Shine A Light Is Two Hours Of Jagger's Crotch IMAX-ified

Paramount Vantage

Trevor Morelli (CHARTattack)

04/04/2008 11:30am

If you're thinking of watching the new Rolling Stones movie Shine A Light in IMAX this weekend, consider the possible outcomes. It's either a glorious rock spectacle intensified by 10,000 watts of booming sound and a massive screen or it's two hours of 10-storey high crotch shots.

After watching the film, I'm leaning towards the latter. Much like U23D, the IMAX technology does nothing to enhance the film itself, so don't be fooled by this goofy marketing ploy. Ten bucks says Keith Richards doesn't know what IMAX is anyway.

The film begins with a grainy documentary put together by director Martin Scorsese. It serves as a vital introduction to the band, the tour and New York's Beacon Theatre, which serves as the film's intimate, almost nightclub-like setting.

Shot entirely in black and white, the beginning offers some quirky insights into the lives of the participants. One clip shows Mick Jagger on an airplane attempting to sort out set lists. With pages scattered everywhere, the frontman claims to have a grasp on the situation, but clearly has no idea.

Even funnier is a scene where Scorsese talks about lighting effects with a group of techs.

"If Mick stands out there for more than 18 seconds, he's going to burn," rambles the famed director. "We can't burn Mick Jagger!"

Unfortunately, Scorsese's personal touch is lost after the first 20 minutes. From the opening licks of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to the last chords of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," the movie is all Stones concert footage, save for a few interviews and news bits thrown in.

That's not to say the movie isn't enjoyable. "Shattered," "She Was Hot" and "Some Girls" prove that Jagger can still strut, dance and work the crowd without breaking a hip.

Not to be outdone, guitarist Ron Wood steps up to the plate, even giving Richards a run for his money on "Far Away Eyes" and "Brown Sugar." In one frame, a young Richards is asked which of the two is better at guitar. He jokingly answers with a deadpan expression, "Well, we're both lousy, but together we sound alright."

No iconic show would be complete without guests. Jack White joins the band for a singalong on "Loving Cup," while Buddy Guy lends his talent to a cover of Muddy Waters' "Champagne And Reefer." Christina Aguilera even shows up in high-heeled boots and black tights for a powerful rendition of "Live With Me."

As a casual fan, I found the movie interesting but not outstanding. I expected Shine A Light to offer more insight on the band's image and the way its evolved over the years, but instead, it's pretty much a two-hour concert on film.

Wait for the DVD if you're mildly interested so you can flip through songs you don't care about. Skip it entirely if you've been lucky enough to see the real thing live.