The Harry Hill Movie

I've never been moved to post a review on IMDb but considering the number of Adam Sandler films that rank in the 6s something had to be done to make a case for this little gem. And a gem it is if, like me, you're a fan of the puerile as long as it's accompanied with a healthy pinch of sardonic humour.

There is something of the genius about this movie. Something refreshingly honest about the performances, the colour palettes, the lame jokes, the physical humour, the songs, the locations, the props. To get some of the references it may help if you've grown up in the UK during the 70s and 80s or currently have children under 16 however the appeal is somewhat broader and the performances from all of the cast are nuanced, tongue firmly in cheek and the pacing and story is gentle and above all it's just fun. Consider the fact that you've got Harry Potter alumni in the cast - Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent - stars of UK screen - then you know you've got a solid British backbone to play off. Harry Hill is unphased, effortlessly gooning about in front of the camera and then you've also got great performances by Simon Bird, a bewildered Johnny Vegas as the voice of Abu and also (pop band) the Magic Numbers singing a lovely song about running a Bed and Breakfast on the British seaside.

Yes it's silly, yes it's obvious, yes it's simple but it's also evocative of the past triumphs of niche British cinema. It nods to our failings and to our weaknesses and to our guilty pleasures - and even the obviously filled in bits (Brains on legs, random shell people) don't detract from the fact that's it's just fun. Like an updated an detitillated Carry On movie - it's the best of British and I hope they make a follow up.

Try it out, suspend your disbelief, have a giggle.

It would be best to let the story speak for this film.

An adult man who lives with his grandmother as well as a...teddy bear who is gravely ill and only has a week to live, allegedly and thus his housemates try to offer him a pleasant last week by taking him on a holiday.

If you are a parent of children in their pre teens, then take them and go see it. Otherwise, stay well away from the big screen.

On this note, I would have to acknowledge as remarkable the fact that the producers managed to cast the likes of Julie Walters and Jim Boradbent.

Harry Hill has always been a fairly divisive comedian, his unique absurdist style has usually worked pretty well on me, especially on TV burp and his old channel 4 show. Although he's funny in half-hour slots, he doesn't seem to be capable of sustaining a feature-length film. The storyline is rather weak, involving Abu the hamster being taken on holiday to Blackpool (although they ended up in Blackpole at first) for his supposedly final week alive, but Harry's brother sends his henchmen to capture him. The acting is okay but not particularly good. The songs are fine too though not particularly funny. Harry often breaks the fourth wall to let the audience know about safety regulations etc, this was funny the first time but got irritating as he did it every 5 minutes seemingly.

It's certainly unique and while not horrible it wasn't really a bundle of fun either.

I think it goes without saying that you have to enjoy Harry Hill's unique brand of humour to find this film entertaining.

If you do you'll have a great time watching this film - it's full on silly and surreal goofy humour for the 80+ mins, with lots of bigger name stars (sorry Harry) clearly having a ball.

If you don't find Harry Hill's humour funny, and cheered when he stopped making 'TV Burp' then you'll find nothing here to alter your impression.

I enjoyed it, though admittedly after repeated viewings.

Went with wife and two kids. We left after 50 minutes having sat through the worst cinema experience ever.

Had the film been branded as a new venture or a change in Harrys' professional direction we could accept why it may not have been to our liking. However the film is called "The Harry Hill Movie" and we naturally expected a feast of his humour and the entertainment enjoyed from watching his performances on television.

A star studied cast only raised our expectations and veiled the dreadful reviews that we had chosen not to embrace. I am at a complete loss as to why such highly acclaimed actors would want to be associated with a potentially career damaging script.

Take a walk in the park, rake some leaves or consider a cold shower but do not go and spend money going to see this.

Harry and his team need to make an apology to those fans who have wasted hard earned money going to see this.