Filming improv is really more about editing than comedic skill, just ask Judd Apatow. The formula is actually very simple. Record way, way more material than you will ever use, and cut everything that isn’t funny or doesn’t move the story forward. The creators of How to Date a Magical Creature never got those instructions because there are several moments with actors awkwardly staring at each other, trying to figure out who should talk next or talking over each other so you can’t hear any of the “jokes.” At least I assume that they didn’t follow this model, because if what was uploaded is the best they had, well… that’s just depressing.
“…several moments with actors awkwardly staring at each other, trying to figure out who should talk next…”
Making this repellent casserole of ungodliness more shocking is the cast. Almost everyone is a BAFTA or Olivier award winner. (Sorry, for the Americans that would be like an Oscar or a Tony [Sorry, a Tony is what they give to people who do plays] {Sorry, a play is…you know what…just look it up.}]) With that much talent, you would think that How to Date a Magical Creature could be something watchable. But, it turns out comedy is very, very hard.
It is rare to see a project that utterly fails in every aspect, from conception to reception. In that way, How to Date a Magical Creature stands out from its contemporaries. I try to put at least one positive thing in every review, no matter how much I may have hated it. But, I can’t find anything to recommend this series and beg you, for the sake of your sanity, to turn away if you ever stumble upon it.
"…utterly fails in every aspect, from conception to reception."
