195; Asbury Park - Riot, Redemption, Rock 'n Roll; movie review
Cert 12A
117 mins
BBFC advice: Contains references to violence, image of real dead body, rude gesture
During my life, I have been lucky enough to have seen many of the best musicians in the world live but I can't explain why I have never got around to Bruce Springsteen.
I know men of my age who have a devotion to him akin to 15-year-old girls' adoration of the latest boy bands.
Every time he comes to the UK, they are like Pavlov's dog, salivating for Born To Run and Hungry Heart.
In return, Springsteen gives them a towering stage show which often lasts three hours and seems a jolly good bloke into the bargain.
This documentary offers more evidence that he is a true man of the people.
Springsteen is from Asbury Park in New Jersey, a city which has become synonymous with a particular genre of music and is the subject of Tom Jones's compelling film.
The movie relates stories from Springsteen, his guitarist Steven Van Zandt and Southside Johnny Lyon of the legendary Upstage club where they had their start.
Springsteen is also among those who tell the history of Asbury Park from its beginnings through its music heyday, to the riot which tore it apart and to the gradual return of its confidence.
They outline the lure of the Jersey shore during the time in which white and black artists from the east and west sides of the city mixed to create a unique sound.
During the 60s, this was a musicians' heaven and there are rich tales told about clubs on every street corner, offering a unique vibe.
The problem was that the black community continued to face familiar problems of unemployment and simmering resentment bubbled over.
Witnesses give vivid descriptions of the riot and many tell, with sadness, how the soul of the city was ripped out.
But it appears Asbury Park is re-emerging from the gloom and its renaissance is being backed by Springsteen and his pals.
There is no magic wand but the spirit of the past may yet bring back the old Jersey shore mood.
Jones's documentary includes great anecdotes, poignant contemporary footage and some superb music. Music fans, especially those of Springsteen will lap it up.
Reasons to avoid: A tad too evangelical
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Did you know? On the first Saturdays in each month, the retailers, restaurants, and other entertainment venues in Asbury Park’s downtown keep their doors open throughout the evening so that they can serve hors d’oeuvres while also providing entertainment to interested individuals.
The final word. Tom Jones: "The good old days were only good for a select people, but not for everyone else. This time around it’s got the opportunity of coming back and being great for everyone and that’s what’s super exciting about what’s going on and I think that’s the intent of the town to take that path going forward. Movies in Focus
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