User reviews

As a longtime fan, this documentary was a must-see for me. And needless to say, I was not disappointed. Show 'Em What You're Made Of offers a very honest look at the roller-coaster life of a boy band whose longevity and success defied all expectations. No truth is sugar-coated in this film as the boys-turned-men give us a glimpse into their childhoods, their rise to superstardom and, ultimately, their fall and return into the spotlight. From AJ's drug and alcohol abuse to Brian's struggle with his singing voice and the band's conflicts with their first manager Lou Pearlman, the BSB hold nothing back as they recount their 20 year-long journey as one of the most successful recording groups of all time.

Tears are shed, hurtful words are exchanged during arguments, but ultimately, the bond between all the guys is stronger than ever. They're a group, but above all, they're brothers. And that's what makes the Backstreet Boys so special.

I never was big on the Backstreet Boys, primarily because they were a boyband and I'm a guy and they of course have mainly a female audience.

That said it's undeniable that they had had some joints throughout the years.

Anyhow, I thought I would give it a go still cause I read a lot of good things about it, and I did enjoy SOME KIND OF MONSTER about Metallica being a non-Metallica fan I thought, why not.

And just like SOME KIND OF MONSTER this movie is a very honest look at these Backstreet Boys turned men and there is one fight between Nick and Brian that I was a little shocked that they'd actually put in it, a lot of stars would probably be afraid to put that level of honesty into a documentary but I'm really happy they did.

Everyone is really open about their flaws and old traumas are brought back to life and it's just a captivating watch from beginning to end, I don't think there was anyone of the Backstreet Boys who at some point didn't break down in tears.

It's not all just sappy stories of course, but yeah I applaud them for opening up so much.

Fans will love it I'm sure and non-fans if you're even slightly interested in the music business and the effects stardom can have on you you should enjoy it.

I found a little more respect for Backstreet Boys after watching this, Peace.

This is truly a great insight to one of the biggest bands of my childhood - The Backstreet Boys. Soon you realize this is a heartbreaking story of a band that came out of only the members' talents and will to go on and keep singing great songs. It shows all the good and bad A.J., Brian, Howie, Nick and Kevin went through the passed 20 years. Finally we get to see the beginning of the group and the evolution of the band combined with group visiting their homes and sharing their secrets. Every true BSB fan should watch it and even people who aren't fans should definitely see it. There are also some Easter eggs of unfortunately unreleased songs, so all in all it is a must see. It is real, authentic, emotional and a bit nostalgic film to watch, especially if you are a kid from 90ties who has grown up in Europe, listening to the best vocal harmony group.

KTBSPA

Fan of 90s pop music or not, if you are a fan of music in general, this documentary is a must-watch. Behind the fancy dance moves and carefully crafted images we are given in the media, there are real people behind them. People that came from different backgrounds, personal experiences, tragedies, and successes.

For the Backstreet Boys, the road to fame was pre-Internet, hard work for years on the road. The documentary shows just how much blood, sweat, and tears went into building up a fan base and how much harder it was without Facebook and Twitter! They eventually experience grand success (over 130 million albums sold), but a glitch comes when they find out their financial backer was really a con-man, and they were betrayed personally and professionally.

The movie also takes viewers on a road trip with the guys where they show their childhood homes and talk about what led them to join the group...and how the group has affected them these past 22 years. It also shows the guys planning their first album without a major record label behind them. It fascinating to watch songs being created from scratch and how you write lyrics and find harmonies.

The movie really takes viewers through very intimate moments. There are screaming matches, tears, physical ailments, struggles with substance abuse...nothing is off-limits. Even long-time fans will learn things about their favorite band they've never known.

I cannot recommend this movie enough, for both fans of the band or just fans of music in general. There is a dark-side to fame, but if you can keep your head on straight and focus on the right things, you can find long lasting success. The Backstreet Boys are a rare breed in the music industry, lasting 22 years to date! Not many bands in any genre can say that.

Interesting, raw, vulnerable. This is not like your typical documentary we see so many artists releasing these days. It is intense. We see the Boys at their best and worst here, and it's impressive how much they elected to share with the world, knowing how exposed to criticism it would make them. This is a true testament to their respect for and faith in their fans. The movie is an insane roller coaster ride of emotions, from joy to regret to explosive anger to immense sorrow. Some parts made me laugh, others made me cry, and still others made me cringe. My feelings were all over the map, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was enlightening to see where each Boy grew up, how they experienced fame individually, and where it's brought each of them today. My only regret is that the movie wasn't longer, but I very much look forward to seeing the extra footage when they (hopefully) release the DVD in stores eventually. Here's to another 20 years! Great job, Backstreet Boys!

My first review in IMDb and I'm happy this is for my childhood heroes. I listened to BSB in my friend's home and addicted to those mind boggling songs from then on. And I'm so happy to see such a nice documentary has been made after such a long time, without deleting any essence of the pain and hardships they went through. They have done a wonderful job of coming back after 20 years and behind the scenes of the shows, what thought and actions and hard work they had to go through, following each stage in their life, everything is well shown.

Thank you, thanks a lot ! This is a not to miss documentary with all it's purity preserved and all music fans should definitely see this.

This documentary was ok. They certainly put many of their struggles on display. So more unfiltered than I was expecting. At some point all their music starts to sound the same to me. If you are a big fan, you will like the doc, but otherwise skip it.

Regardless being a long time fan, I found this documentary very unique and special from other documentaries. They didn't focus on concerts but basically their private lives and secrets. Each member had a voice to speak out. It is a documentary that would make you love this boy band as they are and how successful they were. I felt sorry for Brian and what he was going through. It was interesting how they viewed each and everyone of them in a special way. The boys grew to be men and there had to be a change to be done! It would have been a 10 out of 10 documentary if they hadn't use so many bad words since there are young fans watching. Thumbs up!

As another reviewer has already pointed out: you don't have to be a fan to enjoy this movie. It's a really good documentary on how 5 boys came to fame and how they handled it. And yes there were many highs, but also quite a few lows. And it's refreshing to see them being honest about certain things (drug problems, manager problems, even "current" issues, at the time of shooting this, when they had a fight - two band members going at each other).

Having said, the songs are striking a chord, although of course they are all on the romantic side, so if you get pain rather than pleasure from that, certain aspects of the documentary will get you sick. Many boy-bands have come and gone and every one of them certainly has a story to tell (it's a nice touch, that we visit the former homes of the band members by the way), but this really strikes a chord - pun intended

The members of the popular boy band Backstreet Boys give viewers a look inside the group and its members on a personal level. Kevin Richardson gives us a look at Kentucky, going back to his roots as he tells us the story of his father's illness and ultimate death just as the band was gaining momentum. Brian Littrell shows his inner struggle with his voice cords not functioning to full capacity and the steps he is taking with his therapist to regain the voice he once had. The band reflects on their process to fame and stardom including the business deal they had with manager Lou Pearlman. Howie D. demonstrates how successful of an entertainer he can be as he steps in the limelight with the other group members. Each group member explains in their own way on how much the band has accomplished and how they are continuing on their path to make music, and entertain. This documentary is for anyone wanting to learn more about their childhood favorite boy band or interested in what it takes to make it in the music industry. Highly recommend.

ABOUT -- Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of takes us to a journey showing us how BSB were made 20+ years ago. It shows us how BSB manager Lou Pearlman took advantage of them, how AJ and Nick battled with drugs, how Kevin left & returned and Brian's battle with his voice problem. Towards the end of the film, we see Backstreet Boys back onto the same energetic stage which was lost somewhere during last decade.

WHAT'S THE BEST -- As BSB fans specially, we become to know these 5 men more properly and clearly. We become to know that these men suffered through hard stages behind their public image. And there's a lot of great inspiration to get when we become to know that AJ and Nick are healthy good boys (or men!) and that Brian inspires himself to get back on the track and also that Kevin is putting a lot of energy into the Family (as he calls it).

WHAT WE WILL GET --

If a PIZZA is the best thing a film can give and a CHOCOLATE is the second best thing, then 40% watchers will get a PIZZA and 60% of those will get a CHOCOLATE. I've got half-PIZZA and a CHOCOLATE !!

BACKSTREET'S BACK ALRIGHT