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20 Feet from Stardom
2013
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Certified Fresh
$ 5 Million
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20 Feet from Stardom
Positive Reviews
91
Negative reviews
9
Average Rating
3.8
/5
entertaining
important
musical
intriguing
relentless
All
Positive
Negative
2.0
Neville doesnt dwell unduly on the vicissitudes of fame; hes more concerned with celebrating his subjects accomplishments and giving them a(nother) ch ..
Av Club
5.0
For once, the spotlight shines on these brilliant women who spent most of their careers on the outskirts of fame with minimal fortune to show for thei ..
Rogerebert
4.0
20 Feet From Stardom is confidently told, expertly filmed, and entirely inspiring.
Common Sense Media
4.5
But for most of its running time, this personality packed docu is nothing short of absorbing as it recaps the essential role African American backgrou ..
Variety
4.0
Heres Jagger on Merry Claytons showstopping turn on Gimme Shelter: Fucking ell, thats good.
Time Out
4.0
Such a great idea for a documentary, and such a surprise to realise that it has never been done before.
The Guardian
3.8
Then theres Andrei Tarkovskys Stalker, which transfigures Arkady and Boris Strugatskys briskly paced novella Roadside Picnic into a slow, mesmerizing ..
3.8
The film also is an engaging look at the nexus of art and commerce, talent and hard work.
4.5
More than a tribute, the film is a recognition of the talent and sacrifice that many of these vocalists have invested in often challenging careers.
The Hollywood Reporter
4.0
20 Feet From Stardom doesnt shy away from the harder truths of the industry, but it goes down easily, and is stylishly assembled, spryly executed, and ..
3.6
What Neville doesnt do is explore to any degree one time backup singers who made the big time.
Paste Magazine
4.0
Its circumstance, luck, destiny, I dont know what, says Sting, while Springsteen offers a measured analysis: Its a bit of a walk from back by the drum ..
4.0
A crowdpleaser that also tells an important story about showbiz, its fab. Youll come out singing.
4.0
Its that versatility that defines these singers, the ability to make following seem as important as leading.
Ny Daily News
3.8
You may never hear the Rolling Stoness Gimme Shelter the same way again after hearing Jaggers and Claytons separate accounts of the recording of the s ..
The Globe And Mail
5.0
A heartfelt and rousing documentary tribute to the talent and artistry of female backup singers.
Spirituality And Practice
4.5
An exquisitely rendered look at the dialectics of celebrity and artistry, luck and hard work, its conversation laced with smart observations about rac ..
Village Voice
3.8
Twenty Feet ends, rather anticlimactically, with a recording session, which only reminds you that it doesnt have the bounce or swagger of the best of ..
Rogers Movie Nation
2.0
I guess it leaves us with the message not everyone is destined to be a star, for one reason or another.
Sover
3.0
Jubilant, informative, and teeming with iconic music, 20 Feet from Stardom is a riveting sit, blasting a spotlight on singers worthy of the intense he ..
Blu Ray
4.4
This is one of those documentaries that you just wish could keep going.
Combust Ible Celluloid
1.5
The movie takes its cues from Standing in the Shadows of Motown, another act of pop culture revisionism that tried to give musical credit where it was ..
Chicago Reader
3.0
Twenty Feet from Stardom isnt a perfect documentary, but its the first on its subject and its an eye opening look at the unheralded talent whove made ..
3.0
Twenty Feet from Stardom isnt a perfect documentary, but its the first on its subject and its an eye opening look at the unheralded talent whove made ..
5.0
Want a feel good movie this summer Have I got the DOCUMENTARY for you!
You Tube
4.5
Artists including Mick Jagger talk about their backing singers and the soundtrack is, of course, heavenly.
The Times
4.0
Morgan Nevilles soulfully doting documentary pays tribute to the background singers whove been so essential, albeit anonymously, to rock n roll histor ..
News Review
4.0
He deals only in passing with Luther Vandross (who sang on David Bowies Young Americans) and doesnt even mention Rita Coolidge.
Independent
4.4
Why should you see a documentary about backup singers One look at the electrifying 20 Feet From Stardom and youll have the answer, that is, after you ..
Rolling Stone
3.8
This illuminating documentary looks into a small corner of the music industry to find deeper truths about talent, artistry and success.
News Day
3.8
Above all, the movie works thanks to its doggedly personal focus, with the subjects given a rare chance to shape their own narratives.
News Day
3.0
This is one music documentary that isnt simply a glorified concert film, though there are plenty of performances to savor.
Cs Monitor
3.8
In a film thats often sad but not without its triumphs, director Morgan Neville smartly explores the complex role that ego and self promotion play in ..
New York Post
4.5
Highly entertaining and revealing look at backup singers and their essential contributions to pop music.
Film Journal International ..
4.0
But while theres heartbreak aplenty, the film doesnt function as a pitying paean to unmined talent its ultimately a celebration of the unsung.
Az Central
5.0
A film that may be the happiest time youll have at the movies all summer.
Boston
4.0
A hit on the festival circuit, affectionately told, Twenty Feet from Stardom is a treat.
Smh
4.0
If youre hoping theyre seething with resentment or wanting to dish the dirt on the stars theyve performed with, this isnt your movie.
Mountain X
4.5
This must see documentary for any fan of modern pop music introduces us to the extraordinary women you didnt know were behind some of the songs you kn ..
3.8
You know all those doo doo doos and whoa whoas whoas you hear in pop hits Without them, supplied by the likes of Darlene Love and Merry Clayton, you l ..
Toronto Star
4.5
Sundance premired 20 Feet from Stardom showcases those fantastic backing voices which come from largely unknown uncredited throats.
Reel Talk Reviews
4.0
20 Feet from Stardoms winning appeal comes largely from Nevilles show dont tell approach.
Flim List
4.5
A life affirming, toe tapping documentary that not only places the magnifying glass on back up singers, their role and music, but examines the music s ..
4.0
Uplifting and intriguing, appealing to fans of R & B and classic rock n roll.
Susang Ranger
4.5
This spirited, thoughtful look at unheralded but ubiquitous artists gives supreme credit where credit is due.
New Yorker
5.0
Almost all, tellingly, are ministers daughters who honed their dazzling ranges in gospel choirs.
The Irish Times
4.0
So thats something So thats it with the 1st Season of #StarTrekDiscoveryThe ending is so bad!!
Total Film
3.0
The enthusiasm and love of music on display is just unavoidable. 20 Feet may not get the whole story, but it gets some good ones.
Detroit News
4.5
An amazing group of women with stories that need to be heard and seen to be believed.
3.8
Neville does a good job of highlighting songs that are especially characterized by backup singers, like Lou Reeds Walk on the Wild Side, and introduci ..
Groucho Reviews
2.0
Entertaining and inspirational, this documentary is filled with fascinating anecdotes and stirring performances past and present.
Oregon Live
3.0
The parade of incredible women, the stream of songs you wont believe they sang on, and those irresistible voices belting out keep the rhythm going thr ..
Cine Vue
4.0
Nostalgia is an integral part of the formula here, with familiar tracks (and voices) chiming to reams of archive material that are cut together with i ..
Digital Spy
3.8
Salutes songs that wouldnt work without the back ups and, in effect, turn us all into back up singers.
Red Eye Chicago
4.5
Now Nevilles exceptional documentary skills gives them and us all room to celebrate their overwhelming talents.
Cleve Land
3.5
20 Feet From Stardom doesnt hesitate to dig in, a bit, into racial politics.
Screen Crush
4.0
This is a musical field of dreams high in corn, but also, sometimes, in the epiphanic empowerment and wonder of stardom conferred.
Ft
4.5
Entertaining and uplifting, this Oscar winning documentary tells the unknown story of the back up singers who made classic records so memorable.
Contact Music
4.5
Its hard to imagine another documentary this year that will be as uplifting, entertaining and moving...It is the musical cure for whatever ails you.
Hollywood And Fine
3.8
If music has the power to connect, Twenty Feet From Stardom shows its those backup voices making the connection.
Js Online
3.5
Neville isnt really an investigative journalist, though, or a critic.
The Dissolve
4.0
An Oscar well deserved: no murders or revolutions necessary in this well constructed and moving exploration of great talents who deserve their dues.
One Room With A View
4.4
Then theres the music itself divine segments of veteran artists creating honey for the ears in one of the most enjoyable documentaries Ive ever seen a ..
Daily Herald
5.0
The message is that singing is a higher calling than chart success a point this history makes with intelligence, grace and killer music.
Scots Man
4.0
Part musical history lesson, part performance film and part character study all of which combines to become its own song of hope and inspiration.
No La
4.0
It celebrates these womens... genuine, selfless love and devotion to the music itself. And to hear that in an era of get fame quick shows such as The ..
Metro
3.0
The director, Morgan Neville, doesnt do a great deal stylistically: it doesnt look much different than anything youd see on VH1 from a visual perspect ..
Movie Mezzanine
3.5
The very act of Twenty Feet From Stardom existing, hopefully, means that theyre getting the appreciation theyve long been denied.
Streaming Quickflix
1.5
Lovers of classic R&B and rock will never get tired of revisiting this movie and its bonanza of performance footage.
East Bay Express
3.0
20 Feet From Stardom is an uplifting, enlightening documentary about backup singers.
Tony Mack
4.5
Less nimbly, theres an equally soft sheen on the political themes that this story of cultural appropriation touches on.
Bfi
3.5
Nevilles film occasionally feels a bit overstuffed, stretching to profile so many worthy entertainers.
Ion Cinema
3.0
While there are moments in the film awkwardly placed to achieve moments of pensiveness from the talent, what it does well is offers a point of view wh ..
Reel Talk Online
3.8
This film festival favorite is a genuine crowd pleaser, meant to right a few wrongs in the music industry, offer a window into the lives of some hard ..
Sf Chronicle
4.5
As directed by Morgan Neville, who obviously adores these women, its their hopes and disappointments, triumphs and heartbreaks and fabulous, passionat ..
Spectator
4.5
It is a total pleasure, a rare treat, to listen and watch old footage of these indispensable performers belt out their melodies and harmonies. They ar ..
Kaplan Vs Kaplan
4.5
It doesnt sugar coat the brutality of the industry and just what it takes to be a star or not.
Battle Royale With Cheese
4.5
Between the welcome anecdotes, the wealth of archival footage, the well polished production values and an inevitably remarkable soundtrack spanning th ..
Film.com
2.0
Though it never quite digs as deep as it thinks its going, 20 Feet from Stardom is a richly entertaining experience, mostly because the music does so ..
Metro Times
3.5
Following Fisher and Hill verit style on their busy days freshens the nostalgia. . . Informative and entertaining, gives well deserved r e s p e c t. ..
Film Forward
4.5
The transcendent joy and agonizing heartbreak of making music and trying to make it in music have seldom been captured as vividly as in 20 Feet from S ..
Ut Sandiego
4.0
Even so, Twenty Feet From Stardom is an illuminating and hugely entertaining documentary with important, far reaching messages to boot.
Hey U Guys
4.5
who singlehandedly turned backup singing into an art form far removed from the nonstick vanilla days of 1950s Perry Como tunes.
The Diva Review
3.5
20 Feet From Stardom will be highly entertaining to anyone who ever let a needle drop into a 70s era groove.
O Canada
2.0
It is a bit ironic that the film we could have seen is somewhere to the side of this one, probably no more than 20 feet away.
The Reader (Omaha, NE)
3.0
Merry Clayton, who provided the galvanizing cry Rape, murder/Its just a shot away!
Oc Register
4.4
Although a few white and male backup singers appear, the film becomes a de facto chronicle of the experiences of many African American women in show b ..
Commercial Appeal (Memphis ..
4.4
The documentary tells similarly poignant stories in a fast paced 91 minutes through interviews, contemporary concert footage and great archival stuff.
Sun Times
3.0
Loaded with stirring anecdotes and even richer music, Twenty Feet also makes for a fascinating study in ego sublimation.
Dallas News
4.5
If 20 Feet from Stardom has a flaw, its one thats impossible to fix: It could be more, bigger, longer; it could be a miniseries, a Behind the Music of ..
Eugene Weekly
2.0
Its stories are so rich in detail and, alternately, humor, heartache and triumph that one will leave never quite being able to listen to the FM dial i ..
Shared Darkness
3.0
A musical and historical treasure, a deep reflection on the vagaries of fame. Candid and moving, 20 Feet From Stardom is an unforgettable portrayal of ..
ScreenAnarchy
3.0
The unforgettable film highlights the stories of gifted vocalists who pray their time is going to come, which transcends the music industry. Isnt that ..
BET.com
4.5
There is also the reality that many face of failed solo careers, manipulation by record executives and even a lack of appreciation from the same artis ..
Pop Culture Leftovers
5.0
A reverential retrospective representing the first tip of the cap to backups I can remember since Lou Reed warbled And the colored girls go! on the gr ..
Aalbc It
5.0
Its important to finally put names and faces to the voices of these women because, without them, countless songs would sound horrible.
National Post
3.0
Where Searching takes the audience on a magical mystery tour, 20 Feet languishes behind the music.
Dear Cast and Crew
5.0
Joyous, uplifting, melancholy and nostalgic, Twenty Feet From Stardom is a stunning salute to the singers who stay in the background, but whose talent ..
Indy Week
5.0
Judith Hills account of Michael Jacksons shock death is spine tingling.
Birmingham Post
1.5
The Oscar nominated documentary 20 Feet From Stardom attempts to right this injustice by focusing on Clayton and a number of other backup singers whos ..
Bitch Flicks
See Where to Watch
20 Feet from Stardom