An absolutely delightful film that unfortunately didn't get the attention that it deserves on its original release. It's an artistic triumph, equally as beautiful as the 1943 German film, and while there are many major similarities, it's like watching the same character in several different adventures, with only a few overlaps in common. In fact, John Neville looks nearly the same as the original actor, and he is letter perfect as the eccentric Baron who appears at a production of a play about his life to complain about the inaccuracies. He's joined by long abandoned servant Eric Idle and young Sarah Polley, the neglected daughter of the actor (Bill Paterson) who plays him in the touring production he intrudes on.
Among the many colorful adventures are a trip to a Sultan's palace and then a trip to the moon where he encounters lecherous King Robin Williams and his queen, Valentina Cortese, imprisoned by the flying head of the king who only wants some nookie from his wife and is jealous of Neville. Trips to other magical places follow, some more dangerous than the others, with some bizarre creatures appearing as well. The mixture of comedy and adventure along with some delightful visuals both fantasty and horror, as well as an introduction to the goddess Venus (Uma Thurman).
Once you see this film, you'll never forget it, and from the mind of director and writer Terry Gilliam, it's another listen to the type of the Denture he started with the 1981 cult movie "Time Bandits". Unlike the original German version, there's no political motivation behind this one so it is pure entertainment, a bit weird sometimes but delightfully so. For an old guy, Neville's baron certainly knows how to enjoy life. Idle is deliciously silly, and Polley is sweet without being a sugar coated annoyance. But the cameos of Williams and Cortese are the standouts, in addition to the great art direction and lush photography and musical score.
Among the many colorful adventures are a trip to a Sultan's palace and then a trip to the moon where he encounters lecherous King Robin Williams and his queen, Valentina Cortese, imprisoned by the flying head of the king who only wants some nookie from his wife and is jealous of Neville. Trips to other magical places follow, some more dangerous than the others, with some bizarre creatures appearing as well. The mixture of comedy and adventure along with some delightful visuals both fantasty and horror, as well as an introduction to the goddess Venus (Uma Thurman).
Once you see this film, you'll never forget it, and from the mind of director and writer Terry Gilliam, it's another listen to the type of the Denture he started with the 1981 cult movie "Time Bandits". Unlike the original German version, there's no political motivation behind this one so it is pure entertainment, a bit weird sometimes but delightfully so. For an old guy, Neville's baron certainly knows how to enjoy life. Idle is deliciously silly, and Polley is sweet without being a sugar coated annoyance. But the cameos of Williams and Cortese are the standouts, in addition to the great art direction and lush photography and musical score.