Lollivan
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Erica Derrick
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Cody
One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
Allissa
.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
Red-Barracuda
I recently watched both seasons of Saxondale and remember thinking after completing series one that it was surprising that it got a second outing. I wasn't overly impressed with that first season at all, finding Steve Coogan's depiction of the central character too overdone, while his fake hair and beard offputtingly silly. So I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that the second season was so good. Not just better by comparison but actually very funny and better written. It was immediately improved by Coogan dispatching with the wig and going for a more natural look. It made him look a lot younger than in the first season which maybe doesn't make sense but was much preferable.The set-up centres on an ageing 70's ex-roadie called Tommy Saxondale who still believes he is still fighting the system but who in reality is now a subcontracting pest exterminator. The character is more sympathetic than is typical of Coogan. He's a little more self-aware and intentionally humorous than the likes of Alan Partridge, although he does still share many of the facets of that character such as an arrogance and self-importance. Like Coogan creations in general Tommy Saxondale is a well observed character with lots of specific traits that make him seem quite believable and not too cartoonish. There are some good side characters to enjoy too. Some of the best of those are there essentially to antagonise Saxondale, such as Vicky the woman who gives him his work details played very well by Morwenna Banks; she consistently gets the upper hand on him, outwitting him mercilessly in a hilariously passive aggressive manner. I also enjoyed his neighbour who cringingly tries to talk to him on his level before bringing up some minor complaint.All-in-all, this has to be considered a success. It definitely improved in various ways by season two and I would even daresay it had legs for a third season also. It certainly has to be considered one of Coogan's best creations outside of Partridge.
darren-521
Having been one that has enjoyed the brilliance of Steve Coogan's comedy in it's various visages; before i watched Saxondale I wondered if Steve could keep up his spotless record. Once again Steve failed to disappoint me. Saxondale is not about a bitter man but a man who shook the pillars of heaven as a youth but like many of us has been slowed down by the cruel joke known as 'age'. Unlike most of his comedy this one has a tender side that shows itself at unpredictable times throughout the series. Steve really hits the trigger on this one and i don't doubt there are many like me who know where Saxondale is coming from and where he is heading. This series reveals Steve Coogan for the comedy and indeed, acting genius that he is. I look forward to series two.
catgordon1
We all know him. The mildly intellectual ex-hippy who twists himself into knots with cliché upon tongue-in-cheek rock reference upon flipped round adage...Yes it is set pieces. Eery episode has the secretary scene, the neighbour scene. and so forth.but its really funny. steve coogan is an actor as well as a comedian, inhabiting the role with tics and grimaces.Morenna Banks (rarely on screen at mo) has her chance to shine every week and Rasmus Hardikeris a brilliant newt-faced straight man.worth a watch, especially mid-week when there's sod all else on TV!
bob the moo
Tom Saxondale is a middle-aged man with memories of being a roadie in the 1970's. He struggles with his temper and does weekly group sessions to try and control it. He drives a Mustang, lives in Stevenage, works as a subcontractor for a pest control company and is quite a boring man with a kinky side and a belief that he is cool and outside the system. When he takes on young Raymond to help him with the business he and wife Mags also agree to let the lad stay in their spare room.Steve Coogan is normally worth a look and this most recent series is a solid British comedy that is recognisable and funny without being totally on the mark or sharp. The plots are mostly pretty thin and each episode is more about being a couple of set pieces based on the characters being who they are. In regards a narrative then the series probably doesn't have the legs to stand as a great comedy but it is certainly a fine one. The characterisation is where the strength is and, although he is a bit like Partridge, Saxondale is his own man and is recognisable as the type of man who wants to be seen to have his rebellious streak while also embracing his middle-age. He is a bit boring, selfish and easily frustrated and many viewers will be familiar with people like him. He is supported by a quiet teenager, a scathing secretary and a forgiving wife and their characters are quite important as well. These characters are used in similar ways in each episode and, although a bit samey, it is amusing if only occasionally producing big laughs.Coogan works well with his own material and understands his character well. As a writer he could have made more of it but as actor he is convincing and suitably unappealing. The script didn't always convince me as to why he has the people around him that he does. Specifically why he manages to appeal to Magz was a mystery although Jones did well to cover that up by giving her character an appropriate manner. Hardiker is better because his character is less forgiving of Tommy or rather has less time to humour him aside from his he also carries off the "YTS" characteristics very well. Banks is pretty funny and, although she has a very one-note character, she does hit the "crude small office b*tch" pretty much on the head.Overall this was an OK series but not one I would rush back to. Saxondale was an interesting character but it wasn't as "real" or insightful as I would have liked. The series produced chuckles but rarely brought out belly laughs from me. Distracting and entertaining fare from Coogan but doesn't have the legs to get many more series if any I'd guess.