John Cleese's European Tour is a Relentless Retrospective of Regret. The 85-year-old comedian has embarked on an 80-minute travelogue, but instead of performing for audiences, he laments his life choices, and that of his former bandmates in the storied British comedy troupe Monty Python.
"I need the money," Cleese confesses candidly about his motivations for embarking on this project. While it's clear that financial necessity plays a significant role, the film doesn't delve deeper into the nuances behind his decision. Instead, it focuses on Cleese's array of ailments – from partial deafness to vertigo – which often interrupt his narration and make for an uncomfortable viewing experience.
Throughout the documentary, we're subjected to a near-endless stream of grievances about everything from stage performances to being filmed at all hours. The director Andy Curd's sometimes unflattering angles add to the sense of discomfort, leaving viewers feeling like they're eavesdropping on Cleese's private complaints.
It's telling that nearly all of what we see is not actual performance footage but rather B-roll filler from fish markets and cheese shops, interspersed with a cringe-worthy photomontage of Cleese's battered big toe. One can almost forgive this if it was meant to be some sort of absurdist commentary on the fleeting nature of fame, but as it stands, it feels like lazy filler designed to pad out an already thin narrative.
The film occasionally catches glimpses of its old self when Cleese reminisces about his time with Monty Python. A chuckle-inducing anecdote about a lemur named after him and a Buddhist temple offer fleeting moments of joy, but even these are undercut by a tone that feels more annoyed than affectionate. The Michael Palin-razzing sounds come across as particularly sour, suggesting an ungenerous edge to Cleese's nostalgia.
What is perhaps most revealing, however, is the state in which Cleese finds himself – fragile, frazzled, and front-facing but without any hint of inner peace. As he deals with the loss of one ex-wife, his quip about it being "the wrong one" rings hollow. It's a poignant reminder that our erstwhile heroes are now struggling to come to terms with their own mortality and the financial realities of show business.
Those who hold fond memories of Cleese and Monty Python's golden era might find themselves checking out this film, but only for its value as a relic of their bygone comedy days. As for those seeking an authentic, uplifting look into the twilight years of these legends, there are better options available – namely, revisiting their classic box sets in peace.
"I need the money," Cleese confesses candidly about his motivations for embarking on this project. While it's clear that financial necessity plays a significant role, the film doesn't delve deeper into the nuances behind his decision. Instead, it focuses on Cleese's array of ailments – from partial deafness to vertigo – which often interrupt his narration and make for an uncomfortable viewing experience.
Throughout the documentary, we're subjected to a near-endless stream of grievances about everything from stage performances to being filmed at all hours. The director Andy Curd's sometimes unflattering angles add to the sense of discomfort, leaving viewers feeling like they're eavesdropping on Cleese's private complaints.
It's telling that nearly all of what we see is not actual performance footage but rather B-roll filler from fish markets and cheese shops, interspersed with a cringe-worthy photomontage of Cleese's battered big toe. One can almost forgive this if it was meant to be some sort of absurdist commentary on the fleeting nature of fame, but as it stands, it feels like lazy filler designed to pad out an already thin narrative.
The film occasionally catches glimpses of its old self when Cleese reminisces about his time with Monty Python. A chuckle-inducing anecdote about a lemur named after him and a Buddhist temple offer fleeting moments of joy, but even these are undercut by a tone that feels more annoyed than affectionate. The Michael Palin-razzing sounds come across as particularly sour, suggesting an ungenerous edge to Cleese's nostalgia.
What is perhaps most revealing, however, is the state in which Cleese finds himself – fragile, frazzled, and front-facing but without any hint of inner peace. As he deals with the loss of one ex-wife, his quip about it being "the wrong one" rings hollow. It's a poignant reminder that our erstwhile heroes are now struggling to come to terms with their own mortality and the financial realities of show business.
Those who hold fond memories of Cleese and Monty Python's golden era might find themselves checking out this film, but only for its value as a relic of their bygone comedy days. As for those seeking an authentic, uplifting look into the twilight years of these legends, there are better options available – namely, revisiting their classic box sets in peace.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." 
i mean i love monty python and all but this doco felt like he was just complaining about everything - his health, the comedy industry, his exes... it was like watching a grumpy old man rant for 80 mins 
i get that he needs the money but idk why they didn't make him perform or anything lol. i did find some parts kinda funny though when he talked about that lemur 
and the buddhist temple tho. anyway, if u're a monty python superfan like me, it's worth watching just for nostalgia vibes 
but if u're looking for an inspiring life story, idk man... 
, John Cleese's European Tour documentary is like watching a grumpy old uncle ramble on about his life choices 
, but does he have to make us feel uncomfortable doing it? The constant complaining and negativity is exhausting 
.
It feels like they just threw in some random shots of fish markets and cheese shops to pad out the runtime 
. And don't even get me started on the photomontage of Cleese's battered toe 
, it's cringeworthy 
.
. It's like he's trying to recapture some lost glory, but instead comes across as bitter and resentful 
.
. And don't even get me started on those B-roll clips from fish markets and cheese shops... it feels like total lazy filler 
.
. But they're always undercut by this tone of annoyance and bitterness. It's like he's not really happy for himself or anything 
.
. We should be celebrating these legends for being honest about their flaws too 
. Maybe we're just expecting too much from a 80-minute travelogue instead of a polished concert movie 
. Anyway, Cleese is still Cleese and he's still got some great stories to tell 
.
. The only parts that work for me are when Cleese is talking about his time with Monty Python and those stories always made me laugh 
. But if you're looking for something more uplifting or inspiring... maybe stick to their classic movies or TV shows instead 
.
. I remember watching Monty Python and Me (that was a real laugh) in '82 and thinking "they're so funny, they can do anything!" 
. Give me a good ol' Monty Python marathon any day, that's my go-to therapy 
.
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! But even they can't save this film from feeling like a sad, rambling mess. I'm not sure what the director was going for with all that awkward camera work - maybe it's supposed to be some kind of absurdist commentary? 
. Maybe this film should've been a more introspective look at his life choices instead of just a bunch of complaining 
.