Watch I'm Now: The Story of Mudhoney

I'm Now: The Story of Mudhoney is a 2012 documentary film that revolves around the influential Seattle grunge band, Mudhoney. Directed by Adam Pease and Ryan Short, the film traces the evolution of the band from their earliest days in the 1980s, leading up to their current status as one of the most respected and beloved bands in the alternative rock scene.

The film features interviews with all of the members of Mudhoney, including singer Mark Arm, guitarist Steve Turner, drummer Dan Peters, and bassist Guy Maddison. In addition, the documentary includes commentary from many of the band's peers and collaborators, including Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, and the legendary producer Jack Endino.

The film opens with a brief history of grunge music in Seattle, a movement that was born in the underground punk and metal scenes of the late 1980s. Mudhoney formed in 1988, with a lineup comprising of long-time friends Mark Arm and Steve Turner, drummer Dan Peters, and bassist Matt Lukin. The band quickly caught the attention of the local music scene with its raw, energetic sound, and soon became a vital part of the nascent grunge music movement.

The film effectively captures the attitude and energy of Mudhoney's early years - the chaotic live shows, explosive music, and a laissez-faire attitude that became one of the defining features of the band. The documentary explores the recurring themes in Mudhoney's music, including disillusionment with mainstream culture, an embrace of outsider status, and a love for all things weird and unconventional.

The middle portion of the film examines the band's commercial success and the changes in Mudhoney's sound that came with their signing to a major label in the early 1990s. The band's music became more polished, better produced, and more accessible to a wider audience. However, despite the success of their major label releases, Mudhoney never strayed too far from their punk and garage rock roots.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the way it examines the unique musical interplay between the members of Mudhoney. The documentary illustrates how the band's particular sound evolved as each member brought their own influences and inspirations into the mix, creating a unique and powerful sonic identity.

Towards the end of the film, the focus shifts to the band's legacy and their influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The documentary highlights how Mudhoney's stripped-down, honest approach to songwriting and performance was a formative influence on later bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. The documentary also pays tribute to the band's unwavering commitment to its musical ethos, its longtime friendships, and its status as a beloved band that has never stopped creating raw, authentic music.

Overall, I'm Now: The Story of Mudhoney is an engaging and informative rock documentary that will appeal to any fan of alternative rock music. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of portraying Mudhoney's music, energy, and ethos, using interviews, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to create a clear and compelling narrative of the band's evolution. The documentary presents Mudhoney as a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with both old and new fans, and it's hard not to come away from the film feeling inspired by the band's commitment to the intrinsic value of raw, unfiltered rock music.

I'm Now: The Story of Mudhoney is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.