Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.
Today, we review Time Bandits
Genre: Fantasy
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Staring: John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, Kenny Baker
Released: November 6, 1981
THE GENERAL IDEA
A young boy’s wardrobe contains a time hole. Through this hole an assortment of dwarfs come while escaping from their master, the supreme being. They take Kevin with them on their adventures through time from Napoleonic times to the Middle Ages to the early 1900s, to the time of Legends and the Fortress of Ultimate Darkness where they confront Evil.
THE GOOD
If the trailer is any indication as to how serious this film is, you are in for a treat. With the likes of John Cleese and Sean Connery under the watchful eye of the mentally dislocated Terry Gilliam, this is a delightful film that despite its terribly dated effects.
Everyone pitches in with a great performance here and like many Gilliam films the fantasy landscape has enough reality in it to keep you grounded, but still experience the fascination with the surreal.
THE BAD
Its dated, often a little silly and almost childish. The effects are almost painful to watch but it was quite the undertaking back in 1981.
OVERALL
This is a fantastic ride of the imagination which Gilliam is a master of, and worth the watch. It was just released on BluRay, and the transfer is quite effective but can’t save you from the limitations of special effects at that time.
Since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, you get to rate your anticipation for yourself!
TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.
Excellent choice. I have watched this film a number of times, own it and despite the special effects not being up to par it stands up remarkably well because of a strong script and visual landscpe of one’s imagination. Bravo!
Loved it, Own it in both mediums
Terry Gillam for kids (KINDA)
Good pick. I used to love this movie when I was a kid. I havent’ watched it in years. I might have to get my hands on a copy and show my kids (and see how it stands up after all this time).
I remember the first time I saw this as a teenager, I was totally blown away. I have seen it so many times since then, excellent choice for FF.
Thanks for the memories.
While watching Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus the other day, I kept thinking about this movie instead. I know Brazil is considered Gilliams masterpiece by many, but I love this movie.
Awesome choice Rodney. I have this on a 2-dvd set that my mom bought me for Christmas. I didn’t know it was on blu-ray though.