Pan Samochodzik i Templariusze

"Mr. Cars and the Knights Templar" is a Polish film that tells the story of Tomasz, a narcissistic art historian who embarks on a treasure hunt alone.

It wouldn't surprise me to see this film in theaters, as the lighting, color palette, framing, and camera movements are excellent. It's evident that the people behind it knew what they were doing and have a deep understanding of cinema. The performances are also great, especially the protagonist, who effectively conveys the character's emotions.

Now, the screenplay, in my opinion, is one of the weakest points of the film. The main character, Tomasz, is well developed throughout the film and is even the central focus of the plot, but lacks depth. We don't know anything about his family, which doesn't necessarily worsen the film or leave us feeling like something is missing, but it certainly could have been better explored to create a stronger connection between the viewer and the protagonist. If the main character lacks depth, the secondary characters are even worse. Surprisingly, the children present in the story seem to have more depth than him. The "villain" also suffers from the same issues, being bland and forgettable.

It's worth noting that depth and development are two distinct things. Character depth refers to the exploration of their traits, motivations, backstory, and relationships. On the other hand, character development refers to the transformation, evolution, or growth that the character undergoes throughout the story.

As for the story itself, it's simple, but as I mentioned before, the main focus is on showing Tomasz's development, which is done masterfully.

I highly recommend watching this film, especially if you've never had the experience of watching a Polish film. You might be surprised.

Whoever made this movie made it abundantly clear that they have never read even a single Pan Samochodzik book. I cannot understand how one can transform an exciting story into such a mess of a movie. It is sadly one of the most boring movies I have had the misfortune of watching. The acting at times is terrible, and the dialogue sounds wooden.

Another disappointment is how the iconic car looks. The car has a completely different look than in the books and the movie has made some horrible choices while designing it.

If made right this movie could have been a polish version of Indiana Jones, instead it's a disappointing mess.

It's a low-budget mashup of National Treasure and Super-8 featuring plucky kids who insert themselves into a dangerous treasure hunt. Plot holes abound and everything is relatively low-stakes. The one character that gets developed has his arc telegraphed from the outset. The story is both familiar and instantly forgettable. Nevertheless the movie is affable enough, with a breezy tone, PG-13 action and feel-good resolution. It's an enjoyable enough diversion if you're prepared not to take it too seriously. The cast generally do a good job with what they're given and the pace, direction and editing are all decent.

This film takes on a well known and loved brand, and then uses it to create a completely different fantasy, hence the disappointment of so many viewers.

In the source material Tomasz NN is almost the epitomy of "the grey man": he is supposed to be boring, unassuming, blend into the background and come across as a bit of a fuddy daddy. His biggest advantage over his opponents is that they always, always underestimate him, and he plays that card for as long as he can. The man comes across as if he has no ego or ambition: whilst his opponents and rivals boast of status symbols (often difficult to come by in communist Poland) his biggest achievement is working at a museum.

The only thing that stands between him and being the grey man is his car which draws attention wherever it turns up. Tomasz inherited the car from his uncle, an amateur inventor and mechanic. The car is ugly, bizarre and invites mockery but it holds a powerful secret, just like Tomasz who hides intelligence, charm and a fair bit of altheticism under his unassuming exterior. Tomasz is a kind soul who looks after his boy scout friends, just like they look after him. Each book has a strong female character with a lot of agency, though viewed through a feminist lens (which I have nothing against) they probably suffer from being a male fantasy rather than a representation of womanhood.

The film presents us with an obnoxious, self centred, childish character who is supposed to evoke both Indiana Jones and James Bond. His car is a cute-ugly, rat monster truck, something that plenty of people could see as cool.

Poland in the film is a land of the 1960s USA's cultural landscape with some local props thrown in, so hopefully viewers will not treat this film as a way to find out anything about Poland and its history.

For people who grew up reading and loving these books, this film has nothing to offer. However, it is decently shot with more than adequate production value (hence 3 stars) so if you didn't read or love the books you might enjoy this story. For me it was neither Pan Samochodzik (Mr Car), nor James Bond, nor Indiana Jones and I didn't enjoy it so I gave up half way.

For those of you trying to figure out what the vehicle is he is driving, its a 80's (after 1983) Fiat 125p cut down the front with a Ursus C-330 tractor nose/hood? In the middle. Looks pretty cool though, points for originality! :) Movie was ok, but car was the star in my book. If it was fleshed out a little more, and less wooden or pat I guess, it would have been better. Actors needed to be more believable, less rehearesed. No one interacts like that typically, conversations are more lax, less precise. But good effort, worth the watch, and it promises good things for this director in the future.

I think the plot was good, but needed more action and more nail biting moments so to speak. The car definitely draws them in though. Hard to see what it is at first. So that's definitley an eye catcher.