Review of Taking Woodstock (2009) by Bryan G — 26 Dec 2009

In the 90's, director Ang Lee was no stranger to making great films. But it wasn't until the past decade where Lee has truly emerged as one of the greatest and most reliable minds working in the business. With films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hulk (yes, I liked Hulk!), Brokeback Mountain and Lust, Caution, Lee has delivered some of the most impressive movies of this decade so far. I had a lot of expectations with Taking Woodstock, which turned out not to be another solid film from this gifted filmmaker.

As far as acting goes, Taking Woodstock is wonderfully acted. I've grown to really like Demetri Martin over the past year, largely due to me discovering his hilarious comedy routines as well as his Comedy Central series Important Things. There really isn't much to the role of Elliot Tiber, a son desperately trying to save his parents failing motel business, but I enjoyed Martin immensely in the film. For a guy known for playing goofballs, Demetri Martin slips perfectly into this serious role.

Other greats in the film were the ever reliable Imelda Staunton as Elliot's mother Sonia. Staunton transforms herself and disappears into the role. Equally great was Henry Goodman as her husband Jake. Emile Hirsch delivers a fine performance, but I didn't care much for his character (which added little to the film). And there were the small, but charming performances by Paul Dano and Kelli Garner as a couple Elliot meets in their VW van during the festival and has a drug laced romp with.

Lee does an adequate job at filming his movie, using some great techniques and creative camera tricks along the way. But the film does little to capture the feel of this time period, and doesn't bring to life this unique moment in American history. The film doesn't have much weight to it, but I still enjoyed watching Taking Woodstock because of the great performances by its talented cast. And hopefully Demetri Martin can continue to explore other genres and bloom as an actor, since he was so great in this film.