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The gender-swapped reboot of the 1981 film Time Bandits is here. The beloved 1981 film has been rebooted into a new somewhat controversial series, bringing fresh faces and modern sensibilities to the tale of a young boy and his adventures with a group of time-traveling bandits. Notably, this new version sparked debate over its casting choices. Despite this challenge, the reboot aims to capture the whimsical spirit and imaginative storytelling that made the original a cult favorite.

Young Kevin Haddock (Kal-El Tuck) is an 11-year-old history enthusiast whose life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a time portal in his wardrobe. This portal leads to various historical periods, each more exciting and dangerous than the last. Kevin teams up with a band of quirky time travelers led by Penelope (Lisa Kudrow), and includes Judy (Charlyne Yi), a mind reader, Alto (Tadhg Murphy), a master of disguise, Widgit (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), a skilled map reader, and Bittelig (Rune Temte), a strongman.

The bandits are on the run from the Supreme Being (Taika Waititi), from whom they've stolen a valuable map that charts the time portals. As they journey through different eras, from ancient Troy to 19th-century China, they encounter historical figures and experience pivotal moments in history, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the Supreme Being and his nemesis, Wrongness (Jemaine Clement).

Throughout their adventures, Kevin's knowledge of history proves invaluable, helping the bandits navigate various challenges and altercations. The story is a blend of humor, historical references, and the timeless theme of a young boy's quest for adventure and self-discovery.

It perfectly balanced nostalgia with modern humor, making it a fun watch for both kids and adults. While the pacing could use some tightening, the engaging performances and clever historical jokes make it worth following through its time-traveling escapades.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the rebooted cult classic on Apple TV+ or watch the trailer (runtime: 2:38).

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