25 reviews
A Coffee Table Audio-Video Book
A seemingly Inconclusive attempt at Summarizing some Things that are Obvious about the Stones and some things that remain Elusive. It emerges as perhaps one of those heavy Magazine Tributes or could possibly be called a Coffee Table Audio-Video Presentation.
Die Hard Fans will Try Desperately to find a Thing or two they didn't know or see a Clip or two they haven't Seen, but there is Precious Little here other than vaguely Interesting Insights and Less Than Brilliant Footage.
Of course, "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World", Deserves any kind of Tribute. Especially one that has full Production in the Hands of the Band itself.
However, one could say that Total Control is not the best way to go. As is apparent many times in the Film, they were so Involved and Close to it all that They really didn't have Time to Absorb much of what was going on as They were being Elevated and Revered Year after Year. Almost every Band Member mentions Oblivious (or a synonym) as an Adjective to it all.
This could well be an Introduction for New Fans or a Mild, Emotional, and Superficial Tribute for Stalwarts. One Thing we have Learned in Modern Times is that these Type of Things are only Great when given Hours of Running Time where some of the Vintage Concert Clips and Appearances are only truly Effective if You let the Songs Play out.
Sadly, that does not happen here, not once. That would truly Benefit Newbies and Delight Boomer Fans. But the Film does One Thing if nothing else, it Reminds and Reinforces this Simple Fact...
"I know it's only Rock n Roll, But I like it."
Die Hard Fans will Try Desperately to find a Thing or two they didn't know or see a Clip or two they haven't Seen, but there is Precious Little here other than vaguely Interesting Insights and Less Than Brilliant Footage.
Of course, "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World", Deserves any kind of Tribute. Especially one that has full Production in the Hands of the Band itself.
However, one could say that Total Control is not the best way to go. As is apparent many times in the Film, they were so Involved and Close to it all that They really didn't have Time to Absorb much of what was going on as They were being Elevated and Revered Year after Year. Almost every Band Member mentions Oblivious (or a synonym) as an Adjective to it all.
This could well be an Introduction for New Fans or a Mild, Emotional, and Superficial Tribute for Stalwarts. One Thing we have Learned in Modern Times is that these Type of Things are only Great when given Hours of Running Time where some of the Vintage Concert Clips and Appearances are only truly Effective if You let the Songs Play out.
Sadly, that does not happen here, not once. That would truly Benefit Newbies and Delight Boomer Fans. But the Film does One Thing if nothing else, it Reminds and Reinforces this Simple Fact...
"I know it's only Rock n Roll, But I like it."
- LeonLouisRicci
- Dec 13, 2012
- Permalink
Can you sometimes get exactly what you want? The Rolling Stones turn the clock back on 50 years and open up the vaults. With mixed results.
- gregwetherall
- Oct 17, 2012
- Permalink
Not Essential, But Interesting
Although, this film has some tremendous footage never or rarely seen it also has the feel of a crib notes version of the band. Its hard to encapsulate 50 years into less than two hours and this film is watchable, but mostly for Stones fans. The members of the band do voice overs (everyone would like a film where they all sit together and comment on things), and Brian Jones, Altamont and other things are covered, but this is by no means comprehensive. That is probably the point, if you're even a casual fan you know whats been going on with the band for 50 years. Stones fans will likely and rightly give this an 8 to 10 rating, others that never cared about the band may not wish to sit through it. Recommended for the great footage, but don't expect to get much more insight into the band than what you already know.
- crossbow0106
- Nov 23, 2012
- Permalink
The Stones live forever!
Half a century of the Rolling Stones gets the full treatment in Brett Morgan's "Crossfire Hurricane". The documentary actually focuses more on the group's first decade, as they developed a reputation as the anti-Beatles, went through some drug busts, and even fled England to avoid the taxes. There are number of scenes in which interviewers (obviously from the older generation) are asking the band members ridiculous questions, and one gets the feeling that Mick, Keith, Charlie and the rest don't like having to answer.
But of course the best part is the music. We get to hear most of the famous songs, often getting footage of the recordings. It just goes to show that the '60s will never die. In other words, this documentary is pure satisfaction!
But of course the best part is the music. We get to hear most of the famous songs, often getting footage of the recordings. It just goes to show that the '60s will never die. In other words, this documentary is pure satisfaction!
- lee_eisenberg
- Mar 13, 2013
- Permalink
Ultimate Stones documentary
The ultimate Rolling Stones documentary. Captures very vividly their live performances through the years, as well as what making an album was like, plus their private lives. However, don't expect the usual micro- detail stuff, eg no "Mick Jagger was born on..." or the names of their albums and when they were released. In fact, there is very little references to dates.
No, the main idea is to get a feel for the chain of events that was the career of the Rolling Stones, and what it was like being the members of the great band.
For these reasons, it probably helps being a fan with a decent knowledge of the Stones' albums and songs. Not essential though - one can always fill in the gaps by reading Wikipedia.
The live stuff is great, and some of it is quite rare. The behind-the- scenes stuff contains some particularly rare footage.
A must-see for any fan of rock 'n roll.
No, the main idea is to get a feel for the chain of events that was the career of the Rolling Stones, and what it was like being the members of the great band.
For these reasons, it probably helps being a fan with a decent knowledge of the Stones' albums and songs. Not essential though - one can always fill in the gaps by reading Wikipedia.
The live stuff is great, and some of it is quite rare. The behind-the- scenes stuff contains some particularly rare footage.
A must-see for any fan of rock 'n roll.
Impossible Job but They Do The Best That One Can Expect
Crossfire Hurricane (2012)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
When I heard that director Brett Morgan was going to try and capture fifty-years of The Rolling Stones into a 111-minute running time I thought it would be impossible and I was pretty much right. CROSSFIRE HURRICANE is an impossible attempt at a documentary but I think it's about as good as we could hope for. The documentary features interviews with all the surviving members of the Stones but we never see them. Instead we hear their thoughts while seeing various pieces of footage from throughout their career. This could be TV appearances, movies, concert films, bootleg material and other formats. Again, trying to put fifty-years into such a short running time is impossible and there seems to be a lot missing here. I mean, the 60s and 70s are the main focus here and we really don't get anything from the more recent times. I'm sure some might argue that the bands greatest period was this era and it's a great point but at the same time they do have something that has kept them together all these years. With that said, it's hard to be too disappointed with what's not here because what we do get is great. Being able to see all of this footage and have it together in one place is clearly the best thing here. It also doesn't hurt that it appears all the band members are being honest and open with their feelings. This includes the music they've made, issues like drugs, Brian's death and of course the Altamont concert. Fans of the band will certainly want to check this out.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
When I heard that director Brett Morgan was going to try and capture fifty-years of The Rolling Stones into a 111-minute running time I thought it would be impossible and I was pretty much right. CROSSFIRE HURRICANE is an impossible attempt at a documentary but I think it's about as good as we could hope for. The documentary features interviews with all the surviving members of the Stones but we never see them. Instead we hear their thoughts while seeing various pieces of footage from throughout their career. This could be TV appearances, movies, concert films, bootleg material and other formats. Again, trying to put fifty-years into such a short running time is impossible and there seems to be a lot missing here. I mean, the 60s and 70s are the main focus here and we really don't get anything from the more recent times. I'm sure some might argue that the bands greatest period was this era and it's a great point but at the same time they do have something that has kept them together all these years. With that said, it's hard to be too disappointed with what's not here because what we do get is great. Being able to see all of this footage and have it together in one place is clearly the best thing here. It also doesn't hurt that it appears all the band members are being honest and open with their feelings. This includes the music they've made, issues like drugs, Brian's death and of course the Altamont concert. Fans of the band will certainly want to check this out.
- Michael_Elliott
- Nov 17, 2012
- Permalink
Old Gods Almost...
Sex (well not much), Drugs (some) and LOTS of Rock'n'Roll.
- MikeyB1793
- Jul 20, 2014
- Permalink
50 years gone!
Yet another assemblage of vintage clips of the Stones, this time celebrating their 50th anniversary together. For some reason, it starts with footage of the "I-want-to-be-trendy" talk-show host Dick Cavett hanging with the band during their access-all-excess 1972 American tour, itself recently the feature of a film all to itself. From there, it works backwards to the band's origin, then taking us back up to 1978, when they temporarily rejuvenated themselves for the "Some Girls" album, actually an apt place to stop as their music hasn't progressed, far less excited, any since, like in their glory days. More than that the film signs off by tellingly making the point that having started out as a blues-covers band, then become deliberately moulded into the anti-Beatles by manager Andrew Loog-Oldham, they progressed from counter-cultural anti-heroes to fully fledged members of the establishment (arise Sir Mick!) and become everybody's favourite rock and roll band/brand, a title they've never relinquished but equally the irony of which appears to escape them.
I am a big fan of the band and enjoyed seeing some footage I'd not seen before, particularly impromptu or backstage stuff, but most of it I had, while the band interviews, none apparently latter-day revisionist, similarly don't tell us much we didn't know already. Jagger certainly comes across as the most intelligent and loquacious, with Keith playing up to his bad boy persona, leaving Charlie and Bill not giving a damn about the fame and celebrity that goes with the gig. Mick Taylor sensibly explains that he left for the good of his health and Ron Wood was apparently brought in as much for his peace-making irreverence as his musical ability. Brian Jones gets mentioned in dispatches in the first hour, but probably less than he deserved.
All the band's major events are chronicled with contemporary film footage, like deliberately choosing their "black-hat" marketing image, the breakthrough of learning to write their own songs, their first US mass-popularity in 1965, the Redlands drug-bust in 1967 which saw Mick and Keith controversially sentenced to jail for drug possession, Brian Jones' exit and soon-afterwards death-by-drowning in 1969 and to close out the decade on a low, the disastrous free concert at Altamont.
There's less of interest in the second part, unless you count their new tax-exile status as a major event, eventually leading up, from a long-way out, to Keith's drugs bust in Toronto in 1978. One doubts if the producer could have filled another two hours on the years from 1978 until now, for which I suppose we should be grateful. However this interesting document, filled with attitude and great music is definitely a watchable tribute to the best-surviving band of the 60's.
I am a big fan of the band and enjoyed seeing some footage I'd not seen before, particularly impromptu or backstage stuff, but most of it I had, while the band interviews, none apparently latter-day revisionist, similarly don't tell us much we didn't know already. Jagger certainly comes across as the most intelligent and loquacious, with Keith playing up to his bad boy persona, leaving Charlie and Bill not giving a damn about the fame and celebrity that goes with the gig. Mick Taylor sensibly explains that he left for the good of his health and Ron Wood was apparently brought in as much for his peace-making irreverence as his musical ability. Brian Jones gets mentioned in dispatches in the first hour, but probably less than he deserved.
All the band's major events are chronicled with contemporary film footage, like deliberately choosing their "black-hat" marketing image, the breakthrough of learning to write their own songs, their first US mass-popularity in 1965, the Redlands drug-bust in 1967 which saw Mick and Keith controversially sentenced to jail for drug possession, Brian Jones' exit and soon-afterwards death-by-drowning in 1969 and to close out the decade on a low, the disastrous free concert at Altamont.
There's less of interest in the second part, unless you count their new tax-exile status as a major event, eventually leading up, from a long-way out, to Keith's drugs bust in Toronto in 1978. One doubts if the producer could have filled another two hours on the years from 1978 until now, for which I suppose we should be grateful. However this interesting document, filled with attitude and great music is definitely a watchable tribute to the best-surviving band of the 60's.
You Can't Always Get What You Want
- nerdomatic10-937-667230
- Jul 13, 2019
- Permalink
Still strolling along
Over the years, the Rolling Stones have transformed from counter-cultural icons, and revolutionary music makers, into institutionalised pensioners, the "strolling bones" as the wags call them, always on tour but with nothing new to say. This documentary charts their first 20 years (though the band are still performing after 50); but it's fairly soft and uninformative material, a collage of old pictures and film, a little bit of concert footage, and a few throwaway comments from the band. There's a fair old Stones industry these days, but another recent documentary, about the making of their legendary album 'Exile on Main Street', was more insightful than this, which is more celebratory in tone. If you're a Stones fanatic, you'll learn little new; but even if you don't, and want to learn more about them, there are probably better places to start.
- paul2001sw-1
- Nov 26, 2012
- Permalink
If you're a Stones fan, you can't miss it
gregwetherall (above) has done an excellent and spot-on job so I'll keep this brief -
as a 15-year rock musician (so I actually get "the wobble bit" - though I'm not quite sure I buy all of it) who grew up with the Rolling Stones, while this isn't anywhere near perfect (likely impossible)
"Crossfire Hurricane" is still very entertaining and a must for any Stones fan. Some of the remixed live tracks are astoundingly preserved and sound great, though imo some of the interview comments need to be tweaked up a bit (though my hearing is shot, so maybe that's me)
Some quick cuts from "Cocksucker Blues" interspersed just at the right moments of some of the live tracks; Keith as usual brutally honest in his comments about drugs, Brian, songwriting, etc - and there's some stuff in Crossfire Hurricane I've never seen before. (no spoilers here) - even Charlie speaks up now & then. The best and worst of Brian is brutally portrayed as well.
All in all, a job well done and definitely worth seeing. I've DVR'd it, seen it twice so far, and likely will watch it again. Play it loud through your sound system.
as a 15-year rock musician (so I actually get "the wobble bit" - though I'm not quite sure I buy all of it) who grew up with the Rolling Stones, while this isn't anywhere near perfect (likely impossible)
"Crossfire Hurricane" is still very entertaining and a must for any Stones fan. Some of the remixed live tracks are astoundingly preserved and sound great, though imo some of the interview comments need to be tweaked up a bit (though my hearing is shot, so maybe that's me)
Some quick cuts from "Cocksucker Blues" interspersed just at the right moments of some of the live tracks; Keith as usual brutally honest in his comments about drugs, Brian, songwriting, etc - and there's some stuff in Crossfire Hurricane I've never seen before. (no spoilers here) - even Charlie speaks up now & then. The best and worst of Brian is brutally portrayed as well.
All in all, a job well done and definitely worth seeing. I've DVR'd it, seen it twice so far, and likely will watch it again. Play it loud through your sound system.
If you're looking the story of the Stones, this isn't it. If you're looking for a little added color, this can work.
This movie is a lot of archived shots of the Stones from (I think, not an expert) about '64 to '72, often overlaid with commentary by the Stones themselves recorded in 2012, with a bunch of unnecessary directorial flourish added on.
I'm a big fan of the Stones, but I'm not a super fan, and I was born after the events covered in the film. For me, this movie does a nice job filling in some of the gaps in my knowledge. There are revelatory quotes, the band members are extremely insightful, there are some awesome photos and clips, and the movie does a great job showcasing what makes the Rolling Stones so cool. There's a lot to really like.
On the other hand, the editing is hit or miss, the direction is all over the place, it fails to tell a comprehensive, or even coherent story, and the scope is unclear throughout. And the lack of comprehensiveness is significant. Few band members are introduced, some are never even mentioned, and that's to say nothing of producers, managers, girlfriends, Gram Parsons, etc. Important context and parts of the story are completely ignored.
If you're obsessed with the Stones there's probably nothing interesting besides some of the interviews, if you don't know them pretty well it will be confusing, but as someone inbetween it stoked my imagination, and the band always radiates.
I'm a big fan of the Stones, but I'm not a super fan, and I was born after the events covered in the film. For me, this movie does a nice job filling in some of the gaps in my knowledge. There are revelatory quotes, the band members are extremely insightful, there are some awesome photos and clips, and the movie does a great job showcasing what makes the Rolling Stones so cool. There's a lot to really like.
On the other hand, the editing is hit or miss, the direction is all over the place, it fails to tell a comprehensive, or even coherent story, and the scope is unclear throughout. And the lack of comprehensiveness is significant. Few band members are introduced, some are never even mentioned, and that's to say nothing of producers, managers, girlfriends, Gram Parsons, etc. Important context and parts of the story are completely ignored.
If you're obsessed with the Stones there's probably nothing interesting besides some of the interviews, if you don't know them pretty well it will be confusing, but as someone inbetween it stoked my imagination, and the band always radiates.
Great Stones Retrospective, but.....
I really enjoyed watching this documentary and seeing the footage complied in an excellent manner. My only complaint is that the viewer is left somewhat in the lurch as to the time frames and years of performances and interviews. The first part of the film bounces around the early days of the band from the mid 60's. It would have been good to see some sub-titles on years and concert locations included with the footage.
The last part of the film is mired between Ronnie Wood joining the group and Keith's drug problems in Canada. The only way to ascertain the time line is the footage of the newspaper clippings that contain the dates. Hardcore Stone's fans who have followed the group since the early 70's would know the time line, but other casual fans would have difficulty in determining the dates of the events. The end of the movie seems to jump a gap of about 30 years with footage from their mid 80's tour to a recent performance at the time of the film (late 2000's).
Again, this is a great film and the closing credits show how much research and effort went in to obtaining the footage and overall presentation of the content.
Very surprising, intelligent personal insight to the Rolling Stones saga
This documentary really surprised me. From the off I'll admit I'm not really into the Rolling Stones but like everyone else there are a bunch of their tunes I do adore (e.g. Sympathy for the Devil, Gimme Shelter etc). It's been shown again due to the sad recent passing of their drummer Charlie Watts.
What we have is a tour through their careers from year one to present, so quite a lot to condense, but the director does so. A soundtrack already given, it is the monologues from band members providing a commentary over the years, mostly concentrating upto the early 1970s, and it works!
I was surprised, this could have been a hagiography, or just some whitewash, but actually the director provides a fair warts & all overview of the band which is welcome, and you end up intrigued. There's egos but also honesty, and the moments overlooking the finals times with Brian Jones is quite poignant.
You'll be surprised, the general fans are also as great a part of this documentary as the main act, and great to see the old fashions and styles. There's dark moments too (e.g. Hell's Angels etc) but there's a lot of positive to take too.
It's a crazy, very well put together documentary that thankfully veered away from a simple paint-by-numbers outlook.
Informative and entertaining. Give it a view, at least in memory of Charlie Watts (RIP) who for me comes out of that band as the most likeable of the lot. A real treasure of the music world sadly now gone.
What we have is a tour through their careers from year one to present, so quite a lot to condense, but the director does so. A soundtrack already given, it is the monologues from band members providing a commentary over the years, mostly concentrating upto the early 1970s, and it works!
I was surprised, this could have been a hagiography, or just some whitewash, but actually the director provides a fair warts & all overview of the band which is welcome, and you end up intrigued. There's egos but also honesty, and the moments overlooking the finals times with Brian Jones is quite poignant.
You'll be surprised, the general fans are also as great a part of this documentary as the main act, and great to see the old fashions and styles. There's dark moments too (e.g. Hell's Angels etc) but there's a lot of positive to take too.
It's a crazy, very well put together documentary that thankfully veered away from a simple paint-by-numbers outlook.
Informative and entertaining. Give it a view, at least in memory of Charlie Watts (RIP) who for me comes out of that band as the most likeable of the lot. A real treasure of the music world sadly now gone.
- joebloggscity
- Sep 14, 2021
- Permalink
Very good initially but ultimated disappoints
The film's very good in representing the bands early and mid term journey with all it's successes, failures, drugs, drink etc with candid interviews and good musical snippets. The footage is great but my biggest disappointment with the film is that basically very little is mentioned of the bands musical output post Let It Bleed. Sticky Fingers get a brief snippet, Exile on Main Street has a little more but post that almost nothing. A brief interlude of 'Angie' and how great Ronnie Wood has fit into the band - and he sure has if only they'd give him a bit more freedom to work with. But, and it's a big but, nothing - a great big zilch of their musical output through the late 70's and beyond, much of which was/has been critically underwhelming.
It would also have been nice to see the involvement with the band of Ian 'Stu' Stewart and Bobby Keys recognised.
In short, the film's an unpolished diamond, well worth a look to the Stones fan
It would also have been nice to see the involvement with the band of Ian 'Stu' Stewart and Bobby Keys recognised.
In short, the film's an unpolished diamond, well worth a look to the Stones fan
Awesome!
I am a huge Stones fan. I thought this documentary was amazing from beginning to end. I was a little worried the end would become boring because lets face it, they are not the band they used to be but, it was great from beginning to end. The footage was great, the fact that they just used their voices was a great idea. If you are a Stones fan I don't know how you couldn't like this documentary. There is a ton of old footage and concert footage that was great. I would think even a non-fan would enjoy this because it is a fascinating story of the greatest rock band ever. To hear the band talk about the last year with Brian Jones and how that all went down was really interesting. Watch it!!
Feels like a part one
Great look at the early days, but pretty much skips from the mid 70's to now with barely a mention other than to say that they became an institution. Okay, but surely they did something of note? Hardly a definitive look at the band, but a solid one to watch anyway.
To Short
This is a nice documentary but way to short. After all this is about a band that has been making music and performing for 50 years. The focus seemed to be 1969 to 1976 with some early information thrown in. I was hoping the Stones entire career would be incorporated in this film. The 1978 and 1981 tours should definitely deserved more film time. Those were great tours. The 1972 tour was ground breaking. 1969 was infamous but very entertaining. 1975 was a great show. What about after 1981? The band went on a hiatus until 1989 when they went back on tour. Why not touch on that? There were tours after that 1994/1998/2002/2005 that could have been included. An extra hour or so would have been nice. The audio commentary by the band was very effective. It's only rock and roll but I like it.
- runjimmycook
- Feb 20, 2013
- Permalink
"It's almost a fairy story, you know?" - Keith Richards
- classicsoncall
- Jun 16, 2017
- Permalink
Best Rock Doc of All-Time
This is by far the best Rock 'n roll documentary & I've watched them all. The director Brett Morgan used the same phenomenal combination of music, story-telling & video footage in telling the story avoiding the boring drowned out conversations which tend to slow down most rock docs.
If you haven't seen this, take the time to watch. The Rolling Stones are not my favorite band but up there. Irregardless of your love of the band, I think this was wonderfully done and should be a staple for all rock docs. If I met Brett Morgan, I would implore he try to do this again for any bands who would be interested.
If you haven't seen this, take the time to watch. The Rolling Stones are not my favorite band but up there. Irregardless of your love of the band, I think this was wonderfully done and should be a staple for all rock docs. If I met Brett Morgan, I would implore he try to do this again for any bands who would be interested.
Skimming thru the years
This is an abbreviated history of The Rolling Stones in 2 hours. Certainly that's not enough to go into much depth. They go from the start of their success to modern day with very little after the Canadian arrest and release.
They go through using old TV and film clips. It's fun to see some of the old footage. Although they didn't use the footage, they did use snippets of present day interview as narration for the documentary. Again the reminiscence is fairly superficial. They're not digging real deep in these interviews and nothing shocking is shown here. Just good music and good memories.
They go through using old TV and film clips. It's fun to see some of the old footage. Although they didn't use the footage, they did use snippets of present day interview as narration for the documentary. Again the reminiscence is fairly superficial. They're not digging real deep in these interviews and nothing shocking is shown here. Just good music and good memories.
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 22, 2013
- Permalink
rating will vary greatly according to your being a fan or not
I am not into the stones but i watched this with a couple of friends who are. They found it cool, i found it long. They disapproved of the Stones commenting as a voice over rather than in person, i found it a redeeming ploy, allowing to show more archive and news shots which gave a better feeling of the times. They thought the song list lacked ambition, i do agree that even i knew all of the titles featured.
So all in all a nicely edited documentary, but more suited for the band's existing fans.
So all in all a nicely edited documentary, but more suited for the band's existing fans.
Why the Rolling Stones is still around 50 years later
1/15/18. This was a little above average for a rockumentary about the Rolling Stones. They are not my favorite band, but I did like their really early, early hits (Get off of my cloud, Satisfaction, etc.) But, if you are a millennial, then this may be an educational look at why those old men strutting around on stage STILL these days did have their day some 50 years ago. And, they were big. During the British Invasion of the '60s, there were many British rock and roll bands just starting up and looking for fans. And, they starting crossing the Atlantic for a potentially bigger fan base in the U.S. There were so many "boy bands" at the time, but the cream of the crop were The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. It was interesting that The Beatles were originally demonized by the press for their unruly moptops and adults were so afraid that they would be such a bad influence on us kids (at the time). Then for some reason, the Beatles went mainstream and the Rolling Stones took up the mantle of the Bad Boys of Rock and Roll. I am sure that "Sympathy for the Devil" solidified their reputation. So, that's just a little background from a baby boomer who missed those days.
- bettycjung
- Jan 14, 2018
- Permalink
Begins Documenting The Ride Well And Fizzles 3/4's In
- AudioFileZ
- Apr 7, 2017
- Permalink