Time Bandits

What’s the Story?

Young Kevin is fascinated by history, but his materialistic parents are too busy planning their dream kitchen to pay attention. When a group of bickering dwarves appears in Kevin's bedroom, he's in for the history lesson of his life. The dwarves are time bandits, former employees of the Supreme Being who have stolen his map of time and space and plan to loot history of its greatest treasures. Kevin joins them through a time hole, and is soon rubbing shoulders with such luminaries as Napoleon, Robin Hood (John Cleese), and Agamemnon (Sean Connery), as well as giants and ogres. The Evil Genius, the Supreme Being's nasty rival, lures the group into his Fortress of Ultimate Darkness and steals the map so he can destroy the world. Now the time bandits must recover the map and prevent armageddon.

Is It Any Good?

TIME BANDITS is an enjoyable romp meant to appeal to the adventurous child in everyone. Directed by "Monty Python's Flying Circus" animator Terry Gilliam, the movie takes its young hero on an absurdist tour through various times and places in history. A considerable vein of black humor and irreverence runs through the movie, giving it a sharp edge not often found in kids' fantasies.

The film's look is and special effects are impressive and imaginative, but the plot and characters are somewhat inconsistent and the satire is frequently harsh. Older kids may find the black humor hilarious, but it's questionable viewing for the very young. Still, the film's virtues easily outweigh its flaws and it's a perfect movie for those who prefer their fantasy with a bit of bite.