So, after being released almost a week ago, I have finally got round to watching this much anticipated and much delayed straight to DVD movie spin off. Verdict - Great!
As someone who found DLM after it's premature cancellation thanks to a friend's DVD, I instantly fell in love with the strong characters, witty script and superb ensemble. The show was short lived but went out on a high. So you can imagine my surprise when rumors of a revival first surfaced almost 2 years ago. Hesitant would be an understatement, but I loved it so much I just had to give the movie a go. And I'm glad I did!
Gone is Mandy Pantikin as Rube Sofer, the post-it loving leader of the group. So too is Laura Harris who played the beautiful blonde Daisy Adair. But fear not, all the old regulars are back - and better than ever! I won't say too much but Christina Willes is on top form as Delores Herbig and thoroughly relishes the role.
With two cast members missing, the team are joined by Desmond from lost and Kate Warner from 24. Better known to you an I as Sarah Wynter, who takes over the role of Daisy and Henry Ian Cusick who plays new leader and slick business man, Cameron Kane. Henry slips easily into the fold making the loss of Mandy more bearable. However, the same cannot be said for the replacement Daisy. Whilst Sarah makes a good effort at recreating the character of Daisy, it just isn't the same and falls quite short of Laura's exquisite portrayal. I cannot fathom, why they didn't create a new character and have Daisy move on similar to Rube!
In conclusion, the film is a worthy successor and nice conclusion to tie up a lot of loose ends. The humor and superb writing is back and you feel these characters have never been away. A must see for the die hard fan, although it brings nothing new to the table. If this is indeed a back-door pilot for a series of movies or indeed a new run on TV, then it does it's job nicely.
For those of you who haven't seen it and want a sneaky peek, I include a four minute preview - I'm too good to you!
Verdict - 8.5/10!
