Eric ldle's What About Dick?

Eric Idle's What About Dick? is a comedic, musical play-like film that tells the story of a group of characters who come together to perform a radio play in the 1940s. The film takes place in London, where a radio producer, Harry (Russell Brand), has gathered a group of performers to record a radio play written by a struggling writer, Dick (Eric Idle).

The ensemble includes the likes of Tim Curry, Eddie Izzard, Tracey Ullman, Billy Connolly, and Sophie Winkleman, who play a variety of characters in the radio play as well as in the film's overarching story. The radio play within the film is a parody of a murder mystery, with each of the characters playing stereotypical detective and suspect roles.

Throughout the film, the plot of the radio play is interspersed with scenes of the actors preparing for the recording, often breaking character and discussing their personal lives. This adds a layer of meta-commentary to the film, as the actors play both their radio play characters and caricatures of themselves.

The film's humor is often absurd and relies on puns, wordplay, and random acts of chaos to elicit laughs. The jokes often toe the line between clever and crass, with a healthy dose of sexual innuendos sprinkled throughout. The film's use of musical numbers, featuring songs written by Eric Idle, adds another layer of entertainment to the mix.

The character of Dick, played by Eric Idle, serves as a sort of narrator for the film, introducing each of the characters and providing context for the radio play. His character is also integral to the film's overarching plot, which involves a love triangle between Harry (Russell Brand), Lydia (Sophie Winkleman), and the absent writer, Dick.

The film's cast of comedians is top-notch, with each actor bringing their own unique style of humor to the table. Tim Curry is delightfully over-the-top as the play's villainous Inspector McGuffin, while Eddie Izzard provides a more subdued performance as the detective hero, Binky. Tracey Ullman plays a series of eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, and Billy Connolly steals the show with his portrayal of multiple characters, including a grumpy old man and a self-obsessed actor.

Despite its impressive cast and creative premise, Eric Idle's What About Dick? received mixed reviews upon its release. Some praised the film's irreverent humor and strong performances, while others criticized its lack of plot and reliance on cheap gags. However, fans of Monty Python-style comedy and musical theater are likely to find plenty to enjoy in this quirky, offbeat film.