The Last Dispatch

I saw this movie at the pre-screening at Plymouth State University on April 22, 2005 and, trust me, it's very excellent. The film focuses on the reunion of the members of Dispatch in preparation for their final concert, "The Last Dispatch", on July 31st, 2004 in Boston, MA. You don't have to be a fan of the band to be captivated by the great story of three musicians who managed to rise out of the crowd with sheer talent and commitment, cementing their place in music history without ever signing with a record label. The film has the perfect mix of humor and drama as the band members' unique interests clash and the tension mounts before the final show. The film is particularly enjoyable to any of the 110,000 fans who attended the amazing final show, but I also highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates music, Dispatch or otherwise.

As a musician and former independent band member, this movie is a celebration of the commitment, hard work, passion and luck that it takes to pull a band together and make a difference. Combining personalities, musical talent, unique perspectives and individual aspirations; the band Dispatch accomplished what only other indy bands dream about... independent success in a "sell out" music industry.

From the "behind the scenes" beginning to the amazing turnout of the bands "Last Dispatch", this movie wins the hearts of die hard fans as well as newcomers alike. In the end, you are only left with one question, "Why does this have to be the Last Dispatch?"

If you are a fan of independent music and film production, this is a must-see.

I saw a prescreening of Last Dispatch and I really love this movie. For those of you that are not familiar with the band, this movie tells the story of Dispatch as they prepare to play their final concert after a 2 year hiatus. The film shows the 12 days leading up to the concert and tells how the band was started, why they are done, and how they became a successful band without ever signing to a major label. Dispatch is truly a band that did things their own way. They never listened to those people that told them they could not succeed in the music industry without the backing of a major label. On July 31st, 2004 they proved the industry wrong when 110,000 people showed up to Boston to say goodbye to the band they all loved. It is a story about following your dreams and always believing in yourself. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who has ever heard the band as well as those who just love music. Everyone can appreciate what these guys did and the message that they delivered to 110,000 people last July.

The Last Dispatch is not a music documentary that you have ever seen before. This is more than the story of a band- it is an interesting look at the role of music in contemporary youth culture. The film examines many of the dominant issues in today's music industry- from the Napster revolution to the role that music can play in politics. More than anything, though, this is a universal story- about the importance of the relationship between music and people. This film succeeds in examining the power that music holds over its audience while avoiding the traditional music documentary clichés. Anyone who ever loved a band, or even just one song, will love the Last Dispatch.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pre-screen the last DISPATCH and I must say, as a "late comer" fan, I am truly saddened that I missed the ride. I came to Dispatch long after they stopped touring and I was unable to attend their final show. I can honestly say that after watching the documentary I understood not only the three men that were Dispatch, but I also began to see whisperings of my own life. This was a story for the ages. Although the title carries the name of a band the story is one of friendship, perseverance, and the ability to let go. Not only would I recommend that every Dispatch fan watch the movie, but I would urge anyone with a revolutionary heart to watch as well. I watched three amazing musicians push themselves, against all mainstream support, to become one of the best independent bands in music history. From last DISPATCH I take away a fuller understanding of the three that are Dispatch as well as a renewed sense to strength in my own beliefs.