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Bad Tidings

  • TV Movie
  • 2024
  • 1h 20m
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
1.6K
YOUR RATING
Lee Mack and Chris McCausland in Bad Tidings (2024)
Comedy

Grumpy home security expert Neil and his neighbour Scott are feuding, possibly because Scott insists on keeping his Christmas lights illuminated all year round. And mixing up their bins, cri... Read allGrumpy home security expert Neil and his neighbour Scott are feuding, possibly because Scott insists on keeping his Christmas lights illuminated all year round. And mixing up their bins, criticising Neil's 'project' car and generally winding him up. When local crime family, the B... Read allGrumpy home security expert Neil and his neighbour Scott are feuding, possibly because Scott insists on keeping his Christmas lights illuminated all year round. And mixing up their bins, criticising Neil's 'project' car and generally winding him up. When local crime family, the Brennans, decide to rob every house on the street in a single night, the pair must set asid... Read all

  • Director
    • Tim Kirkby
  • Writers
    • Laurence Rickard
    • Martha Howe-Douglas
    • Chris McCausland
  • Stars
    • Lee Mack
    • Chris McCausland
    • Rebekah Staton
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.5/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Tim Kirkby
    • Writers
      • Laurence Rickard
      • Martha Howe-Douglas
      • Chris McCausland
    • Stars
      • Lee Mack
      • Chris McCausland
      • Rebekah Staton
    • 30User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos12

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    Top cast25

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    Lee Mack
    Lee Mack
    • Neil
    Chris McCausland
    • Scott
    Rebekah Staton
    Rebekah Staton
    • Stacey Brennan
    Ben Crompton
    Ben Crompton
    • Big Barry Brennan
    Emily Coates
    Emily Coates
    • Ashleigh Brennan
    Josiah Eloi
    Josiah Eloi
    • Little Barry Brennan
    Sarah Alexander
    Sarah Alexander
    • Laura
    Millie Kiss
    Millie Kiss
    • Chloe
    Elizabeth Bennett
    • Grandma
    Vanessa Donovan
    Vanessa Donovan
    • Mel - News Reporter
    Tupele Dorgu
    Tupele Dorgu
    • Sabrina
    Brayden Emmanuel
    • Officer Boyce
    Alicia Forde
    • Holly
    Amanda Hieber
    • Janet
    Leila Hoffman
    Leila Hoffman
    • Evelyn
    Rich Keeble
    Rich Keeble
    • Euan
    Grace Long
    Grace Long
    • Officer Dillon
    Aatif Nawaz
    • Journalist 2
    • Director
      • Tim Kirkby
    • Writers
      • Laurence Rickard
      • Martha Howe-Douglas
      • Chris McCausland
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews30

    5.51.5K
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    Featured reviews

    7benorrah

    The negative reviews miss the point.

    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.
    8mike_olley

    Watch this one it could become a tiny classic

    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.
    James-muldowny

    Suprising and very funny

    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.
    5gordon-allan-790-427431

    Other reviews are harsh

    As Christmas movies go, I've seen better. But I've also seen a lot worse!!!! Chris McCausland and Lee Mack clearly have great chemistry and deliver some witty (and mostly clean) gags throughout that the whole family can enjoy. I made the mistake of reading other reviews online before watching and clearly entered with extremely low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprise to be honest. This isn't a Christmas classic and I don't think it was ever intended to be one, but if you want to switch off and enjoy some light-hearted Christmas fun then go for it - ignore the wannabe Times movie critics.
    7matt_sole-372-208203

    It's alright...

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      The cat called Mr Baldwin is a nod to Tupele Dorgu previous role in coronation street as Kelly Crabtree a machinist for Mike Baldwin
    • Connections
      Featured in The Graham Norton Show: Nicole Kidman/Cynthia Erivo/James Norton/Chris McCausland/Benson Boone (2024)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 22, 2024 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Bad tidings
    • Production companies
      • SKY Studios
      • Sky Originals
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 20 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Surround 5.1
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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    Lee Mack and Chris McCausland in Bad Tidings (2024)
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