Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl

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!

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?") (***)

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.