Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Words cannot suffice to describe Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It must be seen (preferably twice) to be appreciated -- and to chuck chortles in its general vicinity. Monty Python's silliness in this, their first movie, is smoothly polished (with added sparkly bits) and thoroughly British. (As such, much of it might pass over the heads but under the radar of those who are not Anglophiles or lovers of wordplay in the English language. For instance, at one point a cartoon of God ends the discussion with a starkly British -- and quite Cleesian -- coinage: "Right." Meanwhile, in America, the word might be spoken with greater nuance and more heavily laden with sarcasm: "Ri-i-i-i-ight...") The monks intoning their chant while methodically whacking their heads is ironically funny and I love the peasant (named Dennis) who gets into a debate with King Arthur about the basis of governmental authority: "You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!" So now I've learned a new word (bint) and finally seen what's the deal with the Knights of Ni and the knights of Spamalot! Be sure to pause and read all the pseudo-Swedish moose notes during the opening credits -- they'll put you in the right mood for Monty Python's quirky and absurd sense of humor -- and don't fail to view the bonus disc in its entirety (reviewed separately). 4.5 stars. (8-15-09)