(Review by Russell)
Of course you’ve heard of this rock star but you don’t really know his music. You’re persuaded to go on a date to the cinema to see the new biopic based upon the life and times of this legendary figure. The lead actor looks like him, doesn’t he? He played a trombone, no, a trumpet, didn’t he? The sets look like they are out of a seventies’ cop series with hip dude dialogue. Lots of motherf***** this and motherf***** that. The journalist character is chasing a story. The rock star isn’t keen to play ball. A Jimmy Cagney car chase, Batman and Robin fisticuffs (split lips, not good for a trombonist).
So what’s the story? A stolen session tape, crooked record executive types, guns, the quest to recover what is rightfully the rockstar’s amidst a serious drug habit. The story slight, the soundtrack excellent, Don Cheadle as Miles Davis is convincing. Is it worth seeing Miles Ahead? If you’re a jazz fan, yes, but don’t expect too much. If you don’t know anything about Miles and his music you could be forgiven for wondering what
the f*** the fuss is about.
That first date to the cinema could be the first and last. S/he could well conclude you’re some kind of jazz weirdo and decide that watching Eastenders is a better bet.
Russell
Miles Ahead - Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle. Times.
1 comment :
Have to agree with Russell on this one. Film never really establishes why Miles was such an innovator and all time great. As a film it may be ok (although plot described above a bit tedious)but as a celebration of the man and his music I was left underwhelmed.
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