Dad's Army

British humour is the best in the world. No question. But even the best can have a chink in its armour. For every Father Ted, there's a Mrs. Brown's Boys. For every David Brent, there's an Ali G. For every Jack Dee, there's a Ken Dodd. But us British have a soft spot for nostalgia. So we now have this reboot of Dad's Army. There is a reason the television series is no longer being made. The humour just isn't funny anymore, and hasn't been for decades. However, this film is a faithful celebration of the 70s sitcom, with plenty of references to the legendary show, and it is an opportunity to remember the Home Guard. The ever charming Toby Jones gives a commendable performance as Captain Mainwaring, honoring and improving upon his predecessor, Arthur Lowe, and Bill Nighy provides an admirable Sergeant Wilson. But it is dreadfully unfunny. The overall gag of the ineptitude of the Home Guard, and how two local busy-bodies solve the mystery right under their noses, lands with a thud each and every time. It is made in the spirit of the ephemeral show, with less in-your-face broadness and more subtlety, but it is aiming for reverence over laughs, and unfortunately it succeeds.

D+

It was, however, nice to see a few familiar British faces, such as Martin Savage, Ian Lavender, Mark Gatiss, Sarah Lancashire, Felicity Montagu, Annette Crosbie, and Alison Steadman.