By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Paul Justman
Country: united_states
Year: 2002
Running time: 116
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0314725
Laura says: “This documentary about the legendary Funk Brothers, who were the studio musicians for all of Motown’s Detroit era hits, was the one I expected to topple GIGANTIC off the top of my doc list, but it didn’t quite attain those heights. Still this is a delightful look at the men behind the magic. The film is punctuated with selections from a recent reunion concert where covers of such hits as ‘The Broken Hearted,’ ‘Heard It Through the Grapevine’ and ‘Shotgun’ are covered by people like Joan Osborne, Me’Shell Ngedecello and Ben Harper. Unfortunately many of these performances refute the documentarians’ claim that the singers didn’t matter, but they are beautifully shot with inky black shadows surrounding the performers. Joan Osborne stands out not only in the performances, but in her camaraderie with the musicians. Interviews with the Funk Brothers are interesting and often funny, although the choice to accompany recollections with dramatic recreations strikes an odd note. Great music.” 4 cats