Stars: The Rolling Stones
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Reviewed by: Adam Mast, Zboneman.com
Grade: A-
February saw the release of the stunning U2 3-D, and now comes Shine a Light, a high energy Rolling Stones concert film from director Martin Scorsese. This incredible Imax event showcases the iconic band in a way you've never seen before.
Shot at New York's Beacon Street Theater in 2006, Shine A Light captures The Rolling Stones in all their rock n' roll glory, and while watching Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and Charlie Watts exude unlimited swagger, it's easy to see why this legendary band has endured for all these years. Even in their 60's, the Stones still know how to rock.
Shine A Light certainly one up's U2 3-D in the set list department. At just over two hours, this exhausting concert film sees the band performing their biggest hits –including Brown Sugar, Satisfaction, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and Start Me Up, but it also mixes things up a bit treating the audience to some intimate numbers they may not be used to hearing live. Included; Keith Richards performing You Got the Silver.
Shine A Light features some amazing guest vocalists. The White Stripes' Jack White duets with Jagger on Loving Cup and the end result is exhilarating. During a stunning version of Live With Me, Jagger shows that not only is he a rock God, but that he also brings out the best in others. This insane duet with Christina Aguilera shows a side of the R&B singer that we really haven't seen before. Having said that, the sexual tension between the two was a bit disconcerting. As outstanding as Aguilera proves to be, she's upstaged by dynamic blues man Buddy Guy. The intensity this guy brings to the stage is undeniable. Champagne and Reefer is perhaps the highlight performance of the entire movie.
Scorsese is no stranger to amazing concert films. He also directed the unforgettable Last Waltz, and while some might argue that Shine A Light sort of directs itself, kudos to Scorsese for knowing where to put the camera, for an incredible sound mix, and for managing to dig up some truly amazing stock footage interviews with the band in their early days. Added props to Marty for a spectacular tracking shot at the very end of the movie. Even casual Stones fans will be mesmerized by this exceptional concert film.