We’ve had more than our share of retro musicals over the last year and a half with mostly positive results. Our latest film “Blinded by the Light” is inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen, and continues that trend with a kind, feel-good, story.
Viveik Kalra, stars as Javed, an aspiring writer from a traditional hard working Pakistani family, struggling in England during the recession of the late 80s. While Javed’s circle of friends and neighbors recognize his talent, his father insists in the old family ways of working hard and observing their proud tradition. During a personal crisis, our protagonist stumbles across Springsteen’s music and finds a new strength to go after what he loves.
It’s a hard film not to like. Director Gurinder Chadha, gives us a very real backdrop of a recession hit English community, where everyone is struggling and not everyone believes that Javed’s family should be living among them. The environment is the bad guy here, and the film makes us want to see Javed and his family find happiness. The performances are good and the music, if you’re a Springsteen fan, won’t let you down.
“Blinded by the Light” is a little longer than it has to be. The musical numbers are also a little longer than they have to be, and Springsteen himself shouldn’t be an obstacle to finding a satisfying pace in a film inspired by his own music.
This movie is will ultimately make you feel good and lines up next to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Rocketman”, and “Yesterday”, as the latest classic rock tale to keep it’s audience happy.
GRADE: B
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 1hr 54 minutes
