I eagerly anticipated the adaptation of the Hogfather although having read it a couple of times and still not felt I really 'got it' I wondered how well it could be adapted for television. Being a big Terry Pratchett fan I desperately wanted it to be great but ended up very disappointed.
First the characters - Susan had not one iota of personality and (as with many of the others) delivered her lines without an ounce of feeling (or decent acting) resulting in no connection with her character. David Jason was mainly being David Jason though with a hint the Michael Caines thrown in at times. The Death of Rats (one of my favourite characters) popped in and quickly popped out again - if the CGI budget couldn't stretch just leave him out altogether for goodness sake. Teatime was interesting at first but his grating whine became annoying as time went on.
As for the story, there was no real flow. Things happened. Then other things happened. Then some other stuff went on and a bit more happened. Knowing Pratchett well and having read the book I could follow it (mostly) but anyone who hasn't read the Hogfather must have been totally lost. I was hoping this would be a platform whereby people who haven't read Discworld books would be captured and inspired to find out more. My wife just thought it was confusing and left the room.
Still, every cloud and all that - I enjoyed Death (a rarely used phrase I know) and thought Nobby was portrayed well. Ridcully (alone amongst the Wizards) was also well done by Joss Ackland.
Overall however this was a patchwork quilt of an adaptation, with poorly delivered dialogue and an impenetrable story for most of the population. I hope it doesn't put people off. His books are brilliant - really.
First the characters - Susan had not one iota of personality and (as with many of the others) delivered her lines without an ounce of feeling (or decent acting) resulting in no connection with her character. David Jason was mainly being David Jason though with a hint the Michael Caines thrown in at times. The Death of Rats (one of my favourite characters) popped in and quickly popped out again - if the CGI budget couldn't stretch just leave him out altogether for goodness sake. Teatime was interesting at first but his grating whine became annoying as time went on.
As for the story, there was no real flow. Things happened. Then other things happened. Then some other stuff went on and a bit more happened. Knowing Pratchett well and having read the book I could follow it (mostly) but anyone who hasn't read the Hogfather must have been totally lost. I was hoping this would be a platform whereby people who haven't read Discworld books would be captured and inspired to find out more. My wife just thought it was confusing and left the room.
Still, every cloud and all that - I enjoyed Death (a rarely used phrase I know) and thought Nobby was portrayed well. Ridcully (alone amongst the Wizards) was also well done by Joss Ackland.
Overall however this was a patchwork quilt of an adaptation, with poorly delivered dialogue and an impenetrable story for most of the population. I hope it doesn't put people off. His books are brilliant - really.