Moone Boy: DVD Review

Moone Boy: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by BBC and Roadshow Home Entertainment

Chris O'Dowd's slightly autobiographical comedy is a joyous piece of television.

Set in Ireland in the 1980s, O'Dowd plays the imaginary friend of 12 year old schoolboy Martin Moone, who's growing up in the Irish county of Boyle. He's got three sisters, a henpecked dad and a mother who's not a strong presence in the house.

The six part series follows the daily life of Moone as he charts school and various problems caused by his family. Once in a while, animations spring forth from the screen, based on his drawings. It's slightly surreal in places but it's a beautiful piece of nostalgic sitcom which has a warm heart and a wonderful centre.

David Rawle is perfect as Moone, whose wide eyes and general naivete help him - and O'Dowd's his usual gentle self effacing, deadpan self as the imaginary friend.

It's an easy, life-affirmingly funny watch - and I devoured it all in one sitting. Which is something of a rarity for a sitcom these days.

Extras: Behind the scenes, photo gallery

Rating: