's character Lazlo, who he plays fantastically over the top.

I get why Bruce Willis fans may not appreciate this film, as Jimmy is one of his weaker characters and the fact he's often in scenes with Amanda Peet's character (the worst character in both films) isn't great.

My only grumble is the fact Oz's (Perry's character's) wife, played by Natasha Henstridge, is sidelined from the the rest of the team early on and has very little screen time alongside Perry and Willis.

All in all, this movie isn't as bad as Matthew Perry says it is, and it's no where near as bad as you remember.

I love Top Gear and the Grand Tour and have enjoyed rewatching the series from the beginning. By the time we get to series 21 I can safely say that the show was past its best. There's still some good moments in this episode but the unnecessary cycling skit showcases the worst of the Clarkson, Hammond and May years.

There were some good jokes, but the whole segment was an over the top waste of time and was far too self indulgent. I'd rather the producers had used the time for a car review or a challenge.

Aaron Paul is a great guest and the rest of the episode is enjoyable enough. Just a shame about the skit.

A great episode that balanced all the ingredients we love from Top Gear / The Grand Tour.

This was a simple road trip, the only gimmick were the contrasting cars they each chose.

After a laboured start with an over the top, trying to be funny introduction where we are supposed to believe the trio have manicured female hands, the episode truly gets underway once they get into port.

This is a classic road trip through several beautiful Eastern European countries. Thankfully there's no unnecessary backstory (such as treasure hunting, solving food shortages), it's not even a race, this is a pure A-B journey that we fell in love with back in the Top Gear Years.

There's the usual breakdown, interesting challenges, sabotage, tourism and genuine laughs.

I'm fully aware that the show has to be scripted, but much of this episode didn't feel feel forced or overly staged like some of the more recent specials. There was no Richard Hammond supposedly riding down the hill in a small hut, there were no caravans tipping themselves over or cars flying off the cliff with a presenter driving. Everything seemed grounded. Yes, James May uses his small Crossly as an ambulance at the circuit, but this is actually funny and takes up a fraction of the episode.

This episode is humorous and informative in equal measure. I hope the team can maintain this momentum going forward over the 'rumoured' final episodes.