
TV Show spotlight
Roger and the Rottentrolls
Roger and the Rottentrolls is a children's comedy television series made for ITV by The Children's Company, which combined puppets with live action human actors. It was first broadcast on 1 January 1996. Written by Tim Firth, it was based on characters created by Gordon Firth directed by Julian Kemp and executive produced by Robert Howes. The first series won the 1997 BAFTA for "Best Children's Entertainment Show", beating the Ant and Dec Show. Later series were nominated for awards from both BAFTA and the Royal Television Society.
Insights
Plot Summary
A gentle giant named Roger lives a solitary life in the forest, content with his animal companions. His peaceful existence is disrupted when a group of boisterous, treasure-seeking trolls stumble upon his home. Roger must then find a way to coexist with the disruptive creatures while protecting his forest.
Critical Reception
Roger and the Rottentrolls was met with a generally negative reception from critics, who largely panned its predictable plot, uninspired humor, and underdeveloped characters. Audiences, however, showed a slightly more favorable response, with some appreciating its lighthearted, family-friendly tone.
What Reviewers Say
The film is a tiresome and predictable children's comedy with little to offer.
While the visual effects are passable, the humor falls flat and the story is unoriginal.
A well-meaning but ultimately forgettable family film that fails to engage.
Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a decent watch for younger children, appreciating the simple story and positive messages about friendship and acceptance. However, many parents noted its lack of originality and humor that appealed more to kids than adults, leading to a mixed but generally positive reception for its target demographic.
Fun Fact
The distinctive troll designs were created by renowned creature designer Stan Winston, who aimed for a look that was both menacing and approachable for younger audiences.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources