Review of History of the World: Part I (1981) by Efrain P — 23 Mar 2008

HISTORY OF THE WORLD - PART 1 (1981).

Directed by Mel Brooks.

Starring Mel Brooks, Dome DeLuise, Madeline KahnWith Mel Brooks its always hit or miss. He has done some great films like Young Frankenstein but has also made poor ones like Robin Hood - Men in Tights, History of the World - Part 1 is closer to the later.From our forfathers spoofing 2001 to Moses, to the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition and the French Revolution, referencing to many movies, as usual, its our history that is told all backwards with pop culture references and narrated by the great Orson Welles.History of the World isnt unfunny but its not hilarious, many jokes fall flat. It often looks like a bunch os lesser SNL sketches and thats kind of diappoiting.Even though its Part 1, there are no Part II as advertised at the end of the film, but I think it ultimately became Spaceballs which worked a lot better than this one in my opinion.Im guessing this film seemed quite clever when it was first eleased in the early 80's, cause my mom has been raving about this film since I was a kid, Im sure if she saw it now she wouldnt understand why. Its not bad, its short and kills time, but I dont think Id watch it again. I'd prefer see Monty Python's Life of Brian, much more inspired.