Time Bandits Review: The New Series Generates a Spark That Never Blazes

Time Bandits Review: The New Series Generates a Spark That Never Blazes

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  • Quirky Trips Through Time
  • A Stronger Narrative Is Needed

As a long-time gamer and history enthusiast, I was initially intrigued by the premise of “Time Bandits” on Apple TV+. The idea of a quirky adventure through time with a group of bandits and an 11-year-old history buff sounded like a fun and exciting journey. However, after watching the first five episodes, I couldn’t help but feel that the series was lacking something essential to truly captivate me.


The TV version of “Time Bandits” on Apple TV+ has an abundance of time at its disposal, yet it requires some patience to get accustomed to it. By the end of Episode 5, there’s a fresh surge of imagination and amusement that rejuvenates the viewing experience as this innovative adaptation of the iconic film progresses towards its tenth episode. For fans of Terry Gilliam, this series holds intrigue but might seem somewhat diluted compared to the original 1981 movie that Gilliam directed.

The creators of “Flight of the Conchords,” “The Inbetweeners,” and “Reservation Dogs” have brought intrigue to life in an exhilarating live-action adventure. Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Taika Waititi are behind this humorous tale. It follows a band of chaotic thieves as they embark on a frantic journey through time and space. Their newest recruit is none other than Kevin, an 11-year-old history enthusiast. His presence adds depth to the story, and when a mission arises to save his parents and the world, the narrative gains momentum. This sets the stage for thrilling dramatic scenes, daring escapes, and unexpected plot twists.

Time Bandits Lacks Edge and Grit

In watching “Time Bandits,” it’s worth taking a moment to reflect. With an abundance of video games and intense streaming content now available, today’s artists face a challenge that was unavoidable: audience desensitization. The constant exposure to violence and intensity in modern media has raised the bar for what grabs our attention, making it harder for creators to captivate us as easily as before.

Time Bandits Review: The New Series Generates a Spark That Never Blazes

In simpler terms, after being exposed to intense violence or mature content in shows like “The Walking Dead” or “House of the Dragon,” viewers may become desensitized and require some time to fully engage with the series. For instance, younger audiences might secretly watch such programs despite age restrictions. The allure of these productions is undeniable, even if they’re intended for mature audiences. Similar to Netflix’s “One Piece,” which rapidly gained popularity, given enough time and new episodes (like Season 2), the creators of the show could potentially find a fresh approach that appeals to viewers.

Quirky Trips Through Time

Time Bandits Review: The New Series Generates a Spark That Never Blazes

In this intriguing series, Kal-El Tuck (known from “Andy and the Band” as Kevin) finds himself in close proximity to a volatile time portal, leading him to encounter our principal “bandits.” Among them is Penelope, brilliantly portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, who heads up this motley crew of treasure thieves throughout history. The bandits, consisting of Charlyne Yi, Rune Temte, Tadhg Murphy, and Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, appear to be an odd pairing for a team. Each member showcases a distinct ability that piques our interest, although their characters aren’t fully fleshed out with comprehensive development yet.

The strong connection and chemistry between Penelope-Kudrow’s character and the bandits is a major asset of the show, despite some instances where their believability falters. However, there seems to be an unevenness in the performances of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, making it appear as if they didn’t fully bridge certain gaps. This stands in sharp contrast to their harmonious collaboration on “What We Do in the Shadows” for FX, where their work shines brilliantly.

In their journey, Kevin and the bandits encounter numerous obstacles, evil forces that threaten their mission. Through time travel and space exploration, they discover breathtaking new worlds from history. This fascinates history-lover Kevin, providing him with intriguing facts to share with the audience. The inventions of Stonehenge and the Trojan Horse are clever additions, and who wouldn’t be excited about seeing the gang run from dinosaurs during the prehistoric era? Or perhaps witness the vibrant Harlem Renaissance or endure the Ice Age? All these experiences await them.

A Stronger Narrative Is Needed

Time Bandits Review: The New Series Generates a Spark That Never Blazes

The series is beautifully filmed, with a captivating glow that makes viewers feel they are witnessing something extraordinary. The action sequences, particularly the fights and escapes, provide visually appealing moments for this kind of production. Notable guest appearances include Waititi and Clement adding delightful touches to the storyline.

The humor is unpredictable; some parts are amusing, others not so much. The show manages to deliver, but it could use more depth and risk-taking. There’s enjoyment to be found throughout the 10 episodes, but the consequences never truly matter. It seems that in attempting to create a series of mishaps, the show missed out on a strong narrative thread. However, with Kudrow leading the way, it’s worth watching for her performance alone. The actress brings new life to her role, and Tuck as Kevin is endearing. If your schedule allows, give this quirky adventure a try.

Time Bandits hits Apple TV+ on July 24. Watch the trailer below.

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2024-07-25 01:02