Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Last Waltz, The (1976): The absolute greatest of all rock films because of the superb set, cinematography and sound. Stunning music; great interviews – we owe Scorsese heaps for recording this great concert for generations of fans. Just splendid!
Complete Monterey Pop Festival, The (Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, Shake! Otis at Monterey) (1968-1997): Monterey Pop – more interesting and edgy than Woodstock. Fewer helicopters, too! A must for fans of rock n' roll.
Gimme Shelter (1970): More about how not to organize a concert than about music. Interesting that the Stones were too greedy to perform at Fillmore West, so well organised by Bill Graham.
Woodstock (1970): Stoned film–makers bring us the most famous concert of all time. See it!
Shine A Light (2006): Scorsese has done better work. More "light" is shed on the band by Keith Richards' book LIFE. Richards' book nicely illustrates the Middle Class origins of the Stones in contrast to Working Class roots of The Beatles! Don't bust yourself to see this.
Neil Young - Journeys (2011): Outstanding performances and a great sound–track. However the exploration of his home town drags. No wonder he left!
Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002): Outstanding documentary about the white jazz band behind all those Motown hits. The movie is a revelation. Leaving out greedy Berry Gordy and substituting contemporary singers for favourite Motown stars was a stroke of genius!
Wolf Hall (TV Series) (2015): Slow and complex. Brilliantly acted and scripted. Scenes slightly choppy in places, but overall a great film and essential viewing for anyone interested in English history. Mark Rylance is superb as the gifted Thomas Cromwell – a name not to be forgotten.
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005): A must for everyone interested in contemporary music.
I'm Not There (2007): Brilliant and amusing; opaque in places – just like Dylan's lyrics. Worthwhile just to see Cate Blanchett brilliantly playing Dylan. You are strongly advised to see NO DIRECTION HOME first to get the most out of this unusual biopic

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Sandy’s Film Reviews