Plot Summary
A bunch of Mancs record 2 albums, take 15 years off, then get back together for a couple of gigs.
The Stone Roses are perceived as being one of the best rock and roll bands this country has ever produced. My feelings towards the band in the run up to this film were tepid at best. How can a band claim to be the best in the world on the back of only 2 studio albums? Can Ian Brown actually sing? And do we really need to hear 'Waterfall' for the 10th thousandth time? I worked in manufacturing for 5 years and was subjected to 8 hours of national radio a day. Songs like 'Waterfall' or 'Fools Gold' are on every playlist on every station, and they are the most fucked out songs going. Once they were decent songs, I can remember liking 'There she goes' by The La's, or 'Wonderwall' by Oasis, but on the 10th thousandth listen, magically, it loses its shine. It's like the good looking girl back in school that got breasts early. She had a go on every other guy in your class, and by the time she's gotten round to you, it's just tired, worn and fucked out.
It's exactly like that. Don't argue.
So anyway the opening shot is Ian Brown walking in slow motion across the barrier of a mosh pit, to the sound of Alfred Hitchcock being interviewed on the process of creativity. It's an awesome shot and sets the mood, the anticipation that something quite incredible is about to unfold.
The film intersperses a present day journal, chronicling the build up to their first live performance in 16 years, with archive footage of interviews and gigs.
Where the film really shines is when it lifts the lid on what the music means to the fans. Their dedication and loyalty to the band over the years has given them the same level of cult status as the band itself. One fan was even offering to give away his car in exchange for a ticket at the warm up gig in Warrington. Finally, I know Shane Meadows directed this feature, but the real tip of the hat goes towards whoever edited the final cut. I didn't see Meadows credited in the editing department, but those are the guys that sift through hours of hand held footage, sync up the live music with the film that was shot and try to make it look innovative whilst maintaining some kind of narrative. Not an easy thing to do.
Tomato Meter - 80% (critics)
Tomato Meter - 100% (audience)
Peter Meter - 91%
A few days back I went round my buddies house with some kettle chips and 2 bottles of vino. We got suitably drunk in the early evening and caught Back to the Future 3 on the tele.
Plot Summary
Foxy goes back to the old west to see the Doc, to save his life, and to cock block him at every turn.
Just go back and watch Back to The Future 3 and you'll know what I mean. Every time the Doc goes in for a kiss, a dance or shares some meaningful eye contact with his beloved Clara, Foxy is in the background, grunting, coughing, or saying things like 'We better get going doc'. They have a fucking time machine what's the rush?
Also as pointed out by my friend, the film centers around a picture of a tombstone, and the name of said tombstone switches from the Doc, to the Fox and then finally, as the film ends, to no name at all. Not even a tombstone, just a picture of some grass.
BULLSHIT SIREN: Surely there wouldn't be a picture at all? Who takes a picture of grass??!!
Then in the closing scene there is of course the famous clip of the boy in the background pointing to his penis on the train. I have included the clip below. What a champ.
Tomato meter - 73% (critics)
Tomato meter - 74% (audience)
Peter meter - 80%
Verdict
I also caught Million Dollar Baby this week on the tele. A great story, but the last act of the movie really bums me out. I wanted to put my fucking head in the oven when that film was done. So WATCH the first 2 thirds of Million Dollar Baby and NOT Made of Stone OR Back to the Future 3.
@thepeterbrooker
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