The Mumbo Jumbo

While not infrequently accused of earnestly chatting movie-based Mumbo Jumbo, never once have 'they' said I watched it! But, I have, so I'm here to set things straight, mayte! I'm easily beguiled by the teasing prospect of an eclectic cast, not always rewardingly, and this 'The Mumbo Jumbo' bakes the B-Movie biscuit!!!! This sugary, over-egged comedy confection contains Jamie Walters (Chick Flick), Brian Blessed (Man of La Mancha), Melinda Messenger (Fort Boyard), Richard O'Brien (Urban Gothic), Joss Ackland (The Mind Snatchers), Sylvester McCoy (Tiswas), John Inman (The Tall Guy), Brian Murphy (Wizadora), and reliably stern Nigel Davenport(The Mind of Mr. Soames). Our cynical hero Thomas Doubting (Jamie Walters) is fatefully given a mystical amulet which dramatically heralds a bizarre, if not entirely cogent narrative of madcap jackanapes on the whimsical fantasy island of 'Sinmouth', wherein the absurdly eccentric locals foolhardily believe DT to be the legendary, good fortune bestowing 'The Mumbo Jumbo'!

Director Cookson is to be lauded for his grand cinematic ambition, but the final execution isn't quite so credible, arguably a cult movie with a small 'c', 'The Mumbo Jumbo' is at best a patchy affair, but it is the kind of cinematic oddity one experiences all too rarely, and while, perhaps, the over-arching director Stephen Cookson's greatest flight of fantasy was in thinking that he could maintain any degree of cogency with this episodic, fitfully fabulous family comedy, but, as the man said, film's a journey, not a destination, man!!!! The perky blonde-brained princess 'Vanilla' is appropriately monikered, but, hey, I wouldn't say no! Happily, Stentorian Thespian Brian Blessed bellows a lot, Richard O'Brien reliably essays his patent 'rent-a-kook' shtick, and there's an 'exuberant' dance sequence featuring 'legendary' hoofer John Inman that, er, wrong-footed me in all the best ways!!! 'The Mumbo Jumbo' sporadically reminded me of quirky kids fantasy show 'Into The Labyrinth' (1981), but, sadly, Messenger 'aint no Pamela Salem!

This film does not work on so many levels. It would have benefitted from some additional editing; some scenes and jokes, instead of coming off as wacky British humor, just seemed tacked on or inappropriate. This film probably was aiming to be the next "Time Bandits" (which several of the crew worked on, and which was used as a point of comparison in early publicity) and missed the mark.

The film can't seem to decide if it is aiming for kids or the adult market: the kiddie show fantasy plot doesn't meld well with references to SM, unfunny double entendres about giant vegetables (see above) and jokes about pubic hair. The film just doesn't hang together; there are a couple of plot holes and there was a dance number tacked on the end that really didn't belong there at all, though I did enjoy it. The music ranges from all right to saccharine and painfully low budget.

That said, there are several very good British character actors in this, notably Joss Ackland and John Inman (of "Are You Being Served?"), who were a joy to watch, and the costumes are delightful, with good attention to detail.

Richard O'Brien wasn't given much to do, but seemed to enjoy doing it, and Brian Blessed happily boomed his way through the film as the villain.

Overall, this film is interesting as an oddity and is worth picking up if you're a fan of British character actors or any of the principals; the cast contains a former game show host and Page 3 girl; a former Dr. Who, and of course, the creator of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, so while you may be bewildered, you won't be bored.