Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
92%RT Audience Score: 89%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a documentary that is as groovy as it is informative. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the Funk Brothers, a group of musicians who were the backbone of Motown’s sound, and their contributions to the music industry. While some critics may argue that the documentary stumbles in certain areas, it’s hard to deny the unadulterated pleasure that comes from watching these talented musicians perform. The film is a beautiful portrait of true music artists that never got their due, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves music. So, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the sounds of Motown!
Standing in the Shadows of Motown” is a must-see for anyone who loves music, especially Motown. This documentary tells the story of the Funk Brothers, the unsung heroes behind some of the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s. While some critics may have found it lacking in creativity, I found it to be a fun and engaging look at the people who made the music that defined a generation. Plus, the performances are amazing and will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time. So, if you’re looking for a good time and some great music, give “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” a watch.
Production Company(ies)
Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment,
Distributor
Artisan Entertainment
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
159 North Primrose Avenue, Monrovia, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong sexual content and related dialogue
Year of Release
1999
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Color:Color
Black and White -
Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 48m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 15, 2002 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 22, 2003
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
standing in the shadows of motown, documentary, soul music, Motown, Funk Brothers, performances, interviews, reenactments, Richard “Pistol” Allen, Benny “Papa Zita” Benjamin, Marvin Gaye, touring, Detroit, studio sessions, Andre Braugher, David Scott, Paul Justman, Sandford Passman, Alan Slutsky, Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange, PG, English, Artisan Entertainment, Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital, Flat, 1.85:1, $1.6M, box office, 1h 48m, reviewed by Jamie Russell, Scott Von Doviak, Roger Moore, Eleanor Ringel Cater, Randy Cordova, Geoff Pevere, Matt Brunson, Benjamin H Smith, Kathy Fennessy, John A Nesbit, Felix Vasquez Jr., Jeffrey M Anderson, directed by Paul Justman, written by Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange, Alan Slutsky, produced by David Scott, Paul Justman, Sandford Passman, Alan Slutsky, starring Andre Braugher, Richard “Pistol” Allen, Jack Ashford, Bob Babbitt, Benny “Papa Zita” Benjamin, Eddie “Bongo” Brown
Worldwide gross: $9,090
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $16,317
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,125
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,779
US/Canada gross: $9,090
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $16,317
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,807
US/Canada opening weekend: $9,090
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $16,317
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,579
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Richard “Pistol” Allen – Self
Jack Ashford – Self
Bob Babbitt – Self
Benny “Papa Zita” Benjamin – Self
Eddie “Bongo” Brown – Self
Director(s)
Paul Justman
Writer(s)
Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange, Alan Slutsky
Producer(s)
David Scott, Paul Justman, Sandford Passman, Alan Slutsky
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (92) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (84) | Rotten (8)
July 25, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Jamie Russell
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
The Funk Brothers seem to have hardly missed a beat.
December 27, 2002
Scott Von Doviak
Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
TOP CRITIC
There have been better documentaries to come out this year, but none can touch this one for unadulterated pleasure.
December 19, 2002 | Rating: 5/5
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
I promise, you’ll never listen to a Motown classic in the same way ever again.
November 29, 2002 | Rating: A-
Eleanor Ringel Cater
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TOP CRITIC
The documentary stumbles where it could have soared.
November 28, 2002 | Rating: 2/5
Randy Cordova
Arizona Republic
TOP CRITIC
Try as you might to resist, if you’ve got a place in your heart for Smokey Robinson, this movie will worm its way there.
November 22, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Geoff Pevere
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
Terrific entertainment.
August 29, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
One of the most influential music documentaries of recent years and one of the best.
April 1, 2020
Benjamin H. Smith
Decider
I’d rather see them play music with the original artists, with each other, or in archival clips (of which there are plenty).
August 22, 2017
Kathy Fennessy
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
may not be the most creative of documentaries, but it’s certainly an essential one that all music lovers should see and hear
January 2, 2012 | Rating: B
John A. Nesbit
Old School Reviews
A beautiful portrait of true music artists that never got their due.
April 29, 2009
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Even after decades of performing the same songs, the energy never flags.
August 22, 2008
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid…
Plot
Peter loves his next door neighbour Erica and, on the advice of his grandfather, decides to camp out on her front lawn for the entire summer, or until she agrees to go out with him. His father is none too happy about the idea and refuses to let his son back in the house, even to get a change of clothes. Peter’s friend, Matt, thinks Peter should give up on women (like he has) and just have sex with fruit, and have a total devotion to masterbation.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Narrator Andre Braugher is best known for his Emmy-winning role on the TV series Homicide: Life on the Street.
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