Dad's Army

[mushroom25]

the reviews of the soon-to-be-released Dad's Army film are in the papers today; generally, although not scathing, they're not exactly favourable.

One in today's Metro caught my attention, where the reviewer criticises the production for "barely a nod to modernisation".

just wondering how you can "modernise" a production that is, by its nature, rooted 75 years in the past. are we talking about imposing the values of today on a past time; airbrushing and fluffy-bunny-izing history, perhaps?

[Old_Geezer]

A strange comment. Perhaps they were expecting better special effects or something technical.

[andy-hughes]

As I have opined before - this film will get two polarised responses -

original fans will find it a poor and pointless imitation.

modern cinema goers will be largely unaware of the original series, and will understand none of the situation, or the character interactions that made it such a strong comedy series of its time.

Re-makes are money-spinners - the companies sling them at audiences like mud, in the hope some will stick.

And more often than not, mud seems to be the main constituent of the plot / script / approach / result.

[Hopkirk]

I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

It's part of my childhood, and I am impressed by the selection of actors chosen.

I am a bit surprised that they have broken the tradition and shown Captain Mainwaring's wife, Elizabeth, for the first time.

That's a bit like showing you what Columbo's wife looks like.

[Arksided]

I've never being a fan of the original series... although it was part of my childhood when screened. I are however looking forward to seeing the film without bias or comparison. Cathrine zeta jones is in it I think... ;-)

[douglas9401]

Reviewers eh? Nice gig if you can get it.

[jomifl]

"barely a nod to modernisation"

So no concessions to the LGB community, no transpeople, no immigrants, no strident religious minorities, no drug pushers or addicts, nobody pierced or tatted and no binged out morons in the gutter..Life was so simple then.

[ivor4781]

jomifl
if you could press a button and go back to that idyllic time (in your opinion) would you press it, when you actually think about what you have now and what you had then ??

[Buenchico]

Perhaps The Metro critic is referring to the style of comedy? Cath Clarke, writing for Time Out, wrote: "Even granddad has moved on from teatime comedy gags about jam roly-poly".

The critic definitely seem to be divided about the film though:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dads-army/reviews/

[anotheoldgit]

I am an avid fan of this superb comedy series, so much so that I possess the complete boxed set, and still get extreme pleasure from watching them, even after seeing them over and over again.

I don't know how I will react to the film, because I did not think that the film the original crew took part in was as good as the short episodes, apart from the fact that I will be comparing the present characters with those long gone.

[Arksided]

Shss.. Don't tell him pike.

[retrocop]

Mr aog
That was my major concern as well. Comparing present cast with the past. I generally avoid the modern remakes, Oceans 11,Titanic,Sahara,Thomas Crown Affair,Italian Job et al. Having looked at the promotional poster for this modern offering I had no problem identifying who portrayed who. Mannering,Godfrey and Wilson were particularly well casted. I have no problems watching this new film but the script as yet is an unknown quantity.
If it is a flop,like you,I can fall back on my box set. :-)

[agchristie]

If it's no good I might ask to be excused....

[retrocop]

not dismissed ??? :-)

[anotheoldgit]

retrocop

Sahara??

Ah! now you are talking, you are talking about the one starring Humphrey Bogart are you not? If so, that is one of my favourite films.

[retrocop]

Thats right Mr aog. I have the original black/white with Bogey and the newer version was colour starring James Belushi. I confess I have seen that remake and Belushi's role as the Tank sergeant was quite good but still preferred the original. At least the modern version stuck to the original story.

[jomifl]

@Ivor, The more I think about it the less I can come up with an answer.

[retrocop]

jomifl
Likewise. My first instinct was to say yes transport me back please and then I thought what I would be losing now. Family and grandchildren came straight to my mind as well as hundreds of other advantages.

[ichkeria]

"I am an avid fan of this superb comedy series, so much so that I possess the complete boxed set, and still get extreme pleasure from watching them, even after seeing them over and over again. "

AOG, I may not get the chance to say this again to you: well said and I agree :-)
It will be hard for the fans of the old show: will we have to put it out of out minds to enjoy the film, or will our knowledge and memory of it enhance the enjoyment?