runamokprods A very likable, intimate portrait of the punk rock turned art rock group The Flaming Lips.A very unusual documentary in that the film was made by a longtime friend of the band members, especially leader Wayne Coyne.But rather than that leading to a glossy 'these guys are perfect' approach, it leads to a sense of honesty, of humor, of admitting of personal faults (right down to a band member using drugs on camera, and talking in a pretty heartbreaking way about his addiction). And what's fascinating about this particular group from Oklahoma is that they're wildly creative, while still seeming like nice regular human beings with families, day to day problems, good and bad sides -- unlike what we usually see of rock stars living in Hollywood mansions and hiding from the world.If there's a problem with the film it's that, for someone like me who doesn't really know the band's music, we see and hear so little of it that sometimes it's hard to fully understand the evolution of their work that's being discussed. So in some ways this film will work best for those who are already fans of the group, But that said, I still really enjoyed it, found I liked these people, laughed with their funny view of life (the 'reenactment' of the robbery of a 'Long John Silver's' where Wayne once worked is a comic highlight) and even found myself touched by the end.

albob3000 This is a wonderful film, and one can tell that it's definitely a labor of love.I must say that I was disturbed by the drug use scene with Stephen. However, this is because I am a former addict. But I still think it was unnecessary to be so graphic; but he truly shares the perils of heroin addiction in the most real way.I do wonder how the movie will turn out. I can't believe the amount of energy Wayne possesses toward his projects. I found him to be a great role model (I am an artist myself, and quite lazy by comparison).Only one more complaint. Like in many documentaries, they will tease you with the beginning of a wonderful song, then speak over it, or cut away. I could have used less talk and more music, since this is what the documentary is ultimately about; well beside their lives and the creative process.I highly recommend this film. Oh, and yes, it is a bit too long; but it only proves how engaged the filmmaker is in the project.

kdcndw VH1 Behind The Music catapulted the Rock Documentary to a different level(good or bad is your opinion) However, the structure the VH1 Producers use works wonders: Rebellious teens, start band, Plucked From Obscurity and Poverty by major label. Rise Fall and Rise. Good dramatic arcs "Fearless Freaks' follows this formula a bit but has different ambitions, and mostly I think it succeeds. But some sloppy storytelling and an excessive running time hurt the film a bit. Still there are moments of pure fascination, emotion and heartache in this one (Spoilers #1) 3 2 1 The heroin addiction scene with Steve mentioned in previous posts becomes a frightening, depressing yet fascinating side note. Even if one views this scene and has never heard the flaming lips. You will be moved. Powerful stuff. Thanks to both Steve and the filmmakers courage to let the audience be moved by this very difficult intimate scene. However, somewhat like most of the Lips earlier records, the film lacks direction and focus and becomes very vignette like. No real connective glue. Maybe an editing issue? (Spoiler #2) 3 2 1 Example? one part of the film mentions how band member Steve had some members of this family commit suicide but doesn't come full circle with the story telling. They just drop that fragment. You don't know who...when...where...why. Steve's girlfriend mentions it and the filmmakers just drop the whole thing. Never tie it up. Disappointing. Example 2 (spoilers) 3 2 1 The film uses these psychedelic montages as breaking points for the story. Come on people. You could have easily come up with a better transition device (I am a video editor by trade so I think I can be critical of this flaw) When the film doesn't drop the ball and effectively tells the stories of Flaming Lips members' families/relatives/siblings it can compete with any other human interest documentary out there. Truly moving emotional stuff. So wrapping it up. A good not great film about a soon to be legendary Semi Cult Band. And for music freaks like myself the film features interviews of Gibby of Butthole Surfers, Johnathan Donahue from Mercury Rev, Meg & Jack White, Beck, and some others. Really cool end kdc

jamesv-1 I really liked this movie a lot. I first learned of The Flaming Lips a couple years ago, when a friend lent me their CD. So, I'm not a huge fan by any means, just someone who likes their music. Before watching the movie, I knew nothing about the band, its members, or their history. This movie changed all that. It's a documentary about the band members as well as the lives of people who are touched in some way by this band. It's a very real, very honest, and a very heartfelt movie. I walked away with much adoration and appreciation of Wayne Coyne not only as a musician and artist, but also as a human being. The guy seems like a genuinely nice person.In some ways, the story is about a band that has changed and grown over time, just as any of us do in life. Their music reflects this. Seeing the long transformation of the band into what they have become today was fascinating. Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, we see the band undergo its own metamorphosis. You can actually hear and see the maturity of the band in their song-writing, the mastery of their instruments, and most importantly, in their music.The movie also provides us a glimpse into Steve Drozd's journey to face his demons. I saw this movie at its world premiere, and the director asked the audience what we thought about the film. Was it too long? No, and actually I wasn't even aware of the time passing, it was that good. What did we think about the "scene" with Steve? I'm glad the director included it.This movie is a real picture of the band. In many ways, the director, Bradley Beesley, provided us a glimpse into many of the band member's personal lives. We see Wayne confronting the reality of his father's passing. We see Steve confronting the consequences of his drug addiction. As I said, it's a very real film. And it's genuine.Brad, thank you. You did a great job.