The inaugural film, Varning för Jönssonligan (Warning for the Jönsson Gang), premiered in 1981, starring Gösta Ekman as the beleaguered gang leader Charles Ingvar “Sickan” Jönsson. This debut, coinciding with the release of the first Indiana Jones movie, occurred 40 years ago. The film itself is a remake of the Danish Olsen-banden films, which began production in 1968. The Swedish adaptation proved successful, leading to seven sequels between 1981 and 2000. Additionally, four spin-off films focusing on Lilla Jönssonligan (The Little Jönsson Gang) depicting the characters as children, were produced. In 2015, a reboot, Jönssonligan – Den perfekta stöten (The Jönsson Gang – The Perfect Heist), aimed to modernize the franchise, drawing comparisons to a Swedish rendition of Oceans Eleven. However, the film failed to resonate with audiences and quickly exited theaters. While the reviewer found it reasonably enjoyable, especially in comparison to the current subject – Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang) – it’s deemed a significantly better effort.
Charles Ingvar “Sickan” Jönsson (Henrik Dorsin), following another failed heist, finds himself incarcerated for the fourteenth time. Upon release, he initiates a new scheme: stealing a Finnish royal crown from the Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum). His usual accomplices, Vanheden (Anders “Ankan” Johansson), Dynamit Harry (David Sundin), and Doris (Hedda Stiernstedt), have grown weary of unproductive heists and abandon him. Consequently, Sickan must assemble a new crew. An offer from Anita (Lena Olin) and her associate Televinken (Reine Brynolfsson) for a unique heist proves too tempting to resist, leading to unforeseen complications.
In 2017, the reviewer anticipated the release of Snömannen (The Snowman) with considerable excitement, being a reader of Jo Nesbø’s novels and an admirer of director Thomas Alfredsson’s original adaptation of Låt den rätte komma in (Let the Right One In). However, the film proved to be a disappointment. It now appears Snömannen has some competition in the realm of disappointing cinematic experiences…
Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang) regrettably ranks among the least impressive films encountered by the reviewer. Despite exhibiting high production values, including stylish cinematography and interesting locations, the film lacks a clear sense of direction. Henrik Dorsin’s portrayal of Sickan Jönsson is adequate, fulfilling the basic requirements of the role without achieving the depth and scope of Gösta Ekman’s performance. The performance involves delivering lines and adhering to the plot. Hedda Stiernstedt’s portrayal of Doris is also reasonably effective, although her character’s relationship with Dynamit Harry appears problematic. The character’s unmotivated displays of sympathy for Sickan Jönsson are confusing. The original Vanheden, played by Ulf Brunnberg, established a definitive style for the character: a motormouth capable of talking his way out of any situation. In contrast, Anders “Ankan” Johansson, in his feature film debut, presents Vanheden as a timid, suppressed, and ultimately pathetic character, bearing closer resemblance to Dynamit-Harry than the established Vanheden persona.
Dynamit Harry debuted in the second film, Jönssonligan och Dynamit Harry (The Jönsson Gang and Dynamite Harry) (1982), embodied masterfully by Björn Gustafsson. The character, generally intoxicated, demonstrates expertise in explosives when sober. In Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang), David Sundin, with limited prior acting experience, portrays Dynamit Harry, and this inexperience is evident. The casting choice is questionable, especially considering the availability of experienced actors. Dynamit-Harry and Doris inexplicably have several children whom they bring along on their criminal endeavors. The film employs questionable humor, such as naming children Hassan and Tage and having them use inappropriate language.
Detailing every issue with this film would result in an extensive review, so brevity will be prioritized. Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang) remarkably fails to elicit humor. Attempts at comedy feel banal and forced. The filmmakers’ buildup to punchlines consistently falls flat. Furthermore, the film’s runtime is excessive by at least thirty minutes, making the final act a tedious experience culminating in an anticlimactic resolution.
As previously stated, Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang) benefits from strong production values, featuring stylish photography and well-executed sound design. However, certain props appear amateurish, and some posters and graphics are substandard.
The Blu-ray edition presents an acceptable picture quality with deep blacks and accurate colors. The DTS-HD sound is similarly satisfactory, mirroring the film’s lack of significant surprises. Consistent with Swedish practice, no extra material is included.
In conclusion, Se upp för Jönssonligan (Beware of the Jönsson Gang) is a significant disappointment. Given the Blu-ray edition’s lack of distinguishing features, a low rating is warranted. The original Jönssonligan films possessed a soul and warmth entirely absent from this remake. Even with ideal casting, the film’s excessive length, slow pacing, lack of intelligence, and disjointed narrative would remain detrimental.
The disappointment was substantial.
