User reviews

Amazing cast. Beautifully filmed. If I were a film student I would probably rave about the camera work and colour pallette/saturation, etc.

Alas, I am not. I do not, however begrudge any of the 120 minutes or so I spent watching and then going back to rewatch assuming I'd fallen asleep and missed the key plot point or story arc that had earned it such high ratings.

The cast, acting, editing, camera work, costume, and makeup can make up for a lot, but best to go in with low expectations for story and you won't be disappointed. It's a nice little tale, just not an 8. (current rating when I watched.)

This film is really a thoughtful examination into how human beings deal with the expectation of death, how they think about it, and how this changes the way that they live their lives. I think that's part of the reason that this is so underrated, because many people would think this too morbid a topic, especially for a comedy. But I just find it interesting.

I'd say this is the kind of film for people who like to contemplate profound questions in their head. If you are one of those people I would recommend that you check it out.

This film is very whimsical and self aware. It's light on the comedy, but there were several moments that made me smile. The humour is quite dry and subtle.

Overall I would say it kept my curiosity throughout and gave me some things to think about, and that makes it worth the short run time of an hour and a half.

I had high hopes for this film. The cast, the acting, filming and all are excellent. Sadly, This story never takes flight. It makes its intended statements; let people believe what they want, and what happens next (after life), but doesn't make them in any interesting way. It falls flat on storytelling craft. There were so many ways to have created intrigue and explore the reasons why Jeff was so beloved, but none were taken. Why didnt we ever get to see mire of the daughters story? That was interesting, and it ended as soon as it started. So disappointing. And the way it ended was hollow, uninteresting and lazy.

I watched this on a longer train journey home this weekend, knowing it was a 5.3 rating at the time I queued it up. Was pleasantly surprised / intrigued and had to finish it off both on the tube then in bed when home.

Not quite sure what to make of it, leading me back to IMDb to check Trivia and other reviews! Knowing that it was based on true story, would have been useful to know beforehand.

A few of the characters seemed quite well acted, and even if perhaps a bit under-developed, Minnie Driver's acting seemed pretty good to my uncultured tastes. I'm curious what people might think of Simon Pegg's accent!

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose lives up to its title. Well the talking bit.

Writer/director Adam Sigal comes unstuck with this strange comedy. Hungarian/American paranormal investigator Nandor Fodor (Simon Pegg) visits the Isle of Man in the 1930s to the wealthy Irving family. They claim to have a speaking Mongoose called Gef in their farmhouse. Nandor has been sent there by another paranormal investigator Harry Price (Christopher Lloyd.)

No independent observer outside the family has ever seen the creature. Some have heard its bizarre voice inside the walls or under the floorboards. When Nandor arrives at the farmhouse, the Mongoose has absconded. The Irvings has not seen it for days.

Nandor's assistant Anne (Minnie Driver) talks to the daughter Voirrey Irving, a talented ventriloquist in a house where the voice carries!

Sigal prefaces the movie with a segment about talking animals set in India. However what should be a quirky charming comedy fails on all counts.

There is too much talking because the story is slight. It is even left open ended when it is obvious that Voirrey was likely to be behind it all.

The movie based on true events, the Dalby Spook but this film went nowhere near the Isle of Man to shoot. The actors playing the locals settle for some kind of generic northern accent instead of a Manx one.

Unlike many of the reviewers, I've been familiar with the story of Gef the Mongoose since the mid-sixties, when it was regularly trotted out in poltergeist literature. Fodor was a far more complex character than the screenwriter makes him out to be in this ultimately unsatisfying film.

Clearly the event was a hoax, and even at the time there were previous examples of young women claiming supernatural events to gain attention for themselves (for example, the Cottingley Fairies or Mary Toft's rabbit births), but scientists tend to err on the side of delicacy when they can to avoid undue negative attention on "innocent" young women.

The film tries to have it both ways, that the infestation is both real and a hoax, and wants us to invest in the potential conflict between the two, but it's just not well-written. It gets obvious, ham-fisted and clumsy when it tries to get us to think about how folks choose their beliefs.

As I mentioned, I've know about the story for a very long time and I hoped for more from the film. I'm glad I watched it, but wished it could have been a wee bit better.

Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver and Christopher Lloyd? And a talking mongoose?! So then, pacing, subtle and blatant hijinks, irony, Howie humiliation and pop culture nods, then? Great Scott!

Nope.

Script and direction are bad, boring, and a shocking waste of acting talent.

My wife is a determined fan of quirky movies. She lasted 40 minutes. I was already out after the laboured opening scene where slow dialog tells us almost nothing and takes a long time doing it, while we are distracted by cigarette smoke that serves no purpose in the scene.

Could be palatable played at 1.5x. I mean, they spend TWO MINUTES just showing us idents of the various production and financing companies.

Ugh.

You're better off listening to the Half Hammered Horror podcast episode that recently accidentally tied in to the launch of this movie than watching the movie itself.

I read reviews before I watched. I expected to be mildly entertained and extremely bored. I wasn't.

We are taken on a pilgrimage to discover if something you cannot see exists. There is magic, faith and self discovery in this story that I just love. The idea that something exists beyond what we can see and explain is as old as humans telling stories and this was an amazing new way of telling it.

I loved it all. Simon Pegg rarely disappoints and Minnie Driver brings class with levity. I hope there is another with the pair of them. The time set in the 30s is gorgeous - plus, you get to really focus on the story without the burden of technology in the way.

Watch with an open mind and you will find something very exciting.

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose is as frustratingly short as its title is long, but as minor films go, it is immensely charming and leaves a profoundly lasting impression. Admittedly, the material is not exactly funny enough to be considered comedic, nor is it weighty enough to pack much of an emotional punch, however, the cast gives wonderfully restrained yet quirky performances, the writing, albeit slight, is clever, if not intelligent, and the final cinematic product is intricate and handsome. If you are looking to lose ninety minutes of your life and do not want to think too hard, but also do not wish to turn your brain completely off, this mild gem is not without its moments of intrigue and pleasure. Additionally, should you be grappling with mortality and/or the meaning of existence, you might just find your time spent with Gef the Mongoose to be a weirdly cathartic experience.

This movie was barely funny and had a very thin plot. I even paid to rent it from Prime and didn't bother watching the last 30 minutes because I didn't care what happened. The actors are wasted in this. There is a summary of the Gef mongoose incident in Wikipedia. Read that if you're curious. I don't watch movies for gorgeous camera work, unfortunately, so to me this is a solid 4. I'd rather watch a gripping story on videotape. This could've been cut down to an hour, easily--not that much happens! Editing, costumes, and camera work do not make up for a poor script. If you have insomnia, this could be a good choice for you. Normally I love Simon Pegg but this was just a very boring movie. I even enjoy Jane Austen movies, and "costume dramas," as they're called, with dense dialog and no action. There was just very little to hang onto here.

I don't recommend this film to people who are looking for mystery, some thriller type of feel. It's totally waste of time to watch such a roughly written storyline. I personally think that story writer might have got confused and he/she intended to write a good story but failed and somehow writer convinced director that it'll make a good story because people are stupid they will make sense of such an absurd story.

The one thing i would still appreciate is the actors did a great job I mean the main characters.

The only thing you gonna learn from this story is simply this "everyone wants to be remembered, heard by the people" "People believe what they want to believe"

In quirky 1930-based true-tale drama "Nador Fodor And The Talking Mongoose" paranormal expert / sceptic Simon Pegg (as strong as ever) with assistant Minnie Driver is invited by fellow scientist Christopher Lloyd to probe an Isle of Mann community inc Paul Kaye, Tim Downie, Errol Kaye (all good)... AND, they claim, a clairvoyant, philosophical, talking rodent. While clearly fraudulent (or is it?) the case sparks deep questions for Pegg... and for us all (or does it?). Writer / director Adam Sigal's Wes Andersonesque style doesn't follow usual movie conventions, which may make it relatively original, but will nonetheless disappoint (and even perplex) many.

Story: 0.25/2 - Direction & Pace: 2.75/2 - Performances: 0.50/2 - Enjoyment 0.50/2

Total - 4/10

"Nandor Fodor & The Talking Mongoose," the 2023 true-story movie that's so baffling that it naturally causes you to wonder why you're watching it. This notable film (for all the wrong reasons) is a head-scratcher of cosmic proportions that has you yearning for answers but merely delivers perplexity and a dull migraine.

Our incredible story? A learned doctor's quixotic quest to expose a talking mongoose is akin to an unfortunate expedition into the Bermuda Triangle of modern cinema, where believability and excitement vanish. As the end credits roll, you're reluctantly pondering the precise meaning of life. You can't help but genuinely feel you've squandered precious hours of your existence.

Now, the clunky dialogue is as though the writers raided the library's most obscure thesaurus, picked out random influential words and flung them into the script like a culinary experiment gone wrong. The characters' dialogue is so laughably pretentious it inevitably feels like watching a miserable cat try to philosophize about quantum physics. And let's not forget the dullness factor, which is as exhilarating as watching paint dry and not even particularly philosophical paint!

On the bright side, the creative direction is superb, with great visuals, captivating lighting, and brilliant camera angles. The eye candy's like serving a gourmet meal on a paper plate-it looks tremendous but has nothing substantial beneath. And the slow tempo undoubtedly adds to the boredom, transforming your viewing experience into a slow-motion descent into the desolate land of tedium.

Now, the cast. You'd naively think with such an eclectic mix of considerable talent, the movie would undoubtedly gain a fighting chance. Wrong. The distinctive accents are like shifting sands in a dreary desert, which only a few can navigate convincingly. The rest? They're like performers engaging in a bizarre game of international hopscotch, and it's more confusing than a labyrinth.

In unavoidable conclusion, "Nandor Fodor & The Talking Mongoose" is a riddle wrapped in an eternal enigma, with a side helping of existential crisis. I strongly advise you to avoid this cinematic quagmire like the bubonic plague. Instead, check your DVD collection or favourite streaming service for something less bombastically prosaic. You won't get back the precious time invested in this enigmatic mess, but you might undoubtedly find something more rewarding elsewhere.

Don't expect side splitting comedy, be aware it's very British Humour, so much of the looks will be lost on those unaware.

The fact the mongoose is called Gef (Geoff) for instance gets 1 rating instantly, cause any animals called Geoff is obviously a winner.

Acting is first class throughout - what a cast! Lovely to see Tim Downie in anything, but look at all the rest of the cast: what a cast! And you can tell they had a lovely time filming it.

Pegg gets to put a performance in instead of Spaced/Cornetto, and it's marvellous.

The micro-expressions/looks and mugging are very well observed to how the British are. Captures small island Britain brilliantly... and that people are possibly just having a bit of a laugh.

The direction and DOP needs a mention, it understands what the story is and doesn't overplay it with weird angles. Gary the Dog did a tremendous job I have to say.

And just a call out for the OST, which is rather lovely indeed.

The heart or the problem is a lack of immediacy to the editing. Every scene for the first half of the movie drags out like a polite but staggeringly boring conversation at a cocktail party. The director seems intent on showing off hos cast by wringing every last second of what he captured on film into the movie without editing for pacing, timing, dread, humor or wit. Blind faith is rewarded and scientific questioning is vilified for no apparent reason. By the end the viewer is as exhausted by the turning of fun characters into mindless zealots of the church of Jeff and left wondering like the main character why you signed up for the trip. A waste of film... but a very nice original soundtrack.

Very much enjoyed this movie. Contrary to other reviewers I found the writing to be excellent as well as the Cinematography & the acting.

The question is whether there is very much of a there there, and I think there is.

Our main character, A professional Anti- spiritualist, is absolutely convinced there cannot be such a thing as a mongoose that talks. The community of the Isle of Man is pretty much convinced, which drives our lead character nuts.

I won't get into the conclusion or spoil the ending, but the main point of this well-made little movie - very quirky little movie - is that it is a mistake to be certain about things you have no business being certain about and this is something of real interest to me who went about the first almost 65 years of his life being convinced that he knew stuff that he had no business thinking that he knew. For example, which people met the test of being a valuable good person and which ones did not.

It was a great relief to realize none of us is smart enough to judge other people other than whether they want them over for dinner or whether they committed a felony that should put them in jail for a while.

Judgments of character are tricky. I don't recommend them.

There was a time when stories like this would have been effectively told by half hour TV shows. Think 'Twilight Zone' or 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. Stretching it out to movie length only revealed the weaknesses of the story line and even diluted the 'big message' at the end. Of course, a film treatment did attract a very good cast. And the accompanying budget allowed for some excellent period details and locations. The cinematography was very good. But it dragged. The story just sort of dragged along. Instead of building tension, the length diluted the sense of uncertainty and mystery that should have propelled this thing along. It became more annoying than intriguing. I couldn't wait for it to end.

I'm a filmmaker with a keen interest in the paranormal and the supernatural - so when I saw that someone was going to be making a "Gef!" film my heart sunk. There are very few artists who can understand the complexities of a seemingly absurd story. The "true" story of Gef is seemingly ridiculous to most people... A talking mongoose... But what the cast and crew and especially the writer and director understood is the ability to expose those liminal complications and tell a marvelous, strange story.

If you are expecting to buckle over with laughter, while there are some funny moments, this is much more a dramatic film. As someone who has studied the work of Nandor Fodor, this film truly captured his battle with cynicism and a desire to research the incredible.

I am not a big fan of modern films, even alot of the indies, but this really re-inspired me - and while I am upset that I didnt have the chance to make it, i'm very happy that the film was treated in a way that wasn't obvious or boring. One of the best films i have seen in years.

The positives are the quirkiness, slight humor, tell-tale untruths and Simon. From the onset it was clear that the script writing was initially forced. While Anne reads to Fodor and in the subsequent meeting with Dr Price, the storyline (from Frodor's perspective) goes from "boredom" to "exuberance" in a flash based on an obvious trickery of a talking mongoose

Once past that, the movie troddles along with a nice pace, creating smiles and some laughter at the innocuous gullibility of the 1930's era. Today we just smile... I particularly enjoyed the cave part. It was sooooo obvious, but still worthy of a smile. The Irvings must have had a real joyride out of their constructed story (or should that be concocted)

Cinematography was good, acting above par (although I think Simon should stick to the REAL Impossible Missions). Filming was good, as well at the locations. Nice touch personally to see Clive Lloyd there in perhaps one of his last performances. Always enjoy Ms Driver as well

Kudos to the initial thinker of bringing this story to the screen. There are two nice endings..... before and after the credits.

Having driven through Dalby on the way to Niarbyl beach (famous from Waking Ned), I've heard the story of the Dalby Spook and it's unproven nature a few times. An island that has a bus announcement when you go over the Fairy Bridge, and many other folklores, a talking mongoose believed to be a spirit by the family of comeovers and a few of the locals. It did seem strange that it's filmed in Yorkshire - Simon Pegg and Minnie Driver sat on a little motor launch getting to the island as though they're crossing Malham Tarn - though the lighting and set design is impeccable, with some of the in house shots having theatre like quality.

The cast is a tight knit group of well known actors. That they have Sir Ben Kingsleys son (yes, I'm sure that's how he wishes to be known), Edmund playing a none speaking part, while many of the critical lines are spoken - but not on screen - by comic book legend Neil Gaiman, is telling of how the story is laid out. It wasn't until the very end that I could see what Nandors intentions where. He starts the film in a tv studio, chain smoking, as he he's asked does he believe in ghosts, and his response is to say what he sees, which isn't what everyone else can see. And yet, when someone asks his assistant what she believes, she says Nandor has taught her to believe in science, what you can prove, etc.

Likewise, you have the Irving family, led by comedy stalwart Tim Downie. At no point do I find him serious. He has literally moved his family to another country, to start farming, encounters a talking mongoose that could well be real, but the way he's acting it could be his wife with a sock puppet and his daughter the ventriloquist. There seems no motivation to fool or know if they're being fooled. Throw in long time Eastenders actor, Gary Beadle whose beliefs are equally unknown, and if you're hoping for a Scooby Doo style adventure, then this isn't for you.

Sometimes the mystery is more entertaining than the solution.

Never been so board in my life. An hour & 5 mins in I turned it off, that's an hour & 5 nins of my life I will never get back, wish I switched ut off sooner but was hoping it would pick up & actually be worth watching. If you value your precious time, don't waste it on this load of cr@p. I'd rather watch 6 month's straight of my 3 year old nephews favourite TV show than finish watching this.

I should have know it would be cr@p when I saw it had Simon Pegg in, he's such a bad actor & I e never enjoyed anything with him in, so I usually avoid films with him as the lead, but someone said how ' amazing ' & how much its a ' great to watch ' movie. How wrong was I to believe either of these things.