The movie had some good laughs and, aside from a few callbacks to the original film, it didn't feel like a retread. It looked great on the big screen (versus the original which even in the re-release felt dated due to being incredibly grainy), and I thought the music and actors’ real-life music chops were more front and center—it was entertaining to just see them jam, and that’s taking into account that a lot of these performances simply take place in a rehearsal studio space as they prepare for a reunion concert.
It was a particular treat to see Paul McCartney and Elton John with substantial cameos, not just brief one note walk ons. In fact, McCartney was a real highlight—although he’s often played himself, often in comedy sketches, these are often with a knowing wink to the audience. In contrast, I was impressed that, here, he was more natural and played it fairly straight, while of course still recognizing he was in a comedy, landing laughs. (Their "new" drummer, Didi Crockett, played by Valerie Franco, was also a welcome addition.)
At 83 minutes, the movie certainly doesn’t wear out its welcome, ending in almost a sudden, abrupt manner with a scene that you could probably spot coming a mile away lol. Full credit to them for not letting the film become overly sentimental or valedictory.
