With exam season coming to a close, now is the perfect time to head to the cinema and treat yourself to some stress free, popcorn-movie watching. Certainly there’s the usual fanfare out now: The Fate of the Furious, the new Guardians of the Galaxy, and even the latest Alien instalment. But, if you’re looking for a bit of a hidden comedy gem look no further than Mindhorn.
Mindhorn comes from the brain of Mighty Boosh star Julian Barratt, along with production assistance from Steve Coogan and, strangely enough, Ridley Scott. Following the life of a washed-up MacGyver-esque 80’s television detective, Mindhorn sees the actor behind the famed detective, Richard Thorncroft, returning to the Isle of Man where the show had been set in its heyday to help local police solve a string of murders committed by a psychotic fanboy. Along the way, Thorncroft meets his former television comrades including his ex-wife, a stunt coordinator, and one of his co-stars, all of whom have become far more successful than he ever has. Though there’s little psychological depth to the film, these backstories and character development keep the pace of the movie fast and, most importantly, fun.
Mindhorn is a very silly, laugh a minute movie; a guaranteed pick me up for stressed out college students. Though fans of The Mighty Boosh may see this as a toned down version of Barrat’s usual humour, the film still packs a comedic punch, never holding back in its ridiculousness. Richard Thorncroft is a delusional, arrogant man throughout the film and much of the humour is derived from his total obliviousness to reality around him. Though at times this can admittedly become annoying, with Thorncroft being a hard character to connect with for the film’s first act, over time as the rest of the movie’s characters submit to this weirdness his delusions become quite charming.
Mindhorn is, of course, not a perfect movie. Sometimes uneven in its emotional tone and pacing, it can feel as though it would have worked better for a small screen, television audience. Yet, it succeeds in its goal of creating a fun cinema experience, and for that it’s worth a watch.
Mindhorn is showing in selected cinemas from 5th May nationwide.
Chris Hansen