Hollywood Bowl Python: Underrated or Just Overrated?

Okay, so everyone goes on about "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Life of Brian," right? Fine, they're good. But for some reason, "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl" always gets the short shrift. Maybe it's the quality of the recording, maybe people just don't "get" live performance, but I honestly think it's some of their best work. Yeah, it's basically just a bunch of sketches strung together, but man, those sketches! The Argument Clinic alone is worth the price of admission. Cleese is just at his absolute apex of being an insufferable, pedantic twit. Perfectly cast, as usual. And let's not forget the "Lumberjack Song". I've seen people complain that the live version loses some of the charm of the original, but I think it's funnier. The audience participation, the sheer absurdity of Cleese in drag chopping at cardboard trees... it's pure genius. Plus, they brought back the Four Yorkshiremen sketch! Pre-Python, but still fantastic. I think the film showcases their raw comedic energy way more than the movies do, where you have to sit through plot and stuff. Okay, yeah, maybe some of the transitions are a little clunky. And Terry Jones's direction (if you can even call it direction) is a bit...let's say minimalist. You're basically just watching a stage show, but that is the point. It is still a live show, warts and all. I also will admit that Eric Idle could be a little much in this one. He's clearly having fun, but sometimes it crosses the line into trying too hard, y'know? But overall? Underrated gem. If you only know the movies, give this a watch. You might be surprised. Or you might hate it. I don't care. Form your own opinions, people! But if you do hate it, maybe you just don't have a sense of humor. Just saying.