Bad Tidings

Twenty years ago, movies featuring decking the halls were in vogue.

With monthly gas and electric bills trebling in recent years. You would expect the average family to downsize unless you happened to be filthy rich.

Scott (Chris McCausland) must be a wealthy accountant. He still has his Christmas lights on in the summer. Failing to have them taken down in January. I guess Scott is not going to do it himself as he is blind.

Neighbour Neil (Lee Mack) a home security consultant has had it up to hear with Scott. The Christmas lights irritate him and he thinks that Scott reported his old beaten up car to the council.

At a local neighbourhood meeting both are elected for the Home Watch. When the street lights go out for a few days. The neighbours evacuate and the local crime family the Brennans think it will be easy pickings.

Only for Scott and Neil to stay behind and now having to stop the crooks.

Sky thought they were on to a winner with Chris McCausland storming to victory in Strictly Come Dancing.

The opening part of the movie was feeble. Only picking up when the street gets empty and the Brennans arrive. Even then it just turns into Home Alone lite with a lot of the action taking place in the dark.

I read these reviews and no one mentions how this was written by Chris. There's a lovely scene where his character talks about how he doesnt want to be treated like a baby and that bonds him with Lees character. Perfect for the conclusion where they face the bad guys.

Fun comedic moments and characters. Lee + Chris are a good double act, but Chris is the funnier of the two.

I loved him on strictly and enjoyed watching him doing his own stunts and bantering with Lee. Was a good christmas feel good film with some heart and a nice takeaway message.

Not sure why its got negative reviews, some people like to moan.

Reading some of the reviews on here, it's as though people are expecting a big budget blockbuster movie.

It's a Sky made-for-TV movie made on a low budget.

It's basically an extended episode of Lee Mack's BBC Sitcom, "Not Going Out". If you enjoy that show and the ridiculously implausible storylines, you'll like this film. Lee plays Neil and the actor who plays his wife is very similar to the actor who plays Lucy in Not Hoing Out.

Lee Mack and Chris McCausland's styles of comedy blend together well. It is all a bit silly, a bit implausible and over the top, but it's a fun romp that you can put on and not have to think about too much. Not everything has to be an epic work of cinema. It's fun. It's an easy watch. It's family-friendly.

It won't be winning an Oscar (or even an NTA) but it's a fun is a fun 1hr20 of mindless humour and perfect for the festive season.

Modern take on a Christmas classic and the same kind of switch your brain off silly Christmas comedy as Home Alone which the film take heavy inspiration from.

Basic premise is two neighbours Neil (Lee Mack) and Scott (Chris McCausland) are in constant competition with each other until there oneupmenship goes too far and they are left alone to protect everyone's homes over Christmas in a blackout. Problems arise for the duo however when a recently released criminal and her family decide that this street would make the perfect target for their crime spree.

While a bit shorter than I would have liked they pack a whole lot in the 80 minute run time. Lee and Chris make a great comedy duo and I will certainly be adding this to my yearly Christmas watch.

Review of 2024 Bad Tidings

Not bad-a tight little film that has its shortcomings but could well become a slow burner. Sure, it's cheesy, with an abundant array of simplistic characterizations, but that's part of its charm. Add to that a fair few predictable jokes and action sequences, and you might think you've seen it all before. Yet, surprisingly, it's thoroughly enjoyable.

What really gives this TV film a massive, understated buoyancy is the writing-frankly, it's brilliant. Sharp, clever, and undeniably self-aware, the script elevates Bad Tidings beyond its modest production values and cliched setups. That alone could well make this a modern-day classic in the vein of cult favorites. Let's see how it ages, but I wouldn't be surprised if it quietly amasses a loyal following over time.

The performances are solid, with Lee Mack's comedic timing anchoring the lighter moments and Chris McCausland delivering a refreshingly dry wit that perfectly complements the film's tone. Their chemistry is palpable, carrying the story through even its more far-fetched twists.

But the real surprise comes right at the end, with a standout performance by the news reporter-a brief but striking turn that adds an unexpected layer of gravitas. With such talent and striking looks, the actor delivers a high-impact visual and emotional punch that lingers long after the credits roll.

It's not perfect-far from it-but 2024 Bad Tidings is more than the sum of its parts. It's entertaining, well-written, and oddly endearing, making it well worth a watch. Who knows? This might just be one of those films we look back on and wonder how it flew under the radar.