The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story

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Audience Member I was a teen in the 90's and loved these bands. I had no idea the full story of Lou Pearlman and the depths of his financial crimes. I thought this story was really well-told by the members themselves, even though it wasn't all the members, and even though this story doesn't touch on the full scope of his non-financial crimes with the boys themselves. Having recently watched other documentaries and listened to podcasts about people like Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein and Bernie Madoff, it's a fascinating peek into the world of how these seemingly odd, socially awkward and sometimes creepy kids were able to become charming enough to get to the financial success they were able to achieve as adults, and swindle people so effortlessly in the process. It's also a study in how willing we are as a human race to leave our fate in other people's hands, even if we do not know them, at the promise of success ourselves, and how trusting we can be for those who do not appear to be untrustworthy. Lou went to great lengths to cheat people out of a lot of money, and you wonder how a person can continue making those choices over and over and still be able to sleep at night. I was especially moved by his childhood friend, whom he took advantage of as well, who spoke at the end (paraphrasing), "I truly don't think Lou ever understood or accepted how much of a criminal he actually was." That says it all right there. I thought the story was well-told and for someone who didn't know much about the crimes of this man, it certainly made me dig a little deeper in other resources to find out more things that weren't addressed in the film. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review pretty b This movie seems like it was created to defame a man who helped not only *nsync's career but countless others. there was very little compassion given to him but a whole lot of blaming shaming and blasting. The accusations of sex abuse is a serious thing to say . The doc starts off strong thinking we were going to get a real history lesson but... no. Just a history lesson on *nsync and their problems. Vaguely got the accounts of other groups. No real documentation holding up to facts. seems like people had a vendetta against this man. Why didn't they interveiw someone who actually loved lou? or gave them a more to say besides one or two things? Yeah bc they made it to make him look bad. Its sad he changed so many lives that many hope for their whole lives and these spoiled kids come out with a doc calling him a crazy gay man. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member easy to watch, fast moving, and really enjoyed seeing all the behind the scenes clips of the guys throughout their careers. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Loved it!! So well done and such a compelling storyBbb Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member I had the opportunity to watch this movie during SXSW... and Iâ(TM)m so glad I did. Growing up in Orlando, I was familiar with the cast as well as Lou Pearlman. As much as I thought I knew about this story, there was so much more to learn. This film tells many stories, itâ(TM)s not just an â~*NSYNC movie. The directorâ(TM)s unique and creative perspective, combined with the masterful editing and perfectly placed soundtrack has you riveted. The film is haunting at times, even disturbing... but with enough humor sprinkled in to lighten the mood when needed. Everyone I talked to after the screening just wanted to keep talking about it after we left. It definitely sticks with you and makes you question what you might have done in the same situation. I look forward to more films from the Kunkel/Bass team. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story

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