Movie review: ‘Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey’

[The Sushi Hunter]

Has anyone here seen the movie yet? I'm curious to read what feedback anyone here may have about it.

Movie review: ‘Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey’ with Journey

How the rock band welcomed a little-known Filipino singer with 'Open Arms'

Thursday, April 26, 2012, 8:00 AM
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainmen ... z1tAezTQcY

Ever fantasize about having a lost twin?

While many have, its doubtful any of them imagined a scenrio quite as unlikely as the one stumbled upon by the annoyingly catchy corporate-rock band Journey.

Five years ago, the group were on the hunt for yet another singer to sub for their departed lead shouter Steve Perry. A dvisive figure, Perry split years ago over both health concerns (his ongoing hip problems) and personal ones (he and the band came to loathe each other).

Group mainstay Neal Schon had been considering the depressing route of hiring some schmoe from a Journey tribute band when, late one night trolling YouTube, he fell across something impossible. Doing a “Journey” search, he found a good-looking, age-appropriate guy, half a world away in the Philippines, who, whaddya know, sounded EXACTLY like Perry. Arnel Pineda, a dirt-poor, failed rock star in his native Manila, had precisely the same barrel-chested power and tangy timbre as the original singer, but with a backstory capable of giving this aging group of “old whiteguys” a media hook to die for.

A Filipino-born director living in America, Ramona S. Diaz, got wind of the tale through a friend in Manila and thought “ocumentary!” (Diaz’ earlier credits involve docs about her native country, including one on irst ady and shoe-whore Imelda Marcos.)

In a sense, her Journey flick filmed itself, given its can’tmiss, Cinderella hook. But what makes it even sweeter than expected is the earnest charm of Pineda himself, as well as the band’s slack-jawed awe for him. It’s nice to watch the members marvel unendingly over their new find, while Pineda himself presents an ideal image of gratitude and hard work. In much of the footage from a U.S. tour, he’s suffering from throat problems, yet he powers through. To seal its beamy vibe, the movie doesn’t touch on any past, gnarly issues with Perry.

In its stead, there’s lots of footage shot in Manila, following Pineda’s family story, and a show Journey themselves played for the local throngs.

The plot also has a cross-cultural resonance. It demonstrates the shrinking world in the Internet age as well as providing a smart blow against racism back here. Given the fact that no Asian rock band has ever had a huge U.S. career, Pineda’s placement in Journey may provide the highest profile platform ever for someone of his race. Don’t think American Filipinos don’t know it. There’s generous footage of them treating Pineda as a godsend, and, hopefully, a sign of their future. It’s a theme winning enough to woo even the staunchest Journey foe.

[Don]

Has anyone here seen the movie yet? I'm curious to read what feedback anyone here may have about it.

Movie review: ‘Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey’ with Journey

How the rock band welcomed a little-known Filipino singer with 'Open Arms'

Thursday, April 26, 2012, 8:00 AM
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainmen ... z1tAezTQcY

Ever fantasize about having a lost twin?

While many have, its doubtful any of them imagined a scenrio quite as unlikely as the one stumbled upon by the annoyingly catchy corporate-rock band Journey.

Five years ago, the group were on the hunt for yet another singer to sub for their departed lead shouter Steve Perry. A dvisive figure, Perry split years ago over both health concerns (his ongoing hip problems) and personal ones (he and the band came to loathe each other).

Group mainstay Neal Schon had been considering the depressing route of hiring some schmoe from a Journey tribute band when, late one night trolling YouTube, he fell across something impossible. Doing a “Journey” search, he found a good-looking, age-appropriate guy, half a world away in the Philippines, who, whaddya know, sounded EXACTLY like Perry. Arnel Pineda, a dirt-poor, failed rock star in his native Manila, had precisely the same barrel-chested power and tangy timbre as the original singer, but with a backstory capable of giving this aging group of “old whiteguys” a media hook to die for.

A Filipino-born director living in America, Ramona S. Diaz, got wind of the tale through a friend in Manila and thought “ocumentary!” (Diaz’ earlier credits involve docs about her native country, including one on irst ady and shoe-whore Imelda Marcos.)

In a sense, her Journey flick filmed itself, given its can’tmiss, Cinderella hook. But what makes it even sweeter than expected is the earnest charm of Pineda himself, as well as the band’s slack-jawed awe for him. It’s nice to watch the members marvel unendingly over their new find, while Pineda himself presents an ideal image of gratitude and hard work. In much of the footage from a U.S. tour, he’s suffering from throat problems, yet he powers through. To seal its beamy vibe, the movie doesn’t touch on any past, gnarly issues with Perry.

In its stead, there’s lots of footage shot in Manila, following Pineda’s family story, and a show Journey themselves played for the local throngs.

The plot also has a cross-cultural resonance. It demonstrates the shrinking world in the Internet age as well as providing a smart blow against racism back here. Given the fact that no Asian rock band has ever had a huge U.S. career, Pineda’s placement in Journey may provide the highest profile platform ever for someone of his race. Don’t think American Filipinos don’t know it. There’s generous footage of them treating Pineda as a godsend, and, hopefully, a sign of their future. It’s a theme winning enough to woo even the staunchest Journey foe.

Overall critic response is that the movie is meant more for Journey fans than the public in general. Despite Arnel's early difficulties in life, there is really no moment of conflict in the film at all. With the back story told in the first 20 minutes, the next hour and a half becomes really a concert film and even fails at that as the only song played in its entirety is DSB at the end.
The majority of critics have said it's an OKAY movie but way too long and too much sugar without enough spice.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

[Don]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

It's fair to saythen that they would need to do some more work to it then.

[brywool]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

It's fair to saythen that they would need to do some more work to it then.

Not necessarily. While that one review kind of says that (above), there were other reviews that seemed to like it.
There are many folks that say "a concert movie is too long". Well, if you're not into the band (as the reviewer above was not a big fan), it's going to be pretty dull and long. If this was put out as a DVD for Journey fans, it might be better received.
From all the stuff I saw, I'd buy it. It'd be nice if it doesn't do anything to get distributed to make it available to fans. The movie's kind of 5 years too late at this point or it should've come out with Eclipse depending on what you're after. At this point, they should let fans purchase a download.

[Don]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

It's fair to saythen that they would need to do some more work to it then.

Not necessarily. While that one review kind of says that (above), there were other reviews that seemed to like it.
There are many folks that say "a concert movie is too long". Well, if you're not into the band (as the reviewer above was not a big fan), it's going to be pretty dull and long. If this was put out as a DVD for Journey fans, it might be better received.
From all the stuff I saw, I'd buy it. It'd be nice if it doesn't do anything to get distributed to make it available to fans. The movie's kind of 5 years too late at this point or it should've come out with Eclipse depending on what you're after. At this point, they should let fans purchase a download.

With Neal's recent comments, I don't think it will be packaged with any Journey material going forward. Nomota has been hands off with the whole thing so far, to the point that the producers had to go hat in hand soliciting funds to finish editing the film, thus the four year wait in releasing the movie.

Even for a straight to video release, the film still needs to find a distributor, thus the festival run.

[brywool]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

It's fair to saythen that they would need to do some more work to it then.

Not necessarily. While that one review kind of says that (above), there were other reviews that seemed to like it.
There are many folks that say "a concert movie is too long". Well, if you're not into the band (as the reviewer above was not a big fan), it's going to be pretty dull and long. If this was put out as a DVD for Journey fans, it might be better received.
From all the stuff I saw, I'd buy it. It'd be nice if it doesn't do anything to get distributed to make it available to fans. The movie's kind of 5 years too late at this point or it should've come out with Eclipse depending on what you're after. At this point, they should let fans purchase a download.

With Neal's recent comments, I don't think it will be packaged with any Journey material going forward. Nomota has been hands off with the whole thing so far, to the point that the producers had to go hat in hand soliciting funds to finish editing the film, thus the four year wait in releasing the movie.

Even for a straight to video release, the film still needs to find a distributor, thus the festival run.

I'm not saying have the band release it. I'm saying have the film company release it. Had they timed it so it could come out with Eclipse, that would've made sense, but the band isn't really touching it or bank rolling it, they can't really release it... or bitch about it.

[The Sushi Hunter]

From what you guys are saying about it, it apears it should be better off marketed in the Philippines as it would be more in demand over there.

[Don]

Good info. Appears it doesn't hit it's intended mark, too bad. Almost a two hour movie, that's a bit long, especially if it's shot from an interviewers point of view which I'm sort of guessing that it would be. If it goes straight to DVD after a week or two in theaters, I may pick it up to see. But I don't think I'd go to a theater to watch it. If you ever do get to see it, or anyone else sees it, please post as I am interested to read some feedback from people who have actually watched it.

It hasn't been picked up for a theater run or DVD release or anything yet. The showings at these festivals are to try and entice a distributor.

It's fair to saythen that they would need to do some more work to it then.

Not necessarily. While that one review kind of says that (above), there were other reviews that seemed to like it.
There are many folks that say "a concert movie is too long". Well, if you're not into the band (as the reviewer above was not a big fan), it's going to be pretty dull and long. If this was put out as a DVD for Journey fans, it might be better received.
From all the stuff I saw, I'd buy it. It'd be nice if it doesn't do anything to get distributed to make it available to fans. The movie's kind of 5 years too late at this point or it should've come out with Eclipse depending on what you're after. At this point, they should let fans purchase a download.

With Neal's recent comments, I don't think it will be packaged with any Journey material going forward. Nomota has been hands off with the whole thing so far, to the point that the producers had to go hat in hand soliciting funds to finish editing the film, thus the four year wait in releasing the movie.

Even for a straight to video release, the film still needs to find a distributor, thus the festival run.

I'm not saying have the band release it. I'm saying have the film company release it. Had they timed it so it could come out with Eclipse, that would've made sense, but the band isn't really touching it or bank rolling it, they can't really release it... or bitch about it.

Yeah, I hear you. Well, if you are going to have Neal & Michaele out there as your PR people (as he was at Silverdocs), you really are rolling the dice as to what is going to come out of his mouth.

Neal Schon says he didn’t blow off a Silverdocs film festival audience when he left abruptly after the screening of a new Journey rockumentary Monday night. The band’s lead guitarist told us Wednesday he told the filmmakers all along he wouldn’t participate in a panel discussion about “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” and doesn’t know why festival organizers were informed otherwise.

(A Silverdocs rep says the band’s people approved press material describing the night’s expected line-up.)

Schon said he wanted to avoid any heckling or hassling of his controversial lady love, Michaele Salahi — plus, he just doesn’t like Q&As. “I was never comfortable sitting on stool, having people ask me questions, without a guitar in my hand,” the veteran rock star said. “I have tinnitus, I can barely hear what the people are saying.”...Schon said he wanted to avoid any heckling or hassling of his controversial lady love, Michaele Salahi — plus, he just doesn’t like Q&As. “I was never comfortable sitting on stool, having people ask me questions, without a guitar in my hand,” the veteran rock star said. “I have tinnitus, I can barely hear what the people are saying.”

[Don]

From what you guys are saying about it, it apears it should be better off marketed in the Philippines as it would be more in demand over there.

Considering that Eclipse only sold about two thousand copies over there (compared to Revelation's 32,000+) , I'm not so sure. That train might have left the station already.

[The Sushi Hunter]

If I was Schon with that hottie under my left arm, I'da left as soon as possible to, get back home to continue nursing that little hottie on the couch and everywhere else in the house. I've never had a blond before so it would sure be nice if the curtains matched the carpet, if you know what I mean.

[Don]

She looked better before the plastic and dye job.
Why do people always have to fuck with their noses?

[brywool]

From what you guys are saying about it, it apears it should be better off marketed in the Philippines as it would be more in demand over there.

Considering that Eclipse only sold about two thousand copies over there (compared to Revelation's 32,000+) , I'm not so sure. That train might have left the station already.

2000??? is that a real number?

[Rick]

She looked better before the plastic and dye job.
Why do people always have to fuck with their noses?

I agree. And for whatever reason, they destroy their eyebrows. Can't have more than one line of hair there. I like to see woman more natural looking, like her before picture. You can talk to that woman. You wouldn't even approach the woman in the after picture.

[Don]

From what you guys are saying about it, it apears it should be better off marketed in the Philippines as it would be more in demand over there.

Considering that Eclipse only sold about two thousand copies over there (compared to Revelation's 32,000+) , I'm not so sure. That train might have left the station already.

2000??? is that a real number?

Yes.
They released it two months late over there to virtually no fanfare at all. Without any ballads for local artists to cover on TV (as some of the local stars did with After All These Years) and Pineda no longer performing DSB, Open Arms, etc on the variety shows as he did when Revelation came out (told to stop by the band if I remember), Eclipse was never going to do anything in that market.
The diehard filipino fans that knew it came out here in May ended up either getting a copy from their stateside relatives or buying the counterfeit copies that came out in the local market a week later for a fraction of the price.

[slucero]

From what you guys are saying about it, it apears it should be better off marketed in the Philippines as it would be more in demand over there.

Considering that Eclipse only sold about two thousand copies over there (compared to Revelation's 32,000+) , I'm not so sure. That train might have left the station already.

[tater1977]

Update: Neal Schon says he didn’t bail on Silverdocs

By The Reliable Source

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/rel ... _blog.html

Neal Schon says he didn’t blow off a Silverdocs film festival audience when he left abruptly after the screening of a new Journey rockumentary Monday night. The band’s lead guitarist told us Wednesday he told the filmmakers all along he wouldn’t participate in a panel discussion about “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” and doesn’t know why festival organizers were informed otherwise.

(A Silverdocs rep says the band’s people approved press material describing the night’s expected line-up.)

Schon said he wanted to avoid any heckling or hassling of his controversial lady love, Michaele Salahi — plus, he just doesn’t like Q&As. “I was never comfortable sitting on stool, having people ask me questions, without a guitar in my hand,” the veteran rock star said. “I have tinnitus, I can barely hear what the people are saying.”

[steveo777]

Update: Neal Schon says he didn’t bail on Silverdocs

By The Reliable Source

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/rel ... _blog.html

Neal Schon says he didn’t blow off a Silverdocs film festival audience when he left abruptly after the screening of a new Journey rockumentary Monday night. The band’s lead guitarist told us Wednesday he told the filmmakers all along he wouldn’t participate in a panel discussion about “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” and doesn’t know why festival organizers were informed otherwise.

(A Silverdocs rep says the band’s people approved press material describing the night’s expected line-up.)

Schon said he wanted to avoid any heckling or hassling of his controversial lady love, Michaele Salahi — plus, he just doesn’t like Q&As. “I was never comfortable sitting on stool, having people ask me questions, without a guitar in my hand,” the veteran rock star said. “I have tinnitus, I can barely hear what the people are saying.”

Well, Neal, you could always refrain from bringing her in the first place.

[The Sushi Hunter]

She looked better before the plastic and dye job.
Why do people always have to fuck with their noses?

Doesn't look at all like the same chick. I'm one who is against any of these cosmetic surgeries, but I have to admit, I think she looks better now then the before shot.

[tater1977]

“I Love This Man” (Video)

At the Silverdocs premiere, Journey Guitarist Neal Schon said he really liked the movie “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” although he might have liked to have seen more live concert footage of the band. Michaele Salahi is also a fan. Take a look.


http://www.mymcmedia.org/i-love-this-man-video-2/

[The Sushi Hunter]

“I Love This Man” (Video)

At the Silverdocs premiere, Journey Guitarist Neal Schon said he really liked the movie “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” although he might have liked to have seen more live concert footage of the band. Michaele Salahi is also a fan. Take a look.


http://www.mymcmedia.org/i-love-this-man-video-2/

Thanks for posting this. I like what he had to say about it. Basically he wishes the film would have shown more of the hot spots of their live performances. With that, the producer may go in and add some better footage of the live performances. What would be terrific I think is to show footage from "their" point of view from the stage.

[Gideon]

What would be terrific I think is to show footage from "their" point of view from the stage.

Except for when they played the new stuff. Rolling eyes and retreating figures wouldn't be that exciting, unless you count the stampede for the restroom.

[Don]

The call from the critics has been to shorten the movie as it over 2 hours long. The stuff mentioned as being expendable is the live footage. The film is supposed to be about Arnel's story but after the initial 20 minutes, it becomes an uneven concert film more than anything else.

[The Sushi Hunter]

The call from the critics has been to shorten the movie as it over 2 hours long. The stuff mentioned as being expendable is the live footage. The film is supposed to be about Arnel's story but after the initial 20 minutes, it becomes an uneven concert film more than anything else.

I haven't seen the movie but I would have to agree that a two hour movie on this typic (Arnel/Journey) is way too long. I would say they could get the message across in about an hour at most. If they have that much material to go over, make a part II for a future release.

I bet if they show this in the Philippines, the critics over there will give it a total two thumbs up as it is, being two hours long.

[Monker]

The more I read about this, the more it sounds like an amateur hack job. No wonder no distributor, investor, or even the band want finance this project to market. What a waste of time and money.

[The Sushi Hunter]

The more I read about it, the more I personally think that the sponsor, producer, director, writer, etc. are actually from the Philippines or has turned this film out to be marketed exclusively for the Filipino communities both in the US and abroad. If that is indeed correct, I would say that in addition, it was produced under the assumption that it would be done on a very tight budget with very limited resources and then to be be picked up by a large company that had the big bucks it takes for theater promotion and eventually mass produced for sale to the general public.

This is just my take on it, I'm not in any way involved in this type of business so for all I know I could be completely incorrect on it. But it just seems odd to have a two hour film on such a topic.

I just got done reading this:

http://entertainment.inquirer.net/38141 ... urney-docu

[Monker]

Of course...that's been the assumption since this project was first announced.

But, in reading some of these reviews it sounds more like a jumbled mess that can't decide if the focus was Arnel or a concert video. It seems to me that there was no thought put into telling a real story. It sounds more like a bunch of amateurs with cameras who really have no clue on what they are doing...and want somebody else to pay for it.

Nobody has bought it because nobody wants to touch this amateur pile of crap.

That article is biased. When you get to the bottom you find the author has written a book about the creator of the documentary. Please...the gaga over Arnel has all but ended...and that was so far over the top it was silly.

The more I read about it, the more I personally think that the sponsor, producer, director, writer, etc. are actually from the Philippines or has turned this film out to be marketed exclusively for the Filipino communities both in the US and abroad. If that is indeed correct, I would say that in addition, it was produced under the assumption that it would be done on a very tight budget with very limited resources and then to be be picked up by a large company that had the big bucks it takes for theater promotion and eventually mass produced for sale to the general public.

This is just my take on it, I'm not in any way involved in this type of business so for all I know I could be completely incorrect on it. But it just seems odd to have a two hour film on such a topic.

I just got done reading this:

http://entertainment.inquirer.net/38141 ... urney-docu

[The Sushi Hunter]

I completely agree. The so called documentary, the reviews, all this is a mess and doesn't accurately reflect the band or any of the members point of view. It's actually doing nothing for the band but lining the pockets of Ramona and a few others.

What I would like to know is how much this film actually cost to produce vs how much Ramona and the others involved thought they could get out of it. It's probably an astounding figure.

Of course...that's been the assumption since this project was first announced.

But, in reading some of these reviews it sounds more like a jumbled mess that can't decide if the focus was Arnel or a concert video. It seems to me that there was no thought put into telling a real story. It sounds more like a bunch of amateurs with cameras who really have no clue on what they are doing...and want somebody else to pay for it.

Nobody has bought it because nobody wants to touch this amateur pile of crap.

That article is biased. When you get to the bottom you find the author has written a book about the creator of the documentary. Please...the gaga over Arnel has all but ended...and that was so far over the top it was silly.

The more I read about it, the more I personally think that the sponsor, producer, director, writer, etc. are actually from the Philippines or has turned this film out to be marketed exclusively for the Filipino communities both in the US and abroad. If that is indeed correct, I would say that in addition, it was produced under the assumption that it would be done on a very tight budget with very limited resources and then to be be picked up by a large company that had the big bucks it takes for theater promotion and eventually mass produced for sale to the general public.

This is just my take on it, I'm not in any way involved in this type of business so for all I know I could be completely incorrect on it. But it just seems odd to have a two hour film on such a topic.

I just got done reading this:

http://entertainment.inquirer.net/38141 ... urney-docu