It was kind of odd jumping back and forth between old and new footage...i probably would have prefered to see an earlier version of Release for instance, but no question the one they used was beautiful.
The movie kind of peaks half way thru...or maybe 2/3 of the way thru, but it was still an exceptionally well put together documentary with lots of great "new" footage.
I guess my pet peeve is that i wish they had dug a little deeper at some of the more controversial stuff....the drummer situation (in particular Dave A), the No Code sessions/Ed taking control/travelling on his own etc...more about how they almost broke up and what brought them back together.
But finally a BIG thank you to Cameron Crowe for putting this together. Such a treat for us fans. Can't wait to get the super delux blu-ray in my hands.
Oh and one last thing.....LOVED Stone in this movie. His modern day interviews were by far the most engaging.
Shows: Montreal 98, Barrie 98, Montreal 00, Montreal 03, Montreal 05, Ottawa 05, Toronto 06, Vancouver Night 1 08 (EV), Vancouver Night 2 08 (EV), MSG1 08, MSG2 08, Montreal Night 2 08 (EV), Toronto Night 1 08 (EV), Toronto 09, Hartford 11 (EV), Ottawa 11, Ottawa 16, Ottawa 22.
LOVED it....it made me cry, laugh....everything I expected and more
I admire, respect and love them even more now
loved Mike's story of the drummers segment, so hilarious
Ed's reflection on Jeff, so sweet
can't wait to see it again!
viewed it in downtown Vancouver
Vancouver 1998, Seattle 2000, Seattle 2002, Vancouver 2003, Vancouver 2005, The Gorge 2006, Seattle 2 2009, Vancouver 2009, Ridgefield/Portland 2009, PJ20, Saskatoon 2011, Vancouver 2011, Buffalo 2013, Detroit 2014, Chicago/Wrigley August 2016
I'm just so grateful I could see this. Me and my girlfriend travelled 4 hours by bus to see this. She went with me even though she's trying to understand what drives me to like the band so much. I've lend her albums, talked to her about their music and show her some dvds, but it was last night that I think she finally got it.
We laughed and got emotional as everyone else in the theater and she loved the movie. She didn't know most of the stories but travelling back she told that now she could understand that they're trying to do something important, and that she's glad that I like them.
Loved every minute, and I'm also very grateful that I was able to go. I had a ticket for months but found out last week that I was going to have to travel out of state for work -- fortunately, I was able to catch an early flight back to Atlanta last night just in time to get into the packed theater. What an awesome thing to see the line for the movie theater stretching all the way out to the street just to get in.
Can't wait to enjoy it again with all the blu-ray special feature stuff next month. What a great year for PJ fans.
I saw it in Salford last night, and the cinema was about 3/4 full.
All in all, I absolutely loved the movie.
I can understand some of the criticisms from people here; obviously it would've been nice to hear some details about what it was like during the recording of No Code or whatever. But I don't see the film as something specifically about the band's catalogue of music.
Obviously it has SOMETHING to do with the music, but I think Cameron Crowe was trying to mainly show us what kind of people the band members are. We got to see the band really open up in a way that they haven't really done before, and we really get a sense of where they came from and how they feel about each other and being in a band.
The nicest part for me was just how respectful everybody was when talking about the genesis of the band. They were all very aware that if Andy hadn't died there wouldn't have been a Pearl Jam, and while they're happy to be where they are now they also have the bittersweet feeling of knowing that Andy isn't here anymore.
They also glossed over the latter 10 years of the band's history, but to be honest they covered the two most important things from the 2000s, which is Roskilde and the reaction in 2003 to Bu$hleaguer. If we are honest, there isn't much else that has happened to the band in the last ten years apart from that which is worthy of inclusion in a movie. They've been pretty happy and content the last few years.
It was a fantastic movie, and I feel like I know more about who each individual is and how they feel about certain things. The sheer volume of footage on dispay is overwhelming, and I can't wait for the blu ray extras!
2006: London Astoria, Lisbon I & II, Paris, Verona, Milano
2007: Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
2009: Manchester
2010: Belfast, Berlin
2012: Manchester I & II
2014: Leeds, Milton Keynes
2018: Amsterdam I, Prague, Krakow, Berlin, Barcelona, London 2022: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam II
i don't even know where to begin. a masterful job by cameron crowe on capturing the rise of pearl jam and where they are today. this film made me think, laugh, and cry. it also made me very happy that each band member realizes how fortunate they are to have each other. they are brothers, at first bonded through music, but now it is much deeper because of the years invested in one another. a genuine love is there and i'm just grateful that they found each other and that they share their incredible gift of music with us. the roskilde footage was heartbreaking and i'm so glad that they found a way to stick it out. i love how eddie explained how they look at things pre-roskilde/post-roskilde. they are just five great human beings that make music and this world a better place. i can't wait to see the film again, and also the dvd with the bonus footage. keep making that beautiful music, pearl jam. i'm riding the wave wherever you take me.
I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.
went to Plaza Aragón (at Ecatepec, México) screening and the movie really was awesome. And was a perfect time to see and find old fans. At the begining of the movie, all the room was screaming and excited. At the end of the film, no one want left the room. I really enjoy every second of the film.
Best momment in the film:
Stone showig a PJ Mexican Cup (never think the bought merch like these).
Saw PJ20 last night here in Montreal, and was very impressed.
I won't lie, I learned a lot about this band I've been a fan of since their beginnings. And to think, I actually was living in Europe when they played PinkPop in 1992. I should have gone.
Awesome moments throughout. I'm looking forward to my 2nd screening in my own home. Great job Cameron Crowe.
Saw it in columbus last night at the 7pm showing... great energy/great crowd.
I loved seeing more of the ed interviews from the SVT era, the backstage footage of neil watching ed's speech at the Rock'nRoll hall of fame induction.. Can't wait for the bonus footage!
stone-
clean your cupboards, dude!
And i saw you toking on that bowl,...
:thumbup:
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Saw the movie for free at the Bagdad Theatre in Portland,OR.line was around the block.The movie made me laugh and brought a tear to my eye,but was smiling the whole time.It was great, definately need the deluxe DVD now.Thanks guys for a rockin 20 years.
I really enjoyed it,...as I expected I would,....why wouldn't I? Two hours of anything Pearl Jam.
As the movie grazed over many years, topics and events,..I was left wanting more. Large chunks of time were missing, as mentioned many times in this post.
Leaves me wondering if a series would have been more fulfilling, of course it wouldn't make it to the BIG screen,..but I'm thinking a 4 or 6 part HBO series would have been whats needed to slow the show down and get deeper into the topics us fans are dying to learn more about. I suspect the 2 hour movie would be enough for any casual fan.
A Pearl Jam Twenty blue ray box set of the series would kick ass,.... that's my two cents.
I thought it was pretty good. Most of my thoughts have already been discussed including too much of the early years. Our server at The Alamo Drafthouse brought us the check and they were still in 1992!
I really, really wished they would have focused on each of the eras from a musical perspective. Talking about the idea of a concept album in Vitalogy, a new direction with No Code, a short poppy album with Backspacer, and also how the songwriting has changed with each album. I didn't expect it to be a "Behind The Music", but a little more on the personnel changes would have given more insight into the band, especially how Boom came to be in the band.
Well!!!!
Fuckin' good movie!!!!!!!!
Good warm up for the concerts here in Brazil!
If I was excited about it before, now I can't wait to see my favorite band live again!!!!!!
PJ20 Rules!!!!!!!!!!
Loved it...to me the best part was Stone and Eddie on the bus working on "Daughter"....just awesome stuff
Saw it in Indy at 7pm.....if you were the asshole behind me (the only asshole in the theater acting like a drunk moron) that kept making that piercing whistle you don't realize how close I was to kicking your teeth in
Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018) The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago 2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy 2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE) 2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston 2020: Oakland, Oakland:2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana 2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville 2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana
Overall: 4/5
As mentioned before, it focused heavily on the early days. While I wish it covered more of the in-between and later years, covering the early years of the band makes a lot of sense. It's the creation story for the band and there's a LOT of story there. The film covered many of the highlights, and exposed some new treasures. I enjoyed the humor moments towards the last half of the film which got a lot more crowd response. The first half felt a bit stuffy and as the light-hearted moments rolled in more heavily in the last half it really loosened the film up, without being too much of a distraction. Example: Ed wiping his teeth with his finger as a response to "Is Grunge dead?" question. The music moments in the last half got a lot more audience cheers and teary eyes as well.
Overall I felt the film could have gone deeper, but the final product pretty much falls in line with what we've always come to expect from the band. They hold their privacy close to the chest. They keep themselves despite everyone trying to claw their way inside, even after 20 years, looking back. I'd like to have heard more about the bands evolution in attitude over the years. You heard the band almost broke up, or power dynamics were shifting, but never got a real sense of "why?" What personal struggles were they facing, what maturing/personal hurdle did they need to conquer to get through to the next years/album? I always felt this was a constantly evolving band, which has only strengthened my appreciation of the band. I've always felt I've evolved right along with them, and they've stayed relevant to my life. To really make the "Story of PJ" film, you'd need a movie probably twice as long as this. But in the end, these deep "whys" will likely always remain the private story of each band member. We've come to expect and appreciate that, because that's what makes them, them.
As others have said, the bit where Ed sings into the security guard's head was pretty awesome! I had never seen footage of Eddie wrapped in a white blanket on stage with a creepy mask and seemingly being born like a caterpillar out of it??!!
I really enjoyed Jeff's interviews the best .
And I also haven't stayed til the very end of a movie for the credits in a long time. Probably the last time was Into the Wild!! Cool to see Jason Leung (sp??) in there!!!
So I'll just lie down and wait for the dream Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
Saw it Yonkers, NY last night, great crowd! Ordered the Big Bad Blu Ray version as soon as I got home, can't wait!!! My favorite footage was the Eddie climbing like a maniac montage and the Singles movie party in LA with a hammered Pearl Jam. This documentary had it all laughs, sad moments, uplifting scenes...and an amazing desire to see what the future brings. Thank you guys for 20 years of musical bliss, and here's to 20 more!!!!!
I really enjoyed it and it certainly wasn't a bad turn-out for my local cinema (well 2nd local) It was a good mix of ages and I spotted a few PJ shirts. It was so well observed. There were a couple of lump in the throat moments I must say.
If I am going to a bit critical I would say it was maybe a bit too fast-paced at times and they didn't concentrate much on the later years. Overall though a great experience. Looking forward to the DVD and my soundtrack arrived today!
2007 London
2009 Manchester
2010 Dublin / London
2012 Manchester I & II / Berlin I & II / EV: Manchester
2014 Amsterdam I & II / Vienna / Berlin / Leeds
It was very, very good...it was a million times better than Rattle and Hum, but not quite as good as The Kids Are Alright. When you see it again on TV, it may seem like a VH1 Behind the Music without MOST of the insipid narration.
Release still rules, and the footage of that song is stunning. The Singles Party really made me laugh and one million records the first week of vs., that still blows my mind.
My 945pm showing in AFI Silver in Silver Spring MD (nice movie theater) could have had the volume at least 2 ticks LOUDER.
It was awesome!!! But...i think the director just collected unseen footage (great by the way ) not adding his touch or giving a particular perspective of their incredible story!
Cinerama might be one of, if not the, best places in the US to see a movie.
Went to the late show last night at the Cinerama in Seattle. It is truly a beautiful and comfortable place to see a movie. So ironic, though, to be sitting in a movie theatre owned (saved from the wrecking ball, actually) by billionare Paul Allen, watching a movie hating on Ticketmaster, whose majority owner is billionare Paul Allen...
Even though I loved Ten and lived in Seattle, I didn't become a rabid fan until much later. Regret is too strong a word, but in retrospect I wish I had been more into the local music scene. It was great to be taken on an intimate tour of those days by the band and friends.
Jeff, Stone, Mike, and Matt, all feel so genuine and open. Driven, talented, inner demons, yes yes and yes, but understandable and somehow at peace with the swirl and chaos. Eddie, not so much. The movie really drove home to me how difficult this is for him, how it appears he feels like he's carrying a giant boulder around on his shoulders, can never take the off the mask, how he's driven to fame and adulation and yet has a keen (and apparently earned) distrust and fear of the outside world. Mucho kudos to the band and his inner circle (and uncle Neil) who make him feel loved and supported and secure enough to keep getting on stage to sing to us.
So fun to hear my son and wife and the whole theatre laugh through the whole movie. Darker spots, sure. Some idiot yelled "we love you Chris" while he was talking about Andy Wood, fine to be enthusiastic but find a lighter spot for that.
At the end, I just wanted more. I think Crowe should put out a series of concert videos, one for each song in the PJ repertoire, with the band talking about who wrote it and why and the best video. I'd hit that.
Going to see it again tonight with KEXP. Will sit further back in the theatre so I don't get that queasy car-sick feeling (I want to start a charity to buy steady-cams for everyone in the world).
Saw it last night in Yonkers, NY. As someone previously mentioned, the crowd was very good, nice to be able to hear everything without phones going off, people talking, etc. You could hear a pin drop during the quieter parts of the movie.
So much to love about the film, the highs, the lows and everything in between. The Cobain clips were really intense, real heavy (and sad) stuff. Some of my favorite scenes:
- The acoustic show (pre Unplugged)
- Rehearsing Baba O'Reilly in the dressing room
- Eddie going through the framed photos (from what I assume was his house)
- The Singles party
- Eddie going OFF on that security guard
- The real early footage of Jeff, Stone, Chris Cornell, Layne, etc. hanging in Seattle at various venues
One hilarious part of the movie that hasn't been mentioned a ton was Neil Young laughing hysterically at Eddie's ticketmaster comments during the HOF induction. That killed me.
Crowe did a great job, I appreciate the time spent on the members of the band (instead of just an ode to Eddie). So many scenes took me back to shows that I've attended (and different times of my life that I associate with the release of the albums). Just tremendous stuff and I'm truly grateful that I've been able to ride the wave with this band.
"This is about as perfect a crowd as you can get. I hate to placate, I ain't placating...." - EV, 9/29/96
I really wish I could have enjoyed it more. It just felt so direction-less as a film and even at times pointless. I'm debating the box. Only $10 for blu-ray isn't bad (though perhaps only the feature disc would be a blu-ray) but the starting price for the DVD set is incredibly high to begin with. I'm definitely more interested in whatelse they've put together than what actually made the theatrical cut. Worst of all, I think if this was about any band other than Pearl Jam constructed in the exact same way, I probably wouldn't have even liked it at all.
saw it at the Balboa in SF last night and definitely enjoyed it! looking forward to the deluxe DVDs.
for me, learning about artists' creative process is a lot more fascinating than, for example, how they handle fame. so i would have liked more footage of PJ writing songs/creating music (a la SVT). but that's just a criticism to offer a criticism. i liked the film a lot.
Comments
It was kind of odd jumping back and forth between old and new footage...i probably would have prefered to see an earlier version of Release for instance, but no question the one they used was beautiful.
The movie kind of peaks half way thru...or maybe 2/3 of the way thru, but it was still an exceptionally well put together documentary with lots of great "new" footage.
I guess my pet peeve is that i wish they had dug a little deeper at some of the more controversial stuff....the drummer situation (in particular Dave A), the No Code sessions/Ed taking control/travelling on his own etc...more about how they almost broke up and what brought them back together.
But finally a BIG thank you to Cameron Crowe for putting this together. Such a treat for us fans. Can't wait to get the super delux blu-ray in my hands.
Oh and one last thing.....LOVED Stone in this movie. His modern day interviews were by far the most engaging.
I admire, respect and love them even more now
loved Mike's story of the drummers segment, so hilarious
Ed's reflection on Jeff, so sweet
can't wait to see it again!
viewed it in downtown Vancouver
Ed: Seattle 1 & 2 2011, Bridge School 2011
We laughed and got emotional as everyone else in the theater and she loved the movie. She didn't know most of the stories but travelling back she told that now she could understand that they're trying to do something important, and that she's glad that I like them.
Thank you for this great moment, Mr. Crowe.
Can't wait to enjoy it again with all the blu-ray special feature stuff next month. What a great year for PJ fans.
All in all, I absolutely loved the movie.
I can understand some of the criticisms from people here; obviously it would've been nice to hear some details about what it was like during the recording of No Code or whatever. But I don't see the film as something specifically about the band's catalogue of music.
Obviously it has SOMETHING to do with the music, but I think Cameron Crowe was trying to mainly show us what kind of people the band members are. We got to see the band really open up in a way that they haven't really done before, and we really get a sense of where they came from and how they feel about each other and being in a band.
The nicest part for me was just how respectful everybody was when talking about the genesis of the band. They were all very aware that if Andy hadn't died there wouldn't have been a Pearl Jam, and while they're happy to be where they are now they also have the bittersweet feeling of knowing that Andy isn't here anymore.
They also glossed over the latter 10 years of the band's history, but to be honest they covered the two most important things from the 2000s, which is Roskilde and the reaction in 2003 to Bu$hleaguer. If we are honest, there isn't much else that has happened to the band in the last ten years apart from that which is worthy of inclusion in a movie. They've been pretty happy and content the last few years.
It was a fantastic movie, and I feel like I know more about who each individual is and how they feel about certain things. The sheer volume of footage on dispay is overwhelming, and I can't wait for the blu ray extras!
2022: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam II
Best momment in the film:
Stone showig a PJ Mexican Cup (never think the bought merch like these).
I won't lie, I learned a lot about this band I've been a fan of since their beginnings. And to think, I actually was living in Europe when they played PinkPop in 1992. I should have gone.
Awesome moments throughout. I'm looking forward to my 2nd screening in my own home. Great job Cameron Crowe.
I loved seeing more of the ed interviews from the SVT era, the backstage footage of neil watching ed's speech at the Rock'nRoll hall of fame induction.. Can't wait for the bonus footage!
clean your cupboards, dude!
And i saw you toking on that bowl,...
:thumbup:
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
As the movie grazed over many years, topics and events,..I was left wanting more. Large chunks of time were missing, as mentioned many times in this post.
Leaves me wondering if a series would have been more fulfilling, of course it wouldn't make it to the BIG screen,..but I'm thinking a 4 or 6 part HBO series would have been whats needed to slow the show down and get deeper into the topics us fans are dying to learn more about. I suspect the 2 hour movie would be enough for any casual fan.
A Pearl Jam Twenty blue ray box set of the series would kick ass,.... that's my two cents.
Thanks PJ and Cameron Crowe
I really, really wished they would have focused on each of the eras from a musical perspective. Talking about the idea of a concept album in Vitalogy, a new direction with No Code, a short poppy album with Backspacer, and also how the songwriting has changed with each album. I didn't expect it to be a "Behind The Music", but a little more on the personnel changes would have given more insight into the band, especially how Boom came to be in the band.
Fuckin' good movie!!!!!!!!
Good warm up for the concerts here in Brazil!
If I was excited about it before, now I can't wait to see my favorite band live again!!!!!!
PJ20 Rules!!!!!!!!!!
Saw it in Indy at 7pm.....if you were the asshole behind me (the only asshole in the theater acting like a drunk moron) that kept making that piercing whistle you don't realize how close I was to kicking your teeth in
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana
I thought it was well made because it flowed very well and made the audience laugh heartily a few times. It wasn't ever boring!
Overall: 4/5
As mentioned before, it focused heavily on the early days. While I wish it covered more of the in-between and later years, covering the early years of the band makes a lot of sense. It's the creation story for the band and there's a LOT of story there. The film covered many of the highlights, and exposed some new treasures. I enjoyed the humor moments towards the last half of the film which got a lot more crowd response. The first half felt a bit stuffy and as the light-hearted moments rolled in more heavily in the last half it really loosened the film up, without being too much of a distraction. Example: Ed wiping his teeth with his finger as a response to "Is Grunge dead?" question. The music moments in the last half got a lot more audience cheers and teary eyes as well.
Overall I felt the film could have gone deeper, but the final product pretty much falls in line with what we've always come to expect from the band. They hold their privacy close to the chest. They keep themselves despite everyone trying to claw their way inside, even after 20 years, looking back. I'd like to have heard more about the bands evolution in attitude over the years. You heard the band almost broke up, or power dynamics were shifting, but never got a real sense of "why?" What personal struggles were they facing, what maturing/personal hurdle did they need to conquer to get through to the next years/album? I always felt this was a constantly evolving band, which has only strengthened my appreciation of the band. I've always felt I've evolved right along with them, and they've stayed relevant to my life. To really make the "Story of PJ" film, you'd need a movie probably twice as long as this. But in the end, these deep "whys" will likely always remain the private story of each band member. We've come to expect and appreciate that, because that's what makes them, them.
As others have said, the bit where Ed sings into the security guard's head was pretty awesome! I had never seen footage of Eddie wrapped in a white blanket on stage with a creepy mask and seemingly being born like a caterpillar out of it??!!
I really enjoyed Jeff's interviews the best .
And I also haven't stayed til the very end of a movie for the credits in a long time. Probably the last time was Into the Wild!!
Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
If I am going to a bit critical I would say it was maybe a bit too fast-paced at times and they didn't concentrate much on the later years. Overall though a great experience. Looking forward to the DVD and my soundtrack arrived today!
2009 Manchester
2010 Dublin / London
2012 Manchester I & II / Berlin I & II / EV: Manchester
2014 Amsterdam I & II / Vienna / Berlin / Leeds
Release still rules, and the footage of that song is stunning. The Singles Party really made me laugh and one million records the first week of vs., that still blows my mind.
My 945pm showing in AFI Silver in Silver Spring MD (nice movie theater) could have had the volume at least 2 ticks LOUDER.
and what has been up in the last 20 years of my life
simply amazing
E.V. July/19/2003
LOVE IT now waiting for the extras
Went to the late show last night at the Cinerama in Seattle. It is truly a beautiful and comfortable place to see a movie. So ironic, though, to be sitting in a movie theatre owned (saved from the wrecking ball, actually) by billionare Paul Allen, watching a movie hating on Ticketmaster, whose majority owner is billionare Paul Allen...
Even though I loved Ten and lived in Seattle, I didn't become a rabid fan until much later. Regret is too strong a word, but in retrospect I wish I had been more into the local music scene. It was great to be taken on an intimate tour of those days by the band and friends.
Jeff, Stone, Mike, and Matt, all feel so genuine and open. Driven, talented, inner demons, yes yes and yes, but understandable and somehow at peace with the swirl and chaos. Eddie, not so much. The movie really drove home to me how difficult this is for him, how it appears he feels like he's carrying a giant boulder around on his shoulders, can never take the off the mask, how he's driven to fame and adulation and yet has a keen (and apparently earned) distrust and fear of the outside world. Mucho kudos to the band and his inner circle (and uncle Neil) who make him feel loved and supported and secure enough to keep getting on stage to sing to us.
So fun to hear my son and wife and the whole theatre laugh through the whole movie. Darker spots, sure. Some idiot yelled "we love you Chris" while he was talking about Andy Wood, fine to be enthusiastic but find a lighter spot for that.
At the end, I just wanted more. I think Crowe should put out a series of concert videos, one for each song in the PJ repertoire, with the band talking about who wrote it and why and the best video. I'd hit that.
Going to see it again tonight with KEXP. Will sit further back in the theatre so I don't get that queasy car-sick feeling (I want to start a charity to buy steady-cams for everyone in the world).
So much to love about the film, the highs, the lows and everything in between. The Cobain clips were really intense, real heavy (and sad) stuff. Some of my favorite scenes:
- The acoustic show (pre Unplugged)
- Rehearsing Baba O'Reilly in the dressing room
- Eddie going through the framed photos (from what I assume was his house)
- The Singles party
- Eddie going OFF on that security guard
- The real early footage of Jeff, Stone, Chris Cornell, Layne, etc. hanging in Seattle at various venues
One hilarious part of the movie that hasn't been mentioned a ton was Neil Young laughing hysterically at Eddie's ticketmaster comments during the HOF induction. That killed me.
Crowe did a great job, I appreciate the time spent on the members of the band (instead of just an ode to Eddie). So many scenes took me back to shows that I've attended (and different times of my life that I associate with the release of the albums). Just tremendous stuff and I'm truly grateful that I've been able to ride the wave with this band.
I really wish I could have enjoyed it more. It just felt so direction-less as a film and even at times pointless. I'm debating the box. Only $10 for blu-ray isn't bad (though perhaps only the feature disc would be a blu-ray) but the starting price for the DVD set is incredibly high to begin with. I'm definitely more interested in whatelse they've put together than what actually made the theatrical cut. Worst of all, I think if this was about any band other than Pearl Jam constructed in the exact same way, I probably wouldn't have even liked it at all.
Ah well.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmgphotos/4731512142/" title="PJ Banner2 by Mister J Photography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1135/4731512142_258f2d6ab4_b.jpg" width="630" height="112" alt="PJ Banner2" /></a>
for me, learning about artists' creative process is a lot more fascinating than, for example, how they handle fame. so i would have liked more footage of PJ writing songs/creating music (a la SVT). but that's just a criticism to offer a criticism. i liked the film a lot.