Classic comedy holds up beautifully, especially on the big screen

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2004)

Although I've seen "Life of Brian" a number of times, until yesterday, I had never seen it on the big screen. Thanks to the 25th Anniversary re-release, I just rectified that omission.
This movie holds up so beautifully despite having been made a quarter of a century ago. There is trenchant satire about the lemming-like nature of people and an unfortunate tendency towards intolerance, which unfortunately is as relevant today as in 1979. The satire is interspersed with moments of inspired sheer silliness. A BBC reviewer calls it one of the best British comedies ever, and I'm not sure he's wrong.
By the way, if you get a chance to see it in the movie theater, go right away. It is even better on the big screen (its cinema verite feel is heightened), as well as apparently improved sound (although it's still difficult to hear sometimes). At any rate, it's definitely a movie that benefits from multiple viewings.