Review of When You're Strange (2010) by Luisa M — 22 Jun 2011
2.5 stars would suffice but I'm a Doors fan so phugg it. This doc is a hot mess. The only thing it really has going for it is the chronology and the "occasional" unforgettable clip/snapshot from some event.
I didn't understand the post-death wraith/reincarnation of Jim "driving" down a highway & covering up a decaying dog...? Superfluous. The narration by Johnny Depp covered everything any half-ass 10th grade History project could include---the cliff notes of the band.
There are a couple deviations, like the insight to some of his lyrics both in poetry and song form. It felt more like a photo album run-through than a motion picture. AND almost half of the narration, the story, pertained to the 60's counterculture movement, civil rights, Vietnam.
.. I thought this was a Doors doc? I can locate much superior projects that concentrate on the late 60's without even trying. Overall, this doc lacks substance, unveiled factoids, and fine detail and replaces it with relevant yet indiscriminate FILLER footage/photos.
This was clearly a rushed, unfinished film.
This review of When You're Strange (2010) was written by Luisa M on 22 Jun 2011.
When You're Strange has generally received positive reviews.
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