Review of Mystery Team (2009) by Ryan R — 30 Aug 2009

If you see this film the chances are it's coming out of nowhere for you like it did for me and, well, it's insanely funny. Washed up childhood detectives who once plied their trade for dimes, ice cream and fruit roll-ups have made the transition to awkward teenagers and find their mettle tested when a little girl hires them to find her parents killer.

Most of the humor is relatively simple lampooning and hilarious observations but if you're feeling the movie it sweeps you up in a comedy tidal wave. My favorite is a foul mouthed youngster who is the go-to suspect for every case up to the murder. Surprisingly enough, as the stakes raise in their detective careers we're treated to moments of characterization in the "Superbad" vein where everyone realizes it's time to grow up and, as is to be expected, their is real pathos and laughs as the fears of growing up are addressed, but luckily, we are given a reprieve from the bittersweet coda and treated to the very welcome possibility that our friends aren't quite ready to break up just yet.

It is rare the prospect for a sequel is so enticing.