A Hard Day's Night
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Movie Reviews of A Hard Day's Night
Movie Review: An Original
Summary: 5 Stars
This could have been a "B" movie exploitation film of a short lived pop group. Instead, it turned out to be the precursor to MTV and music videos, shows what made the Beatles so much fun and manages to play a few of their great tunes at the same time. The plot is minimal, consisting of the Beatles entourage getting the Beatles to a live television show on which the Beatles are to perform. Nearly from the beginning to the end, the Beatles are chased by pimple faced young teens, the police, their handlers, and everyone else. And throughout the film, Paul's grandfather, played by William Brambell (a very clean old man), keeps stirring up problems.
The nominal plot allows the Beatles natural likeability to shine. This film established the personas of the individual Beatles (as portrayed to the media) -- Paul -- straightforward and good natured, John -- incessantly sarcastic, George -- subtle with a dry sense of humor, and Ringo -- quiet, shy and introspective. The movie is irreverent, inventive, funny, droll, deadpan, filled with non-stop movement, and some great, if dated, rock-n-roll! It is a wonderful film showing the exuberance of youth, the innocence of an earlier time, and Beatlemania in all its glory!
The DVD's extras include interviews with about everyone still living who participated in the film except the surviving Beatles. While it is nice to have all of the insiders reminiscing about the film, it would have been nice to hear from some of the Fab Four.
Movie Review: Beatles' Film Debut
Summary: 5 Stars
A Hard Days Night was produced to capitalize on the Beatlemania craze that was sweeping across England and America in 1964. The fact that a musical act was releasing a movie to piggyback on their success on the record charts was not a new idea. It had been done by Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Pat Boone and of course Frank Sinatra. But was new was the approach. Instead of creating characters for the group to act as in some contrived plot that allowed them to perform new songs written for the film, they acted as themselves in basically a day in the life of the Beatles. The results were a surprise to most as the film is extremely funny, well written and well acted. Of course, by playing themselves, the band doesn't have to assume new identities, but their quick wit and wry humor makes for some great scenes and a fun experience. Although some of the humor is dated, the film has held quite well despite being almost forty years old. Director Richard Lester does a superb job in capturing the madness the band was going through at the time. The four Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr are extremely likable and funny in their own way, Mr. Lennon is sarcastic, Mr. McCartney cute and bubbly, Mr. Harrison is deadpan and wry and Mr. Starr a lovable goof. The music is the focus of the film and the songs including "Can't Buy Me Love", "If I Fell", "Tell Me Why" and the title track are rock classic. The extras are great and the DVD is well worth the long wait.Movie Review: A Classic Film.....A Not Quite Up To Snuff DVD.
Summary: 5 Stars
Let's face it,as a film, "A Hard Day's Night" cannot be improved on. ( Well,okay,the upgraded sound is an exception. ).And this DVD contains the complete film. Fair enough. So where do the flaws appear? It's the choice of "bonus" material. Yes,the collection of Martin Lewis interviews with everyone from Director Dick Lester,Sir George Martin,film co-stars like,John Junkin, Anna Quayle & Jeremy Lloyd,photographer Robert Freeman,and even Klaus Voorman,are a lot of fun,and shed some interesting and fresh perspectives.( And all these people look remarkably well.).But,that's all we get: new interviews. No real "new" material from the vaults,and not nearly enough Victor Spinetti!What is missing: "I'll Cry Instead" the original proposed intro.montage.( As re-inserted in the 25th Anniversary theatrical re-release,and included on the video version. ). The original film trailer. ( Also included on previous releases.)And most annoyingly,a 5 minute deleted scene featuring Paul talking to an actress.( Referred to numerous times by several of the interviewees! ). Including the "Standing,Sitting,Jumping Up & Down" film,would also have been nice,since it technically inspired Dick Lester's vision for "A Hard Day's Night".( Especially since we are teased with exerpts,through out the interviews with Dick Lester.)
This DVD set is a nice addition for any Beatle fan's collection,but be fore-warned,it's not quite as complete as it should've been.
Movie Review: "A Hard Day's Night" Miramax Collector's Edtion, two DVD set
Summary: 5 Stars
When a "Hard Day's Night" came out I was 14 years old. The memories of the songs and the cutting edge black and white cinematography that I experienced as a kid were confirmed, refreshed and renewed as I viewed the movie again! If that wasn't enough this collector's edition comes with a second DVD that includes interviews with the director, Richard Lester, George Martin and others that shed a whole new light on the times, the low budget of the film, the creative genius of each of the Beatles and information that inspires and amazes you further on the fun and power of this film! There was also a large segment of one of the DVD's devoted to the making of "A Hard Day's Night" that added, again, a whole new appreciation of the film!
In these tough economic times in a world filled with too much sex, violence and "life on the crude side" "A Hard Day's Night" and the accompanying DVD, is a breath of fresh air that can not be missed! There is something very special about the opening chord of "A Hard Day's Night" as three of the Beatles run headlong into the camera smiling and tripping as they are being chased by young girls and boys that can take anyone to the brightest moments in your childhood. Relive the music, the creative genius and fun of the early Beatles through this film, the interviews, insights and information contained in this Miramax Collector's Edition of "A Hard Day's Night" - it really is a blast!
Movie Review: A blast from the past!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was still in grade school, I remember my brother and I watching 'A Hard Day's Night' just about every time it was aired as the 'Saturday Afternoon Matinee' on the local UHF channel. We loved the film and would play my father's LPs continuously.With the DVD, I am happy to say that my children are now huge fans of the film, the band, and the music. I get at least two requests for the movie each week.
The film shows a day in the life of the Beatles during the height of Beatlemania in England. It starts out with the band heading to a studio to perform before a live audience. Along the way the band have a couple of mis-adventures, most of which are caused by Paul's grandfather (played brilliantly by Wilfrid Brambell).
Seeing the band during that stage in their carreers is a treat. It was a time before they started to push the boundaries of popular music and the music business.
This movie is great for young and old. Even if you are not a die-hard fan of the Beatles, this film is worth watching.
The DVD's extras are good. I was hoping for more from the surviving band members, and possibly more performances that didn't make the film. I remember a documentary that was aired a couple of years ago that contained some footage that was cut from the film, and was a little disappointed that it was not included.
All in all, this film is one of my favorites, and it apprears to be a hit with the next generation.