For the most part, music documentaries tend to work within a pretty standard formula. For example, if the documentary is about a particular concert, we get a wonderful behind the scenes look at how our favorite artists prepare for the big night ahead. Giving us some insight into the mental preparations that go into performing in front of a massive crowd. Or if the documentary is about a new album, we get a wonderful inside look, at the genesis of the album and its meaning before we watch the band put it together in studio, with some of it being kept secret so we can experience everything the album has to offer when it comes out.
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If anything, this is a formula that works quite well when all is said and done. Simply because fans enjoy any kind of peek into the creative process and of course, you can never go wrong with enjoying something new from an artist that you love. But there was mention of the fact that this isn’t always the norm and it just so happens that a new documentary revolving around Bruce Springsteen’s brand-new album, defies that particular mold. For Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You (on AppleTV+) really does provide some incredible insight beyond the music. Which is surprising to say the least. Because at first glance, this seems like any other music documentary.

After all, you’re able to go into Bruce’s New Jersey studio with the E-Street Band, and you get to see the joy and pleasure that they experience as they jam their hearts out. Plus, the story is filmed in black and white, giving it that classic music documentary feel. But the instant Bruce begins to talk about the album and what it means to him and why he wrote it… the tone of this particular documentary begins to change. For we quickly come to learn that this is going to not only be an unprecedented look into how Bruce writes an album, but it is also going to be an unfettered look at Mister Springsteen himself. Because this is a supremely personal album, one that serves as a measure of reflection for a musician that has seen it all and done it all.

Because Bruce takes the time to explore the moments that gave him his start in the music business and the people that influenced him to refine his work and mold it into the music that we love today. And knowing these facts and hearing the songs that Bruce wrote about those memories, adds incredible gravity to the music, the kind that makes these particular songs extra special. Because now we are truly experiencing a part of Springsteen’s soul in the music, and the wonder of this documentary doesn’t end there. Because there was mention of the fact that this album is incredibly personal, and once Bruce starts to dive into elements that go beyond his career, we are treated to some powerful songs that quite frankly… speak to the wonder and the heartbreak of life.
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For Bruce and the E Street Band explore every emotion and moment that we all go through in life, and the album is even able to speak to how life begins to take things from us as we grow older. And how those losses help us to appreciate the moment and cherish our lives because of how fragile and precious they truly are, and all of this makes for one moving experience. Because the music here is about as soulful as it gets, and it speaks to you as only a Bruce Springsteen album can and really, what truly makes this album so wonderful and so worth our while; is that it serves as the perfect bookend to Bruce’s storied and magnificent career and all of the powerful messages he’s sent our way throughout the years. 

Because Bruce’s music has always spoken to the power of our hopes and our dreams, and it’s also reminded us of the importance of faith in everything we do, and it has always spoken to the struggle of the common man, and the need to keep our heads held high regardless of what the universe is sending our way. So, to enjoy an album that reflects upon those experiences, means that Bruce’s work will now forever stand, as an encapsulation and a celebration of the human experience. One that will always remind us to celebrate life as a gift and cherish its wonder day in and day out, and that’s quite the incredible takeaway to find, in a documentary about a world-famous singer and his kick ass band.

‘Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You’ is available to stream now on AppleTV+.

What is truly fascinating about love, is how people commonly believe that it is a cure all for everything that ails us in life. For we firmly expect that when we finally find a sustainable and lasting love, that our lives will immediately improve, and that happiness will settle into our souls and there is some merit to this line of thinking. After all, the days do seem brighter when we find that special someone and we do indeed find ourselves content and at peace when we know that someone is thinking about us in the same aloof manner that we are thinking of them. And this is why we work so hard to find the right person and settle down with them when we are certain they are ‘the one’, because doing so means that we will be treated to peace and happiness for the rest of our days. 
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But while love can indeed do wonders for a person’s mental health and provide them with a sense of contentment and security, our consistent belief that it endures on its own, tends to cause trouble for us down the line. Because we often forget that like anything in life, love requires maintenance and work. The kind that involves communication with our partner in regard to our feelings, and of course, the little things that make one another feel special and appreciated, and when those elements are removed from the equation; doubt settles in, as does fear. And those nagging notions leave us worried that perhaps what we have isn’t quite what it used to be and that in turn leads to all kinds of complications when we begin to express those doubts and those fears, and it just so happens that the root causes of those very fears and doubts and how to be free of them, are all explored in the brand new motion picture; On the Rocks.

For in this particular tale, we are introduced to a talented writer named Laura, who seemingly has it all. Because she’s got a book deal in place, a husband that she adores and two wonderful kids. But something seems off about Laura’s relationship. For not only is the magic removed from her marriage, her husband, Dean, is spending a lot of time away from home and is exhibiting odd behavior when he gets back from his business trips. And to top it all off, he’s heading out into the world with a cute and plucky assistant. Which leaves Laura to wonder if her relationship is falling to pieces and if her husband still wants her. And while she initially tries to play off these concerns as nothing more than wandering thoughts, her father, Felix, who spent years being unfaithful to Laura’s mother; believes that Dean is being unfaithful. A revelation that leads Laura to team up with her dad to prove without a doubt, whether or not Dean still loves and cherishes his wife. 

Now at first glance, that actually seems like quite the foreboding plot. One filled with mystery and intrigue and a potentially heartbreaking ending wherein Laura comes to find her husband is indeed cheating upon her. But what makes this film so incredibly special and worth your while, is the sheer fact that it is a thoughtful comedy that addresses what we discussed a moment ago in a lighthearted and open manner. In fact, this movie more or less points out to us that often times, our fears are unwarranted in matters of love and if we take the time to look at the situation logically, and communicate with our partner, and work to give them what we need, we will quickly come to discover that our fears are unwarranted. A feat that this story accomplishes, by way of the outlandish manner in which Laura and Felix spy upon her beloved husband. Because the quirky nature of those adventures, really does help us to remind us of how silly our minds can get sometimes, and the wonder of this film doesn’t end there. 

Because this motion picture really does a phenomenal job of exploring the root cause behind some of our fears and why we think we are going to be left alone, and in some instances, seeing instability in our parents’ relationship can leave us in a place where we too worry about our future relationships. Because we look to them as the model for our future and in this instance, seeing her dad cast aside mom for another woman, helped Laura to develop a complex. Because she now wonders if she harbors some kind of inadequacy that will motivate Dean to walk away from her, and that makes for some powerful and poignant and downright beautiful moments in this film. The kind that are further enhanced by the story’s attempt to put some kind of understanding behind why men cheat, and by way of one other key element; the cast. 

For none of this works without a stellar cast on the roster and Rashida Jones (Laura) and Bill Murray (Felix), simply shine here. Because both of them bring an earnest and honest approach to their characters and truly put the emotions of these characters on display. Which allows for the audience to relate to Laura and Felix on some fundamental level and of course, their performances also enhance the laughs in this film, since comedy is indeed their specialty. In the end however, this really is quite the charming and thoughtful film. One that really does challenge our fears and outdated notions of love, in order to remind us to cherish what we have and to celebrate it every day, and that’s a refreshing and wonderful message to find in this day and age, and it really is quite the bonus that this movie puts a smile on your face while it teaches you these important lessons.

‘On the Rocks’ is in select theaters now and is available to stream on AppleTV+ on 10/23/20.