The Last Mimzy review

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Toy Story meets The Terminator in this sci-fi oddity from New Line Cinema boss Bob Shaye, who was apparently so taken with this tale of a time-travelling rabbit – the Mimzy of the title - he decided to step behind the camera for the first time in 17 years. Spielberg won't be lose any sleep over that one, though perhaps he should: while the script throws in endless gubbins about telepathy, palmistry and Tibetan philosophy, it can't hide the blatant lifts from Close Encounters, ET and Batteries Not Included.

Mimzy ends up with a pair of precocious Seattle siblings who find that prolonged exposure to this fluffy plaything turns them into mini-geniuses. Unfortunately it also brings the Department of Homeland Security - woodenly represented by Michael Clarke Duncan - down on their heads, cueing the inevitable race against time to send Mimzy home. Cliches notwithstanding, this trippy fantasy always keeps you watching, even if it is with open-mouthed bemusement.

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine.