Time Bandits

[Time Bandits] brings the laughs I had expected from Palin & Co., addresses some narrative inconsistencies, and comes with a great cast.

Time Bandits is far from a perfect translation of the beloved film — and thank god for that. It cleverly and successfully carves out its own identity while paying homage to the spirit of Gilliam’s original vision. Rather than visit the past, it forges its own worthwhile future.

“Time Bandits,” premiering Wednesday on Apple TV+, adopts the premise and particulars of Terry Gilliam’s wonderful 1981 comic fantasy adventure and stretches it, without breaking, into a television series. Created by Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Iain Morris, it’s likable, lively, funny and fun.

Few high-concept family TV shows dare to invite people to do their homework. “Time Bandits” floats the possibility that viewers learn a few things while accepting that most will watch for the lighthearted jokes and the stars. That approach may not earn it a future season. But we’re content enough to tag along for the hours it’s been allotted.

A worthy tribute to both Gilliam’s baroque, fantastical style and the blustery humor of his script, co-authored by fellow Python member Michael Palin.

This rambunctious caper will still appeal to fans of the original, but is easy enough to delve into for those unfamiliar with Gilliam’s eccentricities. If thing we might have in common with the gang, its that our time is precious – it’s worth spending yours on Time Bandits.

If you're looking for a fun, silly diversion and clever character-oriented comedy for the family, "Time Bandits" is a pleasant time to be had. This iteration stands well on its own as a delightful sci-fi romp that might actually make your kid want to crack open a history book for once.

Time Bandits is something akin to Horrible Histories meets Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. There’s nothing new here, but it really doesn’t matter. This is a loving – and ultimately loveable – homage.

In the season’s latter half, the fantasy plot supersedes our character-focused frolicking and the frothy misadventure vibes of Time Bandits take a slight knock, but the show confidently regains its footing for a conclusion that sets up a prospective next season of adventure and inter-dimensional intrigue that, no matter how skeptical you initially felt, you’ll want to see where—or when—we end up next.

It's an ideal match of creative talent and material, with serious appeal for history buffs of all ages.

The good news is that “Bandits 2.0” finds that sweet spot between simply tracing over the original and straying too far from the source material, the result being a breezy, slyly humorous, rousing adventure suitable for all but the very youngest of viewers.

Time Bandits loses a little steam late in the season as the focus turns to Kevin's quest and away from his trip through time. It's unclear, too, whether some dangling plot threads got lost in the process or will be resumed if the series gets a second season. This first season, however, makes that prospect a welcome one.

The new gear that Time Bandits finds in its second half isn’t necessarily ambitious or inspired, and it definitely won’t traumatize young viewers — decide for yourself if a less disturbing, less bizarre Time Bandits is a pro or con — but it’s fun and something I’d happily watch more of.