 [Larger view] | Give My Regards to Broad Street
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Average user rating:  | |
| If you like solo Paul, 4 stars. Beatlemaniacs will give it 2 | |
| Out of rock stars turned actors, I'd put McCartney square in the middle. As far as musicals go, it's still better than "Sgt Pepper","Glitter" and "Evita", but a far cry from "Moulin Rouge" and "Grease".
It has more storyline than "Magical Mystery Tour". But it's basically a caper musical at a time when musical films were very few and far between, and didn't interest people all that much anymore. As a film, it's pleasant and light enough, safe for kids to watch, the type of film to watch when there's nothing on TV, what I call a "Sunday afternoon" type of movie. It looks and sounds good, but the package is no-frills. McCartney's commentary would've added something to it at least. Or a CD/DVD combo release would've been a help. I think the Beatle fanatics will either like it and laugh or outright hate McCartney for redoing Beatle songs. Worth watching for Bryan Brown and Tracey Ullman. | |
 Buy the CD instead | |
| Just as with 'Magical Mystery Tour,' you would be better off buying the soundtrack CD instead. Watch this film, and run the risk of lowering your opinion of Paul McCartney.
On the soundtrack CD (and the film), Paul revisits several Beatles ballads with Ringo Starr's input and the production skills of George Martin. Paul also provides remakes of a few Wings hits. 'No More Lonely Nights' was one of McCartney's last bonafide hits, and can be heard near the end of the movie. The music is pleasant enough, and Paul gets to stretch a bit by composing some quasi-classical incidental music. Again, nice work. Unfortunately, this isn't a documentary about the making of a McCartney album. It's a ridiculous drama about one of Paul's (fictitious) roadies stealing the master tapes of the latest McCartney album, and Paul's valiant attempts to a)keep faith in the friend who let him down and b) get the tapes back. While watching this film, you'll realise exactly why Richard Lester focused the plots of 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'Help!' on Ringo - Paul simply can't act very convincingly. He's self-conscious and it shows. The very dated 80s atmosphere only hurts more. If you're reading this review, save yourself the pain and disappointment this film will bring. Instead, try any of McCartney's excellent concert DVDs. McCartney is one of the best live performers of the rock era. Enjoy him at what he is best at, not at what he isn't. | |
 Only for real fans | |
| This DVD is great. I'm a great fan of Paul and love everything about him. If you're a real fan you have to buy it. |
