Monty Python and the Holy Grail

One line review: A shotgun blast of random comedy bits loosely strung together to form something resembling a movie.

Movie Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Actors: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, Kevin Zegers, Michael Barry, Lindy Booth

Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones

Year: 1975

Genre: Comedy

Method of Viewing: DVD

Location of Viewing: Home

Viewing with: Family

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% – A cult classic as gut-bustingly hilarious as it is blithely ridiculous, Monty Python and the Holy Grail has lost none of its exceedingly silly charm.

My rating: ***

My assessment (the first 101 words at least): I’m honestly not quite sure what I’ve just seen. I suppose it was a movie, though a very strange movie that barely had a central plot or logical path. It was more a series of skits loosely strung together. Some skits were funny, some weren’t, but overall it was good. I don’t think I see this as a classic like other people do, so much as some harmless fun. The movie itself is hoping you’ll forget the lame skits and have good memories of the funny skits. Good enough for a single watch, but no need to watch it again.

A Fish Called Wanda

One line review: A strange but fun comedy that is helped by very strong characters.

Movie Title: A Fish Called Wanda

Actors: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis , Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes

Director: Charles Crichton

Year: 1988

Genre: Comedy

Method of Viewing: DVD

Location of Viewing: Home

Viewing with: No One

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% – Although filled with clever twists and double-crosses, the film’s storyline is less important than the opportunities it gives the actors to exploit their goofy characterizations.

My rating: ***

My assessment (the first 101 words at least): A very odd, quirky, unusual, and awkward comedy. Despite all that, still enjoyable. You’ll have to turn your brain off for several of the plot twists and sillier parts of the movie, but once you do so you should have a fun time with it. I felt a bit too much of it’s comedy was focused on having the characters acting silly in public or just playing off of each other. At the same time, the strong characters and strong acting probably saved this movie from being just another mediocre comedy. While I can’t give it a high recommendation, it’s okay.