Film Reviews by None

The Truman Show is that rare thing - a brilliant, original idea made into a compelling, funny and touching film. I was not a Jim Carrey fan before seeing this film but he is very good in the lead role, and is well supported by the whole cast. Definitely worth watching.

This is a lovely little Disney film, which seems to get forgotten amongst the big names like The Lion King, Aladdin etc. In it all the legendary Robin Hood characters are different animals. There are some really funny characters and scenes and there is a real sweetness and innocence about it. For everyone from very young children to any age upwards!

Black Books is one of my favourite ever comedys. It has everything you want in a sitcom; great characters and setups, a good dose of insanity, too many classic one–liners to mention (although thankfully no annoying catchphrases) and most importantly loads of laugh out loud moments. Series 2 is the most consistently funny series and it is so hard to pick a few highlights but watch out for Bernard and Manny’s ‘improvements’ to the shop, Fran’s attempts to find inner peace and the trio’s holiday plans.

Dylan Moran (who co-wrote the series), Tamsin Greig and Bill Bailey are all great in it and work perfectly together - they are clearly having a great time making it which really translates to the screen. There are also some fun cameos from other British comedy stars to look out for, such as Johnny Vegas, Jessica Hynes and Rob Brydon, and every part is well cast. It really stands up to repeated viewing.

If you like the episodes also check out the commentaries by the three stars – they are random, mad and hilarious, just like the show itself!

Maid Marian is a children's classic. I loved it when I was at school over 10 years ago and was glad to discover that it has stood the test of time. It is still really fresh and funny, and there are loads of great jokes I am sure I missed first time around. It is great to revisit the sing along theme tune and characters like Barrington, Rabies, Guy, the Sheriff, King John and my favourite, dim yet fashion conscious Robin. This final series features a brilliant homage to that other cult classic The Crystal Maze - it is worth renting for that alone.