It's weird, but watching "Excalibur" - John Boorman's rollicking Arthurian epic - you'd swear it was the prime inspiration for "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". But you'd be wrong. The Python team came up with their movie 6 years BEFORE "Excalibur"! Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) vs. Excalibur (1981).
Nevertheless, load up Boorman's chivalrous romp and I guarantee the Knights Who Say Ni (et al.) references will start leaping out at you. It's like a re-make without the jokes. All this may detract from the gravitas of "Excalibur", but you'll enjoy no less for that.
All the juiciest bits of Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur are squeezed into "Excalibur", so while it occasionally feels rushed, the story gallops along with an heroic vigour.
But be prepared (especially if re-watching with fond memories); the film has not aged particularly well. The acting style looks stilted, the soundtrack (Wagner, Carl Orff - now genre clichés) is often obtrusive and the script - despite some very quotable bits - is rather patchy.
What the heck! I like "Excalibur" with its mystical mist-filled sets, its super shiny armor, gallantry and gore, dishy damsels and noble Knights of the Round Table.
Even if they DON'T dance whenever they're able.
Nevertheless, load up Boorman's chivalrous romp and I guarantee the Knights Who Say Ni (et al.) references will start leaping out at you. It's like a re-make without the jokes. All this may detract from the gravitas of "Excalibur", but you'll enjoy no less for that.
All the juiciest bits of Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur are squeezed into "Excalibur", so while it occasionally feels rushed, the story gallops along with an heroic vigour.
But be prepared (especially if re-watching with fond memories); the film has not aged particularly well. The acting style looks stilted, the soundtrack (Wagner, Carl Orff - now genre clichés) is often obtrusive and the script - despite some very quotable bits - is rather patchy.
What the heck! I like "Excalibur" with its mystical mist-filled sets, its super shiny armor, gallantry and gore, dishy damsels and noble Knights of the Round Table.
Even if they DON'T dance whenever they're able.