Eric & Ernie

Eric And Ernie (2011) -

I remembered enjoying this greatly when I first saw it, for its strong castings and wonderful humour, but I had begun to doubt myself after rewatching 'Rather You Than Me' (2008), the similar Frankie Howerd BBC biopic, which didn't resound as well as I had recalled.

My fears were needless though because I thoroughly loved this exploration of Morecambe & Wise's early years.

The script and direction cleverly sculpted the path to define where and how some of the humour might have been formed and used suggestions to represent what I knew that the two jokers became.

Vic Reeves (Jim Moir) and Victoria Wood worked really well as Eric's parents and again I could see how they shaped Eric's onstage persona. I didn't think that the smoking suited her though, looking as if she was an actor with a prop and that she didn't really like it. It sounds nitpicky, but it really jarred for me. I was surprised to see very little about Ernie's parents though.

As for Daniel Rigby as Eric himself, he absolutely stole the show. He had clearly studied the man to get all of his inflections and mannerisms. It was hard to remember that he wasn't the actual comedian in question.

Bryan Dick in the role of Ernie was good too, but he didn't quite pack the same punch. The younger incarnation played by Josh Benson could have been something from an old Wise family home movie though, because he nailed Little Ern.

Overall I felt that the casting was spot on, they all looked and acted like they belonged in that era. I never once thought that I wasn't watching something from that time. The sets, costumes etc were all appropriate too.

Although it was essentially a very well done drama I also loved the humour throughout. I could absolutely see those kids growing into those teens in to those men that I've laughed at for years and how the jokes and affectations matured into their acts.

From their earliest days of pageantry to their first appearance on BBC, It was a very worthwhile piece about a pair of comic geniuses that was highly entertaining. A masterpiece in how to do a biopic properly and one that I would have liked to have seen a sequel to.

919.81/1000.

I absolutely loved Eric and Ernie, for me it was one of the best programmes over the festive season. Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are an unforgettable comedy duo and never fail to make me laugh or cheer me up. Eric and Ernie is a funny and affectionate tribute, and is close to perfection. The only reason why it isn't quite is that I agree it was a little too short. That said, visually Eric and Ernie is lovingly crafted and accurate, while the music is beautiful. The script is in my view superb, Peter Bowker(who also penned the script for the unforgettable Occupation) has a real talent for writing dialogue, the story is beautifully structured and never less than immensely engaging and the chemistry between Eric and Ernie was a joy as well as their antics and routines. The drama is also wonderfully directed, and there is never a dull moment. The acting hits the nail right on the head, Daniel Rigby and Bryan Dick are both brilliant and the supporting cast with Vic Reeves, Victoria Wood and Reece Sheersmith are stellar. Overall, Eric and Ernie was brilliant, you can tell a lot of work and care went into this, and I am just amazed it turned out so well. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox

Morecambe and Wise remain to this day one of the best double acts of all time and this great drama from the BBC shows us their early years. We all know what happened when they achieved fame so it is nice that this drama focuses on the other side of the coin.

The casting in this is great. All the actors playing Morecambe and Wise not only look the part but capture the voice and characteristics of the two men and in some places you start to think you're watching the real men.

Victoria Wood is also great as Sadie, Eric's mother and her story arc is at the centre of this piece that is beautifully captured by director Johnny Campbell.

My only grumble is that much like every other media piece surrounding the comedians this drama is centred more on Eric than Ernie but otherwise this is a great drama.

Simply the best programme on British TV over the festive period. Unlike previous biopics of comedians which tend to be dark and depressing, Eric and Ernie was a warm, moving and funny story of the early days of Britain's best loved double act.

The cast was marvellous, it was really like watching the real Eric and Ernie perform. Victoria Wood and Jim Moir (Vic Reeves)were outstanding as Eric's parents.

The film was clearly a labour of love and it shows in every detail.

So why did I give it 9 instead of 10? Well, I would have preferred it to end with their song "Bring Me Sunshine".

You just cannot make a better biopic than this.

Even their voices were down to a T, which is usually the most overlooked bit. They couldn't have got any closer to the real Morecambe & Wise unless they stuck a camera in the faces of the real M & W. This is so good it must have been a secret candid camera having followed them in real life. I'm just speechless.

You really can't see the join.