a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Cocky jazz musicians in the Detroit area circa 1958 were recruited by fledgling Motown record label founder Berry Gordy to play uncredited back-up on songs by Mary Wells, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye--racking up session work on more #1 hits than all other rock and R&B groups put together. This documentary on the unsung Funk Brothers is a bit scattered about, with reunion concert footage mixed in with interviews and reenactments, but I'm a sucker for movies where old-timers go back to the haunts of their youth (which take on a miraculous glow, mitigating the rough times and the hard work spent there). It's rather presumptuous for one of the Brothers' contemporaries to say these songs would have worked no matter who was singing, but I don't think "Deputy Dawg" could have taken "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" to the top of the charts. In essence, the songwriters and the superstar groups who propelled these classics are given short shrift in favor of spotlighting the talents of these truly wonderful musicians, however the collaborative nature of Motown (or, indeed, of any major record label) is hardly touched upon. ** from ****

This film would deserve a perfect 10 rating were it not for the live performances of performers not worthy to be on the same stage as the Funk Brothers.Was Martha Reeves the only Motown performer available for the documentary? Where was Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross or the Four Tops?This film could have been so much better if it were more of a collaboration of the Funk Brothers and some of the Motown artists.The conversations from the bonus material are great. If I were an editor I would take all the Funk Brother bonus material, eliminate the live performances, (except when the Funk Brothers are performing as the Funk Brothers) and add the bonus material to the film.I did not like the dramatizations with actors. If the performer is deceased let them rest in peace. Do not recreate a scene because it was worthy of mention in the film. It is a shame James Jamerson, Robert White and Benny Benjamin were all gone when the film was released. At least Robert White had a chance to add some of his insight. I think the Robert White interviews were my favorite part of the film. I really admire this man.I am glad this film is in my collection but it could have been so much better.

This is the story of some great people who worked hard to make some great music. Berry Gordy assembled them out of Detroit's jazz clubs and brought them in to be the foundation of the now famous "Motown sound". This is their history. Well, they didn't storm the beaches at Normandy and save the world, and yeah sometimes the narration goes a little over the top regarding the importance of what they did and how it fit in to the times, but all in all, this is a well designed story about some very good musicians that you have heard and loved without knowing who they are.If you love Motown music and/or jazz, this movie is well worth a watch or purchase. The modern renditions of the Motown standard are all moving and/or fun. Bootsy Collins, Montell Jordan, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Joan Osborne, Chaka Khan and Gerald Levert front the band on some classics that are as listenable as the originals. The secret is that the new backup band behind the singers is pretty much the same band.

The mere fact that these 13 people created so much of the best of American music in virtual anonymity is reason enough to watch this movie. But the performances of those great songs...lots of them, make it a really special movie. I think they could have found some better current singers to perform with them in the concert but even Joan Osbourne can sound good with the Funk Brothers playing behind her. Maybe that's the point of the movie. Steve Jordan said it best though when he said that Deputy Dog could have sung to their tracks and made hits. And just for the record, I was kind of proud that at least 2 of the 13 were Caucasian. :-)