Saw this movie in the last San Diego Latino Film Festival and I still have a smile on my face. The jokes are good, the music loud, but what makes the film so special is that it tells you why you ever bought an album or queued for ten hours in the rain to see Alice Cooper or someone alike. "Eddie Reynolds" chronicles the haphazard resurrection of a fictitious eighties rock group that self-destructed before achieving legendary status... It's difficult to convey the deranged insanities of the rock experience: Rob Reiner managed it in "This Is Spinal Tap" and made us laugh. It's even harder to encapsulate that brief time when the crap falls away and group harmony prevails, as Alan Parker did in "The Commitments". To do both is nearly a miracle and "Eddie Reynolds" somewhat manages to do that. Maybe it's not perfect, but what this movie has in spades though is great comedy writing and exceptionally good performances. But it's the dialogue which makes this rare treat a joy to watch, keeping on the right side of reality while still lining up plenty of laughs. Anyway, it's like "The Commitments" for grown-ups. This tale of a band back on the road is so realistic you'll swear you own the albums. Perfect for anyone who's been touched by the hand of pop. A foot-stompin', rip-rockin' good night out.
