**** Pearl Jam Twenty Fanviews Here ****

[TouringFan2000]

saw it at the Balboa in SF last night and definitely enjoyed it! looking forward to the deluxe DVDs.

for me, learning about artists' creative process is a lot more fascinating than, for example, how they handle fame. so i would have liked more footage of PJ writing songs/creating music (a la SVT). but that's just a criticism to offer a criticism. i liked the film a lot.

[Underhill70]

Loved the film some amazing footage of the early Seattle scene, in reality the film would have to have been 24 hrs long to please everyone. I really would have liked to have seen more about the making of the records too. BTW couldn't believe some of the audience in the Liverpool screening who kept getting up and either going to the bar or toilet what's wrong with these people.

[joebot]

Loved the movie.

It was kind of odd jumping back and forth between old and new footage...i probably would have prefered to see an earlier version of Release for instance, but no question the one they used was beautiful.

The movie kind of peaks half way thru...or maybe 2/3 of the way thru, but it was still an exceptionally well put together documentary with lots of great "new" footage.

I guess my pet peeve is that i wish they had dug a little deeper at some of the more controversial stuff....the drummer situation (in particular Dave A), the No Code sessions/Ed taking control/travelling on his own etc...more about how they almost broke up and what brought them back together.

But finally a BIG thank you to Cameron Crowe for putting this together. Such a treat for us fans. Can't wait to get the super delux blu-ray in my hands.

Oh and one last thing.....LOVED Stone in this movie. His modern day interviews were by far the most engaging.

AMEN ! This sums up my view as well. It was def a love letter more than a "documentary"

[cd21miller]

Not enough time today to read through all the other reviews, but it would appear that I'm right along with everyone else -- loved it. Saw it at the 7 p.m. in STL with my wife (who is ready to leave me for Chris Cornell, I believe) and 3 recent PJ converts, who really enjoyed it.

Reminded me a lot of the feeling after a PJ show. "Setlist was awesome - wish they would've played..." I thought the way they did the drummer issue was actually somewhat clever considering no one really wants to bring that back up. I can picture Crowe saying, "Hey, make the guy least affected by it (Mike) tell the story in 1 minute or less!" Still, I would've liked to heard more on it, but there was so much stuff to cover and two hours (like a PJ show) just flew by. Anyway, like a PJ show...never wanted it to end and they could've told me stories about Stone's choice in dish soap (he might want to consider a switch, btw ) and I would've been happy.

The story really told itself, which I found to be quite intriguing. Not much Crowe narration after the intro, which just goes to show how well he was able to let the footage and editing do the work. Speaking of...loved the Singles "birth of no" scene. Release was amazing and I actually had tears during Alive. 20 years of not only that band being "alive", but also the most important 20 years of mine (marriage, family, career, etc.) got to me.

As always, I am so appreciative of finding this band so long ago and the places it has taken me...what an amazing year to celebrate 20.

(side note: after everone cleared out of the 7 pm show, I saw a guy roll out with a poster tube, like he had just hit it big on the lottery. I asked the concession guy about it, who pointed me to the manager, who eventually told me -- all frazzled like -- that he had one poster left. Asked him how much...he says, "$20?". Sold, baby! Bet he had no idea how much he could've got for it or the craziness of the poster line at Alpine or any other show. Just when I thought I would take a night off from a PJ poster frenzy, it strikes again! Think I'm going to need a bigger house... )

[Gern Blansten]

It was very, very good...it was better than Rattle and Hum, but not quite as good as The Kids Are Alright. When you see it again on TV, it may seem like a VH1 Behind the Music without MOST of the insipid narration.

Release still rules, and the footage of that song is stunning. The Singles Party really made me laugh and one million records the first week of vs., that still blows my mind.

My 945pm showing in AFI Silver in Silver Spring MD(nice movie theater) could have had the volume at least 2 ticks LOUDER.

totally agree about release....having Eddie describe his relationship with his father as they fade into the live Release footage was awesome

[Swanton]

I went to see PJ20 with my wife in Houston last night. We got to the theater at 6PM for the 7PM show and there was already a line down the street. The movie tavern has a bar, so that added some extra flair to the proceedings. The theater was full by the time the show started.

It was like Cameron Crowe sat down and asked himself, "How can I organize 20 years of amazing concert footage along with intimate interviews with each band member to grant the biggest Pearl Jam fangasm?"

So many wonderful memories sparked to my mind during the movie, and I had not seen much of the concert footage from the early days. I'm 35 now so I discovered Pearl Jam during my early high-school days, and the waves of nostalgia crashed over me throughout the evening.

In terms of the specifics of the movie:

Stone Gossard and Chris Cornell were both hilarious and engaging. The enitre theater laughed when Stone was talking about Temple of the Dog and how Chis was a good singer, but when Eddie jumped into "Hunger Strike," Stone added something like, "Damn, we have a f**king good singer too!" Chris talking about Mike McCready's skills and "Reach Down" was fantastic and had the theater rolling (I'm paraphrasing from what I recall), "I'm going to write a 12-minute song. It's going to be 10 minutes of guitar solos, and f**k it, I'm going to start the album off with it. And if you don't like it, I don't give a f**k. And we NOW have a guy that can do it. He can PLAY. I mean - he has problems and sooner or later you're going to need to deal with that, but he's good."

The footage of Eddie swinging from the stages is wild. I have no idea how he isn't dead.

The footage from "Alive" at The Spectrum in Philly was awesome because I was in the crowd that night. I flew from Houston to Philly for that show (and to visit family, but primarily for the concert).

Eddie talking about singing "Black" was powerful to me. His thoughts about singing the song, "That's how I felt when I wrote it. I feel the same way every time I sing it," match with how I think about that song. It reminds me of certain feelings back in high school. And anytime I heard it, I have those same feelings and memories. That "got" to me.

Others have said it, but the footage - and voiceover from others talking about the incident - of Eddie "flipping a switch" during a concert while pissed off at a security guard is mind-blowing. It feels like you're watching a piece of your own history, which may not make sense. But that statement applies to the whole movie - I felt like I was learning about a personal history that I participated in and shared even though I don't know any of these people.

The entire movie was great. For two hours, I alternated between laughing, tearing up and smiling like a dumbfounded jackass throughout the movie.

[Tuta23]

I had a feeling I would want to see this movie more than Once, so I bought a ticket for each showing last night in Houston.

Basically -- ditto everything above from all you guys. Plus, I didn't realize this movie would make me love this band even more.

Finally, I now daydream about being able to play the guitar even more than usual!

Thanks PJ Family!

[Whoop]

I went to see PJ20 with my wife in Houston last night. We got to the theater at 6PM for the 7PM show and there was already a line down the street. The movie tavern has a bar, so that added some extra flair to the proceedings. The theater was full by the time the show started.

It was like Cameron Crowe sat down and asked himself, "How can I organize 20 years of amazing concert footage along with intimate interviews with each band member to grant the biggest Pearl Jam fangasm?"

So many wonderful memories sparked to my mind during the movie, and I had not seen much of the concert footage from the early days. I'm 35 now so I discovered Pearl Jam during my early high-school days, and the waves of nostalgia crashed over me throughout the evening.

In terms of the specifics of the movie:

Stone Gossard and Chris Cornell were both hilarious and engaging. The enitre theater laughed when Stone was talking about Temple of the Dog and how Chis was a good singer, but when Eddie jumped into "Hunger Strike," Stone added something like, "Damn, we have a f**king good singer too!" Chris talking about Mike McCready's skills and "Reach Down" was fantastic and had the theater rolling (I'm paraphrasing from what I recall), "I'm going to write a 12-minute song. It's going to be 10 minutes of guitar solos, and f**k it, I'm going to start the album off with it. And if you don't like it, I don't give a f**k. And we NOW have a guy that can do it. He can PLAY. I mean - he has problems and sooner or later you're going to need to deal with that, but he's good."

The footage of Eddie swinging from the stages is wild. I have no idea how he isn't dead.

The footage from "Alive" at The Spectrum in Philly was awesome because I was in the crowd that night. I flew from Houston to Philly for that show (and to visit family, but primarily for the concert).

Eddie talking about singing "Black" was powerful to me. His thoughts about singing the song, "That's how I felt when I wrote it. I feel the same way every time I sing it," match with how I think about that song. It reminds me of certain feelings back in high school. And anytime I heard it, I have those same feelings and memories. That "got" to me.

Others have said it, but the footage - and voiceover from others talking about the incident - of Eddie "flipping a switch" during a concert while pissed off at a security guard is mind-blowing. It feels like you're watching a piece of your own history, which may not make sense. But that statement applies to the whole movie - I felt like I was learning about a personal history that I participated in and shared even though I don't know any of these people.

The entire movie was great. For two hours, I alternated between laughing, tearing up and smiling like a dumbfounded jackass throughout the movie.

I know I posted my review last night, but this review speaks to me.

... and it makes total sense.

[Black73]

Incredible!

This is another example of the band doing what they want, they way they want, and not giving a f#ck what anyone says about it. My 11 year-old son leaned over at one point and said "I never realized how much Pearl Jam just does their own thing." So thank you, Pearl Jam, for staying true to yourselves and doing PJ20 like you wanted to do it. It had me laughing (Ed singing to the security guy, stumbling @ Singles release party, dusty grammy in Stone's basement, Stone's grungy coffee cup, etc), teared up (Mike's brief touch on his battle with addiction...sidenote, so happy he's beat those demons!, Chris and Jeff explaining the loss of Andy Wood), energized (every time one of their live performances was highlighted), humbled (the entire Andy Wood explanation...so classy!), impressed at their roles as fathers (Mike's little one sitting in front of him during an interview, Stone's copies of Winnie the Pooh & Toy Story on his bookshelf, not touched upon in the film but Eddie's obvious pain from not knowing his father & breaking that cycle w/his own children), and pleased they have found their drummer...80 songs learned in 10 days?! Matt is sick!

Can't wait for the bonus footage! My 9 year-old leaned over and asked "When are they going to explain how Boom joined the band?" Again, they did this film their way, and it was incredible. Can't wait to see what other nuggets are in the bonus material!

9 year-old also loved the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee...a cool experience all around!

[PJen]

I was at the late show in Detroit (Royal Oak) and I thought the movie was simply incredible..

I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more (thanx Stone) and I cried yet again..

I knew the movie was going to be great, but I left the theatre somehow more in love with this band?? Is that even possible??

Their music has done so much for me. From inspiring me to play at a young age, from influencing (to a degree) my outlook on life and what is possible, to truly helping me through some of the darkest points of my life and becoming the soundtrack for some of the greatest moments of my life..

This band, this thing that we all connect to is nothing short of magic.. and the ride that is taken with this movie, was nothing short of that...

pure magic...

Couldn't have said it better! The movie was amazing and made me so proud to be a PJ fan! Where the heck did the last 20 years go!? It's just crazy how time flies. Great crowd at the Crest in Sac. By the end of the movie I wanted to jump out of my seat, just like a live show! Couldn't help but sing along too. Our 12 year old daughter came along and loved it. She was laughing and had a great time. It was so cool to share this with her. Massive thanks and much love to Pearl Jam and Cameron Crowe for the amazing memories! Here's to the next 20 boys!

[JK12093]

Saw the movie for free at the Bagdad Theatre in Portland,OR.line was around the block.The movie made me laugh and brought a tear to my eye,but was smiling the whole time.It was great, definately need the deluxe DVD now.Thanks guys for a rockin 20 years.

I was at the Bagdad, too! It was cool that they did that, since the Hollywood showing was sold out. What a great movie - def. worth standing in line for 45 min.!

[matt.watt]

+1 to wanting to see deeper into the creative process, and writing the albums. I forgot to mention that it my "review".

The entire movie was great. For two hours, I alternated between laughing, tearing up and smiling like a dumbfounded jackass throughout the movie.

Same

[Indifference10]

Amazing!

I watched it in Brussels and loved every second of it! Some bits made me laugh, others gave me goosebumps and some almost made me cry.

Great portrait of a great band...

Ordered the blue ray...

[Tone]

I really liked the movie, but to echo a few previous comments as well as numerous FB conversations, it didn't dig far enough. It skimmed over way too many topics and jumped around. I would have liked to have seen a number of areas explored further... plus it needed way more MCCREADY!

The first 10 years aren't really a mystery, the media scrutiny was intense, they were everywhere... the last 10 years are the ones I'm more interested in... how they survived. How these very different individuals make it work and continue to churn out music, how the songwriting process works. The 2nd 10 years were the least explored areas in the film. Ed touched on bonding with Jeff, but what about the rest of the guys? I wanted to learn more about the bond within the band which is clearly there but just not talked about. I feel it was an opportunity missed to dig a little deeper but I know they can't include everything. It was fun, though... fun to see friends in the audience of shows up on the big screen.

Speaking of shows... now, about those Philly DVDs... clearly they were filmed, we already knew this... boxset?

[Champagne Breakfast]

what was the coffee mug stone showed that was dirty? we were all laughing too much at that part to notice the PJ keepsake that it was?