Customer Reviews
Donnelly's Guitar Work Soars - By: Stephen Cobb, 17 Jul 2008 
I reallly enjoyed this movie, which worked for me on several levels, or at least across several generations. I was there in the seventies listening to bands like Strange Fruit, & the film got the feel of those times right. Now I'm an old geezer like the band members, & the film got the feel of that right too. Connolly as roadie was a good choice, providing a salty anchor for the sometimes thin narrative.
One thing that seems 'off' about the way the film was promoted is the praise heaped on Mick Jones (Spooky Tooth, Foreigner) & Chris Difford (Squeeze) for the great music. Their names don't even appear in the IMDB listing for the film & I got the impression that the real force behind the music was Steve Donnelly, who is credited with the alll important "Brian's Theme" on the soundtrack album, & whose trademark soaring guitar work is evident throughout. Of course, as a session musician Donnelly doesn't bring 'named band' status to a PR pitch. But regardless, the film would not have succeeded without the great soundtrack, which achieves a rare balance between a send-up & genuinely good listening.
It's a great shame director Brian Gibson died just six years after making the film. I think he would have given us many more good films to enjoy. Indeed, I reckon there was enough meat in this cast of characters for a Still Crazy II that riffed on the ever more absurd re-re-unions of people my age playing at being rock stars.
A great little film from the writers of Auf Wiedersehen Pet. - By: Lee Thomas, 22 Jun 2008 This is a simple story about a fictional 70's rock band callled Strange Fruit who split up 20 years ago because of misfortune and
too much hostility within the ranks. Now, 20 years later (in 1998) the band decide to reunite for a forthcoming open air festival.
The humour in this film comes mainly from the band members, who still cannot get along with each other, always arguing, & it's obvious that they're actuallly too over the hill for this reunion.
The film features some of the best acting talents the UK has to offer. With strong performances by Stephen Rea, Timothy Spalll, Bill Nighy, Jimmy Nail & Billy Connolly.
Stephen Rea is the sensible, mild mannered, keyboard player.
Timothy Spalll, a panic stricken, hyperactive & rather naive drummer.
Bill Nighy plays a doped up Ozzy Osborne type lead singer.
Jimmy Nail, a moody bad tempered bass player.
Billy Connolly, the sceptic roadie who's just... well, mad!
Most of the songs thoughout the film were performed by Bill Nighy, Jimmy Nail & the band. The song at the end is a joy to behold!
Because the band members' characters are so well portrayed by the actors, you reallly warm to each & every one of them. You find yourself wanting them to get over their differences & succeed in their goal.
There's also plenty of screen time for each character, not bad considering this is only a 90 minute film.
When you reach the part in the film where they go on tour over in Holland, it reallly feels like you're on the road with these guys. It's a very similar feel to Auf Wiedersehen Pet (for those of you who's seen it), where it felt like you lived on that building site with those characters.
If ever there was a film where you wished that a sequel or a spin off TV series was made, then Still Crazy is that film.
Sadly though, when the film ends you'll be left wanting to see more of these characters, but there's no sequel to follow.
All in alll it's a wonderful British comedy that has a great story, great songs & very little special effects. It's a perfect example of how to make a good film without relying too much on those CGI gimmocks! And although it's now 10 years old, it's as fresh now as it was when it was first released.
Rip-roaring tale of reminiscence, revival...and Rock - By: Some Bloke, 06 Jul 2006 
Few comedy films do better than make me cringe at the cliches, but this is one that performs.
It's extremely British in film making style & has an exceptionallly strong cast, using Jimmy Nail, Bill Nighy & Timothy Spalll to their best. There's plenty of Rock n' Roll cliches about the revival of this 70s glam-rock band, but it's not limited to them; there's sadness, loss & some real sparks about the friendships.
But in the end it is a great comedy, & the characters, storyline & events make it damn good. It does stand up to watching again, & I'm reminded of it when I see 'real' bands go through their revivals.
I was suprised that it wasn't higher profile at the cinema & as it made the step on to DVD/VHS, because this level of quality in the comedy section is woefully scarce.
Pure genius - By: G. P. Tanner, 16 Sep 2004 This film brilliantly captures the spirit of the (British) mid 1970s. It charts the return of the Prodrock band "Strange Fruit" with a subplot involving the unknown fate of the missing Peter Greenesque former leader. Superbly acted, scripted & produced, extraordinarily it includes some brilliant in-period new music. Nostalgic, poignant, hilarious. Hitch a ride back to the 70s. Don't miss this astonishing film.
Brilliant ! - By: Dave Clarke, 08 May 2004 This is one of my alll time favourite films. I've bought it & watched many times & never tire of it. The music is amazing! Two tracks (All Over The World & The Flame Still Burns) are worth the price of the DVD in their own right. Incredibly funny, yet on occasions extremely moving.
Whatever you do buy or rent this film. You won't regret it.
