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I went into this movie with a little trepidation. I was not that familiar with the collective and while I enjoy music documentaries to some extent, it is hard to get excited about them. They tend to be the same: lots of concert footage, clips of videos, shots of band members workshopping or relaxing at home, and lots of celebrity talking heads going on about how the music changed their lives. And yes, this movie does have all of that (but fortunately, only two celebrities: Elijah Wood and David Cross) but there is so much more here: lots of old footage from videos and other projects, and genuinely witty and charming interviewees. Plus, the story itself is fascinating: A few high school friends in a small town in Louisiana end up forming multiple bands that end up collaborating with each other, and while maybe not changing the face of rock as the movie claims, but definitely making its mark on the music scene, as well as producing the most celebrated alternative rock album of the 90s. Overall, it's an excellent paean to collaboration and the creative spirit. Plus, there is a ton of great music in it. Here's hoping there's a soundtrack album coming out soon.

Most of the reviews I have seen here seem to have been done after the reviewer had watched a few episodes. Since I have watched the entire series (or is it only the first season?), I thought I would offer my perspective. First off, I found two of the characters in the first episode so annoying that I almost stopped watching there. In fact, that is exactly what two of my friends did. But I saw enough in the first episode to keep going, and I am glad I did. Eddie, the detective played by Madeleine Sami, came on too strong at first, but she calmed down after the first episode, and by the fourth episode I was finding her hilarious. She's definitely the best thing about the series. (Unfortunately, I never did warm up to the other character. Sorry Cath!) Kate Box plays the other lead character, and while it is a much less flashier role, she delivers a performance that is every bit as good. All of the other characters are quirky without being annoying and the mystery part of the story works really well. And I have to give a shout out to the show for nailing the last episode. Endings are really hard to do, and I am often disappointed in them, but the ending here is perfect. Anyone looking for just a comedy or just a mystery may be disappointed, but anyone looking for a combination of the two should be delighted. They just have to make it past the first episode.

Not too much plot here: just a day in the life of a Czechoslovakian artillery soldier, who is suffering either from depression or post traumatic stress disorder. Or both. And it's not much of a day either, as he struggles to get out of his apartment and then wanders aimlessly through his town, while either sifting through his memories or indulging in fantasies. Visually, the movie is very striking., with lots of interesting shots and almost Eisenstein like editing. But overall, the movie is a slog to get through. Something is clearly bothering the lead character (there are lots of references to death throughout), but he is so unpleasant that it is hard to care. Worth seeing visually, as long as you don't care too much what is happening.