Deb Stellini

I think avid Bruce fans will clearly get the most out of the film because they will see all the parallels between Bruce’s childhood and adolescence and that of Jared in the film, particularly the turbulent father-son relationship, and their attempts at some form of reconciliation in his father’s later years. The scene of the family pushing the car to try to get it to work is reminiscent of Bruce’s poor family as a kid, sometimes only able to afford a car that could work in “drive” but not “reverse”, will be very familiar to Bruce’s true fans, as well as the work and angst in getting his career underway and not losing sight of his passions and work ethic. And the use of the song “Independence Day” and Clarence’s sax solo and the last verse of ”Jungleland” ”were poignant after the violent British protests in the street depicted in the movie. But regardless of whether you are intimately familiar with all of the parallels between Bruce, his music and the character in the film, the song choices were excellent and the acting was terrific. It takes place during the Reagan/Thatcher period in England and the white supremacy played out in the streets, and is very timely given the fear and violence in our streets here in the US now with the hatred Trump has unleashed. But at the same time it is a feel good picture.,even if you know little about Bruce’s life and music, you will find it charming!