Ricky Gervais’ new film David Brent: Life on the Road receives mixed reviews
Despite the hype about the upcoming release, The Office spin-off movie splits critics
RICKY Gervais has celebrated the opening of his new film this week, with the world premiere of David Brent: Life on the Road taking place in London on Wednesday.
The Office creator's new film is a spin-off from the successful BBC TV show that ended 10 years ago, so naturally it garnered plenty of attention from fans.
But despite the hype, it has received a mixed response from critics. While it has been described as "hilarious" by some, others have branded it a "disappointment".
The film is centred around the former office manager, who dreams of superstardom.
Brent sells cleaning products to earn cash, but decides to turn his dreams into reality by going on tour with his band Foregone Conclusion.
It's the product of hard graft by Gervais, who wrote, directed and stars in the comedy, so the negative comments are sure to come as a knock to the comedian.
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The Guardian's Henry Barnes wrote, "At its best it carries the tradition of the little man struggling against his own confines. At its worst – some weak gags about fat people, a couple of moments where Brent’s too stupid for his back story – it’s small, shabby and outdated."
On the other end of the spectrum, The Mirror's David Edwards said, "Hilarious, horrifying and even heartbreaking - Ricky Gervais has made a movie that is somehow unmissable and often unwatchable at the same time."
David Brent: Life on the Road hits UK cinemas on August 19