Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

AttyTude0 ... though everything - I mean, everything - is too derivative of the 198Os sitcom. The soundtrack, the set up, the elaborate figures of speech, pick anything. Mitchell's acting and manner of speaking, and even tone of voice, is obviously a copy of Rowan Atkinson's Edmund Blackadder. Bottom would be Baldrick. Marlowe would be Lord Falsheart, Lord Southampton will remind you of Lord Melchett, and on and on. I think Elton tried to revive Blackadder, but there are some successes that simply cannot be repeated.Those who are not acquainted with Blackadder might like this (it has some funny moments, and they do make some clever ... well, play upon Shakespeare plays). But those of us who are fans of that incomparable comedy (I have the whole series and watch it at least once a year) cannot help making comparisons. And Upstart Crow is certainly the one that loses by the comparison.Watch it and make up your own mind, by all means. I find it funny at times, but ... I'd much rather watch returns of Blackadder.

gauravborkar I am going to be honest about it this seems a missed opportunity we could have a black adder at hand but it seems to be beyond repair, where shall I start the incessant laugh track or the unfunny jokes for those who come for mockery of the Shakespearean style or David Mitchell's cynicism I was dismayed to find the series without any of these and those of you calming the humor is esoteric its not it is as bland as it gets.

vane117 I read the first 3 words of Dale R's review and knew immediately that the review was the worst thing ever written. It wasn't even a compete sentence! One might think it was unfair to only read 1/60th of his review - but Dale felt it was fair to judge the entire show based on 1/60th of the first episode . . .Upstart Crow is light, but very enjoyable. Interesting blend of modern humor and 16th century life. Love the casting!It definitely helps if you are familiar with the works of Shakespeare. Otherwise, you will miss many of the references made in each episode.My favorite episode is "Love Is Not Love"

Voo-Doo Canned laughter? Seriously? In 2016 we still have canned laughter?! The opening scene was dull, badly acted and just not funny. It just wreaked of that middle-of-the-road humour that I utterly detest. I don't expect to be rolling on the floor in fits of giggles, but I do expect to at least smile. As another reviewer noted, the canned laughter at the most pathetic of jokes just made me cringe and switch off. I can see the Blackadder-esque backdrop is present, there is just no substance whatsoever. I really hope Ben Elton stops writing comedies - he really has lost the plot.