Music Documentaries – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

How we kill time in between movies. Never too late for a cocktail.

NEVER TOO LATE is an excellent ROCKUMENTARY about the man and the MUSIC LEGEND.

As Elton John fans we both absolutely loved this doc. Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, it shows us an intimate glimpse into Elton’s private life. Furnish is originally from Toronto, so deciding to hold the world premiere at TIFF was a perfect choice. R.J. Cutler co-directed this fabulous documentary alongside Furnish. They were all here in Toronto for the opening.

My first EJ concert was many moons ago at the Montreal Forum – it was the “GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD” performance. And, an all-encompassing performance it was. I was already hooked; but my parents finally stepped in and asked me to please stop playing that album for a while. They were so sick of hearing it played so loud. I just turned down the volume.

Here comes the rocketmobile with Elton in the back. Photo: d. king

Some people think that the movie “Becoming Rocketman” was a documentary. It’s more of a fantasy musical that Elton gave his approval to take creative license with. This one is nothing like that. It shows all his sides. We were moved to say the least.

“NEVER TOO LATE” chronicles Elton throughout the years; from a humble beginning, to present time. It shows his upbringing with strict and sometimes abusive parents, his complicated love life, the drugs, the struggles, the loneliness, the success. The highs, the lows, and finally, finding love and family…the reason for his decision to finally retire once and for all. We’ll see about that.

There are a few surprises that most of the public might not know. One giveaway is his relationship with the late, great John Lennon. How he was able to coerce a reluctant Lennon into coming on stage at Dodger Stadium (the first time) to sing “WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT,” the old Beatles song, while Yoko sat secretly in the audience. Lennon did not want Ono to be there for fear that he would not be able to get on that stage following their two year breakup. However; Yoko did go backstage after, they got together again and the rest is (was) history. I don’t like giving too much away. Okay; one more…

There’s also a scene where Elton + Lennon are drinking up a storm and doing lines in Elton’s hotel room, when all of a sudden someone knocks on the door. Elton looks through the peephole to see Andy Warhol standing there. He and Lennon look at each other, decide not to open the door. I mean; the polaroids might not be such a good idea at this time. They just laugh it off.

The one thing I was hoping for was a nod to the late, great Long-John Baldry; the musician who discovered Elton and who Elton took his last name from. Long-John was a neighbour of mine and the information is well documented, although not mentioned in the doc.

The enduring pop star has done it all. He’s even added his name to the history books. On January 15,2024, he become an EGOT—as the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—as his live-streamed concert Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium captured an Emmy Award. Oh; thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. I always thought the recipient of that award meant that they were EGOTistical! (kidding).

We laughed, we cried and we realized…what a major talent and humanitarian this man is! Wonderful, wonderful documentary.

We had **Red Carpet access** for this one. Ruby (redhead in middle was there to interview Elton). Elizabeth and I were waiting for our camera call. And this was going on once inside:

Photo: d. king

TIFF might be almost over, but there’s always next year. I’ll be posting more movie reviews on here daily until I’m done. I’m sure that most of these movies and documentaries will be coming to a theatre near you by, or before Christmas. Christmas isn’t that far away.

This was the World Premiere of a four part mini-series which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime starting September 20^th.

What can we say about The Tragically Hip…or as they’re often referred to, simply, as “The Hip” – a small-town five-piece band from Kingston, Ontario (that’s in Canada for those of you who do not know) who went on to make nine number one albums in Canada, over a mammoth 33 year career?

Photo courtesy of TIFF – playing to one of their numerous sold-out shows.

They’re unique, they’re lifelong friends, and their songs have come to unite Canada in a way no other band has ever achieved. They’ve make it cool to be Canadian.

The remaining group were all here for the premiere with one noticeably missing person. Very sadly, Gord Downie, the much loved lead singer and lyricist for the group, passed away from brain cancer in 2017. He was also an activist and an amazing live performer with his own indescribable unique style.

Director Mike Downie (Gord’s older brother) takes us on an emotional look at the origin, impact, and legacy of the band that defined Canada, to the world and to itself.

Their story is one truly amazing ride.

Remaining group members are guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker (known as Bobby Baker until 1994), bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay.

Admittedly, I was never a really huge Hip fan. Granted, I did like a lot of their songs…but I wanted to learn what the really big fuss was all about. And let me tell you; there was (still is) a big fuss. Dan Aykroyd (another huge fan) introduced them for countless shows as you’ll see by watching the mini-series. Now I understand. They’re awesome and so much more than just another rock group. But what makes them awesome for me, is much more than their music.

These guys are all from Kingston, Ontario. Friends since childhood, they have great family values and have managed to achieve enormous success through hard work and by doing exactly what they love best – making music. They’ve managed to keep their friendship all these years, and they work around any problems that may arise. That speaks volumes about how they were raised. I may be biased about men from Kingston as my late husband and also my former dance partner were both from there. They were the nicest, smartest, most down to earth and capable guys ever. Doesn’t mean all men from Kingston are that amazing, but it certainly did colour my opinion. Plus, there are scenes from there and other parts of Canada.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this docu series. It has heart. I think you’ll enjoy it too – especially if you’re a Canuck. And if you don’t know what a Canuck is; you’re not one of us!

I’m loving this festival! I now realize why it’s the most popular film festival in the world. One has only to come here to find out. If you love cinema and can make it out here next year it will be the 50th Anniversary.

Something more to celebrate!

Tag: Music Documentaries

TIFF: Elton John – Never Too Late

TIFF: The Tragically Hip – No Dress Rehearsal