Funland [DVD]

Carter Kranz arrives in seedy Blackpool to find out who killed his mother with only the flimsiest of clues to go on. It is Carter's mission that drives this darkly comic thriller as he meets all sorts of suspects and weirdoes, red herrings and blind alleys in an effort to uncover the truth. It isn't long before he is mixed up with the dysfunctional Woolfs; a family of local gangsters that try to help Carter, but only by using him for their own endsBut that's not all. Two more stangers arrive in Blackpool at the same time; a young couple, Dudley and Lola Sutton, trying to spice up their marriage. For Dudley the problem is lack of sex. For Lola the problem is Dudley, and he gets them both in the most awful mess with his stupidity as they too become involved with the Woolfs and their money-grabbing schemesThese are the normal characters by the way; the minor ones are straight out of The League of Gentleman, as is the humour - dark, grotesque, absurd, often very funny. There is no shortage of sex in this series either, so if you are easily offended best steer clearI found the first episode difficult to get into. Lots of characters are introduced quickly; the story jumps about a lot before we get to know them; its stylistic and strange and a little alienating, mainly because so many of the characters are odd or dislikable. All I can say is, you must stick with it. By the end of the 2nd episode I was totally hooked and watched the whole 11 episodes over 3 nights.The writing is funny, crazy, tongue-in-cheek, with twisting, turning plots that keep you guessing until the end. Some of the plot twists and character revalations are a bit silly and unbelievable but the story gets away with it. Its not meant to be taken seriously; something which you are reminded of oftenBest thing about the series has to be the wonderful cast. Daniel Mays gives his usual power-packed and energy fuelled performance as the sympathetic but fearless Carter. Kris Marshall is hilarious as the inept Dudley. My favourite however was Ian Paulston-Davis as Shirley Woolf. Shirley is the most interesting character and Paulston-Davis totally nails itHas to be seen by anyone who liked Twin Peaks or League of Gentleman. Or those who don't feel too attached to Blackpool

This is much darker than I was expecting, even from the minds of Jeremy Dyson and Simon Ashdown. It highlights the seedy side of Blackpool beautifully, both in terms of content and the style in which it's filmed. It's full of OTT characters and unrealistic situations, and yet it keeps you watching, following the mystery and wanting to know just who is in the monkey suit on the Blackpool Tower at the end! Definitely worth a watch, one of the most original things I've ever seen on TV.

This is the series that did for Blackpool what Malcolm Pryce did for Aberystwyth, Maynard Tregunnell for Newquay, and Graham Greene for Brighton. Based on snippets retrieved from a lost suitcase once belonging to Viv Stantial, some postcards from Kafka to his Mum and subsequent meticulous investigative reporting, it single-handedly lifted the lid on the seething maelstrom of sheer honey-coated, dribbling, existential aspiration in our cherished yet blemished bucket and spade metropolii. Nobody could help but be heartened and deeply enriched by this tear-jerking evocation of the incredible closeness of English family life as ordinary people struggle to make a few pennies and enjoy some of life's little pleasures along the way.In future it will be realized that many of our contemporary greatest thespians reached the pinnacle of their creative careers in this little dramatic escapade. So much great acting that it seems unfair, nay churlish, to select any individuals for special mention. Yet for me the two standouts were Sarah Smart and Judy Parfitt. But hey! Who hasn't been filmed in an English seaside guesthouse in carnal pursuit at least once in their lives? It is no wonder that Lola's tender transformation, from demur 'girl next door' eroticism into a caring and productive woman, is so widely held as an inspiring role model for so many young women today. Similarly in her pivotal portrayal of the wise and kindly, if perhaps slightly over-sentimental, matriarch Mercy Woolf, Judy Parfitt is now pushing the late Queen Mum as the nation's favourite grandmother.Some will say `Funland' is just too rose-tinted, too prim, just too idealistic for the noughties. But I say there is still a place for such open hearted optimism that gives you a warm feeling inside, and puts a spring in your step, as you paddle in those summertime northern waters.

I received this DVD of the gloriously dark 'Funland' for xmas.Jeremy Dyson from the League of Gentlemen and a writer for Eastenders teamed up to create a wonderfully grotesque story in the gaudy town of Blackpool. Relaying the intricate story of the series would take too long, so you need to check this out! Having been created by a league member I just knew I was in for a treat.The story is engrossing with cliff hangers galore throughout and the acting by all concerned is superb. This is the most inventive and original comedy series I've seen in a long time. The images and characters will stay with you long after. A must see.

A very good buy for the price

This is the most fantastic comedy, of the darkest nature from the Mark Gattiss et al team! Certainly deserves to be re-shown on BBC. There are so many "gasp" moments! A very strong cast, with incredibly well created characterisation, scenes and sets, real-place locations in Blackpool, hotels ready for the Hotel Inspector to shudder at..! Judy Parfitt, Roy Baraclough amongst all the other actors giving extraordinary performances along with a creepy theme which hauntingly runs through each episode..Why was that monkey falling from Blackpool Tower one dark night? don't miss it or you'll regret it!

An enjoyable BBC production with many different aspects at any one time. Miss out from details at certain points and large aspects of the story can be missed.

This is a cult classic. Really bizarre at times and very enjoyable.Reminds me of the Doors album - Strange Days.A kind of fairground and circus romp within a gangster plot.