Just finished watching We Can Be Heroes on ABC tonight - I believe it was the second episode of a six part mockumentary series. It "follows the trials and tribulations of five unique Australians who have made the shortlist to represent their state for the prestigious title of Australian of the Year."
I didn't like it at all and it got me wondering why exactly. I'm a huge fan of mockumentary style comedies, but this one had me barely cracking a smile.
A) the actor who plays the 6 Aussies, Chris Lilley, leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to just that, acting... very little heart here with his performance. There's something about 20-something male Aussie comedians at the moment, they're like a carbon copy of each other.
B) the writing: this episode lacked any form of goal to strive for (with maybe the exception of the asian character trying out for the theatre role). Sure there's a goal at the end of it all when you count the entire 6 episodes, who will win, but there has to be something to get you through each episode at a time. Very little happening.
C) practically zero conflict (except again maybe with the asian character)
I think it best compares to say the UK's Human Remaims or People Like Us. Each of those episodes dealt with one character and didn't spread mutliple characters over an entire series. That's the main issue with Heros, it just doesn't have the staying power. It should have concentrated on one possible Aussie of the year each show, gave that person a mini goal, such as the asian trying to get his theatre role much to his fathers dismay. It's just scatter brains at the moment.
Anyways - I'm no longer a lurker - Hi!
- Mike
(Edited to add URL for those who haven't heard of it: www.abc.net.au/tv/heroes/ )
I didn't like it at all and it got me wondering why exactly. I'm a huge fan of mockumentary style comedies, but this one had me barely cracking a smile.
A) the actor who plays the 6 Aussies, Chris Lilley, leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to just that, acting... very little heart here with his performance. There's something about 20-something male Aussie comedians at the moment, they're like a carbon copy of each other.
B) the writing: this episode lacked any form of goal to strive for (with maybe the exception of the asian character trying out for the theatre role). Sure there's a goal at the end of it all when you count the entire 6 episodes, who will win, but there has to be something to get you through each episode at a time. Very little happening.
C) practically zero conflict (except again maybe with the asian character)
I think it best compares to say the UK's Human Remaims or People Like Us. Each of those episodes dealt with one character and didn't spread mutliple characters over an entire series. That's the main issue with Heros, it just doesn't have the staying power. It should have concentrated on one possible Aussie of the year each show, gave that person a mini goal, such as the asian trying to get his theatre role much to his fathers dismay. It's just scatter brains at the moment.
Anyways - I'm no longer a lurker - Hi!
- Mike
(Edited to add URL for those who haven't heard of it: www.abc.net.au/tv/heroes/ )
