Since the documentary was not produced by anyone at the U2 camp, it freely criticizes the band. It’s a nice change from the usual mindless praise for the group. This doesn’t mean that the film denies the influential power of U2; it actually brings a new level of appreciation to their music by showing how they escaped troublesome mid-90’s flops like Pop and regained the prowess they had in the 80’s with albums like Joshua Tree.
The Rebirth of Cool: U2 In The Third Millennium becomes a powerful case study on the group thanks to smart interviews with rock critics, friends of the band and the members themselves. It truly provides you with an insider’s perspective on the near death of the band, one that even longtime fans may have not stopped to consider.
The DVD also comes packed with rare U2 performances, so even if you’re a huge fan that totally disagrees with the movie’s suggestion you can still get quite a bit of enjoyment out of it. If you’re on the fence about the recognition U2 deserves in rock, the film may also push you onto their side with the thoughtful insights it provides to the evolution of their current style.
Whether you’re a U2 fan or not, The Rebirth Of Cool is perfect for anyone who has a passion for learning about the thoughts behind the songwriting process. It is a remarkable critique of a legendary band.
June 28, 2009
Chris Homer-
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Run Time: 68 Minutes