The Who: The Kids Are Alright

In some ways this is best the movie ever. Errrm... make that one way. Let me put it this way. If you're as big a fan of The Who as I am, The Kids Are Alright is as alright as movies get. Director Jeff Stein was probably an even bigger Who-fan than yours truly, and you get that vibe from every aspect of the movie: the chosen footage, the editing and the chosen narrative (or lack thereof) chosen. TKAA is a documentary, but unlike documentary-makers fashionable today Stein didn't set out to make his points in a Michael Moore-ish style, with himself as the narrating voice-over and on-screen interviewer. Stein lets the footage speak for itself, only slightly suggesting conclusions that can be made through editing, and only once serving as an off-screen interviewer.

If there is one point Stein tries to make, it is that the Who were the most interesting/wild/intelligent/contradictory/refined/loony/crude Rock 'n' Roll band in the world. And therefore the most fascinating. He didn't have to turn to the viewer and say that in person: the Who themselves are their own best spokespeople. The Kids Are Alright isn't ABOUT the Who, it IS the Who. The a-chronological editing, live as well as mimed performances and contradictory quotes spanning two decades make a rich collage of fifteen years of Rock 'n' Roll mayhem.

Editing was Stein's weapon of choice to make TKAA a double-edged sword. People can try to find a deeper meaning in the director's decisions and/or draw their own conclusions. Or you can just kick back and relax and let it be the ultimate party-DVD. Watching this movie, you really get the sensation of hanging with the Who, addiction, hearing problems, impromptu strip sessions and all. And with Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend around, there's never a dull moment.

This film came out shortly after Who drummer Keith Moon's death and as such, is a hybrid between a tribute to his work with the band and what it was probably originally intended to be, a collection of performances and material showcasing their development through their first quarter-century.

There are some great live performances here: including a smashing live version of the extended ‘Won't Get Fooled Again', stuff from the sixties' German pop show Beat Club, and many more. There are interviews (including the famous one with Russell Harty from the mid-seventies), and other bits and pieces put together. This was always the definitive line-up of the band, when their songs had spirit and their performances were technically accomplished with a touch of humour.

Only recently did I acquire an appreciation for The Who. After seeing this film, they've moved from the bottom of my list to nearly the top. It gives an amazing look into the group almost solely through the use of concert footage. There are a few cuts of interviews and humorous stuff with Ringo Starr, but they don't compare with the concerts.

It also gave me a new perspective beyond The Who and into the world of the modern music world and INDUSTRY. Most people have seen Trent Reznor and Kurt Cobain destroying their equipment at Woodstock and on Mtv, but have they seen The Who do it on the Smother's Brothers Show? THAT is insane!!! That was 35+ years ago...

Where is modern pop-music going? That's what I ask after this film. What is being done today that hasn't been done before? The answer is pretty close to nothing. Except a lot more money is being made...big deal.

10 out of 10... Easily as good as "Don't Look Back" and the Bob Marley docs I've seen. Just as inspiring.

The Who are many things- loud, sometimes hilarious, and even an influence to most of the rock following it (including Punk), but what they are ultimately are amazing. In they're time with drummer Keith Moon (and even a little afterwards), they created some of the best stuff to come from a guitar, synthesizer, drum, harmonica, etc, etc. And this documentary follows that spirit in showing the groups most famous hits including "Baba O'Reiley", "I Can't Explain", "Who Are You" and "Summertime Blues" among a whole bunch. In these songs and inbewteen them the Who explain the inspiration for they're hits, they're hilarity (seeing Keith Moon for no reason starting to strip is dead pan), and how they replaced the broken guitars. Excellent in nearly ever way, shape and form, right up there with Woodstock and Spinal Tap. A+

Maybe being such a fanatic of the Who I'm downright dogmatic in my beliefs that this is a great 70's rock film. The performances are exciting. Pete Townshend dishes out philosophy of rock music that only he can. The editing is quick so the movie never drags(i.e.The song remains the same) Many of the scenes are downright funny. Not only is it a movie that shows how talented the Who were as a band. It shows they could put on a great performance off stage as well( such as being interviewed) It's probably one of the very few rock movies from the 70's that has charm. Even though I do think it helps to be a big fan when watching it. But I think that's true of any rock movie or concert video.