Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy

Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy is a comedic musical film released in 2010, starring a powerhouse cast, including Monty Python alumni Eric Idle, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones. Running at approximately 92 minutes, this film is a fabulous retelling of Monty Python's Life of Brian, but this time, it brings a new energetic and musical twist to the beloved classic.

Speed ahead to the 1st century AD and meet Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man born in Bethlehem on the same night as Jesus Christ. While often mistaken for the Messiah, Brian repeatedly insists he is 'not the Messiah'. The audience is treated to a unique Cinematic Orchestra conducted by John Du Prez, who skillfully brings this comedic operetta to life.

The film is under the directorial helm of Aubrey Powell, showcasing his distinct ability to balance comedy with dynamic visuals. He achieves a fine line between delivering a humorous spectacle packed with outlandish characters and preserving the essence of the Monty Python’s classic, by borrowing staple comedic elements from the original material and infusing them into this retelling.

Eric Idle leads the performance as a narrator and Brian's cheerful alter-ego, combining elements of his signature humor with a compellingly splendid vocal performance. Michael Palin takes up multiple roles just as he did in the classic python sketch format, proving yet again his versatility. Terry Jones makes a special guest appearance, reminding fans of the charm and wit that Monty Python is famous for. Carol Cleveland, also part of the original Monty Python ensemble, graces the screen with her comedic timing and vibrant charisma.

One of the most memorable aspects of Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy is the phenomenal music score involving a large orchestra and choir. Python fans are introduced to orchestral versions of well-known Python songs. The music marches back and forth between styles, drawing on country, gospel, Broadway, doo-wop, and even Bob Dylan impersonation, equally guaranteed to entertain as much as to surprise.

Much like its predecessor, this film remains rooted in existential comedy despite its shift in media format. The storyline is about an ordinary man entangled in extraordinary circumstances, which remains a perfect canvas to paint with Python's signature irreverent humor. This cheeky homage to life's absurdity on the backdrop of a serious historical event has always been a distinct characteristic of the original.

Idle's committed take on the lead character, Brian, weaves an entertaining narrative laced with his trademark witty scriptwriting and spirited performance. His knack to whirl out humor from ordinary situations is on full display in the film. Coupled with Palin's versatile performance, the duo paint life in Brian’s shoes with a palette of rambunctious comedy and sparkling wit.

This larger-than-life comedic opera moves from scene to scene with an infectious energy, sweeping audiences off their seats and taking them on a roller coaster ride through first-century Palestine. Amid the musical numbers and the flamboyant storytelling, there are spontaneous moments of satire and subtlety that solidify the film's place within the Monty Python universe.

Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy is an affectionate tribute to the Monty Python legacy, replete with inside jokes and references that die-hard fans would recognize with a knowing smile. At the same time, it welcomes newcomers, as it refrains from being an exclusive inside joke. The comedy transcends the ages, and the humor remains fresh, proving that good comedy is, indeed, timeless.

Whether you’re a fan of Monty Python or just an enthusiast for comedy with musical flair, "Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy" offers an engaging, enjoyable, and absurd spectacle bound to captivate its audiences. While the film is a fresh take on a beloved classic, it loses none of the classic Python zaniness, finding a wonderfully bizarre niche of its own in the process. It’s a raucously funny reminder that in times of tumult and uncertainty, sometimes the best thing to do is to look on the bright side of life with a song in your heart.

In conclusion, Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy is certainly not your average film. It's an uproarious, outrageous, and undeniably unique cinematic experience that any audience would enjoy, regardless of whether they are already aboard the Monty Python train or just getting on.