Care to explain?

You got me. I wouldn't list this movie as "great." It's definitely noteworthy. It is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen, which I guess is to be expected when members of the Python gang are involved. But as far as cult films go, I wouldn't place this among the best ones. Maybe it needed a musical number...

Dwarves time hopping on a crime spree... can go any where and any when... whats not to like?

I think you have to see it as a collection of idea's and possibilities as opposed to a classic kids film. I loved it as a child, even though I didn't get half the intended jokes. It was that feeling of endless possibility in the hands of such deeply flawed, but likable characters.

if you dont see it as a kid, there is no point watching as an adult, because you look for too much, as a kid you are just sucked into a fantasy, and its amazing! Thankfully i saw it as a 5 year old, and now just watch it with the memories. I can imagine seeing for the first time as an adult though and not getting it. When i was 5 it was time bandits, return of the jedi, and raiders of the lost ark that were on TV on christmas day! Thats why its important to that generation.

I don't think it is great. But watching it, I can say it is visually very impressive.

I mean, as a film-maker, Gilliam has really gone out there, taken things that existed only in his wild imagination, and made them 'real' on screen. OK, I know all films do that - but most films are set in houses, offices, streets etc. If you think about each individual scene in this film, whether it is the bedroom wall stretching away into the distance, the giant walking along with the boat on his head, or the dwarves dangling in cages over the bottomless chasm, or whatever... Imagine having these things explained to you in words, and then imagine being told to go away and film them! Not easy. But these people did that, and did it well - and they did it in 1981 when CGI was in its infancy.

Now, as it happens it's not my kind of thing. I personally prefer films set in homes, offices, streets, etc. (if they are done wel). But I can see that this is an impressive piece of work, visually. It's clever, different and very well done. And that's not a bad combination of assets. Better than another Police Academy movie, certainly. 8=)
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"Maybe I should go alone"
- Quint, Jaws.

One of the greatest things I still find about the film, even as an adult, is its ability to illustrate some really significant philosophical and sociological points in such a light-hearted, imaginative way. I honestly don't think there is a single part of the film lacking an important message, despite being so ridiculous. If you look closely at some of the symbolism and dialogue in the film, they all reiterate the fundamental ideas: the flaws of mankind (namely greed, arrogance, selfishness) that are all encouraged by a capitalist society and which eventually overshadow and corrupt the innocence of childhood.
The idea that we don't need material possessions to be happy is suggested to children and adults alike in a fantastical and magical way and I think the greatness of the film lies in its ability to entertain, but also to suggest some really important points.

Some people like it, some don´t; some think it is the greatest film ever made, some think it´s a piece of *beep*
That´s all there is to it.
So don´t start idiotic threads arguing over taste. It´s a waste of time. Very likely the very things that caused some people to love it, caused you to hate it. What´s the big deal. Come back when you got something interesting or original to say.