Here’s a delightfully quirky British mockumentary that radiates charm, much like its protagonists, Ruth and Megan, the two real-life vintage shop enthusiasts from Muswell Hill. Directed and co-written by Chris Reading, the film strategically blends elements reminiscent of The Office’s deadpan humor, the comedic undertones of Shaun of the Dead, a splash of Terry Gilliam’s surrealism, and even borrows a visual nod from Wes Anderson. While the low-budget production may carry the fingerprints of its influences, it undeniably possesses a unique charm of its own.
The ChaChaCha vintage shop (which you can find here) is struggling to make ends meet until its owners, Ruth (Ruth Syratt) and Megan (Megan Stevenson), discover a time machine disguised as an upgraded bumper car—providing them with limitless access to goods from any era they desire. This quirky contraption was invented by Ralph (Brian Bovell), a once-celebrated host of a Tomorrow’s World-esque TV show who is now a weary veteran of the Muswell Hill Science Club. When club president Martin (Guy Henry) expresses concern about their sudden influx of “old but somehow new” items, he cautions them against misusing the time device. Naturally, they disregard his warning—until a chaotic vortex materializes in their backroom.
Syratt and Stevenson deliver perfectly blasé performances during their “interview” segments, which are interwoven with narration by Stephen Fry. Reading infuses the film with meticulous attention to detail and vibrancy. It deftly captures a distinct type of British enthusiasm—not merely the eccentric collectors of vintage knickknacks, but also the small-minded rivalries of amateur clubs (exemplified by the authoritarian club president, Henry) and the quirky garage inventor crowd who eagerly followed Tomorrow’s World. The film parodies the show with a segment called The Future Today, featuring a humorous cameo by Johnny Vegas as Botty, a fictional android who is condescendingly treated by the presenters.
Reading also cleverly utilizes Time Bandits-style miniature historical segments and intentionally cheesy graphics of the vortex, effectively sharpening the film’s exploration of nostalgia. Although it initially favors a vibe-over-jokes approach, it ramps up the pace as Ruth must rescue Megan from the Unreason, an interdimensional junkyard, veering into a fun that nearly surpasses its inspirations. This modest yet successful venture could very well be Syratt and Stevenson’s smartest career move to date.
Time Travel is Dangerous will hit theaters on March 28.
The post Time Travel is Dangerous: A Whimsical Mockumentary Blending Nostalgia and Nutty Adventures first appeared on London.
—-
Author : London News
Publish date : 2025-03-24 12:05:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.