Review of Mayor of the Sunset Strip

For those of us old enough to remember the music scene of the late 60's, 70's and beyond (even the popularity of the Monkees!) this film is like going to a wonderful, emotionally affecting family reunion. The stills and video footage are so wonderful, it makes you want to see the film more than once, or own a copy. What is most striking about the film, though, is Rodney himself. I'm sure that there are many people in the world he inhabits who are conceited or arrogant or dismissive of ordinary people. But Rodney's pureness of heart shines through in this film. You can clearly see how unpretentious, genuine, and generous of spirit he is, and how he relates to people like Cher or Nancy Sinatra as real people, not because they are famous. Although the filmmaker seems to focus on areas of Rodney's life that remain unfulfilled, and this brings more than a little pathos to the overall tone of the film, the film really makes you care and want to know more about this unique man, who truly has a beautiful spirit.