Bad Tidings

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.

Was this the best film I've ever seen? No. Was this a classic Christmas film? No! But was this enjoyable and well made? Yes.

I have to say I really enjoyed this film. It was something that a lot of effort went into to create something new for Christmas in 2024. It wasn't breaking new ground, but it was a British comedy that was thoroughly enjoyable at this time of year. There were nods to Christmas classics like Deck the Halls and Home alone, done in a way that paid homage to the originals (with a British twist) without trying to be them directly. The chemistry between the two lead actors was brilliant. They made a great duo. I'd actually like to see more of them together in the future.

The humour that focused on the blind was done well enough that it didn't exploit nor undermine which must be difficult to get right and the sentiment of society often being oversensitive was handled perfectly.

It's amazing reading some of the negative reviews. I think a lot miss the point, a lot like many things in society these days. Folks are always trying to pick things apart rather than asking was this an enjoyable way to spend a few hours of my time without over thinking things. For me it certainly was and I'd certainly recommended giving this a watch over the Christmas period.

Watched Bad Tidings last night the much hyped Sky comedy with Lee Mack and Chris McCauseland.

What a wasted opportunity.

It starts out okay, with the two comics as opposite neighbours who hate each other, McCauseland winding up Mack because he likes having someone who doesn't treat him with kid gloves because he's blind. There's a few good interactions and I did laugh a few times, too.

It all goes to hell when the two are left in charge of their street after a power outage on Christmas Eve meaning others have to leave to be with family or whatever as there's to be no heat or light etc over Christmas.

Cue local villain family deciding to go on the rob, and the two enemies trying to stop them. Of course, they become friends under adversity, because of course they do. The villains are appallingly written and acted (by a some otherwise decent actors, too), and much of the 'action' is too dark to see clearly which doesn't help.

Maybe setting it at night in houses with no lights wasn't the smartest idea...

I ended up being pretty bored and not caring how they inevitable victory was achieved. The two leads are pretty unlikable, never a good idea, and I got the feeling Lee Mack really should have been brought in as a writer as well, as half an hour of 'Not Going Out' has three times the laughs of this bloated soon to be forgotten holiday 'special'

2 out of 5.

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.

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.