Parents' Guide to Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose

Incredibly the events of this British comedy-mystery are in fact loosely based on real events. Written and directed by Adam Sigal, Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose tells the story of the extraordinary -- or ridiculous, depending on which side you take -- claims made from a family living on a farm on the Isle of Man. The tale of a talking mongoose called Gef was covered widely by the British tabloids during the 1930s. Such is the subject matter that retelling this story on the big screen could have easily veered into farce and absurdity. So it's to Sigal's great credit that what the film actually offers are philosophical and poignant questions about life, death, and what we do and don't believe in. To his believers Gef is an almost Jesus-like figure, and Nandor -- initially so determined to prove he doesn't exist -- faces questions such as: Why would we want to disprove something that other people believe in? The film doesn't try to provide the answers, but it makes you think, and if getting too existential is not your thing, the film can simply be enjoyed as a mystery adventure. Pegg is great in a somewhat uncharacteristically restrained performance, with Driver holding her own in the supporting role. It's also great to see Christopher Lloyd popping up as one of Fodor's peers.