 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Monty Python's And Now for Something Completely Different
- Review Date: October 6, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 1971
Common Sense Media says
Best of Monty Python sketches in one neat package.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
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- Teens & kids
AGE
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+
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AGE
This one is to be watched over and over (and over) again. I give it a "pause" on 13 mainly because there are extremely negative messages in this film--the major one being Monty Python's classic surreal humor, or the use of violence (sometimes comic, other times not so much) to provoke massive laughs. But this is, in fact, the best movie I have ever seen, and the funniest.
My rating: PG-13 for frequent surreal humor involving some comic violence and related themes, animated partial nudity, some innuendo and a few uses of brief language.
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AGE
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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AGE
Great movie!
This movie was great! It had great voice acting and it was REALLY funny!
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| Topics: | misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Ian MacNaughton |
| Cast: | Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1971 |
| DVD release date: | August 8, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | adult themes |
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