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Friday, May 13, 2011

Chris Lilley's 'Angry Boys'



First off, I really did mean to post yesterday, but blogger was down the entire evening so here's yesterday's... today!

Well, I've been waiting for about three years for this. Given that this is (mainly) a music blog, I don't talk a lot about other things I'm into, though longtime readers will probably remember me gushing about the TV series Summer Heights High on several occasions. I'm not a fan of most comedians or comedies in general. It's not that it takes a lot to make me laugh, but it does usually take a really specific style of humor.

Chris Lilley is, hands down, my favorite comic actor out there today. He's given us the fantastic We Can Be Heroes and my favorite comedy series ever, the aforementioned Summer Heights High. There's nothing particularly revolutionary about his mockumentary style (think The Office), but it's the quality of it that really sets his work apart. He's an incredible actor (the way he segues into the skin of all of his different characters is a marvel to behold) and a smart, truthful writer. His Mr. G and Ja'mie are two of my favorite characters in any medium.

So what am I getting at here? Lilley's new series, Angry Boys, premiered this week in Australia. It's been three years in the making and, like all of his work, is created and written by the man himself. It's set to be his longest series yet at twelve episodes, and sees a batch of new (yet oddly familiar) characters, as well as the characters of Nathan and Daniel from We Can Be Heroes. Sadly, nobody from Summer Heights High is back (I'm still hoping for a feature length Mr. G project with a new "arena spectacular").

It was with incredible anticipation that I watched the first Angry Boys episode a few nights ago. Unlike previous series, Lilley didn't introduce all of his characters in one night, choosing to instead focus on only three (Nathan and Daniel and new character "Gran"). While I found Gran to be pretty funny, though a bit like past Lilley creations, brothers Nathan and Daniel have never been my favorites. In fact, I'd go as far as saying they're my least favorite Lilley creations. From the previews I've seen, I look forward to Jen, the "manipulative Japanese mother." She seems to be the funniest character by far. What can I say? I'm a sucker for Lilley in drag. He's just so good at playing women.

As far as the first episode, the jury's still out for me personally. I didn't laugh a whole lot, but I'm not sure that's a huge problem because Lilley's creations often pack a heart-filled dose of reality that isn't always laugh out loud funny. After all, both WCBH and SHH ended on painful, heartbreaking moments for some of the characters. I'm wondering if Angry Boys will further explore the dramatic side of Lilley's creativity. From the previews, it's hard to tell.

One thing I can say, though, is that it's going to be awfully hard to top Summer Heights High. In fact, I think I'm better off not comparing the two and just enjoying Angry Boys for what it is. Either way, it's great to have Lilley back. It's been far too long.

Anyone else watching? Or if not, do we have any We Can Be Heroes/Summer Heights High fans lurking around here?

(very short) Trailer:


And my absolute FAVORITE Mr. G scene from the Summer Heights High bonus features:

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5 Comments:

Blogger Myfizzypop said...

OH! I didn't know it was on this week. Must hunt it down now as I am a huge fan of his previous work. Thanks for the heads up :)

12:11 AM  
Blogger ohianjo said...

being Australian of COURSE I loved both WCBH and SHH, but as i am studying in Taiwan, they make it hard to watch Angry Boys online... just had to download it. I didn't laugh too much either (hate the two old characters, seems to have been done to death), but pumped for the Japanese character... heres to the rest of the season :)

7:25 AM  
Anonymous gmisk said...

It could be a grower...Chris Lilleys stuff is always good.

6:12 AM  
Anonymous Cameron said...

Im the opposite, i laughed my head off the whole time!!! i thought gran was amazing! maybe i'm just easily amused or i just find racism funny.. i was not a fan of daniel and nathan in we can be heroes.. but theres more to them this time around which i am enjoying

10:58 PM  
Anonymous JeffC said...

OMG! Loved "Summer"! Hopefully HBO or someone will pick it up for the "States"!

5:59 PM  

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