Watch Daydream Believers: The Monkees Story

Daydream Believers: The Monkees Story is a biographical television film that depicts the formation, success, and eventual disbandment of the iconic 1960s music group, The Monkees. The movie premiered on television on the 25th of June 2000, and features an ensemble cast of actors who play the band's members and other notable figures in their trajectory.

The movie begins by introducing the four members of The Monkees: Davy Jones (played by George Stanchev), Micky Dolenz (L.B. Fisher), Peter Tork (Jeff Geddis), and Michael Nesmith (Aaron Lohr). The film then traces their individual journeys as young and struggling musicians in 1960s America, before they were scouted by producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider to form a TV show and a music group.

Daydream Believers explores the production process of The Monkees TV show, which was modeled after the success of The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night film. The fictionalized version of the group's beginnings showcases the challenges that the four men faced as they navigated their newfound fame and the pressures of an industry that demanded they become more than just musicians. Through a series of captivating performances, Daydream Believers takes viewers on a visual and auditory tour of The Monkees' evolution as a band from their early days playing covers to their eventual creative autonomy.

The film also tackles the controversial topic of the band's manufactured image, as well as the souring relationships between the group members and their producers. Daydream Believers portrays conflicts such as these with honesty and sensitivity, giving viewers a glimpse into the real-life tensions that often arise within bands and the entertainment industry.

The film also delves into the group's personal lives, depicting The Monkees not just as musical legends, but also as complex individuals with flaws and struggles. Daydream Believers shows how Davy Jones struggled to balance his family with his career, and how Michael Nesmith regularly clashed with his bandmates over creative decisions. The movie offers a well-rounded portrait of each figure, making the viewer invested in the lives of the characters as the story unfolds.

One of Daydream Believers' greatest strengths is its soundtrack. Through re-recordings of the band's hits and innovative live performances, the movie showcases The Monkees' musical prowess and their immense impact on rock and roll history. From classics like "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer" to lesser-known nuggets such as "The Porpoise Song," Daydream Believers demonstrates the band's musical diversity and ability to remain relevant decades later.

Overall, Daydream Believers: The Monkees Story provides an entertaining, informative, and emotionally resonant portrait of one of the most influential groups in music history. The film deftly captures the essence of the 1960s counterculture, offering a snapshot of the era's optimism and innovation. Daydream Believers invites viewers to relive the magic of The Monkees in their prime and serves as a powerful testament to their lasting legacy.

Daydream Believers: The Monkees Story is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.