Perhaps a bit of both... Turbulent Irish rock band U2 is followed into the recording studio where they lay down some new tracks, and then onto the stage where they wow VERY APPRECIATIVE audiences. All this business is broken up by a lot of self-conscious talk from band members less charismatic than they think they are. B.B. King's bit with the band is the standout moment--where the film actually has some musical lift--but much of the rest is (intentionally) gritty and grounded; this might be hypnotic for fans, but it's rather tough on the uninitiated. Filmed in both black-and-white and color, for that extra MTV-like kick. ** from ****
Review of U2: Rattle and Hum
