QUINCY

(director/writer: Alan Hicks/Rashida Jones; cinematographer: Rory Anderson; editors: Will Znidaric, Andrew McAllister; music: Quincy Jones; cast: Quincy Jones; Runtime: 124; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh, Adam Fell; Netflix; 2018-color/B/W)

“Inspiring but meandering intimate doc on music legend Quincy Jones.“

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Inspiring but meandering intimate doc on music legend Quincy Jones that’s gushingly directed by his adoring actress daughter Rashida Jones (“Angie Tribeca”/”Hot Girls Wanted”), one of his 7 children, and jazz drummer Alan Hicks (“Keep On Keepin’ On”). The octogenarian music legend, winner of 29 Grammies and civil rights activist, appears in his wheel-chair.

His story is an American Dream story of overcoming a poor childhood in Chicago and of overcoming racism and mental illness (his mother was schizophrenic). It’s overlong at 2 hours to bear with the loving tribute presentation, which could have easily lopped off a half-hour and not lost a beat. It shows Quincy’s humanity, his passion, his laid-back charm, his tremendous work ethic and big ego as all the assorted things that helped him to reach the top of his field and transcend cultural boundaries. It worked as an uncritical biopic, but it could have been better if it had some edge.

Celebrity power shows its face here, as Quincy relates to all sorts of famous people and is viewed by the public and critics as a musical genius, a great humanitarian and a loving family man.

REVIEWED ON 1/1/2019 GRADE: B-    https://dennisschwartzreviews.com/