Bill

A very entertaining, irreverent take on how Shakespeare rose to fame. It's really quite silly but on the same hand quite consistent with its own internal logic. (Unlike say Pan or Prometheus which are both a narrative mess where characters completely flip- flop for no other reason than the writer was too thick or lazy to find another way to progress the plot)

King Phillip II of Spain is a joyously dickish main antagonist with some great one liners. Sir Francis Walsingham is just bizarre and Bill himself is charmingly gormless.

The film left me with a smile on my face and kinda wishing I got a few more of the Shakespeare references. It also has me randomly blurting out 'King Phillip the Second of Spain' on occasion.

Well done Team Horrible Histories!

I have noticed that many of the more negative reviews are (wrongly) comparing this film to Monty Python. My advice is that if you do decide to watch this, it may help you to know its origins lie in a very fun British children's show, and NOT in Pythonesque humour. The only real similarities Between this team and Python are that the cast is British, and that many of the actors play multiple roles. All fair comparisons end there. The team that made this film have never tried to emulate Python, but instead are extending their own style developed over many years of producing work for kids. I enjoyed it - not really a laugh out loud film, but definitely a steady stream of sniggering. You do have to watch closely for the constant stream of mini-japes, many of which are juvenile, conversely some of them are subtle and smart. If you are looking for Python you will most likely be disappointed, but if you are looking for something different that walks a rather sweet line between childish & broad, and occasionally subtle & clever, you will probably get a kick out of this.

Anyone familiar with BBC'S children's TV show Horrible Histories will be familiar with the format and they take it a stage further by giving it the the big screen treatment in Bill. The plot is set in Elizabethan times with Philip of Spain set to invade whilst a young Bill Shakespeare leaves Stratford to head to London to make his name and fortune. Really you don't need to know to much more, th gags come quick, and there are plenty of laughs for all. The added bonus of a couple of high profile performers in husband and wife Damian Lewis and Helen Mcrorry only add to this fun for all the family film. 8/10

A delicious comedy, very well acted. A fantasy about the Bard, larded with historical hints and figures. I loved it. The cast used to having their own TV show, are thoroughly in sync with each other. A joy to watch.

I absolutely loved this film! It was incredibly funny, yet had some very heartfelt moments to it as well. The cast was great, and the jokes were just my brand of humor, although I know it's not for everyone. I love this group in Horrible Histories and Yonderland, but this has something neither of those have, it can be emotional at times, and the friendships and romance (singular) are one of the best parts of the film. A few of the reviews I've read here have been fairly negative, but I can say, I didn't like it all that much the first time I watched it, but on the second viewing I was able to experience the more subtler jokes and I fell in love. I suggest you watch it, as it is a great film for kids and Adults alike.