Here's a first look at the US version of the Aussie classic. In my opinion, it's still too early to say whether they have done the series justice, but it's in good hands and the actors are all accomplished enough to have a decent crack. It probably depends largely on whether the hunour can translate as easily as the dialogue. I'll let you judge for yourselves. Feel free to drop us a line and tell us what you think.
11 July 2008
Kath N Kim USA
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22 comments:
As usual the Yanks totally miss the point. Crap writing, overacting, just too tryhard. Just goes to show you originality can't be copied.
I totally unconvinced that this will work with these actors. Kath and Kim are about a particular subculture in Australia, the occa, that classic aussieness that makes them funny.
If the american version was done with southerners, who also have a cliched reputation of being not all that bright (think clietus from the simpsons), then possible th US version would work.
The essence of Kath and Kim was social satire based on Australian class structures. Remove the appreciation and understanding of that and you are left with a lame sitcom.
Looks funnier than the original - which solely seemed to consist of : some one walks on screen wearing a silly outfit the other cast member uses cringey Aussie slang and then the fat chick shows up dressed in something equally as silly.
It is shame more people watched Kath & Kim than truely hilarious Flight of the Conchords
the americans did such an interesting abstract show on the office, i can see where they are coming from, obviously the aussie version wouldn't do well over there, so that's why they remake it. i think this will be a hit, and no i'm not american, chill out aussies! if you understand americans, and you watch american dad or family guy, you might just get the point.
it looks utterly crap. I think the USA version of The Office was a fluke. It looks just like all of their slapstick humour type sitcoms. If Americans could get past the misbelief they are the centre of the universe they might start to develop a decent sense of humour and not need to re-do classics such as Kath & Kim and The Castle.
is there any shows out there Hollywood won't try to make a quick buck out of? this is the saddest attempt at a remake i've seen. I am surprised to see that some of you felt the american 'office'was good - did you not see the UK version first? Anyhooo - not judging just posting my opinion.
Quick buck?? Did you see the stream of bad merchandise they put out for Kath & Kim here...gawd. "look at me". Kath & Kim is exactly the show Ricky was making fun of with Extras.
Hey, some of us have watched American Dad and Family guy AND even Flight of the Conchords (which is on far too late) as well as Boston Legal, so we do get the humour. Unfortunately Kath is supposed to be fat, flabby and generally unappealing Kim is supposed to be older and stuck in an 80's time warp. A lot of the humour rests on those precepts. I don't think the American's GET that. Do you?
Looks like crap. America just has a different sense of humour to us Aussies. Trying to emulate us just doesn't work. Selma as Kim is too skinny. The actor who plays Kel is just trying too hard and just looks stupid not funny. Tip to Americans: Don't try to copy us just watch us and enjoy the culture. You stick to your own comedy. That seems to work fine too(well some of the time).
kath and kim proved that aussie sitcoms can hold their own with the best of the uk ones (think Father Ted, Royle Family, Extras, Office). The US has a comedic sense, but its either hopelessly middle class (frasier, seinfeld) or childinh (simposons, southpark, lots of lame family "comedies"). The next US adaptation (and i hope for the best, but know that Kath and Kim USA will flop, due to the lack of aussie contect) should be father Ted. Some people get it, some dont (usually Seinfeld/Friends/Frasier fans). Big up UK and Aussie Comedy - the best in the World!!!
actually, it dont look so bad. the key here is to not (i know nits hard) compare it to the original and just let it be what it is - its own show based on the original. as long as you do that, you'll appreciate the subtle and sometimes even funnier differences. an open mind is essential. ITS COMEDY AFTER ALL!!!!! Stu
South Park childish - what is wrong with you. Yeah with all the social, cultural and political comedy it sure is childish. Go back to watch the three older ladies wearing clothes out of style and too small for their frames.
As an Australian I am embarrased by Kath & Kim and the people who find it amusing....then again everyone likes those Celebrity Dancing shows too. At least in the US they have stuff like Curb Your Enthusiasm, South Park, Lucky Louie, Entourage and the much missed Arrested Development. Kath & Kim is just one long Comedy Company skit.
Given we don't watch NBC in Oz, I don't think it's meant for us to find funny....but Americans will get a laugh out of it, and Gina Riley and Jane Turner can have a good giggle - all the way to the bank......Go girls !!!!
South Park childish???!!! I think not - where else would issues of class, race, gender and sexual preference be dealt with so carefully, sensitively and with such humour. And by 8 year old cartoon characters. One of the funniest, outrageous and most politically incorrect shows that goes where no other dares. Its a clever con trick to present it as a kids show. Seems to have fooled some people!
If anyone remembers 'Married with Children' American series, you would think of Peggy as one of the Kath and Kim Characters - ie not that bright. The producers should take something that reflects their own culture and base it on Kath and Kim rather than copy it exactly as it is. Doesn't quite gel otherwise!!
It may work... Though I have strong doubts.
I can't see the essence of the characters translating well and it is an essentially character driven show. It's not just Kim's fashion sense(?) and stupidity that make Kim Kim. The reason the show was a such a hit with Aus is that everybody could recognize the characters in people they knew (hey... I grew up near Fountain Gate and Endeavour Hills, the places that inspired the girls to their fiction. I lived beside so many Kaths and went to school with many many Kims)
We'll have to wait and see... But I won't hold my breath.
I have concerns as well. BUT I feel the powers that be really understand the human condition in the US, I just want them NOT to condiscent) . We need a freakin" break
. War. Gas prices. Onset of a potentially crazy election.
What is screwed up is that we I miss simplicity.. Just wanta laugh.
thx.
I don't know about the original sitcom but the daughter on this version has got to go. She is NOT FUNNY...not in the least! I don't think I have ever hated previews of a new show more. If the previews are DREADFUL, there is no hope for the actual show. This show should be trashed before it even starts...
Stewpid Yanks!!
The Umour isn't there..
Sharon isn't there..
I'm a huge K&K fan and it made me want to puke! BLOUGGHGH
The magic of the original cannot be recreated.
It's not funny at all!I'm sorry but I think us Aussies are owed an apology.
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