We know it’s hard to believe, but we Austinist staffers are human. We’re real people, with real feelings, and sometimes we make mistakes. Some of us make so many mistakes that we can’t even remember them all.
Anyhoo, last week we fucked up huge by not telling you to go see Rock the Bells, the true story of concert promoter Chang Weisberg’s attempt at reuniting all ten members of the Wu-Tang Clan for one night of reefer-fueled mayhem in an overcrowded Southern California warehouse.
Don’t get the wrong idea—this isn’t really a film about the Wu-Tang Clan. It’s more like a “one man overcoming impossible odds to realize his dream” kind of thing. It’s about risking everything (Weisberg put his house, and most probably his family, on the line) for one shot at something huge.
But more than that, Rock the Bells is unbelievably fun to watch. We can’t remember the last time we left a music documentary so excited by the experience—this thing is all tension and humor and explosive energy, with a cast of characters that’s weirder and funnier than any screenwriter could ever dream. It’s teeth-grindingly suspenseful in a way usually reserved for feature films, with a down-to-the-wire ending that almost doesn't seem real.
You’ve got two more chances to go see it—tonight, and this coming Sunday—and we belatedly suggest you take one of ‘em.
Rock the Bells
Thursday, January 11th, 7:00pm
Sunday, January 14th, 9:45pm
Alamo Drafthouse Downtown
$7 / $5.50 Student, Senior
[Tickets]
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Amazing documentary. My only complaint is they didn't show any footage of the actual Wu show, but I hear there is a DVD available.
Glad to see the Wu movie getting its due! I had several friends contact me thinking this article was from my blog, submitted to the Austinist’s open call for writers (posted Jan. 10). The film was first screened on Jan.4, yet it was news in the austinist a week later, and just a few hours after I sent my similar submission.
Pretty freaky how we seem to be on the same page? Since we seem to be thinking the same things at the same time, I guess what I am trying to say is that I’d make a great staff writer, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
ewhughes1: Total coincidence, for rills. I haven't seen any of the prospective writer's submissions. But you have good taste in music docs.