Customer Reviews

Still Crazy [VHS]

5 star:		(70)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I rented this film and, as is my wont, I watched it while reading a newspaper or a magazine--really did it a disservice. I had the vague feeling I had missed something, so I bought the DVD, and I've watched the film now 3 or 4 times. It gets better upon repeat viewings. If you watch it, REALLY watch it. There are so many throwaway lines (e.g., "Little Feat. One point") that you just won't catch if you're not paying attention.

The music is just great--very believable rock written by some people from bands of the era (Foreigner, ELO, Squeeze). The actors are perfectly cast. I especially loved Bill Nighy in the role of lead singer Ray--a fragile, aging rocker who makes your heart melt with embarrassment most of the time he's on screen. If you love the old warhorse 70s bands, you'll love this film.

"Big Name" stars Stephen Rea (as keyboard player 'Tony Costello') and Billy Connolly (as prototypical rock band roadie 'Hughie' - no last name known or required) are front-loaded into the credits of this 1999 release detailing the fanciful reunion of splintered 1960s British rock group 'Strange Fruit.'

No matter. The film is lorded over by supposed lesser-light Bill Nighy, portraying the David Lee Roth-like, completely self-absorbed lead singer 'Ray Simms.' Try taking your eyes off Nighy when he's on the screen...especially during his spleen-venting histrionics on-stage. This is Grade A stuff.

And, for once, US marketers got it right: the cover box features Rea and fellow band members pushed far to the back, with a preening Nighy front and center in classic rock superstar regalia and pout. That's exactly the way the movie feels.

We rented 'Still Crazy' as a 'second movie' throw-in & wound up being totally enchanted by it. Frankly, I can't even remember the other film, ostensibly our 'big viewing' for the weekend. I'll bet 'Still Crazy' - and especially Nighy - has that effect on you, too. It's definitely worth checking out.

Q: What do you call a musician without a girlfriend? A: Homeless! If that old chestnut still makes you chortle, then you will "get" this movie. Painting an absolutely life-like portrait of an "almost great" 70's British band reforming for a 90's reunion tour, "Still Crazy" does "Spinal Tap" one better (I guess then you could say this film goes to "eleven", actually). The important dinstinction to make with "Still Crazy" is that, unlike other rock 'n' roll satires, it doesn't "mock" its characters, rather it treats them with the kind of respect that can only come from someone who truly loves and understands the music. Great performances all around, with the oft-mentioned Bill Nighy a standout in a hilarious yet poignant performance as the insecure lead singer. Devoted prog-rock fans will revel in many clever "inside" references, and are sure to recognize that the character of the "lost" leader/guitarist is obviously a tribute to Syd Barrett. Keep in mind, however, that you don't have to be a rabid rock fan to enjoy this film; its core issues dealing with mid-life crisis and the importance of following your bliss are universal themes. An exceptional original soundtrack (the kind that SHOULD, but of course NEVER gets nominated for an Academy Award!) puts the icing on the cake.

Mid-way through this movie, I so wished the band would make it.
That was despite knowing that these were all actors whom I'd seen often in other great films; the acting combined with the excellent writing, and made me desperately hoping this group would achieve the greatness that had alluded them.
Wonderfully done cast, brilliant writing, beautiful locations. Yes, there are cliches here, but you don't really notice them as "cliches"-everything seems to flow together so flawlessy, and ends up feeling entirely natural and unscripted. The music is very well done as well-I do admit being tempted to buy the soundtrack CD.
Bill Nighy did stand out in this movie, for me: a character at once moronic, fragile, and egotistical-he ended up being totally enjoyable, and was for myself probably the most sympathetic character of the film.
Couldn't recommend this movie enough!

Favorite movie of 1999 - Sixth Sense. Favorite video rental of 1999 - Still Crazy.

This movie is a pure joy. This is not a "mockumentary" like Spinal Tap (one of my all-time favorites), but rather a fairly straightforward comedy about a 60s/70s British rock band trying to make a comeback. The "Ray" character is sympathetic and hilarious at the same time...a wonderful character.

The performances are outstanding, the comedy sometimes subtle, sometimes broad, and the music is awesome (I own the soundtrack and would highly recommend it to anyone, even people who haven't seen the movie).

My wife and I watched the movie 3 times in one month...that's how much we enjoyed it.

So, when's Strange Fruit coming to town!

I can't remember the last time I was so entertained by a movie that I watched it three times within 24 hours. STILL CRAZY took me from my somber, somewhat starchy middle-age existence and transported me back to my college years in the Seventies, when I was in a ragtag part-time band. Make no mistake about it: this movie nails the chaotic, outlandish, self-absorbed, overbearing and irresistibly dysfunctional behavior of rock musicians. The antics of the characters--even in middle age as they attempt to revive their careers--brought back a plethora of memories. I, too, can recall gigs that had gone awry; band members shouting chords at one another during a song; the frequent "artistic" disagreements; impromptu jam sessions in barns, garages, empty high school band rooms; and the thrill of connecting with an audience (usually a drunk audience).

Buy this movie...rent this movie...see this movie. It's more than just a comedy; there is a very real human component that transcends even the tumultuous world of the music industry. You'll laugh, you'll brush away an occasional tear, and you'll be thoroughly entertained.

The flame still burns. God bless rock 'n roll!

While I tell twenty-somethings the '70's are best forgotten, I can't help but indulge in re-watching this movie time and time again. It instills a melancholic longing for the utterly free-wheeling energy that decade embodied. I was in high school and college at that time. I knew guys just like the characters and those girls who lost love and lovers to drugs, alcohol, and, well...reality! The comedy is poignant and a little heart-breaking. While a sequel is probably out of the question, you may sometimes wonder what the boys and Karen would be up to. Okay, it's a movie. Well, wouldn't you like an update? PS Buy the soundtrack, if you can find it. The songs, along with the movie's plot will get stuck in your nostalgic head! Anytime me and the "old man" need a laugh we fire this one up. You'll get the joke if you're 50! Truly a classic!

My favorite rock'n roll movie.

As movie's go, Still Crazy is above average, however, as a rock'n roll movie this movie sits miles above. It's a question of stature. Although I enjoy watching Spinal Tap (only with the voice over commentaries switched on), Still Crazy is both funny and convincing.

When you are feeling "too old to rock'n roll, yet too young to die", simply insert this movie into the DVD player, sit back, relax and enjoy.

"I, I want my thoughts to be heard
The unspoken words of my wisdom
Today, as the light starts to close
Tomorrow who knows who will listen"

Either the flame still burns or you die lonely and miserable.
Well it's better than being a wanker!

I just LOVED this movie. It was so real. Every little nuance of the guys was just perfect. I used to watch a band like this in my teens called the Newz/s in New Zealand. And I could almost imagine that someone had tracked them down and used each and every one of them for the characters. I laughed til I cried, it's an absolute scream. It's very well put together, very funny, picks up the times that were, when these bands were really big. Each member of the band is a perfect set of what is was like. The surly serious bass player (but secretly pretty good and of course, every female was in love with him). The blond and totally egotistic but slightly pathetic lead singer. The curly haired Tony who is the 'sensible but cuddly' one of the band. And every character seems to be perfectly thought out. Even down to the lead singers swedish/foriegn wife. And Bryan the genius of the group, but very sensitive. They even got the names right - there was always a Bryan! And a Tony! Anyway, it's a gorgeous film, full of clever lines and marvellous satirical British humour and it's so real and earthy. It's one of my favorites. Talk about take me back.

Ever since I stumbled across this brilliantly
written & casted British satire, I've been reminded
of my love of 70's music & styles, and especially the
fragile psyche of some of those band members, like the
lamentable Ray, whose pre-concert rituals, and on stage
spasms are perfect. Timothy Spall & Billy Connolly
provide great comic relief ("I'm Posh Fruit") from the
sombre sections of this classic story. I loved it from
start to finish, and was so taken by it that I'm ordering
the soundtrack as a keepsake. I'm also obsessed with
"The Flame Still Burns", a classic ballad which I have
been playing to death on my VCR. It's a touching song, and
adds to the moving and triumphant ending. Please get this
cast together one more time for a sequel, as there's some definite magic happening here.