Shine a Light

Review 1 of 8

Terry33 writes:

4of 4 Stars

The Rolling Stones had never been at the top of my list but after seeing Shine A Light, they've moved up a few notches. How often can you go to a concert and see the interactions of the musicians? I thought the movie was great. My 16 year old daughter who loves Marilyn Manson, Nice Inch Nails, and Disturbed, thought this was a terrific movie.

May 13, 2008 11:20:34

Review 2 of 8

wvufan07 writes:

2of 4 Stars

The Rolling Stones are one of the best rock bands, but this movie is suppose to be a Documentary not a Rockumentary. I know it was about the Stones concert, but I didn't want it to be what it was only about. I wanted more interviews from Martin Scorsese and from the Stones early years. This movie showed very little of it. That is what a Documentary consists of interviews and the concert. Martin did not balance the movie out very well. That is why this film is average and not great. The music was very good from Richards and Jagger. It was also corny seeing Jagger dance around. The Drumming was annoying and bush-league. Average all around.

Apr 13, 2008 17:19:33

Review 3 of 8

josephpuma writes:

4of 4 Stars

"Shine A Light"is not only a rock movie masterpiece,it is a modern must-see event.The combination of Martin Scorsese's direction coupled with the legendary and sometimes unpredictable Rolling Stones had the premise of unlimited promise,and for this music lover it delivered big-time.Scorsese's The Last Waltz" will always be the standard bearer for rock and roll cinema,and it would be unfair for even the Stones to be expected to exceed the Band's last show( with it's star-studded line-up),but this film does deliver many memorable moments and some surprise guests that contribute mightily to the performance recorded that special night in 2006.
Scorsese has always had the deft touch of knowing that the artists and their music are what the audience wants to focus on (I wish the directors of Paul McCartney's concert films,with their endless and annoyingly repetitive crowd shots,would take a cue from Martin).The movie starts with Jagger voicing his concern to Scorsese about moving cameras and the distraction they cause,followed by Martin's polite exasperation and anxiety over not having a set list,not even knowing what the first song is going to be,etc.This provides a little humor but the film really takes off when Scorsese wisely decides to let the jammin' games begin.Throughout the film we are reminded that yes,the boys are really looking old, but damn,they still rock.Jack White of the White Stripes does a fine job playing with Mick and Co.on "Your Loving Cup",and Christina Aguillera overcomes the awkward April-December scenario with Jagger on stage during "Live With Me"with her powerful combination of talent,soul,pipes and beauty,leaving the males in the theater I was in speechless and breathless.The highlight of perhaps the whole show was Buddy Guy joining the Stones for "Champagne and Reefer".The Stones were obviously overjoyed to have him there with them,and it showed in their rejuvenated playing.Guy's staring into the camera for what seemed like an eternity provided me with a laugh and a head-rush all at once,just classic.
There were many fine examples of why I want to camp out in front of whichever store sells the "Shine A Light"dvd first when it comes out,but the one that stands out for me is the beautiful performance of "As Tears Go By".Keith plays his 12 string as if he waited his whole life for that moment,and the tight,haunting camera shot of Mick's face brought home the fact that Richards isn't the only grizzled veteran superstar in the band that survived the 60's and it's drug culture that the Stones once trumpeted with unabashed glee,and that again none of that matters when they perform their tunes so well.Yes,"Shine A Light"can remind even the most faithful of Rolling Stones fans that the group is really getting old now,but more importantly than that Scorsese and his movie remind us what should always matter the most-that the Stones can still out jam the best of them,that it is still "only' rock and roll,and we love it,and wrinkles,warts and all,we still love the Rolling Stones.

Apr 8, 2008 17:06:50

Review 4 of 8

whiteelephant writes:

Not Rated

I just can't bring myself to muster interest for anything Martin Scorsese does these days.

Apr 7, 2008 14:01:18

Review 5 of 8

strummer writes:

3of 4 Stars

Someone talks about "flabby bodies" !!!, were we watching the same band? Mick and co flabby??? They still have the energy and rock and roll souls that they started with. I preferred them when they were raw but they still kick it.

Apr 5, 2008 23:23:05

Review 6 of 8

zosostoe writes:

4of 4 Stars

Despite the two ignorant reviews before mine, let me say that rock n roll never dies. I saw Shine a Light last night and it feels like you're there with them. My favorite director doing a project with my favorite band (let me say, the audience happen to agree with me and another chick dancing in our chairs that yes, the Stones are the greatest band of all time). There aren't words to describe the delicious pressure in this film that seems to bring the viewers (the live crowd, and the theater audience) to orgasm, too. The appearence by Buddy Guy really brought it home for me, what amazing talent all of these men possess, it astounds me - you'll never see old guys move and perform like that. Even the Stones bring out the best in Aguilera... not a fan of pop, but who knew she could bust out Live With Me whilst grinding with Mick Jagger? - (that was well hot). I don't have enough words for how much I adored this piece of art. I'll say again, rock 'n' roll never dies.

Apr 5, 2008 08:27:15

Review 7 of 8

CringeBenefit writes:

2of 4 Stars

As usual, the Rolling Stones do nothing to entertain me. But, what they hell, they're famous, so everyone else seems to like everything they do.

Apr 4, 2008 21:49:29

Review 8 of 8

PeterTraversStinks writes:

Not Rated

Leave it to Peter Travers to rate this movie 3 1/2 Stars. "Wow, a magazine named Rolling Stone just happened to give great reviews on a movie about a band named The Rolling Stones". Why would anyone want to see this? I'm sooo tired of hearing about the Stones. Their time has come and gone, I'm sick of seeing their old flabby bodies on my screen. I watch football, they're performing at halftime. I go to the movies, there they are on IMAX. I can't get away from them. Seriously, Peter, did the editors hold a gun to your head while you wrote this review and say "You know how to review this movie....don't you???" I mean this is so pathetic. When will Peter Travers and the Stones both retire and have a new youthful voice speak for our reviews???

Apr 4, 2008 07:20:38