As "Wham!" (2023 release from the UK; 92 min) opens, we hear George (in archival audio footage) and Andrew (from new interviews) talk about how they met in school at age 12. In 1979, at age 16 they formed a pre-Wham band called the Executive. Then come the 1981 demos of Wham Rap and Careless Whisper, leading to a record deal in 1982 as Wham! Officially starts... At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from longtime documentary director Chris Smith (100 Foot Wave"). Here he, with the full cooperation of Andrew. Ridgeley and the estate of George Michael, looks back at the fast rise of ultimate 80's band Wham! I must admit that I am not the greatest fan of their music, which is a little too bubbly for my liking, At the same time, one must acknowledge that these talented lads were a mere 19 in 1982 when Wham ! Started, and a mere 23 when Wham! Disbanded in 1986. That absolutely blows the mind. (It also puts into perspective that George Michel's creative peak came when he was a mere 24 (with 1987's Faith) and 27 (with 1990's. Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.) If we can believe this documentary, it was all roses and sunshine between Ridgley and Michael, from start to finish, and beyond. Is that really so? It's impossible to ascertain from this documentary. In fact there isn't the slightest hint of criticism or negativity throughout the documentary. In that sense, this movie feels more like tribute to Wham! Than it is a critical assessment. I would have preferred a bit more of the latter. The music, aside from several all-time classics like "Careless Whisper" and "Last Christmas", hasn't aged all that well in these past 40 years but even that cannot be discussed in this documentary.
"Wham!" started streaming on Netflix about 2 weeks ago, and I caught up with it just the other night. I typically enjoy these types of music documentaries, but not so much in this particular case. For that the documentary lacks any sign of critical assessment. Of course don't take my words for it, so check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from longtime documentary director Chris Smith (100 Foot Wave"). Here he, with the full cooperation of Andrew. Ridgeley and the estate of George Michael, looks back at the fast rise of ultimate 80's band Wham! I must admit that I am not the greatest fan of their music, which is a little too bubbly for my liking, At the same time, one must acknowledge that these talented lads were a mere 19 in 1982 when Wham ! Started, and a mere 23 when Wham! Disbanded in 1986. That absolutely blows the mind. (It also puts into perspective that George Michel's creative peak came when he was a mere 24 (with 1987's Faith) and 27 (with 1990's. Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.) If we can believe this documentary, it was all roses and sunshine between Ridgley and Michael, from start to finish, and beyond. Is that really so? It's impossible to ascertain from this documentary. In fact there isn't the slightest hint of criticism or negativity throughout the documentary. In that sense, this movie feels more like tribute to Wham! Than it is a critical assessment. I would have preferred a bit more of the latter. The music, aside from several all-time classics like "Careless Whisper" and "Last Christmas", hasn't aged all that well in these past 40 years but even that cannot be discussed in this documentary.
"Wham!" started streaming on Netflix about 2 weeks ago, and I caught up with it just the other night. I typically enjoy these types of music documentaries, but not so much in this particular case. For that the documentary lacks any sign of critical assessment. Of course don't take my words for it, so check it out and draw your own conclusion.