Review: Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography
Eric Idle
Synopsis: Eric Idle recounts his life and adventures as part of the Monty Python crew.
Rating: R- For language and sexual content and drug references.
I grew up watching Monty Python, especially The Holy Grail. I have many fond memories of quoting it with my parents and sister (something that is still a regular occurrence in my family). So, when I was looking for a new audiobook, I was particularly excited to come across this one. I knew it was sure to make me laugh, which was exactly what I needed.
I was not disappointed! This book had me laughing out loud right from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing. I expected Monty Python-esque humor, and that was what I got. Sometimes raunchy and inappropriate, slightly obscure at times, and hilarious all around.
Listening to Always Look on the Bright Side of Life made me feel like I was sitting with Eric Idle, listening to him talk about the crazy adventures he went on with his friends. His friends just happen to range from George Harrison and David Bowie, to Tom Hanks and Robin Williams. I would have enjoyed hearing a little bit more about the making of the Monty Python films, but I also don’t think that was necessarily the point of the book. This wasn’t a book about Monty Python. It’s a book about Eric Idle’s life, and Monty Python is only a part of his life, not the whole story.
As much as I loved Eric Idle before reading this book, I appreciate him even more so now. Is there anything this guy CAN’T do? I suspect there is a pretty limited number of people out there who can write music, movies, stage productions, and books, act, direct, and make you laugh out loud. On top of being incredibly talented, he actually seems like a good person, too.
Reading this book just made me respect Eric Idle even more than I did before. I truly enjoyed getting to learn more about one of the men behind one of my favorite movies. It was entertaining as heck, too.
If you are a fan of Monty Python, I have no doubt that you will enjoy Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.