Enjoyed this, especially the two leads. Agree that the narration was overdone but the thing that grated for me was Judi Dench's accent, which was her usual posh precise diction with the odd cod Northern bit shoehorned in. Just didn't sound right.
In future, instead of tweeting or writing posts during transmission of a programme, pay attention to details in the credits. They're there for a reason!
Not always easy as they move too fast! Nearly didn't watch it because the trailer was awful. I'm glad I did.
I actually didn't mind Corden despite thinking oh god its him at the beginning. His softly spoken narrative suited it well I thought.
I wasn't too keen when I saw James Corden either but likewise I really thought it worked with the narration. I liked the part especially on the bus when he was telling us the story and the other passengers wanted to know how it turned out.
It was enchanting beginning to end.
I haven't read the book (or any others by that author) but would interested to hear from those who have whether there were 100 tortoises in it? Given that Mr Hoppy only needed a few (12 at most?) using all of his savings in the tin seemed completely unnecessary.
I haven't read the book (or any others by that author) but would interested to hear from those who have whether there were 100 tortoises in it? Given that Mr Hoppy only needed a few (12 at most?) using all of his savings in the tin seemed completely unnecessary.
I did find it odd having that many but I think he was a perfectionist and wanted to get the swap just right.
I loved how the money saved went from a Canadian fishing trip to bait
I like James Corden and thought he did a good job narrating, also liked the style of how it was done, was very touching and kept me interested all the way through.
Watched it having never heard of the Dahl book, and enjoyed it very much. As Judi was born and brought up in York, she would have had no trouble returning to her northern accent - it was nice to hear it as a change from her usual way of speaking. I thought the story was very sweet, and I enjoyed the ghastly boring neighbour - very funny, especially the scene when he called round with Alfie and poor Mrs. Silver realised she'd been tricked.
I haven't read the book (or any others by that author) but would interested to hear from those who have whether there were 100 tortoises in it? Given that Mr Hoppy only needed a few (12 at most?) using all of his savings in the tin seemed completely unnecessary.
A while since I read the book but I seem to remember there were around that purchased.
I haven't read the book (or any others by that author) but would interested to hear from those who have whether there were 100 tortoises in it? Given that Mr Hoppy only needed a few (12 at most?) using all of his savings in the tin seemed completely unnecessary.
I think having so many tortoises was just for visual effect.
Twelve tortoises wouldn't have the same visual impact of having absolutely loads of tortoises all over the kitchen.
I think it's entirely due to television being a visual medium, and therefore the language used to tell the story will be more visually based than a book.
I think having so many tortoises was just for visual effect.
Twelve tortoises wouldn't have the same visual impact of having absolutely loads of tortoises all over the kitchen.
I think it's entirely due to television being a visual medium, and therefore the language used to tell the story will be more visually based than a book.
No he visited many pet shops in the book and bought loads.
I thought it was a nice show, I'm in the minority who actually like James corden I think, it had two great actors in it too so wS never going to be unwatchable in my eyes
Watched it having never heard of the Dahl book, and enjoyed it very much. As Judi was born and brought up in York, she would have had no trouble returning to her northern accent - it was nice to hear it as a change from her usual way of speaking. I thought the story was very sweet, and I enjoyed the ghastly boring neighbour - very funny, especially the scene when he called round with Alfie and poor Mrs. Silver realised she'd been tricked.
Well I live in York and can only repeat that her accent was just a weird mixture which didn't sound right.
No he visited many pet shops in the book and bought loads.
No ... I believe he only bought eight! But I can see why they went for more ... eight would hardly be noticeable. Actually Mrs Silver was upset when Alfie couldn't get in his tortoise house and Mr Hoppy gave her some magic words to make him smaller again. He then chose one of the smaller tortoises and swapped it. In the book Mr Hoppy's secret is never revealed.
No ... I believe he only bought eight! But I can see why they went for more ... eight would hardly be noticeable. Actually Mrs Silver was upset when Alfie couldn't get in his tortoise house and Mr Hoppy gave her some magic words to make him smaller again. He then chose one of the smaller tortoises and swapped it. In the book Mr Hoppy's secret is never revealed.
I know his secret wasn't revealed but he definitely bought more than 8. For a start he had to try 2 different tortoises when getting a slightly smaller one and the book reviews all say he bought 140.
I know his secret wasn't revealed but he definitely bought more than 8. For a start he had to try 2 different tortoises when getting a slightly smaller one and the book reviews all say he bought 140.
I stand corrected then .. possibly he only used eight as swaps and that's why it stuck in my head. Anyway, my apologies. I really ought to re-read it
Excess and surreal are all part of Dahl as a storyteller, so i would expect both here.
Thousands of tortoises...but only one that matters! Thats part of the charm.
The sweetness would be Curtis.
Its an interesting mix of Dahl/Curtis...as its an interesting mix of Dench/Hoffman.
Judi Dench is from Yorkshire and well acquainted with regional accents. She did soft Northern Irish in Philomena too.
Love the magical final camera shots on the balcony.
A drama full of hope, and an apt choice to start the new year.
Id love to see them all do another....
Overnight Ratings were good at 6.47 million. Thats "Call the Midwife" levels.
Comments
Not always easy as they move too fast! Nearly didn't watch it because the trailer was awful. I'm glad I did.
I wasn't too keen when I saw James Corden either but likewise I really thought it worked with the narration. I liked the part especially on the bus when he was telling us the story and the other passengers wanted to know how it turned out.
It was enchanting beginning to end.
I haven't read the book (or any others by that author) but would interested to hear from those who have whether there were 100 tortoises in it? Given that Mr Hoppy only needed a few (12 at most?) using all of his savings in the tin seemed completely unnecessary.
I did find it odd having that many but I think he was a perfectionist and wanted to get the swap just right.
I loved how the money saved went from a Canadian fishing trip to bait
A while since I read the book but I seem to remember there were around that purchased.
I think having so many tortoises was just for visual effect.
Twelve tortoises wouldn't have the same visual impact of having absolutely loads of tortoises all over the kitchen.
I think it's entirely due to television being a visual medium, and therefore the language used to tell the story will be more visually based than a book.
No he visited many pet shops in the book and bought loads.
To be fair, the children were more annoying.
Well I live in York and can only repeat that her accent was just a weird mixture which didn't sound right.
I assume this was an American co-production so maybe it's to appeal to them?
Okay, thanks. I didn't know.
I know his secret wasn't revealed but he definitely bought more than 8. For a start he had to try 2 different tortoises when getting a slightly smaller one and the book reviews all say he bought 140.
Thousands of tortoises...but only one that matters! Thats part of the charm.
The sweetness would be Curtis.
Its an interesting mix of Dahl/Curtis...as its an interesting mix of Dench/Hoffman.
Judi Dench is from Yorkshire and well acquainted with regional accents. She did soft Northern Irish in Philomena too.
Love the magical final camera shots on the balcony.
A drama full of hope, and an apt choice to start the new year.
Id love to see them all do another....
Overnight Ratings were good at 6.47 million. Thats "Call the Midwife" levels.