Post by George Willson on Oct 26, 2005 17:52:28 GMT -5
A group of short robbers have stolen a map that allows them to travel through time and space via "holes" in the fabric of time. They want to use this to steal valuable things, but the Supreme Being is on their tail wanting the map back. They inadvertently kidnap a boy who helps them on their adventures.
This film was written by Monty Python alums Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, and then directed by Terry Gilliam. The Python influence is extremely obvious throughout the film as each time serves as a tableau sketch in time-honored Python style. The film has some extremely funny moments, as could be expected, and other moments that are just silly, as could also be expected. A ton of classic Python moments carry over from their earlier films, notably their apparent love of medieval settings, people being hit for no apparent reason, and a character who blows up others by pointing (remember "Tim" from the Holy Grail?). They even brought in John Cleese to get half the Python team in this movie.
It flows well, has plenty of conflict between the theives and the boy as well as a fair amount of compassion and respect as they move along.
While their travel to the dark tower is a little contrived as well as the conflict as they reach it a bit forced, the pace does keep up and the visuals are great for the time. The ending does leave something to be desired as it leaves us wanting for something, despite the idea of "no one listens to their kids" playing out graphically.
Overall, the picture is a good watch if you don't might the ridiculous and occasionally irreverent humor that the Monty Python crew is notorious for. It moves quickly and was written with kids in mind, so it works well also for those short attention spanned tykes too.
This film was written by Monty Python alums Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, and then directed by Terry Gilliam. The Python influence is extremely obvious throughout the film as each time serves as a tableau sketch in time-honored Python style. The film has some extremely funny moments, as could be expected, and other moments that are just silly, as could also be expected. A ton of classic Python moments carry over from their earlier films, notably their apparent love of medieval settings, people being hit for no apparent reason, and a character who blows up others by pointing (remember "Tim" from the Holy Grail?). They even brought in John Cleese to get half the Python team in this movie.
It flows well, has plenty of conflict between the theives and the boy as well as a fair amount of compassion and respect as they move along.
While their travel to the dark tower is a little contrived as well as the conflict as they reach it a bit forced, the pace does keep up and the visuals are great for the time. The ending does leave something to be desired as it leaves us wanting for something, despite the idea of "no one listens to their kids" playing out graphically.
Overall, the picture is a good watch if you don't might the ridiculous and occasionally irreverent humor that the Monty Python crew is notorious for. It moves quickly and was written with kids in mind, so it works well also for those short attention spanned tykes too.