Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose

Don't expect side splitting comedy, be aware it's very British Humour, so much of the looks will be lost on those unaware.

The fact the mongoose is called Gef (Geoff) for instance gets +1 rating instantly, cause any animals called Geoff is obviously a winner.

Acting is first class throughout - what a cast! Lovely to see Tim Downie in anything, but look at all the rest of the cast: what a cast! And you can tell they had a lovely time filming it.

Pegg gets to put a performance in instead of Spaced/Cornetto, and it's marvellous.

The micro-expressions/looks and mugging are very well observed to how the British are. Captures small island Britain brilliantly... and that people are possibly just having a bit of a laugh.

The direction and DOP needs a mention, it understands what the story is and doesn't overplay it with weird angles. Gary the Dog did a tremendous job I have to say.

And just a call out for the OST, which is rather lovely indeed.

I read reviews before I watched. I expected to be mildly entertained and extremely bored. I wasn't.

We are taken on a pilgrimage to discover if something you cannot see exists. There is magic, faith and self discovery in this story that I just love. The idea that something exists beyond what we can see and explain is as old as humans telling stories and this was an amazing new way of telling it.

I loved it all. Simon Pegg rarely disappoints and Minnie Driver brings class with levity. I hope there is another with the pair of them. The time set in the 30s is gorgeous - plus, you get to really focus on the story without the burden of technology in the way.

Watch with an open mind and you will find something very exciting.

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose is as frustratingly short as its title is long, but as minor films go, it is immensely charming and leaves a profoundly lasting impression. Admittedly, the material is not exactly funny enough to be considered comedic, nor is it weighty enough to pack much of an emotional punch, however, the cast gives wonderfully restrained yet quirky performances, the writing, albeit slight, is clever, if not intelligent, and the final cinematic product is intricate and handsome. If you are looking to lose ninety minutes of your life and do not want to think too hard, but also do not wish to turn your brain completely off, this mild gem is not without its moments of intrigue and pleasure. Additionally, should you be grappling with mortality and/or the meaning of existence, you might just find your time spent with Gef the Mongoose to be a weirdly cathartic experience.

Amazing cast. Beautifully filmed. If I were a film student I would probably rave about the camera work and colour pallette/saturation, etc.

Alas, I am not. I do not, however begrudge any of the 120 minutes or so I spent watching and then going back to rewatch assuming I'd fallen asleep and missed the key plot point or story arc that had earned it such high ratings.

The cast, acting, editing, camera work, costume, and makeup can make up for a lot, but best to go in with low expectations for story and you won't be disappointed. It's a nice little tale, just not an 8. (current rating when I watched.)

In quirky 1930-based true-tale drama "Nador Fodor And The Talking Mongoose" paranormal expert / sceptic Simon Pegg (as strong as ever) with assistant Minnie Driver is invited by fellow scientist Christopher Lloyd to probe an Isle of Mann community inc Paul Kaye, Tim Downie, Errol Kaye (all good)... AND, they claim, a clairvoyant, philosophical, talking rodent. While clearly fraudulent (or is it?) the case sparks deep questions for Pegg... and for us all (or does it?). Writer / director Adam Sigal's Wes Andersonesque style doesn't follow usual movie conventions, which may make it relatively original, but will nonetheless disappoint (and even perplex) many.