Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose

Don't expect side splitting comedy, be aware it's very British Humour, so much of the looks will be lost on those unaware.

The fact the mongoose is called Gef (Geoff) for instance gets +1 rating instantly, cause any animals called Geoff is obviously a winner.

Acting is first class throughout - what a cast! Lovely to see Tim Downie in anything, but look at all the rest of the cast: what a cast! And you can tell they had a lovely time filming it.

Pegg gets to put a performance in instead of Spaced/Cornetto, and it's marvellous.

The micro-expressions/looks and mugging are very well observed to how the British are. Captures small island Britain brilliantly... and that people are possibly just having a bit of a laugh.

The direction and DOP needs a mention, it understands what the story is and doesn't overplay it with weird angles. Gary the Dog did a tremendous job I have to say.

And just a call out for the OST, which is rather lovely indeed.

This movie was barely funny and had a very thin plot. I even paid to rent it from Prime and didn't bother watching the last 30 minutes because I didn't care what happened. The actors are wasted in this. There is a summary of the Gef mongoose incident in Wikipedia. Read that if you're curious. I don't watch movies for gorgeous camera work, unfortunately, so to me this is a solid 4. I'd rather watch a gripping story on videotape. This could've been cut down to an hour, easily--not that much happens! Editing, costumes, and camera work do not make up for a poor script. If you have insomnia, this could be a good choice for you. Normally I love Simon Pegg but this was just a very boring movie. I even enjoy Jane Austen movies, and "costume dramas," as they're called, with dense dialog and no action. There was just very little to hang onto here.

Very much enjoyed this movie. Contrary to other reviewers I found the writing to be excellent as well as the Cinematography & the acting.

The question is whether there is very much of a there there, and I think there is.

Our main character, A professional Anti- spiritualist, is absolutely convinced there cannot be such a thing as a mongoose that talks. The community of the Isle of Man is pretty much convinced, which drives our lead character nuts.

I won't get into the conclusion or spoil the ending, but the main point of this well-made little movie - very quirky little movie - is that it is a mistake to be certain about things you have no business being certain about and this is something of real interest to me who went about the first almost 65 years of his life being convinced that he knew stuff that he had no business thinking that he knew. For example, which people met the test of being a valuable good person and which ones did not.

It was a great relief to realize none of us is smart enough to judge other people other than whether they want them over for dinner or whether they committed a felony that should put them in jail for a while.

Judgments of character are tricky. I don't recommend them.

Amazing cast. Beautifully filmed. If I were a film student I would probably rave about the camera work and colour pallette/saturation, etc.

Alas, I am not. I do not, however begrudge any of the 120 minutes or so I spent watching and then going back to rewatch assuming I'd fallen asleep and missed the key plot point or story arc that had earned it such high ratings.

The cast, acting, editing, camera work, costume, and makeup can make up for a lot, but best to go in with low expectations for story and you won't be disappointed. It's a nice little tale, just not an 8. (current rating when I watched.)

This film is really a thoughtful examination into how human beings deal with the expectation of death, how they think about it, and how this changes the way that they live their lives. I think that's part of the reason that this is so underrated, because many people would think this too morbid a topic, especially for a comedy. But I just find it interesting.

I'd say this is the kind of film for people who like to contemplate profound questions in their head. If you are one of those people I would recommend that you check it out.

This film is very whimsical and self aware. It's light on the comedy, but there were several moments that made me smile. The humour is quite dry and subtle.

Overall I would say it kept my curiosity throughout and gave me some things to think about, and that makes it worth the short run time of an hour and a half.