a funny, weird cameo-filled caper that finds value even in vice, and lets wild imagination ultimately win out over drab reality.

| Aug 9, 2023

Gilliam’s films tend to be either awe-inspiring or overbearing, and this one manages to dip into both columns.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 27, 2023

... weird, wild, and at the edge of madness.

| Jun 22, 2023

Out there in the most Gilliam sort of way, this story balances whimsy with existential depression.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Apr 14, 2023

In a film that builds surprise on unending surprise, the climax in the Fortress of Ultimate Darkness is stupendous.

| Jul 27, 2022

Time Bandits is rife with visual, physical and thematic exaggerations that stretch the boundaries of cinematic conventions to form a crazed comedic concoction.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 29, 2020

Many of the exploits are lightly engaging, but never full of the tension and excitement of more polished adventure films.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 8, 2020

For the most part Time Bandits goes its charming, merry way weaving much hilarity as it does, until the movie careens to its twisted, unorthodox ending.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 27, 2020

Terry Gilliam has crafted a story so full of illusions that continuously surprise the audience. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Aug 21, 2019

The film lacks what Garland, Lahr, Haley, Bolger, et al, had in abundance: humanity and charm.

| Oct 22, 2018

It's a strange and weird and wonderful mix of boy's own adventure, Python-esque humor, and grim irony, all wrapped in tall tales, ancient myths, and historical figures.

| Mar 14, 2015

Gilliam opts for an acerbic and often nasty tone that risks offending the very audience at which it purported to be aimed.

| Original Score: 69/100 | Dec 30, 2014

Time Bandits is one of Gilliam's more chaotic films, which is really saying something, but his six time-bandits fill the screen with fractious energy.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 17, 2014

As an adventure tale to enjoy with your kids, you could do much worse than Time Bandits - you just can't expect the depth of Gilliam's more adult works.

| Original Score: 6.5/10 | Dec 16, 2014

Ex-Python Gilliam is one of the great conjurers of cinema, and this film is proof of his ample and unpredictable talent.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 22, 2013

This is an enterprising project in free-form cinema; it's just not very entertaining.

Full Review | Nov 22, 2013

Frequent bursts of twisted humour, several flashes of horror and a ton of first-class Brit cameos combine to ensure their movie never ages.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 7, 2012

An intoxicating dose of children's entertainment of the rarest and weirdest and most delirious kind.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 26, 2011

Fun fantasy has a bit of bite.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 2, 2011

Adults will get this movie, but kids won't.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 23, 2010