Shine A Light

Rating: * * * *

Verdict:

Never feels like less than an event

Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese indulges his passion for rock'n'roll with this large-format documentary/concert movie featuring the Rolling Stones.

The film opens with 15 or so minutes of Scorsese and the band fluffing around before a 2006 concert in New York's Beacon Theatre.

Then the band hit the stage, and things get going. Unless you're a die-hard fan, sustaining interest in a concert film for two hours is near impossible, but

Shine A Light

comes close, as Scorsese effectively conveys the energy and vibrancy of being in the audience.

And just when things start to get a little repetitive, we cut to often-amusing archival interview footage of the group.

The gargantuan IMAX screen doesn't do the band's appearance any favours but, as old as they look, these guys are no slouches.

It is ultimately a concert movie, and there are certain dramatic limitations to that, but it never feels like less than an event.

Dominic Corry, View magazine, Herald on Sunday

Cast:

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlies Watts, Ron Wood

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Running time:

122 mins

Rating:

M

Screening:

Limited release at Auckland's IMAX, Wellington's Embassy Theatre and Christchurch's Cinemaxx.