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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
This gently satirical British comedy chronicles the quixotic reunion of a late, arguably not-so-great, and unlamented '70s rock band, Strange Fruit, with a winning mix of humor and poignancy. The 'Fruits,' as the survivors call themselves without irony, had disbanded after the tragic loss of one member, the mysterious disappearance of another, and the aftershocks of internal rivalries, but 20 years later they warily reassemble for a Dutch club tour, a warm-up for a proposed festival appearance. Between that seemingly hare-brained proposal and the fateful festival, director Brian Gibson, working from a sharp script by Dick Clement and Ian LaFrenais, captures the absurdities of middle-aged rockers trying to recapture that lost cockiness.
Breathing life into the band is a terrific cast, including Stephen Rea, Jimmy Nail, Timothy Spall, and Bill Nighy, each managing to juggle deft archetype with believable character traits: Spall's cheerfully crass, flatulent drummer, and Nighy's preening, slow-witted lead singer exemplify the approach, grabbing chuckles yet making you actually care about them. Equally impressive is Billy Connolly as the wily roadie, Hughie, at once pragmatic and devoted to his charges. All are well-served by production details and script points that get the group's lost world of late '60s and early '70s rock exactly right, from costuming and stage moves to the long-forgotten bands they name-check--Blodwyn Pig, anybody?
The band's music likewise benefits from inspired insiders, cowriters Mick Jones (Spooky Tooth, Foreigner) and Chris Difford (Squeeze), who hit a nifty combination of bombast (for the silly scenes) and earnestness. When Gibson and his cast risk the story's amiable glow on a darker, more dramatic final act, the music rises to the challenge, and the whole project, like its fictional subject, achieves an unexpectedly touching victory. --Sam Sutherland
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - "I didn't feel like it was happening tonight."
In a similar spirit of the classic faux-rockumentary This is Spinal Tap, Still Crazy weaves a tale of has-been musicians attempting to give their rock band,'Strange Fruit' a last shot at fame.
Not only do they have to relearn their love of the music, but remember how to deal with each other and the same dramas they faced decades before. Besides that there is a whole mess of egos in a small bus, the egocentric lead singer who can't see that he's no longer a star, the heavily burdened ... Read More
Rating: - Turning back the clock
For all those of us who have always wondered, what if I could go back and redo or finish something that I started so long ago, and would my life, or that of those around me be any better or worse, this film is for you. The cast are incredible, the story line is certainly fictional, but nonetheless appealing to all of us. The characters are rich and full, and any of us, could no doubt substitute for any one of them. The term "cult film", although somewhat negative in its conotations, may surely apply here, ... Read More
Rating:  - Full Screen 1.85:1
Aspect ratio says 1.85:1 so I foolishly figured it was Widescreen. It's not, it's Full Screen with the wrong aspect ratio listed. Amazon offered to fix it, but too much trouble for a $10 DVD. I guess I can't rely on aspect ratios anymore.
Rating: - Still Crazy
I was very surprised to get the DVD as soon as I did. It came in earlier than expected. I wasn't sure what kind of condition the movie would be in. I was very happy when I played the DVD. I had my doubts. But now I have more confidence in purchasing movies from Amazon. I will be back for more! Thanks.
Rating: - Never Too Old To Rock And Roll
Boy, I love this movie. What a good flick. It's hard to believe it's about ten years old now. It's about a 70s rock band that reunites 20 years later for a tour and a chance to make it big again. Unfortunately, the demons of the past haven't gone away. The problems and rivalries that led to the band's breakup are still there, but this is their second chance not only for their career but to right the wrongs as well.
Not only is this movie very funny, but it's quite touching as well. It's less about ... Read More
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