**** Pearl Jam Twenty Fanviews Here ****

matt.watt

+1 to wanting to see deeper into the creative process, and writing the albums. I forgot to mention that it my "review".

Swanton wrote:

The entire movie was great. For two hours, I alternated between laughing, tearing up and smiling like a dumbfounded jackass throughout the movie.

Same

Indifference10

Amazing!

I watched it in Brussels and loved every second of it! Some bits made me laugh, others gave me goosebumps and some almost made me cry.

Great portrait of a great band...

Ordered the blue ray...

Tone

I really liked the movie, but to echo a few previous comments as well as numerous FB conversations, it didn't dig far enough. It skimmed over way too many topics and jumped around. I would have liked to have seen a number of areas explored further... plus it needed way more MCCREADY!

The first 10 years aren't really a mystery, the media scrutiny was intense, they were everywhere... the last 10 years are the ones I'm more interested in... how they survived. How these very different individuals make it work and continue to churn out music, how the songwriting process works. The 2nd 10 years were the least explored areas in the film. Ed touched on bonding with Jeff, but what about the rest of the guys? I wanted to learn more about the bond within the band which is clearly there but just not talked about. I feel it was an opportunity missed to dig a little deeper but I know they can't include everything. It was fun, though... fun to see friends in the audience of shows up on the big screen.

Speaking of shows... now, about those Philly DVDs... clearly they were filmed, we already knew this... boxset?

Champagne Breakfast

what was the coffee mug stone showed that was dirty? we were all laughing too much at that part to notice the PJ keepsake that it was?

pjshays

I was at the Landmark theater in Baltimore for the first of two shows last night. Ran into some friends who I've seen Pearl Jam shows with. The theater was full, and the movie had everyone's full attention. It was hard to sit still and not sing loudly along with the songs. I laughed, got teary-eyed, and got very nostalgic. Especially seeing clips from some shows that I've been at. The last live song shown was from 10/30/2009 in Philadelphia...I was there that night with the same people I was sitting with watching the movie. That was awesome. I listened to the soundtrack on the way there and the way home. Now I'm just itching for a show. I think we all are...but aren't we always...

I've been in the fan club for over 15 years now and have been to a couple dozen shows. I think the movie satisfies the die-hard fans like me, but we always want more from our favorite band. My husband, who isn't as huge a Pearl Jam fan as me, but always comes along and supports me, really enjoyed the movie. When we left there was a long line of people ready to go into the next showing. PJ shirts galore...luv that.

Cameron Crowe did a great job. Can't wait to buy the dvd with all the extras. Thanks Pearl Jam, and, Happy Anniversary!

Bloody Bush

Hey Pearl Jam Brothers and Sisters,
watched the flick last night in Surrey, B.C., Canada (PJ here in 4 days - yep, you're all jealous I know ) and left with a real buzz and genuine appreciation for the journey. For those who didn't get their fill, obviously the extra 4 hours of footage on DVD will probably fill in some gaps. I picked up Crowe's book and it is stellar. Many of the holes (i.e. drummer snafu) get discussed much more indepth. As others eluded to here on the forum, I was wondering why we never got much about Boom (not even a snippet - he just appeared in limited footage towards the end :?: ). Considering he has been a fulltime member of the band for the last 8 or so years, I think he was kinda slighted. I'm just sayin'.

Either way, like so many of you hardcores, I didn't want the movie to end. It was like re-living part of my own journey considering the role the band has had in my life for so long. So many overlapping memories (i.e. having the bastard border guards plant weed in my car while crossing south for the Ground Works show in Seattle, just after after 9/11 :twisted: Man, we thought they were gonna lock us up for life).

Going on 12 shows for me now, all unique and special in their own right, and I'm still a PJ baby compared to many of you junkies. To all of you awesome, Pearl Jam-loving faithful, you rock as hard as the band. Thanks for being true to a group whose ideals and vision have transcended music! It makes my balls tingle.

Sonja_S

Black73 wrote:

Incredible!

This is another example of the band doing what they want, they way they want, and not giving a f#ck what anyone says about it. My 11 year-old son leaned over at one point and said "I never realized how much Pearl Jam just does their own thing." So thank you, Pearl Jam, for staying true to yourselves and doing PJ20 like you wanted to do it. It had me laughing (Ed singing to the security guy, stumbling @ Singles release party, dusty grammy in Stone's basement, Stone's grungy coffee cup, etc), teared up (Mike's brief touch on his battle with addiction...sidenote, so happy he's beat those demons!, Chris and Jeff explaining the loss of Andy Wood), energized (every time one of their live performances was highlighted), humbled (the entire Andy Wood explanation...so classy!), impressed at their roles as fathers (Mike's little one sitting in front of him during an interview, Stone's copies of Winnie the Pooh & Toy Story on his bookshelf, not touched upon in the film but Eddie's obvious pain from not knowing his father & breaking that cycle w/his own children), and pleased they have found their drummer...80 songs learned in 10 days?! Matt is sick!

Can't wait for the bonus footage! My 9 year-old leaned over and asked "When are they going to explain how Boom joined the band?" Again, they did this film their way, and it was incredible. Can't wait to see what other nuggets are in the bonus material!

9 year-old also loved the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee...a cool experience all around!

Wow, your kids appreciating Boom and how much PJ are doing their own thing at 11 and 9 is awesome :!:

RedMosquito22

Incredible!! Thanks you so much guys!!!

JB249845

Went to see it last nite in my hometown theater with a friend from my school days ... Me and my friend have been fans of PJ since 1991/1992 ... I cannot describe the excitement I felt as I entered what was to be an almost full theater... We joked that the screen would be removed and PJ would appear to play an intimate concert!! .. I enjoyed it from beginning to end experiencing joy,sadness pride .. pride in our band ... and as a fan I felt how much they appreciate us .. I have changed over the last 20 years but one thing has stayed constant and that is my love for this band !!!! I really thought it was funny at the start where it was mentioned that Jeffs overriding feeling was to punch Stone!! ...
Keep on keepin on Ed,Jeff,Stone,Mike and Matt.. Please come to Europe sooooooon ...
Looking forward to getting the blu-ray box Set!!!

annaungaretti

LOVED IT!!!! It gave me chills, I NEED this dvd.

The theater was full here in Sao Paulo! Can't wait for the concerts.

Falling in love with them all over again...

ikiT

AND
2 more things...

I dusted off Vitalogy today. That record SMOKES.

Crown of Thorns is really great.

LJFrancis13

After seeing PJ20 last night, I can only say how proud it made me to have been a supporter of this band for so many years. I can't describe how much I enjoyed the film and I have absolutely no complaints other than the 2 hours went by too quickly!

I was in the crowd at Roskilde in 2000 and I'll never forget that day. What I saw in the reaction of the band members that day was reflected in what I saw throughout PJ20. Pearl Jam is not a band made up of 'Rock Stars'; they're a band who are just as human as those of us in the crowd. They've never lost touch with the real world and as a result their music has never lost its power. Maybe it's their imperfections, their emotions and their love for each other, their supporters and the music that has me lining up every time they're in the general area. Is it too simple to think the only meaningful difference between the band and the supporters is they make the music and we listen to it..?

Most fans won't need a reminder of the emotion behind the songs, but having seen the band play live (in Winnipeg) and seeing the film a few days later, it's safe to say I'm keen for another 20 years.

Thanks to Cameron Crowe for the brilliant film and thanks to Pearl Jam for twenty years of memories involked by each song.

Hawk Jam

Loved it! Want more.

spoons67

Almost 24 hours later and I am still in that "speechless awe". I am honestly at a loss for words. It was a great film and it brought up so many memories. I know it was a limited release, but deep down I secretly wish the film creates a buzz that would snowball into a phenomenon where it continues to play like a regular movie, but I digress. Four Stars a must see!

Don't_It_Make_You_Smile

It was perfect!

halszka123

I am very, very happy, I had the chance to see the movie in cinema. I have very bad time in my life, my mood that day was so bad.. I worried if I could appreciete the movie enough. After a few minutes I left my troubles far away. And I learnt about life and relationships more than I could for many months. I needed this knowledge now, and, like always, I found it in right moment and from Pearl Jam again.
Thank You, Cameron for Your art, for the document.
Thank You, Guys for trust and sharing Your deep feelings about Yourselves, about us - Your fans - even it wasn't every time nice. And thank You for Your time and work.
Thank You, Ed, for showing Your Dad's photo, we know it was so intimate thing. Thank You Stone for Your speech about the power in The Band.Thank You Mike for the truth about Your illness. Thank You Jeff for Your story about your childhood. And Matt for Your work:)
Thank You Pearl Jam for Your trust and honesty.
With respect - H.

Jeanwah

I had one thought continuously in my mind during most of the film:

"...I can't wait to own this dvd".

And I don't collect dvds, nor watch much TV. I loved it that much.

And I have to say, my favorite part was Stone's house.

PJFAN13

Cranking W.M.A. down to the theater on a beautiful San Diego night…PJ shirts/sweatshirts from all different tours on long lines out front…strangers happily exchanging PJ concert moments, stories – all giddy with anticipation for the doors to open, racing to my place in the theater…FOR A MOVIE.

When it was over, I walked out of the theater with a huge grin, ready to rock, satisfied but still wanting a tad more…FROM A MOVIE

Cheering, laughing, humming, foot-tapping – applauding – AT A MOVIE.

I was so fulfilled, giddy, cheeks hurting from smiling, laughing and grinning…I allowed some melancholy and reflection with the MLB/Andy stuff – even a few tears – but mostly I am so PROUD to be a fan of this awesome band that cares about its fan base SO MUCH.

I would like to extend an extreme amount of gratitude to Cameron Crowe, Pearl Jam and every soul who made that 120 minute masterpiece happen. Can’t wait to watch it again Saturday night…next month on PBS…BluRay, etc…

Simply put, the history of our band is well known to music fans. Even those who aren’t fond of their music acknowledge their influence and place in history. The development of these guys into a family and into a brotherhood of incredible artists, musicians and men – wow…it was overwhelming…

The scenes with Neil and rock royalty watching Ed on a backroom monitor while Ed was doing the RnRHOF/Ticketmaster thing was worth the $$$ for the flick alone. His musical heroes (and Willie Nelson) lovin every minute of the kid givin the business to the suits…gosh, I loved that! Many highlights, all discussed in some variety in all the pages preceding this fanview.

So glad I went…awesome flick, the sound, everything. And just like a PJ show, I can’t wait for the next get-together, concert – whatever.

Thank you fans, band and Cam. You make loving PJ easy…

Here is to 20 more!!!

One slight shot at some of the neg comments – and your entitled to them – but I can’t help but think if someone gave some of you a 20 pound brick of gold you’d complain its heavy…:)

Riverrunner

My husband and I saw the 2nd show at the Tivoli in St. Louis last night. Even my non PJ fan husband acknowledged that it was a good movie. I loved it. My husband and I looked at each other when in a couple of the performance clips shown Ed was wearing a tshirt that said "Tivoli" on the front.

So many favorite segments like the band having to change their name from Mookie Blaylock, seeing the early footage of Ed climbing the rafters and Jeff's and Stone's comments about that, Stone's comment about them "having a pretty good singer too" and on and on. All good and I would have been even happier if there were a few more hours of movie.

And like always I enjoyed meeting up with a few of our PJ friends prior to the show.

wurldtraveler

Seattle Cinerama @ 7:30

First, was reading through a bunch of reviews, and no one else mentioned the programs/booklets handed out. Was this an anomaly in Seattle, or did everyone get the PJ 20 programs? It was a glossy, full color booklet with a page with interview excerpts from each of the band members. There were stacks of boxes at the theater entrance there for the taking. They weren't handing them out; rather, people were just taking them. Most folks took only one, but some took multiples, so they ran out. Some people didn't even seem to notice them. Anyway, I thought it was a nice touch - when's the last time you left a movie with a program? Don't have a photo to share, as it's sitting on my couch at home, but can post.

I concur with a lot that's been said - the film was light on the second ten years, and there wasn't a whole lot about the philosophy or thought process into the various albums. My favorite parts were Ed singing at the security guard, the Singles launch party (and Ed's interview reaction of "you have footage of that?"), and his wrestling with Chris Cornell during Hunger Strike, along with Stone's coffee mug from a Mexico tour (?) and his dusty Grammy.

The film did spend a lot of time on Andy Wood. It felt a lot like watching Malfunkshun at first, and it kind of made me want to watch that again. I get why Crowe did it and respect it, but it made it imbalanced. For example, there's nothing in the film about Ed going solo and how the band has felt about that.

BTW, the audience was great - like other audiences mentioned here, no phones going off or anything during the film. The Cinerama is a great theater with a couple balcony tiers, and it made me think how great it would have been to see Ed play here (though Benaroya is amazing). Looking forward to the blu-ray. BTW, is the blu-ray only going to be available via 10c or will it be sold in stores?

I left thinking I really need to go to another show now, and thankfully, I've got Vancouver to look forward to this Sunday.