Tribute

This movie is a must for all serious music fans, documentary fans and especially fans of good classic rock. It has the humor of Spinal Tap, the drama of a soap opera and the music of the gods of classic rock. I haven't laughed so hard at a film in a LONG time. Some compare this documentary to Spinal Tap, however the stories and characters are REAL, as unbelievable as it may seem (sometimes almost scary). Don't misunderstand, while it is often compared to Spinal Tap, this movie is very unique and can easily stand by itself.

This documentary tells the story of several cover bands. The bands in question include Sheer Heart Attack (Queen), Larger than Life (KISS), and Missing Links (The Monkeys). One fan of Sheer Heart Attack, dubbed the "Superfan," was particularly interesting and scary. He saw everything in his life through Queen-colored glasses, had an extensive set of T-shirts with a long story behind each one, and even had a set routine for show nights.

One was reminded of another documentary about obsessive fans: "Trekkies" (which I just noticed was directed by the editor of "The Search for John Gissing").

When I saw this at Cinequest (the San Jose, CA film festival) on 3/1/2002, Larger than Life came out after the film in full KISS costumes and makeup.

This film is not about "tribute bands" -- it is a film about life and the refusal to lose passion. There is a 30 something mailman in this film who philosophizes about staying true to the music of Judas Priest. Whether you like Judas Priest or not is irrelevant -- the story is the mailman's determination to remain true to his love, his passion. It's a lesson we all can use. The audition scenes in this movie are tremendous -- the dude who auditions as Gene Simmons wearing a Rams jersey steals the film. And Superfan, who lives for Queen tribute band Sheer Heart Attack, reminds us all that the death of a band member doesn't have to kill the music. The film also has plenty of reminders that some people take things a little too seriously -- the rivalry between competing Monkees tributes is both funny and sad. This film is a 10 and should be seen with Heavy Metal Parking Lot just to drive home the points.

Interesting study of six various pathetic tribute bands and the dishearteningly sad lifes they lead. The most disturbing and depressing part of the film revolves around Mark Eldridge AKA Superfan. Disturbing in the fact that he's obviously not playing with a full deck if you know what I mean, depressing in that some people's lifes are so devoid of real experences and supremely empty as to latch onto a tribute band. Sadly, their are too many Marks in the world. NOT a feel-good movie, yet mesmerizing in it's own way.

My Grade: B-

where i saw it: Showtime

... and it's hilarious. Tribute bands make for a compelling little subculture, plus the film is well-crafted -- it's edited with great comic timing. This film achieved my all-around favorite "tone" for comedic work; it's irreverent without being mean.