User reviews

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.

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.

Love Lee Mack and Chris McCausland and have been looking forwards to this for weeks. Was expecting a fantastic watch but knew things weren't going well when my wife and dog fell asleep after ten minutes? Unfortunately I stuck it out in the hope it would improve as time elapsed? It didn't!! I was praying for the end wishing long before the dragged out ninety minutes.

The acting, jokes and storyline were all abysmal and was on a par with one of Mrs Brown's Boys xmas specials.

If you have seen the adverts for this so called film you've watched the best lines.

They even introduced a cat midway, purely and simply to add another poor joke.

I would highly recommend avoiding this dross and watch a re-run of Gavin and Stacy or something credible from past xmas's.

The reviewers who gave this over an eight rating must have just returned from a night out??

Merry Xmas one and all !!!

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.

Me and my mate Paul are in agreement that this is possibly one of the worst things we've watched, we both had high hopes but struggled to keep it on, les won't even watch it after our reviews, poor and disapointed . It could have been so much better but I'm not going to let it spoil my Christmas. I like Lee mac. He's great on the 1% club but found everything over acted on this... Don't waste your time even putting it on... Some of the scenes really are cringe worthy, I think Sky need to have a long hard look at their self's for actually thinking this was worthy of prime Christmas viewing but knowing sky they'll probably commision Bad tidings 2.

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.

I love Lee Mack and Chris McCausland when they are doing comedy but let's face it, as actors in this film, neither come near the mark. Having said that non of the other actors put in any better performances. As a Christmas comedy there are not a lot of laughs. In fact I don't think I laughed once and I was pretty bored throughout..

Something that could have redeemed the film, the "Home Alone" scenes, were not funny and lacked the charm of the original.

I was really hoping this would be a new Christmas classic. However, the story is puerile, the script ridiculous, the characters unbelievable and the outcome predictable.

This is not a film that will become part of my Christmas viewing schedule.

This is a Horrendous film. Appalling acting from all involved and not in the least bit funny. Don't waste your time watching this there's far more important things to do, like spend time with loved one's.

Chris McCausland needs to enjoy his moment of winning in his latest venture and not get involved in a terrible film written by amateurs from the last century.

What on earth was Sky thinking??

This is in no way related or another version of a film a famous christmas film 'Home Alone'.

Why do actors, producers, writers or directors feel the need to try and replicate iconic films which can not be replaced in any way.

Like we all respect the passing of loved one's and let them rest in peace it's about time we let the Iconic Films rest in peace.

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.

I had never heard about this 2024 comedy titled "Bad Tidings" when I stumbled upon it here in 2025. And with it being a movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to check it out.

And I have to say that I was genuinely and adequately entertained by the script and storyline that writers Laurence Rickard, Martha Howe-Douglas and Chris McCausland put together. It was a wholesome and funny storyline with some nicely written characters. There were some good and funny moments and situations throughout the course of the 80 minutes that the movie ran for.

I was note familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. And I will say that leading actors Lee Mack (playing Neil) and Chris McCausland (playing Scott) were carrying the movie quite nicely. The acting performances in the movie were good.

If you enjoy a good comedy, then give "Bad Tidings" a chance. I was genuinely entertained by this movie and would warmly recommend it to comedy fans.

My rating of director Tim Kirkby's 2024 comedy "Bad Tidings" lands on a six out of ten stars.

It gives me no pleasure to say this is one of the worst films I've ever seen. I'm not entirely sure what the target audience is here. It is too sterile for adults, it's too bland for kids and the storyline is sat somewhere between the two.

I think I smirked at 2 parts (and one of those was a line shown on the advert for it!). It really surprised me that it lacked so much humour with Lee Mack in it, but it's devoid of laughs and to be honest, of anything much at all. Save yourself the wasted time and if you're looking for Christmas laughs, just stick with National Lampoons.

Awful script. Poor acting and not funny.

Apart from that, it's sound!

My observation that the UK television industry in unable to produce good quality scripted comedy is proved right yet again with this poor excuse for entertainment.

The two lead actors I like as comedians with great natural comedy talent, but this effort is just painful !

We started to watch it with high expectations, but with reservations as it was made by the entertainment void that is Sky TV Productions - An entity that has yet to produce any show that fulfills it's promise.

A "comedy" that is full of the typical embarrassment pauses that are manufactured from ridiculous situations that are neither amusing or original and seem to be the "go to" option for comedy writers and directors who should be forced to watch the likes of Rising Damp or Coupling to show them how comedic structure is properly created, before ever being allowed near a laptop or camera again. File under watched as it must get better but So disappointing...

This show was just so convoluted and unnecessarily dragged out, interspersed with occasional lame jokes that barely elicited a chuckle. It seemed like the creators had so much potential to work with, especially considering that the two lead characters are comedians in their own right, but somehow, they managed to fumble it spectacularly. What could have been a sharp, witty, and engaging piece of entertainment ended up feeling like a chaotic mess, lacking focus and coherence. It's frustrating when a show promises so much and yet delivers so little, leaving the audience wondering what went wrong. There were moments where it seemed like it might find its footing, but these were few and far between, overshadowed by forced humour and a narrative that felt like it was trying far too hard. If you value your time and sanity, I would strongly suggest giving this one a miss. Save yourself the frustration and thank me for the extra 90 minutes of your life that I've just saved you from wasting. Trust me, you won't regret skipping it!

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.

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.

If you have seen the advert for this show, that's all you need to watch. You have a feeling it don't look but you will give it a go as it has Lee Evens starring.

This is not a Christmas film, the first 15mins is set around Christmas and you think the story line will be about Lee and Chis fighting each other over the Christmas light which has been done loads of time but you think it would be different. No it has no story line, poor acting and loads of holes, all you do is pick at everything.

Who signed off this project off, they need sacking.

A Christmas present from me.

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

I was really looking forward to seeing this so called comedy because the trailer was really done well in making it look like a laughter comedy movie. The trailer shows all the best bits of the movie so watch that instead because you are going to be sadly dissapointed with this poor clone of home alone.

Complaint I have is poor scirpt, poor camera work especially the scenes in pitch dark were so dark I had to turn up the brightness on the TV just to see what was going on.

Wasted.and hour and half watching this painful unfunny movie. The writers off this dull affair must have zero talent in film script writing.

People giving this turkey a high score must be easily pleased with this awful type of movie because they like the two comideans who were leading from the front.

1/10 Avoid like the black death plague!

Review: "Bad Tidings"

As a fan of both Lee Mack and Chris McCausland, I went into Bad Tidings with high expectations, hoping for a Christmas comedy in the vein of Click and Collect. Unfortunately, it fell well short of the mark, failing to capture the wit, charm, or festive magic I was looking for.

The film starts with some promise. The initial interactions between the two leads hint at the novelty and chemistry that could have carried the story. However, this early spark fizzles out quickly, and the plot descends into tedium. What could have been a sharp, funny, and heartwarming holiday tale becomes a poorly executed mess that feels like it's stumbling through the motions without much direction.

The script is a major issue here-thin, uninspired, and lacking in originality. There are few memorable jokes or moments, and the pacing drags to the point of frustration. Even the considerable talents of Mack and McCausland couldn't save this one.

Ultimately, Bad Tidings fails to deliver anything more than disappointment. With its weak execution and lackluster writing, it squanders a good premise and two great comedians. A festive miss.

Rating: 3/10.

I don't understand all the hate here. I normally find when established mainstream actors make programmes for Sky, they are disappointing, but I chuckled all the way through it. This was great family entertainment, something to watch with kids with no double entendres or swearing. I've never seen Home Alone, so I can't compare it to that. If you want something entertaining, nice and light to watch with the family of all ages give it a go. If you like heavy twisty turny stuff you have to think about what you are watching, and then unpick it this isn't for you, lighten up and get entertained xxxxx.

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.