Alright, pop that tape in the VCR, adjust the tracking just so, and settle in. Forget the gritty realism and billion-dollar explosions for a night. Tonight, we're swapping the usual grey concrete jungles favoured by Sweden's most infamous (and inept) criminal trio for something altogether sunnier. We're heading to Spain with 1989’s Jönssonligan på Mallorca (The Jönsson Gang in Mallorca), a delightful detour in one of Sweden’s most beloved film franchises. This isn't your high-octane, bullet-riddled heist flick; it's a charming, often clumsy, sun-drenched caper that feels like a perfect slice of late-80s European escapism, straight from the rental shelf.
### ¡Hola, Sickan! Sunshine and Schemes
Remember the formula? Charles Ingvar "Sickan" Jönsson (Gösta Ekman), the brains (and bowler hat) of the operation, gets out of prison with yet another brilliant, meticulously timed plan. His cohorts, the smooth-talking (and often complaining) Ragnar Vanheden (Ulf Brunnberg) and the endearingly dense explosives expert Harry "Dynamit-Harry" Kruth (Björn Gustafson), eagerly (or reluctantly) await instructions. Usually, this involves targeting some drab Stockholm institution. But here, directed by franchise regular Mikael Ekman (who also co-wrote with Rolf Börjlind and Gösta Ekman himself), the gang follows their perennial nemesis, Wall-Enberg (Per Grundén), to the sunny shores of Mallorca. The target? Wall-Enberg's ill-gotten gains, naturally.
The shift in scenery is immediately noticeable. Gone are the damp Swedish streets, replaced by palm trees, beaches, and tourist traps. It gives the film a distinct holiday feel, a slightly lighter tone even amidst the criminal plotting. It's fascinating how simply transplanting these familiar characters to a bright, touristy locale instantly freshens the dynamic. Suddenly, Sickan's precise timing has to contend with siestas and Sangria-fueled distractions. It’s worth remembering this film, like several others in the series, was adapted from the incredibly popular Danish Olsen-banden films – this one specifically borrowing from 1981's Olsen-banden over alle bjerge. The Danes pioneered this brand of gentle crime comedy, and the Swedes perfected their own version.
### Low-Tech Heists in a High-Sun Location
What always strikes me rewatching these films is the charm of the low-tech approach. Sickan’s plans rely on household objects, precise timing measured on cheap watches, and exploiting everyday routines. There are no laser grids or cyber-hacking here. It's about distracting a guard with a strategically placed ice cream cone or using fishing line and chewing gum to bypass a lock. Remember how impressive even those simple tricks seemed back then? It’s a world away from today’s CGI-heavy blockbusters, and honestly, there’s a real tactile satisfaction to seeing these Rube Goldberg-esque schemes unfold (or unravel).
Filming on location in Mallorca gives the film a visual boost, but you can imagine the logistical fun. Wrangling Swedish actors used to cooler climes, dealing with summer tourist crowds while trying to stage a 'covert' operation – it adds a layer of slightly chaotic energy that suits the gang perfectly. The action, such as it is, relies on physical comedy, near misses, and the sheer absurdity of the situations. Think less Michael Bay, more Jacques Tati with crowbars. A chase scene might involve a sputtering rental car or navigating a crowded marketplace, feeling grounded and amusingly frantic rather than sleek and impossible.
### The Unbeatable Chemistry
The real magic, of course, lies with the central trio. Gösta Ekman is Sickan Jönsson. His blend of fussy intellectualism, unwavering self-belief even after countless failures, and sudden bursts of rage is comedy gold. Ekman, a towering figure in Swedish comedy and drama, brought a unique pathos and likability to a fundamentally criminal character. Ulf Brunnberg as Vanheden, with his slightly sleazy charm, loud 80s suits, and constant desire for a more luxurious life, is the perfect foil. And Björn Gustafson’s Dynamit-Harry, the lovable lug whose expertise with explosives is matched only by his thirst for beer, provides the heart and often the accidental key to success (or failure). Their timing and interplay, honed over multiple films, is impeccable. You believe these guys have been pulling these jobs (badly) for years.
The Jönssonligan films were absolute phenomenons in Sweden. While perhaps not widely known internationally outside of Scandinavia, they were massive domestic hits, becoming cultural touchstones. Finding Jönssonligan på Mallorca on VHS, maybe even with slightly wonky subtitles if you weren't in Sweden, felt like discovering a warm, funny secret. It wasn't trying to be edgy or dark; it knew its audience wanted laughs, familiar characters, and the satisfying click of a safe finally opening (usually followed by immediate disaster).
### Still Got That Mallorca Magic?
Revisiting Jönssonligan på Mallorca is like putting on a comfortable old sweater. It’s predictable, yes. The plot follows the established beats. But the charm is undeniable. The Mallorca setting offers a fun change of pace, the gags still land thanks to the performers, and there’s a genuine warmth to the proceedings. It perfectly captures that late-80s vibe – the clothes, the cars, the slightly hazy look of film stock from the era. It’s a reminder of a time when comedy franchises could be gentle, character-driven, and wildly successful without relying on shock value.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: The film scores highly for its perfect casting chemistry, nostalgic charm, effective location change that freshens the formula, and genuinely funny moments rooted in character and situation. It loses a few points for its inherent predictability within the franchise formula and the fact that its gentle pace might feel slow to modern audiences unfamiliar with the series.
Final Thought: Forget slick, modern heists; sometimes you just need a meticulous plan involving a rubber chicken, a stopwatch, and three Swedes sweating under the Spanish sun. Pure VHS comfort food.