Mystery Team

Not sure why some people hate the movie so much. Of course this isn't a family film and the movie is not to be taken so seriously. I suppose that a movie can't please everyone. I for one am a fan of Derrick Comedy and this was good time spent. I hadn't laughed from a movie as much as I have after watching this one. Although I did feel that one of the main three characters was left out, it actually portrayed what the character's personality was. The first couple of minutes didn't make the movie seem that great, but as the story progresses, it gets better. As for the plot itself, it's not what makes the movie good. This movie is a comedy, and for what comedies do, it was spot on. In the end it's going to be up to you to decide whether you like it or not, but I for one recommend it. Maybe it's because of all the hours I've been awake so far, but I was laughing the whole way through.

A fan of DERRICK comedy for many years, I was ecstatic when I found out they were semi-premiering Mystery Team in Austin, and got tickets.

The experience was fantastic. In addition to seeing the feature film, DERRICK frontmen DC, Donald, and Dominic were there to open and close the film and offer a quick Q & A- and the audience was treated to two never-before-seen new DERRICK shorts (which were, easily, some of their most-hilarious) as well as a live comedy sketch the trio did on the subject of their new 'squibbles' social network. (Don't ask, it ultimately was a big hilarious charade with no point.) Long-story-short, the entire night was excellent. Hilarious, genuine, and cleverly-crafted. The film, of course, was the most impressive aspects- both surprising, (minimally) disappointing, and inspiring in the way it played out.

Instead of the requisite R-rated vulgar (albeit hilarious) jabs you might expect from the trailer, the movie flows in a much more light-hearted, innocent manner- only sprinkled with bits of disgust and profanity. But it keeps its momentum WITH these bits, and is all-the-better because of it.

Here we've got, well, The MYSTERY TEAM- three older teenagers who, unlike the harsh reality the film takes place in, have delusions of grandeur and childlike obliviousness that both makes them innocent and immune to some of the outlandish situations they're placed in. The most vulgar and adult character, then, is the actual CHILD of the whole movie, an 8-year-old criminal- who swears and totes guns and hangs out in strip clubs- and the Mystery Team's interaction both with him and the many degenerates of the movie is really the catalyst and heart of both the story's intrigue and comedy.

Think of Alan from The Hangover, or Michael Scott from the Office- characters in that implacable position of both being winningly R-rated/inappropriate and pathetically juvenile at the same time. These guys are like that- and the movie moves and succeeds largely on this facet.

This isn't to say the film is technically superb, though. It is, and I was genuinely surprised. As a filmmaker myself, I was uncertain about how DERRICK's usually so-so technical qualities in their shorts would transport to the big screen. But they do so with maximum, artful flair and professional edge. When I was there, I was amazed at how such a self-produced movie could look so good, especially when I'm knowledgeable of just how far and how good such a camera as DERRICK's can ultimately look. They push their images and equipment to the limits, though, and the film looks simply pristine.

Riding a line similar to, say, Arrested Development in terms of being both preposterous and believable, Mystery Team isn't as FUNNY as the likes of this year's hilarious blockbuster The Hangover (although I've often heard it is).

No, it isn't FUNNIER, per se, but it's damn near close to AS FUNNY as The Hangover. But, no, the comparison isn't a justified one. Because really, Mystery Team succeeds in being an overall BETTER film- laden with characters you either love to hate or enjoy seeing succeed, pushing an innocence that makes you smile, and moving through situations and locations so diverse, profane, and vulgar you can't help but be intrigued.

Played-out like an actual mystery caper in classic Scooby-Doo fashion, Mystery Team's ability to mix heavy, outlandish satire with gritty realism and classical if not slightly overdone narrative flow makes it a potently winning, highly satisfying picture.

After the movie I got a chance to talk very briefly with the creators, and all approached my questions and musings with absolute friendliness, casual respect, and poise that made them fitting actors for such innocent roles. I may only be 19, but I've seen my share of douchebag indie filmmakers and these guys- both in their work and presentation- were anything but. A breath of fresh air I really enjoyed to be a part of. I hope they go far. Dominic, DC, Donald- if you ever read this: Bravo and Good Luck, guys.

A solid 8/10, close to a 9. If this plays even REMOTELY close to you, go see it. It's a genuinely silly and unforgiving pleasure of a movie you're sure to absolutely love.

man, after the DVD came out the rating here went way down, I don't think many people who saw this movie knew anything about Derrick Comedy or just missed the point of it all together.

this isn't a family movie, the R rating should tell you that from the get go. It's a movie about 3 losers who have been solving mysteries since they were kids, but get thrown into reality when they decide to take on the ridiculous case of solving a murder. The three guys from Derrick Comedy are hysterical..every line they say is so silly and ridiculous..and the antics they get into...you'll either be amused by it or totally hate it.

Also, this movie is very similar to what you see in Derrick Comedy's skits. That same humor and silliness in the skits is in this movie...

you'll either love it or hate it. as a fan of the guys of Derrick Comedy I thought it was hilarious and just enjoyed it for what it was; but I think some people might miss the boat on this one.

You have to see this movie.

"Mystery Team" is a parody of a phenomenon that was never itself a film: The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and especially Encyclopedia Brown.

They manage to walk the line -- like the first Austin Powers film -- so that it's neither too wacky so you can't believe it and don't care about the characters, but not too boring that it's not full of subtle interplay.

The main gag is the innocence of the boys, who are thrust into adult situations continually. It's all about the acting in this film, and kudos especially to "Donald Glover". Dressing like an outrageous hobo, for example, could come across as really stupid in a film with Jim Carrey or Rob Schneider, who play up their roles too much. Donald manages to do it consistently.

On top of that, there are a several delightful plot twists that you won't see coming. The film tries to balance the boys basically being incompetent with allowing them to succeed in a way that isn't too corny.

It's laugh-out-loud funny throughout, a genuine must-see if you like intelligent edgy comedies. Note, it's not really meant to be a kids film. There's a lot of raunchy humor.

I'll give Mystery Team a well-earned 9 out of 10. It just missed a 10 because the ending was good but not quite a classic.

Hilarious. Cute. Adorable. Hard hitting action. Swear words! This movie has everything.

Seriously, Comedy Examiner said this was the funniest move of 2010 (June writing) and I seriously agree.

I saw this sketch comedy team on YT and they were very, very funny. Yet they rose to new heights by combining my favorite genre as an 8 year old with world weary modernism. I just wish that my favorite SNL characters would have made a film in this vein. It's funny; very funny. It's fresh and it hasa lot of heart...then spleen, then kidneys.

Best of luck to these guys and looking forward to the sequel.