Sundance Review: Mystery Team

Score:A-

Director:Dan Eckman

Cast:Donald Glover, DC Pierson, Dominic Dierkes, Aubrey Plaza

Running Time:105.00

Rated:NR

Already generating buzz from their internet based videos, the Derrick Comedy group has decided to move their presence to the big screen, and the time couldn't be more right. Mixing a solid blend of innocence and timely humor, the guys hit the ball out of the part as Mystery Team is fun, exciting and hysterically funny.

In the film, Donald Glover, DC Pierson and Dominic Dierkes play three best friends who run around solving their town's small, often petty crimes. The cases never result in more than an apology or a return of stolen property, but their work is important - at least to the three men in charge.

But one morning, as the guys are discussing college, girls and the future of the Mystery Team, a hefty sized case finds its way to their wood stand. The night before, amid nothing but the light of the moon, a mother and father were murdered. With few clues and no leads, the couple's daughter has decided to bring their case before the guys.

Now, for the first time in their careers, Jason, the Master of Disguise, Charlie, the Strongest Kid in Town and Duncan, the Boy Genius, can finally prove to the town, and themselves, that they are real detectives.

But there is one problem, the guys have never dealt with any real danger or criminals.

So, in an effort to prove their worth, the guys will venture into a land unbeknownst to them. One that consist of women, guns and murder. In the process, the three friends will discover themselves and each other, giving way to a strong friendship and a heap full of laughs.

Unlike many of the films at this year's Sundance festival, Mystery Team is one that can't be taken seriously. Surging on its childlike innocence and good-kid charm, the film soars beyond all expectation, giving audiences a rare chance to let loose and purely enjoy a film for its story and characters.

In the beginning, you are introduced to a group of boys, none of which understand the rigors of reality or growing-up. They aren't nearly up to the time, serving as the perfect cross-breed between The Hardly Boys and the kids from American Pie. They are out of their element, allowing for a number of awkward situations that will generate smiles and laughs from all.

But these awkward situations wouldn't work without the combined work of a brilliant cast. Feeding off one another from beginning to end, the three lead guys bring their childish antics and strongly bonded friendship to the screen with ease. Their interactions, emotions and dialogue exchanges represent that of real friends, giving the story a reality factor that enhances the story and ultimately, the mystery

The final result is pure genius as Mystery Team follows the same generic plot as numerous films before it, though cracks jokes all the while. If this film ever makes it into theaters, you would be crazy to pass up on the chance to experience this one of a kind film - it really is that good!

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About Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis
I owe this hobby/career to the one and only Stephanie Peterman who, while interning at Fox, told me that I had too many opinions and irrelevant information to keep it all bottled up inside. I survived my first rated R film, Alive, at the ripe age of 8, it took me months to grasp the fact that Julia Roberts actually died at the end of Steel Magnolias, and I might be the only person alive who actually enjoyed Sorority Row…for its comedic value of course. While my friends can drink you under the table, I can outwatch you when it comes iconic, yet horrid 80s films like Adventures in Babysitting and Troop Beverly Hills. I have no shame when it comes to what I like, and if you have a problem with that, then we’ll settle it on the racquetball court. I see too many movies to actually win any film trivia contest, so don’t waste your first pick on me. My friends rent movies from my bookcase shelves, and one day I do plan to start charging. I long to live in LA, where my movie obsession will actually help me fit in, but for now I am content with my home in Austin. I prefer indies to blockbusters, Longhorns to Sooners and Halloween to Friday the 13th. I miss the classics, as well as John Ritter, and I hope to one day sit down and interview the amazing Kate Winslet.

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