The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse

Steve Bendelack 2005

If you are not a fan of 'The League of Gentlemen' might I suggest that you stop reading this now and go find a repeat of 'Friends' to watch.

When I think of successful British comedies transferring to the big screen the first thing that comes to my mind are those slightly un-pc 1970's sitcoms. So when I heard that one of my all time favourite shows was getting the big screen treatment I was filled with apprehension and visions of a bastardised Hollywood offering that would give me a nervous twitch. Thankfully no more than 5 minutes in, my trepidation gave way to laughter and all was well with the world.

Simply than extending an episode the writers take an altogether different route and come up with an inventive and bizarre little plot that works well. Rather bravely the writers chose not to focus on the better loved characters like Edward and Tubbs but the trio of Geoff, Hilary and Herr Lipp. I don't want to give too much away about the plot, but suffice to say being the league of gentleman it is suitably twisted and dark.

This film is packed with humour that reaches so many levels its like a comedic multi-story car park and proves the old adage that jokes about poo are funny. The strength of the film lies in the character of Geoff, who unlike Herr Lipp and Hialry the Butcher seems so wonderfully mundane. Walk down any high street and you will pass a dozen Geoff's all wrapped up in their mundane lives.

To be honest I do think that you have to be a fan of the show to enjoy this film, the humour is such that you have to have the right mentality and an understanding of the characters. However everyone should see it just for David Warner giving a blustering performance as the evil Dr. Pea.

Fans of the series can rest easy, its a job well done.