Watch Pearl Jam: Under Review

Pearl Jam: Under Review is a documentary film released in 2010 that chronicles the rise of the iconic American rock band, Pearl Jam. From their beginning as a fledgling Seattle-based group in the late 1980s to their status as one of the most influential musical acts of the 1990s, the film takes a deep dive into the band's history and explores their impact on the music industry.

The film features interviews with members of the band as well as other musicians, journalists, and music critics who have closely followed Pearl Jam's career. Thomas Arnold, a respected music writer and critic, serves as the film's host, and guides viewers through the various stages of Pearl Jam's development.

One of the key themes explored in the film is the band's formation and early years. Viewers learn about the close-knit community of musicians that emerged in Seattle in the late 1980s, a scene that included bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. Pearl Jam founder Eddie Vedder is shown to have a strong connection to this community, and his collaboration with guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament led to the creation of one of the most significant rock groups of the last few decades.

The film also delves into Pearl Jam's first album, "Ten," which was released in 1991 and quickly became a commercial and critical success. The album's hits like "Alive" and "Even Flow" helped to establish Pearl Jam as one of the defining bands of the grunge movement, known for its introspective lyrics, heavy guitar riffs, and raw energy.

The documentary does not shy away from the controversies that followed Pearl Jam's success. The band's reluctance to participate in music videos and their very public disputes with Ticketmaster over ticket prices and distribution led to tensions with fans and industry executives alike. However, the film also shows how Pearl Jam's commitment to artistic integrity and political activism were hallmarks of their career.

The latter half of the film focuses on Pearl Jam's evolution in the 2000s, as they continued to produce critically acclaimed albums and played to sold-out arenas around the world. The documentary examines how the band's style developed over time, shifting from the grunge sound of their early years to a more mature, introspective sound that incorporated elements of folk, country, and even punk rock.

Overall, Pearl Jam: Under Review is a fascinating exploration of one of the most influential rock bands of the past few decades. Through its careful curation of interviews, live performances, and historical footage, the film provides a comprehensive look into Pearl Jam's journey from obscurity to rock stars. Fans of the band and music lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this deep dive into the world of Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam: Under Review is a 2010 musical & performing arts movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.