That's about the only complaint one can have about this
fantastic collection of the first eight episodes, is that you have to
wait for Volume 2 to be released before you can watch the rest of the
season! First aired in 1994 the popular Jimeoin
series was a blend of stand up comedy, sketches, live acts & guest
stars all performed before a live audience. In fact, considering it was
produced by the people behind Fast Forward and Full Frontal
- this is one of the few comedy shows aired on Channel Seven which had
the ability to veer into a rather alternative style of comedy in prime
time. Something which hasn't been emulated in either creativity or
success since. I must admit, I have been awaiting this release
for some time. While Series 2 has been available for a while, although
fantastic in it's own right, it never quite matched up to the frenetic
pacing of the original episodes. I can vividly remember several of the
skits that appear here, which is saying something considering I haven't
seen the episodes since they first aired over 10 years ago. There
is always in form Glenn Robbins as "Leaf Insect Man" and "Mr.
Trampoline", and the highly underrated Bob Franklin as "Stig Martyr",
along with Jimeoin classics like "Detachable Toe" and it's follow up
"Super Wheelbarrow". And don't even get me started on the sheer stupid
hilarity of "The Cooking Show" (which I was lucky enough to see live
recently at this years comedy festival - and they've still got it!). You would be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldn't enjoy the light hearted and spontaneous nature of Jimeoin.
It's a style of TV that just doesn't exist anymore amidst celebrity
dancing shows, celebrity skating shows or celebrity celebrity shows. In
fact, it's very rare I could ever sit down with my mum and have us
laughing at the same thing - but once again to my surprise - Jimeoin comes up with the goods. Perhaps
it's the slapdash nature in which it's performed, the way that the
entire cast seem to be enjoying themselves thinking "I can't believe
they just let us do what we want!" (A point which is illustrated
perfectly when Jimeoin introduces a horse pushing a wheelbarrow -
simply because he can), or just the sheer stupidity of the jokes. But
the show works a treat. The camaraderie of Jimeoin, Robbins and
Franklin also adds to the enjoyment. They clearly find each other
humorous, which helps make the audience feel included - which is one of
the reasons Jimeoin and productions by the Working Dog team (The Panel, The Late Show, Thank God Your Here!) have succeeded in nearly every venture. If networks are surprised why shows like Let Loose Live, Big Bite and The Wedge failed, simply look to Jimeoin, We Can Be Heroes or The Micallef Programe.
The latter of those programs are creations of the performers, and are
not limited by formula. It's all well and good to have a team of 35
writers, but it means precious little if cast have a complety different
sense of humour. All in all this is a great collection - besides
the annoyance of having a Volume 1 and Volume 2 - of one of the great
comedy shows to come out of Australia in a long time. Besides the
terrible early 90's clothes, the jokes still hold up today as well as
they did all those years ago, something Fast Forward and Full Frontal fail to achieve. It's 2-Discs with over 6 hours of viewing time, and for just over $20, it's a - in the words of Jimeoin - bargain. EXTRASDissapointingly
no extras here. Series 2 includes the fantastic documentary "Standing
On the Road" which follows Glenn Robbins, Russell Gilbert and Jimeoin
on a stand up tour around Australia. But sadly, nothing to offer this
time around.
Perhaps it's all being saved to be put on the end of Volume 2? Conclusion:
Movie 90% Extras: N/A 
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