Alan Partridge - Stratagem – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Alan Partridge - Stratagem

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Steve Coogan's cringe-comedy icon takes to the stage in a self-important theatrical memoir that critics loved but audiences found... awkward.

87%

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Alan Partridge - Stratagem

movie

15, 2023

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Steve Coogan's cringe-comedy icon takes to the stage in a self-important theatrical memoir that critics loved but audiences found... awkward.

87%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: Alan Partridge is a beloved British comedy character, but this stage show is for die-hard fans only. Critics appreciated the meta-theatrical satire, but regular viewers gave it a resounding 'meh' (5.3 on IMDB is rough).

The comedy is built entirely on watching a narcissistic, socially inept character embarrass himself with complete confidence. If that's your jam and you know the character, you might enjoy it. But for most people—especially Americans unfamiliar with Partridge—this will feel like watching someone else's inside joke for 90 minutes.

Not for kids, obviously. And honestly? Even for adults, there are much better ways to spend your evening unless you're specifically craving British cringe comedy performed as theatrical memoir. The critic-audience score split (87% vs. 5.3/10) tells you everything: this is clever on paper but kind of exhausting in practice.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult fare (18+). It requires familiarity with British comedy, the Alan Partridge character, and an appreciation for cringe humor. Even then, the mediocre audience scores suggest many adults will find it a slog.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Alan Partridge is a deliberately cringe-inducing, narcissistic character whose comedy comes from social awkwardness, self-importance, and often inappropriate behavior. While not malicious, he's hardly a role model for kindness or cooperation. The humor is built on watching someone be tone-deaf and embarrassing.

Imaginative

Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge character is genuinely creative—a satirical stage performance that parodies celebrity memoir tours and theatrical pomposity. The meta-comedy of a fictional character doing a real stage show is inventive, though it's more clever pastiche than groundbreaking originality.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, suggesting mature themes. British comedy often includes sexual innuendo, mild profanity, and awkward social situations. The IMDB rating of 5.3 and mixed audience scores (73% RT audience, 2.9/5 Letterboxd) suggest inconsistent quality that might catch viewers off-guard. No graphic content expected, but definitely adult-oriented humor with potential for uncomfortable moments.

Enriching

87% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests critical appreciation for the satire of British celebrity culture and theatrical pretension. For adults familiar with the character, it offers sharp social commentary. However, the 5.3 IMDB rating and 2.9 Letterboxd score indicate many viewers found it tedious or self-indulgent. Entertainment value appears polarizing.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Sharp satirical take on celebrity memoir culture and theatrical pomposity—critics gave it 87% on Rotten Tomatoes
If you're a fan of British cringe comedy and the Alan Partridge character, this meta-performance is cleverly constructed
Steve Coogan's commitment to the character is impressive, and there's genuine wit in the self-aware absurdity

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What to Watch For

This is 100% for adults—rated 15+ with mature humor, sexual references, and social awkwardness that's the whole point
The IMDB 5.3 and Letterboxd 2.9 ratings tell the real story: this is divisive and potentially boring if you're not already invested in the character
Stage performance format means slower pacing than typical comedy specials—some will find it tedious and self-indulgent

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think some people find embarrassing characters funny while others just feel uncomfortable?"
"What makes satire work—when does making fun of someone cross from clever to mean?"
"Have you ever watched someone be so confident while being completely wrong? How did that feel?"

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