As much as I've enjoyed a number of Terry Gilliam's films for grown-ups, this rewatch of Time Bandits has be convinced that his true calling is making imaginative films for children. The slapstick comedy, manic pacing, and Fellini-esque visuals are perfect for getting and keeping a child's attention. This film in particular is also just dangerous enough to entertain adults while simultaneously fooling kids into thinking that they're getting away with something. Even Gilliam's messages, which are a bit too simplistic to be taken seriously by intellectuals, are just deep enough to be considered profound by your son or daughter. Of course these films also tend to be a touch overlong, but that's just a tiny quibble compared to the large-scale pleasures at play. It's a shame that J.K. Rowling wasn't able to get him to direct one of the Potter films like she wanted.
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