Rock the Bells

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Rock the Bells

2006

1h 43m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

83%

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18 Reviews

85%

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1,000+ Ratings

Like a hip-hop version of indie rock festivals such as Coachella, Rock the Bells (named for the LL Cool J old-school classic) is a yearly gathering of hip-hop stars. This documentary by filmmaker Denis Hennelly chronicles the buildup to the first Rock the Bells festival, held in San Bernardino, California, in 2004 and headlined by a reunited Wu-Tang Clan. This would prove to be their final concert with original member Ol' Dirty Bastard, who died only months after the festival.

Bill Stamets

Chicago Sun-Times

Rock the Bells deals with the mechanics of how to pull off a concert, not with what brought Wu-Tang Clan together or split them up. The impressive teamwork of the promoters upstages the egos of hip-hop divos and their rampaging fans.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 29, 2007

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Kevin M. Williams

Chicago Tribune

A flat-out stunner that combines a celebration of hip-hop culture with a disaster film.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 28, 2007

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Neva Chonin

San Francisco Chronicle

Humorously, but with knuckles bared, captures every twitch of angst, chaos and near-calamity that unfolds as the concert draws near and Weisberg's dream devolves into a nightmare.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 8, 2007

Full Review

Karina Longworth

Cinematical

A love letter to fans and fandom that is so heartfelt, it bleeds through the boundaries of musical taste.

Feb 1, 2008

Full Review

Los Angeles Daily News

The show goes on -- despite the Wu-Tang Clan.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 5, 2007

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Ernest Hardy

L.A. Weekly

Rock the Bells [ends] on a high note, but in a minor chord of sadness.

May 3, 2007

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Audience Member

This documentary chronicling the final performance of the original Wu Tang Clan is a good insight about the nail biting lead up to the concert.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Inconsistent, much like the Clan themselves but for some it'd be worth the effort.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The world behind the end product... An overview of what it takes to pull of the last wu tang show - machinations a plenty and the crowd never know - good stuff!!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

solid film. if you enjoyed chappelle's block part you'll definitely like this one. movie builds tension to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I thought it was pretty interesting to see this massive show come together.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

ill dvd! wu-tang is the best! wish i saw this live! :(

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

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Denis Hennelly

Director

Casey Suchan

Director

Kurt Dalton

Producer

Dan Farah

Executive Producer

John Lyons Murphy

Executive Producer

Barry Poltermann

Executive Producer

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Critical Consensus: "Hoax" Shines; Force Is With "ATHF"; "Disturbia" Mixed; "Pathfinder," "Stranger" Not Perfect; "Redline," Slow Burn" Not Screened

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Synopsis

Like a hip-hop version of indie rock festivals such as Coachella, Rock the Bells (named for the LL Cool J old-school classic) is a yearly gathering of hip-hop stars. This documentary by filmmaker Denis Hennelly chronicles the buildup to the first Rock the Bells festival, held in San Bernardino, California, in 2004 and headlined by a reunited Wu-Tang Clan. This would prove to be their final concert with original member Ol' Dirty Bastard, who died only months after the festival.

Director: Denis Hennelly, Casey Suchan
Producer: Kurt Dalton, Denis Hennelly, Henry Lowenfels, Casey Suchan
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 43m