It's definitely a non-stop parade of jokes and gags, some great, some not. It's not quite on the same level as BLAZING SADDLES, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and THE PRODUCERS. It's not a "great film" like those three are. It's just a very, very funny movie as only Mel Brooks could make it. I find it interesting that the successful MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL was inspired by the break-the-fourth-wall lunacy of Mel Brooks' BLAZING SADDLES, but here, Brooks seems to be imitating Monty Python somewhat (especially the religious jokes a la LIFE OF BRIAN). I'm not accusing Brooks of copying, though, because he displays his usual original (and far-out!) sense of humor here. This film (like MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, interestingly) has a huge cult following, and is one of the "cool" movies to see if you're in high school or college. (Many kids in my high school have pictures from this film posted inside their lockers, and everyone owns it on DVD.) So, this film isn't designed to be "great" (although as I said, at least three of Brooks' films are great motion pictures as well as being screamingly funny). Instead, it belongs in the same category as SILENT MOVIE, HIGH ANXIETY, SPACEBALLS, and ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS-funny, light entertainment that succeeds in what it sets out to do.
Review of History of the World: Part I
