Mel Brooks’ ‘History of the World, Part II’: Should you watch?
Get ready for a whole new education from Mel Brooks. The legendary, 96year-old comedian is still working, and his latest project is a sequel over 40 years in the making, Hulu’s “History of the World, Part II” (now streaming).
With the help of a several top comedians and the vast riches of world history, Brooks brings his satirical style to the streaming era with his new sketch comedy series, which premiered Monday. Here’s everything you need to know about “Part II,” including who’s in the huge cast, what kind of sketches are in the series and whether it’s worth your time.
‘History of the World, Part II’?
“History of the World Part II” is a new Hulu series inspired by the 1981 Mel Brooks movie, “History of the World, Part I.” The original film featured a series of comedy sketches set in ancient and recent history, such as the Old Testament or the French revolution. It starred Brooks alongside Madeleine Kahn, Gregory Hines and Cloris Leachman, and was narrated by Orson Welles.
The new series, as Brooks helpfully explains at the beginning of the first episode, offers more historical sketches in Brooks’ style, now written and performed by a who’s who of today’s comedians, led by Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz and Wanda Sykes. There are eight half hour installments.
Who’s the cast?
Pretty much everyone who has ever shown an interest in comedy makes an appearance in at least one of the eight episodes. While Kroll, Barinholtz and Sykes are the most prevalent performers, a partial list of other stars includes: Seth Rogen, Kumail Nanjiani, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, Andrew Rannells, Emily Ratajkowski, David Duchovny, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Zazie Beetz, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Danny Devito, Pamela Adlon, Jake Johnson, Richard Kind, Josh Gad, Rob Corddry, David Wain, Taika Waititi, D’arcy Carden and Johnny Knoxville.
Is it any good?
For some, especially fans of Brooks and the movie, the laughs may be there. But most of the time it falls flat.
It’s hard to connect the original with what Brooks’ collaborators are doing here. “Part II” feels like an ode to an age of Comedy Central sketch TV shows that has come and gone (particularly Kroll’s “Kroll Show”). But that kind of comedy is seemingly missed enough (or Brooks is revered enough) that half of Hollywood decided to stop by for a cameo. It’s all a bit obvious and easy, too lowest common denominator in some parts but too full of itself in others. What probably was intended as homage with a twist is a bit more like failed parody.
But there are a few good hearty chuckles mixed in. Maybe a shorter run would have allowed the writers to excise some of the duller material.
How do I watch?
The series is streaming on Hulu.