✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
United Kingdom, Japan, United States · 2018
Rated R · 1h 49m
Director Matthew Jones
Starring Joshua Homme, Ian Brown, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Shadow
Genre Documentary, Music
Please login to add films to your watchlist.
This film tells the story of one of the most enigmatic yet influential figures in contemporary British culture. James Lavelle played his first DJ set at 14, launched a record label at 18, and released a genre-defining album at 22. His rapid rise seemed limitless, but when you're going so fast, the wheels fall off.
While it’s obvious that fans of Lavelle and his many creative ventures will get the most out of The Man From Mo’Wax, this remains a fascinating insight into both the hubris and vulnerability of the music industry, which never shies away from casting it’s subject matter in a sometimes unfavourable light.
Weaving together a dizzying array of archival material and previously unseen personal home movies, director Matthew Jones never quite cracks the man behind the music, but he nonetheless offers an appropriately hyperactive snapshot of a colorful era.
Ego, money, drugs: Lavelle’s story has the makings of an entertaining account of the music business. But this film feels too much like a promo for a comeback attempt.
We Got This Covered by David James
Clinically rigorous and hugely entertaining, The Man from Mo’Wax is a forthright examination of failure and disappointment. There’s not many music documentaries that can touch it.
There are memorable cameos from collaborators (Josh Homme take a bow) and a triumphant coda, but most of all, the rather melancholy sense of a visionary struggling to stay relevant.
This Ride Will Be The Death Of You.
The world's favourite adventurer is back for more! much more!
Where there's smoke... there's laughter!
You cannot kill what is already dead.
I am consciousness. I am alive. I am Chappie.