Bandits, Bandits: A hilarious time-travel comedy for the whole family [critique]

The biting humor of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi at the service of this very amusing series adapted from the film by Terry Gilliam.

Originally, there is this fantastic adventure signed Terry Gilliam (released in 1981, when he could not find the funding for Brazil). With his Monty Python comrade, Michael Palinthey imagine Kevin's epic journey through history. Forty years later, Bandits, bandits is reinventing itself today on Apple TV+ (and also Canal + in France) in a particularly successful remake, which multiplies the winks to the original, brings it up to date – visually especially – and adds its little something extra: the grotesque sense of humor of Jemaine Clement And Taika Waititi !

The duo behind What We Do in the Shadows takes Gilliam's concept a step further, both in tone and substance. We find Kevin, 11, propelled into this unpredictable journey through space-time by a group of thieves who burst into his bedroom closet one evening, with in his possession a map that could change the fate of the universe. Kevin thus explores the world and history, from the Mayan civilizations to the Trojan War, via Georgian England.

There is indeed an ex-Friends (Lisa Kudrow) in the headliner, but the one who steals the show is the young Kal-El Tuck. The British kid, unknown to the battalion, is amazing behind his big glasses, as a budding time explorer, surrounded by a band of hilarious nickel-plated feet. Because Bandits, bandits – like the film – aims to be a family adventure that never takes itself too seriously. Funny and whimsical, it will speak to both parents and children.

And if the series gets a bit boring with its time concept after a few episodes, the appearances of Jemaine Clement as the head of “Evil” will be enough to keep you in the loop.

Bandits, Bandits, season 1 in ten episodes to watch on Apple TV+ and on Canal + in France, from July 24, 2024.