![]() If you have seen them live (I have four times-twice riveting, twice not so), you just never knew what you were going to get. You have various people, most you've never seen before but do have credibility in telling this story, which is done chronologically. First off, two things you need to know: None of the Replacements are interviewed, and there is no footage of them. It's a collection of stories worth telling.ĭepending on how much you like the Replacements will be how much you like this documentary. To quote him, "I don't believe in God, but I believe in The Replacements." That may or may not be true, but it adds to a collection of good stories centered around The Replacements none-the-less. The director claims that he wanted to treat this differently, and compared his choice not to show The Replacements during the film was much akin to the way God is always talked about in films but never shown. there are not even that many pictures of the band shown. ![]() ![]() It is particularly impressive because there is no music in the movie, no interviews with surviving band members. In a world of constant false-reality T.V., this is no easy feat. There's realism and simplicity to the craft used that makes the headiest moments come off as relatable, not contrived or, worse, pretentious. Every one of the subjects interviewed is clearly enjoying talking about their favorite band as much as the audience is enjoying listening to them talk about their favorite band. The tidbits of information that die-hard fans aren't already well aware of are few and far between, but the story-telling is spot-on and will keep you at attention the length of the film. Strangely, though, this proves to be more than enough. The entire length of this film is one big succession of fans (both famous and not) geeking out over the relative genius of each of members of the band and, of course, the madness that equaled and collective. What else can you say about The Replacements - a band that has been broken up for nearly two decades - that hasn't already been said? Apparently, not much. To paraphrase someone in the movie talking about their song "Hayday", I love this movie. They story about how "Tim" was named is hysterical!) Put aside any misgivings you might have about there being no music (really, it's not missed), and give two hours to a great filmmaker who will take you to a place you've never been before. (Really, I thought knew a lot about The Mats until seeing this film. PASSION! It will also teach you things about success and insecurity, and about how a small band from the Midwest changed the face and sound of rock music forever. It's about passion, it's about how art changes your life, it's about how a band becomes a part of your family, how their music is forever etched on your soul. Forget it being a music doc, forget it being about the Mats, it's plain and simple a great movie. That's filmmaking! In fact, aside from recommending this movie to Mats fan and indie rock fans, I strongly urge fans of independent cinema to see this film. It's a music documentary, people.WITHOUT ANY MUSIC! As the bumper-sticker for the film says, "Kinda brilliant. AND IT SHOWS! And while everyone else will recount here how it's great to hear all the stories and such (I do love Robert, the guy from the farm, and Bil MacLeslie is a hot older guy I could listen to for days!), I want to talk instead about the filmmaking. And, as he said at the Tampa premiere (and if you read the novel, you'll believe him), he might not believe in God, but he does believe in the Mats. Bechard delivers us a documentary on who I believe to be the greatest rock band ever, The Replacements. It's about God sending his 18 year old daughter to save us. I'll say this right off the bat, I think "The 2nd Greatest Story Ever Told", the first novel by Gorman Bechard, is probably the best book I've ever read.
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