Standing In The Shadows of Motown

Standing In The Shadows of Motown (2002)

  • 92% of critics liked it
    (89 reviews)

  • 87% of users liked it
    (3,076 ratings)

Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the… More

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PG,
Directed By
Written By
Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange
Genres
Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary
In Theaters
Nov 15, 2002 Limited
Artisan Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

    There have been better documentaries to come out this year, but none can touch this one for unadulterated pleasure.

  • Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    I promise, you'll never listen to a Motown classic in the same way ever again.

  • Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic

    The documentary stumbles where it could have soared.

  • Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

    Try as you might to resist, if you've got a place in your heart for Smokey Robinson, this movie will worm its way there.

  • , Miami Herald

    You may not end up dancing in the street, but don't be surprised if you cut a step or two in the parking lot.

Read all 12 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Eric B


    Great: hearing the original Motown musicians play together and tell stories. Not great: fleeting-popularity guest singers like Joan Osborne, Ben Harper, Meshell Ndegeocello and Gerald Levert (not to mention a lot of ugly perms) that make the film seem badly dated just 10 years later.… More

  • John B


    A great exploration of the performers who don't get the measure of credit that they should - the background players. This is the story of those who can be heard on the hits but are lost in the credits. Very gifted and talented. I'm glad their story is told.

  • Lesley N


    Fantastic documentary about a group of unknown musicians, self-named The Funk brothers who were the musical force behind so many of the Motown classics; partnering Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson... name a hit, and chances are, they were playing on it.… More

  • Leo L


    Great!

  • Buddy A


    An excellent documentary about the Funk Brothers. What, you've never heard of them? Unfortunately, most people haven't either, despite the fact that they played on nearly every single Motown song ever recorded. Together, they've played on more number one hits than the… More

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