MovieChat Forums > Upstart Crow (2016) Discussion > A bit like a new black adder

A bit like a new black adder

posted 8 years ago by frank-340-831830
7 replies | jump to latest

I am surprised so many don't like this - I found it funny and clever, and shows that Elton and co know their Shakespeare but not so much that the rest of us don't get the jokes. The modern cultural references are clever. At least with the BBC this will get a full series whether you lot like it or not - if it was in the US it would get cancelled if the uneducated fast food buyers don't get it. I love the character of "Bottom" - who cant help but remind us of Baldrick - despite being almost opposite to him.
For people who imagine a historical Shakespeare who was perfect at his craft, this is great at showing the human side and the difficulties he might well have had in constructing his stories, breaking new ground for the day, and even coming up with a suitable title - things that are funny to contemplate but could well have happened.
Take the sticks from your rears and let yourself enjoy this - it will take more than 5 minutes!

[–] Undutchable1939 8 years ago

I tried, really hard, sadly it just isn't working.
I love Mitchell, I love the setup, I love the subject, etc, etc.
But I just couldn't find anything that made me laugh.
A wry smile is all I could muster and not very often.
Saying that those who don't get it are "the uneducated fast food buyers" is silly.
I got it, all the jokes, some were cleverly written... just didn't find it very funny.
As much as I wanted this to succeed, it didn't.
After 2 full episodes I am not looking forward to the rest.

[–] lilactime2014 8 years ago

Sorry, in advance, for the sarcasm.

Wow...two whole episodes. Well at least you gave it a really good go. Probably because you recall how brilliant Blackadder was after the second episode. "Born to be King", who can forget the wonderful Angus Deayton as the Jumping Jew of Jerusalem. Classic comedy by which all other second episodes should be judged.

Right sarcasm over. My apologies.

You can't really judge a program after two episodes can you? By four or five or maybe the whole first series you might get an idea and to me it has improved over each episode. OR that could just be down to me "getting it". Ok, so it's not where Blackadder got to, yet, it might never get there but that's rather like saying you are rubbish at Tennis because you are not Djokovic and only Top 20.

Parts of Upstart crow need work but I found it more right (Bottom) than wrong (Kempe) and some parts were just plain FUNNY. Looking forward to series 2.

Seeing Gabrielle Glaister just made me want Series 2 even more. A Judge called "Bob". Terrific.

'tler

[–] Undutchable1939 8 years ago

I saw the rest of the episodes as well, didn't change my mind unfortunately.
I loved both Bottom and Baldrick from the very first episode.
Sometimes a show works, sometimes it doesn't.
Humour is a very personal thing.

[–] jasonbarnettnz 7 years ago

Sometimes you dont need to watch two episodes of something to see it just doesnt work..
Blackadder I loved from the very first 10 minutes of the first episode.
This just feels bland all through.. not enough contrast between the characters.. no vibrancy to them.. compared to blackadder this is like watching coronation street and expecting a laugh or two.. it just doesnt work for me..

Blackadder was great because it had larger than life ridiculous characters whereas none of these people really stand out. There's no Baldrick, no blackadder or Melchete (bad spell)..im not asking it to be blackadder.. but it just seems like its trying to be but with characters that are too samish and not enough contrast between them.
Or maybe ive just grown out of blackadder type humour?
Maybe I need to watch a bit of blackadder again to see if its me that has changed or this is just lackluster.
Ok so ive watched a few frames of Blackadder and Baldrick.. and I conclude that there just isnt the chemistry between the characters that we had in blackadder..
Blackadders harsh tongue and baldrick's stupidity and so on.. and the brilliant WWII chapter.. well Upstart Crow just doesnt even come close im sorry to say.
Its a bit like watching a dull 30 something comedy with shakespearian clothes.

[–] velcronewsletter 8 years ago

i quite liked this. had a lot of funny moments

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jasonbarnettnz 7 years ago

To me its nothing like a new blackadder.. ok so it has similar looking sets and script writing is along the same lines but the biggest problem I have with this show is the characters and or the actors just dont work.. they just aren't funny..
Blackadder was great because it had larger than life ridiculous characters whereas none of these people really stand out. There's no Baldrick, no blackadder or Melchete (bad spell)..im not asking it to be blackadder.. but it just seems like its trying to be but with characters that are too samish and not enough contrast between them.
Or maybe ive just grown out of blackadder type humour?
Maybe I need to watch a bit of blackadder again to see if its me that has changed or this is just lackluster.
Ok so ive watched a few frames of Blackadder and Baldrick.. and I conclude that there just isnt the chemistry between the characters that we had in blackadder..
Blackadders harsh tongue and baldrick's stupidity and so on.. and the brilliant WWII chapter.. well Upstart Crow just doesnt even come close im sorry to say.
Its a bit like watching a dull 30 something comedy with shakespearian clothes.