Monty Python à Hollywood

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.

Seeing a live concert from the Monty Python troupe, in the form it's here presented, is a grand mix for fans of best-of bits and newer ones, with many an oddity laced in between and in surprising crevices of sketches. When a sketch was really good, it was probably at best one of my favorites form the troupe just in general. Weaker ones, mainly involving little bits of physical comedy that didn't work or a couple of lines or gags that either fell flat for me or just didn't quite work (and at times I don't get too many laughs from Eric Idle, it depends on the sketch). But I would recommend it to fans for a lot of the stuff that does work, and I got a lot of laughs of of the Michelangelo/Pope sketch, the filmed segments of the Olympic races and the philosophers soccer match (actually, all the philosopher segments really, the game show especially), classics like the Lumberjack song, 'Silly walks' and 'Arguing' segments, the intermission, and of course Gilliam's animations.

Indeed if there is anything consistent here, much as in Meaning of Life- which the team would put out less than a year later- it's that the songs are always overall supremely entertaining (here even a couple that aren't done by Pythons but by an extra pianist/singer). And even when there's a moment that doesn't fall quite right, there's never a dull moment when some sentence or expression or the dead-pan crossing with over-the-top comes around the corner. It's a fine addition to any fan's collection, with some that could introduce even introduce Monty Python well enough to someone who's never seen the show or other movies. It's quality isn't as sharp or totally unconventional as in the latter of those, but I would still watch it again, if only for a few of the sharpest jokes and bits of performance.

Many of my favourites were here (including the classic travel agent sketch: "Kellogg's Bornflakes"). But many of my favourites were also in And Now For Something Completely Different, and I didn't really like that. Something about the live atmosphere made this work, the fits of giggles adding to the occasion, not detracting from it. Best of all was the brand new stuff - the Silly Olympics, the History of Slapstick etc. I wish I was there.

First of all; it's just amazing seeing the legendary Pythons performing the most popular sketches live, in front of a huge audience, similar to a music concert. The crowd is so into it, they seem to know the lines by heart. Still, they just love it and it makes for a very special event with a fantastic atmosphere.

My favourite sketch (and it IS hard to pick just one!) is the "Church Police" sketch. Why? Because the otherwise super-professional Pythons can't keep from laughing themselves as things go slightly wrong. Just look when Terry Jones' wig comes right off as he jumps... They crack up. I have never seen that happen before, and every time I see it I laugh so hard it hurts.

If you have never seen the TV-series before, this may not seem as all that much of a great movie. But being an almost fanatical fan of the Pythons, seeing these sketches live is a wholly enjoyable experience.

The only sad thing is that most of us never attended the bloody thing. Nonetheless, this is a must see.

If you were never lucky enough to see the Monty Python's Flying Circus troupe live onstage, you must see this movie! It includes many classic sketches from their BBC series, such as "The Argument Clinic" and "The Travel Agent Sketch." Plus live renditions of such famous Python songs like "The Lumberjack Song" and "The Bruces' Philosopher Song," and sketches that weren't even on TV! And even shots of the audience will catch your eye! You'll know that Monty Python has achieved cult status when John Cleese comes out shouting "Albatross!", to have audience members reply with "What flavor is it?" The only thing better than seeing this movie, is to have seen the show live!