The film industry is broad. Sometimes, we forget this, here in the States. Sure, we have been known to frequent films that we find interesting that just happen to be from another part of the world, but we still cling to our own version of cinema more than anything else… Not that there’s anything wrong with that. The most recent annual Academy Awards ceremony seemed to serve notice that we are not the only ones who can make great movies. I have, myself, even become known as the critic, within my circle, who has a particular enjoyment for Danish cinema. All of us probably have some fondness for film which is not made in these United States. If you watched enough great movies in the year of 1996, for instance, you probably had a chance to watch the British black comedy entitled “Trainspotting.” I would like to clarify that even though it is designated as a British film, it is largely composed of Scottish actors and is often considered, uniquely, as a Scottish film. For now, another film with very similar distinctions has been released to our latest streaming services, named “Get Duked!” It was directed by a lesser-known moviemaker, Ninian Doff. Interestingly enough, one of the key producers on this project was Tobey Maguire (“The Boss Baby”).
You will have to pay attention early and often to keep up with the pace of the story, but have no fear, even if it does not all make sense, you will still, likely, find something to grab onto as humorous and daring. Eccentric music rears its head quite often in the early stages of the story and it tends to stand out, though it is not too melodic. Consequently, the music has been credited to Alex Menzies. While I am still on a similar topic, I think that the cinematography and the editing should both be mentioned. Since Director Doff is also listed as one of the two editors, along with Ross Hallard, I am positive that he was as meticulous as possible in taking mental notes on how the movie should look and be presented, all along the way. Credit is due for Patrick Meller, as well, for assisting and contributing in that process.
Out in the terrains of the Scottish Highlands, four adolescent boys are released for a seemingly important camping trip; an adventure meant to help them broaden their horizons and teach them about being a proper adult in society. 
They are: Viraj Juneau as DJ Beatroot; a wealthy and aspiring musician, Lewis Gribben as Duncan McDonald; who likes to ingest drugs, Samuel Bottomley (“Ghost Stories”) as Ian; the nerdy outcast and Rian Gordon (“Final Score”) as Dean Gibson; who likes to blow things up. Showing them to their starting point and providing instructions is Mr. Carlyle, played by Jonathan Aris (“Radioactive”). Unexpectedly, his storyline takes the sharpest turn and provides some of the best and outrageous comedy in the entire movie.
As the boys travel about, they encounter some whom they had not expected to meet, such as Farmer, played by James Cosmo (“The Hole in the Ground”). Consider him as like a guide for at least one particular character and someone who, also, serves to elevate that character. 
On the other hand, Eddie Izzard (“Abominable”) as The Duke and Georgie Glen (“The Hitman’s Bodyguard”) as The Dutchess are something along the lines of folktale figures. Once they appear to the four boys, everything changes and the real story begins. You see, as I was recounting the film, I realized that I did not recall who all of the characters were by name and hobby or profession, but much more by what happened to them as the movie unfolded. For an uncommon occasion, I had slipped into viewing a plot-driven movie and I was thoroughly enjoying it, even if I did not fully understand what exactly was going on.
On the trail of these four boys, though not very hot on the trail, were the local police force to the region. Katie Dickie (“Balance, Not Symmetry”), as Sergeant Morag, is accompanied by PC Hamish, played by Kevin Guthrie (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”). Even though there are certain crimes that are considered much more serious, they have elected, quite impulsively, to go after the boys; branding them as “terrorists.”
As The Duke and Dutchess “hunt” from one side and the police give chase on the other end, the boys split up and go on their own, individual adventures, with varying results. 
DJ Beatroot has the most memorable and positive experience on his own. He retains more of a local vibe and stands out as something of a minor celebrity to the villagers. The effects and cuts between his time with the people of the region and what is transpiring for his friends are outrageous, but highly comical. By the time the dust settles, each young man has seemingly come of age in their own way.
As you might imagine, these three, separate entities (the boys, the Dukes and the police) all link up in the end and it is a grand finish. Sure, it is unbelievable, but no one ever acts like this is to be taken seriously. Movies are allowed to suspend reality and they should. At the moment, we are dealing with an abundance of reality and films like this one can give us all a much-needed break.
“Get Duked!,” in simple terms, is the funniest movie-watching experience I have had since I first saw “What We Do in Shadows.” With that in mind, great laughs are not the whole package, but they certainly make up a huge portion of the pie. Even if you do not have a pension for dark or obscure comedy, I would still highly recommend watching this movie. It might take a little while to really get in sync with the story and style, but you will not regret it, once you do. Have fun with it. I believe everyone involved surely did.
Director: Ninian Doff
Screenwriter: Doff
Music: Alex Menzies
Starring: Samuel Bottomley, Viraj Juneja, Rian Gordon, Lewis Gribben, Eddie Izzard, Kate Dickie, Georgie Glen, James Cosmo, Kevin Guthrie, Jonathan Aris and Alice Lowe (“Eternal Beauty”) as Superintendent
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Release: March 8th, 2020 (South by Southwest), August 28th, 2020 (United States)
