Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python

The comedy troupe Monty Python has been a staple of British humor for decades, with their unique blend of absurdity, wit, and satire captivating audiences worldwide. Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python celebrates the enduring legacy of this iconic group by presenting some of their most beloved and iconic sketches from the original Monty Python's Flying Circus series. Hosted by the inimitable Steve Martin, this documentary-style special takes viewers on a hilarious journey through the world of Monty Python, with the American comedian sharing his own observations and anecdotes about the Pythons and their work. The film opens with Steve Martin introducing the documentary, explaining how he has long been an admirer of Monty Python's irreverent style and clever writing. As the sketches begin to roll, Martin provides context and background on each of the Pythons, including John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones. With his signature high energy and infectious enthusiasm, Martin shares his favorite Python moments, often offering insightful commentary on the sketches and their themes. The first sketch presented is the famous Dead Parrot sketch, which stars John Cleese as a customer trying to return a dead parrot to a reluctant shopkeeper (Michael Palin). As the exchange becomes increasingly absurd, Cleese's character becomes more and more agitated, until he resorts to using the parrot as a projectile. This is followed by the Ministry of Silly Walks sketch, in which John Cleese and Eric Idle play two bureaucrats who have invented the world's most ridiculous and convoluted walking style. Next up is the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog sketch, which showcases the Pythons' mastery of slapstick comedy. In this segment, John Cleese and Eric Idle star as King Arthur and Patsy, respectively, as they navigate a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Martin provides witty commentary, pointing out the many layers of humor in this sketch, from the absurdity of the killer rabbit to the deadpan reactions of the two lead actors. The film continues with more iconic sketches, including the Argument sketch, in which Michael Palin and Terry Jones play two friends who engage in an increasingly absurd dispute about whose turn it is to buy dinner. Steve Martin is particularly pleased with this sketch, calling it a "masterclass in arguing" and praising the Pythons' ability to find humor in such a universal experience. The documentary concludes with the iconic Lumberjack Song, featuring Eric Idle in several increasingly ridiculous configurations, each one accompanied by a different musical style and tone. Martin introduces this sketch as one of his favorite Python moments, praising Idle's versatility and comedic range. Throughout the film, Steve Martin proves to be a worthy host, sharing his own observations and anecdotes about the Pythons and their work. He often pokes fun at the Pythons' more obscure sketches, but his admiration for their creativity and originality shines through. At one point, he even jokingly claims that he's been trying to do a Python-like sketch with his own writers, but notes that "it never gets as funny as it does with the Pythons." The film's greatest strength is its ability to capture the unique spirit of Monty Python, a group that has been both beloved and baffling to audiences for decades. As the sketches roll by, it becomes clear why the Pythons have endured for so long – their irreverence, wit, and creativity have created a world that is both absurd and strangely familiar. With Steve Martin on hand to introduce and comment on these iconic sketches, Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python is a delightful tribute to the Pythons and their enduring legacy.