Extras Christmas Special

Advantages: The best of BBC's Christmas TV
Disadvantages: A bit too depressing at times

...a terrible mistake. The Extras Christmas Special has very little Christmas feel to it, and of all this seasons Christmas specials I have seen it's certainly the most downbeat. Don't get me wrong there are real laugh out loud moments, those familiar with the two series of Extras, and the hugely successful Office will be familiar with the usual twists and turns that its writer actors Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant chuck at us, but this is by far ...
...Like each episode of Extras there are a catalogue of stars thrown in to add appeal to the show, George Michael, Gordon Ramsey, David Tennant, George Michael, and Clive Owen all appear, sadly seeming like an anti-climax after Series 2's Robert De Niro cameo. Of the star cast Clive Owen puts in the biggest performance, and George Michael gets the biggest laugh telling a story of fly tipping involving Annie Lennox, Stuart Copeland, and Sting. There ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious, but delivers an important message too
Disadvantages: None

Extras Christmas Special focuses on ex-extra Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) and his dramatic rise to fame, and the effect that has on his friends and close ones. The sitcom he has written, 'When the whistle blows' is attracting 6 million viewers a week, but Andy is concerned that he's attracting the wrong class of people to his show. Andy feels sold out and his success isn't making him happier. Throughout the first and second series he had always ...
...socially-inept, but good-hearted Maggie (Ashley Jensen). However, in his eager desire to rise to the top, he sacks Darren and finds little time to spend with Maggie. He sacrifices his friends in order to make it big. Don't be fooled into thinking that this isn't as funny as the series though, this is a hilarious special. Gervais is, as always, brilliant, and the celebrity contacts he pulls in to star in cameo performances, like in the series, are ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious
Disadvantages: Extras

...to persuade Fiona to go with him. She tells him she pregnant to Craig but he doesn't care; he'll do anything to be with her. After an argument, Craig ends up in hospital and Fiona flees with Steve, leaving the family behind and planning on bringing the baby up as Steve's. ~~~EXTRAS~~~ There are only 2 extras. One being the Christmas special, and the other being audio commentary over episode 4 by Paul Abbott, Dearbhla Walsh and Matt Jones. I don't rate audio commentary because it puts you off watching the episode. I suppose its okay after you've seen the episode, but I would much rather watch than listen to the creators speaking over it. Plus, I don't understand why they only did episode 4. If they thought it was worth it, they should have done all the episodes. The Christmas special was hilarious, but I wouldn't have put... Read review

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Advantages: It's Christmas in Vasey
Disadvantages: None

...on his vetinary destiny. I don't want to ruin this story because it's such a good one, Ill just say watch out for Topov's monkey nuts, and the Pauline, Ross and Mickey love of Edmunds time. Classic. After Bernice has spoken to Dr Chinnery and waved him goodbye, she also waves goodbye to all her fears of Christmas and decides to go to bed with the intention of getting to mass on time in the morning. But wait there's another visitor, who can it be........Dave? The Christmas Special is excellent. The characters and the stories the gents have decided to go with are brilliant, and what also makes it the special it is, is the music by composer Joby Talbot, and the ttention to detail with sets and costume. The digital effects like the snow also add alot visually. The DVD and It's Extra's ----------------------- The DVD... Read review

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Advantages: It's still Only Fools and Horses
Disadvantages: Doesn't really go anywhere

...with a rather large lady. "I don't know about my teeth, I think I need my eyes examining. I turned round a bit quick just then and thought Right Said Fred had just walked in !!" Duration The DVD lasts for approximately 85 minutes. In my opinion, certain aspects of the DVD drag a little bit without really going anywhere, and the episode could easily have been condensed into a sixty minute episode, in keeping with earlier Christmas specials. Extras As is fairly typical with Only Fools and Horses DVDs, the extras are somewhat disappointing, and consist merely of scene selections. Opinion In my opinion, this is the weakest Christmas special which John Sullivan wrote. Whilst I am a great fan of Only Fools and Horses, this particular episode fails to hit the heights of other classic episodes. There are a few decent comedy moments... Read review

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