The other Terry may have gone on to become the more acclaimed director, but he didn't make as many probably-interesting history documentaries, did he? Not that I know much about that, I'm not that interested in the real world. So here are The Top 7 Terry Jones Films.
Key:
Python
Not a Python
7. Personal Services (1987)
Something compelled Terry Jones to choose David Leland's sympathetic treatment of an ostensibly true story of an infamous London knocking shop for his first non-Python film. That's a shame, because it meant I had to watch it. The subject matter isn't exactly to my taste, and there's one scene in particular that's just gross. There aren't even any Python cameos to lighten things up.
6. The Wind in the Willows (1996)
Not having been deprived of Monty Python in childhood, I was happy to see the gang when I was randomly taken to see this at a £1 matinee, but that was the extent of my enjoyment. I should probably give it the benefit of a rewatch, but if I found it pointless and forgettable even as a junior Python fan, I doubt it has more to offer today. What was the point of adapting this already well-adapted story yet again?
5. Absolutely Anything (2015)
Terry Jones was lured back to directing after almost 20 years by the unmissable opportunity to helm a film about Simon Pegg having wishes. I probably would have enjoyed it if I was 11, which puts it above the previous one at least.
4. Erik the Viking (1989)
Terry J's educational comedy saga isn't so bad. It's even funny in places, though starting what's basically a kid's film with our hero attempting rape is a bizarre decision. With Jones and Cleese in secondary roles, and Neil Innes finally getting to do the soundtrack, it's a nice supplement for Python fans. It's not up there with Gilliam's 80s fantasies, but it's better than Jabberwocky.
3. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Unquestionably the Pythons' most normal film, I think that's what's always put me off a little. It has plenty of valuable things to say, many of them hilariously, I just don't find its thoughtful satire as entertaining as the lightweight silliness of the previous film or the hostile weariness of the next one. Performance-wise though, they're all at the top of their game.
2. Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
Growing up, I always felt a bit let down by this weird, ramshackle denouement to the Python legacy. Until I watched it again recently, older and angrier, and found new appreciation for its aggressively care-free attitude. There are shit bits, but also plenty of their best.
I know it's probably not the greatest film ever made. It might not even be the best film Monty Python made. But if the world was ending, it's what I'd bung in the ark to represent the apex of humanity's cultural achievement. Sorry Bible.
