Just an American Boy

Released Jul 7, 2003

1h 34m

Documentary

List

54%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

57%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

Filmmaker Amos Poe follows singer/songwriter Steve Earle as he rehearses and performs in the studio and in concert.

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Richard Harrington

Washington Post

Decidedly low-tech and not always particularly coherent or cohesive.

Dec 12, 2003

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Frank Scheck

Hollywood Reporter

While the film's coziness toward its subject is ultimately frustrating, it does provide a welcome portrait of one of the music industry's genuine and rare iconoclasts.

Dec 10, 2003

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Monica Eng

Chicago Tribune

Even for a big fan like me, parts of this documentary (especially musical performances) just go on too long.

Rated: 2/4

Dec 4, 2003

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Film Threat

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Chris Hewitt

St. Paul Pioneer Press

Dull and ugly.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 4, 2004

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Dan Jardine

Cinemania

In Just an American Boy, Steve Earle proves that he just may be the most important American troubadour of his generation

Rated: 76/100

Apr 20, 2004

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Audience Member

Not overly ambitious in scope this film doesn't try to be definitive in any way but it does give a glimpse at Steve Earle during the Jerusalem tour and addressing the controversy over his ballad to John Walker Lindhn, 'John Walkers Blues. We also get to see Steve on stage and on the road with his son who has become an acclaimed artist in his own right. The video of the performances isn't exactly quality but it does include a powerful rendition of 'Billy Austin, Steve's anti death penalty song. More of a snapshot than a chronicle but enjoyable enough.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

I couldn't bear giving this less than 3 stars just because it is Steve Earle, and the guy's work has never been about "smooth and polished," but always about emotional intensity, uncompromising artistic integrity and thought provoking lyrics. That comes through here to some degree, but not much. I agree with James Paul, "good content cannot out-weigh a bad sound mix, poor editing and video effects that range from middling to terrible."

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A disappointing documentary which proves that good content cannot out-weigh a bad sound mix, poor editing and video effects that range from middling to terrible. Also, more interviews would have helped as the film can't seem to decide whether it is a documentary or a concert pic.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Amos Poe

Director

Justin Earle

Self

Steve Earle

Self

Steve Earle

Original Music

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Amos Poe follows singer/songwriter Steve Earle as he rehearses and performs in the studio and in concert.

Director: Amos Poe
Distributor: Cowboy Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 7, 2003, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Feb 10, 2004
Runtime: 1h 34m