Is The Laughing Prisoner Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Laughing Prisoner (1987), audiences are invited back into the world of TV Movie, Comedy. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A funny remake of "The Prisoner" - with a 1980's twist to it 'The Laughing Prisoner' is a remake (or homage) of (to) the Kafkaesque 1960's television show 'The Prisoner' with Patrick McGoohan in the lead role. This time it is a successful television presenter (Jools Holland) who decides to quit at the height of his stardom. He is abducted from his apartment and brought to the village, where number 2 (a young Stephen Fry) is questioning him. The whole show has a cosy 1980's feel to it, with several bands from that period performing their music."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Terence Alexander attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Laughing Prisoner worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Laughing Prisoner misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 41 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.