Review: Time Bandits is a bonkers and hilarious time-traveling adventure

As a lifelong gamer and avid fan of both comedy and time-traveling adventures, I was initially intrigued but also skeptical about AppleTV’s adaptation of “Time Bandits.” The prospect of a modern take on Terry Gilliam’s cult classic felt like a risky move. But boy, was I wrong!

Written by the talented comedy team consisting of Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Iain Morris (The Inbetweeners), and Taika Waititi (Reservation Dogs), Time Bandits is a thrilling and unforgettable journey through time. The story revolves around Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), an 11-year-old history enthusiast from a quaint English village. One fateful night, his bedroom is unexpectedly broken into by a motley crew of thieves who can travel through portals to any point in history. Eager to experience the wonders of history firsthand and eventually rescuing his parents from evil forces, Kevin embarks on these extraordinary adventures with the bandits.

I wasn’t quite sure what to anticipate from AppleTV’s version of “Time Bandits,” based on the iconic 1981 film by Monty Python member Terry Gilliam. Initially, it appeared an unusual choice. But once I pressed play, I was instantly drawn in!

For fans of the classic film, the 2024 series takes a fresh and unconventional approach. Instead of being a strict adaptation, it updates the story for contemporary audiences. The new gang of bandits, headed by Lisa Kudrow as Penelope, is an amusing bunch. Each character brings a unique charm to the table, and their contrasting personalities create an entertaining spectacle. The addition of Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Iain Morris’ comedic talents further enhances the experience. The humor has a similar vein as Waititi’s works like “Jojo Rabbit” and “Thor: Ragnarok,” and it fits seamlessly into the series.

Though I adored Penelopa, with her inherent humor, it didn’t take long for me to realize that Kal-El Tuck’s portrayal of Kevin stands out in this production. It’s hard to believe he’s just starting out, given how delightfully he breathes life into the role. From the get-go, he makes it unmistakably his own, leaving no room for comparison to the Kevin from the film. True, the character was intended to be irritating, but the allure of his performance is infectious. The blossoming friendship between Kevin and Penelopa is a highlight for me in this series.

Moving on to the other noteworthy characters, Bitterlig (Rune Temte), a mighty Viking boasting the power of seven regular men, brings plenty of laughter as the gentle giant. Alto (Tadhg Murphy), an aspiring Irish actor, has his amusing moments. Widgit (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), who is the only bandit with the ability to decipher the cosmic map, the most prized possession in the universe, delivers dry wit that never fails to entertain. Lastly, Kiera Thompson shines as Saffron, Kevin’s younger sister.

The historical adventures in Time Bandits are amazing!

Using a strong ensemble and an acceptable plot, “Time Bandits” stands out with its historically rich backdrop. It delves deeper into various historical periods than the initial film, exploring myths and legends in the process. The bandits travel to the Mayan civilization, medieval Europe, Prohibition-era America, and the reign of Mansa Musa, among other places.

I greatly appreciate the fact that these historical sets don’t come across as if they’re meant for comedy. Instead, they have an authentic ring to them, which is truly commendable. The level of detail put into each production is remarkable. Moreover, several stories unfold in historical periods seldom portrayed on-screen, such as the rule of Mansa Musa, the Mali Empire’s emperor and the wealthiest person ever recorded (that particular episode being my personal favorite).

With its unpredictable and quirky nature, this show keeps audiences guessing. It’s filled with unexpected twists and imaginative scenes that are sure to leave you in stitches. You never can tell what lies beyond the next doorway, making each episode an exciting adventure.

In summary, I thoroughly appreciated “Time Bandits” despite its differences from the original. For fans of the classic, it may be necessary to disregard prior associations and view this rendition as a distinct piece. It doesn’t follow the source material closely, but instead offers an exceptional, self-contained experience. Filled with surprise, laughter, and excitement, this journey is ideal for audiences of all ages.

Grade: B

Read More

• TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
• ZEX PREDICTION. ZEX cryptocurrency
• CANTO PREDICTION. CANTO cryptocurrency
• CRV PREDICTION. CRV cryptocurrency
• G PREDICTION. G cryptocurrency
• UNI PREDICTION. UNI cryptocurrency
• OPUL PREDICTION. OPUL cryptocurrency
• EPAN PREDICTION. EPAN cryptocurrency
• IRON PREDICTION. IRON cryptocurrency
• Take the Black: Final verdict on Star Wars: The Acolyte, Emmys rundown, dragon stuff

2024-07-24 01:41