So it would seem Ron and Russell Mael, born and raised in California but whose look and sound often cause people to mistake them for a European band, are finally getting their due. That made the concept of this documentary, more than two hours long and propelled by the force of Focus Features’ PR machine, even more exciting. Early in the film, Wright opines in voiceover that Sparks is “successful, underrated, hugely influential, and criminally overlooked—all at the same time.” And he’s not wrong; Sparks is simultaneously one of the most well-liked bands in some circles and one that most have never heard of in others. That’s true of many bands, but what sets Sparks apart is how long they’ve been at it. Both brothers are in their 70s, and they’ve been recording music and performing for five decades. They’ve written more than 300 songs and recorded 25 albums. Hell, they even appeared in an episode of Gilmore Girls. (Show creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino are big fans and appear in the documentary.)
Appropriately, the elements of the documentary that are cinematic do the brothers justice. The editing conveys more through wryly curated archival footage than any of the random celebrities remarking on cover art. This material includes charming photographs from the Maels’ childhood (pretty boy frontman Russell was a football player in high school; keyboardist Ron, perhaps best known for his Charlie Chaplin/”Hitler” mustache, has always rocked some impressive facial hair); concert and interview clips; and imagery completely unrelated to the duo, which at times evokes a smart essay film rather than the rote documentary this is.
Dir. Edgar Wright, R, 140 min., in wide release in theaters.
