Search - John Entwistle - An Ox Tale on DVD

Sincere

Terence Dollard | Hauppauge, NY United States | 08/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are moments in An Ox's Tale that are magical. The Pete Townshend interviews cover a lot of ground. The musical dynamics of the Who are covered, but Townshend shares recollections of John's childhood. A number of John's contemporaries discuss his musical contribution. This alone makes An Ox's Tale worth seeing. Some complaints; the narrative could be stronger as there are subjects brought up, but never examined. There a also a few repetitive montages. Beyond that, it is a warm and touching doc that doesn't hide the causes of John's death, but isn't "tabloid."

For me, the song by John Entwistle played at the end was the most affective. It's an intimate song that stripes away his trademark irony. It summed up the film and it sums up the man."

Almost perfect

Padre Pete | Alexandria, VA | 08/24/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary is a worthwhile watch, especially if you are a fan of John Entwistle and/or The Who. There is a great look at John's past, and Townsend's commentaries like the one on Ox's base playing, using his "trumpet fingers" was very revealing.

Missing are almost glossed over bits...like an Entwistle/Daltry feued that I was never aware of. Although one might argue that Entwisle's untimely demise was not done tabloid-like, I felt that the light white wash the film gives it, is a dis-service to the documentary format. Except for a recent intervew where Ox says that he still drinks..."and other things..." raising his eyebrows at the camera do we get a hint of drug use. With Townsend's mention that Entwistle did not look well, and the blanket statment that Ox died of a heart attack, totally leaves out the true fact that the heart failure came via cocaine.

As a documentary this should have put in since it is fact, and I believe it could have been done in a respectful way.

With the areas that it lacks this 3.5 stars could have been a 4.

Having said that, if you are a fan...put this on and enjoy!"

A Sad Story

Michael Sherrer | Sherman Oaks, CA United States | 10/14/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It's good that one of rock's gladiator's is given a musical tribute. There is not enough visual testamony to the creators from those prolific decades, starting in 60's. It is sad that so many artists, burnt out in their prime like Morrison, Joplin, Hendrix and yet, it's even perhaps more sad, that we lose a performer who had more time, to get straight and "get it right." Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and many others indeed, swore off hard drink and hard drugs after youthful exploratory misadventures and still perform as they get on in years. The lesson here should be, strive to fight toxic lifestyles. A little rust is better than self distruction.
Old man time, can be kind. Four strings down."

The Ox - still making an impact.

D. Lindsay | Melbourne, Australia | 01/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That John Entwistle has been named "bassist of the millennium" should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with his music both as a solo performer and as an integral, unmistakable and unequalled musical force with The Who.

John Entwistle, The Ox, as he was affectionately known by his friends and fans alike, was a gifted and original rock and roll bass player who helped to pioneer a style of playing and a sound that has influenced generations of musicians.

An Ox's Tale is a well constructed, very entertaining depiction of The Ox's life as delivered to you by rock and roll greats including Pete Townshend, Roger Glover, Billy Squier and Peter Frampton. The narrative is fantastically supported by previously unseen footage of John in both live performance and interview. For fans of a good story, great bass guitar and solid ground-breaking rock and roll, An Ox's Tale should prove to be both entertaining and illuminating viewing.

An Ox's Tale was to this Who fan, a thoroughly enjoyable depiction of John Entwistle's life, his contribution to rock and roll and his legacy to popular music. This DVD provides a real insight to the life and genius that was the late, great John Entwistle.
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