40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie

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40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie

Released Aug 3, 2018

1h 39m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

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13 Reviews

97%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Filmmaker Lee Aronsohn examines the storied history of the 1970s Colorado jam band Magic Music.

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Scott Marks

San Diego Reader

Having never seen an episode of Two and a Half Men or The Big Bang Theory, I can still say it's good they exist, if for no other reason than the proceeds from those TV series afforded Aronsohn the opportunity to direct this heartfelt music documentary.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 31, 2018

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

A heartfelt documentary about a band that never made it big, or made it at all.

Rated: B

Aug 24, 2018

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Steve Davis

Austin Chronicle

In many respects, 40 Years in the Making is a cliquey undertaking that leaves you mostly on the outside looking in, but after witnessing the joy of its participants at the end, there's little to begrudge.

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 23, 2018

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Kip Mooney

College Movie Review

The biggest waste of time of 2018.

Rated: C-

Aug 21, 2021

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Joe Friar

The Victoria Advocate

A compelling look at one of the greatest bands that remained undiscovered. This may be your introduction to Magic Music but I guarantee that 90 minutes later, you'll be singing along like you've known these songs your whole life.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 28, 2019

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Sarah Knight Adamson

Hollywood360 Radio

Lee Aronsohn's personal story is to our benefit; set against the stunning Rocky Mts, he's preserved the band's legacy while giving a historical look at Boulder, CO in the 70s.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 4, 2018

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Audience Member

Monsters inc was better.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

What a wonderful movie! Made me laugh, made me cry, made me cheer at the end - fantastic! And besides telling a great story, it also perfectly captures the feeling of that fleeting moment of time, the wonderful, free-wheeling back-to-the-earth hippie movement at it's inception, when everything seemed possible and everything was joyous. Simply great storytelling with something in it for everyone!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

The Magic Music Movie is a beautiful, bittersweet tour of raw talent that never got the chance to be embraced by the public. This journey through the past into the present reminds one that music is a force that transcends time, distance, and personal quarrels. This film nods to history throughout, reflecting a period that mirrors our current political climate, creating a narrative that appeals both to older viewers and younger viewers, who are able to relate to the identical struggles. The Magic Music Movie has several moments of levity, but also reminds one in a sweet and somewhat heavy way that though things may not work out the way we plan, they will come together in the end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Audience Member

I had never heard of the band Magic Music, I have never been to Boulder, Colorado and I wasn't around in the 70s, which is why I was so surprised when this movie captivated and moved me to tears - in a good way! This is a story about life, friendship, dreams, redemption and the power of great music. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

A wonderful trip - in every sense of the word. Lee Aronsohn manages to introduce us to a band you've no doubt never heard of -- and make us feel like we know them as fans and also as friends. Peace, Love, Crunchy Granola - it's an era rediscovered with love & it's great to go back. The band itself brings to mind everyone from CSN to Firefall to -- dare I say it? -- the Dead! No autotune, no sampling -- just actual, heartfelt music shared by old friends, old soldiers of song.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a great movie. Everyone can relate to the desire of wanting to see a favorite band get back together again. And what beautiful music this band plays! Make an effort to check out this film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Lee Aronsohn

Director

Chris Daniels

Actor

Lee Aronsohn

Writer

Fleur Saville

Producer

Jeff Jampol

Producer

Alicia Yaffe

Producer

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40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Lee Aronsohn examines the storied history of the 1970s Colorado jam band Magic Music.

Director: Lee Aronsohn
Producer: Fleur Saville, Jeff Jampol, Alicia Yaffe
Screenwriter: Lee Aronsohn
Distributor: Paladin
Production Co: Magic Music Movie
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 3, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 4, 2018
Runtime: 1h 39m

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