The Beatles is arguably the best band ever. How many other bands can rival them? Led Zeppelin? Rolling Stones? Pink Floyd? Not very many. They were the biggest band of the 1960s, with the Beach Boys and the Monkees being their arch-rivals. When they released their first album in 1962, it was evident that they were destined for greatness. By 1964, they were on top of the world. They did a memorable performance on The Ed Sullivan Show and a movie was made to capture this band at the height of the their fame.
Believe it or not, there were lots of people back then that didn't like the Fab Four. But when "A Hard Day's Night" came out, even its biggest haters were shocked at the wit and brains this movie had. Decades later, it is still being studied by film and music scholars.
I absolutely love the Beatles. Every time music is played in this, greatness erupts. But in order for the movie to resonate with everyone, it can't be just the music that is great. Take the opening scene when they are being chased through the streets by fans. That remains one of the best and most iconic openings in film history.
There was a time where I didn't like this, and for good reason. The movie is about shenanigans that the guys face while on tour. There isn't much of a story, other than Paul's grandfather disrupting things and Ringo having an inferiority complex. But really looking at the film, each character is fully developed and alive. Each scene, no matter how trivial, is enjoyable. There was just a time when I was expecting a story so original and so life-changing. A masterpiece isn't presented here, but it's still fine.
Not sure how true this is to reality, but each man has memorable traits. George is an intellect, John is a jokester, Paul is caring and Ringo has low self esteem. As mentioned, the major of the film deals with Ringo and Paul's grandfather. They tangle through a couple of days on tour where they must deal with their own problems.
If you are a fan of the Fab Four, go see this. If you aren't, go see this anyway. This wasn't the best film of the 60s, but it was the most influential in terms of styling and trendiness.
3.5/4.
Believe it or not, there were lots of people back then that didn't like the Fab Four. But when "A Hard Day's Night" came out, even its biggest haters were shocked at the wit and brains this movie had. Decades later, it is still being studied by film and music scholars.
I absolutely love the Beatles. Every time music is played in this, greatness erupts. But in order for the movie to resonate with everyone, it can't be just the music that is great. Take the opening scene when they are being chased through the streets by fans. That remains one of the best and most iconic openings in film history.
There was a time where I didn't like this, and for good reason. The movie is about shenanigans that the guys face while on tour. There isn't much of a story, other than Paul's grandfather disrupting things and Ringo having an inferiority complex. But really looking at the film, each character is fully developed and alive. Each scene, no matter how trivial, is enjoyable. There was just a time when I was expecting a story so original and so life-changing. A masterpiece isn't presented here, but it's still fine.
Not sure how true this is to reality, but each man has memorable traits. George is an intellect, John is a jokester, Paul is caring and Ringo has low self esteem. As mentioned, the major of the film deals with Ringo and Paul's grandfather. They tangle through a couple of days on tour where they must deal with their own problems.
If you are a fan of the Fab Four, go see this. If you aren't, go see this anyway. This wasn't the best film of the 60s, but it was the most influential in terms of styling and trendiness.
3.5/4.