You have to see this movie.

"Mystery Team" is a parody of a phenomenon that was never itself a film: The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and especially Encyclopedia Brown.

They manage to walk the line -- like the first Austin Powers film -- so that it's neither too wacky so you can't believe it and don't care about the characters, but not too boring that it's not full of subtle interplay.

The main gag is the innocence of the boys, who are thrust into adult situations continually. It's all about the acting in this film, and kudos especially to "Donald Glover". Dressing like an outrageous hobo, for example, could come across as really stupid in a film with Jim Carrey or Rob Schneider, who play up their roles too much. Donald manages to do it consistently.

On top of that, there are a several delightful plot twists that you won't see coming. The film tries to balance the boys basically being incompetent with allowing them to succeed in a way that isn't too corny.

It's laugh-out-loud funny throughout, a genuine must-see if you like intelligent edgy comedies. Note, it's not really meant to be a kids film. There's a lot of raunchy humor.

I'll give Mystery Team a well-earned 9 out of 10. It just missed a 10 because the ending was good but not quite a classic.

This is a frustrating movie. That's because the idea for "Mystery Team" is great--three junior crime fighters (much like Encyclopedia Brown or the Hardy Boys) are getting a bit too old for such childish adventures. But, the film often delves into VERY adult territory--material that is bound to unnecessarily alienate and offend many.

The film begins with three VERY nerdy friends talking about, what else, solving crimes. However, there really are no mysteries about--and they mostly just harass a poor neighbor on life support. At school, the three are either ignored or beaten up, as they don't even come close to fitting in with other high school seniors. However, eventually one of their totally unimportant mysteries actually leads to a very serious and deadly crime...MURDER! Along the way, they visit strip joints, go to wild parties and nearly get themselves killed--which is very tough for three guys who make Steve Urkel and Screech look like a sophisticated men of the world! The film has many funny moments and I loved the idea of 18 year-olds who act like precious 10 year-olds from 1960. The fish out of water aspect is very enjoyable. But, again and again, the film chooses jokes about erections, nudity, bestiality and other stuff that becomes tiresome. It's a shame, as a more literate script would have made a TERRIFIC film. As is, it's a guilty pleasure you should watch well after you put your kids to bed!! a bit crude sort of like Encyclopedia Brown

Jason Rogers (Donald Glover),Duncan Wheeler (DC Pierson),and Charlie Day (Dominic Dierkes) are the Mystery Team since they're little kids. They are high school seniors who are played by actors who are too old as characters who are too old to solve mysteries which are too silly. Then the guys are hired by young Brianna Peters to solve her parents' murders. Jason falls for Brianna's sister Kelly (Aubrey Plaza).

Donald Glover is a great up-and-coming comic actor. Aubrey Plaza is wasted playing the straight character. She would be better utilized as one of the Mystery Team. DC Pierson is fine especially with his hair cut. Dominic Dierkes is a dud. Sometimes these comedy troupes need to understand their limitations. Ellie Kemper is also under-used. The story would be funnier if it's even stupider. The murder mystery does need a bit more. It could be great to have the mystery solved but the guys can't see it for some grown-up reason. Kelly could kiss Jason awakening his adult self which allows him to see the solution.