For any Monty Python fan, Netflix's 6 episode, nearly six hour documentary MONTY PYTHON: ALMOST THE TRUTH is a gold mine of new footage and new perspective on the boys.
I loved every minute of the history and felt like I had new perspective not just on the group but on each of its members.
Starting with their college days, detailing their individual histories and how they came together, we watch these five Englishmen and one American (the incredible Terry Gilliam) brave the censors to eventually launch on the BBC.
I remember discovering their show on the local PBS station as a young teenager and loving the rapid, intelligent word play along with the naughty bits we all waited for weekly.
Each of them emerge with distinct, deeper portrayals of their role in the group.
Eric Idle is the jolly businessman, driving them forward on projects and films, Terry Gilliam is the brilliant artist, loving the conflict and controversy with his perfectionist's eye.
Terry Jones seems the oddest when young and the happiest now, unchanged by fame and enjoying life, while Michael Palin was always the most reluctant to do one more film or project and happy to move on to other things.
The late Graham Chapman is the troubled member, battling alcoholism and addiction for years and eventually coming out to the team and the public.
John Cleese fairs the worst, by his own words. He's always been a favorite, but he comes off as arrogant, insufferable and a bit of a twat, to use English vernacular.
Behind the scenes footage is plentiful from their college days, the TV show and all of the movies.
I loved all the stories behind "Holy Grail", "Life of Brian" and "The Meaning of Life".
Comedians like Steve Coogan, Eddie Izzard and Dan Aykroyd provide plenty of insight as well, but Russell Brand seems higher than a kite every time he speaks. Coogan is brilliant.
I couldn't stop watching this. It's immersive, funny, adult and compelling.
Monty Python set the benchmark for intelligent comedy that takes on politics, religion, racism and stupidity. After watching them battle to deliver their their trail blazing brand of hilarity, I have a new appreciation for their craft.
ALMOST THE TRUTH gets an A.
And now...it's time for the penguin on top of your television to explode......BOOM!
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