Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back

I was delighted to see the Quiet Riot documentary included in the program for the NXNE film festival here in Toronto! This film is a definite must for fans of the genre as well as non fans alike. It is a cheeky look back at the heyday where legendary excesses launched and killed the careers of many a great band. But it is so much more than that. It is a testament to friendship and loyalty, perseverance and passion, being true to yourself and following your path. It is filled with humour, affectionate teasing and a lot of love. Never did I feel bashed over the head with messages or emotionally manipulated but rather was presented information that I was allowed to process for myself. I was impressed by the candour, openness and vulnerability of many of those interviewed (most notably Frankie Banali himself) and also by the skill of Regina Russell in capturing it. I laughed, I cried, I was singing along in my seat.

I see a lot of these rock and roll quasi documentaries and was particularly impressed with this one. Besides being a bear to edit I imagine, it also stayed clear of the very formulaic Behind the Music format. After subsequent viewings I was really impressed with a few things in particular. First was the apparent honesty. I felt the director addressing Banali's decision to move forward after an obviously grief stricken and bold proclamation of not performing under the QR banner to be interesting. He put his blood sweat and tears into the legacy and made the reformation decision. Director tackled what was viewed as hypocritical by detractors head on. The inclusion of the online criticism and Banali's eventual FU to the cynics was handled well and was very interesting. Secondly, I appreciated how savvy the director handled the traditional "hero/villain" scenario that plagues a lot of these docs. Everyone got their criticism, took their criticism and it was handled with tongue firmly planted in cheek without sacrificing the seriousness of said situations. Specifically Mark and the opportunity and eventual missed opportunity. Finally, I really appreciated the Jeopardy and Dancing With the Stars references showing the cultural impact the band has. Reaching my character limit but BRAVO! See this film now.

Wow! What an entertaining movie, I was glued to the screen the whole time. Quiet Riot is one of the most legendary bands of all time. They were the original pioneers that brought metal into the mainstream and hit the billboards. The film contains amazing footage of the 80's metal scene that is incredible. It shows the ups and downs of Quiet Riot from their emergence onto the scene through the revival of 80's metal. Most importantly it shows the passion of drummer Frankie Banali and his relentless pursuit of his dreams. He showed raw emotion as he discussed his career, friendships and family. The movie brings you through a wide range of emotions from laughter to sadness and really gives the audience a true behind the scenes perspective of being a rock star. Fan or not you will enjoy this masterpiece from beginning to end! Congratulations to Frankie and the band for making a well put together documentary, my respect for a truly amazing musician doubled after having the privilege of watching it.

I just finished watching this fantastic rockumentary and I'm so glad that I DVR'd it when it saw it come up on the guide the other night! The highs and lows this story takes you on make for an incredible tale of a legendary band. Part real life Spinal Tap, part real life Rock Star! This is a new title in the classic line up of great rockumentaries that gives insight into that crazy world that is 80's Heavy Metal. If you are a fan of Quiet Riot or any of the bands or songs from the decade of metal then you are sure to enjoy this movie. Thanks for the reminder of how much fun the music of the 80's was and still is. Great job by all involved on both sides of the camera lens. Rock on \m/

Had a great time at the premier of "Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back". The movie was one of the best music documentaries I have seen. It was informative, sad and funny all at the same time. I am a Quiet Riot fan from the beginning,seeing them in Hollywood at the small clubs. I learned a little about the Quiet Riot members thing's that I didn't know. But I also was very entertained. (Maybe finally Chuck will get his recognition). It had a lot of laughing out loud moments. The scene's done with hidden camera's, caught some memorable funny and heartfelt moments. I can't wait for the DVD to come out. I will definitely purchase it. I just hope it is not cut apart and made smaller.