Customer Reviews

Still Alive & Kickin'

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This documentary chronicles the career of a living rock legend (Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins) and of his bout with pancreatic cancer. His relationship with other musicians such as Robbie Robertson, Kris Kristofferson, and Billy Ray Cyrus and their high regard for him is testimony to his place of prominence in the history of Rock and Roll/Rockabilly. The documentary is well made and the appearances by Bill and Hilary Clinton and the tribute song by Paul Anka is, by itself, a sufficient reason to buy the DVD. For anyone who thinks that Michael Jackson invented the "moonwalk" this film will be an eye opener! This truly oustanding film deserves a prominent place in the history of rock and roll.

Being a big fan of rockabilly music, and living across the border from Canada, I am well aware of Ronnie Hawkins. "The Hawk" (and numerous other nicknames) is an old-time rock 'n roller who grew up in Arkansas, did an early gig in Hamilton, Ontario, and loved Canada so much he stayed there. He's been there almost 50 years now, rockin' away.

He almost didn't get to continue his music not too long ago, and that's the subject of this documentary. About a half dozen years ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live. Many patients don't even last that long. Pancreatic cancer is a death sentence.

Yet, a miracle happened and the cancer disappeared. How, and perhaps why - is still baffling Toronto doctors and is discussed in this story. Cameras follow Mr. Hawkins into his home and we get to really know the man, his wife, his dogs and his friends. We see some of the things he goes through in the face of death.

I knew The Hawk wasn't exactly Billy Graham, or Mother Teresa but I was still shocked how profane and sex-obsessed he is. It'a almost embarrassing to listen to him with f-this, f-that to everyone, including a lot of women, and constantly talking about his penis and getting erections. Whatever, the whole thing is strange.

It could have been more inspirational had Ronnie been a little classier throughout the telecast. "Well, that's him," someone explains in the movie. "He talks that way to everyone, whether they are a nun or another musician." Well, that doesn't excuse his crude behavior nor lack of good taste and manners. One thing that amazed me: Hawkins was doing Michael Jackson's "moonwalk" long before Jackson made it famous! Another good trait was his attitude toward life and death. He didn't sit around and mope when told he was dying.

P.S. I wonder whatever happened to that mystery teen healer?