Review of Time Bandits (1981) by Kevin R — 30 Jul 2011

Here's to stinking rich.

Kevin is a kid who adores studying and reading about history. He is often ignored by his parents and is left on his own to research his interests. One inauspicious day some treasure seeking dwarves fall through a wormhole into his bed room. He joins the dwarves as they continue to jump throughout history using a map they obtained from The Supreme being. They all have fun until the Supreme Being begins seeking them to regain his map. The Supreme Being's arch nemesis is also in pursuit of the map.

"That is not to be eaten.".

"You never know until you've eaten it.".

Terry Gilliam, director of Tideland, The Brothers Grimm, Twelve Monkeys, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Fisher King, and the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, delivers Time Bandits. The storyline for this movie was outstanding and reminded me of The Princess Bride. The settings and characters were delivered well and the story was very entertaining. The acting was brilliant for the genre and the cast includes Sean Connery, John Cleese, Shelley Duvalle, Ian Holm, and Katherine Helmond.

"Do you want to be leader of this gang?".

"No. We agreed. No leader.".

"Then shut-up and do as I say.".

Time Bandits was a film I came across while flicking through the channels and decided to DVR. Every Time I have walked by this film at Target or in movies stores I am always shocked I have never seen this. After watching this, I remain stunned I never watched this growing up. This is a very underrated classic that falls in line with Princess Bride, Willow, Legend, Goonies, and Gremlins. This is one of those feel good kids movie with a slice of darkness. I strongly recommend seeing this picture.

"They were trained to kill people 26 different ways with their bare hands.".

Grade: A.