Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl

All I knew of Shania Twain was that when I was a hormonal teen she looked amazing and she teased me with that You Don't Impress Me Much song. I liked her songs, but I would never have considered myself a fan. This documentary starts from her humble beginnings, goes through her explosive years, approaches the great trauma that she experienced immediately after and comes out at the same time as a compilation album from 2022 containing a new track as well.

Is she making a comeback? I don't know. It certainly feels too late, but then again, you never know.

This was a very informative film, although not one that made me feel closer to the person. It was heartbreaking to hear about how Lyme disease derailed her entire life, but after watching the documentary I don't feel I understand Shania more, only that I know a lot more about her. Other than that, it was a good documentary.

I hated the talking heads who were trying to slap their political agenda on Twain's career, even after she herself said she only wanted to express her personality, not enter in some political piss contest. Personally I admire her steadfastness and I do feel like she is a decent human being. She was a true feminist before it was fashionable, and did it leading by example, not by pushing talking points in unrelated conversations. Unfortunately, that's exactly how those few minutes of slap-on social agenda bits feel, completely out of place and annoying as hell.

Bottom line: ignore the talking heads and focus on the story and you will get to admire Shania Twain more.

Joss Crowley's 'Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl' is a well-made and enjoyable music documentary that digs into the career of one of country music's towering figures. The film doesn't provide any new information for those already familiar with Twain's life and work, though some of the interviewees are insightful.

No pun intended and I am almost surprised the documentary didn't go with the song title. But the documentary is not focused on that one song (also she has quite a few hits under her belt). It is about her upbringing and how she evolved in the music industry. What her parents meant to her and how she broke through - what was expected of her mixed with where she saw herself.

It had been quite a while since I had her on my radar, but her influence on music is not to be disputed! And the documentary is clearly showing it. Now give me a Sheryl Crowe documentary too! She deserves one too for sure. Female music power ftw! Of course she gets compliments and nods from other celebrities and musicians ... a quite short documentary but one very well researched.

I enjoy watching documentaries but lately they have been portly written, they skip around time frames and they are way to slow moving to keep my interest. It's like they are just trying to fill up air space from the start to the finish. BUT not this one! This one was well done from the start to the finish! I learned a lot of things about Shania that I didn't know. She seems very down to earth and like someone you want to get to know better. Shania could've taken this opportunity to publicly speak ill of her ex and her ex BFF, but in true Shania form, she handled it with class. She's a fighter and an inspiration.

Not all documentaries manage to convey a story with both compassion and excitement. I'm a fan of Shania yet I managed to learn so much along the way about her struggle, her passion, her commitment and drive to succeed. I was a fan of her music before but now I am a fan of the artist, the woman. Excellent watch.