Is Horrible Histories Series 6 Any Good?

Horribly New

Horrible Histories Series 6 - Quick Review by Nathan Brooks

What feels like years ago now, I posted a little thing about a Horrible Histories play that I, unfortunately, went to see. In that post, I ranted for a bit about how disappointed I was, as

well as attempting to make a point about expectations. If you want to read it (although I can't imagine why), you can click here.

Anyway, I mentioned in that post about how much I loved the TV show, and fortunately for me they've made a new series of it. The first episode, a Magna Carta special, aired a couple of weeks ago and I thought I'd write a quick review on it. So, here we go.

What I Like

This is a new series, a very new series. One of the new things is the new formula. Instead of having multiple different sketches based off of many different moments in History, there are multiple different sketches based off of one famous (or infamous) Historical figure. I personally quite like this new formula, I guess just because it gives the series a different feel to it.

What's even better is that each episode is going to have a different comedian playing the certain Historical figure the episode is based on. This episode had Ben Miller playing King John and a future episode is going to have Rowan Atkinson playing Henry VIII.

Basically, I really feel that this new formula has the potential to be something great and I'm excited to see how it goes in future episodes.

What I Dislike

You know how I said this was a very new series, well it's not just the formula. They've also got a new cast. "Really Nathan, you dislike it just because of the new cast? That's not a legitimate criticism!" You're right, it isn't really.
There are moments in this first episode that I would've found funny if the old cast did them, yet when the new cast did them, it just didn't feel the same. It just seemed to me as if they were trying too hard to be like the original cast.
I do think, however, that this is more an issue with me rather than with the show itself. The sketches were funny (especially one about the Saracen leader Saladin) so there aren't any genuine criticisms I can make.

What I Think
I'm pretty certain it will be just as good as the previous series. There were no actual issues with the first episode other than my refusal to accept this new cast and I do really like the new formula. Hopefully I should be able to get over the cast change and once I have, be able to really enjoy this new series.

Overall: 8/10

Comments

Is Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?! Any Good?

Dude, Where's My Funny?! Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?! - Film Review by Nathan Brooks Nativity's lack of critical success completely baffles me. I thought Nativity was a great movie. It was funny, it had more depth to it than most comedies and was overall just a fun movie. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger's lack of critical success, I understand a lot better. I still remember it being fairly entertaining, but I was about 11 then, and I didn't have a brilliant judgement of what makes a good movie. Of what I can remember, however, it was nowhere near as good as Nativity in terms of story and character and basically everything important needed to make a good film. I also remember that they spent most of the movie in a bus. Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey is proof that the film makers have given up on trying to please the critics. This is an awful film. Nativity 2 was not a brilliant movie, but it at least kept me entertained for however long it...

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Review

Jurassic Park never needed to be a franchise. As a thriller, Jurassic Park inherently works better the more compact it is, so stretching it into multiple sequels seems rather counterproductive. Of course, I wouldn't mind if these sequels were good. Unfortunately, they are not. The Lost World , the first follow-up, does nothing new for virtually the entire film - only hinting at a distinctive identity in the final act. Jurassic Park 3 was even worse. The characters are so unengaging and the action so toothless you end it feeling like you've stared at an empty void for ninety minutes. Colin Trevorrow's 2015 sequel/reboot Jurassic World slightly reinvigorated the franchise with flashy new visuals, but it also suffered from bland characters and a muddled script. However, against all the odds, I still foolishly had my hopes up for that film’s follow-up Fallen Kingdom . I did have my reasons, to be fair. J.A. Bayona was taking over directorial duties and he's an exce...

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review - A Dazzling Celebration of All Things Star Wars

The Force Awakens was supposed to be bad. It's the seventh film in a franchise, following on from three films that were not well received and is (technically) a Disney sequel. I have now gone to see it four times. Technical Brilliance As far as fundamental filmmaking is concerned, The Force Awakens surpasses any of the previous Star Wars films. It's by far the best written Star Wars film, not that the bar was set particularly high. Still, it's a surprisingly witty film. Aside from the odd line of obligatory exposition, dialogue is very snappy, fast paced and unexpectedly funny. I've probably laughed more in this film than I have in many so-called comedies. While it's not exactly Aaron Sorkin level, J.J. Abrams’ fantastic directing and the actors brilliant delivery, as well as the tight, fast paced editing do help to elevate it. Speaking of the editing, The Force Awakens is also much better paced than any of the other Star Wars films. It's constantly ...

Search This Blog