CHRIS Lilley’s genius is taking recognisable characters and turning them into grotesques without annihilating every shred of sympathy for them. That said, episode two of Angry Boys, a 12-part series that puts the phrase ”eagerly anticipated” on steroids, heralds cautious optimism rather than delighted celebration. The ghosts of Summer Heights High make regular appearances. [Read more]
– Larissa Dubecki, SMH.com.au (May 12, 2011)
Chris Lilley’s Angry Boys is bold, aggressive, unafraid to trample on some very shaky ground. But on the basis of last night’s opening episode, it’s hard to conclude that it’s especially funny. Yet. [Read more]
– Karl Quinn, The Age (May 12, 2011)
…Angry Boys still does deliver the unforgettable and often shocking moments of comedic genius which made its predecessors famous. Some highlights to look out for are ‘Gran’ spear-tackling her ‘negro’ and ‘lazy abo’ detainees to the floor to try and break up a fight as well as the Sims twins driving up and down the main street of Dunt to make sure it is under the best surveillance. [Read more]
– Daniel Chamberlain, Blaze (May 09, 2011)
…Without ever being distracted from the unfolding story, part of you can’t help but be in awe of what Lilley has achieved. For one thing, he’s a very talented actor. The best script in the world – especially a comedy script – can bomb if it’s not delivered just so. He also has a remarkable ear for the nuances of dialogue. Underpinning both those things is an equally acute understanding of human nature. It’s that which makes his work so satisfying.
– Melinda Houston, The Sunday Age (May 08, 2011)
…It’s at this point that Angry Boys’ cleverness and daring becomes apparent. What might have simply been amusing impersonations become threaded into a narrative about dysfunctional and co-dependent families and we are drawn into territory far more poignant and uncomfortable than that covered by most mockumentary satires – or Lilley’s previous shows, for that matter.
– Paul Kalina, The Sun Herald (May 08, 2011)
…To end the episode in such a moving way is a statement of Lilley’s purpose. He differs from other lowbrow satirists such as The Chaser. Their humour is often marked by nastiness. Lilley’s is always marked by warmth. Angry Boys also sees the return of two of Lilley’s most brilliant creations, garrulous country boy Daniel and his taciturn twin Nathan, who is partially deaf and (according to Daniel) ‘a bit spastic’. Both portrayed by Lilley and allowed to share space on screen thanks to some clever editing and direction, Daniel and Nathan, like Gran, epitomise Lilley’s ability to marry lowbrow humour to genuine pathos. Daniel often loudly, cruelly taunts Nathan, but clearly loves him. Nathan in turn is surly and resentful, but only because he quietly adores Daniel. [Read more]
– Tim Kroenert, Eureka Street (June 1, 2011)
…Okazaki’s arrival raises the stakes and injects some needed laugh-out-loud moments drawn as much from Lilley’s tight performance as Okazaki’s bald-faced justifications for her behaviour. Reservations about rap star S.mouse aside (pandering to the US audience, perhaps?), Angry Boys is emerging as a beautifully realised series that might rival Summer Heights High. This episode has instant classic written all over it. If you’re not hooked already, you don’t stand a chance. [Read more]
– SMH.com.au (June 01, 2011)
Comedian Chris Lilley is to Australia what Lucas and Walliams are to the UK. Angry Boys is its Little Britain. Lilley has a similar fondness for drag, outrageous caricature and testing the tolerance levels of his audience. References to “blacks” and “faggots” abound. [Read more]
– Chris Harvey, The Telegraph (June 08, 2011)
In some ways Angry Boys is a victim of Lilley’s previous success – while attempting to make a show that will appeal to the largely different cultural markets of ABC Australia, HBO America and BBC UK it’s become large, unwieldy and impersonal. Relating to all the characters are impossible, so you’re likely to spend at least a third of the episode bored – especially if the only character you like is Gran. You’re out of luck until next week. [Read more]
– Matt Smith, Crikey (June 09, 2011)
IT’S the little things that really raise this series from naughty to sublime and at the moment I am totally loving the timbre of Blake Oakfield’s voice. With Mark Occhilupo’s actual voice still in our ears following his brief stint on Dancing with the Stars, the way Chris Lilley captures that slightly high-pitched rasp (so evocative of a combination of tight wetsuits and salt water) is really something. This also feels better-structured and more heartfelt than last week, moving crisply between three Aussie storylines: Blake’s surf camp for fat kids; Daniel’s elevation to ”dad” while his mum and Steve are away; Gran’s attempt to break in a new boy. Plus that familiar, inspired collision of irreverence, LOL moments and tenderness that define this series at its best.
– Melinda Houston, The Age (June 15, 2011)
