ComplainerMan

I cannot for the life of me think up a clever play on words for this movie review’s title. Low budget must beget low budget. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was a borderline cult classic, because everyone remembers just how often the Knights of Ni jokes were being cracked after the movie came out. It was chaos. It was redundant. And, it was actually pretty funny. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the movie enough times to be totally bored with it, which is probably going to cast a shadow over the review, but what can be done? Onwards.

The best description that can be attached to Monty Python and the Holy Grail is “a collection of mostly related themed sketches punctuated by a breaking of the fourth wall.” The plot itself, though simplistic and unfulfilled, revolves around King Arthur gathering noble knights to search for the Holy Grail after being commanded by God himself. One could call it a Camelot movie with a severe case of attention deficit disorder.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition)

Normally I like to delve into the finer details of movies, but with this movie specifically, or any Monty Python movie, for that matter, I’m anticipating great difficulty. It would sound more like I was pointing out the funny parts for a laugh and some attention. On the flip side, I could describe the plot and omit the humor to make for a very bland review that would probably make Monty Python and the Holy Grail look rather dull. Both options look unfavorable.

So cards on the table, I’ll just throw out opinions. The scattered humor throughout keeps the watcher entertained while the highly appropriate setting and locations add to the medieval feel of the tale, all the while maintaining a Monty Python-esque tone with situational comedy, bizarre humor, cartoon gags, and so forth. For those who have not watched and appreciated more than a few episodes of Monty Python, or for those who do not appreciate the refined subtlety of British humor, this movie will fall flat. It’s a bit of an oxymoron, though, isn’t it? A classy comedy? If you don’t see the contrast, wait until you get to the part with the killer rabbit. Or the three-headed giant who can’t stop arguing with himself long enough to kill a knight. Or the intimidating black knight who is so deluded that he is invincible, he believes he can best King Arthur without the help of his limbs.

See? I did it just there. I said I wouldn’t, but I did. The humor in the sketches vary from slightly silly to absolutely ludicrous, another draw of Monty Python works. For the Monty Python veterans out there, this is a new look on an old story, and a hilarious one at that. For you newbies out there, try not to take the movie too seriously. It’ll only serve to confuse you further. Enjoy.