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40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for 40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie 2018 1h 39m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Filmmaker Lee Aronsohn examines the storied history of the 1970s Colorado jam band Magic Music.
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40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie

Critics Reviews

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Scott Marks San Diego Reader 08/31/2018
3/5
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. Go to Full Review
Adam Graham Detroit News 08/24/2018
B
A heartfelt documentary about a band that never made it big, or made it at all. Go to Full Review
Steve Davis Austin Chronicle 08/23/2018
2.5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Kip Mooney College Movie Review 08/21/2021
C-
The biggest waste of time of 2018. Go to Full Review
Joe Friar The Victoria Advocate 02/28/2019
3.5/4
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. Go to Full Review
Sarah Knight Adamson Hollywood360 Radio 09/04/2018
3/4
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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05/15/2019 Monsters inc was better. See more 08/16/2018 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! See more 08/14/2018 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. See more 08/13/2018 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! See more 08/12/2018 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. See more 08/12/2018 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! See more Read all reviews
40 Years in the Making: The Magic Music Movie

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Movie Info

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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