The Entire Universe (2016) Reviews

• Brilliant, cheesy, entertaining...and informative!

  saeched2017-09-21

  Disclaimer: I currently work as a physics researcher, so perhaps I should be offended when floppy Cox does his inebriated teenager 'guys isn't the universe amazing' shtick, but with this I couldn't help but laugh! Brian Cox returns with his tuneful pal, Eric Idle of Python fame, plus a host of celebrities to put a musical spin on his usual lecturing style. Peppered throughout the hour of light entertainment are comic songs, informative interludes and a host of performances from many recognisable faces. The program takes on a similar studio/sketch show style to Morecambe and Wise - with these two stars brought back to life by two impersonators - with a live band and all the trimmings. Although slightly out of place on the cabaret stage, Cox once again proves himself a skilled teacher with his usual insightful explanations. Sure, some of his jokes are cheesy and a bit forced, but he performs around more seasoned actors with surprising skill. He is joined by Monkey Cage collaborator, Robin Ince, who also brings his comic background to the party. The rest of the cast feature 'old hands' such as Warwick Davis and Hannah Waddingham, who clearly seem to be having a good time with the pieces. Again, there are some jokes that fall flat, but overall the cast pull together a fun and enjoyable evening of physics. Highly recommended, but don't take it too seriously!

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• Could this be the most pathetic attempt at a programme ever?

  chaswal2016-12-26

  Badly written, produced and directed, with poorly choreographed, apparently amateur, dancers, and featuring a lot of people who should have known better; it's surprising the BBC had the nerve to broadcast the mess, even on Boxing Day evening when they may have hoped any viewers would be too smashed, exhausted, or both to notice. Remembering his great Python days, one is tempted to believe that Eric Idle's concept was emasculated by an inadequate production team. But lacking in just about everything as they apparently were, it's hard to see how they can be blamed for the terrible lines – credited as written by Idle, and inadequately delivered by performers who clearly needed directing. At times it felt as if one was watching a first rehearsal. It only needed the sets to fall down to complete the effect. While Brian Cox seems increasingly willing to show up for the opening of an envelope, and perhaps many of the others involved were grateful for the work, to include appearances and impersonations of the likes of Hawking and Morecambe & Wise in such an amateurish debacle must come close to sacrilege. Shame on you BBC for allowing this shambles to be broadcast.

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• The science seems accurate, but the comedy is weak

  micahth2018-01-03

  The Entire Universe has the feeling of a variety show, but one that is focused on the physics of the universe. Comedy, music, and dancing are used to give the basics of the contemporary understanding of the physics of the universe. Unfortunately, the entertainment garnishes largely fall flat and leave little time for anything beyond a statement of findings. A more straightforward science program could, in the same amount of time and on an admittedly very basic level, which is the level I am at, explain how physicists have come to these conclusions, and probably be nearly as entertaining.

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