Review: Time Bandits is a bonkers and hilarious time-traveling adventure

Created by comedy dream-team Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Iain Morris (The Inbetweeners), and Taika Waititi (Reservation Dogs), Time Bandits is an epic time-traveling adventure. The series follows follows Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), an 11-year-old history buff from a small town in England. One night, his bedroom is invaded by a ragtag band of thieves who drop through portals that can take them everywhere throughout history. In pursuit of his dreams of witnessing real history — and later having to save his parents from Pure Evil — Kevin joins the bandits on their epic adventures.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from AppleTV’s adaptation of Time Bandits, which is inspired by the cult 1981 movie directed by Monty Python legend Terry Gilliam. It seemed a strange decision at first, but the second I hit the play button, I found myself completely immersed!

For fans of the original movie, the first thing you'll notice is that the 2024 series is far from a faithful remake. But that's good. It brings the story into the modern day. The all-new bandits, led by Lisa Kudrow's Penelope, are a barrel of laughs. Each member has a charming quality about them, and their clash of personalities is a joy to watch, especially with the comedic genius of Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement and Iain Morris involved. It's got Waititi's Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok style of humour, and it totally works.

As much as I loved Penelope, who's naturally witty, it quickly became apparent that Kal-El Tuck's Kevin is the real gem in this show. You wouldn't believe this is his first major role, his version of Kevin is so much fun. He instantly makes the role his own; not once did I find myself comparing him to the Kevin in the movie. Sure, his character was written to be annoying, but the charm he brings to the role is contagious. Kevin and Penelope's budding companionship is one of my favorite elements of the show.

This brings me onto the rest of the supporting cast. Bitterlig (Rune Temte), a Viking with the strength of seven average men, is especially hilarious as a gentle giant. Alto (Tadhg Murphy), an Irish wannabe actor, has his moments. Widgit (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), the only bandit who can read the map of the universe, the most valuable object in all existence, offers excellent dry wit. And Kiera Thompson was another standout performer, playing the role of Kevin's younger sister Saffron.

The historical adventures in Time Bandits are amazing!

With a solid cast and a half-decent story, Time Bandits also shines in its historical settings. It dives into more historical eras than the original movie, including myth and legend. The bandits visit the Mayan civilization, medieval Europe, the Prohibition-era U.S., the ruling of Mansa Musa, and more.

What I like a lot is that these historical sets don't always feel like they belong in a comedy. They all have an authentic feel. The attention to detail is fantastic. Many of these adventures take place in historical eras that are rarely shown on screen, such as the reign of Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire and the richest man who has ever lived (that was my favorite episode, incidentally).

Given how whimsical and wacky the show is, you never know what's coming around the corner. It'll surprise you in the most strange, imaginative ways, almost always with a laugh-out-loud moment. You never know what's on the other side of the next portal, and that alone is enough to keep you invested.

Overall, I really enjoyed Time Bandits. People who loved the original will need to tune it out and treat this version as its own entity. It's not a faithful adaptation, but a superb standalone show. It's an unpredictable, hilarious and thrilling adventure for all ages.

Grade: B

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