This isn't a VH1: Behind the Music episode, and
it's also not an exhaustive biography of one of the greatest bands to come out
of the 90's, the Pixies. Instead it is a time-capsule of a moment in time when,
about 12 years after abruptly breaking up, the band re-united for a brief
"warm-up" tour in an effort to find out if their reunion even had merit anymore.
The answer, as the film shows, is a resounding "yes." As large venues sell
out in minutes, the stage is set for a beloved band to rise to the occasion or
trip over themselves. Proving themselves human, they both stumble and astound as
band members find their old grooves while attempting to stay clear of the
problems that broke them up in the first place.
The film offers many intimate moments of a band in re-build, from the
recently rehab-free Kim Deal trying her best to keep it together on the road
(and bringing along twin sister Kelley for support) to guitarist Joey Santiago's
attempts at fulfilling a previous obligation to score a film as he tours. The
emotional core of the film, however, has more to do with drummer David
Lovering's ebb and flow as he goes from being magician living off of residuals
checks to full-time rock icon. It's a re-birth for David more than anyone, it
seems, and amid personal tragedy and the rigors of touring he proves himself to
be the most human as he grapples with it all.
The only thing the film doesn't offer is a full explanation of why the band
broke up in the first place or why they decided to get back together. Sure,
singer Charles "Black Francis / Frank Black" Thompson does attempt to explain
that they broke up because it's like being around anyone for too long, you grow
to hate them for any subtle thing they do (and it's a general concensus among
the band that it was issues between Kim and Charles that killed the band), but
you never see Charles or Kim attempt to come to any resolution regarding that
situation that, as the documentary plays out, isn't necessarily gone. As for the
reason for the reunion, the ugly answer is "money," and when David and Joey are
both straightforward about being strapped for cash, it doesn't really seem like
they got back together for any other reason. As a fan, you want there to be a
bigger reason.
At the same time, like Lloyd Dobler taking back Diane at the end of Say
Anything, it doesn't really matter. The Pixies are back together, the music
is as unbelievable as ever and what more could you ask for? Oh, whether they'll
record new music? Yeah, no comment.