The Pasta Detectives

Synopsis

The Pasta Detectives (original title: Rico, Oskar und die Tieferschatten) is a heartfelt German family adventure film released in 2014, directed by Neele Leana Vollmar. The story follows Rico, a cautious and clever boy who considers himself a 'deep shadow' due to his slow processing speed. When he befriends the lively and fearless Oskar, the duo forms a charming team known as 'The Pasta Detectives.' Together, they embark on an exciting mystery to find a missing person in their Berlin neighborhood. Blending humor, suspense, and touching moments, the film portrays themes of friendship, courage, and embracing one’s unique qualities. With strong performances from young actors Anton Petzold and Juri Winkler, the movie offers a delightful experience for viewers of all ages.

Cast

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  Anton Petzold

  Rico Doretti

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  Juri Sam Winkler

  Oskar

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  Karoline Herfurth

  Tanja Doretti

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  Axel Prahl

  Herr Marrak

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  Ronald Zehrfeld

  Simon Westbühl

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  Ursela Monn

  Elke Dahling

Reviews

The Pasta Detectives has generally received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike, particularly for its wholesome storytelling and engaging performances by the young leads. On IMDb, the movie holds a respectable rating of 7.0/10 based on thousands of user reviews, where many viewers praise its heartwarming narrative and relatable characters. Critics appreciate how the film balances light-hearted detective elements with deeper themes of self-acceptance and friendship. Common Sense Media highlights the film's positive messages and family-friendly nature, recommending it for children while also offering entertainment to adults. However, some critiques mention that the plot occasionally feels predictable and that the pace may be slow for those seeking a more intense mystery adventure. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a consensus or critic score for this film, reflecting its niche presence outside German-speaking audiences. Metacritic also lacks professional reviews, indicating the film's primarily regional acclaim rather than broad international criticism. Overall, The Pasta Detectives is celebrated as a charming and sincere family movie that encourages empathy and teamwork, resonating especially well with younger viewers and parents looking for wholesome content.