Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans [DVD]

Sebastian Croft (Hearstopper) stars in this fun historical movie. Great performances.

What a wonderful way for children (and adults) to learn the salient points of history.

A movie based on the format of the popular books turned into tv show 'Horrible Histories.' Which, on the vague offchance you aren't familiar with them, tells the gory absurd and unglamorous bits of history via comedy. So learning can be both fun and entertaining.Presented by taking rat puppet Rattus Rattus, musical numbers will occasionally crop up as well.This takes the story of Nero's rise to power in Ancient Rome, and Bouddica's rebellion also. And fits into a full length movie format.All of which is seen through the eyes of two teenagers. Roman boy Atti. Who has far more brains than brawn. When a scheme goes wrong he finds himself a Legionnaire and sent to Britain. A spot on the map. That gets very cold and wet.Meantime in Britain, feisty teenage celt Orla is desperate to prove herself as a warrior. The rebellion is the chance she's been waiting for.Naturally the two meet, and find they have more in common than they thought. But with an historic showdown on the way, how will things work out for them?This film works. It really does. It does manage to expand the format of the show into a feature length production without it ever feeling stretched. The two leads do have a good chemistry together. And they are surrounded by a great array of acting talent. Some of whom will have you looking them up right after the movie, as you will get a bad case of 'where have I seen them before?'. Some you will recognise. Not least Sir Derek Jacobi, who gets to reprise the role that made him famous decades on.As with the tv show, it works on two levels. It's funny and absurd for the kids. And clever and interesting for the grown ups. Who will learn fascinating things in the process. All of which are true.The musical numbers are fun. While they are on. But there aren't really any that will stick in the mind for long after.Whilst it does like the tv show have references to bodily functions, they are not gratuitous, and exist to show how such things were back then.And in these days of expensive blockbusters by committee, it is quite charming to watch a movie made on a limited budget in a bit of British woodland.This isn't quite worth five stars, because it does just falter a little at the end. The final musical number should be a great show stopper, but lacks impact. And then it doesn't really know how it wants to end.But that's only a minor complaint. Because you do have to watch to the very end of the credits. Not because it sets up sequels or the like, but because they are very very funny indeed, and what they do is hugely entertaining.A fun film for all ages. Fans of the tv show will have to get past the fact that none of the original human main cast of that are in it. But here's hoping you can. Because entertainment awaits.The disc has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English.Subtitles: English.It begins with a couple of trailers, which can be skipped via the next button on the dvd remote.Extras:Beastly behind the scenes. A look at the film in production. Things like this are usually short features of six mins with quick soundbites. This runs for twenty five mins. And has a very good interviewer. Which makes it huge fun as a result. Brilliant and well worth a watch.The rome song one of the songs from early in the film, presented here on it's own.Silly stuns: in the same vein as the behind the scenes, a fun look at some stunt work on the film. Five mins and well worth a watch.

Funny and educational

Very quick deliveryIn good new conditionThanks

This was our second copy, as we lost our first one. We love this film. Saw it at the cinema and had to get it when it came out on DVD. It is great for the kids to learn history and has funny bits in for them, but also has adult humour too. We love watching it and the series too.

Watched this on prime and bought the DVD for as a gift for someone who doesn't have any internet or Film subscriptions. Really funny viewing and only cost £5

An enjoyable mix of history and comedy.

I love British comedy movies! Britain has blessed us with lots and lots of great comedy movies.. So I thought, I need to see this movie, surely it will be another triumph. But it was quite a disappointment.What I don't understand: There are a couple of great comedy actors in this, whose talents were mostly wasted on this movie:You have the legendary Nick Frost, the genius Lee Mack, the amazing Katy Six, the respectable Derek Jacobi... But they hardly get a chance to show off their talents here.Instead, the story (and most of the talking) is left to two teenagers with no comedy talent at all! I mean, they are trying hard, but it's just not kicking.I thought this was supposed to be a funny tribute to Britains history and its people?! It's more like "twilight" with medieval costumes and one or two great jokes.What's really annoying - the music! Why do they have to sing and dance/waddle around all the time?It is not funny, it is not catchy and it only kills time of the movie. If you left the singing out, the movie would be half an hour shorter. When you don't know how to make a battle scene work (even In a comedy) let them all sing or rap - that'll (not) help.That was that. The rest is history.

The DVD will be a European format and cannot be played in the US.

Britische Komödie aus der Reihe "Horrible Histories " als Langfilm. Der Film enthält einige ganz passable Gags und viel Musik. Allerdings sucht man auf der DVD eine deutsche Synchronisation vergeblich, obwohl der Film in deutscher Sprachfassung auf Amazon Prime zu sehen ist ! Englische Untertitel zum Mitlesen sind vorhanden. Man sollte also des Englischen einigermaßen mächtig sein oder den Film lieber auf Amazon Prime ansehen. Dies nur als Anmerkung zu den vorhandenen Kritiken, die sich somit wohl alle auf die Prime Version beziehen. In der Produktbeschreibung steht unter Sprache lediglich " nicht qualifiziert ".