Rating: 15/20
Plot: Brothers from Detroit form a band in the early 70's in order to play the "pure rock 'n' roll" that isn't heard on the radio, creating one album that nobody heard but that would have invented punk had it been heard. Years later, the combined powers of obscure record collectors and the Internet bring the titular band and their music to the masses for the first time.
Cool little story about the power of good music to eventually reach an audience. And the music is good, music that literally popped out of the speakers if you believe Elijah Wood, a man who doesn't seem to know what the word "literally" means. This is a movie that starts with Henry Rollins and his thick neck--a neck that has the same circumference as a fat woman's thigh--but Jello Biafra showing off some of his record collection later makes up for that. There are a lot of cool moments in this thing. I was touched by the tale of how one of the brother's son discovered his dad's old band while living halfway across the country. This also has a ton of photographs and memorabilia, an amazing amount for a band that didn't really exist. All three brothers are very likable, and you feel good seeing the two surviving brothers enjoy this new and unlikely success. And the other brother? He seemed like a fascinating cat, all mystical and spiritual and forward thinking and, from what my untrained ears can tell, a hell of a guitarist. I'm not entirely sure I buy the reports of his prescience, but it makes for a good story. There are moments of levity, too, like when the brothers are reminiscing about trying to convince the other brother that Death was a terrible name for a band. The reasons why they don't change the name, however, definitely make you think. Of course, I did like Rock Fire Funk Express, an older name they used, and might have to use that if I ever learn to play an instrument and form a band worthy of the name Rock Fire Funk Express. This might have shown a little too much of the band's reunion tour although a scene where they are watching their sons play their old music is very very cool. It's worth watching for fans of the genre or feel-good documentaries.
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