Watch The Sparks Brothers

The Sparks Brothers is a music documentary from 2021 that celebrates the career and impact of the influential and somewhat enigmatic pop band Sparks. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film takes us on a journey through the band's history, from their early days in Los Angeles as Halfnelson to their current status as legends of the music scene.

The film features extensive interviews with the two founding members of Sparks, Ron and Russell Mael, as well as with collaborators and fans, such as Beck, Bjork, Todd Rundgren, and Jack Antonoff. Through these interviews, we learn about the duo's unique approach to music making, their influence on other artists, and their enduring appeal.

The Sparks Brothers also includes a wealth of archival footage, spanning the 50-year career of the band. From old television appearances to concert footage, we get to see the evolution of Sparks’ sound and style over the years. Through it all, the brothers’ distinctive vocals and Ron's keyboard wizardry remain constants.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the way it explores Sparks' idiosyncratic nature. From their quirky lyrics (one song is about the joys of Fletcherizing, or chewing your food thoroughly) to their relentless experimentation with musical genres, the band never quite fit into any neat category. They were a punk band before punk even existed, and they've always been ahead of their time.

At the same time, The Sparks Brothers shows how Sparks' seemingly oddball approach has connected with fans over the years, from the glam rock era of the 70s to the synthpop of the 80s and beyond. Even today, the band continues to inspire younger musicians and artists.

The film's pacing is brisk, and the editing is energetic, giving the viewer a sense of the energy and excitement of Sparks' live shows. There are also plenty of amusing anecdotes, such as the time Russell's antics got the band banned from a German television show, or the time they were asked to perform on The Mike Douglas Show alongside a chimpanzee.

Overall, The Sparks Brothers is a fitting tribute to a band that has inspired and confounded audiences for five decades. It's a must-see for any music fan, whether you're a lifelong Sparks devotee or a newcomer to their oeuvre. With its mix of humor, history, and music, the film captures the unique magic of a band that has always defied expectations.

The Sparks Brothers is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 80.