Time Bandits (1981)

Whenever the name of Terry Gilliam is attached to a film, you know you're in for something special. Maybe not always the most coherent of storytellers, Gilliam has an imagination unlike any other. Here, he teamed up with fellow Monty Python-member Michael Palin for the script and Palin has two minor (yet hilarious) roles. This is one of the more subdued Gilliam adventures and although both parents and children can enjoy this, it's more directed towards kids, albeit with some pretty freaky imagery at times. 

Kevin is a young boy with a fascination for history, but his parents don't really care. They just watch their television and leave him pretty much to his own devices. One night, a bunch of dwarves tumble out of his closet. It turns out they have a map that leads to holes in time and space and they plan to use these in order to get rich. The map belongs to what they refer to as the Supreme Being, by the way, who is chasing them in order to retrieve the map. Along the way, the come across Napoleon, Robin Hood and Agamemnon and Kevin is enthralled. Sometimes though, things aren't the way he imagined them to be. 

In the meantime, the Supreme Evil being is watching them because he too wants to get his hands on this map. He lures the band into the Realm of Legends and his castle, and then it's time for a final showdown against all evil. 

Because Terry Gilliam is so good at finding fun visuals, this film looks great, especially when they start time hopping. Every environment is very distinct and many of the choices concerning costumes stand out. But Gilliam's skill really shines near the end in the castle of Evil. This feels most akin to his ideas and concepts, whereas the rest is more subdued. The story is fairly simple, but it works, especially seeing as it is a smart kid that is our connection to this bizarre tale. The dwarves are likeable, even their self-proclaimed obnoxious leader Randall. Sure, besides Randall, Fidgit and Wally, it's hard to remember their names, but that doesn't really matter. 

Someone who really relishes in his role, is the always wonderful David Warner. It's funny how often this man has portrayed someone or something evil, but he has the presence and voice to pull it off every time. His interactions with his minions belong to some of the funniest bits in this film and even though he wears a ridiculous costume, he still comes across as a very menacing presence. And if you want to talk inventiveness: the final battle with him is not only bizarre, it is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Of that I'm fairly certain. 

Some things don't work as well though. Why the parents are such obnoxious and indifferent twats, I'll never know. Sure, it means that Kevin is quick to join the dwarves in their adventures, but all in all, they could have been made a little more sympathetic. This also makes the ending rather abrupt and weird. 

Spoiler: they explode in the end, leaving Kevin completely alone in a burned out house. Not really the sort of high note you would want to leave on, especially considering just prior to this, the dwarves went off with the Supreme Being and just left him behind. 

Kevin just can't seel to catch a break, can he? The only place he was happy, was with Agamemnon and the the dwarves brought him back. But considering how Agamemnon's life played out, maybe that was for the best. 

He gets murdered by his wife, by the way. Those Greeks and their tragedies, it's always a lot of fun!

'Time Bandits' is one of those typical Gilliam-productions, albeit a little more subdued than most of his work. It's inventive and different, which also means that not everyone will enjoy this as much. It's quirky and if you've seen this at a young age, it is sure to have left some images on your retina, traumatizing or otherwise. Try it and see if this is up your alley.