Monty Python's Meaning of Life (1983) - Film by the Monty Python boys

* * * 1/2

Out of the three Python films that I have seen (Life of Brian and Holy Grail) this is the most random. Although the films often are incredibly self aware but this one seems to take it to a new level with multiple breaks from the main narrative, in fact there is barely a main narrative. It makes sense because there would have been films and a TV series to acclimatise audiences to their style. However, if this was your first introduction to Monty Python, you would be a little bit at a loss.

It is genuinely funny, although, as with all Monty Python things, you just have to accept what you are watching rather than try to find an explanation. There are also some moments that seem slightly excessive, like the vomiting diner. Although still funny, sometimes they seem to be seeing what limits they can push.

For a modern audience the argument that this film is incredibly sexist can definitely be made. The Python boys play almost all the female characters with lines. The actual women in the film are either running around topless or cleaning the vomit off the floor. This doesn't necessarily detract from the film because the comedians make for very hilarious women and they do address the sexism, but it does still seem as though they are just trying to push every button to see how far they can go.

The songs are charming and humorous, although not ultimate classics like Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. How seamlessly these films can incorporate musical numbers shows how talented the Pythons are. Throughout all their work they show this by playing every character they possibly can as well as writing and directing everything.

If you like Monty Python this will be a brilliant film for you, however if you are unfamiliar this could be a little bit too much. There are moments of genius and if you're in the right mood or with the right people, this can have you rolling on the floor with laughter. But you do have to be a bit careful because it could just become a bit annoying and overly disjointed.