Jug Band Hokum

What a good movie! I have lived in Minneapolis all my life and never heard about the jug band competition. After seeing the film I am surprised. The people in the film are fun and interesting. Although there is a concentration on 3 people, the supporting cast could be their own film as they are very interesting and fun also! The music is awesome and the camera work and production top notch! I don't want to write any spoilers, but you have to stay through the credits so you can see a rising rap stars premier video. I almost felt bad sometimes for all that had to brave the cold, but the attitudes made it seem like it isn't so bad. Thanks Jack and Kitty for making this film!

I attended a debut showing of this film and had the pleasure of getting to stick around after for Q and A with the main creators Jack and Kitty. It was interesting to find out that the original vision was to showcase a more historical and jug band focused documentary inspired by Jacks affinity for jug band music (listening and playing).. They took footage of some 25 bands but as they did so, four people stood out with their strong personalities... And the camera followed. The movie sort of made itself is what it sounded like. It turned from a jug band documentary into a personal look into (mostly) these 4 peoples unique perspectives during their journey preparing and performing in the jug band competition. To be honest, before I knew all the above I couldn't understand why anyone would write these characters ... I didn't think they could be real! I mean does that woman really visit the spoon every day?! In retrospect parts of this film are disturbing to me: not just flaming Cheetos and toe jam coffee but the clear illustration of what I felt looked like disconnection within the self and between each other... Misguided purpose rooted in a psychotic mass media perhaps? ... Or maybe I'm just judgmental? Other parts are beautiful. Many parts are hilarious. I was very touched by the squid jar/journal paper pieces and the interactive dancing at the Art Show. I also loved the song during the opening credits. So pretty! The only thing I really could've done without was the loud abrasive music in the first scene that kept going on and on! Overall I think it is a compelling piece of Art that gives a tiny glimpse into the inner worlds of those individuals followed. And like all of us, it's strange.