Les Norton (2019) User Reviews (30)

Australian Television to Compete With The Best

[elliot_ashton · 8/10 · 16 September 2019]

Les Norton, a show that follows the titular character through many turbulent situations - usually stemming from his "fish-out-of-water" background, or his criminal boss' assignments. Straight up -the plot of this show is not deep, and that works to it's advantage. What this show lacks in plot, it makes up for in character interaction and beautiful cinematography (especially when showcasing areas outside of Sydney city).

This is a very easy to watch (and even easier to enjoy) adaption of the Australian novels. Many have complained about Les' fighting ability/aggression being toned down for the show, however, I don't find that to be a negative. Les continually smacks people down, and easily arcs up. I find this iteration of the character to be perfectly fitting for the tone of the show and Alexander Bertrand does a great job of portraying him.

Unfortunately, the acting is not always the best in this show. Sometimes, it actually works very well - for example, Les has a "mate" named Gazza (George Harrison Xanthis) who is more of a cartoon character than a real person, with very cheesy/corny lines and a delivery style from Xanthis as if he was on the stage instead of on camera. Normally, this would stand out like a sore thumb but in this show, it fits in well and adds a very comedic element to what may otherwise be a dull scene. The worst offender by far, however, is the very un-talented Rebel Wilson. In this show she does not act, she just remembers lines. She does not play a character, she plays herself... saying lines (and usually pulling a face like a pig being punched in the bacon-maker whenever it's someone else's turn to talk). The worst part is, her character is integral to the show! The thin plot that does exist is driven almost entirely by her character! By far, she is the anchor holding this show back.

Over all, this show is a wonderful piece of Australian television that is giving so many of our talented and unknown artists and creatives a place to shine. This show really could compete with some of the other prime time shows in America - if you're on the fence about it, switch your brain off and give it a watch. At the very least, you'll enjoy the scenery and at the very best, you won't be able to stop laughing.

Loving this show

[justjamie72 · 8/10 · 8 September 2019]

I never knew it was a series of books so I'm basing this review as a discovery as a television show. This is so refreshingly Australian and the best thing to happen to Australian TV since Kath & Kim. The slang, the fashion, the use of phrases are all so quintessentially Aussie and I love it. If you're a lover of quirky, mindless Australian tv like me, I recommend it

Was not dissapointed, was Impressed

[jourosevic · 8/10 · 3 September 2019]

Hi All,

Read a scathing review about this show and almost didn't watch it.

Wow I'm glad I did. I was impressed.

Not exactly as I visualized it when reading them all, but great choices from the available talent pool.

Kept me up like the books did.

What else can I say. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Jo

A really fun romp.

[wayne-corioboy · 9/10 · 8 September 2019]

Never heard of or read the books so I come to this as just the TV show. Perhaps for me a blessing as I love the show I don't look for anything meaningful but just a fun story telling of a time in eighties Sydney/Bondi/Kings Cross area. It's unpolished , blokey, strong characters filled with deprecating humour. Acting is pretty okay . Look it probably won't win a hoard of awards at the Logies but for a mindless fun filled 50-55minutes on a Sunday evening in front of the box one could do far worse. Enjoy it for what it is entertainment.

A really good adaption of tricky material.

[rayjaymor-91982 · 9/10 · 15 August 2019]

As a fan of the original books by Robert G Barrett I was both excited and concerned when I heard this series was being made.

I was excited because I've always wanted to see how Les would go on the screen. I was concerned because the source material would definitely need some tweaking to survive an audience in modern day. (Mr Barrett was obviously a 'blokey bloke' and whilst certainly good natured, some things won't pass muster today).

Obviously some purists will disagree, but I thought they did an outstanding job on this. The spirit of the books is definitely there, nods to plot points of the books are alive and well (they were largely all short stories and these, if my memory serves, have been blended a bit for episodes).

Definitely worth a watch, whether you're a fan of the books or not.

Fun romp - don't take it too seriously

[stevebracks · 8/10 · 6 October 2019]

For a start I haven't read the Les Norton book(/s?). I have enjoyed this show and liked the performances of the characters. I only started watching at the end of September 2019 and I'm up to episode 9, would recommend this show

Les is finally here, and he's nowhere near as bad as he could have been...

[collectspam · 7/10 · 11 August 2019]

This was always going to be a tough character and series of books to bring to life on any screen, big or small.

Finding the right actor to play a character like Les was always going to be even tougher.

Have they hit the nail on the head? Well, maybe not quite, but I think he's probably going to be as close as we can realistically expect, and I can't nominate the perfect actor for the right price either. He does a pretty good job playing Les as a naive new import, his fight scenes aren't awful (although they need some work to match the books!), and between being a fish out of water and when he fires up, he shows that he's not a bad actor, so all in all not too bad. Not really Les, but he'll do.

The biggest name here is probably Rebel Wilson, in what might be silly casting for the Madam, but maybe there's more to come. David Wenham, though, is a surprising get, an inspired choice for Price, and a real feather in the cap to have.

The rest of the cast was somewhat surprising, none more so than Eddia Salita, but I think they are close enough to the books to stay true enough and still work for the show. Switching up Lozza (the roommate) to be a woman seems a little unnecessary, but I can see it getting a bit bloke-heavy otherwise, so I think that will work too. They are all pretty good actors though, with the possible exception of Billy, so no real complaints there.

The use of a narrator seems to annoy a lot of people, but I think it's another realistic choice that was necessary to help the story be understood overseas, and even for a lot here at home. The show's about as ocker as humanly possible - thank the stars that they didn't make Les a Yank or something! - and I think the Narrator does help propel the story and tie things together. It might be considered lazy, but it's probably necessary, and I think it works.

The production values are pretty high, certainly not the lowest the ABC has put out before. It's not what we've been spoiled with by the likes of some of the shows that are coming out these days, like Daredevil or Game of Thrones, but if you rein in your expectations to realistic levels you should be pleased enough. It does look good, and it does look like the Cross back in the day. The steel XXXX cans are my favourite touch.

I'm very happy with the choice to go with a tv series instead of a movie, as we get much more time to develop the characters and tell multiple stories, which will help a lot.

All in all, after 2 episodes I think this is shaping up to be a really good, fun series that should open up the world of the big red boofhead to even more readers.

I think they've done a really good job in an impossible situation, and I am enjoying it. I've gotta go dust off my copy of 'You wouldn't be dead for Quids' for another read now.

Return of Ocker

[thedifficulthuman · 8/10 · 3 November 2019]

It's good to see content that will attract a larger audience to the ABC. A few people are complaining its not a direct copy of books. By updating the text, the content appeals to a broader audience the other half of the population women. If they stuck with the dated text, it would have resembled the corniness of an Alvin Purple movie. There are parts in series that push this ocker comedy to over the top corniness, but overall the series was enjoyable. Perfecting casting of Les Norton.

Quite good....at the beginning

[Veritas99 · 6/10 · 5 August 2019]

Funny, without trying too hard, to become cheesy. ( The joke about Prince Charles was priceless :). Rebel Wilson's role is not convincing, she's too young to play a badass brothel "madame", but altogether were 50 entertaining minutes. I will definitely look forward for the next episodes.

Later edit...unfortunately, episode 4 is awfully goofy, burps and vomit are basically the "jokes" in the whole episode...I'm disappointed, it started well...

Wasted attempt

[Chris_Mac_25 · 4/10 · 8 August 2019]

Great choice of actors to play Les Norton, completely fits the authors description of Les Norton from the novels.

Where this lost me was it's subscription to current PC culture. The original novels were rude and brash, politically incorrect and hilarious. It was a different time, before this current outrage culture emerged post social media.

The makers had a chance to make a faithful film version of the books that would have made for great viewing as well as a good nostalgia trip for those that remember not only the books but that era, before everyone had to be 'empowered'

Wasted opportunity

A dream come true !

[andrewturnley · 10/10 · 3 October 2019]

Fair dinkum unbelievable ! I read the books 30 years ago during the recession we had to have according to the Treasurer Paul Keating at the time . I had alot of time on my hands as I was in between jobs . My best mate suggested I read The Godson first #4 in the series . I couldn't put it down . I was on the edge of my seat during some parts of it . I finished the book and then went straight out and bought Wouldn't be Dead for Quids and the Real Thing the next day #1and #2 in the series . I am so pleased with the casting and have just caught up to date now . I only discovered it accidentally scrolling through the tv guide thinking there was nothing on ? I have telling everyone about Les Norton on ABC iview ! 10/10 . I can't for the Godson and more of the Boys From Binjiwunyawunya ! I am so happy !

Light Comedy Crime

[deboraheden · 7/10 · 4 November 2019]

I'm five episodes in and I had no expectations I love a lot of Australian drama especially on the ABC and SBS Good cast quite light to watch nothing too serious but Rebel Wilson I cannot stand her as an actor, she is so annoying. I can't understand why she has done so well in overseas.

Tepid attempt

[andrew-612-761611 · 3/10 · 7 August 2019]

The books were hilarious and the violence almost comic book in the original, so you didn't have to take it really seriously. Now turned into live action it's just too over the top and the voice over is just lame. Like the worst of underbelly. Instead of echoing the book it sound like someone's explaining it all to you.

Loved it!

[philbraz · 9/10 · 19 October 2019]

Great Aussie story and unique humour set in a nostalgic time.

SENSATIONAL & FABULOUS storyline extraction from rather smutty stuff

[ccfinlay · 10/10 · 1 September 2019]

Adore this serial! It recycles story ideas & characters in a wonderful setting & magicks away the boganism of the original books. Love Rebel Wilson & Alexander. More please!!! Hope mc marty's whinging about de-mysoginising the original doesn't affect this show's future. I totally love this recycled humanized version - resonates with my observations of life in this era. I s'pose that Rebel wilson is so non-mysoginist that fans of the original books might well be ruffled. That's just too bad!

A different show

[operatorjjp · 9/10 · 1 October 2019]

I think the show is well played out and the actors are hilarious.I love how the plot constantly changes and each episode leaves you hanging until the next one.

I enjoyed revisiting the books

[rod_esafety · 7/10 · 13 March 2022]

It took a few episodes to actually get into it, but by the third one I enjoyed it and it improved as I got used to the actors in their various parts. Yes it could have been better, but couldn't everything. As long as you aren't expecting the world and just want an enjoyable watch that doesn't require too much thought, it's well worth it.

Worth a look

[jefireland-34189 · 8/10 · 21 January 2020]

Plenty of laughs and the detail is excellent, it has the feel of 80s Sydney and NSW north coast . Hope there's a sequel.

Casting director should be shot

[sophiejillthompson · 5/10 · 3 December 2019]

This show serves as a reminder as to why so many bright young Aussie talent go to Hollywood instead of trying to crack the local market. As Rose Byrne once said in an interview, the Aussie film and television is a closed school where only a select group of people get consistent work. It's a shame that a lot of actors in this closed school lack talent and versatility.

The worst offense in Les Norton is casting the white, freckled and so-obviously-Anglo David Wenham as a Maltese gangster boss. My mum has had a hard-on for him since Sea Change and even she lamented that Wenham is not a character actor after watching this show. And worse, there are plenty of Australian actors with Italian, Greek and/or Maltese heritage who would have played the role of Price Galese way better than Wenham.

Second offense is Rebel Wilson as a hard-nosed brothel madam. There's a reason why she's popular in Hollywood--her laid-back personality and directness makes her charming. Unfortunately, this is nothing special to an Australian audience. So instead of being enthralled by her charm we are instead able to see her for the ordinary actress she truly is.

Third offense is the Page-Lochard as the bouncer. It's like the casting director noted that his character in the book series was Aboriginal, and so decided to cast the first Aboriginal person they could swing a stick at. In so doing, they cast a skinny, young, short dude as a bouncer. Seriously? They couldn't find a muscular Aboriginal actor?

Fourth offense is Justin Rosniak as stand-over man. He plays the part alright but again, he's short and skinny- what kind of gangster would employ him as a stand-over man?

Alexander Bertrand as the title character is less disappointing. He plays the role well and has the correct physique. Because he's ginger in the book, they've dyed Bertrand's orange. The effect is that he looks like a brunette dude wearing a clown wig. At that point, either do away with his character being ginger completely or, ya know, cast an actual ginger actor. Again, this is Australia, where most people have Scots-Irish in them. Could they not have found a ginger actor.

After 15 years of using IMDB, it was this show that finally compelled me to get an account, just so I could write this review. The reason I feel this strongly is because Les Norton had so much potential. It was a roaringly funny book series. It could have translated so well on-screen if only the decision-makers could have pulled their heads out of their arses and made suitable casting choices.

And it's not something easier said than done. It's not as if there is a dearth of actors and physical types in Australia. It's obvious that many of the cast members got their respective roles because they were already well-known locally-not because of their talent or suitability.

If not for this fact, Les Norton could have been the most successful Aussie TV shows in years. Unfortunately, it became one of those shows that viewers gave maybe 2 or 3 episodes before deciding 'Meh' and never watching it again.

Loved it! Bring on Season 2!

[agegonzalez · 10/10 · 26 December 2020]

Great 1st Season. Great Sydney Aussie Tale and keen to see more. Good acting, plot and story lines

Bob would be disgusted.

[mc_martyj · 4/10 · 11 August 2019]

Les is about as far from PC as it gets and they just spread that rubbish all through the pilot. He's also an absolute machine that would tear strips off the guy they cast. Could have been played by Eric Bana, not this Muppet. Lost all of its charm and cheeky sense of humour. A narrator was an awful idea. Rebel Wilson may be the worst casting in Australian TV history. Ruined an Australian CLASSIC literary character. Do not waste your time. Of course it went to ABC. Shame on whoever from Bobs estate allowed this tripe!!

Like the books it's fun and a laugh, but don't take too seriously

[hsimon-25511 · 9/10 · 25 September 2019]

Loved the books and enjoying the series, just wish they kept more of the fun from the written word. Worth the watch especially if you have been looking forward to this series as much as I have, just remember iTs fun and not to be taken seriously

Hoping for improvements.

[jacobusdejager · 8/10 · 10 August 2019]

Not too bad, was expecting more after waiting for 20 odd years, that's about how long this has been in the pipeline, but extremely pleased that Singo is still involved. PC has stuffed some of it's Aussie charm, hopefully things will improve. Oh by the way Rebel go of back to the States, funny in Pizza but not even close to being convincing in this.

Worth watching

[aaronharris-30023 · 9/10 · 23 April 2022]

There is a few roles that is the worst acting maybe the director should of let a few roles play the way they normally are. But then it is a comedy. Some are great acting. There is a few moment's you are like are they going to take this show serious. But it is Australian streets and light stress and humor. A couple times surprised me and was laughing out loud by myself worried I am annoying neighbors. And I decided I really like the way they did it. Its like Blue murder with a laugh and stress free and to be honest with all the major options to watch a series it was worth it. I enjoyed it a lot of actors I already like. Definitely worth it. A solid 9 stars for a ABC budget.

I am a critic and bored easily but this was the BEST Aussie Series ever

[Therese-95937 · 10/10 · 20 November 2022]

I really enjoyed this Aussie show. I could easily watch it again. Great Cast and Stories. I watched in a few days. Hope there is another season soon. Really feel it deserves 10/10. I was very impressed with the overall dialogue and loved the big guy playing Les Norton, Alexander Bertrand, David Wenham is a legend in Aussie films. Rebel Wilson is such a great actress and comedian.. Overall great.

Genres Additionally, Alexander Bertrandsuch a big cuddly bear but boy can he throw a punch or two.

BC's 10-part drama series Les Norton began filming last week in Sydney.

Les Norton stars Rebel Wilson (Isn't It Romantic, Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids), David Wenham (Romper Stomper, Top of the Lake) and up and coming Australian actor Alexander Bertrand (Australian Gangster, Hyde & Seek) in the eponymous lead role.

Set in 1985, the series follows the exploits of Les Norton, a country bloke from outback Queensland. On the run from a troubled past, he blows into Sydney where he lands a job as a bouncer at a notorious illegal casino in Kings Cross. A classic fish out of water who's desperate to get home, he soon finds himself seduced by the city's illicit charms and dragged into a web of underground criminality.

The series, based on the best-selling novels by Robert G. Barrett, is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production for ABC Television. Sonar Entertainment is handling international distribution.

Joining Rebel, David and Alexander will be Hunter Page-Lochard (Cleverman), Steve Le Marquand (Wentworth), Syd Zygier (Romper Stomper), Pallavi Sharda (Pulse), Justin Rosniak (Animal Kingdom) and Kate Box (Rake).

Les Norton is being directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker, Proof), Fadia Abboud (Australian Gangster), David Caesar (Dead Lucky, Underbelly) and Morgan O'Neill (Drift, Solo). It has been created for television by Morgan O'Neill, working alongside writers Christopher Lee (Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo), Samantha Winston (Wentworth), Shanti Gudgeon (Wolf Creek), Malcolm Knox (Romper Stomper), and Jessica Tuckwell.

Producers are Daniel Edwards and John Edwards from production company Roadshow Rough Diamond, who produced 2017 drama series Romper Stomper and the upcoming series Australian Gangster. Executive Producers are ABC Head of Drama, Comedy & Indigenous Sally Riley, the ABC's Andrew Gregory; Deeper Water Films' John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz, and John Singleton and Jack Singleton.

Les Norton is a Roadshow Rough Diamond production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC, in association with Create NSW. International sales by Sonar Entertainment Distribution.