So, that Beach Boys movie…

Go see it. I’m certainly glad that I did. The new film, “Love and Mercy” is a very good film detailing the troubled life of Brian Wilson, the unwieldy genius behind the Beach Boys. I wanted to post songs from the soundtrack (playlist below), but I’ll take the opportunity to make a few remarks.

What worried me most about a ‘Beach Boys Movie’ was the prospect of seeing endless scenes of actors pretending to be musicians and a Disney-fied version of a great band. Practically none of that here–or just enough to keep your aunt happy. What I experienced, thankfully, transcended any literal version of historical events. It’s a tricky business–making a film about a living historical figure. Bill Pohlad, the director, and his actors pull it off.

The story stands on its own two feet. I was able to even appreciate the story as a story rather than the literal historical facts about the Beach Boys. We need another 50 years before the Beach Boys can be treated as Shakespeare would treat ‘Henry V.’ [89%+ from critics and 92%+ from audiences via Rotten Tomatoes.]

The ending brought me to tears. What else can I say?

Here’s a good portion of the soundtrack:

Love and Mercy’s trailer: