Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Memorable, crazy movie

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Having been utterly converted by their 4-disc live compilation last Christmas, I have been steadily absorbing the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ever since. When I got wind of this extensive and detailed documentary, I struggled to find the time to watch it - BBC 4's annoying scheduling coupled with a near-4 hour running time meant it was simply impossible, given my working hours. Thankfully, owning the DVD eliminates this problem so last night, I settled down with a glass of Scotch and enjoyed one of the very best music documentaries ever made.Listeners in the UK would be forgiven for not recognising Tom Petty's name but the man has a huge back catalogue of genuine rock and roll genius, dating back to the early 70's when the Heartbreakers began to form from the ashes of Mudcrutch. The film, created to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, offers a detailed analysis of all the departures, deaths and drugs you'd expect from most rock and roll stories but Petty has always done things his way. His legal battles with record companies and his solo work with the likes of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and many others help to create a picture of a man leading a band that have made a career of fashioning quality tunes without ever managing to sell out, break up or (if we're honest) become cool.The film, littered with electric performances throughout their career, certainly leaves few stones unturned in trying to identify the secrets of their success. Petty certainly comes across as a man driven by a desire to succeed, even if he runs the risk of alienating others in the band. Those who have stayed the course remain happy to let Petty have the limelight, not only providing musical support but actually enjoying performing on stage with him. Each set-back and tragedy is felt and at times, "Runnin' Down A Dream" becomes surprisingly evocative - I welled up during his performance of "Southern Accents", one of a number of hits that gets a fresh airing during the film. The footage of Petty playing with the Travelling Wilburys and Dylan on tour in Australia is just amazing, given Petty's journey to the top but it's also staggering how much of their career is covered on film. Early 8mm home video of them leaving Gainsville, Florida to drive to LA to sign a record deal, stopped by customs in Germany with a few "souvenirs" from Amsterdam, touring England when they first tasted success - all of it is here, as though Peter Bogdanovich himself was there. You imagine him in the back of the bus or lurking behind a bush, filming them undercover.The film also doesn't lack celebrity credential as Dave Stewart, George Harrison, Johnny Depp, Dave Grohl, Rick Rubin and Stevie Nicks all help to contribute to what amounts to a glowing testament to the band. Due to its length, it does feel a bit dry in places - the few humorous stories and anecdotes help to maintain interest, besides the band's performances - but there is a sense of genuine love for the group and their music. For fans, this is simply an awesome documentary especially as if you get the boxed set containing the 30th anniversary concert and extra CD as well. For non-listeners, it's easy to be seduced by the power of their music and the personalities behind the tunes although you shouldn't expect too much in the way of dirt. Dissenting voices are still heard - those who left the band openly criticise some of Petty's decisions - but for most, this is an exhaustive, extensive and extremely good tribute to possibly the best rock band you've never heard of.

It isn't enough to say this documentary charts the ups and down, the triumphs and tragedies, the hits and unintentional misses of a great American rock and roll band. This very special (and entertaining) document is a definitive statement, not just of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers but of the music business of the 1970s through the 1990s. Peter Bogdanovich (a very interesting source as director) has compiled fabulous footage and minutiae together with recently-filmed interviews with band members, producers, celebrity friends, and musical cohorts to form a testament to a sensational music act. Bogdanovich doesn't even have to try hard to keep this lengthy (238 minutes) movie from lagging; it never does. Lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Tom Petty says at one point, "Nobody cares how a record is made. They only care if they like it." He is, in fact, incorrect here. Well-done documentaries such as this MAKE people care how a record is made, regardless if it hits the charts or not. The running commentary on album gestation, touring, behind-the-scenes turmoil, musical differences, and personality clashes is the stuff of legend. All of it combines to make one hell of a journey, the cinematic equivalent of a CD box-set. ***1/2 from ****

Running Down a Dream (2007) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Peter Bogdanovich's mammoth documentary about the history of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers runs a few minutes short of four hours so needless to say there's a lot of information. I think the film's biggest problem is the fact that it runs so long because even the smallest detail of something will get too much attention and by the time the fourth hour was nearing it was really hurting me. Perhaps it would have been best to watch it in two parts as it is offered up this way. Even with that said, this is a very impressive look at the group, which covers their early bands all the way up to their most recent album. Petty and the group aren't shy about sharing their feelings and this leads to some great and sometimes sad stories. Their battle with their record label is covered in great detail as is their 1986-87 tour with Bob Dylan, The Traveling Wilburys days and even their brief work with Johnny Cash. Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and various others are interviewed along the way. Another great thing is that Petty must have known they would take off one day because he videotaped all of his early stuff including his original drive to L.A. when they were searching for a record deal. All of this behind the scenes footage is terrific as is the concert footage.

I recently saw Amazing Journey about The Who and thought that was a very good doc. I resisted this one because of the running time (nearly 4 hours) but I sat down this afternoon and watched it. I'm about the same age as Petty so I kind of "grew up" with his music but I forget sometimes how great he is--how profound yet simple his lyrics are. This doc shows his long journey from a kid who just played a little music with his friends to the giant Rock & Roll hall of famer he became. I'll agree with some here who said he appears to be a laid back, go with the flow type of guy. However, there is something just underneath the surface shows how dedicated and driven he is as an artist. Band members came and went but none of them seemed bitter--just grateful to have been part of the experience until separate interests drove them to pursue other things. Even though it's a long film, it moves along and engages the viewer (it probably would help if you're a fan of the music.) All I can say is that toward the end of the movie, I was willing to break my long standing POV that I would never go to another concert. I want to see them in concert now. I probably won't but it did bring back a lot of memories and good feelings about a really great man and his music.