Inside The Smiths

MVD

Cameron Gordon (CHARTattack)

01/29/2008 2:13pm

This cheap and not-so-cheerful DVD works best as a curiosity rather than a spectacle. Inside The Smiths is built around present-day interviews with Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce, the rhythm section of the legendary Brit-pop outfit and the supposedly unsung heroes of the group as it stands. After watching this DVD, it's pretty easy to see why the pair has essentially become afterthoughts when compared to Morrissey and Johnny Marr. They talk about their musical upbringings, their time on the road, ego clashes and all the rest of it, and the sum is pretty unremarkable overall. Joyce is likeable chap, but Rourke comes off as old, bitter and chock full of Cockney depression like so many embittered Brit-pop stars of yore. Even his frank discourse about his former heroin addiction is a total snoozefest. Coupled with the fact that the DVD is devoid of actual Smiths music (although it does offer lame sound-alikes of "The Queen Is Dead" and "Meat Is Murder"), this film can really only be advised for hardcore Smiths fans.