Pluskylang Great Film overall

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

AudioFileZ The New York Dolls. They make the success of The Ramones look massive. Truth is both bands didn't get nearly enough of their deserved airplay or record sales while they existed, The Dolls almost none in comparison. Many years of repeatedly new generations discovering these great bands rights the wrongs somewhat even if the artists pockets are still receiving only a pittance of what this music must be, in truth, generating. But, there's something beyond the old story of the starving hard working artist here. Unlike The Ramones The Dolls were but a blip on the radar as they shortly imploded among-st death, drugs, and an ever changing musical landscape. One of them left the music business entirely.As for history, it's fickle of course. In The Dolls case it had a coda that was positive. Morissey of The Smiths, an influential artist of the 90's, had the vision to get the surviving Dolls together again for at least one reunion show. It proved providentially wonderful as shown here, particularly for Arthur "Killer" Kane bassist for the band. Though he had been out of the business for approximately thirty years he had a wish that he could somehow reunite with his old mates. His story is a compelling one. A man who had found his Spiritual center he was very content living as an employee of The Mormon Church in a very modest way. Still it seems he had a need for a musical resolution, maybe more so with his old chum David Johansen. It really seems like a blessing for Arthur as this film simply tells. If the concert was for the fans it was more for Arthur and then for David and Sylvain in short order. It was a triumphant return to England where their famous TV appearance was called "mock rock" by host Bob Harris on November 26th 1973 and is where drummer Billy Murcia had died just a year earlier.Arthur as the film shows definitely had an inner peace about him. He was a very humble and kind soul it is clear. He may have needed some closure that never was as for his New York Dolls existence; it seems he was truly blessed and received it. In less than six months after the show he was becoming ill and received a serious diagnosis. Perhaps this final chapter was meant to be. It's truly uplifting how his church family supported this momentary return to his other life. They didn't down it or cast a shadow on it, instead fully supporting his wish to reunite his old band when given the chance. I think it made a good man more at peace and fulfilled. Filmmaker Greg Whiteley did a wonderful job of showing the special man and musician Arthur Kane was.

jokermtb This is a terrific movie. Somewhat similar to the other great roc-umentary "the story of Anvil", this movie has everything a good story requires - a compelling background, interesting characters, and a "satisfying" ending. I discovered this flick via the New York Dolls page on Facebook, where I downloaded the movie for a couple of Washingtons. I don't usually do so, but for some reason I was really drawn to the story. I've been a Dolls fan since I was a teenager, and discovered the Dolls, not too long after Johnny Thunders died, so I kinda missed the whole thing, but that didn't stop me from discovering, and enjoying this band. Like many, the Dolls were a huge influence on my developing musical tastes, and also why I play guitar. The documentary is very well done, and opens a door in the life of someone who basically got left behind, but thru just sheer cosmic luck, somehow manages to craft a dream come true ending for himself, before fate strikes once again. I honestly believe ANYone will like this movie, even if they never heard of the Dolls. R.I.P. Arthur!

general-melchett Very interesting film for anyone keen on the history of American punk, glam rock etc.Arthur comes across as a very likable character who really enjoyed his last chance at stardom, after many years down on his luck. I particularly enjoyed Morrissey's comments on the New York Dolls, being a big fan of his, and was impressed at his role in bringing the New York Dolls back together again after so many acrimonious years apart.Loved to see the reaction of his library co-workers in America to Arthur's other rock-and-roll side, which came as such a contrast to his meek, gentle man about the library self.Great music, great characters make a happy, but sad, film, which cannot fail to bring a tear to your eye. 9/10. Strongly recommended.

cellochice A friend of mine and I were looking for a movie to watch on a Friday night, and we came across this at the store. She had been wanting to see it. We were expecting something completely different, considering the fact that Kane was in a major punk or rock and roll band. You really get sucked into his rather quiet character. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it was really cool to see how he was able to ably talk about the Church with his former band-mates, and it was sweet to see how he was able to get back together with the band, which had been his dream. We loved it. Loved it!