Robin Williams

Last week, as many of you will have heard, the man/myth Robin Williams sadly took his own life. His death will leave a big hole in many of our hearts as his films and comedy touched many minds. In my post this week I would like to reflect on the legacy that he leaves behind.

Firstly, I would like to state that I'm not going to praise every single appearance he had. Whilst he was a superb actor, he was also fallible. For instance I believe his performance as the genie in Aladdin  is the weakest part of an otherwise amazing film. Also his stand-up never appealed to me, although I can appreciate the impact he has had on American comedy circuits. But, Robin Williams did have an impact upon me on numerous ways and I want to talk about a few of these.

• Aladdin- This film is one of my favorite Disney animations and fondly watched throughout my childhood (due in no small part to it being my fathers favorite and we seem to have various copies as he forgets we own it already). However, as I have touched on already William's character in this was the biggest let down, if I'm honest he was just too childish for my taste.                                                                                                                          
• Hook- I am a big of Peter Pan fan and Hook is a refreshing take on the classic children's adventure. William's portrayal of a Peter Pan who has not only grown up, but also forgotten his life in Neverland is amazing and at points touching. He's perfectly balanced too by Dustin Hoffman as the villainous Captain James Hook.                                                                   
• Patch Adams- I have only seen this film recently, but can recommend it whole-heartedly. A story (based loosely on true events) about a doctor whose core belief is that a happy patient will take better to treatment. It is a great feel-good film for when your feeling blue. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine.                                                                                              
• Jumanji- Growing up this film always seemed to be on TV at one time or another. Despite this I always found myself watching it. I'm not quite sure why I did watch it eagerly as it's far from perfect. Just one of those films to have on in the background as I go about other things.   
• Mrs. Doubtfire- This is a bit of an odd one as I haven't actually seen this film. But, it is a film I am desperate to see. People are always citing it as being a brilliantly funny film and I feel like I commit a disservice by missing out so far.                                                                    
• Legend of Zelda franchise- Lastly as a gamer the last mention I'd like to make is to Robin Williams as a patron of the Zelda games. He was an avid player of the series, starring in trailers for them and even named his daughter after the princess. This year the two attended E3 and a mask held by Zelda gave many fans hope for a re-make of a classic.

These are just my personal observations on the career of Robin Williams. I realise I have barely scratched the surface. I would like to send my condolences to his family and friends who has left behind and who I'm sure feel the void more that most. I welcome your observations in the comments below about your views on his career.

Image from Lightlybuzzed.

Monty Python Live at London's O2

Catholic confessors, dirty peasants clapping coconut shells and a ten-foot Norwegian Blue parrot- who had unfortunately expired. Three rather unique sights I saw on a trip to London's O2 on Friday the 18th of July; and at that point the event had yet to begin.

What show show could draw such crazy sights? Monty Python Live of course. If the posters are to believed this is the last tour the Python's (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Graham Chapman [via old footage]) will ever perform. Not only this, but it also marks their first tour together in thirty years. Both factors have made this a hard to miss experience for a comedy nut like myself. Having said that it was actually rather easy for many to miss the show, Tickets for the first performance sold out within 35 seconds- I was lucky to get mine.

'This is a dead parrot.'

However, approaching the dome I didn't feel lucky or even excited: I felt like a charlatan. I wasn't born when Flying Circus first aired, nor was I overly keen of sketches I'd seen on clip-shows. I enjoyed the film Holy Grail, and Life of Brian never ceases to make me chuckle. But I wouldn't class myself as a hard-core Python fan, and I felt like I was a bit out of my depth. Surely the crowds would sense someone not so enthused, and that there were others more deserving of my seat.

Far from being made to feel excluded, instead I picked up on the surrounding excitement and eagerly awaited the Python's return. I couldn't help it, there was a buzz in the air. People flocked to the aforementioned dead parrot statue (an homage to one of their best known sketch) to have photos taken. Some people were dressed as famous characters too, there was an air of silly-ness that lends itself to the Python's style of humour.

The stage dressing as a show in itself.

Any remaining unease, was put aside as soon as the show began. Opening with a sketch about four men reminiscing on their childhood. Each one striving to outdo the other in making their lives sound harsh. The stories got to the ridiculous height of one character casually mentioning to another, how he was lucky to have been able to live in a swamp. A great take on the typical English middle-age man troupe of having to one up each other whilst having a moan. It also helped set the tone for the evening: the Python's are back, older and more successful, but they haven't forgotten their roots.

The various sketches were all short and wonderfully silly. Often about noisy body functions, awkward situations or something exploding unexpectedly. In between whilst the set was dressed or even the actors themselves, animations of Terry Gilliam were shown on a screen above the stage. It is these animations that have put me off Monty Python in the past. I can't help but find it's art style slightly creepy, especially the announcer who literally lets his mouth get the better than him. It doesn't sit right with me, but never the less the show was amazing.

I left feeling like I had been doing comedy a dis-service in not giving Flying Circus a proper chance in the past. Something I vow to do now, after all I have the box set.

Well at least they are honest.

I highly recommend the show to both old fans and new, although the former probably won't see anything new. The show is essentially a live remake of their most famous sketches. But you will I'm sure enjoy the modern twists on the old classics. It will win over any fan of juvenile comedy and maybe even those who aren't, the Python's enthusiasm for the show is obvious and you can't help but feel like part of the fun. The crowd definitely couldn't and clapped in time with the various musical numbers.

Whilst the show may be their final tour and the last night has passed, it was broadcast on TV. I'm sure anyone not lucky enough to get tickets can watch it too, I certainly urge you to. The reunion is long overdo, both the audience and the performers