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Monty Python's And Now for Something Completely Different

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Best of Monty Python sketches in one neat package.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Long-distance shootings and explosions, comic physical attacks.
  • Sex:

    Non-graphic, but features heavy petting, flashing, seduction, and veiled discussions of sex.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Monty Python's And Now for Something Completely Different was written by David Gurney

Parents need to know that this movie is a collection of irreverent comedy sketches performed by British comedy troupe Monty Python. Sex and sexual identities are often major components in the sketches -- a marriage counselor hitting on a wife seeking help, a cross-dressing lumberjack, a milkman greeted at the door by a woman in a negligee. However, there's no nudity (aside from a cartoon depiction of a Venus statue) or graphic depiction of sex. Violence is repeatedly used for comic effect, and no real consequences are ever shown -- nor would they mean much in the context of a comedy sketch. Drinking of alcohol is a minor component of a few sketches, and the language is quite mild.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about the plethora of topics raised in the skits, including gays in the military, American intervention in world politics, juvenile delinquency, and many others. Parents could discuss how these comedic sketches are often making a serious point about culture or society. For instance, why is it funny for a male lumberjack to want to dress as a woman? Or what is the piece about violent "grannies" attacking young men really commenting on?
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More on Monty Python's And Now for Something Completely Different

What’s the Story?

In an attempt to bring Monty Python to the U.S., the troupe, along with director Ian McNaughton, refilmed their favorite sketches from their first two seasons on the BBC. These sketches were edited together with some various new connecting bits, and the resulting film was titled AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. While it failed to attract the audience they were hoping for, the sketches are true classics, and the reinterpretations in less studio-bound settings make them all the more potent. Among the most memorable are the "Lumberjack Song," the upper class twit of the year competition, and the funniest joke in the world.

Is It Any Good?

Those who are already familiar with the sketches in their original form on the television series won't find anything substantially different here (ironic considering the title). This film really works best as an introduction for viewers who have had little to no prior experience with Monty Python. From here, one will likely be hooked and want to go back to the original series, unless they find the humor too absurd.

But even those who dislike what they get here should keep in mind Monty Python's lasting legacy in the more recent sketch comedy troupes that have followed in their footsteps, including The Kids in the Hall and Mr. Show.

Movie Details

Studio: Sony Pictures, Director: Ian MacNaughton
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1971, DVD release: 8/8/1999
MPAA Rating: PG for adult themes

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    must see

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    A bunch of the best sketches from the first two seasons of "Flying Circus" tied together into a movie. The re-filmed sketches usually aren't as good as the studio versions (with a few exceptions, like "Dirty Fork"), but it's a very funny film nonetheless. 13+

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Great movie, but might be embarassing to watch with others.

    This is hilarious and genious. The way they tie the skits together into one long movie. I love it. 13+

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