JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonExtras (2005) - Clips Included
June 19th 2007 00:00
Extras
Season 1 DVD Cover
“I’m an actor, though at the moment I’m concentrating more on background work looking out to getting a speaking role…in anything” - Andy
The team behind the successful as liquid paper BBC series, The Office present the British answer to Entourage, difference is it’s told from the obscure “extras” perspective. Taking place mainly onset satirizing the filmmaking process with mock movies being realistically staged.
“The atrocities continue.” – Andy
Adding to the authenticity is are guest appearances by big name stars like Samuel L Jackson, Ian Mckellam, Kate Winslett and David Bowie, all playing themselves. Gleefully living up to their tabloid images, Winslett for instance is obsessed with winning an Oscar and Daniel Radcliffe is a spoiled, brat with a thing for older woman.
“Id love it if you stuck your Willy Wonka between my Oompa-Loompah’s” – Kate Winslett
Johnny Depp is a fag, did you know that?
The show centers around Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) a chubby self involved struggling actor who’s arrogant, but desperate personality and choice of agent sabotages him socially and professionally. Thrown together with good intentioned air head Maggie, (Ashley Jensen) the loser duo platonically strive to have their limited talent noticed.
"I know. Im as annoyed as you are.. Im just not sure there is much of a demand for little 45 year old blokes." - Darren Lamb
Spotlight on the help
John Doe says:
Clever and well observed, this dangerous to eat Tim Tam’s while watching comedy (JD laughed so hard he nearly choked) is served dry with a twist of the knife. Shot mockumentry style using natural performances, the screenplay delights in uncomfortable situations and deliciously snide comebacks.
Organic plotting without a laugh track opens up every scene to individual humour and the loose narrative adds a necessity to watch every episode more than once.
The set design is immaculate, recreating a behind the scenes environment with catering, fooling even the cast members sometimes as revealed in one of the bonus features of the DVD.
The rich characters mean even the smallest bit player is noticed and the celebrity heads have custom fitted lampooning lines. Loving every second and having a great time, Ricky Gervais (The Office) is straight faced brilliance. Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty) makes hopeless and dim into lovable traits.
An instant hit in John Doe’s house, the chuckles are plentiful and consistent. Revisiting the series recently demanded I share the joy with readers who haven’t yet caught up with this small screen gem.
All 12 Episodes of Season 1 & 2 Available on Australian DVD.
Here you can enjoy Kate Winslett talking dirty.
Watch one of Samuel L Jackson's scenes in the show here.
Andy Millman meets Patrick Stewart, who still wants to boldly go..
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Ricky and Stephen are brilliant writers.
Nice review my good man!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Totally with you.
I got both seasons ages ago, but only watched the first 6 (Series 1). Loved it, just some how the remaining chapters didn't make their way into the schedule.
A few weeks ago we finally sat down and viewed all 12 back to back pretty, thats what prompted the review. Seems not many around here dig it?
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
It is so awkwardly uncomfortable to watch - brilliant. Imust admit that it was the Kate Winslet episode that got me hooked. The kind writing that can create a scene between a Nazi officer, a Jew, and a Nun rehearsing phone sex, and not have everyone see it coming is just awesome.
I had tears in my eyes - even the second time around!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is a program I've been meaning to watch, but haven't yet apart from a few snippets. I must do it!!
Tracy
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Agree with the Winslet call, in fact its the best thing Ive ever seen her do...other than Eternal Sunshine ofcourse.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Did you check out the clips above?
If you were laughing I recommend grabbing these toots sweet.
Funny show that's original and rewatchable, you should dig it.
Comment by D. Armenta
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Debate Fan
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
JohnDoe must be costing you a pretty penny
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That was great, you're right, it was good to see Kate Winslett in a different saucy role.
I will have to start watching it as I'm pretty sure it's on Foxtel. Sometimes I am so behind with programs, I only recently discovered Entourage and Weeds. But it's been great watching them in chunks (my brother-in-law downloads them), so my husband and I lost the whole weekend a while ago to Entourage. It was brilliant, I was so absorbed I nearly started talking with their accents. I love program marathons.
Byeee
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
So happy to share a my love of pop culture with others, Im sure Extras will please.
Hi Tracy,
If the clips amused then in the context of the shows you will laugh even more.
Entourage is such a good time, its like a party in this house with each new episode, like watching Swingers really.
Weeds just amazes em how fluidly it goes from comedy to tragedy, from joy to misery in the blink of an eye. The fact they keep me in fits of hysterics is a bonus.
Have you seen Dexter?