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'Shine a Light' doesn't meet expectations

Submitted by SHNS on Wed, 04/02/2008 - 13:52

The Rolling Stones are the Energizer Bunnies of rock 'n' roll. They keep going and going and going. That's a feat marked by "Shine a Light," director Martin Scorsese's new film of the Stones in action at New York's Beacon Theatre in fall 2006.The latest in a long line of concert films and documentaries about the Rolling Stones, "Shine a Light" comes loaded with expectations. For starters, the Stones have their reputation as the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band to protect. At the time the film was shot, singer Mick Jagger was 63 and guitarist Keith Richards just shy of the same age, guitarist Ronnie Wood was 59 and drummer Charlie Watts was 65. Nothing against senior citizens, but combined, these guys have put a lot of hard miles on their bodies. Detractors are just waiting for them to sound and act their age.Another measuring stick is Scorsese himself. This is the man who directed "The Last Waltz," one of the greatest rock 'n' roll films ever made. And he's earned plenty of praise for his more recent "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan." He's finally gotten his Oscar, but can he do justice to the Glimmer Twins?And finally, it was announced this week that "Shine a Light" will open on more IMAX screens than any film before it. The studio obviously believes fans want to see it in a big way.How well does "Shine a Light" deliver? It's a great concert, if not a great film. Highlights include "As Tears Go By," "Just My Imagination," "Brown Sugar" and "Start Me Up."Jagger talks his way through some songs that either aren't that interesting to him or that are too demanding for his voice, but his energy is phenomenal, and his dancing, strutting and booty-shaking have just as erotic an impact as ever (creepy though that may seem).Richards' playing is still robust and seductive, and it must be said that his relationship with cigarettes is one of the reasons anti-smoking activists fear that celebrities will make young people think smoking is cool. Never mind his deeply lined face or skeletal figure.Wood and Watts contribute generous helpings of musicality and bonhomie.Scorsese recruited the cream of the crop of directors of photography for his camera team, headed by Robert Richardson. The cameras catch everything from the Stones' enjoyment of performing to Jagger's dental work to Richards' pirate-themed accessories.Still, as close-up as Scorsese gets, "Shine a Light" can't compare with "U2 3D" and its you-are-there feel. There's a remove between the icons and their audience.Scorsese doesn't shine a light on anything but the band's music. Some archival footage is used in a joky way to emphasize the Stones' longevity, but there are no revelations or insights into the hows or whys.Former President Bill Clinton shows up to celebrate his 60th birthday, and it appears that Bruce Willis is in the audience. Buddy Guy, Jack White and Christina Aguilera make welcome appearances onstage.But the Stones are the news. They're still here. They're still great. And they're still waiting to get as good a treatment as U2.Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, drug references and smoking.3.5 stars (out of five)(Contact Knoxville News Sentinel film critic Betsy Pickle at pickle(at)knews.com.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)