The Da-Da-De-Da-Da Code

Although the American fondness for British humor is well-documented, this demented musical conspiracy thriller from U.K. comic fantasist Rankin (The Toyminator ) doesn’t quite make the leap. Jonny Hooker, a 27-year-old musician tormented by hallucinations, wins a competition and is told to collect his prize at “da-da-de-da-da.” Now he must solve the Da-da-de-da-da Code, helped only by his imaginary friend, Mr. Giggles the Monkey Boy. Jonny soon winds up in a mental hospital, but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing the puzzle. En route he encounters the secret cabal that rules the world and learns why all the best rock musicians die at age 27. Despite some truly inspired bits scattered throughout, Rankin comes across as more condescending than ironic and more disorganized than surrealist. (Feb.)