FilmSnobReviews

Title: Lolla
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Michael John Warren
Starring: Perry Farrell, multiple musical acts
Runtime: Various

What it is: At Sundance, we were shown the first two parts of a documentary series (which in total was a feature length). This documentary covered the origin and youth culture of the sensational alternative music festival: Lollapalooza. Founded in part by Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, the festival started as a farewell tour for the band but became something much more that is still alive to this day. This documentary tells the journey of the festival and how it came to be the world famous Lollapalooza.

What We Think: Music documentary with some of my favorite bands? Count me in! This thing was entertaining. I’m definitely biased though and not afraid to admit it. 90s alternative is some of my all time favorite music and within the first two episodes you have truckloads of it. Jane’s Addiction (obviously), Rage against the Machine, Body Count, Nine Inch Nails, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, L7, and so many more. It was a who is who of 90s alternative music while showcasing what the first Lollapaloozas were like. It was genuinely entertaining to see how wild the festival used to be, even including art and freak show type acts. Truly fascinating, well paced and directed, honestly was the most enjoyable documentary I watched at Sundance. It told a musical story and really was the most fun. From unique performances and backstage stories to contextualizing the importance of the festival those first few years, it really paints Lollapalooza as somewhere in the 90s that was the place to be. I really don’t have any negatives about this documentary because I was too busy enjoying myself while learning about the festival.

 Our Grade: A, if you’re a music lover with a strong love for 90s alternative, this documentary is for you. You will have an absolute blast.