Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose

I watched this on a longer train journey home this weekend, knowing it was a 5.3 rating at the time I queued it up. Was pleasantly surprised / intrigued and had to finish it off both on the tube then in bed when home.

Not quite sure what to make of it, leading me back to IMDb to check Trivia and other reviews! Knowing that it was based on true story, would have been useful to know beforehand.

A few of the characters seemed quite well acted, and even if perhaps a bit under-developed, Minnie Driver's acting seemed pretty good to my uncultured tastes. I'm curious what people might think of Simon Pegg's accent!

This movie was barely funny and had a very thin plot. I even paid to rent it from Prime and didn't bother watching the last 30 minutes because I didn't care what happened. The actors are wasted in this. There is a summary of the Gef mongoose incident in Wikipedia. Read that if you're curious. I don't watch movies for gorgeous camera work, unfortunately, so to me this is a solid 4. I'd rather watch a gripping story on videotape. This could've been cut down to an hour, easily--not that much happens! Editing, costumes, and camera work do not make up for a poor script. If you have insomnia, this could be a good choice for you. Normally I love Simon Pegg but this was just a very boring movie. I even enjoy Jane Austen movies, and "costume dramas," as they're called, with dense dialog and no action. There was just very little to hang onto here.

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.

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.

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.