Monty Python Live (Mostly)

Monty Python Live (Mostly) is a 2014 British comedy concert film directed by Terry Jones and Nigel Fairs, and features the surviving members of the legendary British comedy group Monty Python: John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. This film is a tribute to the band's final live show at the O2 Arena in London, which took place on June 9, 2009, and was attended by thousands of fans from all over the world. The film begins with a montage of clips showcasing the various stage outfits of the Python members, as well as their numerous characters and sketches throughout their illustrious careers. The opening act features a series of sketches and songs that are a mix of new material, old favorites, and even a few snippets from Monty Python's earlier projects, such as the film "Life of Brian." The show is hosted by Eric Idle, who serves as both the narrator and the maestro, guiding the audience through a series of hilarious sketches and songs. One of the earliest and most memorable moments in the film features a group of British Legion members, played by John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones, attempting to do the traditional dance steps and singing the "Ministry of Silly Walks" song. Another notable moment is when John Cleese and Michael Palin get into a mock argument over which one of them is the better "Lumberjack." This sketch is reminiscent of the classic "Lumberjacks" scene from Monty Python's Flying Circus, but with the two Python members using even more outrageous and fantastical methods to prove their point. Terry Gilliam, the famous animator, also contributes to the film with several visual and surreal sketches, such as "The Crimson Permanent Assurance," a dark comedic sketch of a group of pirates that was previously featured in Monty Python's film "The Meaning of Life." John Cleese and Eric Idle perform an outstanding sketch together called "Song for Jeremy," which is a hilarious tribute to the late Monty Python member, Jeremy Clarkson's, friend and fellow Monty Python fan, Jeremy (who is actually not Jeremy Clarkson but an entirely different person.) The musical performance is a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Monty Python, with Idle singing a heartfelt song to Cleese's guitar accompaniment. Another notable moment features Terry Gilliam performing a surreal puppet-based sketch called "The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch," which showcases the Python's irreverent sense of humor and dark satirical style. Michael Palin, who has often been referred to as the most normal member of the group, plays a character who is a master of an absurd sport called Cricket. His performance is a side-splitting commentary on the British obsession with sports and the eccentricities of the British character. Terry Jones's participation in the show is limited to a series of clever cameos, showcasing his mastery of the absurd and dark. Jones's performance in the film brings back classic Python moments like an epic "Argument Sketch." The film also features a few musical performances and a tribute to the work of the Monty Python's American tour, which featured American actors from movies and television playing some of the classic roles. Throughout the film, Monty Python's irreverent style and surreal sense of humor are evident, as well as a sense of nostalgia for the band's earlier days. The surviving members of the group seem genuinely happy to have been able to share their final live show with their fans, and their enthusiasm on stage is infectious. The most poignant and touching moment in the film comes at the very end, when the surviving Monty Python members share a group bow and the audience erupts in applause. This is the moment when fans realize that this might be their last opportunity to see the band performing live in unison, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Monty Python's legacy, one that will be remembered for years to come. Ultimately, Monty Python Live (Mostly) is a hilarious and fitting tribute to the band's enduring legacy. Even though the film does not capture the full energy and spontaneity of the live show, it provides fans around the world with a comprehensive record of the final night of Monty Python's live performances. And, as the Python members themselves say, "We are the ones with the silly hats, and you are the ones in the audience."