Bootleg

Having only seen a small amount of this when it was first shown I decided to give the repeat a go and sat and watched it in one solid 3 ½ hour session. I have to say that it was a really nice family movie. Despite having a serious message it works as simply a wholesome story of two boys attempt to fight the system. There may be a few plot holes as to why exactly chocolate was banned, and the rather annoying question of where it is supposed to be set (I'm guessing England, based on the fact it was English money although why they didn't just set it in Australia I'm not sure), but these are overcome by the acting and the warm feeling the film creates. Special note I think has to go to Anthony Hammer, (the only one of the Hancock family in Neighbours who could actually act) who should have been given a much better role in Neighbours, this at least demonstrates how underused he was. I challenge anyone to watch this film (especially the credits) without wanting to eat chocolate. Overall well worth a look especially on a cold winter afternoon.

I was so impressed with Bootleg. I thought it started strong, but just got better and better as the show progressed. Episode three had me on the edge of my seat in parts, and in tears in other parts. The cast is very strong, although the Australian accents do shine through in places. I'm assuming it is supposed to be set in England and not Australia. The two leading kids (Steven Geller and Anthony Hammer) do a brilliant job of portraying Huntley and Smudger. Anthony is Australian and Steven is English. The two of them seemed to have so much energy ,and were genuinely believable as good friends. I wonder how they were off camera. My guess is that they got on really well. Anthony's robotic trance in episode 3 is faultless. You will recognise Anthony from his days as Leo Hancock in Neighbours. I was extremely impressed with Steven Geller's performance. His character takes longer to explain than Anthony's. But in Episode three, he went through all the emotions perfectly. His tearful and aggressive scenes were very believable, and the stare of disbelief at the end of episode 2 gave me goose pimples! You will recognise him from playing Mike in Mike and Angelo on CITV. Martin Jarvis played a lovely old book seller, and Gemma Jones was a warm and cuddly sweet shop owner.

Overall, Alex Shearer's novel was beautifully brought to life by Ian Gilmore's clever directing. It was a funny and light hearted tea-time drama which the BBC should be proud of. I'm not sure whether they are planning a sequel, but I would certainly watch it if they did. I look forward to the DVD or video release.

Congratulations to all involved.

9.5/10

If this isn't one of the best ever family mini series, then please kill me. For i believe that the acting is brilliant, the stars know how to speak, yes, thats right, how to speak, and the plot is excellently drafted. On the whole i give the show a healthy 8/10. The acting is excellent, and the props are quite believable. You feel like becoming part of the show. Chocaholics are probably the target audience. Frankly, if chocolate isn't the main subject of the show, then it must be cocoa mass!!! Of course, it's great fun for all ages on a cold winter day when you don't want to see star wars of teletubbies, but something nice and relaxing, yet compelling drama.

I thought this was a great little series, well made and relevant, it was very good family viewing. The central premise of the series is "What would happen if they banned chocolate?" It is an obvious analogy to the current prohibition of Cannabis, which makes just as little sense. Very good to spark intelligent debate with your children.

Reviewers have mentioned that this was filmed in Australia but set in the U.K. I have to admit that I hardly noticed this, I suppose we get so used to seeing Aussie T.V. programmes in the U.K. that they now feel as familiar as U.K. made programmes. Actually that made me start wondering just how many U.K. programmes get watched in Australia?

I have read this book numerous times to my students and only just discovered this adaptation. While it stays true to the essence of the main story line, I was disappointed that some of the plot details were changed, especially the ones that were so much a part of the humour in the book. I was also disappointed in the casting of Frankie Crawley who in my vision should have been much smaller and meeker only puffing himself up to match his 'authority'. His and Myrtle Perkin's (another name change) storylines were not well developed in this adaptation either. However, the retelling of this story grew on me and I think it was quite well done overall.