Time Bandits

So I started watching this as a big fan of the original film; one of my favourite films. For about the first ten minutes I hated it. And initially I thought it was just Political Correctness gone wrong to change the physical nature of the original bandits. But then I stopped comparing and started to appreciate this for what it is.

It's a modern take on an old tale, but is well made, with some great characters, and a few genuine 'laugh out loud' funny moments. I've just watch the first two episodes and can honestly say I'm really enjoying it.

The young lad playing Kevin is brilliant and, despite what a few other reviews have said, Lisa Kudrow has a really great character too.

First and second episode review: I didn't find the trailer too interesting, so I wasn't really excited to watch this show. But because of Lisa Kudrow, the adventure genre, and it being an Apple TV Plus comedy show, I decided to give it a try.

To be honest, at the beginning, it seemed kind of normal. I thought about skipping it after 20 minutes because it felt childish, average, and predictable. But as I continued watching, I really started to like it. I watched both episodes. The duration is fine, although I usually prefer comedy shows that are a bit shorter. This is the first adventure genre show I've watched, and I really enjoyed it. There were some nice jokes, and the show has a cool vibe. The cast is awesome, especially the young kid, who is a really good actor, and Lisa Kudrow, who is still amazing. I loved the visuals, the feel of the show, and the little bit of history lessons. I haven't watched the 1981 movie, but I don't think I need to since I'll be watching the remaining episodes. I would have liked the show even more if there was some romantic tension and if the episodes were less than 30 minutes. Also, it would have been better if all the episodes were released at once, but two episodes a week is also fine.

Overall, it's a nice, fun watch. This show might not be for everyone but it's definitely for me as I too would love to escape the reality. 3/5.

Update: I just finished watching all the episodes, and my ratings remain the same. If you don't think too logically, you might enjoy it. Kids will probably like it more. The ending is not predictable, which is good, although they ended it on a cliffhanger, likely aiming for a season 2 renewal. I'm not sure if a season 2 is necessary, but if it happens, I will watch it.

It's fun. II's light. And Silly. Effects are sold. And acting is good. It's different spin on the original.

Time bandits concept x Peabody & Sherman + history of The world part 1 +

Taika Watiki and Jermaine Clement?

I'm Here for it.

The whole concept is worth your consideration. And you might even (gasp!) learn a little history.

Oh the horror!

All you review bombing film bros who hate it and think your review or opinion matters (or that you matter) just stfu and go watch something else. Or go make something better. I can't wait to read the reviews. ;-)

For the rest of you, watch it. If you like it, keep watching. If you don't, then stop. Simple.

So far it feels like you can watch it with your kids, which nowadays is a big ask. I would have 100% watched this with my daughters had this been on when they were young. Keep in mind I'm only through a few episodes.

It's disappointing to see so many snobbish adults unfairly judge a children's show based on nostalgia and misplaced standards. Worse, they seem to have lost their imagination and humor, becoming bitter with age.

If you're an adult who remembers what it was like to be young and can still enjoy the simple things in life, this show will charm you. Yes, the humor is silly - because that's the point.

There's no harm in some light-hearted entertainment now and then. This show deserves to be seen for what it is: fun, adventurous, and perfect for both kids and adults (who still know how to enjoy life).

I have fond memories of the 80s film. Always loved the adventure. Palin and Gilliam wrote a masterpiece for the film.

This outing, in tone, is overall similar. But it seems to have it's faults. I'm not yet certain if the faults out weight the pros.

It has a generally "fun" atmosphere. Dialog and settings are light-hearted and adventurous. Sort of a somewhat "silly" walk through historical settings. That's always a great watch. So there's a big plus there.

The cons.. well... Kudrow really. This appears to be an example of when you finally get a "name" to sign onto a project and they are thrust into a primary spotlight role regardless of how well they fit the part. Kudrow doesn't fit this part. Not at all. She's completely lacking the "wannabe tyrant with a lack-of-confidence" trait in the character she's portraying. Just wrong for the character. This is Kudrow *trying desperately* to play a Monty Python (Palin/Gilliam) character and falling flat. To me, Kudrow has always "forces" comedic roles (post Friends) - and it can become obvious at times.

I can't help but think swapping the roles of Jemaine Clement (the bad guy) and Kudrow would have been better for the series. Jemaine Clement is a fantastic comedic actor - and his talents appear to be wasted in the role he has in this.

I miss the fact that Kevin was the same size as the rest of the bandits in the film. That made them all seem much more like a "gang" of bandits -- I somewhat "get" why that wasn't a choice in today's social climate I guess, but it's not as favorable to have Kevin be a small child compared to all the 6ft tall adults.

The "bandits" in this series aren't very quirky overall - or haven't shown it much yet - that's what made the bandits in the original Palin/Gilliam film so endearing.

Anyway.. after 2 episodes it's not horrible, but it's not yet "great" either. It's worth catching, but there's no telling if it'll get better or worse at this point. I think, largely, that depends on how central Kudrow is in each episode. Looking at the list of the cast, there does appear to be some great comedy names yet to appear in the series.

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After 6 episodes, it's just sort of lackluster and often "try hard." It's not bad, but I have yet to find any laughs. It CLEARLY tries.. but I'm just not finding it funny. And some aspects are just non-sensical.. they travel back to Georgian times and everyone is calling Kudrow's character "sir"?? I know today that may be a thing in 2024, but in the 1700s??? Historical settings are all very superficial and unrealistic in terms of character mindsets.