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Everyone Stares: The Police Inside and Out (2006)

Everyone Stares: The Police Inside and Out
You staring at us? Huh, you staring at us? Because I don't see any other seminal power trios around here?"

Starring:

Stewart Copeland
Sting
Andy Summers

Released In:

2006

Rated:

PG-13

Reviewed By:

Adam Mast

Grade:

B

zBoneman on Rotten Tomatoes

I'm first to admit that this entertaining documentary about the rock band The Police will hold the greatest appeal to fans of the group. Well, I'm a fan, and I loved it. I suppose that Inside and Out isn't really a documentary but rather a collection of snap shot memories that work as a terrific thank you letter to Police fans. Back in the late 70's and early 80's when the band was riding the train to success, Police drummer Stewart Copeland would occasionally film the band with his then primitive Super 8mm movie camera. Through the years, Copeland had compiled about fifty hours of footage. Finally, through the miracle of helpful editing software, the drummer turned film maker has been able to assemble this random footage into an interesting, and more importantly, entertaining scrapbook capturing the band in it's most playful moments. There are no images of egos clashing or ballroom brawls. This film is more about the good times. While the band did eventually break up, it is clear that these three men have remained friends through the years.

Inside and Out isn't exactly insightful or even professional, but it is entertaining and catches one of my favorite bands during some of their most candid moments. And there's great live performance footage to boot (some in extremely early creative stages). On a final note, Copeland was asked during the Q & A when we might expect a Police reunion. He revealed that the night before, he and Summers had attempted to get Sting tanked enough so that they might play a few songs. Sadly, it didn't happen, nor does it look like it ever will. Copeland and Summers are game, but it doesn't appear to be something that appeals to Sting. That sucks. I guess The Police wont be playing Coachella. Whatever the case may be, Everyone Stares: The Police Inside and Out is a great treat for those of us with Police records.

:: zBoneman.com Reader Comments ::

The Boneman

The Boneman

Largely an enjoyable "fly on the wall" tour of the Police's salad days. I would have found the film more credible if Copeland had explored at least some of the events that lead to the dissolution of the band. I also had a problem with his cheesey narrative tone, he sounded like the guy from The Planets Funniest Animals, adding his cornball quips to the video proceedings. It wasn't all bad, but it seems like someone might have stepped into to help with the writing. Copeland reminded me of a proud poppa narrating video of his families summer vacation. Still that aside it was a fun ride.

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