VHS : Still Crazy [1998]

Rating: - Donnelly's Guitar Work Soars
I really enjoyed this movie, which worked for me on several levels, or at least across several generations. I was there in the seventies listening to bands like Strange Fruit, and the film got the feel of those times right. Now I'm an old geezer like the band members, and the film got the feel of that right too. Connolly as roadie was a good choice, providing a salty anchor for the sometimes thin narrative.

One thing that seems 'off' about the way the film was promoted is the praise heaped on Mick Jones (Spooky Tooth, Foreigner) and Chris Difford (Squeeze) for the great music. Their names don't even appear in the IMDB listing for the film and I got the impression that the real force behind the music was Steve Donnelly, who is credited with the all important "Brian's Theme" on the soundtrack album, and whose trademark soaring guitar work is evident throughout. Of course, as a session musician Donnelly doesn't bring 'named band' status to a PR pitch. But regardless, the film would not have succeeded without the great soundtrack, which achieves a rare balance between a send-up and genuinely good listening.

It's a great shame director Brian Gibson died just six years after making the film. I think he would have given us many more good films to enjoy. Indeed, I reckon there was enough meat in this cast of characters for a Still Crazy II that riffed on the ever more absurd re-re-unions of people my age playing at being rock stars.

---

Rating: - A great little film from the writers of Auf Wiedersehen Pet.
This is a simple story about a fictional 70's rock band called Strange Fruit who split up 20 years ago because of misfortune and
too much hostility within the ranks. Now, 20 years later (in 1998) the band decide to reunite for a forthcoming open air festival.

The humour in this film comes mainly from the band members, who still cannot get along with each other, always arguing, and it's obvious that they're actually too over the hill for this reunion.

The film features some of the best acting talents the UK has to offer. With strong performances by Stephen Rea, Timothy Spall, Bill Nighy, Jimmy Nail and Billy Connolly.

Stephen Rea is the sensible, mild mannered, keyboard player.
Timothy Spall, a panic stricken, hyperactive and rather naive drummer.
Bill Nighy plays a doped up Ozzy Osborne type lead singer.
Jimmy Nail, a moody bad tempered bass player.
Billy Connolly, the sceptic roadie who's just... well, mad!

Most of the songs thoughout the film were performed by Bill Nighy, Jimmy Nail and the band. The song at the end is a joy to behold!

Because the band members' characters are so well portrayed by the actors, you really warm to each and every one of them. You find yourself wanting them to get over their differences and succeed in their goal.

There's also plenty of screen time for each character, not bad considering this is only a 90 minute film.

When you reach the part in the film where they go on tour over in Holland, it really feels like you're on the road with these guys. It's a very similar feel to Auf Wiedersehen Pet (for those of you who's seen it), where it felt like you lived on that building site with those characters.

If ever there was a film where you wished that a sequel or a spin off TV series was made, then Still Crazy is that film.

Sadly though, when the film ends you'll be left wanting to see more of these characters, but there's no sequel to follow.

All in all it's a wonderful British comedy that has a great story, great songs and very little special effects. It's a perfect example of how to make a good film without relying too much on those CGI gimmocks! And although it's now 10 years old, it's as fresh now as it was when it was first released.

---

Rating: - Rip-roaring tale of reminiscence, revival...and Rock
Few comedy films do better than make me cringe at the cliches, but this is one that performs.

It's extremely British in film making style and has an exceptionally strong cast, using Jimmy Nail, Bill Nighy and Timothy Spall to their best. There's plenty of Rock n' Roll cliches about the revival of this 70s glam-rock band, but it's not limited to them; there's sadness, loss and some real sparks about the friendships.

But in the end it is a great comedy, and the characters, storyline and events make it damn good. It does stand up to watching again, and I'm reminded of it when I see 'real' bands go through their revivals.

I was suprised that it wasn't higher profile at the cinema and as it made the step on to DVD/VHS, because this level of quality in the comedy section is woefully scarce.

---

Rating: - Pure genius
This film brilliantly captures the spirit of the (British) mid 1970s. It charts the return of the Prodrock band "Strange Fruit" with a subplot involving the unknown fate of the missing Peter Greenesque former leader. Superbly acted, scripted and produced, extraordinarily it includes some brilliant in-period new music. Nostalgic, poignant, hilarious. Hitch a ride back to the 70s. Don't miss this astonishing film.

---

Rating: - Brilliant !
This is one of my all time favourite films. I've bought it and watched many times and never tire of it. The music is amazing! Two tracks (All Over The World and The Flame Still Burns) are worth the price of the DVD in their own right. Incredibly funny, yet on occasions extremely moving.

Whatever you do buy or rent this film. You won't regret it.