Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

Keeley Coleman The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Rosie Searle It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

SnoopyStyle Arthur 'Killer' Kane was the bass guitarist for the pioneering The New York Dolls during the 70s. After the band breakup, his career never reached the same heights. Later, he surprised everyone by joining the Mormon church. He works at the church library. He's always broke but his drug and alcohol days are in the past. Then he's given a chance to reunite with his band and he's nervously excited. David Johansen and him have issues in the past. Can they keep it in the past?.This starts with some big names expounding effusive praises on the New York Dolls. It lays down the groundwork for their importance during those times. Then the surprise is Kane as a Mormon. At first, he looks lost like a homeless guy in his thrift store best. The drama isn't that high but Kane is full of humanity. That's what's compelling in this. It's trying to read into the mind of Kane.

spartacus34 I watched this movie a week ago and I can honestly say I have found myself thinking about it every day since viewed this "Gem". Arthur "Killer" Kane is as memorable a figure as I have ever seen or or more appropriately "experienced". He is quirky, he is lost, he is sweet and he is naive it just so happens at one time he was the bassist for The New York Dolls a pre-punk band that had mild commercial success in the mid 70's. Who are th New York Dolls you say? They turn out to be the inspiration for artists like Morrissey, Chryssie Hynde, Mick Jones and The Clash as well as Bob Geldof amongst others. The New York Dolls were credited in the movie for creating what became the punk rock wave that hit England in the late 70's. What intrigued me was that they are credited for the movement a few times in the movie and according to Mick Jones of the Clash, this all came from a SINGLE television appearance the Dolls made while in England. Watching this movie was like seeing a biography of Dr. Jekyll. Kane (Jekyll) is older, wiser and filled with faith and regret of "what could have been" beating himself up for the destruction he has caused to himself, his former wife and questioning himself about what he could have done to stop the tidal wave of failure that followed in the wake of the break up of the Dolls . Kane clings onto the hope of reuniting with his 2 surviving former band mates, like Linus does his blanket. I was moved to see a man who once was a "rock god", now humbled as he is filmed riding the bus to his job as a glorified "gopher" at the Latter Day Saints family history library in Los Angeles. Kane the once proud and defiant bass player is shown to be so broke now that his LDS church loans him the money to get his bass out of a pawn shop. Kane is shown to be deeply religious but even that does not help in dealing with his anger and jealousy over the career that David Johansen aka "Buster Poindexter" has carved out over the years while Kane faded into alcoholism, poverty and obscurity. Arthur Kane reflects the pain and confusion that everyone has experienced at one time in their life, wondering how something wonderful and so precious was lost, praying that the opportunity avails itself one last time and to embrace and clutch onto the moment. I will not spoil the ending to this beautifully crafted movie, a film that is at times funny ,emotionally devastating and inspirational. I will say that it was the first time I shed tears during the credits of movie in more than 20 years. Do yourself a favor see this movie even if you are not a fan of the New York Dolls, I am sure after you see the movie you will be...

general-melchett Very interesting film for anyone keen on the history of American punk, glam rock etc.Arthur comes across as a very likable character who really enjoyed his last chance at stardom, after many years down on his luck. I particularly enjoyed Morrissey's comments on the New York Dolls, being a big fan of his, and was impressed at his role in bringing the New York Dolls back together again after so many acrimonious years apart.Loved to see the reaction of his library co-workers in America to Arthur's other rock-and-roll side, which came as such a contrast to his meek, gentle man about the library self.Great music, great characters make a happy, but sad, film, which cannot fail to bring a tear to your eye. 9/10. Strongly recommended.

Cheddar I could go on and on about why I liked this movie but there's one thing that is most important to impress upon people: you don't have to be a New York Dolls fan - or even a rock music fan - to enjoy this movie. I was only peripherally aware of the New York Dolls music and I was captivated by this fine piece of work.This is not a concert movie though a performance is integral to the story. It's also not a series of rock videos. It is a simple man's extraordinary journey through life, a life that at times is ordinary and at others is far from it.I can only encourage you to not base your willingness to view this on how you feel about its music. If you pass by because of that, you will deprive yourself of a very special movie.