“Fackham Hall” is a new parody film set in 1930s England, directed by Jim O’Hanlon and written by comedian Jimmy Carr. It stars Damian Lewis, Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Tom Felton, and Jimmy Carr himself.
Over the years, many have claimed that another parody like ‘Blazing Saddles’ by Mel Brooks couldn’t be made today. Apparently, the creators of ‘Fackham Hall’ never got that memo. In the tradition of ‘Downton Abbey’, rather than a Western, this film presents an irreverent comedy that pokes fun at everything from language to the elitist royal British lifestyle. If you are easily offended, this might be a movie to avoid. However, if you enjoy humor and can find something to laugh at—especially if you appreciate outlandish jokes—you might enjoy this film as much as I did.
The premise centers around a British pickpocket who is sent to Fackham Hall for work and ends up falling for a lady of the house who is marrying to preserve her family’s ambitions of being connected to royalty. The humor and innuendo are abundant throughout this story. Woven into the narrative are themes of murder, royal ambitions, and a mystery about “whodunit.”
I appreciated how each character grows into their own person and is willing to adapt to their circumstances. Often, we are tempted to do so much for others that we risk ignoring our own desires and callings. We forget the biblical concept of loving others as we love ourselves. It is only by discovering our own fulfillment that we can effectively help others reach that same place. While ‘Fackham Hall’ explores this theme in an irreverent manner, the message is clear: finding our own path can lead to changes in our lives and a sense of purpose. Sometimes things work out for the best, and other times, they don’t.
The language and humor in this R-rated film are coarse and often implied—even in the title! Say it loudly and quickly, and you’ll catch much of the humor the film incorporates. But there’s more to it than that; it’s a genuinely fun story as well.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I found myself laughing out loud and genuinely enjoying this film, so I’m giving it a solid 6.5. It may not be the greatest film ever made, but it certainly makes for a fun night at the movies.
