Still Crazy (1998)

73% of critics liked it
(26 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(6,768 ratings)

Still Crazy is a film that looks back at the "rock band" era of the 1970s. Brian Gibson, who has directed musical biographies on Josephine Baker and Tina Turner, sets his narrative on a rock group, Strange Fruit, who are attempting a comeback twenty years after a bolt of lightening literally ended… More Still Crazy is a film that looks back at the "rock band" era of the 1970s. Brian Gibson, who has directed musical biographies on Josephine Baker and Tina Turner, sets his narrative on a rock group, Strange Fruit, who are attempting a comeback twenty years after a bolt of lightening literally ended their career in the late 1970's. When keyboard player Tony (Stephan Rea) runs into the son of their old festival promoter, he gets the idea he could perhaps bring the aging musicians together for a revival. He goes off to search for Karen (Juliet Aubre), the band's Girl Friday and often the butt of their various ego trips. Karen, who now lives alone with her daughter, thinks it's a great idea and they set off to locate the other members. Beano (Timothy Spall), the drummer, has barricaded himself away in a trailer in his mother's garden for fear of being caught by the taxman. Ray (Bill Nighy), the lead singer, lives in a luxurious country house (beyond his means) with his second wife; he's still in the music business and has released a solo record. Les (Jimmy Nail), a great bass guitarist, is happily married, and his only regret is that his music never found the following he would have liked. As for ex-roadie Hughie (Billy Connolly), the Fruits were always his boys, and he's ready to give up his stall at Camden market and follow the dream. He would also love to see guitarist Brian again, but Brian is nowhere to be found. Karen decides to hire a much younger musician, Luke, to replace him. The re-formed band go to Holland to play a few clubs on a warm-up tour. However, the youngest member of the band is stealing the show, particularly with the members of the opposite sex. Despite efforts to stay calm and professional, the band is falling into the old routine of bickering day by day as they get close to the big reunion concert. Still Crazy was screened as part of the Panorama during the 49th International Berlin Film Festival, 1999. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Brian Gibson
Written By: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais
Genres: Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 11, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Jun 29, 1999
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Moviehole
An absolute gem of a movie!
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
(No quote available.)
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
A warmed-over Spinal Tap retread, though not without its charms.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
There are worse ways to kill and hour and a half, but I'd rather watch a movie with midgets dancing around a foot-high model of Stonehenge.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cindy I

I REALLY like this film. It's the story of a once-legendary 70's rock band called Strange Fruit who split acrimoniously and then are asked to reunite for a 20th anniversary concert. They are of course VERY rusty, as they all moved on outside the music business, and there are… More
I REALLY like this film. It's the story of a once-legendary 70's rock band called Strange Fruit who split acrimoniously and then are asked to reunite for a 20th anniversary concert. They are of course VERY rusty, as they all moved on outside the music business, and there are a lot of old wounds from their days together that are just scabbed over but not quite healed. There's just so much about this to like I don't know where to start, but how about the cast. Everyone including Stephen Rea and Timothy Spall do a great job, but Bill Nighy stands out as the cocky lead singer who believes the whole band hates him because he replaced a beloved singer who OD'd years before. And Billy Connelly nearly steals the show as the roadie Hughie, who acts as a chorus for the action and a babysitter for the band. And Actor/Director/Screenwriter Bruce Robinson puts on the wearied and wounded rock star coat like he's been wearing it all his life. The original music, while not quite Grammy quality, is a good fit and sounds like it could be 70's arena rock. And why not? It was written by such as Mick Jones and Jeff Lynne, not a bunch of idiot screenwriters who haven't listened to the radio since Glenn Miller. And the fact that the actors did their own singing just made things even better. The singing sounds a little rough, but I think that's the point. These guys are older and out of practice, and they should sound like it. If you liked The Commitments, pair it up with this as a double feature. Some really funny scenes, along with some poignant ones as well, make this film a delight. "The Flame Still Burns".
Red L

What do you get when a has-been group of 70's rockers gets together again? A pretty good movie! You can imagine the unfinished conflicts that must be resolved.
xGary X

This perfectly cast but weakly scripted affectionate portrait of a has-been 70s rock band trying to make a comeback suffers from the usual faults of british comedy ie it's far too formulaic and predictable; it's as middle of the road as the music it parodies.. However,… More
This perfectly cast but weakly scripted affectionate portrait of a has-been 70s rock band trying to make a comeback suffers from the usual faults of british comedy ie it's far too formulaic and predictable; it's as middle of the road as the music it parodies.. However, it's still mildly amusing though never laugh out loud funny, but suffers greatly in comparison to the far superior This Is Spinal Tap.
Jason R

One of my all time favorite movies, and soundtracks. Which if you can find it, it's well worth the money. Just all around great cast, story, and that soundtrack! Man! One of the best I have ever heard.