![](\"http:\/\/www.groovemonstermovie.com\/images\/GM_DVD-sm.jpg\")
\u201cGroovemonster Rocks\u201d
By Lisa Turnbull<\/p>\n
\u201cGroovemonster Rocks\u201d
By Lisa Turnbull<\/p>\n
Produced & Distributed by: Quantum Media Arts
Directed by: Rockmore Defrank
Written by: Hans Adamson & Tony Newton
Release Date: February, 2012
Length: 115 minutes.
Format: DVD & Digital Download <\/p>\n
Groovemonster, a Quantum Media Arts film, propels viewers through a historical journey of the electric bass, Motown\u2019s heyday and, (Antonio) Tony Newton\u2019s prolific musical career. With historical accuracy and engaging pacing, this movie will both inform and entertain. <\/p>\n
The artistic documentary based on Newton\u2019s autobiography Gold Thunder (and produced by Newton along with Louis Nathan) combines a unique fusion of Newton\u2019s voice over historical narration with first person accounts\u2014from Tony, his family, friends, and fellow musicians\u2014and live performance footage. But it isn\u2019t simply the eclectic style that works; it\u2019s the artful execution of the style. Thanks to Dennis Passaggio (Director of Photography) and Rockmore de Franke (Editor), Groovemonster\u2019s 115 minutes rarely drag. If an occasional interview segment runs long, viewers can expect to reengage with one of the film\u2019s many engaging montage sequences. <\/p>\n
One particularly memorable pastiche includes performance stills along with footage from the 1965 \u201cEuropean Tour\u201d featuring Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas, and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Equally entertaining is concert footage of Newton jammin\u2019 to the always-groovy \u201cEverybody Get Funky\u201d combined with a whirlwind of pop culture images and icons, past and present. Retro album art, colorfully-wild computer-generated graphics, Motown footage\u2014and much more are vibrantly intertwined with \u201cfunky\u201d performance video\u2014all of which is seamlessly edited.<\/p>\n
The success of such montages, however, cannot be entirely attributed to visual appeal; they also serve as visions of history. This infuses Groovemonster with a palpable tone and mood of vibrant nostalgia. The segment dedicated to time-honored venues such as The Apollo and The Fox (among others), for instance, captivates viewers with majestic photographs. <\/p>\n
However, Groovemonster\u2019s obvious attention to production value could not\u2014would not\u2014enthrall viewers to the extent it does without one unifying and charismatic element: the Groovemonster, himself. To be honest, few viewers these days have the attention span to handle two hours, documentary or otherwise. That\u2019s where Tony comes in. A large percentage of the film is Newton, the musician and philosopher, up close and personal. Does it keep most viewers (fans and otherwise) engaged? Amazingly, yes.<\/p>\n
Whether or not viewers go in knowing Newton\u2019s extensive contributions to the music industry, they will likely leave with a sense of respect and awe. The film\u2019s homage at the start to the underappreciated bass player could really serve as a microcosm of the underappreciated musician who spends decade after decade perfecting his craft\u2026the one who dedicates his heart, soul, and talent to his God-given calling in life. <\/p>\n
Through the chronology of Newton\u2019s life via candid and raw interview material, we follow Tony as he navigates an abusive stepmother, crime-laden Detroit in the 60s (as a professional, teenage musician), and the harsh (often unfair) politics of an industry full of egomaniacs. Somehow (and in stark contrast to many talented musicians), Newton rises above the fray. Besides the obvious musical successes (Gold and Platinum recordings), he masters piano (even writing entire symphonies), designs the three-necked bass guitar, and continues to evolve as a musician and (just as admirably) a highly intelligent, spiritual philosopher. Perhaps this last element is what, ironically, sets Groovemonster apart from the typical \u201cmusic history\u201d documentary or \u201cstar\u201d biography\u2014Newton\u2019s gentle wisdom, intimate reflection, and insightful analysis. <\/p>\n
If the bass line (bass) is \u201cthe heartbeat\u201d of a song (as Newton so eloquently describes it), it seems to this viewer that the artist himself is the heartbeat of Groovemonster. Overall, Groovemonster appeals to musicians, music fans and anyone who appreciates the heights one can soar with enough perseverance, dedication, and purpose.<\/p>\n
The film tells Newton’s passionate and inspirational saga through live concert footage, interviews, narration, and historical photos. GROOVEMONSTER uses a dynamic new format “Music Cinema” which features both live concert performances and recordings from the CD album. The GROOVEMONSTER movie also comes in an innovative triple-pak, “Xtreme Entertainment Bundle,” including the “Gold Thunder Book,” and a \u201cFREE\u201d “Thunderfunkfusion” CD album from the iconic Newton.<\/p>\n
*** Quantum Arts Media Films
http:\/\/www.Groovemonstermovie.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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