Crazy (II) (2008) User Reviews (22)

Hate To Disagree........

[samkan · 6/10 · 9 June 2011]

I'm going to take a lot of heat for this review but............

The sets and acting were superb. The script was good. There was just enough -not too much, not too little- music and it sounded awesome. The story dragged in spots and some of the scenes between Hank and Evelyn (there were many) were overly long and repetitive, i.e., we've already been told the relationship is falling apart.

Here's where I get into trouble: There just was not enough dynamic aspects, events, etc., in Hank Garland's life to make as effective a story as; e.g., Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jim Morrison, Muddy Waters, John Lennon, etc. I know, I know....why should Hank suffer because he was a better guy than the listed group? It's to his credit that the movie didn't grovel in low-life and was not quite as tragic as; e.g., Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Sid Vicious, Patsy Cline, etc. But neither does it make for riveting entertainment.

I'm reviewer #18. CRAZY scored several "10"'s and while I appreciate and respect those reviews I'm wondering where those guys make room for really highbrow stuff. I'm a guitar player/lover and would have enjoyed CRAZY even it wasn't half as good as it was. But I couldn't get into Hank's character as he was just the same well intentioned but excitable guy throughout. The sub-plot (sub-relationships?) between Hank and brother, friends and business partners didn't really have function - they were just THERE. The only thing that truly stirred me was my anger at Evelyn for screwing around with Hank's arch enemy! But any viewer could have seen from the beginning of the relationship that it was doomed and the whole last third of the movie was just flat (if true too).

As far as music industry biopics, if you want insight into the music industry watch CADILLAC RECORDS or GRACE OF MY HEART. If you want rags to riches and tragedy watch THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, LA BAMBA or SID & NANCY. If you want character development watch RAY or I WALK THE LINE. If you want capture and spirit of the era watch THE DOORS or ALMOST FAMOUS. If you prefer all of the above in a Nashville setting watch COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER or SWEET DREAMS. There were many aspects of CRAZY that were better than many aspects of the above films. But CRAZY doesn't stack up as whole as do most of such.

PS / When is some contemporary filmmaker going to do justice to Hank Williams!?

Strangely compelling Bio-pic

[Havan_IronOak · 6/10 · 6 June 2012]

Apparently Hank Garland was a great guitar player. Perhaps a great musician and not much else. In keeping with that, the music in this film was great as well, but the story was strangely unmoving.

If this pic is to be believed, he was bad at marriage. He married a woman but neither one loved the other in the truest sense of that word, that is wanting their happiness more than one's own. Each just wanted some of their needs met. On the positive side, Garland was essentially color-blind when it came to music but again, that may not have been a real virtue in his case as much as just a failure to see anything outside the music.

Because of his arrogance and talent he was a problem for those around him. That failing eventually brought about much of the unhappiness in his life.

The ending sort of suggested that in the end he was left with little but the songs he'd recorded and strangely that might have been enough. As with many movies, things are simplified to fit in the allotted time and I'm still unclear about many aspects of his life. For example, he's listed as being survived by two daughters and two grandsons named Garland. I'm not clear how that was possible. Given that facts like that have been left out of this film, I wonder what else was left out.

BTW... there is another, very different movie C.R.A.Z.Y. that I enjoyed more and it has great music as well.

Songwriter/Guitarist unable to control his world unraveling seemingly by no fault of his own. The struggle he faces to keep music ahead of other worldly problems.

[jbehr0904 · 6/10 · 24 July 2006]

Wanted this movie to better, felt more like 'The Real World' than 'Walk the Line'. anti climactic and confusing in places, underdeveloped character re pore. important story lines disregarded in place of empty dialog. issues of race as well as alcoholism thrown into the forefront briefly with little or no precedent set earlier in the film. solid acting lost due to wavering plot lines and lack of character development save that of Hank Garland. seemingly contrived movie title, this movie often feigns at an 'Aviator' like tragedy when in reality comes closer to that of an 'A.I.' with a melancholy and somewhat abrupt ending. carried by performance of main character Hank Garland (Waylon Payne), whose performance just might be worth the price of admission.

Now this is music! Depressing but well-done story, though

[vchimpanzee · 16 January 2013]

When I hear what passes for music in businesses and in movies and TV, I wonder if there is any hope. Then I watch a movie like this. All of the music is so good! The worst song is "Jingle Bell Rock", and that's only because I want my Christmas music very traditional.

It's hard to believe a bad boy like Hank Garland can play the guitar in such a mellow style. Of course, he can do rock and roll, too, which is what someone like him would be expected to. But it's the good kind. And he seems happiest when he is playing.

And then there is Wes Montgomery. Such a nice, pleasant jazz sound. As portrayed by Tony MacAlpine, he looks like he's mad at someone, or at the very least you don't want to mess with him. But he and his other musicians do easy listening right, with sort of an attitude to keep it from being boring.

Nice restaurants also have a pleasant but more generic jazz sound.

Mandy Barnett as Patsy Cline (who, ironically, is never shown singing the title song) and Shawn Colvin as Kitty Wells (I did not know who she was supposed to be) give great performances. They never speak lines, but that's not important.

Jason Alan Smith as Elvis was a disappointment. He never speaks, but he has that trademark sneer on "Amazing Grace", which goes against the image of Elvis showing respect while singing gospel music.

But this is more than just great music. Hank Garland starts out as a clean-cut kid, but later on as a respected backup performer, he has enough money to get what he wants, and manages to be charming with the women he can get, though men better not make him mad. All he seems to know how to do when angered is punch somebody. Fortunately for Evelyn, it's never her. Though once she is married to him, he tells her he cares and never manages to show it. His career is his first priority. There are women, but of course they don't mean anything--right? Garland does love their daughter, but he's hardly ever around. Nevertheless, Evelyn "stands by her man", but she does have needs.

And while he claims to have co-written "Jingle Bell Rock", despite what the movie's credits say, he must deal with a system that makes him choose between being a performer and a writer. Garland wants to be both.

And the people who don't want Garland going against the system can do more than just punch Garland's lights out.

While much of the movie other than the music is unpleasant to watch, the acting performances are good. Ali Larter showed obvious concern, for example, when she noticed another woman looking at her husband.

There's a reason for the movie's title (other than the Patsy Cline song that is limited to the closing credits) which I will only say is revealed in the first scene. Other than that, I feel I would be giving away too much. I have to wonder why "Sugarfoot" was not used as a title, since two songs with this name are Garland's trademarks, and this becomes a nickname.

The movie deals with racism. Country/rock performer Garland discovers jazz and dares to enter an all-black club where the music is played. He is seen as an outsider, but once he starts playing that kind of music, this is no longer the case. But having a "colored man" in his group backfires once he returns to the South. Hotels won't welcome the man, and Evelyn claims she is trying to raise their daughter with the right values and can't have the likes of him around her.

It's worth seeing, for the music if nothing else. Just remember Hank Garland went through so much misery to make us so happy.

What a great 13 year career.

[chris-laughren · 6/10 · 8 February 2020]

So many vultures in the entertainment industry. Just a really sad ending that didn't have to end that way.

Good depiction of history.

[jamalking15 · 6/10 · 11 October 2021]

Well grounded picture showing the talent of a great guitar player, plagued by the racist unions of America. But he fought on until he gave out.

Great film!

[nicolah017 · 9/10 · 15 August 2008]

I was lucky enough to see this film at the Sacramento International Film and Music Festival. It was amazing. Waylon Payne is a great actor. I have yet to see him in "Walk The Line" but I liked him a lot in this film and I hope to see him in a lot more. Ali Larter was the perfect Evelyn for this movie. It was great to see some well known actors, as well as some not so well known actors.

I have never heard of Hank Garland before this and I am now glad that I have. He was an amazing musician and I'm glad that his story is out there for others to hear.

I recommend others to see this, especially if they are into music. I think that it's an important part of music history.

Needs sharper editing, script

[gpswenson · 4/10 · 2 January 2012]

Waylon Payne is a pleasure to see in action, and believable as an esteemed guitarist of the period, but the role that is written is not the life of Hank Garland. There are discrepancies in the chronology of the music, and who was where on what night and what year that are just not forgivable in a bio-pic. A fictional period piece can play with facts like that, but not when you're telling someone's life story. Also (and here's the *SPOILER*) unless there is irrefutable proof that Hank Garland's wife was getting banged doggie-style in front of a bunch of record executives, that kind of vulgarity should NEVER have been a part of this film. For lands sakes, their kids are still living, and - even if it were true - it really brings this film into the toilet to be so graphic about infidelity. It would be plenty to say she cheated. There are a million and one ways to even let the viewer know she made some kind of performance out of it (if she really did) but showing it this way and the subsequent inference that she was in cahoots with people who tried to kill her husband goes WAY outside the bounds of "creative license." There was never any suggestion (in real life) that Garland's car accident was anything but an accident in the news. If the film wants to entertain a possibility of criminal activity, they sure as heck should not drag Mrs. Garland into it.

I enjoyed the music, but the Elvis scenes are pretty cut-and-paste with an Elvis imitator that verges on parody. The instrumentals are uniformly fantastic, while the vocals are not true to their time period, employing a style of singing and playing that reeks of 2004, but is still good music - Just not 1955-1962 music. Set design is pretty, but a little too obvious in a showroom kind of way in all but the last scenes. The rooms don't feel lived in as much as displayed. The exterior shots were well done, except for a lack of other-than-classic, mint condition vintage cars, and the costuming captured the period well. The story itself - even to succeed as a fictional account - needs much sharper editing. There's a real drag to some of the scenes and a morose tone that plays like a funeral dirge. The scenes with the band members and a couple that Payne carries mostly on his own give this some life, but there are some fragmented story lines of characters we get to know enough to wonder about, but that are never resolved, yet a complete lack of reference to anything happening in the rest of the world (and these were some pretty tumultuous years).

I wanted to like this film. I'm a fan of both Waylon Payne and Hank Garland, and I think they both deserved better writing.

Well crafted, well acted production with outstanding musical performances

[jagdriver62 · 9/10 · 17 June 2008]

I recently saw Crazy at the Hoboken Film Festival and was blown away by every aspect of the movie. Not knowing anything about the life of Hank Garland I was captivated from the opening scene to the very end. The movie is extremely well written and well cast. The actors have their characters down pat and give very believable performances, especially Waylon Payne as Hank. Director Rick Bieber's technique of filling the screen with his characters' faces completely draws you in, and Ali Larter has never looked more beautiful. I can't wait to see it on a big theatrical screen. If you like music of any kind you'll find this film fascinating.

Professional, slick, and a bit dull.

[cjwilkinson-81808 · 3/10 · 22 September 2020]

This movie has the well-produced vintage look of similar music biopics, but unfortunately has even less action and drama.

Who knew being a musician could be this boring? Although in being well-produced, expertly crafted and carefully staged but without any real emotional punch, Crazy does at least faithfully reflect the music.

Excellent Film, Waylon Payne was great!

[rjohnston-13 · 10/10 · 30 June 2008]

I was able to view this film at the Charleston Film Festival where it won Best Picture. I did not know who Hank Garland was. I thought it was a big film for the festival which is why I wanted to view it, there was a lot of hype on the film before it came to Charleston, SC.

I was pleasantly surprised at the casting of the film. Waylon Payne which at the time didn't know he was also in Walk the Line was an amazing feature to the film. Ali Larter of course is known to many movie goers but Waylon stole the performance. He was great on camera, very believable, an extraordinary actor. I look forward to seeing more of what he can do on film.

I would recommend seeing this film when it releases. Rick Bieber is not a new filmmaker, he has a long Bio of being in charge of HBO Pictures to Producing such films that we already know such as Flatliners. This was a great effort, I applaud the entire Cast & Crew, job well done!

Pretty Good Movie

[communionsong · 16 September 2011]

I was expecting something along the lines of "Coal Miner's Daughter" or "Sweet Dreams" when telling the story of Hank Garland. To me it came across as a "first-time" movie that needed to be re-done to look more professional. I guess it's just me. However, the 1950's ambiance was fantastic with the fashion, furniture and especially the cars. WOW. I just wished they included more of the songs Hank Garland wrote. I did download the MP3 of the album and listen to it often. Spoiler ahead: The guy who played Elvis sings a fantastic version of "Amazing Grace". It sounded just like him. I just wish that was included in the MP3 soundtrack.

Melodrama

[msfrost · 2/10 · 3 July 2018]

Boring and overwrought. A documentary would have been more interesting

"To Whom Much Is Given...

[melodymaniac · 8/10 · 17 June 2008]

...much is expected". This is the story of Hank Garland, a 1950's Nashville studio musician turned legend by way of his extraordinary guitar picking artistry. Though Garland never quite seems to reach the personal plateau of his own musical genius, his story is woven with the usual highs and lows made famous by others in his peer group, most notably- Elvis Presley. First time movie director, Rick Bieber (who co-wrote the movie with Jason Ehlers) has effectively managed to combine the key elements of movie making that transfuse joy, sadness humor and anger from the screen to the viewer. Additionally, the stellar cast of lead actors (Waylon Payne, Ali Larter,Lane Garrison and Scott Michael Campbell) have all rendered life-like performances with a palpable sense of finesse that had me holding a torch of hope for Garland, almost to the end. Sadly though, history wrote that ending with a different curve. Nonetheless, Bieber has painted a more than realistic canvas necessary for this movie goer to keep from reaching for the "clicker." Not once did I do it...and that my friends, for me, is the sign of decent flick!

Sappy Beyond Endurance

[mcjensen-05924 · 2/10 · 4 October 2023]

The music is excellent. The music is the only reason for sitting through this. Every scene that doesn't involve musicians playing is horrible. Inane predictable dialonge, sappy glances and huge smiles galore. We have a lead character who has no charisma or capability to carry a scene. Ali finds herself in yet another movie that doesn't do her justice. She's such a caricature of the adoring wife is so lame and annoying. Her teeth dominate every scene she plays in. When they're together it's just so cringe annoying it's nuts. So corny. So sappy. I give one star for the music and one star for the cars. All the rest is by the numbers crud. How such an interesting life and personality can be portrayed in this manner is a crime. Listen to the records and skip this garbage.

CRAZY @ Charleston, SC

[peacherpeace · 9/10 · 16 August 2008]

Hi, I saw CRAZY at the Charleston International Film Festival www.CharlestonIFF.com, South Carolina at the Terrace Theater www.TerraceTheater.com, and thought it was awesome on the big screen, the music, the acting was really impressive! I had no idea about the music industry back then and how musicians were treated in regards to contract terms, rights, etc. It really opened my eyes and is interesting to compare how it was then to now. It's really crazy, tragic and also inspiring when you realize this person put music above all else, fought against the system that was completely slanted in favor of the studios and how he maintained after a turn of bad luck. I've had the chance to speak with friends of Hank Garland at the screening, musicians and friends of his. One senior lady came in slowly and mentioned she and Hank were friends. I told her I'd love to hear afterwards if the movie was accurate of his life and maverick personality. Afterwards she said it was just like she remembered him. If you have a chance to see this film CRAZY in a theater somewhere, I'd definitely recommend checking it out....

At least they got the music right

[rhefner2002 · 5/10 · 9 October 2021]

I remember hearing a Hank Garland CD years ago, with jazz drummer Joe Morello and other greats. I could not believe this was a Nashville guy.

A cliched and corny music biopic, "Crazy" doesn't have much to offer in terms of acting and direction. But whever was in charge of the music definitely got it right.

Hank Garland came to fame in 1950's Nashvile as a session guitarist for Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Eddy Arnold, and a host of other stars including Elvis Presley. But he was never happy being a sideman. And he became weary of simlistic country music and wanted to play jazz.

There's a great scene when Hank is in a club in Chicago, hearing the great Wes Montgomerey for the first time. He's transfixed.

Aside from the music, this is a typical Hollywood biopic, overdramatized and exaggerated. I have no idea how accurate it is, but I'm suspicious.

Waylon Payne is competent if not compelling as Garland.

It's not a great movie, but it's about an important musician who never got his due. Watch it for the music.

Great movie, a must see!!!

[jenisej-1 · 10/10 · 27 June 2008]

I recently had the pleasure of seeing "Crazy" at the Breckenridge Film Festival. It is an awesome movie, and won "Best of Fest" at this Festival. The story centers on the life of Hank Garland, a talented musician who played with the likes of Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline.

The costumes and scenes are fabulous and immediately give you the feeling of being in the 1950's. From the beginning, this movie draws you into its characters and you not only care about them, but cannot wait to find out what happens next. There is a good bit of humor mixed into the drama, and between the poignant moments, you will laugh out loud. The lead role, of Hank Garland, played by Waylon Payne, won Best Actor at this Festival. The depth of his emotions and performance amazed me.

Besides a great story, fabulous scenes and costumes, and terrific acting, you also get a great soundtrack. I am only minimally versed or interested in country music, and yet I have every intention of buying this soundtrack. The music selections are classics and sure to be an addition to your musical library. When this movie opens nationally, I will pay to go see it again!

Well done, I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the film from beginning to end.

[Suz51651 · 10/10 · 17 June 2008]

"Crazy" held great appeal for me in that it was believable, cast well, had good content and stellar acting. I particularly enjoyed the opening scene, where and how it took the viewers and felt it was an easy movie to follow. I never got lost and or lose interest which happens with today's movies far too often. I was riveted to the screen from beginning to end. I loved the music (all of it), the authenticity of the sound, costumes, sets, colors, cars, instruments - for me, it all worked. I felt as though I was taken on a journey through the characters lives and could empathize with each and every one. I ran the gamut of emotions from joy, pain, frustration, hope, disappointment and ultimately wonder. The music was magnificent, great score. The actors morphed into their characters and were totally believable. I actually lost all track of time and was surprised and disappointed when the movie ended - I wanted more. Not being a huge fan of country music, yet loving music, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it and now listen to the CD frequently, particularly the title song "Crazy" sung by Stacy Earl. I enjoyed the format of the movie and though it was dark, it had other elements that allowed me to forgive the grim ending. As a movie goer, we all want happy endings but realize in real life, and this was real life, that isn't always the case. On the contrary, this was and seems to be typical of celebrity. I'm wondering if there's yet more story to be told about these people. It seemed to me there could be more content about their personal lives that could be revealed without the movie being overworked or overdone. What happened to the characters later on? Who was with whom, who lived, who died, how did they cope? Feeling this way makes me want more and that was what I was experiencing after viewing it. I wanted more. The best compliment I can give any film, concert, play, etc., is to leave wanting more and I rate this movie a 10.

Best Drama at Breckenridge Festival of Film

[diannanilsson · 10/10 · 19 June 2008]

As part of the reviewing committee for the Breckenridge Festival of Film, I knew that "Crazy" was a film that had to be shown here!! Crazy won best drama and Waylon Payne won best actor. The music is fabulous as well as the directing, filming and costumes. For an indie, this is very professionally done.

The movie is based on the true story of Hank Garland who played with the musical talents of Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline. I highly recommend this film. Here are some other comments from Breckfilmfest reviewers:

Wow loved this film. very high quality and music was fantastic. story flowed well keeping the attention of those of us watching. watched this with friends and they all loved it and felt it would be film festival quality.

Awesome film.....great acting...FABULOUS music. Totally enjoyed the docu/drama. A must for the fest.

Very well done. A time piece and a great success. Sad story of Hank Garland. A very well told story. Just a bit slow in a couple of places. Good acting and casting and filming. Very well done.

Emotional, compelling -- a must see

[lcarabello · 10/10 · 26 June 2008]

When I sat down to view Crazy! at the Hoboken, NJ film festival I should have asked for a seat belt. Sad, amusing, romantic and full of surprises would describe this first rate production -- and I am not even a fan of country and western music! Anyone with a heart and soul will relate to Bieber's realistic presentation of Hank Garland's powerful life. Yes, I was teary-eyed but also grateful that this story has been brought to the screen.

Crazy! was well-deserving of the first place recognition. I left the tent-theatre feeling fulfilled and enlightened about a period in history that merits our attention. Hats off to the talented actors and the entire production crew.

Crazy at Big Island Film Festival

[bigkahunaprod · 8/10 · 18 June 2008]

In Hawaii where the residents truly value guitar talent and a good story, Crazy did not leave the 2008 Big Island Film Festival audiences disappointed. Although the Hawaiian guitar music is slack key style, the audiences appreciated the tumultuous story of Hank Garland's Nashville career. Under the stars, both residents and visitors enjoyed the story, the performance of Waylon, the technical quality of the films and the music of the era. Many commented on how much the music of Crazy was tied to the music of their parents. Many also asked when Crazy was coming to the theaters, so they could see it again and share it with their friends. It was a hit at Big Island Film Festival and won the Golden Honu Award for Best Feature. We are looking forward to Ric Bieber's next film.