That worst of misses, a bad-taste comedy that isn’t funny.
There are a couple of decent laughs, just not enough to keep the film nipping along as a 92-minute movie should.
What matters is that it’s fun, and on that count Burke and Hare just about delivers the goods.
It’s a long time since John Landis has directed anything that isn’t an out-and-out misfire, and this doesn’t end the run.
Just isn't as funny as it needs to be.
Instead of writing some good jokes they pack out the cast with celebrity cameos – Michael Winner, Christopher Lee, Stephen Merchant – and hope that Ronnie Corbett as the militia captain hot on the murderers' tail will make up the shortfall (ahem) of laughs.
There's nothing wrong with the performances or the sets while Landis has roped in Christopher Lee, Paul Whitehouse and Stephen Merchant for some small parts. But where are the laughs? Not here.
Doesn't get away with murder
The main problem with Burke and Hare is that it never quite figures out how to turn a true story of mass murder into a comic romp about a pair of loveable rogues.
It’s generally entertaining, with enough funny, ingenious bits to outweigh the shit-thrown-out-of-window gags.
John Landis's first film in 12 years is a sad disappointment.
The John Landis who brought us American Werewolf and ‘Thriller’ is but a memory in a rotten romp that’s downright criminal.
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General release. Check local listings for show times.
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