Lisa Kudrow Leads a Merry Band of ‘Time Bandits’ in Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s Giddy Reboot: TV Review

As a movie lover with a deep appreciation for the absurdist humor of Monty Python and the fantastical storytelling of Terry Gilliam, I can’t help but be thrilled by the prospect of Apple TV+’s “Time Bandits.” Having grown up watching the classics of both Monty Python and Gilliam, I’ve always been drawn to the witty dialogue, the surreal visuals, and the clever twists of these timeless stories. So, when I heard that Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, and Iain Morris were adapting “Time Bandits” for television, I was instantly intrigued.

If one were tasked with naming a modern successor to Monty Python, the crew of New Zealand comedians informally captained by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi would be a strong candidate. (As a bit, the Ministry of Silly Walks wouldn’t be out of place on the duo’s mockumentary-turned-FX-series “What We Do in the Shadows,” give or take a few puncture wounds.) Any goofy yet erudite group of writer-performers from the greater Commonwealth inherently bears the influence of the legendary British sketch troupe. It therefore tracks that Clement and Waititi, in conjunction with “The Inbetweeners” creator Iain Morris, would choose to adapt Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits” into a TV show — and that the result is a worthy tribute to both Gilliam’s baroque, fantastical style and the blustery humor of his script, co-authored by fellow Python member Michael Palin.

Instead of most contemporary graduates from the feature-to-series pipeline, such as “Sexy Beast” and “Fatal Attraction,” “Time Bandits” boasts a concept naturally tailored for episodic adventures. When 11-year-old Kevin (Kal-El Tuck) stumbles upon a time portal in his bedroom at Bingley, the curious Brit leaps at the opportunity to satiate his passion for history. With Apple TV+’s substantial budget at its disposal, “Time Bandits” delves into each era Kevin travels to with intricate detail. From Mansa Musa’s lavish retinue roaming through 14th-century Africa to the verdant forests of feudal Japan, modern technology – be it CGI or revenue from selling iPads – breathes life into the past.

Kevin is joined on his journeys by a group of bandits, named after him and led by the arrogant Penelope, brilliantly portrayed by Lisa Kudrow. With a pilfered map in hand that reveals locations of portals, including one from Kevin’s home, this gang of petty thieves finds themselves caught in the crossfire between two significant cosmic forces: Waititi’s Divine Being, an all-powerful entity who owns the map, and Wrongness, a sinister character with prosthetic enhancements portrayed by Clement. Though underdogs are endearing to support, this band of robbers may not be capable of handling their current mission. Among them is Widget (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), a navigator who struggles with directions; and Judy (Charlyne Yi, who left the production prematurely following an alleged altercation), who bills herself as an empath but isn’t particularly adept at deciphering others’ emotions.

I’m deeply drawn to the quirky and misfit gang known as the Bandits, whose antics bring to mind the humorous pirates from “Our Flag Means Death,” a canceled series that I’ve grown fond of. This show, unfortunately, came to an end this year after only two seasons, leaving fans like me in search of something similar. However, “Time Bandits” stands out as a suitable alternative, offering a family-friendly vibe which Apple TV+ has successfully cultivated with revivals of shows like “Fraggle Rock” and upcoming “Yo Gabba Gabba.” With Clement and Waititi at the helm, it’s no surprise that this production exudes their unique charm and playfulness. Although not particularly emotionally charged, the Bandits’ adventures are filled with the delightful silliness that characterizes their creative collaboration. As a curious and enthusiastic kid, I find myself fully immersed in Kevin’s endless quest for knowledge and discovery, providing a fun outlet for my passion that often goes unappreciated by my family.

In the movie “Time Bandits,” Kevin is the main character, but Kudrow adds the perfect dose of humor as the film’s comedic focal point. Penelope claims that the Bandits operate as a democratic group, making decisions together. However, she’s actually quite arrogant, impulsive, and ignorant. In reality, she’s more like a child to Kevin’s mature adult rather than the other way around. Kudrow skillfully merges the quirkiness of Phoebe Buffay from “Friends” with the self-centeredness of Valerie Cherish from “The Comeback.” Her goal is to showcase her abilities to a new audience through this role. The time-traveling premise and stunning visuals in “Time Bandits” are captivating, but its true power lies in its simpler joys.

2024-07-24 16:16

Lisa Kudrow Leads a Merry Band of ‘Time Bandits’ in Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s Giddy Reboot: TV Review

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