Al's Top Rated Films: Music and Musician Biographies
Truth be told, I'm not a fan of "musicals", but I love music biopics, music documentaries, and films simply inspired by music. Below is a pretty loosely defined list of my favorites in the genre.
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- DirectorAlan ParkerStarsBob GeldofChristine HargreavesJames LaurensonA confined but troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.This is my all-time favorite music-inspired film, which touches on fantasy, war, and heavy drama. The story is centered around a distressed rock star named "Pink" who's eventually driven to madness stemming from a troubled childhood, an overprotective mother, an absent father who dies in war, ruthless teachers and schools, and the impossibility of making a connection with his wife in marriage, and other psychological walls that stand in his way. The soundtrack is superb, since Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is one of my all-time favorite albums. But the actual story, direction, and acting is all deserving of critical praise. Bob Geldof delivers a phenomenal lead performance as Pink. He captures all the depression, paranoia, and maniacal ravings of the music beautifully. Kevin McKeon was also very good playing Pink as a child. I'm still waiting on a remaster blu-ray/4k of this release. Fantastic film for Pink Floyd fans.
- DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsMiles TellerJ.K. SimmonsMelissa BenoistA promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.Fantastic jazz-inspired drama from Damien Chazelle, and arguably the greatest music drama of all time. The story follows a talented 19-year-old drummer named Andrew Niemann who attends class at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory of Music—which is considered the best music school in the country. The esteemed leader of the jazz band is named Terence Fletcher, and every musician in the school aspires to be a core member of his band. He's a ruthless teacher, who uses intimidation, fear, and negative reinforcement to push his students to their maximum potential. Terence soon recruits Andrew to his class after he meets a challenge of playing double time swing. Performing in class proves to be a terrifying challenge as Andrew becomes more obsessed with gaining Terence's acceptance and fulfilling his dreams of being an exceptional drummer. Terence ends up pushing Andrew so hard, that he reaches his breaking point after a number of dramatic and painful events. Excellent story, dialogue, music, sound, cinematography, production design, and the ending unfolded quite spectacularly. There's not a dull moment throughout the entire film. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are extraordinary together. Both deliver the best lead performances I've seen from either actor yet. Simmons in particular delivers one of my favorite characters I've seen in any film. Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang, and Chris Mulkey had excellent roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.N.W.A is one of my favorite hip-hop groups of all time, and this film ended up being everything I had hoped it would be. Excellent direction from F. Gary Gray, a superb script, acting, great style and flair to the production, and one of the greatest soundtracks/scores of all time (R&B and Hip-Hop). Fantastic origin story about how these 5 promising young musicians formed the legendary hip-hop group in the gritty and turbulent streets of Compton, Los Angeles, California, circa 1987. The film did a great job mapping out their influence and revolutionary status in the game, as they face adversity, controversy, as well as their own egos and greed. O'Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube), Corey Hawkins (Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (Eazy-E), Neil Brown Jr. (DJ Yella), and Aldis Hodge (MC Ren) all delivered excellent lead performances. Paul Giamatti (Jerry Heller), LaKeith Stanfield (Snoop), Marlon Yates Jr. (D.O.C.), R. Marcus Taylor (Suge Knight), Carra Patterson, Alexandra Shipp, and many others had great supporting roles. I'd love to see a sequel about the Aftermath story after seeing this hip-hop infused masterpiece.
- DirectorTaylor HackfordStarsJamie FoxxRegina KingKerry WashingtonThe story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.Outstanding music biography from Taylor Hackford on the life of legendary R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, and rock and roll singer and musician, Ray Charles (1930–2004). The story starts in the early 1930s with Ray growing up in a poverty-stricken Florida community with his single-mother, struggling to cope with the tragic death of his younger brother, going blind at the age of 7, to becoming as independent as a blind black man can be in a turbulent time for civil rights. After a rocky start and being taken advantage of in his first music gig, he finally lands a deal with Atlantic Records in 1952, which leads to massive early success, and also finds Ray falling into a serious drug addiction which spills into a troubled marriage and personal life. After gaining massive popularity, he moves on to bigger a better things at ABC Records in 1959, where his genre crossover mastery garnered him worldwide fame and respect, and earns him the nickname "The Genius". The story was outstanding, the production design and music/sound was done perfectly, and the casting was spot on. I became a much bigger Ray Charles fan after seeing this film. Jamie Foxx blew me away with his incredible lead performance. He transformed into Ray Charles in every way I could have imagined. Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Larenz Tate, Curtis Armstrong, Denise Dowse, Terrence Howard, Wendell Pierce, David Krumholtz, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Warwick Davis, Kurt Fuller, and others also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsAnsel ElgortJon BernthalJon HammAfter being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.Fantastic music-inspired crime drama/thriller from Edgar Wright that follows an extremely talented getaway driver named Baby. While he's partially hearing impaired, he depends on his specially curated iPod playlists to keep him focused on the job. He's only participating in these jobs to pay off a debt to a major crime boss who he's crossed in the past. But when his debt is paid in full, the boss threatens to kill Baby and everyone he loves if he doesn't keep working for him. With plans fueled by his new found love Debora, he sets out to break free from the world of crime. The action and getaway scenes in this film were intense and superbly done. Couple that with most excellent interweaving of R&B, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Reggae; and it's become one of my favorite music-inspired films of all time. Whoever was picking the music did an incredible job of enhancing every scene of the film. I've never seen Ansel Elgort in a lead role before, and he delivered an amazing performance as Baby. Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Lily James, and Eiza González also had excellent starring roles. Jon Bernthal, Flea, Lanny Joon, CJ Jones, Hudson Meek, and others has excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorBradley CooperStarsLady GagaBradley CooperSam ElliottA musician helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.Amazing music drama starring, directed by, and co-written by Bradley Cooper; that follows famous country musician Jackson Maine, who battles with alcohol and drug addiction stemming from a troubled childhood. When it seems that he has passed the prime of his career, he discovers a talented young singer named Ally in a drag bar after one of his shows, and falls in love with her. Believing in her abilities and talent to become a star, he brings her up on stage at one of his shows, and he literally makes her a YouTube sensation overnight, which blossoms into a beautiful marriage and working relationship. Trouble enters the picture when Ally starts gaining incredible fame, the direction of her music changes, and Jack gets back in his old pattern with alcohol and drugs. Amazing acting and writing overall. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga both delivered amazing lead performances. Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Rafi Gavron, Anthony Ramos, Alec Baldwin, Barry Shabaka Henley, and many others had great roles among a fantastic supporting cast.
- DirectorStephen HerekStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterGeorge CarlinTwo rock-'n-rolling teens, on the verge of failing their class, set out on a quest to make the ultimate school history report after being presented with a time machine.Bodacious music-inspired comedy adventure from Stephen Herek set in 1988 San Dimas, California, and follows two underachieving heavy metal loving high school seniors named Ted 'Theodore' Logan and Bill S. Preston 'Esquire', who must pass their oral history exam or else they won't graduate high-school. While cramming for their exam the night before, a phone booth-shaped time machine lands from the sky and a man named Rufus informs them that they are extremely important to the survival and well-being of the future as long as they graduate high school and aren't separated, and that he's there to help them complete their history report with the help of the time machine. Bill & Ted embark on a most excellent adventure as they travel throughout time and collect important historical figures to help them pass their exam and save the future. Bill & Ted are one of my favorite duos in cinema history. They just have those fun, kind, innocent personalities, and have great comedic chemistry together. I'd have to say it's my favorite film from Keanu Reeves (Ted), Alex Winter (Bill), and the great George Carlin (Rufus). And don't get me started on the soundtrack—one of my all-time favorites with cuts from Robbie Robb, Big Pig, and Shark Island (among others). The historical figures also all put on great performances: Terry Camilleri (Napoleon), Dan Shor (Billy the Kid), Tony Steedman (Socrates), Rod Loomis (Sigmund Freud), Al Leong (Genghis Khan), Jane Wiedlin (Joan of Arc), Robert V. Barron (Abraham Lincoln), Clifford David (Beethoven) were all great. Hal Landon Jr., Bernie Casey, Amy Stoch, J. Patrick McNamara, Diane Franklin, Kimberley Kates, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsJoaquin PhoenixReese WitherspoonGinnifer GoodwinA chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.Superb music biopic from James Mangold on the life of legendary country musician, Johnny Cash. Great story as it follows his early life during the Great Depression on an Arkansas cotton farm, his time in the air force when he gets more interested in music, his marriage and family troubles, his relationship with the gorgeous and famous June Carter and all the drama that follows it, drug and alcohol addiction, to his eventual rise to superstar fame. This film definitely made me a bigger Johnny Cash fan than I already was. Joaquin Phoenix delivered a fantastic performance as Johnny Cash...my favorite role from him yet. Reese Witherspoon also delivered one of her all time best Oscar winning performances as June Carter. Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Waylon Payne, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsRob ReinerMichael McKeanChristopher GuestSpinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.Hilarious music-inspired comedy from Rob Reiner and one of my favorite mockumentaries of all time. The story is a fictional biopic about an English heavy metal band named Spinal Tap. Since 1964, they have been rocking crowds with their brand of fan and critically acclaimed music. By time 1982 rolls around, they are completely washed up, but are still comically serious and boastful about the quality and message of their music, as well as their wild live shows. The story follows longtime Spinal Tap fan and film director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner), as he directs and produces a documentary following Spinal Tap embarking on an American comeback tour after their latest album release, "Smell the Glove". Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer all delivered fantastic lead performance, along with their screenplay writing contributions. Tony Hendra and Rob Reiner also had great starring roles. R.J. Parnell, June Chadwick, Bruno Kirby, Fran Drescher, Paul Shaffer, Anjelica Huston, Fred Willard, Dana Carvey, Billy Crystal, Paul Benedict, Paul Shortino, Ed Begley Jr., and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorScott CooperStarsJeff BridgesMaggie GyllenhaalColin FarrellA faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him.Fantastic music drama/romance from Scott Cooper that follows a 57-year-old chain-smoking alcoholic country music legend named Bad Blake. While Bad was once famous, he's seemingly washed up, hasn't written a new song in years, and travels around the country in a beat up truck to play concerts at small bars and bowling alleys to make ends meet. While alcohol and depression has a firm grasp on his life, he meets a beautiful young journalist named Jean Craddock who wants to interview him, and quickly falls in love with her and her young son, Buddy. As he finds inspiration to move on through Jean, he finally catches a break for a real concert. The problem is, the concert is headlining Bad's old apprentice Tommy Sweet from years back. He taught him everything he knows, they had a falling out, and Tommy became famous while Bad went the opposite direction. Now he soon must face his demons in his life to salvage the time he has left. Incredible story all around, which really stands out with exceptional acting from pretty much the entire cast. The music was also excellent, and I'm not a fan of country music. Jeff Bridges certainly earned his Oscar for best leading role. It's arguably his greatest lead performance. The same can be said for Maggie Gyllenhaal's excellent Oscar-nominated performance. Colin Farrell also had an excellent starring role. James Keane, Robert Duvall, Tom Bower, Jack Nation, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBill PohladStarsJohn CusackPaul DanoElizabeth BanksIn the 60s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 80s, he's a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy.Superb music biography/drama from Bill Pohlad that follows the painful and troubled life of one of the most innovative and outstanding musicians that ever lived—Brian Wilson. Much of his trauma stems from the relationship with his physically and verbally abusive father, which as troubling effects in the 1960s when his vision of the Beach Boys' music changes to the avant garde and inventive sounds of their classic Pet Sounds (1966) album, accompanied by experimentation with drugs. That soon results in sever depression and signs of paranoid schizophrenia, and losing control over his mind. Then there is a "future" aspect of the story, which follows Brian in the 1980s as he starts a relationship with a beautiful and caring Cadillac salesman named Melinda Ledbetter. This period of his life is equally disturbing, as his unethical legal guardian Dr. Eugene Landy has complete control over him and is systematically destroying his life for his own benefit. This film was unique for a biopic, and one of the finer examples I've see in the genre. The future and past shots with Paul Dano playing young Brian and John Cusack playing old Brian was surprisingly effect throughout. They both delivered a couple of their best lead performances. I'd also have to say that Elizabeth Banks delivered the best lead performance Ive ever seen from her yet. Paul Giamatti also had a great hard-hitting starring role. Jake Abel, Kenny Wormald, Brett Davern, Graham Rogers, Erin Darke, Bill Camp, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge C. WolfeStarsViola DavisChadwick BosemanGlynn TurmanTensions rise when trailblazing blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gather at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927.Fantastic historical music drama and partial biography from George C. Wolfe set in 1927 and follows three veteran blues musicians who walk into a Chicago recording studio. The highly influential American blues singer Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, aka the "Mother of the Blues", heads up the band, and tensions immediately begin to rise as the record producer and studio executive are on a tight schedule, and are upset the Ma and trumpet player Levee haven't yet arrived. Levee arrives shortly after, and proceeds to get in powerful philosophical debates with the band about life as a black man. Ma finally arrives one hour late and immediately makes her presence known. She calls the shots, and won't take crap from anybody, and won't be bullied into anything she doesn't want to do. Struggles for control over the music and band comes from several different directions as Levee's rage and defiance fuels many heated arguments that ultimately produces very disturbing results. Fantastic story and great dialogue concerning music, racism, power, and acceptance. The film is almost as much about Ma Rainey as it is the young and determined trumpeter Levee, which really heightened the power of the film. Both Viola Davis (Ma Rainey), and Chadwick Boseman (Levee) arguably deliver their best and most powerful lead performances. Colman Domingo (Cutler), Glynn Turman (Toledo), Michael Potts (Slow Drag), Dusan Brown, Jeremy Shamos, and Taylour Paige all delivered excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn CarneyStarsGlen HansardMarkéta IrglováHugh WalshA modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.Fantastic music-inspired drama/romance from John Carney set in Dublin, Ireland, and follows a singer/songwriter street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman named Guy. Guy regularly plays his heart out on the street to earn some extra income, with songs inspired by a heart-breaking relationship he's been suffering with for years. He catches the eye and ear of a poor Czech immigrant and street flower salesman named Girl, who's immediately taken with his music and initiates a friendship. Their relationship grows organically when he discovers she is also a singer/songwriter/piano player, and they make gorgeous music together. While he begins to fall in love with her, Girl has a husband and a daughter, which complicates the situation for both of them as they continue to make beautiful music. Fantastic story with a great unknown cast that are directed perfectly by John Carney. None of the roles are overdone, and it's just a moving a fantastic love story throughout. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová both delivered excellent lead performances, along with a great supporting cast.
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsF. Murray AbrahamTom HulceElizabeth BerridgeThe life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him.Fantastic music biopic from Milos Forman that follows Italian classical composer Antonio Salieri attempting to commit suicide and begging for God's forgiveness in 1823 for having killed the extremely inventive and influential classical composer and prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in 1791. Salieri recounts his story in the form of a confession, and tells a very detailed story of his life and Mozart's. Salieri struggles with jealousy and envy of Mozart's awe-inspiring musical mastery, which sends his life and relationship with God into a whirlwind of pain and torture. Meanwhile, the picture shows Mozart as an extremely troubled alcoholic and workaholic, who was broke almost his entire life; and was never given the true respect for his groundbreaking prowess. The film won 8 Oscars and it's easy to see why after seeing the perfect construction of this film. F. Murray Abraham (Salieri) and Tom Hulce (Mozart) both delivered the best lead performances of their careers. Jeffrey Jones, Elizabeth Berridge, Charles Kay, Roy Dotrice, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorThomas CarterStarsRobert Sean LeonardChristian BaleFrank WhaleyA group of teens adores forbidden music in Nazi Germany just before the outbreak of World War II.Underrated jazz-inspired war drama from Thomas Carter set in the late 1930s during World War II. The story follows a group of German teens who love swing music and dancing in clubs, and generally sympathize with Jews and other minorities that their society teaches them to hate. At this time in Nazi Germany, swing music and any music played by anyone other than a German was forbidden. The story mainly follows best friends Peter and Thomas, who are forced to join the pro-Nazi youth league after stealing a radio from a local business. Nazi brainwashing and special privileges exceptional Nazi youths receive put Peter and Thomas add serious odds that has them questioning what's right and wrong, and which path they will take moving forward. I've loved this story since I was a kid. Great story, the cast is fantastic, and the music is excellent throughout. Robert Sean Leonard delivers one of his all-time best lead performances, and Christian Bale also delivers a superb starring role. Frank Whaley, Barbara Hershey, Kenneth Branagh, Tushka Bergen, David Tom, Jayce Bartok, and plenty others have great supporting roles.
- DirectorJim KohlbergStarsLou Taylor PucciJ.K. SimmonsJulia OrmondTale of a father who struggles to bond with his estranged son Gabriel, after Gabriel suffers from a brain tumor that prevents him from forming new memories. With Gabriel unable to shed the beliefs and interests that caused their physical and emotional distance, Henry must learn to embrace his son's choices and try to connect with him through music.Excellent music drama based on a true story and set in 1986 about a married couple's struggles to reconnect with their estranged son after not seeing him for 20 years. He has a brain tumor which prevents him from forming new memories, but they soon find classic rock from the 60s and 70s (especially the Grateful Dead) brings him back to a time he was happy. It's a great story of redemption for the father, as he tries to make things right with his son, where he failed him in the past. Lou Taylor Pucci, J.K. Simmons, and Cara Seymour all deliver fantastic lead performances—arguably the best of their careers. Julia Ormond, Scott Adsit, Tammy Blanchard, Mía Maestro, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsVal KilmerMeg RyanKyle MacLachlanThe story of the famous and influential 1960s rock band The Doors and its lead singer and composer, Jim Morrison, from his days as a UCLA film student in Los Angeles, to his untimely death in Paris, France at age 27 in 1971.Excellent music biopic from Oliver Stone and my favorite film starring Val Kilmer. The story follows the massively influential 1960s psychedelic/blues rock band, The Doors, and is mainly centered on the life of extremely talented and eccentric lead vocalist Jim Morrison. It follows his early years as a UCLA film student in Los Angeles where he met the rest of the band, and dives deep into his experimentation with drugs and alcoholism as he controversially takes the band to new heights and super stardom. It all leads to his eventual path to destruction that led to his premature death at age 27, in 1971. Oliver Stone gave this film a great tripped out feel overall, and Val Kilmer just seemed to be born to play the role of Jim Morrison. I couldn't imagine anyone playing him better. Kyle MacLachlan, Kevin Dillon, and Frank Whaley also had great starring roles as the other band members. Meg Ryan as also excellent as his wife, Pamela Courson. Kathleen Quinlan, Michael Madsen, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, Crispin Glover, and many others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMartin RittStarsPaul NewmanJoanne WoodwardSidney PoitierDuring the 1960s, two American expatriate jazz musicians living in Paris meet and fall in love with two American tourist girls.Excellent music drama/romance from Martin Ritt set in 1960s Paris, France; and follows American jazz musicians Ram Bowen and Eddie Cook—who meet two American girls on a 2-week vacation—and end up falling in love. This movie tackles romance beautifully, drug abuse, race issues, and facing the racism in America that many African-Americans went to Paris to escape from—which is the main debate between Eddie (Sidney Poitier) and Connie (Diahann Carroll) as they argue about going back to America together. They both had excellent performances. Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward (Ram and Lillian) were fantastic together, and had boiling chemistry. Another part that makes this movie so cool is Louis Armstrong, who costars in the film, and has a fantastic musical scene. The soundtrack from Duke Ellington was also great. Underrated film all around.
- DirectorPeter HewittStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterWilliam SadlerA tyrant from the future creates evil android doubles of Bill and Ted and sends them back to eliminate the originals.Fantastic sequel to the bodacious music-inspired comedy adventure classic, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon are back writing the story, which has a totally unique vibe and plot compared to the first film, making it a most triumphant follow-up. The story follows a most heinous and oppressive leader from the the year 2691 named Chuck De Nomolos who creates evil robot replicas of Bill and Ted to travel back in time to 1991 and kill the real Bill and Ted and take their places, and intend to carry out evil plans laid out by De Nomolos. When the evil robots complete their initial mission, Bill and Ted are sent to Hell where they must duel the Grim Reaper to a contest of board games to get to heaven, then eventually back to earth where they work to destroy the evil Bill and Ted robots, save the babes, and perform a most spectacular set at the Battle of the Bands contest to secure their future legacy. Fantastic film all around, and a great change of pace from the first film. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter both deliver excellent lead performances and have the same great chemistry from the first film. William Sadler (Death/Grim Reaper) also delivered a great starring role. Joss Ackland, George Carlin, Annette Azcuy, Sarah Trigger, Chelcie Ross, Pam Grier, Hal Landon Jr., Amy Stoch, Brendan Ryan, William Thorne, Frank Welker, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDean ParisotStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterKristen SchaalOnce told they'd save the universe during a time-traveling adventure, two would-be rockers from San Dimas, California find themselves as middle-aged dads still trying to crank out a hit song and fulfill their destiny.Being a huge fan of Bill & Ted since 1989, this movie is everything I hoped it would be. Excellent story which finds Bill & Ted all grown up with teenage daughters of their own, and they are still struggling to write the song that will unite the world, which future beings said they would do 30 years earlier. When it seems they will never accomplish their dreams, an egg-shaped time machine appears out of nowhere, and Rufus' daughter Kelly steps out, and they travel to the future where they find out they must write their world-changing song in less than 80 minutes, or reality is doomed forever. Struggling to do so, they decide to travel into the future in the classic phone booth to obtain the song from their future selves, while their daughters hijack the egg-shaped time machine to collect historical figures with musical backgrounds, to help create the song. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves bring Bill & Ted to life just as we've always known them. They were both superb. Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine also delivered excellent lead performances as their daughters. William Sadler was great as Death once again. Anthony Carrigan playing the Dennis Caleb McCoy was hilarious. Kristen Schaal, Erinn Hayes, Jayma Mays, Hal Landon Jr., Jillian Bell, Jeremiah Craft, and DazMann Still all delivered great supporting roles. Overall, no characters or historical figures seemed out of place at all. This is a most non-heinous finale to the Bill & Ted trilogy.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsMike MyersDana CarveyRob LoweTwo slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.Excellent music-inspired comedy from Penelope Spheeris and Mike Myers. Since I'm an 80s baby and grew up with Saturday Night Live in the 1990s, this is probably my all-time favorite Saturday Night Live film. The story follows a fun-loving and hard-rocking underachiever named Wayne Campbell who lives with his parents and has a blast running his public-access cable TV show "Wayne's World" with his like-minded best friend, Garth Algar. The show has made them local celebrities in local concert venues, Stan Mikita Donuts cafe, and elsewhere around the city. Their popularity catches the attention of a television producer named Benjamin, who has corrupt plans to exploit the show and steal Wayne's girlfriend in the process. Excellent story and cast all around. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey both arguably deliver their all-time best lead performances. Tia Carrere and Rob Lowe also had excellent starring roles. Brian Doyle-Murray, Kurt Fuller, Lara Flynn Boyle, Ed O'Neill, Chris Farley, Alice Cooper, Lee Tergesen, Sean Sullivan, Colleen Camp, Meat Loaf, and several others have great supporting roles.
- DirectorSian HederStarsEmilia JonesMarlee MatlinTroy KotsurAs a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.Excellent indy music-inspired coming-of-age comedy/drama that follows a young girl who is the only hearing person in her family among her deaf parents and older brother. Now a senior in high-school, she learns she has a talent and passion for singing after joining the choir, and lands the opportunity to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music. However, being the only hearing person in her family brings a massive amount of stress and responsibility, as she is the main communicator with every sort of business they need to take care of in the family; which weighs heavily on her decision to leave home and pursue her dreams. The relatively unknown cast put on phenomenal performances all around. The power of emotion they pulled from some of the signing dialogue was phenomenal. Excellent story throughout. Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant were all fantastic, among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorJohn EdgintonStarsSyd BarrettJoe BoydVenetta FieldsRoger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Richard Wright and others tell the story of the creative process of the album "Wish You Were Here", released in September 1975.Fantastic documentary from John Edginton, and a must-see for Pink Floyd fans from. It maps out the story for their 1975 classic album "Wish You Were Here", which was largely inspired by early former member Syd Barrett. Being the follow-up to "The Dark Side Of The Moon" (1973), they were at the top of their artistic and critical acclaim. Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Richard Wright, and others deliver great interviews and stories, as well as some behind-the-scenes that examine the master tapes and how the songs were constructed.
- DirectorBrian GibsonStarsAngela BassettLaurence FishburneRaéVen KellyThe story of singer Tina Turner's rise to stardom and how she gained the courage to break free from her abusive husband, Ike Turner.Excellent music drama/biography from Brian Gibson on the the life of the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", Tina Turner (1939–2023). The story follows her troubled childhood in a broken family, to her early-to-mid R&B success with her extremely abusive and manipulative husband and bandleader Ike Turner. 16 years of a brutally abusive and controlling marriage continues until Tina finds the courage to get out of the relationship. That reignites career as she makes a wildly successful comeback at the age of 41. Incredible story that's powerfully executed throughout. The scenes with Ike bullying and beating Tina are ruthless and terrifying at times. The dialogue, casting, and music (all performed by Tina Turner) was perfect all around. Angela Bassett arguably delivers her all-time best lead performance as Tina Turner. I can't think of another role she was more perfect for. Laurence Fishburne was also fantastic as Ike Turner, which is arguably his best lead performance to date. Vanessa Bell Calloway, Jenifer Lewis, and RaéVen Kelly, Khandi Alexander, Barry Shabaka Henley, John Fink, Rudolph Willrich, O'Neal Compton, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDenzel WashingtonSpike LeeWesley SnipesJazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam makes questionable decisions in his professional and romantic lives.Fantastic and underrated music drama from Spike Lee set in 1980s Brooklyn, and follows the life of an extremely talented jazz trumpeter and composer named Bleek Gilliam. While he's caring for his friends and the two women in his life, he's mostly selfish and puts his well-being and success above everyone else. When his childhood friend and band manager screws up his business affairs and gets himself into big trouble from unpaid gambling debts, Bleek intervenes and things subsequently take a disastrous turn as he's forced to reevaluate what's actually important in life. Excellent film willed with Spike Lee's signature superb writing/dialogue throughout, and also one of the best jazz soundtracks ever made. Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, and Joie Lee all delivered excellent lead performances. Cynda Williams, Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, John Turturro, Nicholas Turturro, Dick Anthony Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonard L. Thomas, Charlie Murphy, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTate TaylorStarsChadwick BosemanNelsan EllisDan AykroydA chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.Excellent biopic on the life of 'The Hardest Working Man in Show Business': James Brown. Great story that flashes back between his young troubled poverty-stricken upbringing to becoming one of the most influential Funk/R&B/Soul musicians of all time with his unique vocals, sound, arrangements, and stage presence. Chadwick Boseman is an amazing young talent we lost way too early, and this is the best performance I've seen from him yet. His transformation as James Brown was superb. Nelsan Ellis also delivered a great lead performance as Bobby Byrd. Viola Davis, Dan Aykroyd, Lennie James, Octavia Spencer, Craig Robinson, Jill Scott, and several others had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorRichard CurtisStarsPhilip Seymour HoffmanBill NighyNick FrostA band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that wanted classical music, and nothing else, on the airwaves.Excellent music-inspired comedy drama from Richard Curtis set in 1966 Britain, when bands like The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones were the future of music; and helped start the aptly named British Invasion of rock 'n' roll. At that time, various pirate radio stations broadcasted to the United Kingdom from boats and ships in international waters since BBC Radio was not allowed to play rock and pop music. The London government minister Sir Alistair Dormandy is determined to shutdown pirate radio stations, and sets his sights on the most popular station of them all—Rock Radio. This film really excels from the great cast of lively characters that all shine throughout various parts of the picture. Great comedy, drama, music, messages, and a superbly dramatic ending. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Chris O'Dowd, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifans, Tom Sturridge, Bill Nighy, Tom Brooke, Rhys Darby, Will Adamsdale, Ralph Brown, and Katherine Parkinson has excellent starring roles. Talulah Riley, Tom Wisdom, Jack Davenport, Ike Hamilton, January Jones, Emma Thompson, and several others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsForest WhitakerDiane VenoraMichael ZelnikerThe troubled life and career of jazz musician Charlie "Bird" Parker.Excellent music biopic from Clint Eastwood on the unsettling life of jazz musician and saxophone player extraordinaire, Charlie "Bird" Parker. Starting in 1940 New York City, he wowed audiences with his wildly inventive improvisations, while troubles brew simultaneously when he falls victim to heroin and alcohol addiction starting at about age 15—making it much tougher for him and his band to find steady work. It also follows his loving wife Chan, who stuck with him and supporting him throughout his entire short-lived life. Very honest and powerful biography, and beautifully done overall. Forest Whitaker delivers his all time best performance as Charlie Parker, and the same could be said for Diane Venora as Chan Parker. Michael Zelniker, Samuel E. Wright, Keith David, and several others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDon CheadleStarsDon CheadleEmayatzy CorinealdiEwan McGregorAn exploration of the life and music of Miles Davis.Excellent fictionalized biopic on the life and music of jazz/social music pioneer Miles Davis from Don Cheadle. While the actual story in the film did not actually happen, you still learn a lot about the personality, mindset, life, and music of Miles Davis throughout the picture. The story mainly focuses on Davis' later struggling years in the 1970s after he quit making music for a period of 5 years. At the height of his cocaine addiction he's greeted by a Rolling Stone reporter who wants to write a story on his comeback. But when the only tape of music he's recorded in 5 years is stolen, they go on a dangerous and deadly mission to retrieve it. It's a wild story overall, but very entertaining throughout. Don Cheadle gives one of his best and most memorable lead performances as Miles Davis. Ewan McGregor and Emayatzy Corinealdi also had a great starring roles. LaKeith Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorYaron ZilbermanStarsPhilip Seymour HoffmanChristopher WalkenCatherine KeenerMembers of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos, and insuppressible lust.Fantastic music drama from Yaron Zilberman that follows the members of a world-renowned string quartet, who've shared an amazing 25-year run together. Cellist Peter Mitchell is the oldest member of the group, and becomes diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The pain, worry, and fear of the future's quartet is immediately questioned, and sets off a domino effect of insults that stem from past baggage, bruised egos involving who will lead the band, and infidelity. After so much damage has been done, they must decide if keeping the quartet together is worth it, especially to tribute their dear friend and bandmate, Peter. Excellent drama with great dialogue and acting from the entire cast. Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Mark Ivanir all delivered fantastic lead performances and had great chemistry together. Imogen Poots also had a great starring role among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorTodd FieldStarsCate BlanchettNoémie MerlantNina HossSet in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.Excellent music drama on the fictional life of Lydia Tár—a world-renowned composer/conductor, the first female director of a major German orchestra, and also a EGOT victor (winner of the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards). It displays her dominating personality among a male-dominated industry as she shapes and molds her musicians to fit her interpretation of the music. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing in the background after one of her ex-students accuses her of sexually grooming students to advance placement in her orchestra, while her personal and professional relations simultaneously crumble. Cate Blanchett delivered one of her all-time best lead performances. She nailed every part of her role. Nina Hoss, Sophie Kauer, Noémie Merlant, Allan Corduner, Mark Strong, Zethphan D. Smith-Gneist, Julian Glover, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsJohn C. ReillyJenna FischerDavid KrumholtzSinger Dewey Cox overcomes adversity to become a musical legend.Hilarious and uniquely done comedy and fictional biopic from Judd Apatow and Jake Kasdan, about legendary musician Dewey Cox. Starting with brutal childhood trauma in 1946, the film tells the story of Dewey's rise to fame, his innovation of music styles, drug addiction, marriage problems, and his pursuit of his gorgeous loyal backup singer, Darlene. The movie is hysterical throughout with excellent dialogue and great characters. I'd have to say it's my favorite performance from John C. Reilly yet. He handles this epic role perfectly, and the songs he performs are actually quite excellent as well—giving the film a superb soundtrack that can be listened to on its own. Jenna Fischer was also fantastic as Darlene. Chris Parnell, Matt Besser, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig, Raymond J. Barry, Margo Martindale, Craig Robinson, Jack White, and others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorGeorge DunningStarsPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonRingo StarrThe Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his yellow submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.Excellent psychedelic and tripped out animated adventure that follows The Beatles as they join Captain Fred in his yellow submarine to stop the music-hating Blue Meanies' takeover of Pepperland, after they freeze everyone within it, including the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It's a mind-bending journey that is full of interesting ideas. If you love the Beatles, this is essential watching material. It really features the very best of the Beatles' discography, circa their golden era 1966–1968. The story is a ton of fun, and it's easily the best Beatles movie I've seen. One of my favorite Music films of all time.
- DirectorMichael LehmannStarsBrendan FraserSteve BuscemiAdam SandlerThree band members hoping for a big break head to a radio station to play their demo tape and wind up holding everyone hostage with plastic guns when the head D.J. refuses to play them.Hilariously underrated music inspired crime comedy from Michael Lehmann set in Los Angeles during the peak of the grunge/alternative rock movement. The story follows a band known as "The Lone Rangers" led by guitarist and lead vocalist Chazz, and backed by bassist Rex and drummer Pip. They are starved to get their music on the radio and score a record deal, so they decide to break into the most popular rock station in town in hopes of getting their demo played live on the air. When their initial plans go awry, they hold everyone hostage as many things comically go wrong with their demands and attempts to get their music to the people. This film is perfect for 90s alternative rock/grunge fans and still holds up today. The story is solid, the comedy and dialogue is excellent, and the casting is perfect. Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler all deliver fantastic lead performances. Joe Mantegna and Michael McKean also deliver great starring roles. Michael Richards, Judd Nelson, Chris Farley, Ernie Hudson, Amy Locane, Nina Siemaszko, Marshall Bell, Reg E. Cathey, David Arquette, Michelle Hurst, Harold Ramis, and many others have great supporting roles.
- DirectorPeter FarrellyStarsViggo MortensenMahershala AliLinda CardelliniA working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.Excellent music-inspired biopic from Peter Farrelly filled with great comedy and drama. Great story that follows a tough working-class Italian-American ex-bouncer named Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, who is hired to be the driver of an African-American classical pianist Don Shirley as they make their way through the segregated deep south states for a concert tour during the 1960s. While the odd paring gets off to a rocky start, they eventually find mutual respect for each other as they endure atrocious injustices along the way. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali both delivered excellent lead performances, and had great chemistry together. Linda Cardellini, Dimiter D. Marinov, Mike Hatton, Sebastian Maniscalco, Frank Vallelonga, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsRalph MacchioJoe SenecaJami GertzA wannabe blues-guitar virtuoso finds an old blues player and hopes he can teach him a long-lost song by legendary musician Robert Johnson.Excellent music drama from Walter Hill that follows a 17-year-old classic guitarist named Eugene Martone who becomes engrossed with blues music after attending Juilliard School for Performing Arts in New York City. He dreams of becoming a famous blues guitarist, and sets out to learn about a long lost song by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. After learning that Johnson's longtime friend Willie Brown is still alive (and also a legendary blues musician), he decides to track Willie down so he can teach him the ways of Johnson's music as they make their way to the Mississippi Delta to learns the origins of the music. Lovely story with an absolute epic ending. Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, and Jami Gertz all deliver fantastic lead performances. Joe Morton, Robert Judd, Guy Killum, Steve Vai, Allan Arbus, Tim Russ, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDarius MarderStarsRiz AhmedOlivia CookePaul RaciA heavy metal drummer's life is turned upside down when he begins to lose his hearing and he must confront a future filled with silence.Excellent music drama/tragedy from Darius Marder that follows a heavy metal drummer and former heroin addict named Ruben who travels the country with his girlfriend and lead singer Lou playing small concerts and living out of an RV. Life is good until Ruben's hearing starts to go out during a live show, which quickly results in him becoming completely deaf. With no money or resources to pay for surgery, Lou is forced to leave, while Ruben checks himself into a community for deaf recovering addicts to help him cope with his new disability and way of life. While Ruben strives in the community, he longs to get his old life back with Lou, and makes extreme sacrifices to do so. Unique and fantastic story all around, which definitely earned its Oscars for film editing and sound. Riz Ahmed delivered the best (Oscar-nominated) lead performance I've seen from him yet. Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci also had excellent starring roles. Lauren Ridloff, Mathieu Amalric, Chelsea Lee, Shaheem Sanchez, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsBridget FondaCampbell ScottKyra SedgwickA group of twenty-something friends search for love and success in grunge-era Seattle.Excellent music-inspired comedy drama from Cameron Crowe set in heart of the grunge music scene in early 1990s Seattle. The story focuses on a young single environmentalist named Linda Powell who has been burned so many times in her previous relationships that she she'd prefer to be alone. That's until a charming man named Steve Dunne who's had similar experiences enters her life. They both fall in love, but it quickly turns very complicated. The story also follows a beautifully sweet young waitress named Janet Livermore who's obsessed with her grunge rock star boyfriend Cliff Poncier, while Cliff sees their relationship as being more casual. It also follows several other singles and potential couples, and speaks on the necessity of love and the freedom of living alone. Great story all around with great dialogue and clever character development. It was also awesome to see Eddie Vedder and other Pearl Jam members as actors, along with Chris Cornel, and musical appearances from Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. Kyra Sedgwick, Campbell Scott, Bridget Fonda, and Matt Dillon all deliver excellent lead performances. Sheila Kelley, Jim True-Frost, Bill Pullman, James Le Gros, Ally Walker, Eric Stoltz, Jeremy Piven, Tom Skerritt, Paul Giamatti, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsOscar IsaacCarey MulliganJohn GoodmanA week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.Excellent music drama from the Coen brothers set in New York City's Greenwich Village 1961, and follows a poor and struggling folk singer and guitarist named Llewyn Davis who's fallen hard times after the death of his band partner, and grapples with personal relationships. He crashes on couches of friends and accountancies as often as he can and attempts to pick up any gig to make ends meet, while the world around him is seemingly caving in around him as bad breaks continue to plague his life. The story was fantastic, and the production design and cinematography gave the story a perfect feel. The music was also very nicely done throughout. Oscar Isaac definitely delivered my favorite lead performance of his to date. He was ideal for the role, and was able to drive the film nicely. Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, Justin Timberlake, Adam Driver, Stark Sands, Ethan Phillips, Robin Bartlett, Jeanine Serralles, F. Murray Abraham, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRob CohenStarsRay LiottaJoe MantegnaDon CheadleThe public and private lives of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.Excellent historical biography from Rob Cohen on the life of the famous jazz collective "The Rat Pack", which featured Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.. The film also dives fairly deep into the controversial lifestyle of President John F. Kennedy and his brother-in-law, Peter Lawford. The film takes place in the 1950s and 1960s, with Frank Sinatra's relationships with the mafia, his friendship and overwhelming support for John F. Kennedy campaign, and his time with Ava Gardner. It also follows Sammy Davis Jr. and his struggles with racism, and his controversial marriage to white woman, as well as Dean Martin's easy-going and quick-witted life as a family man. Ray Liotta gets the most screen time in the film, and he delivered one of his very best lead performances. Joe Mantegna and Don Cheadle also nailed their roles. Angus Macfadyen and William Petersen also has great starring roles. Zeljko Ivanek, Bobby Slayton, Megan Dodds, Deborah Kara Unger, Veronica Cartwright, Dan O'Herlihy, Robert Miranda, Barbara Niven, Michelle Grace, Tyrees Allen, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsMarilyn MonroeTony CurtisJack LemmonAfter two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.Fun-loving and light-hearted music-inspired romantic comedy from Billy Wilder set in 1929 Chicago, and follows two struggling musicians who witness the gang-related St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and must go on the run to escape the same fate. The only cover they can find is to pose as women in an all-girl band, which unravels lots of great comedy and a romance with the lead singer and ukulele player Sugar Kane Kowalczyk. This was my first time seeing Marilyn Monroe in a film, and she played the ditzy blonde to perfection. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon also delivered a couple of their very best lead performances. George Raft, Pat O'Brien, Joe E. Brown, Nehemiah Persoff, Joan Shawlee, George E. Stone, Mike Mazurki, Harry Wilson, Beverly Wills, Barbara Drew, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorHerbert RossStarsKevin BaconLori SingerJohn LithgowA city teenager moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned, and his rebellious spirit shakes up the populace.Very nice music inspired drama about a new hip teen in a small conservative town that doesn't allow the rebellious rock music or dancing he's previously lived his life by in the urban setting of Chicago. Kevin Bacon delivered an excellent lead performance. Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorLou AdlerTommy ChongStarsCheech MarinTommy ChongStrother MartinTwo stoners unknowingly smuggle a van - made entirely of marijuana - from Mexico to L.A., with incompetent Sgt. Stedenko on their trail.One of the best marijuana-inspired smokin' flicks of all-time. Great story about a couple of stoners who unknowingly smuggle a van entirely made of marijuana as they make their way to Los Angeles to play a concert. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong both deliver superb and iconic performances. The supporting cast was great as well.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsChristian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRuminations on the life of Bob Dylan, where six characters embody a different aspect of the musician's life and work.Bob Dylan is one of my favorite musicians and songwriters, so this movie was a no-brainer. Great biopic and the concept of taking 6 different actors to portray the many different sides of Dylan's music, career, and life, was very well done overall. All the actors do a great job, and cover different eras: Christian Bale (1963: acoustic/protest era), Cate Blanchett (1965-1966 electric era), Marcus Carl Franklin (Woody Guthrie inspired era), Richard Gere (covering the 1973 western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid), Heath Ledger (1975–1777 era), Ben Whishaw (Arthur Rimbaud inspiration). Very nicely done overall.
- DirectorJeff TremaineStarsDouglas BoothIwan RheonColson BakerBased on the bestselling autobiography from Mötley Crüe, the film is an unflinching tale of success and excess as four misfits rise from the streets of Hollywood to the heights of international fame.Excellent music biopic on the American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. While they have never been one of my favorite bands, I found them wildly entertaining as a pre-teen. And that proves to be evident in this crazy wild ride of drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll. Band leader Nikki Sixx narrates the story and adds a lot of personal touches, making it a great in-depth biography to be enjoyed by all. Douglas Booth (Nikki Sixx), Machine Gun Kelly (Tommy Lee), and Daniel Webber (Vince Neil), and Iwan Rheon (Mick Mars) all deliver excellent lead performances. Katherine Neff, Kathryn Morris, Vince Mattis, Mark Ashworth, Joe Chrest, Elena Evangelo, and plenty others have nice supporting roles. One of Netflix's best original films.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsKirk DouglasLauren BacallDoris DayA young trumpet player is torn between an honest singer and a manipulative heiress.Excellent music biopic from Michael Curtiz on the life of star jazz trumpeter Rick Martin. It starts with his early life when he fell in love with the trumpet, to meeting legendary trumpeter Art Hazzard, who taught him everything about playing jazz. He eventually rises to super-stardom, but trouble comes into play when he decides he only wants to play jazz, and abandons the sound of the bands he worked with. The struggles of falling in love and trying to make an impossible relationship work further complicates matters, as he deeply struggles to cope with the stresses of life. Kirk Douglas delivers and excellent lead performance. Lauren Bacall also delivered one her best non-Bogart film roles. The film also boasts an excellent jazz score/soundtrack from Doris Day & Harry James. Hoagy Carmichael, Juano Hernandez, Doris Day, Orley Lindgren, Walter Reed, and others were also very good among the supporting cast.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsRami MalekLucy BoyntonGwilym LeeThe story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985).Great music biopic on the famous British rock band Queen. It mainly follows eccentric lead singer Freddie Mercury starting in the early stages of meeting the band and working through relationship and social issues, while simultaneously breaking through barriers as a bisexual man in a very controversial time. And also smashing expectations with their inventive direction and arrangements. Very nicely done biography overall. Rami Malek delivered an excellent lead performance as Freddie Mercury. Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers, Aaron McCusker, and many others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsTom HanksAustin ButlerOlivia DeJongeThe life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.Powerful and uniquely made biopic about the "King of Rock and Roll"—Elvis Presley. It also tells the story of his greedy and controlling manager, Colonel Tom Parker—who helped launch Elvis too superstardom, but ultimately kept him playing the venues he wanted, keeping him out of international tours, and getting extremely rich off his brand of entertainment. Austin Butler was absolutely amazing as Elvis. The music renditions, the dancing, and the interaction with the women was spot on. Tom Hanks also delivered a complex and great performance. Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and many others had nice supporting roles. My only big criticism of this film is the soundtrack/score. There are too many modern hip-hop and pop songs mixed into a film that should have more period music, or at least more throwback renditions of classics by modern artists. The background music could have been much better.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsAdrien BrodyThomas KretschmannFrank FinlayDuring WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.Very powerful World War II music drama and biopic from Roman Polanski about Polish Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman. Based on his autobiography covering years 1939–1945—it follows his life as he works as a radio station pianist and his struggles to survive in the poverty-stricken Warsaw ghetto as the terrifying war rages on. Adrien Brody delivered an excellent lead performance. Frank Finlay, Ed Stoppard, Maureen Lipman, Jessica Kate Meyer, Julia Rayner, Emilia Fox, and others had a great supporting roles.
- DirectorAnthony MannStarsJames StewartJune AllysonHarry MorganBiography of bandleader Glenn Miller from his beginnings to his death over the English Channel in December 1944.Beautiful biopic from Anthony Mann on the life of trombone player and bandleader Glenn Miller (1904–1944). From his humble beginnings, to his happy marriage and rise to stardom, to his time with the army and his mysterious premature death—the whole film is beautifully done. It won the Oscar for best sound recording, and the sound and music was excellent throughout. James Stewart and June Allyson both delivered fantastic lead performances. Harry Morgan, Louis Armstrong, Charles Drake, George Tobias, Barton MacLane, Sig Ruman, Kathleen Lockhart, Ben Pollack, and others were also great among a very solid supporting cast.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsMichael DouglasMatt DamonScott BakulaA chronicle of the tempestuous six-year romance between megastar singer Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson.Excellent music biography/drama from Steven Soderbergh set in 1977, and follows an impressional 18-year-old animal trainer for films named Scott Thorson. He meets a Hollywood producer named Bob Black in a Los Angeles gay bar, and is soon introduced to the famous pianist, singer, and actor—Liberace. Liberace immediately finds Scott extremely attractive, which begins an explosive 6-year romance between the two. Liberace' possessiveness of Scott begins to smother him, which creates considerable tension as Scott falls into a dangerous pill and cocaine addiction to mask his pain. Fascinating story, and the lead performances from Michael Douglas (Emmy winner) and Matt Damon (Emmy nominated) drove the film perfectly. They has great chemistry for interaction, especially considering all the nude and sex scenes they had together. The film won 11 Emmy's, and it's easy to see why with the gorgeous production design. Scott Bakula, Dan Aykroyd, Rob Lowe, Jane Morris, Garrett M. Brown, Debbie Reynolds, Cheyenne Jackson, Paul Reiser, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorElia KazanStarsAndy GriffithPatricia NealAnthony FranciosaA female radio reporter turns a folk-singing drifter into a powerful media star.Excellent music-inspired drama from Elia Kazan that's set in the 1950s and follows female radio personality Marcia Jeffries who runs into a drunken polk-singing vagabond who's recording a song in a rural Arkansas jail. After seeing his potential, she invites him to perform a song with his guitar, and the response is so overwhelming that she immediately gets him his own radio program and calls him Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes. As he reaches incredible fame in radio, television, and even politics, he becomes manipulative and completely changes from his original self, which starts to greatly affect his and Marcia's lives. I've never seen Andy Griffith in a role quite like this, and he delivered an amazing lead performance. Patricia Neal was also excellent. Walter Matthau, Lee Remick, Anthony Franciosa, Marshall Neilan, Paul McGrath, Howard Smith, Kay Medford, and others also had great roles among the solid supporting cast.
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsBilly CrudupPatrick FugitKate HudsonA high-school boy in the early 1970s is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour.Great classic-rock inspired comedy drama/adventure from Cameron Crowe about the days when Rolling Stone magazine was actually relevant. Nice story set in the early 1970s, following a 15-year-old high school student and aspiring music journalist who gets a job writing for Rolling Stone magazine, and heads out on tour with a popular rock band named Stillwater, and experiences the behind-the-scenes excitement and downfalls of the rock 'n' roll life musicians, groupies, and fans lead. Patrick Fugit delivered an excellent performance as the young reporter, William Miller. Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Noah Taylor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Angarano, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBradley CooperStarsCarey MulliganBradley CooperMatt BomerThis love story chronicles the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.Excellent music biography/drama directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, which follows the life of one of the most important American composers and musicians of all time—Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990). The story follows his break into the music industry, followed by the meeting and falling in love with actress Felicia Montealegre. While things are great in the beginning, resentment and disconnection soon comes into play as Leonard pursues a bisexual relationship with other men throughout their marriage, which was not a surprise for Felicia going into the relationship. The story is filled with musical triumphs, family tension, and tragedy. Not knowing much about Leonard Bernstein, I thought the story was fascinating, the cinematography and editing was very inventive, and the dialogue was excellent. Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan are both fantastic actors, and deliver excellent lead performances. Matt Bomer, Vincenzo Amato, Greg Hildreth, Michael Urie, Brian Klugman, Mallory Portnoy, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJoe WrightStarsJamie FoxxRobert Downey Jr.Catherine KeenerA newspaper journalist discovers a homeless musical genius and tries to improve his situation.Excellent music drama/biography from Joe Wright set in 2005, and follows Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, who's eager to find the next best story for his column. One day he comes across homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers who's playing a violin in the park, and appears to be mentally ill after introducing himself to him. But after learning he once attended the extremely prestigious Juilliard Music School, he knows he has a story the public will find interesting. One small article about Nathaniel sparks a local interest campaign and a great friendship between the two, helps reunite him with his instrument of expertise, the Cello; finds him an indoor place to live, but also boasts lots of attention that dramatically affects his mental state. Since I'm not that big into Marvel movies, Robert Downey Jr. delivered one of my favorite lead performances of his to date. Jamie Foxx also delivered a dynamic lead role as Nathaniel. Catherine Keener, Justin Martin, LisaGay Hamilton, Tom Hollander, Nelsan Ellis, Jena Malone, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsJack BlackMike WhiteJoan CusackAfter being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher of an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band.Excellent music-inspired comedy from Richard Linklater that follows a hard-rocking guitarist and layabout named Dewey Finn, who gets kicked out of his own band, and pretends to be a substitute teacher at a private school full of wealthy and privileged kids when he pretends to be his substitute teacher roommate, who was really called on for the job. He has a big influence on the kids, and decides to teach them the only thing he knows—rock music. And eventually gets them into the "Battle of the Bands" competition at a chance to win $10,000. Jack Black delivered one of his best lead performances, and his interaction with all the kids was superb. The film has aged even better with time. Joan Cusack, Jordan-Claire Green, Miranda Cosgrove, Sarah Silverman, Mike White, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid MametStarsAl PacinoHelen MirrenJeffrey TamborA drama centered on the relationship between Phil Spector and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden while the music business legend was on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson.Excellent music biography/crime drama from David Mamet which follows the 2010 murder case that finds revolutionary music producer Phil Spector the prime suspect of killing actress and model Lana Clarkson in his home, by sticking a gun in her mouth and pulling the trigger. Defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden is the one working the case for Spector, and finds many doubts in the possibility of Spector committing the murder, and fights for his freedom while the media and public is stirred into a major frenzy. Fascinating story all around with a great cast of actors. Al Pacino and Helen Mirren both deliver excellent and gripping lead performances. Jeffrey Tambor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rebecca Pidgeon, John Pirruccello, James Tolkan, David Aaron Baker, Matt Malloy, and several others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorCraig BrewerStarsChristina RicciSamuel L. JacksonJustin TimberlakeA God-fearing bluesman takes to a wild young woman who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, looks everywhere for love, never quite finding it.Excellent music-inspired drama about an abused, sex-crazed, drug-addicted nymphomaniac that is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road in a small town of rural Tennessee, when a religious bluesman finds her and decides to help her through deep psychological trauma and helps her move forward with her life, while simultaneously working out things in his own life. Both Ricci and Samuel L. Jackson both deliver excellent lead performances. Justin Timberlake, S. Epatha Merkerson, John Cothran, David Banner, Michael Raymond-James, Adriane Lenox, and Kim Richards had nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorJean NegulescoStarsJoan CrawfordJohn GarfieldOscar LevantA classical musician from the slums is sidetracked by his love for a wealthy, neurotic socialite.Very nice classical music inspired drama about a gifted violinist from a working-class New York City neighborhood who meets a wealthy, influential, and beautiful woman who helps him earn fame and critical acclaim. When they fall in love, she falls into a dark whirlwind of loneliness, depression, and self-doubt. Excellent score of music throughout the entire film. Joan Crawford and John Garfield both deliver excellent and complex lead performances. Oscar Levant (who also played all his own music) was excellent, and provided great comedy relief. The rest of the supporting cast was great all around.
- DirectorFrank CoraciStarsAdam SandlerDrew BarrymoreChristine TaylorRobbie, a singer, and Julia, a waitress, are both engaged, but to the wrong people. Fortune intervenes to help them discover each other.Hilarious nostalgic music inspired comedy/romance about a waitress and a singer who performs 1980s hits at a wedding venue they both work at. When both of them become engaged to different people, it becomes clear they're actually made for each other, through a string of comical situations. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore prove to have nice chemistry together. They both deliver excellent lead performances. Christine Taylor, Allen Covert, Matthew Glave, Billy Idol, Ellen Albertini Dow, Angela Featherstone, Alexis Arquette, Christina Pickles, Frank Sivero, Steve Buscemi, and many others have great supporting roles.
- DirectorPete DocterKemp PowersStarsJamie FoxxTina FeyGraham NortonJoe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.Excellent music inspired Pixar comedy adventure that follows a New York middle-school band teacher who's dream of becoming a respected jazz musician never worked out. One day he's lucky enough to land a gig with an exceptional band at the Half Note Club, and the success of the show makes it a magical night for him. He leaves the club happy as can be, and suddenly falls into a manhole—which transports him to a strange realm between Earth and the afterlife—and learns what it means to have "Soul" in the process. Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey both delivered excellent lead voice performances. Angela Bassett, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, Daveed Diggs, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorLee UnkrichAdrian MolinaStarsAnthony GonzalezGael García BernalBenjamin BrattAspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.Excellent Day of the Dead music-inspired Pixar comedy adventure set in Guanajuato, Mexico, and follows a young boy named Miguel who wants nothing more than to be an extraordinary guitar palter and musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. However, his family has a mysterious historical ban on music which blocks his dreams. When an accident occurs on the Day of the Dead, Miguel is magically sent to the distant and Land of the Dead where he sets out to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. Great story and great writing all around. One of the best Disney films. Anthony Gonzalez was great as Miguel. Gael García Bernal, Alanna Ubach, Renee Victor, Benjamin Bratt, Herbert Siguenza, Alfonso Arau, Jaime Camil, and others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorEric AppelStarsDiedrich BaderDaniel RadcliffeLin-Manuel MirandaExplores every facet of Yankovic's life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like 'Eat It' and 'Like a Surgeon' to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle.Hilarious music-inspired comedy that appears to be a be a biography of music-comedian extraordinaire 'Weird Al' Yankovic; when it's actual exactly what we should expect from Al—a hilarious spoof on your typical star biopic, that runs a completely fictional storyline. I certainly wasn't expecting that direction, but it succeeded beautifully. The story and acting was great throughout. Daniel Radcliffe delivered a great lead performance as Weird Al. Rainn Wilson, Evan Rachel Wood, Julianne Nicholson, Richard Aaron Anderson, Toby Huss, Tommy O'Brien, Jack Black, 'Weird Al' Yankovic himself, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyJoan LeslieWalter HustonThe life of the renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer George M. Cohan.Excellent biopic/musical from Michael Curtiz about the renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer George M. Cohan. It maps out his early childhood years performing vaudeville acts with his parents and sister to producing/appearing in over 3 dozen musicals by 1904, to receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to World War I morale in 1940. James Cagney's performance was phenomenal—the acting, singing, and dancing was phenomenal. I would rate this film higher if I were more of a fan of musicals. Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, Rosemary DeCamp, Jeanne Cagney, S.Z. Sakall, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael SchultzStarsSheila E.Joseph SimmonsDarryl McDanielsThe story of a man who has started a new hip-hop/rap label called Krush Groove.Great 80s hip-hop inspired comedy drama from Michael Schultz that's based on the early days of the highly influential hip-hop and R&B label, Def Jam Recordings. The story follows manager Russell Walker as he's signing all the early rap artists like Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, with Rick Rubin handling the production. Being in the early stages of business, trouble comes into play when Russell doesn't have money to press the records, and instead borrows the money from a local street hustler. Sheila E., LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, New Edition, The Fat Boys, Chaka Khan, Debbie Harry, The Gap Band, and Full Force also make appearances. Great material for old-school hip-hop fans. Blair Underwood, Russell Simmons, Lisa Gay Hamilton, and Richard Gant all had great performances along with the aforementioned musical acts/artists.
- DirectorDoug PrayStarsThe AlliesA-TrakCrazeThe story of the hip-hop DJ from the birth of hip-hop to the invention of scratching and "beat-juggling" vinyl, to the more recent "turntablism" movement. Underdogs and virtuosos who have radically changed the way we hear and create music.Superb documentary about the invention and history of turntablism. It's mainly centered around hip-hop DJs, and how many have re-invented the game when it comes to scratching, beat-juggling, and creative production. Great interviews and commentary from several legends of the game. DJ Q-bert, Rob Swift and the X-ecutioners, Steve Dee, Cut Chemist and NuMark (of Jurassic 5), DJ Craze, The Bullet Proof Scratch Hamsters, The Beat Junkies (including Babu of Dilated Peoples), Z-trip, DJ Premier (Gang Starr), DJ Swamp (Beck), MixMasterMike (Beastie Boys), Jazzy Jay, GrandWizard Theodore, and many other legends weigh in on the topic.
- DirectorChristopher GuestStarsChristopher GuestFred WillardCatherine O'HaraAn aspiring director and the marginally talented amateur cast of a hokey small-town Missouri musical production go overboard when they learn that someone from Broadway will be in attendance.Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy have set the standard for the mockumentary in my book. Clever story about an aspiring director and lackluster amateur cast of a small-town Missouri give it their all when they learn a representative from the New York based Oppenheimer Organization is in attendance, and they have a chance to take their play to Broadway. I would rate this film higher if I were more into musicals and the subject, but it is very well done overall. Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, and several others have great performances.
- DirectorCraig BrewerStarsTerrence HowardLudacrisAnthony AndersonWith help from his friends, a Memphis pimp in a mid-life crisis attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.Excellent hip-hop inspired crime drama that follows a Memphis pimp in his 40s who's running out of time to do something worthwhile with life, and decides to channel his effort to become a rapper with the help of a his friends and prostitutes. The direction of the music is pure southern crunk bangers with conscious street raps, which is done very well, even if it isn't my favorite style of hip-hop. Terrence Howard delvers an excellent a complex real-life portrayal of a hustler and pimp. Easily the best role I've seen from him. Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, DJ Qualls, Ludacris, Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, and Isaac Hayes all have very nice roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorTom HanksStarsTom HanksLiv TylerCharlize TheronA local Pennsylvania band scores a one-hit wonder in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as they can, with lots of help from their manager.Very nice British Invasion music-inspired comedy drama written, directed by, and starring Tom Hanks. Great story set in 1964, about a local Pennsylvania pop/rock band that scores a huge #1 hit single, and follows their journey to stardom as they encounter so many problems any band from the era would face. Tom Hanks, Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Johnathon Schaech, Ethan Embry, Charlize Theron, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge Tillman Jr.StarsJamal WoolardAnthony MackieDerek LukeThe life and death story of The Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace), who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm.Very nice music biopic on the life of The Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace)—who was brought up in a rough are of Brooklyn (New York) with a broken family, and lands himself in jail for hustling and dealing drugs early on in life. After meeting Puff Daddy and learning he has a promising and marketable talent, he emerges as one of the most skillful and top rappers in the world with his 1994 debut. It also follows the friendship-turned-feud he had with west coast rapper 2Pac and his manager Suge Knight, which is met with deadly results. Jamal Woolard delivered a great lead performance as Biggie. Derek Luke, Angela Bassett, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Naturi Naughton, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJim AbrahamsDavid ZuckerJerry ZuckerStarsVal KilmerOmar SharifJeremy KempAn American rock and roll singer is invited to a cultural festival in East Germany in order to distract from a plot to destroy NATO submarines, but he accidentally becomes involved in a resistance plot to rescue an imprisoned scientist.Very funny crime and music-inspired comedy from Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker (creators of Airplane!) that follows an American rock star named Nick Rivers who travels to East Germany to perform at a festival, and later hooks up with a resistance movement to rescue a brilliant scientist who is being held in prison. Very nice story with plenty of very clever comedy throughout. The film mainly spoofs Elvis and World War II films. It's an ambitious role for Val Kilmer, and he delivers an excellent lead performance, especially for being his very first film. Lucy Gutteridge and Omar Sharif also had great starring roles. Michael Gough, Jeremy Kemp, Ian McNeice, Warren Clarke, Billy J. Mitchell, John J. Carney, Orla Pederson, Peter Cushing, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJason MooreStarsAnna KendrickBrittany SnowRebel WilsonBeca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.Great music-inspired comedy from Jason Moore that follows an aspiring music producer and freshman at Barden College named Beca, who's only attending because her father (also a Barden professor) is paying her way so she can see how great college can be. He quickly pushes her to join an extracurricular activity, and she chooses to join the all-girls a cappella singing group named The Barden Bellas. The mismatched group face several hilarious debacles as they work their way to becoming champions of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella competition. The story was very funny and the cast delivered great performances, but I personally didn't care for 90% of the music. If I had, this movie would be rated higher. It's definitely a film for those of a younger generation who are mainly into pop music. Anna Kendrick delivered an excellent lead performance. Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Skylar Astin, Adam Devine, Ben Platt, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins, and others also had great roles.
- DirectorChristopher GuestStarsChristopher GuestEugene LevyMichael McKeanMockumentary captures the reunion of 1960s folk trio the Folksmen as they prepare for a show at The Town Hall to memorialize a recently deceased concert promoter.Hilarious music comedy and another great mockumentary from Christopher Guest. The story surrounds the reunion of 1960s folk trio "The Folksmen" as they assemble a show at New York City's Town Hall with Mitch and Mickey, and The New Main Street Singers, to pay homage to a recently deceased concert promoter. As usual, it's very cleverly written and acted throughout. Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, John Michael Higgins, Bob Balaban, Paul Dooley, Jim Ortlieb, and many others had nice performances throughout. I would like this movie more if I were more into folk music.
- DirectorLiam LynchStarsJack BlackKyle GassJR ReedTo become the greatest band of all time, two slacker, wannabe-rockers set out on a quest to steal a legendary guitar pick that gives its holders incredible guitar skills, from a maximum security Rock and Roll museum.Very funny music-inspired comedy that follows Jack Black and Kyle Gass (JB & KG) as they form their band Tenacious D, and embark on an adventure to find the renowned Guitar Pick Of Destiny. It's a silly story, but JB & KG undoubtedly have great comedic chemistry, and it was refreshing to see such a unique film that is clear they had a ton of fun creating. Even some nice cameos from Amy Poehler, Tim Robbins, Dave Grohl, and Ben Stiller (among others) help elevate the film. Great for fans of Tenacious D.
- DirectorStephen SurjikStarsMike MyersDana CarveyChristopher WalkenThe inseparable duo try to organize a rock concert while Wayne must fend off a record producer who has an eye for his girlfriend.Solid sequel to the classic SNL original from 1992. This time Stephen Surjik handles the direction, and follows Wayne and Garth after moving out of their childhood homes, and now hosting their show from an abandoned factory. After going to an Aerosmith concert and Wayne having a vision of Jim Morrison, they are inspired to organize and huge rock festival and call it "Waynestock". Many troubles come into play, while Wayne must also fight off another record producer that's after his girl, Cassandra. While nothing about this story is as good as the first film, it's still plenty of fun and has plenty of qualities that make it a fine film. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey delivered great lead performances as usual. Christopher Walken and Tia Carrere also had very nice starring roles. Kim Basinger, Chris Farley, Ralph Brown, James Hong, Steven Tyler, Lee Tergesen, Heather Locklear, Michael A. Nickles, Kevin Pollak, Olivia d'Abo, Drew Barrymore, Ed O'Neill, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorReginald HudlinStarsChristopher ReidRobin HarrisChristopher MartinKid decides to go to his friend Play's house party, but neither of them can predict what's in store for them on what could be the wildest night of their lives.Fun 80s hip-hop flavored comedy from Reginald Hudlin that follows a high-schooler named Christopher "Kid" Robinson Jr. who decides to go to his buddy Peter "Play" Martin's house for a party while his parents are on vacation. Tension comes into play when the school bully Stab and his brothers Pee-Wee and Zilla show up to teach him a lesson after an altercation earlier in the day. The story and characters were a lot of fun all around, with some undoubtedly great music involved. Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin delivered great lead performances, with Robin Harris, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson, Paul Anthony, Bowlegged Lou, B-Fine, Kelly Jo Minter, Clifton Powell, Desi Arnez Hines II, Mike Pniewski, and plenty others delivering nice supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsLaurence FishburneGiancarlo EspositoTisha CampbellA not so popular young man wants to pledge to a popular fraternity at his historically black college.Very nice comedy/drama/musical from Spike Lee that follows many different students of the African-American university Mission College in Georgia. From bizarre fraternities to pro-black revolutionaries, the story finds them all struggling to find their identities. I'm not that into musicals, so this one fell a point shy for me, even though there is some great signature dialogue and stirring controversy that Spike Lee is known for throughout the picture. And as usual, it is uncompromisingly radical and unique in its approach. Laurence Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito both delivered very nice lead performances. Tisha Campbell, Kyme, Spike Lee, Bill Nunn, Joe Seneca, Ossie Davis, Roger Guenveur Smith, and many others also had nice supporting roles throughout.
- DirectorJohn FortenberryStarsChris KattanWill FerrellRaquel GardnerTwo dim-witted brothers dream of owning their own dance club or at least getting into the coolest and most exclusive club in town, The Roxbury.Hilarious comedy based on the original Saturday Night Live sketches starting in 1996. Nice story about two foolish brothers who are all about the late-night club life, and dream of running the coolest and most exclusive in town, since they are often turned down at all the most glamorous clubs in town. Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan both delivered great lead performances just like the classic sketches. Molly Shannon, Dan Hedaya, Loni Anderson, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Clarke Duncan, and plenty others have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorAkiva SchafferJorma TacconeStarsAndy SambergJorma TacconeAkiva SchafferWhen it becomes clear that his solo album is a failure, a former boy band member does everything in his power to maintain his celebrity status.Very funny music comedy/mockumentary that follows pop and rap star conner4real as he strives to be relevant again after his new solo album bombs. He's willing to do just about anything, except what all the fans want—for him to reunite with his former crew, "The Style Boyz". Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer all deliver great lead performances. Sarah Silverman, Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Chris Redd, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJim McBrideStarsDennis QuaidWinona RyderJohn DoeThe life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.Very interesting biography and music drama that follows the life of famed piano rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis (1935–2022). The story is set mainly set in 1956, and follows his break into show business, creating a signature rock sound, and faces questions of morality from religious folks; especially after his scandalous marriage to his 13-year-old cousin. Nicely done story all around and really speaks of the times of the south in the 1950s. Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder and very nice lead performances. John Doe, Stephen Tobolowsky, Trey Wilson, Alec Baldwin, Steve Allen, Lisa Blount, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsJohn BelushiDan AykroydCab CallowayJake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.Very nice music-inspired comedy adventure from John Landis that follows a man named Jake Blues, who gets released from a 3-year prison sentence, meets up with his brother Elwood, and heads out to meet Sister Mary Stigmata, who's the last remaining nun that raised them at the Catholic orphanage they grew up in. They learn that it will close in 11 days if $5,000 in back property taxes aren't paid, so they set out to reform their R&B band and book a gig that can save the orphanage. While being an iconic film for Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi—and often hailed as the very best Saturday Night Live movie of all time—it simply doesn't do much for me even though I love the cast involved. It's well done, just not really my thing.
- DirectorJim McBrideStarsW. Earl BrownDedee PfeifferZachary Throne"Meat Loaf" Aday is an overgrown Texas youngster, the son of a gentle woman dying of cancer and an alcoholic, abusive father. Tormented by his father and schoolmates over his size, he strikes out on his own after his mother's death, in an impossible task to prove himself to the world and to himself. A chance audition for a musical leads him to join forces with composer Jim Steinman, and together the two make music history with the operatic rock album "Bat Out of Hell." But the demons that drive Meat Loaf aren't assuaged by success, and eventually he must come to terms with them.This music biopic may be a little hard to track down since it was a TV movie, but I saw it a couple of times back in the day on VH1, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned a lot about the life of legendary rock musician Meat Loaf—from his humble beginnings to his massive success. W. Earl Brown had a nice lead performance among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorChristine SwansonStarsTeyonah ParrisGary DourdanDarius McCraryStory of Miki Howard, an American R&B and Jazz singer, whose hits include "Ain't Nobody Like You" and "Ain't Nuthin' in the World."Very nice biopic on the life of American R&B and Jazz singer Miki Howard. The story starts off with her being kicked out of her home by her mother after accusing her of being a slut. After struggling more with home issues, she eventually hooks up with R&B group Side Effect singer and producer Augie Johnson, which brings her early success. After branching out and reaching major success on the charts, a turbulent portion of her life comes into play with failed relationships, and abusive husband, and drug addiction. And after things really fall apart, she's left to reignite her career independently, while also providing for her children. The production value of the film could have been better, and some spots are pretty rocky, but Teyonah Parris delivered an excellent and complex lead performance, which is the reason I watched the film. Amari Cheatom, Darius McCrary, Milini Khan, Gary Dourdan, LisaRaye McCoy, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.Very nice tripped-out animated psychedelic heavy metal adventure from a team of well-known animators and directors. The story follows a radiate green orb from deep space known as Loc-Nar. The orb contains ultimate evil, and starts wreaking havoc throughout the galaxy, and makes it way to Earth. A female warrior known as Taarna may be the only one that can Loc-Nar and bring peace to the universe. The story is nice and the animation is great. John Candy, Eugene Levy, Richard Romanus, Don Francks, Susan Roman, Harold Ramis, and several others had great voice performances. All in all, this film really excellent with music from Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, and others.
- DirectorEmile ArdolinoStarsWhoopi GoldbergMaggie SmithHarvey KeitelWhen a nightclub singer is forced to take refuge from the mob in a convent, she ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden celebrity of the choir jeopardizes her identity.Great gospel music inspired crime comedy from Emile Ardolino that follows a vibrant nightclub singer named Deloris Wilson who witnesses her lover Vince LaRocca killing one of his employees in the club she works at. She flees and ends up being hidden in a church convent as part of the witness protection program, where she poses as a nun and inspires the rest of the nuns to be Motown style singers to attract more visitors. They end up being a hit and filling the church pews, which puts them all at risk when Vince learns of Deloris' whereabouts. Solid story with great music. I liked this film a lot as a kid, but not quite as much as an adult. Whoopi Goldberg delivers one of her best lead performances. Harvey Keitel, Bill Nunn, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Mary Wickes, and plenty others had very nice performances.