Checking in on Bolek i Lolek

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a soft spot for pre-war slapstick or you’re a completist for Polish film history. If you need a tight plot or modern pacing, skip this. It’s for the folks who like their movies to feel like a grainy, black-and-white dream.

It’s not exactly high art. But there’s a weird, bubbly charm to it that you just don't get anymore.

The Vibe

The whole thing feels like it was filmed in someone’s living room, or at least that’s the energy. Adolf Dymsza is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Sometimes he’s genuinely funny, and other times he’s just moving around a lot to make sure we’re still looking at him.

There’s a specific scene where the furniture seems to be doing more acting than the supporting cast. I found myself staring at a coat rack for way too long. It’s distracting. Why is that hat still hanging there?

It’s not as polished as something like Watch the Birdie, but that’s okay. It feels human. A bit messy. A bit tired.

Odd Observations

• The sound quality dips in and out like a radio station in a tunnel.
• Every time someone walks into a room, they seem surprised the room is actually there.
• The pacing is just… loose. It’s like a train that forgot it had a destination.
• I think one of the extras in the background is just reading a newspaper the whole time.

Sometimes the movie gets noticeably better when it stops trying to be a comedy and just lets the characters exist. Whatever that means.

It’s not on the level of The Wolf Man, obviously, but that’s like comparing a bicycle to a hurricane. They aren’t even playing the same game. I think I preferred the quieter moments. When nobody is shouting.

Maybe it’s just the mood I’m in. I don’t know. Don't take my word for it. Just keep your expectations somewhere in the basement and you might have a decent time.