Review of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983) by Dawdlingpoet — 27 Nov 2021

This is more of a long sketch show than a film with a traditional narrative as such, although it is split into different 'parts', a bit like a play maybe? if you know of Monty Pythons TV shows then you'll have a good idea of what to expect, in terms of the surreal, zany form of comedy featured, sometimes quite slapstick and certainly visual in style. I, personally, prefer 'The Life of Brian' to this. This film was a bit too wacky/'out of the box' for my personal taste and some of the sequences were a bit gross out, like the more than slightly obese man who regurgitates...a lot (like the racist WI lady in 'Little Britain').

However, there are some amusing moments, noteably the scene with John Cleese as the school teacher, explaining sex to a class of interested adolescent boys. The start with the 'short presentation' featuring older workers fighting back against the 'system' is quite...bizarre? yes, amusing? sort of...not laugh out loud as such but...interesting(!). The film is definitely madcap - I also enjoyed the dig at Catholics in the 'Every Sperm is Sacred' musical number. It seems to flit about and overall, I can't say I felt it was, generally, especially good but its definitely ok. If your a fan of Monty Python then you'll likely enjoy this but it won't suit all, I'd say. I wouldn't expressly recommend it as such, no.