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Release Date: August 26th, 2005 thru September 1st, 2005 (NYC-Anthology Film Archives) by Rocket Fuel Films. Directed by Tim Irwin. BASIC PREMISE: A "rockumentary" about The Minutemen, a rock band in the early 80's. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: There are plenty of interviews throughout this tribute to The Minutemen. Most of them are just by hardcore fans who talk about what made them so different. Most of their songs were very short--some just 40 seconds. It is certainly interesting how they can jump from song to song so smoothly. There is some old footage of their concerts, but a lot of it looks too grainy. The real problem that makes this documentary fail to engage those who are unfamiliar with The Minutemen is because there is very little personal information about the band members George Hurley, Mike Watt, D. Boone to make them interesting. In their footage, they never become lively or particularly memorable. Having a lot of interviews can be productive with the right people interviewed and with good questions. However, in this case, the interviews are simply unsurprising, unfocused, and too brief. A truly entertaining documentary should be able to reach out to those unfamiliar with the music, which is film simply fails to do. SPIRITUAL VALUE: D. Boone died in a van accident in 1985, but when this is mentioned, it never becomes moving or sad. This film does not go deep enough into the lives of the very bold and talented Minutemen. It is hard to feel anything when the interviews are too short and those being interviewed don't show much passion. Only true fans will be able to relate to this film. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Too many interviews, not enough passion and energy. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 3 THE BOTTOM LINE: A mildly entertaining “rockumentary” that fails to engage those unfamiliar with The Minutemen with an excessive number of interviews that don't amount to anything moving or insightful. This film will be appreciated strictly by true fans. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: True fans- Movie Theater (1st Run) Everyone else- VHS/DVD Main Page Alphabetical Menu The "W" Menu ______________________________________________________ |
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