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Special Correspondents review: “A warm, yet mediocre, light-hearted comedy.”

Special Correspondents review: Although a warm, light-hearted comedy deep in its heart, Special Correspondents isn’t brave enough to say something original.

Special Correspondents review: Ricky Gervais hits Netflix with his original feature.

Special Correspondents review by Dan Bullock, April 2016. Special Correspondents premieres on Netflix worldwide from Friday 29th April, 2016.

Special Correspondents review

Special Correspondents review

While Ricky Gervais has excelled on the small screen with the likes of Extras, Derek and The Office, his move to the bigger movies has been scattered in cameos alongside co-starring roles and with his particularly brand of honest comedy those parts have worked effectively. When taking on directing, it’s been a comfortable transition but not exactly set the film world alight with invention. In fairness to Gervais he’s found his niche and Special Correspondents, that he writes and directs, doesn’t step outside his comfort zone or break down any new barriers.

In Special Correspondents Eric Bana plays Frank Bonneville, a smarmy radio journalist who thinks he’s a local celebrity but also dreaming of something bigger and better. Bana hits his character angle impressively, in the past certain roles have wasted his talent but recent years have seen him hitting the right targets. When you consider his epic turn as Nero in Star Trek, that opened up a change in direction and it’s refreshing once again to see him embrace this variation of style and run with it. Ricky Gervais plays Ian Finch, Bonneville’s sound engineer at the station, but he’s downbeat and negative about his own existence and although Gervais is a perfect foil for the everyman, I feel he’s stronger when snappy and quick-witted. The scenes that flow better were this style and it’s evident those involved are more comfortable in that scenario.

There’s an under used co-starring cast that includes Vera Farmiga as Ian’s wife Eleanor, a desperately bored housewife who wants more but does perform an bizarre, yet amusing, war ‘heroes’ (penned by Gervais) song to further her own career. The excellent Kelly Macdonald sports an American accent as a radio station co-worker, she’s there in a supporting role but I’d like to have seen a lot more of her acting chops on show and then, also, snippets of the brilliant America Ferrera as their simple, but lovely neighbour.

There’s the edge of comment on the obsession of modern media and politics, as our pair satirise how the news is portrayed and how people use it to further themselves, but it’s not pushed enough and ironically reflects Gervais’ character Ian, who often repeats that he doesn’t take enough risks in his life. Although a warm, light-hearted comedy deep in its heart, Special Correspondents isn’t brave enough to say something original and with it becomes a predictable jaunt. It’s not that it doesn’t try but I found it far too harmless and ultimately too easy to forget.

Special Correspondents review by Dan Bullock, April 2016.

Special Correspondents premieres on Netflix this April 29 globally.

Dan loves writing, film, music and photography. Originally from Devon, he did London for 4 years and now resides in Exeter. He also has a mild obsession with squirrels and cake. The latter being more of a hobby. Favourite movies include HIGH FIDELITY, ALMOST FAMOUS, ROXANNE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, JURASSIC PARK, too many Steve Martin films and Nolan's BATMAN universe. He can also be found on www.twitter.com/danbullock

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  1. Pingback: ‘David Brent: Life On The Road’ review: “Side-splitting entertainment” - Daily Life Examiner

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