This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Featuring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer. Director: Rob Reiner.

The thing about cult classics is that if you don't see them before they become known as "cult classics", they can disappoint you a little because you're expecting too much. That is sort of what happened to me with This Is Spinal Tap.

Don't get me wrong, this was an extremely funny movie. The writing was incredible, the performances were spot on and the style was ingenious for the time. But, you know, I didn't piss my pants. I was really expecting to piss my pants. This movie just has that sort of reputation, especially if you're a huge fan of rock n' roll. And really, who isn't?

Now, before you start calling me a picky asshole (which I am) for talking crap about a great movie (which it is), I want you to know I really did love this movie. I can't believe I'm seeing it nearly 30 years late. This is something I should have been pissing myself laughing at when I was 10 and close enough to the 80's to appreciate all the humor. Well, as best a 10 year old could. If, like me, you were sheltered from this movie as a child you definitely need to watch this. It was pretty damn funny. I would have thought it was even funnier if I had seen it when I was a kid like I should have. I guess you sort of have to blame bad parenting.

Click here to add this to your instant queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's always talked about as a "cult classic" and I'm all about those.

Is it artsy? Not really, just a really well done mockumentary.

What stood out the most to you? How spot on so much of the satire was. It was almost like watching an episode of Behind the Music, but funnier.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Sick of listening to that 80's rock station at work.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

Tweet

Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same (1976)

Featuring: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, John Paul Jones. Directors: Joe Massot, Peter Clifton.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

If you aren't a fan of Led Zeppelin then you need to either hit up iTunes (or obtain by other means) some of their music. Either that or get off of my page. They're the greatest rock band of all time in my mind and they are unquestionably up there in everyone's top five (provided they have any knowledge of music history). Their music was incredible and their energy was insane. The four of them were as talented as any group in history.

I imagine you all probably know that already, but I was just making sure. This film captures the band live from Madison Square Garden in New York tearing the house down in their prime. Watching them perform gave me goosebumps and it only got more intense as it went on. Jimmy Page is probably the only man in history that could give that other Jimi a run for his money as far as creativity and skill with the guitar. My face melted a little bit, no bullshit. Robert Plant's voice is absolutely mesmorizing, I didn't even really need to watch this to be hypnotized. The music is that good.

This is something that should be watched by anyone with any passing interest in music. Sure, there were trippy scenes thrown in for absolutely no reason that only detracted from the performance, but that's just how they rolled in the 70's. Don't let the bizarre beginning distract you from what is here. A thrilling performance from the greatest rock stars of all time.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Led Zeppelin were rock gods.

Is it artsy? No, but it tries to be with pointless trippy parts that just feel tagged on.

What stood out the most to you? Jimmy Page is a bad mother f*****.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Stoned and/or ready to rock.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.  

Tweet

It Might Get Loud (2008)

Featuring: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White
Director: Davis Guggenheim

Warning: This documentary will only be available for streaming until April 8th so act fast!

The electric guitar is the defining instrument of the last hundred years. The lore behind, and love of the electric guitar has changed the world for the better. There isn't a person in the world that hasn't nodded their head to a song featuring it at least once. The love for the instrument has given us some incredible virtuosos that have given legendary performances.

The documentary It Might Get Loud, pays homage to the electrified ax. It gathers three guitarists, Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, The Edge from U2, and Jack White from the White Stripes into the same room to basically talk shop. If you aren't a big music fan I can tell you right now you won't appreciate this documentary. If you are, however, you'll probably find it interesting, as I did, to listen to bona fide rock stars talk about their creative process.

The real treat was when they all started jamming though. When Jimmy Page ripped into Whole Lotta Love the look on Edge and White's face was akin to seeing a kid in a candy store. You could see the awe in their eyes from getting to play with one of their obvious heroes.

The coolness of that moment kind of illustrated what I didn't like about this documentary though. While The Edge and Jack White are good guitarists and innovative in their own right, their contributions to the history of music pale in comparison to those of Jimmy Page. Plus, even in his late 60's he's still technically proficient enough to run circles around the both of them. I like Edge and White and they were interesting enough in this documentary but I would have much rather have seen living legends like B.B. King take their place.

I get that selecting The Edge and White was a commercially smart idea for this documentary but I would have liked to have seen some guitarists that can go note for note with Page instead of a couple of admirers. My personal gripes aside, it was still great to see Page play and the other two had some interesting stories to tell as well.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will be streaming on Netflix until 4/6/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Jimmy Page is a Rock God.

Is it artsy? No, but it outlines the creative process for a few artists.

What stood out the most to you? Jimmy Page ripping into Whole Lotta Love.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to hear some guitarists talk shop and jam a bit.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

Tweet