Michael_Elliott Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987) *** 1/2 (out of 4)Excellent documentary covering two concerts from 1986, which were put together to celebrate Chuck Berry's 60th birthday. Hackford's film not only gives us clips from both concerts but we get to see early rehearsals as well as get interview clips with the usually very reluctant Berry. Fans of the music legend are certainly going to get a kick out of this film for several reasons. One is that we get to hear Berry talk about himself and pretty openly except when the director makes the mistake of asking about his wife. Berry certainly doesn't let any deep secrets out of the bag but we get to tour his garage with a large number of Cadillacs as well as hear why he refuses to go around with any posse or entourage. One of the best segments in the film has Berry driving himself to a concert venue, walking through the streets like a normal person and just arriving minutes before he's set to go on stage. This sequence also has a brief bit at the airport where Berry, again by himself, just has his guitar and a small bag. One of the best stories comes from Bruce Springsteen who was opening a concert for Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis and soon found himself backing Berry up during his set. Another great thing about this film is that it doesn't shy away from the fact that Berry is a very hard person to work with and The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards finds this out as he gets quite a chewing from Berry because he isn't playing one of the songs good enough. Seeing these two legends go after one another was great fun and Richard was very respectful of the man but one wonders what he was really thinking. We also get to hear a funny story about Berry punching Richards back in the 70s and another one where Lewis says he got beat up by Berry after suggesting that he was the king of rock. Etta James, Bobby Keys, Julian Lennon, Linda Ronstadt, Richards and Eric Clapton are some of the names who appear during the concert footage. All of the big numbers are here and sound terrific, although one questions by Lennon was doing the majority of the singing on Johnny B. Goode. Fans of rock will certainly want to check this thing out as it contains a little bit of everything.

moonspinner55 Taylor Hackford's documentary chronicling rock music pioneer Chuck Berry and his return to Missouri hometown with a star-laden concert both he and Keith Richards (from the Rolling Stones) put together in St. Louis. The film doesn't probe too deeply into Berry's troubled life (including two trips to jail), but his surly, chipped-shoulder bravado and mercurial personality make for some fascinating sequences. Richards, who organized the event--a 60th birthday celebration for Berry--and plays guitar alongside Chuck, has some tense confrontations with his star and tells of several amusing moments where he nearly gave up on him. Of the concert guests, Eric Clapton, Julian Lennon, and especially Linda Ronstadt are the highlights, but Robert Cray and Etta James are disappointing. **1/2 from ****

memery-1 If you notice, Keith Richards is drinking during rehearsals and who can blame him?? Chuck Berry must have been a nightmare to deal with, but the concert and film are excellent! Chuck does sound a bit out of tune, but makes up for it with his showmanship. The guest stars are well placed EXCEPT for Julian Lennon. And if I am not mistaken he duets to Jonny B. Goode -- an all time classic. Okay, the guy is the son of a rock legend and had a hit or two, but did he really have a reason to be on stage with Chuck and the band?? Also, why did Chuck cut short the interview with his wife??? Still, a great film that offers insight into a pioneer.

XRANDY Should be required viewing for all rock fans, aspiring guitarists, songwriters and pop culture historians. Three points:1.) Berry is truly shown as the multiple demonsional individual he is: smart and articulate, funny, often bitter, and at times a REAL ASS!2.) Johnny Johnson rocks! Strange how Berry decries the industry for ripping him off but seems obtuse to how much he owes this rock piano genius.3.) The story told by Bruce Springsteen is priceless.