Monty Python is hit-or-miss with me. The group's previous film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, was a hit; this one is close but ultimately a miss.

I do not object to the film on religious grounds. I am a Christian and admit to being wary on the way in. But save for a couple of lines that were more mocking than humorous, I think the material was handled pretty well. The story is about a man named Brian, who was born a few stables down from Jesus Christ, and seems destined to spend the rest of his life being confused with him. Primarily, Israel in the days of Christ is used as an environment to work in, not as a target.

I liked several scenes, including one where the folks at the back of the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount can't quite hear. But as many scenes that worked overstayed their welcome. Sometimes the nonsense is just nonsense. Sometimes it's in poorer taste than the comic value of the material compensates for. I liked a lot of The Life of Brian but not enough.