ViewGuide

Created Mar 08, 2014 01:34PM PST • Edited Mar 08, 2014 01:34PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   From the title, you might think that this movie about backup singers would highlight some frustration at not making it to the big-league. However, you soon gain a deeper appreciation for the chops that these ultimate professionals really bring to the table. And that credibility comes from the stars themselves, like Springsteen, Jagger, and Sting – who are very quick to point out how great they are. Probably the only difference from them and the stars is a matter of opportunity and timing. One of the highlighted singers, Darlene Love, did have a relatively brief moment in the spotlight herself, and a few other backup singers (Luther Vandross, Cheryl Crow) had appearances and are now stars. As documentaries go, 20 Feet is fascinating for music lovers. You will see mesmerizing performances from Tina Turnker and the Ikettes, Joe Cocker, the Stones, Sting, David Bowie, Lynard Skynard and others. That said, my one complaint is that there wasn’t more actual singing or dissecting of the famous backup jobs. Also, I really wish they had had Clare Torry from Pink Floyd’s ‘Great Gig in the Sky’, or maybe the famous Bob Marley and the Wailers backups.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.5

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0