pebsdad
God, this is a terrible film based on wonderful and talented people. The credits state that all characters are fictitious, but clearly they are based on real people. Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Barry Mann et al, are all acquaintances (and clearly on display) in this fictitious drama about songwriting and singers in the 60's. The real shame is that there is a fantastic story that really happened with all these folks in this era that deserves a documentary or docudrama (sorry Vinyl, you are definitely not it). Another shame is that the music that was assembled for the film, whether original or compiled, is fantastic and deserving of a much better film. When Shawn Colvin shows up playing and singing, sitting on a stump towards the end of the film, all I can do is drop my chin and shake my head...what a waste of talent.
trish_p
I came across this film one late night several years ago and I thought it was excellent. I just finished watching it a few minutes ago, and it stood the test of time for sure. It was every bit as good this time as it was the first time I saw it.Since the movie is loosely based on the life of Carol King, one of the things I enjoy about the film is trying to figure out what "real life" singing groups and songs were represented in this film. This film really has it all. Great acting, great music and a story that is definitely a tear jerker.I highly recommend this film. I would definitely include it in an evening of "chick flick" film watching!
Michael Cleary
I was reminded of how really good this movie is today when I saw it on T.V. (with commercials ugh) I've seen it a few times before and every time I watch it, I bawl like a baby and I'm a guy. A really tough guy. But this movie goes straight to my heart and puts a squeeze on it through the wonderful music, the sweet nostalgia and what a cast!Illeana Douglas is beautiful and she really plays her character with great talent. She's supported by a strong cast and how can you go wrong with Turturro playing Phil Specter? The first time I saw this there was something familiar about the music; the songs, like "God give me Strength". As much as I like Elvis Costello, that scene of Illeana performing it for Matt (Brian Wilson) Dillon was such a unique delivery of a pure and powerful vocal. I later found that the 'familiarity' is Burt Bacharach and the 'voice' is Kristin Vigard: Wow! Back in those days there was such an explosion of music and creativity and Burt Bacharach was truly a pop force.I loved the Brill Building scenes, especially when they were working on the songs. I thought the movie lost something when it moved west to California but was deeply moved by Douglas and Turturro 'having it out' at the empty poolside. The final song with the flashbacks and her crowning achievement of recording that "one great album" had me weeping again. I really like this movie so I ordered the DVD online.
d_ohnuts
Illeana Douglas portrays songwriter Densie Waverly in a film loosely based on Carole King. It is more like a sneak peek into the lives of the 60's pop composers at the famous Brill Building(Neil Diamond, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich). Most of the characters are based on real life rock and rollers. John Turturro plays a Phil Specter like producer named Joel, who discovers Denise. Matt Dillon does a pretty decent portrayal of a producer, not unlike Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Some parts are a bit too dramatic, but the songs in the movie--composed by the Brill writers make up for it. The highlight is Douglas's lip sync(sung by Kristen Vigard), written by Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. Good rock and roll movie. If you like this try: *La Bamba *That Thing You Do *The Rose
AD
