Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) User Reviews

Inevitably uneven, but in its best moments brilliant

[gridoon · 7/10 · 8 July 2005]

I consider the Pythons to be one of the best comedy groups that ever appeared on the screen, perhaps even THE best (it's either them or the Marx Brothers). If you agree even partially, you should not miss "Live at the Hollywood Bowl". Irreverence and surrealism in abundance - as you would expect from the Python guys at their best. Sure, devoted fans have probably seen many of these sketches before, but that won't stop them from enjoying them again - it certainly didn't stop the live audience at the time. There are some slow spots and the picture quality is fairly poor (as the show was videotaped and then transferred to film), but how can you say anything bad about a film that has you crying from too much laughter at least twice? ("What? Only one Christ?") (***)

Live & raw, a unique experience for any Python-fan.

[subs4nity · 9/10 · 7 May 2002]

First of all; it's just amazing seeing the legendary Pythons performing the most popular sketches live, in front of a huge audience, similar to a music concert. The crowd is so into it, they seem to know the lines by heart. Still, they just love it and it makes for a very special event with a fantastic atmosphere.

My favourite sketch (and it IS hard to pick just one!) is the "Church Police" sketch. Why? Because the otherwise super-professional Pythons can't keep from laughing themselves as things go slightly wrong. Just look when Terry Jones' wig comes right off as he jumps... They crack up. I have never seen that happen before, and every time I see it I laugh so hard it hurts.

If you have never seen the TV-series before, this may not seem as all that much of a great movie. But being an almost fanatical fan of the Pythons, seeing these sketches live is a wholly enjoyable experience.

The only sad thing is that most of us never attended the bloody thing. Nonetheless, this is a must see.

Live Laughs!

[EmperorNortonII · 9/10 · 31 March 2001]

If you were never lucky enough to see the Monty Python's Flying Circus troupe live onstage, you must see this movie! It includes many classic sketches from their BBC series, such as "The Argument Clinic" and "The Travel Agent Sketch." Plus live renditions of such famous Python songs like "The Lumberjack Song" and "The Bruces' Philosopher Song," and sketches that weren't even on TV! And even shots of the audience will catch your eye! You'll know that Monty Python has achieved cult status when John Cleese comes out shouting "Albatross!", to have audience members reply with "What flavor is it?" The only thing better than seeing this movie, is to have seen the show live!

Raucous, on-stage fun

[sschwart · 12 August 1999]

It's great to see that Python was an funny onstage as on TV. Here, the troupe successfully stages a live medley of some of their funnier skits. Interesting enough, British TV executives never thought Americans would find Monty Python funny, but American audiences (especially college students) became huge fans. The level of fanaticism is evident in the way that this audience is as familiar with the sketches as the members of Python are, and applaud raucously as soon as some of the opening lines are heard. As a treat, rent this along with "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Experienced Python fans can progress right into "Life of Brian" and "Meaning of Life."

How funny, how ingenious, how.... Python

[Bear-77 · 10/10 · 18 February 2000]

This is probably the movie which made me watch "life of brian" and "the holy grail". It is brilliant, I first heard of MP after I saw what I consider to be one of the best comedies ever filmed, "a fish called wanda", and I have seen every MP flick since then. In this masterpiece they have picked only the best scenes from their best movies: Silly walk, ..say no more..,silly Olympics, Michealangelo and many more. Even if you only have the slightest sense of humor you still must see this one it might change they way you judge comedies in the future.

41/2 out of 4 possible

Hello! I'm here for an argument.

[The Poiv · 9/10 · 24 August 2000]

Okay, this is great. Monty Python - live, in front of a huge audiens - gives this movie a good sense of atmosphere (all the happy people you see that is so happy you would think they'd die of it) that enlightens the Python show - that must go on!

Several of the classic scetches is performed; The Person Looking For An Argument, Little Redriding Hood, The Nutcase Olympics, The Lumberjacker and several more of great quality. You'll laugh like a maniac!

**** 1/2 of *****

best of Python with a hint of smoke

[SnoopyStyle · 9/10 · 3 July 2018]

The legendary troupe performs in the legendary venue. It's got many of their best skits including excerpts from their TV show. Their fans are having loads of fun and enjoying the "Atmosphere". This was my first exposure to Monty Python back in the day. The best was that this was all new to me. I didn't see the TV show. This is laugh after laugh after laugh which the TV show is not always. The TV show is hit and miss like a modern day SNL but edgier. It's also obvious that the performers are having fun like Cleese going into the crowd selling Albatross and telling the crowd that they can't smoke that. It's got great energy and endless fun. I recently watched it again on Netflix and it holds up. Other than a few deliberate racist jokes, it's as good as ever. As an adult, I get fresh eyes to see some of the jokes. Quite frankly, I'd show this first to any newbie Python virgins.

Laserdisc is disappointing, movie itself good.

[StudentDriver · 9/10 · 22 July 1999]

Most of the sketches and skits are adapted from ones shown on the TV show; there's little that's new, which is mildly disappointing. Good thing, then, that the MP troupe is so adept; familiarity seems to be the point, and allows fans to sit back and enjoy the film.

A few parts drag- I wasn't too thrilled with the musical numbers, nor with the History of Slapstick.

The most disappointing thing about this movie is a problem only for those who watch it on laserdisc; there are no chapter breaks, and side one ends abruptly -IN THE MIDDLE OF A SCENE-! This is quite disconcerting, and ruins the sketch.

Doesnt really work as a film.

[CharltonBoy · 7/10 · 18 December 2002]

I am a massive Monty Python fan and i would go as far to say that The Life Of Brian is the funniest film ever made but for me , Live at the Hollywood Bowl does not really work as a film. Having been to the Hollywood Bowl i should imagine that the show was magnifiscent and i would love to have said " I was There" because it was one of the last time the whole group performed but the show was nothing new. We see some of the old sketches seen 10 years previous such as " The Mynistry of Silly Walks" and "The Lumberjack Song" and some not so funny new ones but strangely no Parrot sketch. The group are also joined by a female member and song writer Neil Innis and im afraid to say they dont fit in at all. There is also film clips sandwiched in the middle of the sketches and quite frankly they are not funny. I hate to be cynical but i can only presume thay the Pythons did this show for the money and while the audiance look like they loved the show it should have stayed in their memories and not on film. 7 out of 10.

Unique

[neil-476 · 9/10 · 31 May 2010]

This is the Monty Python film which everyone forgets. And that's a shame, because this is superb. It gives us the only visual record of the full team delivering a full live performance of their classic material.

And by gum they are good. Perhaps one has to single out Eric Idle as delivering the single most impressive piece of live stage-work in the seemingly never-ending monologue complaining about Brits holidaying in Spain, but all the members - including honorary Pythons Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes- are splendid.

The choice of material is clearly carefully arrived at, as are the links and live staging generally. The audience is responsive (if a little over-American - not surprising, really, the clue is in the title) and the ad-libs are good.

This film is invaluable, but also very very entertaining.

Hyperactive Wacky Yet Very Relaxing, Somehow

[TheFearmakers · 6/10 · 21 April 2023]

Monty Python's Flying Circus is fun yet totally exhausting to watch, as their style is to test how long they can take a surreal bit and stretch it to the limit, and beyond, something the original cast of Saturday Night Live borrowed, but more conventionally...

For me the best thing about any Python film or sketch are the parts of its sum, that is, the members, each one very talented, and seeing who plays who and who does what, when and how...

The "straight man" Graham Chapman has always been a personal favorite, and is a great actor playing all the lead titular roles in the films, King Arthur, Brian... but here as he wrestles himself he's far more physical and wacky then I ever realized... that was neat to experience...

Chapman gave Cleese a run for his money, and was funnier than the Popular Python who does his fan-favorite Silly Walks, which is like hearing a band playing their overhyped sit songs in concert (like The Rolling Stones rushing through their encores)...

Fans of Python won't learn much here if you've seen it before on Flying Circus or the movies; however you will see each member stretching out in a live venue: that is, despite the audience laughing and cheering way too much for just about anything, making the real funny stuff seem equal to the mediocre stuff...

Basically what this movie does is give you the fellas as they are. In the flesh. And always so great together.

Masters of Their Craft at Work Before a Great Audience

[drqshadow-reviews · 10/10 · 24 July 2011]

Talk about the perfect relationship between a comedy troupe at the top of their game and an audience that's precisely in-tune with them. The Pythons didn't have a long window of acceptance in the States, but they made the most of it with performances like this one. Uproariously funny, and even though I knew which skits were coming up just by the slightest bits of foreshadowing (and could telegraph them word for word in some cases) I was still laughing until it hurt. I think most of the California crowd was in pretty much the same place that night. An unbelievable performance that makes me really sad I never had a chance to see the Pythons live.

I wish I was there

[pmtelefon · 7/10 · 23 December 2018]

I wish I had seen Monty Python live. I've been a fan since their PBS days in the '70s. I did get to see John Cleese in Brooklyn in 2018 doing a screening of "Holy Grail" and it was a lot fun. The only bummer was the poor selection of merchandise. Otherwise, it was a great night. I'll have to settle for Cleese the same way I'm settling for only seeing Ringo live. I laughed a lot watching "Live at the Hollywood Bowl". I'm laughing now remembering Graham Chapman wrestling himself. The only reason I don't give this one a higher rating is that I like "Monty Python Live Mostly...) a lot more. They both share some of the same material but "LIve Mostly" is a much better produced show.

Snotty Remake of Old Unfunny Songs

[denis888 · 1/10 · 24 November 2013]

My friend almost attacked me 2 years ago, making me watch the episode with Michael Angelo and the Pope. He thought it was fun. I think this is clearly disgusting. The unwaivering Monty's hatred towards everything Christian was not a news for me, and this little fussy episode simply fortified that. I asked myself to try this concert, giving them a chance to be appreciated. Not that they wanted that, but simply I wanted to see maybe I was blind on them. I was not. This concert is Not funny, either. Lumberjack Song? Custard Pie? Nudge Nudge? What on Earth is funny there? What? Anybody can tell me? I doubt. On stage they are even worse, slow, dull, dimwit, boring to death. Not a single reason to smile or laugh. Not a single one. Just a drooling array of unfunny, unwitty slabs and jabs. I am sorry. This is just my subjective opinion. I say what I feel. I did not like this terrible movie.

Surprisingly good for a filmed stage show

[niz · 20 January 1999]

Many of my favourites were here (including the classic travel agent sketch: "Kellogg's Bornflakes"). But many of my favourites were also in And Now For Something Completely Different, and I didn't really like that. Something about the live atmosphere made this work, the fits of giggles adding to the occasion, not detracting from it. Best of all was the brand new stuff - the Silly Olympics, the History of Slapstick etc. I wish I was there.

reminded me of Meaning of Life in the continuity; when it's got it, it's great, when not, it's OK

[Quinoa1984 · 8/10 · 15 October 2006]

Seeing a live concert from the Monty Python troupe, in the form it's here presented, is a grand mix for fans of best-of bits and newer ones, with many an oddity laced in between and in surprising crevices of sketches. When a sketch was really good, it was probably at best one of my favorites form the troupe just in general. Weaker ones, mainly involving little bits of physical comedy that didn't work or a couple of lines or gags that either fell flat for me or just didn't quite work (and at times I don't get too many laughs from Eric Idle, it depends on the sketch). But I would recommend it to fans for a lot of the stuff that does work, and I got a lot of laughs of of the Michelangelo/Pope sketch, the filmed segments of the Olympic races and the philosophers soccer match (actually, all the philosopher segments really, the game show especially), classics like the Lumberjack song, 'Silly walks' and 'Arguing' segments, the intermission, and of course Gilliam's animations.

Indeed if there is anything consistent here, much as in Meaning of Life- which the team would put out less than a year later- it's that the songs are always overall supremely entertaining (here even a couple that aren't done by Pythons but by an extra pianist/singer). And even when there's a moment that doesn't fall quite right, there's never a dull moment when some sentence or expression or the dead-pan crossing with over-the-top comes around the corner. It's a fine addition to any fan's collection, with some that could introduce even introduce Monty Python well enough to someone who's never seen the show or other movies. It's quality isn't as sharp or totally unconventional as in the latter of those, but I would still watch it again, if only for a few of the sharpest jokes and bits of performance.

"I guess you had to be there"

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 8/10 · 29 April 2010]

This is a recording of the team doing many of the most popular bits from the Flying Circus live on a stage. It is immensely clear that the audience consists largely of fans, as they recognize quite a few of the sketches just as these are beginning. I imagine it must have been a pretty amazing experience to go to this in '82. With that said, it is a good watch, even if the cameras don't capture each and every thing(had they not been instructed on what would happen? I would guess that such is procedure, and there were no other technical difficulties), and in spite of the occasional hiccup in the comedy department. I can't say for sure if there is new material, because it's simply been too long since I caught the series in its entirety; a couple of things have been restructured, and characters that we know from the show address or walk amongst the ticket-holders. The performances aren't lacking, if a handful of the things worked better the first time they did them. Some of the best of this are Idle's lengthy charter flight rant, the "japes" routine(poor Gilliam) and the four rich guys talking about their poverty-stricken childhoods. The good far outweighs the bad, and little slows down the pace. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Pythons; if you don't already, I would direct your attention to their TV activities between '69 and '74, as well as their three movies. 8/10

Mainly for Python freaks

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 19 December 2008]

This is a film that is best viewed by long-time Monty Python fans. Those unacquainted with the comedy troop may find the whole experience too weird or confusing. However, for those who loved the show, this should be a wonderful and engaging film--sort of like seeing old friends. All of the skits performed for the film are done live at the Hollywood Bowl. Many will be familiar, as they are new versions of many of their most famous TV skits. A few are newer ones. Most succeed quite well, though a few might be a tad put off by the vomit in the "crunchy frog" skit--I personally thought this actually improved it over the original TV version.

While not as funny as THE HOLY GRAIL or AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, this one is still a keeper and is sure to make you chuckle.

Good

[chrisjgray2000 · 6/10 · 3 March 2002]

The Plot:Six men who are famous for their television sketch comedy show known as "Monty Python's Flying Circus", preform some of their favourite sketches in font of a live audience in Hollywood.

Review:No doubt that fans will love this and others may get a giggle or two if they watch this, but to enjoy all of it they need to need to be either drunk, in a really laughing mood or watch it with friends who find this hilarious. ***

A Comedy That Defies Time

[dk777 · 9/10 · 15 November 2021]

A great performance by the legendary Monty Python that defies time.

This is what a comedy should look like, here Monty Python is making fun of everything, even with themselves. Some parts are hilarious and some really bizarre, and that's just in their style.

It really has everything here, so we have Michael Angelo arguing with the Pope, a whole collection of bizarre and offensive songs, Church Police and a complete farce with almost everything possible. The songs are bizarre, hilarious and offensive, which means that something like this would not be possible today.

Along the way, we can also watch some of their videos that perfectly match the performance, such as "Little Red Riding Hood". What really needs to be appreciated about Monty Python is that they really make fun of everything, and we don't see that anymore today. What is visible here is that the whole team is having fun and enjoying the performance itself, and that makes the show even better.

Some things are really bizarre, but interesting and just as hilarious in their own way, for example when Graham Chapman wrestles with himself like Colin "Bomber" Harris.

Everyone can be offended here, but it is a comedy, here it is as it should be, it does not spare anyone, it does not take sides, there is something for everyone.

A hilarious, bizarre, offensive work that defies time.

The Real Super Bowl??

[damianphelps · 6/10 · 25 May 2023]

The reason for my lower score is not because the content isn't strong, simply because it basically a greatest hits sketch show, so we have seen most of it before.

The Lumberjack song is easily the highlight with Eric Idle taking on the lead duties instead of Michael Palin.

Would have been a magical event to have gone to and be able to say 'I was there' but as an 11 year old living in Australia at the time that would have been somewhat challenging.

Overall I would rather enjoy the sketches in their original placement but perhaps for an intorduction to Python this could be a good place to start :)

Americans Discover Python Up Close

[shelbythuylinh · 10/10 · 17 December 2021]

Really am a huge Python Fan. And it gets me through rough edges in life. And that it caught on and in the 1982 Hollywood Bowl there but was taped either in 1980-1981 there, as the audience dressed up in characters.

Like the Bruce skits, lumberjack song, Michaelangelo, just to name a few of the famous skits on it there. Very hilarious on it.

Unfunny unoriginal aristocratic drivel

[sales-282 · 1/10 · 27 December 2006]

The unfunniest so called comedy I've ever seen

Not a patch on the naturalism of the hilariously dark Twin Town or most dark American comedies. The best comedy is anti-establishment anyway which Python certainly are not.

Vegas I ;like normally but this script is so dire so predictable so well English in the worst way (In recent years the English films have been awful all of them) Ireland at least produced the commitments, Scotland with Braveheart and Trainspotting 2 stand out great movies and Wales had Twin Town, Zulu, Last Days of Dolwyn , Torchwood, Doctor Who and Under Milk Wood etc

The comedy is paint by numbers, the actors are dead men walking because there is no characterization and no originality and it's just soooo unfunny

England is falling behind no matter how many grim up north movies they produce. It's the old class system that destroys English films. The Oxbridge graduates spewing endlessly clichéd scripts about working class people they've never lived with. It is pathetic. Monty Python wasn't funny, neither was anything from Oxbridge. it's just not funny.

Let guys like Jonny Vegas and Peter Kay, Rob Brydon, Billy Connolly or write their own dialogue and forget the archaic failed class system let the working class people and the real talent that comes through the system properly take over the writing and the British and English film industries will rise again what next prince Edward to write a modern day Oliver Twist?

Colin "Bomber" Harris vs Colin "Bomber" Harris

[Movie-Timer · 10/10 · 29 November 2012]

...And already Colin is working on that weak left knee of his...

I wish comedy like this was still being produced. From the wrestling skit to The Last Supper where Michaelangelo (Idle) is trying to convince the pope (Cleese) to flesh out the painting with 28 disciples and 3 Christs, to Silly Olympics and the Marathon for Incontinents, to International Philosophy where the great German thinkers take on the Greeks for a match of contemplative football, and of course The Four Yorkshiremen who take "when I was a child" exaggerations of hardship to the ridiculous level like only they could, and my personal favorite: Little Red Riding Hood who daintily kicks down trees and uses their lumber to wipe her nose while she's gnawing on a shank of meat.

And amidst all of this lunacy is an attention to detail and authenticity that transform a collection of satires into a masterpiece.

a big ragged

[didi-5 · 1 August 2004]

This live show, featuring all six Pythons plus Carol Cleveland and Neil Innes, is a mix of their own classic sketches and some stuff which predated the team together. Cleveland of course had been an honorary member of the group right from day one as she was almost always the glamour girl in their sketches; Innes had been involved with them since TV series 4 and Holy Grail.

Not entirely a success, it does shine for the following - Graham's sketch where he wrestles with himself, the film bits of the German shows (rarely seen stuff on the Olympics and a fairy story about Red Riding Hood), the songs - Terry Gilliam's 'I've Got Two Legs', Neil Innes' 'How Sweet To Be An Idiot' and more. The Lumberjack Song is there but no Dead Parrot (but it isn't missed).

From pre-Python there is 'Four Yorkshiremen', which is funny whoever chooses to appear in it. For audience participation the best bit is the 'Philosopher's Song', which song-sheet to sing along to.

However, I didn't enjoy this as much as the TV programmes and the films. It seemed too contrived and rather cynical at times, and also (particularly from Cleese) there is too much reliance on swearing to get laughs when there's no need. It's ok if you've already seen anything else - but avoid if you don't know Python already.