Wow!! Never expected this at all. I love reading children's books and I've read a couple of David Williams's books. Admittedly, I've been a bit naughty here and watched the film before reading the book (but I will get round to reading it soon.)
Never judge a book by its cover. Judging from the title and illustrations, I figured it would be comedy through and through. Similar to the books I'm used to reading and grew up with by Jeremy Strong. And most of the time that is exactly what it is. But then the story takes on a very emotional journey when the Granny is diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is certainly not an easy thing to watch (and I'm assuming it will be difficult to read too) especially if you have lost someone close to this awful illness.
The comparisons to Roald Dahl are perhaps too obvious and overused as Walliams is an extremely talented author in his own right. But if ever there was evidence that David Walliams can equal Dahl's talent in storytelling, then this is it. Not many would think to put a storyline about cancer in a children's novel but David Walliams clearly understands that books don't need to be sugarcoated for children to enjoy them. If anything, truthful and dark subjects can make the story more interesting for children and prepare them for real life.
But it isn't all doom and gloom. The film was very funny and had me laughing out loud several times and I'm sure the book will be the same. There were many nice surprises in the cast. First of all, I never expected David Walliams himself to be in it, so it was nice to see him playing the father alongside Miranda Hart playing the mother. (You can actually imagine them two being a couple! It wouldn't surprise me. They suit each other well!) Rob Brydon was in the cast as well as another Rob which I certainly didn't expect to see: Robbie Williams! That was a very nice surprise and he was very funny in it too! Not just a talented singer it seems. And of course, towards the end it was lovely to see Joanna Lumley playing The Queen.
It was a brilliant film. As I've mentioned, at times it was difficult to watch but comedy is the overriding theme here. Definitely recommended viewing. And I certainly will read the book, along with many more of David Walliams's books.
Review by Mad MattyBlockedParentSpoilers2020-10-10T10:54:02Z
Wow!! Never expected this at all. I love reading children's books and I've read a couple of David Williams's books. Admittedly, I've been a bit naughty here and watched the film before reading the book (but I will get round to reading it soon.)
Never judge a book by its cover. Judging from the title and illustrations, I figured it would be comedy through and through. Similar to the books I'm used to reading and grew up with by Jeremy Strong. And most of the time that is exactly what it is. But then the story takes on a very emotional journey when the Granny is diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is certainly not an easy thing to watch (and I'm assuming it will be difficult to read too) especially if you have lost someone close to this awful illness.
The comparisons to Roald Dahl are perhaps too obvious and overused as Walliams is an extremely talented author in his own right. But if ever there was evidence that David Walliams can equal Dahl's talent in storytelling, then this is it. Not many would think to put a storyline about cancer in a children's novel but David Walliams clearly understands that books don't need to be sugarcoated for children to enjoy them. If anything, truthful and dark subjects can make the story more interesting for children and prepare them for real life.
But it isn't all doom and gloom. The film was very funny and had me laughing out loud several times and I'm sure the book will be the same. There were many nice surprises in the cast. First of all, I never expected David Walliams himself to be in it, so it was nice to see him playing the father alongside Miranda Hart playing the mother. (You can actually imagine them two being a couple! It wouldn't surprise me. They suit each other well!) Rob Brydon was in the cast as well as another Rob which I certainly didn't expect to see: Robbie Williams! That was a very nice surprise and he was very funny in it too! Not just a talented singer it seems. And of course, towards the end it was lovely to see Joanna Lumley playing The Queen.
It was a brilliant film. As I've mentioned, at times it was difficult to watch but comedy is the overriding theme here. Definitely recommended viewing. And I certainly will read the book, along with many more of David Walliams's books.