Martin Scorsese opens the picture with backstage and behind the scenes arrangements between himself and Mick, Keith, Ron and Charlie. These are juicy good-humored personal bits which would make you smile on their own, but projected the size of a building makes them completely irresistibly fascinating. I'm pretty sure -- they're my favorite part of the film. Martin enjoys displaying himself as somewhat of the foil. This opening lasts about ten minutes.

Once the cameras are aimed onstage, the true concert film emerges. Squarely playing less famous Stones songs, the band takes stage with strength and pleasure. Keith always looks likes he's having a great time. Mick seems more confident and relaxed than his last IMAX appearance (almost 20 years ago). Read my review of their 1990's IMAX Flick here.

While there are plenty of very nice very large shots of these rock stars, the cameras love Mick a little too much. I wanted more Keith, and not just inserts, I want the camera to linger and show him conversing with his instrument. That said, the shots are mostly all good. I had some problems with the quick cut editing early on, but the editor relaxed after a while and the shots held longer. There were also a few problems with fast pans -- terribly hard to watch on the big screen.

From time to time Marty tossed in excerpts from very old (the band looked like teenagers) interviews. These were almost always clever and well placed.

Over all, good fun. I want more big screen concert films!!!

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