Mel Brooks created Part 1 in 1981. This sequel is a series created by Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz and Wanda Sykes with Brooks in the mix as advisor and announcer. The 8-parter features sketches from various history highlights, including the Russian Revolution (Johnny Knoxville as Rasputin in a Jackass takeoff), Shirley Chisholm (Sykes as the politician in a 70s Black sitcom) and Jesus Christ (Quinta Brunson as Mary Magdalene), but the most clever is Tiaka Waititi as Sigmund Freud. There are a few silly songs and lots of other comic cameos. This is Mel Brooks at his best (genuinely smart satire) and his worst (broad shtick that falls flat). For every joke that lands, there are several that stink, so it really depends on the viewer’s taste for dumb vs. clever, although for me, they’re trying too hard and most often not funny. Try Cunk on Earth instead (my review). 
(2.5 / 5)
