Ricky Gervais Page 6

Ricky Gervais didn't take home an Emmy at last night’s awards, but give it a week or so and we might all believe that he did. The actor and comedian stole the show during the award’s ceremony, when he pretended to win an award and even managed a few tears.

Ricky Gervais pretended to win an Emmy award during Sunday night’s ceremony.

Taking to the stage to present the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Gervais (who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie this year), told the audience, “Back again, to lose another one.”

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Steals The Show By Pretending To Win An Emmy

The big movie news this week has been Sony's decision to cancel the release of the James Franco/Seth Rogen comedy The Interview due to threats made by a hacking group. The film had already held its Los Angeles premiere, attended by Franco and Rogen, costar Diana Bang and cowriter-director Evan Goldberg, who were photographed on the red carpet. But the New York premiere was cancelled, as was all press and any plans for a theatrical or home video release.

Photos - Los Angeles Premiere Of 'The Interview'

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Sony Gives In To Hackers, Night At The Museum 3 Holds Dual Premieres, Spectre Shoots In London And Trailers Promise Action And Romance This Spring

Ricky Gervais is taking his most famous comedy creation to the big screen. David Brent: The Movie, or Life on the Road as it’s actually called, will is currently being developed with BBC Films and goes in to production in 2015.

 Ricky Gervais poses for photos at The Muppets premiere (Getty 2014/Charley Gallay)

A Brent movie has been on the cards for a while since Gervais brought the former paper merchant back, first for a Comic Relief sketch + song with Doc Brown, then with a series of ‘Learn Guitar’ videos on YouTube in which he played dubious songs under the pretense that he was teaching. 

Continue reading: The David Brent Movie - Life On The Road - Is Set To Go Into Production In 2015

Ricky Gervais reintroduced care worker Derek Noakes on Wednesday night (April 23) for a second season of his latest comedy. The show was heavily criticised during season one, with some indignation focusing on Gervais' apparent portrayal of learning difficulties. Derek is a kind man, helpful and selfless with good intentions, though some critics couldn't help but ignore the way in which Gervais played him.

It appears to be more of the same in terms of criticism for season 2, with The Guardian's Sam Wollaston writing, "That's the biggest problem with Derek. Not, as some have said, that it mocks people with learning difficulties (it's too kind for that, and tries to be sympathetic). Just that it's a very crude portrayal. Gervais's previous characters - David Brent and Andy Millman - are not, I suspect, so very different from RG himself, kind of grotesque caricatures. Here he's trying to be someone else completely, and it's awful."

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais's 'Derek' Divides Critics (Again) After Season 2 Premiere

Ricky Gervais isn’t a third series kind of guy. ‘The Office’ wrapped up in two seasons followed by a 2-part Christmas special. ‘Extras’ was much the same. ‘Derek’, though, Gervais’ less critically acclaimed but equally popular effort, could be in line for a third outing.

"It's the first time I've ever considered doing a third series of something," said Gervais. "I think I certainly want to do the two series and a special for Derek and then see. I don't want to make TV for the sake of it. You have other ideas and also you don't want to outstay your welcome."

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Considering Uncharted Territory: A Third Series Of 'Derek'

The Office was one of The BBC’s greatest critical successes, thrusting the show’s creator, Ricky Gervias, onto worldwide notoriety. David Brent’s mannerisms and sound-bytes have reached icon status.

Are we going to be more than learning guitar with David Brent?

And following Gervais’ reprisal of the character for comic relief and subsequent Learn Guitar videos, The Hollywood Reporter are reporting that The BBC and Netlifx are interested in bringing The Office back for more small screen time.

Continue reading: Netflix Want David Brent And The Office Back On TV - Should Ricky Gervais Do It?

With their new movie taking global cinemas by storm, The Muppets have been out on the press trail chatting to journalists and keeping them laughing. When asked about the experience of shooting this action-comedy-musical sequel, Kermit says, "We had a lot of fun." But Miss Piggy takes it further: "We had exactly 2.7 times the fun. Drama, comedy, music, romance and lots of close-ups of me!"

Tina Fey and Kermit in 'The Muppets Most Wanted'

In the film, Kermit is kidnapped and sent to a Siberian gulag, swapped for look-alike evil frog Constantine. But Kermit doesn't see the resemblance at all. "I don't understand why people think all frogs look alike," he says. "We're both green but that's where the similarity ends. And Constantine isn't as bad as he seems."

Continue reading: The 'Muppets Most Wanted' Meet The Press

He’s proving to be one of the U.K’s most enduring characters, is David Brent. And now Ricky Gervais has revealed plans for the erstwhile Wernham Hogg manager to make an on-screen return in the form of a behind the scenes tour.

Learn Guitar with David Brent gave us the chance to learn some tunes

"I think I’ve got something, but I’m still working on it – the music side of it is really a Trojan horse for something else I want to try," Gervais told The Sunday Times in an interview. 

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Reveals Even More David Brent Comeback Plans

For a kids’ movie, The Muppets: Most Wanted has more than its fair share of decidedly adult jokes. Of course, it’s no surprise that a film starring top tier comedians like Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey would have a few jokes aimed at the grownups.

Kermit's back and he even has an evil doppleganger this time.

Those mainly consisted of a Russian gulag, looking just like you’d imagine a Russian gulag in an American film to look, and some running jokes about Europeans’ work habits and frequent vacations. The end of American diplomacy this certainly isn’t, but it’s more than just a fun-filled colorful romp for children. And definitely more complex than its 2011 predecessor.

Continue reading: "Muppets: Most Wanted" Isn't Just For Kids, Apparently

After the surprise success of The Muppets in 2011, first-time British director James Bobin knew making a sequel would present a big challenge. "I thought we needed to make it harder," he says. "So that's what we did: let's make an action comedy musical movie, you know!"

Ricky Gervais in The Muppets Most Wanted

The movie sees the Muppets embark on an ambitious world tour, taking in Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London while a nefarious plot unravels around them. As expected, the story is plainly ridiculous, and merely exists to let the Muppets indulge in all kinds of craziness. It also allows for some terrific human actors to join in the fun, including main cast members Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell and a blinding array of cameos from Celine Dion to Tom Hiddleston.

Continue reading: 'The Muppets Most Wanted': On The Road Again

It must be difficult to follow 2011’s The Muppets, featuring Amy Adams and Jason Segal in a musical that delighted critics and fans alike. And Muppets Most Wanted certainly fell victim to that pressure early on, but a recent surge of positive reviews have seen the Ricky Gervais-starring film garner a more than respectable average on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The Muppets and Gervais out for dinner in Muppets Most Wanted

The film sees The Muppets embarking upon a world tour, hitting the iconic cities in Europe like Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London. Things aren’t running smoothly for long, though, as the fuzzy friends find themselves embroiled in the middle of an international crime syndicate headed by Constantine, who’s the World's Number One Criminal, and just so happens to be the spitting image of Kermit the Frog.

Continue reading: After A Shaky Start, 'Muppets Most Wanted' Strikes A Chord With The Critics

Muppets: Most Wanted is out in the US on Friday, so it might be time to talk about some of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the gang’s latest adventures. In Muppets: Most Wanted, the fuzzy stars of the long-running franchise team up with the likes of Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Ty Burell on a cross-continental hunt for a high-profile jewel thief – who just happens to look a lot like Kermit the Frog.

So far, the critics are divided on Muppets: Most Wanted.

With two days left until the premiere, the movie is already a hit, as far as early reviews are concerned. Without going into too much spoiler-y detail, The Wrap’s review promises self aware jokes and absurdist plot twists – just what we’ve come to expect from the Muppets. It’s not a universal hit – THR’s review is one of a few negative ones, pegging MMW as “an oddly off-key follow-up to the generally amusing 2011 feature”.

Continue reading: Action, Romance, Crime - 'The Muppets: Most Wanted' Might Just Have It All

Two new films held their premieres in Hollywood this week. Muppets Most Wanted's world premiere was attended by stars Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Kermit and Miss Piggy. Meanwhile, Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper and Imogen Poots walked the red carpet for Need for Speed, which also hits cinemas this weekend. Take a look at photos from the colorful if not slightly odd 'Muppets Most Wanted' Premiere. Or the marginally more grown up premiere for 'Need for Speed' and you can read the 'Need for Speed' Movie Review here.

Following its world premiere at the South by South West Festival, Veronica Mars also held red carpet premieres in Hollywood and New York with Kristen Bell and the cast. You can see the 'Veronica Mars' cast have their selfie game on point at SXSW for the premiere. Or you can read our 'Veronica Mars' Movie review here. And in Mexico City, Darren Aronofsky turned up with cast members Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth for the world premiere of his new film Noah, which also released a new extended trailer ahead of its release in two weeks. Here the detail on the 'Noah' movie making first waves in mexico despite religious controversy. And here's that 'Noah' extended trailer.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Films Premiere In Hollywood, Texas And Mexico, Captain America Gathers Buzz, Sin City 2 Delivers A Trailer And Rumours Swirl About Episode Vii Casting

The last outing for The Muppets on the big screen saw Amy Adams and Jason Segal lauded for their all-singing, all-dancing exploits. Most Wanted picks up directly from the 2011 musical, but has it managed to recapture the magic of its predecessor? The critics are unsure. Some reviews are lovely and doting; some border on insulting. So to give you a fair and balanced cross section of opinion on the new Muppets film, here are three examples of the good, the bad, and the not so good or bad.

Ricky Gervais stars in Muppets Most Wanted

The good – Simon Brew writing for Den of Geek

Continue reading: So Far, The Critics Are Divided On 'Muppets Most Wanted' - Review Roundup

Did you think you’d never get the chance to see David Brent live in concert every again? Perhaps you thought it was a foregone conclusion… Well, not to worry, because the ex-Slough-based office manager-cum-talented musician has announced new tour dates with his band, Foregone Conclusion.

Why don't we all just learn guitar with David Brent

The news will come as a relief to those who missed out on tickets the first time around; Brent's autumn 2013 gigs at London's Bloomsbury theatre and Bristol's Colston Hall sold out in under 15 seconds. Those that weren’t speedy enough were forced to watch their Office boxsets, crying.

Continue reading: Missed David Brent Live? Don’t Worry - More Dates Have Been Announced?

John Oliver went from working the stand up scene in the U.K to being recommended by Ricky Gervais to U.S giant Jon Stewart. He then hosted The Daily Show in place of Stewart to critical acclaim, and how he has his own HBO show. It’s good to be John Oliver right now.

John Oliver Is Getting His Own HBO Show

"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" will air Sundays in the 11:00-11:30 p.m. It’ll take a Satirical look at the week in news, politics and current affairs, HBO confirmed in a statement, but they were secretive about anything else the show had to offer.

Continue reading: John Oliver, With Gervais Seal Of Approval, Hits TVs On HBO In Late April

Vivienne Westwood has designed a custom wedding dress of porcine proportions for Miss Piggy. The star of The Muppets will wear the stunning white gown when she finally weds the love of her life, Kermit the Frog, at the iconic Tower of London in the upcoming movie.

Miss Piggy Will Wed Kermit The Frog In This Stunning, Bespoke Vivienne Westwood Gown.

The British designer was commissioned to create a unique gown in a romantic style fitting for the high-maintenance diva. Westwood and her team certainly excelled on the brief, designing an extravagant Long Ivory Court wedding gown, with corset detailing and paillettes made from recycled plastic bottles, and accessorised with an elegant ivory tulle veil.

Continue reading: Vivienne Westwood Designs Miss Piggy's Wedding Dress, And It's Fabulous

The full length trailer has just been released for The Muppets Most Wanted and boy, it looks like a thrill ride of a movie. The sequel to 2011's hugely successful The Muppets will see the furry gang plus some high-profile actors unite to take Kermit and Co. on a globe-trotting, crime-solving trip around the world.

Kermit...Or The Evil Constantine?

Filmed at London's Pinewood Studios, the plot follows Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and friends as they bask in the flow of their successful theatre tour. Things are peachy for the team until Kermit's evil doppelganger Constantine and his sneaky sidekick steal priceless jewels and the real Kermit becomes embroiled in a potentially career-destroying jewellery heist.

Continue reading: 'The Muppets Most Wanted' Takes Muppet Hijinks Global [Trailer + Pictures]

If, and we mean if, David Brent makes his feature debut in a movie, then it won’t be anything to do with the 2-series BBC sitcom that thrust the character into the hallowed ground of legendary status in the U.K.

“I haven’t spoken to Ricky about it,” said Stephen Merchant told Digital Spy of the plans to make a David Brent movie. “I don’t know if it’s just talk or a proper plan. [But] I think if he did do it, it would be David Brent in isolation away from The Office.”

Continue reading: Possible David Brent Movie Will Feature Real Departure For Former Paper Merchant

While David Brent and Andy Burrow’s musical union isn’t a joke in and of itself – the pair have known each other since Ricky Gervais met Burrow on Jonathon Ross in 2008 – there’s nothing more Brent than coupling with a member of Razorlight. Nothing.

Burrows is alright though; he’s got a lovable face and plenty of auburn stubble. And he’s not Johnny Borrell. Combine those things and you’ve got yourself a pretty decent bloke all told. He’s now realising the dream of every 29-year-old man (he’s 34 himself) by playing live with Gervais’s Brent.

Continue reading: David Brent Heading On UK Tour With Ex-Razorlight Drummer Is SO David Brent

It's been almost ten years since David Brent was last on our screens, however Ricky Gervais' most celebrated character still has the potential to draw in one helluva crowd. It took only 15 seconds for tickets to his two shows at London's Bloomsbury Theatre to sell out and needless to say, the anticipation before the first show was at tipping point. The pressure was on Brent and his backing group, Foregone Conclusion, to deliver when they went on stage last night (14 Oct.) and deliver is just what they did.

The 'Learn Guitar with David Brent' series re-launched the comic creation

Gervais reignited interest in Brent when he began uploading 'Learn to Play Guitar with David Brent' videos on to his YouTube page. They were viewed by millions and the humour was roundly praised by fans, prompting record deals, movie offers and concert opportunities to be thrust Gervais' way. But rather than take the offers to release an album and perform at Wembley, Gervais decided to take baby steps first and begin Brent's possible future with two shows in intimate settings, with a second performance taking place at the Bloomsbury later this month.

Continue reading: David Brent & Foregone Conclusion Deliver The Laughs In First Live Show

David Brent is heading on the road with his always-reliable band Foregone Conclusion for two intimate shows in London next month. Brent and Foregone Conclusion will bring 'A Work In Progress' to London's Bloomsbury Theatre for two nights, on 14 and 23 October, with tickets available for both gigs now.

Brent invites you to play guitar with him.

A spokesman said: "The audience will get to enjoy songs, performed live for the first time, from Brent’s back catalogue including ‘Free Love Freeway', ‘Spaceman Came Down’, ‘Slough’, ‘Life on The Road’ and ‘Ain’t No Trouble’."

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais To Perform Two London Shows As David Brent Next Month

Having achieved moderate success with the comeback of David Brent, Ricky Gervais has decided to push the envelope even further by putting his seminal creation on the road for live shows.

We say moderate because, in comparison to the remarkable achievement that The Office was, contemporary Brent is nothing above average.

Is Gervais a bit of a muppet for extending Brent's lifespan?

Continue reading: David Brent Live, Is This Ricky Gervais's Worst Idea Ever?

Ricky Gervais is taking a leaf out of Steve Coogan's book by resurrecting his most famous comic creation for a big screen outing. Following the universal praise and significant success of Alan Partridge's first big screen outing in Alpha Papa, Gervais is planning a big screen trip for his The Office creation David Brent, with movie being just one of many future outings that Gervais has lined up for the cringe-inducing Brent.

Gervais will bring back his David Brent character for a string of new projects

Following the success of his YouTube series 'Learn To Play Guitar With David Brent,' which he launched in May this year, Gervais soon began discussing plans to take Brent on tour following numerous 'six figure' discussions with various record companies to make a Brent album. After initially claiming that the album offers were too little, too late, it now looks as though Gervais will be bringing back Brent for a string of new projects, with the album, tour and movie all expected to arrive in the next few years. Details about what we can expect and when we can expect it have yet to be announced officially, although we can hopefully expect to hear something from Gervais or one of his representative in the near-future.

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Planning 'David Brent' Film Based On YouTube Series

The big news this week was that Harrison Ford will join the Expendables for their third film adventure. Sylvester Stallone tweeted the announcement, then went on to mention that Bruce Willis won't be around this time, apparently because he asked for too much money. Stallone was also caught on camera poking fun at Arnold Schwarzenegger's "big ego". Before they re-team for the next Expendables movie, they're costarring in the prison-break thriller Escape Plan. Watch Sly talking about Arnie at Comic Con here.

The next big superhero blockbuster will be Thor: The Dark World, and we got a more detailed look at the film in a new trailer this week. Pretty much everyone is back, including Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba and Stellan Skarsgard. The movie looks like a huge-scale action adventure with a sense of humour about it. It opens in October. Watch the trailer for Thor: The Dark World here.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Ford Joins The Expendables, Thor Strikes Back, And Get Ready For The Biopics

The release date may be a year away but The Muppets have dropped a new trailer to their upcoming, globe-trotting sequel, Muppets Most Wanted.

The one minute-long teaser trailer gives a glimpse of the glam and razzmatazz we can expect from the team. We're given hints of Ricky Gervais', P Diddy, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey's characters. We see the latter as a strict Russian war camp commander with a penchant for disco dancing which will certainly make for exciting and hilarious viewing.

Muppets Most Wanted Is Set To Raise The Roof For The Second Time.

Continue reading: New Muppets Most Wanted Trailer: Jet-Setting, Jewel Thieves & Moves Like Jagger [Trailer + Pictures]

“The Muppets have always been about artistic integrity, not cheap tricks,” says Kermit in the first trailer for the original Muppets movie. He had a point then and it still stands now; Ty Burell, Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais – some of the most unexpected casting choices for this kind of film – definitely aren’t cheap. The producers even somehow managed to get Tom Hiddleston on the cast list, making this possibly the first Muppets movie to be watched by squealing teenage and 20-something fangirls (we assume).

Check out the teaser below.

Continue reading: The Muppets Do Europe In Brand New Teaser For 'Muppets Most Wanted' [Video]

One look at Ricky Gervais and The Office shoots into most people’s brains. As typecasting goes, this isn’t exactly bad news – the two-season + Christmas special BBC comedy is revered as one of Britain’s finest comedy exports, and, as Gervais himself would tell you, has won absolutely loads of awards.

For better or for worse, David Brent is still with us; he’s doing his bit for Comic Relief, and imparting guitar-based wisdom over the Internet via YouTube. And his musical talents have earned him some attention from around the globe, with record deals being offered left, right and centre.

"I can't believe I'm now getting ridiculous offers from major record deals all over the world for a David Brent album,” said Gervais, Music Week report. Where were these people when I was trying to be a real popster? And starving?"

Continue reading: Why Ricky Gervais' Record Label Offers Are Too Little, Too Late

The Muppets have congratulated Kate Middleton and Prince William on the birth of the royal baby. Miss Piggy and Kermit The Frog star in a video that hit the web on Tuesday (July 23, 2013), with the former hinting that she may be ready for a little royal sprog of her own.

"Oh Kermie! Isn't it exciting Kate is a mummy, Prince William is a daddy - and there's a new baby boy!" says Miss Piggy, "Kind of makes you want to have a Royal child of your own. oh come on, can't you just hear the little pitter patter of tadpole feet?" she asks.

"Tadpoles don't have feet," comes Kermit's blunt reply, before he runs off screen for no apparent reason. 

Continue reading: The Muppets' Miss Piggy, Kermit, Congratulate Kate Middleton, Prince William

We won’t beat around the bush, Ricky Gervais’ Golden Globes performance predicates any talk of the British comedian hosting anything that involves lots of celebrities in one room. But given the recent statements from The Office creator, in which he says it would be a “thrill” to host The Oscars 2014, why don’t we just reconsider his credentials.

So he offended loads of people with some jokes, so what? What else do you want from a host? Did Seth Macfarlane’s all-singing, all-dancing performance at last year’s Oscars really inspire a new style of presenting? We don’t think it did. Gervais has proved he’s amongst the funniest there is with The Office, Extras, his work with Karl Pilkington and Derek, and, quite frankly, his dry, deadpan style is translating to America recently, especially with the success of Girls creator Lena Dunham and comedian Louis C.K.

Continue reading: Let's Give Ricky Gervais A Shot At The Oscars - What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

Tonight sees the finale episode of The Office hit NBC. It’s a sad day for sure, but after eight hilarious years of workplace jokes, it’s time to celebrate the life of this great show. What better way to remember it than a top 5 moments? A top 10 moment perhaps, but you’ll get what you’re given.

These two have been the face of The Office for over a decade

Kicking off our choice selections is The Christmas Goose; Dwight brings a dead goose into the office with only good intentions at heart, but the other staff members aren’t so sure they want a dead animal lying about. Our favourite line: “Can you watch this? I’m going to get my carving knife out of the truck.”

Continue reading: Saying Goodbye To 'The Office' – Top 5 Moments

Guessing games with little information to go on are basically pointless. But now there’s something to go on: Steve Carell WILL be returning to The Office for the show’s finale.

Executive producer Greg Daniel gave the cryptic clue in a conference call with reporters last week. “I think Steve felt, and I agree, that the ‘Goodbye, Michael’ episode was his goodbye and he didn’t want to overshadow the ending that all the other characters deserved,” he said. People have taken that to mean he WILL be in the show, but he WON’T overshadow it, because that’s how people have decided to take it. TV Line report it will be a cameo performance, and any overshadowing will not occur, which is convenient really. Of course, An NBC spokesperson declined to comment, and Carell’s rep maintains that his presence will not be felt in The Office ever again. They didn’t say it quite so emphatically, but they said it. Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak are already confirmed to be returning for the final episode.

You always get the feeling he's about to do something funny - Carell

Continue reading: Steve Carell To Return For 'The Office' Finale

Ten years after David Brent left The Office's Christmas party, the excruciating former boss of Wernham Hogg is back and doing what he does best, sort of. That's rep-ping and playing the acoustic guitar. Ricky Gervais is back as his most famous creation for a one-off special entitled 'The Office Revisited' for Comic Relief.

A short trailer for the new episode hit the web this week, showing Brent embarking on a side job career as a would-be music mogul while still milking his "cash cow" job as a sales rep to pay the bills. Brent sells cleaning products door-to-door though puts most of his efforts into a rapper called Dom Johnson. He's even written a "political reggae" song titled 'Equality Street' for his new signing.

Continue reading: Freelove Freeway: Gervais's David Brent Picks Up The Acoustic Guitar, Again

Good news for fans of Ricky Gervais and, still, arguably his most famous character David Brent – the British comic is going to be bringing him back!

Don’t get too excited, this isn’t looking like a permanent thing, but Gervais will be bringing back the main character of hugely celebrated The Office for a Comic Relief Special. Comic Relief airs on March 15^th on BBC One, and speaking about his decision to revive the character that gave him his name in comedy, Gervais told The Sun “I thought it was time to revisit my most famous comedy creation to find out what he’s been up to for the last decade and most importantly what he’s up to now.”

Continue reading: David Brent's Back! Ricky Gervais Confirms The Office UK Will Be Returning

Ricky Gervais' latest project is a comedy/drama set in a nursing home in which he plays the title character, a mentally challenged helper at the care home, named Derek.

In today's Observer, the comic has spoken of his own opinions on the state of elderly care at the moment and frankly he is not happy at how old people are treated, and rightly so too. In his critical response to elderly care, Gervais has called on public figures and Hollywood stars to promote the care of the 'forgotten' old people, pondering why old age has become something of an insult even though it is an inevitability we all share.

He told the paper, “No one cares. They're forgotten, bewildered, and I don't think it's because people are cruel or don't care. It's because you don't want to think about your own mortality."

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Calls For More Care For The Elderly

Ricky Gervais' personal and very unique brand of comedy has never been something to pass by silently, or to watch idly. By its very nature it creates audience interaction either by portraying a (painfully) familiar environment, or by having contentious content. 

When his newest sitcom Derek, which is about a seemingly handicapped man working in a care home, had its pilot on Channel 4 in 2012, many viewers and reviewers were outraged by content they deemed to be offensive in its apparent mocking and ridiculing the disabled. However, the series was put into production and episode one was aired last night (30th Jan) and while there are certainly some negative comments out there, the general consensus is on a turnaround.

The Huffington Post's review is particularly reflective and generous of both the show and Gervais. Caroline Frost ultimately concludes that "Gervais gives notice of a call to arms" in regard to the wider topics ventured in the first episode, including the state of the care system and its budgets, but admits that it's a challenging watch, because simultaneously "laughing and pitying" is difficult. As she notes, however, whether or not Derek is disabled, "picking hairs over the nuances of one character is... missing a bigger point here." 

Continue reading: Review Round-up: Ricky Gervais' 'Derek', Offensive Or Brilliant?

It appears Dean Gaffney had a lucky escape after a car crash in Derby on Wednesday evening (January 30, 2013). The 34-year-old was returning home after starring in a stage production of A Murder Is Announced when his car struck the central reservation on the A38 at about 22.45 GMT, according to BBC News.

Despite early Twitter speculation, Gaffney's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening and he is recovering at the Royal Derby Hospital. The former Eastenders actor is starring in the Agatha Christie murder-mystery at Derby Theatre. Venue manager Gary Johnson said, "We are just really sad to announce we understand there was a car accident that happened last night which Dean Gaffney was involved in. After the performance had finished yesterday evening on his way home we understand the accident happened." A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Police said, "There was just one car involved that hit the central reservation.He was taken to Royal Derby Hospital where he received treatment for head injuries but those injuries aren't thought to be life-threatening."

Gaffney has been fighting to resurrect his career since leaving Eastenders, making appearances on various reality television shows such as I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. He poked fun at his lack of employability in an episode of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's Extras.

Continue reading: Dean Gaffney Car Crash Injuries "Not Thought To Be Life Threatening"

Ricky Gervais’ new comedy Derek managed to take impressive viewing figures of some 1.8 million viewers on British network Channel 4, but with the show offering yet more of the comedian’s remorseless humour and unflinching awkwardness, is there a case to be made that the comic has moved on from being outspoken to just plain mean?

Gervais plays Derek, a man in his mid-40’s working in a care home for the elderly; what’s offending people seems to be the way in which Gervais plays his character, walking with a defined lurch, and acting in a manner that could quite easily be construed as mocking the disabled. The Guardian suggests that Gervais has gradually amped up the way in which he deals with non-PC issues, from material about race and disability in The Office to dramatizing a dwarf’s own struggles in life on Life’s Too Short, to finally this apparent fully-open mockery of disability.

However, Derek’s character goes back to when Gervais used to perform live way back in 2001; Gervais meanwhile has insisted publicly that he isn’t meaning any disrespect to those suffering from disability in his character portrayal, claiming that Derek is merely maladroit. Ultimately what may well prove that Gervas isn’t being quite as harsh as some people are making out, is that it’s clear from the first episode, that Derek often emerges as a hero-like figure, far from the butt of a joke that, say, Michael Crawford’s Frank Spencer was in the 1970’s comedy Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.

Continue reading: Was Ricky Gervais' Derek Offensive? Or Are We Just Looking At An Excuse To Criticize Him?

The new Muppets film, The Muppets... Again! will have a retro feel, as it harks back to the 1960s. Joining the crew of cotton-based favourites are Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell.

"It's a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog - no panthers, even pink ones - along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs," the film's director James Bobin said in a statement. Gervais will play the sidekick to villain Constantine; Fey will assume the role of prison guard Nadya. And Modern Family actor Ty Burrell will play an Interpol agent. Sounds like fun. The Hollywood studio in charge, Walt Disney, said "The Muppets ... Again!," a follow-up to "The Muppets," is set to be released in theatres on March 21, 2014.

Bret McKenzie will once again be on musical duties - he won an Oscar for his song 'Man or Muppet' for the last film. 'The Muppets' made more than $100 million at the global box office, so the sequel will have a lot to live up to, but given the popularity of the characters, and the star-added value in Gervais, Fey and Burrell, we're sure it'll trump all Muppet records.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were widely hailed as successful hosts of last night’s Golden Globes, keeping it clean but funny. So much so that it caused the Guardian to remark that it was something of a ground-breaking moment in awards history. “Something rather important happened last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Something groundbreaking. Something record-setting,” they wrote. “Tina Fey and Amy Poehler proved that hosts of an awards ceremony can actually be funny.” Now, of course, all eyes are turning to Seth Macfarlane, who – somehow – has to try and do the same at the Oscars. No pressure, there Seth… no pressure.

MacFarlane was clearly taking notes last night, ahead of his Oscars moment and he was quick with the praise for the duo. “Please give Tina and Amy high marks because they did great,” he told the press and explained that he’s well aware of the pressure that he’s under, as the Oscars host and said “Oscars hosts always get thrashed.” Of course, Tina and Amy had the benefit, you could argue, of having each other to bounce off and work with. Seth won’t have the luxury of a comedy partner but what he will have is the eyes of the world upon him. The Golden Globes are a mere precursor to the international weight of the Oscars.

Poehler and Fey were careful not to cause the kind of barrel-scraping outrage that Ricky had done before them and it seems that the raciest thy got with their jokes was probably in relation to Kathryn Bigelow, when Fey said “I haven't been following the controversy about 'Zero Dark Thirty,' but when it comes to torture, I'll trust the lady who was married to James Cameron for three years.” They ended the evening by announcing that they were going home with Jodie Foster who had just been on the stage confirming that, as the world kind of knew anyway, she was definitely gay. If we were Seth MacFarlane, we’d be worried; seems like Amy and Tina got to all the good jokes first, huh?

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler joked their way though a press conference about their hosting roles at Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony.

They were big on jokes and low on facts but we guess that’s what you’d expect from comedy’s leading ladies. According to USA Today, the conference was more like a stand-up routine than your average promotional chat but it certainly makes for entertaining reading.

When they were asked how their background in improv will come in handy during the broadcast, Tina answered “If a drunk person wanders onstage, we'll know how to handle it” and when they were pitted against each other to see who was asked to do the job first, Poehler answered “One of us and the car from Transformers,” whilst Fey backed her up by saying “there was not a door large enough in the venue to get the car in there.” Their casual approach to their hosting gig continued when they were grilled about how much preparation they’d put into it, with Fey saying “we just a really long nap and now we’re, ‘Oh my God, it’s Sunday.’”

Continue reading: Golden Globes 2012 Red Carpet Promo - Tina Fey And Amy Poehler Bring The Laughs

Former Saturday Night Live-ers Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will helm the third biggest night (according to viewing figures) in the film calendar, as they aim to be less offensive but just as memorable as Ricky Gervais when they host The Golden Globes. 

Talking to The Hollywood Reporter about saying yes to The Globes as opposed to other ceremonies, Fey passed the buck to Poehler, saying, "Well, Amy, you've been asked to perform at the Super Bowl a bunch of times." 

Picking up the baton, Amy concurred, "That's right. But I told them my show is too big for that venue. And I was actually one of the people carrying stuff at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, but nobody noticed. [Laughs.] No, we've fortunately been to a few of these awards show things now, and we've had some fun while we were there. And then the Golden Globes is just quirky and weird enough, I think that it's up our alley."

Continue reading: Comedy Duo Tina Fey And Amy Poehler Open Up On Golden Globes

The Hollywood Reporter have exclusively announced that Tina Fey is eyeing up a role in the new Muppets movie sequel. Just days before she’s due to host The Golden Globes with Amy Poehler, it’s been revealed that Fey is a likely contender to star alongside Ricky Gervais in the part-puppet, part-human caper.

The sources that revealed the news to The Hollywood Reporter did not give away the details of the script, which will be kept under wraps a little while longer, but the character descriptions have given away hints of a ‘caper,’ it seems. Tina Fey will play a Russian gulag prison guard, apparently, if the deal gets the go-ahead. Meanwhile, Ty Burrell, the Modern Family star will also have a role in the movie, as a lazy Interpol inspector. James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller, are co-writing the script and David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are back in production roles, hoping to recapture the success of the 2011 movie starring Amy Adams and Jason Segel.

Tina Fey, known for her work on TV comedies such as 30 Rock, last featured in a movie in 2010, when she starred in Date Night. She’s also due to star in Admission, alongside Paul Rudd – that one’s due out in March. 

Continue reading: Tin Fey Said To Be Eyeing Up Muppets Sequel Role