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After the huge success of We Can Be Heroes (which, while not rating anywhere near as well as Summer Heights High, did
break a number of DVD sales records) Lilley took a ridiculous amount of
time to put together his second mockumentary series which merges
elements of We Can Be Heroes (Jamie), work from Hamish & Andy (Mr. G) and his unique talent of sourcing reality (cult hero, Jonah Takalua).
Summer Heights High follows one school term in an
average (if somewhat fictional) Australian high school. Lilley brings to life a
mischievous schoolboy from Tonga, an ego- driven Drama teacher with delusional showbiz dreams and a bitchy student
exchange private schoolgirl in what is without doubt one of the best pieces of Australian TV in almost a decade.
While
nowhere near as out-and-out funny as it's predeccor, Lilley has this
time served up a series so richly layered that you will be hard pressed
to find the humour - simply because it's so real. Anyone who has been within the modern day high school system in the last ten years will find SHH
such a fantastically flawless and accurate depiction of personalities
won't be able to resist being drawn in by the show's story. While the
broad laughs may taper off as the series goes on, something much more
important begins to get under your skin - empathy.
That's the key to SHH
- you actually care for the characters. As much fun as it is to laugh
at Mr. G announcing "Thank God you're here, Grandma is dead", it's the
sadness you feel for Jonah's plight that really puts the show in a
league of it's own.
There will be many who will be turned off by
the second half of the series - because it does become borderline
mundane (especially those tuning in expecting hearty belly laughs).
However, for those who enjoy the deconstruction of characters and
character development (mark my words, there will be more than a few
film buffs and actors that will create a religion based on Lilley's
method) then viewing will be riveting and highly satisfying.
The
question is - where to now for Lilley? Does he simply cut his losses
while he's ahead? Does he do more of the same (perhaps following
Jonah's path a little more in depth)? Does he do something completely
left of centre? We just don't know. But if Lilley's career ends today -
then he would certainly be happy with the mark he's left on the
Australian television industry.
It took Ricky Gervais two seasons of Extras before he could follow up The Office with something that delivered the an equal amount of laughs, sympathy and heart - it's taken Lilley just one.
EXTRAS
Theres
over 3 and a half hours of special feature included on the DVD - all of
which are
deleted scenes, out-takes or bloopers. While there are plenty of laughs
to be had (most of which stem from Mr. G), the deleted scenes are
somewhat of a let down.
However, fans will no doubt be more than appreciative of the endless stream of profanities which spurt from the mouth of Jonah.
Puck You! Conclusion:
Movie 90% Extras: 10%
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