killblue
I don't understand why this is being hailed as "The Next Office": this show is disgustingly terrible. The premise, though intuitive, features three characters, two of which are just downright unpleasant and unenjoyable. Jonah is downright unenjoyable and unfunny. The character is just plain stupid and juvenile. Ja'mie is a bit predictable but still brings a few cheap (forgive the irony) laughs to the show. She is a mockery of characters like Cordelia ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and the cast of "The Hills." The drama teacher, Mr G, is the only bright part of the show. He is coarse, cold, and hilarious. This show has a lot of potential. Axing Jonah and replacing (or just generally removing them and making Mr G the central focus) is a great way to turn a mediocre comedy into a absolutely enjoyable and downright hilarious comedic adventure.
miriam_eryan
Taking a Borat approach to High School here is a tongue-in-cheek series brilliantly directed and performed by Chris Lilley. In a hilarious no-holds barred representation of 'school these days with boys and perves and sex and drugs (where) it's not like it used to be ...' Lilley's theatrical vividness comes to life. Three characters equivalently blunt in their opinions co-exist at Summer Heights High School. The three main characters all acted by Lilley; Mr G the eccentric, 'camp' drama teacher, Jonah Takalua the Polynesian school scapegoat and smart-arse and Ja'mie the pretentious and elitist Hilford Girls exchange student all guarantee a laugh in the series. This is a satirical look at public schools, 'the worst place in Australia, where you can go get anorexia.' Playing on various truths and myths about public education, the school has all the necessary ingredients to prove microcosmic of schools today. There is Mr G's drama production, where a school play is written, directed and performed about the dangers of public education, discrimination towards Jonah and attitude to counter attacks made on him. There is also discrimination in Mr G's casting of his play towards disabled and less talented children , and bitchiness within Ja'mie's friendship group of 'public school skanks,' as well as the typical unruly classroom environment created by the class clown - Jonah. The show offers a students view of school as we know it. Though satirical, it makes a serious point about the need for change in public schools and public perception of public schools as seen through Ja'mie's character. Mr G in his musical production composes the song 'School these days (stating) you'd have to be a fool these days, to wanna go to school these days.' Just one of the many musical scores bound to sound in your head for days and even months after viewing the series. This is a show that resonates with its audience while having us in stitches. With the suggestion of it being integrated into schools' syllabus, it may also stitch up school wrongs in time to save nine before a 'puck you with a P' revolution. For those who can't handle the candor of the series, in the words of Ja'mie, need to 'learn what a sense of humour is and just build a bridge and get over it.' This is a must see for adults and children alike.
Claudia McCarey
When I've heard about this when it first appeared,I was thinking it was going to be as pathetic and dumb like 'Neighbours' on TV(if you're a foreinger who hasn't seen the TV show Neighbours,don't watch it anyway, it's very horrible),but when I got Summer Heights High on DVD,I was completely wrong,it was excellent.Reasons why: 1.The main characters,Jonah,a delinquent break dancing problem child, Mr.Gee,an ego-driven gay Drama teacher with delusional showbiz dreams,and Ja'mie,a high-class bitchy private school girl on a student exchange were VERY clever,witty and laugh-out-loud funny.Non of their talents in the show have declined,they were just perfect.2.The humour.Greatly hilarious.The jokes never got old,they were modern.I definitely recommend this show to anyone who loves Australian comedy and something realistic.
dobbin-4
Now having just finished doing a review for We Can Be Heroes this might sound a little samey but this is a great comedy that Chris Lilley has really put his all into. The show is about 3 people at Summer Heights High. The first is Ja'mie who in this series has been transferred to Summer Heights High from her private school, Mr G the music and drama teacher who is gay but I do not think he knows it yet and Jonah the Grade 9 delinquent who has been expelled from 4 schools in 3 years. The show is not as good as We Can Be Heroes but is definitely better then a lot of shows out there and I certainly hope Chris Lilley makes a third show as he is that clever to make it good. Overall this show is another classic from the likes of Chris Lilley and this is a must watch for all fans of comedy. I rate this great show 92%.