In this second series, Bernard Black still owns his London bookshop, although quite how he manages this is a miracle, because he is so rude to anyone who steps inside the shop. Manny is his assistant, struggling in the face of adversity and his boss' bullying techniques to single-handedly make ... Read review
One of the few genuinely outstanding British comedy shows of the past decade,Black ... more
Booksunites excellent comedic performances, very funny scripts, and plenty of rewatch value.The concept is simple enough. Bernard (expertly played by Dylan Moran) runs a...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
One of the few genuinely outstanding British comedy shows of the past decade,Black ... more
Booksunites excellent comedic performances, very funny scripts, and plenty of rewatch value.The concept is simple enough. Bernard (expertly played by Dylan Moran) runs a...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Bernard Black (Moran) proprietor of the grubby bookshop Black Books prefers the company ... more
of his books to his customers. Devoted to the twin pleasures of excessive drinking and wilful antagonism Bernard enriches his life and the lives of his only two ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
The second series of the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed comedy from Channel ... more
4. Black Books stars creator and co-writer Dylan Moran, with Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig.Bernard Black (Dylan Moran), proprietor of the grubby bookshop Black Boo...
All three series of the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed comedy from Channel ... more
4, Black Books.Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black (Dylan Moran). Bernard's devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny (Bill Bailey), his assistant. Bearded, gentle, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn't and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran (Tasmin Greig), their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction.Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group's peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Production Year: 2004 - Comedy - Director: John Hay - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimi Mistry, Kate Miles, Dougray Scott
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Production Year: 1992 - Comedy - Director: Tim Robbins - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ray Wise, Alan Rickman, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Robbins
In this second series, Bernard Black still owns his London bookshop, although quite how he manages this is a miracle, because he is so rude to anyone who steps inside the shop. Manny is his assistant, struggling in the face of adversity and his boss' bullying techniques to single-handedly make the business work, although threatening to leave at least once a day. Fran, who used to own the gift shop next door to Black Books, is now unemployed, but ... ...of the three stars of Black Books. Thankfully, I have now rectified this. What I like so much about Black Books is that it is hard to say which of the three I like the best; they all have their good points and I can't imagine the show continuing without any of them. Perhaps because he created and co-wrote the series, Dylan Moran, who plays Bernard Black, is the actor that most people associate Black Books. And he is excellent in the role. Bernard ... more
In this second series, Bernard Black still owns his London bookshop, although quite how he manages this is a miracle, because he is so rude to anyone who steps inside the shop. Manny is his assistant, struggling in the face of adversity and his boss' bullying techniques to single-handedly make the business work, although threatening to leave at least once a day. Fran, who used to own the gift shop next door to Black Books, is now unemployed, but still happily making her way through life with a glass of wine in each hand. Will Bernard's bullying finally persuade Manny to look elsewhere for work? And will Fran ever find a proper job?
Having spent the late nineties and early noughties overseas, I was not particularly familiar with any of the three stars of Black Books. Thankfully, I have now rectified this. What I like so much about Black Books is that it is hard to say which of the three I like the best; they all have their good points and I can't imagine the show continuing without any of them. Perhaps because he created and co-wrote the series, Dylan Moran, who plays Bernard Black, is the actor that most people associate Black Books. And he is excellent in the role. Bernard is a scruffy alcoholic, without ambition, who relies on Manny and Fran for survival. Moran manages to make what could be quite a sad character come alive, and adds enough humour to allow the audience to identify with him. Yes he is ridiculous at times, but the role is controlled enough not to be annoying - at least, I didn't find it so.
Bill Bailey as Manny is a comedian that has never particularly appealed to me before - I think more to do with the way he looks than anything else. Having seen him in Black Books, it is hard to see why, because he brings a vulnerability to the show that is hard to resist, particularly when he is letting Bernard boss him around. It is a real pleasure to see him acting with both Dylan Moran and Tamsin Grieg (Fran) - I would find it hard to believe that they are anything other than the best of friends in real life, because the way they bounce off each other is so natural.
I've seen Tamsin Grieg in a couple of roles now, most recently Love Soup, and, in my opinion, anyway, she always gives a good performance. This role as Fran is her first major television performance, but is definitely one of her best. Like Bill Bailey, she manages to connect with the audience - she wears her flaws on her sleeve and this makes her easy to identify with. She has some cracking lines in this series - I particularly liked one episode where she starts a new job without knowing what she is doing, yet manages to give a presentation to the board of directors - brilliant!
There are a couple of familiar faces other than the three main ones. Johnny Vegas gives a surprisingly restrained appearance as Fran's landlord, and Jessica Stevenson appears as Fran's yoga-loving health freak of a friend. She was particularly good, but then I love everything that she does.
The humour in Black Books relies very much on the actors in the main roles and how they communicate physically with the audience. That is not to say that there aren't any funny lines, because there are, but most of the laughs come from the actor's actions rather than their words. Some of the humour can almost be missed - for example, Manny opening up his shorts to cool them with a portable fan and then dropping the fan down his shorts while the focus is on Fran and Bernard - it has to be seen to be enjoyed! But I think that it makes this show all the better, because each time you watch, you see something else to enjoy.
There are a couple of things that make this series not quite worthy of five stars, although I am quite reluctant to criticise. One is that it just isn't that different from series one. Fran becomes unemployed, but that is just about the only change. I suspect that Moran didn't want to change what had already proved to be a winning formula, but I would have liked a little more variety in the episodes - perhaps the introduction of a new character. The other is that there are only six episodes and the DVD seemed to have finished as soon as it had begun. But that is just me being greedy. Thankfully, there is a third series.
I am glad to see that, despite the odd reservation, this is another strong series - it would have been easy for it to have not met expectations after the first one, but Moran and his trusty team haven't disappointed. The humour is very British and black, so I don't know how it would go down with a non-British audience, but otherwise, I recommend it to anyone who likes quality comedy. It doesn't get much better than this these days.
Advantages: Superb characters Disadvantages: The swearing may offend some
Black Books is a British comedy series broadcast on Channel Four and won the BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy in 2000 and 2005that ran for three series’ between the years 2000 and 2004. == What is Black Books? ==
The series Black Books was named so because it was set in the eponymous "Black Books", which is a small, independent bookshop in central London. The series decpitcs the day to day although often surreal antics of is alcholic, chain-smoking ... ...only three main characters in Black Books the construction of them and the performances that the actors give are even more integral. The characters for this series remain the same as they were in series one.
Bernard Black is in my opinion Dylan Moran’s best performance He is the pessimistic, drunken and at times rather neurotic owner of Black Books His sole purpose in life is seemingly drinking and smoking interspersed with reading and isnulting ...
MI9to5 07.08.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)
Advantages: funny Disadvantages: only three series
Black books is quite an unknown comedy as it didn’t really have a huge following at the time it was aired. That isn’t to say its not funny and I personally think its one of the greatest comedy’s made and it is my personal favourite at the minute too.
It called black books as its set in a book shop which is called, you guessed it black books. The comedy revolves around three main characters, Bernard who is the book shop owner, he ... ...some people who know him from his famous stand up performances. He plays a very funny always drunk or just doesn’t know what’s going on Irish book shop owner who hates the outside world and everyone in it, which is the main reason why he never actually sells any books.
The second character is Manny, he is played by the famous Bill Bailey. He is really the prop holding the shop together and the only one who can help Bernard in running ...
techno_man_37 17.03.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)
Like series 1 of black books, Bernard Black, played by Dylan Moran, owns a bookshop called Black Books. Bernard, his assistant Manny, played by Bill Bailey, and their friend Fran, played by Tamsin Greig, are the main characters of this sitcom. Black Book's is co-written by Dylan Moran who I can only describe as a pure comedy genius. He plays Bernard who spends his days drinking wine in his book shop whilst practicing his hatred humanity on any customers ... ...is desperately trying to make Black Books a successful business which seems to be quite the opposite approach to Bernard's. The Black Books series 2 DVD contains six episodes, all of about 30 minutes long. This DVD would not be suitable for anyone under the age of 15 due to the strong language. It costs about £14 on Amazon, but you could probably buy it cheaper on eBay or play.com. 1. The Entertainer
In this episode Fran decides that she wants to ...
rosie997 23.08.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)
Advantages: Dylan's Humour is insultingly hilarious Disadvantages: contains a lot of swearing
...best performance as a Bernard Black the owner of the small book shop "Black Books". Mainly all he wants to do is sit in his shop, read a few books and enjoy a few bottle of wine. Is that too much to ask? But no, customers just keeping getting in the way, disrupting good "drinky" time. He is rude, insulting and extremely funny. He is literally terrified of the customers. You will have seen Dylan in a number of films such as "Shaun of the dead" and ... ...cheap comedy glasses to hide black eyes and hangovers. Favourite quote: Manny: It's not my fault you're hung-over. Bernard: It is your fault. If you were a normal person, there wouldn't be so much to blot out. -Fever- Johnny Vegas appearance as Fran's landlord. He is brilliant as the tight fisted, sex starved (possible virgin) landlord, who has moved Fran's apartment wall inwards to make another room. Manny is desperate to keep cool in the heat wave ...
wyvern9lb 07.07.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent Script, Superb Acting, Great Storylines, Lovable Characters Disadvantages: The Series is Too Short!
Black Books is an excellently surreal yet realistic comedy - though quite how it manages this im not sure. Black Books is still owned by Bernard Black - the miserable irishman who hates all who enter his shop, excellently played by Dylan Moran.
Bill Bailey play the role of Manny who is Bernards hard-done-by shop assistant who despite keeping the business afloat and bernard effectively alive, still finds time to entertain all with his child-like ... ...lovable ex-shopkeeper Fran still spends her time drinking wine and smoking with Bernard and Manny, though now she's job-hunting since she lost her shop of strange items next door. The second series acts as a perfect contunuation of series 1, with believable development of the characters, ever-comical and outragouse storylines and a witty and fast paced script.
Definately worth a watch....or several ...
kriskitten 07.06.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to ...
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Black Books - Series 2 (DVD)"
Advantages: Riproaringly funny Disadvantages: Not enough episodes? Make more!
I had seen one episode of BlackBooks and thoroughly enjoyed it, but was unsure if I would like the whole series, as I am a hard one to please with regards to comedy.
Blackbooks 2 is zany, off the wall and stupid humour, whilst retaining an intelligence to it that has me chuckling hours after watching it when a random quote comes into my head
Blackbooks 2 is the further adventures of Bernard and Manny (played by Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey respectively) and Bernards bookshop. Bernard is a chain smoking wino who is rude and eccentric, but hugely funny. He abuses poor Manny on a day to day basis, which in a strange way - he seems to enjoy.
My 13 year old nephew loves this, all of my friends love this, even my 54 year old mother loves this. I haven't played it for anyone who hasn't ended up laughing out loud.
If you like Dylan ...
Advantages: Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey Disadvantages: Probably an Acquired Taste
friend is Fran. Played by Tamsin Greig. She used to own the Nifty Gifty shop, but now spends her time hanging around the bookshop and desperately trying to find a date.
Finally we have Manny. The extremely hilarious Bill Bailey. He arrived at Blackbooks in the first series. He was then an accountant who accidentally swallowed the ?Little Book of Calm?. In series2 he is firmly embedded in Bernard?s life. In fact, he more or less runs the shop. As well as cooking, cleaning and basically the day to day care of Bernard.
Episode 1 ? The Entertainer
Fran buys a baby grand piano and hires a blind Russian teacher. Unfortunately, she has absolutely no talent what-so-ever. Manny however, who has never touched a piano in his life, shows a natural talent. He only has to hear the music once and he can instantly play it. In real ...
Advantages: Bill Bailey is the king, the king of kings!! Disadvantages: Not enough episodes recorded!
Instead of going through the episodes and ruining the DVD for all of you, I will stick to convincing you to buy the thing!
Throughout the DVD, you can watch the eposides and laugh out loud for hours as Blackbooks is a VERY funny series that seems for some unknown reason, to be hidden from the public's eye.
The main charactors are Bernard Black (Dylon Moran), the owner of the book shop, Manny the 'servant' (The great Bill Bailey, we bow down to you!) and Fran their only friend (Tamsin Greig, also starring in TV's "The Green Wing")
The main "plot" is that Bernard owns a book shop but hates people and customers so would prefer just to drink and sit there, not being bothered by anyone. Manny is helpful, has great customer service skills and can sell anything to anyone. He's sometimes missunderstood but wants to succeed. Fran is ...
Bookshop owner Bernard has one major problem; he hates people, especially his customers. When he offers Manny Bianco a job during a heavy drinking session--an offer he grudgingly sticks to the next day--he finds that Manny can be nice to customers and actually sell books.
Release details
Studio(s)
CHANNEL 4 DVD; LACE GROUP
Release date
19/06/2006
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
C4DVD 10092
Barcode
6867441009290
Languages
Main Language
English
DVD Description
Series two of the entertaining surreal comedy BLACK BOOKS continues to follow the lives of bookshop owner Bernard (Dylan Moran), his assistant Manny (Bill Bailey) and Fran (Tamsin Greig), who works in a new age shop next door. In this entertaining surreal comedy, Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey make a great double act, delivering the tightly written script (by Moran and FATHER TED co-writer Graham Linehan) with consummate ease, while Tamsin Greig as Fran does an admirable job of diffusing the tensions that rise between Bernard and Manny. Contains all the episodes from the second series: “The Entertainer”, “Fever”, “The Fixer”, “Blood” “Hello Sun” and “A Nice Change”.
Compare Black Books - Series 2 (DVD) to other similar Comedy »
![Black Books: Series 2 [DVD] [2002]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78491322.jpg)
![Black Books Series 2 Dvd [2002] | Greig Sealed](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/106110004.jpg "Black Books Series 2 Dvd [2002] | Greig Sealed")
![Black Books - The Complete Series 2 [VHS] [2000]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/70493789.jpg "Black Books - The Complete Series 2 [VHS] [2000]")
