Mindhorn (2016)

In the years since The Mighty Boosh's end, I've been interested to see what Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt do next. I haven't been entirely successful though, since a lot of what they've been up to doesn't air on Aussie TV, or I've just missed it. Case in point, the 2016 film Mindhorn, which I somehow managed to sleep on for 6 years, despite being a rare leading role for Barratt! I knew I had to watch it right away, even before discovering what it was...

Richard Thorncroft is a struggling and out-of-work actor, 25 years after his biggest success-Mindhorn. About the exploits of a detective with a robot eye that can detect lies, who solves crimes on the Isle of Man, it was a classic in the 80s, until Richard's ill-advised trip to Hollywood, and public spectacles with drugs. He's given another chance to restore his career when a suspected serial killer will only speak to Mindhorn, not realising he's a fictional character. There may be more than meets the eye, however, and Richard will not only struggle to get his life back together, but struggle to keep alive ...

Mindhorn is a pretty entertaining time, and a nice example of modern British cinema producing something worthwhile. It's fairly predictable in terms of plot, but it's the content itself that manages to be unique. The film is framed around a great 80s tv homage, with the titular program being a great parody of high concept cop shows. It's reminiscent of Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, except here the show is a springboard for a greater plot.

The story is told fairly well, getting off to a good start. We're introduced well to our lead and his miserable life, and he is quickly called over to the Isle of Man for his second chance. Even though it seems the film is about a deranged serial killer, it's never at odds with the comedic tone.

Once Richard is on the case and meets chief suspect Paul Melly, alias The Kestrel, we quickly discover his innocence, and that there's something bigger going on. This is swept to the side for a while though. Since the authorities think the case is closed, Richard goes about his business on the island. This is all fine, but it goes on for a little bit too long. We get no advancement with the main story.

When the film eventually gets back on track with the mystery/adventure, it's great fun. I enjoyed seeing the quirky pairing of 'Mindhorn' and The Kestrel, and how the plot developed. The mystery does end up being a bit obvious, but at least the movie doesn't try too hard to keep it under wraps.

I wasn't so much of a fan of how Richard ends up looking though. After a dip into the sea, the Kestrel does him up with a bit of make-up, costuming, and super glue, and the result is pretty unappealing to look at! His skin especially, which has a deep fake tan/sunburnt look to it, and glistens disturbingly. It get a bit better as the film progresses, but I kinda wished he'd just been dressed in the regular Mindhorn costume. I suppose that was considered too predictable though, which I understand.

The climax is engaging, with a few twists and turns, and a little action. The Ginga scene is presented a bit weirdly, and I wasn't entirely sold by it until the end, when it came across like The Mighty Boosh lite.

The ending is pretty abrupt. It feels a little like scenes weren't filmed, but I did like the little illustrated vignettes along with the character profiles, and on reflection the ending/closing lines did mirror a classic 80s tv show.

Mindhorn isn't the kind of comedy that made me really laugh loudly, but moreso one that made me smile. Which I can get behind. Sometimes it's enough that a movie make you smile, without needing to get a belly laugh from you. The film also has its more thoughtful moments too, that give it some depth.

Richard is a good lead. He's flawed enough to be convincing, but in spite of this, the film manages to make him still likeable. At no point did I hate him, even though he makes a couple of boneheaded decisions here and there. I felt 25 years was a bit too much of a gap though. It felt like life and romance have well and truly passed him by at that stage.

His old flame Pat is nice. It's a bit depressing she shacked up with such an asshole for so long, but it is sweet that Richard is able to be a big man about it once thy get back together by the end (though the real paternity of his 'daughter' is a bit of a bummer). On that note, young Jasmine is decent enough, but I wish she appeared more, especially in the last act.

Paul Melly, alias The Kestrel, is lots of fun. His loony attitude might grate on some, but he doesn't appear enough for that to be a problem. I was hoping he'd actually appear a bit more often! I liked the mix of childlike whimsy, mixed with an adult understanding of certain things (like gadgetry, and a surprisingly mature understanding of death, in spite of his regressed personality).

Richard's agent, the slovenly Jeffrey Moncrieff, is a friendly bloke, as well as a bad influence, whose poor decisions have an unintended effect. His old costar, and star of the wildly successful spinoff Windjammer, makes for an amusing rival. I like how the movie doesn't go out of his way to villainise him. He's still a prat, if his phoney home life and apparent ignorance of his own daughter are any indication, but it's not like he's the murderer on the tape, nor is there a scene where he's conveniently punished. Richard's happiness at the end never seems to come at his expense. Which would've been fine enough to see, but pretty cliche.

The villains are alright, but don't quite appear enough to make the best impact. Detective Baines doesn't appear consistently, and was never at the forefront. When she finally shows up again, looking completely different, I barely even recognised her.

Cheesy Dutch stuntman Clive has his fun moments, and is a bit of a weirdo! Put on a shirt, man! The young PC Green appears well early on, but vanishes a bit in the last act. The grumpy police chief appears pretty consistently though, and is a great foil.

The cast here is a good one. Julian Barratt is a fun lead, and manages to tow the line well of playing a pretty rubbish fellow who's not quite so bad. Stealth Australian Essie Davis is good, and it's nice seeing a middle aged love interest. Russell Tovey is a treat! It's always fun seeing him, especially in a more exaggerated role like this. He brings an adorable sweetness. Andrea Riseborough shines in the last act. Nicholas Farrell is good as the main antagonist.

While good in places, I found Simon Farnaby's performance a bit annoying. I don't have anything against Farnaby himself, since I like him in other things. I think it's just the comedy Dutch accent. Few things annoy me like them! Comic Scotsman Richard McCabe is fun, and Steve Coogan gets a good supporting role. There are also some hilarious cameos too, with Kenneth Branagh's role deserving special praise. I may find his movies hit or miss, but he's a top bloke with a sense of humour.

The setting is a great one, with the Isle of Man being a perfect choice both in a comedic way (who doesn't want to see cyborg coppers fight crime in the Isle of Man?), and a serious one too! It's very pretty to look at, and should inspire a few holidays.

One last thing to mention is a bonus feature for the movie-An accopmanying song and music video! Entitled You Can't Handcuff the Wind, it's fun, ridiculous, and genuinely a good song! It captures the decade of the 80s really well too, by not overdoing it.

While not a modern classic (to me at least), Mindhorn is an entertaining and pretty refreshing watch. When compared with the more abstract material Noel Fielding has put out, this is definitely more grounded, but with enough to make it stand out, and enough laughs to make for a fun occasion...