Jimi: All Is By My Side
Viewed at the Los Angeles Film Festival 2014

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Running Time: 118 Minutes
Release Date: September 3, 2014

Breakdown: This film explores the origins of Jimi Hendrix’s career from the time he was discovered up until the Monterey Pop Festival.

The Plot: Jimi plays his guitar while trying to balance his love life and budding career.

Performances: On a few occasion, Andre Benjamin brings Jimi to life.  However, most of the time he makes the legend look like an idiot.  Nonetheless, please note, Hayley Atwell plays an interesting Kathy Etchingham.

Highlights: At times, you will laugh at the relationship dramas and the Sgt. Pepper performance is decent.

Drawbacks:  The director, John Ridley was unable to obtain the rights to Jimi’s music.  Thus, no Jimi songs make the film which is 75% of The Experience.  And the overall directing and visuals were weak.  But more importantly, the research for which the storyline and characters are based is very suspect and inaccurate.

Keeping It Real: A rock and roll biopic film is suppose to bang from start to finish.  And if you can not get the rights to the film, just don’t make the film unless you are going to bring forth new information about the artist.

If you are not a Jimi Hendrix fan, do not go watch this film.  It will confuse you on how Jimi became a Legend.  Save your money and watch this clip:

And if you are a Jimi Hendrix, fan don’t go see it.  It will break your heart.  Instead, watch this clip and just imagine the possibilities of what a good Jimi Hendrix biopic could be:

Overall Grade: D+