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The Royle Family - The Complete Series 2 [1998]


RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £4.80 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

On paper, The Royle Family doesn't sound that promising: a working-class family from Manchester sit in their cluttered living room, watch the telly and argue over domestic details (the arrival of a telephone bill, for instance, provides the big dramatic event of the first episode, which aired in September 1998). But from such small everyday incidents, Royle Family creators Caroline Aherne and Dave Best (who play young couple Denise and Dave) have crafted one of the most successful shows on British television: a comedy about the joys and frustrations of family life that's warm, honest and very, very funny--Britain's answer to The Simpsons, whose success the show rivalled when it started broadcasting on BBC2 (the programme jumped channels to BBC1 for its second series).

The Royle Family marked an on-screen reunion for Brookside-actors Ricky Tomlinson (who plays bearded, big-hearted, banjo-playing Jim Royle) and Sue Johnston as his wife Barbara, the driving force behind the Royle household. It is smart casting because The Royle Family is as much a soap opera as a situation comedy. Now in its third series, The Royle Family has seen its characters develop like real folk. Denise and Dave got married and now have a little sprog; Barbara starts menopause (how many sitcoms are brave enough to use that for laughs?) and Denise's kid brother Anthony shakes off his surly adolescence when he turned 18 in series two. Unlike Oasis, who provide the shows theme song "Halfway Round the World", this programme just keeps getting better.

But no soap--not even Brookside in its dafter moments--has one-liners as brilliantly crafted as The Royle Family. (The scripts from the series are available to buy.) Slouched in his armchair, Jim's dour running commentary on the TV shows that are on at the time are particularly priceless: Changing Rooms, for instance, boils down to "a Cockney knocking nails into plywood... Is this what its come to?" Not quite: because as long as the Royle Family are around, there is something worthwhile to watch. --Edward Lawrenson


Absolutely Hilarious
Review date: 2001-07-27 Rating: 10 out of 10

I own both series' 1 and 2 on video and I have to say that series 2 is funnier. The presence of Ricky Tomlinson makes this programme funnier than it would be without him. When he finds out that Norma is going to stay for another week, his reaction makes it the best moment in the history of the show, starting with his initial reaction "Over my dead body..." simply brilliant.

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Reviews


That ashtray just gets fuller............
Review date: 2001-06-20 Rating: 8 out of 10

Caroline and co are back with the second series of the hit sitcom and, although not quite on a par with the first, it is still miles better than any other 'new' comedy doing the rounds at the moment. The cast are faultless - Ricky Tomlinson is the undisputed star but praise must go to Sue Johnson, whose comic timing is superb but also manages to flesh out her character without it becoming a soap character or a cartoon (when dealing with Barbara's menapause.) A pregnant Denise now doing even more of absolutely nothing and Anthony getting himself a girlfriend, whom Jim refers to as Emma Rhoid to confuse Nana, all provide an ongoing stream of belly-laughs and witty one-liners with just the occasional dud. So, although the first series is probably the definitive, this one is definitely worth having.

Back For The Second Series!
Review date: 2000-11-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

Seems to have been a long wait but no doubt it'll be worth it! For those of you who watched all six episodes on BBC1, then you'll be rushing to the stores for this one! Denise's pregnancy, an episode of Changing Rooms and of course, Anthony's cohres of making a bre every 10 minutes make this somewhat simple idea for a comedy such a brilliant one! Ricky TOmlinson is in his best form making this comedy what it is - this video will accompany the first in style - YOU MUST BUY IT!

Brillant the royale family on video!
Review date: 2000-10-23 Rating: 10 out of 10

Who hasn't seen the royale family? I've watched from series 1 throw to series 2 and each episode has made me cry with laughter!The complete series 2 is a must buy with unforgetable moments!Caroline Aherne and the family are so realistic it keeps you glued!You must see this program because you havent lived untill you do!

Product Details/Specifications


Creators:
Mike Popley (Cinematographer)

Recording label: Granada Media
Manufacturer: Granada Media
EAN: 5024165915417
Binding: VHS Tape
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2000-11-06
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Running time: 175 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1999
Language: English (Original Language)

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