Well, the reviews are in. And it appears that “the boys: the
sherman brothers’ story” is one informative & entertaining documentary.
On the heels of this film’s world premiere at the 52nd San
Francisco International Film Festival, Dennis Harvey of Variety wrote that this
“ … engaging docu draws on plentiful archival footage and A-List interviewees,
and (that “the boys”) should lure dedicated nostalgists when it launches May 22
in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.”
(L-R) Gregory V. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Jeffrey C.
Sherman smile for the cameras at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Photo by Drew Altizer Photography. Copyright 2009 Disney. All Rights Reserved
Sura Wood of the Hollywood Reporter concurred with Harvey’s assessment of
the film, stating that “the boys” was “ … filled with a wealth of archival
material, personal photos, original recordings and a parade of interviews with
famous collaborators and friends. (This Walt Disney Pictures release) is the
story of a troubled relationship — or lack of one — that makes (this) film a
cut above the standard musical biography. “
What made Saturday’s world premiere (which – appropriately enough
– was held at the Premier Theater at the Letterman Digital Arts Center at the
Presidio) particularly special for Disneyana fans was that one of the subjects
of this documentary, Richard M. Sherman, was on hand. He actually hosted the
screening, along with “the boys” director / producers Director/producers
Gregory V. Sherman (son of Richard) and Jeffrey C. Sherman (son of Robert).
Richard M. Sherman & Diane Disney Miller at “the boys” post-screening party & reception. Photo by Drew Altizer Photography. Copyright 2009 Disney. All Rights Reserved
But what added to Saturday’s fun was the post-premiere
party. Which was held in the special exhibition hall at the
yet-to-be-officially-opened Walt Disney Family Museum.
Now if you missed out on the world premiere of “the
boys: the Sherman brothers’ story,” not
to worry. This documentary will be having its Southern California premiere tonight
at the Newport Beach Film Festival. And Richard, Gregory and Jeffrey will be on
hand this evening at the Fashion Island Edwards Island Theater to host this
screening.
(L to R) Jeffrey C. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Gregory V.
Sherman at Saturday afternoon’s screening of “the boys: the sherman brothers’ story.” Photo by Drew Altizer Photography. Copyright 2009 Disney. All Rights Reserved
As an extra-added bonus … For those of you JHM readers who
are D23 members, if you present your membership card (plus a photo ID) while
purchasing tickets to tonight’s screening of “the boys”, you will then receive
discounted admission for you & your guests.
And this discounted admission offer also applies to tomorrow
night’s “Evening of Disney Animation” at the Lido Theatre. So if you want to save a
few bucks on this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival, be sure and bring all
your D23 membership card.
Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman Photo by Drew Altizer Photography. Copyright 2009 Disney. All Rights Reserved
As for the rest of us who don’t live in NYC, LA or SF … The news isn’t great. As of this moment, Walt Disney Pictures doesn’t
have any plans to release “the boys: the
Sherman brothers’ story” in any other cities. Though – on the heels of the
mostly positive reviews that this documentary received this past weekend – those plans
could change.
So stay tuned.