Review of Holy Flying Circus (2011) by Adam S — 21 Jun 2014
"Holy Flying Circus" is a docudrama focusing on the public outcry at the release of the cult British comedy film, "Monty Python's Life of Brian", and the response by religious group and the Pythons themselves.
Starring mainly unknown actors who are all cast brilliantly as the six Pythons (as well as Stephen Fry, whose appearance fulfilled, I assume, some sort of BBC requirement), and special mention is in order for Charles Edwards and Darren Boyd, two actors who perfectly encapsulate Michael Palin and John Cleese respectively.
The film remains true to the spirit of the Pythons while similarly finding it's own unique tone. Reference not only to "Life of Brian", but also "Holy Grail", "Fawlty Towers" and "Flying Circus" are plentiful, along with references to other 70's properties "Doctor Who" and "Star Wars". Plenty of sterotypes are played up for laughs (Cleese's contradiction - "You're contradictory" "No, I'm not!"; Idle's hunger for money; Michael Palin's "nicest guy in the world" act; Gilliam's bizarre animations), but like the Pythons themselves, some of the humor can be hit and miss.
Still, full credit for trying, and making a memorable TV movie.
This review of Holy Flying Circus (2011) was written by Adam S on 21 Jun 2014.
Holy Flying Circus has generally received positive reviews.
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