A cast of rising stars relives legendary concert lore in "Taking Woodstock."
The film is a groovy, far out trip inspired by the true behind the scenes story that made the big gig possible. The movie was not a revolutionary experience, the comedy is very mild, and the movie doesn't jam like a typical concert film.
"Taking Woodstock" is dusty mix of culture clash, personal drama and dry comedy set in the days leading up to the concert.
Director Ang Lee, who won an Academy Award with "Brokeback Mountain," keeps the focus on a coming of age storyline, pushing the musical elements to the background.
"Only through a personal story, through that small window you can see part of the truth or have a taste of the event," Lee said.
"There's a lot that comes with the word Woodstock. People might expect to see some concert film but it's kind of next to it," Actor, Demetri Martin, said.
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"Taking Woodstock"
News 8's Victor Diaz gives the movie a five on a scale of one to eight.
 
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Standup comedian Demitri Martin subtly makes his big screen debut as the main character Elliot Teichberg. He helps run his parents roach motel and jumps at the chance to host Woodstock when the neighboring city doesn't want the trouble.
Newcomer Jonathan Groff plays Michael Lang the iconic co-founder of the festival. Together they embody the youthful ambition that made Woodstock a reality.
"That's inspiring. The idea that a 24-year-old can essentially make all this happen with lots of help and whatnot, but can essentially make all this happen is incredible inspiring," Groff, said.
The cast is flushed out with several colorful characters including a precarious performance by Leiv Schriber who's the head of security and also a cross dressing transsexual.
"Ultimately because the idea was that anything should be appropriate that acceptance was the message," Schriber, said.
Some of the scenes drag out too long, and the lack of just one actual on-stage performance is a glaring omission. Still it's a substantial ensemble piece that captures the period with melodramatic charm and spirit.
On the News 8 scale of one to eight, "Taking Woodstock" mellows out with a five.
