The parody has a long and glorious tradition. Some actors (Leslie Neilson) have made a career of such films. I had never seen an English parody of English films before, and if "Stiff Upper Lips" is typical of them, I probably won't want to watch another. From my perspective, the film presented an interesting dichotomy: Respected actors (Prunella Scales and Peter Ustinov), good location, nice camera work, expensive costuming... for an insipid piece of tripe. It was pretty easy to recognize the comic references to "Howards End" or "Room with a View" or "Chariots of Fire", but the references weren't funny. The people weren't funny. The comic timing was poor. The running joke of English class prejudice was clumsy and poorly executed.
I think this film attempted something noble, but just plain failed in a few key areas. It had a lot of potential... the writers and director should watch a few classics in the genre (Blazing Saddles, Hot Shots, Loaded Weapon 1) before attempting their next parody.
All that being said, I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and say my American sensibilities may have gotten in the way of understanding the "English" humor. But I have a sneaking suspicion people back in the UK questioned the quality of this one, as well.
I think this film attempted something noble, but just plain failed in a few key areas. It had a lot of potential... the writers and director should watch a few classics in the genre (Blazing Saddles, Hot Shots, Loaded Weapon 1) before attempting their next parody.
All that being said, I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and say my American sensibilities may have gotten in the way of understanding the "English" humor. But I have a sneaking suspicion people back in the UK questioned the quality of this one, as well.