Monty Python - Ao Vivo no Hollywood Bowl

It's great to see that Python was an funny onstage as on TV. Here, the troupe successfully stages a live medley of some of their funnier skits. Interesting enough, British TV executives never thought Americans would find Monty Python funny, but American audiences (especially college students) became huge fans. The level of fanaticism is evident in the way that this audience is as familiar with the sketches as the members of Python are, and applaud raucously as soon as some of the opening lines are heard. As a treat, rent this along with "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Experienced Python fans can progress right into "Life of Brian" and "Meaning of Life."

Most of the sketches and skits are adapted from ones shown on the TV show; there's little that's new, which is mildly disappointing. Good thing, then, that the MP troupe is so adept; familiarity seems to be the point, and allows fans to sit back and enjoy the film.

A few parts drag- I wasn't too thrilled with the musical numbers, nor with the History of Slapstick.

The most disappointing thing about this movie is a problem only for those who watch it on laserdisc; there are no chapter breaks, and side one ends abruptly -IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE-! This is quite disconcerting, and ruins the sketch.

I consider the Pythons to be one of the best comedy groups that ever appeared on the screen, perhaps even THE best (it's either them or the Marx Brothers). If you agree even partially, you should not miss "Live at the Hollywood Bowl". Irreverence and surrealism in abundance - as you would expect from the Python guys at their best. Sure, devoted fans have probably seen many of these sketches before, but that won't stop them from enjoying them again - it certainly didn't stop the live audience at the time. There are some slow spots and the picture quality is fairly poor (as the show was videotaped and then transferred to film), but how can you say anything bad about a film that has you crying from too much laughter at least twice? ("What? Only one Christ?") (***)

This is a film that is best viewed by long-time Monty Python fans. Those unacquainted with the comedy troop may find the whole experience too weird or confusing. However, for those who loved the show, this should be a wonderful and engaging film--sort of like seeing old friends. All of the skits performed for the film are done live at the Hollywood Bowl. Many will be familiar, as they are new versions of many of their most famous TV skits. A few are newer ones. Most succeed quite well, though a few might be a tad put off by the vomit in the "crunchy frog" skit--I personally thought this actually improved it over the original TV version.

While not as funny as THE HOLY GRAIL or AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, this one is still a keeper and is sure to make you chuckle.

This is a recording of the team doing many of the most popular bits from the Flying Circus live on a stage. It is immensely clear that the audience consists largely of fans, as they recognize quite a few of the sketches just as these are beginning. I imagine it must have been a pretty amazing experience to go to this in '82. With that said, it is a good watch, even if the cameras don't capture each and every thing(had they not been instructed on what would happen? I would guess that such is procedure, and there were no other technical difficulties), and in spite of the occasional hiccup in the comedy department. I can't say for sure if there is new material, because it's simply been too long since I caught the series in its entirety; a couple of things have been restructured, and characters that we know from the show address or walk amongst the ticket-holders. The performances aren't lacking, if a handful of the things worked better the first time they did them. Some of the best of this are Idle's lengthy charter flight rant, the "japes" routine(poor Gilliam) and the four rich guys talking about their poverty-stricken childhoods. The good far outweighs the bad, and little slows down the pace. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Pythons; if you don't already, I would direct your attention to their TV activities between '69 and '74, as well as their three movies. 8/10