Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back

I see a lot of these rock and roll quasi documentaries and was particularly impressed with this one. Besides being a bear to edit I imagine, it also stayed clear of the very formulaic Behind the Music format. After subsequent viewings I was really impressed with a few things in particular. First was the apparent honesty. I felt the director addressing Banali's decision to move forward after an obviously grief stricken and bold proclamation of not performing under the QR banner to be interesting. He put his blood sweat and tears into the legacy and made the reformation decision. Director tackled what was viewed as hypocritical by detractors head on. The inclusion of the online criticism and Banali's eventual FU to the cynics was handled well and was very interesting. Secondly, I appreciated how savvy the director handled the traditional "hero/villain" scenario that plagues a lot of these docs. Everyone got their criticism, took their criticism and it was handled with tongue firmly planted in cheek without sacrificing the seriousness of said situations. Specifically Mark and the opportunity and eventual missed opportunity. Finally, I really appreciated the Jeopardy and Dancing With the Stars references showing the cultural impact the band has. Reaching my character limit but BRAVO! See this film now.

Had a great time at the premier of "Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back". The movie was one of the best music documentaries I have seen. It was informative, sad and funny all at the same time. I am a Quiet Riot fan from the beginning,seeing them in Hollywood at the small clubs. I learned a little about the Quiet Riot members thing's that I didn't know. But I also was very entertained. (Maybe finally Chuck will get his recognition). It had a lot of laughing out loud moments. The scene's done with hidden camera's, caught some memorable funny and heartfelt moments. I can't wait for the DVD to come out. I will definitely purchase it. I just hope it is not cut apart and made smaller.

I enjoy some Heavy Metal music but I am not a major fan. My Musical taste is basically everything regardless of era or region.

I started watching this and was thinking another fluff piece for an entertainment group but after 20 minutes I was sucked in by the honesty of what was being said and the depth of the soul searching that was done on all the key figures. There was some shockers as well which I did not expect. I loved that they included details as to what was motivating people at the subconscious level as well.

I definitely have a better idea now of what it takes and the commitment needed to achieve the level of fame they reached.

I was delighted to see the Quiet Riot documentary included in the program for the NXNE film festival here in Toronto! This film is a definite must for fans of the genre as well as non fans alike. It is a cheeky look back at the heyday where legendary excesses launched and killed the careers of many a great band. But it is so much more than that. It is a testament to friendship and loyalty, perseverance and passion, being true to yourself and following your path. It is filled with humour, affectionate teasing and a lot of love. Never did I feel bashed over the head with messages or emotionally manipulated but rather was presented information that I was allowed to process for myself. I was impressed by the candour, openness and vulnerability of many of those interviewed (most notably Frankie Banali himself) and also by the skill of Regina Russell in capturing it. I laughed, I cried, I was singing along in my seat.

I was a QR fan when they first came out. After they lost their initial appeal, I thought they were just a group that got lucky with two albums. I never realized they opened doors for heavy rock bands in the early 80's for getting record deals and playing in larger halls. According to the film, almost every 80's band who's first record came out after 1984 can thank QR for getting record labels to recognize hard rock as an art form! I also liked the personal stories of band members friendships, and times they stopped talking. I like the story of how Frank Banali kept the band going thru numerous personnel changes, and his grief with the death of his mother, his wife and Kevin. I like how he's a dedicated father and nutrition guru.

The only thing I would have done differently is added the ballad from Metal Health about Randy Rhodes to the film. That song would have been appropriate for the film!