Film Review: Bill

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The debut film from the beloved cast of Horrible Histories and Yonderland has been greatly anticipated by kids and adults alike, and it certainly lives up to expectations.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3elUyECKGc&w=750&h=452]

Bill follows the story of William Shakespeare as he leaves for London seeking stardom and recognition – though not everything goes to plan. During his quest for greatness, Bill finds himself caught up in the Catholic schemes of the Spanish King Phillip, and his new-found playwright abilities become a matter of life and death. The plot features some truly Shakespearean elements, such as deceit, murder, and an excessive amount of plotting. Unlike Shakespeare however, this comedy retelling is very suitable for children.

The humour of the film combines slapstick comedy with Monty Python style wit to make it suitable for the whole family. Parents might not find themselves laughing aloud at every joke, but the film is wholly enjoyable and entertaining throughout. It’s charming, well-written, and for those that grew up watching Horrible Histories, it’s a delightful throw-back to the silliness that we all loved.

The only mark on the film was the risky use of darker makeup to “look Spanish”, a problem bound to appear when all of the main cast are white, and although it may have flown in the time of Shakespeare, modern viewers can’t help but wonder whether it would’ve been wiser to actually hire Spanish actors and extras.

Overall, Bill is the perfect easy-going film to enjoy with your kids, spouse, or to just treat yourself to.

Words by Charlie Ginger Jones

 

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