"Not 'Brian' of 'Grail' -- but still quite hilarious."
OK, it's not the stellar classic that is Holy Grail, and maybe lacking some of the venom of the brilliant Life of Brian, this has more surreal silliness and sure-handed satire than any five movies made recently (and it has Mr. Creosote).The third of the true Monty Python films (no, geek, Jabberwocky doesn't count), this has more bizarre twists than most comedies even attempt. The search for the meaning of life is simply a way for these aging, yet still hilarious, comedians to get a few last shots in before their time would pass. Sadly, it has, but with a few true classics left in their wake.
The elaborate "Every Sperm is Sacred" number still makes me laugh, as does the ultra-violent rugby match, Cleese's sexual education lesson taught to a surprisingly disinterested class, Eric Idle's bizarre "Universe" song, and Death's untimely appearance at a dinner party. (".....but I didn't eat the mousse.")
I envy those movie lovers who have yet to discover the comic revolution that was Monty Python. Discovering the gags that really hit you in these three films is pure joy. This is tough for me, as I find it considerably easier to trash than to praise, but what the hell: Everyone knows that Idle, Chapman, Cleese, Jones, Gilliam and Palin are goddam geniuses, and if you're still stuck in that repressed state of "Oh, they're British and I don't get it and I won't try and only Dr. Who nerds like Monty Python", get a clue.Some performers you just want to thank for the laughs they've given you. There will never be another Monty Python, and I mean that in a good way.
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