Review of Good Vibrations (2012) by Valerie P — 22 Oct 2015

At the start of this film, I knew nothing of Irishman Terri Hooley and his record label "Good Vibrations". I only knew that this was a true story about someone who was passionate when about music, and that was enough to make me tune in.

The production feels very authentic. The 1970?s comes to life in familiar browns and beiges. The grit and grind of Belfast is solidly conveyed. It's no wonder that so many characters within the story would latch so hard onto music as the one thing that could get them through the day; as the very reason for the day itself. Music is a powerful medium;it means something very visceral, something transcendent, to so many. It seems to have meant more than absolutely anything else in the world to Terri Hooley.

It's a story that needed to be told. It wasn't the fastest paced film, and perhaps my attention did wander a little at times; but there are those who will tell you it's a work of art and a labor of love. It wasn't made to be a smash hit, however. It's more of a specialty piece that will shine for those it was made for, while passing by the public-eye. I am happy to view it as a slightly above-average, educational biography.

And, Hooley's missus was a saint.