DVD : Futurama - Bender's Big Score [2007]

Rating: - Dont Bother
They should have left it after the 4th series.
This feature length episode is confusing,boring and most importantly,devoid of humour.I think i laughed about 3 times in the whole 85 minutes.
Rubbish.Even at it's best Futurama doesn't match up to Family Guy or American Dad.

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Rating: - Shame, should have been so much better
Firstly, I must say I am a huge fan of Futurama, and was gutted when it was cancelled. That being the case, I thought this would be amazing..... however I felt let down. Firstly, they seem to be constantly having a go at the network who cancelled them, never seem to let it drop. Secondly, I think this was really just a normal epsiode stretched out to be feature legnth. Thirdly, it just wasnt that funny. Glad they're back, and I hope the next efforts are better.

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Rating: - Not flawless but definitely worth your time.
This feature length Futurama adventure is well plotted and intelligent just as the series was but it is definitely not as laugh out loud funny. This may be simply because, as a long time fan of Futurama, its humour has become predictable for me, I don't know. I don't think it is over complicated, but a very clever plot and premise which can be enjoyed many times over.

This will definitely not ruin your memories of the series as it is quite different and equally good as many of the episodes. However, if you are looking to enjoy this in the same way you have with the series then I would advise watching it in more than one sitting, this way your attention will not be lost as a result of its length.

The special features are definitely worth a look, but the Maths lecture is probably only really of interest to intellectuals and avid Futurama fans (for these groups it is very enjoyable) and the Episode of Hypnotoad is best enjoyed with a lot of use of the fast forward button.

Overall, I think Futurama suited the half hour format better but this is definitely a great feast for all fans and of course, it is the first of many films to come.

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Rating: - Superb Futurama stuff.
Absolulutely freakin' hilarious.

Packed full of wicked humour, both subtle and often not; with an excellent remark vis a vis the end of the regular television series.

Some people have said that it is complicated. Sorry, but if you're one of those people who know where the Simpsons live but don't know your own capital; then maybe it's not for you. Personally, I am very glad that there is some comedy out there that requires an IQ at least into double figures!

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Rating: - A must-have for die hard fans, but...
Futurama fans-dry your tears! Fry and the rest of the gang are back to your screens, albeit in a strange new format.
The unfortunate cancelation of Futurama after the forth season lead to viewers crying out for more, so Fox finaly agreed to make four DVD movies featuring our favourite delivery boy and evil robot. The thing is, Futurama was never designed for this format, so, as good as Bender's Big Score is, it doesn't quite come up to the quality of the TV show.

What I did enjoy was the way that the extended format allowed the writers to go for a slightly different and more in depth story than normal. Basically the plot goes like this; Fry, Leela et al. are scammed out of all their money and Bender accidently downloads an "Obeidence Virus" due to naked scammer aliens fraudulently obtaining first their e-mail addresses and then their bank details online. The scammer aliens go first from taking over the Planet Express company to taking over earth. The aliens later find the secret of time travel concealed in a Bender tattoo on Fry's behind. What follows is a mix of time spheres, one-way time travel and multiple Frys and Benders.

Some reviewers have critised Bender's Big Score for being bogged down in detail and too confusing, but actually if you pay attention the plot comes together nicely and does make sense. There are some moments of classic Futurama humour, the scenes on the nude beach planet and the internet scamming scenes are particularly good. However, some of the gags are too self-referencial,for example we find out exactly how Fry's dog got fast fossilised, and are not very funny. In addition the main story-of Bender being sent back in time to steal treasures for the scammers- and the romantic subplot, though touching, don't inspire too many laughs.
And comedy is about laughs, is it not?

Overall I would say that if you are an avid Futurama fan and collector of the DVDs then this is a must-have, even if it does not become the most prized part of your collection. If you are a casual viewer who still loves the show's zany humour then rent it and if you have only seen Futurama a few times on T.V, then I think Bender's Big Score is best avoided.