TV review

Philomena Cunk has previously applied her vast intellect to topics as wide-reaching as life and Earth. But for her latest ‘landmark documentary series’, Diane Morgan’s Birdbrained alter-ego sets her sights on a narrower topic, with a script that’s all the better for the tighter focus.

As ever, no joke is too puerile to include – episode one features a ‘your mum’ gag, for instance – while Cunk’s pigheaded mangling of even the basic facts takes malapropisms to new levels. That each is delivered with almost bored deadpan gives them extra potency. 

Confident in her ignorance, our presenter merrily discusses cinematic masterpieces such as Stanley Cupboard’s 201 or argues with knowledgeable critic Mark Kermode that Scorsese’s first name is Marvin.

The writers, led by Charlie Brooker, clearly love a bit of wordplay (and filth). But they also have a passion for cinema that shines through despite Cunk’s lack of interest, or perhaps because of it. Viewers might find themselves learning about German expressionism or the French New Wave, even if the presenter never does.

And they have points to score about everything from Star Wars to Battleship Potemkin which only a true cineaste with long-held grievances would want to air.

Those film fans also have much to say about the destructive aspects of AI. Its slop is just the sort of thing a moron like Cunk turns to for entertainment or information, using confirmation bias to ‘settle’ arguments with experts. The point is perhaps laboured, though it’s a valid one.

As usual, a broad selection of interviewees has been lined up to play along, though it’s not clear quite how much Michael Bay is in on the joke. Benedict Cumberbatch acts as the perfect straight man, playing up the earnest luvvie type, while various experts give us the context Cunk universally fails to grasp.

It’s been since 13 years since the inane Cunk made her debut on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, so you surely already know if you’re a fan of her sense of humour. But On Cinema’s one of the best examples of her work, packed with jokes, stupidity and the obligatory Pump Up The Jam cutaway. As always, some segments are hit-and-miss, but the gag rate is relentless enough for that not to matter much.

• Cunk On Cinema airs on BBC Two at 10pm tonight and all three episodes are currently available on iPlayer. It is on Netflix worldwide from November 15. 

Review date: 12 Nov 2026
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett