Greendale

I taped this off the Sundance channel because it got 2 1/2 stars, but hadn't the remotest idea of what it was. Smart move on my part. From the first grainy minutes of images of what I knew must be a small Northerb California town I'd been to at some time, accompanied by a mesmerizing sound track I told myself was Neil Young himself, I relaxed into a very mellow mood and stayed there for almost an hour and a half. The cast of unknowns, from a great old Grandpa figure to a great Devil character, were perfect and most did a good job of pretending to sing the lyrics which went all through the picture, as continual narration taking the place of dialog. This is as unusual and entertaining a film experience as I could have asked for. My willingness to explore the unknown was richly rewarded. Thank you, Neil Young.

I'd seen the concert version of Greendale (rock opera?) in Phoenix, AZ, and was impressed. The film was shot all in Super 8 which I think fits perfect with Neil Young's style over the decades. It's rocky, rainy day feeling goes hand in hand with Neil's music. The original way in which the characters mouth the lines that Neil sings (the albumn Greendale plays through the whole film) made me think that the film would be boring in the beginning. But the images on the screne, along with the music, complete the story nicely. Young focuses on the Green family and their stuggles in the town of Greendale. Basically, their a family of hippies dealing with the media, law enforcement, and environmental destruction. Young expresses his opinions though song and the characters act them out. I recommend this film to anyone, especially if you're a fan of Shakey...

Just to answer to those who presume Mr. Shaky of self indulgence and amateurish egocentricity! Being what his name brings, you cannot expect a Kubrick movie! Are you in the latest technology to produce the highest quality in sound or images? Forget this 'movie': it's the revenge of the rascals! For those worried about giving him more money, so he will eventually produce MORE of this, stay still! Some praise this movie as a brilliant opera from a genius, who's fighting for the rights of Mother Earth to survive the naughty and idiotic children: humanity. Anyway, maybe because I watched it on my birthday (it was a present I made to myself), I enjoyed it as an intimate 'over the shoulder' look at a private family diary: and after all it's just this! A family story with a turn: we are ALL family, on this Mother/Father planet...

Please note: I cannot give it a vote; maybe there should be a 'Not Valuable' sort of option to place on this kind of works.

Let me preface this commentary by saying that i don't care about lighting, sound, technique or acting skills. I just go by what moves me.

This film moved me. It's message (which in my opinion is the most important part of a film) was beautiful. You might have to watch it twice to catch all the nuances. But worth it

Perhaps, or most likely a lot, of people will not like this movie, but who cares about people that care about the wayans brothers. Certainly not me. Another thing you should keep in mind when watching this movie is that all the actors are friends of Neil Young, they are not professional actors and shouldn't be judged as such. Just keep looking for the message. It's also funny and more importantly, makes you think a little. And heaven forbid that we do that in this country.

I turned this on last night, fully intending to watch something else within the half hour.

I had no idea what it was about or that it was a Neil Young musical. It did exactly what Neil Young's music has always done for me, start me off slow and suck me right in. By the end I could NOT sit down, I had to get up and dance. Great theme, wonderful message, terrific music. I can't wait to see it again. The filming itself was well done, a kind of perfected 8mm which reminded me of the era in which the director and myself were raised. I'm encouraging all my friends to see this, and already planning a group viewing.