★ 5 / 10
Great subject matter. Mediocre film.
ubikpkd
Obviously hampered by a low budget, this contains almost no original recordings. Instead, his "talent" is described by numerous talking heads and musicians…
Obviously hampered by a low budget, this contains almost no original recordings. Instead, his "talent" is described by numerous talking heads and musicians playing examples of his brilliant piano playing. Also includes some footage of what appears to be one of the few video interviews he did. Directed by Michael Treen - his only film as director, this appears to be a labor of love and while that can be appreciated, it's not much more than audio version of a music magazine article. Treen is better known for being a prolific television producer and should probably stick to his strengths in the future. If you love the subject matter, give it a watch on a slow night, just don't go in expecting a great film.
★ 7 / 10
he made the song better
ferguson-6
Greetings again from the darkness. This sounds less like a music trivia question and more like a trick question: Who played with The Beatles, The Rolling…
Greetings again from the darkness. This sounds less like a music trivia question and more like a trick question: Who played with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Jefferson Airplane, Harry Nilsson, Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, Badfinger, Art Garfunkel, Graham Parker, and on solo albums by all four Beatles? Of course, if you are a fan of music from the 1960's and 1970's, you likely know it's not a trick and the answer is the amazing and talented keyboardist, Nicky Hopkins.First time director Michael Treen provides a platform for musicians and performers to pay tribute to "the legendary Nicky Hopkins." And what they do is gush over Hopkins' talent. Perhaps the best compliment given is that Hopkins was never the star - he just made the song better. And by 'the song', it refers to the fact that he played on more than 250 albums by various bands and musicians. Hopkins was the studio musician extraordinaire. He even periodically played live shows, and Treen includes some clips of Hopkins performing on stage.As a child prodigy, Nicky studied classical music and later transitioned those remarkable skills into other genres. Treen includes various clips of a 1991 interview with Hopkins, so that viewers better understand the reserved personality of this keyboard genius. Beyond the input from the musicians who worshipped his ability, we hear from his widow who clearly adored him. It's here where we learn of his drug abuse, alcoholism, and subsequent rehab. And by this time, we are quite aware of the lifelong health issues accentuated by Nicky's early onset Crohn's disease ... the complications of which contributed to his too-soon death at age 50.Hopkins may be best remembered for his contributions to fourteen albums by The Rolling Stones, and I always think of him when I hear "Revolution" by The Beatles. Only this year was Nicky Hopkins finally inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. He can now forever be remembered as the musician who just made the song better. In fact, it's mentioned that Hopkins believed he was Frederic Chopin reincarnated ... who are we to argue?In UK cinemas beginning November 21, 2025.
★ 7 / 10
Was Hoping For More
gilligantuan
While this certainly was worth the watch, i had been eagerly anticipating this for months and was a bit disappointed. They probably did the best they could do…
While this certainly was worth the watch, i had been eagerly anticipating this for months and was a bit disappointed. They probably did the best they could do with limited funding. As a lifelong Nicky fan, and piano player, i was hoping for some deeper digging into his playing, especially the period from '64-'74. Still, I am grateful that somebody finally put together something like this! It may well serve as a great starting point for people who are just discovering him.
6.6/10
131
•••
Thanks a lot! Didn't expect to see this here.