MIDAS MAN

(director: Joe Stephenson; screenwriters: Brigit Grant, Jonathan Wakeham; cinematographer: Birgit Dierken; editor:Joe Stephenson; music: Alex Baranowski; cast: Emily Watson (Queenie Epstein), Eddie Marsan (Harry Epstein), Eddie Izzard (Allan Williams), Ed Speleers (Tex Ellington), Charley Palmer Rothwell (George Martin), Darci Shaw (Cilla Black), Jonah Lees (John Lennon); Runtime: 140; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Trevor Beattie, Jeremy Chatterton; StudioPOW; 2024-UK)

“An uneven but nicely packaged biopic on the Beatle manager Brian Epstein.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

An uneven but nicely packaged biopic on the Beatle manager Brian Epstein, who in 1967 tragically died at age 32 over a drug overdose. He was Jewish and gay, and referred to as the “5th Beatle.”

It’s directed by the Brit filmmaker Joe Stephenson (“Dr. Jekyll”/”Chicken”) and written by Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham.

The Beatles in the early 1960s were an unknown Liverpool rock band who played in Hamburg clubs. Brian worked for his father’s successful furniture store but the failed drama student wanted to be involved in something in music. He talked dad into getting him his own record store in Liverpool. While playing at the legendary Cavern Club, he met the boys and formed a successful partnership with them as their trusted manager.

The film recreates Brian’s journey with the Beatles, capturing their snarky humor and whirlwind energy. But offers only familiar beats filmed many times before.

REVIEWED ON 11/7/2024  GRADE: B
dennisschwartzreviews.com