Cracker - To Be A Somebody DVD

Advantages: Excellent acting by Robbie Coltrane, Robert Carlyle and Christopher Eccleston
Disadvantages: Chilling

...Introduction With viewing figures over 10 million, Cracker was one of the most popular drama series of the 1990s. It is not difficult to figure out why. Excellent scripts by Jimmy McGovern and others are topped by some of the strongest actors there are, particularly Robbie Coltrane, Christopher Eccleston, Barbara Quinn and in this particular episode, a chilling performance from Robert Carlyle. 24 episodes were made between 1993 and 1996. There is a rumour that Cracker may return to our TV screens with Robbie Coltrane in the role - hopefully this is true. The writer Jimmy McGovern wrote the script for this episode. He is well-known for his hard-hitting scripts, which are usually based around the working classes and the social system - his background is very much working class, raised in a large family in an inner city area. As well... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: The best of all the "Cracker" stories
Disadvantages: Can be a little unpleasant at times

...From the very first episode, I was a huge fan of "Cracker". It was mostly Fitz's job that caught me, as I had an interest in psychology and the thought of using that to see into the minds of criminals and prove them guilty seemed like a pretty cool idea to me. That made Fitz something of a hero of mine, although he's perhaps one of the more unlikely role models, being a heavy smoker, drinker and gambler. But that didn't matter, as he was helping to clear the streets of the worst of human nature, like any superhero. In "To Be A Somebody", Fitz comes up against the very worst of human nature. Albie Kinsella seems like any normal man, separated from his wife, but getting by the best he can although life has struck him a cruel blow with the recent death of his father. He's a man on the edge and a minor argument with a shop keeper sends him... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The best of all the "Cracker" stories
Disadvantages: Can be a little unpleasant at times

...From the very first episode, I was a huge fan of "Cracker". It was mostly Fitz's job that caught me, as I had an interest in psychology and the thought of using that to see into the minds of criminals and prove them guilty seemed like a pretty cool idea to me. That made Fitz something of a hero of mine, although he's perhaps one of the more unlikely role models, being a heavy smoker, drinker and gambler. But that didn't matter, as he was helping to clear the streets of the worst of human nature, like any superhero. In "To Be A Somebody", Fitz comes up against the very worst of human nature. Albie Kinsella seems like any normal man, separated from his wife, but getting by the best he can although life has struck him a cruel blow with the recent death of his father. He's a man on the edge and a minor argument with a shop keeper sends him... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Excellent acting by Robbie Coltrane, Robert Carlyle and Christopher Eccleston
Disadvantages: Chilling

...Introduction With viewing figures over 10 million, Cracker was one of the most popular drama series of the 1990s. It is not difficult to figure out why. Excellent scripts by Jimmy McGovern and others are topped by some of the strongest actors there are, particularly Robbie Coltrane, Christopher Eccleston, Barbara Quinn and in this particular episode, a chilling performance from Robert Carlyle. 24 episodes were made between 1993 and 1996. There is a rumour that Cracker may return to our TV screens with Robbie Coltrane in the role - hopefully this is true. The writer Jimmy McGovern wrote the script for this episode. He is well-known for his hard-hitting scripts, which are usually based around the working classes and the social system - his background is very much working class, raised in a large family in an inner city area. As well... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Gripping story, great performances
Disadvantages: The ending is not as well tied up as it could be

..., not one for when the kiddies are around. I did really enjoy this episode. I have it on DVD and have watched it several times, but the story is long and complicated enough that there are always bits and pieces that I have forgotten or didn't really pick up on the last time. Of course, there are always Cracker repeats on the television, particularly ITV3, so it may not be worth buying a copy unless you are a big fan of Cracker. Whatever, I do recommend it and am personally glad that I have my own copy. The DVD is available from play.com for £8.99. However, if you're a big fan, it might be worth buying the complete boxset for £44.99, also from play.com. Classification: 15 Running time: 97 minutes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful