Etter første visningen under sjangerfilmfestivalen Fantastic Fest av både Gåten Ragnarok og Detektiv Downs er anmelderen hos det toneangivende nettstedet Ain’t it cool news begeistret. Om Gåten Ragnarok skriver han:
I started the day with RAGNAROK, a Norwegian action adventure that was made for all audiences to enjoy – and man… I’d hold my pee for a week if we could get an American PG Action Adventure that would play half as honestly and refreshingly like this one. What I kind of love is the film doesn’t go into a magical realm, but perhaps the factual realm that could have given birth to the legends of old. Once we have the Serpent in play, the tension and fear ratchet up appropriately and the lovely score by Magnus Beite supports and enhances everything.
Også nettstedet Twitch har stor sans for den norske filmen:
The film does not reinvent the wheel, but it maximizes the experience of riding it, embracing stereotypes and shining them up so they look new all over again. It adds up to a fun family adventure, with Norwegian style and a welcome edge, something even Indiana Jones in his prime could never quite achieve without a lot more bickering.
Detektiv Downs scorer stort hos Ain’t it cool news med sitt hjertelag og Svein Andre Hofsø i hovedrollen som “hardkokt” detektiv:
This is an exceptionally sweet film that wears it’s heart on its sleeve even if people are receiving blowjobs in the seedy areas that Robert seeks the truth in. The film is hilarious, touching and raises Detective Robert Bogerud to the upper echelon of cinematic detectives. Watching Devin Faraci conducting the post film Q&A with the director Bard Breien and our hero Svein… was one of my happiest moments. YOU CAN NOT NOT LOVE THIS MOVIE! It must be seen to be believed! American films are so fucking boring by comparison!
Også nettstedet Film School Rejects lar seg sjarmere:
Svein André Hofsø brings a heart to the role that sells not only the character but the character’s motivations and methods. He’s canny too and quite clear on his own reach, and he’s able to move seamlessly between shy boy and confident man at the slap of a cheek. It’s easy enough at times to forget that Hofsø has Down Syndrome, but the awareness returns just as quickly. Neither he nor his character ask or need anyone to feel sorry or pity, and instead he delivers honesty and joy. His spontaneous dance scene in the park is as happy and life-filled a segment as you’ll see all year. Detective Downs won’t reignite the noir genre, but like Rian Johnson’s Brick it succeeds in taking the usual ingredients and tilting them on their side so they’re visible in an entirely new light. Hofsø is a charismatic delight, fully aware of his own charm, and I for one would love to see a follow up adventure.
