Vinyl

I managed to catch Vinyl at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Wasn't expecting much from it as I'd not read anything about it and didn't recognize any of the cast. But I was so happy that I saw it. It was such a pleasant surprise. And it was based on a true story which made it feel even more charming. It follows an old British rock group trying to break back in to the music scene with no luck. So they audition and create a younger group who mime to their songs and become successful. The songs are great especially the main song, I guarantee you'll be singing it for days after you see it. A real crowd pleaser. Would love to see it again. Hope it comes out soon.

Vinyl is just a fun movie. The movie is fantastic and you can tell it was a labor of love to get this film made. No, it's not going to win an Academy Award (well, maybe for the soundtrack), but what's wrong with 90 minutes of good entertainment and a story that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face? I was fortunate enough to attend the American premiere in New York City. Back then, distribution was seen as a major issue. It's good to see the film is getting on some screens in the UK. I'd certainly like to go see it again and hope it can get on some screens here in the States. I was lucky enough to talk to director Sara Sugarman and -- unlike what the twit at the bottom of the screen said -- found her to be utterly charming. You could see the dedication and sacrifice she put in to get this film made.

Go see this movie!

Not sure what the last review was about, obviously saw a different film to me. I saw this at the Raindance Film Festival and loved it. A crowd pleaser that was great fun. Almost plays like a continuation of Quadrophenia, see Phil Daniels 30 years on. The young kid in it who plays Drainpipe is a face to watch out for. Considering this is obviously a low budget film the production is great. But it's the story that wins you over most of all. The humour reminded me of Full Monty. Nice to see the UK making films like this again. Want to watch it again and will buy the DVD when it comes out. Hope it gets released and does well so more like this get made.

Whats not to like about this great film? The soundtrack? Phil Daniels? Perry Benson? Seeing the music biz being caught with their pants down? That last notion is worthy enough as a plot for a movie but watching the story unfold with Phil Daniels leading the charge, as only he can with his 100mph attack on life, makes this tidy little film truly worthy of your time watching it. The story will make you laugh, it may make you cry and it will definitely leave you feeling good and glad you watched it. It is a fun caper that never takes its self too seriously yet succeeds in showing all of us that rock n roll should always be 'by the people, for the people and of the people'. If you grew up in the 70s or 80s you will love it and many of its touch points. If you are still "growing up" watch and learn. FREE ROCK N ROLL

Sara Sugarman's music industry film "Vinyl" is built on a terrific premise, and the fact this dramedy originates from a true story makes it all the more ripe for this big screen telling.

Imagine: A long-in-the-tooth rock band is forced by the industry's relentless ageism to release music under the guise of being a much younger rock band. It happened in 2004, as Mike Peters of The Alarm put out music as The Poppy Seeds, along with a music video of lip-synching lads fronting the tune as if they were its proper creators. Sure enough, the tune got radio play. Gotcha!

In "Vinyl," Phil Daniels is the surly, aging frontman, and Jamie Blackley is the younger, fresher face aping the real band's music on camera. It allows for some great moments of both comedy and drama, and in equal measure. True, there is at times a sheeny, Austin Powers artifice to the film, which doesn't always accessorize with the music's scrappy emergence from the cast-off lot. But at its heart is a great story brought to a truthful life on screen, and with terrific competence. "Vinyl" is an underrated, understated success.