After a deft opening sequence in which Martin Scorsese sketches his difficulties setting up the film -- in particular, some creative head-butting with Mick Jagger ("It would be nice to have a moving camera!"), Shine a Light quickly turns into a straightforward documentary of a benefit concert at New York's Beacon Theater. Granted, coverage and editing are great, and Marty's array of cameras -- including a few moving ones! -- get intimate images of the band on stage. But did we really need one more version of "Brown Sugar," "Start Me Up," or "Satisfaction?"
In front of an audience that looks like it wandered over from the set of a J.J. Abrams movie, Jagger does his usual strutting and prowling and mugging, but the most expressive thing on screen are the wrinkles on the aging band's faces -- those crow's feet and deep, deep furrows that have a thousand more interesting stories to tell than anything that's actually on screen.
Guests add a bit of much-needed freshness: Jack White sits in for "Loving Cup," and Christina Aguilera joins for "Live With Me," but the only moment the show truly takes off is when Blues legend Buddy Guy comes out with his polka-dot guitar for "Champagne and Reefer." A forgettable if not altogether unpleasant homage to the band.
Shine a Light opens on April 4, 2008 in wide release.
Running Time: 2 hrs. 2 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, drug references and smoking.
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Shine a Light opens on April 4, 2008 in wide release.
