Rating: 
Summary: It's the Goods...
Review: All the best musical documentary-based films succeed in doing one thing, even if nothing else--which is that they remind you how good the music was during it's day. There was some critical lambasting of the soundtrack, and it's use of non-British musicians/singers as a surrogate Beatles, but that's merely sour grapes, because none of the current British pop stars could have made this material work. NOW, onto the film.It's true, Ian Hart (who's recently been called to reprise this role) as John Lennon steals the show; even if he doesn't physically resemble Lennon, his cynical rock-star-to-be persona is well represented here. Ditto the actor who plays Paul McCartney, but this is, after all, the John and Stu show. Cheryll Lee is mediocre as Astrid (how would WE know, anyway?), and Stephen Dorff pulls off the Liverpudlian accent quite admirably for an American actor. Like Alan Parker's "The Committments", the music is the centrepiece of the film, but unlike that film, the story has more than enough substance to occupy our attention the whole way through. I especially liked the art-school/Ingrid subtext, making the viewer wonder if Lennon was looking for an 'Astrid' when he settled for Yoko.
Rating:
Summary: A graphic look at the making of legends.
Review: Backbeat is a raunchy glimpse into the world of a Rock 'n Roll band in the making. Even though this movie is set before The Beatles were famous, it holds a distinction not far from the grunge holes and influences modern day rockers get their starts. If you're tired of hearing the numerous "Fab Saints" portrayal of the group, this is for you. It is hardcore, authentic, engaging, and retrospective look that passes as if it happened today. You'll miss Ringo, but a look at Stu Sutcliffe's relationship with Lennon, his death, and the former Pete Best on drums bring the story before Ringo to life. Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voorman are vividly portrayed in this wild ride of the early years. The Beatles...bad as they wanna be...
Rating:
Summary: A moving story of obsession & passion
Review: Came on this movie accidently - Stephen Dorff is incredible as Stuart Sutcliffe (the 5th Beatle). Sheryl Lee transforms from a cold German beatnik into a passionate introspective woman. Backbeat delves into the strong, if unusual, relationship between Sutcliffe and John Lennon. I'm not even a big Beatles fan, but I really enjoyed this movie. I've done some research and it appears that the movie is historically accurate as well. The rest of the cast is convincing as the rest of the band (Especially John Lennon).
Rating: 
Summary: Boring, dragged on. Action in last 10 minutes
Review: Do you wonder why hardly anyone has heard of this film? There's a reason for that. It is so boring, and drags like no other film you've seen. Surrounds the very early days of Lennon and his friend (played by Stephen Dorff).
Don't waste your time. Nothing that interesting to tell.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie
Review: First of all I am a huge Beatles nut so any movie made by them or about them i love. With that out of the way I can say that this was a very good movie.
For those expecting a movie like A Hard Days Night, it is nothing like that. This movie is about John Lennon's friend who was the bass player for the Beatles at the begginging of their carrear. it shows how he lost his interst for music and fell in love wiht a German lady. I wont tell u the ending, but this is a true story.
All in all i thought this was a great movie. You should defiently buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty Nice Stuff
Review: I came across this movie at a local VC sell-out. It turned out to be the first feature movie about the Beatles I ever enjoyed. Well I never! The general idea, the team or actors, the sound of 60s and even the Liverpool accent spoken, all in all produced that penetrating feeling of those times gone once and back again on the screen. Really touching and marvellous stuff!
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY A GREAT MOVIE
Review: I got a kick out of the current "Spotlight" review of this DVD, the one referring to a portrayal of an unrequited "homosexual" love affair between Stuart Sutcliffe and John Lennon. People see what they want to see, I guess, but I didn't see that at all in this wonderful movie. Sure, the John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe characters experience a deep felt "love" for each other, but love in a non-sexual sense. A man can feel intense love for another man (or a woman for another woman, a mother and daughter for instance)and it doesn't have to be (nor is it usually) sexual. Maybe it takes a quite a few years to realize it, but sexual love is really the weakest kind of love out there. Sexual love often boils down to nothing more than lust, and the friendship between John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe that is portrayed in BACKBEAT is in a world apart from than that. As most everyone has said, the movie is a absolute delight. The performances are all strong and the cinematography just right. It's one of those films you can watch over and over again, and see something different each time. Most highly recommended, especially to fans of early Beatle music.
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY A GREAT MOVIE
Review: I got a kick out of the current "Spotlight" review of this DVD, the one referring to a portrayal of an unrequited "homosexual" love affair between Stuart Sutcliffe and John Lennon. People see what they want to see, I guess, but I didn't see that at all in this wonderful movie. Sure, the John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe characters experience a deep felt "love" for each other, but love in a non-sexual sense. A man can feel intense love for another man (or a woman for another woman, a mother and daughter for instance)and it doesn't have to be (nor is it usually) sexual. Maybe it takes a quite a few years to realize it, but sexual love is really the weakest kind of love out there. Sexual love often boils down to nothing more than lust, and the friendship between John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe that is portrayed in BACKBEAT is in a world apart from than that. As most everyone has said, the movie is a absolute delight. The performances are all strong and the cinematography just right. It's one of those films you can watch over and over again, and see something different each time. Most highly recommended, especially to fans of early Beatle music.
Rating:
Summary: Great DVD release!
Review: I taped Backbeat from cable two years ago. I had no idea how much my tape sucked until I saw the special features of the DVD. First off I taped it off a bad cable channel so the film was gray and full of snow the entire time. So when I heard the DVD version was coming out, I shouted for joy! I am a hugh Stephen Dorff fan ( he hasn't made many good movies ) which makes me buy any decent film he's been in. DVD lovers will enjoy this special edition release. It has the usual special features like commentary, but it has a screen test section! You get to see the actors studying the part! You get your money's worth buying this on DVD. The only complaint is the photo gallery section. The photos are scrunched in the corner. You can hardly see the pictures. Backbeat fans should get this on DVD now!
Rating:
Summary: Backbeat DVD is done right!
Review: I'm posting this review to let Backbeat fans know how great the extras are on the disc. The DVD is anamorphic widescreen. The features include the following: feature commentary with director Iain Softley, deleted scenes, interview with director Iain Softley, stills gallery, interview with actor Ian Hart, director's essay, casting sessions, and TV featurette. Ian Hart is my favorite actor and this is the role that introduced me to him. Backbeat is my favorite film and I am thrilled with finally having it on DVD. This is a film that you will never forget.
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