Contains moments of inspired lunacy...

Rating: 9/10 (10 May 2002)

Don't let the more fanatical Python acolytes fool you that the duration of "Life of Brian" is ALL tea and biscuits, but it's certainly a more ORGANISED affair than "Holy Grail", and, like that film, contains some truly ingenious moments. I have the nagging feeling that the production values were perhaps TOO good on this one, though, as such lending the film an inappropriately solemn feel even as you're doubling up on the floor laughing at one of the team's astute observations. I suspect if the Pythons were at their peak today, the resulting 'spoof' would have been much sharper and less gentle.
Still, who really has the right to complain when such gems as "Blessed are the Cheesemakers!" are still present? It is this and many other classic moments that make this a joy to watch time and time again, even if its more devoted fans may have fallen victim to the very thing the film lampoons - hailing the wrong Messiah. It's top drawer comedy for those who don't unrealistically expect the Second Coming before viewing.