Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)

(In theaters, November 2001) The advantage of a micro-budget is to provide an easy excuse for whatever technical failings a film might have; “oh, they just didn’t have the money…” And there is a lot to forgive in this movie, from the unpleasantly amateurish directing to the choppy editing. Fortunately, the script is so good -and so self-aware of its own deficiencies- that you’ll pay attention no matter what. (Except, alas, that the best lines have long since become part of pop culture) This being said, there are a few thunderingly dull moments in this 91-minutes film, though the highlights (The credits! The political discussion! The shrubbery! The rabbit!) more than make up for it. Still, the lack of technical polish hurts; though it may be heresy to suggest so, I’d like to see a competent remake someday.