Bad Tidings

Bad Tidings is a simple TV movie in the time-tested Christmas tradition but a surprisingly charming one at that. The movie is elevated appreciably above mediocrity thanks to the kinetic duo of Lee Mack's animated slapstick performance juxtaposed brilliantly with Chris McCausland's deadpan eccentricity; the two comedians do a great job winding each other up and playing off one another. This isn't too surprising to me, as someone who was already a fan of their work on Would I Lie to You, but the movie does a good job of capturing an essence of their comedic styling that could've easily been missed. This all combined with a solid script that can elicit some genuine laughs and you've got a competent if unambitious and well-tread Christmas movie. The plot isn't amazing but it's functional and brief enough to not overstay its welcome. It starts out strong enough with the predictable but well executed neighborly one-ups-manship which ultimately serves to set-up a rather lackluster derivative of the Home Alone premise; except, instead of being a kid protecting one house from two burglars, it's two grown men protecting a whole neighborhood from four burglars but the action plays out much the way you'd expect. While that's definitely the weakest aspect of the movie, at around an 80 minute runtime, it never drags on and the formula still manages to be endearing enough to have the whole thing feel worth while.

In conclusion: while Bad Tidings certainly doesn't break any new ground, when approached with the right expectations: it's a competently made TV movie, an effective Christmas treat, and a satisfying comedy vehicle for Lee Mack and Chris Causland.

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.

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.

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.