Directed by Terry Gilliam and co-written with another ex-Monty Python member, Michael Palin, Time Bandits is a completely bonkers adventure that has deservedly developed something of a cult following among grown-ups. But kids love it too, thanks to the fantastical story, dazzling sets and dark undertones (which probably make it unsuitable for preteens – especially the ending, which won’t be revealed here).
Young Kevin (Warnock) befriends a group of dwarfs who appear through a hole in his wardrobe. It’s actually a time hole, and the group use it to travel through time, having a series of adventures as they meet such characters as Robin Hood (Cleese), King Agamemnon (Connery), Napoleon (Ian Holm) and God himself (Ralph Richardson).
Bitingly funny, as you would expect from Gilliam, brilliantly odd and packed with terrific actors (the cast also includes Shelley Duvall, David Warner and Kenny Baker, better known as R2-D2) – unmissable.
Is Time Bandits suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This is quite dark, but there is nothing here that should scare the over 12s.
If you like this, why not try: Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey, The NeverEnding Story, Small Soldiers, Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events,