Taking Woodstock (2009) R - 3 Stars

The best part of this movie for me was it allowed us to really get a visual imagination of what it might have been like to attend Woodstock. No, I was a bit too young to have traveled so far for a concert but I did see the Beatles in 1964, my walls were covered with psychedelic posters and do remember this radical change in America's future. The movie didn't spotlight on the great bands but more about the Peace, Love and Happiness era that was over taking the drugged youth of America. An interior designer inadvertently changes America and effects the world.

I wonder how much of this movie was based from the actual event and how much free license the director was able to adapt. It's a slow moving in many parts but a must see if you're of any age to remember, or care to, it's a movie you'll want to see if nothing else but nostalgia . I think the casting was perfect though the Mrs. that ran the hotel, I found quit annoying.

It's 1969 and a revolutionary change is happening in Greenwich Village. Elliot Tiber (Demetri Martin), is an interior designer who, almost by accident, causes a major impact on the world. Elliot is from the small town of Catskills, NY., and works with his parents at their El Monaco motel. Elliot also heads the city council board where he's just been awarded a permit to have his concert, for the locals of his community, that he's done for the last few years.

Nearby in Wallkill, NY., Elliot hears of the "Woodstock Music and Arts Festival" and how they have just lost their permit to hold the event there. Trying to promote revenue for his city while helping his parents out, he phones Michael Lang (Jonathan Groff), the producer of the show and offers accommodations at his hotel. After Lang flies out to meet with Elliot, they persuade a local farmer to allow usage of his land for the event along with a nice little profit. He agrees and with Elliot's valid permit, the rest is history. But no one could have possibly imagined the massive turnout which will probably never ever be repeated again.

Focus Features
Director: Ang Lee
Writer: James Schamus
Producers: Ang Lee, James Schamus, Celia Costas

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