A Band Called Death 2013

Kate Erbland, MSN Movies: ... a must-watch for fans of punk music, vinyl record wonks, or even those interested ... a visionary entertainment dream. Read more

Nicolas Rapold, New York Times: Their story can feel almost too ready-made for the telling, but it's well worth a listen. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: If you're looking for a 96-minute jolt of joy, look no further than this uplifting, well-made documentary ... Read more

Robert Koehler, Variety: [An] unexpectedly emotional docu on the revival of an African-American rock group that's among those to usher in punk music. Read more

Mike D'Angelo, AV Club: These docs often conclude with some sort of triumphant reunion tour, but it's more heartwarming than usual to see children paying tribute to their parents by covering their ancient songs. Read more

Peter Keough, Boston Globe: Fortunately, Bobby and Dannis, the surviving brothers, prove genial company. Read more

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader: If the brothers seem a little drunk on their own myth, they're also genuinely humbled by the band's rediscovery and warmed by the fact that their kids have carried on the family tradition. Read more

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: The film is nothing much cinematically, and some of the narrative details and circumstances seemed fudged. But it's a great story, told with a fan's honest appreciation. Read more

Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com: A Band Called Death shines the light on a previously unexplored corner of musical history and does it in an accessible, straightforward manner. Read more

William Goss, Film.com: Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett have crafted a rousing account of the Hackney brothers, who would not only form the rare all-black punk band, but do so in the mid-'70s, nearly beating the Ramones and the Sex Pistols to the punch. Read more

Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter: Determined and persuasive filmmaking pays off with a moving and remarkable true-life account of groundbreaking musicianship. Read more

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times: If ever a movie about punk deserved to be called legitimately sweet and life-affirming, it's the documentary "A Band Called Death." Read more

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com: [A] generous, spirited documentary [that captures] one of the strangest and most inspiring of all family stories of tragedy and triumph that this crazy country has produced. Read more

Geoff Pevere, Globe and Mail: An especially pointed variation on one of music's most oft-told tales: A band formed ahead of its time sits in muffled obscurity while others reap the harvest of what it first planted. Read more

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out: A new wrinkle on Andy Warhol's maxim: Eventually, every undiscovered band will receive its own righteous documentary, lapped up by a bin-trawling audience (and a festival circuit ready to serve them). Read more

Brian McManus, Village Voice: A beautiful tale of life, love, music, and family, of things not working out but also working out just as predicted. Read more

Mark Jenkins, Washington Post: It was fans' ardor that began the Death revival and propels the movie's exhilarating second half. Read more