BEACH BOYS, THE
(director/writer: Frank Marshall, Thom Zimny; screenwriter: Mark Monroe; cinematographer: Ernesto Lomeli; editors: Jake Hostetter, Robert Martinez; music: Beach Boys; cast: Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, Paul McCartney, Janelle Monae, Lindsey Buckingham, Don Was, Marilyn Wison-Rutherford; Runtime: 113; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Irving Azoff, Frank Marshall, Nicholas Ferral, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Aly Parker; Disney+ ; 2024)
“A good vibrations musical documentary on the legendary American band.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
Frank Marshall (“Rather”/”Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story”) and Thom Zimny (“Sly”/”Western Stars”) co-direct. Mark Monroe is the screenwriter. It’s a good vibrations musical documentary on the legendary American band that breaks no new ground but gives us their full story through use of archival interviews, never-before-seen footage, and new interviews with surviving members Mike Love and Al Jardine. There are also interviews with celebrity fans that include Janelle Monáe, producer Don Was, and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham.
The band is known for its pop culture hits about the beach, surfing and the sun, with such songs as “God Only Knows” and “California Girls.” Their pop songs spoke for the California dream scene in the 1960s, when they came on the scene and revolutionized the music scene with their catchy new tunes.
The original band was headed by the ‘genius’ songwriter Brian Wilson; his middle brother, the multi-instrumentalist Dennis (the band’s drummer); the youngest brother Carl (the lead guitarist); their cousin Mike Love (Lead singer); and family friend Al Jardine (rhythm guitarist). The Wilson father Murry was their manager until a dispute with Brian led to his firing.
When Brian refused to tour with the band, they added Bruce Johnston to go on the road.
The efficiently made film relays all the relevant info you may need about the group. It might not be a great film, but it gets the job done and is an easy watch.
REVIEWED ON 5/28/2024 GRADE: B