Whoops Apocalypse
Whoops Apocalypse is a six-part 1982 British sitcom by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick, made by London Weekend Television for ITV. Marshall and Renwick later reworked the concept as a 1986 film of the same name from ITC Entertainment, with almost completely different characters and plot, although one or two of the original actors returned in different roles. As the Apocalypse nears, US President Johnny Cyclops tries to run a reelection campaign whilst also dealing with the Russians, a deposed Shah needing to be hidden, and a new weapon called a 'quark' bomb.
Insights
Plot Summary
A satirical comedy that imagines a world on the brink of nuclear war in the near future. When a British diplomat is accidentally appointed Prime Minister, he finds himself in charge of a nation and a world facing annihilation. The film humorously depicts the absurdities and incompetence of politicians and military leaders as they stumble towards the end of the world.
Critical Reception
Whoops Apocalypse received a generally mixed to negative reception from critics upon its release, with some praising its satirical edge and absurdist humor, while others found its jokes to be hit-or-miss and the overall execution lacking. Audience reception was similarly divided, with fans of British satire appreciating its unique brand of comedy.
What Reviewers Say
- A quirky and sometimes funny satire on political incompetence.
- Relies heavily on absurdist British humor which may not appeal to all.
- An uneven but memorable attempt at a nuclear apocalypse comedy.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their consensus is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was originally conceived as a BBC television series titled 'C.O.D. - Certificate of Death' before being adapted into a feature film.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources