Review of Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010) by Samantha S — 25 Apr 2010

This movie was FANTASTIC! it's refreshing to a see a biography of a rock star that doesn't include substance abuse. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." This is Ian Dury's credo from the time he's struck with polio as a child. Against all the the odds, he becomes a successful performer and one of the foundations of punk rock. Part music video, part vaudeville show, part traditional biography, you learn the story of Ian Dury and his son, Baxter. Andy Serkis, greatly reduced in weight but with his signature growl that serves him well as Ian Dury.

Ray Winstone is terrific as Ian's father (sadly, there were no scenes between him and Andy Serkis). Olivia Wiliams as his semi-estranged wife and Naomi Harris as his live-in girlfriend/bass player are great. The kid playing Baxter is fantastic.

It's an interesting view to a one-in-a-kind individual who made his way despite all the odds. We see his growth from driven and irresponsible and selfish to mature and caring. Unfortunately, there's no "P.S." to explain what happened after the last scene but the movie concludes with "Reasons to be Cheerful, Part III" which is perfectly appropriate, as the ending is surprisingly upbeat and fulfilling.

I've been waiting a long time to see Andy Serkis get a leading part that will showcase his talent and here it is. He is amazing. I hope this is the first of many for him.

DO NOT MISS THIS IF A) you like biographies or B) you're into rock or punk music or C) if you're into the English thing or D) like to see accounts of famous people sans substance abuse.