Didn't make me a fan of the Pythons I'm afraid.

Rating: Null/10 (7 November 2011)

Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Running time: 94 minutes
Year: 1979
Directed by: Terry Jones
Written by: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones & Michael Palin
I, personally, am not a huge fan of Monty Python. I thought The Holy Grail was overrated and I didn't really understand what was so funny. I have to say this second instalment is a lot funnier, well in my eyes anyway.
Brian (Chapman) is born on Christmas Day, the same day Jesus Christ was actually born, not just on Christmas Day. He is nearly mistaken for the Messiah by the Three Wise Men who visit him on the day of his birth, soon realising their mistake they leave and take their gifts with them and deliver them to the actual Messiah, Jesus Christ, who has been born next door.
Thirty years later and Brian has grown up to be just a normal man whilst Jesus is everyone's saviour. During this time hatred for the Roman Empire is building and Brian is recruited to help take them down. When he is caught and then escapes custody, he is mistaken for the Messiah once again and must prove he is not the man they believe he is.
I had trouble explaining the concept as it certainly isn't overly clear throughout the film but that is not really what the Python films are about. This one does have a better story then Holy Grail but that is not what drives this film on, or any of the Pythons for that matter. It is the pure stupidity and humour that goes on throughout. The humour in the film quite often requires a laugh out loud moment, compared to some comedy films that just get a forced grin. Look out for a hilarious scene involving the name Biggus Dickus. So stupid, silly and immature I know but it had me laughing my head off and that's what I mean by these films, they are so stupid and unbelievable you have to just take them with a pinch of salt and for the stupid parody that they are.
The performances in the film are great. Each actor taking on several roles, with forty roles spread between six actors, each delivering the individual role with perfection and the right amount of humour. Cleese and Gilliam are definite stand outs.
The script is excellent, especially the dialogue as let's be honest the film carries no story and no real emotional attachment. It is purely just here to be laughed at and trust me there are several scenes where you will be doing just that.
The film is utterly daft and really won't be everyone's cup of tea. The first film certainly wasn't mine but I do believe this one was much better. Many people believe the Pythons are some of the best comedy films ever made, I on the other hand do not. The comedy is funny, not constant but when it comes it comes thick and fast, but I like to engage into a half decent story as well as being made to laugh. I have never understood why these films are rated so highly as they do not have a patch on other parody films bought out. All parodies are stupid but these sometimes take the bit too far. Not far enough however to be banned for blaspheming, which is an absolute joke. The film does not make fun of the story of Christ but of a man born at the very same time and attempting to live during this period and undergoing the same nasty routines that Jesus went through to tell people his beliefs. It is not an outright parody of the man himself.
I don't want to get too involved into why people banned this film as I am one who is not a huge fan of the film but one who can watch it once to see what the fuss is all about and then perhaps shelve it to not bother with it again. It is a funny film and did have me laughing and there for I do rate it as an average film but to me it is not the classic comedic masterpiece people worship and praise. Sorry avid fans of the Python series but it hasn't managed to entice me in.