SmugKitZine
Tied for the best movie I have ever seen
Matialth
Good concept, poorly executed.
Teddie Blake
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Cassandra
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
leplatypus
Actually, i read together all my books about this favorite band of mine. I change the book when i reach the same time-line, usually the release of the new album. By far, "U2 by U2" is the definitive book because it's the more complete and personal.If i watch this DVD, it's because i have read all books until the "Joshua Tree" album. This is the moment when U2 becomes the number one band and this movie shows that they were worthy of it: i got a lot goose bumps here, despite i still don't know why music is the only experience to give me such.R&H was the first U2 album i listened back in 1993 and the one that got me as their fan."VDL", "Desire", "Heartland", "AOH", "AIWIY" are terrific songs and "Bad", "RTS" live versions just touch a weak point. I find the black and white very warm here and when it turns to colors, it doesn't change things because it's about shadows and big white light.It's true that U2 doesn't talk very much here and that they seem a bit dumb when they try but their music is so wonderful! Now, with this reading, i understand two things that climaxes in this movie: first, U2 was rootless musically thus this "musical journey" (as Larry says it) was essential for them. Two, as an Irish band, they are strongly attracted by America and i think we can read their love songs as their unconscious feeling about this country (and maybe their celebrity, too!) Next stop "Zooropa" !
timcassini
One of my favourite movies of all time. The songs are fantastic. Starting with a cover version of the Beatles hit Helter Skelter then moving on to the beautiful Van Diemen's Land (sung by guitarist The Edge) and Desire which I also loveThe movie is filmed in black and white and this is my only criticism. There is a bit where the Band visit the grave of Elvis in Graceland which is very moving, especially as drummer Larry points out how unhappy he was about seeing his hero's grave with the eternal flame flickering and how he thought it would distract from the rest of the tour. (incidentally the song Heartland, which I loved was left over from the Joshua Tree)You also get a cover of Bob Dylan's All along the Watch Tower which I enjoyed plus U2 staples such as With or Without You and Where the Streets have no Name.I could go on and on about this film. I love it.
gaea
I've owned this movie for 12 years now and it still can give me chills, make me laugh and make me cry! I really enjoyed U2 before I saw this movie, but after watching it, I absolutely fell in love with them & have loved them ever since. Granted, Bono has his periods of ranting, but that's just part of what makes them U2. As I said in the summary, the opening of "Where the Streets Have No Name", filmed in Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe is absolutely breath-taking...truly incredible cinematography! I still get goosebumps every time I see it. And the live version of "With or Without You", with an extra beautiful verse added in is the best version of the song I've ever heard. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" has always brought tears to my eyes, but to actually SEE it and see the passion Bono has as he's singing it makes it just that much better. Probably one of my favorite parts of the film though, is at the very beginning when the Edge sings "Van Diemen's Land". It's a beautiful song and I really enjoyed hearing him sing solo. If you're a true fan, this movie is an absolute must-have. If you're not, you probably won't be able to enjoy or truly appreciate it.
jpmurmur
Even people who consider this group to be musicians should be turned off by this smarmy pat-on-the-back "documentary" about the Irish embarassment known as U2. That's the letter "U" and the numeral "2".This exercise in poor film making about uninteresting subject matter will rob you of two hours of your life that you will never get back. Avoid this if you like music or films.