Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose

I had high hopes for this film. The cast, the acting, filming and all are excellent. Sadly, This story never takes flight. It makes its intended statements; let people believe what they want, and what happens next (after life), but doesn't make them in any interesting way. It falls flat on storytelling craft. There were so many ways to have created intrigue and explore the reasons why Jeff was so beloved, but none were taken. Why didnt we ever get to see mire of the daughters story? That was interesting, and it ended as soon as it started. So disappointing. And the way it ended was hollow, uninteresting and lazy.

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.

In quirky 1930-based true-tale drama "Nador Fodor And The Talking Mongoose" paranormal expert / sceptic Simon Pegg (as strong as ever) with assistant Minnie Driver is invited by fellow scientist Christopher Lloyd to probe an Isle of Mann community inc Paul Kaye, Tim Downie, Errol Kaye (all good)... AND, they claim, a clairvoyant, philosophical, talking rodent. While clearly fraudulent (or is it?) the case sparks deep questions for Pegg... and for us all (or does it?). Writer / director Adam Sigal's Wes Andersonesque style doesn't follow usual movie conventions, which may make it relatively original, but will nonetheless disappoint (and even perplex) many.

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.

I read reviews before I watched. I expected to be mildly entertained and extremely bored. I wasn't.

We are taken on a pilgrimage to discover if something you cannot see exists. There is magic, faith and self discovery in this story that I just love. The idea that something exists beyond what we can see and explain is as old as humans telling stories and this was an amazing new way of telling it.

I loved it all. Simon Pegg rarely disappoints and Minnie Driver brings class with levity. I hope there is another with the pair of them. The time set in the 30s is gorgeous - plus, you get to really focus on the story without the burden of technology in the way.

Watch with an open mind and you will find something very exciting.