MOVIE / DVD INFO:
Title: Outnumbered: Series One
Year: 2007
Director: Episodes 1, 3 & 5, Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin, Episodes 2 & 4, Guy Jenkin, Andy Hamilton, Episode 6, Guy Jenkin, Andy Hamilton
Rating: 12
Length: 173 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:Claire Skinner
Hugh Dennis
Tyger Drew-Honey
Daniel Roche
Ramona Marquez
Plot:Outnumbered follows the daily chaos of family life with two parents and three young children locked in an unequal contest.
Containing strong elements of improvisation, this comedy is an honest portrayal of the well meaning parental incompetence that happens in most homes, as Mum and Dad attempt to raise their kids with the minimum of emotional damage for all concerned.
From the creators of Drop The Dead Donkey, Andy Hamilton & Guy Jenkin, Outnumbered is quite unlike any other family comedy seen before.
EPISODES
1. The School Run
2. Thte Special Bowl
3. The City Farm
4. The Quiet Night In
5. The Mystery Illness
6. The Dinner Party
Extras:Scene Access
Interviews
My Thoughts:
This show was, more or less, recommended to me on this forum. I am so glad I picked it up.
For once I am happy to see parents who are somewhat similar to me, at the least from my generation. Then there's of course the kids who are very believable; in big part thanks to the "part-improcised" technique this show applies (the kids are told how to react, not necessarily what to say).
The writing is great. The jokes come partly naturally (see above) and otherwise are borne out of dialog which is very realistic (if you yourself were in such situation it wouldn't be funny at all!) and is delivered in a way I personally highly enjoy (probably the dry British style helps here a lot). But where the show shines is in it's timing. In letting you roar out in laughter one moment and then, since two many jokes will be overkill, in the next moment will deliver some drama. There is several main story lines going through the six episodes which are all fun to watch; some of them touch on serious issues (racism, bullying at school; but don't expect them to go very deep here...).
The acting is very adequate for the show. The kids truly shine here, especially since they are basically let loose, rather than following a strict script. While the middle kid is not always that good (maybe due to his role as Ben) the older one (as Jake) and the youngest (as Karen) are almost always a pleasure to watch. the kids are portrayed as somewhat annoying at some points, but: a) that's what kids are and b) never so much over the top that you start disliking them (then there is a)...)
P.S.: If there is more similar stuff you guys can recommend, I'll be happy to hear it!
