Review: Mystery Team

It’s rare to say the least that an internet sketch comedy group makes a smooth transition from the web to film. It’s even more surprising when they move straight to writing, directing and starring in a feature film. Luckily for us, Derrick Comedy has proven that it’s not only possible to do so, but it’s possible to do so exceptionally.

Let me start off by saying that Mystery Team is the freshest comedy I’ve seen in years. It follows three eighteen-year old, misfit manchildren; awkward Encyclopedia Brown wannabes trying to hold onto their glory days as child detectives, solving playground mysteries, much to the chagrin of their neighborhood. There’s Jason (Donald Glover), the “master” of disguises, Duncan (D.C. Pierson), the boy “genius,” and Charlie (Dominic Dierkes), the “strongest” kid in school.

Naïve to the point of idiocy and face-deep in self-delusion, the self-branded “Mystery Team” are intent on proving that they are “real detectives;” although their parents would much rather they just grow up. Their opportunity comes, however, in the form of a young girl who pays them a dime to solve the mystery of her parent’s murder. It quickly becomes obvious that the Mystery Team, barely capable of stopping schoolyard mischief, are way in over their heads.

It is difficult me to analyze this film in great length because everything just works. The writing is fresh and above all, funny; a balance of quotable one-liners and witty dialogue. The pacing is brilliant, there’s never a dull moment in the film; and the cast performs without a single noticeably weak moment. It strives to exist really only as a comedic affair and in that regard, it succeeds without question.

There is no criticism I can really level at Mystery Team. Sure it wasn’t perfect, but really the only thing that can be said in that regard is: the film worked great, but maybe it could’ve worked better? I suppose you can always level the obvious “criticism” that the film didn’t strive to be more than just comedy. But honestly, why should it have? It was conceived and presented to be funny, and hilarious it was.

See this film if (and hopefully when) it comes to theaters. You will laugh your ass off and you will have a great time, I guarantee it.