Mindhorn: Review

Mindhorn is directed by Sean Foley and stars Julian Barratt, Essie Davis and Steve Coogan. BBC's latest non television picture, features an ungracefully aged actor passed his glory days of 80's television, who has seemingly been recalled back into the lime light in order to help investigate the notorious Kestrel killer.  

Mindhorn had the potential to be an explosion of cult chuckles however its fuse never fully ignites. Initially its few gags and 80's cheese barely scrapes the film through. With an almost Partridge-esque  performance, Barratt creates a likably narcissistic lead set against the back drop of a fairly disposable story. Mindhorn does a decent job in creating a fake yet strangely believable 80's romp that almost asks if it actually existed at the time. Aside the odd scatter of retro British gags, the film plays it too safe and doesn't bear nearly as much silliness a spoof should have. 

On the other hand, Mindhorn never takes itself too seriously, although it doesn't tickle the ribs in ways most comedy's nowadays often do.  It even goes as far to poke fun at it's location - resulting in the potential uproar of Isle of Man residents. Who guessed it could take the brunt of most of the film's jokes but also play as such a picturesque setting, Mindhorn makes Isle of Man look almost as beautiful as the gleaming red Jaguar XJS. In some sense it's as if the film is juxtaposed next to the car. One a veteran fast moving speed demon, the other, a sluggish story that doesn't really go anywhere,  almost feeling like a dry Sunday TV special. 

In the end, unfortunately Mindhorn is dull and generic - a bit like the faded star its based upon. It may offer the odd laugh and some acceptable performances, but no matter how much get up and go Mindhorn has it can't escape the fact its so unbearably misses the mark. 

I am going to give Mindhorn: 

5.1/10